CHAPTER 126: 126 EIGHT-SIDED EXQUISITENESS

Sharing a big secret can quickly improve the relationship between two parties. Lin Bai shared the Spoken Law Follows. Even though he declined Jiang Qingqin’s marriage proposal, in Jiang Yuru’s eyes, he was considered one of her own. Hence, she was very forthcoming in answering his questions.

...

From Jiang Yuru, Lin Bai first learned about the power division of the Cultivation World.

The Righteous faction had seven major sects, led by the Heavenly Dao Sect, followed by the Heavenly Sword Sect, Tool Refining Sect, Pill and Spirit Sect, Beast Taming Sect, Buddha Spirit Sect, and Moon Spirit Sect. The vast majority of the sects in the world were products of the seven righteous sects’ influence. Spread all over the world, they governed the entire Cultivation World. Similarly, these sects also had the duty to supply talents to the seven righteous sects. Return to Dragon View was affiliated with the Heavenly Dao Sect, the Morning Yuan Sword Sect with the Heavenly Sword Sect, and the Hundred Flower Valley was backed by the Moon Spirit Sect.

Of course, apart from regularly supplying talents, most of the sects derived from the seven righteous sects were autonomous most of the time. Unless there was a large-scale war between the Righteous and Evil factions, they usually had little interaction with the high-ranking major sects.

This was why, over time, the lower sects developed their own ideas. They tended to withhold their talents, hoping to grow secretly and attempt to break free from the control of the seven righteous sects. For example, Medicine King Valley cultivated three thousand Golden Core Cultivators and was considered the top-ranked sect under the Pill and Spirit Sect, possibly hoping for independence.

However, the high-ranking seven righteous sects did not respond to this. According to Jiang Yuru’s speculation, after tens of thousands of years of development, the seven righteous sects had amassed an unknown amount of wealth. They likely didn’t pay much attention to the so-called three thousand Golden Core Cultivators.

Furthermore, the seven righteous sects also had internal conflicts of interest. After all, each sect had its strengths, and none yielded to the others. The Heavenly Sword Sect, for instance, had never recognized the Heavenly Dao Sect’s position as number one among the Righteous faction and was always looking for a chance to take its place.

With competition existing amongst the major sects, their subsidiary sects naturally wouldn’t live in peace either. They also vied for rank and status, merely maintaining an outward harmony.

The same was true on the side of the Magic Gate. The difference was, they only had five major sects: Holy Extreme Sect, Poison Sect, Blood Sect, Valley of Thousand Souls, and Sky Demon Mountain. Although they had two fewer major sects than the Righteous faction, the Magic Gate’s Cultivation Techniques were strong and domineering. In a short time, they could quickly produce an array of powerful figures whose strength matched that of the seven righteous sects.

A great war between the Righteous and Evil factions caused massive losses in the Cultivation World. Therefore, most sects preferred to maintain the balance and not easily disrupt it.

...

Indeed, it’s the same in any world! Human nature! There are no absolute loyalties! After saying goodbye to Jiang Yuru, Lin Bai chuckled lightly. He was not worried about having offended Return to Dragon View. The Cultivation World wasn’t a monolith; there had to be allies he could rally in this troubled era.

As expected, he had only walked a few steps down the street when Zhao Yi of the Morning Yuan Sword Sect stopped him, stuttering with flushed cheeks, "Shopkeeper Lin, I... I... Senior Brother Tong invites you over."

"So it’s Brother Zhao." Lin Bai laughed and asked, "You were the one following Daoist Qingming last night, correct?"

Damn it! He was noticed from so far away? Lin Bai is much stronger than I thought! Zhao Yi’s heart throbbed. He stammered, "Shopkeeper Lin, I... I was merely passing by last night and accidentally saw Daoist Qingming going to pick a fight with the Beggar Gang. If I offended you in any way last night, please forgive me..."

"You were only passing by?" Lin Bai shook his head and laughed. "I thought Brother Zhao, like Daoist Qingming, also wanted to spar with me!"

"I dare not! No, I’m not on the same path as him." Zhao Yi gradually sorted out his thoughts, squeezing a smile onto his cold face. "Had Shopkeeper Lin not acted so swiftly last night, I might have helped..."

