The current head of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect was the acting Immortal Venerable Mangxiang. The arrival of the two True Persons, Li Haiping and Zhou Bojiao, in the West Sea was actually Mang Xiang's will. The underlying logic behind this had three obvious layers, which were also the three layers most people could see.
The first layer was the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's eastward expansion, allowing the ancestor to easily repay the Golden Core loans borrowed from the various grand cultivators within the sect. The second layer involved placing pawns in advance, preparing for the Red Lantern Illumination Sect to reclaim its original four thousand miles of the West Sea.
The third layer was placing two knives at Shen Guang's crotch to force his compliance. These three layers progressed sequentially.
Cultivators capable of seeing the third layer were already true mbers of the Immortal Alliance, rather than re subjects "served" by it. From Wang Yulou's perspective, however, he saw even more possibilities.
The West Sea was located on the frontier of the Immortal Alliance's territory. Shen Guang, who had risen from this place, held an unspoken, special identity—he was a spokesperson for foreign factions within the Immortal Alliance.
Directly east of the West Sea was the territory of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect and Mang Xiang. When Mang Xiang's Golden Core Deliberations failed to pass five consecutive tis, the prospect of a civil war within the Immortal Alliance gradually beca an unsettling, impossible-to-ignore option.
Under these circumstances, it was no surprise that the two factions within the Immortal Alliance would clash in the West Sea, using it as a rehearsal for the potential civil war.
The fact that three special Immortal Alliance envoys had entered the West Sea, as conspicuous as giant lightbulbs, broadcasted this possibility to anyone paying attention. Anyone could see that sothing was wrong with Lian Chengxian and his group.
It could be said that Wang Yulou's current bet on the South Annex City, which was being developed by Immortal Venerable Shenguang, was akin to pulling chestnuts from the fire. As for whether he would win and how much he stood to gain, it was a difficult gamble.
Why did he dare to take the risk? It was simply because Lian Chengxian and Chen Yanghe, along with a few other unusual details he had observed, gave him confidence.
The major figures of the Conservative Faction within the Immortal Alliance did not lack smart people under their tutelage. Yet, they had sent these two blatantly stupid idiots to accompany Jin Mingdu as special envoys and patrolling inspectors to the West Sea. This indicated that the Conservative Faction had not reached an internal consensus.
To the unclear-minded, Mang Xiang failing the Golden Core Deliberations five tis ant he could not achieve the Golden Core realm, signifying that the Immortal Alliance's Conservative Faction could no longer suppress the rising Reformist Faction. But that was not the truth at all.
Wang Yulou saw it clearly. The vote count was entirely fake, ghost voting wasn't a major issue, and a difference of a dozen votes didn't represent anything. Strength was the only truth.
The veteran grand cultivators had stood at the apex of the Immortal Alliance and developed for many years. The foundation they had accumulated was far deeper than that of the Reformist Faction, which was composed of latecors.
Precisely because of this, they would never easily change the current structure and distribution rules of the Immortal Alliance.
It was also because they were unwilling to change the existing distribution models and interest structures that they sent an investigation team—consisting of one clever person leading two idiots—to the West Sea. In Wang Yulou's view, the core of this ga lay entirely with Shen Guang and Mang Xiang.
Beside these two were a host of grand cultivators. Mang Xiang represented the Immortal Alliance's Conservative Faction, while Shen Guang represented the Reformist Faction along with the various Demon Gods of the West Sea.
Fighting in the West Sea was already the result of a tacit agreent between both sides to control the intensity of the conflict, yet it remained incredibly complex. Shen Guang, Mang Xiang, and Jin Shan—these were the three major factions in the West Sea, representing the reformist, conservative, and neutral sides respectively.
Coupled with the eight local Purple Palace cultivators who each held different stances, along with various secondary factions... even the Wang Family's Western Sea Branch could be counted as one of them after Wang Yulou decisively placed his pawn.
With so many large and small factions with differing interests mixed together in the West Sea, right at the Immortal Alliance's frontier, Wang Yulou was absolutely certain that this would be a long, drawn-out struggle.
For any side, there would be no quick victory, and certainly no quick defeat. On the other hand, in a world where grand cultivators monopolized power, resources, and avenues of advancent, this kind of high-stakes ga—where one could easily die and have their Dao vanish—was not just a danger. It was an opportunity.
Therefore, Yulou decisively entered the fray, betting that Shen Guang's South Annex City could be successfully built. This choice was even filled with respect for Immortal Venerable Mangxiang. An Immortal Venerable's magnanimity was not that petty!
Wang Yulou's gamble had already yielded excellent returns. Without spending a single spirit stone, he acquired one thousand mu of land in the South Annex City.
One thousand mu of land—it was all thanks to Immortal Venerable Mangxiang's grace. He should be thanking Mang Xiang, not Shen Guang!
Inside the palace housing the Information Gathering Court in Western Sea Immortal City, several prominent factions of the immortal city occupied different sides. They stood around the gatekeeper, Chen Nian, and the rogue cultivator who had reported the case.
Under the tutelage of Immortal Venerable Shenguang was Xihai Qingfeng, the head manager of the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda and the party involved in the case.
Also under the tutelage of Immortal Venerable Shenguang was Zhang Heng, the captain of the Annex City Enforcent Team—the law enforcent agency responsible for where the incident occurred—and leader of the Rogue Cultivator Alliance.
Under the tutelage of True Person Longhu Jin Shan was Jin Mingdu, the Immortal Alliance special envoy and West Sea patrolling inspector representing True Person Longhu. With her were Lian Chengxian and Chen Yanghe, the two idiots responsible for finding an opportunity to ss things up.
Under the tutelage of Gate-Defending True Person Li Haikuo was the Foundation Establishnt cultivator Jiuqu from Miaofeng Mountain, representing Li Haikuo.
Under the tutelage of Treasure-Wielding True Person Zhou Bojiao was Mu Chunze, representing Zhou Bojiao. He was a Core Disciple of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect and the Seal-Holder of the Punishnt Court, the nominal supre penal authority in Western Sea Immortal City.
Under the tutelage of True Person Hansong were Mo Xunzhou, the Vice Seal-Holder of the Information Gathering Court, and Wang Yulou's good friend, Mo Yunshu.
Finally, directly under the Immortal Alliance and managed by True Person Longhu was the Immortal Alliance Emissary, Qiu Lianpu.
People from various factions had gathered at the Information Gathering Court solely for Chen Nian and the accusing rogue cultivator. For the first ti, Chen Nian experienced a concrete realization of the phrase "glaring like a tiger watching its prey." He knelt on the ground, cold sweat dripping as he explained how he had been deceived, begging that these major figures of the West Sea would let him off the hook.
