Shangyuque

Chapter 218 Born in the month of Mao, with Gui water in his destiny, he reformed the Immortal Alliance, ruled over six states, and Wang Yuque first ascended the Immortal Platform!

Wang Yulou thought he would encounter some hardships, but he could only vaguely see the battle between the immortals on the Immortal Platform.

Where are all those hardships?

The Golden Core Immortal Venerable didn't experience so much hardship.

With the oxen and horses below singing songs of gratitude as they carried the burden for them, not a single Golden Core Immortal Venerable in the Immortal Alliance escaped the hardships.

Their biggest pressure is simply how to survive the next turbulent era—otherwise, any other pressure is minor.

"I support the reforms of the Immortal Alliance, but indiscriminate killing is not the real solution."

My Taihe Water Palace is a case in point. I killed so many disciples, and the hearts of the people below had long since fallen.

Of course, you don't need to worry, there's no shortage of people in my cave.

However, our Immortal Alliance has a solid foundation within the Great Heaven and Earth. While implementing reforms, we can also strengthen our foundation, which is just a side effect.

It's not just us who have reached the point where reform is necessary due to pressure.

In fact, other top-tier powers, such as the Immortal Kingdom, the Holy Land, and the Immortal Extinction Domain, are also nearing their breaking point.

Taihe Water Vessel is not afraid of being labeled, nor is it afraid of others' suspicion or doubt.

Faced with absolute power, there are not many things to be afraid of.

Cangshan wants to hear the truth, so he'll just tell the truth.

In any case, he is being closely watched, making it difficult for him to make any major moves easily—not that he can't, but that the consequences, costs, and risks would be too great.

Of course, if the Water Venerable were to personally participate and win, his gains would likely be far greater than what ordinary Golden Core cultivators could imagine.

In short, given Water Venerable's status and strength, he will only truly exert his power in the mid-to-late stages of the next chaotic era, when the war potential of all parties (including those within the Immortal Alliance) has been largely exhausted and they are powerless to stop him.

Therefore, the Taihe Water Vessel is essentially not in a hurry.

"Previously, I supported Mang Xiang in carrying out reforms."

As for the assertion that those who implement reforms first will be the first to implode, I disagree.

With Jinguyuan and I joining forces, nothing will happen in Huzhou. With Mangxiang and Tianshe around, the Immortal Alliance won't descend into chaos.

If reforms only involve killing people and not reforming the law, can it still be called a reform?

It is an obvious fact that reforms can only delay the problem; the problem will eventually erupt.

Fellow Daoists, we need to prepare for the next turbulent era.

When the next upheaval comes, will you stand against me?

I don't know what you think, but I don't want to see that happen.

Having worked together for so long, even Cangshan, you're an old friend in my heart.

If everyone still wants to unite and overcome the crisis of the next era, then the Immortal Alliance's system must be drastically changed!

The platform of immortals fell into a rare silence. The last time the platform was this quiet was when Mang Xiang proposed the Seven Discussions on the Golden Elixir.

The bad news is that Shui Zun doesn't want to seize control of the reform; he wants to directly change the core and main direction of the law.

Good news: Shui Zun's intervention in the reforms was not for petty gains, but rather a bet on the next turbulent era.

A great piece of bad news—the Taihe Water Venerable, who has lived for over 60,000 years and experienced more than a dozen turbulent eras, has personally confirmed that a new round of chaos in the world will descend in the near future.

Another piece of great good news is that, because of the attainment of Dao by the Mangxiang and the tribulation of the Tianshe, if the scale and depth of the Immortal Alliance's reforms are further developed, the reforms are still feasible and can give the Immortal Alliance an advantage in the struggles of the next chaotic era.

Ultimately, Shui Zun looked down on the insignificant progress of the current reforms; he wanted to start a new era and dominate it!
"So, fellow Daoists, what are your opinions? Qingrui and Xiaohu, you two speak first."

Seeing that everyone was silent and deep in thought, Water Venerable took the initiative to speak, choosing two big shots to speak first.

Qingrui, one of the Golden Core Immortal Venerables who challenged him within the conservative faction, was a top-tier Golden Core Immortal Venerable who had cultivated the Nascent Soul method to the point of certain death.

Xiao Hu, the scoundrel from the Immortal Realm, is a representative of the infiltration between top-tier forces and also one of the core members of the Reform Faction.

"I agree that major reforms can shape a new development trajectory, weed out a group of ineffective people, and bring in a group of more motivated people."

If things get chaotic in the future, it will definitely start with laying the foundation. Small stakes are still stakes, and accumulating small wins into a big win is meaningful.

Therefore, we need to redesign the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Immortal Alliance. As for Zi Fu Xiao Hu, what's your opinion?

