The Value of the Sword Dao!
Inside the Unorthodox Alliance, Lu Yang frowned deeply.
[Sea of Bitterness]... An endless sea of concepts, simply a super treasure trove. And yet, I can't swallow such a treasure trove!
Clearly, as long as he continuously absorbed the water of the [Sea of Bitterness], the grotto-heaven could grow rapidly, and he could even achieve the balance of the Five Elements without needing other dao fruits.
But he just couldn't do it, because there was too much water in the [Sea of Bitterness], and it was too mixed. He simply couldn't swallow it whole.
This feeling made Lu Yang a bit crazy.
A treasure mountain was right in front of him, yet he had to return empty-handed, at most salvaging some dispensable scraps. How could he accept this?
"No way!"
Lu Yang's eyes reddened. Not taking advantage when benefits presented themselves—would that still be befitting of a Saint Sect perfected lord? Today, even if he had to gnaw it down, he would bite off a huge chunk from the [Sea of Bitternes]!
"Let me think..."
Lu Yang frowned slightly, falling into deep thought. After seeing the [Sea of Bitterness], his understanding of dao fruits and future cultivation had become extremely profound.
What is the essence of a dao fruit?
Weaving specific concepts together to form a self-sufficient internal circulation system. This system ultimately presents itself as a dao fruit!
And the difference between unorthodox dao fruits, ordinary dao fruits, and even Supreme dao fruits also lies here. The more powerful the dao fruit, the more complex the weaving of its concepts... Why are unorthodox dao fruits is garbage—with a stature naturally lower than orthodox ones? It's because unorthodox ones emerged through natural evolution!
Naturally evolved things are too simple.
In comparison, whether it's the Immortal Nexus or the Celestial Court, their orthodox dao fruits and even supreme dao fruits involve the mighty power of Dao Lords and are meticulously crafted.
The logic is simple.
Tale the same steel—one piece is processed by humans, tempered and forged into a precious sword; the other is purely natural and unprocessed. How can the two be mentioned in the same breath?
From this perspective, dao fruits cannot absorb the water of the [Sea of Bitterness]anymore, because they have already formed a unique system. The water of the [Sea of Bitterness] encompasses myriad phenomena, which are all impurities to the dao fruit. Absorbing it has no benefit... Unless someone can filter out the impurities for them.
Thinking of this, Lu Yang suddenly saw the light:
That's why perfected lords are needed!
Dao fruits and perfected lords are essentially in a symbiotic relationship. When a perfected lord sees the [Sea of Bitterness], they can help improve the dao fruit, and the dao fruit grants the perfected lord stature...
Strictly speaking, the perfected lord is still in the weaker position.
Even more inclined to be a laborer. After all, theoretically, the dao fruit can change its holder at any time, while the perfected lord will fall from their own stature upon leaving the dao fruit.
Until—
Until the appearance of the grotto-heaven! Lu Yang's eyes shone brightly:
In the Immortal Nexus, although perfected lords with grotto-heavens still cannot completely control the dao fruit, they can forcibly occupy the attained dao fruit through the grotto-heaven.
For example, [Heavenly Fire]. Lu Yang's current behavior of hiding his identity and staying behind the scenes should not have been liked by it.
However, the current Lu Yang didn't need to care about its likes and dislikes at all. As long as he put his big [Heavenly Pillar Profound Governance Grotto-Heaven] in, he could make it obedient.
The method of the grotto-heaven is simply epoch-making!
Why could unorthodox perfected lords be stripped of their dao fruits, and those immortal lords of the Celestial Court also be stripped of their dao fruits? In the final analysis, it's because they don't have grotto-heavens.
But in the Immortal Nexus, even the Dao Court cannot forcibly strip a person's dao fruit. The Three Excellencies are constrained by the Dao Court because their grotto-heavens are shared, having problems at the root. Emperor Jiayou, whose grotto-heaven is private, has never worried about losing the mighty power of a perfected lord after stepping down.
Who created this cultivation method?
So far, Lu Yang had seen quite a few world realms, but the grotto-heaven method remained unique to the Immortal Nexus. Only the perfected lords of the Immortal Nexus were the freest!
As for Golden Cores in other places...
Look at those immortal lords of the Celestial Court— they was restricted by asset, and dying suddenly upon bankruptcy... In the Immortal Nexus, they would be laughed out if called themself perfected lords.
Right...
Thinking of this, Lu Yang suddenly moved his gaze slightly, looking at [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon].
He had figured out the essence of dao fruits, but only limited to dao fruits under normal circumstances. Then what about void attainment dao fruits?
What differences would there be?
With this thought, Lu Yang suddenly spoke:
"Fellow Daoist Vanquishing-Demon, have you seen the [Sea of Bitterness]?"
As soon as these words were spoken, [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], who originally seemed to have realized something, instantly sobered up, then shook his head. "I never seen it... Perhaps I am relatively special."
"My Sword Dao Fruit is not in the [Sea of Bitterness]."
Not in the [Sea of Bitterness]?
Hearing this, Lu Yang instantly became interested and smiled. "In that case, why don't I take you to the [Sea of Bitterness] to see what changes will occur?"
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] readily agreed.
In the next second, Lu Yang once again condensed his divine sense to look towards the [Sea of Bitterness]. The [Sea of Bitterness] immediately reacted, and surging seawater emerged again.
