Shangyuque

Chapter 186 Standing on the shoulders of the Water-Dripping Immortal, Wang Yulou saw the distance.
Looking at Wang Yulou in the hall, the female cultivator's eyebrows curved slightly as her smile spread across her face.

"My lord, Little Fish has always been here, waiting for you in Dripping Water Cave."

It turns out that tenderness and affection don't need complicated proof.

Where did you go? I'm there, waiting for you.

If Wang Yulou were just a fifteen-year-old boy experiencing his first love, he would probably jump for joy to be chosen so firmly by the beauty.

But he wasn't fifteen years old. Bai Xiaoyu, no, the Water Immortal Venerable was more than a hundred times fifteen.

This is a true Golden Core cultivator, a trapped cultivator, and moreover, a cultivator trapped under the rule of the Red Lantern.

As a true disciple of the Red Lanterns, how could Wang Yulou not be afraid?
The story of Bai Xiaoyu and Wang Yulou is true; it did indeed happen.

But those so-called emotions and shared memories, on the scale of Bai Xiaoyu's long life, are probably just a joke.

Wang Yulou knew that the great cultivators in this world were all ruthless, and as a Golden Core cultivator, how could the Water Immortal Venerable really be as simple as Bai Xiaoyu appeared?

Those cruel rules and violent order oppressed everyone; the weak could not rise, and the hands of every great cultivator were stained with blood.

There may be kind-hearted beings among the Golden Core cultivators, but their numbers are probably even fewer than those of virgins in the Moonflower Sect.

Moreover, kindness and having blood on one's hands are not always contradictory.

In short, Wang Yulou considered it extremely unrealistic, foolish, and arrogant to expect someone who is at least several thousand years old to develop genuine feelings for him simply because they have spent a few years together.

They were foolish to underestimate the experience of the immortals and arrogant to overestimate their own charm.

But since the Immortal Venerable is giving me so much face, can Wang Yulou say, "You're lying to me, you..."?

Even so, Wang Yulou couldn't abandon his stance that "every drop of water is taken seriously"—what if?
In this situation, the degree of response becomes very important.

After a moment of stunned silence, Wang Yulou carefully spoke, choosing a perfect, even foolish, question to respond.

"Your appearance..."

So be it if you're stupid. You need to strike a balance between deliberate concern, worry, and ignorance. This way, you can connect with memories of "emotion"—if they exist—while also making your stupidity seem "harmless."

As for whether Dripping Water would think Wang Yulou was incompetent because he asked a stupid question, Wang Yulou had faith in the Immortal Venerable.

If the Water Immortal's level is really that low... then being incompetent is fine too.

Bai Li sighed. Didn't she know what kind of person Xiao Wang was?
Even farting requires choosing the right moment, yet he asks such a stupid question... He's afraid, he's greedy, he's expectant yet terrified.

uninteresting.

It's not the kind of boredom that comes from finally getting a long-awaited toy only to find it's not fun; it's just that Bai Li is feeling a bit weary.

What kind of person do you want me to be?

The Water Immortal walked from the courtyard towards Wang Yulou.

In her first step, she transformed into the form of a white little fish, just like the little fish that once accompanied Yulou, pure and beautiful.

In the second step, she transformed into a noble and awe-inspiring goddess. The magical robe she wore, a treasure-level artifact, displayed endless changes with each step she took.

In the third step, she transformed into a valiant female warrior, with a lithe figure and wheat-colored skin, appearing extremely heroic.

In the fourth step, she transformed into an unparalleled female immortal. Her ethereal temperament and otherworldly beauty were so captivating that even Wang Yulou felt somewhat ashamed of himself.

Step five, her.
And so, the white carp walked step by step to Wang Yulou, undergoing more than a dozen completely different transformations along the way.

How could such a Daoist partner be considered bad?
Whatever you want, whatever you can imagine or can't imagine, she can provide it.

With her boundless accumulation as a Golden Core Immortal, she could even achieve unity in personality and unity in change.

Wang Yulou was somewhat bewildered. He didn't know the strength of the Golden Core Immortal Venerable, but the changes in Bai Li's lotus-like steps alone were enough to make him struggle to cope.

Love between a man and a woman needs a specific object to carry it. However, when faced with Wang Yulou's question, Bai Li showed him with facts that the object itself can change, and even undergo countless transformations.

Therefore, Wang Yulou wondered if his relationship with Bai Xiaoyu was just a game between the immortals from the very beginning.

She never truly had any feelings; she was simply playing around with life.

Although he had been mentally prepared for this, Wang Yulou still felt somewhat dejected when things actually came to this.

Over the years, he has married many Daoist partners, and he has treated each one seriously, only in different ways.

In terms of the generosity of the gifts Wang Yulou bestowed, Xiaoyu could not compare to Jin Mingdu.

