Shangyuque

Chapter 192 I've even prepared a pledge of allegiance for you, what are you still hesitating about?
The great counter-offensive has begun, but Wang Yulou's primary target is the Fuyan faction within the Red Lantern Sect, rather than the Heavenly Serpent Sect, which is his opponent.

We also need to fight the Heavenly Serpent Sect, but that doesn't conflict with fighting the Floating Smoke Sect first.

Using the pretext of attacking the Heavenly Serpent Sect to weaken the Floating Smoke Sect is the truly correct choice among many options.

This thing, even without the use of Mangxiang, Xuanzhuan, or Zhuzhao Chuanzhi, Wang Yulou and Yan Siyuan could understand it. This was their core competitiveness that allowed them to gain a foothold in the Red Lantern Gang—a sense of responsibility.

As a large organization, the Red Lanterns, composed mainly of cultivators, rule over millions of cultivators.

Of these five million cultivators, approximately 99.9% will never have the opportunity to establish their foundation in their lifetime.

However, this does not mean that there are only five thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Red Lantern Clan—the lifespan of Qi Refining cultivators is one hundred and eighty, while the lifespan of Foundation Establishment cultivators is three hundred and sixty, so the ratio of Foundation Establishment cultivators to Foundation Establishment cultivators is approximately five hundred to one.

In other words, the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators under the Red Lanterns had been around 10,000 for a long time. After the Mangxiang Benevolence was greatly increased, the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators under the Red Lanterns' rule exceeded 20,000.

After a large number of "baby boomers" represented by Wu Jinyan were born, Mangxiang took the initiative to start a major battle between the two factions.

Wang Yulou once pondered for a long time but still couldn't understand why his patriarch wanted to start a war.

The logic is simple yet counterintuitive: only those desperate to lose need to wage war, a gamble that puts their fate on the line.

Even if the elephant can find someone else to take the blame if things become unsustainable, the substitute who takes the blame is still a key component of the bargaining chip.

Of course, you have a chance to win at gambling, but if you lose, you really lose.

Therefore, Wang Yulou could only think that the reason why the Mangxiang started the war was because there were too many people in the Hongdengzhao sect who had built up their foundations, and there were not enough places to go, so the internal pressure began to emerge.

By waging war, a large number of Foundation Establishment cultivators whose strength does not match their status can be eliminated, thereby relieving the internal pressure within the sect.

At the time, this idea seemed fine.

Later, Bai Li told Wang Yulou that all of Mang Xiang's actions were in service of obtaining the Golden Elixir.

From the surge of gratitude that spurred a baby boom in foundation building, to the West Sea joining forces with Divine Light to suppress dissent within the sect, to joining forces with Qingrui to turn the tables on Divine Light, and then attempting to initiate an internal war within the Immortal Alliance.

Through skillful maneuvering, the patriarch achieved his core objectives at every crucial juncture, except for the failure to initiate the civil war within the Immortal Alliance.

The most outrageous of these is the reason behind the two major battles.

This war was fought solely to clear away the obstacles in the world for the Mangxiang to attain enlightenment.

After more than fifty years of fighting, countless cultivators have died, but Mangxiang Sect has gained six more "battery-like" Purple Mansions, reaping considerable rewards.

Wang Yulou's leadership of this counterattack was Mang Xiang's recognition of his long-term work on the front lines.

However, Xiao Wang cannot simply send the Red Lanterns to their deaths for the sake of the Xishan Sect. Although a large number of deaths would be part of the performance evaluation, he would only receive a normal work evaluation.

You need to proactively create work resources in order to actively seek work rewards.

Therefore, the primary goal of the counterattack was not to recover lost territory, but to eliminate the grassroots forces of the "superficial faction".

There are many cultivators at the lower levels, but in the long run, even those at the Foundation Establishment stage are like grass; no matter how many die, they will simply grow back in the spring breeze.

However, if they can quickly eliminate a large number of the Floating Smoke faction's grassroots forces, the vacated positions will inevitably be swallowed up by the people behind Mang Xiang and Zhu Zhao.

This is also a form of spiritual practice, and it is even more brutal than magical combat.

Today, Wang Yulou orchestrated the purge of the Floating Smoke Faction, which inadvertently tricked Guo Baichi and sent his brother Guo Baijiao to the front lines.

