Jiamucheng.

The vast army of Cultivators from the Justice League was stationed outside the city.

Players were going into the city to prepare advertising materials.

Lin Bai went to the City Lord's Mansion to see Xu Longyun.

"City Lord, long time no see."

Xu Longyun, who was behind the desk, didn't even stand up. She glanced coldly at Jiang Qingqin, who was standing next to Lin Bai, and said, "Alliance Hierarch Lin, with your grand enterprise, establishing the Justice League and practicing Cultivation Rules, I'm afraid you've long forgotten your promise to me, a mere City Lord of this humble basic city, haven't you?!"

[Resentment from Xu Longyun; +1+1+1]

Feeling the emotions from the System, Lin Bai chuckled. "My success today is all thanks to the support of the City Lord. I'm not one to ignore those who helped me. I wouldn't forget you!"

"I should be so lucky," Xu Longyun sneered.

"Sister Yun." Jiang Qingqin timidly hid behind Lin Bai, her head hung low, not daring to look at Xu Longyun.

"Fairy Qingqin, now that you and Alliance Hierarch Lin are cultivating the Great Path of Love together, flying wing to wing, allow this City Lord to offer my congratulations," Xu Longyun said stoically. "In the future, when the two of you have your wedding day, please inform me. This City Lord will certainly send a generous gift."

"Sister Yun." Jiang Qingqin's face flushed then paled, and she seemed to want to explain something. But in the end, she let out a sigh of resignation and said gloomily, "I'm sorry."

The Little Fox's eyes darted between the two of them. Finally, she gave Jiang Qingqin a sidelong glance. Serves her right for stealing someone else's man; she deserves the scorn!

What a strong scent of jealousy!

Judging by Xu Longyun's demeanor, she probably really does have feelings for me!

Lin Bai's gaze fell on Xu Longyun's desk, on which lay a copy of the Heavenly Remnant Collection and two copies of Justice Weekly. He smiled and began, "City Lord..."

"I'm tired today," Xu Longyun cut him off, letting out a long breath. "Whatever it is, let's talk about it later! Zhou Jiang, see the guests out."

The Hidden Guard, Zhou Jiang, pushed open the door and entered, glaring disdainfully at Lin Bai. He felt quite indignant on behalf of her City Lord.

"City Lord, given that I've damaged Jiamucheng so badly, don't you want to hear my follow-up plan?" Lin Bai paid no mind to Zhou Jiang, looked at Xu Longyun, and asked with a smile.

"..." Xu Longyun looked at Lin Bai. In the end, her concern for the people of Jiamucheng prevailed. She sighed and said, "The Justice League has now drawn the attention of most of the people affected by the Heavenly Dao. Your plan has already succeeded. There's no need to hold the Sky Remnant Cultural Festival; I will have Jiamucheng restored to its original state afterward."

"Changing orders so capriciously, City Lord, I'm afraid you'll face criticism!" Lin Bai said.

"That's my problem," Xu Longyun retorted sharply. "I'm tired of being a City Lord anyway. This is a good chance to step down."

"Qingqin, please step out for a moment." Lin Bai shook his head, looked at Jiang Qingqin beside him, and instructed, "I need to speak privately with the City Lord."

"Oh." Jiang Qingqin gave Xu Longyun an apologetic look, nodded, and left the room with Zhou Jiang.

The room fell silent for a moment. Once Jiang Qingqin was at a distance, Lin Bai looked at Xu Longyun again and asked with a smile, "City Lord, could it be that you've fallen for me?"

Xu Longyun glared at Lin Bai. "Don't flatter yourself."

"That's a relief," Lin Bai exhaled.

"Am I not good enough for you?" Xu Longyun suddenly flared up, slamming the table as she shouted.

"Commandery Princess Yunyang, ruler of a city, a lady of esteemed background—you are naturally more than a match for me," Lin Bai said. "However, I am destined to become a man of the Heavenly Dao. The Heavenly Dao is unfeeling; loving me will lead to no good outcome. It's better to make a clean break from the start."