In terms of the amount of time they can truly spend together, Xiaoyu can't compare to Yingxi.

In terms of nominal status among Daoist couples, Xiaoyu is no match for Lin Ying.

Perhaps it's because Xiao Qin is at the bottom that Xiao Yu doesn't seem too neglected.

However, among the five Daoist partners, Wang Yulou invested the most emotion in Xiaoyu.

Perhaps, when Bai Li made up that story, it was quite ingenious, and it had a certain similarity with Wang Yulou's situation of being controlled by the divine light and forced to enter the Dripping Water Cave. This is why Wang Yulou treated Bai Xiaoyu in a different way.

Now, the Water Fairy is showing him through her actions that little fish, little fish, is ultimately just a dream.

"I don't know, Immortal Venerable. This world is too complicated. I can neither understand you nor myself."

Seeing Wang Yulou's solemn expression, Bai Li felt bored, but still smiled and said.

"You see, it's important that you know the truth, which means you're on the right track."

My lord, it's hard to tell what's real and what's fake; that's what you once reminded me of.

More than 100,000 years ago, cultivators were not called cultivators, but cultivators of truth. Seeking truth was the eternal path of ascent for those who pursued the Dao.

If seeking the truth were that simple, wouldn't everyone be able to live forever?

The white carp transformed back into the shape of a small white fish. Looking at his Daoist partner, Wang Yulou remained silent, his mind racing.

She broke free from the shackles set up for her by Qingrui and others, and although she was carefree, her future was still uncertain.

Having been far removed from the order of profit distribution for over a thousand years, no one welcomed her return.

Many top-tier forces haven't even fought a slightly larger war in years, so they don't need more Golden Core cultivators joining them.

Therefore, she needs to plan for the next great era.

As for me, whatever the reason, in her eyes I was always worth trying to win over.

That's why she was so generous in easily teaching me the 'true teachings' that ordinary cultivators could never obtain.

Yes, what the Water Immortal Venerable said was the true teaching. At least this Golden Core Immortal Venerable helped Wang Yulou confirm one thing: in the cultivation world full of lies, deception, and scythes, seeking the truth is the only way for those who aspire to the Dao.

Thinking of this, Wang Yulou felt a little more at ease. It wasn't the worst-case scenario. For example, if Di Shui didn't want to see "The Secret History of Di Shui Immortal," he would decide to nip the danger of publishing the book in the bud—in a physical sense.

"Immortal Venerable, I have a question—does Mangxiang know you have arrived?"

Wang Yulou was extremely wary of the patriarch. In order to obtain the Golden Core, Mang Xiang used all sorts of tricks, even leading the Immortal Alliance into the fire pit of civil war.

From the day the Stone Ancestor appeared until now, Wang Yulou has been working diligently as a reckless young general for half a year, all in order to leave a good impression on the Ancestor.

Ultimately, Wang Yulou couldn't possibly accept the kindness shown by the Water Immortal. Water Immortal had escaped a predicament, while Wang Yulou herself had just emerged from a fiery ordeal.

"Are you afraid of him?"

Bai Li smiled, her smile captivating all who beheld her. Even without turning her head, she possessed an allure that was both enchanting and gentle.

"The formless Dharma is elusive and unpredictable; how can one not be afraid?"

Sensing Wang Yulou's probing, Bai Li felt increasingly bored and spoke with a hint of sarcasm.

"The Formless Method is one of the worst methods. What you consider strong is a joke at the Golden Core level."

Your cultivation of the "Returning to the Origin, Returning to Truth, Lesser Formlessness" is utter garbage.

Wang Yulou was stunned.

The formless Dharma that Mangxiang cultivated for so many years is rubbish in the eyes of Dishui?
Wang Yulou himself was aware of the strength of the Formless Dharma. Wang Jingyi, who cultivated the Formless Dharma, was capable of fighting, ambushing, and retreating. At the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, he was not the strongest, but he was not afraid to fight any opponent.

Wang Yulou knew this all too well.

However, in the eyes of the Water Immortal Bai Li, the Formless Method of the Ancestral Master's lineage is actually trash. So how powerful must the method she cultivates be?

"It can't be that bad."

Bai Li sat down beside Wang Yulou, reached out and took the tea table in the courtyard, and started brewing tea for Wang Yulou.

"He doesn't know I'm here. Even if he were standing right in front of you, he wouldn't be able to see me."

The Formless Method is Mangxiang's own method, in which he has transformed his true form into a vast expanse of pure energy.

It is certainly appropriate and somewhat interesting for a vast and pure energy to cultivate the Formless Method, but for Xuanzhuan, Danri, and you younger generations to cultivate the Formless Method is a waste of effort.

After all, you don't possess the innate ability to cultivate yourself into a state of pure energy.

Is the difference between the Golden Core and the Purple Mansion really that great?

