The Path to Immortality: Starting with an Analysis of Basic Concepts

"Suppressing bandits?"

Zhu Yu looked at the "Grand Elder" Yan Shu in confusion.

The "Elder" Yan Shu looked at Zhu Yu strangely for a few moments, nodded slightly, and said, "The banditry in Taihu Lake is serious, and the people around are suffering terribly. The 'Sect Leader' wants to send you and your..." At this point, his eyelids twitched, and he said strangely, "...to go and suppress the bandits with your eight hundred sworn brothers and sisters."

"The banditry in Taihu Lake..."

A glint flashed in Zhu Yu's eyes, but on the surface he frowned and said, "Elder, please don't joke with me. Everyone knows that the bandits of Taihu Lake are lawless and unruly. Even the imperial court can't do anything about it. My brothers and sisters and I are willing, but powerless..."

"Elder" Yan Shu solemnly replied, "This is no joke; this is the Sect Leader's order, and we must go."

Fearing that Zhu Yu might develop disloyal intentions, he advised him:

"The most powerful bandits on Taihu Lake are the Thirteen Strongholds, but are there no other bandits besides the Thirteen Strongholds? When you return from suppressing the bandits, this elder will throw a victory banquet for you!..."

The implication is that you shouldn't provoke the "Thirteen Strongholds," but rather focus on eliminating the scattered bandits who aren't part of the Thirteen Strongholds—just a token effort will suffice...

Zhu Yu was taken aback for a moment, then his face lit up with understanding. He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and said with a joyful expression, "Thank you for your guidance, Elder. I understand now."

The "Grand Elder" Yan Shu revealed a look of aptitude for Zhu Yu, looking directly at him and solemnly saying, "Don't blame the 'Sect Leader' in your heart. To 'swear brotherhood' with eight hundred people in a single day—not only in the Great Yu Dynasty, but throughout all the dynasties, such a thing has never happened."

"It's easy to imagine the terrifying amount of 'popularity' you'll garner once this news gets out."

"This is both a good thing and a bad thing."

"Going to the chaotic 'Taihu Lake' would be a good way to avoid some trouble..."

As he spoke, he raised his finger and pointed to the sky.

The "Grand Elder" Yan Shu said meaningfully, "The 'Sect Leader' will take care of you. Don't rush back. Wait until you've absorbed the 'popularity' you've gathered before returning. By then, with your talent and the help of your sworn siblings, you should be able to protect yourself."

As if remembering something, he quickly added:

"Don't think about relying on your father for protection. Although he holds the official position of Prefectural Assistant, the Great Yu Dynasty values ​​strength. He can't stop many people..."

Zhu Yu looked thoughtful and clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Elder. This disciple has understood."

"Three days. You must leave within three days."

"Elder" Yan Shu gave him a deadline, stood up, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a gentle smile, "The 'Peerless Sect' will always be your support. If things go wrong, remember to come back..."

"Yes, Elder."

Zhu Yu looked moved, like a son or nephew, and escorted "Elder" Yan Shu to the courtyard gate, bowing as he left.

Wait until the person disappears.

Zhu Yu straightened up, a faint smile flashing in his eyes. Just as he was about to invite the "sworn" siblings to a banquet, a voice called out to him.

"Wu Ping'an..."

Turning his head, he saw two stunningly beautiful women, one tall and one short, each with their own unique charm. He was momentarily puzzled, assuming they were inner disciples of the "Peerless Sect," and nodded slightly, greeting the approaching brothers and sisters:

"Let's have a feast! Brothers and sisters, we won't leave until we're completely drunk!"

The words fell.

Then everyone shouted in unison, "Yes, Big Brother..." followed by a burst of laughter that soared into the sky.

At this time.

Carrying food boxes, tables, chairs, and other items, the servants waiting outside the street began to set up the food in an orderly manner.

There were simply too many people.