This gatekeeper of the Information Gathering Court never imagined that a simple case of the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda selling fake demonic beast materials would garner such attention from every faction in Western Sea Immortal City. That true great path was never laid out in front of everyone.
Chen Nian couldn't read the road, which was why he walked the wrong way. Along with that complaining rogue cultivator, he beca the first pawn pushed across the river by an ambitious scher.
"...That person claid to be a disciple of True Person Jinshan nad Jin Mingcha. He said this matter was jointly decided by True Person Jinshan and two other True Persons. I didn't dare resist and could only obey, letting this rogue cultivator into the Information Gathering Court."
Jin Mingdu imdiately lost her composure. She stepped forward and scolded, "You vile creature, what imnse gall! My ancestor walks straight and sits upright, never doing anything against the rules. How dare you claim my ancestor sent soone to instruct you to do this?
"Senior Zhang, Senior Mu, Senior Jiuqu, I see no need for further interrogation. Apply torture directly, otherwise, this vile creature will not tell the truth!"
When Wang Yulou entered the Information Gathering Court following Xihai Longhu, he happened to hear Jin Mingdu's demand for direct torture and interrogation. Seeing Xihai Longhu and Wang Yulou walk in together, the crowd didn't overthink it, assuming it was just a coincidence.
Mu Chunze pulled Wang Yulou to his side. Mo Yunshu's aningful glances couldn't overco the authority of Yulou's father-in-law.
Xihai Longhu, anwhile, walked straight between Zhang Heng and Xihai Qingfeng, catching up with them on the course of events.
"Little Friend Mingdu, there's no need to rush. We will proceed according to the two True Persons' intentions and divide into five groups to investigate the truth. Fellow Daoist Chunze, what are your thoughts?" Zhang Heng asked, indicating they should directly follow the response strategy set by Jin Shan and Li Haikuo.
Wang Yulou couldn't quite follow the situation, so Mu Chunze explained it to him while simultaneously dealing with Zhang Heng.
"Yulou, this matter is both big and small," Mu Chunze said. "It has been many years since the Information Gathering Court exercised its duty of investigating the dereliction and overstepping of immortal city cultivators. Therefore, soone deliberately causing trouble this ti and involving that Immortal Venerable makes it a major issue.
"However, whether the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda scamd rogue cultivators or not is actually a minor matter that cannot affect the overall situation.
"True Person Jinshan originally wanted to minimize the issue, but True Person Haikuo insisted on a thorough investigation and strict enforcent, leading to a slight dispute between the two.
"In the end, the two True Persons ordered Immortal Alliance Emissary Qiu Lianpu and the Annex City Enforcent Team's Guo Yaoyue to each lead a team to investigate. The Punishnt Court, Information Gathering Court, and West Sea patrolling inspector would arrange their own personnel to form parallel investigation groups.
"Advancing along five paths, they are to clarify the origins of this case.
"True Person Jinshan's intention is: 'Right is right, wrong is wrong; we only seek the tangible truth.'
"True Person Haikuo's intention is: 'I hope all departnts do their utmost, fulfill their duties, prioritize the overall situation, and do not implicate too broadly.'"
Just as Wang Yulou was surprised by the reappearance of Guo Yaoyue—a na already incredibly distant in his mory—Mu Chunze spoke aloud to the room. "Brother Zhang is correct. Little Friend Mingdu, don't worry. As long as we work together, the truth of the matter will surely co to light. Let state my stance first: the Punishnt Court will definitely not let these two scoundrels who slandered True Person Longhu and sowed discord in the Immortal Alliance succeed easily!"
Hearing Mu Chunze's words, the kneeling Chen Nian already looked as miserable and pale as gold paper. True Person Jinshan emphasized the truth and emphasized right and wrong.
It was impossible for Jin Shan to be wrong, so didn't that an the only ones at fault were these two pawns pushed out by a mysterious scher? Right was right, aning Jin Shan was right. Wrong was wrong, aning whoever said Jin Shan was wrong was wrong.
This was the tangible truth!
To the side, True Person Haikuo's disciple, Jiuqu, spoke up. "Fellow Daoist Chunze speaks well. My master's thoughts are not complicated either. Soone is clearly playing tricks in the dark here. If we conclude this hastily, it would instead play right into the hands of those scoundrels.
"The West Sea is everyone's West Sea. Serving in our respective positions, we must do our utmost to fulfill our duties—we must bring the truth to light, and we must return Senior True Person Longhu's innocence!"
With Jiuqu, who was under True Person Haikuo's tutelage, expressing such a stance, Jin Mingdu's eyes imdiately lit up. It was settled.
Zhang Heng, Mu Chunze, and Jiuqu represented Shen Guang, Zhou Bojiao, and Li Haikuo. Now that the three had reached a consensus on investigating the case, it ant that the dirty water being splashed on her ancestor could most likely be washed away smoothly.
He would not beco the first unlucky soul publicly targeted in the West Sea's chaotic situation. anwhile, Xihai Longhu gave a slight nod to Xihai Qingfeng.
Having received support, Xihai Qingfeng stepped forward and said, "The two 'musts' proposed by Fellow Daoist Jiuqu both hit the crucial points. As the manager of the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda, with the business I run entangled in such an affair, I naturally cannot sit idly by.
"Let add one more opinion from the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda—we must ensure the troublemakers are punished!"
The Information Gathering Court was filled with representatives of various factions, but Yulou had gradually figured out the main thread. The chaos had already begun, but no one knew who had drawn first blood or moved this river-crossing pawn.
Hence, all parties were incredibly tense. Currently, four consensuses had been reached.
First, there would be a five-pronged parallel investigation where Shen Guang's Annex City Enforcent Team would also participate, ensuring the absolute truth and transparency of the results.
Second, the truth had to be brought to light, aning whoever drew first blood would be exposed to the sun. The act of striking first did not actually align with the overarching interests of all major West Sea factions, showing that the multiple factions behind the scenes were not yet prepared for a chaotic, all-out war.
Third, True Person Longhu Jin Shan's innocence had to be restored, proving he was absolutely not the mastermind. Otherwise, he would not have argued directly with Li Haikuo over how to conduct the investigation, ultimately presenting the five-pronged investigation plan.
Fourth, the troublemakers had to be punished. They were clearly targeting Immortal Venerable Shenguang and had rely chosen the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda as a breakthrough point.
Xihai Qingfeng's demand to punish the troublemakers was to defend Immortal Venerable Shenguang's stance. Yes, the troublemakers must be punished.
"Brother Qingfeng, please rest assured. The Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda has made massive contributions to the West Sea and enjoys an excellent reputation across its seven thousand li.