Wang Yulou fell silent. So, the Cave Heaven Dharma is really just a small fruit platter for the immortals?

Don't those Purple Mansions resist?

The white carp was right in front of him, and it was its real form. Wang Yulou could smell a drowsy fragrance, as if he had returned to his mother's embrace.

This is perhaps the extraordinary nature of the Golden Core. She clearly did nothing and controlled the dissipation of her power very well, yet she could still influence Wang Yulou.

He still mustered his strength and asked.

"Immortal Venerable, aren't those Purple Mansions resisting?"

The white carp nodded in satisfaction.

Yes, that's how smart you have to be.

"Resist what? A bunch of Purple Mansions uniting together to send you to your doom?"
The order design within the top powers of the world was established after the last great war of immortals.

From the moment a cultivator reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, their behavior is guided and shaped by the order. Even when they reach the Purple Mansion stage, they have already lost the possibility of resistance.

For those chosen to ascend to the Purple Mansions, the best option, rather than resisting, is to willingly become the blades of the Immortal Venerables when faced with the temptation of achieving enlightenment.

They are waiting, just as you are waiting and lying in wait. They are waiting and lying in wait too.

Unity is strength, which seems to be feasible at the level of Purple Mansion and Golden Core. However, in terms of the design of the order, the Immortal Venerables have ensured from the beginning that everyone selected is a traitor.

The combination of an order that prioritizes self-interest and a power system where great power is attributed to the individual and thus grants immortality creates a cage that is even more severe than the worst-case scenario Wang Yulou predicted.

The Immortal noticed Wang Yulou's expression, and with a smile, she poured a cup of tea for the little boy and said.

"Drink tea, don't think too much. Actually, I prefer you to call me Little Fish."

Wang Yulou, immortality is a curse, especially for a kind person like me. This curse will erode my soul every moment I am conscious.

So, I was actually very happy during my time at Dishuidong.

I have to leave soon, please stay with me a little longer.

Especially for a kind person like me

To Wang Yulou, this statement sounded very fake.

In his recollection, Bai Xiaoyu's behavior sometimes revealed a kind and selfless side, even bordering on a narrow kind of universal love.

But can we take the words of a great cultivator seriously?
No, the path to truth is to fight against the lies shaped by those who have boarded the bus.

They said they'd stop at the next station to let you on, but there was never a next station; by the time the train started moving, you'd already become fuel.

He picked up the teacup, wanting to drink it, but hesitated.

The spiritual tea brewed for him by the Water Immortal was certainly good, but he had a real problem in his heart.

What do you want from me?

Yes, Dishui has escaped. Wang Yulou didn't want to delve into how Dishui escaped from the control of those who harmed her; after all, those things were in the past.

Now, what is the purpose of the dripping water coming to him again?
"It's nothing, I just came to see you before I left."

Looking at Wang Yulou, who was sweating profusely from nervousness, Di Shui suddenly felt like laughing.

Yes, he's still so young. It's right for him to be afraid, because fear breeds greed, and he wants more.

After drinking the spiritual tea, Wang Yulou found that it tasted good, but it didn't seem to have any special functions.

Nine-grade spiritual tea?

He tasted it again and finally realized something was wrong.

Water Fairy is a good girl who knows how to manage a household.

Setting down her teacup, Yulou gritted her teeth and chose to make her request directly.

"Immortal Venerable, Yu Lou has only one request: Ancestor Xian Zhou."

It's just a debt; I can pay it back slowly in the future.

Moreover, whether there is a future is still uncertain.

"I know, I know, everything is like a dream, but no one can truly have an unwavering Dao heart forever."

Most cultivators, even after reaching the Golden Core stage, still cannot escape the influence of their obsessions. I have obsessions, so it's normal for you to have them too.

His situation is simple: as long as he doesn't leave the Dripping Water Cave, he can be reborn in my cave. As long as I am immortal, his true spirit will never perish.

But in my opinion, this is also a shackle; carrying too much is not a good thing.

"Hide the memories?"

"Can!"

The two fell silent. In the past, Yu Lou and Xiao Yu could chat all night without rest.

This is perhaps a concrete example of how carrying too much burden is not a good thing.

When Wang Yulou was just a disciple of Dishuidong, and Bai Li was just a disciple of Dishuidong, their pressure was at most limited to worrying about reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

But when Wang Yulou learned the truth from Bai Li, the pressure he faced came from everyone above him.

When the stable structure of the top powers was first established, each power designed what kind of 'talents' they would select in the future, from the perspective of internal order.

The goal is to select selfish, evil, shameless, and utterly shameless people for positions; such people are easier to control.

Because they only care about themselves, they are unlikely to become rebels unless they are driven to a dead end.

Wang Yulou is being gradually tamed; he has become one of the most outstanding generals under the Mangxiang Sect, hasn't he?

