No matter what, with projects came money. Now was the time to curry favor with the Beggar Gang, so Wilderness Wolf and the others had their spirits completely lifted.

And, customizing rankings for the game world gave them a marvelous sensation of making history.

"Alliance Hierarch, what's the name of our publication?" Wilderness Wolf asked, glancing provocatively at Silver.

"Heavenly Review," Lin Bai blurted out without a second thought.

He'd actually wanted to use a name like "Forbes," but while such a grand name might work on Earth, in this godforsaken otherworld, he was probably the only one who would get the reference. Thinking about it, it had been a long time since he'd last considered returning to Earth. It turns out time really does wash away everything.

The natives collectively looked bewildered.

"Alliance Hierarch, isn't that name a bit too grand?" He Qin cautiously suggested. "How about we follow the precedent of 'Justice Weekly' and call it 'Justice Review'?"

"I am destined to be the one who embodies the Heavenly Dao. This name is perfect, implying our rankings are as authoritative as the Heavenly Dao itself," Lin Bai declared with a wave of his hand. "Calling it 'Justice Review' would make it sound like we created the rankings for our own benefit, which seems small-minded."

As if you weren't the one who created it!

He Qin awkwardly retreated, regretting his words. How could an arrogant person like Lin Bai possibly listen to his advice? Heavenly Dao, hah!

"Setting up the printing department in a bustling marketplace would be more convenient, but the Justice League is in a precarious situation and could be deployed at any moment. Given the urgency, let's just establish the editorial and printing departments here at the Morning Yuan Sword Sect!" Lin Bai looked at Wilderness Wolf and the others, saying, "The people from the Spirit Artifact Pavilion are present; there's no shortage of skilled artisans here. They can help you produce some paper."

As he spoke, Lin Bai took out two digital cameras and two press passes, handing them to Wilderness Wolf. "You decide how to use these tools. This world is vast, and travel isn't easy. For the first issue of Heavenly Review, try to focus on the internal affairs of the Justice League. Have Sect Leader He and the others cooperate with your interviews and do thorough preparatory work. Of course, you are people of the Heavenly Dao; you might have special channels for information. If possible, gather more data to make the first review more exciting. Strive to make 'Heavenly Review' an instant hit."

Wilderness Wolf accepted the two digital cameras and press passes from Lin Bai, readily accepting the responsibility. "Alliance Hierarch, just leave 'Heavenly Review' to us. We guarantee we'll do a splendid job. If we don't, feel free to replace us..."

"If you don't do well, I will, of course, replace you. The Justice League only needs useful people, not freeloaders," Lin Bai glanced at him, then turned to He Qin. "Sect Leader He, Sword Immortals are swift. Once the final product is ready, you will be responsible for distributing the periodical. In the future, I will apply to my sect for more printing presses and establish distribution branches in various cities. We must strive to deliver the latest issue to readers the moment it's released. News thrives on timeliness; public opinion must be controlled by us."

The players received their orders and busied themselves, undertaking their tasks willingly.

It had to be said, competition brought happiness.

With the sudden establishment of 'Heavenly Review,' First Reporter in Xianxia immediately sensed a crisis.

The player-led editorial department he headed quickly convened an emergency meeting to discuss how to maintain 'Justice Weekly's' leading position through its content.

In the real world, if 'Heavenly Review' were to start rankings, they would definitely have followed suit, leveraging their monopoly to get ahead. But Lin Bai had just reprimanded them; hundreds of players had deleted their accounts and started over, tragically grinding levels in the Novice Village once more, performing the most basic commercial terminal setup.

Although they received compensation from the Beggar Gang, their status had plummeted from the heavens into a pit, with no telling when they might climb out.

After all, in a few days, another large wave of players would enter the game. The new players, likely having studied numerous guides, were just waiting to make their mark in the game. With so much talent emerging, who would care about those losers left in the dust?

"Chief, the fourth issue was just released. Lin, the Storekeeper didn't ask us for a fifth, and we don't have any content!" Little Kitty Writer twirled the charcoal pencil in her hand.

"We can't wait for Lin, the Storekeeper anymore. We need to take the initiative," First Reporter in Xianxia mused for a moment, then said, "The purpose of 'Justice Weekly' is to promote principles. Isn't Lin, the Storekeeper planning the Sky Remnant Cultural Festival? We can start by focusing on the Way of Incompleteness to build anticipation for the festival. Then, we'll analyze the current global situation in detail, making the Justice League's expansion our primary focus, laterally undermining the confidence of surrounding sects in the process…"

「Meanwhile.」

Wilderness Wolf swiftly established the editorial department for 'Heavenly Review'. Determined to compete with 'Justice Weekly', they didn't want their first issue to merely critique the internal affairs of the Justice League. Most of the information about the Justice League had already been exposed by 'Justice Weekly'. Rehashing old news wouldn't be very interesting.

