Shangyuque

Chapter 212: The barking of a wild elephant and the mate-seeking in the Jade Palace; a thousand-year-old sister-in-law paired with an eighty-seven-year-old young man; civil war in progress.
Any complex ruling entity will inevitably contain enormous contradictions, and such contradictions are even inevitable.

Authority itself shapes a powerful ruling entity, but authority also contains the seeds of its collapse; the rise and fall of a ruler is due to this…

Relying on authority, but authority is not eternal, there is no such thing as absolute supremacy, and the conservatives are not unbreakable. Even the Immortal Alliance can have internal wars, so how can the conservatives not fight among themselves?
In the Immortal City, Wang Yuque and Changshui, a disciple of the Water Venerable, were fighting. In the Huzhou region, Taihe Water Venerable and Jinguyuan God Venerable were fighting. The battle was quite a spectacle.

Everyone here is a proud and fierce general, a hero and a brave warrior. Those watching the spectacle are naturally afraid that things will get out of hand, but fear is useless, so they might as well just watch.

Fang Xinqian's worries represent the worries of many people within the core of the Immortal Alliance. If you carefully peel back the outer layer of these worries, you can even see the gloating core within them.

You, Wang Yuque, are just a little bastard from another state. I wonder what you've been doing behind the scenes. You became the leader of the Immortal Alliance at only eighty-seven years old. You're very impressive, aren't you?

Here comes the pot—a huge pot, as big as a mountain.

I'll crush you, you bastard!
“Fellow Daoist Xinqian, two Golden Core Immortal Venerables from the Immortal Alliance have gotten into a dispute. Logically speaking, the Immortal Alliance should indeed be able to intervene.”

But this is ultimately a matter within Huzhou, and the immortals on the Altar of Immortals haven't issued any decree. Must my brother insist on interfering?"

Yu An had no idea how to handle it. Just thinking about it made his scalp tingle. The conservatives were the most vested interests among the powerful cultivators in the Immortal Alliance, and every single one of them, including the Immortal Venerables, was no weakling.

The core member of the dragon clan within the Immortal Alliance, Immortal Venerable Jin Guyuan, and the oldest demon in the Immortal Alliance, Venerable Taihe Shui, if these two were to fight, let alone one Wang Yuque, even a hundred Wang Yuques wouldn't be able to handle it, right?

Fang Xinqian sat down next to Yu An considerately, lowered his voice, and spoke in a mysterious and intimate tone.

"Brother Yu'an, you can't always wait for instructions from above, can you?"

It would be inappropriate for anyone to tell the alliance leader that he doesn't need to concern himself with this matter.

There's a saying I'll say, which will enter your ears; once you hear it, just pretend you've forgotten it.

If the alliance leader doesn't handle this matter well, his position as vice-leader will essentially become dispensable.

Fang Xinqian's judgment was correct. With Xiaoyu leaving the Immortal Alliance, no one would be willing to take the risk and protect Wang Yulou, not even Mangxiang.

As the ruling entity, the Immortal Alliance's internal order principles granted Wang Yulou the power to participate in decision-making on matters large and small both inside and outside the Immortal Alliance, and gave him the benefits of a vice leader.

From the resource allocation share of the fifth-grade Purple Mansion obtained after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, to the free gift of the 'Six Provinces United' Golden Core Immortal Venerable magic weapon and robe, as well as the top-grade magic weapon seal, and various other benefits.

All of this comes at a price—Wang Yuque needs to get things done well, which is the fundamental reason why Mang Xiang helped him rise to power.

If Wang Yulou were to sit in the position of vice leader, and he had to call on Mang Xiang for everything, wouldn't Mang Xiang just be Wang Yulou's dog?
Does it fit?

The sound of a barking elephant and a howling dog would probably be quite amusing, but Wang Yulou would never dare to reveal such thoughts at the moment. This is called being clear-headed, a basic survival instinct in the world of cultivation.

“Fellow Daoist Xinqian, I understand now. Let's end our meal here; I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave.”

Fang Xinqian revealed the price Wang Yulou paid to become the 'Jade Palace Immortal', and Yu An was extremely worried. He wanted to return to Wang Yulou's side.

Although his cultivation level was not high, his mind was not exceptional, and he could not understand Wang Yulou's growing coldness in treating his family as ordinary, at least at this moment, Wang Yu'an's original intention was for Wang Yulou's good.