Xiao Hu sneered and said.

"Is your little 'Azure Serpent' group supporting major changes because you've already figured out how to sell off the Immortal Alliance as a package deal?"
Water Venerable, I don't know if you're really stupid or just pretending. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, and eventually it will get out of control.

If you kill 30% of them, there will inevitably be differences in numbers among different forces, and some sects and fellow practitioners will be dissatisfied. It's already very dangerous.

Yes, Mangxiang and Tianshe can control the pace of the reform, but what if they have already sided with Bifang?
You're saying the reforms will be drastic now, but how will it end in the future?

"I just don't understand. The Immortal Extinction Domain hasn't changed its laws, the Holy Land hasn't changed its laws, the Immortal Kingdom hasn't changed its laws, so why are you all thinking about changing the laws?"

Xiao Hu's stance is strange, much like that of the loyal Immortal Alliance Elder Deng, but in reality, he is also acting in his own self-interest.

What are pawns in the destruction of the Immortal Realm? They're not that important. Immortal Venerable Xiaohu lives only for himself.

The development of Datiantai Mountain in Wunan Prefecture is going quite well, and Xiaohu does not want internal strife within the Immortal Alliance.

That's why his stance on the issue is so strange.

Like a venomous snake flicking its tongue, Xiao Hu's words sent a chill down the spines of many Golden Core Immortals.

The reforms began with the elephant's intention to benefit all the immortals, but with the water deity's intervention, they gradually veered towards a major overhaul.

Is this still the reform that was promised in the beginning?
The promises made by the Water Venerable were quite good, so the only pressure on the Golden Core Immortals came from how to survive the next turbulent era.

Apart from these, heavenly tribulations, the path of cultivation, and the development of sect power are actually not that important.

Heavenly tribulations are powerful, but not so powerful that everyone is afraid of being struck down. Golden Core Immortals have no shortage of methods.

The path of spiritual practice is very difficult, and related information is completely unavailable, but everyone here is a genius, and everyone is confident that they can reach the highest level.

The development of sect power is not a problem at all. They are all ancient geniuses who have lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years. How could they not know how to develop their sects?
The only problem is getting through that terrible upheaval that will inevitably come someday in the future. If we survive it once, we can enjoy a few thousand more years of carefree life.

If you can't survive, the only outcome will be being devoured by life!

If the promise made by the Water Venerable can be fulfilled, and the Immortal Alliance can unite to overcome the challenges of the next era, it would be excellent for everyone.
There are no conspiracies, only open strategies; the risks and problems are laid out there, as are the benefits and possibilities.

However, it is only when you actually make the choice that you realize how difficult it is.

"Whether or not to change things after establishing the foundation, and how to change them, needs to be decided by everyone together."

My idea is that reforms should be limited to laying the foundation.

Forget about the Purple Mansion; after all, those who can become Purple Mansions have all made contributions to the Immortal Alliance.

Our reforms are for the betterment of the Immortal Alliance, not to scheme against anyone.

Some cultivators who couldn't keep up with the times were eliminated so that the remaining people would have better opportunities for cultivation and future development.

Cultivating a Purple Mansion cultivator is no easy feat. Putting aside everything else, the resources that the Immortal Alliance alone expends on Purple Mansion cultivators are considerable.

Therefore, even if there are those in the Purple Palace who are out of touch with the times, we should gently advise and guide them, rather than directly punishing them.

Water Venerable's words sounded nice, but they had little to do with his kindness. It was simply because moving the Purple Mansion would have too great an impact and might directly endanger the foundation of the Immortal Alliance's rule.

Your Immortal Alliance doesn't want the Purple Mansion, but our Immortal Kingdom/Holy Land/Divine Cave/Destroying Immortal Domain does!
As for whether the influx of foreign Purple Mansions will cause these top-tier forces to become overwhelmed.
It's a minor matter. In any case, the large-scale exodus of the Purple Mansions from the Immortal Alliance will gradually cause the Immortal Alliance to lose its initiative in the chaotic era. We can just nurture the rebellious Purple Mansions for a few hundred years and then tear the Immortal Alliance apart together.

Therefore, reforms should not change the Purple Palace (Zifu), as the Purple Palace truly has significant value.

If the Purple Mansion is disturbed, the Immortal Alliance may truly become the first target of public criticism in this chaotic era.

Taihe Shuizun's major changes are aimed at seizing control of the next era, not at destroying the Immortal Alliance first!
"Yes, I also support not moving the Purple Mansion. Water Venerable is right, it's not easy to cultivate a Purple Mansion."

Moreover, most of the Purple Mansion members of the Immortal Alliance are excellent. Even if there are a few who are not so capable, there is no need to deal with them systematically or in a formalized manner, or to consider the impact.