"Heavenly Dao?" Xu Longyun frowned, saying sourly, "If that's the case, why are you practicing the Love Principle with Jiang Qingqin? Aren't you afraid of hurting her? Isn't it just because she's beautiful?"

"I explained everything to her from the start. At that time, I needed someone to accompany me in my practice of the Love Principle, so we simply got together." Lin Bai sighed. "I myself don't know where my future lies, so I'm not that invested in matters of love."

"So, you used my name to fabricate a story for the Heavenly Remnant Collection and create a scandal, all for practicing the Love Principle?" Xu Longyun clenched her fists, looking sternly at Lin Bai as she questioned, "Do you know how much trouble that poem caused me? Do you know how people around me look at me after the rumors about us spread, and Justice Weekly then reported on your Love Principle with Jiang Qingqin? Do you know what my father will do to you when he hears about the Justice Weekly affair? You think you have everything under control, but do you realize how many foolish things you've done? Lin Bai, you've become a public enemy to the world!"

As she voiced her grievances, she suddenly grew worried about her own safety!

Lin Bai looked at Xu Longyun, a touch of unexpected emotion stirring in his heart. He sighed softly. "Xu Longyun, it seems you do like me after all!"

"Idiot!" Xu Longyun stared at him angrily, her eyes suddenly reddening.

"City Lord, Jiang Qingqin is now my disciple. Would you like to be my disciple too?" Lin Bai asked, looking at Xu Longyun.

"..." Xu Longyun was taken aback, frowning. "Lin Bai, what are you talking about?"

"The Heavenly Dao is real, the Path of Rules is also real, and so is the calamity," Lin Bai said seriously. "I came into this world with a mission beyond your imagination. To accomplish it is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Romantic entanglements are merely a burden to me; they would affect my judgment on important affairs."

Xu Longyun was stunned.

"I want the Path of Rules to be acknowledged by the world as soon as possible, so I must lead by example," Lin Bai continued. "Hence, 'Spoken Law Follows,' the Broken City, Justice Weekly, and my cultivation of the Love Principle with Jiang Qingqin came into being. Xu Longyun, I know what you're concerned about. Jiang Qingqin is from the Hundred Flower Valley. My cultivation of the Love Principle with her remains a matter within the Cultivation World. But if I were to cultivate the Love Principle with you, it would mean binding myself to the Taiyi Country. You are fully aware of what I am undertaking. Are you willing to bear the consequences?"

"How do you know I'm not willing?" Xu Longyun abruptly stood up and retorted.

"Even if you are willing, would Duke Zhenguo agree?" Lin Bai asked. "I am making enemies of the world, including the high-and-mighty orthodox and demonic paths."

"..." Xu Longyun fell silent.

"Your status has become an obstacle to promoting the Love Principle," Lin Bai said. "Therefore, I will not choose you."

The color drained from Xu Longyun's face. She stared at Lin Bai in disbelief and asked, "So, your relationship with Jiang Qingqin is also one of utilization?"

"The Heavenly Dao is heartless," Lin Bai said. "My master said I am the one with the greatest hope of becoming the Heavenly Dao. Only by becoming the Heavenly Dao can I eliminate the hidden dangers brought by the people affected by the Heavenly Dao. So, even if I am unwilling, I must do so."

"Does Jiang Qingqin know?" Xu Longyun asked.

"The Love Principle also entails sacrifice. She agreed," Lin Bai said.

Xu Longyun's expression changed again. Her lips trembled, and she sank back into her chair, murmuring, "I am not as good as her."

"I've let you both down," Lin Bai said.

"You are not wrong; it is I who was mistaken," Xu Longyun said dejectedly, shaking her head. "I suppose my only fault was falling for the wrong person, wasn't it?"

"So, are you willing to become my disciple?" Lin Bai steered the conversation back.

"Why are you so insistent on me becoming your disciple?" Xu Longyun asked, puzzled.

