"Organize an officially recognized intercity-level cooking competition and emerge as the winner; Reward: The food you make will emit an ultimate fragrance."

The Cooking God System's mission refreshed. It was another one that required influence.

Yet, Lin Bai's focus remained on the dish that had just been cooked.

He had thought the food would glow, at most resembling something from a cartoon. He hadn't expected such a grand scene; bright light dominantly illuminated half the sky.

Although the glow vanished in an instant, everyone, including Lin Bai, was drawn to it, resulting in a brief, trance-like moment.

Do not underestimate this brief moment of distraction.

In that instant, a Nascent Soul expert could strike at least three times.

Apparently, culinary skills could indeed aid in combat. For the first time, this notion germinated in Lin Bai's mind.

There were cold dishes and sashimi in cooking—no fire or pots needed, quite convenient to prepare... But, Lin Bai pondered his fighting style—Rush Moon, Stir Fry, Cupid's Bow... The style seemed rather strange.

But who cares?

The Almighty System was clearly sending him into the game to wreak havoc. Strange it might be, but attacking others was always better than being attacked...

The glowing food reignited Lin Bai's anticipation for the Cooking God System.

This time, the food glowed, but its taste wasn't much different from a regular dish. The next reward is an ultimate fragrance; that must be a remedy for this shortcoming...

「...」

"Alliance Hierarch, can we learn the Way of Cooking?" Cu Wushuang asked.

She was astounded by the brilliant lights that filled the sky. Compared to the Love Principle's Rush Moon, the Way of Cooking—with its initially impressive special effects and apparent ease of management—was more tempting.

"Of course, the Rules are fair; everyone has a chance." Lin Bai replied with a smile, deciding to practice the high-EQ communication style of the Great Language System. It was the only mission he could undertake during the journey. Looking at Cu Wushuang, he put away his kitchen knife. "Immortal Cu, you have personally experienced the irresistible nature of the Rules. When comprehending the Rules, you will find it easier than others. Believe that this is the key to opening your heart. Open your heart, and you will discover that every past setback is your treasure."

"I understand." Cu Wushuang nodded.

Ge Feiyun seemed to have a revelation.

「...」

"Master, when can I start learning new Taoist Laws?" The discontented Dumbelldore approached Lin Bai again, asking.

"Experiencing the ups and downs of life can also be a form of cultivation. Once your heart calms, I will naturally impart new things to you. Review the old to learn the new; you will discover new vistas in life." Lin Bai looked at Dumbelldore with a smile and held up his cardboard. "Get lost. Go practice now, and you'll find out how much you've gained."

Cardboard? Damn it, he's using Spoken Law Follows again!

Dumbelldore paused for a moment. He realized that what Lin, the Storekeeper, said and what was written on the cardboard expressed the same meaning.

The former sounded much more pleasant. But having said such sweet words, why did he have to use cardboard to annoy me again! That's really hard to swallow!

However, since Lin Bai was practicing Spoken Law Follows, Dumbelldore figured he wouldn't be taught any new techniques for now, so he decided to go and practice.

He soon discovered that whether it was Huilong Jue or the Nine-Days True Scripture, his cultivation speed had increased by fifty percent compared to usual. This discovery thrilled him. Being Lin Bai's disciple sure has its benefits; this is indeed a gain for me!

The next thought that came to him was that he absolutely could not let others know about this. Otherwise, who knew how many people would want to become Lin Bai's disciple!

Soon, Dumbelldore dismissed this ridiculous thought himself. When could I ever influence Lin Bai's decisions? How naive!

Dreaming of becoming the world's number one expert, Dumbelldore decisively began his cultivation amidst the clamor on the Hundred Flowers Shuttle.

Forget about the Rules or anything else. Maybe, by simply following Lin Bai's arrangements, I could one day also become the best among players.

「...」

On their journey, everyone in the Justice League quickly noticed that Lin, the Storekeeper, had brought out his writing board again and entered that mode of speaking pleasantly.

Live-streaming Lin, the Storekeeper, could bring in streaming traffic, and secondly, it could increase exposure for the Beggar Gang's advertisements.

Thus, when they noticed Lin Bai had started practicing Spoken Law Follows again, the Beggar Gang players on the Hundred Flowers Shuttle, hearing the news, sprang into action. They quickly set up the advertising signs behind Lin Bai, which had been prepared for use on the battlefield.

The players launched a new round of BOSS farming activities.

Compared to advertising on the battlefield, live-streaming Lin, the Storekeeper's daily cultivation had no shortage of exposure, and moreover, it was risk-free. It was the Beggar Gang players' favorite activity.

Those players who had live-streamed Lin Bai cooking earlier had made a fortune when the food started glowing. No one wanted to miss this second opportunity.