The Heavenly Serpent spoke, supporting the opinion of the Supreme Water Venerable.

However, the long-silent Mangxiang also has its own problems.

"Lord Shui, you said that reforms should be drastic and radical."

Fellow Daoist Qingrui proposed redesigning the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Immortal Alliance.

Do you have any specific ideas on how to arrange this?

Didn't Mangxiang think about these things?

He had considered it, but he didn't want to risk such a big mistake, so in the end he only opted for a brutal, proportional extermination.

Even when it came to killing, he only pushed for 30% of the killings, fully considering the balance between maximizing benefits and maximizing safety.

"Haha, what thoughts could I possibly have? I haven't cared about what happens next for years."

If we're talking about the person within the Immortal Alliance who's most enthusiastic about reforms, they're probably not among us at the Immortal Platform right now.

Your good disciple went to Huzhou and is now a guest in the Water Palace. I'll summon him and have him tell me how the reforms should be further deepened and significantly changed!
-
The Taihe Water Palace stands quietly in the center of the Taihe Great Marsh.

Sects of cultivators are never stingy when it comes to grandeur, and the Water Palace takes this extravagance to the extreme.

A majestic Dharma image, as tall as a mountain, stood silently in the center of the water palace. It was a thousand feet high, and its imposing presence would make even a great cultivator from the Purple Mansion Realm feel apprehensive.

Surrounding the image of the Buddha statue were the buildings of the Water Palace, which, like guards protecting the emperor, embraced the image of the Buddha statue in the middle.

The image of Taihe Water Venerable.

As one of the main cultivation methods above the Golden Elixir, the Dharma Form Method is similar to the once-prosperous Nascent Soul Method and is now a prominent path in the world.

Standing atop the Golden Crow Chasing the Sun, Wang Yulou calmly gazed at the Water Venerable's image, and after a long while, shook his head with a smile.

The fact that he could be overwhelmed by the waves stirred up by the Water Venerable actually shows that he has reached an extremely high position.

There's nothing to regret. As long as you keep going and don't give up, there's always hope.

Those who pursue the Way should not be intimidated by any difficulties. If they cry and wail at the slightest setback, then Wang Yulou might as well go back to Wangjiashan and raise donkeys.

Of course, given the people he has offended, if Wang Yulou were to return to Wangjiashan to raise donkeys, he certainly wouldn't live past three months.

Some were loyal followers and enemies who were willing to die for their cause, cutting off Wang Yuque's dog head before bravely facing death.

Perhaps, even on their deathbeds, they would still think that trading their lives for another was worthwhile.
"Fellow Daoist Yuque, let's go down together. Tian Shuisheng is already waiting with his men."

Yu Hongdou stood behind, watching Wang Yulou's back for a long while before speaking up to remind him.

Living in this special era, true geniuses like Wang Yuque don't need to fight to make their opponents understand how terrifying they are, and can even make female cultivators with much higher cultivation levels submit to them.

Spirit is an illusory thing, but it truly exists, perhaps also known as the Dao heart, and resides within every seeker of the Dao.

As Wang Yulou made steady progress and pushed the reforms forward step by step, Yu Hongdou felt nothing.

When Wang Yulou faced the possibility of interference from Taihe Shuizun, and the Mangxiang Reform was about to turn into the Shuizun Reform, Yu Hongdou realized for the first time the immense pressure that this deputy leader of the alliance was under.

The Qunqing Pavilion houses not only Wang Yuque, but also the expectations and doubts of countless people from the six states of the Immortal Alliance.

If it weren't for the Water God's interference, would he have succeeded?

"go!"

Compared to the hasty reception of Yu Hongdou, Tian Shuisheng, who believed he didn't need to take Wang Yulou seriously, still showed the highest level of courtesy when facing the arrival of the vice leader.

It is a well-known fact that Wang Yulou was not strong, but he had never lost.

Not only have they never lost, but they've won at an astonishing speed.

From his initial emergence in the Western Sea to his rise to fame on the front lines of the two sects, and then his sudden promotion to vice leader of the Immortal Alliance, Wang Yulou has basically never made any major mistakes.

This is the most terrible.

An immortal cultivator who never makes a mistake might be considered by ordinary people to be simply lucky.

However, from a more realistic perspective, the person who is more likely to be obedient is simply someone who is too familiar with the rules and changes of the cultivation world.

He can see the road clearly, so he always makes the right choice.

How could Tian Shuisheng not be careful when dealing with someone who had never lost?
Looking at the densely packed Taihe Water Palace cultivators kneeling on the ground, Wang Yulou shook his head and said calmly.

"You're too kind, Palace Master Shuisheng. I don't deserve such hospitality."

