Shangyuque

Chapter 170 Cultivating Immortality: What is Immortality? (1.03 Million Views, Requesting Monthly Tickets)
Jin Mingdu is an exceptionally intelligent girl; even among the many Daoist partners that Wang Yulou has carefully selected, her wisdom is second to none.

Previously, she had also clearly expressed to Yulou that she did not have much ambition.

Wang Yulou is a formidable and unfathomable genius. As a Daoist partner with such a prodigy, Jin Mingdu often had to tread carefully—similar to Zhou Yingxi, who was being guided by Wang Yulou in high-level matches.

But then she grabbed Wang Yulou's arm and disgusted Zhou Yingxi in front of her, which was quite interesting.

"Yingxi, things between Mingdu and me happened rather suddenly, and I didn't have time to tell you."

Wang Yulou did not shake off Jin Mingdu's hand, but calmly chatted with Yingxi as if everything was as it should be.

Yingxi, can you understand my helplessness?

Jin Mingdu understood Wang Yulou's behavior; otherwise, she wouldn't have taken the initiative to pull Wang Yulou aside to help him express his stance to the patriarch.

At this moment, she felt that Wang Yulou was not ruthless enough. If he had ignored Zhou Yingxi who came to pick him up and flown away directly, that would have been true loyalty.

Wang Yulou was forced to cut off by the patriarch and the divine light. Zhou Yingxi, as the last direct descendant of Zhou Fujiao, was the key to Mangxiang's consolidation of Zhou Fujiao's power.

However, at the same time, her biological father, Mu Chunze, was a member of Shenguang.

Therefore, Wang Yulou had to carefully manage the boundaries of their relationship.

Fortunately, Jin Mingdu was still there, so Wang Yulou could pretend to be bewitched by Fairy Mingdu to deal with Xiao Zhou and thus give his ancestor an explanation.

It's still that distant question, one that may never have an answer—how heavy is the weight of love?
In Wang Yulou's view, love is very meaningful, but there are many other meaningful things. Compared to his arduous quest for the Great Dao over the past twenty years, love seems less important.

Ultimately, love is nothing more than mating and union.

Emotional connection is a form of alliance, and so is the connection of interests.

If we're talking about the importance of mating and reproduction, then for Wang Yulou, if he wanted, countless female cultivators would cry and beg him to inject positive energy into them.

Therefore, Wang Xianzhu, Wang Xianmao, and even Jin Mingdu's concerns were valid; Wang Yulou was still not ruthless enough.

He knew which choice was the right one in terms of profit, but he was still tempted when making the choice, unable to be absolutely heartless. Perhaps this is the furthest distance between him and enlightenment.

"Well, it doesn't matter."

Suppressing her dissatisfaction, Zhou Yingxi quickly reported another truly important matter.

"Your rash decision to bring nearly three thousand rogue cultivators back to the sect has greatly displeased both Master Jinxian and Master Fuyan. They have pressured Sect Leader Qiusheng to ensure that he does not grant those rogue cultivators the status of Red Lantern Disciples."

Ancestor Jingyi has now been assigned to the Nan Ye Kingdom-Da Gu Ling line as the assistant garrison commander of the southern front. Although True Person Xuan Zhuan is still in the sect, the situation is not optimistic.

Faced with the beauty's reminder, Wang Yulou was speechless for a moment.

In the end, it was Kim Myung-do who spoke up for the speechless Wang Yu-lou.

"We no longer have three thousand men; now we only have a little over two thousand left. Yi Zou Ri from the Red Lantern gang led his men to attack us in Qingxifang."

"Isn't Master Xuanzhuan going to do anything about this?"

Zhou Yingxi asked back with a wry smile.

"How should we manage it? Kill Yi Zouri?"

Bao couldn't kill him. The Red Lanterns weren't the same Red Lanterns that were like the Mang Xiang. Although Yi Zou Ri was arrogant, he wasn't wrong about what he said.

The "照" in "红灯照" is the same as the "照" in "烛照".

No matter how powerful Mangxiang is, he is only a quasi-immortal. If he wants to achieve enlightenment and further advance after achieving enlightenment, he cannot do without the support of Zhuzhao.

However, Zhuzhao's support is not unlimited. Zhuzhao cannot sit idly by and watch the Mangxiang lineage directly gain several thousand more outer disciples.

Wang Yulou's judgment was correct.

Although cultivation sects are essentially tools of governance serving powerful cultivators, these powerful cultivators naturally hold an absolute dominant position within the sects due to their strength.

However, cultivation sects also have an inherent, absolute, bottom-up operating logic based on the cultivation levels of their cultivators.

Three thousand mid-to-high-level Qi Refining cultivators were led into the Red Lantern Hall by Wang Yulou, and the final result will definitely be a significant expansion of the Mangxiang lineage's strength.

Even if this expansion process only gradually becomes apparent over the next century, Zhuzhao can see the problems before they even occur.

