Shangyuque

Chapter 187 Little Fish Leaves, Jing Yi Seriously Injured

“Little Fish, although I’m not in a hurry for the Purple Mansion point, the Purple Mansion method of selecting acupoints is just right.”

But even without immediate worries, there are always long-term concerns.

"Once I reach the Purple Mansion level, will the Purple Mansion Acupoint Technique be able to support me to travel far?"

A very counterintuitive logic is that opening the Purple Mansion is very simple, but becoming a Purple Mansion is very difficult.

Wang Yulou has no shortage of methods, and Bai Li also said that following Mang Xiang is the best solution at present, but he must consider what to do after he becomes a Purple Mansion.

Putting everything else aside, if Bai Li thinks Mang Xiang's formless method is rubbish, then what kind of method should Wang Yulou cultivate in order to overcome the high mountain of the patriarch?
"Yes, the Acupoint Purple Mansion Method is one of the mainstream Purple Mansion Methods. It doesn't seem to have any outstanding advantages, but it also doesn't seem to have any disadvantages."

Moreover, now that there are so many new Purple Mansions, we Golden Core cultivators have almost all completed the transformation into Cave Heavens.

In this case, the Zifu acupoint method actually has an advantage, a significant one.

When a cultivator whose Purple Mansion is based on the Acupoint Purple Mansion Method enters the cave heaven of another great cultivator, their strength is relatively less restricted.

Once you reach the Purple Mansion stage, do not switch to the Cave Heaven method. Cultivate all the way to the Golden Core stage, and then switch to the Cave Heaven method. This path is the same as the Divine Light method.

Although Shenguang lost, his initial approach of using the ancient method of forming a Golden Core in the Purple Mansion and then transforming it in the Grotto Heaven was correct.

The supernatural powers of cultivators using the Acupoint Purple Mansion method rely on the acupoints of their Dao body. After entering someone else's cave heaven, they can have a slight relative advantage.

"Will future cultivators of the Cave Heaven Technique devour each other?"

This was also Wang Yulou's long-held suspicion, but no one could help him confirm it.

"I don't know. Even I don't know many things."

But I don't think so, because this path is not a good one. In the end, they will devour each other and return to the old path of fighting desperately in the final battle between top-tier Golden Core cultivators.

Although I am not afraid of fighting or risking my life, Yu Lou, you must understand that most Golden Core cultivators never want to fight.

No one is afraid, but no one wants to fight, which is why the stalemate between the top powers has lasted so long.

The words of the great cultivator were hard to understand, and Drip Water's attitude was different from before, which puzzled Wang Yulou.

"Doesn't this contradict what you just mentioned, that 'only by having the most extraordinary beings tear each other apart in the high heavens can existences above the Golden Core be born'?"

Bai Li nodded and said.

"As I said, there are many things I can't see clearly either."

For example, the term "Golden Elixir" was named because of the characteristics of ancient methods at a certain stage, and later evolved into a description of a certain level of power.

Above the Golden Core stage, there are many major schools such as the Nascent Soul method, the Dharma Form method, the Divine Illumination method, and the Boundless method, but those who cultivate these schools have never been able to surpass the Golden Core stage in terms of power level.

You see, the fact over tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years is that there isn't necessarily a path above the Golden Elixir.

The ultimate outcome of the Cave Heaven Technique might be that a great cultivator transforms into a new world, and then a new cultivation system is born in that new world.

It goes on and on, without end.

The future described by the dripping water is terrifying; the end of cultivation is close to death.

There are no more distant and grand possibilities; the Golden Elixir is the end.
"Isn't it a bit too lifeless?"

It was deathly still; Wang Yulou truly felt a sense of deathly stillness.

Freedom lies above the cage, but freedom itself has an end. Is there no true freedom?
"My lord, this is your perspective."

For the vast majority of individuals throughout history, this path has been lifeless and stagnant.

But for us Golden Core cultivators who stand at the pinnacle, this path is anything but lifeless.

Within the Immortal Alliance, you feel bound by constraints and restricted in every way.

Once you reach the Golden Core stage, as long as you're not as confident as Shenguang—ha, confident, as long as you're not as confident as him—your opponents will have a hard time getting to you.

Therefore, it was very lifeless, but the lifelessness had nothing to do with the Golden Core cultivators.

It was irrelevant before, and now with the Cave Heaven Technique, it's even less relevant. When we hide in the Cave Heaven, we become the creators, the kings of the world.

Within my celestial realm, I am not even afraid of the Bifang.

Actually, Bai Li exaggerated a little here.

Even within the grotto-heaven, she was afraid of Bifang, but at most not so afraid of Qingrui.

