Shangyuque

Chapter 248 The Death of Shenguang, Mangxiang's New Reform, and the Three-Step Chaotic Era of the Genius Couple!

In many people's eyes, Wang Yulou got his position by selling his body to Qingrui.

But the complexity of this world lies in the fact that Qingrui has also tested Wang Yulou quite a bit.

It can be said that Wang Yulou has experienced countless hardships and undercurrents to get to where he is today.

Therefore, even when someone pretended to be a small fish to test him, Wang Yulou still maintained a high level of response.

It's nothing.

He didn't even care who was dressed as Little Fish; it didn't matter whether it was a boy or a girl, there was no point in delving into it.

Wang Yulou, who was once obsessed with who was responsible for the mysterious renovation of Qingxifang, has been tempered by time into a centenarian.

However, Wang Yulou never expected that there were not so many twists and turns at all.

It was simply that his down-on-his-luck immortal partner, unable to afford the fifty-three strands of celestial essence, came to him seeking inside information.

'Stop pretending, your little eyes won't fool anyone with a discerning eye.'

The Water Jade Sword you gave me had nineteen layers of restrictions, including three unique Yuan family-specific restrictions that could break through defenses.

This is something only heaven, earth, you, and I know. What, you still don't believe me?

Wang Yulou once gave Bai Xiaoyu a jade sword, similar to a wedding gift between the two.
Upon hearing Xiaoyu mention the sword, Wang Yulou was finally moved. His eyes, which had been like a palette of colors, now showed signs of tension.

Seeing the young man look up and around, Bai Li continued.

"Just answer in your mind. I can hear you. The reason I'm passing through the Immortal City is to ask you if you know the inside story of Mang Xiang's defection from the Immortal Alliance."

Wang Yulou had many questions in his mind, but he wasn't in a hurry to ask them. As his status rose, he understood more and more why great cultivators would act as riddle tellers at certain times.

Some secrets, if told to those who are not powerful enough, will crush them!

However, Xiaoyu's request was really outrageous, Yulou asked back with a strange expression.

"Did you see that intelligence from the Five Realms Unified Gathering?"

"Yes, I read a bit, but some of the explanations were unclear. I just wanted to ask you, you're both a disciple of Mangxiang and the vice leader of the Immortal Alliance."

Bai Li occasionally tells a little white lie, not wanting to appear as if she couldn't even afford to extract the essence of the fifty-three celestial caves.

Of course, not many people were willing to buy Wang Yulou's intelligence report; only about twenty copies were sold.

Wang Yulou also planned to use the bulk of this money to repay the dowry for marrying a united Daoist partner.

"Can I meet you so we can discuss this in detail?" Wang Yulou asked thoughtfully.

It's not so much about longing. A very real situation is that Bai Li is a celestial being who has lived for ten thousand years, and Wang Yulou is an old man who has lived for a hundred years. He has even married over a hundred Daoist partners.

There may be some feelings between the two, but interests beyond feelings also need to be considered.

Bai Li once generously shared his teachings with Wang Yulou for free. Many of the teachings he shared were even key information that helped Wang Yulou make the right choices and get to where he is today.

But as Wang Yulou's status rose, his questions only increased.

Jinshan is reliable, but Jinshan is still quite far away, while Wang Yulou at least had a past of frank communication with Bai Li.

Ultimately, the two have a higher level of mutual trust.

"That's fine. Fly north of the Azure Immortal City, and remember to bring your retinue to conceal your movements. I'll meet you in secret."

Bai Li was very meticulous, but Wang Yulou was equally cautious.

Are you sure no one else will notice?

Xiao Wang thought he and Bai Li were a cultivation version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but in reality, they were both pawns under Qingrui's tutelage.

Even Mang Xiang, who defected from the Immortal Alliance, was a genuine disciple of Qing Rui.
This is why Bai Li attaches such importance to Mang Xiang's defection. Those of them who follow Qing Rui, whether openly or secretly, must pay close attention to the movements of Qing Rui's faction.

Otherwise, if they were to be used as pawns by that old hag Qingrui without even realizing it, they would surely die.

'It's alright, many things are becoming clear.'
-

Wang Yulou and Xiaoyu are about to meet, and Mangxiang finally meets his loyal Immortal King.

Within Bifang's grotto, Mangxiang stood among those giant demon gods, looking like a mosquito.
The Ghost-Faced Immortal's physical form was over ten zhang tall, and when he knelt on the ground, he looked like a mountain standing there.

The other demon gods under Bifang's tutelage were similar, all of them enormous and imposing.

Among these people, Mang Xiang was short in stature, weak in strength, of low status, and his presence was laughable.

Shenguang was also there, standing diagonally behind the monstrous elephant, transformed into a small giant three zhang tall, now also with his head bowed and eyes lowered, as obedient as a baby.