"...Go!"
Lu Yang held the [Tribulation Wave] steady, slashed into the air to sever the emerging seawater, and simultaneously took a step into the boundless [Sea of Bitterness] with [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon].
Instantly, a strong sense of oppression swept over Lu Yang's whole body. The boundless [Sea of Bitterness] seemed to have detected a foreign object, squeezing towards him, making him uncontrollably feel suffocated, as if falling into the ocean alone and only able to drift with the tide.
However, Lu Yang didn't care, but looked at [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon].
"How is it? Fellow Daoist..."
His voice came to an abrupt halt.
Because he shockingly saw that when the water of the [Sea of Bitterness] fell around [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], it was actually swallowed whole by him in one breath!
"Fellow Daoist, be careful!"
Lu Yang hurriedly warned, "The concepts in the water of this [Sea of Bitterness] are mixed. Absorbing rashly is harmful instead. You must select what suits yourself..."
Lu Yang's voice became lower and lower because he discovered that during the process of devouring the seawater, not only did [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]show no signs of backlash, but his aura was constantly rising. The [No-Kill Sword] at his waist trembled violently, and sharp Sword Dao concepts gathered continuously around him—
"Clang clang!"
Finally, accompanied by the ring of a sword, Lu Yang only felt a needle-like stinging pain all over his body. [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] suddenly opened his eyes.
At this moment, Lu Yang's protection was not needed.
All the swarming water of the [Sea of Bitterness] spontaneously separated around [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], as if an invisible sword qi surrounded him.
Lu Yang was instantly dumbfounded.
Holy shit!
Dao fruit profound wonder!?
He saw clearly that the Sword Dao Fruit, which he had nurtured for so long, was still only at the unorthodox level—having concepts but lacking substance—still lagging behind compared to Orthodox dao fruits.
He even once suspected that this was a fake void attainment, essentially unorthodox.
However, in the hands of [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], after absorbing the water of the [Sea of Bitterness] for just this short while, it directly transformed and gave birth to a dao fruit profound wonder!
Is this the value of the Sword Dao?
No, that's wrong... This is the value of the void attainment dao fruit!
Lu Yang's eyes brightened: If other dao fruits require human help to remove impurities, then the void attainment dao fruit comes with its own filter!
Because every concept of a void attainment dao fruit was personally woven by the person attaining the Dao, completely imprinted within the dao fruit. Therefore, when [Sea of Bitterness] water entered the void attainment dao fruit, it would naturally separate, automatically removing all impurities and only absorbing beneficial portions.
This is the value of void attainment!
Even if it is no different from unorthodox when it first appears, as long as one sees the [Sea of Bitterness] and receives nourishment from the [Sea of Bitterness], it can grow rapidly!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 628: Dao Chaser, Meeting Taiyin!
After figuring it out, Lu Yang was even a bit envious of [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon].
However, he didn't regret returning the Sword Dao to [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]. He even felt somewhat fortunate; after all, the Sword Dao probably couldn't display such miraculous effects in his hands.
Ultimately, the Sword Dao wasn't attained through void attainment by me.
The advantage of a void attainment dao fruit can only be exerted in the hands of the owner who attained it. In someone else's hands, it's no different from an ordinary dao fruit.
In the next second, ambition suddenly appeared in the depths of Lu Yang's eyes.
[Dao Opening Diagram]... There is a set of concept weaving methods in that diagram. Maybe I can try it too. Anyway, the concepts in the [Sea of Bitterness] are endless.
Trying costs nothing!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang immediately looked at [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] and cupped his hands. "Fellow Daoist, please trouble yourself to protect me. I have something need to verify."
[Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]chuckled upon hearing this. "Alright."
As his voice fell, the [No-Kill Sword]unsheathed.
Instantly, Lu Yang clearly felt the profound wonder of the promoted Sword Dao Fruit merging with [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]'s sword intent. To put it plainly, it was one word:
"Cut!"
In the area shrouded by the profound wonder, most of the water of the [Sea of Bitterness]was blocked outside and diverted. Only a small part was deliberately let through by [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], landing beside Lu Yang. He gathered it in front of him with a hand seal, then began to peel off the layers, trying to extract the concepts he wanted from it.
Rumble!
At this moment, Lu Yang immersed his mind, as if seeing the scene of that nameless Dao Lord dying and manifesting twenty-four dao fruits in the [Dao Opening Diagram] again.
The water of the [Sea of Bitterness] was constantly decomposed in his hands.
Five elements, Yin and Yang, wind and thunder... numerous concepts were dismantled by him one by one, then combined in the way of the [Dao Opening Diagram], gaining a thorough understanding bit by bit.
Bang!
With an explosive sound, blood traces instantly appeared on Lu Yang's fingers. Surprisingly, an error occurred in the concept weaving process, causing concept backlash and inflicting minor injuries on him.
Lu Yang snorted coldly upon seeing this. The blood traces vanished instantly, and his flesh healed. With [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] protecting him, he didn't need to be distracted to resist the water of the [Sea of Bitterness]. He only needed to constantly try weaving concepts. With his earth-shattering wisdom, he would definitely master the knack of weaving concepts within ten tries!
