With the appearance of the Dao-Seeking Cliff, both the human and demon races began preparations.
Oh, it's not about going inside.
Instead, we wait for the people inside to come out!
Once a year, only on this opening day is entry and exit permitted at the Dao-Seeking Cliff.
Li Su quickly approached the Xia Kingdom's army.
Just as he walked over, someone came up to him, " Chen Hao?"
"Yes!"
"This is your handbook. Keep it safe and write down information about the inside of Dao-Seeking Cliff. It contains answers to various questions once you're inside."
"Good!"
Li Su nodded as she took the manual from the other party.
Holding the thick book and feeling its considerable weight, he was a little surprised.
This thickness is roughly equivalent to that of a brick.
Are there really that many things to be careful about inside the Dao-Seeking Cliff?
Suppressing her strong urge to see her senior sister, Li Su picked up a book.
The first rule of the Dao-Seeking Cliff Survival Manual: The Rules of the Dao Cliff.
Within the Dao-Seeking Cliff, the rules are strict and the requirements are rigorous, with the degree of strictness varying depending on the location.
It has ten floors in total!
The first level at the foot of the mountain is the simplest, with almost no rules, except for one rule: no loud noises after nightfall.
To live here, one must go to the Firewood Mountain every day to cut down 100 jin of wood, and then go to the river to carry 100 jin of water. The dormitory rooms must be thoroughly cleaned every day without fail.
Violators will be punished!
To ascend to the next level, one must cut fifty logs from the Firewood Mountain, carry fifty buckets of water, and sincerely clean the ten steps of the Dao-Seeking Cliff. This requires utmost respect and must not be distracted in the slightest.
Violators will be punished!
On the next level, chop ten catties of wood, carry ten catties of water, and ascend the twenty steps of the Dao-Seeking Cliff.
After reaching the third level, one can be free from chopping wood and carrying water. By diligently sweeping the thirty steps of the Dao-Seeking Cliff every day, one can begin the path of cultivation.
In the cultivation of Tao, one can go to the Dao-Seeking Forest every month. The forest has a thousand trees, each with its own method. One can comprehend one method at a time, and only after becoming familiar with and mastering it can one change to another. Cultivators can view their own comprehension status through the Enlightenment Stele, log in to their own inherent Daoist methods, and obtain points.
Violators will be punished!
After the sixth floor, you can move to the mountainside to live.
In this way, the domestication of spiritual plants and animals is completed.
You can go to the Dao Seeking Arena to learn advanced Daoist techniques.
Violators will be punished!
After the ninth floor, you can go to the main hall at the top of the mountain, live in the servants' quarters, and be assigned your own cave dwelling. There are three cave dwellings, and Cave Abode Disciple are not allowed to wander around unless they are on a mission.
Violators will be punished!
After reading through the rules and regulations of the Dao-Seeking Cliff, Li Su couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. "Holy crap, whose lineage is this? It's so meticulous!"
Those rows of punishments were not only highlighted in red, but the content of the punishments was also extremely terrible.
One lash left the victim covered in blood.
He knelt on the second set of stairs, unable to rise.
Three dismissals and I won't see you off.
They truly have the concept of rules ingrained in their very bones.
Could this feeling be related to that old man from Jade Void Mountain? Of the Three Pure Ones, he is the one who values rules the most.
However, the number of cave dwellings doesn't match up. If he had thirteen disciples, there should also be thirteen cave dwellings.
Even after the Investiture of the Gods, there were still four or five, definitely more than three.
Was that Zhenyuan Immortal, the ancestor of the Earth Immortals of Five Manor Temple? Shaking his head, Li Su put away his wild thoughts. In fact, most Daoist sects were like this. Even the Interception Sect, which accepted many disciples without asking about their origins, was still very strict! It's just that too many disciples harbored filth and corruption. No matter how strong the rules were, if the sect was rotten at its core, there was nothing that could be done, right?
Li Su quickly flipped through the book, reading ten lines at a glance and a hundred words at a glance, and soon he had read most of the thick manual in his hand.
The more he read, the more his expression twitched; he felt a chill run down his spine and his heart tremble.
At least half of this enormous book is about the various rules of Dao-Seeking Cliff and the corresponding punishments.
Spitting on sidewalks is permitted, but eating, drinking, and relieving oneself on main roads are all governed by rules and regulations!
What shocked Li Su the most was that Dao-Seeking Cliff even regulated farting, and set up a special area where farting was not allowed anywhere else. Farting would result in a deduction of conduct points, and if it exceeded three points, the person would be whipped and then punished by having to clean the toilet.
To be honest, Li Su was quite shocked by this. Not only should such physiological problems not exist for those below the Dao Arts Realm, but they even need to regulate this? This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!
However, after turning to the next page, Li Su couldn't help but clench her anus, becoming concerned about this rule.
The food in the Dao-Seeking Cliff is unique, and eating it has great benefits, as it can cleanse and eliminate residual toxins from the body, thus requiring a physiological response.
