The Holy Path of the Primordial World Shines Brightly

Chapter 121 A Perfect Match: The Wind Marquis's Propaganda Success

Feng Xi alone is already very dangerous.

Add Hou Gang to the mix, and it'll be big news!

The two worked together seamlessly and were of one mind. In an instant, they devised a plan to help Yu Chen become famous, to help him "establish his own school" and represent the academic elite image of the Moral Celestial Venerable's school. This led countless beings to jump into the same pit one after another, only to be repeatedly harvested and fleeced by a bunch of wicked guys from the Witch Clan.

The only witness here, the illustrator in charge of the design, readily complied, arranging the cover and designing the inner page illustrations, trying to make the hole bigger.

Three heartless bastards.

In the shortest possible time, the book "Complete Interpretation of the Teachings of the Celestial Venerable of Morality - Five Years of Cultivation to Become an Immortal in Three Years - A Special Publication of the Witch Clan" was already roughly completed.

Among them, Feng Xi made the greatest contribution, speaking fluently and eloquently, with subtle hints and implications hidden within his words.

"Before the Supreme Purple Cloud Emperor, the Jade Emperor of the Great Dao. In his leisure, he composed seven-character verses from the Jade Pearl, which then scatter and transform into the Five Forms and myriad spirits..."

Throughout the entire process, Hou Gang and the artist kept watching with a very strange look in their eyes.

Feng Xi completely ignored it.

Finally, he gave earnest instructions: "Our actions must be swift and widespread. We must make full use of the local human resources, leveraging the exponential effect of one person leading two, and two leading four, to spread our message throughout the Kunlun Mountains in the shortest possible time, creating a favorable platform for the upcoming Metropolitan Games!"

"Once it's done, I will represent everyone to claim credit with Lady Houtu... Believe me, Lady Houtu's generosity will far exceed your expectations!"

"So, whether we live a life of luxury or just plain porridge depends on this!"

"Understood!" Hou Gang nodded repeatedly.

The artist was still somewhat puzzled, muttering to himself, "Tsk... I remember that at the beginning, wasn't our main source of income for these diplomatic teams through trade and resource wholesale?"

"Why has the art style suddenly changed so much...?"

"Ha!" Feng Xi scoffed, raising her head arrogantly. "How much money can you make through that kind of trade?"

"Resource costs, labor costs... we can't just spend the money we earn on ourselves; the vast majority has to be handed over to the clan!"

Even if there is some profit, in the end it's just hard-earned money.

"Nothing compares to this kind of money-grabbing scam... Pshaw, this hobby of teaching spiritual practices?"

"In terms of cost, we won't even use jade slips that can imprint divine thoughts; we'll just use the cheapest paper. And once you've made the template, mass-produced copies will be easy, quick, and effortless!"

"Then, under the guise of 'knowledge is priceless,' set a high price... As long as the subsequent promotion is effective, making millions from a single book is not a problem!"

"The most important thing is, all the money we earn this way is ours!"

Third-rate businessmen sell products; second-rate businessmen sell technology; first-rate businessmen sell brands; and the top-tier businessmen simply impersonate a nation, rule the world, and set the rules of the market…

"We may not be the absolute best, but we're certainly capable of reaching a high level of excellence!"

……

Feng Xi's orders were executed and implemented in the shortest possible time.

In this regard, we must commend Hou Gang.

He lived up to the high-ranking members of the Witch Clan's assessment of him; he was a truly capable and ruthless character!

Using the year that the Celestial Venerable Morality spent preaching, he single-handedly built a platform from scratch.

On one hand, money paves the way, bribes—no, sponsorships—to get some mid-level managers in the Taoist sect to turn a blind eye, or even secretly cooperate.

On the other hand, they also spared no effort in using language to brainwash and bewitch some beings who were gathered outside the Taoist temple of the Moral Celestial Venerable, envious of others watching others take classes, and directly turned them into their lackeys on the spot.

Hou Gang promised these lackeys benefits and looked to the future, keeping them firmly in control. He was just waiting for the right moment to unleash his terrifying power!

Taking proactive action, waving the book "Complete Interpretation of the Tao Te Ching," they quickly converted the surrounding population into customers and new sources of infection!

Yes, the source of infection.

And she was incredibly proactive.

Logically speaking, in a world like the Primordial World where power equals everything, a large portion of the beings who have already obtained the "Complete Interpretation of the Tao Te Ching" would secretly inhibit the further dissemination of this seemingly high-level cultivation manual.

They wouldn't want others to get it either, after all, they would want—

The guy next door who has a grudge against me got his hands on this classic book. If he's even more talented than me, wouldn't that be a huge problem?

No!

Absolutely not!

Upon closer examination, this makes a lot of sense.