But what if one day Wang Yulou loses the trust of his patriarch?
Red lanterns illuminated the mansion, and Cui Baihao fled to the Western Sea at top speed.

In recent years, Foundation Establishment cultivators no longer need to worry about being ambushed within the Red Lantern Gang. As the wartime mobilization was gradually initiated, the iron-fisted system it had created penetrated every corner of the Red Lantern Gang.

In the past, there were indeed many Foundation Establishment cultivators who did not leave their mark on the Immortal Alliance. These Foundation Establishment cultivators were often found in various families.

Those cultivators with even a little fame are all raised by powerful clans.

However, the mighty elephant immortal (quasi-) lingers in the vast world, and the deterrent power he brings within the range of the red lantern is almost limitless.

They first entered the Heavenly Serpent Sect and slaughtered its inhabitants before escaping unscathed. Later, they almost started an internal war but were stopped by the Frog King and the Candle Illumination. The Purple Mansion members of the Red Lantern Sect were not exactly trembling with fear in the face of the mighty elephant, but they were still extremely cautious.

In short, Cui Bai has no need to worry about anyone targeting him, a mere beginner in the Foundation Establishment stage.

Wang Yulou's enemies were strong, but they weren't so ruthless as to directly assassinate Wang Yulou's subordinates—that would be internal strife.

In half a day, he flew from the Jade Palace to the Western Sea.

The situation in the Western Sea is very different from what it was more than fifty years ago; the influence of the Divine Light has almost completely disappeared.

The once prosperous Xihai Immortal City was rebuilt in a different location.

However, its masters have become the Immortal Alliance and the Red Lanterns—mainly Qingrui, Mangxiang, and Zhuzhao.

The arena is located in the core area of ​​Xihai New City. After Wang Yulou purged the pernicious influence of Shenguang in Xihai, he reshaped the power structure of Xihai and naturally received excellent rewards.

After all, the person who gave him the reward was Jinshan Zhenren, the ancestor of Wang Yulou.

The reason why Wang Yulou was able to gradually walk to the center of the Red Lantern Grand Stage is due to his careful considerations since he embarked on the path of cultivation.

Inside the Dripping Water Cave, he prepared to become a member of the Immortal Alliance.

In the Western Sea, he prepared for the development of his family amidst dire circumstances.

On the front lines of the two major battles, he fought with all his might to ensure that his ancestor would not lose.

Ironically, all these efforts were misdirected.

However, the meaning of hard work will not completely disappear because of a wrong direction; the cultivation world is not entirely about results.

Wang Yulou is young, which is his greatest competitive advantage. Ancestor Xianzhou worked tirelessly day and night to refine pills for his cultivation, thus forging Wang Yulou's extraordinary path.

One step at a time, one step at a time.

If you move quickly, many mistakes can be covered up.

His efforts in the Dripping Water Cave caught the attention of the Dripping Water Immortal, and also gave him the Dripping Water Cave lineage, which wasn't a very large base.

The groundwork laid in the West Sea has become another foundation for Wang Yulou today, and it has also been affirmed by Xuan Zhuan, securing two key positions on the front lines.

His desperate efforts on the front lines of the two major battles earned him the attention of the Mang Xiang, which led to his opportunity to become the commander-in-chief of the counter-offensive.

As Wang Yulou rose through the ranks, Cui Baihao, a lowly follower of Wang Yulou, also saw his status rise accordingly.

After announcing his arrival as an inner disciple of the Red Lantern Sect, he was led into the Immortal Venerable Hall of the dueling arena.

"Fellow Daoist Zheng Yan?"

Cui Baihao knew that Zheng Yan was the person in charge of the Wang family in Xihai, but he had never met him before, so he was extremely polite.

"Who are you?" Zheng Yan didn't recognize Lao Cui, so he was cautious.

Old Cui didn't speak, but took out a secret letter sealed with shimmering amber from his storage bag, held it with both hands, and handed it to Zheng Yan.

"The letter sealed inside the amber is a handwritten letter from Fellow Daoist Yuque, and the outer restrictions were also personally inscribed by Fellow Daoist Yuque. Please take a look."

Wang Yulou's level of Taoist cultivation is very high, as those familiar with him know.

Upon closer inspection of the luminous amber, Zheng Yan discovered that the seals on it were smooth and seamless, without any trace of tampering, and nodded in approval.