Half an hour later—
Lu Yang smiled confidently, moving his ten fingers dripping with blood. "Not a big problem. I've already gained some insight after just fifty-odd tries. I feel it should be soon!"
An hour later—
"Almost there, just one step away!"
Two hours later—
"Yes, yes, yes... hmm. No, no... Wait, yes, yes... No, no! I understood it wrong before, all wrong! I must start over..."
Three hours later—
"Patriarch!"
Lu Yang took out the [Righteous Dao Banner]in exasperation, summoning Patriarch Nether Whisper, ready to get serious... Then Patriarch Nether Whisper gave him a bolt from the blue.
"I said, no."
Patriarch Nether Whisper looked helpless. "The entire weaving process must be completely led by you. Only in this way can the weaving process be thoroughly inscribed into the dao fruit. Although it's not impossible for me to do it, the finally woven dao fruit won't be yours, but mine. It's useless to you."
"I am sorry, Lu Yang. This time you have to work hard yourself."
After speaking, Patriarch Nether Whisperpatted Lu Yang's shoulder with an embarrassed look, then waved his fist, his eyes full of encouragement.
Lu Yang: "..."
No—!!!
However, just then, a cold voice suddenly came:
"Foolish. Don't be in a hurry for void attainment. Imitate the dao fruit you have already attained first. You have already condensed two true treasures; do you have no comprehension at all?"
Before the voice fell, Lu Yang, [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], and Patriarch Nether Whisper had already taken action.
Sword light that cuts everything slashed out. [Wu You Heaven] covered all three of them, turning them illusiory. Lu Yang opened the [Sea of Bitterness], ready return to reality.
However, in the next second, a round of bright moon suddenly rose slowly in the [Sea of Bitterness]. Moonlight paved the ground, and cassia flowers drifted down. A beautiful figure appeared in front of Lu Yang without warning, blocking his path back to reality.
A hint of dissatisfaction appeared on her cold and peerlessly beautiful face:
"Sit down."
Vermilion lips parted lightly. The tough and domineering voice made Lu Yang sneer inwardly. Are you kidding? You tell me to sit down and I sit down? What do you take me for?
But before he could speak, a patch of golden light rushed towards him.
Lu Yang widened his eyes, only to see the overwhelming brilliant golden light smashing down on his head, slapping his face, and finally turning into a clear concept:
[One side capable of absorbing the water of sea of bitterness— buying you to sit down!]
Plop!
Lu Yang sat down obediently. Almost simultaneously, the golden light falling on him also attracted rolling water of the [Sea of Bitterness]—helping him quickly absorb it completely...
[Money] Dao Fruit! Immortal Venerable Taiyin!
Such distinct profound wonder; Lu Yang instantly recognized the cold woman before him. The latter looked at him sitting down and nodded with satisfaction:
"First, congratulations to Junior Brother."
"Seeing the [Sea of Bitterness] counts as truly crossing the threshold of [Seeking the Dao], becoming a Dao Chaser above this [Sea of Bitterness] just like us."
Dao Chaser?
Lu Yang lowered his eyelids, protecting [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon] and Patriarch Nether Whisper behind him, then looked calmly at this Saint Sect Senior Sister who suddenly appeared.
When was she watching me?
Did she discover me as soon as I came to the Celestial Court?
Peeping Tom!
Lu Yang complained inwardly, but his face quickly displayed reverence. "Junior Brother is foolish. I implore Senior Sister for guidance. What is a Dao chaser?"
Saint Sect disciples could always bend and stretch. Since the Taiyin Immortal Venerable hadn't directly killed him, rather than being frightened, why not take the opportunity to gain some benefits!
After all, it would be a shame not to hug such a thick golden thigh?
"Seeking the Dao is not achieved overnight. Our cultivation and seeking the Dao is inherently a gradual process... Seeking the Dao, Chasing the Dao, and finally Attaining the Dao."
Immortal Venerable Taiyin's expression remained unchanged as she said indifferently:
"So-called [Seeking the Dao] is to see the [Sea of Bitterness]. After all, if one can't even see the [Sea of Bitterness], one will only be a slave to the dao fruit for life."
"And to see the [Sea of Bitterness], one must initially break free from the restrictions of the dao fruit."
"After seeing the [Sea of Bitterness], one has the means for [Chasing the Dao]. There are countless dao fruits between heaven and earth; choose one to chase. If successful, one can use it to Attain the Dao."
"This is the Dao path of a perfected lord."
"If chosen wrong, then one will forever be a Dao Chaser—seeking but not obtaining, until finally, the body dies and the Dao dissipates... Which kind of person does you think you will be?"
Speaking of this, Immortal Venerable Taiyin suddenly smiled.
A cold smile, like a celestial fairy who doesn't eat the food of mortals. In the next second, it shattered like a dream bubble, as if it had never existed.
Only a faint lingering sound remained on the spot:
"Foolish Junior Brother, the Ancestor specifically sent you here. Don't disappoint me... Go to the sixth layer and keep climbing upward. I'll wait for you to come see me on the ninth layer."
Lu Yang lowered his eyelids, making his expression unclear.
What trick is she playing? Acting like Saint Sect disciples have deep sibling affection, loving each other like brothers and sisters... Does she think it's my first day out here?
What secret is on the ninth layer of the Celestial Court?
