Shangyuque

Chapter 208 He is immortal, indestructible, the supreme ruler of heaven and earth, dominating all ages, but (1.04 million)

The facts are one thing, the specific interests driving the facts are another, and the slogans that are shouted out are yet another—these are three different things.

Wang Yulou understood Jinshan's reminder, and Changshui's feigned ignorance was indeed problematic.

The selection principles given by Changshui—which are just slogans—are utter nonsense.

The essence lies in the specific interest-driven context behind it, and the specific attitude of the Taihe Shuizun faction, the leading conservative faction, towards the reform!

Nevertheless, Wang Yulou was still somewhat surprised by Jinshan's sudden question about the specific details of the Mangxiang Reform.

Because the specific details of the patriarch's reforms seem shrouded in mystery.

The Gu family teahouse had no information, and Li Haikuo didn't know either. Wang Yulou asked the patriarch, who only told him to prepare for the reduction of redundant staff.

It seems to suggest that something is being deliberately hidden.

"I humbly request your guidance, Ancestor," Wang Yulou asked hastily.

He doesn't treat Kingsoft as an outsider at all. Previously, the two had an investor-investee relationship, but now they are allies.

In this context of shared interests, Mingdu's efforts to keep up with Wang Yulou's pace are merely a link in the chain.

Individual efforts are so powerless in the face of the general trend of the times.

Taking advantage of the prevailing trends of the times, Wang Yulou reached a position that most people could only dream of.

The leader of the Immortal Alliance is similar to the head of the Red Lantern Gang; he's a steward who runs errands and handles affairs, but not just anyone is qualified to be this steward.

In the Red Lantern Sect, core disciples like Wang Yulou and Yi Zouri are qualified not to be sect leaders, while others can't even get the position if they want to!

Jinshan looked at Wang Yulou and said in a low voice.

"The core of Wang Mangxiang's reforms was killing people."

There are too many cultivators, including a hundred million, and too many great cultivators in the Immortal Alliance.

However, it's difficult to reduce the number of high-level cultivators. Everyone has worked hard to reach that level and doesn't want to become a sacrifice.

Therefore, Mangxiang suggested starting the operation from below.

The Red Lantern Sect has been fighting against the Heavenly Serpent Sect for fifty years. Jade Pavilion, you did a great job!

The Red Lanterns' fifty years of defense fully demonstrates that even 70% of the forces can easily defend against an attack from 100% of the forces.

Seventy percent of the forces belong to the Red Lantern Gang, and ten percent belong to the Heavenly Serpent Sect.

Wang Yulou's expression changed, and surprise and confusion appeared on his face.

He could never have imagined it.

Who would have thought that?

The core of Wang Mangxiang's reforms was killing people.

The fact that Mang Xiang's reforms were able to be implemented was actually related to him.
I have devoted myself to the front lines for fifty years, working tirelessly day and night.

However, it resulted in the terrifying outcome of 'mass elimination' for many low-level cultivators in the Immortal Alliance.

When did the patriarch begin preparing all of this?

Wang Yulou used to think he could understand the Immortal Venerable's chess game, but now he suddenly realized that he couldn't understand it anymore.
Seeing Wang Yulou's out-of-control expression, Jin Shan offered no comfort or encouragement, but simply added calmly.

"The principle set by the immortals on the Altar of Immortals is to prevent you and those below from knowing the true nature of the reform."

The reform was essentially about killing people, killing a large number of those below them.

Mang Xiang's actions align with the interests of the majority of people on the Immortal Platform.

Under the strict orders of the conservatives to keep quiet, no one dared to speak out.

Therefore, outsiders are unaware of the true situation and only know that the reform is to reduce redundant staff.

In reality, how many redundant staff members can be eliminated from the Immortal Alliance?
At most 50,000, 100,000 would be the maximum. How much profit can be generated by laying off such a small number of people?
The key is to eliminate 30 million low-level cultivators from the Immortal Alliance.

The resources surplus from the 30 million people can be used to benefit you and me on the Immortal Platform.

One person is a number, ten thousand people are a number, thirty million people are also a number, and tens of billions of people are also a number.

The phrase "eliminating 30 million low-level cultivators from the Immortal Alliance" encapsulates the rise and fall of countless cultivation families and the destruction of numerous sects.

How could only 30 million die? Some died, and some were born.

If one Qi Refining cultivator dies, someone else will advance to Qi Refining status elsewhere.

The destruction of a small power means that countless ordinary people will perish with it.

The cleanup process is not particularly long, but it is definitely not short either.

In this process, including ordinary people, it is possible that hundreds of billions or even trillions of people could die.

Wang Yulou looked up at the blue sky that was blocked by the Qunqing Palace.

He really wanted to ask whether the way of Heaven is constant or impermanent.

These powerful cultivators dared to commit such atrocities; is there no one to intervene?

The heavens did not answer.