Therefore, Yi Zouri led his men to ambush and kill rogue cultivators in Qingxifang. However, Guo Baichi did not understand this at the time and inadvertently gave Wang Yulou an assist.

"Forget it, let's not think about these things. It's just a matter of each side being equally blamed. What's the actual situation on the front lines now? And what exactly is the position of the Southern Front Garrison Assistant, which Elder Jingyi is in?"

Wang Yulou had to thank Guo Baichi for allowing both sides to be equally blamed. He hadn't expected the Zhuzhao lineage to react so fiercely to his return to the sect with his people. He had overestimated the unity within the sect.

However, Wang Yulou was more concerned about the appointment of Ancestor Jingyi. She was now on the front lines of two sects. As the upper sect, the Heavenly Serpent Sect had no shortage of powerful and experienced Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Even with the strength of Ancestor Jingyi, she might not be able to stay safe and sound on the front lines.

"At the front lines, our Red Lanterns are on the defensive, while the Heavenly Serpent Sect is maintaining its offensive."

It is said that the reason the Heavenly Serpent Sect is so relentlessly attacking is because the sect's founder killed a Purple Mansion True Person in Heavenly Serpent Valley after the war began.

The group headed towards the main mountain of the Red Lanterns. Although it was called the main mountain, there was no Taoist temple on it. It was a place for the Red Lanterns' many cattle and horses to practice. Various public temples and courtyards were set up there.

"On the front lines, the northern line is the Wolong River-Xiangzhufang line, the central line is the Geda Mountain-Siming Sect line, and the southern line is the Nanye Kingdom-Daguling line. Every place along our four-thousand-mile border with the Tianshe Sect is a battleground."

The most important central line is guarded by Senior Brother Yan Keyi, who is one of our men. The northern line is guarded by Senior Brother Konggu of Miaofeng Mountain. The general area is similar to the battle line of the Valley God Sect-Miaofeng Mountain battle.

As for the Assistant Commander of the Southern Front, the appointment was quite complicated. The commander of the Southern Front was Pi Lingxiu, a disciple of True Immortal Fuyan. He was a senior Foundation Establishment cultivator over four hundred years old and had been a true disciple of the Red Lantern Sect for three hundred years.

What is the concept of all-out war?
Along the four thousand miles of border, every place was engulfed in war. Fortunately, Wang Yulou chose a route through the heart of Hongdeng to escort his people back, and he was very careful along the way. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been just Yi Zouri who had blocked his way.

"Senior Brother Wukonggu, Senior Brother Keyi, and Senior Brother Lingxiu, those three are indeed extraordinary. But why isn't Yuan Daoshen here? Senior Brother Yuan Daoshen is the number one Foundation Establishment cultivator in Dishuidong."

Now that the two sects are locked in a major battle, shouldn't Dripwater Cave, as a vassal sect of the Red Lantern Sect, send its top Foundation Establishment cultivator to assist them?

Zhou Yingxi scoffed.

"You wish! In this great battle between the two sects, all the vassals of the Red Lantern Sect, whether they are sects like Miaofeng Mountain or families like the Tea King Gu Clan, have sent people to participate in the war."

Only Drip Cave didn't send a single person. Drip Cave has been obeying orders but not procuring them for a long time; you came from Drip Cave, and you didn't know that?"

Wang Yulou's expression turned unusually serious.

Because he really only just found out!

"How did you know that Drip Cave has always obeyed orders but not proclamations?"

Zhou Yingxi also noticed the change in her husband's expression. After a moment's thought, she replied with a determined look of melancholy.

"My grandfather told me this when I was a child."

Xiao Zhou isn't stupid; she now understands why she was raised and nurtured by Zhou Fujiao since childhood.

It was precisely because she understood that she felt a pang of sadness.

In Zhou Fujiao's eyes, she was someone who could be sacrificed from the very beginning.

That patriarch of the Zhou family didn't even have a trace of kinship in his eyes.

"No, the disciples and elders of Drip Cave also accept missions from the sect and the Immortal Alliance. How do you explain that?"

Faced with Wang Yulou's question, Zhou Yingxi was unable to answer.

The three, each with their own thoughts, arrived at the Sect Leader's Hall within the Red Lantern Sect's palace and met Huang Qiusheng, the Sect Leader of the Red Lantern Sect.

Old Huang seems to have a new look recently. Despite being a powerful and experienced Foundation Establishment cultivator, he looks like an unlucky guy whose yang energy has been drained, and he looks haggard as if he has incurable tuberculosis.

Seeing Wang Yulou arrive, Huang Qiusheng waved away the group of people surrounding him. Only after they left did Wang Yulou notice that they were all actually inner disciples of the Red Lantern Sect at the Qi Refining stage, and they looked incredibly young.

It wasn't just Wang Yulou watching them; these people were also watching Wang Yulou and Zhou Yingxi. Compared to the legendary status of these two, Jin Mingdu's popularity within the Red Lantern Gang was practically nonexistent.