With His Majesty the Celestial King before him, even if Shenguang wanted to pick up Mangxiang and beat him up, he had to endure it.

This is the rule. It has never been written down, nor has it ever been emphasized even once by the Immortal King Bifang, but Shenguang must demonstrate his endless loyalty to His Majesty the Immortal King in every possible way.

The Celestial King doesn't care about his loyalty, but he has to be as loyal as possible. It's absurd, but also very realistic.

However, Bi Fang remained silent for a long time.

The monstrous elephant standing before the Bifang's nest was trembling all over.

The most terrifying time is when the moment of judgment is approaching but not yet here.

at last
"Mangxiang, I've urged you to reform, urged you to reform, two or three times?"

“Your Majesty, three times!” Shenguang’s eyes lit up and he immediately spoke up.

"But Mangxiang never really listened. If he had obeyed His Majesty's orders earlier, he wouldn't have ended up in this situation."

"Snapped!"

Seeing that Shenguang dared to stir up trouble, Guimian immediately gave him a big slap.

It was over ten zhang tall, and the ape-like demon god's palm was exceptionally large, even larger than the divine light that was three zhang tall when raised.

With a single slap, the divine light spun around in place four or five times, like a video on fast-forward.

"His Majesty is asking about Mang Xiang, so shut your dog mouth!"

Shenguang dared not say anything and trembled as he knelt on the ground.

His face was respectful and submissive, but Shenguang's inner monologue was already nearing its climax.
Damn it, when I was working on the Golden Core stage in the Immortal Alliance, I was led astray by that bastard Mang Xiang. When I was working on the Golden Core stage in the Immortal Kingdom, every colleague dared to slap me.

Damn it, damn it, I'll wait until my day of divine imagination arrives.

“Shenguang is right, Mangxiang. You’ve been smart for so long, so why did you hesitate when it came to the reforms?”

What, do you think you can ignore the promises you made to us?

Qingrui and the others tested me, and I couldn't do anything about it. What makes you think I can't do anything about you?

Bifang wasn't in a hurry; it simply tortured the shrew slowly. It had lived for over 100,000 years and was patient in everything it did.

"Your Majesty, it's not that I want to break my promise, it's Qingrui, it's Qingrui!"

That old witch Qingrui, that old witch. She was very willing to use Wang Yulou, but later too many things developed that I couldn't control, and neither could she.

It's my fault, I, Mang Xiang, know I was wrong.

"It was a moment of foolishness on my part. After reaching the Golden Core stage, I was focused on consolidating my cultivation, which is why that bastard Wang Yulou stole my opportunity."

Shenguang looked at the ground and a smile appeared on his face.

Mangxiang, you've been clever your whole life, but you still got a lesson from that little bastard Wang Yulou.

Live it!

However, Bifang was completely indifferent to the success or failure of the reform. Ignoring Mangxiang's loyalty, it asked a question.

"Mangxiang, Taiheshui's plan is actually quite good."

Qingrui's intervention was also good, but the premise of her intervention was that Xiaohu attacked you.

So, what's the deal with the fierce tiger?

Why it attacked you and then left has little to do with the reforms. Do you have some secret conflict with it?

This is Bifang's perspective; it doesn't think the plans of the two top immortals in the Immortal Alliance are anything to be afraid of, and can even leisurely comment "not bad" or "pretty good".

However, the Immortal King's question left everyone silent.

However, the reasons for remaining silent vary from person to person.

There are also differences between Golden Core cultivators; the levels and positions of different Golden Core cultivators are different.

Given Bifang's strength, it even knew that the Water Venerable and the Golden Valley Garden God Venerable were master and disciple, and even guessed that the Lake City Shocking Wave Immortal Venerable was also a disciple of the Water Venerable.

This means that, compared to other entities, Bifang has almost opened up perspective and full-view vision in the vast world.

But now, after Wang Yulou unintentionally punctuated the name of Xiaohu, Bifang's attention immediately focused on Shuizun changing direction, Qingrui changing rhythm, the Immortal Alliance preparing for war, Mangxiang being attacked, Xiaohu betraying the alliance, and the Immortal Extinction Domain taking the initiative to attack.

The details here are so complex that they could fill a dozen epic tales, but I won't go into too much detail here.

Because of the various complex interests and demands involved, the complexity of dimensions, the complexity of the subjects, and the complexity of the evolution of contradictions, Xiao Hu, that bastard, had room to maneuver.

Tianwaitian's use of Xiaohu's betrayal to initiate the war between the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Extinction Domain—the Immortal Extinction Domain taking the initiative to attack and stirring up the situation of the world—was actually a very skillful move.

The problem is that Wang Yulou, due to his involvement in the internal strife at Datiantai Mountain and his need to export value and sell intelligence, inadvertently—unintentionally—marked up the suspicions surrounding Xiao Hu.

