Shangyuque

Chapter 171 Returning to the Origin and True Nature, Seventeen Kinds of Dao Refining Inheritance, Wang Yuque Arrives at the Front Lines (1.04W)

Whether the patriarch was a deity or not, Wang Yulou dared not comment.

He had to be humble and subservient even when facing the enigmatic seal. If the patriarch had truly become an immortal, wouldn't he, Wang Yulou, be a tortoise grandson for all eternity?

“Master, Yu Lou has not yet chosen a major cultivation method. The clan leader's idea is for me to consult you or Master Danri after returning to the sect. I did not expect that the journey would be so full of twists and turns, and even just returning to the sect would be so difficult.”

Wang Yulou bowed with a wry smile, explained his demands, and at the same time played the victim, emphasizing his own hard work.

"Haha, you little monkey, no one is as smart as you, but sometimes, being too smart is not a good thing."

Yingxi is a good girl, you should treat her well. Stop giving me all that nonsense. What are you afraid of? I'm not going to eat you.

What is our own people?
Wang Shi had followed Xuan Zhuan around for a thousand years. If Wang Yulou wasn't one of Xuan Zhuan's own people, then he had no one of his own.

Therefore, Master Xuanzhuan was not only close to him, he directly reprimanded Xiao Wang – you are too clever, which makes you seem out of place.

The most crucial thing is 'don't be afraid'.

Wang Yulou guessed that Xuanzhuan's reminder was not just about not being too distant between the two; Xuanzhuan was getting annoyed by the constant probing.

A deeper logic might correspond to the fact that Wang Yulou shouldn't have shown fear of the reckless elephant.

As a junior, it's enough to be loyal to and close to the patriarch. You're so afraid, does that mean you have some grievances against the patriarch?
Of course, the patriarch knew how badly he had toyed with these little creatures below, and he also understood why they were afraid of him.

But if Wang Yulou treats the patriarch more like a thief, how will the patriarch view Wang Yulou?

"Yu Lou understands."

In front of Xuan Zhuan, Xiao Wang was as obedient as a kitten, not daring to say a single unnecessary word.

Seeing Xiao Wang's reaction, Xuan Zhuan ultimately didn't continue to suggest that he shouldn't be afraid, as Wang Yulou was someone who knew everything and would do well in the future.

The master stepped forward, grabbed Wang Yulou's arm, and began to examine his cultivation state.

"Your cultivation of the Gui Water Qi in the meridians is quite good. Even the smaller branches of the meridians are as thick as the main meridians. Your current cultivation needs to be divided into three aspects."

Firstly, it is about improving one's cultivation level. One should open all thirty-six acupoints as soon as possible and raise one's cultivation level to the peak of Foundation Establishment.

In terms of practice, one should cultivate the "Return to the Origin and Return to the True Formless Method," which first returns to the origin and then to the true form, evolving from the Master's formless method.

With your current level of cultivation, it won't be difficult to cultivate. As long as you have enough resources, your cultivation will progress by leaps and bounds.

Secondly, it's time to learn some combat techniques and take some time to reflect. Your cultivation has advanced too quickly, and although your journey has been full of twists and turns, it has been too smooth overall.

Without tempering, one cannot achieve great things, but if your strength is too weak, you will perish with just a little tempering.

Moreover, without real ability, even if we support you in taking action, you will always encounter people who are not convinced by you, and that will cause trouble.

The "Return to the Origin and Return to the True Formless" contains four supernatural powers: the Lesser Formless Spiritual Mechanism, the Lesser Formless Manifestation, the Return to the Origin Lesser Formless Dharma Seal, and the Lesser Formless Heaven and Earth.

These four techniques are unique supernatural abilities of our Mangxiang lineage; you must study them diligently.

Of course, choosing two is about right. Learning more is useless, because in the end, supernatural powers do not have any beneficial effect on opening the Purple Mansion.

Thirdly, you can't just spend your days studying how to scheme against others. Cultivating immortality ultimately depends on strength, and you've already passed the stage where you need to scheme against others.

Once you return to the sect, focus on your cultivation. Cultivation is one thing, but I remember you have some talent in weapon crafting, so you shouldn't neglect weapon crafting either.

For a cultivator, a heart as deep as a still pool is commonplace; formidable combat prowess is essential, but exceptional skill in auxiliary techniques is also crucial.

Wang Yulou was surprised that the Master Xuanzhuan knew him so well, and was speechless for a moment.

“Master, Yu Lou never imagined that she would be valued so highly by you.”

Wang Yulou really didn't know what to say.

Pay with your life? I dare not say that, or it might cost you your life.

"To devote oneself to the utmost" seems too ordinary, lacking emotional tension.

Therefore, he ultimately chose to be flattered and moved to tears.