But when chatting with a younger man, you naturally talk about how great you are.

“I understand that, but I still believe that those who have lived for a long time and have achieved the Golden Core stage would yearn for a higher realm.”

As you said, you believe that immortality is a shackle. This idea corresponds to the fact that the meaning of seeking the Tao has become blurred under the condition of longevity.

What sustains the faith of those beings who live longer than you in their pursuit of the Tao?

Even though mutual devouring would be a dead end for most people, they didn't believe they would lose, so what was there to worry about?

This time, it was Bai Li's turn to remain silent.

As the evening sun set in the courtyard behind the Central Line Garrison, the heavy twilight created an indescribable sense of oppression. The Water Immortal asked in return.

"Seeing it so clearly, aren't you desperate?"

Are you afraid I'll despair?

"Of course, spiritual practice is a path even more terrifying than a single-plank bridge."

Even if a million cultivators went up there, not one might be able to reach the Purple Mansion realm.

Of the hundreds of millions of cultivators who ascend, not even one might achieve the Golden Core stage.

Good luck is fundamental, as are talent and courage. After all these difficult selections, there are countless obstacles set up by human beings.

My lord, I fear you see things too clearly. Sometimes, being too clear-headed isn't a good thing.

Regardless of right or wrong, different people have different perspectives. Wang Yulou understood Bai Li's deliberate deception.

But regardless of whether her deception was for Wang Yulou's 'good' sake, at least at this moment, Wang Yulou was more willing to believe that Bai Li valued him—valued him.

Yes, how can we not take it seriously?

The grace of spreading the truth, the grace of spreading the truth. On the path of seeking truth, Bai Li, with her height and vision, allowed Wang Yulou to see too much truth that had been deliberately hidden.

With that in mind, Wang Yulou directly raised the matter he was most concerned about.

"Are you aware of the situation of Elder Xianmao?"

The old clan chief used a supernatural power invented by the Wang clan ancestors to transform himself into a tree, and is now gradually losing his human vitality.

Perhaps in the future, he will transform into a large tree, and then be refined into a magical artifact by future generations.

Wang Yulou didn't want this to happen; he didn't want to see the clan leader turn into a tree.

There are many reasons to refuse, but only one reason—unwillingness—is enough for Wang Yulou to ask the Water Immortal for help.

It would just mean taking on another debt. Wang Yulou already had too much debt; this little bit wouldn't make a difference.

"It's difficult. Mang Xiang is watching him closely. You can explain Shi Zu's appearance with your good fortune, but if Wang Xianmao is also rescued by me, your future will be difficult."

Seeing things too clearly brings bitterness to the heart, my love. We are actually the same kind of people.

But you have to make this cruel choice: if Wang Xianmao lives, the Wang family may be wiped out in the future.

"If you stand by and watch Wang Xianmao die, the Wang family will be spared danger. This decision rests solely with you."

The Water Immortal said it was a small matter; she could save Wang Xianmao with her own help. The problem was how Wang would get past Mang Xiang.

They cannot follow the dripping water. After the dripping water escapes its predicament, it has no base of operations in the vast world. If they follow it, Wang Yulou and Wang Shi will both face a dead end.

Therefore, in the end, Wang Yulou had no choice but to make a decision.

"Is it possible to let him live a few more years? At least, is that possible?"

At this moment, Wang Yulou understood why those great cultivators treated their juniors and disciples equally.

After a thousand or ten thousand years of cultivation, when one reaches a high level of spiritual attainment, it becomes difficult for anyone to stand idly by and allow their path to enlightenment to be influenced by 'outsiders'.

Your opponents are all beasts, and you still act like a human being? Aren't you just courting death?
For great cultivators with long lifespans, the time spent as family members is short, and the time spent leading their families is also short. Most of the time, they are simply themselves.

After dozens of generations, how many reasons will the next generation of the family have to pay the price for it?

"You're not ruthless enough, Wang Yulou, just like me, sigh."

Seeing that Wang Yulou did not answer, Bai Li added.

"The compromise is indeed a good idea, let me think about it."
Your Wang family has been practicing woodworking for so many years, so let Wang Xianmao have more of a 'genius' quality. That way, Mang Xiang won't be too suspicious.

Wait a moment.

Halfway through his speech, Bai Li disappeared. Wang Yulou looked at the spot where she had left, got up, walked there, and stood there silently waiting.

Cultivating immortality, cultivating truth, cultivating practice—immortality seeks eternity, truth seeks clarity, and practice seeks experience.

However, as Wang Yulou's lifespan grew longer, his grasp of reality became clearer, and his experience in various matters increased, he felt increasingly insignificant.