"Brother Zhao is generous." After glancing at him, Lin Bai thanked him formally. "I also didn’t expect things to go sour so soon after our meeting. Daoist Qingming wanted to kill me for no reason. Yesterday, Daoist Qingming seemed like a kind person, and I thought we might become friends! It turns out that appearances are deceiving. Brother Zhao, however, is straightforward and trustworthy!"

"Yes, yes!" Zhao Yi nodded repeatedly. "As sword cultivators, we are broad-minded and would never be two-faced..."

"I knew I didn’t misjudge you." Lin Bai clapped his hands and laughed. "Brother Zhao..."

"Shopkeeper Lin, just call me Junior Brother," Zhao Yi corrected, his face blushing.

What a joke! He killed a Golden Core expert with a Palm Thunder. Calling him ’Senior Brother’? I can’t bear that!

"Alright, Junior Brother Zhao, you are a trustworthy person. Last night, for unknown reasons, Daoist Qingming from Return to Dragon View attempted to kill me without provocation," Lin Bai looked at Zhao Yi and said seriously. "To protect myself, I had to use some force to subdue Daoist Qingming. It wasn’t my intention. In the future, when Return to Dragon View inquires into it, I will have to trouble Junior Brother Zhao to be my witness. What do you think?"

[Resentment from Zhao Yi; +1+1+1]

"Junior Brother Zhao, don’t be biased towards me. Just tell the truth, alright?" Lin Bai looked at Zhao Yi expectantly. "Junior Brother Zhao is a sword cultivator with a broad mind and doesn’t fear power. Surely you will agree!"

"I..." Zhao Yi was at a loss for words. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, and he couldn’t utter a single word. Return to Dragon View and his Morning Yuan Sword Sect were close in terms of influence, so it wasn’t a matter of one sect fearing the other. However, offending Return to Dragon View for Lin Bai’s sake simply wasn’t worth it!

"Shopkeeper Lin, I’ll accept on his behalf." Tong Cha’s voice came from within the courtyard. As soon as his voice was heard, a well-built, middle-aged man appeared at the door. He chuckled and cupped his fist to Lin Bai. "I heard about last night’s incident from Junior Brother Zhao. I’m not sure why Daoist Qingming went mad and tried to assassinate Shopkeeper Lin. However, he got what he deserved when he was killed on the Beggar Gang’s territory. If Return to Dragon View seeks an explanation, the Morning Yuan Sword Sect is willing to mediate for Shopkeeper Lin. You don’t have to worry, Shopkeeper Lin. The Cultivation World follows rules. Outright killing, aided by one’s backing—how is that any different from the evil factions of the Magic Gate?"

"Thank you, Senior Brother Tong, for standing up for justice." Lin Bai turned to Tong Cha and bowed with a smile. "Although I’m not particularly afraid of Return to Dragon View, as a businessman, I believe in peace and harmony. Needless enmity is bad for business."

"Shopkeeper Lin, you’re too modest." Tong Cha returned the courtesy with a friendly smile and gestured. "Let’s talk inside, shall we? Please!"

"After you, Senior Brother Tong." Lin Bai grinned. His gaze swept over Zhao Yi, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, as he harvested another wave of negative emotions from him.

What did I do to disappoint you? I’m not even a Golden Core. Is it fun to pick on a mere sword cultivator like me? Zhao Yi was speechless.

"Senior Brother Tong, I presume you’ve formed your Golden Core by now?" Lin Bai asked as they walked.

"I’m ashamed to say, I was fortunate enough to form a Sword Elixir three years ago," Tong Cha laughed. "I can’t compare to Shopkeeper Lin, who killed a Golden Core expert at such a young age. Truly worthy of being an itinerant representative of the Righteous Door."

"I was merely being mischievous and was kicked out of home by my Master for it," Lin Bai said.

"If being ’mischievous’ means killing a Golden Core expert, what would happen if Shopkeeper Lin got serious? Would any of us even stand a chance?" Tong Cha joked. "You truly are a man of destiny!"

"Senior Brother Tong, you flatter me. Any more praise, and my face will turn red," Lin Bai responded.

"It’s not flattery; I’m speaking the truth," Tong Cha glanced at Lin Bai and chuckled. "I wonder why Senior Sister Jiang from Hundred Flower Valley summoned Shopkeeper Lin. Could it really be about the Descended Ones? As far as I know, although Senior Sister Jiang is a woman, she’s incredibly proud and would never blatantly ask Shopkeeper Lin for preferential treatment."