Lin Bai was delighted with the players' cooperation.

After all, the high-EQ speaking method required the conversation partner to be in a pleasant mood. Players who were profiting were always in a pleasant mood, so he didn't need to worry that saying the wrong thing would interrupt the mission.

Moreover, the large number of players could also guarantee a sufficient volume of conversation.

It was a win-win situation.

Well! It's more than a win-win. Meanwhile, I'm gaining joy and potential fans.

He still had the Super Idol System, which required him to have three thousand fans. This mission had been pending for a long time, uncompleted. Perhaps it's because the things I've been doing lately aren't attracting enough female players. After all, male players tend to be more rational. Most of the time, they wouldn't see me as an idol; they might even consider me a future enemy. To increase my fan count, I need to do things that people enjoy watching, things that enhance my charm...

So, the players win once, but I'm winning many times. I'm multi-winning.

「...」

"Lin, the Storekeeper, could I become your disciple?" Dragon Breath, seeing Lin Bai in a good mood, eagerly asked the question he most wanted to ask.

"I admire your excellent qualities, but you shouldn't miss more suitable opportunities because of me. More beautiful vistas await you in the future. When you have experienced more of life and still haven't found a suitable home, you can come back and find me..." Lin Bai replied, glancing at him.

"..." Dragon Breath was stunned and subconsciously looked at Lin Bai's writing board.

Lin Bai smiled, unfazed.

Barrage comments flew wildly.

"Dragon Clueless, stop looking! It's hopeless! You've already been rejected by Lin, the Storekeeper."

"Learning the art of language online with Lin, the Storekeeper."

"What do you guys think Lin, the Storekeeper, is practicing this time?"

"How to express oneself tactfully without hurting the other person's self-esteem."

"No wonder all the beautiful female NPCs flock around Lin, the Storekeeper. If I had half of Lin, the Storekeeper's skill, how could I still be single?"

"Those damn game planners!"

「...」

"Lin, the Storekeeper, do you think I'm pretty?"

"You are beautiful. Every girl's beauty is unique. I especially like your eyes; through them, I feel as if I can see your pure soul."

「...」

"Lin, the Storekeeper, do you think I can become the best in the world in the future?"

"Anyone with a dream is remarkable."

「...」

"Lin, the Storekeeper, can you help me persuade the Bear Demon to accept the Beast-eared lady's transformation?"

"Sincerity can move mountains. Although we haven't spoken much, what I appreciate most about you is your persistence..."

「...」

Watching Lin Bai skillfully handle the tricky questions from these descended people, Xin Shang and the others were awestruck.

"I'm starting to understand why Lin Bai can comprehend the Rules," Zhao Tulong said with a complicated expression. "If I had to talk like that, I'd be tongue-tied after three people."

"Being tongue-tied is the least of it. The key is his patience. Could you allow these descended people to behave so audaciously in front of you?" Shen Kuang said, looking at the advertising signs behind Lin Bai, an involuntary trace of admiration in his eyes. "Lin Bai can, even if he currently looks like a monkey being played with."

"Lin Bai is indeed, by his own example, teaching the world the way to cultivate Rules. I'm convinced," Ge Feiyun stated.

「...」

"Spoken Law Follows truly isn't something just anyone can cultivate!" Jiang Yuru exclaimed with emotion. Hearing is deceptive, seeing is believing. When she had heard Jiang Qingqin describe how Lin Bai had spoken sweet nothings to her all night, it hadn't seemed like much. Now, witnessing firsthand Lin Bai's brilliant responses to every descended person, never repeating a single phrase, she finally realized Lin Bai's truly terrifying capability.

"This is probably the pure heart required for cultivating Rules," Cu Wushuang said beside her. "The cultivation of Rules seems simple, but it's countless times harder than step-by-step cultivation. I truly don't know how Lin Bai manages to cultivate so many Rules at the same time."

"So, that's what makes him seem like a madman," Jiang Yuru said. "No madness, no survival! It seems Spoken Law Follows isn't suitable for us."

"The Love Principle isn't suitable for me either. The thought of men being with us because of our beauty fills me with an inexplicable resistance. I could never wholeheartedly enjoy love, let alone sacrifice myself for someone," Cu Wushuang said. "Maybe the Way of Cooking is more suitable for me."

"Yes!" Jiang Yuru recalled the scene at the job fair where Jiang Qingqin had desperately fought for Lin Bai, and sighed softly. "I think I understand why Lin Bai chose Qing Qin as his Dao companion."

「...」

"What's Master doing?" Hu He asked in surprise.

"Practicing Spoken Law Follows," the Little White Fox replied. "Mom, Master is a man who will become the Heavenly Dao itself. So, whatever he does is normal. Don't find it strange."

