Shangyuque

Chapter 202 I Can Talk, I Can Reform (13,000 words and 3,000 free monthly votes)

Having already stepped into the halfway point of the Purple Mansion Realm, Wang Yulou finally returned to his loyal Red Lantern Gang.

However, no one welcomed him, because Xiao Wang's return this time was due to an urgent summons back to the clan.

It was personally instructed by the founder, something that no one else knew about.

On Mangxiang Mountain, where people were few and far between, Wang Yulou flew slowly, observing without leaving a trace.

This place used to be sparsely populated, but it's different from how it is now, completely empty and deserted.

Mang Xiang slaughtered all of Zi Fu's disciples, then wiped out Dan Ri's lineage, and sent the people left behind by Xuan Zhuan to the front lines.

Under these circumstances, Mangxiang Mountain cannot even be described as having nine out of ten empty houses, but rather ninety-nine out of a hundred empty houses.

Those disciples who initially thought they could buy a ticket and ride the wave of Mang Xiang's rise to power ultimately became the price to pay.

Even Wang Yulou felt a pang of sadness, and even a chill.

Mang Xiang truly didn't care about the lives of his men. He seemed completely unconcerned that losing his men would put him at a disadvantage in the game.

But thinking about it, it makes sense, after all, the patriarch had already reached the Golden Core stage after attaining enlightenment.

As long as he can continue to operate within the Great World, other Golden Core cultivators who fight him will inevitably lose a wave of 'time' from the outset.

Under such circumstances, the loss of disciples is not so terrible.

Besides
"Who are you?"

A female cultivator, dressed in the robes of Wanye Yongming and with striking features, flew out from Guo Baijiao's old residence and blocked Wang Yulou, who was observing the changes in Mangxiang Mountain as he flew through the sky.

The phrase "prominent talents" here is literal; the forty Foundation Establishment cultivators that Mang Xiang brought out from the cave heaven are somewhat different from the normal people of the Great Heaven and Earth.

Judging from the earth-attribute spiritual energy emanating from her body, this female cultivator, who was at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, seemed to be a senior Foundation Establishment cultivator. However, she had four symmetrical little horns, which aroused curiosity in people.

"Wang Yuque, I have come back to the sect by imperial decree to pay homage to the patriarch. Junior sister, are you from the grotto-heaven?"

A new woman moved into Guo Baijiao's old mansion. When she tried to stop him, Xiao Wang calmly revealed his identity.

He knew that Mang Xiang had used the cultivators from his own grotto-heaven to replace the people from the sects left behind by Dan Ri, Xuan Zhuan, and others who had left the Purple Mansion.

However, Wang Yulou did not know who these cultivators from the grotto-heavens were or what positions they had taken.

If you want to find out, you can, but Wang Yulou cannot ask on his own initiative.

Otherwise, it would seem as if he had some opinion about the elephant's behavior.

Everyone knows what he did, everyone knows what he is, but if you insist on confronting Mang Xiang directly, then the patriarch will definitely let you know how he became a Celestial Venerable.

"My daughter, Bei Lanfang, was unaware of Senior Brother Yuque's arrival. I am truly sorry for my rudeness and hope that Senior Brother will not take offense."

The woman, who had shown great promise, was immediately frightened and, almost without hesitation, apologized for her rash behavior.

A person's name, the shadow of a tree.

Within the red light zone, Xiao Wang's name has an effect almost like a get-out-of-jail-free card.

For Bei Lanfang, the incident of stopping an unknown person only to find out that he was stopping Wang Yuque was almost like a horror story.

These cultivators in the grotto-heavens didn't know who Wang Yulou was before, but after being in Hongdengzhao for so long, they naturally understood Wang Yulou's status.

A rising star among rising stars within the faction, a true disciple among true disciples of the Red Lanterns, and a direct descendant among direct descendants of the Mangxiang clique.

Moreover, the Mangxiang lineage currently only has one and a half Zifu (purple mansion) individuals left: Li Haikuo and Wang Jingyi. Li Haikuo is one, and Wang Jingyi is half.

Offending Xiao Wang would likely mean being targeted by the remaining bigwigs in the faction—that possibility alone was enough to terrify her.

Just as Wang Yulou understood Mang Xiang's absolute rationality, so he was not afraid that Mang Xiang would suddenly go crazy and kill him, but still shouted that Mang Xiang was loyal.

The possibility is there, and even if that possibility is very low, we should still have reverence for it.

"It's alright, being more vigilant is a good thing."

Pi Lingxiu led the rebellion and committed such a great massacre; there may still be remnants hiding within the sect.

It's good that you're being more vigilant; there's no need to feel pressured.

Xiao Wang's attitude was surprisingly good. He didn't understand the specific methods of the Foundation Establishment cultivators that Mang Xiang had transferred from the cave, so it was always better to play it safe first.