The purge of the Loose Cultivator Alliance, the reorganization of the front lines, and the conscription of cultivators under the Red Lantern's rule to their deaths—every single one of these actions was utterly inhumane.

Wang Yulou is working for the animalistic system, and the system itself has alienated him.

"May I go with you?"

Wang Yulou suddenly asked.

Who doesn't want a carefree life?
"No." The Water Immortal resolutely and clearly rejected Wang Yulou's request.

Noticing the disappointment in Wang Yulou's eyes, and the relief hidden within that disappointment, Bai Li understood that he had succeeded in his test once again.

Yes, Wang Yulou did indeed possess extraordinary qualities and abilities.

"Yu Lou, I need you. You can't hide under my wing, otherwise you won't be able to grow properly."

You must fly higher and bring more change to this world.

You need to establish yourself in the red-light district and take advantage of the momentum to get off to a faster start.

"The wild elephant will surely attain enlightenment"—this was said by the Water Immortal himself.

After confirming once again that the patriarch could attain enlightenment, Wang Yulou felt little joy; he was almost numb.

If becoming a Golden Core cultivator were that simple, why would Mang Xiang incite a civil war within the Immortal Alliance?
Everyone believed that the elephant could achieve enlightenment, but the forces that were blocking the elephant were numerous and powerful. Could they just sit idly by and watch the elephant go up and compete with them for food?
Mangxiang hasn't even reached the Golden Core stage yet, but he's already starting to gnaw at the Heavenly Serpent's interests. If he does reach the Golden Core stage, will he even try to take down Qingrui?
Thinking of this, Wang Yulou asked.

"Is Immortal Venerable Qingrui very powerful?"

Following Mangxiang was inevitable. Dishui's idea was actually Wang Yulou's idea as well. When he tested Dishui, he didn't expect Dishui to agree.

The top powers control all valuable places in the world. Drip Water, having escaped its predicament, has no base of operations of its own. If Wang Yulou follows her, he will only face certain death.

But Qingrui is a different story.

According to Gu Qilang, the eldest elder of the Gu family, Dripping Water and Qingrui Immortal Venerable have a deep-seated grudge, and it is even possible that Dripping Water was imprisoned by Qingrui.

Upon hearing Wang Yulou ask about Qingrui, Bai Li's expression immediately became somewhat unnatural.

I hate it, I really hate it, I hate it so much that I can't sleep at night.

"Qingrui, that old witch, is indeed wicked, but she is also very powerful."

She used to be a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Nascent Soul stage?
This was the first time Wang Yulou, who had been in this world for many years, had heard of the existence of Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

In most people's understanding, the highest level above the Golden Core is the Immortal Venerable. The Immortal Venerable is the limit, but it does not exist, so the Golden Core is called the Immortal Venerable.

But now, the words of the Water Immortal have shattered Wang Yulou's preconceived notions.

His first thought was that this was wrong.

No, that's definitely wrong.

If Nascent Soul cultivators exist, wouldn't Golden Core cultivators also become worthless?
Wouldn't the Purple Mansion then replace the current Foundation Establishment stage?
Also, the white carp just mentioned 'in the past'.
"Was she a Nascent Soul stage cultivator before?"

The white carp reminded me.

"No, it's the Nascent Soul Technique, not the Nascent Soul Stage. There are no higher realms than the Golden Core stage."

All Golden Core cultivators practice different methods, and each person is advancing on their chosen path to enlightenment.

Those who only follow in others' footsteps and eat their leftovers will never have the chance to reach the real heights.

However, among the many Golden Core cultivators, Qingrui was still very powerful. The Nascent Soul Technique was a major category, and Qingrui had cultivated it for tens of thousands of years before finally concluding that it was a dead end.

So she chose to split herself in two, turning her original physical body into a lotus seedpod and her nascent soul into a green pistil.

Tell me, how can someone like that not be terrifying?

My enemy is her, and coincidentally, Mangxiang may also have to face Qingrui in the future.

So, Wang Yulou, ha, don't make that face.

Don't look at me like that, my love. Nothing is impossible in this world.

If a seeker of the path is deterred by the difficulties ahead, he is destined never to reach his destination.

The other shore holds all the fantasies of those struggling in the sea of ​​suffering.

Wang Yulou had never seen the other shore and did not know what it was like, but he at least knew what the Sea of ​​Bitterness was like.

Therefore, we must go to the other shore, leave this sea of ​​suffering, and become free and unbound individuals.

The difficulty of achieving true freedom only underscores its extraordinary value.

Why would Mangxiang be an enemy of Qingrui?

The helplessness of fate sometimes manifests in a special way. For example, when you receive its delicious fruit, you can't see the price you'll have to pay later.

Following Mang Xiang was great; although there were ups and downs, Wang Yulou gained a lot.

