Shangyuque

Chapter 269 I, Taihe Shui, am the ultimate idiot (1.06 million views, please vote)
The graceful goddess stared at Wang Yulou with a frosty expression. The title "Little Fish Immortal Venerable" sounded rather plain and lacked any prestige.

However, he is a true Immortal Venerable, and during the Immortal Alliance's efforts to destroy the Immortal Realm, he could still occasionally rise to the middle level in the calculation of battle merits.

Jing Jianjia felt completely numb. In a daze, she thought of that ridiculous rumor.

Hey, did you know that Wang Yuque got his position by sneaking into Qingrui's bed?

Why did Mang Xiang betray the alliance? It was because Wang Yuque, relying on Qingrui's favor, forced him to leave!

Unofficial history, unofficial history, both wild and filthy.
Previously, Jing Jianjia would never have believed such unofficial historical accounts.

How could that be? Great cultivators are such rational beings, how could they possibly do something just because of Xiao Wang's...
However, even if she didn't know Di Shui, Xiao Yu's words, "Looking directly at the Immortal Venerable is extremely disrespectful," along with her conversation with Wang Yulou, already explained everything.

Wang Yulou, oh Wang Yulou, it can be said that Jing Jianjia has come to know Wang Yulou anew today.

"No matter what brought us to this point, we can't back down now, my husband." Xiaoyu's expression was somewhat melancholy.

Only when you stand on the eve of change can you realize what you have truly chosen.

When making a choice at the beginning, even the person involved cannot be completely clear about what they are doing because of the uncertainty about the future.

The establishment of a separate faction, amidst the turmoil of the chaotic era, involved cutting off Qingrui and accommodating the remaining immortals of the Extinction Immortal Domain. This corresponds to the reshaping of the Immortal Alliance's internal structure and the impact on the balance of the Bifang-Qingrui Alliance.

Abstract, isn't it? I'm trying to describe this special situation; it's incredibly complex.

However, this complexity is similar to the complexity of the Immortal Alliance's ruling structure, governance model, and legal rules.

Complex contradictions call for complex solutions.

The idea that all things return to one is a metaphysical concept, and the true essence of a teaching can only be grasped by those with sufficient foundation and vision. The complexity of practice dictates that it requires complex and comprehensive responses and reflections.

One perspective reveals the complexity of Wang Yulou and Dishui's operation to establish a separate faction: why would Shui Zun support the emergence of a fourth faction within the Immortal Alliance?
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Meanwhile, in faraway Huzhou, Jingu Garden is engaged in a dialogue with its revered master. (Please don't correct me on the word 'it'; it's hard to say whether a great cultivator is still human.)
'Master, the risks they are taking are probably not small.'

Drip Water was sent by Qingrui to destroy the Immortal Realm. Considering that it attained enlightenment in the Immortal Kingdom, it can be considered as a person of Qingrui and Bifang.

When she tried to recruit me and the other immortals of the Five Dragons Sect into the Fourth Sect, I wondered why Qingrui didn't object.

Even though it actively demanded that those from the Immortal Realm offer a pledge of allegiance, such conditions seemed too easy and didn't seem like Qingrui's nature.

Little Jin really doesn't understand, please enlighten him, Master.

Having reached the level of the Golden Valley Garden, her cultivation had embarked on its own path, requiring no guidance from the Water Venerable.

In their mentor-student relationship, her inquiries became more about the current situation and the future.

Qi Refining focuses on the present, Foundation Establishment on the rules, Purple Mansion on value, and Golden Core on the future.

This corresponds to the situation where Golden Core Immortals dominate the grand scheme of things, where lower-level cultivators cannot even touch the rules, and only those who create value can open their Purple Mansion.

Only by planning for the future and gaining control over its changes and victories can one attain the elixir of immortality under immense pressure.

'Five o'clock, I saw five o'clock.'

Firstly, Qingrui has been in the spotlight for too long. Her act of deliberately detonating the hidden agents of the Immortal Realm and quickly locking in the benefits is a response to this kind of concern.

Wang Yulou saw Qingrui's worries and judged that the alliance between Qingrui and Bifang was not that great, so he began to try to form a fourth faction.

Secondly, Qingrui withdrew, and Wang Yulou, Dishui, and those Golden Elixir cultivators from Chongxian Prefecture all seized the opportunity very well.

Cangshan won't really object; at most, he'll say a few words. I need to recruit more ambitious people for the already winning Immortal Alliance to maintain a balance of power among them.

The pace of development during the chaotic era, the pace of development of the Immortal Alliance, and the pace of development of Qingrui, myself, and Cangshan are all key factors.

Thirdly, as can be seen from the above point, Wang Yulou possesses the potential to become an immortal, even surpassing some who attained the Golden Elixir through fortuitous circumstances, opportune times, and favorable backgrounds.

The entry of such a person is beneficial to the expansion of the overall interests of the Immortal Alliance.

