Each of the nine dragon maidens possesses extraordinary abilities.

The talisman condensed in mid-air, with a faint sound of a dragon's roar.

"The Great Void Suppressing Mountain Sealing Heaven Register," Mo Zhiyan said first.

"Nothing new. It's not as good as my Chaos Beginning, Primordial Chaos Judgment, Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Sealing, Star River Collapse Forbidden Talisman." Lu Yueyuan shook his head.

"You told me to take it."

"Ok."

The next one is a pill. When crushed, the smoke that bursts out can isolate spiritual energy. If someone takes it, it can sever their spiritual meridians and destroy their spiritual sea.

"Tai Su Feng Xuan Dan".

The next one was another magical artifact, a white porcelain bottle containing a liquid condensed from an ancient treasure. Just a single drop could destroy anything made of spiritual energy, making it ideal for use against enemy formations or protective spiritual energy.

"The Dew of Elimination".

.........

Lu Yueyuan is all-around talented, but he is a disaster when it comes to naming things. Fortunately, Mo Zhiyan made up for this.

Pills, talismans, magical artifacts, and other miscellaneous things—having more resources is always a good thing. Lu Yueyuan is now a walking treasure trove of magical artifacts.

Originally, he was only at the Dao Realm, but the accumulation of a large number of magic treasures allowed his spiritual sea and spiritual veins to be forcibly raised to a terrifying level through external forces. In addition, he was able to use the power of the Holy Emperor. Now, except for not having his own small world and not being able to expand his domain, he is essentially no different from a cultivator at the Dao-Self Unity Realm.

"A domain is contained within a small world; it is the understanding of one's own Dao by a powerful being who has achieved the unity of Dao and self. However, the agents of the gods and us guardians of the lineage are exceptions. The agents of the gods walk the path of faith in the gods, while we follow the ancient bloodline, using the methods and name of inheritance to unfold our own small worlds and apply domains through them. For example, my law is the method of chanting, so within my domain, I can quickly apply power and reduce restrictions."

"As far as I know, the inheritance methods of the guardians are: Suxian Meridian - Resonance Method, Chengshuo Meridian - Accounting Method, Daidan Meridian - Life and Death Method, Kaopan Meridian - Burning Heart Method, Zaishan Meridian - History Writing Method, and Huaizai Meridian - Returning Method. The laws are the basis of the domain, and the domain is the foundation of the small world."

"Power is merely our manifestation. More importantly, it is the name and law we inherit. The moment our bloodline is activated, we can instantly control the laws and domains. Just like now, although the curse in my bloodline has been destroyed, the laws I inherited will not disappear. As long as my spiritual veins and spiritual sea recover, I can re-expand my law domain," Mo Zhiyan said.

"The dragon has nine sons, each different. Your powers all come from your bloodline, so won't they change? For example, this generation's guardian can be this, but the next generation will be something else." Arrogantly, sitting to the side, raised his hand to ask, "Moreover, a domain should be something you comprehend from the path you choose to walk. What if the path I comprehend transcends my bloodline? Will my domain change?"

No, before Mo Zhiyan could answer, Lu Yueyuan silently gave her the answer in his mind.

The key point isn't bloodline, but the curse. Through so many simulations and Lu Yueyuan's investigation, he gradually understood many things. For example, these dragon girls all had parents with problems—some disappeared from the world, others died tragically—and in the end, they would all become orphans. According to the Holy Emperor, the key point was never the descendants of the Dragon God, but the word "protector" in "protector of the lineage."

Mountains are shackles, seals, and disrupted trajectories of stars... The Holy Emperor would fall silent at this point, but Lu Yueyuan didn't need Him to say it; he already knew the answer.

“I don’t think so. For us, bloodline is more important than the Dao,” Mo Zhiyan said. “The ancient dragon god gave birth to nine divine beasts. Their bloodline is ancient and contains the supreme Dao… We have to memorize this sentence when we change our names. Everyone has to change their names. The name actually fits the traces left by the Dao. We change our names to conform to the Dao in our bloodline.”

“It feels so strange. It’s completely different from the path of faith in gods…” Arrogance said. “After all, the choice of the path is broad and depends on people’s understanding. But for you, it seems that you only need to have bloodline. But are there only nine in each era? Logically speaking, this should vary in age groups. Why is it stuck at nine? Apart from you nine, I haven’t heard of any other guardians.”

“I find this strange too, but maybe my eldest sister and eighth sister know. My eldest sister’s power is destiny, and she can get answers from destiny. My eighth sister’s power is history. Since it is history, she must also know a lot about what happened back then,” Mo Zhiyan said.

"History doesn't necessarily mean understanding, because it's always so mysterious. I feel sleepy when I read history books; they're not as interesting as folk tales," Jealousy muttered.