I have emphasized this point many times since I took office.

Perhaps Huzhou is too far away for you to know.

Let me reiterate: I took office as Vice Alliance Leader with the intention of serving all fellow cultivators in the Immortal Alliance; I had no lust for power whatsoever.

Tian Shuisheng disagreed in his heart, but still smiled and agreed.

"It was Shui Sheng's oversight. It's also because Master Yu Que was coming, and everyone wanted to see you, that..."

Looking at Tian Shuisheng, who bullies the weak and fears the strong, Yu Hongdou suddenly felt like laughing.

They're all scoundrels! Wang Yulou is a scoundrel, Tian Shuisheng is a scoundrel!

If Wang Yulou hadn't humiliated him like a punching bag, how could Tian Shuisheng have dared to treat him like that?

Both of them are complete scoundrels!
"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. Fellow Daoist Shuisheng, the preparations for the battle for land at Jingu Garden are already very complete. How are the preparations at Taihe Water Palace?"

No matter how bad Shui Zun is, Wang Yulou still needs to respect him, fulfill his duties as deputy leader, and quell the chaos in Huzhou.

The meaning of order lies in the fact that everyone who exists within it can find their place.

Wang Yulou had no reason to be willful. Even if Shui Zun removed him from his position as vice leader, he still had to make the most of his last moments.

"The sect already held a round of battles last night, selecting ten cultivators with considerable combat skills. In this battle for territory, our Water Palace will surely emerge victorious!"

The truth was hard to discern, and Wang Yulou couldn't understand the relationship between the Water Palace and the Golden Valley Garden. He simply smiled and offered a reminder.

"Winning all the rounds might actually be the start of a new conflict. How about letting them win a couple of rounds?"

Wang Yulou was mentally prepared to relinquish all power of reform, ensuring he did his job well and fulfilled his responsibilities, without allowing Taihe Shuizun to cause him any trouble.

"Impossible! Absolutely not."

Suddenly, Tian Shuisheng froze. Before he froze, the many immortal alliance members present had already changed color.

Wang Yulou was even the last among the people in the center of the crowd to realize that something was wrong.

Water was gathering, and the mountain-like Water Deity raised its hand.

"Disciple pays respects to the Immortal Venerable!"

Tian Shuisheng immediately took the lead in kneeling, and the Purple Mansions of the Immortal Alliance followed suit at lightning speed.

Just as Wang Yulou was about to kneel down, a light force supported him.

Amidst everyone's puzzled gazes, a staircase made of clear water materialized before Wang Yulou.

Looking in the direction of the stairs, all I could see was the stairs disappearing into the depths of the clouds in the sky.

Wang Yulou's expression was dazed, as if he were possessed, and he took the initiative to step onto the water steps leading to the depths of the void.

The Water Venerable's water steps were formed from an unknown supernatural power; Wang Yulou could travel tens of miles in a single step and a hundred miles in a single breath.

Watching Wang Yulou's departing figure, Yan Kang's eyes gradually shifted from confusion to shock; he had realized something.

Like many great cultivators of the Immortal Alliance, Yan Kang knew about Wang Yulou's past—he skipped the Qi-inducing restrictions in his cultivation in the cave, entered the Dao through the water method of the Dripping Water Cave, and built his foundation with the Gui Water Qi of the Meridian Tracing.

He began practicing water magic at the age of twenty-one, and at eighty-eight, he ascended the heavenly steps personally paved by the Water Venerable.

Yes, how could someone like Shui Zun possibly care about factional differences?

The Immortal Venerable doesn't care, he never has!
Without the magnanimity to embrace all things, one cannot stand atop that everyone covets.

If Wang Yulou could accommodate Yu Hongdou, then Taihe Water Zun could certainly accommodate Wang Yulou!

To achieve great things, one must possess sufficient generosity and tolerance.

Even if one doesn't believe in destiny, at this moment, watching the Jade Palace ascend step by step along the water steps towards the heavens, Yan Kang would wonder if the chosen one of the era truly exists.

He initially cultivated the Dao of Fire, but in his cultivation, he actually followed the Great Dao of Water.

Tracing the pulse of Gui water qi helped Wang Yulou establish his foundation, the Water Immortal Venerable became Wang Yulou's Daoist companion, and the Supreme Water Venerable personally paved the way for Wang Yulou to ascend to heaven.

Born in the month of Mao (卯), with Gui (癸) water in his destiny, he will reform the Immortal Alliance, govern six states, and serve as the leader and role model for the Immortal Alliance as it moves towards the next chaotic era.

Is this Wang Yuque's destiny?
-
What lies above the nine heavens?
Void.

Beyond the void lies the Altar of Immortals.

