Sudden Wealth!
For all the cultivators who had turned red-eyed in the face of the Carefree Talisman's decline, and chose to go against the current and buy heavily, this moment was simply like a dream.
Perfected Lord Ming He won!
An Unorthodox perfected lord fought head-on and won against an Orthodox immortal lord who came down from the sixth layer. And it was a full-screen broadcast—real and unmistakable— without any falsification.
Then what else was there to say?
In an instant, the exchange rate of the Carefree Talisman, which had just fallen, began to rebound at an even faster speed, crazily approaching the 900 mark again.
At the same time.
As the victor of this battle, Lu Yang suddenly spoke. Since Immortal Lord Qingyang's full-screen broadcast had not yet ended, his voice spread in all directions:
"Iam Ming He, creator of the Carefree Talisman. My cultivation has made a breakthrough during this seclusion. Having defeated Fellow Daoist Qingyang today, I have clearly comprehended the true meaning of the immortal talisman. I specially issue an additional thirty million Carefree Talismans. And the Carefree Talismans issued this time will be attached with the concept of a dao fruit, just like all Orthodox immortal talismans..."
Boom!!
rumble!
Just these words triggered a violent riot of the [Money] concept. From the first to the sixth layer, the entire [Celestial Court] began to tremble because of this sentence.
Immortal Lord Qingyang was even more stunned.
The Carefree Talisman can actually attach a dao fruit concept just like an Orthodox immortal talisman? Then what's the difference between it and an Orthodox immortal talisman? Its value is even higher!
But... why does he want to do this?
Even with the additional issuance of Carefree Talismans, the market was already approaching saturation before. The extra Carefree Talismans will instead dilute and lower the price of the Carefree Talisman...
Thinking of this, Immortal Lord Qingyang was suddenly startled:
No, that's wrong. Market saturation is only for the market below the sixth layer. The market above the sixth layer is still vast, with countless people watching.
This... madman!
He actually wants to continue blowing up this bubble. Is he not afraid that after the bubble bursts, the crisis will also affect the upper layers, leaving him to die without a burial place!?
No one knew better than Immortal Lord Qingyang—who had operated it himself, that this was a bubble. He just didn't care because previously this bubble harmed the lower-layer cultivators. If they died, they died; just like leeks, no matter how many died, new ones would grow back after a while.
However, the upper layers were different.
Once the bubble harmed those above the sixth layer, it would directly relate to the interests of the Orthodox immortal lords of the [Celestial Court]. Once it crashed, they would have to bear the losses.
More importantly—
If it continues to rise like this, I'm afraid the price of the Carefree Talisman will rival the Taiyin Immortal Talisman. Is he not afraid that Lord Immortal Venerable will extend a visible giant hand?
Immortal Lord Qingyang naturally understood the logic.
However, after seeing the frantically rising price of the Carefree Talisman, he still chose to invest heavily without any hesitation, desperately scraping up funds from the market.
The reason was simple:
No matter how bad the crash would be, that was a matter for the future. But now, if he didn't buy the Carefree Talisman and earn this money, someone else would earn it!
What was the difference between this and him losing money?
Forget it... No matter what, at least it's still rising now. I won't be greedy either. As long as I earn back the money lost before, I will immediately liquidate and sell off...
Immortal Lord Qingyang comforted himself in his heart.
Meanwhile, the immortal lords of the [Celestial Court] above the sixth layer also noticed the [Money] concept stirred up by the Carefree Talisman, and at this moment, they all cast their gazes downward.
"Qingyang actually lost...!?"
"This Perfected Lord Ming He has such great ambition. He wants to drag us in as well. A newcomer, yet so familiar with my [Celestial Court] system..."
"Something is wrong with this person. We must investigate!"
At this moment, Lu Yang was enveloped by the great momentum. The skyrocketing Carefree Talisman transformed into a visible [Money]concept, with layers of iridescent colors stacking upon his body.
Along with it, his aura was also soaring!
In the [Celestial Court], wealth can form stature and combat power!
Because of the existence of the [Money] dao fruit, the more wealth you had, the more blessing you could get from the [Money]concept, thereby enhancing stature and combat power.
If I was only a fourth-grade perfected lord before, now relying solely on the blessing of the [Money] concept, I can rival a third-grade perfected lord. Even as the Carefree Talisman skyrockets, my strength is still increasing. Even without using the [Heavenly Fire], my combat power is no less than before!
This was the power of [Money].
Unfortunately, the Carefree Talisman itself is just a bubble without a real physical entity to rely on. Otherwise, I could even rival a mid-stage immortal lord in wealth relying on it...
The immortal lords of the [Celestial Court] were very special.
In the Immortal Nexus, the symbol of the Middle Stage of the Golden Core was [Grotto-Heaven Not Falling]. No matter how many times one died, they could resurrect. This was also the watershed between the middle stage and the early stage.
In the [Celestial Court], the symbol of the Middle Stage Immortal Lord was called [Financial Freedom].