Wang Yulou was a rising star, a prominent figure in the Mangxiang school of thought who emerged suddenly and dramatically.

The pride of the Mangxiang lineage is the pride of the Red Lanterns.

Although the core disciples of a sect are only true disciples, there are still differences among the true disciples.

Many cultivation families that have been in sects for a long time are well aware of the true nature of great cultivators. Under normal circumstances, even if you are a direct descendant of a Purple Mansion True Person family, it is very difficult to have the opportunity to open a Purple Mansion.

Although Wang Yulou is not Mangxiang's biological son, once Mangxiang achieves the Golden Core stage, the Mangxiang lineage will inevitably expand.

From this perspective, although Wang Yulou's cultivation level seems meager, he actually has much more potential than many senior Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect. Therefore, Wang Yulou has been a hot topic in the sect recently.

This is what they mean by, "Though I am not in the sect, the sect is full of my legend."

Zhou Yingxi is even more interesting. Most people implicitly believe that this girl's ancestor, Zhou Fujiao, was killed by Mangxiang.

After Lao Zhou died, the vassal families around him all became part of the Mangxiang faction.

But you could say Zhou Yingxi is unlucky; she's now a true disciple of the Mangxiang lineage, having directly become Mangxiang's apprentice.

In short, both Wang Yulou and Zhou Yingxi have very interesting stories and generate a lot of buzz. Many people had never even seen Wang Yulou before and only recognized him after being introduced to him by their peers.

Wang Yulou smiled and nodded to his fellow disciples, but his smile became stiff. Only after they all left did Huang Qiusheng sit down angrily and point to the chair in front of him.

"Yu Lou, thank goodness you came, otherwise they would have made things impossible for me!"

After sitting down with his two Daoist partners, Wang Yulou asked with a smile.

"Who would dare to make things difficult for you, Sect Leader? Your position as Sect Leader was appointed by the Ancestral Master. Apart from the Ancestral Master, you don't need to care about the feelings of anyone else."

Old Huang felt that he was just making a fuss over nothing.

All the humiliation she endured was completely ignored by Wang Yulou.

And what's this about not caring about other people's feelings?
Isn't this pure nonsense?
"Yes, I was appointed by the founder, but Yu Lou, you don't know, the status of those three thousand outer disciples is not something I can decide."

The house of the Red Lantern is in the possession of the Immortal Venerable Candlelight and the Ancestral Master. The Immortal Venerable Candlelight forbids it, and I dare not act without permission.

Knowing why Wang Yulou had come, Anthony Wong didn't mince words and simply said, "I'll lie down, you can do whatever you want."

He truly dared not appoint anyone recklessly; he feared that the day the identities of the three thousand rogue cultivators as outer disciples were confirmed would be the day his own head rolled.

"There are no more than three thousand people left. Yi Zouri killed them down to just over two thousand. If I hadn't dodged quickly, no, if it weren't for the protection of the Ancestral Master, you wouldn't even have seen me, Sect Leader."

"Now you say it's difficult to obtain the identities of those rogue outer disciples. What about Yi Zouri leading men to ambush and kill me in Qingxi Fang? How will the sect handle that?"

Wang Yulou was no innocent either, and immediately began the weighing activity.

Alright, let's not talk about the rogue cultivators then, let's talk about Yi Zouri's ambush of me.

Anthony Wong wants to die.

Even if the Purple Mansion Ancestor of the Huang family came, he wouldn't dare to interfere with the matter of Zhuzhao.

Seeing that Lao Huang remained silent, Wang Yulou pointed in the direction of Mangxiang Mountain and continued.

"Senior Brother Qiusheng, Yulou and I have known each other for many years. There are no outsiders here, so I'd like to speak my mind to you."

Who the hell has known you for years!
We've only known each other for three years!
Yes, there were no outsiders present, but our conversation was overheard by countless people.

After returning to your sect, you bastard, you didn't seek out Xuan Zhuan, but went straight to the Sect Leader's Palace. Don't I understand why?

Hey!
"Say, you say."

Anthony Wong also thoughtfully served tea to the three guests.

"The patriarch's golden elixir is bound to be completed. This is not only the patriarch's expectation, but also the expectation of millions of cultivators in the Red Lantern Sect."

Once the patriarch's golden core is formed, the sect can pay less tax to the Immortal Alliance, which will benefit everyone.

The original plan was to send three thousand Qi Refining cultivators to the sect so they could contribute to the sect on the front lines. But now that the number has been reduced to two thousand, that bastard Yi Zouri is still preventing them from doing anything.

We are all loyal and responsible disciples of the Red Lantern Sect. We should not be afraid of harsh criticism and should do our best. Only in this way can we live up to the sect's expectations and our love for the sect.

Once a pawn crosses the river, there is no turning back; Wang Yulou is now standing on the riverbank.

Back off?

Where to retreat to?