"Why did Yu Lou send you here?"

Old Cui didn't speak, but simply pointed to the letter inside the shimmering amber.

Zheng Yan looked at the letter and carefully removed the amber seal from the outside.

It was called a letter, but it was actually a special piece of seventh-grade fragrant wood, about the size of two finger joints.

The fragrant wood has special properties; it is dense and heavy. Wang Yulou used alchemy techniques to carve words into the fragrant wood as a letter, which could be done in extremely small quantities.

The key point is that fragrant wood has the effect of suppressing consciousness.

Although Zheng Yan was already in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, he still had to exert a great deal of effort to understand what was written in the fragrant wood in his hand.

As Zheng Yan pondered and examined the fragrant wood, he felt a sense of admiration for Wang Yulou's ingenuity.

Using this spirit wood as a medium for communication means that even if someone in the Purple Mansion tries to peek, they will usually be noticed by the person holding the spirit wood.

It shows ingenuity, precisely to prevent people from breaking the rules.

“I understand the situation. I will arrange for someone to help you with the formation master matter. I can’t guarantee how many people I can find, but I will do my best.”

Sending Lao Cui to the West Sea to find a formation master wasn't meant for Lao Cui to fight alone; Wang Yulou provided support.

"Also, you should try going to the Red Lantern Western Outer Courtyard. Although the deacon there is now Yan Keren, it won't hurt to give it a try."

Zheng Yan is extremely familiar with the West Sea. With his help in finding a formation master, Old Cui's task will naturally be easier to complete.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zheng Yan."

"Oh, why thank me? It's only right that we both work for Yulou."
-
The escort missions at Yunnan University are actually quite tedious.

The transportation of critical supplies to the front lines needs to go through the 'core transshipment line'.

However, in the core transit line, every link requires specific responsibility to be assigned to individuals, so the whole process is not only extremely complicated, but also cannot be taken lightly.

Finally, things took an interesting turn.

Because of good process control, the transfer tasks on the core transfer line do not have problems, and there have only been two accidents in the past few decades.

However, because there are few unexpected events, the cultivators who participate in the core transfer line will feel that 'we are wasting our time'.

The same goes for Yun Da, but he had a pretty good time transporting goods this time.

His task was to transport goods to the northern route, and his younger brother, Yun Er, was now working in Xiangzhufang—he could see his brother whenever he passed through Xiangzhufang.

Qin Churan only said one sentence, and the red-skinned dog was scared half to death, arranging very good jobs for both of them.

Yun Er is in Xiangzhufang, and Yun Da belongs to the Hongshu Great Array Transfer Division; both are good locations.

Normally, such a good location would cost a lot of spirit stones, and Red Dog would definitely not be willing to pay out of his own pocket to arrange it.

However, because Qin Churan had spoken up, Yun Da and Yun Er were lucky enough to get some face from Wang Yuque.

So, it's absurd that Yun Da and Yun Er were actually Wang Yulou's people.

Wang Yulou was well aware of how many people were watching his position, so he was usually very cautious in his words and actions, and did not want anyone to easily discover his thoughts.

But with just one sentence from Qin Churan, he gained two more Jade Generals.

However, it's not a big deal. Two more is two more. Although Wang Yulou doesn't know yet, even if he did, it wouldn't matter.

Just like how he dared to talk openly and frankly with Yan Siyuan, he can now handle many things.

The escort team will stay in Xiangzhufang for half a day when they arrive.

This half-day is mainly used to allow Foundation Establishment cultivators on the core transport route to scout ahead, so as to ensure that no one will ambush them on the way.

Yun Da also took this opportunity to meet his younger brother.

Yun Er's position is the guard of the fourth formation node of Xiangzhufang.

The monthly salary is three battle merits, which is approximately eighteen spirit stones.

A little over two hundred a year may not seem like much, but the job is incredibly easy.

Furthermore, there are rewards for doing well. Normally, as long as there are no major mishaps, everyone can get the reward, which is another twenty battle merits, equivalent to one hundred and twenty spirit stones.

Including his usual embezzlement and profit-sharing, Yun Er's annual income is around 350 spirit stones.

This figure represents a number that he once needed to dig in the black mud mine for three and a half years.

In the guard room of the fourth array node, Yun Er and three other guards were slacking off in their cultivation.

