Taming Beasts and Cultivating Immortality from Two Realms

Chapter 368 The Sores of the Sect
Fifth-order Yuanlu, Escape Heaven Lu!

Even with Chen Bei's unwavering martial arts resolve, hearing of such a precious treasure still stirred a ripple in his heart.

As expected of the dominant sect inherited from the Taiyi Dao Sect, the Jingyue Sect's profound foundation far exceeded his imagination.

Seeing Daozi's expression, Zhu Wuyai showed no surprise.

The fifth-order Yuanlu is a treasure that surpasses the fourth-order Xuanlu, and its power is beyond description, beyond moving mountains and overturning seas.

It is no exaggeration to say that if a Nascent Soul True Monarch were to unleash a fifth-order Yuan Talisman, he could even contend with a Nascent Soul True Venerable, and would not be annihilated by a single thought.

However, the more powerful the talisman, the higher its cost, especially the fifth-order Yuan Talisman, which is far beyond human capability and requires a Nascent Soul True Venerable to gather the right time and place, and expend energy and precious resources to refine it.

The Mirror Moon Sect no longer has a Nascent Soul True Venerable in charge, and the fifth-order Yuan Talismans passed down are becoming increasingly rare, making their value immeasurable.

But external things are ultimately just external things.

Compared to Chen Zi'ang, the Daoist disciple of the sect, who is a peerless genius with the potential to become a True Immortal, a fifth-order Xuan Talisman is really nothing.

However, considering the sect's rules, Zhu Wuyai calmly said, "I'm lending you this talisman, but remember to return it."

Chen Beiwu did not refuse and accepted it with a solemn bow.

Although he possessed numerous means of self-preservation, he could not refuse a life-saving divine object like the Fifth-Order Yuanlu Escape Talisman.

“With the Heavenly Escape Talisman protecting him, Daozi doesn’t need to worry too much about the Eight Desolate Sect. Although Ning Xuanji is a Nascent Soul True Venerable, he wouldn’t dare to make a rash move within the Earth Evolution Realm.”

"As for the five major sects of the Earthly Realm, they appear to be of one mind and follow the Five Sects Alliance, but in reality, they are only fighting to deal with external enemies. The struggle for resources, territory, and lineage has never stopped."

At this point, Zhu Wuyai paused slightly: "After the Battle of Knocking on the Dao, Daoist, you have become the target of everyone's criticism. When you travel outside, be careful of the Burning Flame Sect, the Heavy Gold Sect, the Profound Sword Pavilion, and the Green Wood Sect. These sects are no less ruthless than demonic cultivators when they resort to underhanded tactics."

"The disciple understands."

Chen Beiwu was already aware of his situation, so he naturally wouldn't act recklessly.

"Oh right, I almost forgot something. There is a realm within the territory of the Heavy Gold Sect called the Red River Realm."

Just as Chen Beiwu was about to take his leave, Zhu Wuyai pondered and said, "Recently, three major demonic forces have emerged in the Chichuan Realm. The leaders of these forces are all True Monarch demonic cultivators wanted by the three major demonic sects of the Western Yan Realm. Their strength should not be underestimated. They have been secretly devouring many affiliated families of the Chongjin Sect."

"After the Chongjin Sect reacted, although it suppressed the demonic forces in the Chichuan Realm in time, undercurrents were already surging and a great war could break out at any time. It is best for you to avoid the Chichuan Realm when you travel to avoid getting involved in unnecessary conflicts."

"Ancestor, there is something I don't understand."

Chen Beiwu frowned slightly and asked the question that had been bothering him: "Why don't the five major sects join forces to expel and annihilate the demonic cultivators of the Crimson River Realm?"

In the Southern Wilderness, demonic cultivators and evil cultivators still have room to survive, and some can even dominate a realm, such as the three major demonic sects that rule the Western Evolution Realm.

However, in the Immortal Alliance, demonic cultivators and evil cultivators are undoubtedly insignificant rats crossing the street. Anyone who dares to show their face will be met with heavy blows from the three major institutions of the Immortal Alliance: the Imperial Law Pavilion, the Worldly Affairs Hall, and the Law Enforcement Division, in order to prevent the power of demonic cultivators from growing unchecked.