He's had a very smooth journey so far, but it's still not enough.

For example, can someone overcome the accumulation of thousands or tens of thousands of years of others' knowledge simply through hard work, talent, and luck?
Which great cultivator lacks these?
It's difficult, but retreating is out of the question.

It might seem that returning to a conservative state would bring stability, but the moment Mang Xiang drew his sword, Gua Zhenren roared twice, and hundreds of miles of life were wiped out.

Stable?

With the ambitions of great cultivators, where in the world can one truly find a place of rest?
Before long, Bai Li returned to the residence of Wang Yulou, who was guarding the pass.

"So fast?"

"It wasn't difficult. After a little exploration, I helped him enter a state of enlightenment."

He will suddenly understand the method I prepared for him, a method that will allow him to live for at least another hundred years.

If within a hundred years, Mangxiang dies suddenly, and the world collapses, your Wang clan will still exist, and so will I. Perhaps I can even let him live for several hundred more years.”

Wang Yulou could only smile bitterly. The death of Mangxiang was a prerequisite, and the collapse of heaven and earth corresponded to Qingrui's death as well.

One of these two is Wang's nephew, and the other is the leader of the northwestern region of Wunan. If chaos ensues to the point that they are both dead, can Wang's family still exist?

By this time, Wang Yulou had a deeper understanding of Bai Xiaoyu's words, "You are all lifeless, but the Golden Core is not."

Of course, there are people in this world who can say that their fate is in their own hands, but they have to be at the level of a Quasi-Immortal Venerable like Mang Xiang. As for others, let alone the heavens, even a high-level cultivator could crush them. How can they be qualified to not be lifeless in the order set by others?

"Little Fish, I don't have many questions left."

Firstly, the Red Carp Immortal placed a magic seal on me, and this magic seal appeared before the Wild Elephant.

Upon hearing Wang Yulou's question, Bai Li's expression became somewhat unnatural.

"I placed it, and even Zhuzhao couldn't see it, let alone Mangxiang."

Sometimes Hongli is me, sometimes Hongli herself, she's my sister.

The Immortal Venerable lied again, but it can't really be called a lie; she used a narrative trick.

That is, the reason why Zhuzhao couldn't see it was not because Zhuzhao was weak, but because Wang Yulou was weak, and the Dharma seal she left at that time was also inconspicuous.

But when she said that, it sounded like the Water-Dripping Immortal Venerable was completely overwhelming the Candle-Illuminating Immortal Venerable.
Everyone makes empty promises, but sometimes they're subtle, and sometimes they're blatant.

In short, Bai Li's method of subtly and indirectly offering a glimpse into Wang Yulou's personality was perfectly suited to him—it was so skillfully crafted that even though he said nothing, it was as if he had said everything in Wang Yulou's mind.

"I understand, but I was protected twice by the Red Carp Immortal in the Dripping Water Cave, after all."

"It's alright. Hongli has high hopes for you. It's normal for her to pretend to betray me and side with the Immortal Alliance."

You are a pawn in the game of Red Lantern and Wild Elephant, so Red Carp should definitely take you seriously; it would be abnormal not to.

Moreover, the connection between us is so special that no one can imagine it. This is the truth. Even if Mang Xiang came, that old beast probably couldn't have imagined that Wang Yulou had married a Celestial Venerable and taken him as a concubine.
Well, fortunately, the Water Immortal was magnanimous and didn't care about such formalities.

"Furthermore, is Gu Qiyuan a pawn of the evil monks?"

Wang Yulou suddenly asked about the Gu family's ancestor. Bai Li was clearly not expected him to ask this question. She pondered for a moment and then said...

"It is highly likely that, similar to the Divine Light, the top forces are stable in the long term, but they also infiltrate each other. This infiltration is actually necessary, as it can enhance mutual trust."

Therefore, even though Gu Qiyuan was clearly a follower of the demonic monk, he could still operate normally within the Immortal Alliance.

The True Man Qiyuan attained enlightenment through his outstanding military achievements.

How outstanding?

After fighting across tens of thousands of miles of the demon monk's territory, he returned alive to the Immortal Alliance.

This record looks problematic no matter how you look at it.

"Legend has it that Qiu Mile was once a great cultivator in the demon monk's camp. Why did he join Qingrui's sect? Are Qingrui and the demon monk on the same side?"

North of Wunan lies the Wunan Cliff, which was built by the demonic monk to prevent the Immortal Alliance from infiltrating.

As the leader of the Immortal City in the northwest corner of Wunan, Qingrui had a special True Man named Qiu Mile under her command. How could this not arouse Wang Yulou's suspicion?
"No, Qingrui and the demon monk have a major grudge. The Immortal Alliance's offensive against the demon monk was led by Qingrui."