The remaining four people, who took turns practicing, were also cultivating in the side room next door.

Everyone's slacking off; not a single person is doing anything seriously.

In any case, when the sky falls, those who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage in the market will be the first to notice.

These guards are just there to slack off; every single one of them has connections.

Noticing that Yun Da had brought wine and meat to the guardhouse, Yun Er spoke up in surprise.

"Fellow Daoists, my brother is here looking for me. Little Eight, come and keep watch for me for half a day. I'll pay you back later."

Upon seeing his elder brother arrive, Yun Er greeted his fellow guards and arranged a small shift change.

"Haha, fellow Daoists, you've worked hard. Here's some braised donkey meat and Wang's Spirit Wine, please take it and eat it."

Yun Da politely distributed the donkey meat and spirit wine he bought from Zhiweifang to everyone, and then left with his younger brother.

It's tough to survive in the cultivation world. Yun Da and Yun Er were very afraid of Wang Yuque because they had received his favor.

They're not worthy at all. They were just lucky to be saved by Qin Churan.

Therefore, every time Yun Da visits Yun Er, he makes sure to shop at Zhiweifang, thus helping Yun Er strengthen the brothers' status as "Little Jade Generals" among their cronies and colleagues.

This kind of subtle reinforcement of identity is powerful, but it is still somewhat useful.

Because Yuan Si and Lian Chengxian are a minority in the cultivation world, Yun Da's little tricks can be easily understood by others with just a little imagination.

"The amount of supplies we transferred this time is more than the total amount transferred in the previous several years combined."

During their conversation, the Foundation Establishment cultivators escorting them also mentioned that the activation of the Crimson Pivot Formation signaled the beginning of a major battle.

Yun Da wasn't there to chat idly with Yun Er. He was in the Red Pivot Array Transfer Division, where he could see clues about many things from the changes in the array.

Upon learning of the potential outbreak of a major war, he hurriedly came to inform his younger brother.

However, to his surprise, his younger brother was not only unafraid of the battle, but also showed some excitement in his eyes.

"Big Brother, do you remember the First Auction House of the Western Sea that I mentioned to you?"

Within the territory of the Red Lantern, there are two special large-scale exchanges for cultivation materials. One is the Red Lantern Goods Exchange, where Zhou Yingxi works as a steward.

One is the top auction house in the West Sea, controlled by Wang Yulou, with Mang Xiang taking the lion's share.

Over the years, it was precisely because of these two cash cows that Wang Yulou was able to cultivate so many promising young talents.

Of course, there are many competitors, but Wang Yulou's business methods are constantly evolving and innovating. Now, he has even progressed to the stage of trading call options certificates, making it difficult for his competitors to withstand his advances. Even Yi Zouri's dissatisfaction with Wang Yulou is partly due to these factors.

He also set up a similar large-scale contract trading platform for cultivation materials, but he was utterly defeated by Xiao Wang.

We're all core members of the Red Lantern Gang, so why are you, Wang Yulou, so arrogant?

The feud between Yi Zouri and Wang Yulou has become almost irreconcilable due to the clash of various interests.

"Didn't I tell you not to think about those things? There are so many experts in the cultivation world, do you and I have a chance to have good things?"
Your task is to cultivate diligently and reach the peak of Qi Refining as soon as possible.

Among us brothers, only you have the opportunity to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Once you reach the peak of Qi Refining, I'll do anything to help you reach Foundation Establishment!"

Yun Da's thinking is very prudent. He and his brother were cultivators who had struggled at the bottom of society. Although their lives are better now, Yun Da does not dare to spend money recklessly.

Moreover, outside the West Sea First Auction House, cultivators would often kneel on the ground and weep bitterly. Yun Da had witnessed such a scene twice, and each time he felt deeply moved.

Because, in one of the two instances, it was a Foundation Establishment cultivator who was crying—wasn't Yun Da Neng afraid?

"Brother, you don't know, the reputation of the First Auction House of the West Sea is integrity and following the rules. Among the guards of our fourth node, three people have earned spirit stones at the First Auction House of the West Sea."

Yunnan University is very determined.

"Stop! There's no such thing as a spirit stone begetting another spirit stone. I'll say it again, even if such a thing existed, it wouldn't be your turn!"

