A Matter of the People's Will

'A single seed might just grow into an oak tree.'

This system is getting more and more perfunctory. After saving up 150k of energy for a lottery, all you get is an acorn.

Li Fan scanned the acorn with his Divine Sense for a long time but couldn't see anything different. It seemed to be just an ordinary seed. But it also seemed to be an ordinary seed. When Li Fan imitated Li Gan and held the acorn in his palm, using the spiritual energy of Purple Radiance, Dark Underworld, Return to Dust to stimulate it, there was still no sign of it sprouting, let alone growing into a tree.

So what exactly is this thing? Is it some kind of genetically modified oak tree? Or is it a prop disguised as an oak seed?

While eating breakfast, Li Fan was still deep in thought when Kun came over and licked an acorn.

Li Fan glanced at it, "What does it taste like?"

The Kun spread its fins to indicate that it didn't taste good, then jumped up and stuck out its tongue, licking the food on the table until it was all damp.

We can only bring one type back to Li Family Village to plant. Like the system's identification, maybe we can grow an oak tree.

At this moment, on the other side of the table, Qin Jiu, wrapped up like a mummy and exuding the fragrance of medicine, trembled and listlessly held his rice bowl, looking melancholically at the spiritual food on the table that was wet with fish saliva, and silently shoveled white rice into his mouth.

Along the way, Qin Jiu became increasingly taciturn. After experiencing life and death and witnessing the true grandeur of the Central Plains, the boy was no longer the silly, laughing country bumpkin he once was. His eyes would occasionally flash with hatred, and he was gloomy and indifferent.

This is the price of growing into a man with a story.

"When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it will first test their will, strain their muscles and bones, starve their body, leave them destitute, and thwart their endeavors, so as to strengthen their resolve, temper their character, and increase their abilities."

Li Fan also recited the text and gave Qin Jiu some pointers.

To become his true disciple, this hardship is just the beginning. Look at Xuan Tian, he suffered a lot, but he's still carefree and cheerful all the time. Besides, Li Fan feels he's treated his disciples quite well; at least he's never let them go hungry, has he?

Kunxiu devoured all the dishes on the table, then stared at Qin Jiu.

Qin Jiu sighed sadly and handed over the rice bowl in his hand.

Kun was satisfied.

Li Fan had no choice but to sprinkle another handful of gold coins, instructing the shopkeeper to first bring a bucket of tofu to attract Kun's attention, and then serve a table of high-protein food to help Qin Jiu replenish her body.

In short, this trip back to Ink Bamboo Mountain will allow Qin Jiu to cultivate in the Nascent Soul Realm for a few years. Once he breaks through to the Nascent Soul realm, he can be used as a valuable asset. The current situation in the Central Plains is not too dangerous, with both the Demonic Sect and the Company involved. It's not the disciples' turn to get involved yet. After returning, he can gather the younger generation, run another round of the Nangong dungeon to level up, and cultivate a core force capable of guarding the mountain gate. Li Fan estimates that he can then focus on cultivating in seclusion to improve his cultivation and strive to reach the Enlightenment Stage as soon as possible.

At that moment, Li Fan suddenly sensed something, as if he heard a clap of thunder in spring. He secretly plotted something, then stood up with a flick of his sleeve.

"Moon Soul."

With a flick of the arc of light, the Moon Spirit appeared and bowed, raising its head in greeting.

"Please give your instructions, Senior Brother Sect Leader."

Qin Jiu was startled, and her hand trembled so much that she almost dropped the bowl.

Kun choked and coughed.

Li Fan was speechless for a moment, "What are you doing...?"

Moon Soul blinked its six eyes and said,

"Reporting to Senior Brother Sect Leader, I've discovered that using this face to absorb the power of the False Moon is even more effective than using my previous Dao body!"

"... Never mind, whatever makes you happy."

Li Fan rubbed his temples.

"A fellow Daoist has arrived. I'll go out and meet them. Just in case, you stay here and guard them. If a fight breaks out, lead them and run."

"Yes."