"I am cultivating the Path of the Mentor. Becoming my disciple will increase your cultivation speed by fifty percent," Lin Bai confessed. "Since I entered this world, I haven't had many people I can trust. I didn't want such an opportunity to fall into the hands of the people affected by the Heavenly Dao, so I thought of you."

The Little Fox's eyes suddenly widened; she now understood Lin Bai's insistence on them becoming his disciples. It wasn't for some perverse amusement, but because he had no one close to him! That's right! So many people hate Master! How could Master possibly entrust his true feelings to them?

"Fifty percent?" Xu Longyun's eyes widened.

"Yes, fifty percent. There might be other benefits in the future, which will only become apparent as the Path of the Mentor deepens; it's still unknown," Lin Bai said. "The people affected by the Heavenly Dao have all their meridians unblocked; the Path of the Mentor can increase our cultivation speed and is also a principle to counter them."

"Is everything you've done truly for the sake of the world's calamity?" Xu Longyun was moved. She asked, "But why didn't you tell me the truth sooner?"

"Would you have believed me?" Lin Bai countered.

Thinking of all the outlandish things Lin Bai had done in Jiamucheng, Xu Longyun was speechless. Then she shook her head. "If all those later events hadn't occurred, I wouldn't have believed you."

"The rest of the world is like you," Lin Bai said. "Unless drastic measures are taken for a severe illness, they wouldn't believe it either."

"But by acting this way, you've placed yourself in extreme danger," Xu Longyun said. "What if... what if..."

"Someone has to do these things," Lin Bai said with a smile. "As distance tests a horse's strength, so time reveals a person's heart. I believe that, with the passage of time, everyone will understand my painstaking efforts."

Xu Longyun fell silent. She looked at Lin Bai, her expression complex. After a long pause, she finally said, "I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize to me," Lin Bai replied. "Back then, when my Master pushed me into the mortal world, I had nothing. If not for your support, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today. In my heart, no one is more important than you."

"I knew I wasn't wrong about you," Xu Longyun suddenly smiled. "Lin Bai, besides becoming your disciple, what else can I do for you?"

"Don't let the authorities make things difficult for me," Lin Bai said. "That way, I can free my hands to focus on dealing with the Seven Orthodox Sects and the people affected by the Heavenly Dao."

"I promise you," Xu Longyun laughed. "Anything else?"

"Nothing for now; I can handle the rest." Lin Bai looked at Xu Longyun, thought for a moment, and then laughed. "Of course, if I really can't hold on anymore and the Justice League collapses, you can offer me refuge."

"Alright." Xu Longyun looked at Lin Bai, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and agreed cheerfully, "If that day truly comes, I will shield you from all the enemies in the world."

"Mmm," Lin Bai nodded, smiling.

"What about the Sky Remnant Cultural Festival? Are we still going to hold it?" Xu Longyun asked again.

"Of course." Lin Bai recalled the pending task from the Everything has shortcomings system and said, "The Remnant Path must be promoted, so the Sky Remnant Cultural Festival is essential. However, we'll have to wait until the Justice League has achieved a certain scale and is temporarily stable before we can organize it."

"You complete the Heavenly Remnant Collection, and I'll help you organize it," Xu Longyun said, reaching for the Heavenly Remnant Collection on the table and offering it to Lin Bai.

Lin Bai paused, then shook his head. "Let's wait. The Sky Remnant Cultural Festival needs to create an impact not only among the common people but also cause a sensation in the Cultivation World. We cannot proceed hastily."

"If love between two hearts can last for an age, why need they stay together day and night?" Xu Longyun looked at Lin Bai, sighed, and recited the line from Magpie Bridge Immortal that Lin Bai had written in her name. Suddenly, she reached out and removed the mask covering her face.

Instantly, a face of stunning, flawless beauty was revealed before Lin Bai's eyes.

The Little White Fox's eyes widened, and she held her breath.

Looking at Xu Longyun, who had unveiled her true face, Lin Bai couldn't help but marvel. Indeed, throughout history, women who concealed their faces were either exceptionally beautiful or exceedingly ugly!