They wanted to go for something big.

So, after a round of fundraising, Wilderness Wolf mobilized the players in the Justice League Army, using money to clear the path, and began collecting information on various sects outside Qian City via the forums.

The Beggar Gang and the Justice League Army were making too much noise, naturally attracting the attention of other players in the game. 'Justice Weekly', fearing Lin Bai's punishment, dared not follow suit.

They, however, were not afraid. Without Lin Bai's advanced technology, they would create primitive newspapers. If the content was explosive and captivating enough, sales would soar, naturally attracting advertisers. Even without real-world advertisers, earning money from the local NPCs would be fine. After all, playing games also had costs.

The sects in the Immortal World, having witnessed the influence of 'Justice Weekly' and the power of public opinion, also urgently desired players to produce a competing newspaper. The public discourse in the cultivation market couldn't be monopolized by Lin Bai's Justice League. They still had to seize the high ground of public opinion. Even if it meant publishing a newspaper solely to slander Lin Bai and his Justice League, that would be acceptable!

Thus, 'Immortal Fashion,' 'Artifact Refining and Life,' 'Cultivation World,' 'Immortal Chronicles,' 'Playboy,' 'War,' 'National Geographic,' and many other magazines swiftly emerged across the world like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.

It was dazzling.

The players might not be skilled in content editing, but taking theories from various well-known real-world magazines, revamping them, and filling them with content from the Immortal World, was enough for them to earn their first pot of gold from the NPCs.

Under Lin Bai's guidance, the Immortal World rapidly descended into a phase of chaos and disorder. The pace of change caught many locals off guard; they didn't even understand what was happening before they were forced to learn from others and follow the trend.

These magazines varied in focus: some were academic, some content-driven, some promoted gossip, and some even pushed the boundaries…

Such widespread chaos was deeply loathed by the elders of the Cultivation World, who detested Lin Bai, the instigator, to the extreme.

The Seven Righteous Sects and Five Demonic Sects, not waiting for anyone from the Morning Yuan Sword Sect to come seeking aid, realized Lin Bai's danger through 'Justice Weekly' and finally resolved to send people to eliminate this troublemaker first.

[Second media company established; Reward: 10 Press Passes (already issued)]

[The first publication you created has achieved national-level influence (Completed); Reward: Five printing presses and their peripheral equipment (Issued)]

[New Mission: Let the second publication you create achieve national-level influence; Reward: Five Follow-up Invisible Cameras]

The moment the editorial department of 'Heavenly Review' was successfully established, Lin Bai received a mission completion alert in his mind.

Immediately afterward, the Media System issued two new missions—or rather, one mission was automatically completed, and a new one was issued.

As a result, Lin Bai possessed more press passes and printing presses, laying the material foundation for his media companies to flourish everywhere in the future.

The new mission was for 'Heavenly Review' to achieve national-level influence. With the players' help, Lin Bai felt it shouldn't be too difficult.

After all, he was a major celebrity in the game, his every move watched by countless eyes. Any publication he released, even if filled with nonsense, would achieve astonishing sales. This was the power of fame.

As for the reward, the Follow-up Invisible Cameras, Lin Bai wasn't particularly impressed. He was more concerned with the publication's influence on public opinion and its ability to disseminate information.

"Sect Leader, when will you use the Separation Arrow to sever my connection with Pei Yanzong?" After everyone else had dispersed, Real Person Dao Xu blocked Lin Bai's path, he seemed somewhat agitated. "You promised me."

"Dao Dao, your actions deeply wound me," Pei Yanzong said, his gaze full of tender affection as he looked at Dao Xu. "I know you don't love me, but feelings can be cultivated. Even though I now have Real Person Li, my love for you remains pure and untainted. You've witnessed the power of the Love Principle. Give me a chance, and give yourself one too."

"Scram," Dao Xu glared at Pei Yanzong. "I have no intention of cultivating the Love Principle with a man." Then, he turned back to Lin Bai. "Sect Leader, you also promised that Ge Feiyun and I would cultivate the Love Principle together, and you haven't fulfilled that either. Today, you must fulfill one of these two promises. Otherwise… otherwise… I'll continue to cause trouble for you on the battlefield, and I'll even team up with Pei Yanzong! You disgust me, so I'll disgust you right back…"

After fumbling for an alternative for a long time, Real Person Dao Xu finally offered a rather pathetic threat.

He realized he truly had no way to deal with Lin Bai. This made him feel exceedingly desperate, as if life had lost its meaning.

Pei Yanzong chimed in from the side, "Dao Dao, whatever you say, I'll do, as long as you don't leave me."

Hu He watched the two with curiosity, wanting to laugh but feeling it would be impolite.

