444. Me, Li Hao, the Mastermind of Chaos?
(PS: I had errands to run today, so there will only be two updates today. The second update will be a little later. I'll continue with three updates tomorrow.)
Li Hao was unaware of the specifics of the changes in the Jin Yong's Heroes World.
However, now that the problem had occurred, he naturally couldn't just sit idly by.
Since he had no clue what to do at the moment, Li Hao had to turn his attention to other issues.
For example, Dugu Qiubai!
Ever since the last incident, Dugu Qiubai has been filled with longing for Li Hao's swordsmanship.
He is a master, a true peerless master.
But it was precisely because his cultivation was so high that Dugu Qiubai became increasingly lonely. Having no rivals in the world brought not glory, but endless loneliness, the loneliness of being invincible.
Dugu Qiubai was precisely such a master.
So when Li Hao found Dugu Qiubai, this peerless master was indulging in melancholy.
Drunken Flower House.
Dugu Qiubai was dressed in black, with his long hair flowing down his back.
His unrestrained and wild attire, combined with his mature and charming appearance and slightly stubble, made him a handsome and sophisticated man.
Li Hao sat opposite Dugu Qiubai.
He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Qiao Feng told me that you haven't been doing well lately."
Dugu Qiubai said, "It's not good. I feel I'm not far from ascension. Not being able to see you before I ascend is truly the greatest regret of my life."
Li Hao said, "He also said you've been very unhappy lately."
Dugu Qiubai sighed, "Life is so difficult, you always have to find a way to make yourself happy."
Li Hao nodded in understanding and continued, "He also said you've been feeling lonely lately and often lament the impermanence of life."
Dugu Qiubai deeply agreed, saying, "That's right. Having experienced so much, Qiubai understands the hardships of life and the unpredictability of the future. He understands that as long as one lives in this world, whether one lives in seclusion in the mountains or in the imperial court, one cannot escape or truly transcend this world."
Li Hao nodded slightly, then looked at the two beautiful, alluring prostitutes beside Dugu Qiubai, their robes half-undone, and said, "Is this your reason for coming out to seek pleasure?"
Lonely Invincible stopped the two beauties by their slender waists and laughed loudly, "Life is full of suffering, so we should enjoy ourselves while we can. I've just come to understand this, so it's perfectly normal and understandable for me to seek pleasure."
Li Hao was speechless.
Looking at Dugu Qiubai, who was completely at ease and talking about the Dugu Qiubai and justification of prostitution, he simply couldn't reconcile this with the Dugu Qiubai of the past.
So, could this person have been transported to another time?
Although Li Hao thought this way, he also knew that Dugu Qiubai in front of him was no problem.
Because the opponent's soul aura remained unchanged, and just as Dugu Qiubai himself said, his condition was not only good, but extremely good.
Dugu Qiubai has reached the peak of the Nascent Soul realm. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, ascension is only a matter of time.
Li Hao didn't want to comment too much on Dugu Qiubai's lifestyle.
Everyone has the right and freedom to choose their own life, whether they are a world-renowned master or an ordinary person.
Compared to Dugu Qiubai's current unrestrained life and the incredibly moving acts of the centenarian visiting brothels to comfort women, Li Hao was more curious about Dugu Qiubai's transformation.
He joked, "You seem to have changed a lot?"
Dugu Qiubai's gaze narrowed slightly, and he remained silent in contemplation.
He waved for the two prostitutes to leave.
After the two left, Dugu Qiubai asked, "Senior, have you sensed the changes in Jiangnan?"
Li Hao frowned slightly and asked, "Do you know the reason behind this?"
Lonely Seeker said, "I know a little about them; I've had contact with them before."
Li Hao asked in a deep voice, "Who are they?"
Dugu Qiubai's expression was slightly strange. He looked deeply at Li Hao and slowly said, "They call themselves the Church of Truth and worship the God of Truth. These people are extremely well-organized. Even with my cultivation level, I can only reach the level of a sect protector. As for the elders, or even the Holy Maiden and the God Lord, I have never seen them in the slightest."
Li Hao frowned.
Church of Truth?
God of Truth?
This organization definitely doesn't exist in the world of Jin Yong's Heroes.
Is it really that outsiders are interfering in this world? But what exactly do they want, and why are they trying to brainwash the entire Jiangnan?
Beings capable of traversing countless heavens are generally not simple or easy to deal with.
Furthermore, the ability to stir up such a storm in Jiangnan is beyond the capabilities of an ordinary person. If the other party possessed such power, why would they do such a thing?
Li Hao pondered for a moment and asked, "What else do you know about the Church of Truth?"
Dugu Qiubai's expression grew increasingly strange.
He asked, "Sir, you really don't know about the Church of Truth?"
Li Hao asked doubtfully, "This is the first time I've heard of it. Do I really need to know about the Church of Truth?"
Dugu Qiubai asked in confusion, "But you are the God of Truth worshipped by the Church of Truth. If you don't even know this, then..."
Li Hao was dumbfounded.
Holy crap, it's me, the God of Truth!
This, this!
Li Hao asked incredulously, "Are you sure?"
Dugu Qiubai decisively replied, "I have attended several gatherings of the Church of Truth. Although I have only met the Left Protector, there is absolutely no mistake about this matter. You are the God of Truth worshipped by the Church of Truth, and this is something everyone in the Church of Truth knows."
