Shangyuque

Chapter 173 Wild Elephant, Wild Elephant, perhaps, only when I cross this mountain of yours will I truly attain enlightenment.

When Cui Baihao held a steamed bun and ate it while shivering in the trenches on the front lines.

He then realized that Wang Yuque's kindness was not kindness at all.

From beginning to end, Wang Yulou gave them nothing; he simply sent them from the front lines of the Western Sea to the front lines of the great battle between the two sects.

"Keep eating! The snake demon is coming!"

The Red Lantern Inner Sect disciple, who was at the peak of Qi Refining, cursed as he slapped the steamed bun out of Cui Baihao's hand.

"Idiot! Get to the top! If the formation breaks, we'll all die!"

Without delay, Cui Bai, along with the three Qi Refining cultivators in his team who were still alive, stood at the array node.

There are many ways to set up an array. The most basic and simple array can even be set up without any spiritual materials, relying solely on the natural landscape. However, this process requires the cultivator's mana.

Of course, this formation is also very weak.

Better formations have a base, on which are listed the nodes that make up the formation. Cui Baihao and the others are tasked with acting as nodes.

Using spirit stones or high-grade spirit stones as nodes is certainly possible, but spirit stones are too expensive. Compared to spirit stones, human life is worth less.

In any case, all it takes to transfer a Qi Refining cultivator to the front lines is a transfer order from Hong Dengzhao.

Sometimes, even the Red Lantern Guard's orders aren't needed. As long as the Red Lantern Guard opens up opportunities for inner disciples to advance, there will be rogue cultivators eager to go further who will volunteer to fill the gaps at the front lines.

There were already two Qi Refining cultivators standing at this array node, and now with Cui Baihao and his group of four arriving, the node's support capacity has been further enhanced.

However, their defensive node was the main target of the Heavenly Serpent Sect's all-out attack. Even though the numerous Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators within the formation had done their best to resist, they still couldn't stop them.

After killing more than a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Heavenly Serpent Sect, the formation broke.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sky were engaged in a battle of magic, and that old bastard Cui Baihao completely disregarded the sect's rules and regulations, turning tail and running away immediately.

He used all sorts of talismans and secret techniques recklessly, and with a speed faster than his colleagues, he actually rose to the top among all the Qi cultivators.

However, although the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Heavenly Serpent Sect were held up by the mission of pursuing and eliminating the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Red Lantern Sect, dealing with a Qi Refining cultivator who wanted to escape was still quite easy.

It's unclear which Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Heavenly Serpent Sect was controlling the flying shuttle, but in a single strike, it severely injured Cui Baihao.

However, although the Red Tree Sect is small and has not produced any Foundation Establishment cultivators for many years, its ancestors were, after all, a minor Foundation Establishment sect.

Wunan's long-term stability makes it relatively easy for lower-level cultivators to obtain some less-than-high-level treasures, even though it's difficult for them to advance.

After the sect disbanded, Old Cui took all the sect's treasures and inheritances for himself.

He activated a powerful magical talisman crafted by a seasoned Foundation Establishment cultivator, and despite his near-death injuries, managed to cover seven or eight miles in just over ten breaths.

The war between the Red Lantern Sect and the Heavenly Serpent Sect was extremely unique. Ultimately, it was because there were too many cultivators in Wunan. Both sides had managed their front lines like an ironclad fortress.

Although the Heavenly Serpent Sect's all-out attack was fierce, given the speed of Foundation Establishment cultivators, the Heavenly Serpent Sect could only seize a fleeting opportunity.

Cui Baihao fled swiftly and happened to run into the Red Lanterns' reinforcements, thus saving his life.

After listening to Cui Baihao's account, Wang Yulou's face remained frighteningly cold, and he pressed for further questions.

"Are you sure you saw a white meerkat that ate Wang Rongyuan?"

Despite the heavy losses at the front, Yan Keyi remained calm. He even had the leisure to stay and guard the pass, watching Wang Yulou suffer a setback.

However, since he was from the same clan and faction as the Wang family, he couldn't remain silent.

"Don't rush, explain clearly, say whatever you want to say. Fellow Daoist Yuque wants to know the most truthful situation, so you can't just say anything."

Yan Keyi emphasized from the side.

Under the pressure from the two prominent Foundation Establishment cultivators, Cui Baihao shrank back in fear and gritted his teeth.

"I'm not sure if it's white. It looked white at first, but when it ate Senior Rongyuan, the meerkats turned red."

However, Wang Yulou didn't care about the color at all.

"So, you can confirm that the great demon is the meerkat demon?"

Cui Bai was puzzled, but after thinking for a moment, he said with considerable confidence.

"Senior, Baihao has been in the Western Sea for several years, and I can naturally distinguish the meerkats in the Western Sea."