"Hahaha, you're quite the actor. Alright, this seed contains seventeen kinds of cultivation inheritances, enough for you to cultivate whatever you want."

These two methods are bestowed upon you as a reward for your work in the Western Sea. However, you are no longer a minor cultivator in the Qi Refining stage, so you must realize that your every word and action will have an impact.

If you want to take any more risks in the future, you must inform us before making a decision, understand?

Understand?
How could you not understand?
The solution to cultivating immortality has never been just combat. Wang Yulou gained more by wielding a knife to cleanse the poisonous flow of divine light and by leading two thousand Qi cultivators from the Western Sea to enter the sect and fill the gaps in their cultivation. The benefits he obtained were something that most peak Foundation Establishment cultivators could hardly reach in their entire lives.

"Returning to the Origin and True Nature: The Formless and Formless" evolved from the teachings of Patriarch Mangxiang, so its level of sophistication needs no further explanation.

The seed of magic that was planted on Wang Yulou's arm, containing seventeen kinds of cultivation inheritance, is worth more than five million spirit stones.

Aside from the lack of a direct method for crafting magical artifacts, all the cultivation methods that Wang Yulou had heard of and those he hadn't were quietly presented within—read and learn at will.

Without any difficulties or setbacks, Wang Yulou simply completed the ancestor's task, and this priceless reward was directly fed to him by Xuanzhuan.

This is the treatment of a prodigy. It can be said that from Qingxifang to today, whether in the Wang family, in Dishuidong, or in the West Sea or Hongdengzhao, Wang Yulou has never gone through the normal cultivation process of a disciple.

Of course, it also came at a small price, such as almost becoming Zhou Fujiao's furnace cauldron, and offending Shenguang.

“Master, Yu Lou will definitely cultivate diligently and reach the peak of Foundation Establishment as soon as possible, so as to relieve the worries and difficulties of you and the Ancestral Master.”

Xuan Zhuan nodded in satisfaction.

Wang Yulou, you know, his ambition couldn't be clearer.

But it is precisely those who are both intelligent and ambitious who can gain a foothold in the cruel world of cultivation.

Although Wang Yulou is far from perfect from the perspective of Xuanzhuan, by his standards, not many Foundation Establishment cultivators can be called 'qualified'.

Cultivators are not immortals. All cultivators have their own shortcomings. It doesn't matter whether Wang Yulou is the Yangtze River or the Yellow River. What matters is that he knows how to suppress Danri's disciples, and that's enough.

"I plan to assign you to the northern front. Our offensive is fierce on the southern front, and the Heavenly Serpent Sect's offensive is fierce on the central front. Only on the northern front, where Miaofeng Mountain and Valley God Sect continue to keep their eyes on the field, is it safer."

You have a talent for management. This time, in addition to serving as a steward of the Hall of Special Merit, you will also be given additional responsibilities as a guardian monk of Xiangzhufang.

Furthermore, the patriarch of the Southern Ye Kingdom, Nan Ye Ke, is somewhat hesitant. I've urged him twice, but he's still unwilling to send Southern Ye Kingdom cultivators to the front lines to assist. You will serve as the assistant to the ruler of the Southern Ye Kingdom and try to urge him on.”

Well, Xuanzhuan truly believed in Wang Yulou.

Special Merit Hall Steward, Fragrant Bamboo Workshop Guardian, Assistant to the King of Nan Ye Kingdom. Gathering people, seizing profits, recruiting soldiers, Xuan Zhuan is treating Wang Yulou like a donkey!

The front lines of the great battle between the two sects are not fertile lands. Wang Yulou's journey carries a heavy responsibility and is fraught with danger.

But Wang Yulou was no ordinary man.
If he couldn't even withstand this much pressure, he wouldn't have made it this far. In Wang Yulou's view, the three appointments of Xuanzhuan Zhenren were not enough, and these burdens were not enough!
"Master, I've already gone to the front lines. How about arranging another position for me as a Red Lantern Patrol Inspector?"

Wang Yulou made his small request, adding with a pained expression.

"Of course, even if it can't be arranged, Yulou will not refuse the Master's trust. It's just a matter of working hard and taking life and death lightly!"

Old Deng, I've poured my heart and soul into this, risking my life for you. Aren't you going to do something for me?

Looking at Wang Yulou, whose face was filled with the expression of "I will carry out the Master's orders even if it means my death," Xuanzhuan thought for a moment and said.

"There should be a chance. Let's wait and see. The matter of those two thousand people hasn't been settled yet. You should rest in the sect for a few days. Once that matter is over, the situation will become clearer."

Yu Lou immediately put away her expression.

"The real person, easily walks away from him."

Xuan Zhuan waved his hand, interrupting Wang Yulou's chanting, and said helplessly.