Thinking about it, Lu Yang's expression gradually became strange. Speaking of which, Immortal Venerable Taiyin's situation was obviously much better than [Sky-Shrouding]'s.
Is this normal?
If the Celestial Court is so good, why didn't [Sky-Shrouding] come?
If my expectation isn't wrong, this Saint Sect Senior Sister probably has some restriction on her that she cannot shake off, just like [Sky-Shrouding] trapped in the Netherworld.
What restriction?
Thinking of this, Lu Yang was instantly horrified:
That nameless Dao Lord who evolved the Celestial Court with just a corpse... could he not be completely dead?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 629: The Dao Lord's Head!
Rumble!
Accompanying a loud noise that only a Dao Chaser could hear, the [Sea of Bitterness]opened wide. Lu Yang, bringing Patriarch Nether Whisper and [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon], returned to reality.
Upon landing, Lu Yang looked up.
It was late at night. In the pitch-black sky, a bright moon hung high, curved like a smile, as if someone was smiling down at him, making him feel a wave of discomfort.
What should he do next?
Although [Perfected One Vanquishing-Demon]'s strength had greatly improved and his own trump card was in place, his situation had become worse and more confusing.
Thinking of this, Lu Yang deployed the [Righteous Dao Banner].
Immediately following, a figure walked out from it, looking at Lu Yang with eyes full of fervor. The next second after appearing, he knelt on the ground with a plop:
"Greetings, My Lord!"
Lu Yang hurriedly reached out to lift him up in the air. "Fellow Daoist Banshan, why perform such a great ceremony? Polite, you're too polite! Please rise quickly; you truly make me feel unworthy."
Before, Banshan would have risen with the flow. However, now he had figured it out. Therefore, not only did he not rise, but he became even more respectful: "Please give your orders, My Lord. Banshan will definitely do his utmost to achieve them. I only beg My Lord to give Banshan a trace of opportunity to Attain the Dao in the future..."
After speaking, he looked at Lu Yang eagerly.
After all, facts speak louder than words. Just now, Wu Daoxuan, a mid-tier Unorthodox perfected lord in the Unorthodox Alliance, whose strength was even inferior to him—
And the result?
He is now a noble Orthodox Lord!
Thinking of this, Banshan was mad with envy. An Orthodox Immortal Lord... He really, really dreamed of being an Orthodox Immortal Lord. He wanted it so badly!
Seeing this, Lu Yang could only wave his hand:
"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. If I have a bite of meat to eat, you'll all have a mouthful of soup to drink. Given time, I'll definitely lead everyone to prosperity. Everyone will have an orthodox position!"
Banshan was immediately overjoyed: "Many thanks, my lord!"
If it were someone else, he would still scoff. But Lu Yang had a successful case. Since this big pie was drawn, he believed Lu Yang could make it!
Seeing that morale was high, Lu Yang nodded and continued, "Fellow Daoist was previously the Unorthodox Alliance Leader. I wonder if you have been to the upper layers of the Celestial Court?"
Banshan was stunned upon hearing this, then nodded. "Although not permanent resident... but if I have to say, I have been there. But not me, it was my great-grandfather. He integrated all Unorthodox perfected lords at that time, unified the currency, and issued the Unorthodox Immortal Talisman, thus receiving an audience with the upper layers."
"Is there a record?" Lu Yang asked.
"No." Banshan sighed. "The upper layers do not allow any records to be brought to the lower layers, so information about the upper layers is only passed down by word of mouth in my lineage."
"Then tell me about it."
Lu Yang formed a hand seal. The [Righteous Dao Banner] instantly surged with vast purple qi, which then transformed into objects like a tea pavilion, tables, and chairs. Several people took their seats one by one.
Banshan didn't hide anything either and said straightforwardly, "According to my great-grandfather's description, the upper layers, which are above the sixth layer of the Celestial Court, are essentially one body!"
"In other words, except for the ninth layer, the sixth, seventh, and eighth layers are actually all in one space. Although there are differences in high and low positions, the gap is far less than that between the first and second layers below. Compared to the gap between our fifth and sixth layers, it can be regarded as one continent."
Lu Yang nodded. "Then above the sixth layer, how many immortal lords are there?"
"Not sure."
Banshan shook his head. "There are actually many changes in the upper layers. Immortal lords rise and fall. The immortal lords of my great-grandfather's generation may not necessarily be alive now."
"However..."
Speaking of this, Banshan seemed to think of something and said, "My great-grandfather also said that above the sixth layer, there are only four lords who will never fall."
As soon as these words came out, Lu Yang instantly narrowed his eyes.
Never fall?
Middle Stage Immortal Lord!
"Tell me in detail, which four?"
"They are Immortal Lord Duxuan who holds the [Sun and Moon Realm], Immortal Lord Tianshu who resides in [Pure Heaven], Immortal Lord Yanxiu who possesses the [Dharma Teaching Land], and Immortal Lord Mingtang who founded the [Spiritual Mechanism Hall]."
Banshan said in a deep voice, "It is said that they have all reached the realm where they view immortal talismans as dirt..."
[Financial Freedom]!
Lu Yang stroked his chin upon hearing this. If he would have been bluffed by these words before, now he had a deeper understanding of them.
The Celestial Court's Middle Stage Immortal Lords and Early Stage Immortal Lords are probably not the same concept.