Wang Yulou's doubts lie in the fact that the relationship between the Immortal Realm's initiative to attack the Immortal Alliance and Xiao Hu's betrayal of the Immortal Alliance is questionable and deserves further investigation.

Donglai and Niu Mo couldn't understand the problem, nor could Wang Yulou—he could only sense that something might not be right, but Luosha and Bifang did.

Xiao Hu bought the intelligence, which meant he bought his own life. Rakshasa was so angry because she knew that the Immortal Extinction Domain had been tricked.

There is another layer of height difference between the Rakshasa and the Bifang.

Rakshasa saw the Immortal Extinction Domain as a scheme, while Bifang saw that perhaps an old acquaintance was behind it all.
"Your Majesty, I didn't know. I have no past grudges or recent conflicts with Xiaohu. In fact, it was one of the Immortal Venerables who supported me in achieving the Golden Core stage."

When the immortals discussed the Golden Elixir of the Wild Elephant at Qunxiantai, Mount Tiantai fully supported it.
"Okay, I see."

Bifang fell silent, and no one knew what it had understood.

Just as Shenguang was pondering how to deal with the Mangxiang in the future, and how to have a team-building activity with the Mangxiang every now and then, and was looking forward to those wonderful times, the Immortal King's big mouth appeared in front of it.

The number one food god in the world, the food god eats so much that it melts in your mouth.

The legend of the Western Sea, the Divine Light Immortal Venerable who buried millions of cultivators to achieve his own Golden Core stage, just like that, smoothly became another small snack in the Immortal King's enormous stomach.
Shenguang, the first Golden Core cultivator to fall during the chaotic era of the Great Heaven and Earth, died from Bifang's giant stomach.

Amidst the trembling of Ghost Face, Wild Elephant, and the others, Bi Fang smacked his lips and said.

“Shenguang is a complete waste, Mangxiang, don’t be a waste.”

Tell me, what use are you to me now?

Mangxiang knew that Bifang was a beast, after all, Bifang was a beast to begin with.

Mang Xiang also had a clear understanding of the pressure he would have to bear after joining the Immortal Kingdom.

However, the fact that the divine light was so easily erased by the Celestial King still put too much pressure on the Mangxiang.

It ate it in one bite, before Shenguang even had a chance to move.
"His Majesty!
I'm useful! I'm useful!
I can preside over reforms in the Immortal Kingdom.

We can continue the reforms that were previously agreed upon by Qingrui Immortal Venerable, you, Yellow-robed Buddha, Rakshasa Demon Emperor, and others.

Qingrui is merely a Golden Core cultivator of the Immortal Alliance; she cannot be the master of the entire world.

"The reforms can continue, Your Majesty. I, Mangxiang, am willing to bear all the responsibility!"

The monkey face under the black hood of the demon mask suddenly became quite interesting.

It was a demon, but a demon god, and its mind was sharp enough that it could naturally understand what Mangxiang was saying.

Reform, reform, is there another reform under the guise of reform?

The Immortal King spoke coldly.

"Hehe, you're so desperate to lose that you come here to gamble."

"Mangxiang, you've got guts! The Immortal Realm and the Immortal Alliance are already at war. Isn't it a bit late to talk about reforms now?"

Yes, they've almost lost everything and are about to become the next Shenguang.

What is there to be afraid of?

Mangxiang gritted his teeth and said.

"Your Majesty! The Immortal Realm is doomed to collapse, but the reforms can continue."

Qingrui is testing you, while the other baskets will be wary of you.

But they only dared to test the waters; no one dared, and more importantly, no one was willing to actively cause you trouble.

If the reforms proceed smoothly and the period of stability in the world is extended for several thousand more years, you will be even closer to the position of supreme ruler.

The monstrous elephant has no other abilities, except that for the time being, you won't have to worry about heavenly tribulations and can serve you!

The ghost-faced creature knelt even more respectfully, its head pressed tightly against the ground, its mind racing.

It is contemplating the promise made when the wild elephant attained enlightenment to extend the period of stability in the universe by several thousand years.
What is the answer?

With the defection of the Immortal Alliance leader Mang Xiang, the remaining deputy leader Wang Yulou has become the de facto leader.

When the leader of the alliance travels, he is accompanied by seven hundred people.

Not to mention Foundation Establishment, they both have two Purple Mansions, and both are Wang Yulou's Daoist partners.

The fairy palace slowly made its way north, its destination being the Red Lantern City, to receive the legacy left behind by the monstrous elephant.

Wang Yulou was Mang Xiang's legitimate disciple. Now that Mang Xiang had betrayed the alliance, wouldn't the remaining interests in the Red Lantern Gang belong to the Wang family?
You're saying that Wang Yulou also has to bear the burden of the cause and effect of the Mangxiang?
Sorry, we only accept assets, not liabilities.