Having arranged an escape route, Li Fan took a step and teleported outside the town.

Two Daoist priests at the Divine Transformation stage, dressed in ceremonial robes and holding talismans and flags, stood respectfully outside the archway, waiting. Upon seeing Li Fan appear, they both bowed and paid their respects.

"Xuan Girl of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden, Purple Mansion Mysterious Ancestor, Great Heavenly Venerable, Lin Xuanzhen, Acting Sect Master of the Divine Firmament Jade Purity Sect of Danxia Mountain (Wei Xuanfa, Acting Yuan Sect Master of the Nine Heavens Responding Origin Sect of Danxia Mountain), pays respects to the Cloud Platform Sword Master."

Well, you can dodge the first day of the month but not the fifteenth. You can avoid Hengshan by taking a detour, but Danxia Mountain still came looking for you.

Li Fan returned the greeting, "Xuan Girl of the Nine Heavens, Supreme Emperor, Great Heavenly Venerable, Qingyue of Ink Bamboo Mountain Lou Guan Dao. You two sect leaders are too kind. On Yuntai Peak, it was the seniors who were so kind and helpful in guiding the younger generation, letting me have my way. My Dao Sword Technique is not yet fully developed, and I dare not compete with the seniors of the Sword Sect. There's no need to take the title of Sword Master seriously."

Lin Xuanzhen said, "Fellow Daoist, you are too modest. In the battle of Yuntai, you defeated the Heavenly Demon and became famous throughout the world. Now, who doesn't know that the Sword Master is the foremost genius of our Xuanmen in this generation? I am a few years older than you, and I have never seen such a talented person. Meeting you today, you are indeed a man of outstanding talent."

Wei Xuanfa nodded and said, "That's right, that's right. With the Beichen Sword Technique and Blood Talisman Sword Divine Sword that have been passed down through the world, and in accordance with the timing and destiny of heaven, one can deduce the Great Slaughter Sword Scripture and other true and unique skills. Given time, the sword master will surely become a grandmaster who establishes a sect, reproduce the glory of Nine Yin Mountain in the past, and revive the Xuanmen Sword Dao lineage. It will be just around the corner. What is there to be afraid of?"

Ha, these two from Danxia Mountain are starting off with flattery, all politeness before resorting to force...

Li Fan smiled politely, "You two have traveled a long way to see me here, surely not just to see my face and check my fortune? What brings you here?"

These two old men from the Xuanmen sect were indeed not as eloquent as the people from the Immortal Palace; after a few polite words, they got straight to the point.

Lin Xuanzhen then said, "It's nothing serious. My Danxia Mountain Sect Leader, Chong Lingzi, went to the Yuntai Peak gathering and hasn't returned yet, so I've come to look for him. If the Sword Master sees this, please pass on a message: tell him that Daoist Chongxu of Danxia Mountain misses his junior brother and wants him to return to refine pills."

Wei Xuanfa also said, "That's right, that's right. The elders in the mountains have calculated that Sect Leader Chong Lingzi was probably ambushed by the Demonic Sect and fell into the Tai Su Star Heaven, unable to find his way back for the time being. We have long heard that the Sword Master has a deep understanding of the Tai Su Dao. Please lend us a hand and help us find our sect leader. Our Danxia Mountain will surely repay you handsomely."

After saying this, Lin Xuanzhen and Wei Xuanfa each took out two booklets from their sleeves and respectfully handed them to Li Fan for him to see.

Wow, how generous! Li Fan was embarrassed to ask for an exorbitant ransom after seeing how much they had put together.

Look at this, look at this, what is sincerity in negotiation? They came up with the offer of thirty years' worth of harvests from Danxia Mountain, mines, medicinal gardens, alchemy workshops, silk fields, and study, along with secret recipes for the Five Arts, countless medicinal materials and treasures, and even some Xuanmen Taiji Dao escape techniques. Basically, apart from Danxia Mountain's own thunder magic secrets, which remain untouched, they are all taking what they can get.

