Who Was Going to Take the Blame?

Protector Wu no longer considers Yang Shan an outsider.

Or rather, Yang Shan was already considered a member of the Soul Hall.

After arriving in the Jia Ma Empire, although there were some misunderstandings, he truly handed over all the souls he possessed without leaving a single one behind.

Furthermore, for Tu Hong's safety, he fought against three powerful Dou Ling single-handedly!

Both their abilities and their attitude are impeccable!

Vulture Protector felt that unless he wanted to ignore the facts, there was no way to pin the word "traitor" on Yang Shan.

"Guardian, we were unable to collect many souls this time. Please forgive us."

Listen to this!

Listen to this!

Yang Shan looked as if he would die if he took a few more breaths or said a few more words.

But he still spoke up.

And what he said was that he hadn't collected enough souls!

A slight ripple also stirred within Protector Wu's heart.

The people of the Soul Hall are human too!

At this moment, Protector Wu truly had the idea of writing a letter to Luo Xie.

Such subordinates will surely become invaluable assets in the future; giving them to Luo Xie is such a waste! But after weighing the options, Protector Wu decided it was better not to write the letter.

Luo Xie wasn't stupid. If he had misjudged someone like Cheng E, he wouldn't have given him the marriage certificate.

The thought of the important figure about to arrive from the Black-Corner Region...

Protector Wu made a decision that went against his principles: to mentor Yang Shan! "With this kid's performance, he will surely be valued by that person in the future. Even if he doesn't rise to the top quickly, becoming a protector will be a piece of cake. If I mentor him now, I can at least gain a favor in the future!"

Promoting a Dou Ling doesn't require many resources.

But we must remember the favors we owe!

Once the other party reaches the Dou Zong, the value of this favor will increase at least two hundredfold! Protector Wu really knows how to invest.

Therefore, Protector Wu took out a pill from his Storage Ring.

Although it's just the most basic healing pills.

But this was a genuine Sixth Grade Pill! Protector Wu personally placed the elixir in Yang Shan's palm:

"You've worked hard. I won't let you remove your mask in public. Men, take Cheng E back to rest. If he even kowtows once, you'll all lose your heads!"

[Ding! Player, please note that Protector Wu's favorability towards you has increased by 5.]

[Note: Because the name you used in the Soul Hall does not match your actual ID, a secondary identity favorability list has been activated for you. Your favorability with the Soul Hall NPCs will be placed in the secondary list belonging to ' Cheng E '.]

The supplementary list is finally open.

This is also one of the ways to increase favorability, something Yang Shan had done in his previous life.

However, to unlock the supplementary list, you need to gain enough favor with NPCs by using a disguised identity.

With the identity of "Cheng E", Yang Shan already has the favor of three Soul Hall members: Protector Wu, Tu Hong, and Luo Xie from the Black-Corner Region.

However, in addition to this, the system also gave Yang Shan a special reminder: [Player, please note that due to the activation of your secondary identity, the favorability rating of your secondary identity is not shared with your actual identity, and its exposure may cause uncontrollable consequences. Please treat this with caution.]

Yang Shan was not worried about any uncontrollable influences at all.

All the uncontrollable influences stem from insufficient favorability! Yang Shan now goes to Ya Fei and tells her that he actually holds a high position in the Azure Cloud Association, but he is actually an undercover agent.

There is a 20% chance that Ya Fei's favorability will decrease by a few points, and a 50% chance that her favorability will not be reduced.

There's also a 30% chance that Ya Fei will say, "Young Master Yang, you're amazing!"

Then increase the favorability rating a little bit.

Yang Shan was even less worried about the Soul Hall! The Soul Hall didn't care about any of this; they even hoped their people had "spies" in other factions! That's why Yang Shan wasn't honest with either side.

It's simply about exploiting information asymmetry to gain more profit!

For example, right now, if Yang Shan were to reveal his identity to Protector Wu, he would absolutely have no chance of obtaining the Soul Accumulation Pearl!

Even if he gets it, there's a high chance that Protector Wu will suspect him! In his previous life, Yang Shan used the same method to get into the Strong Ranking at the Jia Nan Academy and then became a steward at the Black Emperor Sect, constantly absorbing resources to accelerate his development and become a first-class player.

This is Old Schemer could pull off!

After Yang Shan was sent to recuperate, Protector Wu's face darkened again.

Protector Wu needs to check every member of the White Mist Branch, which will obviously take a considerable amount of time.