For a Middle Stage Immortal Lord, the flow of wealth had become an internal circulation. Immortal talismans had become a string of numbers they didn't need to care about.
Similarly, a [Financial Freedom] Middle Stage Immortal Lord could "buy life" after death by deducting a massive amount of immortal talismans, then resurrect. And because their immortal talismans were always in internal circulation and didn't produce substantial consumption, they could also resurrect countless times.
In the next second, Lu Yang lowered his eyelids.
"Fellow Daoist Qingyang, you let me win."
He cupped his hands and looked at Immortal Lord Qingyang with a smile. "I feel truly apologetic for causing Fellow Daoist injury this time. This is a small token of my regard—I hope you accept it."
Immortal Lord Qingyang snorted coldly upon hearing this.
What does this person mean? Bribing me? Who does he think I am? Does he think I would care about the little things in the hands of a mere Unorthodox immortal lord...
Then he glanced at the item Lu Yang handed over.
A Carefree Talisman with a face value of one million. However, unlike those currently popular on the market, this one clearly flowed with the concept of a dao fruit.
Immortal Lord Qingyang calculated silently in his heart. According to the previous exchange rate of over 800 times, one million Carefree Talismans was at least equal to eight hundred million Unorthodox immortal talismans. Converted to the most expensive Taiyin Immortal Talisman, it was a full eight hundred thousand. It could completely cover his losses this time, preventing him from going bankrupt.
With this thought, Immortal Lord Qingyang's tightly knitted brows quickly relaxed.
"It's a small injury, nothing much. Fellow Daoist Ming He is too polite... Since Fellow Daoist's intentions are so sincere, I wonder if there is anything you need me to do?"
"Just a small matter."
Lu Yang waved his hand and smiled. "I only ask Fellow Daoist to put in a good word for me after going up, and by the way, promote my Carefree Talisman a bit."
"No problem!" Immortal Lord Qingyang nodded decisively.
Promote the Carefree Talisman in the upper layers? That was great! If he didn't promote it and no newcomers entered the market, how could the million Carefree Talismans he just got skyrocket in value?
Thinking of this, the look Immortal Lord Qingyang gave Lu Yang became increasingly kind.
This wasn't an Unorthodox perfected lord.
This was the God of Wealth!
Although it would definitely crash before long, it hadn't crashed yet, had it? Better the fellow daoist die than this poor daoist (me). Let me stand in the wind and make a fortune first!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 617: Awakening One After Another, The Broken Sword Reforged!
Unorthodox Alliance.
Above the dome of the sky, ten thousand feet of golden light lingered, converging into visible waves that rose and fell. That was the product of the manifestation of [Money].
In the center of the golden light, a magnificent banner fluttered in the wind. Surrounding it floated numerous spiritual items overflowing with flowing light and color. The surrounding golden light was like pill fire, continuously refining these spiritual items into streams of liquid that fell into the banner, reflecting breathtaking scenes one after another.
Finally done!
Lu Yang, dressed in a white robe, flicked his sleeves and stood up. While exhaling a long breath, a heartfelt smile finally appeared on his face filled with exhaustion.
At this moment, inside the [Righteous Dao Banner].
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], Suo Huan, Empress Xiao... three sealed consciousnesses reawakened, recovering from a near-death state under the nourishment of the spiritual items.
After all, Lu Yang had spent a lot of effort on this.
All the spiritual items were bought with Carefree Talismans through the hands of Immortal Lord Qingyang. They were healing holy products useful even for perfected lords, and he used them all up.
"Haa."
The first to wake up was Suo Huan. Being an Orthodox perfected lord, the [Wellspring Water] itself tended more towards healing— which could help him recover from his injuries.
Even so, Suo Huan's body was still covered with visible fine cracks. Light of water and fire surged constantly, making it difficult for his body to fully recover. On the contrary, the sword scars left by Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao had basically healed, and all sword qi had been expelled.
"Fellow Daoist has suffered."
Lu Yang took a step forward and cupped his hands. "I can solve the sword qi aspect, but this water and fire calamity... I'm afraid Fellow Daoist will have to endure for a while longer."
Two types of injuries, each with its own divine wonders.
Generally speaking, if an Early Stage Golden Core perfected lord was hit by either one, it would turn into a chronic and serious illness. With bad luck, one might even be dragged to death.
It was only because Lu Yang still had a Sword Dao fruit in his hand that he could neutralize the sword qi of Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao. However, while the sword qi could be removed, the other water and fire calamity was very difficult.
Lu Yang thought about it and concluded that the only way to dissolve it was to invite a Taiyang immortal lord from the [Celestial Court] to take action.
Taiyang and Shaoyin both possess the profound wonder of unifying water and fire.
However, the authority of Taiyang is above Shaoyin, so even an Early Stage Immortal Lord should be able to dissolve this water and fire calamity.
Of course, it couldn't be a trashy one like Immortal Lord Qingyang from the [Residing in the Spring Intermediate Position].
