There is a progress bar in my cultivation of immortality

Wang Ping had long been prepared for this, otherwise he wouldn't have had Zi Luan sever the connection with the underground gate. If it were Wang Ping himself, he would have done the same.

After all, he would feel awkward having independent statues of other True Lords enshrined on his own territory. Moreover, the sect's archives were full of records of other True Lords, leaving his own existence as a blank, which would be detrimental to his future control over the sect.

Being mentally prepared doesn't mean being able to accept it. He thought that Earthly True Lord would at least discuss it with him before taking such action, but he didn't expect that he would take action without even giving a heads-up.

This made Wang Ping sense the deep malice of the Earthly True Lord, so he stretched out his left hand to deduce, while continuing to play chess with Zi Luan on the other side. The game naturally ended with Wang Ping winning.

After Zi Luan left, Wang Ping continued his deductions, but after several days there were no results. He only felt that the malice of the Earthly True Lord had deepened considerably.

This was the first time Wang Ping had sensed malice from Xuanmen and Tianmen Zhenjun since advancing to the fifth realm. For the previous thousand years, they had always shown Wang Ping a benevolent side.

This was not something Wang Ping could control, so he quickly put it out of his mind and started thinking seriously about his own affairs. The problem he needed to think about now was to continue training cultivators of the fourth realm of the Taiyan Sect.

Choosing the right person is one of his biggest headaches right now. Xia Wenyi and Shen Xiaozhu are naturally the best candidates, but he doesn't know if they have any thoughts of promotion after a thousand years of accumulation.

Just as he was considering whether to summon the two disciples to his presence for a direct inquiry, Lieyang contacted him using a communication token from a meeting, instructing him to immediately activate the projection space.

This time, Wang Ping didn't delay. As soon as he received the message, he ordered the puppet to open the signal for the projection space. When he entered the projection space with a small part of his consciousness, Lieyang and Tiangong had already appeared, followed by the members of the Demon Clan and the Star God Alliance, and finally Xuanqing and Baiyan.

However, the Earthly True Lord, who had just escaped, did not appear.

As usual, Lieyang said, "The Dragon Lord will not participate in this meeting."

Tiangong's gaze swept over Wang Ping impassively, and he explained, "Fellow Daoist Diwen's memories have not fully recovered yet; he needs to go into seclusion for a period of time."

Wang Ping discerned from Tian Gong's gaze that this person clearly understood how Di Wen had destroyed his temple, yet offered no explanation on Di Wen's behalf. Moreover, from Tian Gong's tone, it was clear that everyone present should thank Di Wen.

But Wang Ping didn't think so, because when the True Lords shattered the Central Continent Star, he hadn't even come to this world yet, so he didn't need to feel guilty about the Earth's slumber.

So when Wang Ping confirmed that neither Tiangong nor Lieyang intended to offer an explanation, he flicked his sleeve and said, "If Fellow Daoist Diwen finds my temple an eyesore, you can communicate with me. Why destroy it without saying a word? I took good care of the disciples of the Earth Cave Sect while it was asleep. What? In the end, it's still my fault?"

His words seemed to be blaming Diwen Zhenjun for being unreasonable, but in reality, he was telling everyone present that while they might owe Diwen something, he didn't feel any psychological pressure about it.

This was also the first time Wang Ping had expressed his own thoughts at a meeting. The reason for this was probably because Wang Ping had been too humble in the past and had turned a blind eye to many things, which made Lieyang and Tiangong think that his opinions were not important.

His statement was indeed surprising, at least Tiangong and Lieyang were surprised, while the demon race and the Star God Alliance immediately composed themselves and watched with a spectator's expression.

Before Lieyang and Tiangong could express their opinions, Baiyan spoke first: "If this is indeed the case, it is truly a mistake on the part of Fellow Daoist Diwen. Fellow Daoist Changqing is different from us and has never failed Diwen. His assistance to the Dikumen was purely out of righteousness among fellow Daoists. Even ordinary people know that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude, but Fellow Daoist Diwen has actually resorted to such a treacherous act of discarding a useful tool after it has served its purpose. How absurd is that?"

His tone was stiff, and he even used formal, written language.

Upon hearing this, Tiangong and Lieyang both wore serious expressions. Lieyang then said, "Fellow Daoist Diwen has just awakened. He has not experienced the situation under the Dao Palace's order, and his problem-solving habits are still stuck in the era of the Demon Clan War. Fellow Daoist Changqing, please don't misunderstand."

Wang Ping's gaze swept over Bai Yan, then met Lie Yang's gaze, and said, "I am not a person who likes to hold grudges, but the temple he destroyed was built brick by brick by my believers, and it deserves equal compensation."

A flash of displeasure crossed Tian Gong's face, but he did not reply, because Wang Ping was impeccable at this moment, and it would be a loss to speak up for Di Wen rashly.