Protector Wu immediately ordered, "No one is allowed to leave the branch until the mole has been identified!"

The next day, Yang Shan, who had recovered from his injuries with the help of Sixth Grade Pill, came to resign.

Protector Wu subconsciously touched his face.

I feel a bit swollen, probably because I drank too much water before bed last night.

It must be!

Protector Wu: "Where are you going?"

Yang Shan: "I should just wander around for a bit and then go back to the Black-Corner Region. Lord Luo still needs me."

Protector Wu: "Luo Xie shouldn't be making any big moves lately, so you can stay a little longer."

Yang Shan was somewhat embarrassed:

"But Protector Wu, it seems that I am of no use here."

Protector Wu: "There's going to be a big move coming up at the Azure Cloud Association Main Branch. If you're willing, you can go Main Branch and collect any souls you find; they're yours."

Yang Shan: "Your subordinate understands. Thank you for your Protector Wu!"

Protector Wu: "I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing. Cheng E, I think you're not bad, so I'll give you some training."

Yang Shan pretended to understand:

"Understood! Lord Luo said the same thing to me. Protector Wu, please rest assured, although I am bloodthirsty, I am not a heartless wretch. I will repay Protector Wu's favor in the future!"

Protector Wu was quite pleased that Yang Shan was so sensible.

"That old bastard Luo Xie really got incredibly lucky!"

The Protector Wu seemed to sense something, slightly raised his head, and then came to his senses.

He walked up to Yang Shan and patted Yang Shan on the shoulder:

"I have other matters to attend to, so I won't keep you any longer. You've worked hard these past few days. Don't rush on your way to the Main Branch. I won't set a time limit for you. Along the way, you can relax in some brothels and red-light districts."

Yang Shan: "Protector Wu, please rest assured, the Spirit Stone I have in my pocket are for the brothels!"

"Hehehe, you really are a lecherous scoundrel. Go away, go away."

"Your subordinate takes his leave!"

After Yang Shan left, Protector Wu's face darkened.

"What, you think you're all that now that you've broken through to the Dou Zong? Do I have to personally invite you?"

"Protector Wu is too kind. Our sect has always respected Protector Wu. I just don't know why Protector Wu is in such a hurry to see us?"

A middle-aged man dressed in a simple white robe stepped into the reception room.

The white robe fluttered as the person moved, giving off an ethereal and otherworldly air.

This person is Misty Cloud Sect, one of the Ten Great Experts of the Jia Ma Empire, the eighth sect master of the Yunlan Sect, and Yun Shan Yun Yun's master!

Protector Wu sneered inwardly, "After breaking through to the Dou Zong, you keep calling me 'this sect leader,' you really have got too much face! If you weren't still somewhat useful..."

Protector Wu actually wanted to bring Yun Shan into the Soul Hall.

Although it was achieved through special means, he was still a Dou Zong at least.

However, Yun Shan had been unable to enter the Dou Zong realm for years due to his suppressed emotions, and his mentality had changed.

Yun Shan no longer pursued higher cultivation levels, nor did he want to experience the wonders of Central Plains.

His ambition grew, and he wanted to stay in the Jia Ma Empire and become a new legend in this barren land! So, from the moment Yun Shan rejected Protector Wu, in Protector Wu's eyes, Yun Shan was just a tool to be used.

"The Soul Accumulation Pearl of the White Mist Branch in Yun Shan has been stolen!"

Yun Shan anticipated that Protector Wu's summons from the forbidden area of the Misty Cloud Sect must be for something important.

But I never expected it to be such a big deal! Protector Wu took the time to explain the whole story in detail.

Yun Shan: "I beg Protector Wu to spare my disciple. This matter has absolutely nothing to do with her!"

"Unrelated? Yun Shan, have you gone mad from all that cultivation these past few years?!"

Protector Wu cursed Yun Shan loudly:

"If it weren't for your blind disciple causing trouble in White Mist City, why would I, the protector, need to show myself?"

The mole must be investigated, and the identity of who stole the Soul Accumulation Pearl must also be investigated.

But even Protector Wu himself didn't know when the truth would come to light.

But the losses must be made up!

How can this be remedied?

Naturally, they'll find someone to take the blame!

Who should take the blame for this? Bei Guo should!

But he can't carry it! So we can only ask Yun Yun.