At least it has to be a primary position.
Whether it's Governing Heaven Primary Position or Residing in the Spring Primary Position... It seems the process of cultivating disciples needs to be accelerated. I must cultivate a Taiyang immortal lord as soon as possible!
Looking at the frowning Lu Yang, Suo Huan smiled instead.
"Fellow Daoist need not worry."
"Being able to survive this disaster is already thanks to Fellow Daoist's blessing. Healing is not urgent. Fellow Daoist can plan slowly; by all means, do not force it."
Regarding his injuries, Suo Huan took it very lightly. There was no gloom of serious injury on his face; instead, he seemed in a very good mood.
After all, seeing Lu Yang's current appearance, he had obviously escaped danger, and even seemed to be doing quite well recently. That was already enough.
Immediately following, Empress Xiao also woke up.
"Mmh~~"
Accompanied by a soft moan, Empress Xiao slowly opened her eyes. Her body had originally exploded, and her current body was reshaped by Lu Yang for her.
"I survived?"
Empress Xiao looked around, then sensed the state of the Incense Divine Dao, and breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she had gambled correctly again this time.
Immediately after, she looked at Lu Yang.
I knew it!
Back then, she decided to stand on Lu Yang's side and not abandoning him even when facing the pursuit of Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao, and even proactively chose to sacrifice herself...
Of course, it wasn't because of feelings developed over time.
It was purely a consideration of interests.
Even if I defected to Perfected Lord Gangxing Budao, as an Unorthodox cultivator, even if I turned traitor and betrayed Lu Yang, it would just be an icing on the cake.
However, choosing to stand with Lu Yang by sacrificing my body and self-destructing to open a path for him—this is a sentimental value... and also crucial help in a time of need! Besides, Lu Yang is strange. Although he comes from the Saint Sect, he actually values old relationships. If I help him, he will also help me...
Facts proved she won the gamble.
In the next second, Empress Xiao smiled beautifully at Lu Yang. Instantly, a hundred charms arose. Her beautiful eyes seemed to drip with water as she stared straight at Lu Yang.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"Two years."
Lu Yang also chuckled, then cupped his hands. "I must thank you for your help before. The kindness of that day, I will definitely repay heavily in the future."
"Alright."
Empress Xiao stroked her skirt lightly. "Then I'll wait for your future."
The implication was very obvious, but Lu Yang was not a lustful person, so he quickly suppressed all distracting thoughts with his strong will.
There are more important things.
Soon, the third divine sense, which was also the most heavily injured one, slowly awakened. It was Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon, who had severed his own dao path and almost had his soul scattered.
"I'm still alive... Great."
At the moment of awakening, only one feeling existed in Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon's heart—relief.
Just like the phrase he always kept on his lips—Better a bad life than a good death. It was precisely this obsession that achieved the world-renowned No-Kill Sword Intent.
Soon, Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon saw Lu Yang.
Then he smiled.
"You survived too? Even better."
Lu Yang responded with a smile, "Senior, relax. Come, I have a big treasure to give you. Hurry up and merge your soul and sword intent into it."
Saying this, Lu Yang took out the Sword Dao fruit.
On the other side, Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon was still in a daze. While decisively following Lu Yang's instructions to merge into the Sword Dao fruit, he pondered in his heart what was happening:
What is this thing?
It feels a bit like the Sword Dao... But that's impossible. I already returned the Sword Dao. Could it be some method to refine me into a sword?
If that were truly the case, he wouldn't be surprised.
After all, Lu Yang was from the Saint Sect. Seeing that he had fallen from the perfected lord rank and had no utility value, wanting to make full use of the material was a very normal thing.
At most, it was a bit... pity.
Am I going to die?
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon waited silently for a while, but found that he didn't die. Instead, his aura gradually began to rise, and his spirit became clearer.
Only then did he react—
Sword Dao fruit!?
Although he didn't feel it at first, now that he had completely merged into it, the true face of the Sword Dao fruit naturally couldn't be hidden from him anymore.
In the next second, Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon, whose stature had originally fallen to Foundation Establishment, crossed the boundary again and returned to the perfected lord level. His aura transformed into sharp sword qi again. Although it was a brand-new dao fruit, in his senses, it was as easy to use as his arm and fingers, as if it were originally his thing.
The broken sword reforged!
After a moment, [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] opened his eyes. He looked at Lu Yang with a complex expression, then holding the sword in hand, he solemnly bowed to him:
"Fellow Daoist's grace of rebirth, I will never forget."
Lu Yang shook his head upon hearing this. "It was Senior who saved my life first. The cause of yesterday is the fruit of today. You and I are in the sameboat, so why distinguish things so clearly?"
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon was stunned for a moment, then laughed loudly. "Fellow Daoist... you're right!"
These words simply spoke to his heart.
Why did he save Lu Yang that day?
There were no benefits, only disadvantages. He even ruined his future and risked his life. But he didn't care about these pros and cons and saved him decisively.
Why distinguish so clearly?