Li Hao's lips parted, then he fell silent.
What the heck!?
How did I become the God of Truth in the Church of Truth?
And, and more
Faced with this sudden news, Li Hao was at a loss for words.
Li Hao was silent for a moment, then asked, "What is the name of the Left Protector of the Church of Truth?"
Dugu Qiubai: "Huang Shang."
Li Hao was both amused and exasperated, his feelings becoming increasingly complicated.
What the hell is this?
I inexplicably became the God of Truth of the Church of Truth, which is bad enough, but how did Huang Shang suddenly become a member of the Church of Truth?
If I remember correctly, Huang Shang was a high-ranking official in the imperial court last time, wasn't he?
Li Hao rubbed his temples and said, "I've heard of Huang Shang. He's considered one of the most outstanding masters of our time. I remember he used to serve the imperial court. How come he suddenly and inexplicably became the Left Protector of the Church of Truth?"
Dugu Qiubai: "I have dealt with this person several times. He is very knowledgeable and has very unique insights into martial arts. If given another twenty years, he may become a formidable opponent for me."
As for why Huang Shang joined the Church of Truth, I'm not entirely sure.
About a year ago, Huang Shang was ordered to suppress the Manichaean Sect, but the army was defeated, and Huang Shang disappeared. When I saw him again, he was already the Left Protector of the Church of Truth."
Li Hao remained silent, lost in thought.
Manichaean Sect, the Church of Truth?
In the original novel, Huang Shang was credited with defeating the Manichaean Sect Manichaean Sect many of its guardian elders. It was precisely because of this that the tragedy of Huang Shang's entire family being killed occurred.
Now, Huang Shang's campaign against the Manichaean Sect has failed, and he has inexplicably joined the Church of Truth.
Could it be that the Church of Truth and Manichaean Sect are related?
Li Hao pondered for a moment and asked, "When is the next gathering of the Church of Truth?"
Dugu Qiubai shook his head and said, "They are very wary of outsiders. Every time there is a gathering, someone will specifically notify me, and the time will always be half an hour before the meeting starts."
Li Hao tapped the table with his right hand, lost in thought.
Regardless of the origins of the Church of Truth, since they dare to impersonate us and act in this world, we absolutely cannot let them go unchecked.
Li Hao said, "If you have any information about the Church of Truth, you know how to find me. Also, are you sure you've thought through what I promised you?"
Upon hearing Dugu Qiubai, Dugu Qiubai's eyes lit up, and two sharp sword beams tore through the void, causing ripples to spread across the space like a clear lake.
He was no longer as languid as before, and knelt firmly before Li Hao, saying earnestly, "This junior has long understood that senior's understanding of the sword is a thousand times, ten thousand times greater than mine. To be able to become senior's disciple, I have no regrets in this life even if I seek defeat."
Li Hao said, "There's no need for me to become your disciple. I'm used to a life of leisure and have no interest in taking on apprentices. But if you want to learn, I can impart all my knowledge of swordsmanship to you."
Dugu Qiubai, his expression filled with emotion, kowtowed and said, "I am of dull talent and do not meet your standards, senior. However, I will forever remember your kindness in imparting your teachings, and I will never forget it for all eternity."
Li Hao accepted it readily and did not refuse.
Was Dugu Qiubai dull-witted?
Obviously, this is impossible. To reach the pinnacle of the world requires more than just luck; it also demands exceptional skill and talent.
Li Hao was unwilling to accept Dugu Qiubai's offer to become his disciple, simply because he found it troublesome.
He knew that he was not from this world, and that Dugu Qiubai would inevitably ascend to other worlds in the future. Li Hao could arrange for Dugu Qiubai to go to other worlds, but this would inevitably have some impact on Dugu Qiubai.
Li Hao did not want to let a peerless swordsman fall in obscurity because of his own actions.
A peerless hero like Dugu Qiubai should break through all obstacles and difficulties.
After briefly teaching Dugu Qiubai some sword techniques, Li Hao quietly left.
Chat Group.
Invincible Urchin Gu Santong: "Pfft, group owner, are you sure you're not joking?"
Little Fairy Yan Lingji: "Hehe, so the Big Brother Group Leader is the mastermind behind the world's chaos. I strongly suggest that Little Dragon Maiden Girl tie Big Brother Group Leader up and make him pose in 108 different ways."
Little Dragon Maiden: "???"
Little Dragon Maiden was speechless.
I'm just bored, why would I bother with the group admin?
Nine Heavens Holy Maiden Daji: "( ̄TT ̄) Nosebleed, so exciting, I want to participate too."
Li Hao rolled his eyes.
Daji, you're so shameless!
What do you mean by "you also want to participate"?
Do you want to be the one who gets tied up, or do you want to be the one who ties up this group leader? Bah! This group leader will absolutely not yield to you, nor does he have any expectations, absolutely none. This group leader is a normal, fine man.
Angel Yan: "→_→, remember to record it and send me a copy."
Little Dragon Maiden: "
You're all broken.
Biyou: "→_→, I just smiled and didn't dare to say anything."
Qiao Feng: "Group owner, what should we do about the Church of Truth?"
Omniscient Li: "Let's wait and see who's behind this."
Little Dragon Maiden: "I've heard Yu Yan talk about the Church of Truth before."
Wang Yuyan!?
Li Hao was completely stunned and couldn't quite process what was happening.