Jade Palace Immortal doesn't understand rules and laws.

If you still have any questions or complaints, just talk to Shui Zun, Cang Shan, and Qing Rui behind Yu Que Zhenren!
Jade Palace Immortal is merely trying to survive.
As for whether Zhuzhao had any objections, Wang Yulou didn't care—it was all open to discussion.

Fear is useless; isn't Shenguang afraid?

Loyalty is useless; isn't Shenguang 'disloyal'?

Wang Yulou didn't know that Shenguang was dead, but he knew that for a great cultivator, fear and cowardice were meaningless.

One must go against the tide, face the turbulent currents of the times with a cold eye, and confront those greedy scoundrels in order to stand firm.

After Yu Que Zhenren's group left the immortal city and flew north for about two thousand miles, Xiao Yu found Wang Yulou.

A pale white, transparent figure appeared directly inside the Immortal Palace. The special protective array of this Immortal Alliance's standard flying magic weapon was as fragile as paper in front of the Golden Core Immortal Venerable.

She still looked the same as when she first met Wang Yulou, her face even carrying a touch of naivety as if she had never experienced the world.

Upon seeing Wang Yulou's astonished expression, Bai Li appeared beside him almost instantly.

"Are you surprised?"

How could I not be surprised?
"Won't anyone find out?"

The little fish shook its head and said.

"Qingrui's plan is about to be revealed. I will contribute to the collapse of the Immortal Extinction Domain. I have returned this time to discuss the price with her again."

In an instant, Wang Yulou seemed to understand everything.

Qingrui's preferential treatment of him, Qingrui's initiative to interfere with the Water Venerable's reform to start the Immortal Alliance - the war to destroy the Immortal Realm, Xiaoyu was able to survive under Qingrui's control before.

Wang Yulou had always had a question: Qingrui was so strong that she dared to roast Bifang, but did she really not have the strength to interfere with Xiaoyu's tribulation back then?

Heavenly tribulations are generally not frightening for cultivators, but if someone interferes, the trouble becomes immeasurable.
Suddenly, he realized another problem and immediately asked.

"Red Light?"

The little fish nodded in satisfaction.

"Yes, you've finally realized it. That's why I don't understand why Mangxiang betrayed the Immortal Alliance."

The Red Lantern Gang had enough to do with its resources, and losing one round didn't mean there was no chance of winning again, but he still chose to betray the Immortal Alliance.

That old hag Qingrui might have already gotten involved with Bifang—she's been pushing too hard on the Immortal Alliance's declaration of war to destroy the Immortal Realm.

Wang Yulou found it hard to believe. At this point, was there still room for any schemes or tricks?
Aren't they all open schemes?
"You mean that Mangxiang's defection from the alliance to the Immortal Kingdom was also Qingrui's scheme?"

"Bi Fang is with her, playing everyone?"

The little fish shook its head and said.

"Not necessarily, it's just a guess. It's also possible that Mangxiang has figured out that if you and Zhuzhao join forces, his situation will be very difficult."

You control the discourse within the Mangxiang lineage, and with Zhuzhao backing you up, Mangxiang will find it difficult to rise above the Hongdengzhao's influence for the rest of its life.

At the Immortal Alliance level, you took his position, creating a competitive relationship between you.

Following this logic, Mangxiang's betrayal might also have been his own decision.

"The same thing has too many dimensions," Wang Yulou said after a long silence.

"What exactly is your relationship with Qingrui?"

The illusory body of the little fish approached Wang Yulou and said.

What kind of relationship do you hope we will have?

This is an interesting question; it's like a probe, a casual chat, and a test all at once.

Wang Yulou spoke with a wry smile.

"It's best not to have any major grudges, otherwise I'll have a lot of trouble."

It's best not to have any grudges, otherwise the process of settling scores with her together will be very difficult.

There's no perfect answer to this kind of probing, but clearly, Xiao Wang's response satisfied Xiao Yu.

"Ha, don't worry, it's similar to your relationship with Mang Xiang, both enemy and friend."

However, back then, in a chaotic era, my situation wasn't as difficult as yours is now. Stable times are wonderful, so wonderful that even a wild elephant can survive the jaws of a fierce tiger.

But the darkness of a stable era lies in the fact that upward mobility is blocked.
"So that's how it is, so that means Zhuzhao was kept in the dark?"

Wang Yulou found it increasingly interesting. Qingrui's actions were tantamount to creating an open enemy and a secret ally while simultaneously setting up the Red Lanterns.

Will other top-tier Golden Core cultivators also do this?
Unexpectedly, she secretly maintains a close connection with someone who appears to be an enemy.