Lieyang replied, "I'll handle this, shall I?"

Wang Ping nodded, appearing magnanimous in agreement, while subtly observing the attitudes of the other True Monarchs. Xuan Qing seemed to be pondering something, Bai Yan remained aloof and compliant, and the Demon Clan and the Star God Alliance acted as if it were none of their business.

Upon seeing Wang Ping's response, Lieyang immediately changed the subject, saying, "The reason for gathering you fellow Daoists this time is the current chaos in the starry sky. The younger generation is using the ecological zones that we personally designated as their own as tools for cultivation, which is not a good thing."

He looked around and said, “What I mean is, let them decide the winner as soon as possible, instead of dragging it out like this, following the usual practice.”

Bai Yan said coldly, "The Dao Palace has become a mere decoration once again."

His tone was full of disappointment.

His performance was so bad that he was almost called out by name at the end, which clearly showed that he was extremely dissatisfied with the Dragon King's power.

The power of the Dao Palace is granted by the True Lords. When conflicts are caused by the disciples of the True Lords, the power of the Dao Palace will instantly lose its effect. Such chaos has been repeated many times, and each time it has ended without a result.

Only when an absolutely powerful and fair figure emerges, granting the Dao Palace the power to deal with the disciples of the Xuanmen and Tianmen sects, can this cycle of conflict possibly end.

Ignoring Bai Yan's words, Lie Yang asked the crowd, "What do you fellow Daoists think?"

After a brief silence, Wang Ping spoke up: "I have been in charge of coordinating outer space affairs, and I personally selected and appointed many of the side ecological zones. It is truly inexcusable that things have come to this point. What is even more incomprehensible is that they destroyed the ecological zones after plundering resources."

"My suggestion is that the Dao Palace should first step forward and punish the culprits who destroyed these ecological zones, so that they understand where the bottom line is. Otherwise, after they decide the winner, all that will be left for us is a mess."

Lieyang nodded after listening. "That is indeed a problem. So, who should verify this matter?"

Xuanqing continued, "Neither my Yuqing Sect, nor the Taiyin Sect nor the Taiyan Sect participated in this conflict. It is most appropriate for our disciples to verify this matter and punish the cultivators involved."

He paused for a moment and continued, "We can also take this opportunity to investigate the forces that have infiltrated from outside the region. If we find any problems, I hope you will not be lenient."

He bowed to the crowd at the end of his speech.

While Xuan Qing was speaking, Wang Ping kept a close eye on Lie Yang's expression. Lie Yang appeared very patient, waiting for Xuan Qing to finish before revealing an appropriate smile, and said, "Then let the Jade Purity Sect, the Taiyin Sect, the Taiyan Sect, and the Earth Cave Sect each send two Fourth Realm experts to investigate this matter. Furthermore..."

He glanced at the demon race and the Star God Alliance members and continued, "Furthermore... Zhu Wu and Zang Yi, what do you two think about taking the lead in this matter?"

No one objected.

After the matter was settled, Bai Yan immediately cut off the signal connection. Next was Tian Gong. When Wang Ping and Lie Yang exchanged glances, Bai Yan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and then decisively left. …

Jiuxuan Mountain Taoist Temple.

Wang Ping instructed the puppet to retrieve two jars of aged wine from the cellar behind the courtyard, where they savored the wine while enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Wang Ping's statement at this meeting was not because he wanted to show off, but because he could not pretend that this matter had not happened. Otherwise, if it happened once, it would happen again, and the True Lords would endlessly damage his interests in the future, without even bothering to ask him first.

This statement will definitely give the True Lords some ideas. They are not easy to deal with, but Wang Ping is not in a hurry. If it comes to a head-on confrontation, he is not afraid with his current cultivation level.

Moreover, his actions were also a test; if he were to actually provoke someone, it would play right into his hands.

Xinghai appeared just as Wang Ping was finishing a jar of fine wine and said to him, "You can use my power. With your current cultivation level, you can accomplish many things using my power."

Wang Ping responded with a smile, "Using your senior's strength to deal with them would be a waste of your talents."

He plans to use the Star Sea when he opens up the outer universe in the future. He is the core of a perfect long-distance spaceship. With the energy of the universe he has collected, he can assimilate a large area of ​​outer star fields in a short time.

However, all of this depends on him having the strength to leave this starry sky.

"I hope you can make it that far."

After Xinghai finished speaking, his figure vanished into nothingness.

Wang Ping continued to enjoy his wine until both jars were empty before he got up. He first walked to the edge of the cliff at the top of the mountain, and after gazing silently in the direction where Yu Lian was in seclusion for a while, he took out his communication token and contacted Shen Xiaozhu and Xia Wenyi. Then he contacted Liu Shuang and Hu Qianqian.