However, in the end, he couldn't resist Yun Er's pull and, together with his younger brother, joined the Xiangzhufang branch of the Xihai First Auction House.

Contrary to what Yun Da had imagined, this branch did not have luxurious decorations; instead, it had a simple, neat, and bright style.

A counter over ten feet long was placed inside the auction house, directly opposite the screen that came into view after entering the main entrance.

In front of the screen are a dozen or so scattered tea seats and small tables, which serve as seating areas for guests.

The real heart of this auction house lies behind the counter.

Behind the long counter hung a 'monitor' made of magical artifacts, on which price information scrolled densely.

There's no need for any fancy decorations; just the fact that Wang Yulou commissioned this magical artifact is here is enough to command everyone's respect.

A dozen or so Qi Refining cultivators sat at the counter, responsible for receiving guests.

Yun Er nervously swallowed, then excitedly told Yun Dadao.

'Brother, let's buy long contracts for the common spiritual materials used in formations.'

If we buy a one-tenth of a contract for two hundred spirit stones, and the actual price of the spirit materials increases by one-tenth, we can get a 30% profit.

This thing is called 'collateral ratio', the base is three times, but it can be higher.

If we have more than ten thousand spirit stones, or if we have the cultivation level of Foundation Establishment, we can get a guarantee of five to ten times the amount.

"What if we lose money?" Yun Da was genuinely afraid.

"Brother, even if we rogue cultivators manage to get a decent position during the war, do we really have a chance to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in our lifetime?"
Senior Wang Yuque's "Interim Measures for Wartime Qi Cultivation, Advancement, and Foundation Building" clearly stipulates the requirements.

For independent cultivators who wish to establish their foundation, they either need to join the outer sect of the Red Lantern Sect and advance to the foundation stage there, or they need to achieve meritorious service in battle to qualify for foundation-building resources.

Yes, you can also buy Foundation Building Resources from the market, but the price is much, much higher than the price you can get from the Special Merit Hall, so we can't afford it.

However, the recruitment of outer disciples for the Red Lantern Sect has been frozen. Only the descendants of Qi Refining cultivators who died in battle can exchange their qualifications for compensation.

The sect has strict rules, and even this kind of exchange qualification is restricted from being traded. If we don't want to risk our lives, we can only earn more spirit stones.

In talisman making, we can't compare to those family cultivators; in alchemy, we lack the resources to start; and in weapon crafting, it consumes even more spirit stones than alchemy.

Other auxiliary techniques, one by one, are all pretty much the same: either they don't earn much, or they are extremely risky.

The First Auction House in the Western Sea may be our only chance—our only chance to acquire resources without going to war.

Wang Yulou wanted to get things done, but he was faced with a complex and complicated red-light district system.

He couldn't resolve the issue of not being able to issue compensation to Qi Refining cultivators, and in the end, he came up with a system where the compensation for Qi Refining cultivators who died in battle could benefit future generations by exchanging it for outer disciple slots. This can only be described as the result of a multi-party negotiation.

Whether it was good or bad, Wang Yulou certainly did his best.

Mang Xiang's purpose in starting the war was to wear down enough people so that he could prepare the necessary materials for his Golden Core cultivation.

The patriarch was indifferent to the deaths below, and Wang Yulou's conscience, ability, and power could only allow him to do so much.

'Sigh, whatever. A major battle is about to break out, and the price of the spiritual materials needed for the formation shouldn't drop too much. Buy!'

Yun Da and Yun Er couldn't see the direction of their fate. They only realized that they didn't have many choices, so they reluctantly chose the path that didn't seem too fatal.
-
“We never had a choice. Born into a family that was subordinate to the ancestor, we naturally had to follow the ancestor.”

But now, even before Mangxiang has achieved the Golden Core stage, the patriarch has already been forced into this situation.

We, the seasoned Foundation Establishment cultivators, are far stronger than Wang Yulou, yet we are still forced to go to the Dragon Tiger Camp by that damned young man, Wang Yulou.

Dragon Tiger Camp?
A suicide squad!

In the mansion of Nan Ye Bashisan, the ruler of Nan Ye Kingdom, several cultivators from the Fuyan Sect were having a banquet with him.

Before Pi Lingxiu defected to Mangxiang, he was in charge of the southern front, and many cultivators from the Fuyan Sect served on the southern front.

