The Demon-Slaying Grandmaster

Chapter 546: Flame Flag Lifting from the Ground

Despite being the senior disciple of the Human Sect, Grand Master Xuandu doesn't really like dealing with the trivial matters within the sect.

Since Li Jingxiao, his junior brother, is so talented and his cultivation is even better than his own, he thought to himself, "I'm so glad to have him."

They probably wouldn't mind wasting some time managing and disciplining the human race and the Human Cult.

Thinking about how he would be carefree and relaxed in the future, spending his days either cultivating or living a carefree life, Xuan Du's smile brightened considerably.

He became increasingly satisfied and fond of Li Jingxiao.

And thinking about how busy and exhausted Li Jingxiao would be in the future, Xuan Du's smile became even brighter.

However, Grand Master Xuandu ultimately oversimplified things.

Li Jingxiao once held great power over all affairs in the Tushita Palace, yet he also ignored Laozi's words.

They completely ignored what happened in the Tushita Palace.

Instead of wasting time, it would be better to spend more time playing with the wives or gaining more experience.

With the arrival of Li Jingxiao as his junior brother, Xuandu, as the senior brother, will likely be even busier in the future.

After all, it's not so easy to take advantage of Li Jingxiao.

Lao Jun confirmed that Li Jingxiao had indeed cultivated the Dao of Taiqing to such a level in just thirty years, and couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

But after reflecting on it, he couldn't help but value Li Jingxiao even more.

After a moment's thought, Laozi waved his hand, and a flag radiating divine light appeared.

Upon seeing it, Li Jingxiao immediately guessed that this magic weapon was definitely the Lidi Flame Banner, one of the Five Primordial Banners.

My heart couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

Each of the Five Primordial Banners is a top-grade primordial spiritual treasure.

Although it cannot compare to a supreme innate treasure, as long as Jiang Ziya is wrapped in the 'Central Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner,' he will be protected by ten thousand golden lotuses, making him immune to any attack.

Even the extremely insidious and ruthless spell, the 'Seven Arrows of Nailhead,' which can ignore physical defenses, is ineffective against the Five Banners.

It can be said that the Five Banners are the ultimate defensive treasures in the world of Investiture of the Gods.

With the four precious flags gathered together, they can withstand the four swords of Zhuxian and the sword formation.

Unfortunately, no one knows where the Northern Black-Edged Banner is or who has it.

If we can collect all five treasure flags, it might truly be something comparable to a supreme innate treasure.

But Li Jingxiao knew that the time for the Northern Black-Edged Banner to be born had not yet come.

This precious flag will only appear when the True Martial Emperor descends to earth, and it will be in the True Martial Emperor's hands as soon as it appears.

The Northern Soap Carving Banner is also known as the Northern Zhenwu Soap Carving Banner.

Li Jingxiao didn't care at all about the Southern Flame Banner's defensive nature and lack of offensive capabilities.

Of course, the more life-saving treasures you have, the better.

The Four Swords of Zhuxian, combined with the sword formation, were powerful, but the Tongtian Sect Leader and his tens of thousands of disciples still lost.

And it was a complete and utter defeat.

To put it bluntly, being too sharp and assertive can easily arouse jealousy, which is naturally not a good thing.

If the Tongtian Sect Leader possessed a Primordial Five Directions Flag, or a defensive magic treasure of the same level.

Only then can one truly be invincible.

Therefore, it would be truly foolish for Li Jingxiao to refuse the Five Banners of the Primordial Heaven.

Moreover, it can be considered a gift from Laozi to formally accept a disciple; refusing it would be a slap in Laozi's face.

Grand Master Xuandu, standing to the side, opened his mouth. He naturally recognized this treasure and knew the power of the Five Innate Banners.

But the words stuck in his throat.

What your master gives you is truly yours.

If your master doesn't give it to you, you can't complain, and you certainly can't take it.

Otherwise, you'll be the one who suffers in the end; even a genius like me understands that perfectly.

After all, his master was a sage, and the scenario of stabbing Laozi in the back was simply impossible.

Besides, if we really compare the magic weapons in Laozi's hands, the Flame Light Banner of Lidi wouldn't even rank in the top three.

It might not even be in the top five.

The first is naturally the Tai Chi diagram, and the second is the Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda.

The third is the walking stick that Laozi used when he became a saint.

The fourth and fifth items are the Qiankun Diagram and the Wind and Fire Futon.

Of course, Xuandu has such a ranking because Laozi has no shortage of defensive magic treasures.

If the Flaming Banner of the Earth were to appear in the hands of the Tongtian Sect Master, then the Five Banners would undoubtedly be a treasure second only to the Four Swords of Zhuxian and the Qingping Sword.

The Master of Heaven certainly possessed many offensive magical artifacts.

Fishing Drum, Purple Lightning Hammer, Heart-Piercing Lock, Six Soul Banner, etc., are all extremely powerful offensive magic weapons.

However, there wasn't a single defensive magic weapon that could be considered top-tier.