The five major sects of the Earthly Realm are closely linked and form a strategic alliance. If they sit idly by and watch the demonic cultivators of the Crimson River Realm gain a foothold and gradually devour the Heavy Gold Sect, wouldn't they be destroying their own Great Wall and risking becoming the next Heavy Gold Sect at any time?

"Daozi, you're oversimplifying things," Zhu Wuyai chuckled, thinking Chen Ziang was still too young.

"A pack of stray dogs dared to blatantly roam the Red River Realm. How could they not have a master behind them if they hadn't been completely wiped out by the Heavy Gold Sect?"

"Ancestor, do you mean the problem lies with the Heavy Gold Sect?" Chen Beiwu quickly realized.

Indeed, how could three True Monarch Demon Cultivators, who had been driven into a state of utter despair by the overlord of the Western Evolution Realm, possibly have the strength to divide up the territory of the Heavy Gold Sect?

“That’s right.” Zhu Wuyai revealed a teachable smile: “Those True Monarch demon cultivators who use the banner of the Western Evolution Demon Sect’s wanted list are, to put it bluntly, just dogs kept by the higher-ups of the Heavy Gold Sect.”

Chen Beiwu was slightly taken aback. These days, there really are sects that raise dogs that bite their affiliated forces.

"The Chongjin Sect is not a monolithic entity. In order to gain the upper hand in internal struggles and seize more sect power and resources, some high-ranking members of the sect secretly support demonic cultivators and play the trick of nurturing bandits to enhance their own power."

"But who can be fooled by such tricks? In the eyes of the four major sects, the demonic cultivators of the Crimson River Realm are not an invasion of foreign enemies, but rather the forces under the Heavy Gold Sect fighting each other and wasting their strength in internal strife."

"As long as the fire doesn't affect them personally, everyone would rather stand aside and watch the show. Why would anyone get involved in someone else's dogs fighting?"

At this point, Zhu Wuyai glanced at Chen Beiwu and offered a word of advice: "Many times, when governing a sect, you can't just look at the surface. Some troubles that seem like external threats, upon closer inspection, often turn out to be festering sores of internal strife."

Chen Beiwu nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Internal strife is a sign that a cultivation sect is beginning to decline.

Fortunately, the sect he joined was the Mirror Moon Sect, not the Heavy Gold Sect, which was known for its internal strife.

Otherwise, there's no guarantee that some high-ranking member of a sect might secretly harm him in order to remove obstacles or seize power.

"In addition, I have arranged for a fake infant cultivator to accompany you and protect you."

Seeing that Chen Beiwu was about to speak, Zhu Wuyai raised his hand and waved slightly: "Don't worry, the fake Nascent Soul cultivator sent by the sect will hide in the shadows to protect you and will not interfere with your choice unless you encounter a life-or-death crisis."

The path to enlightenment is arduous, and not all cultivators can achieve success.

Some cultivators who have reached the Golden Core stage fail to achieve true Yin-Yang purity when attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, either due to insufficient foundation, inner demons, or incomplete Golden Core.

Those cultivators who fail to break through to the Nascent Soul True Monarch stage and manage to survive are called Pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivators.

There's a saying in the cultivation world of the Southern Wilderness: "Once you've become a false infant, your path forward is blocked!"

Even if a fake infant cultivator is lucky enough to survive, and their lifespan is extended, and their magical power far surpasses that of a Golden Core cultivator, they are still a failure, and their status is far inferior to that of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

The reason is simple: the nascent souls forged by pseudo-infant cultivators are weak and flawed in essence, and can no longer be nurtured and grown through normal means. Their cultivation path is already fixed, and there is no hope for the future Great Dao.

Even disregarding the future, in terms of combat power alone, a Nascent Soul early-stage True Monarch can easily crush three to four Pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, Nascent Soul True Monarchs, who hold high positions, care about their future path and would not set aside their pride to abandon their precious cultivation time to become protectors of the sect's prodigies. But Pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivators are an exception.