It's likely true. The tendency towards absolutely rational decision-making dictates that everyone is willing to play mind games and turn friends into enemies, thereby deceiving their opponents and creating opportunities for themselves to gain the upper hand in the game.

"It's hard to say. Even if Zhuzhao knows there's a problem, what can he do?" Xiaoyu retorted.

Wang Yulou's expression shifted slightly. Yes, even if Zhuzhao knew, what could he do?
Even more hellish
It can be said that beneath the fragile harmony that the Immortal Alliance maintains, there is a constant struggle and intrigue among the Golden Core cultivators.

"Let's talk about Mang Xiang's betrayal of the alliance. Actually, I wrote the intelligence report on the Five Domains Under One Sky, but I had Gu Qiyuan publish it on my behalf."

The situation is roughly as follows.

As Wang Yulou continued his narration, Bai Li's expression grew increasingly solemn.

The same information can be interpreted completely differently by different people!

"Is the Water Venerable behind the Fierce Tiger? Did the Water Venerable reluctantly acknowledge the Mang Xiang's position in charge of the reforms, and then secretly... No, no, that's too stupid."

The little fish felt that its fish brain was a bit overloaded.

This is actually normal; Tianwaitian's timing in making his move was excellent, a brilliant move.

Xiao Hu's actions involve his own resentment over the defeat of his forces, the infighting within the Immortal Alliance, and the war between the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Realm. It is difficult to see exactly what the problem is.

"What, is Xiao Hu in big trouble?"

Wang Yulou asked, somewhat puzzled.

He discovered the problem and marked it, but he didn't realize its importance. Even after talking to Xiaoyu for so long, he never brought up Xiaohu's matter.
However, elsewhere in the vast world, the strangeness of the ferocious tiger's behavior had already stirred up a storm.
"The Rakshasa Demon Emperor has made his move. Xiao Hu escaped from the Immortal Extinction Domain just before the Demon Emperor made his move, and his whereabouts are now unknown."

The offensive launched by the Immortal Extinction Domain was initiated by Xiao Hu in collusion with more than a dozen demon gods and demon emperors, all of whom may have been problematic.

That is, there is a potential force that wants to see the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Extinction Domain fight each other.

Judging from Mangxiang's betrayal of the alliance, another possibility is that both Mangxiang and Xiaohu were Bifang's men.

It can only be said that the bolder a person is, the more imaginative the possibilities they can create.

Mang Xiang could never have imagined that Bai Li would be so considerate as to label him as a 'disciple of Bi Fang'.

"It matches up perfectly, it matches up completely. When Mangxiang was proving his Dao, Bifang also strongly supported him."

So, this was a scheme by Bifang against Qingrui Immortal Venerable?

Wang Yulou pondered, gradually clearing his thoughts.

Xiaoyu is part of Qingrui's scheme in the Immortal Extinction Domain, preparing for the Immortal Alliance to swallow up a part of the Immortal Extinction Domain, so her perspective is very valuable.

However, Qingrui's plan was sophisticated, but Bifang's scheme was even more ruthless.
"That should be the case. That way, when I see her, I can ask for an even higher price."

Xiaoyu nodded solemnly and replied, "Qingrui has lost so badly, shouldn't she give us a break?"

This young couple were geniuses; through rational deduction, they managed to classify both Xiao Hu and Mang Xiang as Bi Fang's people based on a reasonable line of interest.
-

"Your Majesty, you are the only one in my heart. When I came to the Immortal Kingdom to pay my respects to you, I thought of being trained under your tutelage."

But that old hag Qingrui is keeping a close eye on me, so I can't come even if I wanted to. Now, Mangxiang only wants to do some good reforms for you!

Mangxiang wanted to become a Bifang.

His living conditions within the Immortal Alliance had reached an extremely dire state before his defection.

Below is Wang Yulou, beside him is Zhuzhao, and above him is a bunch of old, lowly beasts pressing down on him.

They won't die immediately, but they face an inevitable, slow death.

Betraying the Immortal Alliance and then siding with Bi Fang might seem foolish, but it's actually a way of seeking survival in the face of death.

Bi Fang is strong enough and has a high tolerance for the upper limit of his subordinates' cultivation.

Mangxiang's plan was to stay under Bifang's command for about ten thousand years, and once he had a certain ability to protect himself, he could find an opportunity to break free.

This is somewhat similar to Wang Yulou's strategy before opening his Purple Mansion. It's not that the two master and disciple were in sync, but rather that everyone's decisions tended to be rational.

"Reform? Ha, whether there is even a possibility of reform is still another matter."

The problem with Xiao Hu is too big. Rakshasa's intervention means that the problems within the Immortal Extinction Domain are much bigger than we thought.

Before you attain enlightenment, our consensus was to postpone the arrival of the chaotic era.