"Our Information Gathering Court will definitely investigate with all our might. For you, for the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda, and for the immortal city's greater good, we will exert our utmost effort!"
Jiuqu's eyebrows twitched slightly. He thought to himself that Mo Xunzhou's declaration was highly ambiguous. In this five-pronged investigation, Shen Guang held one and a half paths, and the Red Lantern Illumination Sect held one and a half, considering Wang Yulou was in the Information Gathering Court.
With the Information Gathering Court being neutral but leaning towards Shen Guang, Jin Shan was unexpectedly controlling two paths... Earlier, when True Person Jinshan and his master argued, was it really just over differing opinions on how to handle the situation?
Mu Chunze also felt that Mo Xunzhou's phrasing leaned a bit too closely toward Immortal Venerable Shenguang. His gaze shifted slightly, falling on Qiu Lianpu, who was shrinking into a corner among the crowd.
This Immortal Alliance Emissary wasn't an absolute idiot; he was simply bad. With so many seniors present, he naturally knew to shrink aside and reserve his personal opinions—which ant shutting his mouth and taking orders.
"Lianpu, you are the Immortal Alliance Emissary. What are your thoughts?" Mu Chunze asked with a smile.
"Ah... I will strictly follow the two True Persons' Sacred Decrees.
"During the investigation, I will seek guidance from all the seniors.
"In my heart, I should prioritize the overall situation. We must bring the truth to light, and the troublemakers must be punished!"
Qiu Lianpu had no thoughts of his own. He rely felt the water was a bit too deep and was afraid of drowning.
'Yunshu, ask the Seal-Holder to put the two of us in the Information Gathering Court's investigation group.
'You can't monopolize this chance to earn rits.'
While Qiu Lianpu was being submissive, Wang Yulou had already started making his moves.
Risk? Was fear of any use?
Without grand spirit, without courage and wisdom, without determination and bravery, how could one possibly break through the cage? Wang Yulou never expected to be able to uncover the truth.
Only an idiot would search for the truth. What if they really traced it back to Jin Shan or Shen Guang? Then what?
Wang Yulou wasn't the party involved, so he wasn't anxious. What he had his eye on was that during the five-pronged investigation, he could enter the ga himself and deeply participate in the historical progression of the West Sea chaos's initial stages.
By doing so, he could obtain more first-hand information and build his own influence and presence in the West Sea. With an insufficient cultivation base, one had no right to remain detached.
Only by entering the ga could one establish their own legend. Whatever the truth was, Wang Yulou didn't care.
He only cared about what he could gain! Platforms and opportunities were limited.
There were too many heroes in the Immortal Alliance. For every chance to step onto the stage, Wang Yulou had to make corresponding decisions after careful consideration.
So, this ti, he decided to enter the ga and fight for it. Entering the ga was, in itself, the greatest aning.
How many people wished to be players in the ga, yet could never find the entrance their entire lives!
'Huh?
'Yulou, this isn't a good thing. You...'
'Say no more.
'True Person Longhu's dignity is the Western Sea Immortal City's dignity, which is the Immortal Alliance's dignity.
'As an Information Gatherer of the Information Gathering Court, I, Wang Yulou, naturally must protect the Immortal Alliance's dignity, the Western Sea Immortal City's dignity, True Person Longhu's dignity, and our Information Gathering Court's dignity.
'Moreover, Yunshu, you and I are considered close friends.
'Being able to handle a case together is also a fun endeavor, hahahaha.'
It was a charm art.
Wang Yulou had used a charm art! This was why Wang Yulou was a shaless person.
When it ca to being unscrupulous, he truly was unscrupulous. He actually dared to shalessly butter up Mo Yunshu so shortly after his wedding, all just to obtain an opportunity.
Whether he successfully chard Mo Yunshu or not, Wang Yulou wasn't certain, but it didn't matter.
He was certain that since he had said this much, with Mo Yunshu's temperant being similar to Feng Jianxian's, she would definitely put in a word for him with Mo Xunzhou, thereby allowing him to secure a chance to join the Information Gathering Court's investigation team. All just to enter the ga!
Shalessness was just shalessness; he truly didn't care much for "face"—a useless thing not even fit for wiping a rear end. Truth and falsehood, right and wrong, significance and triviality—these were things a cultivator had to weigh and consider their entire life... Wang Yulou was convinced that entering the ga at the onset of the West Sea's chaos held extraordinary aning.
'...Wang Yulou, our relationship is just ordinary friends. I will ntion it to Uncle Xunzhou,' Mo Yunshu replied via voice transmission, her face taut.
She was left sowhat exasperated by Wang Yulou's absurdly phrased request. In fact, Wang Yulou was the one who was most helpless. If Mo Yunshu were the type willing to take money to get things done, why would he need to act like this? Simply gifting spirit stones would have sufficed; the qualification to enter the ga was practically priceless anyway.
It could only be said that Fellow Daoist Yunshu's character was unusual. To walk her path, a bit of ingenuity was required—Wang Yulou's ability to judiciously use such ingenuity and counterasures was, in reality, also a result of his cultivation.
Cultivation was not rely cultivating one's cultivation base. Heaven and earth were chaotic, the Great Dao was heartless, and myriad spirits struggled in the rolling sea of mortal suffering, searching for that sliver of a chance. In this process, a cultivator's own power, without having reached the point where one force could break myriad laws, required elevating "soft power" outside of their cultivation base.
For example, within the Immortal Alliance's laws and rules, for a rogue cultivator to delusionally attempt to break their invisible ceiling using "one force breaking myriad laws" was absolutely impossible. The Immortal Alliance's laws and rules originated from the consensus of the grand cultivators.
A grand cultivator's "one force" was already terrifyingly powerful; when their "collective force" gathered, no one could achieve the Dao relying solely on their own "force."
It was still the sa logic: if a cultivator could simply achieve the Dao relying on their own talent, effort, and luck, wouldn't all the grand cultivators in heaven and earth have cultivated onto dogs?
The new thods of mindlessly stacking resources replacing the old cultivation arts that relied on talent and inheritance already explained a great deal, and the purpose of capping Qi Induction cultivation speed was even more glaringly obvious. Resources were infinite, but the total amount of resources in the short term was limited.
One more grand cultivator ant the interests of other grand cultivators would decrease. This was the inevitability behind welding the doors shut.
Leaving the Immortal Alliance was naturally a choice, but the "spirit fish law" existed in every corner of the cultivation world. As long as a spirit fish worth one hundred spirit stones could be converted through a faction to deliver three—or even just one—into the hands of a grand cultivator, these spirit fish would inevitably be branded by the grand cultivators, submitting to the order built by them.
