Back to the Newbie Village to Crush Some Noobs! (42k)

"The last day of the year?"

Zhang Fusheng was stunned, and suddenly became somewhat dazed:

"Tomorrow will be 2143?"

"Yes, Godfather."

Zhang Fusheng fell silent for a moment.

Another year is about to begin.

Although tens of thousands of years have passed, those were all times of cultivation.

In reality, a new year is about to begin, and in a sense, I will also be turning '19'.

Thinking of this, Zhang Fusheng still felt a deep sense of emotion.

He also remembered that he had just started training at the Hong Ji Martial Arts Hall at the end of June, and that he had just completed his first transaction with Old Master Wang at the end of June.

It has been exactly six months since then.

He himself transformed from an ordinary person who wasn't even a quasi-martial artist into a demigod in a sense.

Even ordinary venerable ones might not be his match!

"Godfather?"

Ruan Yutu asked curiously:

What are you thinking about?

Zhang Fusheng woke up with a start, exhaled a breath of Pure Qi, and spoke softly:

"It's nothing, I just suddenly felt homesick."

"Home?" Ruan Yutu was taken aback.

"Yes, my hometown, Jiangzhou, but it has been completely destroyed."

The cow shrank its neck in fear.

Just as Ruan Yutu was about to speak, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

The exquisite porcelain doll on the cow's back also raised its head and gazed into the distance.

They suddenly emerged from the thick fog.

Yes, it's Qinghe City.

However, this city seems to have changed somewhat.

"Team up! Team up! We're recruiting just four more people. All we need is 5,000 souls, and we'll take you into the Lost World!"

"Come, come, come and see! Great Grandmaster is personally leading a team to the Lost World. Only four thousand souls are needed, one spot for every four thousand souls!"

"The most comprehensive guide to Chang'an Town! 100 souls, only 100 souls!"

Ruan Yutu and Zhang Fusheng were both somewhat bewildered.

As you can see, Qinghe City is deserted, but the outskirts are bustling with stalls, and the number of cultivators coming and going is endless.

They either sell information about the so-called 'Lost World' or sell entry slots.

"Lost World".

The porcelain doll on the cow's back squinted.

"I'll go ask about the situation," Ruan Yutu said softly, casually finding a stall and giving them some pseudo-souls.

A moment later, she returned:

"We've found out that they're all here for the 'Great Opportunity' in Chang'an Town, and they all want to try their luck."

Ruan Yutu briefly stated:

"According to the information we've gathered, Chang'an Town is now occupied by Celestial Person and Innate Realm experts from various powerful forces."

Zhang Fusheng was surprised:

"Then why are there so many grandmasters and Great Grandmaster wanting to enter?"

"There is no control over the outer perimeter of Chang'an Town; outsiders are simply not allowed to enter the Chang'an Town itself."

Ruan Yutu calmly spoke:

"Most of them are just trying their luck on the outskirts. I heard from the stall owner that the situation in Chongyang City is very bad these days, with cult members running rampant."

"In addition."

After pausing for a moment, she continued:

"To enter the Lost World, or rather, the Chongyang World, one must have a 'permission'."

Zhang Fusheng raised an eyebrow:

"What's the meaning?"

Ruan Yutu quickly explained:

"The stall owner said that many Deity Level reside high in the sky and do not allow people to freely enter and leave the Lost World."

"Those who can get in must belong to some divine power."

Zhang Fusheng understood and laughed:

"So in just one or two months, an entire industry chain has emerged—bringing people into Chongyang World?"

"That's right." Ruan Yutu nodded with a wry smile, a look of worry on her face. "It seems that even Deity Level figures cannot enter Chongyang World and Earth."

"The specific reason seems to be a stone tablet with inscriptions that read, 'No entry is permitted without an imperial decree from the gods.' Godfather, what about us?"

Zhang Fusheng nodded, recognizing this as the stone tablet in front of the Taiji Hall in the ancient city of Chang'an.