Fourth, in a stable era, the expansion of overall interests is unrealistic, and internal strife will be intense.

Now that the Immortal Alliance is winning victory after victory in the Immortal Extinction Domain, Wang Yulou has the opportunity to expand his faction by taking advantage of the Immortal Alliance's expansion.

Finally, the bet between Bifang and Boluohui is actually very interesting, with endless possibilities hidden in its various changes and outcomes.

One of them was to eliminate 99% of the cultivators in the Great Heaven and Earth, so that the thresholds of the Purple Mansion and Golden Core would be permanently turned into fixed dead ends.

If Bifang wins, all the immortals will win, there will be no more disputes, and they will win forever.

So, what should the future governance framework for the Great Earth be like?
The models of immortal kingdoms and holy lands are absolutely unreliable, and the models of paradises and the Wutian Cult are even less worth considering. The situations of other forces are not much different.

Only the Immortal Alliance's decision-making system of the Immortal Venerables at the Immortal Platform is most suitable for the overall governance needs of the future world.

The expansion of the Immortal Alliance, the increase in factions within the alliance, and the deeper clashes of interests are also attempts to explore this possibility.

Of course, this is just my opinion. I don't know what Qingrui and Bifang think, or what the others at the winnowing basket gathering think.

The Water God has a very high perspective; it doesn't care about specific interests, wins, or losses.

Specific details are important, but strategic thinking is even more important.

Jin Guyuan was also a brilliant strategist who understood everything and immediately realized the problem.

Is your fifth guess related to the establishment of the Immortal Alliance by the Azure Mountains and the recent reform of the Mangxiang?
My understanding is that the Immortal Alliance was special from the very beginning, which explains all the twists and turns, and even our significant role in the power struggle between the Bifang and the Boluo Society.

Shui Zun remained silent for a long time, to the point that Jin Guyuan thought his master had severed the communication with his cave.

Just as she was pondering whether her question was wrong, the Water Deity finally gave her an answer.

Nothing is special; all things in heaven and earth are the same, merely a brief stay between the cycle of birth and death.

Don't expect anyone other than me to give you any promises or a future, Xiaolong. Be strong, instead of relying on others.

Those conflicts of interest are merely external manifestations of extreme self-interest. Only when our own position and existence are secure can we go further.

The Immortal Alliance has temporarily gained the upper hand in the grand game of chess, and we must use this advantage to seek victory amidst the complex waves. That's all.

As for the future, let's wait and see, and think it over carefully.

We should strive for self-improvement rather than admiring the strong, and rely on ourselves rather than external forces. Even the most victorious immortal alliances are not worth relying on forever.

Such training is indeed enough to eliminate too many who cannot keep up.

Not everyone can withstand the trials of destiny, nor the intensity of the battles between the immortal lords.

Too many people complain about the lack of opportunities, but in any era, no matter how bad, there will always be people who can go against the tide.

When those lower-level cultivators complain that the rules of the Great World limit their speed of cultivation in the Qi Induction stage, have they ever thought about what value they actually have on the stage of the Great World?

Organizations that deceive idiots can elevate them to the status of unparalleled geniuses, who are only denied opportunities due to the times and circumstances, but their aim is to hollow out the idiots' present and future.

In reality, the fundamental logic of achieving the ultimate level of spiritual cultivation lies in the balance between power and responsibility, and between cultivation and ability.

In the eternal struggle for the Dao Fruit among the prodigies, everyone is pursuing the ultimate in personal efficiency, and each person's cultivation method is their own best. The immortal venerables have no excuses; they face the cruelest reality of the world.

Seeking truth is never easy for a Celestial Venerable.

'Master, after the Immortal Alliance, what path should we take?'

The demon cave is constantly plotting how to overthrow the shackles of Huzhou and break free from underground.

Cangshan has been steadily operating in Qunqing Plain for so long, and its power is as solid as a rock.

The alliance between Qingrui and Bifang is unpredictable, sometimes good and sometimes bad, and if things go wrong, they can always return to Buddhism and become a golden Buddha.

Only us, only us, Huzhou is our foundation, but surrounded by the Wutian Sect and the Divine Cave, we are in a difficult position.

The demons of the Divine Cave are xenophobic, and the immortals of the Wutian Sect refuse to accept new Golden Core cultivators; it seems only Cangshan is an option?

For someone like Wang Yulou, a minor cultivator, switching sides is relatively easy. However, for top-tier Golden Core cultivators like Rakshasa and Water Venerable, losing a battle would more likely result in them being devoured.

There's no way you can share all the profits; everyone benefits once you're at the table.
One wrong step won't lead to immediate death, but the collapse of possibilities is the prelude to the most fundamental destruction. Shui Zun's Huzhou was at its peak, but both Jingu Garden and Shui Zun were constantly thinking about the future.