Helpless, they could only break through the surrounding houses. The owner of the courtyard was eager to establish a relationship with Zhu Yu and his brothers and sisters. After meeting with Zhu Yu, he let them do as they pleased without saying a word.

In a very short moment.

As the aroma of food and drinks filled the air, bursts of shouts and laughter echoed from the courtyard…

Zhu Yu carried a wine cup, and Yu Lou followed behind him with a wine jar. They went from table to table drinking, making a lasting impression on each of his sworn brothers and sisters.

His simple statement, "We share the good times and the bad," thrilled his sworn brothers and sisters, who cheered him on.

For no other reason than that.

The reason was that, in their perception, the "human prestige" gathered around "Zhu Yu" was so dense and abundant that if one person were to refine it, they could break through to the fourth realm in a short time.

Keep in mind that less than half a day has passed, and such a large number of people have already gathered. Once the news spreads, one can imagine how terrifying the number of people gathered will be.

It's difficult because we can't see it yet, but good fortune is right in front of us.

They couldn't help but be excited...

After a round of toasts, Zhu Yu had firmly etched all his sworn brothers and sisters into his heart, including their family backgrounds, spiritual attainments, divine pronouncements, and so on…

It's better to say something than to say it.

As expected of an elite member of the "Peerless Sect".

The worst of the sworn brothers and sisters, in terms of talent and divine speech, could easily surpass Ma Cheng, the demon-hunting guard of the "Demon-Hunting Division".

Just as he was thinking this, Ma Cheng trotted over and approached him, saying, "Young Master, the Eldest Miss has brought the 'Peach Blossom Fairy,' ranked tenth on the 'Phoenix List,' to pay her respects. Will you see her or not?"

His words revealed that he already considered himself a retainer.

"What's she doing here again?...

Zhu Yu frowned slightly, but thinking of the several boxes of gold and silver valuables his father had given him, and also his curiosity about the "Dragon and Phoenix List," he nodded and said, "Brother Ma, please bring them in."

"I wouldn't dare."

Ma Cheng grinned, turned around, and jogged away.

Zhu Yu then raised his hand and summoned his second brother "Yu Lou", third brother "Liu Pei San", fourth brother "Dang Qing", fifth brother "Yuan Guang", and his eighty-eighth brother "Li Ling", who was said to be somewhat "know-it-all", to his side, and said:

"Tell the brothers to keep quiet. After the banquet, go back and pack your belongings. We'll leave 'Wushuangmen' tonight and head to 'Taihu'."

Before the others could ask, he waved his hand and said:

"On the way, I explained to my brothers, 'Go...'"

"Yes, brother."

Although Yu Lou and Liu Peisan had doubts, they did not ask any further questions.

"Dang Qing" flicked his bangs, completely unconcerned.

"Yuan Guang" followed "Zhu Yu" without any doubt.

Li Ling's eyes showed worry, clearly having deduced something from Zhu Yu's words. He looked at Zhu Yu's back, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

living room.

Not long after Zhu Yu sat down, footsteps came from outside the door, and then Ma Cheng led Wu Pingjun, the maid Baozi, Tao Yao, and three tall and short, fat old men into the living room.

He nodded slightly, pointed to a chair beside him, and said:

"Guests are welcome, please sit down and let's talk."

With that, Wu Pingjun raised her slender eyebrows, her alluring eyes fixed on Zhu Yu, and slowly walked to his left and sat down.

The maid Baozi hurriedly followed, standing behind and secretly observing Zhu Yu. The more she looked, the more she felt that although the young master was a bit thin, he still had quite an imposing presence.

"Young Master Xie Wu."

Tao Yao seemed oblivious to Zhu Yu's cold attitude. She glanced at Wu Pingjun and slowly walked to the right side to take a seat.

Before the three men, one tall and one short and the other fat, could sit down, the older man, who looked like a wealthy man and was the leader, stepped forward, smiled, and bowed, explaining his purpose.