That great meerkat was no different from the meerkats of the Western Sea, except that it traveled with the cultivators of the Heavenly Serpent Sect instead of its own meerkat kin.

Yan Keyi also realized the seriousness of the problem.

The Heavenly Serpent Sect may have recruited a lot of outside help from the Western Sea!

This is not surprising. Even a lion needs to go all out to hunt a rabbit. The war has already begun, and neither side wants to lose. So, they will show their skills and use all their means.
Colluding with forces outside the realm is not a major crime, and given the status of the Heavenly Serpent, it is impossible for it to commit a major crime within the Immortal Alliance system.

The Celestial Platform, jointly governed by the Immortal Venerables, cannot control the Heavenly Serpent, who has a large number of subordinates.

"Go and take good care of your injury."

Wang Yulou remained silent for a long time before finally waving his hand, telling Cui Baihao to get lost.

Old Cui wanted to ask if he could be given some reward, but he didn't dare to ask because Yan Keyi was present.

As a cultivator who once served as the sect leader, Old Cui has a thorough understanding of the complexities of the cultivation world.

"Fellow Daoist Yuque, please accept my condolences. Your most important task right now is to build up the Hall of Special Merit. The soldiers on the front lines have shed their blood for the sect, and we cannot let them shed tears any further."

I know you may not be able to accept this reality right now, but even the moon has its phases, let alone us lowly cultivators.

Yan Keyi tried to comfort Yulou with emotion, but Yulou just smiled and said...

"Senior Brother Ke Yi, you flatter me. Yu Lou is worried because the Heavenly Serpent Sect brought in the Western Sea Demon Clan to help in the battle."

As for Wang Rongyuan, ha, he's just an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Wang family, nothing special.

To die for the patriarch's war is an honor for the son of the Wang family; it is what he should do.

Even with Lao Yan's despicable level of understanding, he was disgusted by Wang Yulou's nauseating statement.

You're not human!

Your own uncle died, and you didn't mention it at all, only saying that you were concerned about the Western Sea Demon Clan joining the Heavenly Serpent Sect.

Wang Yulou's cultivation path is crystal clear to those who are interested.

Yan Keyi actually knew everything about him, from his initial entry into Qingxifang to his actions in Dishuidong.

He certainly knew that Wang Rongyuan was the one who guided Wang Yulou into the Dao, but the specifics of their relationship were hard to say.

However, Wang Yulou's statement made Yan Keyi think that this Wang family son might be a bone-melting dragon.

Even if Wang Yulou was an actor, his cold-blooded portrayal suggests that deep down, he might not be someone who values ​​the Wang family; rather, his desire for enlightenment might be the dominant factor.

"Yes, sometimes I also wish I could put on my armor and charge into the depths of the Heavenly Serpent Sect."

But now that I'm in charge of the central line, many things are no longer up to me. If I disappear, the central line will be in chaos. Sigh, I'm not free.

But how should we report this to the sect? Or should we...?

Wang Yulou shook his head and emphasized.

"Senior brother, you are in charge of the central line, so you can handle the reporting. I won't get involved much."

He pointed at An Hening and assigned the task in front of Yan Keyi.

"Let him serve as the steward and assistant of the Central Line Special Merit Hall. He will be responsible for the recognition of the Central Line's battle merits and achievements. I hope that you can take care of him."

Establishing reward measures as soon as possible will also motivate cultivators on the front lines and improve their execution capabilities.

Having obtained such great power, An Hening trembled all over. He wanted to laugh out loud, but he was also worried about Wang Yulou, who had just lost his uncle and was holding back his laughter.

In the end, his entire face turned bright red.

"He Ning will certainly live up to Fellow Daoist Yu Que's trust!"

Looking at An Hening kneeling on the ground, Wang Yulou felt somewhat dazed.

Yulou will certainly live up to Rongyuan Shu's trust!
He was thirteen years old that year. After parting ways with Wang Rongyuan in Qingxifang, they never spent much time together again.

Years have passed, but now we are separated by death.

For once, Wang Yulou couldn't control his heart.

A flame rose, burned, expanded, and exploded dully in my chest.

Silent, yet like a thunderclap, it shattered the fog before Wang Yulou's eyes.

His ambition was growing, and for the first time, he began to think about how to face that person—no, he might no longer be human.

However, Wang Yulou remained calm and left peacefully.

He possessed a heart churning with turbulent emotions, yet his face remained as calm as a still lake—this too was a testament to his cultivation.

I can't vent my emotions, I can't even be angry.

You have to be obedient enough to survive.

When Wang Yulou's cultivation level was at the Qi Refining stage, he was thinking about how he could potentially become a Purple Mansion cultivator.