Many people distinguish too clearly and saw too clearly—this is beneficial, that is harmful, seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages—so the world has become like this.
He didn't want to see things so clearly.
So if something could be done, he just did it.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 618: Asking Me to Be the Leader of the Unorthodox Path?
Inside the Righteous Dao Banner, Lu Yang sat cross-legged.
Opposite him, Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon stood holding his sword, his eyes slightly closed, reading the divine sense Lu Yang had just sent over, which included details of his current situation.
After a long time, Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon slowly raised his head.
"Fellow Daoist, I roughly understand what you are doing."
Having originated from the Sword Pavilion, the basic qualities of a sword seed were there, so he grasped the operating logic of the Celestial Court after just one look.
However, precisely because of this, he frowned tightly:
The Carefree Talisman issued by Fellow Daoist has been rising, but sooner or later, it won't be able to hold on. The result is just constantly absorbing the funds of lower cultivators.
Once it crashes, I'm afraid it will cause irreversible consequences. You can certainly use this opportunity to gather wealth, but the Foundation Establishment, Qi Refining cultivators, and even mortals below will lose everything, forfeiting their entire livelihoods... The sin of killing is too great. Fellow Daoist, do you really want to do this?
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon looked solemn.
As the banner spirit of the Righteous Dao Banner, he actually shouldn't say such things, but he still said them, calmly questioning Lu Yang.
Did I misjudge him?
A storm like this will cause no less slaughter than a massacre, yet his hands remain unstained by blood... it's done too cleanly and beautifully.
That's right, even Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon had to admit that Lu Yang did it beautifully. However, the more beautiful it was, the more horrified Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon felt. His gaze towards Lu Yang was more solemn than ever, as if he wanted to dissect him to see his heart and understand his true thoughts.
In the next second, Lu Yang smiled:
"Fellow Daoist, rest assured. I have no interest in the poor."
Lu Yang said with a sincere face, "What oil is there to squeeze from the poor? If I want to squeeze, I'll squeeze the rich. Those immortal lords on the upper layers are my targets."
Saying this, Lu Yang took out the [Celestial Court Pass].
Through it, the exchange rates, differentials, and transactions of all immortal talismans in the entire Celestial Court could be observed and operated. It basically reflected the trend of the entire market.
"The Carefree Talisman has been rising for a long time."
Lu Yang tapped the Celestial Court Passlightly and smiled. "As of now, most lower cultivators have actually been eliminated by the lords of the upper layers."
After all, the current Carefree Talisman was too expensive.
Expensive to the point that retail investors couldn't afford to play anymore. Most of the Carefree Talismans were concentrated in the hands of the upper-layer immortal lords. It was precisely they who were still speculating and driving up the price of the Carefree Talisman.
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon's gaze gradually brightened. "You mean..."
Lu Yang continued, "Fellow Daoist, what do you think is the purpose of those immortal lords above the sixth layer of the Celestial Court concentrating the Carefree Talismans in their hands?"
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon pondered briefly and said with certainty, "to harvest the lower layers."
Although retail investors were out, they were only a part of the lower layers. There were still a large number of immortal clans and sects. Besides, if it didn't work, couldn't they still take loans?
"Correct."
Lu Yang nodded. "What they want to do is nothing more than completely drain the funds of the lower layers, leaving a huge pit, and making a huge profit for themselves."
"But there will be a gap in this."
"That is, before they have harvested the vast majority of Carefree Talismans and are about to leave the market... as long as the price of the Carefree Talisman plummets before that."
"This thing will smash in their hands!"
Speaking of this, a trace of a sinister smile finally appeared on Lu Yang's face. After such a wave, he would be able to gather the funds needed to purchase a Dao Fruit.
After listening to Lu Yang's plan, Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon thought again, then shook his head:
"No, given the current trend of the Carefree Talisman, how can you control its crash? The exchange rate of the current Carefree Talisman is actually basically controlled by them."
With the vast majority of Carefree Talismans on the market controlled by the upper layers, the price of the Carefree Talisman was just a matter of thought for those immortal lords. As long as those holding the goods didn't sell and continued to hold to stabilize the price, unless Lu Yang himself had a problem, it would be very difficult for the Carefree Talisman to fall.
"For this, someone must be watching you."
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon frowned tightly. "Before they start harvesting, you won't have an accident. Even if something happens, the news will be blocked immediately."
"I know."
Lu Yang smiled and stated his plan. "So I plan to issue an additional one billion face value of Carefree Talismans to the market at the necessary moment."
One billion! One billion!
Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon reacted instantly. "One billion, all out at once?"
"No, in batches." Lu Yang shook his head. "Fishing pays attention to gradual progress. You have to learn to loosen the line. Issuing in batches can make them constantly increase their stakes."
Speaking of this, Lu Yang couldn't help but stroke his chin. "Besides, those immortal lords on the upper layers definitely wouldn't expect me to issue one billion Carefree Talismans, because making immortal talismans of this face value alone takes a lot of time... Pity, they still underestimated my earth-shattering wisdom too much."