This is not an unfounded worry, nor is it overthinking. Back then, Shui Zun didn't lose anything. It was just that there was a movement on the Qunxiantai, and Tu Baiwan from Tianlong Hall and Xiaomiangui from Bifang's sect came to Jingu Garden.

A top-tier Golden Core cultivator can change the entire world's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing both the real and the fake), and the difference in strength between true and false dimensions is just a thought away. If you can't keep up, you'll lose, and once you start losing, you'll have nothing left to lose. How can you not be cautious?

'The location of Cangshan is too good. After so many years, Qunqingyuan is still the region with the highest conversion rate of cultivator resources to strength in the whole world.'

But he is wary of me, extremely wary of me, and he will wait until the next chaotic era before Cangshan will join forces with me.

Therefore, our short-term strategy is to win over the fourth faction of the Immortal Alliance and jointly take over the new Jingzhou.

Even the most barren land is worth bringing under our control as long as the benefits outweigh the costs.

Huzhou-Xinjingzhou-Chongxianzhou-Western part of the Immortal Extinction Domain—this is the area encompassing the Water Venerable's own forces and those of its allies during the latter half of this chaotic era in the Water Venerable's plan.

The territories are connected, and in terms of strength, there are two top-tier Golden Core cultivators, along with the Golden Valley Garden Dragon God, the Immortal Venerable of Rites, the Immortal Dragon King, and several other second-tier Golden Core cultivators around 40,000 years old.

Those over 20,000 years old, such as the Bull Demon, Donglai, and Jinglan, are even more numerous.

With over a thousand members in the Purple Mansion and more than forty in the Golden Core stage, it can be considered a standard second-tier power.

Second-tier powers may not sound as strong as top-tier powers, but due to their territory and scale, they are more likely to achieve a relative competitive advantage in the distribution of internal interests and the level of overall efficiency.

Therefore, they are able to exist for a long time in the world. For example, the Four Seas Alliance today and the Wutian Sect, which was once a second-tier power, are the best examples.

In contrast, top-tier powers may sound extraordinary, but due to the complexity of their internal struggles, they often fall into a difficult-to-manage internal conflict, such as immortal kingdoms and holy lands.

On the contrary, the Immortal Alliance, under the decision-making system of the Great Renovation of the Assembly Platform, still managed to achieve the highest overall efficiency among the top forces despite various internal conflicts.
'Master, what about Bifang? What should we do about Bifang?'

Actually, this is the question Jin Guyuan wanted to ask today. Starting with Qingrui was to bring up Qingrui's good ally, Bifang.

There's no doubt that Qingrui and Bifang are allied. By now, everyone in the Qunxiantai has seen through what they need to see, and those who don't dare to speak recklessly—they can't expose their stupidity and ignorance.

The facts are the outline: he achieved enlightenment in the Immortal Kingdom, then joined the Immortal Alliance, and then sang a duet with Qingrui before finally detonating the drop of water that destroyed the Immortal Realm. That is the truth—Chiming died a tragic death!
It's hard to say why Qingrui used Dishui in advance, but the fact is that Dishui belongs to both Bifang and Qingrui.

Shenguang attained enlightenment by being by Qingrui's side, while Mangxiang defected to Bifang after betraying the alliance.

Even the reforms that the Immortal King still wants to try were proposed by Mangxiang, who was supported by Qingrui in his path to enlightenment.

Qingrui and Bifang are indeed allied, though it's hard to say how stable it is, but they have definitely been secretly in cahoots for a long time.

'Let nature take its course. If the old man with the winnowing basket doesn't step up, we absolutely won't move.'

We should support the Immortal King's reforms, and we don't care if he wipes out the lower-level cultivators of the Great World.

It's possible to drain all the spiritual energy of heaven and earth; it has to be done this way to prevent someone from surpassing you, which would cause endless trouble.

Fate, fate, the Water God faced fate directly amidst the chaos.

It forgot everything that Immortal Venerable Yuque said when he called out to Tongxuan and the Water Golden Light Divine Illumination Dharma Venerable, and even the idea of ​​the fourth faction of the Alliance Immortal Alliance that he had just given bypassed the specific person Wang Yuque.

Jingu Garden, will you betray me?

Shui Zun was unaware that it was difficult to determine whether its control over Jin Gu Garden still existed, given the garden's increased strength and leapfrog development in cultivation levels.

Therefore, it chose this moment to convey its ignorance from the perspective of the third level, above the first level where Water Venerable and Golden Valley Garden are enemies and the second level where Water Venerable and Golden Valley Garden are long-term allies—the level where Water Venerable thought Golden Valley Garden was trustworthy, but in fact Golden Valley Garden has already betrayed or will betray in the future.