"I am 'The All-Knowing Scholar,' and I have come here to have a chat with Young Master Wu so that I can log into the 'Book of All-Knowing Scholars' and lend my support for Young Master Wu's remarkable feat."

After he finished speaking, the two people behind him said in succession:

"I am Lou Ye, also known as 'Tianxia Lou,' and my goal is the same as his."

"I am Green Pepper from 'Strange Tales,' and my purpose is the same."

Upon hearing this...

Zhu Yu's eyes lit up, and he quickly stood up, his face beaming with a warm smile. He returned the greeting with clasped hands and said:

"I have long admired your reputation. Please, all of you, have a seat. If you have any questions, I will answer them to the best of my knowledge."

"Thank you, Young Master Wu."

The three were not surprised. They had come to help Zhu Yu gain fame, which would only benefit him and not harm him. No one would refuse.

They took their seats one after another.

After a brief pause, "The All-Knowing Scholar" stated directly: "Young Master Wu swore brotherhood with eight hundred brothers and sisters, accomplishing such an unprecedented feat. Was it due to the divine pronouncement of 'righteous spirit'?"

"no."

Zhu Yu shook his head, then solemnly said, "It is truly out of sincerity."

These words were spoken.

The three of them were immediately taken aback.

Wu Pingjun, who was standing to the side, looked at Zhu Yu in surprise.

Tao Yao's eyes flickered with a strange light, and her smile deepened.

Ma Cheng's eyelids twitched.

The maid Baozi, on the other hand, had an expression that said, "As expected, this is exactly the kind of person a 'young master' is."

"sincere…"

The "All-Knowing Scholars" snapped out of their daze, their eyes flashing with a strange light. As members of the "All-Knowing Scholars," they were responsible for the "intelligence," and therefore each "All-Knowing Scholar" had the means to distinguish whether something was a lie.

He had a jade cicada in his sleeve, which could distinguish whether what others said was a lie or the truth. Since it did not move, it meant that Zhu Yu had not lied and what he had just said was true.

The tall, thin old man then asked, "What are the effects of 'Righteous Qi'? Would 'Young Master Wu' be so kind as to explain?"

"certainly."

Zhu Yu did not expect "righteous spirit" to be a hidden trump card, and explained frankly: "Its effect is..."

A question and an answer.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

After asking the last question, the three men stood up one after another. "Thank you, 'Young Master Wu,' but I have to go back and finish my manuscript, so I'll take my leave now."

After they finished speaking, they each left a token.

The "token" is a special item roasted by the family, which can attract "carrier pigeons" from various families to deliver messages, thereby obtaining the latest information every day.

"Take care, Brother Ma, please see these three off for me."

Zhu Yu nodded and watched them leave. He then turned to Wu Pingjun and Tao Yao, not wanting to linger, and said directly:

"Do you two have business with me?"

Tao Yao gently shook her head and said with a smile, "I've come here for two reasons: first, to meet 'Young Master Wu,' who has sworn brotherhood with eight hundred brothers and sisters; and second, to guide the three gentlemen."

"Now that our objective has been achieved, please forgive my rudeness, Tao Yao, and I will take my leave now."

He stood up, gave a graceful bow, and turned to leave cleanly and efficiently.

Wu Pingjun looked at her retreating figure with a puzzled expression, hesitated for a moment, then stood up and said, "You look a lot like your aunt. Remember to go home and visit; your mother wants to see you."

After saying that, he turned and strode away.

The maid, Baozi, bowed and trotted after him.

"See me?... "

Zhu Yu shook his head, not thinking much about it. He sensed the dense "human aura" gathering around him, which was still rising, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

This time, eight hundred brothers and sisters were sworn brothers.

The effect was surprisingly good, paving the way for him. He only needed to digest this delicious "fruit" and then focus his attention on this world to complete his mission.

Then came the plan to seize a state for the "original body".

He had been hesitant at first, but when Elder Yan Shu ordered him to lead his brothers and sisters to Taihu Lake to suppress bandits, he began to have a preliminary plan...