"You handled things very well in Qingxifang, but the light of the red lantern is indeed the light of the candle. After all, a celestial being is a celestial being. Even if your master becomes a golden core, his strength will still be far inferior to that of the celestial being Zhuzhao."

However, the red light system was maintained through everyone's efforts, and this matter is almost resolved. We're just waiting for me to reach a final agreement with them. You should go back and wait.

At this point, Xuan Zhuan looked at Ying Xi, and a rare hint of mockery appeared on his dark and thin face.

"Go back and spend some quality time with Junior Sister Yingxi. Come to think of it, you should call her Martial Uncle, hahaha."

The seniority and relationships among cultivators are actually not affected by ordinary worldly relationships.

Just like now, Wang Yulou's wife has become his senior apprentice, and Wang Yulou has become the junior apprentice of Ancestor Jingyi.

Can he really call Jingyi "senior sister"?

Inappropriate.

Can Zhou Yingxi really call Wang Yulou "junior disciple"?

That's not appropriate either.

However, Yulou thought of another problem.

As he walked out with Yingxi, he telepathically asked Xuanzhuan for instructions.

'Master, the Dragon-Binding Master is dead. Although Jade Pavilion now carries the true teachings of the Red Lantern Sect,'

Inside the main hall, watching the two figures leave, Xuan Zhuan, who had returned to his seat at the end of the hall, narrowed his eyes.

"Don't think about these things. Just come to me if you need anything, anything at all. Not becoming my disciple actually has its advantages; do you know how to do that?"

What are the benefits?
How to do?
Those who tear apart the Danri faction!
But Wang Yulou didn't think this was the right path. If he really became a tool in the infighting within Xuanzhuan, how would he compete with the Yan family under Xuanzhuan for resources in the future?

The patriarch could not possibly be pleased to see Xuanzhuan dominate, or to see the Xuanzhuan school become the dominant force within the Mangxiang lineage.

But Xuanzhuan Zhenren truly had nothing to say about Wang Yulou.

However, from another perspective, the "goodness" of the hanging seal can also be seen as a kind of "infighting reward" paid in advance.

Having received the advance payment for the internal strife from Xuanzhuan, Wang Yulou has no choice but to bite Danri's hand.

Oh, this is so difficult.

Despite already being the most prominent figure in the Red Lantern Gang, Wang Yulou's path was still difficult, even more so.

Perhaps this is why those Foundation Establishment peak cultivators who witnessed the difficulty of the giant elephant proving the Golden Core stage chose to give up pursuing the opportunity to reach the Purple Mansion stage.

The Purple Mansion is easy to obtain; compared to the difficulty of acquiring it, the cultivation of the Purple Mansion method is actually extremely simple.

However, becoming a Zifu that is recognized by the system is extremely difficult, as difficult as ascending to heaven.
-
As Wang Yulou led Yingxi along the trail in Mangxiang Mountain, he asked in a businesslike manner.

How many people work at the trading company now?

Although the relationship was mediated by the real person, Wang Yulou still dared not rashly express his affection for Yingxi.

He didn't know that Mang Xiang had previously gone to the Immortal Alliance's Qingyuan Immortal City, nor did he know that Mang Xiang had now ventured deep into the Western Sea.

The gaze of a great cultivator is unknowable and unpredictable; Wang Yulou's caution may seem laughable, but it is not.

Struggling to cross the sea of ​​suffering and seeking the other shore, how can one not be careful and cautious?

"More than seventy, a dozen or so inner disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage, and the rest are Qi Refining stage."

The previous steward was also a true disciple, a member of the lineage of True Immortal Fuyan, but he was removed from his post because he managed things so poorly.

The palaces, wards, pavilions, terraces, towers, halls, courtyards, gardens, offices, and temples within the Red Lantern system do not have a strict hierarchical distinction; they were all the result of a long process of negotiation and competition.

Some gardens are very powerful, some palaces have been abandoned, some departments seem insignificant but are very important, and some halls have a sect leader but can do nothing.

There are only so many key positions. If a clear hierarchical system is established, the sect will internally generate a demand for promotion based on seniority, which is something that those at the Purple Mansion and Golden Core stages do not want to see.

Therefore, nominally, all the positions and ranks of the Red Lantern Clan are the same, with Foundation Establishment cultivators serving as stewards or managers. However, the differences between them are greater than those between the Qi Refining stage and the Purple Mansion stage.

Under this game theory logic, key positions become the arena for great cultivators to compete in, and have little to do with individual struggles.

The Wang family prioritizes the interests of the direct lineage, the Dripping Water Cave prioritizes the interests of those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and the Red Lantern Sect focuses on the interests of those who have reached the Purple Mansion and Golden Core stage.

Wang Yulou didn't say much, but instead asked directly about the specifics of the trading company.