As for Qiu Mile, he committed a grave crime in the Thousand Pagodas Holy Land and fled south to this place, seeking refuge under the tutelage of Qingrui.

So that's how it is. Qingrui Immortal Venerable was the main instigator of the infiltration of the demonic monk.
Wang Yulou gained a deeper understanding of this powerful Golden Core cultivator and the founder of the Immortal Alliance.

Qingrui is no ordinary person.

"Also, the meerkats of the Western Sea, are they powerful or something special? I always feel that their presence is very strong."

The meerkats had a grudge against Wang Yulou. Uncle Rongyuan died in the jaws of a meerkat, and his friend Feng Jianxian also died at the hands of a meerkat demon king.

"Trash, their ancestor is similar to Li Haiping who just attained enlightenment, but his cultivation level is that of a true demon god."

But in the end, they were just unlucky guys who led their tribes to charge into battle on the front lines.

They seem to have a strong presence because the truly core demon race doesn't need to go to the front lines, but these demons are forced to.

So that's how it is. The meerkats have been causing trouble in the Western Sea every day, and even joining the Heavenly Serpent Sect to disrupt things on the front lines of the two sects, all because they have to charge into battle.
Having clarified his doubts, Wang Yulou didn't hesitate and asked his final question.

"So, Little Fish, what do you need me to do?"

Little Fish, you, Wang Yulou, are very careful.

Bai Li spoke calmly, her tone gentle.

"Growth, I need you to grow as quickly as possible, my husband. Do you know what great cultivators fear most?"

What are the great cultivators afraid of?
Wang Yulou pondered for a long time before tentatively answering.

"fear death?"

"wrong."

"Afraid of being taken advantage of?"

"Hmm, try looking at it from a different angle. Think about what the great cultivators crave most, and then work backward to deduce it. Give it a try."

This time, instead of answering directly, she guided Wang Yulou.

Bai Li was very serious, and Wang Yulou was also very serious. After thinking for a long time, he finally realized the core of the problem.

"Great cultivators crave absolute supremacy, but if they cannot achieve it, they must at least ensure that their status does not decline."

So what they fear is actually change, and I have brought about change. Just as you said, my higher cultivation level allows me to bring about even more changes.

What you need is change?

The Water Immortal nodded in satisfaction. Yes, one must be this clever to have a chance to move forward.

"Do you have any other questions?"

Looking at the beautiful woman before her, Yulou finally asked her last question.

"Where are you going?"

Bai Li took a deep breath, but ultimately did not answer.

"Keep it a secret, my husband. You are reliable, but you are too weak."

Wang Yulou felt helpless; Xiaoyu was going to leave eventually, and there was nothing he could do.

Feelings may not be that important, but for Yu Lou, Xiao Yu was indeed the one he had the most feelings for among all his Daoist partners.

"Don't make that face, it's like it's a life-or-death situation."

Moreover, I don't need you to do anything for me; just bring some changes.

As for me, my path has always been clear and bright, both before and in the future, so you don't need to worry." Her words weren't very polite, but unbeknownst to Wang Yulou, the goddess felt a certain comfort in her heart.

You're still got a conscience, marrying so many Daoist partners, aren't you afraid of working yourself to death!
When will we meet again?

"I don't know. I'll come back when I'm strong enough."

Of course, if Qingrui ever falls into serious trouble, I'll come back and kick her when she's down.
-
She is a goddess, but she is vengeful, especially towards Qingrui.

They seemed to have a deep-seated grudge. Wang Yulou didn't understand why, but it was clear that he would only side with Xiaoyu.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that Qiu Mile arranged for those two hundred Lotus Immortal City mercenaries to reach the Foundation Establishment stage for Wang Yulou was a huge swindle for Wang Yulou.

From Wang Yulou's perspective, Lian Chengxian had tricked him badly, and the Lian family's higher-ups in Lotus Immortal City had to give him some face.

After all, with the spread of the Mangxiang Benevolence, even Lotus Immortal City felt that there were too many Foundation Establishment cultivators, so a little more time spent on it would be beneficial to all three parties.

With the help of Hong Dengzhao, Wang Yulou won.

Lotus Immortal City reduced the size of the group that profited from the situation, and Lotus Immortal City won.

Those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage have also gained a fast track to cultivation; those who survive will win big.

It was a win-win-win situation, but unfortunately, Lufeng was a non-stick pan, and Qiu Mile interfered, ultimately leaving Wang Yulou in an awkward position.