This is truly being outside of heaven and earth, transcending the cycle of reincarnation.

The Immortal Alliance is a top-tier power, not some insignificant local force. The Immortal Platform is a first-grade immortal artifact forged by the combined efforts of many Golden Core Immortal Venerables.

But what truly made Qunxiantai famous throughout the four extremes, five regions, and eight wastelands was not the prestige of its immortal artifacts, but the great power it embodied in leading the immortal alliance.

This was Wang Yulou's first time outside of heaven and earth.

Standing on the heavenly steps laid out for him by the Water Venerable, Wang Yulou deliberately slowed his pace, gazing absently at the boundless void.

Shocked, he was lured to step onto the heavenly staircase.

He chose the path himself, but when they were almost at Qunxiantai, Wang Yulou still hesitated.

He thought of the jade ruyi in his mind, the telepathic message between him and the dripping water on the Immortal Platform, and the waves that the Water Lord would create if he completely gained control of the reform.

Will going to Qunsentai be a good thing?
Wang Yulou didn't know.

The world of cultivation is simple, so simple that strength determines everything.

The Golden Core Immortal Venerables decide everything. All cultivators who haven't reached the top level are a joke under the absolute power suppression of the Golden Core Immortal Venerables.

Even the strongest Foundation Establishment, Purple Mansion, and ordinary Golden Core cultivators are nothing more than playthings in the eyes of senior Golden Core cultivators.

The rules of the cultivation world are also very complex. No senior cultivator would sit idly by and watch someone else achieve transcendence on their own. The relative finiteness of resources will inevitably lead to competition for interests.

The combination of these two factors created a cycle of chaotic times.

Chaos – stability – development – ​​increased internal pressure – chaos, in a never-ending cycle.

In this cyclical process, the fate of individuals is swept away by the torrent of the times, leaving them fragmented and broken.

Ascending the Terrace of Immortals was certainly something Wang Yulou longed for, but at this point in time, what he was doing was still exchanging recognition for creating value.

But just how much value must one create to be welcomed to the Altar of Immortals by the Venerable Taihe?

This is a horror story, isn't it?
Looking at the ancient palace floating in the air not far away, Wang Yulou stopped in his tracks, completely lacking in manners.

He waited, for he was not a member of the Taihe Water Venerable family after all, and could not be so ignorant.

'Wang Yulou, when did you pledge allegiance to Taihe Shui?'

When asked about the problem with the elephant, Wang Yulou simply shook his head.

Believe it or not, it's up to you, I really didn't vote.

Of course, if you insist on saying I voted, then I can vote too.

"Come in, Wang Yulou."

An unfamiliar female voice came from inside the Qunxiantai. Wang Yulou pretended to be confused, guessing in his heart that it was Qingrui.

"Come in." This is Mang Xiang, his own master.

Seemingly powerful, but actually weak, it needs to compete with the Divine Light for second to last place in the Immortal Alliance—the loser becomes the weakest Golden Core cultivator in the Immortal Alliance.

The only reason why Mang Xiang was able to lead the reform was because he was weak enough.

If Mangxiang's reforms do not align with the wishes of the other immortals on the Immortal Platform, they can stop him if they wish.

This is why the slightest movement of the Taihe Water caused the Qunxiantai to explode immediately.

A wild elephant can transform, but you, Taihe and water, cannot!

Taihe Water is too powerful; we cannot give him another chance to continue to grow stronger through reforms.

Hearing Mang Xiang's words, Wang Yulou finally moved and walked to the Qunxiantai.

As a top-tier first-grade immortal artifact, the Qunxiantai possesses an extremely restrained spiritual energy. Apart from its unique immortal artifact aura, there is not a trace of any magical power flowing through it.

There was not a trace of precious light, not even the slightest characteristic of a top-tier immortal artifact. When Wang Yulou truly entered the Immortal Platform, he could even sense that this place was a world unto itself.

He had been to the grotto-heaven that was undergoing transformation in Shenguang, and compared to the Qunxiantai, it was worlds apart.

Tsk, it has to be divine light.

However, Wang Yulou had no time to observe the scenery inside the Qunxiantai.

More than 140 immortals were scattered around, some sitting, some standing, some lying down, some waiting quietly within the Immortal Assembly Platform.

This waiting stirred a surge of pride within Wang Yulou.

Since things have come to this, let's just go for it!
Once past that point, the path to enlightenment might lead directly to the Golden Elixir.

If I couldn't get through it, I would die on the road to enlightenment. But having the experience of reaching the Immortal Platform after completing the Foundation Establishment stage, I can say that I have no regrets in this life!

"Greetings, Master; greetings, all venerable immortals."