Now that the Mangxiang War has stirred up the winds of war in Wunan, and with the Mangxiang's success in achieving the Golden Core becoming increasingly clear, the opportunity for Wang Yulou, a prodigy of the Mangxiang lineage, to reach the Purple Mansion is no longer a major problem.

A new problem was presented to Wang Yulou.

Cultivating immortality could allow him to gradually reach a realm where no one would see it as a price to pay, but as long as he continued to follow Mang Xiang, he would forever remain subordinate to Mang Xiang.

How can we surpass the wild elephant?

Wang Yulou currently has no clear direction.

However, he already had a clear goal.

Wild elephant, wild elephant, perhaps, only when I cross your mountain will I truly attain enlightenment.
-
"To arouse their desire, we must create some typical representatives."

For example, a legendary rogue cultivator rose to the pinnacle of life by making meritorious contributions on the battlefield, becoming a prominent figure within the Red Lantern Gang and changing his own destiny.

Spreading such stories will attract independent cultivators to the front lines.

The two senior Foundation Establishment cultivators who accompanied Wang Yulou to his new post have already received their positions, and Gu Tongming also needs to find a position for himself.

Therefore, on the way to Nan Ye Kingdom with Wang Yulou, Lao Gu took the initiative to propose a publicity plan.

Actually, his plan is quite interesting.

Fabricating stories, manipulating public opinion, and deceiving ignorant low-level cultivators—this kind of work perfectly matches the Gu family's channels for buying and selling intelligence.

Wang Yulou could naturally understand Gu Tongming's approach. Old Gu's suggestion, from the perspective of the Red Lanterns' interests, was excellent advice.

However, the interests of the sect and Wang Yulou's interests are two different things.

"These matters don't seem to fall within my jurisdiction, do they?"

Wang Yulou already holds many prestigious positions. With the affairs of Nan Ye Kingdom and the Special Merit Hall still unresolved, Wang Yulou is unwilling to seize power from others, as that would make enemies.

“Ah, Fellow Daoist Yuque, you are mistaken. Now that you are the Red Lantern Frontline Inspector, you are naturally able to make a suggestion to the sect.”

Moreover, with multiple positions at your disposal, you should, like Yan Keyi, establish your own palace in the rear of the front lines, thereby mobilizing resources from the center.

I think it would be best to open it in the Southern Ye Kingdom and name it Jade Palace. What do you think?

Old Gu was very attentive. In his opinion, although Wang Yulou was a scoundrel, he was really generous when it came to sharing power.

If Wang Yulou's power could be expanded, Old Gu could also gain more power from Wang Yulou.

Take An Hening as an example. Old An has now risen to the top in one step and obtained the management rights of the central line of the Special Merit Hall. He has jumped two levels from being a nobody to being ahead of most of the true disciples of the Red Lanterns.

This change in status cannot help them achieve the Purple Mansion realm, nor can it help them improve their cultivation level, but it can definitely enhance the influence of the appointed person.

Influence can be monetized, and the resources that are monetized can be freely disposed of.

With Wang Yulou's power growing, he needed someone to hold it on his behalf. Old Gu held it on his behalf, which allowed him to engage in rent-seeking. If he succeeded in rent-seeking, even if he only took 30% of the spirit stones he earned, he could still get his stupid son to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Serving the sect and fellow practitioners is certainly important, but helping one's own son is also very important.

Cultivators, well, they're not immortals; they each have their own agendas, which is perfectly normal.

"Let's forget about Jade Palace. 'Que' means palace, so let's go with Jade Palace. It'll make it clearer that the order was issued by me during the communication process."

However, I have no plan yet on how to persuade Master Nan Ye. It's difficult.

Wang Yulou shook his head, using the difficulties of the Southern Ye Kingdom to avoid Gu Tongming's suggestion.

The situation in Nan Ye Kingdom is indeed difficult to handle.

Many things cannot be resolved simply by him standing there and saying, "I am a reckless young general."

The Southern Ye Kingdom is located at the border of the two sects and has business dealings with the Heavenly Serpent Sect. By not getting involved, it is in their interest to intervene.

If the Southern Ye Kingdom and Southern Ye Ke are truly forced into the Heavenly Serpent Sect, the founder might be the first to deal with Wang Yulou.

His attempt to impress others with the elephant in the Dripping Cave was effective because the level of interests involved wasn't high enough at the time.

In the Western Sea, the name "Wild Elephant" isn't so useful.

Later, the Great Purge in the Western Sea was also carried out by Mang Xiang in collaboration with Qing Rui. Most of the disciples of Shen Guang were killed by Meng Bai and his men, and it had nothing to do with Wang Yulou.

After returning to the sect, Yi Zouri jumped out and interfered, almost ruining Wang Yulou's grand plan.

The Heavenly Serpent Sect and the Red Lanterns are local powers within the Immortal Alliance, while the Southern Leaf Kingdom is a local power within the Red Lanterns. It's normal that the Southern Leaf Kingdom is unwilling to exert much effort to help the Red Lanterns fill in the gaps.

