Infinite Sun in the East China Sea

Chapter 268 Tearing Off the Mask
After expressing some of his views, Xu Feng paused for a moment and silently observed the behavior of the Donghai team members.

Whether these people understand it in their hearts or not, as long as they accept the jade talisman, it means that they have initially accepted this view in their subconscious.

After that, he was the one who pushed his luck.

Shoko, Mei, Park Chang-ho, and Sanada Yoichi were the first to put away the jade talisman.

The four of them either completely trust Xu Feng or have already handed over most of their rewards. At this point, they can only get the greatest benefit by wholeheartedly becoming Xu Feng's underlings.

After a moment's thought, Renbang hesitated for a moment, but ultimately accepted the jade talisman with a bitter expression.

Seeing the actions of most of the veterans, the three newcomers followed suit.

"Is it just to help you exchange time?" Higashiyama Heiichiro stretched out his hand and couldn't help but ask.

Xu Feng said, "Of course, it's not just about time... In order to make more effective use of that time, I also need to exchange for a more efficient S-level cultivation technique, the 'Sixteen Contemplations Sutra of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.' Renbang and you both have internal energy systems, so you can both switch to this technique. In addition, Xiangzi can also gain great benefits from this technique. Therefore, when exchanging for that advanced technique, the three of you will have to pay some reward points and side quests."

The Sixteen Contemplations Sutra of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the one that Xu Feng chose from thousands of S-level cultivation techniques as the most suitable for his current situation.

This is a practice that involves visualizing the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in one's mind to refine one's spirit and bring one closer to the Buddha. Related scriptures such as the "Amitabha Sutra" have been passed down in many worlds, including the real world, but there is no specific practice method in the real world, only a general introduction.

Amitabha Buddha is the same as Amitabha Buddha. One is a translation of the meaning, and the other is a transliteration. In fact, they are both other names for Shakyamuni.

The Sixteen Contemplations Sutra of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is divided into sixteen realms.

Upon first observing the sun, one can draw upon its power to gather Buddhist energy.

Secondly, observe the water, and you will see the foundation of the Pure Land within it.

Contemplating the ground, trees, and pond are all part of visualizing the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The six general views of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Xu Feng guessed from the simple introduction of the technique that the first six realms included all the cultivation of the "Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique", and the overall view of the sixth realm was even higher than the "Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique".

Based on his experience in cultivating the "Bodhi Enlightenment Divine Skill," he was fairly certain that the awakening realm of the Swallow Fruit would be greatly enhanced after practicing this skill.

Even if one only quickly grasps the first six realms of the conception based on their current cultivation level, the Swallow Domain will undergo a qualitative change.

If the Swallow Domain can be combined with the Pure Land of Bliss, the two enhancements could complement each other like the left foot stepping on the right, helping each other to grow rapidly.

The subsequent seven levels of Buddhist contemplation completely surpassed Xu Feng's realm. Before obtaining the specific cultivation method, one could only vaguely guess at its effects.

As for the last three types of contemplation, the nine grades of rebirth are the methods to attain Buddhahood.

Xu Feng couldn't be sure how high the upper limit of this technique was, nor could he be sure if he could become a true Buddha with it. But he was quite certain that after strengthening this technique, he could continuously improve in the next dozen or so reincarnation worlds.

"An S-rank cultivation technique?" Higashiyama Heiichiro pursed his lips. He felt that his captain was making excuses to exploit their side quests: "Including the cultivation technique you directly enhanced, the team already has three cultivation techniques. Is there really any need to exchange for more?"

Xu Feng shrugged and said, "It's very necessary... I've already exhausted all the techniques I could practice."

He hasn't mastered the "Bodhi Enlightenment Divine Skill" yet, but it certainly won't be enough for him in the future.

Xu Feng's confidence stemmed from two reasons: the upcoming ten-plus years he was about to exchange for, the unexpected evolution of the Swallow Fruit, and the source of his confidence: the highest-grade natural treasures from the Main God.

The rare and precious materials at the main god's place are extremely cheap.

Ginseng and deer antler, being low-level materials, can be obtained in large quantities for free in rooms or reincarnation worlds with a little effort; Dragon Heart and Phoenix Gallbladder only require reward points; the Ten-Thousand-Year Vermilion Fruit, considered a fortuitous encounter in the Xianxia world, is only worth D-level side quests; C-level and B-level rare and precious materials are purely mythical items, and rare and precious materials worth B-level side quests are treasures like Peaches of Immortality, Ginseng Fruit, and Yellow Plum, which even immortals covet.