Early Stage Immortal Lords were essentially similar to Unorthodox cultivators like Banshan, all relying on the [Money] concept to buy and sell dao fruits. Their cultivation was like rootless water.
However, Middle Stage Immortal Lords were different.
Immortal talismans themselves are just waste paper. It is the means of production behind them that endow them with value... This is the true meaning of [Financial Freedom].
Simply put:
The Celestial Court's Middle Stage Immortal Lords didn't achieve the Middle Stage because of [Financial Freedom], but because they were Middle Stage Immortal Lords themselves, mastering massive amounts of means of production, which allowed them to achieve [Financial Freedom]... So they are definitely not straw bags like the Early Stage Immortal Lords!
Lu Yang quickly clarified his thoughts:
Initially, or rather during the Thousand-Year Great Tribulation five thousand years ago, the [Money] dao fruit should not have appeared yet. The Celestial Court was still like the Immortal Nexus.
However, after the Thousand-Year Great Tribulation, everything changed.
The Supreme Dao Fruit Immortal Lord of the Celestial Court, that Taiyang Immortal Lord, was slain. Then Immortal Venerable Taiyin turned out to rule the Celestial Court with the [Money] dao fruit.
At that time, the Celestial Court should still have had some Middle Stage Immortal Lords who achieved success through the normal path.
But after that, Immortal Venerable Taiyin ruled the world. During this period, some inevitably fell, some surrendered, and finally, the current pattern of the nine layers of the Celestial Court was formed.
And those ancient Middle Stage Immortal Lords also transformed one after another, packaging their realm with [Financial Freedom].
This is a pit!
Lu Yang sighed in his heart:
Those Early Stage Immortal Lords are still foolishly earning money, thinking that having more money can achieve [Financial Freedom]. In fact, it is simply impossible!
Because immortal talismans would depreciate, and the fluctuation of the exchange rate was just a word from those Middle Stage Immortal Lords. The current rules of the Celestial Court were set by them.
Under their rules, how could anyone surpass them?
This set of methods... is simply the Saint Sect's three-step approach. Forcibly turning the Celestial Court into this state, the path to the Middle Stage is blocked, almost completely abolished!
Middle Stage Immortal Lords sit high above, making rules.
But so what?
The foundation of immortal talismans lay solely with Immortal Venerable Taiyin. To put it bluntly, this Saint Sect Senior Sister turned the entire Celestial Court Great World into her pasture!
Harming all living beings to supplement one person.
Very much like a Saint Sect!
Lu Yang shook his head, then flicked his sleeves and stood up, putting away the [Righteous Dao Banner], and said solemnly, "Fellow Daoist, prepare yourself. I'll take you to the upper layers."
He decided.
He was going to this ninth layer of the Celestial Court!
Hiding is unavoidable. Might as well face the difficulties head-on. In this life, master as much intelligence as possible. Even if I die, it will definitely be useful for the next life.
The [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes] was Lu Yang's greatest confidence.
With this thought, Lu Yang looked up at the layers above the sixth layer of the Celestial Court. Suddenly, he frowned slightly... Before seeing the [Sea of Bitterness], he didn't feel anything wrong.
However, after seeing the [Sea of Bitterness], the originally ordinary sixth layer suddenly underwent an inexplicable change in his eyes. It was like brushing away a layer of thin gauze, allowing him to re-examine the upper layers of the Celestial Court from a more "real" angle... Gradually, Lu Yang's expression changed.
Why does this sixth layer look like a face?
Yes! A face!
The more Lu Yang looked, the more it resembled one. That was a broad face, overlooking below the sixth layer of the Celestial Court just like that, carrying a chilling sense of treacherousness.
Whose face?
Dao Lord!
After the nameless Dao Lord died, his corpse opened up the Celestial Court... Therefore, above the sixth layer of the Celestial Court—up to the ninth layer—was probably formed by the head of the nameless Dao Lord!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 630: I Desire Void Attainment!
Soon, under Lu Yang's call, the news that the Unorthodox Alliance was about to march into the sixth layer quickly spread everywhere. Along with it, the exchange rate of the Unorthodox immortal talisman even rose.
Immediately afterward, the Unorthodox Alliance's report requesting ascension was submitted to the upper layers.
After all, ascending to the sixth layer was not a trivial matter. It wasn't enough for the Unorthodox Alliance to have sufficient strength; it also required layers of approval.
Property, credit, liquid funds, and finally the strength of the Unorthodox Alliance. All conditions had to be met to obtain the admission ticket to the sixth layer. Since the Unorthodox Alliance had seven Unorthodox perfected lords, they were always stuck on the first three conditions. It wasn't until Lu Yang joined that they finally met the standards.
Celestial Court, Seventh Layer, Sun and Moon Realm.
As the name suggests, this place is the habitat of the Celestial Court's sun and moon. Except for the ninth layer, the day and night of the entire Celestial Court are under the manipulation of the Sun and Moon Realm.
Whenever the rising sun walks out from it and rotates across the sky curtain, the Celestial Court is in daytime. And when the sun sets and the moon rises, it is nighttime. Legend has it that this pair of sun and moon are the eyes of Immortal Lord Duxuan, and they are the supreme treasure that allows him to rank under Immortal Venerable Taiyin and monitor the changes inside and outside the Celestial Court.