Furthermore, the human body is filthy, and each layer must be completely purged of residual toxins before one can ascend; otherwise, one will be punished, as this is called "disgusting others with stench!"
As Li Su flipped through the pages, her worldview was utterly shattered, her mind and body filled with the thought that the rules here were simply insane.
I've finally finished reading most of it. The manual mentions things that are unrelated to the rules of the Dao-Seeking Cliff.
Because of the strict rules of the Dao-Seeking Cliff, a special area has been created for people to indulge their inner desires and be free from constraints.
Of course, it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want wherever you go. There are still some basic rules. For example, you have to chop 300 pieces of Firewood Mountain and carry 500 pieces of water every day. You are not allowed to make noise at night. If you have a grudge against someone, you can go to the dueling arena to fight. You can spar, you can gamble, and there is even a ranking competition once every hundred years, with prizes for the top ten.
In addition, there is another field.
It is called the Star Sea Fishpond, which is extremely large and stretches for thousands of miles. Stars float and sink within it, and various ferocious beasts are born there. You can go in to hunt and obtain resources. There is also a leaderboard where you can exchange points for hunting. The top ten will receive a prize.
The manual for this area contains very little information, just a single paragraph.
People of the Xia Kingdom should avoid going there if possible. Even if they do go, they should not engage in duels or hunt in the wild, or they will bear the consequences themselves.
Li Su couldn't help but blink. Undoubtedly, this simple sentence revealed a great deal.
Leaving aside the rule-bound Dao-Seeking Cliff, the Xia Kingdom is indeed at a disadvantage here, otherwise they wouldn't have made such a statement.
But, a betting contest?
Li Su's eyes lit up; she felt she could manipulate things and gain some benefits.
After all, nobody thinks the holding period is too long!
While Li Su was reading the Dao-Seeking Cliff Manual, the Dao-Seeking Cliff opened completely, and someone walked out of it.
A group of them went to the Xia Kingdom and talked with the Zhao Family family, who were in charge, while the others dispersed and were immediately gathered together.
Exchange for treasures!
Undoubtedly, anything inside Dao-Seeking Cliff would be incredibly valuable in the outside world.
Unfortunately, while it's easy to obtain for personal consumption, taking it out is incredibly troublesome and requires ten times the effort.
Those who gathered around knew what was going on and took out a large amount of crystal coins that they had prepared beforehand to start buying.
Although the Dao-Seeking Cliff has no shortage of various resources, the Spiritual Qi is only enough for daily cultivation. For some ambitious people who want to achieve the Dao Transformation, it is not enough.
Therefore, they come out every year at this time, exchange for a large number of crystal coins, and then reinvest.
Soon, the scene became Noisy and bustling with people vying to buy.
Leaving aside the Five Surnames' situation, the Xia Kingdom did not intervene. After all, cultivation resources became a major issue after reaching the Dao Arts Realm. Although not everyone was like Li Su, the subsidies for nearly three million people each year were already causing the Xia Kingdom to be somewhat insolvent, given that the Earth Immortal Realm did not possess many spirit mines.
The transaction was quick, since it wasn't the first time, and everyone knew the price.
In less than an hour, the volume started to decrease; the transaction was over!
In the crowd, Li Su took a breath and began to prepare.
The transaction is complete; now it's time to enter the market.
The leader was Zhao Family. He took out a tablet and said, "Those who hear your names, please come and assemble." He was very direct and began calling out names.
One by one, it wasn't long before it was Li Su's turn.
" Chen Hao!"
Li Su stepped forward!
The Zhao Family disciple glanced at the other person; the tablet contained Chen Hao's records—his background was in the local Ministry of Administration —which was undoubtedly somewhat unexpected.
In the eyes of the Xia Kingdom, that place was undoubtedly for retirement. Even if there were breakthroughs, so what? Compared to those who consistently made progress, the gap was self-evident.
Although the Zhao Family family members are also in administration, they go to the capital, the core of the administration, unlike those in local areas, and their cultivation has never stopped.
Thinking of this, the Zhao Family disciple couldn't help but frown. The Xia Kingdom's side in the Dao-Seeking Cliff was already quite troublesome. The Dao-Seeking Cliff itself had too many rules, which were difficult for even people in the military to accept, after all, there were just too many aspects to consider.
Therefore, the place of indulgence became a resting place An Family for those who entered the Dao-Seeking Cliff.
If this is the case in the Xia Kingdom, then it goes without saying that the Demon Race and the Five Surnames mostly gather here, while those who go to the Dao-Seeking Cliff only do so occasionally.
Even in this land of unbridled indulgence, the number of Demon Race is nearly five times that of humans; one can only imagine what the situation is like!
At this critical juncture, giving such an important spot to someone who is just a local administrator in retirement is a complete waste!
He didn't say anything, since it was an order from above, and continued reading the next name.
As Li Su stepped aside, his brow twitched slightly. He sensed the other person's dissatisfaction, as if they felt he would waste the spot.