Xiao Wang stood at the entrance of the Qunxiantai, gave a simple bow, and then darted away to hide next to Mangxiang.

Although Lao Deng is weak, he is still a renowned Golden Core Immortal Venerable in the world and a well-deserved one within the Immortal Alliance. We should still try to get closer to him.

Whether by coincidence or not, Wang Yulou discovered that the person he was standing in front of was an old acquaintance, Shenguang.

In fact, Wang Yulou had never seen Shenguang's true form, but from Shenguang's somewhat humble appearance and extremely isolated position, he guessed Shenguang's identity.

"The reason the Water Venerable summoned you here this time is because there have been some new developments regarding the reform. Do you know the core of your master's reform?"

Wang Yulou looked towards the source of the sound, where a huge cyan sphere of light was floating in mid-air.

'Qingrui, we're on the same side, we have a little alliance.'

But since I let Drip escape back then, she might have a problem with you.

Mang Xiang reminded his disciple that he and Wang Yulou had no master-disciple relationship whatsoever; it was purely a matter of mutual benefit.

Wang Yulou fought for him, and he gave Wang Yulou protection and a future—that was all.

Therefore, even knowing that Wang Yulou might have a grudge against the Water Immortal, Mangxiang still used Wang Yulou.

Looking at this matter more deeply, there is also the element of the alliance between Mangxiang and Dishui.

For example, the death of Akame.

For example, when a drop of water is running, a giant elephant won't move an inch.

Many things are one thing when viewed individually, but quite another when viewed in context.

"Reporting to the Immortal Venerable, Yu Lou is aware that there are indeed more cultivators in the Immortal Alliance."

There are too many cultivators in the Immortal Alliance, killing 30% is still enough. The essence of Mangxiang's reform is to kill 30% to create a new distribution of benefits.

Even if the great cultivators have already taken 90%, three more is still more, isn't it?
"Yes, there are too many. Now there's a new problem."

Before the reforms, the situation within the Immortal Alliance was already not very optimistic.

These are things that ordinary people in the Purple Mansion might not know, but you should know them.

The Water Venerable's proposal: to redesign the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Immortal Alliance during the next chaotic era.

However, we have not paid much attention to the affairs of Foundation Establishment cultivators for a long time, and our past experience may not be applicable.

That's why I brought you to Qunsentai.

Wang Yulou, if you were to redesign the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Immortal Alliance, where would you begin?

For some reason, ever since Wang Yulou entered the Immortal Platform, the immortals on the platform have stopped speaking directly.

To be precise, no one spoke; they were all communicating via telepathy in private.

Only Qingrui and Wang Yulou were left to explain the relevant situation. After all, Wang Yulou belonged to the "Green Serpent" gang, so it was Qingrui's job to arrange this.

But from Wang Yulou's perspective, this situation was like a special job interview.

With over a hundred Golden Core Immortal Venerables watching, and Qingrui, a well-known figure in Wunan and a prominent figure within the Immortal Alliance, personally inquiring, how could she not feel pressured?

Let alone Wang Yulou, even if Jinshan or Gua Zhenren stood here, they would tremble.

Xiao Wang looked at Mang Xiang for help, and Mang Xiang immediately replied.

"Speak your mind. There's nothing we can't talk about. We can discuss anything at Jade Pavilion and on the Terrace of Immortals."

We can discuss anything. Our faction is strong enough to support you!
Old Deng is weak, but his allies are not.

Wang Yulou bowed first before replying.

"Select first, then recommend; fully implement a selection system with limited Foundation Establishment slots!"

Although his answer was completely irrelevant, Wang Yulou's response actually hit the core of reshaping the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Moreover, it is the core of the core.

Inside the Dripping Water Cave, the ascension path for Foundation Establishment cultivators is controlled by the Foundation Establishment elders.

Within the red light, the path to advancement for Foundation Establishment cultivators is controlled by the sects.

Within the Immortal Alliance, there are still many pathways for Foundation Establishment cultivators to advance.

The key issue is that all good positions, opportunities, and chances, wherever they may be, should avoid direct selection.

The classic explanation is that the cultivators selected through the selection system are a mixed bag in terms of morality and unreliable. Only by recommending the most virtuous cultivators can the Immortal Alliance better serve all cultivators in the world.

At its core, this system offers no fairness to lower-level cultivators, only compromises centered around the interests of higher-level cultivators.

This compromise itself is not problematic, because even for cultivation forces, taking care of their own base of rule is still crucial for their competition among the top forces in the world.

As long as a rogue cultivator is hardworking enough and has a bit of luck, they can achieve Foundation Establishment. However, once they achieve Foundation Establishment, they will face the ruling order of the Immortal Alliance, which prioritizes preventing Foundation Establishment over preventing demons.