Even if I can't be of great help, what if I can be of some small help?

"Don't rush off, Brother Yu'an. There are too many reasons why you can't go to the Alliance Leader's side right now, and I don't want to explain them all."

I'll just say one thing: if you die, it can be considered that your attack on Jade Palace Immortal went too far, thus giving Jade Palace Immortal a bargaining chip.

Then, the real person's allies will take the initiative to attack you, frame you, harm you, and make you die in the aftermath of the chaos in Huzhou, or even in the center, thus finding a reason to ease the conflict between the two immortals.

Living in the Immortal City is no easy feat. It's not that you can't afford a house, but rather that you need a great deal of ability to survive and thrive in this core area of ​​the Immortal Alliance.

You come from another state and don't understand the cruelty here. In the Immortal City, for a position like a seal-bearer or steward, even brothers often turn against each other.

As he spoke, Fang Xinqian's voice grew softer and softer until it became almost imperceptible.

As he finished speaking, he looked at Yu'an's face, as if trying to figure out what Wang Yulou's brother was thinking.

Wang Yu'an, even brothers will stab each other in the back!
Are you and Wang Yulou brothers?

answer me!
Fang Xinqian's voice was barely audible, but Wang Yu'an was, after all, an old cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage with excellent hearing, so of course he heard it.

He stared intently at the deacon of the Duyin Division, who had been sent by his elder brother to greet him and guide him to familiarize himself with the Immortal City, and asked coldly.

"Fellow Daoist, which faction are you from, going to such lengths to sow discord between me and my elder brother?"

His expression froze for a moment, then Fang Xinqian burst into laughter.

"Haha, Brother Yu'an, you're overthinking it. I just have no interest in the Purple Mansion and live a rather leisurely life."

You may not know this, but when I interact with people, I place great emphasis on feelings.

Although it was our first meeting, we had a very pleasant conversation, which is why I said a few more words.

Jade Palace Immortal is the leader of the alliance. I'm afraid of him, but I'm not afraid of him either. As long as I do my job well, he can't really do anything to me.

But you are new to the Immortal City, Brother Yu'an, you should be extra careful!

That's all I wanted to say. Let's not dwell on these troublesome matters. Let's drink, let's drink!

Facing Fang Xinqian, who held a major position in the core of the Immortal Alliance, Wang Yu'an knew he couldn't afford to offend him.

He kept Fang Xinqian's inexplicable words, or even his probing, to himself and continued drinking with Fang Xinqian.

"Just act it out. Don't cause trouble for your older brother. Wang Yu'an understands this principle."

However, when you have something on your mind, drinking is naturally not enjoyable.

The two stayed in the misty lake for another half an hour before ending their first encounter.

At the entrance of Yinyun Lake, Fang Xinqian watched Wang Yu'an and his entourage depart, a gentle smile still on his face.

"Young Master Fang, what good fortune has befallen you today? Could it be that one of our ladies from Misty Lake has caught your eye?"

The innkeeper of Yinyun Lake noticed the wealthy guest standing quietly with a smile, and hurriedly went forward to greet him.

What good thing happened?
I accidentally stabbed my good friend in the back, and I feel bad about it!
Wang Yulou did not stab Wang Yu'an, but Fang Xinqian had already stabbed Chen Yangshi.

The competition between Yu Xiaojiang and others has always been like this, and no matter how much Fang felt bad about it, he couldn't back down.

"Come, arrange for two lake fairies to be sent to this address to serve the master here well."

Fang Xinqian reported the address of Wang Yu'an's temporary residence, intending to send a few lake fairies there to make Yu'an feel comfortable.

What bad intentions could Xiao Fang possibly have? He was simply afraid that Wang Yu'an was too shy, so he was actively creating opportunities for him.

"Oh? Which fellow Daoist is it that Young Master Fang values ​​so highly?"

"The alliance leader's brother, even if he doesn't want them, you can't let those two come back. Just wait at the door of his residence, ready to obey orders at any time!"

There was no point in hiding it; Wang Yu'an's identity was already known to those who needed to know it before he even stepped into the Immortal City.

“Understood. Understood.

I understand what Young Master Fang means.