"Ancestor"

Wang Yulou called out to Jinshan, raised his left hand, and pointed two fingers to the top of his head.

Jinshan smiled and raised his hand. A purple light, which made people slow down, immediately flashed on his giant hand, which was made of gold and iron.

"Tell me, there's really nothing to hide about your current situation."

"The reckless elephant and the conservatives have given you an opportunity. Seize this opportunity, help them implement the reforms effectively, and your Purple Palace will naturally be fine."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wang smiled helplessly and asked.

"Ancestor, which faction do you belong to?"

The distinction between the conservative and reformist factions within the Immortal Alliance is extremely broad, much like the distinction between the Mangxiang and Zhuzhao factions within the Red Lantern Gang.

As the Purple Mansion directly under the Immortal Alliance, Jinshan is naturally a conservative faction, but there are many factions within the conservative faction.

Taihe Water Venerable of Huzhou is one school, Qingrui of Wunan is another, and Cangshan Immortal Venerable of Qunqing Immortal City is yet another.
"Haha, of course I'm on your side. We're a loving family."

A Loving Family

Jinshan's ability to say such things demonstrates his competence, at least in terms of Machiavellian tactics.

"Of course, besides you, I have some other friends."

Among them are those with Purple Mansion and Golden Core. Our sect should be called the Immortal Alliance Sect.

If the Immortal Alliance prospers, we will prosper as well; if the Immortal Alliance falls into internal strife, we will be in trouble.

They did not support the reforms, but they dared not oppose them.

However, I naturally support you, and yes, I also support Mangxiang.

Different great cultivators have different bases of influence, and some of them have very special bases of influence. For example, the base of influence of Shenguang is the confrontation between the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Kingdom.

The group of Grand Masters directly under the Immortal Alliance in Jinshan did not have any significant power within the Six States; they relied on the Immortal Alliance for their livelihood.

They did not support the reform because it would lead to layoffs, which would affect their interests.

"Is Qiong Hai also your fellow Daoist?"

Jinshan nodded and said.

"Yes, three Golden Core cultivators and twenty-three Purple Mansion cultivators, we still can't get enough to eat."

"Mang Xiang is no simple man. He's simultaneously eliminating members of the Immortal Alliance and killing lower-level cultivators, and he has the support of figures like Taihe Shuizun behind him. He's determined to succeed."

Mang Xiang was determined to win, and Wang Yulou actually felt the same way.

Back then, Xiaoyu had stated that since Mangxiang had gone through such a complicated process of attaining the Golden Core stage, he would most likely begin his expansion after achieving enlightenment.

But even Xiaoyu didn't expect that Mangxiang's expansion strategy would actually involve him personally pushing for reforms within the Immortal Alliance.

It can only be said that even Golden Core Immortal Venerables are not omnipotent. Their opponents and competitors are also Golden Core Immortal Venerables. In this competitive environment, it is naturally difficult to be infallible.

The purple light shimmered, casting flickering shadows on the luxurious decor of the Qunqing Pavilion. Wang Yulou pondered for a long time before speaking softly.

“Ancestor, the price our master paid for achieving enlightenment must still be paid. Aren’t the great cultivators in the Immortal Alliance afraid that our master will act recklessly?”
The Red Lantern Gang resisted the Heavenly Serpent Sect for fifty years and even successfully launched a counterattack.

But how large is the Red Lantern Brigade, and how vast is the Immortal Alliance? Can the Red Lantern Brigade's experience be simply and widely applied to the Immortal Alliance level?

Following Mang Xiang, Wang Yulou felt that he might have everything he needed for the rest of his life.

The patriarch has gone too far; he's already running very fast, but there's still a sense of strain in not being able to keep up.
"It's hard to say, Yu Lou. You should think about the Purple Mansions within other top-tier forces."

I am now at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm. If I were a cultivator from the Immortal Kingdom and wanted to attain the Golden Core realm, I would also be afraid that someone would steal my Dao Fruit.

The best thing Mangxiang did this time was probably to establish a mechanism of mutual respect.

Everyone, please don't fight over it. Just go through the distribution within your faction to obtain the Golden Core. Only in this way can we maintain stability for a long time.

Although you have reached the Foundation Establishment stage, you are wearing the "Six Provinces Uniform" robe, which is a level higher than the "Longevity Immortal" robe of our Purple Mansion.

For you and me, stability is more important than anything else.

Furthermore, whether the Mangxiang Reforms will succeed, and to what extent they will succeed, is not something you can decide.

Changshui's lack of respect for you may seem like just a problem with Changshui, but it's actually the first manifestation of a type of problem you're facing.

Whether the experience of the "red light" police can be promoted is none of your business; what you need to do is simply push the reform forward step by step.

The cost of the elephant might not be that high, and Wang Yulou's mission might not be that 'real'.

Jinshan's words are very interesting; they are extremely down-to-earth, and almost every sentence he says is true.

Old Jin is treating Wang Yulou as one of his own.