Xu Feng had wanted to exchange for those top-tier rare and precious materials for a long time.

After the end of "The Ring", he had prepared four alternative exchange items: storage items, rare and precious materials, protective items, and the Rebirth Cross. If it weren't for the Rebirth Cross as a safety net, he would most likely have used those two B-level side quests to exchange for two 9,000-year-old peaches!
This team battle was a great success.

After practicing the "Sixteen Contemplations of the Pure Land of Bliss", the Swallow Factory will most likely grow larger. Apart from the highest-level storage items such as demi-planes, other storage items may not be able to match the future volume of the Swallow Factory.

Ordinary protective items are still comparable to the Dragon Elephant Protective Qi.

The most exquisite and rare natural treasures are the most suitable items for him.

"There's nothing left to practice?" Renbang couldn't help but raise an eyebrow after hearing Xu Feng's nonchalant words.

He didn't know anything about "Bodhi Proof Divine Skill", after all, Xu Feng had just finished the initiation and then went to the Samsara World to cultivate.

However, he was well aware of the upper limit of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill. If the captain of the East Sea team was not lying, his strength had already reached an absurd level.

Xu Feng smiled slightly and continued, "Of course, otherwise how could my blood have such power? In addition, the golden blood used to draw this talisman is difficult to replenish after it is consumed, so I need everyone to help me exchange for rare and precious materials to replenish my energy."

"So, in other words, we not only have to provide the captain with a lot of reward points, but also pay for side quests?" Higashiyama Heiichiro asked, frowning.

Because of the team battle's eight-point score, the reward points earned by the ordinary members of the East Sea team this time are very unbalanced with the side story. Higashiyama Heiichiro doesn't mind giving away the reward points he doesn't need.

Even if he handed over a full 18,000 reward points like Sanada Yoji, he would still have enough reward points left over.

But handing over the side quests as well... that crossed his line.

Xu Feng nodded and said, "This is the best choice."

He continued to offer his price: "In addition to various items for dealing with ghosts and monsters, I will also do my best to help you become stronger. For example, I will make Park Chang-ho and Sanada Yoji's physique stronger, and help you and Inbang quickly develop profound internal strength... Moreover, Inbang and you can also practice the S-level cultivation technique that I exchanged for."

"But the benefits we receive are nowhere near what you receive, right?" Higashiyama Heiichiro took a deep breath and bargained, "Even if we leave some side quests behind, it won't affect the captain's advancement at all, will it?"

"It will have an impact!"

Xu Feng put away his smile and said, word by word, "I think you should understand the significance of me taking out nine jade talismans at once. Now, I can mass-produce these kinds of items! As long as there is enough time and resources, everyone can get nine or ninety protective jade talismans when entering the reincarnation world. Leaving side quests will not qualitatively improve your combat power, but it will seriously affect my production."

Looking into Higashiyama Heiichiro's eyes, who still seemed to want to say more, he said decisively, "If you think it's unfair, then exchange it from the main god yourself."

Xu Feng sensed Higashiyama Heiichiro's emotions from his eyes.

If this person really intends to exchange for it from the Supreme God... then the power armor on his body will instantly take over his body.

Leaving backdoors in equipment is unethical. But wasn't Xu Feng providing his teammates with so many high-quality, inexpensive weapons precisely to prepare for this situation?

Once you put on his gear, your life and death are in his hands.

But if he doesn't wear his equipment, why would Xu Feng help him without any reservations?
Based on that so-called loyalty? You can know a person's face but not their heart. Who knows if that loyalty is just an act?
In fact.

People like Park Chang-ho and In-bang had long realized that there was a backdoor in the equipment, and knew that once they put on the equipment, they would be doomed if they dared to betray Xu Feng again; but they also knew that not buying Xu Feng's equipment to enter the reincarnation world would also be a dead end.

These seasoned veterans who had given up long ago only had one hope: that Xu Feng would win in the end, and that they, as the "chickens and dogs" in the saying "when one person attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven," would receive enough benefits.

Judging from the team battle we just experienced, this hope is not wishful thinking.

Even though Xu Feng is still a long way from winning in the end, his most cooperative members have already benefited a lot and are living very comfortably.

“But…” Higashiyama Heiichiro reached out his hand.

He also wanted to secure some side storylines for himself.

"No buts." Xu Feng said firmly, "I need to strengthen Park Chang-ho and Sanada Yoji next, and I don't want to waste time haggling."

"If you want to make a deal with me, then leave me 1,000 reward points, and use the rest of the reward points and side quests to strengthen my cultivation techniques."

