Yefutidaolu

Chapter 346 Gift
What use are the billion people of Liangzhou?

Based on Gao Jian's speculation and the other party's straightforward admission, Gao Jian can tentatively conclude that what this person seeks is to construct a 'small cycle' within himself, forming a self-contained loop that transcends the great cycle of heaven and earth. This path is subtle and profound, requiring careful control; any slight imbalance will lead to the loss of all previous efforts.

Therefore, Gao Jian could clearly judge that this method was actually quite aboveboard and reasonable, and there was no need to use a billion living souls.

The resentment and souls of those billion living beings are vast, complex, venomous, and filthy, containing endless pain, despair, and self-destruction.

Such power is violent and chaotic, completely contrary to the purity, balance, and endless vitality of the 'minor cycle' pursued by Earth Immortals! Forcibly incorporating it will only pollute, disrupt, and even destroy those carefully constructed internal circulations, like pouring waste oil into a precision instrument! How can this be used?
According to the methods deduced by Gao Jian, this substance is not only useless, but also highly poisonous!
Why did Yuanlu collect this?

When faced with Gao Jian's question, Yuan Lu seemed to have no intention of hiding anything, and instead said quite frankly, "The resentment of ten billion living souls? Oh, you mean the matter of Liangzhou."

Yuan Lu's voice was calm and even, as if he were talking about a bunch of irrelevant things: "As far as my path of attaining transcendence through the 'small cycle of reincarnation' is concerned, those things... are indeed meaningless and of no use to me."

"Then why?" Gao Jian frowned.

Even with his iron will, he could not hide his shock at this moment.

One billion people! That's almost 30% of the ordinary people in Liangzhou.

Judging from the original practices of Youmingdi, they planned to take advantage of the lean season and use the banner of the Divine Dynasty to forcibly levy taxes, forcing Liangzhou into a famine.

You can easily imagine what the scene will be like.

Starving corpses littered the streets, invaders from all sides ravaged the land, dogs and pigs devoured people, the dead died one after another, the deaths were endless, corpses lay exposed in ditches, children and mothers perished, the thought of it was excruciating, the bitterness too painful to speak of. In the end, fathers would abandon their children, husbands would sell their wives, digging up grass roots to eat, gathering white stones to fill their stomachs, eating wild grasses from the mountains, mixing them with other tree bark—this might slightly prolong their death. Stones were cold and had a fishy taste; a small amount would fill them, but within a few days their bellies would swell and they would die from prolapse. Some people, unwilling to die eating stones, began to band together, killing and robbing, cooking human bones for firewood, boiling human flesh for food, only then realizing that all those before them had been eaten by them.

Those who eat people will inevitably die a few days later, their faces red and swollen, their internal organs dry and hardened, and the dead will pile up, their stench filling the air.

Then, under such suffering, some people will naturally 'sell themselves', and at that time, the underworld only needs to drive them away slightly to make a billion people become its 'living souls'.

Such a scheme was so vicious. Their lives, their pain, their despair, all the suffering they endured... were all met with a dismissive "meaningless" from Yuan Lu.
That's really... typical of the underworld.

Yuan Lu seemed oblivious to Gao Jian's furrowed brows, and continued in that chillingly calm tone, "Those resentful spirits are mainly used to gather resources and make a deal with the East Sea."

"A deal?" Gao Jian looked up.

“Not bad.” Yuan Lu nodded slightly: “The East Sea Dragon Palace has a long history and unfathomable foundation. They possess a fragment of a secret manual brought from beyond the heavens by an ancestor of the Earth Immortal Dragon Clan, called the ‘True Explanation of Transformation and Return to Origin’.”

"This true explanation is said to record how the True Dragon Clan constructs a microcosm within their bloodline, simulating the creation of the universe and forming the rudimentary universe within their own bloodline—a supreme method. Its essence is similar to the 'small reincarnation' and 'self-formed six paths' that I, in the Netherworld, pursue, and may even be more profound and direct!"

"It is said that after cultivating this technique to become an Earth Immortal, one's own microcosm will form within one's body. This is not the 'Imitation of Heaven and Earth' you currently possess, but a truly real microcosm from which objects can be extracted. Naturally, your body will be able to nurture rare and precious materials. What a wondrous technique this is!"

Yuan Lu's eyes became incredibly fervent: "If I could obtain this incomplete text and comprehend it, even just a few words, it could play a crucial guiding role in perfecting my own 'Minor Reincarnation' path, breaking through that final bottleneck, and reaching the Earth Immortal realm!"