The ignorant cultivators at the bottom don't know the meaning of seeking truth, while the cultivators who yearn to climb the ladder struggle to find the truth but find it difficult to enter the gate. The Water Venerable, standing at the peak, says, "I don't know what truth is—Go, Golden Valley Garden. If you betray me, then tell them that I, Taihe Water, am an ultimate idiot."

The cultivation of the ashes of calamity, the cultivation of the climber, and the cultivation of the water lord—their attitudes toward 'truth' are vastly different and powerful. So, what is cultivation?
In fact, it's all about spiritual practice.

Spiritual practice is never a specific, unchanging upgrade, but a complex struggle and a continuous process of self-breakthrough. It has no end, is constantly changing, full of pitfalls but also rich in infinite possibilities.

If you break through from Foundation Establishment to Purple Mansion and still don't change your attitude and habits of cultivation during the Foundation Establishment stage, then your Purple Mansion stage will most likely be put on the table.

Different stages require different levels of practice, but the Water Venerable's practice has transcended those specific rules and regulations, entering the ultimate state of complete freedom and omnipotence.

The goal is there, and I'm willing to use any means that can help me get there.

Discussing habits, laws, morality, justice, right and wrong with such a top-tier immortal is as ridiculous as an ant raising its fangs at the top-tier civilization of the universe—they are not even in the same dimension. Any further words from the Water Venerable would be utterly idiotic.

Perhaps, one day in the future, someone will fall into the Water Lord's trap, laughing at the Water Lord as a complete idiot while taking advantage of the Water Lord's foolishness.

When this plan for existence reaches a crucial point, the Water Deity, who has been called a big idiot for hundreds and thousands of years, will jump out again, laughing and saying, "Hahaha, you are the real idiot."

Of course, Shui Zun might not be that shallow. To say such a thing about Shui Zun would be an insult to it (although it wouldn't care at all). It would most likely just keep silently raising the stakes, just like Qing Rui is now, trying to secure victory as quickly as possible.

This is in itself a tribute to Bifang—it's a copy of Bifang's cultivation strategy.

What strategy?
They keep luring people into forming groups, then they open their big stomachs and eat like crazy until they're stuffed and greasy, until they feel like they're the best person in the world.

"Xiao Jin understands, but Master, we also need to consider the situation in the Outer Heavens, in case..."

Bifang might host a banquet, and Tianwaitian might also host a banquet. This is not something that Shuizun can fool by pretending to be stupid. Jinguyuan is not really stupid.

Is the Outer Heaven really there? Are the Boundless Dao Master and the Boundless Dharma Venerable the same person? Could it all be a deliberate deception by Bifang?

For example, the fact that it once again used the rogue elephant to push forward the reforms indicates that it was already afraid.

After the grand bet against the Boluo Society began, Bifang secretly harmed Xiaohu and brought out Tianwaitian to scare people.

The Lord of Wuji was terrifying, so the people at the Boluo Gathering became suspicious. Why did they still need Bifang to deal with the Lord of Wuji?

Therefore, this question is meaningless. The truth doesn't matter; the elderly folks will take care of it anyway, so we just need to mind our own business.

The same thing can be viewed from a whole host of different perspectives. To Jin Guyuan, Shui Zun's analysis was absolutely right—that's just how it is.

Bi Fang's toughness and confidence were all fake. In order to prevent this fakeness from being exposed, he killed Xiao Hu to create a mystery and frighten the immortals of the Bo Luo Society—and it all came together perfectly.

It can only be said that everyone bears responsibility for the chaos that has reached this point.

These eternally powerful figures standing at the pinnacle of heaven and earth are all troublesome; they all stir things up, making the ants below feel like they're in heaven and hell.

'Master, I will live up to your expectations. That kid Wang Yulou has brains but not many, and his strength is ultimately weak.'

The fourth faction of the Immortal Alliance doesn't have many core members. Bai Xu has already expressed his intention to join. Once the Five Dragons are all gathered, my influence will be greatly enhanced, and Wang Yulou or others will inevitably follow us to support you.

As for the Rakshasa, it will probably stay quiet for a long time after it changes allegiance.

With Qingrui retreating and Luocha lying in wait, the Immortal Alliance is yours!

What is a top-tier immortal?

The Water Goddess demonstrates how to win without doing anything.

This is the value of the old order, represented by the Immortal Alliance and the Immortal Kingdom, to the Immortal Venerables.

Wang Yulou struggled and schemed, but in the end, he ended up working for the masters and disciples of Shui Zun and Jingu Garden, only to have them benefit from his schemes.

But Xiao Wang didn't lose out. The window of opportunity to withdraw is extremely important and cannot be missed. Paying some price at this time, a controllable price, in exchange for the opportunity to withdraw is very worthwhile.

"No rush, take your time. Let Bifang and the old man with the winnowing basket make their move. As long as they don't, we'll continue to go with the flow!"

Shui Zun was really in no hurry. Qing Rui won one round, so be it. Qing Rui took a big bite, and Shui Zun also took a big bite. Everyone was moving forward.