"How many of the seventy-odd brokerage firms have been established?"

Yingxi is his Daoist partner. By helping Yingxi secure her position as the steward of the trading house, Wang Yulou's influence within the Red Lantern Gang can be further enhanced.

"Four families."

Speaking of this number, Zhou Yingxi felt a surge of anger.

"More than seventy people, four trading companies, four in each company, totaling only sixteen."

The remaining sixty-odd people spent their days within the sect figuring out how to mess with those four trading houses, ostensibly to provide guidance.

There were over sixty of them. If each of them slapped their forehead once, the four brokerage firms below would have to run themselves ragged.

I told the sect leader that this wouldn't work, but he told me that he couldn't do anything about it either.

"What kind of sect leader can he be if he has no other options?"

How could Zhou Yingxi not be anxious? The previous steward of the trading house had already been transferred away in disgrace.

Even a disciple of the Purple Mansion True Man cannot stand firm within the Red Lantern Observation if he is incompetent.

The situation she faces now is more than just precarious. If she loses her position as manager of the trading house, will Mang Xiang give her another chance? Will Wang Yulou give her another chance?
When Zhou Fujiao was alive, she had a powerful backer. Now that Zhou is gone, Yingxi's predicament is beyond words.

"Let's not talk about Lao Huang. He probably doesn't want to go any further. The patriarch will replace him soon."

Hearing Wang Yulou's words, Zhou Yingxi was shocked. Was Lao Huang going to be dismissed?

Wang Yulou had only been back for half a day, yet he had already noticed these signs, whereas he himself had been working in the red light every day and hadn't seen them at all.
Thinking about this, Yingxi's mood became even more depressed.

"Yes, I'll accompany you to the trading house. They're taking advantage of you because you don't know how to deal with them."

Our Uncle Linghu Qishang was transferred to the Sect Law Enforcement Department two years ago. Let's go find him first.

This was Zhou Yingxi's first time experiencing the world of the Red Lanterns from the perspective of the Wang family. Wang Yulou told him about the connection between the Linghu family and the Wang family.

"But would it be of any use to ask him? Couldn't we just report directly to Master Xuanzhuan?"

Wang Yulou explained with a smile as he helped Yingxi onto the black dragon horse.

"You're wrong. The trading house isn't part of our Mangxiang lineage; it generates revenue for the sect."

When problems arise, it's unacceptable for us, the great cultivators of the Mangxiang lineage, to sacrifice our resources to resolve them.

If we call upon the real experts for everything, what value do we disciples have left?

"Are you saying that cultivators at the Purple Mansion level don't necessarily have the power to decide matters within the sect?"

As the eldest daughter of the Zifu Grand Clan, Yingxi never imagined that the logic of the struggle within the Red Lantern Clan would not depend on the Zifu, but on those below.

"Wrong again. Of course, the great cultivators can make the decision, but it's often unnecessary."

Exchanging pieces might result in a win or a loss, but it's ultimately just exchanging pieces.

Dui Zi will not allow the Purple Mansion True Person and Golden Core Immortal Venerable to lose their own interests.

Therefore, exchanging pieces becomes the choice in most cases.

In this eternal game, whoever loses too quickly first is eliminated, thus beginning an even bigger gamble.

Zhou Yingxi felt dizzy, perhaps because she had finally understood the logic of the struggle within the Red Lantern Gang and even within the Immortal Alliance, or perhaps because Wang Yulou's embrace had given her a long-lost comfort.

When there is nothing to rely on, even a false sense of reliance can bring satisfaction.

Yingxi is determined to make a living on her own, but this doesn't conflict with her desire to have someone to rely on. After all, a girl from a prominent family who has been well-educated is unlikely to be a "diode" (a person who is easily manipulated and manipulated).

With the black dragon horse's agile steps, the sect's law enforcement department arrived quickly.

Wang Yulou was the first to jump off his horse.

Zhou Yingxi also dismounted with her husband, thinking to herself that the spirit beast's speed was too fast.

"Yu Lou, you don't know, besides our Law Enforcement Division, there are also the Law Enforcement Academy, the Inspection Station, the Palace of Punishment, and the Temple of Enlightenment within the sect."

Five dragons govern the waters, and all of them are departments with real power. If you come to me alone, things won't be easy to get done.

Yes, I am now a deacon in the Enforcement Division, but I can't command the entire division to obey a single word. I'm not like you.

Although the Linghu family and the Wang family have been friends for generations, and the Red Lantern Law Enforcement Division is supposed to manage the good-for-nothing disciples within the sect, being supposed to and being capable are three different things.

Simply put—you have to pay extra.

Yingxi watched helplessly as her husband took out a seventh-grade measuring stone from his pocket and stuffed it into Linghu Qishang's hand.