At this point, he sighed: "However, those mudfish in the East Sea Dragon Palace have huge appetites, and I can't produce that many at once, so I set my sights on Liangzhou. That's the reason. Those ten billion living souls are useless to me, but useful to the Dragon Palace. I take their vengeful souls to exchange for resources in order to obtain a chance to comprehend the incomplete chapter of 'The True Explanation of Transformation and Return to Origin'."

After hearing this, he smiled and looked at Gao Jian: "However, you are exceptionally talented. If you are willing to help me, perhaps with your comprehension, I won't have to pay such a high price. What do you think, young friend Gao?"

Looking at the venerable and incomparably handsome Yuanlu Patriarch before him, who resembled an immortal, Gao Jian felt for the first time how clearly the word "humanity" was fragile and laughable in the face of absolute power and long lifespan. Beneath that perfect exterior lay a cold heart that pursued transcendence through the Great Dao, completely rejecting worldly emotions and regarding all living beings as worthless!

Beneath Yuan Lu Lao's incomparably handsome exterior lies something... truly terrifying.

At this moment, Xia Youdu, who was standing to the side, had a strange look in his eyes.

In stark contrast to Gao Jian's cold demeanor, Xia Youdu, who stood to the side, was initially astonished, but her clear eyes were filled with shock and admiration.

"Our ancestor is far-sighted and has a grand plan! His pursuit of the true understanding of the Great Dao is truly profound." Xia Youdu's voice was filled with excitement, as if he felt that his ancestor had done something extraordinary.

No, this is indeed an extraordinary matter.

How can it not be considered a huge amount of power to control the lives and deaths of billions of people in Liangzhou?
Upon hearing Xia Youdu's heartfelt praise, Ancestor Yuanlu smiled with satisfaction. He then turned his gaze to Xia Youdu.

“Youdu.” Yuan Lu’s gaze turned to Xia Youdu, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable air, “You have seen it for yourself, young friend Gao is a prodigy, with profound understanding, truly the likes of which I have never seen before. His future achievements are limitless.”

Xia Youdu nodded subconsciously, feeling somewhat pleased with the insightful suggestion.

“You possess the bones of a lucky star, with enduring fortune and immeasurable nobility,” Yuan Lu continued, his tone as if arranging something perfectly natural. “Such a destiny is most auspicious. Young friend Gao’s assistance in my comprehension of the ‘True Explanation of Transformation and Return to Origin’ is of great importance, though there may be twists and turns and dangers along the way. You should stay by… young friend Gao’s side.”

He paused, looked at Gao Jian, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face:

“Young friend Gao, you’ve been observing her for a while now. With Du’er by your side, you’ll surely be blessed with good fortune and turn misfortune into good luck. She can help you overcome many difficulties and even… enhance your understanding and opportunities. What do you think?”

Om-!
Xia Youdu felt a deafening roar in her mind!
and many more? !
Something's not right...?

How...how did she... become a "gift"?

Just moments ago, the patriarch was praising Gao Jian's unparalleled talent, and now she's become a mere byproduct? He even mentioned "good fortune" and "turning misfortune into good fortune"? She, a core disciple of the Netherworld, possessing the secret techniques of destiny, was simply given away by the patriarch so casually?!
She abruptly looked at Ancestor Yuanlu, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something, but the moment she met his eyes, all her courage and questions were crushed by that unfathomable pressure! Her body stiffened on the spot, her face ashen. However, she dared not say anything more, only lowering her head.

When Gao Jian heard Yuan Lu mention the meaning of "gift," his pupils contracted slightly, clearly not expecting Yuan Lu to pull this stunt. He looked at the seemingly gentle but actually unyielding smile on Yuan Lu's face, then glanced at Xia Youdu beside him, whose face was pale and whose eyes were filled with astonishment and humiliation, and instantly understood.

This is a test, a binding, and a subtle form of control.

Yuan Lu's move was a multi-pronged approach.

Sending Xia Youdu, this "lucky star," to Gao Jian's side is a way to help him, a gesture of goodwill, and a way to deepen their connection.

However, Xia Youdu is also a hostage and a spy. He is the link between Gao Jian and Youmingdi, as well as the "eyes" and potential "hostage" placed beside Gao Jian. If Gao Jian makes any unusual moves, Xia Youdu will be the hindrance.

This way, they can be bound together by their interests. If they are then allowed to "use" Xia Youdu's Bone of Fortune, it would be equivalent to binding Gao Jian even more deeply to the war chariot of Youming Land, sharing these benefits.

At the same time, it was also an observation and utilization. Yuan Lu also wanted to see if Gao Jian, this "monster," could truly make good use of Xia Youdu's lucky bone and fortune, and perhaps glean more secrets about the way of "fate" from it.

But I can't refuse.