"Is this the cultivation of Rules he wants us to cooperate with?" Hu He asked.

"Mm-hm." The Little White Fox blushed slightly. "Now that those descended people are cooperating, we're not needed. When he needs us, Master will tell us explicitly. Mom, do you remember the day Master captured me? That day, he spoke sweet nothings to me for an entire day! His power wasn't as strong then as it is now; he didn't even realize I was a Fox Demon. And in such a short time, he can already suppress countless Nascent Soul experts..."

"..." Hu He was stunned. She looked at Lin Bai, then at her own Little Qi. "Little Qi, since we're not needed here, if Master has any other requirements for us, tell me all at once. I heard the Justice League is about to face a great battle. We cannot become a burden to Master."

"Yes, Seventh Sister! We also want Transformation Pills! We need to perform well in front of the Young Master," the other Little Foxes who had not yet Transformed chirped.

"Alright." The Little White Fox nodded. "First, everyone needs to learn to recite a tongue twister. Although Master might not need it now, it could potentially help him in an emergency at a critical moment..."

「...」

Time spent on missions always passed quickly.

Unknowingly, a day went by.

The third issue of "Justice Weekly," a Lin Bai special issue, was launched simultaneously in various cities as dusk fell. Information about Lin Bai was very easy to collect. With only printing involved, there was no difficulty in publishing such a special issue; and since it was purely text without accompanying photos, it was also simple for other cities to print.

The first issue of "Justice Weekly" had been distributed only in Qian City, primarily for a psychological offensive against the Five Evil Sects. The second and third issues, under the authorization of the Beggar Gang, were rolled out throughout the Immortal World. The wondrous Way of Cultivating Rules and the bizarre immortal martial arts love stories quickly caused a sensation among the populace in various countries and cities.

The public loved these kinds of stories.

The players who served as distributors in each city made their first fortune through "Justice Weekly" and naturally spared no effort in promoting it.

Thus, in countries where players existed, such as Taiyi Country, Taichu Country, and Taishi Country, "Justice Weekly" could be found.

In this way, in just a few days, "Justice Weekly" had seemingly become the most widely circulated periodical on the Xianxia Continent. Avid readers of the weekly could be found among wealthy merchants, dignitaries, in taverns, and within every Cultivation Sect.

Previously, this would have been impossible.

The Immortal World is vast and boundless.

Without the instant communication of player forums and live streams, it would take a Cultivator an unknown number of days to travel from one end of the Continent to the other.

The natives simply couldn't transmit messages instantly, let alone promote a magazine simultaneously.

「...」

From this periodical, which was almost like tabloid news, the native inhabitants of the Immortal World sensed the extraordinary changes in the world. They finally realized that the descended people were not merely Cultivators with all meridians open, serving a single purpose.

Merchants saw the convenience of message delivery and began thinking about advertising in "Justice Weekly" to promote their goods.

Nations saw new methods of warfare and propaganda, and plans to establish official newspapers were put on the agenda.

Cultivation Sects saw another path to expansion, realized the importance of publicity, and glimpsed a way to replace the Seven Righteous Sects or the Five Demonic Sects...

「...」

In short, every intelligent person began to seek new ways to survive in this inevitable era of change.

But most natives didn't take the method of Cultivating Rules preached by "Justice Weekly" to heart. Apart from the players, whether ordinary people or Cultivators, all regarded the so-called Rules as a sensationalist tactic to attract attention.

The method of Cultivating Rules seemed too absurd.

This situation persisted until the appearance of the Lin Bai special issue, yet it still failed to attract much serious attention.

Lin Bai's experiences were even more incredible than the Cultivation of Rules; the so-called Lin Bai special issue seemed more like an absurd legendary tale concocted by some destitute scholar.

After all, in this information-isolated world, whether ordinary people or those on the path of cultivation, most were unfamiliar with the world tens of thousands of miles away.

But ultimately, some people did believe "Justice Weekly"—for example, Perfected Li from the Return to Dragon View, who was currently traveling, and the Cangming Sword Immortal of the Morning Yuan Sword Sect, among others.

These sect seniors, who had reached the Divinity Transformation stage and could not break through by arduous cultivation alone, confirmed almost immediately that everything reported was true...

The descriptions of their sects in "Justice Weekly" were too detailed.

Upon receiving "Justice Weekly," Perfected Li quickly questioned a few descended people. After receiving a definitive answer, he furiously embarked on his journey back to his sect.

This is outrageous! Even for a capital crime, the punishment is merely death. How dare Lin Bai completely destroy the Return to Dragon View that I painstakingly built! Despicable! Unforgivable!