The Staff of Love resembled a simple bamboo stick, over a foot long, with no inscriptions.

A few players who specialized in artifact refining, such as "Master Refiner," scrutinized the Staff of Love for a while. They finally concluded that it was just an ordinary bamboo stick with no possibility of being duplicated.

As for why hitting someone with it might inspire affection, they could only attribute it to being a game item.

Just like Lin, the Storekeeper's Cupid's Bow, artifact refining principles could not explain it.

If an explanation had to be given, it was that the NPC who forged the Staff of Love was of such a high level they had reached a realm of ultimate simplicity, a state the players couldn't yet comprehend.

"Immortal Realm's First Papparazzi" received the first journalist pass issued to a player, bearing his name and picture.

Aside from this, there was nothing unique about it.

If the journalist pass was dropped on the ground, it wouldn't automatically return to his pocket. And considering the material, it wasn't indestructible either.

Meaning, although the journalist pass was a Divine Artifact, it could be damaged, lost, or even dropped upon the player's death...

"I knew it! This damn realistic game wouldn't have truly heaven-defying items in the early stages. It's unrealistic to think of taking it into sect forbidden areas, treasury pavilions, and such places. One slip-up, and it's game over." Lonely Old Man reluctantly gave the press pass back to "Immortal Realm's First Papparazzi," somewhat disappointed. "Once the authoritative status of 'Justice Weekly' is established, we can forge our own journalist passes. We'll be able to freely visit major Sects for interviews."

"Maybe they'll even treat you to meals," "I'm Not an Alt Account" giggled.

"They may even stuff you with Silver and have you publish flattering articles about them in 'Justice Weekly'," Dragon Breath chimed in.

"You are not allowed to insult my faith." "Immortal Realm's First Papparazzi" earnestly tucked the journalist pass into his breast pocket, annoyed.

"Paparazzi, don't be upset. Although what they've said doesn't sound pleasant, once 'Justice Weekly' gains influence, an article from it could genuinely influence the plot's development." Lonely Old Man squinted and smiled. "Lin, the Storekeeper, has given us a powerful weapon!"

"What do you mean?" Crispy Rice asked.

"Have you ever thought that Lin, the Storekeeper, although capable, is only one person? 'Justice Weekly' can't operate normally without us players. That is to say, 'Justice Weekly' is actually in our hands. Now, the influence of 'Justice Weekly' is only in Qian City, but when it grows into a towering tree, one scathing article published in it could put Lin, the Storekeeper, on the pillar of shame, making him a true public enemy," Lonely Old Man said.

HISS!

Many players drew a sharp breath.

"Lin, the Storekeeper, appears to be strategizing behind the scenes, playing everyone in the palm of his hand. But his weakness is fatal; he has far too few confidants." Lonely Old Man looked at the players around him, paused, and said, "Whether it's the Beggar Gang or 'Justice Weekly,' we control them all. The better these projects are run, the higher the possibility of us rendering him powerless. If we want to kick him out in the future, we can. He did all the hard work, and we reap the benefits. Lin, the Storekeeper, is a typical case of being too smart for his own good."

"He's opportunistic, stubborn, autocratic, holds everyone in contempt, and thinks he can control the overall situation forever. Lin, the Storekeeper, has stepped into every pit a smart person could!" "I'm Not an Alt Account" agreed, nodding.

"His biggest mistake is that he doesn't understand the nature of the players," Dragon Breath explained, laughing.

"No matter what, Lin, the Storekeeper, is currently our biggest support." Lonely Old Man smiled. "In the future, we should do our utmost in whatever he entrusts to us. Everything we do is for our own benefit. Do you all understand?"

"Understood." The players nodded, immediately motivated.

"Who will accompany me to hit the City Lord?" Crispy Rice swung the Staff of Love in his hand and laughed. "I can't wait to experience the feeling of being loved by an NPC!"

"I'll go!" Dumbelldore said. "Nominally, I'm Lin Bai's disciple. If we go together, the City Lord will likely attach more importance to our visit."

"Do we have a plan?" Crispy Rice asked.