If the total share of the Immortal Extinction Domain's interests that were presented at the table was one hundred, then the five major forces that divided the demons among themselves took forty of them, Water Venerable alone took two, and the Immortal Alliance as a whole took about twelve.

The six major forces that did not participate in the distribution of the Immortal Realm were given about twenty portions of 280,000 strands of the essence of the cave heavens—being able to eat without entering the arena was already a sign that the 'Five Horses' were following the rules.

The remaining forty portions were partly for the traitors of the Immortal Extinction Domain represented by Rakshasa, who were fortunate enough not to be served.

Part of it transformed into a grotto-heaven connecting heaven and earth and a grotto-heaven returning to heaven and earth, giving back to the greater heaven and earth during the collapse of the Immortal Extinction Domain.

Therefore, although it seems that Qingrui won, Shuizun ate no less than Qingrui.

"Tell my brother I understand."

Wang Yu'an's expression even seemed somewhat relieved, showing no signs of being abandoned by Wang Yulou.

He was well aware of the complexities of war; once the war began, many things that were once taken for granted would immediately become distorted.

As the alliance leader's younger brother, he can eat and take whatever he wants normally. If, during a major battle, he continues to act arrogantly and blatantly ride on the backs of frontline cultivators to steal their credit, he's courting death.

The order of war will inevitably disrupt the original order.

This impact will only be more evident on the front lines. Those cultivators who have risked their lives to climb are not docile sheep.

Because the Immortal Alliance needs them to charge forward for the Immortal Alliance, to charge forward now and to charge forward in the future, they have been empowered—empowered to reform and empowered to go to the front lines.

Now that power is in the hands of cultivators, leaders of the Immortal Alliance like Wang Yulou and Du Jiunian must respect them, just as they would respect the Immortal Venerables—of course, the degree of respect will certainly differ.

This is a way of thinking about things; it may seem eccentric and cold-blooded, but that's how it has to be done for things to get going.

The phrase "a vast land and a river stained with blood" actually corresponds to this core of empowerment, rights protection, and self-sacrifice.

"Yu'an, you don't understand. The Immortal Venerable's intention is, in general, to protect you."

The current situation is special. Yi Zouri did nothing wrong, but people's hearts are too complicated. Even if the Immortal Venerable came, he couldn't control everyone's hearts.

Therefore, you will need to remain on the front lines for some time. The large formations across the front lines are almost complete, so you can be both behind the formations and on the front lines simultaneously. Here, this is the 'Snow Goose Returns to Spring' magical talisman. Take it. If anything unexpected happens, run if necessary. Your safety will allow the Immortal Venerable to focus on serving the Immortal Alliance.”

Du Jiunian, the nanny of Yu'an and the foreman of cattle and horses at Chongshan Thirteen Caves, spoke with a generous expression.

You can't protect your grandson if you're unwilling to part with the precious talisman. Since you've already taken on the role of a nanny, you should be prepared for the consequences.
It's either go all out or don't come in at all, but Du Jiunian is like Wang Yuque in front of Shui Zun, often having no choice.

“Master Jiu Nian, there’s no need for that. I have the Wang family’s Heavenly River Upside-Down Talisman. I cannot accept your talisman.”

As for formations, and hiding behind them, that's unnecessary.

Every cultivator, when embarking on the path of cultivation, should know what they are facing.

I knew long ago that opening the Purple Mansion (a point on the dantian) would be difficult.

Therefore, fighting and competing in the battles is necessary and unavoidable.

Noticing that Du Jiunian's face was getting darker and darker, Wang Yu'an added.

“Master, Yu’an did not mean to make things difficult for you. I will explain these matters to my elder brother myself.”

In addition, I cultivate the Metal and Earth magic, and I also have supernatural talismans as my trump cards. If I can't win, I can defend against it; if I can't defend against it, I can run away.

Therefore, you have absolutely no need to worry.

Du Jiunian had a lot to say, but in the end, he said nothing.

He did his best, and he understood Wang Yu'an's thoughts—everyone was having a hard time.

After Master Jiu Nian left, Yu An stood on a cliff at the front line, looking at the distant entrance to the cave, a hint of longing in his eyes.

His visit to Anning Cave in his youth allowed him to witness the extraordinary nature of cultivators from the Purple Mansion.

His elder brother's journey to the top of the Immortal Alliance instilled in him a sense of urgency regarding his own cultivation.

Wang Yu'an is neither an ignorant fool nor a simpleton who doesn't care about his own fate.

The chaotic era brought endless dangers, and the Golden Core cultivators of the Immortal Extinction Domain died one after another like a rainstorm.

However, turmoil is also a stepping stone.

The torrent of fate is turbulent, but it is also generous.

It will take everything away from some people, and give everything to others.

Wang Yu'an knew that if he wanted to go further, he couldn't just be his older brother's background figure and follower.