"Don't worry, I'll find you two most beautiful fairies from the lake!"
-
"My lord, that's about it. Yu'an asked me to relay this to you word for word, and he even made me repeat it to him twice before he was at ease."

While Wang Yulou was cultivating, Qin Churan carefully stood outside the secluded cultivation room and relayed what Wang Yu'an had heard to Wang Yulou.

"Xiao Fang is quite interesting. He doesn't want to open his Purple Mansion, so he lives a carefree life. That's great."

Clearly, even Wang Yulou was deceived by Fang Xinqian.

Does Xiao Fang not want to open his Purple Mansion?
No, he wanted to showcase his skills while concealing his ambitions.

In the battle for Yu Xiaojiang's position, Chen Yangshi has already taken the lead, and Fang Xinqian, not wanting to fall behind, can only try a roundabout approach.

In terms of loyalty and ability, he cannot compete with Chen Yangshi, who has always considered himself a young general and acted for him. However, Fang Xinqian's advantage lies in his relatively unique character.

He has a wide circle of friends, is reliable in handling affairs, is generally loyal, and is also capable.

Strengthening the first two, improving the third, and maintaining the fourth – this is the differentiated path Fang Xinqian chose for himself as the young general.

Loyalty and ability are both generalized concepts; Fang Xinqian's extensive network of connections is his greatest asset.

The Fang family doesn't have his Purple Mansion position, and if he wants to open his Purple Mansion, Wang Yuque is truly the best path.

If a civil war breaks out within the Immortal Alliance and Wang Yuque is still alive, he and Chen Yangshi will have the opportunity to enter the battle for the Purple Mansion quota as confidants of the Alliance Leader.

"Unfortunately, I can't be carefree. Go, invite Master Changshui over for me. We need to have a good talk about how to solve the current problem."

A big meeting is held for small matters, and a small meeting is held for big matters.

The reform movement and the territorial dispute between the Taihe Water Palace and the Jingu Garden in Huzhou were both major events.

The idea of ​​having everyone write down their thoughts and suggestions is utter nonsense. If Wang Yulou had relied on the suggestions of his subordinates to push forward the reforms, he would have been doomed.

It cannot be interfered with by anyone, otherwise everyone will have an opinion.

The decision to implement reforms must be made by ourselves.

However, it was absolutely impossible for Wang Yulou to solve the problems in Huzhou on his own.
-
"The Alliance Leader is quite carefree; all the commotion outside can't disturb your peaceful cultivation in the Qunqing Pavilion."

"By the way, your Purple Mansion should be opening soon, right? With Immortal Venerable Mangxiang valuing you so highly, opening your Purple Mansion shouldn't be too difficult."

Changshui walked toward Wang Yulou, who had been waiting for a long time, while spouting nonsense.

Wang Yulou glanced at the gentle and refined beauty, said nothing, and gestured for her to sit down.

It's beautiful, but Wang Yulou's two rivals after taking office in the Immortal Alliance, Yu Hongdou and Changshui Zhenren, are both ethereal fairies.

However, when it comes to the struggle for power, even the most beautiful woman is less attractive than a skeleton in Wang Yulou's eyes.

Strength determines everything. He also wants to open his Purple Mansion, prove the Golden Core, and achieve the Immortal Venerable position, suppressing his opponents so much that they can't even make a sound.

Can one open the Purple Mansion in one fell swoop?

No, Wang Yulou didn't want to sit at the same table as Mu Chunze.

Old Mu survived, but Wang Yulou didn't think the price was worth it.

“That piece of land was transformed from my senior brother Xiong Wang’s cave, and it rightfully belongs to our Taihe Water Palace.”

Fellow Daoist Yuque, you're not here to persuade me to let Taihe Water Palace back down, are you?

Let me make this clear first: this matter is entirely up to Master's decision; I have no right to interfere.

However, Wang Yulou gave Changshui an answer that even with her lifespan of over a thousand years, she couldn't withstand.

No, it's not an answer, it's a question.

"Does Fellow Daoist Changshui have a Daoist partner?"

"The Vice Alliance Leader said quietly."

The best course of action is to marry Changshui and give yourself a Daoist partner.

Of course, the main reason is to add another ancestor.

With the support of Taihe Water Venerable, Wang Yulou would find it easier to handle the reforms and the affairs of Huzhou.

This plan seems unreliable.