West Sea? Dripping Water Cave? Qingxifang? Wangjiashan?
It's easy to retreat, but which beautiful and spiritual place in Wunan isn't the territory of the Immortal Alliance?
Outside of the Immortal Alliance, other top-tier forces guard their own small territories, and their exploitation might be even more ruthless than that of the Immortal Alliance. How can anyone possibly go there?
If there is no way to retreat, then there is no choice but to move forward without hesitation. Having made so many difficult choices, is it still possible for Wang Yulou to force Jin Xian Zhenren or even Zhu Zhao Xian Zun to submit?
Don't be afraid, young warrior, charge!
Anthony Wong remained silent, awaiting orders.

Wang Yulou was no longer in a hurry; he was waiting for the outcome.

Why did you go directly to the sect leader to go through the final formal procedures after returning to the sect instead of greeting Xuan Zhuan?

It's very simple: skip the lengthy back-and-forth and quickly turn the intense conflict into a predetermined outcome.

Wang Yulou is still gambling, but his chances of winning are very high.

Gambling is certainly not good, especially this kind of gambling that forces the Immortal Jin Xian, the Immortal Zhu Zhao, and the Immortal Fu Yan to their deaths. If you lose, you may be finished.

But in the world of cultivation, where are there so many absolutely safe and profitable development models?

Absolute safety means that many people will rush to do it, and the final profit will definitely be extremely low.

Risky decisions are inherently dangerous, but these dangers often conceal unseen positive factors. When there are enough of these positive factors, the risks become less daunting.

So, what positive factors are hidden in Wang Yulou's coercion of the Candlelight and Floating Smoke factions to express their views?
Firstly, Yi Zouri rashly launched an attack in Qingxifang, targeting Wang Yulou, which almost led to a civil war between the two sides. It was wrong for Wang Yulou to bring three thousand Qi cultivators back to his sect, but putting aside Wang Yulou's mistakes, was Yi Zouri completely without fault?
Secondly, it is in everyone's common interest. After so many years, the patriarch's golden elixir should have reached a certain level. If things go wrong now, and something unexpected happens in the future, the Red Lantern Sect will become the clown, and everyone will suffer.

Thirdly, these Qi Refining rogue cultivators, after joining the sect, will ultimately have to serve the sect and become expendable resources on the battlefield. Even if they can produce Foundation Establishment cultivators, how many can they produce? Two hundred is the upper limit; it's difficult to think of more.

Fourth, internal strife must ultimately maintain a state of fighting without breaking apart. If the internal strife breaks apart, then the special nature of internal strife will be lost, and everyone will eventually return to a bloody battle royale mode of life and death, in which case everyone will lose together.

Fifth, great cultivators are indeed extraordinary. The "illumination" of the Candlelight Immortal Venerable is indeed the same as the "illumination of the red lantern," but in the end, many things are done by specific people. Wang Yulou chose to firmly advance his pawn. Although he seemed weak, he took the initiative to throw out a chip and lower his posture. It was also a move in the game. In normal internal sect games, Wang Yulou did not believe that those great cultivators would suddenly go crazy and kill him. It was really not that bad. Only great cultivators who lost so much that their eyes turned red could do such a thing. Candlelight and Floating Smoke were far from being losers.

This even aligns with a question that Wang Yulou had in mind: why did the patriarch take the initiative to lead the Red Lantern Sect into war against the Heavenly Serpent Sect?
The next day, the decree ordered the Patriarch to enter the Heavenly Serpent Valley and begin the war. This logic seems sound, but it's just a facade.

In terms of the principle of self-interest, if one can obtain benefits without effort, there is no need to engage in fierce life-or-death struggles to acquire them.

The two major battles may seem to be limited to the Foundation Establishment stage, but war is dangerous. What if it gets out of control and turns into a battle between Purple Mansion cultivators or even Golden Core cultivators fighting to the death?

On the contrary, it is logical that Miaofeng Mountain and Gushen Sect continue to fight each other year after year, with the major sects not intervening and letting their vassals fight each other.

The significance of vassalage lies precisely in this: the mountain gate of Miaofeng Mountain is located on the border of Wunan, and also on the border of the Red Lantern Sect and the Heavenly Serpent Sect. It was a buffer zone from the beginning.

In comparison, Dripping Cave is much more eerie.

The entrance to the Drip Cave is located in the heart of the Red Lantern Gang. Zhou Fujiao had even told Zhou Yingxi that the Drip Cave obeys orders but not proclamations.

While pondering these mysteries, Wang Yulou ultimately did not receive the good news he desired.

'That bastard Jinxian still disagrees, let's wait and see.'

As the sound of Xuan Zhuan's voice rang out, Wang Yulou sighed and looked at the sect leader.

Anthony Wong's expression remained remarkably calm as he spoke.

"Alright, Yulou, go back and wait. It'll probably take a long time to brew."

"But once you leave, I'll be bothered by people again, sigh."

Thinking of those young inner disciples, Yu Lou asked.