His potential depends not only on Wang Yulou, but also on his own hard work.

How turbulent can the torrent of fate be?

He decided to give it a try, despite the turbulence involved!
Yearning, anticipation, caution, and courage—Wang Yu'an saw clearly how far he still had to go on his path to the Purple Mansion.

Under Wang Yulou's influence, he gradually understood the meaning of continuing on this path.

The battlefield is dangerous, so should we run away?
No, he's Wang Yulou's younger brother; there's no room for retreat!

"Yes, we can't back down now, but what I'm doing now is preparing to back down."

It's difficult. The most difficult situation right now is with General Whitebeard. The other members of the Five Dragons Gang have already expressed their support for the Fourth Faction's initiative.

Only General Whitebeard did not offer any support, nor did he even reply.

My idea is to at least turn him into a peripheral member or friend of the faction; only in this way can the Five Dragons Gang's unique value within the Immortal Alliance be fully realized.

The Dragon Clan is a very special existence in the world, and Wang Yulou attaches great importance to the Five Dragons Gang's position as the fourth major faction in the future.

In internal power struggles, there are only so many key pieces; you should try your best to win them over.

"You don't need to worry about that. The Immortal Alliance's offensive against the Golden Core Cave Heaven of the Immortal Realm has ended."

Whitebeard also explained to Donglai that he was willing to support the fourth faction and would join directly.

My concern is that this would seem too targeted at Immortal Venerable Qingrui, and it would affect your influence in the Red Lantern Clan and the Western Sea.

Upon hearing the good news brought by Xiaoyu, Wang Yulou paced excitedly around the hall.

However, Xiaoyu's concerns are not unfounded. Qingrui, that old fox, is not someone to be trifled with, so they must be cautious.

Suddenly, Wang Yulou turned around and looked at Jing Jianjia, who was still in a daze.

"Jianjia, go to Lotus Cave Heaven for me and see Immortal Venerable Qingrui. Just tell her."

Seeing that Jing Jianjia's face was green, Xiaoyu frowned.

"How about I go? Water Venerable is more supportive of me. When we were attacking the Immortal Extinction Cave Heaven, he personally saved my life and healed my wounds."

It's a bit strange, actually, it said I should thank you?

Wang Yulou smiled nonchalantly and said.

"Yes, Water Venerable strongly supports the Fourth Faction, so a natural alliance has been formed."

Cangshan and Qingrui are both old acquaintances, while our Fourth Faction is a newly established faction, so he had no choice.

As long as Shui Zun is willing to accept this, Cang Shan and Qing Rui will be forced to accept it as well.

From the perspective of internal strife, Immortal Venerable Qingrui must acknowledge the interests of the traitors from the Immortal Extinction Domain east of Chongxian Prefecture.

If the Immortal Alliance wants to face the future more steadily, the new rules for the distribution of benefits brought by the fourth faction are necessary.

So, it doesn't really matter whether you go or I go; for Jianjia, going to broaden her horizons is also a form of experience.

The rules of internal strife are not quite the same as the rules of external struggle. For Wang Yulou, not being able to take down the Water Zun would not affect the establishment of the fourth faction.

There's also Cangshan as a safety net.

The Immortal Alliance has three major internal factions, each corresponding to one of the three top Immortal Venerables. Among them, the Small Immortal Alliance and the weakest Cangshan are the most motivated to support the fourth faction.

However, Xiao Wang doesn't think much of Cangshan—the Little Immortal Alliance and Cangshan's base are located in the center of the Immortal Alliance, so there's not much potential for a power struggle.

And Qingrui Bar involves that old problem.

If Wang Yulou continues to follow Mang Xiang, he is destined to never be able to overcome Mang Xiang's obstacle.

This contradiction also applies to his relationship with Qingrui, and Xiaoyu's relationship with Qingrui.

That's why he chose Shui Zun as his first choice.

Of course, this task doesn't necessarily have to be done by Wang Yulou. Niu Mo, Dong Lai, and other immortals who aspire to establish a fourth faction, start their own businesses, and improve their status within the Immortal Alliance can also contact these three.

In other words, even if Wang Yulou couldn't get the support of the three top-tier Immortal Venerables, there would be others who could—if the Immortal Alliance wanted to accommodate the rebellious ninjas of the Immortal Extinction Domain represented by Rakshasa in order to gain more advantages in the first half of the chaotic era, it would have to establish new internal rules for the distribution of benefits, which was an inevitable step.

"Oh, you actually think highly of her?"

Xiaoyu's dissatisfaction wasn't with Jing Jianjia, but with Wang Yulou's absurd act of suddenly marrying over a hundred Daoist partners—even a donkey wouldn't be as ruthless as you!

It's ridiculous.

"Haha, not at all, my wife, we have been separated for many years, and now we finally meet again."