With the powerful backer of the Water Immortal, Wang Yulou saw the world clearly and also had a way out, which he didn't know if it could be considered a way out—even Bai Li himself was in a difficult situation.

However, the price was that Wang Yulou would have to face the ruler of Lotus Immortal City—Qingrui Immortal Venerable.

This is actually as absurd as having to use a wooden sword to fight the final boss right after leaving the starting village, but this absurdity corresponds to reality.

Looking back, Wang Yulou has already paved the way for the future step by step.

He just couldn't have imagined how foolish Mangxiang would be to become an opponent of Qingrui Immortal Venerable. "Because Mangxiang is too weak, but he is too greedy."

I don't know what he's planning, but it's clear he has a big plan in mind.

This grand plan will disrupt the existing power structure.

Finally, it will be Qingrui who takes action to punish him.

According to the Water Immortal, the monstrous elephant that had reduced Melon Immortal to only three legs was actually weak...

In fact, Wang Yulou understood the logic behind it, but he was still curious.

"After a seasoned cultivator like Mang Xiang achieves enlightenment at the Purple Mansion stage, he shouldn't just become a floor tile among the Golden Core cultivators, right?"

Bai Li smiled, her expression slightly disdainful.

"He is a senior cultivator who has achieved the Dao at the Purple Mansion stage. Who else hasn't achieved the same at the Golden Core stage?"
Once a prodigy reaches the Golden Core stage, he will face a whole host of established prodigies who achieved enlightenment earlier, are more cunning, have accumulated more experience, and even possess greater talent.

"Mangxiang is a genius, but my lord, Xiaoyu is a genius too."

At the end, Bai Li even winked playfully at Wang Yulou.

But my lord, he is also a genius.

Yes, the patriarch was powerful, but his power was limited to the Purple Mansion level.

When the patriarch truly becomes a Golden Core cultivator, it will be a completely new scene—we can't keep comparing him to the Purple Mansion then, can we?

"Let's go back to what we were doing, back to Immortal Venerable Qingrui. Little Fish, there are no realms above the Golden Core stage, so what does the title of Immortal Venerable even mean?"

For decades, Wang Yulou had believed that the Immortal Venerable was a higher realm than the Golden Core.

Now, Bai Li tells him that there is no realm above the Golden Core stage, so what is the title of Immortal Venerable?
The goddess slightly raised her head, a hint of longing appearing in her calm eyes, and said.

"We call this era the new legal era."

The new method here is not the Cave Heaven Method, but the Spirit Root Cultivation Method.

In the previous era, spiritual cultivation was something without any barriers to entry; any living being had the opportunity to cultivate.

Back then, spiritual practice was about innate wisdom. If you were suited to the teachings of a particular school, you would have the innate wisdom for that school.

As long as enough sects are found, all living beings can cultivate.

The cultivation method of spiritual roots changed all of this. The number of cultivators in the world decreased significantly, and more and more people gradually reached the power level of Golden Core.

Thus, a special kind of Dharma-ending Age appeared, where those who had attained the Golden Core stage were trapped in their positions of power, tearing each other apart, and it was difficult for anyone to advance any further.

The title "Immortal Venerable" has always been reserved for Golden Core cultivators.

However, in earlier times—perhaps tens of thousands of years ago—the number of Golden Core cultivators was not as great as it is now.

Wang Yulou was deeply shocked—any living being could cultivate, but such a golden age of cultivation was not a good thing for those at the highest levels.

"Do those who promote the spiritual root cultivation method believe that if the number of cultivators decreases, the resources of heaven and earth will be more readily available to nurture beings of a higher rank than the Golden Core stage?"

"Yes, but the truth is, they're wrong."

Even the most powerful cultivators cannot control everything. There will always be extraordinary beings who break free from their constraints, stand beside them, and fight for interests with them.

So things have gradually led to where they are today. I don't like this kind of world, so I don't really fit in.

I don't like this kind of world, so I seem a bit out of place.

The words of the Water Immortal are more than just interesting.

Not long after Wang Yulou entered the world of cultivation, he realized a very important principle of observation.

In other words, don't listen to what other cultivators say, but look at what they do or what they experience.

What did the Water Immortal go through?

More than 1200 years ago, the Water Immortal was suppressed by Qingrui and other great cultivators.

During this process, the Water Immortal killed Chi Ming, but she still lost and was imprisoned by Qing Rui with shackles.

Nearly 1,500 years ago, the great cultivators of the world joined forces to modify the rules of the world.

From then on, while the spiritual root cultivation method limited cultivators' talents, the rules of heaven and earth also restricted the cultivation speed of Qi Induction stage cultivators.

It's a coincidence that the timing is perfect.

Wang Yulou had this guess a long time ago, but because it was too outrageous, he wasn't too confident that it was correct.

Just as Wang Yulou said, what he saw was that every great cultivator was a terrifying existence who would not change color even if they were devoured alive. How could anyone sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others?