Why did they come?

Upon hearing Yu Lou mention those people, Old Huang slumped into his chair, utterly dejected, unable to utter a word.

"You want to go to all the properties and markets in the mansion, or you don't want to go to the front lines? Don't you think about it? Pi Lingxiu, Yan Keyi, and Senior Sister Wang Jingyi have all gone to the front lines. Why shouldn't they go to the front lines?"

Wang Yulou nodded, said nothing more, and left.

After all, given Lao Huang's current state, he's heading further and further down the path of disloyalty, and Wang Yulou doesn't need to get involved with him any further. How could a powerful, experienced Foundation Establishment cultivator possibly look so haggard and worn out just because of being busy, tired, or even under psychological pressure?

It's simply that he no longer wants to be a loyal bodyguard of the Mang family. The Mang family has achieved enlightenment, and even their chickens and dogs have ascended to heaven. This pie has been painted for so many years, and Huang Qiusheng is probably tired of it.

Perhaps in Lao Huang's heart, he had already given up on pursuing the opportunity of the Purple Mansion.
-
“I know some of those people; they are all members of the Foundation Establishment families of the Red Lantern Sect. But Yu Lou, you also know that many of the Foundation Establishment families within the Red Lantern Sect are not affiliated with the True Immortals.”

After leaving the Sect Leader's Palace, Zhou Yingxi explained to Yu Lou.

As sects stabilize their development, some Foundation Establishment families will inevitably emerge that do not rely on Purple Mansion and Golden Core, but can stably produce Foundation Establishment cultivators through their family power.

This is similar to the clerks in a bureaucratic governance model, but not entirely the same. The Foundation Establishment families within the main sect do not control many spiritual objects, nor do they have the key power of distribution. They are just cogs in the machine within the sect.

The Purple Mansions don't need so many vassals. If there are too many vassals, they won't be able to protect them all. On the other hand, there's not much point in taking in vassals who can't bring them any value.

The Wang family and Mangxiang had a close relationship. On the one hand, the Wang family had never caused trouble, which allowed it to survive for a long time. On the other hand, the Wang family did not rely entirely on the sect and had its own independent development model. They were like franchisees among the many vassals of Mangxiang.

The Yan family of the Mangxiang lineage is different; they chose to fully integrate themselves into the sect. This is a good path, but the Wang family has never had the ability to choose it before.

Ultimately, it was because the Wang family was too cautious, and because of this caution, they missed too many opportunities.

"Yingxi, what are the Ancestral Master's plans for you?" Wang Yulou asked.

Zhou Yingxi has now become a disciple of the founder, which has a hint of succeeding Zhou Fujiao's position. In this regard, it is possible that the founder is putting on a show for others in the sect.

Although the opinions of other members of the sect would not affect Mangxiang's interests, the founder was not truly shameless; he still wanted to maintain basic dignity when he could.

"I stayed in the sect to cultivate. I am currently working in the Hall of Elders of the Merchants' Market, where I have taken over the management of the sect's trading post, but I am not too busy."

The only problem is that the stewards below are too greedy. Their cultivation is higher than mine, and they all have powerful backers. I can't deal with them even if I wanted to.

The trading house is an industry developed by the Red Lanterns based on the large trading house they acquired from Wang Yulou. Shops exist in various markets of the Red Lanterns, which can be considered as a systematic construction of futures contract trading for cultivation resources.

However, the sect's businesses are often monopolistic, so that they can withstand being exploited by disciples and still maintain a relatively considerable profit.

Unlike traditional trading houses, these things have no cost, but others can also do them. In addition, the people involved have made a lot of money, so Zhou Yingxi's position is not easy to hold.

"I'll sort it out for you later. By the way, does the sect have any reception facilities? I'd like to host a banquet for those fellow cultivators who escorted the rogue cultivators all the way here."

When interacting with Zhou Yingxi, one must strike a balance to demonstrate loyalty to the patriarch.

Therefore, even if Wang Yulou wanted to get closer to Xiao Zhou, he could only do so in a businesslike manner, avoiding any attempt to get close.

"Yu Lou, the most important thing right now is to get those rogue cultivators into the Red Lantern Clan first!" Jin Mingdu reminded him.

Wang Yulou stopped in his tracks; Jin Mingdu's reminder was quite right.

Although things are moving in a positive direction and the three factions have reached a framework for 'moving towards compromise,' when it will be implemented is another matter.

Allowing those independent cultivators to enter the Red Lantern Mountain Gate might provoke a backlash and annihilation from the Candlelight Sect, but if the Candlelight Sect remains inactive, a fait accompli can be quickly established, thus accelerating the compromise.

Whether Zhuzhao and Fuyan will target those rogue cultivators is never influenced by whether those rogue cultivators are inside or outside the sect; it all depends on themselves.

Ultimately, Wang Yulou must act swiftly and decisively to bring the matter to a close as soon as possible.