Wang Yulou nodded slightly to indicate that he understood, and then asked with a hint of anticipation.

"Ancestor, with your current peak Purple Mansion cultivation, how long will it take you to reach the Golden Core stage?"

There are no feelings involved; everyone is just using each other, but there is a basis for cooperation after all.

Moreover, Jinshan is far more anthropomorphic than the wild elephant in terms of its animalistic nature.

By all accounts, Kingsoft seems like a better pillar of white jade supporting the sky—at least to Wang Yulou.

The giant of metal and stone shook his head. The sound was clearly that of metal and stone clanging together, but he spoke of melancholy.

"Wait."

He needs to wait.

"How long? Waiting for what?"

Wang Yulou understood that Jinshan needed to wait, but he was genuinely curious—if Jinshan could attain the Golden Core, Wang's situation would immediately change.

"Wait for the next great era, wait for chaos to break out again, wait for this long period of stability to pass!"

While the Purple Mansion, directly under the Immortal Alliance, needs the alliance's stability, for Jinshan personally, the opportunity to attain the Golden Core stage only arises after the stability is shattered.

Individual interests can sometimes be conflicting.
By this point, Wang Yulou had two powerful backers who would give him the opportunity to rise to prominence in the next great era.

Xiaoyu needs to rebuild its foundation in the next big era, while Jinshan needs to find opportunities to prove its golden potential in the next big era.

“I understand, Ancestor. Actually, Yu Lou has another problem. Back when I was in the Western Sea, I was summoned into Shen Guang’s cave by him.”

Within the grotto-heaven, divine light bestowed upon me seven Purple Mansion Dharma Gates, namely...
I knew that the divine light was not a good thing, but the temptation of the Purple Mansion was too great, and I couldn't resist, so I chose the method of connecting acupoints to open the Purple Mansion.

In the Red Lantern City, the Patriarch was watching me constantly, so Yulou had no choice but to carry Mingdu with him on ordinary days.

What do you think about this?

The title of "Ancestor" wasn't given lightly. For the Vice Leader of the Immortal Alliance to address someone as "Ancestor," Jinshan's treatment was exceptional, but all of this came at a price.

Wang Yulou looked at Jinshan expectantly, practically ready to speak his mind.

Old Jin, give me a hand!
"Divine Light, alright, it's a small matter after all, but you must not open your Purple Mansion lightly."

Those old men and women at the Golden Core stage above, they love people who follow the rules the most. Do you know what Mang Xiang said in his confession at the Immortal Platform?

Jinshan did not refuse Wang Yulou's request and immediately agreed.

It's just the Purple Mansion Method. The Immortal Alliance forbids its circulation, but that means it forbids lower-level cultivators from accessing it.

Wang Yulou has already donned the "Six Provinces Union" robes of a Golden Core Immortal Venerable, how could the Immortal Alliance possibly deal with him?

Who will handle this?
Considering that the Immortal Alliance Leader, Mangxiang Immortal Venerable, was quite busy, the only option was to have the Vice Alliance Leader oversee the matter—let Wang Yulou handle Wang Yulou, which would solve the problem from both sides.

"Master said too much on the Immortal Ascension Platform. Which sentence are you referring to?"

Wang Yulou had an answer, but still wanted to hear Jinshan's perspective.

Jinshan may not be as impressive as Mangxiang, Dishui, or even Shenguang, but it is still a peak of the Zifu realm with thousands of years of history.

The key point is that Lao Jin was very honest today and spoke the truth.

In this world, it's difficult to hear the truth from a great cultivator.

"Upholding the rules: Before and after attaining enlightenment, Mang Xiang repeatedly emphasized that he should abide by the rules."

Do you think this is nonsense?
No, this is the greatest promise from Mangxiang!

The top powers have been locked in a standoff for thousands of years, maintaining stability for so long, precisely because the Golden Core Immortals abhor change.

They set up rules and established organizations with the aim of protecting their own interests.

As the newly minted Golden Elixir cultivator, Mang Xiang was willing to abide by the rules and to use reforms to advance the interests of the people, so the conservative Taihe Shuizun and others naturally supported him.

Seeing Wang Yulou deep in thought, Jin Shan added.

"Even more so, Mangxiang's promise aligns with what you're concerned about: the price he paid for attaining enlightenment."

No matter what price Mangxiang paid, his core base was always under Qingrui's watchful eye.

He can't turn the world upside down; only by following the rules can he go faster and further.

Yulou, you are the same, and so am I.

We have risen through the ranks according to the laws of the Immortal Alliance, and we cannot let trivial matters affect our future.

You understand what I'm saying, right?

Wang Yulou frowned.

kill!

kill!

kill!

Killing a cultivator is a tribulation.

Killing a Foundation Establishment cultivator will result in being hunted down by the Immortal Alliance.