As long as the contribution points provided by the sect are sufficient, in order for their family's descendants to produce a true Nascent Soul True Monarch, the fake Nascent Soul cultivators within the sect are willing to set aside their pride and become protectors of peerless geniuses.

"Forgive my bluntness, but let's forget about the matter of the protectors."

After expressing his gratitude, Chen Beiwu paused and carefully chose his words, saying, "It is not that this disciple is arrogant, but if the Ancestor were to send a fake Nascent Soul cultivator to protect this disciple, it would be uncertain who would protect whom at that time."

"Since you've made up your mind, then so be it."

Sensing the confidence in Daozi's tone, Zhu Wuyai nodded slightly and said no more.

……

Inside a mysterious cave dwelling heavily guarded by restrictions in the Mirror Moon Sea.

The smooth, mirror-like water wall slowly reflected the figure of a monk.

If there were any disciples of the Mirror Moon Sect present at this moment, they would recognize this person as Lin Ziming, the Vice Sect Master of the Mirror Moon Sect and the True Monarch of the Mist Sea.

"How is it?" asked True Monarch of the Mist Sea indifferently.

"Sect Master, Daozi has refused to protect the Dao, so I cannot accompany him."

Before the water wall, a middle-aged cultivator with a sallow complexion, cloudy eyes, and an extremely ordinary appearance bowed respectfully.

"Useless! You can't even handle this small matter properly!" True Lord Wuhai frowned slightly, his tone impatient: "He travels alone, and his whereabouts are hard to find. Without your eyes watching him, how can I keep track of his movements and arrange the perfect accident at the most opportune moment?"

As a fake Nascent Soul cultivator of the Mirror Moon Sect, Xiang Yuanbai held a prestigious position, far above that of a Golden Core True Person. However, in the face of a true Nascent Soul True Monarch, a so-called fake Nascent Soul cultivator was not as worthy of fear as a mere Golden Core prodigy.

Xiang Yuanbai was well aware of this.

It's better to deceive an old man than a young man. His path of cultivation has ended, while even if the Golden Core prodigies in the sect have a low probability of breaking through, they still have a chance or two of advancing to the Nascent Soul True Monarch realm, and their future achievements are unpredictable.

"It is due to my incompetence," Xiang Yuanbai readily admitted.

In order to seize the future, it is not shameful for him to bow his head before a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

"Very well, activate the backup tracking device. Although it's not as precise as your close-range tracking, it can still pinpoint his approximate location," said True Monarch of the Mist Sea in a deep voice.

"Yes, I will do it immediately," Xiang Yuanbai replied hastily.

"Remember, if anything goes wrong, you know the consequences."

As soon as the True Lord of the Mist Sea finished speaking, the figure on the water wall slowly disappeared, and the cave returned to silence.

"Sigh." Xiang Yuanbai sighed, his eyes filled with worry.

The faction determines one's fate, and even if the matter is too thorny, he has no choice but to risk his life to do it.

Fortunately, risks and opportunities are equal.

If this matter succeeds, he will also be able to ascend from the dragon to the heavens, seize that sliver of opportunity to defy fate and resume his path.

Meanwhile, at the Taiyi Palace.

A figure appeared silently, hidden in the shadows, and bowed respectfully.

Zhu Wuyai didn't raise his eyes, his tone indifferent: "Xin Yu, have things been behaving well over there lately?"

"Reporting to the Ancestor, Vice Sect Master Lin has been staying at home recently, handling sect affairs in the main hall and has not gone out."

Zhu Wuyai chuckled lightly: "That kid Lin Ziming always does things so meticulously, leaving no trace."

The words were ambiguous, neither praising nor criticizing, and Xin Yu lowered her head even further, not daring to speak.

"Such caution, such thoroughness—if I didn't know his character so well, I'm afraid I would have been fooled by his 'single-minded devotion to the sect' appearance." Zhu Wuyai raised his eyes, his gaze fixed on the direction of the sect's main hall.

"Unfortunately, he used his temperament and patience in the wrong place."

At this point, Zhu Wuyai lowered his eyes and looked at Xin Yu: "If we use Lin Ziming as a whetstone, do you think Daozi can get past Lin Ziming?"