For example, Changshui is not a good person. Wang Yulou would feel a lot of pressure if he became her Daoist partner.

For example, Taihe Shuizun might have demands, which could affect the overall situation of the reform.

For example, Wang Yulou might offend the dragon clan demon god faction within the Immortal Alliance, represented by the Golden Valley Garden God.

For example, Mang Xiang might be dissatisfied, which could cause Wang Yulou to lose his core support.

However, the reason why the best strategy is the best strategy is that, in the long run, it has a greater expectation of absolute returns.

Wang Yulou can be either a reckless young general or a conservative young general; both are negotiable.

As long as he can withstand the pressure and has the support of Taihe Shuizun, Wang Yulou will have a bright future ahead of him in achieving the Golden Elixir.

Changshui's expression upon hearing Wang Yulou's courtship invitation was truly remarkable.

It's indescribable; all I can say is that it was spectacular.

She suppressed her emotions and spoke in the most rational tone.

"Wang Yuque, are you crazy?"

However, Xiao Wang looked serious and didn't seem crazy at all.

Love is certainly precious, but benefits and the opportunity to attain enlightenment are also extremely precious. These things are all too important, so Wang Yulou certainly didn't go crazy to ask such a question.

"So, Fellow Daoist Changshui doesn't have a Daoist partner right now?"

Changshui can now truly understand Yu Hongdou's feelings.

My heart is burning, because it's being roasted over a fire.

In theory, Changshui Zhenren was already over a thousand years old, and Wang Yulou certainly knew that her Daoist partner had long since died in front of Zifu Pass—this did not conflict with his initiative to ask questions about finding a partner.

In short, it can be said that Changshui is the kind of person who is as old as an old woman.

But objectively speaking, this older woman's appearance is indeed captivating and quite charming.

What's that saying again—even the sunset on the horizon can't compare to the blush on the face of the ultimate old lady, the narcissus fairy.

"Fellow Daoist Yuque, you...you must not speak nonsense!"

We are all True Persons of the Immortal Alliance, and our duty is to serve all cultivators under heaven. Please have some self-respect!

Changshui was truly stunned by the heat. Wang Yulou's brilliant strategy was too ruthless, and she even realized that there was a chance this matter could succeed.

So she became even more afraid.

To be married off to an 87-year-old brat as a Daoist partner, and to become the focal point for Taihe Water Venerable's intervention in the Immortal Alliance's reforms—this is simply absurd.

If she truly becomes Wang Yulou's Daoist partner, how will she face the other Grand Masters of the Purple Mansion in the Immortal Alliance?

"Oh, look, that's Changshui. You didn't know, did you? She's been seeing Wang lately."

'A thousand-year-old woman paired with an 87-year-old young man, that's really ruthless.'

'Sigh, I just can't do this kind of thing. That's why they say people are like Changshui (a legendary figure known for his cunning and resourcefulness).'

In theory, a Grand Master of the Purple Mansion should be a rational and ruthless being, but in reality, Changshui has not yet become an immortal.

When it comes to profit, Changshui doesn't care about saving face, but this matter is different, truly different.

She couldn't accept it.

"Ha, alright, I will be self-respecting. Fellow Daoist Changshui, could you also be more self-respecting regarding the reform?"
I wanted to implement a recommendation-then-selection system, but you disagreed. I wanted to freeze the selection process for a hundred years, but you disagreed again.

Water Venerable has made great contributions to the Immortal Alliance, and every cultivator under the Immortal Alliance's jurisdiction and every cultivator in the Immortal Alliance is grateful for Water Venerable's kindness.

But as a disciple of the Water Venerable, aren't you meddling too much in matters of reform?

Some people say that I, Wang Yuque, am not the leader of the Immortal Alliance, but Changshui is.

"What, are you only satisfied if I give up my position as leader, Fairy Changshui?"

Wang Yulou spoke seriously, no longer pretending, and directly stated that "recommendation first, then selection" was his intention.

Don't be afraid!
It's fair to say that Xiao Wang's actions clearly express his dissatisfaction and opinions.

While it may seem that he was criticizing Changshui, he was actually cursing Taihe Shuizun.

This is the charge phase.

There wasn't much room for compromise. If Wang Yulou was cowardly, then of course he could compromise, but the price would be that he, as the deputy leader, would fail in his reforms and become a piece of minced meat unable to withstand the tide of the times, serving as a lubricant for compromise.