What can I do?
Let's shift the blame to the sect leader. After all, Wang Yulou is just a frontline garrison cultivator. The one who takes the blame within the Red Lantern Gang is ultimately Old Huang.

After reading Wang Yulou's letter, Anthony Wong was also helpless.

Knowing that Yan Keli had recently emerged from seclusion, he sent someone to deliver the letter to Yan Keli.

Yan Keli, that bastard, is also the assistant to the sect leader. He is a key pawn of the Mangxiang lineage in the core of the Red Lantern Gang. Wang Yulou is, after all, a member of the Xuanzhuan lineage. Wang Yulou's request for help is just right for Yan Keli to make the decision.

The difference here is that when the sect leader cleaned up Wang Yulou's mess, he used the resources of the Red Lantern Clan, and the pressure ultimately fell on Lao Huang. When Yan Keyi cleaned up the mess, he used the resources of the Mangxiang lineage or even the Xuanzhuan lineage.

"Nonsense! The matter with Lian Chengxian is over, but he still wants to use that incident to cause trouble. Look, he's now being entangled by Lotus Immortal City."

"If we don't spend money to avert disaster, the Serpent Sect will gain a relative advantage that day. But where will the money come from to buy people to go to the front lines?"

While complaining, Yan Keli handed Wang Yulou's letter of appeal to Yan Kexin.

Yan Keren is in the Western Sea, Yan Keli is in charge of the Red Lantern Brigade, Yan Keyi is on the front line, and Yan Kexin is a steward in the sect. The four Yan brothers are all at the Foundation Establishment stage, making their family extremely prosperous.

Of course, we should also thank the patriarch. Yan Kexin, the weakest of the four, was created by the patriarch through his blessings.

"What a ridiculous situation. He could see the special nature of Lotus Immortal City's involvement in the war between the two sects back then, but now he can't see it anymore and even went up to ask for help. If you ask me, we should just pretend we didn't see it."

Whether they're being silly or not, acting out or not, it's not something the Yan brothers can decide with just a few words.

Yan Keli also wanted to ignore Wang Yulou, but with the patriarch and Xuanzhuan Zhenren staying in the Great Heaven and Earth for a long time, he dared not disregard Wang Yulou's request.

Putting everything else aside, Mang Xiang and Xuan Zhuan haven't even settled the score for Yan Keyi's desertion that caused the collapse of the battle lines.
Therefore, even though he was very reluctant to see Wang Yulou continue upwards, Yan Keli still sent Wang Yulou's letter of appeal to Xuanzhuan.

Xuanzhuan tossed aside Wang Yulou's plea for help and looked at his disciple.

"Keyi, what do you think?"

"Junior Brother Yulou is still a bit young, and he takes many things too seriously."

Master, I failed to open my Purple Mansion and I estimate I will need to recuperate for seven or eight years.

My junior brother has just reached the Foundation Establishment stage; it's the perfect time for him to cultivate diligently. If I go up and relieve him, he can focus on his cultivation, and I can also make amends for Ke Yi's past mistakes.

That's a good way of putting it. Loyal, decent, and harmonious, but not very humane. They steal fruit without any scruples.

Wang Yulou managed the two frontline operations for nearly a year. Despite the hard work, he still achieved considerable results.

Now, the battle merits of frontline cultivators can be exchanged within three days. The Special Merit Hall has completely passed the dangerous period at the beginning and has gained a firm foothold in the complex front.

That's not all. After Gua Zhenren's roar broke through the mid-line defense, it was Wang Yulou who worked day and night to implement a new defensive plan, during which he personally led the team to the front line to deploy defense on many occasions.

Having painstakingly established the center line, and now only made a small mistake, Yan Keli is trying to sow discord between Wang Yulou and Xuanzhuan, wanting to take credit for Wang Yulou's actions, and even using the pretext of "making amends for Yan Keyi's mistakes."

A complete beast! Even more beastly than Yizou Ri!
"Haha, it's good that you're willing, but your most important task right now is to open your Purple Mansion."

After Master attains the Golden Core stage, he will make a big move. You and Ke Ren have accumulated more experience than Wang Yulou and are excellent seeds for the Purple Mansion. You cannot waste time on worldly affairs.

As for this matter, there will always be problems. It's good for young people to gain experience. Just do as Wang Yulou says. Go and make the arrangements.”

Xuan Zhuan understands everything and knows everything, but he doesn't interfere; he simply makes his own decisions.

Xuan Zhuan would only be anxious if his subordinates were truly united. Now that Yan Keli wants to fight Wang Yulou like dogs, he would even be happy to see it happen.

After leaving the main hall of the Mangxiang Dojo, Yan Keli crushed the letter of appeal from Wang Yulou in his hand.