For this, Patriarch Nether Whisper had already been working overtime unpaid for two years.
"Once one billion Carefree Talismans flow into the market, the upper-layer immortal lords won't be able to hold it. The price of the Carefree Talisman will inevitably plummet, followed by a chain reaction."
Finally, a total collapse!
However, those affected by this crash would not be the lower-layer cultivators, but those high-and-mighty lords who thought they could harvest all living beings!
"As expected of the Saint Sect..." Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon couldn't help but sigh.
"You flatter me." Lu Yang waved his hand indifferently.
Similar methods had been used by the Saint Sect on Qi Refining talents many times. Lu Yang hadn't cultivated deeply in this area, so his methods were a bit rough.
If it were those true coin speculation experts, their methods would be more obscure and kore elaborate.
From this, it can be seen that the [Money Dao Fruit] and even the entire market system of the Celestial Court are actually not yet perfect. That Immortal Venerable Taiyin hasn't attained void attainment for long...
Just then, Lu Yang suddenly felt something and raised his head.
Immediately, a streak of light landed outside his seclusion meditation room, transmitting a divine sense message: "Fellow Daoist Ming He, Zhilei of the Unorthodox Alliance comes to pay a visit."
Unorthodox Alliance, Unorthodox perfected lord?
Lu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly, he immediately put away the Righteous Dao Banner, paced out of the meditation room, and smiled. "So it is Fellow Daoist Zhilei. I wonder what brings you here?"
Before him was a man with a rugged appearance.
He bowed cautiously and said, "Replying to Fellow Daoist... no, Lord Ming He, I come representing the sincerity of the various perfected lords of the Unorthodox Alliance."
"Sincerity?" Lu Yang's heart stirred.
"Correct." Zhilei nodded, then said solemnly, "Our Alliance Leader, Banshan, has voluntarily resigned from the position of Alliance Leader due to unfavorable trading operations."
"Afterward, we discussed the matter."
"Everyone unanimously agreed that the position of Alliance Leader is best held by Lord Ming He— who is the strongest and has the highest cultivation, and is the richest among the unorthodox perfected lords!"
As his voice fell, Lu Yang was stunned.
Why does it feel a bit like being imperial appointment... choosing me to be the leader of the Unorthodox path of the Celestial Court?
Is this appropriate?
Seeing Lu Yang hesitate, Zhilei instantly felt tight in his heart and hurriedly said, "My Lord, actually, joining our Unorthodox Alliance also has benefits!"
Lu Yang glanced at him and thought to himself:
A group of Unorthodox cultivators, what benefits can there be?
Seeing Lu Yang disbelieve, Zhilei took a deep breath and continued, "My Lord... The history of my Unorthodox Alliance can be traced back to the initial opening of the Celestial Court!"
"Among the Unorthodox perfected lords who founded the Unorthodox Alliance, several have passed down through generations. The earliest one is said to have come over when the Celestial Court was just opened. He witnessed the scene of the Celestial Court's opening with his own eyes and recorded it. It is named the [Dao Opening Diagram]... It is the supreme treasure of my Unorthodox Alliance!"
As soon as these words came out, Lu Yang finally narrowed his eyes.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 619: The Secret of the Celestial Court, The Corpse of a Dao Lord!
Lu Yang had to admit, he was moved.
The opening of the Celestial Court... I underestimated them. This inheritance, passed down generation after generation, can actually trace back to such a distant time. How many years ago must that have been?
Tens of thousands of years? Hundreds of thousands of years?
Thinking of this, Lu Yang immediately straightened his expression and looked at Zhilei. "I understand what Fellow Daoist means. Although I have no intention of pursuing power..."
"But after all, I am also an Unorthodox perfected lord, and I have thought about contributing my strength to the Unorthodox dao... Since Fellow Daoist is so sincere and believes that my serving as the leader of the Unorthodox Alliance can best contribute to the Unorthodox dao, then I can only put aside my personal preferences and reluctantly accept this responsibility."
Zhilei was stunned hearing this.
But soon he reacted, knowing Lu Yang had agreed, and was overjoyed. "In that case, let's sign the contract. We respectfully welcome Your Lordship to take charge!"
The following matters were simple.
Under the full promotion of the Unorthodox Alliance, the news that "Perfected Lord Ming He, creator of the Carefree Talisman, has officially joined the Unorthodox Alliance and taken the position of Alliance Leader" spread like wildfire.
Lu Yang also cooperated by giving several speeches, expressing that he was very optimistic about the prospects of the Unorthodox Alliance and the Unorthodox immortal talisman, which was why he made the decision to join.
Thus, the exchange rate of the Unorthodox immortal talisman soared by several points instantly.
Everyone was happy.
On the very night he took charge, Lu Yang, led by Zhilei, arrived at the meeting hall of the perfected lords of the Unorthodox Alliance and saw the despondent Banshan.
Seeing Lu Yang, Banshan's lips moved, then he whispered in a low voice:
"Lord... Ming He."