At this moment, Immortal Lord Duxuan was listening to a report.
"After the Carefree Talisman incident, the Unorthodox Alliance began to advocate going to the sixth layer. Preliminary judgment is that they really intend to do so, not just to raise the Unorthodox immortal talisman."
"Is that so."
Immortal Lord Duxuan looked calm. "These domestic cubs, it seems they have also developed ambitions... Have the details of that Perfected Lord Ming He been investigated clearly?"
"Replying to My Lord, not yet."
The reporting immortal lord shook his head. "This person has no cause and no effect, as if he jumped out of thin air. Currently, we are still searching the outer heaven light sea..."
Hearing this, Immortal Lord Duxuan frowned instantly. "Searching the outer heaven light sea? Outer heaven is boundless; how long will that take? No need for such trouble... I designate a place: the Immortal Nexus! Search for cause and effect in the direction of the Immortal Nexus. I suspect this person should be a demon from the Immortal Nexus."
The reporting immortal lord was instantly shocked:
"How is that possible... Even if a demon from the Immortal Nexus is audacious, they couldn't be arrogant enough to come alone to my Celestial Court, right? Is he not afraid of death?"
"Hmph... that's hard to say."
Immortal Lord Duxuan twitched the corner of his mouth and didn't answer. Instead, he silently glanced at the ninth layer above his head, where Immortal Venerable Taiyin's Dao Domain was located.
He had suspected it a long time ago.
After all, his own Immortal Venerable Taiyin also appeared out of nowhere back then, just like that Perfected Lord Ming He now, with no background to be found no matter how much investigation was done...
If they all come from the Immortal Nexus, that would be terrifying!
Immortal Lord Duxuan lowered his eyelids, but his thoughts turned: But then again... if it's really as I expected, actually I could also be an Immortal Nexus person...
Thinking of this, Immortal Lord Duxuan made a decision:
"No need to stop them. Since the Unorthodox Alliance wants to come up, then let them come up."
Meanwhile, in other places on the seventh layer.
[Pure Heaven], [Dharma Teaching Land], [Spiritual Mechanism Hall]. After careful consideration, the remaining three Middle Stage Immortal Lords of the Celestial Court made the same decision as Immortal Lord Duxuan.
"Let the Unorthodox Alliance come up."
"That Perfected Lord Ming He is very interesting. I want to meet him."
"The great war with the Immortal Nexus is about to begin. We are just short of a batch of cannon fodder. Letting these Unorthodox perfected lords take the lead is not a bad thing."
On this day, Lu Yang manifested his figure.
Below him was the headquarters of the Unorthodox Alliance, Mengwei City, while above his head was the sixth layer of the Celestial Court, with that face overlooking heaven and earth making people shudder.
Vaguely, Lu Yang also saw many immortal lords gathered on the sixth layer.
"My Lord, the application result is out."
Banshan stood beside Lu Yang and said excitedly, "After discussion, the approval from the Sun and Moon Realm, Pure Heaven, Dharma Teaching Land, and Spiriual Mechanism Hall has been decided."
"Application approved, ascension permitted!"
In the next second, Banshan took out a jade slip with the seal of the Heaven and Earth Immortal Bank. The concept of permitting ascension instantly spread in all directions.
Instantly, cheers were like thunder!
After all, which cultivator in the lower layers didn't want to go to the sixth layer to enjoy the superior cultivation resources of the upper layers, making the road of the Immortal Dao broader from then on?
For a time, the price of the Unorthodox immortal talisman also ushered in a surge.
"Everyone, this is just the beginning."
Lu Yang stood at the very front and smiled slightly. "Next, please follow me to make the Unorthodox Alliance bigger and stronger, creating glory again on the sixth layer!"
"Greetings, Alliance Leader!"
At this moment, the cheers shook the sky!
After all, with the foundation of the Carefree Talisman incident, the current Lu Yang was a prominent figure not only in the lower layers of the Celestial Court but even in the upper layers.
Who didn't know that a god of immortal talisman speculation had emerged from the Unorthodox Alliance? Not only did he manipulate things to kill an immortal lord who had hope of achieving [Financial Freedom], but he even spent a huge sum to buy an Orthodox dao fruit for his subordinate. Now he was leading the Unorthodox Alliance to march into the sixth-layer market.
Many immortal lords were optimistic about the prospects of the Unorthodox Alliance because of this.
Especially several immortal lords who were not well-off financially came personally to watch the ceremony, just waiting for the Unorthodox Alliance to ascend so they could ask Lu Yang for investment advice.
"Uproot the city, ascend!"
Following Lu Yang's order, a group of Unorthodox perfected lords formed hand seals simultaneously. The entire Mengwei City rose from the ground accordingly, ascending towards the sixth layer of the Celestial Court!
Rumble!
At this moment, Lu Yang saw with his own eyes that the treacherous face above the sixth layer slowly opened its mouth. The pitch-black hole made one's scalp numb uncontrollably.
That was the "Ascension Channel."
The so-called ascension to the sixth layer was actually drilling oneself into that bloody mouth. It would be fine if not seen, but seeing it caused some doubts in one's heart.
Could it be sending a sheep into a tiger's mouth?
That being said, Lu Yang showed no hesitation on his face. The Unorthodox Alliance flew towards that bloody mouth. In the next second, the field of vision suddenly opened up.