Interesting.

However, it's actually a good thing that the gods can't enter—after all, I'm not a god yet!

"Isn't this just a 'bullying' match against noobs?" Zhang Fusheng muttered silently. What was this all about?

Returning to the starting village after reaching the level cap?

He pondered for a moment:

"First, find a qualified team to get in and sneak in. Also, find out if there's anything related to the Buddhist Sect in the area."

Zhang Fusheng was certain that the Buddha Heavenly Position was nearby, but where exactly? Was it outside or inside the Chongyang World?

He had no clue.

"Yes, Godfather." Ruan Yutu nodded, then asked again, "But what about Red Ox?"

Zhang Fusheng looked at the Old Niu beneath his buttocks.

Although this is merely an avatar, it has already truly become a Venerable One, and is probably unable to enter the Chongyang World.

"Alright," he transmitted his voice to the Old Niu, "You shall leave for now, and then return as a deity, to sit in the heavens with those gods, and gather information, understand?"

The Old Niu nodded vigorously.

Zhang Fusheng then dismounted from the ox's back and watched the Old Niu's figure disappear into the depths of the thick fog until it was completely gone.

"Alright."

He then calmly said:

"Jade Rabbit, you don't need to call me godfather for now. Pretend to be siblings for the time being."

After pausing for a moment, Zhang Fusheng continued:

"Before entering Chongyang World, keep a low profile to avoid any unexpected incidents."

"Yes, Brother Yi."

Ruan Yutu took the porcelain doll's hand, as if she were holding the hand of a young brother.

The two strolled among the stalls and queues, their gaze eventually settling on a Yellow-toothed Old Man.

"Hey, you two!"

The Yellow-toothed Old Man keenly noticed their gazes, turned his head to look them over, his eyes first lingering on the porcelain doll, then on the Banished Immortal- looking girl, a look of astonishment flashing across his face.

He immediately put on a smile:

"Is this little girl going into the Lost World? What a little kid!"

"We'll both go."

Ruan Yutu spoke softly:

"How many souls? When can we depart?"

"Including the two of you, we have exactly five people. We can set off!" the Yellow-toothed Old Man said with a smile.

"However, I must make it clear that it's 5,000 souls per person, and there's no discount for children."

Ruan Yutu simply nodded:

"No problem."

The Yellow-toothed Old Man was taken aback. So decisive?

After hesitating for a moment, he still reminded him:

"The Lost World isn't safe. There are no laws, no regulations, it's chaotic. Are you really going to bring this child along?"

"I know what I'm doing," Ruan Yutu said.

Seeing that the Banished Immortal young girl had spoken, the Yellow-toothed Old Man didn't ask any more questions, since he wasn't the one who would suffer a loss anyway.

"Thank you, ten thousand false souls."

After smilingly collecting the soul, the Yellow-toothed Old Man waved to the distance, and a young couple who were browsing the stalls walked over.

"Is everyone here?"

The young man spoke gently, glancing at the two 'siblings,' one big and one small, a look of amazement flashing in his eyes, before he asked in puzzlement:

"Why is there a child here?"

Another beautiful woman, her eyes shining, stepped forward, squatted down, and reached out to pinch the porcelain doll's cheek, while saying:

"Oh, what a cute little kid! What's your name? How old are you?"

Zhang Fusheng's eye twitched, and he subtly took a half step back, dodging the woman's claws. Ruan Yutu, understanding his intention, shielded him behind her.

"Sorry, my younger brother is a bit shy."

The pretty woman pouted.

The young man then laughed and said:

"Although we've only been together briefly, it's fate that we met by chance. My Li Xiuyuan, and this is my wife, Cui Linglong. We're both from Qinghe Province."

Ruan Yutu's expression shifted:

"Qinghe Province, surnamed Cui, could it be..."