With just a few steps and words, Tong Cha had significantly closed the distance with Lin Bai. To an outsider, they would seem like old friends who had known each other for years.

No wonder the Morning Yuan Sword Sect appointed him as the director of student recruitment... His social skills are simply unbeatable! If it weren’t for my interference, the Morning Yuan Sword Sect would likely have recruited the most Descended Ones. After all, Sword Immortals with unparalleled offensive power are already popular with Players, not to mention Tong Cha’s persuasive tongue.

Lin Bai, admiring Tong Cha’s skills, said, "Senior Sister Jiang didn’t discuss anything about the Descended Ones; she just told me to handle things impartially."

Subtly demoting Jiang Yuru in seniority, Lin Bai blushed slightly and said softly, "She noticed I’d been traveling with Jiang Qingqin and heard I could refine a few Pill Medicines. She probably wants to matchmake me with Junior Sister Qingqin!"

Alchemy? Tong Cha paused, glanced towards the Hundred Flower Valley, and muttered under his breath, Shameless!

Smirking at Lin Bai, Tong Cha said, "This is a great thing! Everyone knows the fairies of Hundred Flower Valley possess unparalleled beauty, which becomes even more stunning after they reach the Golden Core. Junior Brother Lin, you’re very fortunate."

"I didn’t agree," Lin Bai said with an embarrassed smile. "With the chaos brought by the Descended Ones, the future is uncertain. I don’t want to get entangled in romance just yet."

"Absolutely right!" Tong Cha laughed heartily. "A man should have grand ambitions. Once you achieve success and fame, what kind of Dao companion won’t you be able to find? By then, forget Jiang Qingqin; even Jiang Yuru might be willing to marry you! By the way, Junior Brother Lin, can you really perform Alchemy?"

"Just a little," Lin Bai pulled two pill bottles from his robes. "A while ago in Jiamucheng, I devised two Dan Fang and sold them to the Royal Elixir Square for some Silver Coins."

"..." Tong Cha was momentarily stunned, the corner of his eye twitching involuntarily. "You sold the Dan Fang?"

"Living in the secular world requires Silver Coins for various expenses," Lin Bai chuckled. "I just randomly came up with those Dan Fang; they weren’t anything special. Since they’re sold, they’re sold. Senior Brother Tong, you don’t need to feel sorry for me."

Tong Cha was silent for a moment, looking Lin Bai up and down. Then he said, "Junior Brother Lin, though we’ve just met, I feel a strange sense of familiarity, as if we’re old friends. How about we become sworn brothers?"

"Senior Brother Tong, you jest," Lin Bai said, shaking his head. "You are a prominent figure in the Morning Yuan Sword Sect. My Martial Arts path is still in its early stages; I haven’t even formed a Golden Core. I fear our paths will diverge greatly in the future. I couldn’t possibly presume such a connection. Please don’t mention this again, or we might become a laughingstock."

"So, Junior Brother Lin, you look down on me!" Tong Cha said, shaking his head with a smile. "Well, so be it! I was being too abrupt. Given Junior Brother Lin’s intelligence, let’s dispense with the pleasantries. Since you’ve said you’re a businessman, let’s talk business. I, Tong Cha, would like to propose a deal."

"Please elaborate, Senior Brother," Lin Bai said.

"Regarding the recommendation of these Descended Ones, I, Tong Cha, would like to request that your Beggar Gang show some favor to the Morning Yuan Sword Sect. What do you say?" Tong Cha asked, cupping his fist.

Lin Bai smiled but said nothing.

"Naturally, I won’t let Junior Brother Lin work for nothing." Tong Cha smiled and waved his hand towards the room. A precious sword whistled through the air and landed in his palm.

He presented the sword to Lin Bai with both hands. "This sword is named Broken Wind. It was crafted by a renowned artisan from the Spirit Artifact Pavilion, costing me three thousand Spirit Stones. It’s incredibly sharp, and True Qi flows smoothly within it. The amplification array inscribed on the sword body can increase True Qi by thirty percent, making it especially suitable for those on the Martial Arts path. This sword is offered for no other reason than to forge a friendship with Junior Brother Lin. If Junior Brother Lin can refer more Descended Ones to the Morning Yuan Sword Sect, I, Tong Cha, will reward you generously afterward."