Therefore, one must charge forward when necessary and not back down; this is also the key to being clear-headed and understanding how to 'cultivate' oneself. However, Wang Yulou's words were very impolite, and Chang Shuiben, listening nearby, was already gathering his strength, ready to refute him.

But Wang Yulou ended with the phrase "Changshui Fairy," which startled Changshui.

However, Changshui remained clear-headed and was not blinded by Wang Yulou.

This young man has no sense of morality; he wants to marry me, his older sister-in-law, and is using me as a stepping stone for his own purposes!
"Vice Alliance Leader, not Alliance Leader, Fellow Daoist Yuque, what do you mean by 'reforming the law'? I'm too nosy about that."
I am the Seal Officer of the Immortal Selection Division. My job is to handle personnel arrangements within the Immortal Alliance. I only do what is within my purview.

Regarding the matter in Huzhou, as I mentioned before, it all depends on Master's decision.

"What, does the Vice Alliance Leader have a problem with Master?"

At this point, the Water Fairy was no longer aggressive and was even able to reason a little.

In her mind, when it came to being unreasonable and argumentative, if Wang Yuque were to openly express his feelings to her, she would be the one in the weakest position.

It can only be said that the old lady's wishful thinking was too much.

Does she fit too?
It's nothing more than Xiao Wang taking a liking to the Water Venerable and hoping to address him as his beloved Ancestor/Grandmaster/Master.

The title is not important; what is most precious is learning the rules of cultivation from the Water Venerable.

That old beast, sixty thousand years old, is far more spirited than a wild elephant.

Compared to Shui Zun, Xiao Mang is indeed lacking in training.

Chang Shui coldly looked at the confused Wang Yuque, and she had already given her answer—I am going to take charge of the reforms, and if you have any objections, go and talk to Shui Zun.

However, Xiao Wang just stared at him silently for a long time before speaking in a pretentious, lecherous manner.

"Fairy, you are so beautiful even when you are angry."

Wang Yulou was very clever; of course he could see Changshui's discomfort.

I'm sorry, this is a weakness.

Bite!

It must be torn apart fiercely!
Methods are just methods, and we shouldn't be bound by them. Wang Yulou's response may seem absurd, but this absurdity does not affect the effectiveness of the methods themselves.

After all, he couldn't possibly actually fight Changshui.

Even if Wang Yulou opens his Purple Mansion, he still can't defeat Changshui in a short time.

So, I launched a mental attack on Changshui, who was feeling uncomfortable, with the most corny pick-up lines!

If things aren't going to be discussed, then let's not discuss them!

Wang Yulou could not allow Changshui and Taihe Shuizun behind Changshui to obtain the right to interfere with the reform without paying any price.

Without a doubt, he had the right and the ability to refuse. He was the vice leader recognized by the conservatives and the promoter of reform, not someone offered up by Taihe Shuizun alone.

Changshui looked at Wang Yulou with disgust, wanting to curse, but ultimately shut his mouth and got up to leave.

You disgust me, I disgust you.

There's nothing more to discuss. Let's just leave it at that. If we keep getting entangled with that bastard Wang Yuque, what if my master hands him over to Wang Yuque?
Given the nature of that 60,000-year-old beast, believe it or not, this possibility actually exists.
Moreover, it's probably not low—
Another month has passed, and Wang Yu'an has gradually become familiar with the Immortal City and made several friends.

Wang Yu'an ultimately accepted the two lake fairies sent by Fang Xinqian, for no other reason than that they were personally selected by Wang Yulou.

Of course, Wang Yulou wasn't doing this so that Yu'an would feel at ease doing it with his approval.

At this stage of the reform process, a new player named Wang Yuque, a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, has joined the fray.

Many things, like Wang Yulou using idiotic sweet talk to disgust Changshui, may have problems with the methods used, but the methods themselves are meaningful.

The conflict between Wang Yulou and Changshui has been forced into semi-publicity due to the turmoil in Huzhou.

However, Taihe Shuizun's status as one of the leaders of the Immortal Alliance still objectively exists. Therefore, it is necessary for Wang Yulou to maintain a window and focus for dialogue with Taihe Shuizun in the Yinyun Lake system, which is independent of Changshui.