Mo Zhiyan shook his head, indicating that he did not know.

"Sister Mo, do you usually have no contact with Qing Zai Shan?" she asked arrogantly, addressing him as "sister" in a tactful manner.

"...It's not that there aren't any, it's just that my eighth sister is a bit slow-witted. When she attends sect ceremonies or something, she's always accompanied by her maids. Actually, everyone has their own confidants, but no matter how close they are, at most we entrust the affairs of our own lineage to them, and we can attend the ceremonies ourselves. But my eighth sister is different... To be honest, I don't quite understand her either. She seems so pitiful, you can't tell at all that she's the kind of despicable person who would resort to sneak attacks, so that's why I took her in..." Mo Zhiyan sighed.

“Perfect, draw her.” Lu Yueyuan handed over a talisman. “Let me see how well you draw.”

"Why are you suddenly asking me to draw?" Mo Zhiyan couldn't understand, but he still took the talisman.

Spiritual energy danced with his fingertips, and the human figure was slowly imprinted on the talisman.

"Alright, take a look." Mo Zhiyan handed over the talisman.

Lu Yueyuan took one look and exclaimed, "Wow, what a perfect combination of a mature woman and a cute girl!" She had a tiny oval face with a pointed yet delicate chin, eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, and slightly upturned eyes, exuding a natural, timid charm. Her figure was curvaceous and undulating, and her clothes were taut. What man could resist such a combination? But the problem was... who the hell was this? When did Qing Zaishan grow up to look like this? Where did her lovely little feet go?

Looking at the stranger in front of him, Lu Yueyuan felt that the world must have gone mad. Qing Zaishan's power was so amazing that he could even hide his appearance.

Is the appearance of Qing Zai Shan in his memory still real?

"Is there a problem?" Mo Zhiyan asked.

Lu Yueyuan nodded, but didn't explain what the problem was. Mo Zhiyan wasn't stupid either; she could tell from Lu Yueyuan's expression. Her face also turned pale, and she lowered her head, saying, "No way... If that's the case, then Qing Zaishan would have already unleashed his powers. They were caught off guard from the very beginning. In that case, is there any chance of winning?" Both of them were in a bad mood, with only arrogance and jealousy looking at the two of them in confusion.

“Never mind those for now,” Lu Yueyuan said. “Arrogance, jealousy, prepare for the Phantom Assembly.”

If Lu Yueyuan wanted to contact Qingzhou, he had another way: the Phantom Gathering.

That is also one of the Holy Emperor's powers. Only the Seven Deadly Sins and the God's Agents can enter. Before, when Lu Yueyuan was not there, it was the Pride Organization. Now that Lu Yueyuan has become the Agent, his authority is higher than that of the Pride Organization.

The Phantom Gathering couldn't possibly bring people from Qingzhou in, but there was someone currently in Qingzhou.

That's binge eating.

..............................

..................

............

As Ling Suxian walked out of Suxian Palace, she saw a bright light break through the clouds and fall in front of her.

Ji Cheng said that her face was pale and she was enveloped in a strange emotion.

"Second sister, weren't you supposed to be going to carry out the plan? Why is your main body back?" Ling Suxian asked with a smile.

Ji Cheng looked up, his face noticeably thinner, his soul burning with rage, yearning for more. "I'm very unhappy."

Ling Suxian smiled: "Shall I play the zither for you?"

Ji Cheng said, "Who the hell wants to listen to your bullshit? I'm talking about Qing Zaishan. That bastard actually wrote nonsense, saying I committed suicide because of love. Am I that kind of person?!"

Ling Suxian covered her mouth and let out an affected "ah," but her eyes were smiling, as if she were watching a good show.

Ji Cheng asked, "Where are you going?"

“Of course, it’s to help Eighth Sister see the error of her ways. Look, she’s made Qingzhou and Youzhou a mess. Now the Four Gods are preparing to besiege her. I have to help her,” Ling Suxian said.

"Didn't you boast that you had cast a death sentence on her? Do you think she can turn the tables?" Ji Cheng asked irritably.

Ling Suxian is going to act all dramatic again. An annoyed Ji Cheng said, "I don't want to listen to your nonsense anymore. Just tell me, what do you want me to do to bring her back?"

Ling Suxian tilted her head: "I don't have anything for you."

"It's free this time. If I have any questions for her, just say them. If not, I'll wipe out Qingzhou too," Ji Cheng said, becoming increasingly agitated.

Oh, fate, Ling Suxian hummed a little tune. She wanted to sing a song right now, but that would definitely enrage Ji Cheng, so she decided to give up. She had to be a good older sister who cared for her younger sister.

So all I can do is play the piano in my heart and sing the song of destiny.

Those destined to meet will meet; only by selling the cause can one reap the reward. Ling Suxian clapped her hands and laughed.