Delay will only lead to unforeseen changes. If things drag on too long, and Zhuzhao and Fuyan discover that these two thousand people are not joining the sect, Mangxiang will have no choice but to endure it, and the situation will become even more passive.

"Yingxi, go and contact our people here. Bring over anyone who's in the Red Lantern District."

Mingdu and I went to fetch the rogue cultivators to the edge of the great formation. They've come from afar to offer their help; we can't neglect them.

Watching the two figures leave, Zhou Yingxi flew towards Mangxiang Mountain without looking back. However, the tears in her eyes could no longer be held back, and they welled up like pearls from a broken string, only to be evaporated by her magic.

His family was wiped out, his ancestor's soul departed, his biological father left, his Daoist partner became estranged, and he became the disciple of his enemy.
In just two short years, so much happened that destroyed her past life.

Wang Yulou, whom I thought I could rely on, has now married a new Daoist partner.

Flying inside the red lantern, Yingxi felt the sect's aura was so bitter that it made her burst into tears.
-
On a mountain field outside the Red Lantern Mountain Gate Formation, scattered cultivators landed on the ground, no longer thinking of running away.

Running away is like the poisonous flow of divine light.

If we don't run, it might be due to the poisonous influence of the divine light.

The poison of divine light, as the name suggests, is a fluid; as long as there is strong enough force to manipulate it, it can always flow to where it needs to flow.

The cruelest aspect of the cultivation world lies in this: achieving enlightenment is the beautiful aspiration of all cultivators, but as long as they haven't been served, they are essentially fish and meat for the powerful cultivators at the table.

Whether to eat, how to eat, and when to eat are all matters that a great cultivator can decide with a single word.

Hunting demons in the West Sea may allow one to stand out, but in essence, it is a pressure relief valve for the Immortal Alliance to release internal pressure. For every one who stands out, more than a dozen will perish in the belly of demons.

Their fate has never been in their own hands, and it is not in their own hands now.

In this respect, she is the same as Zhou Yingxi and Wang Yulou. Wang Yulou understands her own powerlessness, so she chooses to offer the only seemingly valuable loyalty.

Mang Xiang doesn't care about the loyalty of his subordinates, but if Wang Yulou is loyal enough and can also carry out the tasks that Mang Xiang needs him to perform, then he will naturally have more opportunities.

Individual struggle can change an individual's destiny; small struggles can change a small individual's destiny; great struggles can change the destiny of many more people.

Wang Yulou's ambition was too great, which made him appear extremely ruthless.

The patriarch may not care about Wang Yulou's attitude towards Zhou Yingxi, but Wang Yulou should be self-aware.

Yingxi shed tears for Wang Yulou's ruthlessness, but she did not yet understand that Wang Yulou truly wanted to reach the other shore.

By then, let alone Zhou Yingxi, maybe even Wang Xianzhu can be saved!

But now, he must serve as Mang Xiang's most loyal bodyguard.

"Old Yang, how long do you think we'll have to wait here?"

Chen Yongzhong and Yang Duilie were hiding in a courtyard that had been transformed from a magical artifact, slacking off. Chen Yongzhong really missed the Western Sea.

The reason is simple: the true disciples of the Red Lantern Gang are too ruthless. Wang Yulou has already caused him great psychological trauma. As a result, a few days ago, Yi Zou Ri came and killed him without any regard for the rules.

Killing rogue cultivators wasn't enough. After Guo Baichi's scheme against Wang Yulou escalated the conflict, Yi Zouri seemed intent on leading a group to kill those escorting Foundation Establishment cultivators.

If it weren't for the fact that others didn't have the status of Yizou Ri and were hesitant to act, Chen Yongzhong and the others might have perished in Qingxifang that day.

Compared to the Western Sea, the border region of the Immortal Alliance, the pressure on lower-level cultivators within the Red Lantern Clan was immense, making Chen Yongzhong extremely uncomfortable.

"It's hard to say. Fellow Daoist Yuque is in a difficult position. He wants to use these rogue cultivators to improve his status within the sect, but there is more than one Immortal Venerable in the Red Lantern Sect. Moreover, the one behind him is not a true Immortal Venerable yet."

Yang Duilie and Chen Yongzhong used to have some minor conflicts, but now, under the pressure of the big scoundrel Wang Yulou, the two seem to have reconciled.

In fact, it's not just that Wang Yulou put pressure on them.

The main point is that, during the process of participating in the Great Purge of the Divine Light Poison, the two Dragon Tiger Guard commanders gradually understood what kind of person could become a Purple Mansion, and what the price of becoming a Purple Mansion was.

Even someone like Wang Yulou had to go on a killing spree to demonstrate his value and express his loyalty.

But this expression of loyalty wasn't just once or twice, it happened countless times.

The most terrifying thing is that even if you are loyal and capable, and are appreciated by the True Person or Immortal Venerable above you, you may not necessarily be able to become a Purple Mansion.