One can kill 30 million cultivators and thus attain the Purple Mansion!
If the state is the product of irreconcilable class contradictions, then the Immortal Alliance is the product of the complete implementation of the interests of great cultivators.

The Immortal Alliance was born for and serves great cultivators.

The limited democracy of the Immortal Alliance is a democracy for high-level cultivators, and has nothing to do with the countless low-level cultivators and ordinary mortals.

They had the right to resist, and their resistance never ceased. However, in the cultivation world where power resides in the individual, their resistance, like the scattered alliance of cultivators in the Western Sea, vanished with the wind, remaining silent from beginning to end.

In this special era, ordinary magical treasures are worthless, let alone human lives.

When the temptation of betrayal leading to Foundation Establishment is presented, someone will inevitably betray.

“Ancestor, I want to cultivate immortality myself, not because others made me do it. Of course I understand what you mean.”

The old ideas and concepts about short-lived species are gradually disappearing from Wang Yuque.

It seems he has gone down a less-than-ideal path, it seems he has grown horns and fangs, it seems he has lost his original aspirations.

But only as if.

The clan leader once said that even great cultivators are not human.

High-ranking cultivators are certainly not human!

If high-level cultivators are still evaluated using the same criteria as ordinary people, it only shows that the threshold for becoming an immortal is too low!

Original aspirations are worthless, and in most people, they are more akin to incompetence.

The alienation that cultivation brings to the cultivators themselves is a single-dimensional definition within certain narrative systems.

If Wang Yulou becomes the highest, can he still be considered alienated?
A group of ants looked up at the sky and sneered, saying, "He is immortal, indestructible, supreme in heaven and earth, and dominates all ages, but he has been mutated."
If the price of not being alienated is being included among the "thirty million" by Mang Xiang's reform proposal, should Wang Yulou accept this so-called "alienation"?
Wang Yulou chose this path himself.

When he was thirteen, he realized that this world was a breeding ground for immortals.

As he has come this far, Wang Yulou's Dao heart has been constantly tempered, and he has even gradually lost his original self, but the only thing he does not regret is.

Reality is paramount for individual survival, and Wang Yulou did not want to be one in thirty million.

As long as you're alive, there's still hope; only when you're dead do you truly lose everything.

"It's good that you can think it through, Yu Lou. Back in the Western Sea, you were on good terms with Feng Jianxian and Mo Yunshu."

Did you know that your unintentional actions in the West Sea were being watched by people in our circle? Qiong Hai brought us all your information.

Everything about your past was brought up for scrutiny when you became the vice leader of the Immortal Alliance.

There will always be people who will take advantage of your so-called good intentions. Good intentions are the moral shackles that ordinary rulers use to tame slaves and the lowly, and should not be your shackles.

Wang Yulou, you must always remember my warning—your kindness will not help you reach the other side; it will only become the point through which your opponents tear you apart!

Wang Yulou, your kindness will not help you reach the other side, but will only become the breakthrough point for your opponents to tear you apart!

This was the first time someone had given Wang Yulou such a clear reminder, and this reminder could even be considered a golden piece of advice.

It can be said that the founder of Kingsoft really taught Xiao Wang a lot of hard work.

Persuading people to do good is a beautiful phrase, but from a methodological perspective, this practice model, dominated by the concept of good and evil, is completely unsuitable for the rules of the game for those who live long.

The forces established by the Immortal Platform, which was filled with demon gods, were called the Immortal Alliance.

The demon kingdom established by the demon god Bifang was called the immortal kingdom.

The demonic realm established by the evil monks is known as the Holy Land.

In this world, the right to speak is related to power, not to facts.

If you are strong enough, there are no demons, no mistakes, and no evil.

"Ancestor, if you were to offer me a word of advice to help me advance the reform, what would it be?"

Jinshan smiled with satisfaction. Xiao Wang's performance indeed showed the potential to achieve enlightenment.

Wang Yulou knew what he should do, and this task might even be more helpful than the golden light from the Ruyi Pavilion. It was precisely because he knew where the road was and how to walk it that Wang Yulou was able to progress so quickly.

Thus, at the age of eighty-seven, he became the leader of the Immortal Alliance and donned the 'Six Provinces United' robe, a privilege reserved for Golden Core Immortal Venerables.

"I'll just say one thing: 'steady progress.' Don't rush, and don't try to find some clever tricks to break the deadlock."

Behind you stand the conservatives of the Immortal Alliance, us, and the great cultivators of the Immortal Alliance. Reform is the consensus of the majority of the Immortal Platform.

As long as you don't rush, don't make mistakes, and take it slow, the reform can always be pushed forward.

But if you rush things, you might be taken advantage of by the enemy.

Some people might even take the initiative to use certain methods to coerce or seduce you into making a mistake.

As the vice leader of the Immortal Alliance, as long as you stand firm, the matter of reform will not be a real problem.

For small matters, I'll handle it; for big matters, there will be both bold and conservative factions. Time and victory are on your side.