Since the real person has spoken, he will naturally support Wang Yulou.

But Yan Keli stopped worrying about it. No matter how strong Wang Yulou's rise had been in recent years, it was useless if he didn't reach the Purple Mansion level.

Before the patriarch attained enlightenment, he arranged for his disciples to establish their Purple Mansions. After the patriarch attained enlightenment, those who had established their Purple Mansions in advance were able to successfully seize the opportunities that allowed the patriarch to realize his ambitions.

Even if Wang Yulou creates a great situation on the front lines, he will ultimately be ranked behind Yan Keli.

'Wang Yulou, what's the use of risking your life on the front lines? Of all the true core disciples of the Red Lantern Sect, which one has gone to the front lines?'
Once I reach the Purple Mansion level, you'll be even less able to keep up with me.

Since that's the case, why not lend you a hand? Consider it charity!
-
Whether Yan Keyi gave alms or not, Wang Yulou didn't care.

He knows perfectly well how well he's done his job. If Mang Xiang and Xuan Zhuan weren't so idiotic, they wouldn't have removed him from office.

However, Wang Yulou's most urgent matter right now is to remind Ancestor Jingyi not to open her Purple Mansion.

As a frontline inspector, Wang Yuque's status is self-evident; he is the most shameless lackey under Mang Xiang's command, without exception.

To put it simply, wherever Wang Yulou went, everyone smiled.

Everyone is welcoming you with smiles. If you're not smiling, does that mean you have a problem with Fellow Daoist Yuque?

Wang Jingyi didn't laugh, but this was the normal attitude of the Wang family elders towards the younger generation, so of course no one else dared to say anything.

After exchanging a few words with the old turtle Sun Piling, subtly expressing his optimism about him, Wang Yulou sent his men to inspect the southern route.

Can the patrol officers do their patrol work themselves?
What if someone rushes out, kneels down in front of Wang Yulou, and cries? What is Wang Yulou supposed to do then?
While it's true that such words are too cold-blooded and immoral, Wang Yulou himself wouldn't be happy.

If he had warmth and morality, Wang Yulou would be happy, but how could he still be a reckless young general?

The war must continue. Killing a bunch of Foundation Establishment cultivators and creating some new Purple Mansion cultivators is related to the patriarch's grand plan for the Golden Core.

If Wang Yulou's soft heart affects the patriarch's overall situation, how would Mangxiang view Wang Yulou?

Therefore, it would be better to find some oxen and horses to patrol on my behalf, so that I can also talk to Ancestor Jingyi about the truly important matters.

"You know Cui Baihao, right?"

With no Purple Mansion at the front lines, Wang Yulou spoke with much more ease.

After Gua Zhenren intervened, the war effectively entered a period of stability.

Of course, Ancestor Jingyi had been concerned about the power of Wang Yulou's faction, and naturally knew about Cui Baihao, that unlucky old man.

"I know. He was the head of a minor sect. After his sect was destroyed, he went to the Western Sea to become a rogue cultivator, and then you took him under your command."

Wang Yulou nodded and began to talk about raising donkeys.

"The silly donkeys on Silly Donkey Plain have no brains; they are quite a good kind of spirit beast."

But being stupid doesn't mean being clueless; they also have their own little schemes.

For example, they could eat more spiritual food, but there is an upper limit to the amount of spiritual food that the Wang family provides for them.

So some foolish donkeys will hide their spiritual food and feed, and then enjoy a big feast when they have saved up enough.

Unfortunately, such cleverness often results in other, even more cunning fools discovering and stealing it.

"Ancestor, sometimes cultivating immortality is like the life of a silly donkey on Silly Donkey Plain; many things don't make sense. What's clearly your food, they treat as their own."

Wang Jingyi knew that Wang Yulou had something to say, but Wang Yulou's analogy was too off-topic, and she simply couldn't understand what he meant.

Wang Yulou stopped him halfway through the Wuxiang Tiandi technique.

The Formless Method is the Dharma Gate of Mangxiang. Previously, Wang Yulou believed he was safe because he had communicated through the Formless Method.

But now, after learning about the special nature of the Formless Law from Dripping Water, Wang Yulou no longer dared to believe in the Formless Heaven and Earth.

"Haha, I was talking about the patrol work. I was busy, so I delegated some of it to them, and they actually treated themselves as patrol officers."

Using my name, they extorted bribes on a massive scale. It's appalling! Aren't they afraid of being targeted and crushed by me?

"Come on, Ancestor, come with me for a surprise inspection."

Jingyi Patriarch was completely bewildered by Wang Yulou, but that was exactly the effect Wang Yulou wanted.