As a result, Pi Lingxiu defected to the Mangxiang Sect, and the Fuyan Sect cultivators on the southern front were in a terrible situation. With no one to protect them, they had been tormented for many years.

But Wang Yulou and Yan Siyuan were forcing them to go to the front lines, which was more than just causing trouble; in their eyes, it was forcing them to their deaths!

"It won't be a suicide mission. Fellow Daoists, you are all quite strong and highly skilled. If we unite as one, we will surely be able to return."

However, I have a small question: how deep exactly should the Dragon Tiger Camp charge into the enemy lines? Haven't Wang Yulou and Yan Siyuan decided yet?

Nan Ye Bashisan offered a word of comfort, and then asked his own question.

Wang Yulou's plan was to form a vanguard battalion composed entirely of highly skilled and experienced Foundation Establishment cultivators to draw the attention of the Heavenly Serpent Sect's front lines, thus laying the groundwork for a subsequent large-scale offensive.

Moreover, the passing away of these highly skilled Foundation Establishment cultivators will free up enough positions for Wang Yulou and Yan Siyuan, thereby enhancing their status within the sect and faction.

But the key point, namely how deep the attack should go, was something neither Wang Yulou nor Yan Siyuan had decided on, which is actually quite interesting.

Nan Ye Bashisan is the ruler of the Nan Ye Kingdom. He has an unusual perspective on issues and noticed this point, which is why he spoke up to remind him.

"They didn't mention that at all. What does that mean? Are they tacitly allowing us to make a quick push and then come back?"

The cultivators of the Floating Smoke Sect looked at each other in bewilderment.

Nan Ye Bashisan chuckled and shook his head, but his eyes were filled with solemnity. He spoke slowly.

"Wang Yulou and Yan Siyuan are ruthless; they're forcing you to run."

Who is Guo Baijiao? He is the elder brother of Baichi Zhenren.

The several Candlelight Sect senior brothers that Yan Siyuan had placed in his camp were also people who didn't get along with him.

You two are not on the same path as those two.

That's why you make up the majority of the Dragon Tiger Camp.

Wang Yulou and Yan Siyuan wanted you to kill Guo Baijiao and the others, and then defect to the Heavenly Serpent Sect.

This is probably your only way to survive.

How capable is the ruler of the Southern Ye Kingdom?
Very high!

The few Floating Smoke Sect cultivators who were on good terms with Nan Ye Bashisan fell silent, understanding the reason for the solemnity in Nan Ye Bashisan's eyes.

Many of the followers of the Floating Smoke Sect defected at the front lines and even killed several core members of the Mangxiang and Zhuzhao lineages as a pledge of allegiance to the Heavenly Serpent Sect.
This story looks like a horror story no matter how you look at it.

From Nan Ye Bashisan to the other cultivators who drank with him, none of them expected that Wang Yuque's counterattack would start by attacking Fuyan Zhenren!

It wasn't just the Floating Smoke Sect, nor just the mid-level Foundation Establishment disciples of the Floating Smoke Sect, but the Floating Smoke Master himself!

"Couldn't you just take a quick shower and come back?"

Some of them dared not defect and, hoping to find out, asked the King of Nanye.

"You've dodged it this time, but what about next time?"

The other person answered him directly.

Yes, we might escape this time, but we'll definitely be labeled when we get back.

Given the intensity of the infighting within the Red Lanterns organization, they will likely be sent to their deaths again next time.

"But it's really despicable of us all to defect from the Heavenly Serpent Sect like this. He even put Guo Baichi's brother in here. He's practically prepared a pledge of allegiance for us!"

Is Xiao Wang ruthless?
That's ruthless enough.

This round not only gave the founder an advantageous position in the internal strife, but also strengthened his status and presence in the Mangxiang lineage by leveraging his position as the frontline commander.

Yes, none of the six new Purple Mansions belong to the Wang clan, but my Wang Yuque will surely become a Purple Mansion in the future.

Only by displaying this kind of momentum and fighting Guo Baichi can one win over those in factions who are relatively unwilling or afraid to engage in infighting—after all, there are always wavering centrists everywhere.

"I'm afraid you really have to leave. This isn't something Wang Yuque is forcing you to do."

Nan Ye Bashisan's eyes were somewhat strange. He poured a cup of wine on the ground, pointed to the spiritual wine flowing on the ground, and said.