Linghu Qishang's expression immediately changed. He looked at the measuring stone in his hand and asked Yulou in surprise.

"How far do you intend to go with this?"

The Measure Stone is a good thing; it can be used as the core for laying out arrays. Although it's not very good for refining weapons, its outstanding functionality makes it more expensive than many ordinary seventh-grade spiritual materials.

This measuring stone is worth at least 20,000 spirit stones, and that's the price during a spirit stone crisis when spirit stones are scarce.

With such a valuable gift from Wang Yulou, Linghu Qishang dared not accept it casually.

If you're doing something for the Wang family, or for someone like Wang Yulou who's on the rise and has a bright future, you have to do it well once you've accepted the gift.

Holding Yingxi's slender, soft waist, Wang Yulou, looking furious for his beloved, said...

"Kill three or five Qi Refining cultivators with no real background, then kill one Foundation Establishment cultivator who's been jumping around the most. The rest should be dismissed or sent to the front lines. It's a crucial time for the two sects to fight, and instead of serving their sects, those people are just hiding inside, occupying positions without doing any work."

This is no longer an ordinary member of the Red Lantern Society; they must be severely punished!

Linghu Qishang smacked his lips, thinking to himself that as expected of the person who cleansed the poison of the Divine Light in the West Sea, Little Wang has really honed his skills. This ruthlessness is truly formidable.

Thinking of this, he instead pushed the measuring stone back to Yulou, and pretended to be righteous and selfless, making a solemn vow.

"Yes, clean it up and send it to the front lines. Yulou, wait a moment, I'll call for help and have everyone in the Enforcement Division help you clean it up!"

As the officers from the Enforcement Division gradually arrived, Wang Yulou reminded Yingxi.

"Call all those bastards to the deed shop and tell them I'm coming. Let's see who dares not to come!"

He exudes an air of dominance, but it's the kind of domineering CEO fiercely protecting his young wife. It can be said that Xiao Wang has finally made a name for himself.

As a subordinate department of the Red Lantern Merchant Hall, the Trading Company is theoretically subject to the management of the Purple Mansion True Man of the Merchant Hall.

However, in actual operation, the real person never appears. The leaders of the two departments are all true disciples of the Red Lantern. Therefore, Zhou Yingxi's only superior is the Headmaster Palace and the Headmaster Hall.

Old Huang might not make things difficult for Zhou Yingxi, but as the assistant manager of the sect, how could Wang Yulou let the Huoqifang continue to be in chaos when Wang Yulou was facing off against Yi Zouri?
They're no longer ordinary good-for-nothings; it would take five punches per second to sober them up!

Soon, the more than sixty good-for-nothings from the trading company were in place. They gathered in the main hall of the trading company, their faces calm, but their unease was evident in their conversations.

"What's so scary about Wang Yulou? He's only just reached the Foundation Establishment stage. I could crush him with one hand!"

"You don't know yet, do you? Yi Zouri went up against Wang Yulou. Wang Yulou was thoroughly humiliated and almost died outside. He's just a paper tiger."

"What is he anyway? He's just a donkey breeder. The last time I saw him, I could smell his donkey dung from way over there." (Even the dogs on the street are cursing. Hahaha, 1.1 million words, I've finally written this kind of plot. I'm laughing so hard my lungs hurt.)

"Oh, it smells like donkey dung, Yingxi, can you smell it?"

Although he was usually composed, he was now beyond furious; yes, it was all because of that comment, "I smell donkey dung."

Wang Yulou hated it most when people said he smelled like donkey dung. It reminded him of the ancestor Xian Zhou, the humiliation he had suffered, and the tragic end of his ancestor, who, despite his extraordinary talent, had no path to enlightenment.

The gluttons and good-for-nothings in the trading house looked towards the gate and saw Deacon Zhou following behind a man who was also wearing the Wan Ye Yong Ming robe.

Zhou Yingxi followed beside Yu Lou, half a step behind, feeling an indescribable joy in her heart—it seemed that he cared about her too.

"I smell it! I can smell the divine scent on my husband! Haha!"

Wang Yulou stopped at the door, and Yingxi stood with him.

On either side of them, Linghu Qishang's men rushed into the hall and quickly surrounded everyone inside.

Finally, Linghu Qishang arrived rather late, and slowly made his way out.

This powerful Red Lantern disciple glanced at everyone in the hall with a haughty look and said.

"Red light means law enforcement is in effect, everyone stay put!"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator who had just said he smelled donkey dung pursed his lips in fear as he tried to save himself.

"Wang Yulou, Linghu Qishang, what are you true disciples of the Red Lanterns trying to do? We haven't done anything, so why are you enforcing the law against us?"