A Peach Blossom Spring utopia did not exist; there were only grand cultivators forever marching toward higher stages of the Dao at any cost.
---
The Foundation Establishnt cultivators left, tossing the work to the Qi Refining cultivators.
This in itself was a fuse-like act to control the escalation of conflicts. Just like how all Immortal Alliance Emissaries were at the Qi Refining stage, this kind of arrangent was exceedingly wise.
However, Wang Yulou and Mo Yunshu shrank to the back of the crowd, lacking the slightest intention of sticking their heads out.
"Wang Yulou, do you believe the words Chen Nian said?" Mo Yunshu asked.
Yulou had successfully entered the Information Gathering Court's special investigation group, joining the five-pronged parallel investigation team.
"It doesn't matter. What's interesting is that Fellow Daoist Mingdu actually handed the matter over to Lian Chengxian and Chen Yanghe. Hah, her way of avoiding suspicion is actually aningless."
Mu Chunze had already relayed the opinion of Perfected Man Fujiao, his master: the ti had not co yet, so there was no need to waste effort. In fact, one could also tell from Jin Shan's attitude that it wasn't ti yet for many things.
Even though an ambitious scher had clearly handed over a knife, Jin Shan and Li Haiping both completely ignored it. Even Seal-Holder Xunzhou from True Person Hansong's faction expressed a stance of standing on Immortal Venerable Shenguang's side.
The West Sea chaos had already been initiated by a mysterious person, but the factions within the chaos were incredibly clear-headed, none intending to be led by the nose. Under these circumstances, the truth was like a little girl waiting to be dressed up by others.
It wasn't sothing Wang Yulou or any single faction could decide; it needed to be slowly ground out into a result that all sides could accept. Thinking of this, Wang Yulou frowned.
This was actually approaching a form of probing and testing the waters...
"Brother Yulou, co over here. Let's discuss it together."
Chen Yanghe waved. Wang Yulou's plan to hide and observe first went up in smoke, leaving him to only smile and step forward.
"Brother Yanghe, not everyone is here yet. Let's wait a bit before discussing," Mo Yunshu sighed, then followed Yulou to step forward.
"Wang Yulou? You're the Wang Yulou from Clear Stream Market?"
Guo Yaoyue, the investigation team leader of the Annex City Enforcent Team, recognized Wang Yulou in great surprise. He hadn't expected to et an old acquaintance here.
"Yes, Brother Yaoyue. Aren't you a disciple of Grand Great Terrace Mountain? How did you join the West Sea's Annex City Enforcent Team?" Wang Yulou asked in confusion, looking at his old acquaintance.
Guo Yaoyue still had that handso appearance; standing in the crowd, he naturally beca the focal point. Qiu Lianpu, having been left hanging by the group, found an opportunity and interjected sowhat eagerly.
"Yulou, I didn't expect you to also know Fellow Daoist Yaoyue. He's about to reach Foundation Establishnt.
"I think, for this investigation, let's have Fellow Daoist Yaoyue take the lead. What does everyone think?"
Advancing along five paths was advancing along five paths, but during the actual discussion and investigation, there certainly had to be a person in charge—a leader. This pertained to how things were done and was an inevitable choice.
Guo Yaoyue—Annex City Enforcent Team. Wang and Mo—Information Gathering Court investigation group.
Qiu Lianpu—Immortal Alliance Emissary. Chen Yanghe, Lian Chengxian—West Sea patrolling inspector.
Every party had their own underlying interests and background, yet Qiu Lianpu suggested Guo Yaoyue take the lead. Wang Yulou understood: although this turtle grandson was bad, his mind was extrely clear.
However, faced with Qiu Lianpu's good intentions, Guo Yaoyue waved his hand, hurriedly throwing away the responsibility of leading.
"Forget about taking the lead. Advancing along five paths ans there is no high or low distinction. However, Senior Chunze doesn't seem to have arranged for anyone from the Punishnt Court to join us in the investigation?"
He had received personal orders from Zhang Heng that this matter must be fair, transparent, and public, to prevent the ambitious schers hiding in the dark from succeeding.
Wang Yulou smiled.
"Yingxi will co a bit later. Brother Lianpu, seeing as you are the Immortal Alliance Emissary, it's only right and proper that you take the lead. Brother Yanghe, wouldn't you say?"
The expressions of Qiu Lianpu and Lian Chengxian changed simultaneously. The forr changed because Wang Yulou had roasted him over the fire, and the latter changed because he heard Zhou Yingxi's na.
"Indeed. Fellow Daoist Lianpu is the Immortal Alliance Emissary. He can naturally participate in all cases in the world that don't comply with Immortal Alliance rules. I support Fellow Daoist Yulou's suggestion," Chen Yanghe said.
As long as it wasn't Lian Chengxian, anyone was about the sa to him. Not long ago, Wang Yulou had sent him a great beauty for his amusent.
Although the friendship cultivated over drinks at the Bright Moon Night Inn was superficial, it at least existed. Hence, he chose to follow Wang Yulou's vote.
"No, no, no. I am not too familiar with the situation in the West Sea. I think Fellow Daoist Yaoyue is still more suitable."
Qiu Lianpu intensely hated Wang Yulou in his heart, but he couldn't openly fall out with him. He could only divert the disaster to the east, making Guo Yaoyue's face turn displeased.
'Yes, I know you an well, but I don't want to be the tall tree that catches the wind either. The dirty water is splashed on Jin Shan, and the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda's petty matters won't affect the overall situation anyway.
'Why should I get myself covered in stink?'
"I've long heard of Fellow Daoist Yulou's na as well. If I recall correctly, the Fellow Daoist Yingxi you ntioned is your Dao Companion, right?" Seeing the crowd starting to argue over who should take the lead, Jin Mingdu, who was not participating in the investigation, spoke up to ease the situation. She smiled as she asked about Wang Yulou and Zhou Yingxi's relationship.
Wang Yulou stopped smiling.
He looked at Lian Chengxian, nodded, and answered.
"Yes, we haven't been married for long. The West Sea patrolling inspector indeed knows everything. This ti, with Immortal Alliance Emissary Fellow Daoist Qiu and the two patrolling inspectors, Brother Yanghe and Brother Chengxian, the case will be very easy to handle, as long as we unite..."
"Apologies, I'm late."
As soon as Zhou Yingxi arrived, she imdiately outshone the other won. In truth, purely in terms of beauty, she, Jin Mingdu, and Mo Yunshu each possessed their own unique allure.
However, Jin Mingdu was ntally exhausted today from the slander suddenly hurled at her ancestor, while Mo Yunshu had always preferred martial attire over feminine dresses. Consequently, Zhou Yingxi, who was constantly nourished by her husband, appeared breathtakingly radiant.
