A moment of silence.

Others hold themselves to human standards, but you hold yourself to heavenly standards... No wonder you're so arrogant, so indifferent to the world's rites and morals! At this moment, all of Lin Bai's irrational behaviors had a very reasonable explanation. It turns out that from the beginning, he had never considered himself human.

The Righteous Door seeks to cultivate a Heavenly Dao? This is too incredible! Jiang Yuru had mixed feelings, unable to express what it felt like. But clearly, the path Lin Bai pursued was not something an average person could achieve...

"Storekeeper Lin, if the cultivation method of Spoken Law Follows is spread, aren't you afraid that others might succeed before you?" Peng Ze asked persistently.

"Anyone with even a sliver of selfish desire cannot become the Heavenly Dao." Lin Bai glanced at him, explaining, "To spread it so everyone can cultivate it is to be selfless, to treat all beings as equal. If someone surpasses me, it is the work of fate. I will not complain. But if I, for my own selfish gain, hoard this knowledge like a treasured old broom, I will forever lose hope of reaching the Heavenly Dao. Pursuing Great Freedom with selfishness will only lead to becoming a demon."

Peng Ze was left speechless. Lin Bai's explanation was crystal clear; what more could he say? The man was pursuing the Heavenly Dao, which was inherently selfless! You couldn't just apply human standards and say he was wrong.

"So, beyond cultivation, there's also the concept of rules..." Daojing's worldview was severely shaken. "Have we all been on the wrong path?"

"Brother Daojing, there's no absolute right or wrong; everyone simply walks a different path. Why has the Righteous Door remained obscure for so many years? It's like how Return to Dragon View excels at farming, while the Righteous Door has galloped far ahead on the path of hunting. The two don't intersect, so it's perfectly normal that you wouldn't know of the Righteous Door." Lin Bai looked at Daojing. "You are cultivating, while others are farming. You can't say that farming is wrong. Becoming the Heavenly Dao has always been an elusive matter. In ten thousand years, not a single predecessor of our Righteous Door has taken that step. What qualifications do we have to speak of right and wrong?"

"If that's the case, why did the Righteous Door suddenly enter the mortal world?" Dao Kong asked.

"If the Heaven-Descended People were to bring chaos to the world, the world itself might be destroyed because of them. If the world is destroyed, what meaning is there in becoming the Heavenly Dao?" Lin Bai stated. "Although the Heavenly Dao is all-inclusive, it also bears the responsibility of protecting all living beings. Therefore, I entered the world. Moreover, my sect elders speculated that our Righteous Door's lack of results in rule cultivation over the years might also be related to our seclusion. This entrance into the world, prompted by the Heaven-Descended People, can also be seen as a new opportunity."

"Are you saying the Righteous Door has always been seeking enlightenment, comprehending rules?" Jiang Yuru asked, her eyes red.

"Yes," Lin Bai nodded affirmatively.

"Besides Spoken Law Follows, the Love Principle, and the Way of Incompleteness, are there any other rules?" Jiang Yuru asked again.

"Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Nature, Celestial Phenomena—the fundamentals that maintain the operation of heaven and earth are all rules," Lin Bai said.

"How does one comprehend these rules?" Peng Ze asked.

"I don't know." Lin Bai shook his head. "I am only in my twenties and already overwhelmed comprehending three rules simultaneously; I don't have the energy to study others. But the path of rules, by and large, boils down to the word 'purity.' If Brother Peng has the heart to carve out his own path, you can certainly go and verify it yourself. Actually, there were originally no paths in the world; when many people walk, a path is formed."

With the groundwork laid by various previous system tasks, half-truth and half-falsehood, Lin Bai's theory of the Heavenly Dao was thus perfected through this Q&A.

As an outsider, Lin Bai knew he would eventually fail if he just drifted along in the cultivation circles, following the rhythm of the natives. If he was going to do something, he would be the one who set the rules! He was using grand concepts as a protective banner. The grander the concept he threw out, the safer he would be.

"Can I report the matter of the Heavenly Dao to my sect?"

"Storekeeper Lin, to comprehend the Love Principle, is it necessary to first find a Dao companion?"

"Are there any rules regarding Artifact Refining?"

Several voices sounded at once. Lin Bai's theory had overwhelmingly surpassed the current cultivation theories, leaving Jiang Yuru and the others completely flustered. They had cultivated for decades, even centuries, yet their progress paled in comparison to the insights Lin Bai had gained in just a few short months. The disparity was clear at a glance. The gap was too vast, leaving their minds in turmoil!

Even if what Lin Bai said could be false, even if, as he claimed, only one person could ultimately become a god by understanding rules, it was better to try than not! What if it was real? It wasn't as if cultivation would have to stop during the process of understanding the rules. While it might be affected, the impact would be entirely within an acceptable range... Everyone was moved.

"I told you about the cultivation method of rules because I want you to spread it." Lin Bai appeared calm. "The Heaven-Descended People are immortal and exceptionally talented. Once they mature, if there's no way to keep them in check, this world will be destroyed. On the surface, they are Heaven-Descended People. But according to the art of deduction of my Righteous Door's Nine Ancestors, they are called Extraplanar Demons. With no one in charge of the Heavenly Dao, there's naturally no way to seal the path of the Extraplanar Demon invasion."