Yes, the situation at this moment is strangely presented: three true disciples of the Red Lantern Clan, along with cultivators from the Red Lantern Clan's Enforcement Division, are dealing with the cultivators of the Goods and Deeds Market.

This is the Red Lantern, the operating order of Wunan and even the entire cultivation world.

"I'll cripple him. I'm sending him back to my home to collect donkey dung."

Wang Yulou did not answer, but looked at Linghu Qishang.

Linghu Qishang's face twitched, but he finally shouted loudly.

"You dare attack the Enforcer of the Red Lantern Enforcement Division? You're asking for death!"

Immediately, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Enforcement Division, eager to pledge allegiance, rushed forward and, like a wolf or tiger, pinned the Foundation Establishment cultivator to the ground.

"I"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator still wanted to struggle, but no one helped him, and no one dared to help him.

The order built by the weak banding together is like a bubble in the face of power; it dissipates with the slightest breath.

“Yingxi, who else needs to attack the Enforcement Division? Please point them out.”

Wang Yulou, with his wife in his arms, calmly watched those who were overwhelmed by fear.

Are they bad? Is Wang Yulou good?

There is no answer. Yingxi is Wang Yulou's person, and Yi Zouri is his enemy. Wang Yulou cannot leave Yingxi with such an obvious weakness, so as to harm Yingxi and implicate himself.

He needs to be loyal to his own interests, which is closely related to his fate and the fate of too many people connected to him.

It's unclear when the constructed morality will finally come into play.

If morality itself has meaning, then in Wang Yulou's view, its meaning lies only in satisfying people's desires.

The construction of moral meaning to achieve collective interests is also achieved by satisfying the inner desires of those who believe in moral values—as are ideological programs and the whistles of domesticated dogs.

Wang Yulou's desires have broken free from the moral constraints of the group, and immortals themselves must also be free from human moral constraints.

If someone who becomes an immortal is still just like an ordinary person, then how did they become an immortal?

luck?

The heavens and earth are consumed by great cultivators; luck, such an ethereal and elusive thing, is utterly unreliable.

strength?

If one could become an immortal simply by being strong enough, then there would only be one immortal in the world—even if Mang Xiang achieved the Golden Core, he would not be an immortal.
-
A few days later, at the Sect Leader's Hall.

Yi Zouri strode into the hall and first glared at Linghu Qishang.

Linghu Qishang remained expressionless, not even bothering to smile.

We are all disciples of the Zhuzhao School, but we do not belong to the same Zifu Zhenren. Your good fortune and good birth have made you a daily servant of the Zhuzhao School, but that does not mean I have to give you face.

"Zouri, come quickly, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Anthony Wong greeted Yi Zouri with a smile, but Yi Zouri showed no respect to Anthony Wong at all.

"Where is Wang Yulou? Perhaps he's too afraid to come?"

As luck would have it, Wang Yulou was trying his hand at crafting a magical artifact this morning, which caused him to be late, and he happened to run into Yi Zou Ri making outrageous remarks.

"What's wrong with the sect these past few years? Why are there so many idiots? Who says I wouldn't dare to come?"

The sound grew louder as it approached, and Wang Yulou, pulling his beautiful concubine along, finally entered the main hall—even later than Yi Zou Ri.

It can be said that this wave of attacks by Wang Yulou was a combination of psychological and potential positional attacks, all aimed at challenging Yi Zouri.

"you"

"Oh? Senior Brother Zou Ri, I wasn't talking about you, why are you in such a hurry?"

"enough!"

It was Anthony Wong who spoke up, ending yet another pointless argument.

"I invited you here today to help you understand the meaning of unity within the sect, not to have you quarrel!"
Wang Yulou, you're a junior, how dare you speak like that! Quickly apologize to Senior Brother Zouri!

Today, all the leaders of the Red Lantern Sect who are still within the sect have gathered in the Sect Leader's Hall.

This is what the true people mean: things should come to a conclusion. At the same time, it is also necessary to emphasize the unity of the sect to the excited crowd.

Therefore, Lao Huang was not trying to suppress Wang Yulou.

An apology is a necessary step that was agreed upon during the discussion.

Without hesitation, Wang Yulou walked up to Yi Zouri, bowed respectfully, and said with a smile, "Release my wife."

"Brother Zou Ri, Yu Lou is ignorant and has offended you. Please forgive me."

Yi Zouri looked at Wang Yulou and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, words that sounded unlikely to be followed by anything nice.

"I forgive you"

"Go for it!" Zou Tianxing stopped Yi Zou Ri from firing.

That's enough. The sect still needs to support Mangxiang's Golden Core; this is something that cannot be avoided.

He shook his head slightly, unsure of what Yi Zouri was lamenting, perhaps expressing his disdain for Wang Yulou. In any case, he sneered.

"Okay, you need to be more sensible from now on."