The position of vice leader of the Immortal Alliance is very high, but the higher you climb, the colder it gets. To avoid freezing to death, caution and prudence are the key.

In the Western Sea, you like to use clever tricks to break the deadlock; in the two major battles, the counterattack on the northern front is also a brilliant way to break the deadlock.

Ke Yulou, the reforms of the Immortal Alliance cannot rely on a miracle worker; we must uphold righteousness, we must uphold righteousness.

Because even the slightest overflow of risk could crush you. Just like your master, you must adhere to the rules to ensure the smooth implementation of the reforms.

Old Jin, from now on, I'll consider you half an ancestor of mine!

Wang Yulou bowed deeply and said.

“Ancestor, I have learned a great deal today. Your advice is truly enlightening, and I will definitely consider it carefully.”

Jinshan waved his hand, turned around as if to leave, but suddenly turned back and asked.

What exactly is your relationship with Shenguang?

But Wang Yulou's expression was too calm, which disappointed Jinshan.

"Oh no, he's trying to use the Purple Mansion Technique to sow discord between me and my master, but he probably doesn't expect that I will be recommended by my master to be the vice leader of the Immortal Alliance."

By giving Wang Yulou the position of vice leader of the Immortal Alliance, Mang Xiang was essentially giving Zi Fu an opportunity.

As long as Wang Yulou performs well, he will definitely be able to advance to the Purple Mansion realm, and it will be a Purple Mansion realm recognized by the conservative faction of the Immortal Alliance—a prestigious one, with the same prestige as the Golden Core realm.

In this situation, Shenguang's initial provocation can be described as either laughable or clownish.

However, Kingsoft's second question was the real test.

"Did you know that Bi Fang gave Mu Chunze the position of Prime Minister of the Immortal Kingdom?"

Wang Yulou couldn't hold back and his eyes widened immediately.

The old shepherd who was served on the table suddenly became the prime minister of the immortal kingdom?

What kind of third-rate martial arts tale is this?

but.
Bifang—Shenguang—Muchunze—Zhou Fujiao—Mangxiang, they all match up!
But Kingsoft's response just now...
No, he tested me twice. Did he not actually trust me just now?
"Ancestor, where did you get this news? My master has become the leader of the alliance, and I have become the deputy leader. Mu Chunze has become the prime minister of the Immortal Kingdom. Does this mean that the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Kingdom are going to merge?"

Jinshan sized up Wang Yulou for a long while before speaking slowly.

"Mu Chunze is not the prime minister yet. He will be the prime minister after Shunmu goes down. The merger is nonsense. I just mistakenly thought that you and Shenguang still had some connection."

Wang Yulou couldn't understand because the matter was too complicated. Qingrui, Mangxiang, Shenguang, Hongdengzhao, Tianshe Sect, Bifang, and the Immortal Kingdom were all too complicated.

he asked tentatively.

"Are you worried that Mangxiang and Qingrui's suppression of Shenguang is a feint to prove something to the Immortal Alliance before Mangxiang attains enlightenment?"

Now it was Lao Jin's turn to lose his composure.

"Yu Lou, you have performed well many times, and you are a rising star."

But now I'm finally certain that Mang Xiang made the right choice in placing you in the position of vice leader.

Wang Yulou was not complacent. He needed to prove his sincerity to Jinshan. Jinshan might not care about this, but Wang Yulou needed to do it well.

“Ancestor, I didn’t know there were so many twists and turns behind this, but the reform is supported by even Taihe Water Venerable and Cangshan Immortal Venerable, so they shouldn’t be too wrong, right?”
My idea is that we don't need to worry about so much. Let's just keep going. Mang Xiang's reforms might just be the beginning of a new era. If we join forces, what future opportunities are there?

The deputy leader extended a pie-in-the-sky invitation to the beloved Kingsoft patriarch.

Manage upwards, that's all there is to it, just use the methods that come with it.

Don't worry about the effectiveness of tactical maneuvers, just do them.

Jinshan pondered for a moment, then nodded and left the Qunqing Pavilion.

but
"The people on the Immortal Terrace all believe that you are related to the dripping water; this is a top secret."

Yulou, don't forget to keep the rules in mind!

Upon hearing Jinshan's telepathic message, Wang Yulou was stunned.

What about Wang Jingyi's serious injuries?
What about Wang Xianmao's half-dead state?
You put on such a painstaking act, only to find you've revealed nothing in the end?
half a month later.

In the Immortal City's Immortal Platform, over seventy core members of the Immortal Alliance sat in a row, while twelve Purple Mansions sat near the Jade Palace.

At the top of the deepest part of the Gonsendai, there is an empty chair placed in the very center.

Wang Yulou, on the other hand, specially prepared an inconspicuous little chair and sat to the side of the empty chair.

Wang Yulou was patient enough to follow the rules.

Inside the hall, the Immortal Selection Office Director, Changshui Zhenren, was expressing his views on the reforms.

