Immortality starts from the liver proficiency

Chapter 528 Inside the Peak
"What's the situation on the summit?"

Xu Yunfan spoke, his voice flat and emotionless.

With a thought, he naturally learned the details of True Martial Peak. However, sometimes asking the disciples within the peak could also help him gauge their mindset.

Within the Yuanshi Sect, the practices of the demonic sects are prevalent, and the number of disciples appears to be somewhat sparse nowadays.

They've defected?

Wu Yan immediately replied, "Reporting to the Peak Master, everything within the peak remains the same. The disciples continue their diligent training, and the prestige of Zhenwu Peak has not declined. However..."

He hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice, "Since the peak master lost contact, the resources allocated to the peak have been decreasing month by month, and the amount of pills and spirit stones is less than 70% of what it used to be."

The disciples were all filled with worry, and some... even left the peak.

Xu Yunfan raised an eyebrow slightly and said calmly, "Did those disciples who left complete the retirement procedures?"

Wu Yan felt a chill in his heart and replied, "Peak Master, there is no such thing."

"That means he defected."

Xu Yufeng murmured something.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yan immediately replied, "I will obey the Peak Master's order. I will immediately send my disciples to capture and kill him, skin him alive, and torture him to extract his soul. I will show no mercy!"

Xu Yunfan listened to Wu Yan and Chen Tiezhu's reports with a calm expression, but he already understood the current predicament of Zhenwu Peak.

The very book that once held the key to his establishment of the sect and his firm foothold in the Yuanshi Sect, the True Martial Subduing Demon Scripture, now resembles a heavy shackle, binding the future of all the disciples on the peak.

After all, it has been forcibly occupied by the Pure Land of Bodhi and Chan. If one does not cultivate it to a high level, one might be told by a bald monk that one has a karmic connection with the Buddha.

If they don't comply, they might fight all the way to the end, and even that shameless Daoist master might end up enlightening a monk to fry fish.

Switching to a different cultivation method is the best option.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Xu Yunfan's voice was calm and steady, carrying a reassuring quality.

"Diligent practice is fundamental, and the disciples on the peak have not slacked off, which is excellent. As for the road ahead..."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the three men with their varying expressions. "I am aware of the hidden dangers of the True Martial Subduing Demon Scripture. This is not your fault, nor is it due to any deficiency in the scripture itself. It is the result of the power struggle between the Pure Land of Bodhi and the sects, and we have simply been caught in the crossfire."

Whether Yuanshi Sect suffered a loss or not in this matter, it certainly disgusted Puchan Pure Land, since the root of the True Martial Subduing Demon Scripture was in the Divine Martial Realm, which was firmly held in the hands of Yuanshi Sect.

Therefore, the Pure Land school of Bodhicitta sought a less desirable alternative, leading the four disciples of the Tripitaka Master to practice the rituals of the King Buddha.

He did not elaborate on the schemes involving the True Lord and Bodhisattvas, as these were too distant and of no benefit to his disciples.

"Pass the order."

Xu Yunfan instructed, "Bi Yuan will temporarily oversee all affairs on the peak. Resources and expenses will be allocated as long as you contribute enough points, and will be more than before."

He told the disciples to remain calm, as the peak master had made arrangements. "Wu Yan and Tie Zhu, you two go and handle the affairs within the peak."

Just kidding. Everything in the Yuanshi Sect is based on contribution points. I also give them some spirit stones every month for their expenses. In other peaks, you need money for everything, including food, clothing, and shelter.

If we don't thoroughly exploit them, we'll be doing a disservice to the Yuanmo Sect's reputation.

Master Xu, I have a kind heart.

Compared to the other Foundation Establishment True Persons of the Primordial Sect, he was as pure and kind as a white lotus flower.

"Yes, Peak Master!"