The woman named Cui Linglong nodded, her gaze still fixed on the porcelain doll, seemingly regretting that she hadn't been able to give it a good squeeze.

She said:

"Yes, Qinghe Cui Clan, but I am born out of wedlock, so I don't really count as much."

Zhang Fusheng was slightly surprised. The Qinghe Cui Clan?

That's quite a coincidence.

Fine lines of starlight quietly appeared in his eyes as he glanced discreetly at the cause and effect surrounding Cui Linglong.

Among them was a prominent causal link, directly connected to the Book of Life and Death!

One candidate for Book Holder?

Zhang Fusheng was puzzled. The candidate for Book Holder must hold a high position in the Qinghe Cui Clan. Didn't the Cui family have deities? Why would they need to pay money and join the procession?

Although Ruan Yutu was unaware of the candidates for the Book Holder position, she still asked out of curiosity:

"Isn't the Qinghe Cui Clan under the protection of a deity?"

Cui Linglong smiled and said:

"My ancestor? He is in seclusion, he has not descended, he has not resided outside the Lost World, so..."

She shrugged.

"Therefore, even members of the Cui family are not allowed to enter directly; they can only come and 'follow the group.'"

Beside him, a young man named Li Xiuyuan nodded in agreement.

"Even members of the Cui family were forbidden from entering by some of the descending deities and were subject to strict screening. After all, those deities did not want people from other divine forces to enter, fearing that Great Opportunity would fall into the hands of others."

After pausing for a moment, he gestured around the vicinity and continued:

"Of all the places selling spots, only this Mr. Wang was willing to take our money and bring us inside."

Ruan Yutu looked curiously at the Yellow-toothed Old Man, who shrugged:

"These two are offering ten times the price. If we don't make money from this, we're just bastards!"

He paused, then chuckled and said:

"I forgot to introduce myself—my name is Wang Changsheng, from the capital, the Main Branch of the Source Origin Research Institute."

Ruan Yutu's pupils contracted slightly.

"No wonder you dared to defy the divine decree."

The old man with yellow teeth still had a cheerful look on his face.

"Like I said, money's money's always there, if you don't make it, you're wasting it. All that's missing is my apprentice."

He turned around and waved with a smile:

"My good disciple, why aren't you coming over?"

Zhang Fusheng, who was pondering the research institute and the familiar name 'Li Xiuyuan,' looked up.

Seeing a young girl with a candied hawthorn in her mouth, I hurried over:

"Teacher!"

"Look, this is my precious apprentice," the Yellow-toothed Old Man said with a smile. "Her name is Jiang Feinao."

"As for these two..."

The old man looked at the two siblings, one big and one small, Ruan Yutu said:

My Zhang Yutu.

Zhang Fusheng came to his senses and was too lazy to change his alias anymore—anyway, no one would recognize him as he looked.

My parents are having a tough time.

He then smiled innocently and said:

My name is Zhang Fusheng.

The Yellow-toothed Old Man and Jiang Feinao were both taken aback.

Zhang Fusheng keenly noticed this; they had heard the name 'Zhang Fusheng' before.

They even pay close attention to it.

He discreetly observed the cause and effect, only to find that the cause and effect on the two of them was very blurry, even he himself could not see it clearly!

That's strange.

The Yellow-toothed Old Man came to his senses at this point and clearly did not believe that the two 'Zhang Fusheng' were the same person.

Waving boldly at this moment:

"Let's go, let's set off, to the Lost World!"

He pulled out a flag from somewhere, with the words "Origin Qidian Research Institute" written on it in large characters.

He held it high, then strode confidently and proudly ahead,

Zhang Fusheng and his four companions followed him into the thick fog.

There were many other teams nearby, all heading in the same direction.

The journey wasn't too far; after walking for about an hour, we were almost there.

Along the way, Cui Linglong and Jiang Feinao chatted from time to time. Both women were clearly interested in a certain porcelain doll, constantly hovering around him.