After you attained enlightenment, the reforms you implemented, from the Immortal Alliance to the Immortal Kingdom, went quite well.

But as soon as Xiao Hu made a move, the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Extinction Domain started fighting each other, and the Immortal Extinction Domain even dared to launch an offensive.

"Mangxiang, are you aware of the problem?"

Mangxiang didn't understand the Immortal King's worries. He blinked innocently and hurriedly explained.

"Xiao Hu's faction was destroyed, and the pressure of internal strife in Da Tiantai Mountain was too great, which is why he wanted to betray the Immortal Alliance."

As for killing me, it was just that I accidentally ran into it. The Immortal Alliance's war to destroy the Immortal Realm and its impact on the reforms have nothing to do with me.
Moreover, this was something Qingrui strongly pushed for; she…

"That's enough, idiot!"

Bi Fang cursed, followed by another long silence.

The Celestial King has far too many things to scheme and consider.

It certainly has the determination to forge ahead.

But having the determination to forge ahead doesn't mean it should blindly rush forward.

Every action carries immense risk; the use of supernatural powers inevitably exposes one's strength, and exposure means being targeted and monitored.
Bi Fang is the strongest in the Great World, but his opponents are also eternal geniuses who have been eliminated round after round. Bi Fang has never underestimated them.

On its path to transcendence, Bifang has walked for 100,000 years. Its past has destined it to be extremely cautious—it must not hastily fail after walking for 100,000 years, that would be too regrettable.

After a long while, Bifang finally spoke.

"Go, go and make another trip to all the major powers. If the reform can be implemented, it should be implemented."

They're testing me, but I'm not afraid. What I'm afraid of is someone trying to take advantage of the chaos!

Mangxiang's eyes lit up immediately. Even when Shenguang was eaten, he realized that he had probably made the right bet.

After all, Shenguang, that kind of quick-grown good-for-nothing, has lost his foundation and lacks vision. His attempt to achieve the Golden Elixir itself is like pulling up seedlings to help them grow. How can he be as useful as a real, mature ox or horse leader with a lifespan of ten thousand years?

But as Bi Fang's decree was issued, Mang Xiang finally felt relieved—his own stomach was not the Immortal King's enormous appetite.

Of course, Mangxiang has only won half the gamble so far; he has saved his life, but only temporarily.

Only by truly advancing the reform can he survive in the future based on his own value, and at the same time ensure that his path can have a second spring.
-

Upon encountering the Immortal Extinction Domain, Rakshasa summoned all the demon gods and demon emperors of the domain almost immediately.

Although there was no dedicated gathering place like the Altar of Immortals, the Rakshasa's divine power was beyond question. It directly used its supernatural abilities to create a half-finished small grotto-heaven in the void.

The grotto-heaven was only three miles in circumference and had no complete set of rules; it was merely used as a place for gatherings.

The demon gods and demon emperors of the Immortal Extinction Domain who responded to Rakshasa's invitation to come here do not need to worry that Rakshasa will use her power as the master of the cave to harm them.

"Rakshasa, what's going on between you and Xiaohu?" the Unicorn Dragon asked, still somewhat shaken.

When Rakshasa suddenly made her move, it thought the Immortal Extinction Domain was about to collapse.

Why was Drip Water able to get the news of Rakshasa's attack so quickly?
Because the demon gods she had connected with, who were part of the "Preparatory Meeting for the Immortal City of the Immortal Extinction Domain," contacted her immediately upon learning of the changes that had occurred in the Immortal Extinction Domain.

"have a look."

Rakshasa shared the information she had purchased within the Five Realms Heavenly Gathering.

Even if the Five Realms Unified Heaven Gathering is highly effective at preventing theft, it can't protect against Golden Core Immortals. The only point that makes Golden Core Immortals hesitant to share information is that you can't be sure if the information they share with you is true.

The unicorn dragon and the other demon gods and demon emperors of the Immortal Extinction Realm glanced at them silently, and their expressions immediately changed.

If Xiao Hu has a problem, then what does it mean for the Immortal Realm to launch a preemptive attack on the Immortal Alliance?
An insider who compiled the intelligence suspected that before Xiao Hu betrayed the Immortal Alliance, the Extinction Immortal Domain had already made preparations to attack the Immortal Alliance.

But in reality, everyone knows that Xiao Hu's betrayal was just a trigger. The core issue is that there is no way out for the Immortal Realm, so fighting for a chance has become the last resort.

Yes, the Immortal Extinction Domain still exists and remains a top-tier power.

However, the intensity of the competition among the Golden Core Immortal Venerables was too high. Everyone was smart enough to see the problems in the Immortal Extinction Domain. In fact, the Immortal Extinction Domain, which seemed to be doing well, had already gradually entered the situation of being the first to collapse in the chaotic era.