Good heavens, judging from this, it seems that if Li Fan really asks them for the Five Thunder Technique and the Divine Firmament Technique, it's not impossible to discuss it.

That's true. Thirty years of harvest is nothing. The sect leader is a figure who appears only once every thousand years. If you really killed him with a single sword strike, how could Danxia Mountain let it go?

To think even further, by laying out the sect's harvest of the past thirty years in one fell swoop, it's a clear message: if you refuse to listen to reason and insist on being beheaded as a sacrifice to the heavens, or having Chong Lingzi disintegrate, then fine, Danxia Mountain isn't going to take this lying down. They'll stop doing anything, stop cultivating immortality, and focus all their strength on beating you for thirty years until they've vented their anger before we talk.

Li Fan stroked his chin and thought for a moment. Danxia Mountain's sincerity was satisfactory, and there was no deep-seated hatred between them, so it wasn't impossible to make an exchange. Perhaps he could really get some true teachings of thunder magic. After all, as a true disciple of Beichen, kidnapping was for the purpose of exchanging karma for ransom. If he wanted to kill someone, he would kill them on the spot. Killing them afterward would be too degrading and would make it difficult to do business in the future.

"But if I agree right away, wouldn't I lose face...? Let me think about it first."

Lin Xuanzhen and Wei Xuanfa exchanged a glance, then spoke again.

"It is something we must consider carefully. In fact, with the changes in the Heavenly Dao and our current location in the Tai Su Star Heaven, it may not be a bad opportunity. Given enough time, perhaps the Sect Leader himself can also comprehend the way to escape this predicament."

"Exactly, exactly. Our cultivation is not refined enough, and our methods are insufficient. We don't have the ability to Moon Worship to Tai Su Tian to find people ourselves. We can only use our old reputation to make friends and fellow Daoists Fourth Department and ask some friends Dao Companion to come up with a solution together."

"If the Sword Master is willing to lend a helping hand this time, the entire Danxia Mountain will surely remember your kindness and become your friend. To show our sincerity, we will send three years' worth of goods first."

"How about we set a timeframe of one month? It just so happens that Daoist Chongxu will also be emerging from seclusion soon. At that time, my Danxia Mountain will personally lead the Inner Sect to visit and exchange ideas with Ink Bamboo Mountain."

Li Fan smiled, tucked the two booklets into his sleeve, and bowed, saying, "That's fine then. Welcome, esteemed guest."

Having delivered the message, Lin Xuanzhen and Wei Xuanfa didn't linger. They bowed to Li Fan in farewell and transformed into bolts of lightning, disappearing into the distance.

Li Fan wasn't surprised to be caught up; it was bound to happen sooner or later. And frankly, Danxia Mountain had gone through all sorts of pleasantries, promising to come back in a month to redeem him or demand an explanation. That would have been the Xuanmen's way of seriously handling the kidnapping of their sect leader.

But the other two are taking quite a while to arrive. Hengshan is fine, they've fought Li Fan many times, and everyone knows them well.

After this calamity of the Heavenly Demon, the Three Enclosures were reduced to ashes, Yuntai Peak was in chaos, and the Divine Cult launched a large-scale invasion. As the leader of the Supreme Purity, Hengshan might not have much energy to spare for dealing with Li Fan for the time being. Of course, it's also possible that they know they can't negotiate anything and that things will turn sour sooner or later.

But why hasn't anyone come from Xieluo Mountain yet? Geographically, Xieluo Mountain is closer, and it's one of the Nine Great Xuan Sects. Surely they could send one or two Divine Lords to negotiate? At the very least, they could team up with the people from Danxia Mountain to put pressure on them. Why is the Enlightened Sect Leader being rejected? Has he really absorbed him?

After some calculation, Li Fan concluded that Danxia Mountain was fairly upright in its dealings and there were no 'backup troops' lying in ambush nearby. So he returned to wait for Qin Jiu to finish eating before continuing on his way.