After all, even learning that is simply about rankings and honors can produce a lot of people like "study-biters" due to vanity, which makes people grit their teeth.

We agreed to all work together to fail miserably, but you quietly made it to the top?

It's one thing to finally make it through the exam, but after the exam you pretend to have failed... How infuriating!

When asked about better study methods, they pretended not to have any, but secretly took extra lessons behind the scenes.

Selfishness, vanity... all sorts of human nature and desires. Good things must be guarded strictly and never leaked out in the slightest.

This applies to relationships between people, between nations, and between races.

Knowledge blockade, technology embargo... there are too many to count.

It's hard to say whether this is good or bad, since there's no strict reason to demand that others be selfless.

No one has the right to criticize or condemn as long as it does not endanger the personal safety of others.

You can guide, but you can't force.

Hou Gang's greatest strength lies in his methods of guidance, which allow all beings to dance in his palm, unable to break free, leaving Feng Xi in awe.

"How did you manage to reverse that trend of thought?" Feng Xi asked curiously, looking at the booming financial statements in his hand and marveling at how profitable this industry really was.

"It's very simple." Before Hou Gang could speak, the painter beside him chuckled, "I can explain it all clearly."

"Just add a little something extra, sprinkle some bait, and trigger the desire for profit, and these creatures will naturally fall into a prisoner's dilemma in a non-zero-sum game."

"In theory, everyone knows that if they don't cooperate with us in spreading and promoting this book, or even secretly suppress it, they can buy themselves time to accumulate experience and gain an advantage over those who come later," the illustrator said quietly. "For those who already have vested interests, this is the way that best serves their interests."

"And this is reflected in reality in many major lineages... If you observe carefully, you will find that the students in many lineages are no lower than those from the middle class."

"Even the Taoist sects today are the same."

"Even a great master like Lingbao Tianzun, who taught without discrimination, is like this... Why?"

"It's because we've created obstacles due to the latent thoughts of many living beings!"

The artist seemed to be deeply moved.

"Some people, living in darkness, know where the light is but cannot go there, so they remain silent and do not tell their hopes to those who have the opportunity but are also in darkness."

"Some people, having escaped the mire of darkness, quietly trample on those who also yearn to climb out—without darkness, how can the sublimity of light and one's own dignity be apparent?"

"Therefore, even though Lingbao Tianzun is very dedicated and hardworking, with disciples and followers all over the world, to truly enlighten the world... hey, that actually involves challenging the dark side of many people's hearts!"

"We're different," Hou Gang interjected. "We're using one evil to defeat another, using evil to overcome evil, using darkness to crush darkness!"

"The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is bustling, all for gain." He said, his face gradually becoming animated. "I've made some small arrangements and prepared some bait for profit."

"Numerous facts prove that if the profit is big enough, people are willing to sell even the noose around their own necks!"

"Therefore, in addition to selling materials from books, I established another channel for giving back... and promoted the theory of spiritual resources!"

"The focus will shift from whether or not cultivation is restricted to a competition for cultivation resources!"

"My plan is that anyone who brings in new customers and helps us sell books will receive a commission!"

"The more new people you introduce, the more resources you can get!"

Hou Gang smiled broadly, "Actually, most people's comprehension isn't that different in ability."

"In this world, there are very few true geniuses and very few true idiots; most people are neither one nor the other."

"Ordinary is the mainstream."

"And within this ordinariness, the main factor that can differentiate us is the investment of resources."

"The more you invest, the stronger you become... Compared to geniuses who have cheat codes, this is the power of those who spend money!"

"I've set up a reward system and provided a channel for acquiring resources, that's enough," Hou Gang said with a smile, which gradually turned into a sneer. "Although many people who have obtained the books know that the best approach is to remain calm and collected, strengthen themselves first, and then plunder those less advanced beings... Isn't that more appealing?"

"Unfortunately, it's just like the prisoner's dilemma he mentioned."

"Because they were worried that others would spread the word and gain an advantage in acquiring resources, they decided to be the first to betray the group!"

"Often, an individual's choice is not the best choice for a group."

"And what happened? They betrayed each other, but it benefited us, the ones who ran the market... After all, the money comes from the sheep themselves!" Hou Gang said smugly. "The resources that were given back to them were contributed by the fatter sheep later on, weren't they?"

By this point, Feng Xi had thoroughly understood the root of the matter.

This made him realize that everyone had quite a few tricks up their sleeves.

He leveraged the celebrity effect, and Hou Gang provided the necessary publicity and dissemination... One went to the high-end market, and the other to the grassroots, cooperating with each other perfectly!

"Aren't you afraid some guys might pull some dirty tricks here?" Feng Xi raised an eyebrow, "Like, illegally selling pirated copies? Cutting off our source of income?"