"The core problem is that many Foundation Establishment families take themselves too seriously."

Among those present are direct descendants of Purple Mansion True Persons and disciples of Golden Core Immortal Venerables. Of course, you can protect your clan's disciples.

Everyone has worked tirelessly for the Immortal Alliance in their respective departments, so the Immortal Alliance should naturally reward them; this is only right.

The question is, where does the privilege of being in the shadows end?

How large should the scale of shelter be for different people? Should there be an upper limit?

The rules here are too vague, vague for thousands of years. It's time to sort them out and set them.

Fellow Daoist Yuque, the Immortal Alliance doesn't need any temporary workers, nor does Wanlifang.

"As long as personnel are properly allocated, the people Wanlifang needs can be transferred from other departments."

Changshui is very capable; she has clearly explained the meaning of Taihe Shuizun.

It's not that the Immortal Alliance isn't on good terms with its subordinates, but rather that the subordinates have gone too far, forcing the Immortal Alliance to change its methods.

In Changshui's view, Wang Yulou's overreaching and deliberately setting Yu Hongdou up for roasting, while seemingly simple, actually made the already complex problem even more complicated.

Instead of going around in circles looking for a breakthrough, it's better to directly address the core issues and analyze them thoroughly.

"Fellow Daoist Changshui speaks well, but some of the fellow Daoists here may not understand."

"Yangshi, you are from the Department of Law, tell us about this matter." Wang Yulou pointed out Chen Yangshi.

Chen Yangshi got up and began to explain, but Wang Yulou didn't listen at all.

It's all nonsense. There's no point in talking about it anymore. Once the river flows up, it needs to speed up, and Wang Yulou can't keep up.

He was just reflecting.

Reflecting on my actions regarding the grilling of Yu Hongdou, I wondered if it was too intense, too 'improper,' or too 'unstable.'

And consider the issues raised by Changshui regarding 'the qualifications and scale of protection'.

In fact, he is facing the same problem now.

If Wang Jingyi opens his Purple Mansion and Wang Yulou also opens his Purple Mansion, then the Wang family will immediately have two Purple Mansions in one lineage.

If the Wang family wants to go any further, they will definitely encounter the obstruction of the mad elephant.

The patriarch was one who attained enlightenment through the three Purple Palaces, and he would not easily give Wang Yulou the opportunity to continuously help those around him open their Purple Palaces.

It's hard to say what will happen to Zhou Yingxi's Purple Mansion, because the relationship between Bifang and Mangxiang is obviously not that simple, and Mu Chunze will also take office as the Prime Minister of the Immortal Kingdom.

Compared to ordinary positions in the vast world that consume one's lifespan, the prime minister of the immortal kingdom naturally wields great power.

But the limit of Wang Yulou's protection might only be Zhou Yingxi.

Jin Mingdu, Lin Ying, Wang Xianmao, Yu An, and other people around Wang Yulou may not have the opportunity to reach the Purple Mansion realm.

Unless, the times change drastically in the next few hundred years.

If times remain unchanged, then at this stage, if Wang Yulou doesn't think things through and helps those around him open their Purple Mansions, he will inevitably suffer a backlash.
He became the vice leader of the Immortal Alliance, but he still couldn't have complete autonomy over many things.

I just hope that Ancestor Jingyi's grotto-heaven method of reincarnation will go smoothly. If I can send the people around me into Wang Jingyi's grotto-heaven reincarnation, I might have a chance to help them again in the future.

"Alliance Leader, Yang Shi has finished speaking."

Wang Yulou, ignoring what he said, smiled and nodded, expressing his approval of Chen Yangshi.

Qionghai Zhenren was Jinshan's friend and practically one of his own, so Wang Yulou naturally valued Chen Yangshi.

In the Immortal Alliance, ability doesn't matter; the principle of internal strife is loyalty.

“Very good, Fellow Daoist Hongdou. After listening to Fellow Daoist Changshui and Yangshi’s ideas, do you have any good suggestions?”

Reform is difficult, but I believe that as long as everyone pools their wisdom and efforts, we can move the reform forward.

Roasting Yu Hongdou over a fire is no risky move!
Reform inevitably involves struggle. If Wang Yulou, as the reformer promoted by the conservatives, were afraid of struggle, it would be impossible for things to proceed in a harmonious manner.

But fighting requires methods, and you need to find the right punching bag, and Yu Hongdou is quite suitable.

The female immortal from Shi Guozhou was numb inside, but she had to put on a serious face to deal with Wang Yuque's challenge.

"I heard that when you were young, Fellow Daoist Yuque was the manager of a family in a market town under the red lantern."

There, you promoted a competition called the 'Talisman Master Competition,' which was similar in principle to the Immortal Alliance's Walking Combat Selection.

It can be said that Fellow Daoist Yuque has already made some achievements in reform.