"But these old mansions are unlucky to live in. Why not ask the construction department inside the gate to build some new mansions?"

Although Guo Baijiao was Wang Yulou's enemy, he was, in the end, an old friend.

In fact, Wang Yulou had a special feeling.

Master Mangxiang purged his disciples who might not have been very loyal, and at the same time, replaced the original positions with new people who came from the cave.

From a financial perspective, this is a good thing for Xiao Wang, because the people in Dongtian were only recently added to the Red Lantern Gang, and they couldn't win against him in the internal power struggle.

But deep down, Xiao Wang was still affected by some kind of emotion.

Mang Xiang's methods are too ruthless, too ruthless.

He completely disregards the thoughts of his disciples. No matter how loyal they usually appear, he will abandon them if they do not align with his interests or may not align with his interests.

Guo Baijiao was Wang Yulou's enemy, but like Wang Yulou, he had long served the Mangxiang faction. From this perspective, both Wang Yulou and Guo Baijiao were "old acquaintances".

Therefore, Wang Yulou exhibited a certain special emotion, even if it was expressed very subtly, it did indeed appear.

Upon hearing Wang Yulou's question, Bei Lanfang thought that her residence in Guo Baijiao's mansion had offended Wang Yulou, and quickly explained.

"The steward of the Construction Department, along with his disciples, went to the northern front to support the construction of the defense line."

"But don't worry, Senior Brother Yuque, I'll move out of Senior Brother Baijiao's old residence immediately."

A hint of helplessness flashed in Xiao Wang's eyes.

Saying one more word could offend someone.

He must be careful with his words; he has reached a point where he must be extremely careful with his speech at all times.

"Haha, no need. Well, the situation on the northern front is complicated."

But you are, after all, the true disciples of the Red Lantern Society, and the affairs of the mansion cannot be delayed.

So, Junior Sister Lanfang, could you help me organize everyone's thoughts on their respective residences?

I'll personally help you make the contacts; we won't go through the Construction Bureau. Our Mangxiang lineage will build it ourselves.

Bei Lanfang was pleasantly surprised that Wang Yuque was so easy to talk to, but she also felt a certain pressure.

This is certainly an attempt to win them over, but I can't speak for all of us Foundation Establishment cultivators who came from the Cave Heaven.
"Senior Brother Yuque, although we are all cultivators who came out of the Immortal Venerable's cave, the situation is complicated."

Within the cave, there are four sects. After their disciples reach the Foundation Establishment stage, they are given the surnames Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei, respectively, which are in fact the four major families.

I can only represent the Pei family; I'm not very familiar with the other companies.

Of all the directions, Mang Xiang is a man who knows how to save trouble.

Xiao Wang pondered for a moment, then said.

"Alright, you should first compile a list of the needs of your Bei clan's Foundation Establishment cultivators. I still need to pay my respects to the patriarch. We'll have a drink and chat another day with all of you fellow cultivators and my junior sister."

At this moment, Bei Lanfang felt that the rumors circulating in the sect were all nonsense.

How could someone as good as Senior Brother Yuque be a demon who eats people without spitting out the bones, a cold-blooded butcher on the front line, or a black-hearted bastard who sent 100,000 cultivators to their deaths?

"Senior brother, the Immortal Venerable may not be here. We have visited him several times in the past few days, but we have not been able to see him."

Why don't you go find Master Jingming? She might know where the Immortal Venerable is."

Belanfang reminded him.

Wang Yulou never expected that after he finished refining Old Li's natal magic weapon, he rushed back to the Red Lantern, only to find that the Mangxiang who had been summoned by imperial decree was not inside the gate.

That's true. If Mang Xiang were here, he would probably have already sent a telepathic message by now.

But who is the True Man Jingming?
It seems there's no one there in the red light display, is there?

Ok?
Jingyi—Jingming?
It turns out that even cultivators within grotto-heavens must learn the rules of human relations in the cultivation world.
It could also be because the Red Lantern Society is a big melting pot; within two months of their arrival, they had already been corrupted into the way the cultivation world should be.

Perhaps it's because even within the Wild Elephant's Cave Heaven, those who can reach the Foundation Establishment stage are not exactly stupid.
-
Upon arriving at Wang Jingyi's residence, the old ancestor Jingyi immediately began a long conversation with Yulou.

The patriarch attained enlightenment, but the aftereffects have not yet subsided, neither within the sect nor within the clan.

In some respects, the aftershocks are even showing signs of intensifying.

There are too many things that need to be discussed.

“Master is indeed not here. Yu Lou, what exactly happened on the northern front? There are rumors in the sect that you tricked the cultivators on the northern front.”

But those people are also on the northern front, this…

What Ancestor Jingyi wanted to ask was whether the Patriarch supported Wang Yulou in doing so.