The reason for summoning Shen Xiaozhu and Xia Wenyi was entirely due to the issue of quotas for the four realms of the Taiyan Sect, while Liu Shuang and Hu Qianqian were there to ease the serious atmosphere, and he also missed his disciple a little.

The first to arrive was Hu Qianqian, who was nearby, followed by Shen Xiaozhu and Liu Shuang. Xia Wenyi didn't arrive until half an hour later because he wasn't practicing at Qianmu Temple.

Although Wang Ping could see through their cultivation levels at a glance, he still asked about their cultivation in words, just like when he first taught them, in order to start a casual conversation.

During their casual conversation, Xia Wenyi's Ling She Yuan Yuan tried several times to visit Yu Lian, who was in seclusion, but was pulled back by the puppet guards nearby. Shen Xiaozhu's black cat and Liu Shuang's spirit dog were playing on the mountaintop, clearly familiar with the place. Moreover, they had known Wang Ping's aura since childhood, so while they weren't particularly close to him, they weren't too afraid of him either.

After discussing cultivation, Wang Ping instructed Hu Qianqian, "It's been a long time since I've heard you play the zither. How about you play a cheerful tune for your master?"

"Yes, Master. My senior sister and I had some free time, so we composed a piece called 'Spring Mountain Laughter.' We would appreciate your guidance."

Hu Qianqian's fluffy tail wagged back and forth, looking quite happy. After exchanging a glance with Liu Shuang, they each took out a guqin, and then the sound of the guqin lingered on the top of Jiuxuan Mountain.

The music flows down like water, harmonizing with the mountain breeze, attracting birds in the forest to stop and listen.

Shen Xiaozhu leaned against a spirit tree at some point, a black cat curled up on her lap, its ear tips trembling slightly with the sound of the zither; Xia Wenyi poured himself tea and drank it, while the spirit snake Yuanyuan roamed around his wrist, as if wanting to dance with the zither music.

Wang Ping sat with a smile, his gaze sweeping over his disciples. Seeing their relaxed expressions, he felt a sense of relief.

Half a moment passed in the blink of an eye, and the piece ended. Hu Qianqian put down her fingers and looked up at her master. Wang Ping clapped his hands and praised, "Qianqian's zither skills have improved again. This piece is very cheerful. Listening to it is like seeing the new green of spring mountains, which makes people feel refreshed and happy."

Then he picked up his teacup and changed the subject, saying, "This is just like your mindset, which has allowed your cultivation to improve every day. Now you're probably very close to the fourth realm, aren't you?"

Hu Qianqian immediately cupped her hands and said, "Master has such discerning eyes. For nearly a thousand years, I have often meditated to absorb spiritual energy. In the last hundred years, the demon core in my body has become more and more solidified, and there are signs that the core has been formed."

She seemed very happy. Although her cultivation speed was slow, that's how it is for demons; each advancement is the result of accumulating knowledge and experience.

Wang Ping smiled with satisfaction. "Very good. Just let me know if you need anything."

Hu Qianqian immediately expressed her gratitude.

Wang Ping then turned his gaze to Shen Xiaozhu and Xia Wenyi, and asked directly, "It has been a thousand years since I last asked you about your promotion. After this thousand years of reflection, have you two, brother and sister, seriously considered the matter of promotion?"

Shen Xiaozhu was prepared and immediately clasped his hands and said, "Reporting to Master, in the past thousand years, I have tried to advance more than ten times with the puppet, but each time I felt that the chances were slim. I think that with my aptitude, I am unlikely to be able to advance to the fourth realm. My disciple Yun Liang has already advanced to the third realm. He has extraordinary talent and is suitable to advance to the fourth realm."

Her tone was calm, tinged with regret but without any obsessive emotion. The black cat beside her kept rubbing against her legs as she finished speaking.

Wang Ping's consciousness swept over Yu Lian, who was in seclusion, and he said, "I understand."

His gaze shifted to Xia Wenyi.

Xia Wenyi immediately clasped his hands and said, "This disciple has been living in a daze all these years. Now, my primordial spirit cultivation has not only not improved, but has even regressed. I'm afraid I won't be able to advance in the short term."

Have you thought about getting a promotion?

Wang Ping asked again, his tone calm, as if he were asking about something simple.

Xia Wenyi instinctively met Wang Ping's eyes, but just as he was about to answer, he couldn't get the words out. Deep down, he still longed for a promotion, but he had been living a decadent life for too long, which made him subconsciously refuse when faced with opportunities.

Wang Ping's expression remained calm. After a while, he looked at Hu Qianqian and instructed, "Qianqian, have your junior brother go to your dojo for a period of seclusion. He needs to calm down and meditate."

Hu Qianqian glanced at Xia Wenyi, then clasped her hands in a fist salute to Wang Ping and said, "Yes, Master."

Wang Ping waved his hand silently, his gaze falling on Liu Shuang. (End of Chapter)