'Praise Lian Chengxian and nominate him as the leader, so we can force a vote and make Chen Yanghe unconsciously support !'
Her husband's voice transmission took Zhou Yingxi slightly by surprise. Pretending to know nothing, she first familiarized herself with the situation before speaking.
"Senior Brother Chengxian cos from the tutelage of Immortal Venerable Lianpeng. Not only is his cultivation base profound, but his prestige is also sufficient to convince the masses.
"I believe everyone should support Senior Brother Chengxian to lead the investigation.
"Fellow Daoist Yanghe, Fellow Daoist Yaoyue, Fellow Daoist Lianpu, Fellow Daoist Yunshu, what do you think?"
Everyone looked at each other in dismay, and even Lian Chengxian was a bit puzzled. Did Zhou Yingxi really favor him?
'Then again, my cultivation base is profound, my appearance is handso, my family background is extraordinary, and my future is limitless. It's quite normal for a female cultivator like Zhou Yingxi to like .
'I still don't know the taste of another man's wife. If I ever get the chance...'
'Besides, Wang Yulou, you're no saint either. Last ti in Lotus Immortal City, the Dao Companion beside you was a different female cultivator.
'Yingxi is suffering a grievance by following you.'
The poor fool was indulging in his delusions, his face breaking into an idiotic smile that made everyone frown as they watched him.
Wasn't this guy just a massive idiot? Convince the masses?
Bullshit! Regarding Lian Chengxian, the only consensus everyone could reach was that he was an idiot who wore his stupidity on his face, even dumber than Chen Yanghe, who at least knew how to keep a low profile.
In the cultivation world, only the families of Immortal Venerables could raise such a pure idiot. Even the Yuan Clan couldn't manage it.
Compared to Lian Chengxian, Yuan Wu seed like a true qilin. So what did Zhou Yingxi an by suggesting this massive idiot lead the investigation?
Soon, the eyes of both Qiu Lianpu and Guo Yaoyue lit up—a massive idiot was perfect! They had to put the massive idiot in the scapegoat position!
However, Chen Yanghe disagreed. He and Lian Chengxian were already fighting fiercely in secret.
Just as Chen Yanghe was about to speak, Jin Mingdu—who had previously voluntarily avoided suspicion—spoke up instead.
"I think it's better to let Fellow Daoist Yulou be the leader."
She was afraid—afraid that the massive idiot Lian Chengxian might actually investigate and uncover so heaven-defying result. Lian Chengxian and Qiu Lianpu were in the sa group; both belonged to Lotus Immortal City's factions.
Yet, the ones who had reached a consensus today to minimize the issue, uncover the truth, and punish the troublemakers were the various factions of the West Sea. The two Immortal Venerables of Lotus Immortal City had no Foundation Establishnt disciples in the West Sea and had not participated in the earlier negotiations!
Zhou Yingxi was also a heavenly genius from Zhou Bojiao's family. Her proposing Lian Chengxian from Immortal Venerable Lianpeng's family to take the lead felt deeply unsettling and terrifying to Jin Mingdu.
What if, for example, the investigation direction discussed by the two True Persons and the many seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivators just now was entirely fake, and Lian Chengxian's idiocy was rely an act? What if everything was just a ploy to hand the initiative of the investigation over to Qiu Lianpu and Lian Chengxian?
If so, her ancestor Jin Shan, who answered directly to the Immortal Alliance headquarters, would beco the center of the vortex in Wunan's chaotic grand brawl!
The Immortal Venerables of Lotus Immortal City joining forces with the Red Lantern Illumination Sect's Mang Xiang to strike together, playing the West Sea factions and Jin Shan for fools—how could that be impossible? It could be said that this exact mont was what Jin Mingdu had feared most since coming to the West Sea.
She was too smart, which was why she saw the "hidden arrows" concealed within the details, and why she felt fear. That was why she had acted sowhat impolitely, even slightly harshly, by directly vetoing the proposal of Lian Chengxian taking the lead.
"Fellow Daoist Chengxian is quite good, right, Fellow Daoist Yaoyue?" Ignoring Jin Mingdu's suggestion for Wang Yulou to lead, Qiu Lianpu spoke with a smile.
His smooth, handso face actually appeared sowhat charmingly feminine when he smiled—like a venomous snake flicking its tongue. Jin Mingdu's heart sank into a bottomless abyss.
Wang Yulou, who had been observing everything all along, felt his eyes twitch as he suddenly shuddered. So that was it.
'So that was it. Fellow Daoist Mingdu, so that was where your thoughts had gone.'
'Truth and falsehood, falsehood and truth. Cultivation, cultivation... how interesting, how truly interesting.'
A cultivator would make countless decisions in their lifeti, most of which would seem aningless in hindsight.
Wang Yulou had made many such decisions. But their aninglessness in hindsight did not equate to aninglessness at the ti.
At this mont, within a confusing puzzle where truth and falsehood intertwined, a beautiful immortal maiden had lost her way... As a well-known great philanthropist of the West Sea—no, the Red Lantern Illumination Sect—no, Wunan itself!
As Wunan's renowned great philanthropist, the charitable and helpful Wang Yulou, how could he pass up this opportunity to earn so goodwill?
'Immortal Maiden Mingdu, quickly support . The situation isn't right!'
'Immortal Maiden, don't be afraid, Yulou is here!'
When he married Lin Ying, Wang Yulou was marrying his own ambition. When he married Zhou Yingxi, Wang Yulou was also marrying his own ambition.
Because he had the aspirations of a soaring swan, he feared neither wasted ti nor hardships. At this mont, Wang Yulou embraced his ambition once again.
Immortal Maiden, don't be afraid, Yulou is here to help you! Jin Mingdu's heart had just been swallowed by fear, yet at this mont, Wang Yulou's voice transmission rang in her ears, as beautiful as immortal music clearing her mind.
Giving Wang Yulou a grateful look and suppressing the trembling of her cheeks, Immortal Maiden Mingdu took a deep breath and said, "I still support letting Fellow Daoist Yulou be the leader.
"On one hand, he is already a mber of the Information Gathering Court, and this matter was ultimately brought to the Information Gathering Court. Him taking the lead is both fair and reasonable.
"On the other hand, he knows Fellow Daoist Yaoyue, is Dao Companions with Fellow Daoist Yingxi, and seems to have so intersection with Brother Yanghe as well. It will be convenient for him to coordinate from the center.
"Furthermore, Big Brother Chengxian, if you beco the leader, you won't have ti to accompany ."
By the end of her sentence, Immortal Maiden Mingdu lowered her head, a blush spreading across her cheeks as her voice turned lodious. It was a Charm Art.