"Suppressing bandits..."

He muttered to himself, took out the "Jiao" pearl given to him by "White Dragon King" Dong Biwu, felt the rich "human prestige" contained within it, put it in his mouth, closed his eyes and concentrated, and the map of the three hundred and sixty acupoints of the human body appeared in his mind.

He immediately began refining "Human Reputation" and opening "Acupoints".

The divine word "righteous energy" silently manifested, accompanied by a surge of "human hope." Strands of pure energy descended, merging into the body and transforming into vital energy and blood, opening up "acupoints" under its guidance...

I don't know how long it has been.

"Young master, the moon hangs high in the sky..."

Ma Cheng's voice woke Zhu Yu from his cultivation. He opened his eyes, his pupils glowing with a surging red light of qi and blood. He opened his mouth, spat out the "Dragon Pearl," put it away, stood up, stretched, and with a cracking sound of bones, an aura far exceeding the perfection of divine speech flashed by.

I don't know how long it has been.

"Young master, the moon hangs high in the sky..."

Ma Cheng's voice woke Zhu Yu from his cultivation. He opened his eyes, his pupils glowing with a surging red light of qi and blood. He opened his mouth, spat out the "Dragon Pearl," put it away, stood up, stretched, and with a cracking sound of bones, an aura far exceeding the perfection of divine speech flashed by.

"Phew, let's go..."

Zhu Yu breathed a sigh of relief, sensing the thirty-six acupoints that had opened within his body. A faint smile appeared on his face as he slowly walked out of the living room.

Ma Cheng, following behind him, was shocked. "It hasn't been that long, and Young Master has already opened up the 'acupoints'!"

Thinking of himself, he couldn't help but feel a little sad, but then he thought that Zhu Yuyue was more capable, and the benefits to him would only be greater than smaller, so he immediately became happy and quickly followed after him.

A horse-drawn carriage was parked outside the courtyard.

Yu Lou and Liu Peisan waited by.

Zhu Yu nodded slightly to the two of them and asked, "Is everything ready?"

Yu Lou replied somewhat nervously, "Although it's a bit rushed, the brothers are all ready. We're just waiting for you to speak, and then we can leave the mountain gate."

Without wasting words, Zhu Yu said directly, "Let's go." After saying that, he stepped into the carriage.

Ma Cheng nodded to the two men, went to the driver's seat, patted the horse's rump, and the carriage slowly drove away.

Watching the carriage depart, Yu Lou hesitated and asked, "Why did my elder brother leave the mountain gate in such a hurry..."

Liu Peisan glanced at him as if he were an idiot, then turned to another carriage, patted the horse's rump, and prepared to drive away.

"Wait for me..."

Seeing this, Yu Lou didn't have time to think and jumped onto the carriage.

at the same time.

As Zhu Yu's carriage moved, carriages appeared one after another on the streets of the "Inner Gate," resembling a long dragon under the dim moonlight, slowly leaving from the "Peerless Gate" and entering that unknown, dark world.

"Wangxian Bridge".

Tao Yao sat on the railing, gazing at the long, dark dragon, a charming smile appearing on her face, and softly said:

"Want to leave? Not so easy..."

She stopped abruptly halfway through her sentence, and turned her head sharply. There she saw a pale, not particularly bright, moon slowly rising in the canyon, hanging high in the sky, radiating a hazy, clear light.

"Hiss... Is this 'immortality'?"

Looking at the bright, round moon that rivaled the full moon, Tao Yao was horrified and gasped.

And just then...

Several screams suddenly rang out in the dim light...

"snort…"

A faint, cold snort echoed through the heavens and earth.

Some people who were hiding in the dim light and were up to no good suddenly felt a chill run down their spines. Without thinking, they turned around and fled in the opposite direction.

If Zhu Yu were here, he would be able to see it.

Most of these people were guests he had glimpsed before, along with some elite inner disciples of the "Peerless Sect," as well as elders, deacons, and stewards...