“It’s normal for some people to be dissatisfied. It could be Kong Gu, or it could be Yi Zouri who has always disliked me. Too many people are watching me. This is not a big deal.”

As for the situation on the northern front, you need not worry at all. Yulou has never done anything to betray the ancestor on the front lines.

But Ancestor, what exactly is the meaning of your Purple Mansion?

At first, I thought you had directly opened your Purple Mansion with the help of the Patriarch, but later Master Qiyuan said you hadn't opened it yet.

That old beast Mang Xiang is a real scoundrel; he tricked Wang Yulou with a feint in this matter.

Of course, it was also because the remnants of the Xuanzhuan Sect standing below couldn't hear the conversation between Mangxiang and Wang Jingyi that day, which is why Yulou received incomplete and inaccurate information.

"My Purple Mansion is very complicated, very complicated."

It's a grotto-heaven technique, but it uses the grotto-heaven that Master left behind, which is only a fraction of the original size.

Furthermore, it is not entirely the Grotto Heaven Method. My master gave me a special method that combines the Formless Method of Purple Mansion with the Grotto Heaven Method of Purple Mansion, allowing me to open my Purple Mansion with this method.

After all, my master and I both cultivate the Formless Method, which will help me better integrate with my master's Purple Mansion.

It's estimated that it will take another year and a half before we're ready to officially attack the Purple Mansion Pass.

Wang Jingyi's state of mind was clearly not calm; she was experiencing some turmoil, but she tried her best to hide it.

She mentioned several masters, the first being Mangxiang, and the rest being Xuanzhuan.

Wang Yulou naturally understood all of this.

He realized that Wang Jingyi was using the "Transformation Palace Seizing the Purple Palace Method", the "Five Spirits Cave Heaven Purple Palace Method", and the "Mangxiang Customized Version of the Formless Purple Palace Method" to open the Purple Palace.

Well, the accumulated cultivation of the patriarch over thousands of years is clearly evident in the design of Wang Jingyi's opening of his Purple Mansion.

Mang Xiang casually combined different methods together to find the fastest path for Wang Jingyi to open her Purple Mansion.

Using the completed grotto-heaven of the Suspended Seal as Wang Jingyi's Purple Palace is a fusion of the Transformation Palace Seizing the Dao and the New Method Grotto-heaven. This fusion is achieved through the Formless Method, which also aligns with the cultivation characteristics of Wang Jingyi and the Suspended Seal.

It shows a high level of skill, but in terms of development potential, the Purple Mansion opened up in this way is probably far inferior to that of Li Haikuo.

The lower limit of the Transformation Palace Seizing the Purple Palace Technique is low, and the upper limit is also low. The New Method Cave Heaven is certainly powerful, but Wang Jingyi is using the Cave Heaven of Suspended Seal.
As for the formless method, although Xiaoyu said it was the worst of the worst, it wasn't actually that bad.

It's for Mangxiang's own use, and it's top-tier in the current version, not bad at all.

For others, it's just like a sewer or a roadside ditch—utter garbage.

Mang Xiang's true form has been cultivated into a vast and boundless aura, and his Formless Technique is also developed based on his own unique characteristics. Wang Jingyi cannot cultivate himself into a vast and boundless aura, so of course it won't be very powerful when used.

"Understood. Is there anything I can support or help you with, Ancestor?"

You know, Yulou has done quite well these past few years, hahaha.

Xiao Wang's mind was in turmoil, but Mang Xiang had already designed the Purple Mansion Path for Wang Jingyi, and he could no longer help Wang Jingyi change it.

All we can do is provide full support in terms of resources.

Although Wang Yulou's efforts are far from enough to allow him to overcome the Mangxiang, they at least allow him to repay Ancestor Jingyi.

Back then, whether in the Dripping Water Cave or in the West Sea, Ancestor Jingyi fully supported and helped Yulou.

Wang Yulou would remember the moment Wang Jingyi handed him the storage bracelet in front of the gates of the Western Sea Immortal City for the rest of his life.

The so-called performance for outsiders, and the hidden ambition of Wang Jingyi, is a lie.

In reality, Wang Yulou felt only respect for Ancestor Jingyi.

Perhaps the clan leader didn't like Wang Jingyi, but Wang Xianmao and Wang Jingyi hadn't really fallen out.

Moreover, their conflict was a conflict of the previous generation, which Wang Yulou couldn't control; he only wanted to be true to himself.

"Find me five ninth-grade spiritual objects of different species. The clan will contribute two, you will contribute two, and I will raise one myself. That should be enough to gather them all."

Wang Jingyi was thinking that since the grotto-heaven of the Suspended Seal was not something she had cultivated herself, and she really didn't have time to complete her Dao foundation under the urging of her ancestor, but if she obtained more spiritual objects, she might be able to improve her control over the grotto-heaven after opening her Purple Mansion and refining it.