Li Su wasn't angry, after all, the Demon Race was currently gaining too much momentum.
Especially the Xia Kingdom disciples who came out; they were few in number and hadn't participated in the previous transaction, but stood silently on the Xia Kingdom's side without saying a word.
On the other hand, although the number of Demon Race who came out was small, they were full of vigor, heads held high and chests out, their brows radiating spirit.
A comparison will reveal the situation.
Soon, all those who were qualified stepped forward.
After a pause, the disciple surnamed Zhao called out ten names again, plus Li Su.
"Once inside, each of you should first exchange for two spots and hand them to me! You, exchange for three spots!"
He looked at Li Su and said calmly, "The other party is at the Dao Realm Three, that's perfect. We can directly exchange for three spots, so it won't be a waste."
The others had no objections; they nodded. Although they were all at the Dao Second Realm, their auras were clearly problematic, and they were injured, specifically with Dao-level injuries.
The Dao Arts Realm each last for 100 years, with the second realm lasting 200 years!
Their path had come to an end; they clearly had no intention of entering into cultivation.
After all, with this kind of exchange, they probably won't have a year left. They can use their magical abilities to get points to exchange for some time, but what can they possibly use that little bit of time for? That's right, they were all arranged to go to the Dao-Seeking Cliff to exchange for more spots, increasing the number by exchanging one for two, to guarantee their spots for the following year.
Li Su was taken aback. Was the other party including him in that group?
Yes, the other party is under pressure. Or rather, the pressure is too great. My current aura is not strong. Although I have merged with the Dao, I am at most a middle-level player in the three realms, which is concealed by the mask.
So this is understandable. Thinking of this, Li Su couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. The big shots had covered for him very well, no, they had covered for him too well, and now problems had arisen.
He thought for a moment, then remained calm and composed. After all, people are under a lot of pressure. Some people like to eat when they're anxious, while others like to grab a lot of money. This person in front of him clearly belonged to the type who would lose their mind when anxious. He immediately said, "I'm sorry, I did not receive such an order."
After all, the other party didn't have many choices for him, Li Su Suzhen didn't intend to provoke him.
As a result, the disciple surnamed Zhao's eyes turned cold, his gaze sharp and piercing as he stared directly at Li Su. He said with a hint of anger, "Then I'm telling you now, go in and exchange for three spots to give to me! This is an order, do you understand?"
Upon hearing this, Li Su frowned slightly. Xia Kingdom's situation was indeed precarious, and he could understand the other party's mindset. However, while he understood, he felt somewhat displeased. He still held back and said, "I'm sorry, I refuse to accept this order. If you have any questions, please report to your superiors and have them issue orders directly to me."
If you want to give me orders, you can consult your superiors first; it shouldn't be a problem.
The Zhao disciple, who was originally just dissatisfied with Li Su, was now completely enraged. As a member of the Zhao Family and now the leader of the Xia Kingdom on the Dao-Seeking Cliff, how dare this person contradict him time and time again? How dare you!
He spoke in a cold voice, his intent truly murderous, "I am giving you this order as a second-level administrative official. Chen Hao, you have no right to object. Do you understand?"
Li Su took a deep breath. His head was throbbing, it really was throbbing. Was this guy out of his mind? A second-level administrative officer? What was he doing? Couldn't he just go and check? Why was he doing this here?
Is a Level 2 administrative officer really that high? A major in the Demon-Conquering Army's Special Operations Brigade, directly under the command of the Demon-Conquering Army's division commander. Even the deputy division commander isn't qualified to command them. Level 2 administrative officer? In terms of rank, we're equal, but in terms of status, you're definitely not as high as me.
This guy is actually the team leader?
That's true, after all, that's all the opponent can do. You have to remember that when Ying Zhan and Zhang Shengying were inside, the situation at Dao-Seeking Cliff wasn't this dire.
Li Su scratched his head. Of all his teammates, the worst ones were undoubtedly the most troublesome.
He decided not to continue the conversation and said calmly, "Sir, I refuse your order. If you are dissatisfied, you can report this to your superiors and have me disqualified!"
A fierce killing intent flashed in the eyes of the disciple surnamed Zhao. He waved his hand and roared, "Men, seize this traitor and execute him on the spot!!!"
Immediately, the two Dao Realm Three cultivators stepped forward and reached out to grab Li Su.
Standing there, Li Su was stunned, staring incredulously at the disciple surnamed Zhao. What the hell was going on?!
Execute him on the spot? Who the hell do you think you are???
Although he held an administrative position, his resume indicated he was only at the third rank. To execute such a person, one would need at least authorization from a lieutenant general-level officer in the Ministry of Military's third division.
Seeing the two Ministry of Military officers walking towards him, Li Su Sugan felt a sharp pain in his heart. The Demon Race hadn't noticed his difference, the Five Surnames hadn't noticed his unusual appearance, and now he was being forced to reveal his true form by his own people from the Xia Kingdom???