This move is a passive move, but using a passive move well is a sign of a skilled player – Wang Yulou could never truly become an enemy of Taihe Water Zun.

However, Fang Xinqian didn't have time to stroll around with Wang Yu'an today.

The council of the Immortal City's Immortal Platforms is held every two weeks, much like a court session, and today is the day for another council meeting.

However, the Immortal Alliance is not an ordinary mortal dynasty. The matters discussed on the Immortal Assembly Platform are few and far between, with most matters being handled by the various departments below.

The usual approach is to kill them; if that doesn't work, issue a warrant for their arrest; if they really can't handle it, they report it to the Celestial City's Immortal Platform and let the Purple Mansions on the platform clean up the mess.

Thanks to the strength of the Immortal Alliance, this somewhat inhumane governance mechanism has been operating well for a long time.

However, in recent months, with Wang Yuque taking office, the Immortal City's Immortal Platform has become unusually lively.

However, today's meeting at Gunsendai is the most lively among these days, which are much more lively than usual.

“Fellow Daoist Yuque, the Golden Valley Garden in Huzhou has encroached on the territory of my Taihe Water Palace. Doesn’t the Immortal Alliance care about this?”
Or is it that after the Immortal Venerable Mangxiang attained enlightenment, all the cultivators exposed by the Red Lantern believed that wars between sects were commonplace?

Perhaps because she hadn't heard Wang Yulou's sweet words lately, Chang Shuixianzi seemed unusually irritable and directly pointed out the elephant that Wang Yulou was dragging in the room.

Wang Yulou just felt that his sister-in-law was sick.

Isn't it better to drag it out?
Do we have to create a commotion, get involved with the reform, and make everyone unhappy?
Xiao Fang, that fool, saw that Wang Yulou had to take the blame, while Wang Yulou saw that he could take the blame slowly, gradually, and gradually.

"Of course we'll manage it!"

How about this, Fang Xinqian?

Wang Yulou certainly doted on Changshui's sister-in-law, and faced with the elephant in the Qunxiantai that Changshui had kicked, he also had to come up with a solution.

Fang Xinqian shuddered and immediately jumped from his spot at the back of the crowd to the front, kneeling on the ground and shouting loudly.

"Alliance Leader, my heart is with you!"

Yu Xiaojiang Fang Xinqian is already in place—a month's test should be enough, and Wang Yulou doesn't expect Xiaofang to do anything big.

During the process of helping Yu'an adapt to the Immortal City, Xiao Fang demonstrated the qualities of a capable subordinate, which Wang Yulou observed. He knew that deep down, Xiao Fang probably still wanted to improve.

Therefore, he gave Fang Xinqian a chance.

"You are the Director of the Seal Division. The Seal Division manages information on all sects of the Immortal Alliance, including information on Golden Valley Garden and Taihe Water Palace."

Take some people to Huzhou and check the information in the Duyin Division to see if that piece of land belongs to Jingu Garden or Taihe Water Palace.

Don't worry, Fairy Changshui. Let me tell you, Xiao Fang, go and see if that piece of land belongs to Taihe Water Palace or Jingu Garden.

"Fairy, Jade Pavilion has placed the Taihe Water Palace first this time. Are you satisfied?"

It's nothing, it's nothing, it's nothing.

Being the vice leader means struggling to move forward amidst so many trivial matters.

Despite the disgust, Wang Yulou viewed this process of dealing with trivial matters as part of his spiritual practice.

These complex and realistic networks of interests are eternal. Only by standing firm and gaining a foothold through such trials can Wang Yulou go higher and further on his climb.

"Alliance Leader, you flatter this old man. I have no objection. Xinqian, watch carefully, and don't make a mistake!"

Yu Hongdou glanced at Changshui to her side in surprise—"Old man?"

Is this old lady out of her mind? Didn't she always refer to herself as 'this humble woman' among her fellow cultivators in the Purple Mansion?

It can only be said that the Immortal Alliance is a very complex place, and True Person Red Bean doesn't understand Little Wang's ruthlessness.

Wang Yulou roasted Yu Hongdou over a fire, employing a fierce, all-out attack of fire.

Wang Yulou was playing with slow cooking over a low flame, roasting the water over a fire.

It's the same warmth, but the feeling of warmth is like a diaper that's been wet—only the person experiencing it truly knows.