Just as Mangxiang's living space within the Immortal Alliance was gradually squeezed by its rivals, disciples, and the times, under the pressure from other top forces, the Immortal Extinction Domain is very likely to be the first to perish.

This is why the Immortal Extinction Domain took the initiative to seek change and launched a war against the Immortal Alliance.

When Xiao Hu betrayed the Immortal Alliance, his intention to actively seek war was not yet clear. It was only after Xiao Hu and many demon gods conspired and pushed that the Immortal Realm took the initiative to start the war.

Everyone knows there's a conspiracy. Among Xiao Hu and those who initiated the war, some may have already joined the Immortal Alliance. But even though they know this, there's no way to destroy the Immortal Realm.

Other top-tier Golden Core Immortal Venerables wouldn't give the Immortal Extinction Domain so many options.
That's the situation, but from the perspective of the intelligence writer, the explanation clearly points out the problem with Xiao Hu.

In this way, the desperate attempt to destroy the Immortal Realm became a calculated scheme by the Immortal Alliance.

The successful offensive of the Immortal Extinction Domain on the front lines corresponds to the Immortal Alliance's strategic planning and grand scheme.

"Fellow Daoist Rakshasa, what should we do now?" the One-Horned Flood Dragon asked, his head in pain.

Completely overwhelmed, truly completely overwhelmed.

Retreating is like committing slow suicide; those who want to jump off a moving vehicle are competing to sell themselves.

I made up my mind to charge, only to find that it was the angle the opponent had planned for me to charge from.
Damn it!

"If you don't fight a slow death, you might get ripped apart."

The Immortal Realm has come to this point because of your ineffective reforms.

You ask me what to do?
I want to kill you!

Rakshasa began to curse.

How to do?
How would he know what to do?
This is the game of power at the Golden Core Immortal Venerable level. When you lose, you don't even know how to fight back!

"We need to come up with a solution, right?" another demon emperor said.

Within the small grotto-heaven, the demon gods and demon emperors of the Immortal Extinction Domain fell into a powerless silence.
-

"Our plan is to directly ask Qingrui for benefits."

Yu Lou, don't underestimate yourself. I recruited more than a dozen Golden Core and Purple Mansion peak cultivators in the Immortal Extinction Domain.

You have connections in the Immortal Kingdom, have made contributions to the reforms, and the one who presided over the war was your ancestor.

Moreover, Donglai and the Bull Demon God are disciples of the Sword Master, and they also have ties to the Four Seas Alliance.

Why is that old bastard from Cangshan suppressing Donglai?
"I just don't want to see Donglai being too carefree, relying on his relationship with the Four Seas Alliance's Zhizhi Dragon God to demand a price from the Immortal Alliance's Immortal Platform."

After a series of intense battles, the brilliant young couple has gradually come up with a concrete plan to rise to prominence in this chaotic era.

The little fish continued speaking with considerable confidence.

"Once the Immortal Realm collapses, I will join the Immortal Alliance with a dozen or so people. You will take charge of the Immortal Alliance's daily operations. Donglai has taken control of the lower levels of the Immortal Alliance during the war."

Our newly formed faction, if it can secure the support of another powerful immortal, will be able to rival any force within the Immortal Alliance.

The impending collapse of the Immortal Realm is a case in point; the Immortal Alliance cannot withstand a major upheaval, which is not in the interest of the Immortal Venerables of the Immortal Assembly Platform.

As long as we grasp the right balance, we can achieve the three-step strategy: 'first, leverage the Immortal Alliance to pressure Qingrui for concessions'; 'establish our own faction and gain a firm foothold'; 'seize all the benefits in this chaotic era and get right to the table.'

Wang Yulou was still somewhat uneasy, so he asked in return.

"Immortal Venerable Qingrui's plans and schemes are top-notch. We are too weak. Will she compromise with us?"

Bai Li paced back and forth in the main hall of the celestial palace, pondering for a long time before finally speaking with certainty.

"She has already lost twice, once because of the failure of the reform and once because of the betrayal of the alliance by the rebellious elephant."

She initiated the reforms, and she supported the attainment of the Golden Elixir by supporting the reckless elephant.

If they lose again, Qingrui's situation will become somewhat uncertain.

She needs me to bring her victory, and she needs you and Donglai to win the war against the Immortal Realm.

In this process, she might increase her bets or even go further by sending her own people, such as Qiu Mile.

The problem is, the current situation in the Immortal Alliance is balanced, so what gives Qingrui the right to act recklessly?
The Cangshan Mountains are nothing in themselves, but if we demonstrate their value, they will become our allies.

Wang Yulou lowered his head, quickly calculating in his mind.

Chaotic times present great opportunities, and for Wang Yulou, they present both risks and opportunities for advancement.

How can one gain more benefits during times of chaos?
It is very clear and realistic that you cannot rely on yourself alone.