In fact, she didn't know that Mang Xiang himself had never done anything like seizing a cave to open his Purple Mansion.

The Transformation of the Palace and Seizure of the Purple Palace Method transforms those ancient Purple Palaces, such as those opened by the Acupoint Connection Method or the Heaven-Human Interaction Method, rather than transforming other people's cave heavens into one's own Purple Palace.

Wang Yulou thought Mang Xiang was highly skilled and specially created a Purple Mansion Dharma Gate for Wang Jingyi. In reality, Mang Xiang was just conducting an experiment.

For Mang Xiang, it's good that Wang Jingyi is successful; he can have another Purple Mansion under his command.

If it doesn't work out, that's fine too; we can just let Wang Jingyi drive slowly.

"No need. Jade Pavilion can raise the funds for just five spiritual items on its own. Ancestor, is there anything else you need?"

Would you like two Golden Cup Repairing Pills?

Xiao Wang has his eye on the Golden Cup Repairing Pill, which is the most expensive item to exchange in the Special Merit Hall at the front line. There are only two available, and no one has exchanged them yet.

No one's battle merits are enough.

But Xiao Wang is a steward of the Hall of Special Merits, and the war has been going on for so long that many of his men have made huge contributions in battle.

By cooperating with the Gu Shen family and doing some data manipulation, there is a chance to exchange the Golden Cup Repairing Pill promised by the sect.

Doing this is very risky and could easily attract unwanted attention.

However, Mangxiang has already attained enlightenment, and Ancestor Jingyi is also their own ancestor.

Taking a little risk is no big deal.

How can someone who is timid and hesitant achieve great things?
Considering only Wang Yulou's contributions in supporting the great war between the two sects and his tireless efforts for Mangxiang, it wouldn't be too outrageous for him to take one or two Golden Cup Supplement Pills.

“Yu Lou, I won’t refuse you. If you can raise five pieces, I will accept five pieces.”

But forget about the Golden Cup Repairing Pill; the entire sect is watching you, watching those two pills, so you can't make any rash moves.

Moreover, we've lost 800 li of territory on the northern front, and you've been recalled. Now is not the time for you to act rashly; you should be cautious.

Ancestor Jingyi was always decisive and immediately accepted Wang Yulou's gift, but she ultimately refused the Golden Cup Repairing Pill.

Xiao Wang's intentions are Xiao Wang's intentions; she's not the type to take advantage of her own family.

She taught Wang Yulou to abandon his original aspirations, to go further, and even to abandon his family.

But she herself couldn't do it, and perhaps it was precisely because she couldn't do it that she had expectations of Wang Yulou.

"The situation on the northern route is extremely complicated. The patriarch probably didn't want to see Miaofeng Mountain expand so smoothly."

Li Haikuo and I made a deal with the Valley God Sect. The loss of 800 li of land on the northern front is most likely the result of a multi-party game.

As for the patriarch suddenly summoning me back, there's even less to worry about.

Wang Yulou was worried, and worried the whole way.

But when he returned and found that the patriarch was not there, he was no longer afraid.

If the patriarch had any objections to him, he would have dealt with him long ago before leaving. Why would he have allowed him to take control of the front lines and cause trouble?

"I guess the founder might want to transfer me back to the sect. The war will eventually end, probably within a year or two."

"Taking two Golden Elixir Pills is risky, but I'll exchange one for you; it should be fine."

Wang Yulou added.

Ancestor Jingyi frowned slightly, already showing some dissatisfaction.

"Don't mention the elixir again."

The problem is that all your guesses are just your own ideas.

"Yu Lou, you've taken a risk!"

Wang Yulou remained silent for a moment, looked at the ancestor, and said in a helpless yet complicated tone.

"Ancestor, without taking risks, we wouldn't be where we are today."

Wang Jingyi narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at Yulou, who was no longer naive, and thought of many things.

In silence, the two exchanged the truth about Wang Jingyi's serious injury in an attack more than fifty years ago. Although the old ancestor Jingyi was still afraid (for the ancestor), he no longer talked about Wang Yulou's dangerous actions.

"You said the sect master might transfer you back to the sect, is there any news?"

"No, it's still just speculation. The two major battles have reached this point, and there's no point in continuing them."

On the contrary, after our patriarch attained enlightenment, our Mangxiang lineage will begin a true expansion, with expansion within the sect being one part of it.

The focus is on external affairs, specifically the Western Sea.

The Heavenly Serpent Sect can't take it, but the space left by the divine light in the Western Sea is a piece of fat meat.

"If the sect wants to take control of the Western Sea, I am the most suitable person."

The mad elephant has achieved enlightenment, and the red lantern needs to expand further to accommodate his interests.