It's impossible just thinking about it, right?
Therefore, even though the words and actions of the Water Immortal were consistent, Wang Yulou still did not completely believe it.

If even an old thing like Shenguang could be schemed against, how could Wang Yulou dare to easily connect with someone like Dishui Xianzun?
"Little Fish, even the most powerful cultivator cannot calculate everything, but the lifespan of a Golden Core cultivator is infinite."

As long as you can survive the heavenly tribulation, you can continue to live.

There must be many highly experienced Golden Core cultivators in this world, wouldn't they take action against newcomers who don't follow the rules or the rules they set?

What Bai Li was most satisfied with about Wang Yulou was this: when dealing with many problems encountered in cultivating immortality, Wang Yulou would habitually use dialectical materialism, which could help him easily approach the truth hidden in the truth and falsehood.

That makes you seem very clever.

"Do you still remember what happened in the West Sea?" Bai Li smiled and poured Wang Yulou another cup of tea.

What happened in the Western Sea?
I cleanse myself of the poisonous flow of divine light?
No, it refers to Mangxiang joining forces with Qingrui to eliminate Shenguang.

No, that's not right either. The divine light was something he created himself...

kindness?
"You mean, Zhou Fujiao was used as bait to lure Shenguang?"

"Correct!"

Bai Li nodded, pondering and recalling as she went.

"A Golden Core cultivator at the level of 5000 years and a Golden Core cultivator at the level of 5 years are not the same thing."

If one were to provoke the divine light into committing a mistake, a half-dead Zhou Fujiao would suffice.

"Then tell me, what price would be paid to coax those ancient Golden Core cultivators who have hidden their true strength for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years to reveal it?"

Good, good, even golden pills can be used as bait in the dripping water.

Wang Yulou was ultimately too young; he didn't even know that Lao Mu had already sat down at the table.

"I understand. So, top-tier forces like the Immortal Alliance were all founded by veteran Golden Core cultivators."

Is their mutual stability due to them waiting for the right time to reap the rewards?

Wang Yulou asked further.

It can be said that the appearance of the Water Immortal helped Wang Yulou open his third eye.

Standing at the height of the Immortal Venerable of Dripping Water Cave, Wang Yulou saw the mysteries of this world for the first time in the dimension of fundamental logic.

"Maybe, maybe, because I don't know either. You see, that's why I emphasize that the cultivation in the past wasn't called cultivating immortality, but cultivating truth."

Even after you reach the Golden Core stage, you still need to distinguish truth from lies and falsehoods in order to minimize the probability of being harmed by your opponents.

Those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage have a lifespan of several hundred years, while their preparations might take a decade or two at most, and a hundred years at most.

But those who achieve the Golden Core stage have very long lifespans. Think about it, their lifespans—it's not surprising that it starts at several hundred years.

Wang Yulou felt a chill run down his spine.

The scheme has been in place for hundreds of years, setting traps for you to fall into, and those who set these traps are all old and powerful veterans.

Isn't this just like the one that tricked Shen Guang?
Even when the Divine Light of the Pit was being created, Mangxiang and Qingrui might not have been prepared for a hundred years.

Shenguang was too greedy. His value, given that Mangxianzun was determined to achieve enlightenment, was more like fuel than a support.

"Little Fish, so how old can the Golden Core cultivator with the longest lifespan be?"

It is known that Qingrui is tens of thousands of years old and cultivates the Nascent Soul method, which has been determined to be a dead end.

However, Qingrui is not a figurehead within the Immortal Alliance. The Lotus Immortal City under her jurisdiction is functionally a platform for the Immortal Alliance and local power factions to engage in power struggles.

"More than 100,000 years ago."

At this point, Bai Li showed a serious expression for the first time today.

Wang Yulou was thinking, "Are things that are over 100,000 years old still human?"
It takes time for a person to develop their own worldview and methodology, thereby forming and finding themselves.

But this process may only take a decade or two, at most a few decades.

However, when a great cultivator lives for 100,000 years, how much of their 'human' or 'close to human' qualities can they still retain?
From this perspective, it is perfectly reasonable that the cultivation world has gradually become what it is today.

Wang Xianmao's prestige is still rising—the great monk above him is not human.

"The Immortal King Bifang is the most definitive being, with a lifespan of over 100,000 years."

Legend has it that it survived more than 170 heavenly tribulations, but this number may not be accurate; it may be more, but it is unlikely to be less.

Tribulations used to be much less frequent than they are now, but 170 times was still quite powerful.

The legend of Bifang is widely circulated throughout the world, and Wang Yulou previously regarded it merely as a story.

Now that Bai Li has told him personally, he understands that the claim that the Bifang Demon God is eternal is not just empty talk.

"Demon gods, demon gods, and more demon gods. Why are there so many demon gods?"