Another smart mind had used a Charm Art! Cultivation was truly difficult.
Even for the children of great clans, cultivation was hard. Wang Yulou used a Charm Art to enter the ga, and Immortal Maiden Mingdu also used a Charm Art to test Lian Chengxian and Qiu Lianpu.
To put it bluntly—they were all just surviving with great difficulty.
"Mm, Mingdu, we cultivators should prioritize our careers. We must prioritize our careers."
The poor fool put on a solemn act. What this massive idiot was actually thinking was that Zhou Yingxi, who favored him, was still standing right beside him.
Fooling the already-smitten Immortal Maiden Mingdu with the excuse of 'prioritizing his career' ant he would have the chance to capture two top-tier beauties at the sa ti in the future. Thinking of this, Lian Chengxian felt he simply couldn't be any smarter.
However, his response actually confird Jin Mingdu's suspicions—making her even more grateful to Wang Yulou. Wang Yulou was truly a shaless person.
He had rely instructed Zhou Yingxi to praise the massive idiot Lian Chengxian once, scaring Immortal Maiden Mingdu into a panic, yet he ended up playing the knight in shining armor saving the damsel in distress.
In Immortal Maiden Mingdu's eyes, Wang Yulou was no different from a hero riding on seven-colored auspicious clouds to save her, while Lian Chengxian was an infinitely scheming bad seed. The gentleness put on for Lian Chengxian was just to fool the poor idiot; her gratitude towards Big Brother Yulou was entirely real!
Seeing Mingdu and Lian Chengxian "hitting it off," Chen Yanghe, who had been used as a stepping stone by Lian Chengxian, could no longer hold it in. He originally had no feelings for Jin Mingdu; there weren't that many romantics among the disciples of great clans anyway.
But provoked by Lian Chengxian, Chen Yanghe developed a special kind of competitive desire.
'Damn it, Brother Yulou, this massive idiot Lian Chengxian is too disgusting. I support you!'
The effect of winning people over was perfectly revealed at this mont.
Was Wang Yulou's relationship with Chen Yanghe good? No, it was far from good.
In reality, they were barely at the level of nodding acquaintances and drinking buddies. But even this level of relationship carried a certain degree of goodwill.
At this mont, just this bit of goodwill helped Wang Yulou lock down the overall situation. His entering the ga had a clear purpose.
Hiding to the side at the beginning was rely the Wang Clan's innate caution, observing the situation before stepping up!
'Brother Yanghe, whether I'm the leader or not, I actually don't care.'
'But you and I are brothers. Brother Yanghe's business is Yulou's business.'
'Lian Chengxian is on bad terms with you, so Yulou will naturally help you to the end. You just say the word.'
'So what if it's the cusp of the storm? For the sake of a brother, what does it matter if I, Wang Yulou, stand upon it once!'
Smack!
Chen Yanghe forcefully clapped his hands together, speaking impassioned.
"Then let's choose between Brother Yulou and Brother Chengxian. We'll vote, just like voting on the Gathering Immortals Platform. Co, let's vote."
Saying so, he gave Wang Yulou a firm look. 'Brother, thank you!'
Jin Mingdu also gave Wang Yulou a grateful look. 'Fellow Daoist Yulou, thank you!'
Lian Chengxian hadn't expected Chen Yanghe to give him so little face. He coldly snorted and said, "Let's vote then."
Zhou Yingxi had one vote, Qiu Lianpu had one vote. With his handso bearing that had already chard Mingdu and Zhou Yingxi, it was obvious that Mo Yunshu would definitely vote for him too—it was inevitable.
That would make three votes. How could he lose?
"Sigh, since Immortal Maiden Mingdu and Brother Yanghe trust Yulou so much, Yulou can only reluctantly accept this difficult task. Brother Chengxian, I truly have no intention of competing with you. It's just going through the motions, going through the motions," Wang Yulou said with a face full of "reluctance."
However...
Lian Chengxian: Qiu Lianpu.
Wang Yulou: Zhou Yingxi, Mo Yunshu, Chen Yanghe, Guo Yaoyue.
An absolute slaughter!
Looking at Zhou Yingxi's raised jade-like hand wearing the Mirror-Silver Bracelet, Lian Chengxian felt extrely frustrated in his heart.
"Yingxi, you don't support either?"
Zhou Yingxi froze for a mont. Normal people simply couldn't understand the thought process of a massive idiot who thought himself handso enough to charm countless female cultivators.
Her lotus steps moved lightly, leaning to Yulou's side. Pulling Yulou's arm, she said, "Senior Brother Chengxian, Yulou and I are Dao Companions, after all."
The teased fool's face turned red. No, it turned purple—as purple as an eggplant about to explode.
For soone like Lian Chengxian, this was likely his first ti facing such humiliation in his life. How could he not be furious?
But in Wang Yulou's eyes, he was rely a functional idiot from Immortal Venerable Lianpeng's family. Offending him ant exactly that—just offending him.
The people from Immortal Venerable Lianpeng's family couldn't possibly co after him over a minor conflict with Lian Chengxian—a cultivation family with brains wouldn't do such a thing.
"Guo Yaoyue, why didn't you vote for either?"
Facing the sowhat hysterical Lian Chengxian, Guo Yaoyue frowned and said, "Yulou knows all of us, so it will be convenient for him to coordinate from the center. That is all."
"Fellow Daoist Chengxian, our current priority is to follow the Sacred Decrees of the two True Persons and quickly uncover the truth."
Jin Mingdu looked at the about-to-explode Lian Chengxian in confusion, unable to figure it out again. Could Qiu Lianpu be Immortal Venerable Lianpeng's real pawn, while Lian Chengxian was rely pushed up to attract attention?
It could only be said that smart people were just like this. Idiots had the symptoms of idiots.
Smart people also had symptoms unique to smart people. Even now, she hadn't realized that this was a grand play written, directed, and acted entirely by Wang Yulou himself.
From the very beginning, he had stood in the sa trench as Chen Yanghe, while Mo Yunshu was his "close friend" and Zhou Yingxi was his Dao Companion. He rely wanted to grab so extra spoils of war while winning.
For instance, the goodwill of Jin Mingdu, the direct lineage of True Person Longhu Jin Shan. For instance, the goodwill of Chen Yanghe, the West Sea patrolling inspector.
For instance, hiding his own ambition while realizing his ambition. How did that saying go—it truly makes one suffer.
"Right, Yulou, you are now the leader. Advancing along five paths is the general direction, but you still need to decide the specifics of the investigation." Jin Mingdu didn't want to watch Lian Chengxian throw a tantrum, so she hastily echoed Guo Yaoyue's words and spoke to Wang Yulou. "You need to decide our direction."