"Bring the future plans for the Beggar Gang. Make them as convoluted as possible. Then, while you're explaining them to the City Lord, hit him with the staff," Dumbelldore said. "Since we can't determine the City Lord's level, this is the safest approach."

While Crispy Rice and Dumbelldore went to prepare their props and plan their task, Lonely Old Man led members of the Beggar Gang to negotiate business deals with the city's wealthy households.

Lin Bai also assigned them tasks.

He asked them to expand the business of Pill Medicine and weapons, and incidentally, open a few restaurants.

This time, Lin Bai's solo battle against several Nascent Soul experts from the Five Evil Sects had brought him to the brink of defeat, making him realize his strength still had many deficiencies.

Various System tasks were once again on his agenda.

He planned to take his strength to the next level before the next batch of players arrived.

Above the Nascent Soul Realm was the Divinity Transformation Realm.

Dao Xu's mentor, Perfected Li, who was at the Realm of Soul Transformation, had gone wandering to some unknown place.

Promotion from the Divinity Transformation Realm to the Void Piercing Stage required sufficient enlightenment and fortuitous encounters. Therefore, most masters at the Divinity Transformation Realm wouldn't stay in their Sects; the majority were out wandering.

Lin Bai believed that once the news about the Justice League spread, these old monsters would certainly emerge and cause trouble for him.

And it was very likely there would be more than just one.

Lin Bai felt a strong sense of crisis.

「Aboard the Morning Yuan Sword Sect's Sword Boat.」

A group of Golden Core masters, leisurely making their way to participate in the Qian City Cup, learned the latest news about Lin Bai from the players. They were all stupefied.

The person leading the Sword Sect's team this time was the Deacon of the Sword Command Peak, Guan Pengfei. He was well-preserved and looked barely over fifty.

At this moment, he looked at "No.1 Sword Immortal" across from him, his eyes filled with disbelief. "Are you saying that Lin Bai single-handedly defeated the combined forces of the Five Great Evil Sects?"

"How did he defeat them?" Tong Cha's face didn't look good either. During this period, the name Lin Bai had become a nightmare for him. Any news about Lin Bai would give him a headache.

"The Five Evil Sects laid an ambush outside Qian City. The Blood Shadow Sect and the Magic Spirit Sect used blood shadows and a sky-screen to block Lin Bai's vision, but Lin Bai blasted it open with a Lightning Storm..." Wild Wolf described the battle in detail. "When things cleared, Pei Yanzong was already flirting with Dao Xu. Later, under Lin Bai's instruction, Dao Xu used seduction. Pei Yanzong died for love and was then turned into a Puppet by Lin Bai..."

Flirting?

Died for love?

The Sword Immortals from the Morning Yuan Sword Sect were dumbfounded.

What kind of peculiar process was this!

However, they seemed to remember that Lin Bai had done something similar when he took control of Return to Dragon View. Hence, the Sword Immortals accepted it.

Yet, Lin Bai's perceived level of danger was once again elevated by them.

Even though the Sword Immortals were courageous and unafraid of dying honorably in battle, they feared these unforeseeable, bizarre tactics!

Perfected Dao Xu, such a righteous person, had been tormented by Lin Bai to the point of seducing Pei Yanzong on the battlefield. The mere thought of that scene was cringeworthy.

What in the world was going on?!

"What about the process in between?" Guan Pengfei gulped. "Were all five sect leaders, all Nascent Soul masters, ensnared by seduction without putting up any fight?"

"Yeah! Did they just sit idly by when Pei Yanzong was captured?" Tong Cha asked.

"We don't know what happened in between; there might have been a fight!" Wild Wolf said. "The players were trapped within the sky-screen, and the live broadcast was interrupted for a while, so we don't know exactly what occurred!"

"Later, the leaders of the Evil Five were intimidated by Lin Bai's methods and, deluded by him, formed a so-called Justice League. They claimed they would uphold justice and create a new, better era of cultivation," "No.1 Sword Immortal" said. "Then they went to Qian City to discuss the specific charter of the Justice League. We don't know much about what happened after that."