The words of the Water Immortal reminded Wang Yulou.

Trustworthy is not the same as reliable; the weak have few secrets from the strong.

If we explain things clearly to Ancestor Jingyi, the situation becomes complicated.

With the protection of the Jade Ruyi, Wang Yulou was able to control Shenguang even when he was in the Qi Refining stage, so he was not afraid of simple probing.

As long as Mang Xiang doesn't press his head down to probe, Wang Yulou is safe.

But Elder Jingyi is different; helping her avoid the pitfall of opening her Purple Mansion requires a little strategy.

Wang Yulou rode a black dragon horse, while Ancestor Jingyi flew through the air. The two did not notify anyone and flew all the way to the forefront of the southern front.

To Wang Jingyi's surprise, when she couldn't find the people Wang Yulou had been looking for who were "using his name to extort bribes," Wang Yulou not only wasn't in a hurry, but also led her forward.

“Yu Lou, if we go any further, we will be outside the southern defense node. If we encounter danger, our fellow disciples on the southern line will not be able to provide timely support – they are strictly forbidden from leaving the formation to advance on their own initiative.”

That bastard Pi Lingxiu, before Mang Xiang promised twenty Purple Mansions, was always scheming to force the cultivators on the southern front to charge into battle and die, thus contributing to Mang Xiang's defeat.

Now that Mangxiang's cakes are hanging up, Pi Lingxiu actually started shouting, "Mangxiang, loyalty!"

On the southern front today, let alone Red Lantern cultivators charging forward, even leaving the formation is strictly restricted.

Therefore, those who reach the core level are not fools; when they want to be sensible, they are incredibly sensible.

“I remember sending people in this direction, why haven’t we seen them? Could it be that they’re colluding with the Heavenly Serpent Sect?”

"Ancestor, come with me to take a look. If they're colluding with the Heavenly Serpent Sect, the patrol authority I authorized them will be in trouble!"

Wang Yulou pretended to be somewhat flustered and asked Wang Jingyi for help.

Ancestor, Yu Lou has messed up! Please help him! Let's go take a look ahead.

How to put it? Doing things is difficult. Wang Yulou's series of moves were all calculated step by step.

"Okay, let's be careful and fly low. You prepare the talismans so you can run first if anything happens."

Wang Jingyi agreed without hesitation.

This shows how much Jingyi Patriarch values ​​and trusts Wang Yulou. The Wang family is not yet at the point where everyone is completely alienated.

The two flew a dozen miles forward from the border of the front lines, when a group of Heavenly Serpent Sect disciples who had been lying in ambush attacked.

After silently thanking Master Qiyuan, Wang Yulou didn't hesitate and turned to run away.

When attacked, Wang Jingyi did not suspect Wang Yulou. She noticed that there were four Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators among the attackers. Unwilling to fight against a large number of enemies in a passive situation, she did not linger in the battle. After delaying Wang Yulou for a moment, she prepared to turn around and leave.

But Shi Zu suddenly rushed out from underground and blocked Wang Jingyi's path.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Heavenly Serpent Sect didn't know anything about the Stone Ancestor's background. They only knew that the Heavenly Serpent Sect had hired many powerful demons to help in the battle, so they didn't have any doubts and directly started cooperating with the Stone Ancestor.

Wang Jingyi knew that Shi Zu was Wang Yulou's 'friend,' a chance encounter that Wang Yulou had obtained by chance. However, seeing that Shi Zu was standing with the Heavenly Serpent Sect, she only thought that Wang Yulou's spirit pet had chosen to betray him.

She remained calm and immediately transformed into an invisible arc of light, swiftly fleeing towards the direction of the red light.

Unfortunately, this scheme was orchestrated by Wang Yulou through Cui Baihao, who proactively sold information to the Gu Family Teahouse. The Heavenly Serpent Sect's ambush disciples were not waiting for Wang Jingyi, but for six senior Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The message indicated that these six highly skilled Foundation Establishment cultivators were preparing to set up a secret formation at the front line of the Heavenly Serpent Sect in order to gain the upper hand in the upcoming offensive.

Under such circumstances, Wang Jingyi was already in a dangerous situation, and with Shi Zu watching her closely and constantly making moves, she was finding herself in a rather precarious position.

However, the upper limit of these people who were lying in ambush was only the peak of Foundation Establishment. Wang Jingyi was also at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and Shi Zu was at the peak of Great Demon. There was no absolute difference in their strength.

Ancestor Jingyi could still leave if she wanted to. In the midst of the crisis, she decisively used a special secret technique—the Exploding Spirit Technique.