As a result, Qin Jiu was still staring at Yue Po with a shocked and wary expression. Yue Po probably realized that Qin Jiu had a foundation in Blood Refining Technique and Great Songyang Divine Skill, but had not learned the true teachings of the Sword Sect, so she didn't bother with him. Meanwhile, Kun had devoured all the dishes on the table.

Li Fan thought for a moment, "Alright, there's still a long way to go back to the mountain, and we'll be crossing Xunzhou and entering Hengshan's sphere of influence. I have some things to take care of, so I'll inevitably be distracted. Yuepo, please look after them."

"Yes."

So Li Fan rode the clouds and flew with his disciples to Xunzhou once again.

Now, Xunzhou looks very different from what it did ten years ago.

To be fair, no matter how much of a bastard the Ruler of Xun Country was back then, Xun Kingdom could still be considered a small, isolated country. Although it was at war with the Luofeng Mountain year after year and could hardly be called a peaceful and prosperous place, it was still well-established and prosperous.

But now, Xunzhou has become a ghostly realm overrun by demons.

This is not an exaggeration, nor is it a denigration of Hengshan; it is simply a fact observed by the naked eye.

With the fall of the Ziwei Immortal Palace and the loss of its Immortal Palace, a chaotic era of heroes vying for supremacy descended. The system of deities, which once relied on a few appointed city gods and local deities to suppress Chi Mei Wangliang, has completely collapsed.

Li Fan flew across the plains on a cloud. Everywhere, the mountain peaks were filled with gusts of demonic wind and soaring evil energy. Everywhere were battlefields piled high with corpses, and the fields were full of graveyards teeming with worms and dogs. There were all sorts of things, such as skeleton soldiers formed from demonic corpses, wild wolves that ate people's ass, demon gods possessed by evil spirits, and Ghost King who had attained enlightenment by Moon Worship.

At a glance, elite monsters at the Nascent Soul Stage level are everywhere, and map bosses at the level of demon gods and great demons also rule the mountains. In the past, a large number of monsters were moved from the Ten-thousand-mountains to Xun Kingdom to fight Luo Feng, plus all kinds of giant demons that escaped from the Taiyin Heavenly Demon Cave after Hengshan was broken, and all sorts of messy demon gods and monsters that have sprung up in Tai Su Heaven over the years. Xun Prefecture has completely become a ghost Devil Domain and a demonic domain, and normal people have become a scarce resource.

Li Fan had long anticipated that the Tai Su World Society would turn out this way, but he still couldn't help but sigh.

With him in charge of Lizhou and Yuepo running errands, the people were able to enjoy peace thanks to the timely clearing of monsters day and night. Although Hengshan had occupied Xunzhou, it didn't care about the mortals in the towns of the former Xun Kingdom. After all, there were only a few spots for cultivating immortality, and as long as they selected talents from a few large towns, there would never be a shortage of disciples.

Although Supreme Purity is considered to have a large and powerful population among the Xuanmen (Daoist sects), the number of its Inner Sect core disciples at the True Person level is still limited. Moreover, in addition to guarding various parts of Xun Kingdom, suppressing the remnants of Luo Feng, and competing with fellow Daoists such as Luo Fu, they also have to contend with the other eight major Xuanmen in the world to realize their ambition of unifying the world. There are simply not enough people for them.

However, even with the Taiji Dao Immortal Technique system, it's not so easy to mass-produce True Person Realm combat power that meets the standards of the Xuanmen. Losing even one or two is a pity, and losing a dozen or twenty is truly painful, too painful. How could one bear to use them recklessly?

So as long as these monsters and demons in the wilderness don't court death and actively invade Hengshan's core resource points, Hengshan won't interfere with their actions of occupying the mountain as kings, massacring villages and towns, and capturing thousands of people for a feast.

Well, it's not that we don't care. Within the sect, we'll definitely still post the 'slaying demons and eliminating evil' mission to show that we are a righteous sect that cares about the common people. But these days, it's hard to say whether any disciples will take the initiative to do such missions.