I was naturally delighted, and only hoped to spend more time with my wife, which is why I sent Jianjia over.”

Wang Yulou and Xiaoyu have feelings for each other, but it's hard to say whether Yuque Immortal and Dishui Immortal have feelings for each other.

Reality is eternal; emotions are destined to be relegated to a secondary position in the hearts of those who pursue the Way.

However, this does not prevent Wang Yulou from expressing his goodwill towards Xiaoyu. Relationships are cultivated, and cultivating them well is itself a manifestation of love and care.

The idea that one can fight against heaven and earth for love, or play the role of "the great emperor sweeping away all enemies in the world, just to wait for your return in the mortal world," always seems too unrealistic.

Seeing that Xiaoyu's expression finally changed because of his attitude, Xiao Wang finally felt a little relieved.

This is his most important ally right now, probably without a doubt.
However, after Jing Jianjia left, the atmosphere in the main hall suddenly changed again.

The Little Fish Immortal, who had been quite confident just moments before, suddenly softened.

Little Fish Immortal Venerable sounds like a simpleton, but Wang Yulou wasn't afraid at all, and at the same time, he didn't consider himself an outsider.

He immediately placed his hand on the immortal's slender waist.

If looking directly at a Celestial Venerable is considered extremely disrespectful, then Xiao Wang, as a cultivator of the Purple Mansion, dared to lay hands on a Celestial Venerable; he would surely have one of his hands chopped off.

Considering their past marriage, Wang Yulou's actions were not excessive, and even somewhat appropriate.

However, Xiaoyu's expression was interesting; there was no shyness, only endless embarrassment.

She even turned her face to the side. Although with her and Wang Yulou's cultivation levels, they could tell each other's expressions whether they turned their faces or not, she still turned her face to the side.

"My wife, it's been so many years. I've been thinking of you day and night, almost to the point of becoming emaciated."

Now, we can finally face everyone openly and honestly. This journey hasn't been easy, and it hasn't been easy for you either.

Xiao Wang started with a bunch of nonsense, just to ease Xiao Yu's embarrassment.

He actually understood Xiaoyu's predicament; it was simply a mix of emotions and interests, a mess in the past, and a mess in the future.

The idea that two people would meet and embrace each other with tears in their eyes and then spend three days and three nights together is such a brainless and stupid thing that neither Wang Yulou nor Xiaoyu would do.

They are not that kind of people, and those kinds of people wouldn't be where they are today.

Even Xiaoyu's tough stance just now was a concrete manifestation of her worries about the future. It seemed tough, but at its core, it was a sense of confusion under uncertainty.

It should be understood that what a Celestial Venerable should pursue is the carefree and unrestrained ease of a Water Venerable, rather than the outward appearance of strength and toughness.

It can be said that the relationship between the two faces enormous pressure and challenges as the world descends into chaos and top-tier immortals enter the fray.

"My lord, I brought you a whole Dao-attaining Pill. Look, it contains the essence of many Purple Mansion cultivators. It can help you attain the Golden Core stage and is a precious pill that can fully replenish your cultivation foundation."

The little fish, whose waist was held by the hand of fate, spoke up, saying that she was not ready to roll around in bed with the Water Immortal and Wang Yulou.

"A pill for achieving enlightenment in its entirety?"

He took the precious pill and examined it carefully.

These top-grade elixirs must be refined through heavenly tribulations.

Its miraculous power and wondrous effects are truly extraordinary. Even Wang Yulou's eyes were illuminated by the precious light emitted by this elixir, causing them to emit a faint white glow.

It's called a cinnabar, but it's actually more like a gemstone—a transparent gemstone that shimmers with a white, precious light.

The gemstone is the size of a goose egg. Although it is called the "Pill for Complete Enlightenment," it is not something that can be swallowed directly.

Its name emphasizes that a cultivator with insufficient foundation and roots can use this pill to make up for the gap between himself and the Golden Core stage.

Within the transparent elixir, some golden specks of light move about; these are the tangible essence of the Dao. Absorbing them can lead to enlightenment.

The Great Dao is not something abstract or difficult to access; the price is high enough that a top-tier immortal can make a donkey instantly comprehend it.

"What a treasure! Where did it come from? Even a Golden Core Immortal would probably find it difficult to refine such an elixir."

Wang Yulou accepted the elixir without hesitation; he and Xiaoyu were not strangers.

"The offensive against the demon god of the Immortal Extinction Domain has ended. This is what I exchanged for with my battle merits."

In fact, it was almost a life-or-death exchange. This kind of precious pill is not something that can be refined at will. Xiaoyu only had the opportunity to be selected because she came in twelfth place.

However, considering that Shui Zun saved her and mentioned Wang Yulou, it seems that it wasn't something she risked her life for, but rather something Wang Yulou earned himself.

This is the complexity of the entanglement of emotions and interests; if ordinary people don't handle it well, they can turn into enemies.