Under such an order, independent cultivators have no possibility of advancing further in their Foundation Establishment stage, and there is no room for them to strive.

Ironically, those who start from a high point, are recommended to key positions, and receive crucial opportunities are able to advance further through those opportunities.

Over time, the living conditions of the lower-level cultivators within the Immortal Alliance became unprecedentedly hopeless.

Before reaching the foundation stage, they worried about their survival; after reaching the foundation stage, they were disheartened by the impenetrable order.

But the past is the past, and the present is the present—even small chips are still chips.

The immortals on the Immortal Platform are preparing their resources for the next chaotic era, so the cultivators at the bottom are worth winning over and taking care of.

Every chance of victory must be calculated and prepared for.

Of course, it might be completely useless, but having some on hand is not a problem.

On the other hand, Wang Yulou did not dare to easily promote the selection system in the Immortal Alliance because the leaders of the core executive level of the Immortal Alliance were often Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The foundation of the Immortal Venerables on the Immortal Platform lies in their own strength and the assistance of their Purple Mansion disciples. Just as Qingrui said, she has not interfered with the affairs of Foundation Establishment cultivators for many years.

Wang Yulou's selection process has also changed. Previously, he envisioned a "recommendation first, then selection" approach, which might not guarantee that all Foundation Establishment cultivators who align with the interests of a Grand Cultivator would be placed in suitable positions.

Now, the process is 'selection first, recommendation later,' which can fully take into account the interests of senior cultivators, while also providing a 'brighter and broader' path for junior cultivators than before.

This is the limit of Wang Yulou's maneuvering.

Reforms in the cultivation world are not the same as reforms in mortal dynasties. The reformers must be weak, and the reforms must prioritize the interests of great cultivators.

Both are indispensable.

"Foundation Establishment quota restrictions, Foundation Establishment quota restrictions, this is interesting. Can you really stop those cultivators who want to establish their foundation from doing so on their own?"

Xiao Hu retorted dismissively.

Foundation Establishment doesn't necessarily require consuming Foundation Establishment elixirs. Many poor, independent cultivators, after reaching the peak of Qi Refining, often choose to buy a few elixirs and then forcefully attempt Foundation Establishment based on their own accumulated resources.

The mortality rate is high and the success rate is low, but there are indeed quite a few people who successfully build their foundations through this method every year.

"Reporting to the Immortal Venerable, we will not stop or suppress it, but simply do not encourage it."

For example, cultivators who have established their foundation on their own cannot join any sect or family within the Immortal Alliance system.

If a Foundation Establisher possesses extraordinary talent, as long as we ensure fairness in the selection process and a rich selection standard, they will legally enter the Immortal Alliance system.

If a Foundation Establishment cultivator cannot enter the Immortal Alliance system during the selection process, it only indicates a lack of extraordinary talent; going to other forces wouldn't be a problem for them.

On the Terrace of Immortals, beasts and demons abound, so Wang Yulou cannot be too human-like.

His weakness has been clearly seen by those around him. If he continues to be weak in front of so many beasts, Wang Yulou will never be able to achieve enlightenment in his lifetime.

Having walked for over seventy years to reach this point, Wang Yulou, just as he once speculated about the great cultivators, has made the pursuit of the Dao his top priority.

After so many years of wasted time, how can we hesitate now?
If one's original aspiration is truly important, why do so many people who cling to their original aspiration die on the path of pursuing the Way?
If the very existence of one's original aspiration affects survival, then is such an aspiration even meaningful?
What is the point of making people die faster in the cultivation world?
Wang Yulou never wanted to become 'one of someone' without knowing why'!
The path of righteousness allows no weakness!

"Ha, easy for you to say, Wang Yulou. You are a well-known child, but you are still too young."

The phrase "abundant selection criteria" is enough to allow countless people to bypass the selection process. Do you understand?

Xiao Hu continued to press, not believing that the major changes in the Immortal Alliance were a good thing.

Shui Zun and the others remained silent, and Mang Xiang watched quietly, waiting to see how Wang Yulou would respond.

"Reporting to the Immortal Venerable, that's why I put 'as long as we guarantee the fairness of the selection process' first."

Wang Yulou replied calmly, showing a lack of respect for Xiao Hu.

The Heavenly Serpent burst out laughing, its voice tinged with sarcasm.

"Hahaha, Xiaohu, shut your stinking mouth! It's none of your business to interfere in the affairs of the Immortal Alliance!"

The tiger's face was black, and it glared fiercely at the celestial serpent.

"You're nothing but livestock, you took some of the Heavenly Legacy's bounty, what are you pretending for? Believe me or not, I'll tear you apart."