Little Fish, that beast Shenguang gave me seven Purple Mansion Techniques, among which...
I know the Divine Power Transformation Purple Mansion Technique is very powerful, but is it really necessary for everyone to transform into a demon and open their Purple Mansion?

The white carp shook its head and gave a quiet reminder.

"The formless method of Mangxiang takes the formless form, but the meaning of formlessness is something that every great cultivator will practice."

Heaven and earth have no inherent form; if you leave heaven and earth, they will cease to exist.

You are the master of heaven and earth, so humans and demons are not that important.

I am a demon, and I can be kind. You are human, but you were also forced to do the 'evil' they wanted you to do under the order designed by those great cultivators.

Wang Yulou understood what he was saying and realized there might be a problem.

But he didn't argue.

Why argue? He was communicating with the Water Immortal, not trying to outdo him.

The white carp so generously shared information with him that even ordinary people in the Purple Mansions didn't know. This was true 'preaching,' so he could only express his gratitude. Bao couldn't possibly refute it.

Moreover, what the white carp said might not be wrong.

Everything is like a dream, a bubble, and the final deconstruction will inevitably lead to nothingness; meaning itself is also centered on the individual.

Among ordinary cultivators, even if millions fight tooth and nail, not one might actually reach the Purple Mansion realm.

However, the white carp, as the embodiment of the Golden Elixir, believes that immortality is the root of suffering. This is the differentiated expression of meaning on an individual level. There is no right or wrong, but it varies from person to person.

"But you went against those people for the sake of good, and now it seems like you made a terrible mistake. Little Fish, what exactly happened back then?"

Wang Yulou finally asked the question. Bai Li had initially claimed to be kind-hearted, which Wang Yulou had dismissed with disdain.

But later, many details matched her account, so Wang Yulou finally couldn't hold back.

"A group of conservative people, relying on their superior strength, have restricted the opportunities for all living beings in the world to attain enlightenment."

This is in their interest, but it doesn't align with my principles.

I'm not afraid of any competition, not even if it's Bi Fang, let alone Qing Rui.

Of course, this doesn't mean I'll fight them mindlessly; I still need to run, so I have to leave.

What I want to say is that only through fierce competition, only through the sifting of the best, and only by letting those extraordinary souls collide in the high heavens, can we truly succeed.

Only in this way will the path beyond the Golden Core become clearer, instead of everyone being stuck at this stage as they are now.

Is it carefree?
Also carefree.

But I don't like it, that's all.

The reason given as a clash of ideologies may sound strange, but in fact, it really was just a clash of ideologies at the time.

Many people share my beliefs, but I've been singled out as a prime example and have been the most severely suppressed.

"You crave more intense competition, and then find new opportunities and directions for development from that competition."

But aren't you afraid of losing? If you lose, you might die.

Wang Yulou ultimately failed to grasp Bai Xiaoyu's level of understanding, asking a rather simple question without any probing, purely out of curiosity.

"How could I possibly lose? I'm a genius, my husband."

They may have accumulated a wealth of experience, they may be cunning and shrewd, they may be ruthless, and they may outnumber and outgun me.

So what? I'm confident I'll win!
If only one person in this world can reach the top, I believe that person will be me!

You will understand in the future that every great monk is not afraid of competition, nor are they afraid of losing; we all believe that we will win.

For us, so-called caution is simply a strategy that must be used in competition; it doesn't mean we're afraid.

Bai Li's words were so striking that Wang Yulou was somewhat lost in thought.

If only one person can reach the top, it will definitely be me.

No matter how strong or numerous the opponents are, I am not afraid; I am confident that I can win.

The aura of a great cultivator was something that Wang Yulou had long considered in his mind.

He realized early on that if a person wanted to become a great cultivator, he first had to have the spirit of a great cultivator, and then use that spirit to fight in the cultivation world, thus reaching that higher and farther place.

But what exactly is the aura of a great cultivator? Is it simply being fierce? No.

Is it indifference towards those insignificant interests? Not at all.

It seems to have countless sides. Wang Yulou can describe one side of it after another, but he cannot describe its complete appearance.

At this moment, in Bai Xiaoyu, no, in the Water-Dripping Immortal Venerable, Wang Yulou saw what a true great cultivator should possess.

Just as he was sighing inwardly, Bai Li added.

"Besides, it's not a big deal even if we lose."

For me, failure or death might be a relief.

Ordinary cultivators yearn for immortality, but for beings like the Water Immortal Venerable who have already achieved immortality, immortality is actually a curse.

How can kind people not suffer when they live in darkness?

"I don't want to lose. I may not be at your level yet, Little Fish. Could you help me check if there are any problems with the seven Purple Mansion Techniques that Divine Light gave me?"

"It's a small matter, but Shenguang is indeed a bit too stuttering. He has only mastered seven Purple Mansion Methods, while his Golden Core formation was too smooth."