"I humbly obey the True Man's decree, and I humbly obey the Alliance Leader's decree

Fang Xinqian's heart was practically dead, but he still managed to put on an excited expression.

It was clearly a suicide mission, but the colleagues standing in the crowd looked at him with nothing but fierce flames of jealousy.

So many people would love to kneel, but they can't even get a chance!
The reform is a pivotal event in the development of the Immortal Alliance, initiated by the Mangxiang Immortal Venerable, debated fiercely at the Immortal Assembly Platform, and approved by the conservative Immortal Venerables.

The importance of working resources during the reform was such that it allowed Changshui Zhenren and the deputy leader Wang Yuque to directly confront each other and exchange loyalty.

Going further back, it would allow conservatives and reformers to cozy up to each other and pledge their loyalty.

Do they enjoy boosting each other's loyalty?

What value does that kind of illusory loyalty have, besides the sense of self-satisfaction it provides?
No, but they weren't qualified to participate in the core aspects of the reform; they could only pretend to be working hard on the periphery, nothing more.

Fang Xinqian was clearly placed in a purgatory-like crisis, but in reality, this was an opportunity.

Even though Mang Xiang was such a beast, Wang Yulou still tolerated him, didn't he?
Don't forget, the most crucial lesson in the education of disciples from great monk families is patience.

There were also those who didn't want to endure it, such as Xiaoyu who was beaten and temporarily left the table, Mo Yunshu who was suppressed and prevented from reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, and Feng Jianxian who was casually wiped out by the Black Dragon Demon King.

Only by enduring the trials and tribulations, breaking free from one's own weakness, gaining insight into the true path to success, and cultivating an aura worthy of respect from adversaries, can one gradually ascend to the position where one is hailed as a True Person or a Celestial Venerable!
Inside the Chongyun Palace in the Qionghai Cave Heaven, Chen Yangshi was asking his ancestor a question.

“Ancestor, something’s wrong. I’ve been sidelined by Wang Yulou.”

My position is clearly that of the Director of the Legal Affairs Department. Shouldn't the reforms bypass the Legal Affairs Department?
I was so loyal to him that I never showed any ambition, only obedience.

But now, he's given the opportunity to Fang Xinqian. Why is that?

Reform cannot proceed without struggle and contradictions; everyone involved is psychologically prepared for this.

The Huzhou Incident involved significant conflicts of interest within the conservative faction that spearheaded the reforms, making it a crucial and obvious turning point in the reform process of the Immortal Alliance.

Within the Immortal Alliance, he was implicated in a conflict between the Vice Alliance Leader Wang Yuque and Changshui Zhenren, a disciple of Taihe Shuizun.

At the level of Qunxiantai, it involves the struggle for the right to speak among the conservative faction's top leader, Taihe Shuizun.

Specific territorial disputes are a manifestation of the power of discourse.

The conflict between the two leaders in Huzhou, with its various entanglements, would inevitably have a profound impact on the historical process of the reform.

It was a place of fire and torment, but for the young and ambitious Chen Yangshi, it was also the stage he longed for.

But now, the stage has been given to Wang Yulou by his good brother Fang Xinqian!
How could Chen Yangshi not feel disappointed that Fang Xinqian, who didn't even properly greet Wang Yulou, was the same person he was?

"What do you know? Yang Shi, something's not right, something's very wrong."

Qiong Hai's expression was quite strange, and he whispered.

"The death of the Bear King was caused by Taihe Shui killing his own disciple. The Immortal Alliance may be about to take action against the Purple Mansion."

The specific means might be for conservatives to unite and purge the reformists' Golden Core and Purple Mansion members.

The Red Lantern Gang and the Heavenly Serpent Sect are still fighting, supposedly to achieve a near 70% share and set an example for the reform.

But why did Wang Yulou ignore the upheaval in Huzhou?

The Candlelight and Wild Elephant factions of the Red Lantern Sect are conservatives, and the Heavenly Serpent faction of the Heavenly Serpent Sect, because it is strong enough, has also been included in the conservatives' category.

Do you remember why Tian She, with such great strength, stood on the side of the reform faction?

Chen Yangshi was the most gifted and talented direct descendant of Qiong Hai, and Qiong Hai devoted himself wholeheartedly to his upbringing.