"If the Nan Ye family is unwilling to send their own direct descendants, then let the independent cultivators from the Nan Ye Kingdom go. In any case, as long as you send people to the front line, the mission will be accomplished."

"Once most of the rogue cultivators in Nan Ye Kingdom are dead, the situation inside the Red Lantern Sect will likely be similar. What to do then will be beyond your consideration." Gu Tongming, not afraid of having a son without an anus, immediately offered a completely unscrupulous suggestion.

If we can't collect donations from the wealthy, we'll start by collecting from the poor!

The pressure is shifted; the Mangxiang oppresses the Nan Ye Kingdom, and the Nan Ye family oppresses the lower-level cultivators within the Nan Ye Kingdom. It's reasonable, but extremely ruthless.

However, Gu Tongming's advice was still useful; he at least helped Wang Yulou avoid a wrong direction in solving the problem.

"If you talk like this, Nan Ye Ba Shi San will say that the rogue cultivators of Nan Ye Kingdom are weak and useless on the battlefield. You can retreat one step, two steps, three steps, but I can't."

The patriarch entrusted this task to me, and I, Wang Yulou, will complete it even if it means my death!

Numbly closing his eyes, Wang Yulou made a resolute statement to Mangxiang, who was now deep within the Western Sea.

He didn't know that Mangxiang was in the Western Sea, but he still had to treat loyalty as a daily routine and perform to the best of his ability.

Sometimes, Wang Yulou felt like he was living a joke.

But sometimes, he firmly believes that this is also a form of spiritual practice.

Without cultivating great patience, how could one possibly traverse the arduous path of climbing mountains of knives and seas of fire?

impossible.

"You mean...?" Gu Tongming wasn't sure if he understood what Wang Yulou meant.

Wang Yulou raised his arm, looked at his jade-like hand, and calmly spoke.

"Well, I am, after all, the assistant to the ruler of Nan Ye Kingdom appointed by the sect. If Nan Ye 83 really refuses to send anyone, I will personally make the arrest."

In the Western Sea, he was unwilling to have his hands stained with blood, yet he still did.

His hands did not belong to him, nor did he belong entirely to himself; he was a disciple of the elephant.

Wang Rongyuan's death served as a reminder to Wang Yulou.

The kindness of the ancestor must be repaid. There are currently three heads of the Wang family: Wang Jingyi, Wang Xianmao, and Wang Yulou.

None of the three of them could back down. If they did, it would not only implicate themselves, but also tens of thousands of members of the Wang clan (including the mortal members of the Wang clan).

Being neglected, marginalized, weakened, unable to protect interests, and torn apart by wolves—this is not an exaggeration.

"If it can be discussed, it would be best to discuss it."

Gu Tongming was speechless. He hadn't expected that Wang Yulou would ultimately choose the most brainless, simplest, and most stupid approach.
-
South Leaf Country.

In the heart of the bustling capital city stands a magnificent palace complex.

The palace was not an ordinary palace, but a celestial palace, and it was guarded by many cultivators.

Riding his black dragon horse, Wang Yulou landed in the very center of the Immortal Palace. He paid no attention to the hostile gazes of the cultivators from the Southern Ye Kingdom. His Wan Ye Yong Ming robe was the best pass for him.

As for hostility, there's even less to worry about.

Wang Yulou, like a grim reaper, walked into the home of this family in Nan Ye Kingdom. How could the cultivators of Nan Ye Kingdom not be hostile to him?
Amidst the hostility of numerous cultivators, the great demon Black Dragon Horse even sensed a long-lost fighting spirit.

It strutted around with its head held high, even deliberately exuding the aura of a great demon, which startled the cultivators of Nan Ye Kingdom—they thought Wang Yulou was about to make a move.

"You must be Yulou?"

Nan Ye 83 finally couldn't sit still any longer. Wang Yulou really didn't treat himself as an outsider. He dragged more than a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators for a stroll in the Immortal King Palace of Nan Ye Kingdom, making it seem as if he was the master of this place.

Looking at Nan Ye Bashisan, who stood in mid-air, his clothes fluttering, his face as bright as the morning star, and his extraordinary demeanor, Wang Yulou didn't say a word.

"Chi~"

The black dragon horse snorted, seemingly expressing its fearlessness.

"Fellow Daoist Yuque has come here to discuss with the King the matter of sending people to the front lines to provide assistance, hahahaha."

Gu Tongming finally understood what Wang Yulou meant. Only then did he realize that he probably wouldn't have a chance to open his Purple Mansion in this lifetime.

How could Deng, who's only in his thirties, dare to do that?

"Fellow Daoist Yuque?"