"Master, if you were given another choice, would you choose me to cultivate the Love Principle, or Jiang Qingqin?" Xu Longyun had hidden behind a mask for a long time. Now, having suddenly revealed her true face, there was an inexplicable trace of fluster on it, but her gaze never left Lin Bai's eyes.

"Only children make choices. Adults, of course, want them all," Lin Bai laughed.

"..." Xu Longyun hadn't expected such an answer. Her face turned slightly red. She scoffed softly, and with a touch of her hand, the mask was back on her face. Looking at Lin Bai, she sighed, "Lin Bai, now I truly believe you're not swayed by beauty."

"Once you've called me Master, you can't go back on it," Lin Bai reminded her. "Disciples of the Righteous Door prioritize virtue above all. Xu Longyun, if you disrespect your Master in this manner, be careful of the Path of the Mentor's retribution."

"You, who are cultivating the Love Principle with your disciple, dare to talk to me about virtue?" Xu Longyun shot him a glare. "You didn't come to Jiamucheng just to recruit me as your disciple, did you?"

"What else could it be!" Lin Bai said. "The cultivation of the Path of the Mentor cannot be delayed any longer."

You clearly came for my mother!

The Little Fox muttered to herself but wisely chose not to expose her master and teacher.

Xu Longyun tossed the poetry collection back onto the table and picked up Justice Weekly. After leafing through a couple of pages, she asked casually, "Lin Bai..."

"Call me Master," Lin Bai corrected.

"..." Xu Longyun's mouth twitched, and her face felt oddly hot. The word "Master" always brought unpleasant associations to her mind. But looking at Lin Bai's earnest expression, she felt helpless. She gave him a long, sidelong glance and said, "Master, have you ever considered what would happen if you failed to attain the Heavenly Dao?"

"I will definitely attain it," Lin Bai stated firmly.

"Answer my question directly," Xu Longyun said. "Don't tell me you've never considered this."

"If I fail to attain the Heavenly Dao, I will become the most terrifying Devil's Head in the world, ending this calamity in another way." Lin Bai fell silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Xu Longyun, saying seriously, "This is my mission; it's unavoidable."

Xu Longyun was deeply shaken, looking at Lin Bai in disbelief. She suddenly felt that this was the truth she had always been seeking. Compared to becoming a Devil's Head, the Heavenly Dao seemed too ethereal. Everything Lin Bai did—his techniques, his maneuvers—was step by step forcing him down the path of a Devil's Head, and also drawing all the focus of the people affected by the Heavenly Dao onto himself. The Heavenly Dao... it was all just his Master deceiving him... Lin Bai knew everything clearly, yet he still clung to a sliver of fantasy, hoping to truly become the Heavenly Dao! Why was it like this?

"Master, I don't want you to become a Devil's Head! You will definitely attain the Heavenly Dao!" The Little White Fox, who had been silent since entering the room, suddenly sprang from Lin Bai's arms, transformed into her human form, and cried out anxiously, "You mustn't become a Devil's Head!"

"Don't worry, I won't become a Devil's Head." Lin Bai smiled, ruffling the Beast-eared lady's hair. "You've been with me for so long; don't you know how formidable your Master is?"

"Mm." The Little Fox nodded, her eyes welling with tears.

Xu Longyun sighed. She was not as naive as the Little Fox. She believed she had seen through the truth. A surprising pang of pity flashed in her eyes as she looked at Lin Bai. "Lin... Master, if one day you truly become a Devil's Head, I will still stand by you, unwavering."

"Excellent!" Lin Bai gave her a smile and said, "If that day truly comes, I will marry all of you. The Heavenly Dao is heartless, but a Devil's Head doesn't care about such things."

Xu Longyun's eyes suddenly lit up.

The Little Fox was stunned for a moment, then, brimming with excitement, she patted her chest and asked, "Master, 'all of you' includes me too, right? Let's not aim for the Heavenly Dao then; let's just become a Devil's Head right away!"