"I've already considered that," Hou Gang chuckled. "The replicability of information has both advantages and disadvantages."

"The advantage is that we can break through the situation in the shortest amount of time; the disadvantage is the situation you described."

"But even in the worst-case scenario, hasn't it still spread the word about our witch clan's existence?"

"No matter how cunning the pirates are, they still have to drink our bathwater...contributing to our traffic!"

"Overall, we are now in an invincible position and have successfully promoted the grand strategy of the Metropolitan Games... We are even willing to lose money to gain publicity."

Hou Gang looked around, beaming, "Of course we can make money, and we should make as much as possible."

"Therefore, in addition to the pyramid scheme system, I also added a membership system!"

"This membership system is based on contributions made during pyramid schemes."

"The greater your contribution, the more downlines you develop, and the higher your membership level will be!" Hou Gang said meaningfully. "As for the role of membership levels... I think you understand."

After a moment's thought, Feng Xi understood.

"The purpose of membership levels is probably to improve the quality of teaching staff, right?"

"After all, when it comes to cultivation, if you only have books and no one to guide you, you can at most develop some minor supernatural abilities... The true secrets and tricks to the Great Dao are completely unknown."

He pointed at Hou Gang, his tone a mix of laughter and scolding, "You're really something... even getting involved in after-school tutoring!"

"The higher the membership level, the more renowned tutors you can get? But which tutor are you trying to get the best deal from?"

"Let me make this clear first, our Wu tribe has important matters to attend to; we don't have time for that!"

"Hehe, of course I know that." Hou Gang nodded. "I won't waste our limited manpower on this bottomless pit."

"But we don't have anyone, while the Taoist sect does!"

He pointed towards the Sanqing Temple, saying, "We are not a source of renowned teachers, but rather a platform for transferring teaching resources!"

"We are the middlemen!"

"For members with higher membership levels, we'll help them connect with prestigious universities—specifically, current students within the Daoist sect!"

"Yuanshi Tianzun and Lingbao Tianzun, with so many disciples and grand-disciples, passing down their teachings generation after generation, how much mastery and influence did they accumulate?"

"Our platform, by partnering with them, provides opportunities to earn extra money... why would they be afraid not to rush in?"

"The big boss doesn't care, but his disciples and followers do... and with their skill level, they're more than capable of fooling ordinary rogue cultivators!"

"Those unorthodox practitioners, after paying us a commission, we help them connect with students in Taoist schools and provide them with opportunities to be instructed... Of course, the students still have to pay for the lessons themselves; we don't have to pay a single penny!"

In the end, all three parties were happy.

"High-level members get opportunities to ask questions they don't normally have, we make money, and the Taoist students also make money... a win-win-win situation!"

"These days, distribution channels are a resource too!"

"Once you control the channels, you can use them to make money!"

"And how can those pirates, who lack distribution channels, compete with us?"

Hou Gang's face shone with a confident and radiant light, a light that had sealed his future victory!

Feng Xi listened attentively, and the more she listened, the more she felt that she had made great progress in her ability to trick people.

He felt deeply that he still had a lot to learn in this field.

At the same time, Feng Xi, overflowing with curiosity, asked this question.

"You're really outstanding... By the way, what did you do for a living in your past life?"

Every shaman has a past life, and they are all mediocre members of the deceased human race who were worth cultivating.

However, someone like Hou Gang is extremely rare...

"My past life?" Hou Gang's gaze drifted somewhat unfocused. "How so?"

"Is it hard to say?" Feng Xi was speechless. "Then you don't have to say it."

"There's nothing wrong with talking about it, it's just that it's quite complicated." Hou Gang shook his head. "I lived in a turbulent era, from chaos to order... so I've done a lot of different jobs."

"I've been a soldier, fighting on the front lines; I've also been a diplomat, engaging in dialogue and negotiation with people..." he said with a nostalgic tone. "For a time, I held a senior management position similar to that in a banking department, responsible for formulating financial rules."

"Later, the higher-ups transferred me to write history, summarizing the ups and downs the organization went through from its founding to its peak..."

"Let those who come after remember the past, and cherish the hardships and tribulations that once existed!"

This is Hou Gang's account, a resume of his past life.

It was so magnificent and splendid that Feng Xi was filled with awe after hearing only a few words.

With such a complex life experience, it's no wonder that he honed such terrifying wisdom and skills, understood people's hearts, and could easily manipulate all living beings at will!

amazing!

Feng Xi admired him from the bottom of her heart.

"Sigh!" he sighed, "It's truly amazing that we, with our different life experiences, have ultimately come together in the same world, the same era, fighting side by side!"

"Yes, it's amazing," Hou Gang said with a smile.

"I think some of your work could be preserved," Feng Xi suggested. "Like writing history... that's quite important."