It's impossible for the Heavenly Serpent Sect. The Heavenly Serpent and the Wild Elephant are close allies who have cooperated for a long time. Moreover, they have just survived the Heavenly Tribulation. Once their injuries are healed, they will be among the most vigorous Golden Core Immortals.

No matter how hard Wang Yulou tried on the front lines, Tian She met his end, and he and Mang Xiang died together.

Mang Xiang is powerful, but his past strength was within the scope of the Purple Mansion realm.

The Purple Mansion is like a lake; no matter how big a lake is, it's still just so-so. Mang Xiang's attainment of Dao is like a lake transforming into a river or sea. From the perspective of Golden Core Immortals, one can only say that Little Mang still needs to practice, or that 'that young Mang Xiang is quite interesting.'

This was said by Bi Fang, which is quite interesting; it doesn't mean it's very strong.

Without the interference of heavenly tribulation, if the monstrous elephant were to actually fight the celestial serpent, it would be nothing more than a piece of meat to fill a tooth gap.

Otherwise, how could the Heavenly Serpent cause trouble and act like a yellow-haired thug on the Immortal Platform?
You, Mang Xiang, are a prodigy and a beast, but can you be more prodigy and more beastly than the Heavenly Serpent, who attained enlightenment earlier, is stronger, and has greater influence?

It can't compare to the bag.

The Heavenly Serpent Sect in the southwest is no good, the Wunan Cliff in the north is no good, and the Fulong Temple in the east is also no good.

Putting everything else aside, the Red Lanterns have been fighting for so long that the number of cultivators under their jurisdiction has been greatly reduced, and their war potential has been almost exhausted. If they really attack Fulong Temple, they might just be forced to humiliate themselves.

This is also one of the reasons why Wang Yulou was certain that the war would end sooner or later, and that Mang Xiang was just waiting for a good opportunity.

Before the ceasefire, Wang Yulou wanted to control the treacherous influence of Miaofeng Mountain, which was in the interest of Mangxiang and the Red Lantern Gang. That's why Wang Yulou allowed the Valley God Sect to launch a counterattack on the northern front.

Therefore, after all the calculations, there is only one answer.

West Sea.

Heading west, they would completely reclaim the four thousand miles of the Western Sea that once belonged to the Red Lanterns, and even go further, crossing the Western Sea Causeway and venturing hundreds of miles deeper.

The legendary divine light of the West Sea has temporarily departed, and the one who will soon reign supreme over the West Sea is the Mangxiang Immortal Venerable of the Red Lantern.
-
Mangxiang Mountain, Yingxi Palace.

Before Xuanzhuan and Danri died, Zhou Yingxi, as the third disciple of Mangxiang and inheriting the legacy of Zhou Fujiao, held an extraordinary position.

She has her own palace complex on Mangxiang Mountain, which is no less impressive than the Jade Palace.

She ultimately heeded Chu Ran's advice, choosing to approach Wang Yulou and return to Mangxiang Mountain to cultivate.

Therefore, during the period of waiting for the Immortal Venerable to return to the sect, Wang Yulou lived in Yingxi Palace.

"Husband, is it beautiful?"

Yingxi lifted her crimson skirt and twirled in front of Wang Yulou. When she looked back, her peach blossom eyes, brimming with life, were full of smiles.

Amidst a riot of colors, none can compare; a single glance from her can captivate a hundred hearts.

“My lady looks good in anything. Don’t talk to the other male cultivators later, or I’m afraid it will affect their Dao hearts.”

Wang Yulou replied with a slightly teasing smile, responding to Zhou Yingxi's previous accusation that he was partying every night on the front lines.

Xiao Wang was thinking about it.

"What? I'm not like you."

Yingxi playfully punched Xiao Wang, but still gave him face and went to the banquet hall with him.

Wang Yulou hosted a banquet for his fellow disciples at Yingxi Palace, and many people attended.

Half of the cultivators who returned to the front lines to make contributions made up the majority of the group, a small portion were cultivators holding positions within the Jade Palace Sect, and the remainder were the leaders of various factions within the sect.

"Fellow Daoist Yuque, it's been many years since we last met. Your demeanor has only improved."

"With their ethereal beauty and graceful demeanor, and their harmonious union like that of dragons and phoenixes, I have come to understand what a divine couple truly is when I meet Fairy Yingxi and Fellow Daoist Yuque."

"Senior Brother Yuque, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. These small gifts are what I have accumulated over the past few years while I was in office. You must accept them."

Upon the arrival of Wang Yulou and Yingxi, the banquet hall erupted into chaos and commotion, becoming quite a lively place.

It could be said that Xiao Wang's simple invitation to fellow practitioners within the sect for a meal caused a storm within the Red Lantern Sect.

Who was invited and who wasn't—that's all a matter of knowledge.

With Mangxiang's disciple Shi Jing attaining the Golden Core stage after killing his disciple, many within the sect had concerns about the future actions of the Mangxiang lineage.