Or rather, Protector Wu needs to use Yun Yun as an excuse to get Yun Shan to do more for him! "This Protector has already made his move, and countless people in White Mist Mountain have witnessed it. Yun Shan, you must come out of seclusion!"

Yun Shan: "Protector Wu, my cultivation is not yet completely stable."

"That's your business! What does it have to do with me, the Dharma Protector?"

Protector Wu, brimming with malice, declared, "This protector has limited patience. Otherwise, I would slaughter the Misty Cloud Sect and return with their souls to report back! Yun Shan, you decide what to do!"

Yun Shan's heart sank, and he lowered his head slightly. "Protector Wu, what do you want our sect to do?"

Protector Wu: "I will give you a scroll of Dou Technique, which will allow you to use your Dou Qi to create black mist. Although it is not very useful, you only need to impersonate me for a while. When the time is right, you will reveal your true identity!"

Yun Shan: "Understood."

Protector Wu: "There's more!"

Yun Shan: "Does Protector Wu have any further instructions?"

Protector Wu: "Go to the Main Branch. You'll cover the losses at the White Mist Branch!"

Yun Shan showed no unusual reaction, simply nodding slowly:

"Good."

Protector Wu shook his hand irritably:

"Go then, I await your news."

After Yun Shan left the reception room, his previously relaxed hands began to clench into fists, making a cracking sound.

I was sitting at home when trouble came down on me.

It's impossible for Yun Shan not to harbor resentment.

But for now, he is still under the control of the Protector Wu.

After all, Protector Wu's strength far surpasses his.

But it's impossible for Yun Shan to give up Misty Cloud Sect!

He wanted to lead the Misty Cloud Sect to surpass all other forces in the Jia Ma Empire! This was a dream that had taken root in his heart since he joined the Misty Cloud Sect when he was young! Unfortunately, his cultivation level was limited to the Eight Star Dou Huang, and he was always overshadowed by the Imperial Family Old Ancestor, Jia Xingtian.

This matter became a mental obsession for him, and he made no further progress for many years.

He has now become Dou Zong.

The Misty Cloud Sect should be above all else in the Jia Ma Empire, and should not become the Pure Soul Energy within the Soul Accumulation Pearl of the Protector Wu!

"The Xiao Family begins with you!"

Yun Shan left, and he had to go to the Main Branch of the Azure Cloud Association. He wasn't in a good mood the whole way.

Protector Wu, who was staying at the White Mist Branch, was not in a good mood either.

What a coincidence! Yang Shan was in a very good mood!

He took down the Unseeable, returned to White Mist City, retrieved the Soul Accumulation Pearl from Su Yitang, and then logged off.

When he logged back in, the system notification arrived as expected:

[Ding! Player, please note that the absorption of Pure Soul Energy has been completed.]

[Congratulations! Due to your extraordinary talent, you perfectly absorbed all the Pure Soul Energy within the Soul Accumulation Pearl Mortal Realm Perfection can no longer be a constraint for you, and the gate to the Spirit Realm has been kicked open!]

[Your current Soul Strength level is: Spirit Realm Early Stage!]

[Spirit Realm Early Stage: Provides a significant boost to alchemy or weapon crafting below Eighth-Tier, and makes it easier to achieve perfection in elixirs. The specific boost depends on the player's situation and the difficulty of the crafting process.]

The Soul Strength of the Spirit Realm!

What does this mean? In the original work, there is a rather important description of the Spirit Realm.

That is, during the refining of pills, the soul power of the Spirit Realm can endow the pills with spirituality! And for a pill to reach the eighth grade, the essential requirement is to possess "spirituality"! Some potent eighth-grade pills can even condense a phantom of a living being! For example, in the original novel, during the Pill Tower Pill Competition, the eighth-grade pill that Xiao Yan refined condensed a dragon-shaped phantom!

In other words, to become Eighth Grade Alchemist, Soul Strength must reach the Spirit Realm! Yang Shan is currently only Fifth Grade Alchemist, yet he already holds the ticket to becoming Eighth Grade Alchemist! Furthermore, Yang Shan's stats display the following data: [Spirit Realm Early Stage: 269922/300000.]

I'm just over 30,000 short of Spirit Realm Middle Stage!

No wonder it's Protector Wu's treasured "Little Jin"! The Soul Hall members generally have strong Soul Strength.

Protector Wu's Soul Strength may already be at the Spirit Realm Middle Stage, and he is hoping to advance further with this Little Jin.