Refusing would be tantamount to a complete falling out, and in Yuan Lu's stronghold, the consequences would be unimaginable.

After some thought, Gao Jian said:

“Ancestor, indeed… You Du possesses the noble bones of ‘blessed by the lucky star,’ and her fortune is extraordinary; she is a rare treasure.” He paused, his tone hesitant, but… “If I were to let her stay by my side, wouldn’t that be somewhat improper?”

He didn't rule it out completely; he was just testing the other party's attitude.

Refuse? Gao Jian's mind raced. Refusing now would not only offend Yuan Lu and make him seem ungrateful, but it might also arouse Yuan Lu's suspicion—was he hiding something? Did he have ulterior motives? In the face of a giant of the Twelve Realms, any unnecessary risks must be avoided.

Should I accept it? Although it's troublesome, it might not be a bad thing.

Xia Youdu herself is of immense value; her luck and cultivation techniques might actually be useful to my future plans. Moreover, this is tantamount to Yuan Lu voluntarily giving me a "protective charm" and a "passport."

"Young friend, do you not like it?" Yuan Lu asked.

Upon hearing this, Gao Jian made a decision in the blink of an eye.

His face immediately lit up with just the right amount of surprise and gratitude, and he bowed deeply to Yuan Lu:
"Grand Ancestor's kindness and insightful opinion... I am flattered! Junior Sister Xia is blessed with good fortune and long-lasting luck. It would be my great honor to have her by my side! How could I dare to refuse such a kind offer? Thank you for your generosity, Grand Ancestor!" He agreed readily, as if he had truly received a great deal.

Looking at Gao Jian's "surprised" expression and listening to his "grateful" words, Xia Youdu felt a tightness in her chest that she couldn't let out.

Seeing this, Yuan Lu nodded in satisfaction, his smile deepening: "Very good, very good. You Du, from now on you will follow young friend Gao and must do your best to assist him in his enlightenment."

Xia Youdu bit her lip, her face pale. Under Yuan Lu's piercing gaze, she could only stiffly and reluctantly bend her knees slightly and whisper, "Yes... Ancestor." Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, filled with resentment.

Gao Jian seemed oblivious to Xia Youdu's grievances, and pressed his advantage by bowing to Yuan Lu again, his smile unchanged.
"We will remember your kindness and insightful advice. We will do our utmost to comprehend this matter and live up to your expectations!"

In a flash, Gao Jian made his decision. He suppressed his turbulent emotions, quickly crafting a perfectly timed smile—a smile tinged with surprise and flattery—and bowed deeply to Yuan Lu.
Therefore, in the next moment, he abruptly changed the subject, revealing his true intentions:

"However... to glimpse the profound methods, it is beyond the reach of ordinary mental strength. Even if one has some understanding of the profound insights, one still needs to rely on external objects to stabilize the mind and enhance spiritual perception in order to bring the ability of deduction to its fullest potential and live up to the ancestor's high expectations."

"Oh?" Yuan Lu raised an eyebrow, looking at Gao Jian with great interest. "What does young friend Gao need? Please tell me."

He didn't specify what he wanted, but he adopted a very humble attitude and gave a high-sounding reason—to better help you comprehend! This was both a prelude to making exorbitant demands and a test, to see how much Yuan Lu was willing to pay for this "possibility," and... the true weight of Xia Youdu, this "gift," in his heart.

Refuse to accept? You'll be killed instantly!
Accept it? Then you'll have to take a big bite out of it!
The expert chose the latter, and was prepared to bite accurately and ruthlessly!

Yuan Lu then nodded: "Alright, what do you want? If it's just some items, just tell You Du."

Gao Jian laughed and said, "No, I don't seek wealth or rare treasures. I just want to see the fundamental methods of the Netherworld. Don't worry, I don't need specific techniques or cultivation methods, only the principles! If you can see it, it will broaden your horizons and help you understand other things. It may provide unexpected inspiration and verification when you comprehend the true meaning and deduce the key points of the Lesser Reincarnation!"

"Besides, the library in the Netherworld must have a large collection of books. Perhaps I can go in and browse for a few days and get some inspiration?"

Indeed, he doesn't need money, magic weapons, or rare treasures. Gao Jian already has plenty of money, and he still has the money from the Jin family's confiscation of their property. What he needs are things that money can't buy.

The methods of the netherworld and the realm of the living are not to be missed.

"Hmm... So, that's why you were able to defeat ten true disciples in a row, is that right?" Yuan Lu raised an eyebrow and said.

"Read more books, and you'll always learn more," Gao Jian said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Alright, I agree. Let Youdu take you there." Yuan Lu waved his hand.

(End of this chapter)