I've already become an immortal lord, and only now is the spiritual energy reviving?

On the screen, Xu Sixing steps through the moon gate, signifying that the fish has been caught in the net.

Fortunately, the "old man" in Xu Dazhen's mind fanned the flames and fueled the fire.

Otherwise, given Xu Sixing's cautious and suspicious nature, he might not have been willing to obediently step into the backyard full of "malice".

Zhu Ming deserves a mention in the merit book.

With the help of the [Incense Burner Realm] and the incense burner's imposing presence, he was completely under their control.

Even though they were separated by two worlds, the old cultivator's life and every fluctuation of his soul were under Qingyuan's control.

The incense burner only draws upon its original essence, and through the miraculous power of the "Incense Burner Realm," an unbreakable bridge is built between the incense burner and Xu Sixing.

In the past, the Imperial Sword Sect was like a cloud in the sky, and only a few fragments of it could be glimpsed through the mist.

Wen Xianyun comes every year to freeload, his arrogant demeanor making it impossible for anyone to discern his true nature.

Now, with Zhu Ming as the link, Qingyuan can hear everything, whether it's a raging storm or a whispered conversation, from the clouds above.

Qingyuan had considered capturing Zhu Ming and bringing him to the present world.

This old rascal must be able to relieve some of the boredom in our somewhat dull lives.

After much deliberation, I gave up.

The reason is simple: if the old man comes out, he'll at best be a good-for-nothing who just talks big, and we'll still have to spend time and effort supporting him.

It would be better to throw it back into Xu Sixing's head and help him fool this "true disciple of the sword".

With inside help and outside cooperation, even if Xu Sixing is as slippery as an eel, he will never be able to escape the deep pool of Guanhua Gate in this lifetime.

"Since the undercover agent is so effective, I, the old patriarch, cannot be stingy with my resources."

Ever since I tasted the sweetness of hand-crafting the "Thousand Rivers Flowing Moon Reflecting the True Scripture".

Qingyuan looked at the overflowing library, as if a gourmet were seeing a table full of delicacies.

The major families of Blackwater City didn't just visit for nothing; in addition, the Chixia and Yusi sects have been paying tribute over the years, resulting in a mountain of cultivation materials.

The plan is very clear.

Shu Yan is taking the mage route, and she must bring the kite-flying style to its fullest potential.

Qingyuan rummaged through the inventory and selected several unorthodox secret techniques, including "Formless Cloud Tracks" and "Illusory Heart Thousand Knot Lock".

Once the smelting process is complete, her skills will be even more advanced.

In contrast, consider Chai Wu.

Qingyuan didn't intend for him to learn any embroidery skills.

For tanks, having a high health bar is the most important thing.

"Nine-Forged Earth Spirit Armor", "Wild Bull Mountain-Crushing Lean"...

Such methods, whose names alone suggest they involve taking a beating or going head-to-head, are all arranged.

What I'm looking for is the visual impact of you slashing him and getting your blade chipped, then him bumping into you and sending your whole family flying.

only......

The efficiency of single-tank smelting is worrying.

"Add one."

The cursor landed on the expansion button without hesitation.

[100 incense points consumed; the second smelting slot is now open.]

In the resource section, the number has dropped to [134].

They spent most of their savings to bring Chai Wu on board, and now they're bleeding money on upgrading the facilities.

The incense sticks are burned faster than flowing water.

Moreover, the Jade Book and Golden Book, shimmering with alluring golden light within the Divine Tree, always hangs in front of me like a carrot.

[Gathering and dispersing energy, condensing destiny, transforming the mortal into the sacred.]

The description is brief, yet it reveals enough information to drive people crazy.

There's no need to rely on luck to find "wild prodigies" anymore; as long as there's enough incense offering, you can artificially mass-produce geniuses with "destiny."

"We need to save money! From now on, every single incense bead should be engraved with a name!"

......

In the backyard of Huayaotang, fallen leaves were everywhere.

Shu Yan sat upright on the stone bench, gently raised her delicate hand, poured a cup of tea, and pushed it to the opposite side.

His movements were fluid and graceful, revealing the unique nobility of a prominent family.

"Master Xu, please."

Her voice was clear and crisp.

Across from him, Xu Sixing hadn't even warmed his seat when he heard this, and his body stiffened slightly.

"Does the young lady recognize me?"