Nan Ye repeated the title with amusement, but a sense of unease crept into his heart. Was this Wang Yulou some kind of idiot?

In fact, the way many of his fellow members of the Red Lantern Gang referred to Wang Yulou was quite interesting.

The first person to call out "Jade Palace" is no longer known.

However, most people with higher cultivation levels than Wang Yulou would tacitly address him as Fellow Daoist Yuque, rather than Junior Brother Yuque or Junior Brother Yulou—You Yuan almost scared himself to death when he called out.

This form of address demonstrates full respect and is an extremely clever way of addressing someone.

In fact, this was a situation that Wang Yulou intentionally created: a person's name becomes a tree's shadow.

The taller the tree, the taller its shadow; the higher a person's reputation, the higher their status—it's the same principle.

"Your Majesty, our Southern Ye Kingdom needs to send three hundred Qi Refining cultivators and twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators to the front lines. This is the will of our ancestor."

Wang Yulou rode arrogantly on his powerful black horse. His voice was not loud, but it had a deterrent effect that silenced everyone present.

Three hundred Qi Refining cultivators and twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators were mobilized, roughly one-third of the core personnel of the Southern Ye Kingdom (those at the Qi Refining stage must be mid-to-high level).

Such a large-scale mobilization was terrifying, even at the time of the two major wars.

To put it simply, if they conscript twice, the Southern Ye Kingdom will be finished—the people's hearts will be scattered.

The reason for following the Southern Ye Kingdom is to cultivate immortality. If the penalties are too harsh, the cultivators of the Southern Ye Kingdom will run away.

Miaofeng Mountain was once a prime example.

Before Lao Li opened his Purple Mansion, he repeatedly exploited Miaofeng Mountain, squeezing even the smallest bit of profit. He forced the Qi Refining cultivators of Miaofeng Mountain to become Tribulation Cultivators, and one of them even ended up on Wang Rongyuan's head.

Under such ruthless exploitation, many Qi Refining disciples of Miaofeng Mountain left the sect. As a result, after the Valley God Sect started the war, they fought all the way to the gates of Miaofeng Mountain.

"Impossible, there are too many. At most fifty people, forty-nine of them are Qi Refining cultivators and one is Foundation Establishment cultivator!"

Nan Ye Bashisan answered loudly, his voice so loud that it instantly spread throughout the Immortal King Palace.

His firm stance eased the anxieties of the many cultivators inside and outside the Immortal King's Palace of the Southern Ye Kingdom.

If given a choice, no one would want to go to the front lines—they'd die!

"Nan Ye, eighty-three, by the Immortal Venerable's decree, you dare to bargain?"

Wang Yulou's strategy was to apply maximum pressure, so he wasn't going to give in easily. He directly brought out the Mangxiang.

The great war was started by Mang Xiang. Wang Yulou came to Nan Ye Kingdom to recruit people to work for Mang Xiang. Using Mang Xiang's name was not a big problem.

Nan Ye remained silent for a moment; he was also afraid.

Nan Yeke ultimately remained silent. Having not received the ancestor's command, the King of Nan Ye looked down at Wang Yulou and said...

Where is the imperial edict?

You can't just say it's an imperial edict from the Celestial Venerable, Wang Yulou, and that's it?

There is no such logic in the world.

If things could be handled so simply, then Wang Yulou's every word would be the golden rule, and how would anyone else survive?
Bullshit!

Wang Yulou controlled the black dragon horse to fly into the air, looking down at the capital of Nan Ye Kingdom, and used his magic to threaten.

"The Southern Ye Kingdom has long maintained relations with the Heavenly Serpent Sect, but now that the two sects are engaged in a great war, not a single person is willing to be sent to the front lines."

The Immortal Venerable understands your thoughts. My coming here to recruit you is your last chance.

It's either the Red Lights or the Heavenly Serpent Sect; there's no room to stand in the middle or sit on the fence.

If the Southern Ye Kingdom harbors any rebellious intentions, the entire nation will be burned to ashes in the flames of a red candle.

Hearing Wang Yulou's harsh words, Nan Ye Bashisan was dumbfounded.

He didn't understand at all how things had gotten to this point.

You exploded after just three sentences, isn't that inappropriate?

Shouldn't we talk it out, negotiate a bit, and then find a compromise?

Is it really necessary to risk your life like this?
If you threaten us like this, what if we actually betray the Red Lanterns? You'll be dead meat!
Wang Yulou might die, but he had no way out.

It's either done well or it's done terribly.

The Immortal Venerable has no shortage of geniuses under his command. When employing people, the Immortal Venerable only uses those who are most capable and can extract the most benefits for him.

However, the rare rewards that the Immortal Venerable is truly willing to give to his subordinates are inevitably very few.

In this competitive mechanism, not being good enough is equivalent to failure.