"Extraplanar Demons?" Zhao Yi exclaimed.

Jiang Yuru and the others also cast astonished gazes.

"Don't be afraid; it's just a name. If you prefer, you can call them Heavenly Dogs; it doesn't matter," Lin Bai said. "The arrival of Extraplanar Demons into the world, catalyzing the return of the Heavenly Dao and the gods of its rules—perhaps this is an inevitable process."

"But you previously mentioned the Mandate of Heaven..." Peng Ze was still trying to find flaws in Lin Bai's theories.

"Is there a difference? The Heaven-Descended People are likewise here to face calamity," Lin Bai interrupted him. "The Heaven-Descended People and the pursuit of the Heavenly Dao are complementary; it doesn't affect things."

"..." Peng Ze was speechless. After a long pause, he suddenly asked, "Are there any rules in the Righteous Door concerning Alchemy?"

Lin Bai looked at Peng Ze, then at Sun Lie, and said, "Both Alchemy and Artifact Refining are skills. I don't know if they will give rise to rules, but reaching the pinnacle of a skill should be no less an achievement than mastering a rule. After all, each rule can only correspond to one person and cannot be widely applied. Ultimately, cultivation techniques are what suit the masses."

This statement offered little comfort; Peng Ze and Sun Lie's expressions immediately dimmed. However, a glint of determination flashed through their eyes; clearly, they hadn't given up on mastering the path of rules.

Though the chances of succeeding when thousands were vying for a single spot were slim, like an army trying to cross a single-plank bridge. But even if they weren't the final victors, gaining some superficial knowledge like Lin Bai wouldn't be too bad! It was worth remembering that Lin Bai, with only a vague understanding of the Love Principle, was already capable of capturing a Nascent Soul cultivator!

"Friend Jiang, to truly grasp the Love Principle, one must indeed find a Dao companion." Having dealt with Peng Ze and Sun Lie, Lin Bai turned to Jiang Yuru. "Based on the experience of our Righteous Door's predecessors, the purer the love, and the more people who know of you becoming Dao companions, the greater the possibility of enlightenment."

The Matchmaker System only required matchmaking; it didn't have any popularity requirements for CPs! But Lin Bai liked to plan ahead—what if there were similar tasks in the future? Moreover, CPs were meant to be hyped. With the ripple effect of idols, there might be more imitators. More imitators meant more CPs. The Matchmaker System's description was to fill the world with love. It was just one more sentence and didn't cost him anything!

After a moment's thought, Lin Bai added, "Just as I advised the Heaven-Descended People earlier, the path of rules is as difficult as ascending to heaven, so you must be cautious. Otherwise, your efforts will be futile."

People generally have a rebellious streak; the more you tell them not to do something, the more likely they are to do it. Lin Bai added layers to his persuasion, increasing the success rate of the Matchmaker System's task.

"Thank you, Storekeeper Lin. I will handle it myself." Jiang Yuru bowed, her attitude towards Lin Bai becoming increasingly respectful, the hostility in her heart inexplicably diminishing. "When I return, I will report Storekeeper Lin's situation truthfully to the Valley Master and will do my utmost to persuade the Valley Master to help the Righteous Door. Please, Storekeeper Lin, for Qing Qin's sake, do not get too close to the Evil Sect."

"I know my limits," Lin Bai smiled.

"Are there any other secrets to the Love Principle?" Jiang Yuru asked again.

"I, Lin, am also still exploring it. If I make any progress, I will inform Friend Jiang." Lin Bai smiled. "If anyone in the Hundred Flower Valley attempts to cultivate the Love Principle and achieves a breakthrough, I would also trouble Friend Jiang to inform me. Only through mutual exchange can we progress together."

"I will," Jiang Yuru replied with a smile, though inwardly she dismissed the idea. The Love Principle is different from Spoken Law Follows; it doesn't require selflessness. If I make a breakthrough, like hell I'd come back and tell you!

"May I ask what is required to practice the Way of Incompleteness?" Zhao Yi, who had been mostly silent, suddenly asked. He had an upright personality but was clumsy with words. Spoken Law Follows and the Love Principle were clearly unsuitable for him, so he could only set his sights on the Way of Incompleteness.

"Comprehension," Lin Bai said. "My method is to render all items I encounter incomplete, and thereby comprehend the 'escaped one.' So far, I've gained some superficial understanding; in most cases, I can prophetically know someone's name. Brother Zhao might want to try it. If you can combine the art of deduction from your Sword Dao with the Way of Incompleteness, you might be able to anticipate an enemy's moves before they make them. It could be a viable strategy."

"This..." Zhao Yi's eyes suddenly lit up, his breathing quickening. At that moment, it was as if he had attained sudden enlightenment regarding his own Sword Dao.

Thus, he unhesitatingly bent down and performed a deep bow to Lin Bai, saying sincerely, "Thank you, Storekeeper Lin, for your guidance."