She telepathically informed him of her plan, and Ji Cheng frowned and asked, "Are you sure this is okay?"

Ling Suxian said, "History and fate are evenly matched, so if she can reverse the inevitable defeat I imposed on her, then this is the only way I can do it. But, little sister, you'd better not rush, it's the Four Gods forces that are in a hurry right now."

“If Qing Zai Shan is captured by the Four Gods, they won’t return him to us,” Ji Cheng said. She didn’t care whether Qing Zai Shan lived or died; she just wanted to get answers from him.

Ling Suxian nodded with a smile. She knew, which was why she was so happy: "Then let's go together. Eighth Sister has been hiding for so long. What if you can't take her down by yourself?"

Ji Cheng didn't listen at all and turned to leave. She had no intention of doing anything to Qing Zaiqian; she just wanted an answer.

Why does the soul stir? Why does history record things not in memory? Why do anger and sorrow arise simultaneously?

Ling Suxian was well aware of the emotions Ji Cheng was stirring up, and she was quite pleased to see her second sister become like this.

With that thought in mind, she happily played the piano. Since Ji Cheng had said he was leaving, she didn't need to pretend anymore.

"Everything's ready! (?????)" The Iron-Eating Beast came running over.

Ling Suxian's fingers never stopped: "I am playing the piano to express the fate that is about to come, to express my excited feelings, and to express my reverence and love for my gods."

The iron-eating beast smiled wryly: "You can't have a god you believe in."

In the heart of the Iron-Eating Beast, Ling Suxian was the best deity. How could a deity be worshipped?

But Ling Suxian asked it, "You treat me as a god because I am your only one. So when I meet my only one, should I treat him as a god?"

The Iron-Eating Beast sincerely replied, "Of course, but why is he your only one?"

Chapter 117: The Promise (5k)

[A shameless, despicable, vile, fraudulent agent], a gathering of phantoms, with such a label still on their own seats.

“Arrogance, why don’t you give me another one?” Lu Yueyuan said, gesturing for Arrogance and Jealousy to sit down.

Although he complained, he didn't actually mean it, and didn't even care. Arrogance felt somewhat awkward. She had indeed set this up because of her own resentment, but now, Lu Yueyuan had greater authority over the Phantom Gathering. If he wanted to change it, he would have done so long ago; why would he need to talk to her? Therefore, Arrogance was certain that Lu Yueyuan was also quite petty.

One by one, figures appeared. Everyone except Sloth—who had logged on again using a puppet—had arrived.

It's natural that Gluttony is safe and sound. Lu Yueyuan had already confirmed Gluttony's safety through the Holy Emperor. Although He couldn't see the specific situation in Qingzhou clearly, His connection with His believers was still there, and Gluttony was not in any danger.

"The situation is urgent, so let's get straight to the point," Lu Yueyuan said.

What needs to be done is intelligence gathering and new deployment arrangements, which involves management skills and strategic vision. Aoman originally wanted to take over, but Lu Yueyuan handled it all by himself... He was even more versatile than Aoman had imagined. He could express his meaning accurately, grasp the main contradictions, and quickly determine the other party's situation. Aoman suddenly felt a little lost. She felt that her title as the boss was somewhat superfluous.

“Gluttony, I have a general understanding of the situation on your end,” Lu Yueyuan said. “There are still some people in the organization there. You need to cooperate with the academy’s actions and bring them under control first.”

“I’m already working on it.” Gluttonous nodded vigorously. “However, Qing Zai Shan’s target is the Langya Gang. The academy is isolated by some kind of spatial magic, but the Hermit has already figured out a way to break it.”

“Her only target might be Jing Xingzhou,” Lu Yueyuan asked. “Is Jing Xingzhou with the Langya Gang?”

This time, Gluttony couldn't answer. During her time in Qingzhou, besides cooking for the academy, she had been overseeing the construction of the Holy Emperor's faith building. Jing Xingzhou was the leader of the Langya Gang, and they rarely interacted. When Gluttony needed the Langya Gang, she could just contact Wen Ciji.

"I'm not sure," Gluttony said weakly.

"The situation is so dangerous, justice cannot stand idly by. I'll bring men," the man suddenly said in a fit of rage.

"If everyone comes, then I can come too, but I have a family, and I'm not going to work myself to the bone," said Lust.

Just as everyone was about to start discussing, Lu Yueyuan raised his hand, and the majesty of a god descended upon this space. The Holy Emperor truly doted on his representative, and at this moment, he released his pressure, so everyone fell silent, waiting for the man's instructions.

“Qingzhou is in a special situation right now, and it involves the Holy Emperor. You should prioritize preserving the organization’s remaining strength. I will go there personally,” Lu Yueyuan said.