“The spirit wine is moving, not because it moves on its own, but because I make it move.”

You were promoted not because you were key, but because the people behind you were key.

I am not familiar with Fuyan Zhenren.

But my fellow Daoists, we have known each other for many years, and you are my dearest friends. I do not wish to see you perish in the fire pit.

As our ancestor once said, even the most powerful can't defeat a fierce elephant.

Since the Immortal Venerable was unwilling to concede, True Immortal Mangxiang, wanting a larger share, had no choice but to snatch it from True Immortal Fuyan.

The ancestor mentioned by Nan Ye in the Eighty-Three Mouths is Nan Ye Ke of the Nan Ye Kingdom, the one who was once threatened by Wang Yulou.

As for the immortal he mentioned, it was Zhuzhao.

He called him "True Man" instead of "Immortal Venerable Mangxiang" to be considerate of the feelings of his friends.

In short, the analysis of this ruler of Nanye Kingdom is indeed correct.

With the front lines stable for so many years, the possibility of defeat is virtually nonexistent, which is why Wang Yuque dared to join forces with Yan Siyuan to start a new round of infighting within the Red Lanterns.

It appears that Wang Yuque made the move, but Wang Yuque's actions followed the general direction of the Mangxiang lineage.

He charged forward once again, for the sake of the Mangxiang Immortal Venerable.

In a dual-rule system, Fu Yan is no match for Mang Xiang.

"Brother Nan Ye, is there really no chance?"

If there were no other choice, who would willingly go to an unfamiliar environment and start struggling from the outside again?
For these opportunistic individuals who have established their foundations, leaving the red-light district is not difficult, but if they develop in a different location, their future will certainly be bleak.

“You have been chosen as stones to test the waters; if you do not move, you will be thrown at again and again.”

You all know what kind of person Wang Yuque is without me having to tell you; if he wants to do something, there's nothing he can't do.

Of course, if you want to stay and weather the storm, that's not out of the question.

What if Fuyan Zhenren wins?
"After all, Immortal Venerable Chiming is an Immortal Venerable; perhaps he left some hidden assistance for True Person Fuyan."

Having reached this point in the discussion, Nan Ye Bashisan had essentially said all he needed to say. He had analyzed the situation thoroughly, both positively and negatively, from all angles, and there was no need to say anything more.

Saying more would make it seem like he's helping the Heavenly Serpent Sect recruit traitors.
The banquet ended in a somber atmosphere. After several cultivators from the Floating Smoke Sect left, one of them voluntarily returned.

Upon meeting Nan Ye Bashisan, he directly stated his purpose.

"Brother Nan Ye, your Nan Ye Kingdom was at peace before the war. I wonder if you have any connections within the Heavenly Serpent Sect?"

"That's not why I was advising you!"

Nan Ye, at eighty-three, hurriedly explained.

"Of course, we understand Brother Nan Ye's intentions, but if we go there suddenly, there might be misunderstandings. It would be best if we could get in touch and make a big deal out of it."

"Make a Big Deal Out of It"

Nan Ye hesitated, worried, and troubled for a long time before finally speaking in a low voice.

"Over the past few decades, I have met many fellow Daoists."

But I have very few close friends, and you are all my dearest friends.

I'll help you with that.

But you absolutely must not tell anyone outside the family that I was the one who made the contact for you.

Those relationships were all established during the trade between the Southern Ye Kingdom and the Heavenly Serpent Sect, and had never been related to war.

"If you hadn't come to me for help, I would never have contacted the Heavenly Serpent Sect on my own initiative."

Upon hearing that Nan Ye Bashisan was indeed related, the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Fuyan Sect became instinctively wary.

The Jade Palace is located just outside the capital of the Southern Ye Kingdom; he could report it in the blink of an eye.

However, he ultimately did not move.

As the successor of the Crimson Bright Immortal Venerable, Fu Yan might have a backup plan that would allow her to defeat the Savage Elephant.

But these stones, chosen by Wang Yulou to test the waters, will surely come at a price.

The interests of a sect, the interests of a faction, and the interests of an individual are two different things.

When life is weighed on the stage of great monks' struggle, the price of life approaches infinity.

Betrayal is never an unavoidable option.

In fact, their betrayal was something Wang Yuque had planned from the very beginning.

(End of this chapter)