"More than seven types?"

"Of course, I wouldn't dare say there are 700 kinds, but there are definitely 100 kinds. It was the era of cultivating wisdom in the past."

At that time, opening the Purple Mansion required no special qualifications at all; as long as the right method was found, any living being had the opportunity.

Okay, after reading it twice, there are no problems with 6 out of these 7 methods.

The only missing method is the Purple Palace Method of Heaven-Human Interaction, which only provides a general direction without specific ancient methods.

However, you shouldn't choose this path; it's a dead end. The most suitable method for you is actually the Acupoint Connecting to the Purple Mansion Method.

Wisdom root refers to whether the practitioner and the method are compatible, which is completely different from the spiritual root cultivation that has a very high entry threshold now.

"I see. I also plan to practice the acupoint connection method."

The problem now is that I have the method, but Mangxiang hasn't given it to me.

If I rashly attempt to repair it, I will be resented by the monstrous elephant and may even be killed.

That's why I asked if I could go with you.

Mangxiang made a promise of 20 Zifu, but no one took it seriously.

Wang Yulou worked so hard just to earn the favor of the patriarch and be given a chance.

"Even if you can repair it, don't. Wait until the Mangxiang has reached the Golden Core stage before you open your Purple Mansion," Bai Li reminded her.

"Huh? Why is that?"

Wang Yulou realized something was wrong.

"Back when you were in Drip Cave, you often discussed the opportunity to enter the Purple Mansion and the quota of Purple Mansion with your family."

But in reality, the quota system is a sham. The Immortal Alliance doesn't limit the number of Purple Mansion cultivators. The seemingly small number of Purple Mansion cultivators is simply because the higher-ups of various large and small forces are unwilling to let more people step up and compete with them for profits.

Wang Yulou guessed correctly again. It wasn't a problem of quotas at all, but a problem of resource allocation. He smiled happily—he was still suited to cultivating immortality, and he always made relatively smooth progress on the path of seeking truth.

However, sometimes you can be proven wrong just like that. Bai Li's next words left him speechless.

"But the claim of quota restrictions is also true. Mang Xiang secretly threatened civil war on the Immortal Platform, and all the major factions within the Immortal Alliance began to prepare. This was not solely due to Mang Xiang's threat."

To open one's Purple Mansion and attain the Golden Core, a cultivator needs to achieve enlightenment within the Great Heaven and Earth.

However, the capacity of the universe has an upper limit. Currently, there are probably fewer than a thousand Golden Core Immortal Venerables in the world, and the exact number is really hard to calculate.

But there were simply too many, including countless Purple Mansions, which caused the tribulation of the Great Heaven and Earth to occur only once every seven years.

The two sects fought a major battle for a year, resulting in the deaths of many Foundation Establishment cultivators. As a result, the restrictions imposed by heaven and earth on cultivators have been greatly reduced.

Mang Xiang wanted more disciples with Purple Mansions in order to lock in the limited number available, so he could instantly create huge vacancies when needed.

Silence, silence, silence is the central garrison tonight, silence is Wang Yulou who has no words to say.

Was the Mangxiang Patriarch a beast? Of course he was.

When Wang Yulou considered him with the worst possible intentions, he thought that of his twenty grand plans for the Purple Mansions, only two might actually come true.

But looking back now, Wang Yulou was just too naive, cute, and childish.

Do you want to eat one of these 20 Zifu-style flatbreads?

Sure, no one will complain about having too many backup options.

"Little Fish, if our Wang family only starts emerging from the Purple Mansion after our ancestor attained enlightenment, won't we fall behind?"

Bai Li shook his head and reminded him.

"What's the use of catching up now? Mangxiang is pulling up the Purple Mansion now just to have more resources to consume when he proves the Golden Core in the future."

Yes, I'm telling you to continue developing alongside him, but you should benefit from his support, not become the fuel that ignites it.

Fuel, fuel, that word is good, it fits perfectly.

To cook a good meal, you first need to prepare firewood.

Looking back now, it's clear that the patriarch took each step very steadily before attaining the Golden Elixir.

The "foundation-building baby boom" of the Red Lanterns, which were painstakingly created by Mangxiang to generate more favors, is the fuel.

Under his pie, those Purple Mansions who chose to open their Purple Mansions and follow Mang Xiang were also fuel.

"Attaining enlightenment, attaining enlightenment! This wild elephant, no matter how you look at it, has the potential to attain enlightenment."

If even a lowly beast like the Mangxiang couldn't achieve enlightenment, Wang Yulou found it hard to imagine how powerful a person must be to attain the Golden Elixir through the Purple Mansion.

Don't use the white carp as an example. The white carp is a genuine golden elixir. Its magnificence and extraordinary qualities are the result of its gradual refinement.

(End of this chapter)