Xi Hai Qingfeng, Xi Hai Longhu, and Xi Hai Zhongcheng are all loyal, capable, powerful, and ruthless.

However, once Shenguang lost, all three of them were finished, completely dead.

The terrifying consequences of the entire Shenguang lineage being thoroughly cleansed are enough to confuse anyone.

Within the current Immortal Alliance, becoming a Purple Mansion Grand Cultivator is not exactly difficult, but it's simply beyond the reach of most people. Even peak Foundation Establishment cultivators like Chen Yongzhong and Yang Duilie don't dare to dream of becoming a Purple Mansion cultivator.

In this way, the two of them no longer had any conflict.

"What you're saying, hahaha, you mean that even though Yi Zouri attacked his own fellow disciples, the Red Lantern Gang won't do anything about it?" Chen Yongzhong didn't quite believe Yang Duilie's judgment.

"What do you know? The ten sects in Wunan are all more corrupt than the last. I used to be a disciple of the Nine Aperture Valley. The Nine Aperture Valley is so corrupt. If an outer disciple wants to enter the inner sect, he/she not only needs to have cultivation and recognize a master, but also has to pay spirit stones."

I couldn't stand it back then, so I came to the West Sea. Now it seems I made the right choice. None of my fellow disciples who trained with me at the Talisman Making Institute have reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

Everything in Nine Aperture Valley belongs to those above. Even if a lucky person manages to enter the inner sect, they will only be at the bottom of the inner sect, only able to do dirty and tiring work, and eventually die of old age.

The Red Lantern Gang is no less formidable than the Nine Aperture Valley Gang. The fact that Yi Zouri dared to attack Wang Yuque suggests he has powerful backers. I predict he'll ultimately be punished with three cups of wine.

Chen Yongzhong was somewhat taken aback when he heard Lao Yang say that he came from Jiuqiao Valley.

"You old Yang, you've been hiding it well, haven't you?"

The two quickly took flight, only to find that the mountain gate formation illuminated by the red lanterns had already been opened, and Wang Yulou, riding a black dragon horse, stood inside the formation and said.

"Everyone, come in!"

Old Yang smacked his lips, feeling somewhat humiliated, but he still organized everyone to move into the formation.

In the midst of the grand formation, Wang Yulou and Yan Kexin stood side by side, with Zhou Yingxi beside them.

The three of them wore the Wanye Yongming Dharma Robe, representing the true disciples of the Mangxiang lineage who are still remaining in the sect.

Of course, there were far more than three true disciples of the Mangxiang lineage, more than thirty in total, but most of them were sent to the front lines.

The matter of the patriarch is the matter of the young general; everyone is very loyal.

Behind Wang Yulou and his two companions were more than thirty other Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Mangxiang lineage, and these were only those who remained in the sect.

“The foot of Mount Ling should be able to accommodate them, but Yu Lou, I’m afraid that what you’re doing will cause dissatisfaction within the sect.”

Yan Kexin was the younger brother of Yan Keren and Yan Keyi. The Yan family was the largest vassal of the Mangxiang lineage, and Wang Yulou had to respect his opinions.

“It’s normal that Brother Zou Ri misunderstood Yu Lou’s arrangements, but we are ultimately working for our ancestor. As long as we are loyal and capable, we have nothing to fear from outsiders.”

Yan Kexin's chin twitched slightly, but he ultimately did not speak again.

Wang Yulou's suppression of Guo Baichi in Qingxifang already revealed his unwillingness to submit to others. They were all disciples of the Hongdeng School, and Wang Yulou did not consider himself inferior to the other core figures of the Mangxiang lineage.

Age is not a problem, but rather an advantage for Wang Yulou. He cannot be trapped in the logic of having to be humble and subservient, thus wasting his own advantages.

The attack on Guo Baichi, a disciple of Danri, was aimed at Guo Baichi, this monkey, while the onlookers were other core figures in the Mangxiang lineage.

With the protection of many Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Mangxiang lineage, the independent cultivators found places to stay on Mangxiang Spirit Mountain, and no one came out to stop them from leaving.

At this point, the matter was practically settled; the only remaining issue was reaching an agreement on the final compromise terms.
-
Red lanterns illuminate the sacred mountain of the sect, within the Garden of Flowers.

The immortals were seated in a row, with Wang Yulou, Zhou Yingxi, and Jin Mingdu sitting at the head of the table. He raised his wine cup and sighed.

"From Xihai Immortal City to Hongdengzhao, it's a journey of thousands of miles, and it's very difficult to travel. Yulou has seen all of your hard work."

Yu Lou is located in the Western Sea, and it is a great honor to be able to meet you fellow Daoists.

I've prepared a simple feast to express my gratitude for the help you all have received!

After several rounds of this, Yang Duilie, still flushed and emboldened by the wine, stopped pretending and stood up, speaking with great passion and fervor.

“Fellow Daoist Yuque, when you left the Western Sea, we cried and begged you to stay, hoping that you would continue to contribute to the prosperity of the Western Sea.”