This ant that among the five dragons managing the water, he was supre. As for which direction the water should flow, the opinions of Immortal Venerable Mangxiang, Immortal Venerable Shenguang, Perfected Man Fujiao, True Person Jinshan, and True Person Haikuo naturally had to be heard.
However, the specific person handling the affairs was him, Wang Yulou! This was the greatest aning of entering the ga.
It was even more aningful than the thousand mu of land he had obtained for free. Wang Yulou pondered for a mont, scanned the crowd, and said in a deep voice, "The truth must definitely be investigated."
"Right and wrong must definitely be distinct. True Person Longhu's innocence must definitely be clarified."
"The troublemakers must definitely be punished."
"These four 'definites' form our general direction for handling the case. Does anyone have a differing opinion?" After he said this, no one voiced any objections.
"I have an objection! This is a dictatorship, you..."
Lian Chengxian spoke up. Well, he didn't quite count as a person.
Wang Yulou ignored Lian Chengxian's frantic barking and said, "Good. Since there are no objections, let's start by interrogating those two pawns pushed to the front."
"Fellow Daoist Yaoyue, you've served in the enforcent team for many years and have experience. You will interrogate them first."
"Brother Lianpu and Brother Yanghe, you two will assist in the trial. During the process, you must keep proper records."
"Record every single sentence clearly."
"The wind and waves in the West Sea are strong. This is for the overall situation, and also for your own safety."
As seas changed to mulberry fields over ti, the West Sea had long since lost its actual sea, much less any wind and waves. But everyone naturally knew what kind of wind and waves Wang Yulou was referring to, and his personnel arrangent was also extrely reasonable.
Zhou Bojiao had already stated clearly,
"The ti hasn't co yet. There is no need to waste effort."
Therefore, he directly let the three parties—Shen Guang, Lotus Immortal City, and the Immortal Alliance headquarters—handle the investigation, simply to show the goodwill of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect. This arrangent eliminated any possibility of being sched against, while also allowing Wang Yulou to save his ntal energy.
Besides, he never planned on actually uncovering the truth. What was there to investigate anyway?
It was nothing more than the grand cultivators starting a magical combat. Everything was out in the open.
The value of gaining the initiative in the investigation did not lie in defining the truth. With five paths advancing and five dragons managing the water, Wang Yulou was supre.
This water was exactly his bargaining chip. As long as the truth remained hidden, this pending bargaining chip would continuously hold its value. Lian Chengxian couldn't understand what he had lost.
Perhaps even smart people like Guo Yaoyue, Jin Mingdu, and Qiu Lianpu didn't understand what Wang Yulou had gained.
"Fellow Daoist Yulou's arrangent is very thoughtful. Then... you two Fellow Daoists, shall we interrogate them first?"
Guo Yaoyue smiled and accepted Wang Yulou's arrangent. Smart people didn't need to discuss the details too much; everyone understood.
Guo Yaoyue led Qiu Lianpu and Chen Yanghe away to investigate the case, while Lian Chengxian and the three won stayed where they were.
"Immortal Maiden Mingdu, Fellow Daoist Yunshu, let's go. We'll head to the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda to investigate the situation."
The two beauties naturally wouldn't refuse. Lian Chengxian, however, beca sowhat anxious.
Wang Yulou didn't outright humiliate him, he simply ignored him. But this kind of disregard was undoubtedly a trendous humiliation in itself.
"What is the aning of this? Are you looking down on , Wang Yulou?"
Wang Yulou, holding Zhou Yingxi in his arms, turned his head to glance at Lian Chengxian, then looked down at the beauty in his embrace.
"Did you hear a dog barking over there?"
At this mont, Zhou Yingxi once again couldn't read Wang Yulou. Why?
Why is he doing this? To declare his ownership over ?
No, no, he was not such a shallow person.
"Let's go, Wang Yulou. Hold back a little."
Mo Yunshu thought Wang Yulou had grown arrogant, but Wang Yulou just smiled and left with the three beauties. He wasn't arrogant.
A suitable punching bag was hard to find. With Lian Chengxian offering his face up for him to farm reputation, he naturally had to make good use of it.
When it was ti to keep a low profile, one had to keep a low profile. But with Wang Yulou having reached this point, the South Annex City combat arena was about to start construction. He himself had entered the ga, stepping right into the center of the West Sea's chaos.
It was ti to be high-profile. To be a heavenly genius, a heavenly genius of the West Sea, a heavenly genius of the Behemoth Lineage—to be that unique, one-and-only heavenly genius in everyone's eyes.
To prove his value, earn respect, gain recognition, and thereby walk step by step toward the highest peak. There were too many things that were complex beyond imagination.
Blind forbearance wasn't the goal; it was just a thod. Wang Yulou's ambition hadn't changed.
He just understood that now was the ti to change his thods. Becoming a renowned heavenly genius of the West Sea would start with using Lian Chengxian as a punching bag to farm experience.
"Mingdu, are you going to follow him too?"
Lian Chengxian chased after the four of them. He couldn't understand why, in such a short period of ti, it seed like everything had changed.
Fools shouldn't step into the cultivation world where strength reigned supre. Lian Chengxian, hailing from a great clan, was quite extraordinary, but in front of the Wang Clan's Jade Palace, he was no different from a dog.
That was all there was to it.
'Senior Brother Chengxian, please conduct yourself with dignity.'
Immortal Maiden Mingdu didn't even turn her head, simply replying via voice transmission. The poor fool stood at the entrance of the Information Gathering Court, staring blankly and unmoving as if struck by lightning.
"Wang Yulou..."
*
'You sent the three n away to interrogate the case, and brought two female cultivators with you to stroll around the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda.'
'Husband, do you have so sort of ideas about Mo Yunshu and Jin Mingdu?'
On the back of the Great Demon Black Dragon Steed, Zhou Yingxi leaned against Yulou far more intimately than usual, wishing nothing more than for those two vixens to imdiately recognize the situation.
'Nonsense.'
'There are many stars in the sky, but there is only one as beautiful as you. Wife, you must believe .'
The ostentatious Wang Yulou rode through the immortal city's streets with three extrely beautiful female cultivators, drawing endless sidelong glances from the passing cultivators. But in reality, Wang Yulou wasn't quite enjoying the blessings of polygamy.
Not to ntion he didn't have any thoughts in that direction—ssing with won was not his goal. With Zhou Bojiao lurking in the shadows, even if he had the heart of a thief, he wouldn't dare act on it.
'Pah!'
'Glib-tongued!' Although she scolded him, Fellow Daoist Yingxi was still satisfied inwardly.
At least he was willing to play the part, and he always played it seriously.