"The rising star of the Imperial Sword Sect, the unconventional swordsmanship genius of Thunderfall Peak—who doesn't know him?"

Shu Yan smiled gently:

"Moreover, young master, you possess exceptional talent, yet you are subjected to cold treatment within the sect. Whenever you want to exchange for a few suitable thunder magic manuals, you still have to consider the Wen family's attitude."

Xu Sixing's hand gripping the teacup tightened suddenly, his knuckles turning white.

Only a week had passed since their last encounter, yet his opponent had already gathered all his information.

"Huayaotang's intelligence network is truly terrifying?"

Xu Sixing was both surprised and uncertain, but also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems the woman before her is unaware of Zhu Ming's existence.

It should be noted that most of his thunder magic and sword skills originated from Zhu Ming.

Otherwise, given Wen Xianyun's personality, how could she possibly allow him to cultivate profound techniques and raise a tiger to cause trouble?

Shu Yan remained noncommittal, simply sipping her tea.

"Young Master Xu, don't panic. We're in business, and we believe in making money through harmony."

"Since we have thoroughly understood your background, we must also know what you lack most right now."

What's the most lacking thing?

Xu Sixing lowered his gaze, a self-deprecating smile tugging at the corner of his mouth:

"What you say is interesting, young lady. Even if I am not extremely wealthy or noble, I am still a disciple of a true lineage. Surely I wouldn't lack food or clothing?"

"A true disciple?"

Shu Yan pressed her wrist down lightly, and the porcelain base touched the stone table with a crisp sound.

"The only difference between a true master in name only and a guard dog is whether the chain around its neck is made of gold or cast iron."

The words were too sharp, piercing straight into Xu Sixing's deepest, most hidden pain.

Anyone else would have been struck by lightning.

But the woman before him had recently crushed his proud, inherited dignity into the dust, leaving it utterly destroyed.

"If your only purpose is to humiliate me, I will not oblige."

Xu Sixing made a move as if to get up.

"Please wait, young master."

"The internal strife within the Imperial Sword Sect is fierce. Wen Xianyun, relying on the prestige of his ancestor's Foundation Establishment, monopolizes resources and eliminates dissidents."

"Young Master is exceptionally talented, having mastered both thunder and sword techniques. He should have been cultivated as a pillar of the sect, but unfortunately, he is too stubborn and unwilling to bow to the Wen family, thus being controlled at every turn."

"Even if you want to obtain an advanced lightning technique, you have to be mindful of the Wen family's attitude, and even... you have to venture deep into the poisonous miasma pool and risk your life to obtain a few spiritual herbs."

Xu Si's movements froze, and he sat back down, his expression now showing a hint of scrutiny.

"Who exactly are you two? Such secrets are far beyond the reach of a newly formed small gang."

Shu Yan did not answer, but turned her head to look at Chai Wu, who was standing silently, and softly called out, "Second Uncle, the tea is cold, add some hot tea."

Chai Wu grabbed the exquisite purple clay teapot with a bold and unrestrained movement, yet the water flowed steadily into Xu Sixing's cup.

The way he called him "Second Uncle" was so natural, without the slightest hint of affectation.

"We originate from Middle-earth."

"Zhongzhou!" 』

The Xuanhuang Realm is vast and boundless, while the Immortal Deer Plain is merely a secluded corner.

In the Central Continent, it is said that spiritual rains pour down and powerful beings are everywhere.

No wonder!

No wonder their martial arts techniques are so unpredictable and domineering.

It was originally a powerful dragon crossing the river.

"I am entangled in old family feuds, and I cannot go into the details."

Shu Yan weaves a web of half-truths and half-fakes, her face occasionally revealing a hint of weariness and helplessness:

"My second uncle and I wandered here to avoid disaster. We wanted to find peace and quiet, but the world is hard and we have no power. It is difficult to sleep peacefully."

"So, Huayaotang was established?"

Xu Sixing then continued the conversation.

"Huayaotang is merely a temporary stopover. As newcomers, we are ultimately no match for the local power. If we wish to establish ourselves in Qinglu territory and avoid being harassed by petty thieves, we need a... guide."

"A guide? With your abilities, why would you need a guide?"

"Skill is skill, and rules are rules."

Shu Yan leaned forward, lowering her voice:

"A tall tree catches the wind, and I don't want to be too conspicuous, lest my enemies come looking for me. So I set a trap in the cold pool, letting a 'Crimson Lotus of the Earth' be used as bait, just to catch a fish."