Wild demons look down on domestic demons, a point on which Xiaohu and General Baixu agree – General Baixu had previously cursed Tianshe in the same way.

They are wild demons born of nature and raised by fighting for their lives. How could they possibly look down on the Heavenly Serpent, who used to be a domestic demon?
"Shut up!"

The Water Venerable gave a low shout, and both the Heavenly Serpent and the Fierce Tiger shut their mouths.

The middle-aged cultivator, with an air of profound composure and imposing presence, looked at Wang Yulou and said.

"I support you continuing as the vice leader, Wang Yulou. Changing people at the last minute is not a good thing."

You are sensible and young, so you can serve as the vice leader for many more years.

However, redesigning the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Immortal Alliance is a major undertaking; you must proceed steadily when implementing it.

This statement was not an expression of support for Wang Yulou, but rather an explanation to others as to why it was Wang Yulou.

"In addition, the reform requires eliminating some of the incompetent lower-level thieves; you need to keep a close eye on this matter."

Xiao Hu's words today were correct. If we kill 30% of them, some sects will suffer losses while others will benefit.

Wang Yulou, you must properly manage the situation here and prevent the sects of the six states from getting into chaos over such a trivial matter. Do you understand?

Ashes of war.

This is how high-level cultivators refer to lower-level cultivators.

Wang Yulou first heard this term from Taihe Shuizun.

It wasn't that Taihe Shuizun was arrogant and unwilling to treat lower-level cultivators as equals, but rather that the idea of ​​equality itself didn't conform to the rules of the cultivation world, which prioritized meritocracy.

Productive forces determine relations of production. The great monks themselves possess immense power, and their productive forces determine their dominant position in the relations of production—this is the true rule, not empty rhetoric about equality without any support.

"This"

Faced with the Water Venerable's prompting and instructions, Wang Yulou did not answer. He first looked at Mangxiang, then at Zhuzhao, and finally at Qingrui, his small eyes blinking rapidly.

What do you guys think?

Who is Shui Zun?

I'm not familiar with him.

I am a loyal young general, a red young general, and a member of the "Green Serpent" gang.

"Haha, you little kid know the rules quite well. Just listen to the Water Lord."

The apple-shaped ball of light moved a few times, and Qingrui gave instructions with a light laugh.

Knowing the rules—that was the biggest impression Wang Yulou left on all the immortals on the Immortal Platform today.

It can be said that he performed very well, demonstrating an extraordinary level of skill in feigning weakness and enduring hardship.

This is nothing to be upset or resentful about.

Those who can act like cowards on the Immortal Platform are no ordinary people. The last person to do so was Shenguang!

Yes, Shenguang is weak, cowardly, arrogant, and a clown, but tell me, isn't Shenguang awesome or not?

The top-tier cultivator in the Western Sea, possessing five spiritual roots to achieve enlightenment, boasting legendary status, and dominating two top-tier forces—of course, he still needs to be patient and play the clown.

That's just how the environment is. Even after Lao Mang attained the Golden Core stage, he still had to pretend to be well-behaved. He could only shout "My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens" in his heart. No idiot would actually say it every day.

In conclusion, judging from Qingrui's comments, Wang Yulou's level and performance on his first day at Qunxiantai were very good, at least reaching the level of recognition of the immortals.

The Purple Palace is stable—provided that all those trivial matters of the reform are handled well.

"Yu Lou understands. Yu Lou will do three things."

Firstly, the survival and selection rules for Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Immortal Alliance will be redesigned, with "selection first, recommendation later" as the core principle, and this process will be implemented step by step from the Immortal Alliance to local sects.

Secondly, control the number of cultivators at the lower levels of the Immortal Alliance to prepare for the next chaotic era in advance, while preventing the participating forces from losing too much blood.

Third, the redundant personnel within the Immortal Alliance will be gradually eliminated through a process of "selection first, recommendation later," while simultaneously providing a fresh source of talent for the Immortal Alliance.

In this regard, we must prioritize the overall situation, proceed steadily, and never take unnecessary risks.

Beside Wang Yulou, Mang Xiang nodded slightly.

Wang Yulou was the ox and horse foreman he had chosen, and he was indeed performing well on the Qunxiantai platform, which made him look good.

"If fellow Daoists have no further questions, shall we begin the decision-making process?"

As Wang Yulou's master, Mang Xiang was the most suitable person to step in at this time.

Now that things have come to this point, the radical changes and direction of the Water God's reforms are in everyone's best interest.

Originally, things should have proceeded smoothly and directly, however...
Cangshan suddenly spoke in a low voice.

"I have some questions, Mangxiang, what exactly did you promise Bifang, the Yellow-Robed Buddha, and the Rakshasa?"

(End of this chapter)