"It's hardly guidance, merely an exchange of ideas." Lin Bai reached out and helped him up, then looked around at everyone. "These are roughly the cultivation methods for the three rules. You can all combine them with your own cultivation techniques to find your own Dao. The cultivation of rules lies not in practice but in comprehension. My own cultivation is limited, and this is all I can share with everyone."

"This is already a lot," Daojing grumbled, expressing his dissatisfaction. In his view, since Lin Bai had already incorporated them and brought Return to Dragon View into the Righteous Door, the cultivation of these rules should have been prioritized for their own people. How could he be so selfless as to spread it all? He should have at least kept some key secrets! Even if you want to become the Heavenly Dao, you need protectors before you achieve it, don't you? If you can't rely on your own people, can you rely on outsiders?

Daojing was completely unaware that in such a short time, his attitude towards Lin Bai had quietly changed.

"Storekeeper Lin, when can we leave?" Jiang Yuru asked. The value of the Method of Cultivating Heavenly Dao Rules far exceeded that of the Heaven-Descended People and could very well change the world's landscape. She was already impatient to return to her sect.

"After the disciple acceptance ceremony," Lin Bai said. "The Righteous Door's Outer Sect is newly established, and various affairs are keeping us busy. We'll also need to trouble you to escort the surplus disciples of the Beggar Gang back to Qian City. This will also be an opportunity for us to discuss collaborations on Pill Medicine and Magic Artifacts. Though I, Lin, may act selflessly, I don't wish to perish prematurely. The sect's strength must still be improved."

"Of course, of course," everyone readily agreed.

Jiang Yuru and the others were led away by a Taoist to rest.

Dao Xu looked at Lin Bai and suddenly sighed, "Sect Leader, you shouldn't have spread the method of cultivating rules. As the old saying goes, 'You can know a person's face, but not their heart.' Although the Sect Leader is ahead of others in the cultivation of rules, your own strength is still lacking. If someone were to become jealous, the Sect Leader's safety might be in jeopardy!"

He's calling me Sect Leader already? Lin Bai raised his eyebrows and said, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Daojing. I am someone pursuing the Heavenly Dao, and I'm already prepared for the hardships I will face. Besides, the Righteous Door is not without people."

"Does the Sect Leader think the Taoists of Return to Dragon View should cultivate that particular rule?" Dao Kong asked, quickly adopting the new title after seeing his senior brother's shift.

"The Way of Incompleteness," Lin Bai answered without a moment's hesitation.

Spoken Law Follows would hinder communication, and Return to Dragon View doesn't even have any women. Asking the Taoists to form CPs is clearly a bit disgusting. Only the Way of Incompleteness is most suitable for them. They can just casually cause some destruction, and it will increase his Inner Strength. Why wouldn't he be happy to do it!

"Thank you for the guidance, Sect Leader," Dao Kong said.

"Comprehending rules is a lengthy process; it shouldn't be rushed," Lin Bai stated. "The immediate priority is to settle the Heaven-Descended People properly and urge them to practice Taoist law and Martial Arts. Only by ensuring the Heaven-Descended People grow quickly can we protect the Righteous Door's safety. For a long time to come, the Heaven-Descended People will coexist with this world. We must be wary of them, but more importantly, we must utilize their strengths and make them serve our purposes."

"Yes, Sect Leader," Daojing and Dao Kong replied in unison.

Daojing looked at Lin Bai, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Sect Leader, you forcibly changed Return to Dragon View into the Righteous Door. The disciples within the sect don't understand your noble intentions and may harbor complaints. Please rest assured, Sect Leader, we will pacify the disciples within the sect."

"Thank you." Lin Bai smiled and clasped his fist. "You two brothers need not resent me for spreading the method of cultivating rules. I can distinguish between our own people and outsiders. The cultivation of rules is as difficult as ascending to the heavens; a few days earlier or later makes little difference. The true wealth is the Righteous Door. When the time is ripe, I will bring you two brothers back to the Righteous Door and have the elders within personally teach you the way of cultivation."

[Joy from Daojing +1, +1, +1]

[Joy from Dao Kong +1, +1, +1]

Daojing and Dao Kong were overjoyed. They exchanged a glance and voluntarily went out to help Qing Yu maintain order among the Players.

「In the blink of an eye」

Only Lin Bai, Little White Fox, and his puppet bodyguard Dao Xu remained in the main hall.

"Master, can the Monster Race cultivate the Dao of Cultivation Law?" Little White Fox poked his head out and asked timidly.

"All beings in the world can cultivate," Lin Bai said with a smile, glancing at Dao Xu.

"I want to go home and bring my mother here, so she can follow you in cultivation, Master." Little White Fox blinked and continued, "I don't know what the future holds, and I don't want to just indulge myself while forgetting others. After all, I am of the Monster Race, and I don't want the Monster Race to fall behind humans..."

Lin Bai stroked Little White Fox's head and sighed softly. "Because of my own selfish reasons, Xiao Bai and his family have been separated for a long time. Once matters at Return to Dragon View are settled, I will go back with you."