"A greedy, ruthless, and perpetually hungry fish."

Xu Sixing pointed to his nose: "Am I the fish that took the bait?"

"Young Master is the most suitable candidate."

Shu Yan nodded calmly:

"We need to borrow your status as a true disciple to do you some favors as a return gift. The pills, cultivation techniques, and even... help you break free from the control of the Wen family that you need, Huayaotang can provide them all."

Xu Sixing remained silent.

The bait smelled wonderful, but it was coated with arsenic.

This move clearly intends to make him a traitor within the sect!

Once exposed, and accused of betraying his master and ancestors, Wen Xianyun would definitely tear him apart.

"Why should Xu trust you?"

His voice was dry and his Adam's apple bobbed.

Shu Yan said nothing, but pointed to the place where the jade box was placed in his arms.

"The spirit lotus in the box is the deposit."

"If you don't believe me, young master, you are welcome to take the treasure and leave. We will pretend that we never met today. As for the lotus flower, we will consider it a gift from us to help you recover."

What a bold move!

A priceless Foundation Establishment artifact, casually given away, merely to show sincerity?

Is the Zhongzhou aristocratic family's foundation truly this terrifying?

Xu Sixing's heart pounded wildly, his reason teetering on the edge of a precipice.

"Old man..."

He sank into his mind and asked, "What's your opinion?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhu Ming's voice rang out, revealing an impatient eagerness:

"Do it! We absolutely have to do it! Only a fool wouldn't!"

"Hmm? You always teach me to be cautious and cunning, so why are you being so aggressive today? You're clearly pushing me into a fire pit."

"cough!"

"Am I not thinking of you? After considering it, look at the state you've reached in the Imperial Sword Sect! Wen Xianyun wishes he could squeeze every last drop out of you! Forget about Foundation Establishment, whether you'll even survive this year is another matter!"

"The two of you have mysterious origins, are generous, and have unfathomable strength. Even following you and having a few sips of soup would be a hundred times better than eating cold steamed buns at the Imperial Sword Sect."

"And then..."

Zhu Ming's tone shifted to one of earnestness:

"Fortune favors the bold. Your 'Thunderous Enlightenment Sword Manual' has hit a bottleneck, and without any great opportunities, your life will be nothing but wasted effort in Qi cultivation. This lotus, however, is your path to enlightenment!"

What Zhu Ming said was true.

The current situation has reached a dead end.

Rather than letting Wen Xianyun slowly destroy us, we might as well take a gamble.

"Alright, I'll take this deal."

"Let me make this clear from the start: if Xu is sent to his death or does anything immoral or unethical, our deal is immediately void."

A smile flickered in Shu Yan's eyes as she raised her cup in acknowledgment:

"Don't worry, sir. We are all businessmen who value a steady, long-term approach. The dirty and tiring work will be handled by others, and it will certainly not soil your hands."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

The two lamps lightly touched in mid-air.

After seeing off Xu Sixing, who looked deep in thought.

Chai Wu twisted his neck and asked in a deep voice, "Junior sister, it's done? That kid believed it?"

"Belief or disbelief is irrelevant."

Shu Yan watched the receding figure, her expression indifferent.

"The crucial point is that he had no choice. Once people have tasted the sweetness and found a way out, their hearts will become wild."

"The cage of the Imperial Sword Sect can no longer contain him."

......

"Not bad, not bad. To poach someone's talent, you have to train them like a hawk. First, starve them for a couple of meals, then offer them a piece of meat, so that they think they'll have something to eat if they follow you. Only then will the deal be considered done."

Qingyuan had a clear plan in mind.

Wen Xianyun's "60% tax" is outrageous, but once Xu Sixing's side exerts its influence, they can find an opportunity to sow discord among Wen Xianyun's fellow disciples and other factions...

At that time, it's hard to say who will be whose "retired emperor".

"The situation is excellent!"

Qingyuan sighed, feeling quite relieved.

When you have something to look forward to, you naturally have more motivation.

"Next up, it's time for the real-world 'S-class' mega-projects."

Minimize the game, and a document codenamed "Synaptic Connection" takes up the screen.

Compared to the unseen sword fights in the world of cultivation, lines of code and logic feel more approachable and reassuring.

after all.

Code errors can be fixed.

If life goes astray, it's not so easy to roll back.