True Qi amplified by thirty percent! This truly is a Magic Treasure!

Lin Bai reached out and took the sword, laughing. "Sword cultivators indeed don’t beat around the bush. Senior Brother Tong is straightforward. However, one should not accept rewards without merit. I shouldn’t accept Senior Brother Tong’s beloved treasure. But if I refuse, I fear Senior Brother Tong might think I would deliberately make things difficult for the Morning Yuan Sword Sect during the selection of the Descended Ones. So, I’ll hold onto this sword for now. After the selection of the Descended Ones is complete, I will return it to you, Senior Brother."

Lin Bai harvested a wave of negative emotions from Tong Cha, who nevertheless maintained a composed expression and even laughed heartily. "Junior Brother Lin is indeed a man of high principles."

"Senior Brother Tong, you are too kind," Lin Bai laughed.

"Friendships are forged through such give and take in life," Tong Cha laughed. "Junior Brother Lin, I may not excel at many things, but I am a good friend. After we interact more, you’ll understand how sincere I truly am!"

"I can see that." Lin Bai looked at the Broken Wind sword in his hand and nodded. "Senior Sister Jiang mentioned that the City Lord would send someone to contact me. It’s getting late; I should take my leave."

"Let me see you off." Tong Cha smiled and walked side by side with Lin Bai. As they walked, he said, "Junior Brother Lin, you are talented but lack experience. There are a few things I, as your elder brother, would like to advise you on."

"Please speak freely, Senior Brother," Lin Bai responded.

"Dan Fang are very valuable. In the future, Junior Brother, you mustn’t sell them so easily," Tong Cha advised. "Even if you decide to sell, don’t choose mundane people. Gold and silver are ultimately useless to us Cultivators..."

"I understand." Lin Bai interrupted him with a laugh, brandishing the Broken Wind sword in his hand with a knowing look. "Senior Brother Tong, the next time I develop a new Dan Fang, I will consider you first."

"Junior Brother Lin is indeed perceptive." Tong Cha cupped his fist. "The Morning Yuan Sword Sect may not be as wealthy as Medicine King Valley, but if the Dan Fang is useful, we certainly won’t let Junior Brother Lin be disadvantaged."

...

「Outside the gates of the Morning Yuan Sword Sect.」

Lin Bai didn’t even try to hide from Tong Cha and Zhao Yi. Carrying the Broken Wind sword, he headed straight for the Spirit Artifact Pavilion.

Zhao Yi’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Senior Brother, Lin Bai... how could he? Isn’t he being too greedy?"

"Greedy?" Tong Cha’s smile faded. Watching Lin Bai’s retreating figure, his appreciation for him grew.

"He accepted our sword and is now going to the Spirit Artifact Pavilion! Isn’t that betraying you, Senior Brother?" Zhao Yi said indignantly.

"If he *didn’t* go to the Spirit Artifact Pavilion, *that* would be betraying us," Tong Cha shook his head. "Junior Brother Zhao, practicing the sword is practicing the heart. If you can’t comprehend the world’s scheming and maneuvering, you’ll find it difficult to reach the Golden Core stage. Shopkeeper Lin of the Righteous Door is a remarkable individual. People like him won’t be at a disadvantage in the Cultivation World. Don’t clash with him. Instead, try to find out from the Descended Ones what he actually did in Jiamucheng."

"Understood." Zhao Yi nodded. "Senior Brother, what about those from our main Morning Yuan Sword Sect...?"

"Ignore them," Tong Cha snorted. "With the Descended Ones entering the world, no one knows what the future holds. If they still can’t distinguish priorities at a time like this, such a sect is doomed to decline sooner or later. This time, unless Return to Dragon View can eliminate Shopkeeper Lin with lightning speed, they should just let him be. If the Descended Ones don’t choose Return to Dragon View, then even without Lin Bai needing to lift a finger, the Heavenly Dao Sect can charge them with incompetence."

Zhao Yi asked, "Can Return to Dragon View eliminate Shopkeeper Lin?"

"Eliminate Shopkeeper Lin?" Tong Cha glanced at him. "Why do you think Lin Bai headed to the Spirit Artifact Pavilion after leaving us?"