"However, when Lin Bai persuaded the sect leaders to join, he promised them that the Justice League would raid the Spirit Artifact Pavilion for Magic Artifacts and Medicine King Valley for Pill Medicines," added Lord.

"When the leaders of several Evil Sects left the Beggar Gang's branch, they didn't look happy, probably because of Lin Bai, but they didn't leave Qian City," "No.1 Sword Immortal" said. "Considering Lin Bai's character, I reckon it won't be long before he attacks Medicine King Valley or the Spirit Artifact Pavilion with the help of people from the Evil Five."

"Justice League?" Guan Pengfei's eyes widened. He said resentfully, "He colluded with evil factions! He's indeed up to no good. This time, it's a fight to the bitter end with him!"

"Senior Brother Guan, Lin Bai fought the Five Great Evil Sects alone. Now that their members have joined him, he's like a tiger that has grown wings—even more powerful. I'm afraid we're no match for him!" Tong Cha said, his voice laced with lingering fear.

"What should we do? We can't join his Justice League like those from the Five Evil Sects, can we?" Guan Pengfei snorted. "Let's go! We must return to our Sect. This matter is too important; it requires the Sect Leader's decision."

He turned to Wild Wolf and others. "Always report any movements from Lin Bai's side, and also keep me informed of the movements of the sects in Hundred Flower Valley..."

Similar situations unfolded in Hundred Flower Valley, Medicine King Valley, and the Spirit Artifact Pavilion. All team leaders participating in the Qian City Cup made immediate decisions and returned to their Sects.

Lin Bai's actions were too erratic and swift. Even if Outworlders provided them with intelligence, they felt they couldn't keep up with his pace...

One step behind meant falling further and further behind!

If they didn't quickly find a solution, their Sects would likely follow in the footsteps of Return to Dragon View.

Inside Hundred Flower Valley, Valley Master Tang Lanling awkwardly addressed Man with Golden Tongue, who stood before her. "Sect Leader He, Lin Bai clearly intends to wipe us all out in one go. How should we respond?"

"Valley Master, I suggest we join the Justice League. When you can't beat them, join them. Why torment ourselves?" Man with Golden Tongue, acting as a messenger, was broadcasting this live.

Pressed for time, they couldn't gather to discuss strategies. As a last resort, the Sect Leaders of the various Sects used the Outworlders to relay messages to each other.

Although speaking in such a way was awkward, it was quick and effective.

This could be considered the first teleconference in the Immortal World.

"Shut up! Just convey the messages truthfully!" Tang Lanling gave him a harsh look. "With Hundred Flower Valley gone, where will you lot go to learn your skills? Joining the Justice League would provoke the Righteous Seven Sects and the Evil Five Sects. Who will handle that?"

"Obviously, it'd be Lin, the Storekeeper. Why can't you believe in his strength?" Man with Golden Tongue glanced over the bevy of beauties in the hall, licked his lips, and said, "Valley Master, I'm not afraid to tell you that most of the Outworlders in Hundred Flower Valley are undercover members from the Beggar Gang. The rest are here for the beauties of Hundred Flower Valley. Have you ever seen any ugly Outworlders? You don't really think our core Cultivation Technique is that attractive, do you?"

Tang Lanling was speechless. Her hand trembled uncontrollably; she could hardly resist the urge to slap him to death.

Inside the main hall, all the Deacons of Hundred Flower Valley were shocked by the truth. Their faces flushed, and an uproar ensued.

"Bastard, you're talking nonsense!"

"Valley Master, allow me to execute this scoundrel and then kill all the Outworlders!"

"Silence!" Tang Lanling gestured downwards to silence them. She took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and asked with a stern face, "Is what you said true?"

"Why would I lie to you?" Man with Golden Tongue responded. "Many people are hoping Lin, the Storekeeper, attacks. You people don't offer any real excitement, only constantly harping on cultivation. It's too boring!"

Behind Jiang Yuru, Jiang Qingqin, who had just reached the Golden Core realm, curled her lips and muttered, "I told you all earlier not to make an enemy of Lin Bai, but none of you would listen..."