"The Lich Wars... I wonder how it will end, and whether any truths will be lost to the dust of time, unknown to future generations..."

"This requires a historian who writes truthfully, recording the most detailed and accurate experiences in writing, so that they can become materials for future generations to study..."

"Perhaps we will die in the war... but if we can leave some trace in history books, then our lives will not have been in vain!"

"Well... I'll try my best." Hou Gang shrugged. "History isn't so easy to write... If I don't become the Great Luo, I might just die young one day."

"Be more confident!" Feng Xi laughed. "With your talent, I think you really have a chance to reach the threshold of the Great Luo realm."

"Then I'll accept your kind words!"

……

The diplomatic mission of the Wu tribe stationed in Kunlun Mountain has achieved remarkable results as soon as it took office.

Once a book is published, riding the wave of the Celestial Venerable's sermons and relying on its ability to hype and promote itself, it can spread like wildfire and become unstoppable in a short period of time.

As the saying goes, one person spreads to two, two to four, four to eight... This kind of spread is initially inconspicuous.

But after fifty or sixty times of expansion, it will explode in an instant!

Moreover, in many cases, it's not just two people who are not informed.

After all, even though many people didn't have tickets to listen to the sermon, the fact that they could run outside the location where the Celestial Venerable was giving his sermon and catch some of the emanating Daoist sounds meant that their cultivation level couldn't be too weak.

They're too weak; they wouldn't even make it this far before being eaten on the way.

Those with strong cultivation levels have a voice within their respective races.

Once they take the initiative, they can cover a huge area!

Everyone had a copy of "The Complete Interpretation of the Celestial Venerable's Teachings," studying and comprehending it day and night, while also contributing a large sum of money to the Wu tribe.

In fact, the issue of resources is secondary... cultivators who have the support of a race behind them don't need to care too much about it.

What truly attracts and tempts them is the renowned teacher platform and teacher resources operated by the Wu Clan!

Normally, even if you have money, you can't find a suitable teacher because there are too many questions... Will the teacher be dedicated? Will they impart real skills? Are their fees outrageous?

But with the turmoil caused by the Wu tribe, things changed when they acted as a platform connecting different groups.

Buyers have multiple options and don't have to put all their eggs in one basket.

of course.

The brokerage fees charged by the Wu tribe are not cheap either.

But the buyer said the service was really good.

It's not just the buyers.

As the seller of the teaching resources, Daomen was also very satisfied.

Improving employment rates, expanding the university's influence... is there a better development than this?

Therefore, even though the vast Kunlun Mountains were trending towards becoming a chaotic and polluted environment due to the machinations of the Wu Clan, the Daoist sect, as the largest landowner in the area, remained silent under the instruction of the Three Pure Ones.

During this period, some disciples of the Celestial Venerable did speak up, urging the Wu Clan to suppress their behavior and not disturb their cultivation—but not everyone could be bought off.

But at the crucial moment, someone stood up and spoke the truth.

Guangchengzi.

"Since the three teachers have chosen the path of preaching and teaching, then we shouldn't interfere with their actions!"

"You flaunt your superiority, acting as if you're detached from worldly affairs and otherworldly—who are you trying to impress?"

"If you truly want a life of quiet contemplation, then mind your own business and stop interfering in other people's affairs!"

"In the future, the Lich and Demon races will dominate the world and suppress all ages. If you have the ability, you are welcome to stand up and criticize them to your heart's content."

"Let's see if those demon emperors and ancestral witches will take advantage of you as a target?"

Guang Chengzi, with a solemn expression, solemnly warned his fellow disciples, "If any of you cannot control your mouth, then you will be expelled from the Daoist sect... Otherwise, if disaster strikes in the future, it may bring calamity upon the sect!"

The person who offered the advice remained silent.

This was just a minor incident.

Even with the momentum created by Feng Xi and Hou Gang, it didn't cause much of a stir.

In fact, the trend intensified until eventually everyone in the entire Kunlun Mountains knew of the existence of the Witch Clan.

Taking advantage of this momentum, the Wu tribe's diplomatic team perfectly realized its plan.

Packaged in the image of the Wu tribe—a people descended from the great ancestral god Pangu, born noble and peace-loving…

So many kind words were uttered upon it, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of countless beings.

This was a successful publicity campaign!

Of course, as the great leader who orchestrated all of this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Feng Xi's days were not easy.

because……

Yu Chen, wielding the Seven Star Sword, chased after him relentlessly!

As a pitiful person whose portrait rights have been violated, and more importantly, a pitiful person who hasn't received any dividends yet, how could Yu Chen not be angry?

"Feng Xi, if you don't explain yourself clearly, I'm not done with you!"

(End of this chapter)