Shortly after, Luo Yexian and Tan Zhuyin returned from their investigation.

"So soon?" Yuwen Cuojin glanced at the two, his expression unreadable as he asked, "Well? What did you find?"

Tan Zhuyin nodded. "We’ve gathered information about everything that immortal has done since arriving here."

"He descended upon this place at the beginning of the year, moved one of the Three Peaks Mountains, and drove out our sect’s priests."

"Strangely, he then ordered all the townsfolk to mine stones from the other two mountains as offerings to him."

"Not only that, after collecting the stones, he regularly distributes food and tools to the townspeople."

Tan Zhuyin’s expression grew increasingly peculiar as he spoke.

Yuwen Cuojin and the other demonic sect members frowned. Trading food and tools for stones? That was clearly a losing deal.

The deputy sect leader snorted coldly.

"This person clearly has no idea how to manage followers."

"If mortals have no worries about food and clothing, what need do they have for gods?"

He couldn’t help but lecture those present:

"If you want a stable, long-term supply of mortal energy, you must keep a leash around the necks of those ignorant fools. If they grow too comfortable, tighten the leash. If they’re about to suffocate, loosen it a little."

"Too loose, and they lose their fear. Too tight, and they’ll fight back like ants trying to shake a tree. The best state is keeping them half-dead."

The demonic sect members nodded in admiration. Truly, the deputy sect leader had his ways.

"What a bastard..."

"Hmm?"

Yuwen Cuojin turned, glaring at Luo Yexian with a dark expression.

Luo Yexian straightened his face. "This subordinate was just thinking that the deputy sect leader’s wisdom bears a striking resemblance to livestock management."

"Humph. What about your investigation? Did you uncover why the mortal energy here is so abundant?"

Yuwen Cuojin believed that with such preaching methods, the mortal energy here should be dwindling.

Yet the opposite was true—there had to be another trick at play.

"This subordinate obtained this from one of the townsfolk."

Luo Yexian produced a clay jar.

"These are quite common. Many townsfolk know the scent inside. I suspect this is how that so-called immortal spreads his influence."

"Oh?"

Yuwen Cuojin cautiously opened the jar.

A rich, intoxicating aroma wafted out. The demonic sect members, exhausted from days of travel and rough living, couldn’t help but inhale deeply, their faces filled with rapture.

What... what could possibly smell this good?

It was downright hypnotic.

"This smells... familiar somehow..."

"Barbecue? No... even better than that!"

"So where can we get some?"

Luo Yexian answered the eager question. "I asked the locals. The temple is holding a feast right now—everyone in town is invited. Just go there, and you can get a free bowl of braised beef noodles."

"Have you no shame?!"

Yuwen Cuojin swallowed hard, though his reprimand was punctuated by drool.

"Hmph! Just as I suspected. That so-called immortal is using this trick to control the townsfolk. There must be something illicit in this!"

"The temple, you say? Follow me. Let’s see what kind of heresy he’s peddling!"

The demonic sect members stormed toward the temple with fierce determination.

What greeted them was a scene of bustling excitement—both literally and figuratively.

Countless people had brought bowls from home. Those who had already received their noodles squatted on the ground, slurping loudly, while a long line of townsfolk waited their turn.

At the end of the line stood a figure in front of a roaring stove, flipping a wok with explosive flames.

"That’s the immortal?"

Luo Yexian’s eyes widened.

"So this is the so-called immortal?"

Yuwen Cuojin stepped forward, ready to unleash his aura.

But then, the woman assisting at the stove suddenly looked up, her gaze locking onto them.

"Zhangan realm?!"

As a fellow Zhangan expert, Yuwen Cuojin instantly sensed her power.

He wasn’t afraid of someone of equal strength.

The problem was—a Zhangan realm expert was willingly chopping scallops like a kitchen apprentice!

Then just how powerful was the dark-skinned immortal wielding the spatula?

"Saint, let’s get in line," Luo Yexian said, wiping his drool.

"Get in line? What status do we hold? What standing does the deputy sect leader have?!"

After a moment of hesitation, Yuwen Cuojin slowly declared:

"Get in line!"

"?"

And so, the esteemed deputy leader of the Summoning Demons Sect and his entourage obediently joined the back of the queue.

The one left bewildered wasn’t just the Summoning Demons Saint.

Li the Chef, the dark-skinned immortal, was equally confused.

"What’s their deal?"

Qin Yuzhi had already whispered to him that a Zhangan expert had arrived.

When Li Mo looked up, he saw Luo Yexian and Tan Zhuyin politely standing at the end of the line.

"Since when are demonic sect members... so well-mannered?"

"Proof of my excellent management!"

Qin Yuzhi lifted her chin, looking smug.

"......Let’s focus on how to handle this."

Li Mo hadn’t expected a Zhangan expert to show up.

In the Summoning Demons Sect, Fatian realm cultivators were already high-ranking elders. A Zhangan expert was likely at the sect leader level!

If they weren’t here to cause trouble, why send such a powerhouse?

But if they were here to cause trouble... why were they so polite?

Li Mo activated his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye for a quick scan and decided to play it by ear.

One had to admire Li the Chef’s efficiency. His massive wok flipped with practiced ease—a skill honed from smelting steel at the Divine Arms Peak. A thousand bowls? No problem.

Soon, the townsfolk happily returned home with full stomachs.

The temple fell silent.

The two sides sat across from each other in front of the stove, the atmosphere tense.

"Slurp slurp..."

"Hmm?"

Yuwen Cuojin turned to see Luo Yexian helping himself to a second bowl, chewing noisily.

Disgraceful fool! Couldn’t he read the mood?

"What brings you here?"

Immortal Li Heitu greeted Luo Yexian casually before turning his calm gaze to the others.

"Before we speak, I’d like to take a precaution."

Yuwen Cuojin pulled an object from his sleeve.

It was a section of jade-green bamboo, shimmering with spiritual energy.

"This is the Bamboo of Honest Hearts. If it detects a lie, it will grow rapidly. This way, we can speak openly. Agreed?"

"......"

Li Mo wondered if Pinocchio’s nose was made of this stuff.

Qin Yuzhi snapped, "You insolent brat! How dare you!"

The former sect leader was really getting into her role.

"?"

Yuwen Cuojin blinked but remained composed, watching Li Mo.

Li Mo smiled and nodded. "I, Li Heitu, have always acted with a clear conscience. A true gentleman fears no test of honesty."

"Good. Then about the Yunmeng Underground Palace—care to explain?"

Yuwen Cuojin’s gaze bore into Li Mo’s eyes, a hint of his Zhangan realm pressure seeping out.

His voice dropped low as he activated the Bamboo of Honest Hearts.

If a lie was spoken, it would grow instantly.