When Xiao Wang invited people to a banquet, given his position as the leader of the Mangxiang lineage, everyone's imaginations ran wild as they pondered the implications behind the banquet and the invitation.

In fact, among those invited by Wang Yulou, only Yi Zouri did not come.

Even Zou Tianxing came!
Others might not be so accommodating, but not Lao Zou; he's too special.

Xiao Wang might take Lao Zou's position in the future, so of course we need to give him some psychological comfort.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, please take a seat. Come, let's add a seat for you next to Yingxi and me."

"Fellow Daoist Yuque, you're too kind, hahaha." Zou Tianxing's smile was rather forced.

Mang Xiang achieved victory on the Terrace of Immortals, while Wang Yulou achieved victory inside the Red Lantern Hall.

Everyone has their own way of winning.

Mang Xiang attained enlightenment and won, while Yu Lou went even further, becoming one of the top disciples of the Red Lantern Sect and also winning.

After several rounds of drinks, Wang Yulou had almost finished contacting people about building a new residence for the people of the grotto, and only then did he reveal the true purpose of today's banquet.

"With prolonged warfare, the training of disciples within sects is already severely affected by the war."

Pi Lingxiu and others rebelled and slaughtered the entire outer sect.

Senior Brother Sect Leader, I suggest that the sect should fill the gaps in the number of outer disciples as soon as possible.

Selecting from the menial disciples at a slow pace is ultimately not enough to meet urgent needs, and forcibly promoting them is also against the rules.

Therefore, why don't we open our doors wide and invite any fellow disciples who know any junior members to participate?

Senior brother, what do you think?

Wang Yulou held Yingxi in his arms, his eyes not on Zou Tianxing, but on the many fellow disciples in the banquet hall.

I'll draw a pie in the sky, and we'll all share it. Everyone, let's put pressure on Zou Tianxing together!

The Purple Mansion isn't that idle. Recruiting outer disciples for the Red Lantern Sect is the responsibility of the sect leader, Zou Tianxing, and he has been handling it all along.

But Lao Zou was too slow and his efficiency was far inferior to Xiao Wang, who was adapted to the wartime pace.

Wang Yulou chose to rally the major forces within the sect together, forcing Lao Zou to concede, thus making his first move after returning to the sect a mistake.

Zou Tianxing, who had been ambushed by Wang Yulou, looked at the other people in the banquet hall. The greed in their eyes made him realize that he had been killed by Wang Yulou because he was too slow!
In other words, he was replaced by Wang Yulou simply because he was not efficient enough in fulfilling his loyalty to the sect.

This is the intensity of their competition.

If you don't do it, do it slowly, or do it poorly, you may give your opponent an opportunity.

"I came here to eat today, but I didn't expect you to give me such a big surprise."

First, he accused Wang Yulou of lacking martial virtue, Zou Tianxing added.

"It's a good thing to open the mountain gates wider, it's a good thing. In this way, each person who has reached the Foundation Establishment stage within the sect can recommend five outer disciples."

As for selection, there's no need for that. Everyone can easily find a few thousand disciples. What do you all think?

Now it was Wang Yulou's turn to look unhappy.

One person and five people are selected to enter the sect directly without selection. This kind of open access is different from what Wang Yulou wanted.

It conforms to the established model for recruiting disciples that major sects have long followed, but it does not align with Wang Yulou's interests.

This new stage for the Red Lantern Festival will no longer be open to the cattle and horses on the front lines who have benefited from Wang Yulou.

Even a subtle connection to the incense is still a connection; influence is built up little by little through such efforts.

This influence, while appearing to belong to Wang Yulou, ultimately belongs to Mang Xiang. This is Wang Yulou's act of loyalty in his daily practice as a young general, and it can also be said to be part of the self-cultivation that a young general should have.

"Junior Brother Tianxing, you are mistaken. The positions of outer disciples are also governed by the sect's laws and regulations, and cannot be privately bestowed upon each other."

"I think we should still hold a selection process. Yulou, what do you think?"

Linghu Qishang spoke up, saying that the old man had guessed Wang Yulou's thoughts and given Yulou a helping hand.

However, his assist was actually not very good, or rather, Zou Tianxing made a bigger promise than Xiao Wang in order to annoy Wang Yulou.

Within the sect, anyone can be recommended to become a Foundation Establishment disciple—it's all about selling sect interests to win people's hearts.

However, the position of outer disciples is not very important, otherwise the Purple Mansion would not ignore it.

If Lao Zou is determined to do this and gains support, things can really proceed in this way.

Wang Yulou now wants to oppose it. He can certainly intimidate some people with the law, but in the end, he is pushing everyone to move closer to the Candlelight Faction.

nausea!

Yingxi gripped Wang Yulou's arm tightly with worry, for she understood the difficulties he faced.