"We're in!"
Lu Yang looked around and found that the treacherous face had disappeared, replaced by a magnificent scene. Thick and sweet spiritual qi spread between heaven and earth.
"Congratulations to fellow daoists!"
At the same time, around the newly ascended Unorthodox Alliance, rays of light and shadow emerged. They were the various immortal lords of the Celestial Court, all with smiles on their faces.
The leader was none other than Immortal Lord Qingyang.
This immortal lord had been in high spirits recently. After all, he made a wise decision back then, choosing to leave the market decisively while Immortal Lord Gu Ming was still struggling on his deathbed.
As a result, not only did he fill all losses, but he also made a big profit, allowing him to replace Immortal Lord Gu Ming's original position in one fell swoop. His status rose with the tide, and the [Money] concept surrounding him also expanded significantly. Therefore, the look he gave Lu Yang now was fervent to the extreme.
The God of Wealth is here!
Seeing this, Lu Yang also smiled and returned the greeting. "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Qingyang. I am new here; please look after me in the future."
"Too Polite! You're too polite!"
Immortal Lord Qingyang waved his hand and said attentively, "I only hope that now Fellow Daoist Ming He has come to the upper layers, you won't forget me when you have a way to get rich. I would be endlessly grateful."
"Isn't this a coincidence?"
Lu Yang shook his head, then looked at the group of immortal lords who came to watch the ceremony and said in a magnificent voice, "I happen to have a big project in hand right now."
"I just short of a startup fund, then the profit will roll, and the return will be no less than the Carefree Talisman!"
"If fellow daoists are interested, we can talk in detail privately."
"In addition, I will usually share investment methods and give pointers on money-making techniques within the Unorthodox Alliance. Fellow daoists are also welcome to pay a fee to join the alliance and audit."
Lu Yang's words quickly spread throughout the entire upper layer of the Celestial Court.
In the past, most immortal lords would have scoffed. After all, how could getting rich be so easy? But the person speaking was Lu Yang, so it was different.
The impact of the Carefree Talisman hadn't passed yet.
To this day, the immortal lords who used to attach themselves to Immortal Lord Gu Ming and listened to his words to speculate on the Carefree Talisman were still destitute, almost falling from their realm.
Many immortal clan sects also saw their assets shrink significantly because of this.
This was only because the foundation of the upper layers of the Celestial Court was deep enough, plus four [Financially Free] Middle Stage Immortal Lords were in charge, that no major chaos occurred.
With such achievements, who wouldn't believe Lu Yang when he said he had another big project? Especially after seeing Immortal Lord Qingyang sign up first, many immortal lords began to mutter. They could not make money, but if Immortal Lord Qingyang made a big profit again, it would be more uncomfortable than them not making money!
For a time, rumors surged.
Although most immortal lords ultimately held their status and chose to watch, three or four immortal lords nearing bankruptcy chose to contact Lu Yang.
Everyone was looking forward to it.
After all, with the lesson of the Carefree Talisman, everyone was very vigilant about similar situations now. Under these circumstances, how could Lu Yang help everyone make money?
"Making money? You're joking."
Inside the Unorthodox Alliance, more than ten immortal lords formed a circle, surrounding Lu Yang in the center like stars arching around the moon.
Besides the six Unorthodox perfected lords of the Unorthodox Alliance, there was also the newly promoted Orthodox Wu Daoxuan—now Immortal Lord Daoxuan—as well as Immortal Lord Qingyang and the three Orthodox immortal lords he dragged along. A full eleven people, all looking at Lu Yang with eager, fervent, and expectant eyes.
However, as Lu Yang's voice fell.
Everyone revealed expressions of doubt. What did he mean? Could it be that what he said before was all a gimmick, and he actually had no way to help them make money and get rich?
"You all think too simply."
Lu Yang smiled slightly upon seeing this. "Everyone, be honest. In the current situation, does speculating on immortal talismans still have a future? It's already very difficult to get rich overnight again."
"Hmm..."
Hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought, then also revealed helpless looks. Indeed, the entire immortal talisman market had been beaten into a slump by the Carefree Talisman.
Under these circumstances, no one would enter the market.
Even if they entered, they would definitely be like birds startled by the mere twang of a bow, jittery with fear. To replicate the miracle of the Carefree Talisman, there was definitely no hope in the short term.
"Then what should we do?"
Immortal Lord Qingyang spoke first, "Fellow Daoist Ming He, no need to keep us in suspense. Just say it straight. We all paid membership fees to come and listen to the class."
"Right, right!" Other Orthodox immortal lords also spoke up one after another.
Hearing this, Lu Yang glanced at Immortal Lord Qingyang and the three Orthodox immortal lords who came with him, knowing clearly in his heart. These few immortal lords were either short of money or had no money, basically all in a state of eager desire to get rich... Such people were the easiest to manipulate and bewitch.
Thinking of this, he instantly chuckled:
"In that case, I won't hide it from fellow daoists... The Immortal Nexus, you all know it, right? That is a treasure land, with treasures everywhere."
"What does Fellow Daoist mean?" Immortal Lord Qingyang's gaze condensed slightly.
Only then did Lu Yang finally get to the main topic, whispering, "I have a way in the Immortal Nexus... The risk is a bit high, but the profit is very high."