But after infiltrating the Jia Ma Empire for so many years, he had truly worked for the Soul Hall for nothing and gained nothing for himself!

If someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder saw these 30,000+ points of Pure Soul Energy, they would probably be scratching their head and feeling restless if they didn't fill it up!

But Yang Shan wasn't in a hurry at all.

Since Protector Wu has his own "Little Jin," Luo Xie must have one too.

When we return to the Black-Corner Region in the future, we'll ask Luo Xie for a hand.

Even if things don't go well, once I break through to the Dou Wang and officially enter the Soul Hall, I should be able to learn the Soul Refining Grand Formation.

Yang Shan knew that the Azure Cloud Association's Main Branch should also have a Soul Accumulation Pearl.

Moreover, its quality might even be higher than the Soul Accumulation Pearl that was just damaged.

After all, it was Protector Wu who took it back to report to the Soul Hall.

But Yang Shan had no intention of coveting that Soul Accumulation Pearl.

Even if the Little Jin is gone, it can be rebuilt.

If Protector Wu fails to complete the Soul Hall's mission, he will likely face severe punishment upon returning to the Soul Hall.

Protector Wu will definitely go mad. He'll turn the entire Jia Ma Empire upside down to find out who did it! Protector Wu will definitely be extremely concerned about protecting the Main Branch.

Open the door.

Su Yitang was already waiting at the door.

Upon seeing Yang Shan, Su Yitang smiled sweetly:

"Hello, boss! You've worked hard, boss!"

Yang Shan: "Next time, try a different set of words. It sounds like a receptionist at a bathhouse."

Su Yitang: "Does the boss go there often?"

If he was facing a man, Yang Shan would boast that he had a top-tier VIP card at the Golden Splendor building downstairs.

But when faced with a woman, Yang Shan's answer was only two words:

"Occasionally."

Su Yitang's eyes clearly showed disbelief, but she said, "Boss, you must be very tired from running around in the game these days. It would be good for you to relax more when you log off."

Yang Shan: "Okay, let's go to Wutan City."

Su Yitang blinked. "Boss, have you forgotten something?"

Yang Shan: "What?"

Su Yitang: "You haven't said who owns the Spirit Marrow Pill yet."

Yang Shan: "Oh, those two Spirit Marrow Pill, one is listed on the Auction House, and the other is sold to Jin Shankao."

Su Yitang: "Huh? Does that mean all three of us have no chance?"

Yang Shan: "My Soul Strength has broken through to the Spirit Realm, so I'll have a much higher chance of refining the Spirit Marrow Pill. I can refine it again in a while. The price will be lower then, so you won't have to spend too much money."

Su Yitang nodded. "Understood!"

"Let's go, time is of the essence, we need to get to Wutan City as soon as possible."

The major storyline at the end of version 1.2 revolves around the Azure Cloud Association.

However, the Azure Cloud Association Azure Cloud Association's ambush of Alchemist in the five cities surrounding Gama Holy City was merely a "warm-up" for them.

The real core of the plot is the Xiao Family in Wutan City! Although this Xiao Family is not the same as the Xiao Family in the original novel.

However, the Xiao Family was still the faction with the most players joining when the server opened!

Millions of players continuously accepted and completed quests, causing the Xiao Family's cultivation resources to surge in a short period of time! Furthermore, due to Xiao Mei's sudden rise, the Xiao Family became the fourth largest family in Gama Holy City!

This is still the result of the Xiao Family not having Dou Wang expert in charge.

If there really is Dou Wang, even the three major families might not be able to match the Xiao Family in terms of overall power!

Moreover, Xiao Mei has encountered many serendipitous events since the game's launch.

Not only has the panel been upgraded to gold, but its current level has also reached Nine Star Dou Ling!

Even more monstrous than Nalan Yanran! All the cultivation techniques and Dou Technique obtained from her adventures have been placed in the Xiao Family's secret vault, for players to exchange for using their contribution points.

In addition, Xiao Mei was, after all, the "guide" of the Xiao Family when the game was first launched.

Many players chose to continue working hard in the Xiao Family.

Especially recently, a player on the forum revealed that he had obtained Mystic Rank Middle-Level cultivation technique with Golden Word Seal from the Xiao Family, which has once again increased the Xiao Family's popularity.

Since the Xiao Family does not have any Dou Wang Battle Kings), they must recruit more strong individuals to stabilize their power.

Therefore, the Xiao Family now has a great many Dou Ling experts.