Xin Yu pursed her lips and carefully chose her words, saying, "Vice Sect Master Lin's plans are flawless, but Daozi may be in mortal danger."

"You always say only half of what you mean and keep it to yourself; you can always change your mind."

Zhu Wuyai smiled and said, "So you think Lin Ziming will win?"

Xin Yu fell silent.

Without the intervention of the patriarch, the probability of Vice Sect Master Lin failing to scheme against a Golden Core cultivator would be extremely low.

Unfortunately, the patriarch has already sensed something, and Vice Sect Master Lin's final fate is probably not optimistic.

Seeing that Xin Yu did not answer, Zhu Wuyai muttered to himself, "The hardest thing for a person is to be content."

"If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. I actually quite agree with what that kid Lin Ziming said. Prodigies should be treated like prodigies."

Even if that brat has embezzled spirit stones, misappropriated resources, and engaged in some shady transactions over the years, I can turn a blind eye.

"After all, there will always be people who do things outside the rules, and you can't stop them. It's just that Lin Zimo's reach is too far, so far that he can't distinguish between what is the sect's interest."

"In the face of the sect's interests, a Nascent Soul True Monarch is important, but not something that cannot be given up."

Upon hearing this, Xin Yu's heart skipped a beat, and she dared not reply.

The ancestor could decide the life or death of a Nascent Soul True Monarch with a single word. How could she dare to interrupt such a topic? Did she have a death wish?

"Step back. If Lin Ziming dares to make a move, you should know what to do."

"My subordinates know."

Xin Yu bowed respectfully and then disappeared into the main hall.

Zhu Wuyai slowly closed his eyes, and five elements of spiritual mist swirled around him, concealing his figure.

……

On the other side, there is the Beast Taming lineage, the Valley of Ten Thousand Beasts.

The Beast Taming Hall.

On the rosewood desk, jade slips were piled up like a mountain.

Shu You sat in the main seat handling official business, her brows less aloof and more serious and dignified.

"Reporting to the sect leader, the deputy hall master of the Xuanji Hall, Elder Yun Cang, a Golden Core cultivator, requests an audience." The disciple on duty outside the hall bowed and announced the request, his tone obsequious.

Upon hearing this, Shu Youdai frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes.

She knew perfectly well that these were words of flattery from her subordinates, an attempt to build rapport.

But Shu You found it very jarring. There was only one lineage leader in the Beast Taming lineage, and that was Lord Chen Zi'ang.

"Remember your identity, and remember mine. In the Beast Taming lineage, only the Dao Child can be called the lineage master. You should call me the deputy lineage master, understand?"

A moment of silence fell outside the hall, followed by the sound of disciples on duty kneeling.

"Yes, disciple understands."

Shu You didn't even raise her head: "Please invite Master Yun into the hall."

A quarter of an hour later, watching Master Yuncang's departing figure, Shu You felt a sense of déjà vu, as if she had been transported to another world.

Things are unpredictable!

If it weren't for the Lord's strong opposition and appointment of her back then, she might still be serving as the Moon Selection Envoy.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with recruiting geniuses for the sect, but taking charge of the affairs and secrets of the Beast Taming lineage is much more liberating for her. Even Golden Core cultivators, whom she used to look up to, can now be treated as equals and chat with ease.

With this thought in mind, Shu You took a deep breath, suppressed her emotions, and her eyes became firm again.

She was determined to cherish this opportunity and live up to her lord's expectations.

Just then, the voice of the disciple on duty rang out again outside the hall.

"Disciple greets the Sect Master!"

Upon hearing this, Shu Youdai frowned, feeling that this disciple was stubborn and dared to overstep his bounds again and again in order to flatter her.

But when she activated her divine sense, she found that outside the palace gate, the disciple on duty was bowing to a tall and upright figure.

Upon seeing this, Shu You's anger turned to joy. She quickly walked to the palace gate, bowed deeply to Chen Beiwu, and revealed a glimpse of her snow-white, full breasts.

"Shuyou was unaware of your arrival, my lord, and failed to greet you from afar. Please forgive me!"

(End of this chapter)