"Shut up," Jiang Yuru scolded in a low voice.

In the midst of the chaos, a player named Flower Heart Playboy popped up before Man with Golden Tongue. "Valley Master, Sect Leader He says that Senior Sister Jiang Qingqin of Hundred Flower Valley is on good terms with Lin Bai. She could lead some from Hundred Flower Valley to Lin, the Storekeeper, to stall him. Meanwhile, they will go to the Righteous Seven Sects for help. Lin, the Storekeeper's methods are unfathomable; it might take a Transcendental Boundary Master to deal with him..."

"You audacious undercover agent, spreading false information!" Tang Lanling glared at Flower Heart Playboy and suddenly scolded.

Flower Heart Playboy was stunned, blinking. "Valley Master, are you talking about me?"

"Aren't you?" After Man with Golden Tongue's earlier admission about spies, Tang Lanling now suspected everyone of being an undercover agent. Who knew if this new information could be trusted? Her face darkened. "If you aren't an undercover agent, why do you keep respectfully calling him 'Lin, the Storekeeper,' instead of just 'Lin Bai'?"

Flower Heart Playboy was speechless and looked towards Man with Golden Tongue.

Man with Golden Tongue shrugged at him and sent a private message: "I just told her about the undercover agents."

"Impressive!" Flower Heart Playboy gave him a thumbs-up, then turned to Tang Lanling, helplessly explaining, "Valley Master, I know there are many undercover agents in Hundred Flower Valley, but I'm truly not one of them. I genuinely like the atmosphere and environment here."

Tang Lanling gritted her teeth. "Shameless!"

"Valley Master, if you keep talking like this, things will get unpleasant!" Flower Heart Playboy frowned. "Do you still want me to relay the message or not? Sect Leader He genuinely said that. However, I don't suggest listening to him. My idea is that we feign joining the Justice League for now and let them call for reinforcements. If the reinforcements defeat Lin, the Storekeeper, then we merely pretended to defect and can continue our pleasant lives in Hundred Flower Valley. If Lin, the Storekeeper, defeats the reinforcements, it proves the Justice League has more potential, and we won't lose out by following them..."

Tang Lanling was stunned speechless.

"The epitome of shamelessness!" Jiang Qingqin couldn't help but curse. "A treacherous, two-faced scoundrel!"

「Offline.」

The audience watching their livestreams was going wild with laughter at the unfolding drama within these sects.

"Epic!"

"Are these Sect Leaders' heads filled with mush? Their leadership and decision-making skills are leagues behind Lin, the Storekeeper's!"

"They've cultivated themselves into idiots."

"Accustomed to seeking balance, they're naturally clueless when faced with a disruptor like Lin, the Storekeeper."

"They simply cannot win without some out-of-the-box strategies."

"Lin, the Storekeeper: Not a single one of them can fight."

"No wonder Lin, the Storekeeper, dares to form the Justice League alone. These Sects are just a heap of loose sand, only thinking of confronting him head-on. Utterly foolish!"

"Exactly! They should be using underhanded tactics, setting traps, employing honey pots, sowing discord—the works! Even if Lin, the Storekeeper, were made of iron, how many blows can one man take?"

"Not necessarily. If they really manage to bring in some powerhouses from the Righteous Seven Sects to fight someone of a lower cultivation level, Lin, the Storekeeper, might genuinely not be able to withstand it. In the Immortal World, strength is paramount; schemes and plots can only get you so far. Inside the sky-screen, Lin, the Storekeeper, already looked somewhat battered."

"They don't even necessarily need to go to the Righteous Seven Sects. Lin, the Storekeeper, keeps using the same few tricks. If they devise a proper counter-strategy, dealing with him shouldn't be a problem. Of course, that's assuming players aren't involved. There are too many undercover agents! These Sect Leaders discuss everything, and it all gets broadcast live. They have a terrible hand, and they're playing with their cards face up! What's the point? They might as well just wash up, present themselves to Lin, the Storekeeper, for his 'favor,' and at least suffer less torment..."