The Immortal Alliance's talismans—no, the Walking Combat Selection—have been going on for so many years.

We can combine it with the Talisman Master Competition, expand the scope slightly, and fully implement a selection system.

Fellow Daoist Yuque, what is your opinion?

Changing the recommendation system to a selection system is a really good suggestion from Yu Hongdou; in reality, it's just a matter of whoever is most capable taking the lead.

However, it must be made clear that the more than seventy cultivators who were discussing matters at the Immortal Platform in the Immortal City of Azure Clouds were all leaders of the core departments of the Immortal Alliance, and there were no idiots among them.

They certainly know that fair selection is better than recommendation or nomination systems, but why don't they mention it?
The winner of the competition isn't necessarily one of our own!
Yu Hongdou's move harmed the interests of all the great cultivators and core cultivators of the Immortal Alliance, including herself.

She was terrified by Wang Yulou's "I'll support whatever you say" attitude, which is why she came up with this nonsensical suggestion of a "comprehensive selection".

You can't possibly agree to that, can you?
Yu Hongdou looked at Wang Yuque with a slightly provocative gaze, but Wang's eyes were full of smiles.

He didn't speak, but simply raised his finger and gently tapped the armrest of the chair, as if deep in thought.

"Yu Hongdou, has your brain been flooded?"

Comprehensive selection sounds simple, but what if someone with a bad character or moral depravity is selected?
The Immortal Alliance is dedicated to serving all cultivators. In the process of selecting cultivators, character and morality are far more important than ability!
Three-legged clams. In short, there are plenty of two-legged cultivators, and those who are not capable can be further trained.

The theory of meritocracy is heresy. You, a newcomer to the Purple Mansion, do not understand the laws and regulations of the Immortal Alliance and why you have come to this point. That is why you believe in such nonsense as meritocracy.

Do you know why the chaos in Chongxian Prefecture happened 2,700 years ago?

"Shut your stinking mouth if you don't want to die!"

It's all nonsense, illogical and forced, but even nonsense has its uses. Changshui demonstrated his attitude and made a threat.

As is widely known, Taihe Shuizun controls the Immortal Selection Division of the Immortal Alliance.

Given this background, Wang Yuque, the young reformer of the Mangxiang Reform, dared to defy Changshui's ideas.

When faced with Yu Hongdou's attempt to implement subversive measures regarding personnel matters, Changshui was even more ruthless and directly launched into abusive attacks.

Wang Yulou sat at the head of the table, watching the two extraordinary female immortals bickering over such a trivial matter, and found it utterly boring.

Should a relatively fair selection system be fully implemented?
The reforms were intended to better maintain the core base, which, as the ruling entity, was based on.

The Mangxiang Reform was for the sake of great cultivators, not for the sake of those below them.

This thing fundamentally contradicts the core of the Mangxiang Reforms.

It's impossible, what's the point of arguing about it?

It was because Changshui was unwilling to be a marginal figure in the Mangxiang Reform that he charged so fiercely.

Everyone wanted to improve, but Wang Yulou remained silent, flexibly distributing the sandbags he had chosen to give others the opportunity to improve and contribute.

If Wang Yulou had to personally handle everything during the reform, the reform would absolutely not have been able to proceed.

This is similar to Tang Sanzang's journey to the West. The agreement had already been reached before Tang Sanzang's journey to the West took place.

However, Lingshan cannot keep all the benefits to itself; all factions want to send people in.

Those with strong backgrounds followed Tang Sanzang to obtain Buddhist fruits, or directly sent people to block the road and demand benefits.

Those with poor backgrounds act strangely on the road, offering their loyalty to the 81 tribulations and reaping a small reward within their own faction.

If Wang Yulou tries to enjoy everything alone, he will never go far.

The argument raged for quite a while inside the Qunxiantai, with the conservatives and reformers locked in a fierce battle, cursing each other's ancestors and even declaring their chastity ruined—a very unseemly affair.

After both sides had charged and Xianzhong had finished, and the procedures were almost complete, Wang Yulou finally cleared his throat and said.

“Implementing a selection system across the board is a good suggestion, but it needs careful consideration. Fellow Daoist Hongdou, please write a detailed plan later, and we can discuss it further.”

"Fellow Daoist Changshui, please don't be anxious. It's an objective fact that Wanlifang is short-handed, and adding more people is necessary. Let's try internal relocation within the Immortal Alliance, considering which department has lighter responsibilities."

Seeing that Wang Yulou still insisted on her own way of breaking the deadlock, Changshui stopped trying to stop her. Wang Yulou had just given her so much face, so she naturally wanted to return the favor.

"The Six-State Transport Office was a department established when the Immortal Alliance was first founded. At that time, the war had not yet stopped, so it was of a very high standard."

The situation within the Immortal Alliance is currently very favorable, resulting in a significant increase in the number of Immortal Alliance cultivators in the Six Provinces Transport Office. Therefore, transferring personnel from the Six Provinces Transport Office would be the most suitable option.