Jiang Qingqin was pensive, absorbing insights into the Love Principle from Pei Yanzong's demeanor towards Dao Xu. Having not been struck by an Arrow of Love, she always felt something was missing in her connection with Lin Bai…

The Little Foxes, heedless of the tension, leaped about, excitedly role-playing and mimicking Dao Xu and Pei Yanzong's usual interactions.

"Dao Dao, don't leave me."

"Scram! Go find your Real Person Li."

"Still say you're not jealous…"

"Get any closer, and see if I don't kill you!"

Lin Bai looked at the two of them. "Dao Xu, have you really thought this through? Once the Separation Arrow hits Pei Yanzong, he will detest you immensely, just as you detest me. And it won't change according to his will."

"I wish for nothing more!" Dao Xu paused, then instantly understood why he couldn't stand any of Lin Bai's actions. He looked from Lin Bai to Pei Yanzong and sighed in despair. "Living as I do now, so what if I'm detested by ghosts and men alike? I'm merely a walking corpse."

"Dao Dao, I can feel the tears in your heart. Try to accept me; I can bring you happiness. Don't make me despise you," Pei Yanzong seized every chance to launch his offensive on Dao Xu, even wanting to grab Dao Xu's hand to comfort him.

"I understand," Lin Bai said, looking at Dao Xu. "Dao Xu, if you want to escape all this, then do everything in your power to help me succeed. If I cultivate to the Heavenly Dao, your Puppet status will automatically be lifted, and you will regain your freedom. Even if I don't achieve the Heavenly Dao, if you cooperate with me to capture higher-level Puppets—replacements like Real Person Li—I promise to keep you stored in a Card, away from this tumultuous world, until I either achieve the Heavenly Dao or die. What do you say?"

"Master, I won't let you die!" several voices cried out in unison. It was Jiang Qingqin, Hu He, and the others. They had the deepest bonds with Lin Bai, the kind for whom they would willingly sacrifice their lives. Naturally, they couldn't bear to hear Lin Bai speak of such things.

"Is this true?" Dao Xu asked.

"It is," Lin Bai affirmed. "I never deceive people."

"I'll trust you this once," Dao Xu said, looking at Lin Bai. "Your strategy for subduing enemies is nothing more than the Arrow of Love. Go ahead, make those people fall in love with me. I will then persuade them to become your Puppets."

"A deal is a deal." A smile couldn't help but spread across Lin Bai's face.

"A deal is a deal." Dao Xu forced a smile, his gaze growing ever more desolate.

Right. This life, where even his smiles were not his own, was it any better than returning to the Card, as good as dead?

"Alliance Hierarch, I also promise to serve you with all my heart. Could you help Real Person Li regain his senses?" Pei Yanzong pleaded. "The greatest love is to let go. Although Dao Dao's decisiveness pains my heart, I've decided to grant him his wish. But once he's gone, I won't even have anyone to talk to."

Lin Bai hesitated. The power of the fated red thread of marriage was too strong. Qing Yu and Flower Stream were inseparable, taking every opportunity to be affectionate. But they were a man and a woman, and pleasing to the eye; at most, their public displays of affection were a bit much for onlookers.

But if Pei Yanzong and Real Person Li also became as clingy as Qing Yu and Flower Stream, Lin Bai would probably be too disgusted to eat. His primary bodyguard at the moment was Real Person Li, so he couldn't just recall him to a Card.

"Give me a chance," Pei Yanzong said. "If I attain the Love Principle, I will be of even greater help to you."

"I foresee a large-scale campaign for the Justice League soon. Let's wait until after this campaign. I'll decide whether to restore Real Person Li's freedom based on your performance then," Lin Bai said after a moment's thought.

"Very well." Pei Yanzong looked at the dazed Real Person Li and nodded solemnly.

「They found a secluded place.」

An Arrow of Resistance shot forth, striking Pei Yanzong in the chest.

Pei Yanzong frowned, his once tender and affectionate gaze instantly turned icy. "Dao Xu, I never imagined you were such a treacherous person who plays with emotions. To think that I, the distinguished Sect Leader of the Waning Sun Gate, would actually fall for someone as despicable as you. I must have been truly blind…"

Dao Xu was dumbfounded, then overcome with ecstasy.

WHOOSH!

A Card flew out.

Pei Yanzong was recalled into the Card.

Lin Bai tucked the Card into his sleeve. "Satisfied now?"

"Thank you, Sect Leader." Dao Xu looked at Lin Bai strangely, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "For your Arrow of Love and Separation Arrow, must both parties make direct eye contact?"

"After being struck by the arrow, the first person they see is the one they either fall in love with or hate," Lin Bai said, looking at Dao Xu and blinking. "You'll keep this a secret, right?"

"No wonder! Its flaw is so significant." Recalling his bleak past, a tear trickled from the corner of Dao Xu's eye. He wanted to smile but couldn't; ultimately, it transformed into a helpless sigh. "Lin Bai, although I detest you, I am a man of my word. I will fulfill my promise."