Especially now, with the False Moon in the sky, not only are demons and spirits finding it easy to cultivate—they can be cut down only to be reborn endlessly—but plants, trees, flowers, and fruits also mature quickly, ensuring an abundance of medicinal ingredients. Given Hengshan's current strategy of focusing on unifying the internal forces of the Xuanmen sect, wouldn't attacking rogue sects and seizing magical treasures and elixirs yield even greater profits? Why risk venturing deep into the mountains and forests, skinning and dissecting, to become a monster hunter?

The result was that upon entering Xunzhou, the Fourth Department area resembled the desolate Tai Su Demon Realm, where human civilization had perished. Qin Jiu, seeing his hometown in this state, felt powerless to do anything and grew increasingly gloomy. At first, Yue Po was like a rabbit chasing butterflies, eagerly beheading the demons flying around the roadside, but in the end, the demonic energy was boundless and endless, and she could no longer kill them.

In the end, it was the Kun that sucked them in with its eyes wide open, scaring the demons into scattering in terror.

Of course, it's not to say that the rule of the Immortal Palace was particularly good, as it seemed peaceful from the perspective of those from the Central Plains. It's just that the Immortal Palace system was simply too large and too old. Even though the Three Enclosures were gone, there were still prefectures, counties, and districts below, with local civil service systems and powerful clans supporting the overall situation. Moreover, as an agricultural civilization, geographical interaction was relatively isolated, and it was self-sufficient. Even if the world was in chaos, and people across a river were exchanging children to eat, there would still be tree bark and grass roots left over, which could sustain them for a while.

However, without a Celestial Emperor and a Grand Tutor, local warlords and regional governors will rise up and fight each other to produce a new Grand Tutor and a new Celestial Emperor. When the Human Race's vital forces are exhausted in internal strife, and all the demons and monsters have grown fat and ready to rise again, they will naturally swarm out of the mountains and graveyards and attack human towns. At that time, the tragedy of Xunzhou will be repeated throughout the twelve provinces of the world.

So even if it's beheaded, it will still take some time for the giant's corpse in the Immortal Palace to collapse and turn into a raging sea of blood.

It's simply a matter of time. The collapse of the world and the disintegration of the old order cannot be solved by one or two people, killing a few monsters, slaying a few demons, or simply calling for the unification of the world.

It's not just the corporate system that's planning this situation. The Xuan Sect God Sect, demons and ghosts, the Tai Su Dao Ancestor, the Thousand-Faced Immortal, those insatiable powerful clans under the order of the Immortal Palace, and the common people who simply can't survive, are all looking forward to new changes, a new pattern, and the establishment of a new order.

It can be said that the current state of affairs is precisely the result of the will of the people and the expectations of the masses.

Losing the hearts of the people means losing the world; this is what is meant by 'destiny'.

Li Fan was helpless in the face of this situation. All he could do on his way back to the mountain from Xunzhou's "Demon Autonomous Territory" was to casually kill a few demons who were extremely powerful, just to make a token gesture.

Li Fan quickly understood why Hengshan would let him, the sect leader's kidnapper, pass right under their noses without doing anything about it.

The mood system sent a notification almost simultaneously.

"The company's counterintelligence department just contacted us! Qiongqi isn't dead; it was caught by the Third Division! The company is also trying to seize it!"

They didn't just contact 'us,' they even skipped over Yuntai Peak.

Yes, the divine sect values speed in its military operations, and the Xuanmen sect's response was remarkably swift.

Three days after the Battle of Juelong Ridge, Yuntai Peak jumped into the sky above the battlefield of Kun Country.

After all, some people might still be pretending to be fools about who destroyed the Three Enclosures, but the Xuanmen (Daoist sect) isn't entirely stupid either. Those old immortal beasts are all cunning and despicable, with meticulous minds. Who doesn't know your Divine Sect's schemes? They will never miss this opportunity and will definitely cause trouble.

Therefore, they not only moved the entire Yuntai Peak there, but also issued an order to all Xuanmen disciples in the world to go to Kun Country to participate in the war.

The new Nine Great Xuan Sects are about to become the Second Divine Sect.