But Xiao Wang is no longer the Xiao Wang he used to be.

The solution is simple – give them a good whack!

"Den!"

He slammed his wine glass down, and several of his nervous fellow disciples immediately trembled in fright.

Xiao Wang said coldly.

“Selection is necessary. Everyone should recommend ten people, and then we will select from the recommended cultivators. At least three or four will be able to get in.”

If we open the floodgates and let just anyone into the sect, who knows, the demons of the Heavenly Serpent Sect might infiltrate again, causing the chaos of two months ago to repeat itself!

If they don't obey, the chaos of two months ago will repeat itself!
What kind of chaos?
See who resembles a demon from the Heavenly Serpent Sect; behead them first, then judge their crimes!

"Does anyone have any objections?" Wang Yulou looked around at his fellow disciples, indicating that he was open-minded enough to listen to their opinions.

"Of course I have no objection. Senior Brother Yuque is indeed a pillar of the front lines, never forgetting his duty."

"Senior Brother Yuque is right."

"I support Yu Que!"

Of the people Xiao Wang invited to the banquet, there were only two from the Zhuzhao faction: Yi Zouri and Zou Tianxing.

If Yi Zou Ri didn't come, and only Zou Tianxing objected, it would seem that he was out of step with the sect's 'general trend' at this time, which would be inappropriate.

You can't invite just anyone to a meeting, otherwise it will be difficult to have a successful meeting.

"Hahaha, Senior Brother Sect Leader, what do you think?"

Seeing that the situation was settled, Wang Yulou looked at Zou Tianxing.

Within the core disciple level of the Red Lantern Cult, the number of cultivators is limited, so the opinions of the crowd at this moment represent the prevailing trend.

Wang Yulou used underhanded tactics to first establish a consensus and general trend, creating a situation that was close to a fait accompli, forcing Lao Zou into a corner.

He remained silent for a moment, and Wang Yulou did not press him further. Instead, he looked at him with a calm gaze, putting pressure on him.

Old Zou was not overwhelmed by the pressure and the situation; instead, he asked a question.

"Can we recommend disciples as well?"

The "we" he refers to are, of course, the foundation builders of the Candle Illumination School.

"of course."

Wang Yulou knew that his first son since returning to his clan had been born.

By using a seemingly insignificant event, and through ingenious planning, a situation was created that appeared to be an established fact, thus preventing Zou Tianxing from taking any gamble.

Finally, Zou Tianxing's question, which seems to suggest that the Zhuzhao faction wouldn't lose either, actually implies a forced declaration that they hadn't lost.

"How should we select candidates? By their qualifications? By their age? By their fighting strength?" Zou Tianxing asked.

Wang Yulou knew that Lao Zou was preparing to continue to tug at him in the details.

Boring!

In the second round of the internal strife, Wang Yulou chose to create cards out of thin air—it's you I choose, Bei Lanfang!
"Sect Leader, you may not know this, but Junior Sister Lanfang is a cultivator in the Immortal Venerable Cave Heaven. They have a very good method for selecting disciples in the Cave Heaven."

"Come, Junior Sister Lanfang, please introduce the selection process within your grotto-heaven."

Upon hearing Wang Yulou's words, all the banquet participants, including Linghu Qishang, turned their heads to look, while Zhou Yingxi smiled slightly.

Zou Tianxing's expression became even more unnatural.

That's the charm of creating cards out of thin air.

As Bei Lanfang explained the selection process that Xiao Wang had told her, everyone looked at each other and could only cheer.

Wang Yulou first used the "chaos two months ago" as a big stick, and then used Bei Lanfang's explanation of the selection method from the cave as a smokescreen, which was to make the disciples in the sect fight against the Snake Sect demons that day.

This combo was so smooth that it directly created the "Illusory Elephant," which, combined with the "overall trend" that Wang Yulou had precisely invited and laid the groundwork for, was almost a fait accompli. With red lanterns illuminating the disciples, who would dare to object?

You object?
That's not opposition, that's a death wish!

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, perhaps everyone is unwilling to offend me, so they don't tell the truth."

I'd really like to hear some opinions. Would you like to say a few words?

The situation is settled; Xiao Wang is now torturing Zou Tianxing.

Mang Xiang has just attained enlightenment, and Xiao Wang's selection process to open the mountain gates is well thought out. How much opinion could Zou Tianxing possibly have?
Is it really because of some outer disciples that they fought with Wang Yulou and Mangxiang's lineage?
Forget it, that kind of thing is the job of Master Jinxian, not Zou Tianxing.

Old Zou couldn't do that.

"No objections, agreed!"
-
"I disagree!"

On the Immortal Platform, Shenguang was truly enraged.

Wang Yuque held a meeting at the Red Lantern Pavilion, while Mang Xiang held a meeting at the Terrace of Immortals.