Pride knew Lu Yueyuan's thoughts. He never intended to use the power of the Seven Deadly Sins. In fact, Lu Yueyuan was the real Pride. He always wanted to solve problems by himself. He regarded this as his responsibility, and the other members of the Seven Deadly Sins were just there to avoid causing him trouble.

“Let’s do something too,” Greed raised his hand. “Gluttony is our companion after all; we can’t just leave her to fend for herself.”

“Of course you have something to do, and that is to save your lives,” Lu Yueyuan said. He quickly gave his own arrangements and deployments. The Seven Deadly Sins looked at each other in bewilderment. Lu Yueyuan knew where they were, but his arrangements and deployments made it seem like he was treating them like cowards.

Lust remained silent. He was content with his wife, children, and a warm bed, so his greatest dissatisfaction stemmed from rage and greed, as well as jealousy. She wailed and protested Lu Yueyuan's plan to throw her and Arrogance into Youzhou. She almost revealed the matter of being Daoist partners, but fortunately, Arrogance reacted quickly and covered her mouth.

Excessive concern would only be a burden, Lu Yueyuan thought with a growing sense of irritation, but he took a breath to calm himself down. He knew these people too well, and with just a few words, he dismantled their rage and greed. He gave the two men new tasks, ensuring they had something to do and that they felt these tasks were meaningful.

But he couldn't persuade Jealousy, who burst into tears at the Phantom Assembly.

"That's settled then. Proceed according to the plan," Lu Yueyuan said. "Gluttony, be patient. I'm ready. We'll break through Qingzhou's blockade tonight. Tell Hermit Hermit."

Greed wanted to say something more, but Lu Yueyuan had already disbanded the Phantom Gathering. His main purpose in convening the Phantom Gathering was to learn about the current situation in Qingzhou from Gluttony. Now that he had learned about it, he just needed to appease everyone. The next thing to do was to make thorough preparations and break through the blockade to enter Qingzhou at night.

Back in reality, Jealousy was still crying, running to her own mechanical creation, tears streaming down her face. Mo Zhiyan, for some reason, instinctively took a peach and went over to her. Lu Yueyuan returned to the immortal ship without a word, and Arrogance caught up with him.

Lu Yueyuan glanced at her: "What are you doing up here? You brought Mo Zhiyan over because you're jealous that he went to comfort you."

He nodded arrogantly: "I will do it, but before that, I have something to say."

"If you're going to call me cold-blooded or efficiency-obsessed, then forget it. The situation is urgent. Didn't you hear what Gluttony said? Qing Zaishan used strange magic to split the space in various places in Qingzhou. Now there's chaos there."

“I know what you’re trying to say, and I know this isn’t a time for playing house,” Arrogant said. “What I’m trying to say is that we don’t mean anything by it; we just want to help you.”

Lu Yueyuan nodded: "Yes, I can see that. I'm genuinely grateful for and celebrate your friendship, but we don't need that now. Listen to my arrogance, I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking, 'This guy is untrustworthy! We agreed we were partners, why is he going back on his word?' I haven't gone back on my word. It's just that this situation is special. I need absolute certainty of victory. Do you know what absolute certainty of victory means? It's one hundred percent. Even if it means death, I must achieve our goal one hundred percent. I think you're all wonderful people, really. I sincerely hope you all live to be a hundred. So, some things, I can do alone, understand? I don't want to play house, nor do I want to play the protagonist or savior. A desperate situation is a desperate situation; it can't be solved by a bunch of people shouting about passion and bonds."

He said something very long, which completely stunned the arrogance.

“I know you think you’re not afraid of death, and I admire your courage, but your death won’t guarantee that I achieve my goal,” Lu Yueyuan said.

"Are you really that sure you can succeed?" the arrogant man said in a low voice. "And I don't understand your thinking. What you said is too heartless. Why do you have to do this? Just because you know more than us, does that give you the right to act this way?"

“I don’t think I know more than you, nor do I think I can be 100% successful, but I must put in all my effort to meet this requirement.”

Even if it means death?

"I am not afraid of death."

"I'm not afraid!"

“But I can make my death as valuable as possible, you can’t, you arrogance.”

Lu Yueyuan's eyes flashed with golden light. At this moment, the phantom of the Holy Emperor reappeared behind him. "If you insist on dying, please line up after me. Dying is very simple, I've said it before."

"I know," he said with a wry smile. "I can never win an argument with you like this. What can I say?"

"Are you familiar with the so-called Four Gods Project? Do you know the details of that project?"

Arrogance shook his head.

"Once they succeed, the world will disappear, and in its place will be a new world in which the four gods exist. At that time, the four gods will transcend everything and become the four heavenly ways of the new world."

He stared arrogantly at Lu Yueyuan.