"Wang Yulou, what do you mean?" Nan Ye Bashisan asked angrily.

"What else could it mean? Gambling with one's life," Gu Tongming thought to himself. For the first time, even the way he looked at Wang Yulou held a hint of awe.

Wang Yuque's actions not only forced others to back down, but also drove himself into a dead end.

If Nan Yeke does not acknowledge it, Wang Yulou's performance will cause him to completely lose the initiative in the negotiations to help the Red Lanterns in Nan Ye Kingdom.

Maximum pressure works well, but once the balancing string breaks, the cost will be high.

Threatening your opponent to kill them is a different matter from actual combat.

Wang Yulou's eyes were filled with coldness as he spoke in a chilling tone.

"Either obey or die, Senior Nan Yeke, do you also want your fate to be in your own hands, not in the hands of heaven?"

The pent-up anger that had been simmering in his chest, with nowhere to go, was finally released.

It leaked onto the head of the Southern Ye Kingdom, and onto the head of the Southern Ye Ke.

I can't shout 'My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens'; I have to be patient and play the submissive role.

What gives you, Nan Yeke, the right to stand in the middle and sit on the fence?
Do you deserve it?
What gives you the right to pretend to be carefree, Nan Yeke?

What, you think your fate is in your own hands, not in the hands of heaven?

After applying extreme pressure, Nan Yeke finally couldn't hold on any longer.

Above the Immortal King's Palace, a dark and deep gate to heaven and earth appeared, and Nan Ye Ke, the founder of the Southern Ye Kingdom, revealed his figure from it.

This Grand Master of the Purple Mansion looked to be around forty or fifty years old. He was dressed in plain purple robes, and his white hair was simply tied back, giving him the appearance of a hermit in the mountains.

"Ancestor!"

"Lord of the country!"

"Immortal King!"

Upon seeing this legendary being appear, the cultivators of Nan Ye Kingdom all knelt down to pay their respects.

Upon hearing the name of the Immortal King, Wang Yulou was enlightened and immediately questioned him.

"Senior Nan Yeke, a Golden Core cultivator of the Immortal Alliance, is revered as an Immortal Venerable."

You've proclaimed yourself Immortal King. What, do you want to be the king among the Immortal Venerables?
Do you really want me to have my fate in my own hands, not in the hands of heaven?

Having applied the maximum pressure to this point, Wang Yulou truly had no way to back down.

To retreat means to abandon all previous efforts!
As for whether the falling out between Nan Yeke and Mang Xiang will cause trouble for Mang Xiang...
Wang Yulou wasn't too worried. If the patriarch couldn't even handle Nan Yeke, how could he possibly attain the Golden Elixir?
Moreover, forcing the Southern Ye Kingdom to join the war is also extremely important. After all, the Southern Ye Kingdom is a vassal of the Red Lantern Sect. It has been standing by and watching for a long time. Will the other Purple Mansion Sects within the sect have ulterior motives?

Drip Cave obeys orders but not summons, but it is a sect with many Purple Mansions and Immortal Venerables in charge. Can the Southern Ye Kingdom compare with Drip Cave?

Seeing that Wang Yulou dared to treat the Grand Master of the Purple Mansion in such a way, the Black Dragon Horse trembled, and for the first time, it had the thought of returning to the Western Sea.

Are all cultivators within the Immortal Alliance tearing each other apart like this?

So cruel!

You, Wang Yulou, are merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. What gives you the right to humiliate a Grandmaster of the Purple Mansion in front of him?
In reality, the situation is far more complex than that.

Wang Yulou is now the core pillar of the Mangxiang lineage, and he must fight for the interests of the Mangxiang lineage.

Wang Yulou didn't understand why the patriarch started the war.

But once the war starts, he can't afford to lose; he understands that.

If they lose, Mangxiang's path to enlightenment will suffer a huge blow, and the Wang family will also be affected.

Judging from the huge waves stirred up by the Mangxiang, if this giant ship of Mangxiang were to capsize, the Wang clan might even be wiped out!
With such a huge stake in the matter, how could Wang Yulou dare not risk his life?
From Xiangzhufang to Zhongxianzhenshouguan to Nanyeguo, Wang Yulou's journey was all dedicated to the Red Lanterns' war effort.

Xuan Zhuan arranged so many foundation-building aids for him, probably hoping that Wang Yulou could play a certain role.

Applying maximum pressure is the strategy that Wang Yulou chose after weighing various options, as it offered the best chance of maximizing his gains.

Of course there are risks, but if you don't take risks and only seek stability, you'll end up only getting leftovers at the victory celebration, or you might not even get to enjoy the celebration at all.

Upon hearing that Wang Yulou still chose to humiliate the ancestor after he came out, Nan Ye Bashisan directly asked for instructions via telepathy.