Seeing this, Lu Yang hurriedly stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Fellow Daoist is too polite. You and I are both Unorthodox perfected lords, and Fellow Daoist is the former Alliance Leader. We can interact as peers."
Hearing these words, Banshan instantly had mixed feelings.
After all, ever since Immortal Lord Qingyang retreated in defeat and the Carefree Talisman rose instead of falling, his failed investment had made his position in the Unorthodox Alliance extremely awkward.
Not only other Unorthodox perfected lords, but even Banshan himself, when regulating his breath and meditating every night, would silently calculate the money he made less because of selling the Carefree Talisman early, and couldn't help but want to slap himself twice. Especially when he saw others making money, he was in agony.
"Fellow Daoist Ming He... Sigh."
Banshan sighed deeply, quickly composing his emotions. Regardless, Lu Yang's attitude was still very good. Perhaps it would be better for him to be the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.
At the same time, Lu Yang frowned slightly:
I told you to interact as peers, and you really interact as peers? What stature do I have, and what stature do you have? Didn't you see Zhilei next to me still calling me Lord?
No wonder he couldn't continue being the Alliance Leader.
Lu Yang shook his head and changed the subject. "Fellow Daoist should have seen the contract for me joining the Unorthodox Alliance. I wonder where that [Dao Opening Diagram] is?"
"Fellow Daoist, follow me."
Banshan raised his hand to gesture. "That [Dao Opening Diagram] sounds precious, but in reality, it's just average. Actually, we invited several immortal lords to view it before as well."
"Oh?" Lu Yang raised an eyebrow slightly.
His original expectation dropped significantly. After all, so many people had seen it but hadn't snatched it away, indicating the item's value might be just average.
Soon, following Banshan, Lu Yang arrived at a quiet room deep within the Unorthodox Alliance.
Pushing the door open and entering, he faced a wall with a huge scroll hanging on it. The painting was an alternation of black and white; surprisingly, one couldn't make out what it was.
However, Lu Yang froze.
"This painting was left by the grandmaster of my Unorthodox Alliance's grandmaster. His dao fruit [Inscription of Heaven] could record the wondrous scenes of heaven and earth. It is still circulating in my Unorthodox Alliance to this day..."
Banshan's voice gradually faded away.
Not only the voice, but everything else was cast aside by Lu Yang at this moment. His vision was completely attracted by the painting before him.
Initially, heaven and earth were a patch of brilliance.
Endless [Dual Polarity Birth and Destruction Profound Light] surged violently, ceaselessly spewing mighty power outward. Time and space lost their meaning here.
Just like this, an unknown amount of time passed.
Finally, the light sea was torn apart. A figure walked out from the bottomless abyss, staggering and stumbling, yet walking forward with unwavering determination.
It was a magnificent figure Lu Yang had never seen before. Clearly not tall, nor deliberately concealing his appearance, yet when Lu Yang looked at him, he simply couldn't see the other party clearly. It was as if standing at the foot of a mountain looking up at the peak—blurred, unfathomable, only the shocking feeling of looking up at a high mountain remained.
However, in the next second, that voice suddenly spoke:
"Primordial Saint...!!"
The magnificent sound of opening heaven and earth echoed within the light sea. Past and present trembled. The unimaginable mighty power even caused the outer heaven light sea to fall into a brief stagnation.
And then—
Bang!
The magnificent figure collapsed, as if that roar had used up his last trace of strength. As his voice fell, he could no longer persist.
Instantly, the originally indescribably high stature fell. The figure disintegrated and spread out, transforming into billions of flowing lights that boomed open the outer heaven light sea, forming a pitch-black gap... A world realm arose spontaneously. Within the world realm, six qi concepts emerged, differentiating into twenty-four dao fruits...
Taiyang! Yangming! Shaoyang!
Taiyin! Jueyin! Shaoyin!
Six qi evolved the five elements, five elements evolved heaven and earth. Birth, old age, sickness, and death; seven emotions and six desires; all living beings... A super world realm was thoroughly formed.
Boom!
rumble!
Lu Yang suddenly regained clarity, taking a step back. Deep shock appeared in his eyes, to the extent that he couldn't believe he saw this in the Unorthodox Alliance.
Celestial Court... This is the Celestial Court!?
A person shouted the name of the Primordial Saint, then fell and died. His body disintegrated, thus transforming into the Celestial Court, giving birth to a full twenty-four dao fruits?
Was this still a human?
Dao Lord... it can only be a Nascent Soul Dao Lord! A Nascent Soul Dao Lord died here! And very likely was slain by the Saint Sect ancestor!
At this moment, enlightenment arose in Lu Yang's heart: One whale falls and all things are born. Dao Lord, a Dao Lord's corpse opens the sky, evolving the five elements and six qi, casting twenty-four dao fruits... What if it were me? This process of heaven and earth evolution, the process of dao fruit evolution, is actually a weaving method!
A method of weaving concepts!