After all, the work of the Transport Bureau and Wanli Ward was similar, both involving escorting goods.

Each transport office will contribute twenty people, adding one hundred and twenty people to Wanli Ward. In this way, Wanli Ward will no longer be short of manpower.

Wang Yulou neither nodded nor spoke, but instead looked at Yan Kang.

However, Yan Kang, the transport commissioner of Qunqing Prefecture, remained completely silent.

'Even the smallest of the six prefectures, Chongxian Prefecture, has more than 700 people.'

"Yu Lou, if it comes to layoffs, my Qingzhou Transport Bureau is willing to cooperate with you, but we'll have to make a big show of it."

Wang Yulou remained expressionless, but some doubts lingered in his heart.

'I see in the brochure that the Qunqing Prefecture Transport Office only has a little over a hundred people?'

Yan Kang, the transport commissioner of Qunqing Prefecture who came from Mingcheng Taoist Temple, replied.

It has a long history, a complex situation, and deep-rooted local connections.

The shade is endless, and the words of Fellow Daoist Changshui are not wrong.

The Immortal Alliance's Qunqing Prefecture Transfer Office only has a little over one hundred people, but the Qunqing Prefecture Mingcheng Daoist Temple Transfer Office has more than thirty people.

There are seventeen sects or forces in Qunqing Prefecture similar to my sect.
The situation at the transport prefectures corresponding to these sects is extremely complex, and their personnel are not counted together with those of the state transport prefectures.

Wang Yulou guessed the direction—"The personnel are not included in the calculation."

'The sects send people to take what the Immortal Alliance should take, and then send some back to the Immortal Alliance?'

Yan Kang's eyes revealed his approval.

"Indeed. The problem is that the power to control something has grown too large. The key to reform may lie in two things: protectionism and the influence of powerful local groups."

Wang Yulou fell into deep thought.

"Brother Kang, does the Red Lantern Bureau have a corresponding Transport Bureau?"

'certainly.'

Wang Yulou, a veteran of the Red Lantern Gang, was completely unaware of this matter, and had no idea who within the Red Lantern Gang was quietly making a fortune through this route.

The Left Path and the Immortal Alliance share the profits 60/40. The sects under the Six Provinces Transport Bureau take a share from the Immortal Alliance's share first, and then send some back to the Immortal Alliance.

This is an incredible windfall!
"Alright, it's settled then. That's all for today. Fellow Daoist Red Bean, I await your detailed explanation of the reforms!"
-
The life of the deputy leader of the Immortal Alliance is very boring. Wang Yulou doesn't have to worry about most things. More than 300 departments cover all his needs.

For him, most things can be resolved with just a word.

If you want any cultivation technique, just take it—if you don't have enough Immortal Alliance merit points, you can owe it to me first!

What kind of beauty does he want? Hmm, no, he'll only consider it if someone begs him with an exorbitant dowry.

If you want a particular magical artifact, just contact the Purple Mansion Refining Masters in the Immortal Alliance to customize it; this will cost money.

There's no rush for the reforms; everything should be done gradually. Mangxiang's task for him was to understand the situation and prepare for the formal commencement of the reforms once Mangxiang officially took office.

Wang Yulou will not forget Jinshan's reminder: he can work hard, but he cannot go too far.

His current mindset is similar to that of a wild elephant before it attained the Golden Elixir. Once the reform is successful, Wang Yulou's Purple Mansion will not have any problems.

Therefore, just go with the flow.

Therefore, Wang Yuque, the leader of the Immortal Alliance, rarely had the leisure time he had since he began cultivating, despite holding the most prominent position in the world.

Cultivation, cultivation, and more cultivation.

From supernatural powers to alchemy, from magical combat to opening acupoints, Wang Yulou quietly cultivated for two weeks.

However, even though Wang Yulou didn't hit the sandbag, the sandbag came to him on its own.

Before the bi-weekly meeting of the Immortal City's Immortal Platform, Yu Hongdou took the initiative to visit Wang Yulou's temporary residence, the Qunqing Pavilion.

"You are Mingdu?"

Yu Hongdou sized up Jin Mingdu, her eyes filled with scrutiny.

"Reporting to the Master, it is indeed my daughter."

Although Yu Hongdou was Wang Yulou's punching bag, Jin Mingdu wouldn't flaunt Wang Yulou's name. She knew how useful Wang Yulou's name was, and therefore dared not use it lightly.

Using it wrong will kill you!
It's possible that Jinshan will be the one to kill her!

Yu Hongdou smiled radiantly and said.

"I have brought a gift for the Alliance Leader. I wonder if I may present it to him in person, young friend Mingdu?"

"Of course, please ask Bailu to take Master Yu to see your husband."

As she gazed at Yu Hongdou's retreating figure, Fairy Mingdu let out a barely perceptible sigh.

(End of this chapter)