If it weren't for Ruan Yutu's repeated protection, Zhang Fusheng felt that he might have lost his innocence.

"It's better to dress as an old man," he thought, suddenly realizing that transforming into a child was a huge mistake.

Although it wasn't what I wanted to do.

The Merit Purple Qi sculpted half of his [innate spiritual body], and in a sense, the porcelain doll's appearance at this moment is Zhang Fusheng's current 'true appearance'.

"A Yellow-toothed Old Man who can't see cause and effect, a girl named Jiang Feinao, and Li Xiuyuan. Could these names be a coincidence?"

No wonder Zhang Fusheng is so suspicious now; his 'luck' has been just too good.

In just the past six months, I've met everyone from the Miss Mingyue to Emperor Tang, Liu Bang, Xiang Yu, and even Huang Mei.

And Li Xiuyuan

If I remember correctly, the common name of Ji Gong in the mythological story is Li Xiuyuan.

Ji Gong, the Arhat who subdues dragons, is not only the Arhat who subdues dragons; he should also be called [Kasyapa Arhat] or [Mahakasyapa].

Kasyapa Arhat is somewhat terrifying. He was the chief disciple of Shakyamuni Tathagata and also the one who brought Maitreya Buddha Ancestor into the world and taught and guided him to become Buddha Ancestor.

Although he is called an Arhat, his status is comparable to that of a true Buddha.

Just like Guanyin Bodhisattva is not only a Bodhisattva.

"I hope this is just a coincidence," Zhang Fusheng thought, a headache creeping in.

Amidst a myriad of thoughts,

The group of six had emerged from the thick fog once again, and the fog suddenly cleared.

The first thing they saw was a series of 'glorious suns' shining in the sky.

Or rather, they are one deity after another sitting in the heavens.

"Lost World," Ruan Yutu murmured.

Zhang Fusheng nodded silently, and he also saw a Lost World enveloped by the Yellow Springs River ahead.

Above heaven and earth stands a colossal celestial monument, upon which are inscribed words.

No immortals or deities may enter without an imperial decree.

Below the side of the stele is the inscription. "[Li Shimin, the Great Tang Sage Heavenly Khan of the Tang Dynasty]".

"It's the real Yellow Springs River." Zhang Fusheng stared at the circular river that enveloped the Great Heaven and Earth).

This is the true underworld, exuding an aura of utter desolation and utter filth.

At the same time, a thick Death Qi from the netherworld rose up, enveloping the entire Chongyang World.

There is a bridge there.

Ruan Yutu pointed and saw a huge bridge spanning the Yellow Springs River, connecting the outside and the inside.

"Hurry up!" the Yellow-toothed Old Man whispered, "Let's go inside quickly, or the All Gods in heaven might notice us and stop us!"

He walked quickly forward, and Ruan Yutu, holding Zhang Fusheng's hand, hurriedly followed.

As Zhang Fusheng crossed the bridge, he looked up.

In the sky sat a familiar face— Kong Shentong.

He actually came too.

Meanwhile, on the horizon, a thick crimson fog rolled in, and the figure of a deity was vaguely visible within it.

It's obviously Old Niu.

"Cross the bridge, cross the bridge!" the Yellow-toothed Old Man called out as he turned around. The six of them stepped onto the bridge, crossed the Yellow Springs, and passed through the thick, eerie fog.

Looking at the increasingly clear Chongyang World, Zhang Fusheng was suddenly filled with emotion.

Finally.

I'm finally back in the starting village!

They continued onward, until they reached a massive gate.

"Once you pass through this Ghost Gate Pass, you'll Lost World!" the Yellow-toothed Old Man shouted.

Zhang Fusheng raised his head, stared at the three characters 'Ghost Gate Pass' above the majestic gate, and his eyelids twitched.

Ah??

(I've finished adding 10,000 words, time for bed! And please vote with your monthly tickets!)