There are even a small number of players who have reached the Dou Ling! Relying on his accumulated experience since the server opened, and his recent collaboration with Yang Shan to monopolize the profits from the Body Tempering Pill, Xiao Aotian registered a virtual entertainment company and established a guild in Battle Through the Heavens: Heaven Flame Alliance! Leveraging his fame and guild benefits, he signed many top-tier players who had reached the Dou Ling level! With the support of the Xiao Family, Heaven Flame Alliance has developed very rapidly and has now grown into a top-tier guild no weaker than Tian Hao Alliance.

Today, Xiao Aotian ended his seclusion and put the pills he had refined during this period on the Auction House.

Because of refining pills, Xiao Aotian's level progress has been slowed down, and he is currently only at the Four-Star Dou Ling level.

"I wonder how Yang One-Blade leveled up. Eight Star Dou Ling, and a Fifth Grade Alchemist too. Is he really a vegetable?"

Xiao Aotian arrived at Xiao Mei's courtyard with ease.

"Aotian, you're here."

Many players wish they had an ambiguous relationship with Xiao Mei.

But Xiao Mei now seems to be only in love with Xiao Aotian.

Xiao Aotian chatted with Xiao Mei for a while and successfully obtained a high-difficulty task from Xiao Mei.

Head to the Magical Beast Mountain Range and kill a Tier 4 King of Beasts.

To prevent the King of Beasts from escaping, Xiao Aotian specially called upon a helper: Li Batian! Xiao Aotian originally signed the contract simply because the other party's name suited him well.

Unexpectedly, the other party had many fortuitous encounters afterward, and their strength progressed rapidly. Now they have become one of the strongest combat forces in the Heaven Flame Alliance!

"Brother Xiao!"

"Old Li, let's go!"

After leaving Wutan City, the two immediately summoned their mounts and headed towards the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

The target was fifty miles away, and they needed to hurry.

But before they had gone halfway, they were ambushed.

The other party was wearing the uniform of the Azure Cloud Association!

But the most crucial thing is that when the leading NPC charged towards them, dazzling wings of light appeared behind him!

Xiao Aotian was shocked. "Dou Wang?"

Unlike the Black-Corner Region, the Dou Wang of the Azure Cloud Association all have Purple Word Seal!

Although the Azure Cloud Association's Dou Wang in front of him was named Guan Zhenggen, and although he was only a one-star player, his stats were indeed quite impressive.

Xiao Aotian took down the Giant Ruler, as tall as a person, a fierce glint in his eyes:

"I've never killed Dou Wang with Purple Word Seal before!"

Li Batian, who was beside him, had already made his move. His fist, enveloped in Earth Attribute Dou Qi, slammed down hard on the Dou Wang named Guan Zhenggen, shouting, "Brother Xiao, as long as Qing Shan, we can always fight again. Let's go!"

Xiao Aotian: "Leave? When have I, Xiao Aotian, ever backed down? Let's get them!"

Li Batian: "It's better for me to lose stars than for both of us to lose stars!"

Although Li Batian's fists were hard, they were still somewhat insufficient in front of Dou Wang.

Guan Zhenggen easily blocked Li Batian's punch and sneered, "Run? None of you will escape today! Attack!"

Guan Zhenggen also brought seven high-star Dou Ling with him this time!

If it were just Guan Zhenggen, Xiao Aotian and Li Batian joining forces, there might still be a chance.

The pressure from Guan Zhenggen was immense; Xiao Aotian and Li Batian simply didn't have the extra energy to deal with the seven Dou Ling! Just then, a leisurely voice came from the forest. "Um, Mr. Xiao, do you need any help?"

At the end of last month, Sky's grandmother passed away.

He was 83 years old and passed away relatively peacefully.

The most tiring day was the day before yesterday, when I had to keep vigil for my grandmother and then go up the mountain early in the morning to bury her. So I must have been awake for 25 hours.

Therefore, maintaining a daily output of 10,000 has been extremely difficult recently.

I'm not crying because I've finished dealing with things, so I'm telling you all now.

I brought this up simply to apologize to all the Dou Di) here:

If there are any minor flaws in the content during this period, please forgive me, fellow Dou Di.

Sky will adjust its state as soon as possible and write the next part of the story.

So, with the groundwork and transitions completed, here comes the final major plot of the version:

The Xiao Family vs. the Azure Cloud Association! Starting soon!