Over the past two years, seeking "void attainment," Lu Yang and Patriarch Nether Whisper had tried many times to weave concepts, but always failed at the last step.
There was certainly the factor of insufficient true treasures.
However, on the other hand, there was also the reason of incorrect weaving methods. Otherwise, at least an embryonic dao fruit could be outlined, not yielding nothing.
This was like a formula.
Previously, neither Lu Yang nor Patriarch Nether Whisper found the solution to the formula. But now, a complete, traceable weaving method was right before his eyes!
[Dao Opening Diagram]... No wonder it's called the [Map of Opening the Dao]!
As long as he observed this map day and night, imitating the process of the Dao Lord dying and his corpse transforming into the Celestial Court in the map, it was possible to use this to weave his own dao fruit!
For a perfected lord with aspirations for "void attainment," this was a priceless treasure!
...No!
Instantly, Lu Yang's originally excited mood returned to calm. His eyes became sharp to the extreme, staring straight at Banshan who was talking eloquently beside him.
How could such supreme treasure not be snatched away?
How could such a scene be inscribed by a mere Unorthodox perfected lord?
There is a problem!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang immediately tightened his expression. But his abnormality fell into Banshan's eyes, causing him to misunderstand. Banshan actually gave a bitter laugh and said:
"Fellow Daoist also can't understand it?"
"This is also normal. After all, if this diagram truly had some divine wonder, it would have been taken away by the immortal lords of the upper layers long ago. No one has ever truly comprehended anything from it..."
Listening to Banshan's explanation, Lu Yang frowned slightly:
No one has ever comprehended anything? How is that possible? This weaving method is so obvious; any perfected lord would definitely be able to see the value in it...
Unless—
Not everyone can see this weaving method. They can't see the full picture of the [Dao Opening Diagram]... The only person who can see… is me?
Lu Yang subconsciously took a step back. When looking at the [Dao Opening Diagram] again, there was no greed left in his eyes, only deep apprehension and helplessness remaining.
Could this be one of the reasons the patriarch sent me here?
An opportunity belonging solely to me?
Don't mess with me! I'm scared!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 620: Lu Yang Takes in Disciples, Talents Abound
Although he was frightened for a moment, Lu Yang quickly figured it out:
I have the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes]!
True, when facing pure knowledge, even the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes] couldn't wipe it clean, just like the Nine Transformations Dragon Art back then, there would be karma.
But it wasn't without loopholes.
As long as I successfully attain a dao fruit through void attainment in this life using the concept weaving method, and then bring it back as an object, there will be no problem.
Although knowledge couldn't be blocked from karma, object could. As long as he could squeeze out the value of the concept weaving method in this life and succeed in void attainment, he could discard this method in the next life. Anyway, he would already have the object, and without cause and effect, no one could trace it.
Thinking of this, Lu Yang instantly felt much more relaxed.
In the next second, he looked at Banshan beside him and smiled. "This [Dao Opening Diagram] is very good. I want to take it back and observe it for a few more days."
"Of course."
Banshan nodded without hesitation. "Fellow Daoist, you are now the leader of the Unorthodox Alliance. A mere [Dao Opening Diagram], feel free to take it."
"However..."
Speaking of this, Banshan's voice paused abruptly, then he said in a deep voice, "This [Dao Opening Diagram] ultimately has some commemorative significance for us. Since Fellow Daoist is taking it away... then we also have an unreasonable request. We hope Fellow Daoist won't refuse and can reveal some inside information to everyone."
"Oh."
Lu Yang raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, immediately understanding Banshan's meaning. He wanted to get some insider information about the Carefree Talisman from him.
After all, everyone knew the Carefree Talisman would definitely fall.
But when it would fall and how it would fall, there was a lot of knowledge involved. This was probably the main reason the Unorthodox Alliance invited him to be the leader.
"...Alright."
Lu Yang thought about it and didn't intend to refuse. After all, he also planned to verify something, so he went with the flow and agreed to Banshan's request.
..
Unorthodox Alliance, inside a spacious hall.
Lu Yang sat on the main seat of the hall, while below were the seven Unorthodox perfected lords of the Unorthodox Alliance, sitting upright one by one, looking honest and obedient.
In the next second, Lu Yang coughed and waved his hand. "Ahem... Hello, students."
"Hello, teacher!"
The Unorthodox perfected lords below spoke in unison, their faces full of respect. Seeing this scene, Lu Yang immediately opened the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes] page.
Then he frowned.
[Disciple Becomes the Master's Standard] didn't take effect...
Lu Yang couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Obviously, this kind of verbal address didn't fit the definition of a master-disciple relationship for [Disciple Becomes the Master's Standard].
According to the rules of [Disciple Becomes the Master's Standard], I must personally lead the other party's progress and achieve [Nurturing] on a factual level before the other party is recognized as my disciple, thereby feeding back dao comprehension to me... Under this rule, the higher the cultivation level, the more troublesome it is.