Xiao Wang was looking at the red lanterns, but in the eyes of the Mangxiang Immortal Venerable, there were the six states of the Immortal Alliance and trillions of living beings.

"When I said that the Immortal Alliance needed to reform, you all said that I was a latecomer to the Golden Core stage and that it was not my place to talk about reform."

But Mang Xiang said he wanted to reform, and you all supported him. What does that mean?
Is now the time for the Immortal Alliance to reform?

Are you sure what Mangxiang did?
"If reforms lead to bad outcomes, what will happen? Who will bear the consequences?"

Shenguang's words have already caused a huge uproar.

He fears!
He couldn't understand the Immortal King's strategy; he didn't understand why the Immortal King had placed Mu Chunze in the position of Prime Minister of the Immortal Kingdom.

But he could understand the chessboard of the Wild Elephant. The Wild Elephant had just achieved enlightenment and was not afraid of being struck by lightning. It was the perfect time for him to show his skills.

Back then, Shenguang was worried about the development of the times and the future, so he decisively chose to transform the cave heaven as soon as possible. However, he did not expect that Mangxiang would set his sights on the West Sea before he even attained enlightenment.

The influence of Shenguang was temporarily taken away by Mangxiang and Qingrui through their scheme; he was confident that he could gradually regain it after the transformation of the cave heaven was completed.

But now, if Mangxiang obtains the power to reform the Immortal Alliance, he can use the power of the general trend to further erode the Western Sea.

In that case, Shenguang would really be kicked off the table!

"What, when did reform become your exclusive domain?"
It's just a reform, right? I can talk about it, I can implement reforms too.

I'm willing to listen to your opinions, but you might as well explain them clearly.

What do you mean by "what exactly did I do"? Explain yourself, Divine Light!

On the Immortal Platform, the conservatives and reformers of the Immortal Alliance sat facing each other.

Mang Xiang stood in the very center of the first row of conservative immortals, not angry, but just smiling disdainfully.

Xiao Deng, if you could understand my strategy, you wouldn't have been humiliated by me back then!
It turns out that today, Mang Xiang suddenly appeared on the Immortal Platform again, and as a rising star Immortal Venerable of the conservative faction of the Immortal Alliance, he proposed that he wanted to carry out reforms in the Immortal Alliance.

This is why the two factions are currently locked in a standoff.

"Without me saying it, everyone understands that in order to attain enlightenment, you made countless promises to Rakshasa, the Yellow-Robed Buddha, and those other people."

In the destruction of the Immortal Realm, Shaoyang Gong attempted to seize the Dao, but died while being stopped by Rakshasa.

In the sacred place, Bodhisattva Zhu Bao attempted to seize the Dao, but was beaten half to death by the Yellow-Robed Buddha.

This is only because three people tried to steal your Dao, yet so many great cultivators acted as your protectors.

Fellow Daoists, what promises did Mangxiang make to gain the support of those people?
Be careful!

As a conservative, after attaining enlightenment, he actually kept talking about reforming the laws. Isn't this just a way to disrupt the Immortal Alliance and give other forces an opportunity?

The top powers in the world have been in a stable standoff for so long, and everyone is under a lot of internal pressure.

The fact that the great cultivators of the Immortal Alliance needed Mang Xiang to remove redundant members from the Immortal Alliance, and even needed Mang Xiang to eliminate his own disobedient disciples, is a real-life example of this immense internal pressure.

Life wasn't easy for anyone. Although the great cultivators took 90% of the supplies, they didn't seem to lack resources.

However, during internal distribution, there will always be disputes over who gets more or less. As the number of great cultivators increases, these disputes will become even more intense.

The reformist faction within the Immortal Alliance emerged under internal pressure.

However, the reforms that Shenguang, Tianshe, General Baixu, and others wanted were aimed at changing the situation within the Immortal Alliance where certain people who deserved to die were taking more than their share.

In the eyes of Shenguang and others, Mangxiang's current reforms might be aimed at disrupting the Immortal Alliance and thus handing a knife to foreign forces—this was the reason Shenguang gave. What he actually feared was that Mangxiang would completely devour the Western Sea after obtaining the power to reform.

"Hahaha, Shenguang, you're really something else."

The Rakshasa mentioned it, and the Yellow-Robed Buddha of the Holy Land also mentioned it, but you said that three people tried to steal my Dao fruit.

So why don't you mention Bifang?

Is it because you're afraid?

Surely you haven't forgotten?

Mang Xiang mocked mercilessly, and the conservative immortals on the Immortal Platform burst into laughter.

Tian She's portrayal of Huang Mao is pure acting; for a true clown, you have to look to Shen Guang.

Shenguang attained enlightenment too quickly, and the foundation for his enlightenment was unique, which led to his current predicament.

Why didn't he mention Bi Fang?

I wouldn't dare!
(End of this chapter)