"So-called seeking wealth in danger."
"If fellow daoists have the guts, we split seventy-thirty after success. How about it?"
As his voice fell, the whole hall was silent.
Immortal Lord Qingyang and others widened their eyes directly, almost screaming out.
The immortal lords present were not fools. Hearing Lu Yang speak so clearly, and associating it with his origin from the outer heavens, they immediately realized:
This person... is a demon from the Immortal Nexus!?
Immediately following, what made Immortal Lord Qingyang's heart even colder was that even though such words were spoken, the perfected lords of the Unorthodox Alliance present showed no emotional fluctuation at all.
...Not good!
Immortal Lord Qingyang instantly felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, looking at Lu Yang with eyes full of fear. After all, telling him such a big secret was forcing him into a corner!
Especially after seeing the hall's portal sealed dead, Immortal Lord Qingyang was even more startled: If I don't agree, will these smelly Unorthodox cultivators around immediately attack in a swarm and capture me? He made a big profit relying on the Carefree Talisman. With his financial power, I'm afraid I have no chance of winning.
This is getting on a pirate ship... Bitter indeed!
However, in the next second, Lu Yang revealed a smile: "Alright, alright, everyone relax. Don't scare our honored guests. We are here to make money."
As his voice fell, the [Righteous Dao Banner]also emerged behind Lu Yang.
The [Enlightenment] divine wonder mixed in his voice, like an invisible big hand quickly soothing the shock and fear on the faces of Immortal Lord Qingyang and others.
Seeing this scene, Lu Yang's smile became more sincere:
"Don't misunderstand, everyone. It's not that I can't do this business myself. The reason I said it is mainly to see how big your guts are."
"Of course, if you don't want to do it, that's fine too. Come sign a contract, promising to voluntarily gift all property under your names, including dao fruits, to us. We take your property and can risk our lives on your behalf. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"
As his voice fell, the [Enlightenment] divine wonder was also driven to the extreme!
For a time, the expressions of Immortal Lord Qingyang and others became a bit trance-like, feeling that what Lu Yang said made so much sense, making people uncontrollably want to agree with him.
No... that's wrong!
Immortal Lord Qingyang's pupils shrank suddenly, his face a bit distorted, almost subconsciously about to burst out his aura. But in the next second, his eyes became bewildered again:
"Righteous Dao, cannot kill indiscriminately. I... I should contribute to the Righteous Dao?"
"Right, right, right!" Lu Yang nodded. "Everything we do is an act of upholding the Righteous Dao. Fellow Daoist should naturally contribute money and effort for my Righteous Dao."
"You should know, nowadays the Demonic Path is rampant in the world, and the Righteous Dao is weak. I established the Righteous Dao to change all this. I just short of a startup fund, waiting for you to join. As long as you enter my Righteous Dao Banner, we will be a family from now on, upholding the Righteous Dao together!"
Under Lu Yang's systematic guidance, Immortal Lord Qingyang's expression gradually returned to normal.
"Hey! What Fellow Daoist said is very true!"
"To uphold the Righteous Dao, one should sacrifice the small self to fulfill the greater self. Money is merely a worldly possession—discard it! How can it be mentioned in the same breath as the Righteous Dao?"
As his voice fell, Immortal Lord Qingyang took a step forward.
Just like that, he left his spiritual power aura on the contract. The other three Orthodox immortal lords were also treated in the same way by Lu Yang, their faces full of righteous awe.
However, if one looked closely, they would find that the four were already sweating profusely.
This... what kind of evil art is this!
The terror in Immortal Lord Qingyang's eyes was the thickest. Clearly he still had self-awareness, yet he was completely controlled—as if a second person had appeared in his body!
He's absolutely an Immortal Nexus demon! And a demon among demons... from the Primordial Saint Sect?
At the same time, Banshan and others also watched with numb scalps. What domineering means! Fortunately, we were loyal to begin with; My Lord doesn't need to use it on us.
But soon, they became excited.
Because after Immortal Lord Qingyang and others voluntarily stripped their dao fruits, they were the ones responsible for taking over! A full four Orthodox dao fruits—simply pies falling from the sky!
In the next second, everyone swarmed up.
And as soon as Banshan and others threw away their respective Unorthodox dao fruits with disgust and changed into noble orthodox dao fruits, Lu Yang also revealed a smile.
Rainbow Talent—[Disciple Becomes the Master's Standard]!
A massive amount of dao comprehension swarmed in!
Four Orthodox immortal lords, with dao fruits covering the four lineages of Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, and Jueyin. The corresponding dao comprehension almost instantly filled Lu Yang.
At this moment, enlightenment suddenly arose in Lu Yang's heart:
The current me... perhaps can attempt void attainment.
No need to directly attain a complete dao fruit; he couldn't do that yet. But if it was just attaining an embryonic Dao Fruit through void attainment, he felt he had great hope!
As long as I can find a way to trap a few more immortal lords and obtain the dao fruits and dao comprehension of the Shaoyin and Taiyin lineages, gathering the Six Qi of the Celestial Court... Then with the [Dao Opening Diagram], I can greatly deduce the method of the nameless Dao Lord evolving the Six Qi and twenty-four dao fruits back then, integrate the Six Qi, and attain a dao fruit through void attainment!
(End of Chapter)