For a while.

Everyone in the group focused on Higashiyama Heiichiro, a veteran who wasn't particularly experienced.

Some looked at him with mockery, thinking him incredibly foolish; others were worried, fearing he might do something irrational; still others seemed to be waiting for this veteran to set an example…

Higashiyama Heiichiro kept taking deep breaths.

Seeing this, Renbang hesitated for a moment, then strode over to his side and slapped him hard several times.

"Idiot, do you have any team spirit at all?"

He shouted sternly, "The captain has been taking such good care of us, yet you still dare to make excuses! If you don't want to live, just kill yourself. Someone like you will only bring trouble to us in the cycle of reincarnation!"

"Hypocrisy..." Higashiyama Heiichiro was furious. He covered his face, stiffened his neck, and shouted, "What do you mean entering the reincarnation world will implicate you?! Aren't you just afraid that after I tear off this so-called captain's 'hypocritical mask,' this 'good captain' will simply steal the reward points without any disguise?"

Instantly, the entire main square fell silent.

All that remains is Heiichiro Higashiyama's accusations.

"How much of the reward points this captain gets from us is actually used to craft equipment for us? Is a third of it?!"

"His strength is getting stronger and stronger, but what about us? With each time he drinks blood, the gap between us and his strength is widening. He drinks blood, but he doesn't even leave us with the slightest hope."

"Just because of that insignificant weapon, they're so happy to give him reward points and side quests. In the future..."

"Ridiculous remarks." Xu Feng coldly interrupted Higashiyama Heiichiro: "Just because you didn't win enough, you think a win-win deal is unfair... From the time you entered the Main God Space until now, have I ever forced you to make a deal with me?"

"They want my equipment but expect me to provide it for free? Is there such a thing as a free lunch?"

Xu Feng waved his hand lightly, and in the blink of an eye, Higashiyama Heiichiro's body below the neck turned into dust.

The screw-like life support device was attached to his head on one side and screwed onto the granite ground of the main god on the other.

Higashiyama Heiichiro's two greatsword creations wanted to step forward to protect their master.

But as soon as their hands touched the sword hilts, their bodies were plunged into the solid steel pillar, leaving them completely unable to move.

All members of the Donghai team were within a 100-meter radius of absolute control.

“Renbang is right, you are a complete idiot… You think you can use your words to coerce others and prevent me from treating you maliciously; but it’s normal for people to have different attitudes towards different people and different behaviors. A bad person in one person’s eyes may be the best person in another person’s eyes.”

Xu Feng looked down at the head embedded in the ground: "Alright, now I've removed the mask of the 'hypocritical' East China Sea team captain as you wished. So, do you still want to fight to the end and continue to find out the true face behind the so-called mask?"

Higashiyama Heiichiro's face turned pale.

He looked around for help, but the rest of the Donghai team were all standing out of his sight.

Even the newcomers quietly hid among the other veterans.

Higashiyama Heiichiro suddenly realized something: killing the monkey to scare the chicken... His previous jumping around had made him the 'monkey' that the captain was using to intimidate the newcomers.

He looked at Xu Feng not far away. This reincarnator had already guessed his fate... His remaining brain and consciousness would face round after round of torment until the next reincarnation world began, when he would be unable to enter the pillar of light of the main god and would be obliterated... Handing over reward points and side quests might reduce the torment, but the chances of surviving were slim.

He had no intention of giving in.

It's just a matter of dying... anyway, I'll die sooner or later even if I hand over the reward points.

But when he opened his mouth, what came out was: "Captain, I was wrong! I shouldn't have sown discord; I was an idiot, please give me a chance..."

Higashiyama Heiichiro paused for a moment when he heard the words he had blurted out.

He originally thought that he said those words because he was being forcibly controlled.

He then realized... that this was exactly what he truly felt.

He wasn't as strong as he thought; his heart succumbed when he thought about the torment he would suffer!
Heiichiro Higashiyama... is just a coward in appearance.

"Just acknowledge your mistake."

Xu Feng waved his hand again, creating a mechanical body for Higashiyama Heiichiro.

Then, he said in a calm tone, "In the world of Akame ga Kill!, you obtained two C-rank and two D-rank side quests, as well as 23,600 reward points; to directly exchange the 'Sixteen Contemplations Sutra of Pure Land of Bliss' from the main god, you need an S-rank side quest and 42,000 reward points. Renbang, you need to provide another B-rank and one D-rank side quest, plus an additional 18,400 reward points."

"Then help me strengthen that cultivation technique..."

(End of this chapter)