Of course, with the wisdom of the immortals, dealing with it would be much simpler.

"The offensive within the grotto-heavens has ended, but the problem is that there are currently six grotto-heavens connected to the greater world."

Those grotto-heavens that collapsed directly into the vast天地 (heaven and earth) are easy to fight over; it's all about strength.

Even if other forces have geniuses who are invincible at the Foundation Establishment stage and cause trouble, the Immortal Alliance is not lacking in strong people and can naturally deal with them.

The only problem is that, after each of the six grotto-heavens connecting to the Great Heaven and Earth has one, there is still one more located at the border between us and the Four Seas Alliance's front line.

The resources within the grotto-heaven are a minor issue; the conflict between the Immortal Alliance and the Four Seas Alliance is the real problem.

Hearing Wang Yulou's concerns, Xiaoyu asked in return with some doubt.

"Wasn't it your plan to have the Immortal Alliance defeated on the front lines, losing to the Four Seas Alliance, thus inciting a confrontation between the Fourth Faction cultivators and the Four Seas Alliance?"

This seems to align perfectly with Wang Yulou's interests, as well as the interests of the Immortal Venerable of Chongxian Prefecture and the traitors of the Immortal Extinction Domain. It even corresponds to the relationship between the Five Dragons Gang and the Dragon God of Zhizhi in the Heavenly Dragon Hall dimension.

You are in me, and I am in you; we nurture bandits to enhance our own power and carve up the eastern territories.

It seems to be a well-intentioned scheme. The Chongxian Prefecture forces and the rebel forces of the Miexian Domain, under high state of readiness, can join forces with the Four Seas Alliance at any time and become a sharp weapon to attack the Immortal Alliance.

"Of course not, hahaha, how could that be? I have always been loyal to the Immortal Alliance."

"Immortal Venerable Jade Palace replied firmly."

It's hard to say why Shui Zun and Wang Yulou would lie even to their closest friends; perhaps they were afraid of losing?

However, Wang Yulou's deception of the white carp was more out of helplessness.

Because of the tacit understanding between the core members of the fourth faction, centered around the Immortal Venerable of Chongxian Prefecture and the Rebel Immortal of the Destroying Immortal Domain, and the Dragon God of Knowing the Stop, it is something that can only be done but not spoken of.

It's a game that's still unresolved. If everything is made crystal clear, it might give others a reason to criticize us, which would be very troublesome.

With the matter unresolved, a limited degree of nurturing the enemy for self-importance and feigning ignorance actually seems to yield higher returns.

"Ha, you."

Xiaoyu tried to cover up her embarrassment with a tough attitude, but she could see through Wang Yulou's insincerity.

However, she soon realized that her relationship with Wang Yulou was not adversarial, but rather mutually beneficial.

Therefore, she promptly changed her words.

"It's good that you have a plan in mind. What I'm afraid of now is that you might suddenly stop walking."

The Dragon God of Zhizhi, the Immortal Venerable Qingrui, the Water Venerable Taihe, and the Demon Emperor Rakshasa—this complex game is at a crucial juncture, where every increase or decrease in the stakes could affect the final outcome.

Wang Yulou shook his head; he didn't quite agree with Xiaoyu's judgment.

"Do you remember what you told me back then? The situation in the world has reached a dead end, and only full-scale struggle can create a more promising future."

Your mindset has always been about winning, an unwavering determination to succeed.

My expectations are probably lower; I'll just go with the flow, seize the opportunity, and aim for a small, immediate victory.

Perhaps, for me, most of my plans before attaining the Golden Core stage will be based on this?

The little fish nodded first, then shook its head.

"No, once you reach the Golden Core stage, you can't just aim for minor victories."

Because of lifespan, you will find that the time scale for the Golden Elixir cultivators to place their bets and make moves is always very, very long.

Each round is very long, and the cost of each decision and entry is terrifyingly high.

In the high-intensity, highly monitored nature of a Golden Core game, even a minor victory can sometimes be considered a loss.

Wang Yulou nodded slightly; he understood Xiaoyu's reminder.

They practiced Qi cultivation and magic, unleashed spells to fight, and clashed with magical artifacts.

Once you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage and are engaged in fierce battles, the gap in power and ability to calculate changes begins to widen significantly.

The confrontation between Purple Mansions actually corresponds to the Golden Core stage, with each Purple Mansion being an extension of the Golden Core's power.

The death of a Purple Mansion cultivator, the loss of a base, and the loss of an advantage are all huge losses in the realm of great cultivators' battles.

Turning and accelerating a giant ship requires enormous energy and resources. If you don't win by a little more, the cost of internal friction can turn a small victory into a defeat!

“My wife, I understand, but there’s no use rushing these things.”

We need to take it slow and wait for others to follow suit or fold before we can consider the best next move.

So, no rush.

It's been so many years, haven't we...?

(End of this chapter)