But soon, Lu Yang cheered up:
It doesn't matter. After I harvest a wave with the Carefree Talisman, I'll pick an Unorthodox perfected lord and buy him an Orthodox dao fruit. That should meet the conditions.
After all, advancing from an Unorthodox perfected lord to an Orthodox perfected lord could definitely be called progress.
Moreover, since he was the one funding it, it also met the condition of [Nurturing]. No matter how you looked at it, it perfectly fit the rules of [Disciple Becomes the Master's Standard].
As for the candidate, Lu Yang had already decided.
"...Fellow Daoist Wu."
Lu Yang's gaze paused and landed on [Perfected Lord of Luminous Dao Imprints] among the seven Unorthodox perfected lords. The other party's name was Wu Daoxuan, and the Unorthodox dao fruit [Inscription of Heaven] in his hand was exactly the dao fruit that recorded the [Dao Opening Diagram]. Lu Yang saw at a glance that this dao fruit was destined for him!
Swallowing it might help me condense a second true treasure!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang's gaze became increasingly fervent. He smiled slightly, "Fellow Daoist Wu, I heard you lost a lot of money speculating on the Carefree Talisman before?"
As soon as these words came out, the face of [Perfected Lord Mingdao Luying] Wu Daoxuan below instantly turned black.
"I've embarrassed myself before the Alliance Leader..."
He cupped his hands with an awkward expression. After all, the way he lost money this time was truly too shameful to talk about.
When speculating on the Carefree Talisman, Banshan demanded everyone to sell everything.
Most Unorthodox perfected lords obeyed... However, Wu Daoxuan was different. Because his dao fruit had good affinity, his speed and quality of making immortal talismans were very high.
So he still had some idle money in hand.
Thus, holding the thought of "I won't invest much, just a little to see the situation, and sell immediately if it really drops," he secretly hoarded a batch of Carefree Talismans.
Then Immortal Lord Qingyang came.
Seeing the hoarded Carefree Talismans about to be stuck in his hands, he was scared into selling at a loss immediately, wanting to leave the market as soon as possible... As a result, Lu Yang defeated Immortal Lord Qingyang.
At that time, Wu Daoxuan was absolutely livid!
He'd bought back Carefree Talismans at high prices and sold them at low prices. Then when Carefree Talismans rose, he had to buy them back again at inflated prices. He lost a huge sum coming and going!
It was only because he had substantial savings that he avoided bankruptcy. But even so, this disastrous investment experience left him so angry he couldn't even calm his mind during meditation. When everyone decided to invite Lu Yang to serve as Alliance Leader, he had firmly agreed, wanting to use Lu Yang's hand to stage a comeback.
My requirements aren't high.
As long as Perfected Lord Ming He is willing to refine a few Carefree Talismans for me, giving me a chance to enter the market and earn back the lost money, I'll be satisfied...
Looking at Wu Daoxuan's longing eyes, Lu Yang smiled slightly, then looked around:
"What I'm going to say next absolutely cannot be known by outsiders... So starting today, I want to seal off the inside and outside to prevent news from leaking."
As soon as these words came out, everyone was in an uproar.
But not out of dissatisfaction, but excitement... After all, everyone understood the significance of doing this: This is insider information! The chance to make money is here!
Perfected Lord Zhilei, who had come to invite Lu Yang before, immediately patted his chest and said, "Rest assured, my Lord. We understand the logic and will absolutely not reveal the news!"
"Very good!"
Lu Yang nodded upon seeing this, then took out the Righteous Dao Banner. As the banner waved, vast purple qi instantly constructed a magnificent gate:
"Then, fellow daoists, please enter voluntarily."
"As long as fellow daoists voluntarily stay in this treasure of mine to ensure the news won't leak, I guarantee the assets of the Unorthodox Alliance will multiply several times!"
Lu Yang's voice spread faintly.
At the same time, he secretly activated the [Enlightenment] divine wonder of the Righteous Dao Banner. An invisible mighty power made his voice even more full of temptation.
At this moment, the Unorthodox perfected lords present only felt that Lu Yang before them was so amiable, and his words made sense no matter how they thought about it. Finally, Wu Daoxuan, who already needed something from Lu Yang, wavered in his heart and walked out first, standing in front of the Righteous Dao Banner.
"I'll go first!"
Wu Daoxuan gritted his teeth and stamped his foot, then walked into the vast purple qi emerging from the Righteous Dao Banner. His originally clear divine sense instantly grew heavy.
"My Lord... will I be okay?"
"Relax, why would I deceive you?" Lu Yang said while refining Wu Daoxuan into a banner spirit, "Dizziness is normal; it will be fine soon."
A moment later, Wu Daoxuan blinked and regained clarity.
Hey! It's really fine!
Seeing Wu Daoxuan was fine, under the influence of [Enlightenment], the other several perfected lords also walked into the Righteous Dao Banner one after another, making Lu Yang burst into laughter.
My [Righteous Dao] is now also brimming with talents!
(End of Chapter)