'In reality, Immortal Maiden Mingdu needs to avoid suspicion.'
'As for Yunshu, her heart is too kind.'
'And you and I are under the Ancestral Master's tutelage, so it's not appropriate for them to be involved.'
That the West Sea might fall into chaos was a consensus in everyone's hearts, but that didn't an the major factions involved liked being led by the nose. Hence, today's minor chaos had resulted in this situation.
Faced with a knife handed over by others, the two True Persons of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect were both unwilling to take it.
'So we're just going to let them investigate the truth?'
Zhou Yingxi was sowhat worried, afraid that Wang Yulou might hand soone leverage through carelessness.
'They won't find anything. Don't worry.'
Wang Yulou was certain that the person who dared to fire the first shot wouldn't be a fool. This wave of chaos was intended more to probe and test the waters.
After all, the "reason" they found—a rogue cultivator being bullied by the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda—was completely absurd.
Soon, the group arrived at the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda.
"Wife, Fellow Daoist Yunshu, Immortal Maiden Mingdu, you all go take a look at the Demon Dividing Yard. I will go et Senior Qingfeng."
Hearing Wang Yulou's arrangent, Zhou Yingxi and Mo Yunshu had no objections, but Mingdu was put in sowhat of a difficult position.
"Yulou, shouldn't I avoid suspicion?"
Yingxi's elegant eyebrows imdiately furrowed. Yulou? Pah!
Just calling him Wang Yulou is fine. You aren't close with him anyway.
Disgusting!
"It's no matter," Wang Yulou said. "Everyone is clear in their hearts about what kind of person True Person Jinshan is, and I admire the True Person endlessly."
"If Immortal Maiden Mingdu has any thoughts, you can discuss them with . The doubts those outsiders have about True Person Jinshan will not affect , and will certainly not affect the investigation!"
Hearing Yulou's words, Immortal Maiden Mingdu felt a slight warmth in her heart. Thinking back to the help Yulou had given her today, she nodded at Wang Yulou with boundless gratitude and agreed softly.
"Mm, Mingdu understands."
The look Zhou Yingxi gave Jin Mingdu beca even stranger. What kind of expression is that?
Tell , what is that expression?
As the three won were leaving, Mo Yunshu instructed uneasily, "Yulou, Xihai Qingfeng is not simple. Don't be fooled by his appearance. The three Immortal Venerable disciples who ca out of the Hall of Benevolence are all extrely formidable seasoned Foundation Establishnt cultivators."
Fellow Daoist Yingxi's heart went completely numb. Yulou, Yulou...
I am his Dao Companion, and I'm still standing right here! Can't you two keep a little distance?
She curled her lip, just about to send Wang Yulou a voice transmission to express her dissatisfaction, but suddenly realized she couldn't badger Wang Yulou like a resentful wife! That was a path to courting disaster!
She might genuinely be in danger of being replaced! Jin Mingdu, the legitimate daughter of True Person Longhu Jin Shan's family.
Mo Yunshu, the legitimate daughter of True Person Hansong's family. One was elegant on the outside and intelligent on the inside; the other stood out from the crowd.
The forr was the pinnacle of well-bred ladies, while the latter was a unique female cultivator deeply imbued with the West Sea's style... Zhou Yingxi's heart began to beat uneasily.
She looked to her left and found that Jin Mingdu was actually looking back at Wang Yulou's departing figure. For so unknown reason, this equally peerless beauty actually seed to harbor genuine favorable feelings for her husband.
Fellow Daoist Yingxi's heart grew even more uneasy. She looked to her right and found that Mo Yunshu was actually greeting a group of familiar rogue cultivators.
This woman surnad Mo simply didn't act like a typical female cultivator. Being able to easily mingle with those male rogue cultivators—did that an she could get along just as seamlessly with Wang Yulou?
Two formidable rivals! She felt completely numb...
Was this the price of being Wang Yulou's Dao Companion? Fellow Daoist Yingxi couldn't figure it out. She only felt that this high-tier ga seed a bit too difficult to play.
*
The Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda was not an actual pagoda, but a large market similar to a high-end comrcial district, interspersed with many different shops.
Xihai Qingfeng's residence was not large, hidden inside a dead-end alley in the center of the Demon-Suppressing Treasure Pagoda. Yulou had only reached the alley entrance when Xihai Qingfeng noticed him.
This disciple of Shen Guang completely disregarded the disparity in their status and cultivation bases, personally coming out to welco him.
"Senior, you are cursing Yulou with too much honor. If word spreads, those who don't understand might think I was deliberately making things difficult for you..."
Seeing Xihai Qingfeng co out, Wang Yulou hurriedly trotted forward and bowed as he spoke. Xihai Qingfeng belonged to the type of person who appeared to have the ethereal air of an immortal—an enlightened expert as clear as a gentle breeze and a bright moon.
But considering his identity as Shen Guang's disciple and Immortal Venerable Shenguang's ruthless nature, it was evident that this Grand Elder of the Hall of Benevolence was far from simple. Therefore, Yulou was actually being very careful.
"Hahaha, how could it be making things difficult? Co, have you ever drank sixth-grade spirit tea?"
Bringing out sixth-grade spirit tea right off the bat? This was an item where a single leaf cost hundreds of spirit stones!
"Senior, please, there is absolutely no need. Ninth-grade is fine, or even a cup of hot water will do. The fact that I can drink a cup of hot water here at your place... if word gets out, who knows how many people will be envious."
Wang Yulou had stepped forward, directly turning down the sixth-grade spirit tea to ask for hot water. It could be said that he had completely deflected all of Xihai Qingfeng's gentle, breeze-like tactics.
Don't try these pointless tricks to rope in. I know my own weight, Senior.
Little fox! Xihai Qingfeng cursed inwardly, but he still proceeded to pour Yulou a cup of sixth-grade spirit tea.
It was just that while pouring the tea, his hand shook slightly, and seventeen or eighteen tea leaves fell into the cup.
"Don't complain that it's too little. My master gave it to , and the quantity is limited."
"Hahaha, Senior must be joking, how could I complain it's too little? I barely have enough ti to be grateful."
Yulou began to sip the tea. Xihai Qingfeng watched Yulou drink.
Between the two of them, there were unexpectedly no words. After a long while, Xihai Qingfeng finally broke the silence.
"Do you have any questions regarding that rogue cultivator's matter?"
It turned out he had already found out, from who knows where, that Wang Yulou had beco the leader of the investigation.
"Fellow Daoist Yaoyue is naturally investigating the case. Senior, what I want to ask is, is Fellow Daoist Yaoyue a cultivator native to the West Sea?"
"In the West Sea, this is my first ti seeing such a figure."
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