You should grow up now, Wang Yulou.

You can't always rely on a real person to protect you, right?

Yi Zou Ri made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction, but ultimately he was forced to follow the advice of the true men above.

"Senior brother is right, Yulou will keep it in mind."

Wang Yulou, on the other hand, had a very good attitude.

In this round, the Candlelight Faction gained face, while the Wild Elephant Faction gained substance.

From the perspective of the Candlelight Sect, the Candlelight Immortal Venerable once again established the Red Lantern Sect's leadership position in the internal strife, and won.

From the perspective of the Mangxiang Sect, with two thousand Qi cultivators serving as oxen and horses, and Wang Yulou appointed as the front-line inspector, they won.

From the perspective of the Red Lantern Clan, the internal strife has been quelled, and everyone is united around the Purple Mansions and Golden Cores, striving for the continued greatness of the Red Lantern Clan and to win.

Note that it is to continue to be great, not to become great again. The Red Lights were great before, are great now, and will be great in the future. There is no need for them to be 'great again'.

Some might see Wang Yulou's bowing as a sign of humiliation, cowardice, or being bullied.

Actually, it's far from it.

This round of internal reconciliation within the Red Lanterns reflects the consensus among its many leaders and senior monks on internal governance. Despite the intense conflicts that had already erupted, no one (one of their own) became a casualty, thus reshaping the balance of interests.

This demonstrates the wisdom of the top leaders of the Red Light District governance system, who maintained a situation of struggle without breaking apart and prevented internal extremist infighting.

A win-win-win situation is not a joke, but a real governance outcome.

Wang Yulou was not wronged; what he gained was a status and benefits recognized by the sect.

In other words, if bowing one's head and apologizing once could bring such a reward, then Wang Yulou could stand in the Sect Leader's Hall with his head bowed until the day he becomes an immortal.

If we really have to name someone who has been wronged, it would probably be Yi Zou Ri.

He tried his best to stop Wang Yulou from bringing people back to the sect, but Wang Yulou predicted it in advance, and then he was weighed by the True Persons in the sect. The twists and turns made Yi Zouri feel extremely wronged.
-
Inside the main hall of the Mangxiang Dojo, Wang Yulou was asking his superiors for support.

“Master, look, I am now a steward of the Hall of Special Merits, a guardian cultivator of Xiangzhufang, a front-line inspector, and also an assistant to the ruler of Nanye Kingdom.”

"Such a heavy task, I'm afraid Yu Lou won't be able to handle it well by herself. Could you transfer ten people from within the sect to help me break through this barrier?"

Why has Mangxiang been so arrogant in the red-light district all these years?

Because he had made a 'terrifying' pledge, under which the many cultivators within the Red Lantern Sect had to temporarily avoid the brunt of Mang Xiang's attack.

Anyone who blocks the way will be suppressed by the military order issued by the tyrannical elephant.

Wang Yulou held four positions, which can be seen as a special pledge, which is why he dared to ask Xuan Zhuan for support.

"Ten people are too many. We need more people to fill the positions in the sect. How about this, I'll arrange five people for you, and also give you five transfer orders. You can pull anyone you want, as long as they're not too special."

Five transfer orders?

Wang Yulou was immediately overjoyed. As for what he meant by "not too special," Wang Yulou didn't ask; he understood perfectly well.

In short, he wouldn't do something as foolish as trying to transfer Yi Zouri to his own command and cause trouble.

"Master, can I transfer people from Drip Cave? Yingxi said that the situation at Drip Cave is special; they are only available by transfer, not by proclamation. What does that mean?"

Upon hearing Wang Yulou's question, Xuanzhuan was taken aback.

He hesitated for a moment, then another moment, until Wang Yulou, who was so anxious from his hesitation, finally spoke.

"Master failed five times in his attempts to obtain the Golden Elixir, and on the third and fourth attempts, he was determined to succeed each time."

As it turned out, the difference was only a few votes each time, which was most likely the work of people inside the Dripping Cave.

We speculate that the Water Immortal is completing the final transformation of his grotto-heaven, and therefore does not wish to see his master attain enlightenment at this time.

If we're transferring people, let's not consider Drip Cave; it's too much trouble.

Xuan Zhuan certainly didn't treat Wang Yulou as an outsider, and dared to reveal any information.

The third debate on the Golden Elixir, held after Li Haikuo attained enlightenment, saw 1,871 votes against 1,852, with Mangxiang losing. This was because one of the Immortal Venerables suddenly changed his mind, switching from supporting Mangxiang to opposing him.

In the fourth Golden Elixir debate, after Shenguang sided with the patriarch, the votes were 1,861 to 1,860, with Mangxiang losing. This time, Shenguang sided with Mangxiang, and the debate should have passed, but suddenly two votes were missing.
It can be said that these two votes on the Immortal Platform directly accelerated the preparations for the Immortal Alliance's civil war.