Now you've finally returned to the red-light district, but as we part, Old Yang, I still want to ask you one more question."

At this point, Old Yang wiped away his tears, which made Chen Yongzhong feel nauseous.

You're such a hypocrite! You flatter me without even telling me beforehand, all you do is hog the benefits!

"Oh, what does Fellow Daoist Dui Lie want to ask?" Wang Yulou was in high spirits.

Wang Yulou understood all too well what it meant that those independent cultivators joined the sect without anyone stopping them throughout the entire process.

"Fellow Daoist Yuque, are you really going to leave the Western Sea and stay at the Red Lantern Clan?"

Yang Duilie's eyes were bloodshot. Wang Yulou was truly impressed that this old man, who was several hundred years old, could act so well.

He pondered for a moment, then said solemnly.

"I originally wanted to stay in the Red Lantern Police Station, but since everyone is so enthusiastic, I'll go back to the West Sea and continue to be the head of the Penal Court."

Old Yang's expression changed instantly.

Are you going to leave, you beast?
If you don't leave, wouldn't our farewell have been in vain?
The bustling Qunfang Garden fell silent instantly because of a single sentence uttered by Wang Yulou.

"Hahaha, alright, let's eat. I'm not kidding anymore. Old Yang, stop crying. Your old face doesn't look good when you cry."

It turned out that Wang Yulou was just playing a little joke on them.

However, in terms of sheer amount of trouble, they were truly fed up with Wang Yulou.

Facing Wang Yulou, who had the backing of a fortune, the people of Xihai felt as if they were in prison.
-
"Husband, why are they so afraid of you?"

On the way to the Mangxiang Dojo, Zhou Yingxi pulled Yulou aside and asked in a low voice.

She had no one to rely on, so even if it was an unreliable man like Wang Yulou, she had to hold on to him.

According to romantic logic, Wang Yulou should be abandoned by Zhou Yingxi, and she should be an independent, strong woman.

However, in the context of realism, Zhou Yingxi, without the support of her family and ancestors, must rely on any available assistance.

Otherwise, her future path will be difficult.

Mu Chunze patted his behind and entered the West Sea, but Shen Guang was immediately slammed down by Mang Xiang and Qing Rui. Ying Xi believed that only she understood her difficulties.

"The main reason is that I invited dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators to Miaofeng Mountain to support me. Old Yang is smart; he understood what I was doing from beginning to end, so he was wary of me."

He was wary of me, and others, seeing his attitude, also became wary of me. But I had only just reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and my strength was extremely weak.

If I had a choice, I would rather stay in the sect and cultivate diligently, just like you.

Wang Yulou then explained his arrangements for the journey.

It can be said that his greatest stroke of genius was using 15,000 spirit stones to bring in a bunch of people from Miaofeng Mountain to build up their foundations.

If he hadn't made that move, those Foundation Establishment cultivators in the West Sea wouldn't have been able to stop Yi Zouri. After all, the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the West Sea belong to the West Sea Immortal City, and are not part of the Red Lantern Clan.

When it comes to killing, there's naturally no need to hold back.

Those who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage in the Western Sea did not dare to resist recklessly. The more powerful they were, the more they wanted to hide. When Yi Zouri attacked, Wang Yulou did not give any orders. As a result, everyone tacitly chose to protect without fighting back, which shows their mentality.

“It’s time to cultivate properly, Yulou.”

The voice of Master Xuanzhuan came, and the two exchanged a glance. Not daring to delay, they immediately entered the main hall in the center of the Mangxiang Dojo.

The True Man sat in the last seat below the high throne in the hall, very low-key, just like when he was chosen for the last seat on the morning of the previous day.

Wang Yulou felt a chill from this.

When Danri chose the last seat at Zhou Fujiao's apprenticeship ceremony, she could have explained it by saying that she had attained enlightenment late, and that there were many guests who had attained enlightenment earlier than her, and that she herself believed her cultivation was inferior.

But now, Xuanzhuan is in charge of the Mangxiang lineage, and in the hall where Mangxiang used to cultivate, he only dares to sit in the last position.

How could one not feel a chill in their heart when they heard this?

Wang Yulou, who was in the Qi Refining stage, longed for the Purple Mansion realm and boldly believed that he could achieve this realm through diligent cultivation without relying on marriage.

But judging from Xuan Zhuan's behavior now, it seems that the Purple Mansion, which is unattainable for ordinary cultivators and impossible to reach even in eternal life, is just another way of shouting "Mang Xiang, be loyal!"

Cultivating immortality, cultivating immortality, what is immortality?
Wang Yulou didn't know the answer, but he could tell from the choice of seat in the hanging seal that the Purple Mansion was not a place for immortals.

Even those who hang seals must obey the ancestral master; those in the Purple Palace are not immortals.

After the patriarch achieved the Golden Core stage, could he be considered an immortal?

(End of this chapter)