'Ancestor, this brat has gone too far! I, Little Eighty-Three, will kill him for you. I will bear the consequences myself!'

With Zi Fu's strength, it would be as easy for Nan Ye Ke to crush Wang Yu Lou as to crush an ant.

However, Zifu's intervention had a huge impact. Wang Yulou's presence at the front line, despite holding so many positions, indicated that he was a key pawn for Mangxiang.

Even if Nan Yeke had a reason, he wouldn't dare to deal with such a pawn easily.

Putting everything else aside, Nan Yeke was aware of the incident where Mangxiang attacked the Heavenly Serpent Sect; he knew all too well how strong Mangxiang was.

'Utterly foolish. As long as he's still on the front lines, he has the opportunity to have the Heavenly Serpent Sect members kill him.'

After secretly arranging the task of eliminating Wang Yulou, Nan Yeke calmly spoke, his tone devoid of emotion, only showing the tranquility that comes from having seen all the world's affairs.

“Wang Yulou, I know you, and I also know Mangxiang.”

I'll take your words as just something you said out of youthful ignorance and nonsense.

As a vassal state of the Red Lantern Sect, the Southern Ye Kingdom should naturally send representatives to participate in the great war between the two sects and support the sect.

However, three hundred Qi Refining and twenty Foundation Establishment are too many.

How about sending two hundred Qi Refining cultivators and twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators?

Nan Yeke completely ignored the accusations Wang Yulou had leveled against him. He had also been quick to label others before, and he understood very well what someone like Wang Yulou, a young man full of ambition and reckless drive, was thinking.

Therefore, Nan Yeke directly stated his conditions.

Wang Yulou dismissed the notion of youthful ignorance as utter nonsense; the important thing was that the strategy of applying maximum pressure had finally taken effect.

Gu Tongming's strategy of plundering rogue cultivators was utter nonsense. Compromise would only appear cowardly when facing a local power like the Southern Ye Kingdom, which was a stronghold within a sect.

“Master, the Southern Ye Kingdom has no shortage of Qi Refining cultivators. How about this, send another hundred independent Qi Refining cultivators. Independent cultivators will suffice.”

Nan Yeke stared at Wang Yulou for quite a while, but Wang Yulou remained remarkably calm. If the black dragon horse hadn't already finished urinating, Wang Yulou's composure would probably have been even more extraordinary.

Finally, Nan Yeke withdrew his gaze from Wang Yulou and retreated back into his own grotto, leaving only one sentence floating above the Immortal King Palace.

"it is good!"

The founder of the Southern Ye Kingdom was ultimately afraid.

Old Zhou is dead, Shenguang bows his head, the massacre begins in Tian She Valley, and the two sects wage war.

Before the wild elephant had even achieved its golden elixir, it had already caused chaos and unrest in the northwest corner of Wunan.

If Mang Xiang truly achieves the Golden Core, and the Southern Ye Kingdom does not assist in the war today, it may be held accountable in the future.

Nan Yeke didn't care whether his disciples and clansmen in Nan Ye Kingdom would die; what he feared was that he himself would be dragged into the mess by Mang Xiang.
Joining the Heavenly Serpent Sect is certainly an option, but if one joins the Heavenly Serpent Sect, the Southern Ye Kingdom will instantly become the focus of the front line. It would be better to just send people to assist the Red Lanterns in the battle.

Why did Wang Yulou dare to apply extreme pressure?

Because this strategy does indeed have a high probability of success.

Faced with the extreme pressure from the Mangxiang Sect, the Southern Ye Kingdom either had to join the Heavenly Serpent Sect and become expendable resources on the front lines of the great war, or send people to assist the Red Lanterns.

It's actually quite easy to choose, isn't it?
Of course, Wang Yulou would not take credit for forcing Nan Yeke to submit.

The reason why the extreme pressure worked was because the raging elephant was powerful, not because Wang Yulou was powerful. Wang Yulou was very clear about this.

Thinking of this, a shadow fell over Wang Yulou's heart.

He can't be a lackey for the elephant forever.

But how can we overcome the mountain of our ancestral master?

Difficult, difficult, difficult, more than just difficult
However, such things are too far off, and Wang Yulou will not be affected by such distant fears. He looked at Nan Ye Eighty-Three and said.

"Your Majesty, I am now also the Assistant to the King of Nan Ye. Could you please arrange a palace for me within the Immortal King's Palace?"

One of Gu Tongming's suggestions was very correct.

Wang Yulou now carries a heavy responsibility; he needs to establish a small system centered around himself to coordinate related matters.

The center line is Yan Keyi's territory, so it's inappropriate.

Located in the northern section of the southern front of the two major wars, Nan Ye Kingdom is a good choice as it can both radiate outwards from the central front and receive assistance from Ancestor Jingyi.