Assuming a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator can normally mobilize 100 units of mana, a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator who has cast the Explosive Spirit Technique can mobilize over 100 units of mana, the exact amount depending on their determination.

Ancestor Jingyi was clear-headed and knew that the situation was critical, that they were on the verge of life and death. Therefore, she did not hold back much and directly increased the power of the Exploding Spirit Technique to seventy percent, while her aura increased by more than twenty percent.

There's no need to go all out, since the two factions are locked in a tight battle. Wang Jingyi only needs to escape a dozen miles to get backup.

A moment later, Wang Yulou saw Wang Jingyi covered in blood.

He breathed a long sigh of relief, but then cursed in a mixture of shock and anger.

"Someone leaked our whereabouts, and Pi Lingxiu must give an explanation!"

Ancestor Jingyi has always been a calm and pragmatic person. She originally wanted to persuade Wang Yulou not to make things so ugly with Pi Lingxiu.

However, she realized that someone needed to take the blame to prevent the issue of Wang Yulou's appointment as the Inspector of the Western Sea from being discovered.

So, she ultimately didn't object, but nodded in agreement.

Pi Lingxiu's world has collapsed.

Looking at Wang Jingyi, whose face was pale, whose breathing was disordered, and who even seemed to be falling from the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, Old Pi's mind went blank.

No, sister, my dear sister, you are the garrison commander, responsible for escorting people up there. Why did you personally go to the front line?
"What's going on?" Pi Lingxiu really didn't know anything.

“Brother Lingxiu, shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

Jingyi and I were worried about the situation at the front, so we went to investigate. The disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect somehow found out that we had gone up there.

A group of people launched a sneak attack. If it weren't for Ancestor Jingyi buying me time, I might already be dead on your southern front!

Sorry, Old Pi, Ancestor Jingyi cannot open her Purple Mansion now, and she needs a good reason.

Therefore, she must be injured, and this injury needs to be verified by someone with an identity to prove its 'authenticity', thus proving that she was not intentionally injured.

Therefore, Old Pi, you're the only one who can take the blame for this. After going to the front lines several times, you're the most suitable!
"This, this, this."

Pi Lingxiu was speechless after being cornered by Wang Yulou—he's too outrageous!

"Don't say that, Brother Lingxiu, I didn't mean to blame you. I just don't understand why the southern route is like a sieve."

Do you think I want to trouble you, senior brother? We are good friends, and Yulou doesn't want to trouble you either.

But no sooner had Ancestor Jingyi and I left than the people of the Heavenly Serpent Sect found out where we went.

"Who should I turn to after this has happened?"

Pi Lingxiu was speechless after being cornered by Wang Yulou. He himself wasn't sure if the southern route was a sieve.

After all, he couldn't do what Wang Yulou did, leading a team to inspect each node one by one.

If things are relaxed at the top, there will be people everywhere who outwardly comply but inwardly defy you. Pi Lingxiu understands this kind of thing.

Therefore, he was truly stunned by the argument that Wang Yulou had led him to.

Seeing Pi Lingxiu's uncertain expression, Wang Yulou felt a sense of emotion.

Fu Yan knew the truth, but did not tell his disciples.

what is this?
Using Mang Xiang to purge his wavering disciples?
"Yu Lou, I will investigate this matter thoroughly. Jing Yi, here, take this bottle of 'Spirit Renewal and Golden Elixir,' it is a top-quality healing elixir exclusively for Golden Law cultivators."

You know, I happen to be versed in the Golden Elixir Technique. This elixir was originally prepared for myself, to save my life.

Pi Lingxiu reluctantly took out an octagonal pill box with a built-in pill-nourishing array from his storage ring.

The person who wronged you knows better than you how wronged you are.

Wang Yulou was surprised to actually get some gold coins, and immediately felt relieved.

It wasn't because of this bottle of pills; there were plenty of similar pills in the Special Merit Hall on the front lines.

The key point is that after Pi Lingxiu felt ashamed and made Dan compensate Wang Jingyi, the unexpectedness and 'false connection' of Wang Jingyi's injury appeared.

With Wang Yulou's strategy in place, Mang Xiang will definitely be able to find something if he wants to investigate.

But for those great cultivators, every single one of their subordinates is a handful. Whether Wang Jingyi's actions before opening her Purple Mansion were intentional or not, Mang Xiang probably doesn't really care.

There's only one three-legged demon king toad, so it's hard to find, but there are plenty of Foundation Establishment cultivators who want to become oxen or horses in the Purple Mansion.

They simply couldn't have imagined that their future wouldn't be like Li Haikuo's, a lowly servant in the Purple Palace, but rather...
(End of this chapter)