The saying "too much steel is easy to break" actually foreshadowed the fate of the Jie Sect and the Tongtian Sect Leader long ago.
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After Li Jingxiao recognized the Flaming Banner, his gaze toward Laozi became increasingly fervent.

Lao Jun suddenly had a bad feeling. If he hadn't thought about it carefully, he would have realized that Li Jingxiao's eager gaze was simply because he was blinded by the Flame Banner.

Having desires and greed in one's heart is not a bad thing in Laozi's view.

Cultivating immortality is greed; striving to cultivate and be proactive is also greed.

To become a saint is to claim credit for the work of Heaven.

Ultimately, the establishment of a religion and the teaching of sentient beings cannot escape the word "greed."

If Li Jingxiao had no desires at all, Laozi would not have dared to accept him as a disciple.

The purpose of taking on apprentices is naturally to pass on knowledge and skills, ensuring that what one has learned is passed down through generations.

It would be even better if the apprentice could solve some problems for him or bring him honor.

Therefore, when choosing apprentices, while character is important, talent and ambition are equally important.

Moreover, upon noticing Li Jingxiao's preference for defensive magical artifacts, Laozi immediately understood that this young man's greatest aspiration was to live better and longer.

He thought to himself that this kid's personality was quite similar to his own before he became a saint.

The two most powerful magical treasures in Laozi's possession are both defensive treasures.

As a result, Laozi's personality tended to be conservative.

Moreover, judging from his appearance, he is an old man, while Yuanshi Tianzun is a middle-aged man, and Tongtian Jiaozhu is a young man.

You can basically guess the personalities of the three Qing and their attitudes towards life.

In Laozi's view, one should first consider how to secure an invincible position before considering other matters.

Although he may be a bit sneaky, he might not necessarily win a fight.

However, with the Taiji Diagram and the Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda in hand, maintaining an undefeated record is not difficult.

Even if you suffer a temporary setback, you may have to temporarily avoid the opponent's sharp edge.

They won't be completely defeated, with no chance of making a comeback.

While the Tongtian Sect Leader values ​​loyalty and commitment highly, he is also prone to extremes.

If the Four Saints had conceded defeat immediately after breaking the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation.

Although the Jie Sect lost, it was not yet severely damaged.

But how could the venerable Tongtian Sect Leader, a saint, swallow this insult?
But similarly, he was a saint, yet he acted like a rogue, refusing to admit defeat.

That's how the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation came about, which dragged all the disciples and followers down with them until they were completely ruined.

Finally, he even wanted to break the world of Investiture of the Gods. Such a foolish and brainless thing actually happened to a saint.

Li Jingxiao couldn't understand it, and in the end he could only explain it by saying, "Even saints cannot escape a great calamity."

With a wave of his hand, Lao Jun sent the Flaming Banner flying to Li Jingxiao's front.

He said in a kind tone, "I have been busy refining pills in recent years and have neglected you. From now on, you will be like your senior brother Xuandu, learning and listening to my teachings."

After saying that, he glanced at the Flame Banner that was off the ground, and then nodded to Li Jingxiao.

He was being shown that he could put the treasure away.

Li Jingxiao naturally wouldn't stand on ceremony, and waited until he put the Flame Banner off the ground into his inventory.

Laozi then continued, "Today I bestow upon you the Flaming Light Banner to protect you, so that you will not be bullied in the future."

After saying that, he sternly warned Li Jingxiao not to bully others because of his status and magic weapon.

They also specifically mentioned a number of rules to prevent Li Jingxiao from making mistakes in the future, or even doing things that violate the sect's rules and morals.

Li Jingxiao rolled his eyes after hearing this.

Not only did he immediately understand the implication of Laozi's words, but the Grand Master Xuandu beside him also understood their meaning.

Firstly, it was a warning to Li Jingxiao not to cause trouble.

Secondly, it implies that in the future, the Humanist Sect will either subdue demons and monsters or punish disciples who have made mistakes.

Li Jingxiao handled everything.

Winning would be the best outcome.

Even if they didn't win, the Flame Banner off the ground could at least protect them.

As long as you're not captured, if you're thick-skinned enough, you can say that your opponent didn't win, which means you didn't lose.

If you're thin-skinned, you can escape unscathed.

But for Li Jingxiao, fighting is something he not only wouldn't refuse, but he'd love for more people to come and act as punching bags for him to gain experience.

Moreover, considering that Laozi presented Laozi with a magical treasure of the caliber of the Five Primordial Banners as a gift upon their first meeting, Laozi was willing to accept him as a disciple.

If you're going to be a thug, then be a thug. Others might be willing, but I don't have the qualifications or the ability.

Of course, to put it nicely, that's called protecting the Dharma.

Or they could be called the Dharma Protectors of the Xuanmen (Taoist School) or the Dharma Protectors of the Renjiao (Human

The phrase "upholding justice in the world and upholding the orthodox traditions of Taoism" suddenly sounds lofty and prestigious.

If we ever get into huge trouble in the future, we can borrow the Taiji diagram from Laozi.

Incidentally, once I get my hands on it, I can analyze it in the game's weapon-refining workshop; I might reap great benefits from it.