"Unfortunately, the Immortal King's Palace is full. How about this, I'll send someone to build you a new palace outside the city, what do you say?"

How could Nan Ye Bashisan possibly keep someone as domineering as Wang Yulou by his side? He immediately turned the tables on him, but he also gave him face by offering an alternative plan.

Living outside the city would be a good way to prevent cultivators from the Heavenly Serpent Sect from sneaking over and killing Wang Yulou, so that the Southern Ye Kingdom could explain themselves to the Red Lanterns.

This is the price Wang Yulou paid for participating in such a power struggle.

The greater the stakes in a game, the more fatal the spillover risks become. From this perspective, Xuan Zhuan was indeed good to Wang Yulou. Many of his suggestions were genuinely made from the perspective of Wang Yulou's best interests.

“Okay, Tongming. I need to go to the southern border to visit my senior brother Lingxiu. You stay in Nanye Kingdom and be responsible for helping the king select cultivators to be sent to the front lines.”

Gu Tongming never expected that he would only receive such a task in the end. He felt bitter inside, but he could only respectfully accept the order.

Wang Yulou then looked at Nan Ye Eighty-Three and said.

"Your Majesty, I hope you can send the Nan Ye Kingdom's aiding cultivators to the front lines as soon as possible. The Heavenly Serpent Sect is launching a full-scale attack on the central front, and the losses there are considerable."

Well done! It would be best to wipe out all of you Red Lantern gang members!
"understood."

Nan Ye Bashisan had a businesslike demeanor, showing no respect for Wang Yulou whatsoever.

Wang Yulou didn't care and rode his black dragon horse towards the southern garrison pass.
-
The meeting with Pi Lingxiu was nothing more than a matter concerning the Hall of Special Merits, and it ended quickly.

However, Wang Yulou came here mainly to see Ancestor Jingyi.

More than two years have passed since we parted ways in the Western Sea.

At that time, under Mang Xiang's arrangement, Wang Yulou held onto hope amidst hardship.

Today, the situation is completely different. The crisis of the past has paved the way for Wang Yulou's rise to become a new legend in the Western Sea.

However, Ancestor Jingyi is still Ancestor Jingyi. In front of her, Wang Yulou would never dare to call her Senior Sister.

"You shouldn't have been so reckless!"

After listening to Wang Yulou's account, Ancestor Jingyi said with deep concern.

“I understand your thoughts, but those things are far too far away. Once I achieve the Purple Mansion realm, no matter how much trouble you cause, I can protect you.”

Wang Yulou immediately realized the key point. He raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Speaking of which, I've traveled around the front lines, but I've never actually been there. Ancestor, I wonder if you could take me there to see?"

"What are you going to the front lines for? It's dangerous there."

Jingyi, the old ancestor, was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, so she didn't think much of Wang Yulou's request. However, halfway through her speech, she noticed Wang Yulou's hand.

Wang's secret finger gestures indicated that something was wrong.

Although she didn't notice anything amiss, Ancestor Jingyi still decided to trust Wang Yulou.

She changed the subject and said...

“It’s dangerous there, and you shouldn’t be allowed to go, but now that you’ve reached the Foundation Establishment stage, it’s good for you to broaden your horizons.”

It's not as bad as just bones exposed in the wilderness, nor is it as bad as a thousand miles without a rooster crowing. The front line sounds terrifying, but it's not that terrifying.

The wars of cultivators are not wars of mortals. There are no large armies of thousands charging into battle. This is partly because the number of soldiers is small, and partly because Wunan has not seen a major war for a long time.

In short, the front line was a scene of bright and beautiful spring weather, but Wang Yulou pointed to the trees in the forest and introduced them to Ancestor Jingyi.

"I recently read a book about trees and learned a lot from it."

Look, this forest isn't a good forest at all; it has a lot of ancient trees.

Having many ancient trees is not a good thing. They have lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years, their branches blocking the sunlight and their roots draining the nutrients.

As a result, it becomes extremely difficult for new trees to grow.

Wang Jingyi nodded thoughtfully, saying nothing more, and waited for Wang Yulou to continue.

"However, there are still ways to grow up."

The first type is this: Look, this tree is lucky. The ancient tree next to it was struck by lightning and died, but heaven and earth favored it, and it got sunlight.

The second one, that tree
The seventh type is the slowest-growing tree. This type has only been discovered a few years ago. For them to grow to maturity, they must accumulate the essence of the five elements into one, resulting in rapid growth. The only advantage is that once they reach maturity, they rarely age.

Using trees as a metaphor, Wang Yulou racked his brains and exhausted all his efforts to explain the differences.

After explaining the seven methods of the Purple Mansion, Wang Yulou looked at the ancestor and asked a question.

"Ancestor, which method do you prefer?"

(End of this chapter)