The great cultivators and immortals were not fools. Although they lived in their own celestial realms, they had an extremely strong grasp of information about the world. They did not believe that a civil war would break out immediately, but they all began to prepare for it without prior agreement.

Thus, the crisis of spirit stones, which affected the six states of the Immortal Alliance, gradually began.

At this moment, Wang Yulou once again realized the importance of information; true and crucial information was far more precious than gold.

"Master, if someone opens their Purple Mansion using ancient methods, is it possible to transform it into a new type of Grotto-Heaven Purple Mansion after it becomes a Purple Mansion?"

The matter of Drip Cave was too complicated, so Wang Yulou didn't dare to ask any further questions. Instead, he inquired about the secrets of the Purple Mansion.

"Of course you can, but don't think about that now, Yu Lou. Whether you can become a Purple Mansion doesn't depend on whether you have the methods for becoming a Purple Mansion. You understand."

If our faction cannot expand, then creating more new Purple Mansions will be meaningless. Alas, therefore, you must do your best on this journey!

Wang Yulou left with a heavy heart.

The quota for Purple Mansion is real, but the underlying principle is that resource allocation affects benefits, and the limited allocation of resources determines the number of places.

The claim that there are limited spots for opening the Purple Mansion is false. As long as one has the method to open the Purple Mansion, has enough good luck, or has enough strength, many Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators or those with supernatural powers protecting them have the opportunity to open the Purple Mansion.

Now, Wang Yulou has finally seen the full picture of the Purple Mansion quota, but this picture is still not entirely satisfactory to him.
-
Once Mingdu enters the inner circle of the Red Lantern Society, he will establish his foundation there.

Yingxi left the sect and began inspecting the four shops in the trading post office.

Wang Yulou also left with her. He was there to accompany Yingxi on her inspection of the trading houses, to take up his new post, and to use the people he brought to support Yingxi.

The transfer order from Xuanzhuan was given swiftly, but with most of the peripheral Foundation Establishment cultivators already on the front lines, Wang Yulou didn't have many options left.

He selected seven Foundation Establishment cultivators from Foundation Establishment families, two senior Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Red Lantern Sect, and one Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Gu family—the second elder of the Gu family.

"Old Gu, are you saying that the Second Elder of your Gu family is a title?"

Wang Yulou asked Gu Tongming, as he belonged to the "Tong" generation, he was the second highest in the Gu family's "sellable and upgradable generation system".

"Yes, the title of Grand Elder is also a job title. Those of the Qi generation are all Grand Elders, and those of the Tong generation are Second Elders."

Fellow Daoist Yuque also knows that our Gu family runs a teahouse. Having respectable titles and positions for our managers makes our customers feel valued.

"The world of cultivation is vast and full of wonders," Yingxi asked curiously.

"Are the Third Elder and the Fourth Elder next?"

Gu Tongming smiled awkwardly, not daring to say that Yingxi had guessed wrong, and simply said...

"Sometimes they call him, but most of the time, the manager of the Gu Family Teahouse starts as the second elder."

The rest of the people were all below the Foundation Establishment stage, so their names didn't matter.

Wang Yulou nodded thoughtfully, wondering if the Gu family had any information about the Heavenly Serpent Sect.

After leading the team to investigate around with Yingxi, Wang Yulou led everyone directly towards Xiangzhufang-Nanye Kingdom.

His current position is actually quite strange. Xiangzhufang is the southern section of the northern front, and Nanye Kingdom is the northern end of the central front. Wang Yulou's management scope covers the central and northern front.

The Hall of Special Merits has only just been set up, since the war has only been going on for a short time. How it will operate needs to be planned and coordinated by Wang Yulou.

As for the last one, the frontline inspector who was finally obtained from the sect, he had a more functional role, serving as an endorsement of Wang Yulou's mission on the front lines through the sect's authority.

That's why Wang Yulou obediently apologized to Yi Zouri.

This time, Yulou is completely won.

Two thousand Qi Refining Points—I won't say more; those who understand, understand.

Each of these positions serves as a link connecting the camaraderie among the cultivators of the sect.

Of course, there are also troubles, such as the assistant to the ruler of Nan Ye Kingdom.

The patriarch of the Southern Ye Kingdom, Nan Ye Ke, was a Grand Master of the Purple Mansion. He was unwilling to let his people become expendable resources for the Red Lanterns. As a result, the Xuanzhuan Sect sent Wang Yulou to capture people from the Southern Ye Kingdom and the Southern Ye family to fill in the gaps.
As the front lines drew closer, Wang Yulou realized that his biggest challenge this time would likely lie in the Southern Ye Kingdom.

(End of this chapter)