Even if we cannot analyze the origin of the Tai Chi diagram, this innate treasure.

Even if it's just a replica with 70% or even only 50% of the power, it's still a huge profit.

After Li Jingxiao nodded, Laozi indeed showed a kind smile.

Then I asked him if he was willing to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the Xuanmen and humanity.

Li Jingxiao didn't waste any time and directly agreed with a cupped hand.

With this title, it doesn't matter whether he is a demon or a monster, or a god, a wandering immortal, an earth immortal, or a celestial immortal.

Li Jingxiao has the right to intervene in anything that hinders the transmission of humanity or disrupts worldly laws and established rules.

Moreover, there are already clear regulations on how to punish such behavior; you can ask Xuandu for details.

If those punished by Li Jingxiao are dissatisfied, they can go to Laozi to seek justice and reason with him.

Even if Li Jingxiao really made a mistake, Lao Jun would most likely just call him over and scold him.

Or perhaps, at most, he'll be locked up in solitary confinement for a few years, and that's it.

The saying "the prince is subject to the same law as the commoner" is indeed reasonable and necessary.

But in practice, it's a completely different story.

There is not only too much room for maneuver, but also too many ways to evade punishment.

In fact, there is no such saying as "princes are subject to the same laws as commoners" in the world of immortals and gods.

They live in a true monarchical and theocratic society.

Whether or not to punish, and how to punish, is entirely up to those in power.

Perhaps it will just be a matter of confinement, a fine, or a demotion in rank or title.

That's already a remarkable punishment.

If Li Jingxiao only kills demons, then it doesn't matter how many he kills.

As for why he was killed, whether too many people were killed, and whether the methods used were too cruel, Laozi would never truly punish him.

Not to mention being expelled from the sect.

After the master and apprentice established their master-apprentice relationship and clarified Li Jingxiao's future obligations and rights, they decided to remain as master and apprentice.

Laozi didn't waste any time and began to preach to him.

That's when the old man explained it very comprehensively, even starting from how mortals cultivate immortality.

The journey will lead to how to become a Great Luo Golden Immortal, then to severing the Three Corpses, and finally to the Path of the Primordial Great Luo Golden Immortal.

In Journey to the West, Li Jingxiao heard Yuanshi Tianzun explain the Hunyuan Dao more than once.

Once you understand the profound truths of this level, you can't simply listen to them and comprehend them at will.

It basically all depends on your own understanding.

Only when you understand and comprehend it will you be able to understand it when you listen to it again.

Otherwise, how could there be a distinction between high and low among the disciples of a sage?
No matter how clearly, in detail, or simply as the Primordial Heavenly Lord in Journey to the West or Laozi in front of Li Jingxiao explain things, in the end, you still can't understand them.

Even your mind might become confused, as if a shackle or barrier is preventing you from understanding.

However, Li Jingxiao did indeed listen to more than Grand Master Xuandu.

While Li Jingxiao was still frowning and listening, Xuandu had already woken up from his meditation, his mind still foggy.

At this point, one can immediately discern the depth of someone's cultivation level.

Even the difference in talent is clearly revealed at this moment, and there is no way to fake it.

Xuandu shook his head helplessly and simply stopped listening to Laozi's sermon.

Seal off your consciousness and quietly experience what you have learned and thought about from this sermon.

Meanwhile, in Li Jingxiao's game skill bar, the proficiency level of the seventh level of "Taiqing Daodao Zhenjing" was rising rapidly.

Moreover, Li Jingxiao has an extremely useful cheat code: he can command his game character to record the Taoist teachings and supernatural powers he hears in the game's scripture pavilion.

He can write down everything he can understand.

Even if you don't understand it, you can still force yourself to memorize a part of it.

But simply recording the part you understand means you can take it out anytime, anywhere to slowly savor and study it.

There will always be new insights and experiences.

The part that was forcibly memorized was also extremely useful.

Therefore, Li Jingxiao's progress was naturally much faster than that of others or his fellow disciples.

In just ten days, his proficiency with the "Taiqing Daodao Zhenjing" reached the seventh level (83/1000).
It rose by a full 66 points; if there were an opportunity and a surge like this every year, that would be amazing.

Li Jingxiao was confident that the "Taiqing Daodao Zhenjing" could be upgraded to the eighth level within ten years.

If this were to come to the attention of Grand Master Xuandu, or his fellow disciples from the Chan and Jie sects...

It would absolutely make people so envious that their Dao hearts would become unstable.

After Li Jingxiao was overjoyed, he naturally remembered his purpose in coming to Shouyang Mountain: to find out how to kill the real Three Corpses.

That is, 'good, evil, and self', which leads to the attainment of quasi-sainthood in the primordial world.

Using the ancient setting, one only needs to slay any one of the 'good and evil selves' to become a saint.

Slaying the three corpses is the foundation for becoming a saint, and also the most powerful among quasi-saints.

Of course, no matter how high one's cultivation level is, it is no match for a powerful magic weapon.

In this respect, whether it's Investiture of the Gods, Journey to the West, or the Primordial Era, they are all the same.

(End of this chapter)