Wang Yulou's previous approach of trying to maintain a balance and climb the social ladder step by step was actually less reliable than establishing his own factional alliance.

Because, in the latter half of the chaotic era, the false caravan's top power will collapse, and specific interest factions will begin to fight each other.

Back then, forces like the Green Serpent Gang, the Little Immortal Alliance, and the Water Venerable's Huzhou Gang were the main protagonists of the Great World.

From this perspective, Xiaoyu's three-step operational approach for the chaotic era is highly valuable in practice.

However, the difficulties are numerous.

It can be said that, upon closer examination, there are difficulties everywhere.

Of course, Xiaoyu wasn't afraid of difficulties, and neither was Wang Yulou; they just kept going.

According to Xiaoyu's design, they will have two footholds in the future.

Firstly, the existence of internal pressure within the Immortal Alliance shapes Wang Yulou's value; secondly, it brings Xiaoyu the traitors from the Immortal Realm.

However, neither is a sure thing. The Immortal Alliance is under great internal pressure, but it's hard to say what Wang Yulou's value is.

Traitors have the opportunity to become allies, but they will also become traitors again when there is insufficient benefit for them.

"It still doesn't feel very realistic. Our strength is too weak. If we want to find a powerful immortal to be the pillar of our faction, who should we look for?"

After much deliberation, Wang Yulou still felt it was too risky.

Too hasty.

Little Fish turned around, looked at the little man in front of her, and said with a smile.

"The Five Dragons Gang!"

Wang Yulou was stunned for a moment, then immediately realized the brilliance of this choice.

The Five Dragons Gang – Donglai and the Bull Demon Brothers – the Four Seas Alliance – the Dragon God of Heavenly Dragon Hall.

The Five Dragons Gang, represented by the Golden Valley Garden God, the Immortal Dragon King, and the White-Bearded General, consists of five powerful Golden Core Immortal Venerables, while Donglai and the Bull Demon are two more powerful Golden Core Immortal Venerables.

Once this faction is established, it can gain natural allies from the outside, namely Zhizhi Longshen and Tianlongtang.

As cross-factional organizations, special organizations like the Heavenly Dragon Hall are of immense value to individuals in the internal power struggles of top-tier forces—they are external bargaining chips.

"Yes, Yu'an is a disciple of Fulong Temple, and I also married the Golden Valley Garden God and a prodigy from the Immortal Dragon King's sect. If it were the Five Dragons Gang, they would actually have a bit of a chance."

With his mind opened up, countless inspirations suddenly emerged from Wang Yulou's mind.

"Moreover, we certainly cannot gain complete control of this faction, so let's not engage in petty squabbles."

The first half of the chaotic era was marked by the tearing apart of top powers, while the second half saw the general collapse of these powers. Forming alliances for mutual support became a necessity for all Golden Core Immortals.

From the very beginning, we could secretly aim to make this faction a new force within the Immortal Alliance.

In this situation, Qingrui could also become our faction leader.

They could also bring over a powerful demon emperor from the Immortal Extinction Domain, or honor the Water Venerable as the faction leader.

That makes things much simpler.

Seeing that Wang Yulou had finally expressed his support, Xiaoyu was overjoyed and took the initiative to lean on his shoulder.

Wang Yulou's body stiffened slightly. Although Xiaoyu's appearance seemed illusory, the two of them leaning against each other felt a real physical contact.

This made Wang Yulou very uncomfortable—what kind of pure love story is there between a Golden Core Immortal and a Qi Refining cultivator? Even Wang Yulou is now a hundred years old; how could he be as naive as he was back then?

"My lord, the world is vast, and heroes throughout the ages have vied for the Dao fruit."

Over the years, countless heroes and geniuses have been swept away by the tides of time.

Sometimes, I feel helpless, but thankfully you're here to keep me going.

Whether it was true or false, Wang Yulou knew that Xiaoyu felt his body's resistance, but she still 'revealed her true feelings'.

He thought for a moment before answering, but then changed the subject.

"So, how should we negotiate with Immortal Venerable Qingrui? She's not someone to be trifled with. What if she suddenly changes the direction of her moves? What will we do then?"

Xiao Yu's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled as she asked in return.

"Are you afraid?"

Wang Yulou paused for a moment, then shook his head.

"I'm not afraid anymore."

Why would I be afraid? It's just Qingrui.

Qingrui is not a god, and Qingrui can also lose!
First, they lost the reform, then the Water Lord changed their course, and recently, even the monstrous elephant under their command defected from the Immortal Alliance.

Keep losing?
No shame!
Wang Yulou and Xiaoyu weren't crazy; they just wanted to eat more. Qingrui naturally wouldn't be crazy either.

Everything is negotiable!

(End of this chapter)