In order to get Chen Yangshi promoted to the position of Director of the Legal Affairs Department, Qiong Hai mobilized several key connections and managed to squeeze out the original director.

Such dedicated training was intended to help Chen Yangshi achieve even greater success.

However, amidst the tides of the times, Qiong Hai was horrified to discover that he and many other Grand Masters directly under the Immortal Alliance and Grand Masters of the Reform Faction were about to be seated at the same table—the kind of seated-at-the-table scenario as Mu Chunze!

"Because the Celestial Serpent was dissatisfied with the conservative great cultivators within the Immortal Alliance who occupied multiple positions and shared resources, which affected the amount of resources it received."

However, after Mangxiang attained enlightenment and Tianshe passed the Heavenly Tribulation, the existing distribution model within the Immortal Alliance remained unchanged. Mangxiang's reforms only affected the lower levels, not the upper levels.

But the fact that the Celestial Serpent Immortal Venerable suddenly sided with the conservatives suggests that there have been changes we are unaware of.

Many things are fine when viewed in isolation, but when considered together, great horrors lurk in the details.

Chen Yangshi could feel his back trembling.

A possibility that is not obvious but logical stands out among many possibilities, making it hard to ignore.

"A civil war might be real, but Mangxiang's claim of 70% probability is just nonsense!"
You don't understand how different a cultivator on the battlefield can be from an ordinary cultivator.

The Red Lantern Sect and the Heavenly Serpent Sect retained 70% of their disciples, but this 70% included a large number of cultivators who had experienced great battles and could fight twice as many cultivators as they did.

Why is that scoundrel Wang Yulou ignoring the conflict between the Golden Valley Garden God and the Taihe Water God?

Master Qionghai was a low-level cultivator who fought his way up from the West Mountain. He knew all too well the difference between cultivators on the West Sea front and those in the Immortal Alliance's blessed land.

This difference is even more pronounced between cultivators who survive the battlefield and ordinary cultivators.

If two experienced Foundation Establishment cultivators are of similar cultivation level, and one of them fights his way out of a battlefield, he will definitely be able to kill the other—he could probably take on both of them!

Under the old man's guidance, Chen Yangshi's eyes had lost focus, and he numbly uttered the answer.

"Further training, using the 'sincerity' of reform to begin with the conservative faction, and further promoting the conservative faction's large-scale training, the Golden Valley Garden God and the Taihe Water God may be acting."

Silence fell over them.

That answer is too cold-blooded.

How could Fang Xinqian possibly see through this truth?
How could Chen Yangshi possibly see this truth?
Even most of the reformists might not be able to see this truth!
"Ancestor, what should we do?"

Qiong Hai calmly looked at his most exceptionally talented descendant and said coldly.

"I have no idea.

I'm telling you all this in the hope that you can give me some advice.

Yang Shi, don't worry about what Wang Yulou thinks of you.

"My grandson and I might have reached the end of the road!"

After thousands of years of cultivation, in the end, the path ahead is cut off.

Qiong Hai certainly had the spirit to face hardships without fear, but no matter how spirited he was, he chose the wrong direction under the general trend of the times, and he could not escape the tide on his own.

Wang Yulou was not afraid of the turbulent times within the Immortal Alliance because he was certain that he had not chosen the wrong side.

Xiao Mang needs to continue training to become a powerful figure among the Immortal Venerables, but the fact that he was able to achieve enlightenment in this special, desolate era at least shows that he is not stupid.

No matter how deep the waters of the Immortal Alliance are, as long as Wang Yulou follows Mang Xiang, he won't go too far astray.

Qiong Hai had no powerful backers. The three Golden Core cultivators directly under the Immortal Alliance were too busy taking care of themselves to care about him.

If he had a powerful backer, he wouldn't have taken the initiative to drag Jinshan to see the Immortal Venerable Cangshan.

"There is a way, ancestor, there is a way! Let us advocate for reform and charge forward for reform!"

Chen Yangshi said firmly.

He seemed very confident that if they continued down this path, they would gain a safe position after the conservative high-ranking cultivators of the Immortal Alliance had their meal.

"Ha, go ahead, go do it, go with Fang Xinqian."

"But what about that scoundrel Wang Yulou?"

“Go! The Department of Law is in charge of the laws of the Immortal Alliance. If you go, Wang Yulou will see you.”

(End of this chapter)