Wu Yan and Chen Tiezhu were invigorated. The return of the peak master brought them a pillar of support and guaranteed resources, relieving half of their worries. They accepted the order and respectfully withdrew. The tall, thin cultivator with a yin aura also wanted to leave, but Xu Yunfan said calmly, "Yang Ying, stay."

The cultivator named Yang Ying paused slightly, a barely perceptible hint of tension flashing in the depths of his lowered eyes, before he stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.

"The disciple is here."

Xu Yunfan did not speak immediately. The cave was silent except for the tapping sound of his fingertips lightly tapping the back of the chair.

The invisible pressure caused Yang Ying's forehead to bead with cold sweat.

After a moment, Xu Yunfan, having done his homework, figured it was about time and slowly said, "You are skilled in stealth and tracking, and you are very perceptive. You should know better than anyone the thoughts and feelings of the disciples on the peak these days."

Tell me, what are you all thinking? Is anyone... yearning for something else?

Yang Ying felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the peak master was testing his abilities and giving him a warning.

He dared not be negligent and forced himself to remain calm, saying, "Reporting to the Peak Master, this disciple has indeed noticed something. Most of the disciples on the peak are fearful and confused because the true scriptures have been cut off. Those who, like Senior Brother Wu and Junior Brother Chen, diligently cultivate without ceasing and are loyal to the Peak Master make up the majority."

However, some disciples, especially those who joined later and whose minds were not yet settled, had many complaints in private, and some even considered changing their allegiance to a better sect.

However, with Ancestor Bi in charge and the Peak Master's prestige still intact, most people didn't dare. As for the other peaks…

His voice was even lower, tinged with certainty.
"Recently, Baiyu Peak has indeed sent some disciples to loiter around the perimeter of Zhenwu Peak, attempting to lure those disciples whose Dao hearts are unstable, saying that they can go to Baiyu Peak to enjoy the ultimate pleasures of men and women, cultivate the supreme Yin-Yang righteous method, and break free from the shackles of this scripture..."

There have been some private contacts. However, this disciple has been keeping a close watch, and so far, no trouble has arisen.

A cold glint flashed in Xu Yunfan's eyes.

You despicable woman from Baiyu Peak!

This method is indeed fast and dirty. The True Martial Subduing Demons Scripture has made him full of yang energy, so he is naturally a good cauldron. He actually went straight to the entrance of his peak to poach his people.

In this world, from Daoist masters and Bodhisattvas to those who have achieved the Golden Core stage, there is truly not a single one who is trustworthy or virtuous.

They resorted to such despicable tactics while I was away.

"Well done. Keep an eye on them. If there are any more similar temptations, inform Bi Yuan immediately and find a way to take them down. As for those disciples whose minds are wavering..."

Xu Yunfan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Let's do it first and then talk about it."

"Disciple obey!"

Yang Ying felt relieved, knowing that she had passed this test and might even gain more favor from the peak master because of it.

He knew all too well that the seemingly young peak master before him was far more ruthless and meticulous than any ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Go."

Xu Yunfan waved his hand, and Yang Ying, as if granted a pardon, silently blended into the shadows of the corner of the cave, as if she had never been there.

The cave returned to silence.

Xu Yunfan closed his eyes and focused his consciousness into the storage bracelet given to him by Chu Chengnan.

Within the vast space, mountains of spirit stones shimmered with various colors of light, the fragrance of precious medicines mingled and intertwined, rare minerals and jade materials radiated precious light, and there were also many ancient artifacts with unknown functions but powerful and obscure auras...

A cursory glance was enough to tell me that its value was sufficient to support my expenses for the next few hundred years, and even more.

A moment later, the cave's restrictions were triggered again, and several figures filed in.

The leader was Bi Yuan, dressed in a simple Taoist robe. His aura was harmonious and refined, and his cultivation level had obviously improved a lot compared to when he was in the Divine Martial Realm. Although he was still stuck at the peak of Qi Refining due to the limitations of his foundation, his calm and experienced demeanor was even better than before.

(End of this chapter)