Killing Dao Fruit
Chapter 290 - 287: Stirring Up Trouble!

Chapter 290: Chapter 287: Stirring Up Trouble!

Bearing the resplendent galaxy, suspended high atop an immortal mountain within the "Ziwei Heavenly Palace."

Light!

Golden light!

Before Wang Yuan, who walked alone through the palace gate, there was only the brilliant, penetrating golden light that spanned heaven and earth.

Ring after ring of the "Merit Golden Wheel" stretched almost to the end of the great hall; there were simply too many to count, the splendid radiance a magnificent sight to behold.

This was also the first time Wang Yuan had seen the "Merit Golden Wheel" formed from "Yin Morality" on someone other than himself—a "living person."

"Yin Morality" is bestowed by heaven, a blessing resulting from "Heavenly People Perception"; Human Willpower originates from the Human Dao, and together they embody the "Unity of Heaven and Man," which can immunize Magicians from Dragon Energy.

In other words: first, to be endowed with Merit; second, to be revered by all people; and third, to be born human.

These three conditions gathered together could prove that such a person would neither harm this realm of Heaven and Earth nor endanger the lives of the populace.

Naturally, one would be able to move freely within the "Dragon Qi Prohibition," unrestrained by desire.

The greater the Merit, the more sufficient the popular will, the higher one’s privileges within the "Dragon Qi Prohibition."

However, the latter two conditions are manageable, but "Yin Morality" is only tallied after death unless one uses Wang Yuan’s "Small Book of Life and Death," which precludes accessing it during life.

Probably only these "Corpse Dissection Immortals," destined to never die, could amass it while still living.

Similarly, obtaining the ability to ignore the constraints of "Dragon Qi Prohibition."

And because that golden light was so dazzling, Wang Yuan failed to notice the "Great Fate," whose eyes shone with interest, seated within the golden radiance.

More precisely, it was the "Merit Golden Wheel" with a million Yin Morality at his back that he silently noted:

"This newly appointed ’Gold Star Taibai’ really brings continuous surprises to me.

At first the ’Body-Shining Treasure Mirror’ nearly collapsed.

It’s unclear whether he condensed the ’Merit Golden Wheel’ under his newfound authority after claiming the Divine Position of ’King Yanluo,’ or if he already achieved it on his own.

But regardless, ’Nine Soldiers’ doesn’t concern itself with one’s background. With a million Merit as proof, he’s definitely not a malevolent person, and that’s enough."

"Moreover, after Taibai founded the hierarchical system for the Yin Department, we could also try to allow other members to concurrently hold positions among the Yin Department Ghost Gods.

Not to mention anything else, just condensing ’Yin Morality’ into a ’Merit Golden Wheel’ and thereby attaining the state of ’Unity of Heaven and Man.’

This alone could grant them untold conveniences while acting in the Mortal World, amounting to a strategic qualitative change.

This is far more valuable than just a singular Heavenly Department Divine Position!"

"Good, good, I can hardly contain my fondness for this young man now, ha... cough..."

It was only when Wang Yuan quietly closed his "Dharma Eye" that he could see a breathtaking beauty of indeterminate age seated upon the cloud bed in the middle of the hall.

Clad in a red dress that seemed ablaze, she nevertheless radiated elegance, majestic and dignified, rivaling the sun and the moon.

Even accustomed to the beautiful women at home, Wang Yuan couldn’t help but be dazzled.

"Star Lord Taibai pays his respects to Great Fate!"

As he bowed deeply to the Great Fate, he also murmured to himself:

"With an impressive appearance and demeanor, surely this ’Corpse Dissection Immortal’ must have been a virtuous lady of high standing prior to her Enlightenment.

She seems likely to be agreeable.

I was worried for nothing due to Old Xu’s hesitant manner earlier. I must give him a good talking-to when I leave."

The Great Fate smiled tenderly, gesturing with a light wave of her hand:

"Taibai, no need for formalities here, there’s no need to be reserved.

We, the ’Nine Soldiers,’ are comrades who share the same goals in working for the greater good of the Human Clan, not like the hierarchical vassal kingdoms or dogmatic Sects that forfeit everything they have.

Here, think of it as your own home."

This "Corpse Dissection Immortal," standing at the pinnacle of the world, seemed entirely devoid of the aloofness Wang Yuan had imagined, favoring the human touch over the divine essence.

In making him feel warmly welcomed, she also instilled a sense of honored humility.

Yet, on reflection, it made perfect sense.

In this world, those pure "Immortals" were madmen, while the pure "Gods" were clay idols; it was the "Humans" who were the most rational.

Cultivators, no matter what Dao Skill they practiced, must utilize various "Earth Spirit Qi" to counteract the "Heavenly Spirit Qi."

As in the "Heavenly Department Dao Skill • Earthly Que Golden Book," the Red Seal Stage requires "Official Energy," the Yellow Seal Stage requires "General Qi," and the Green Seal Stage requires "Prince Qi."

Once the mortal constitution is gone, so go these things.

Even though the cultivators of this world have become immortal "Corpse Dissection Immortals," they still need Red Dust Qi and are eternally dependent on those seemingly insignificant mortals.

Such mutual interests are the most reliable alliances, far more dependable than any supposed racial or ethical bonds.

This interdependent relationship also essentially makes these Immortals a group willing to shed their pretenses, Red Dust Immortals or, in other words, Immortals cloaked in human flesh...Humans!

Perhaps this is the true essence of why all Immortals are made of mortal stock.

The Great Fate continued:

"Taibai, you’re aware that the Great Yan Dynasty is on the brink of collapse, placing the Human Clan in dire peril.

Beyond the Heavenly Gate, we ’Corpse Dissection Immortals’ stand guard against the ’Heavenly Officials.’

We still have the strength to use the ’Myriad Phenomena Heavenly Net’ to oversee the world, keeping the turmoil within a relatively controllable extent.

For our new members just joining the ’Nine Soldiers,’ there aren’t too many mandatory requirements.

Apart from tasks arranged by the ’Nine Soldiers,’ you could primarily focus on slaying Demons and Ghosts, and sabotaging established demon forces to prevent them from amassing power.

Each operation entitles you to an allowance, and the ’Myriad Phenomena Heavenly Net’ will automatically record it to ensure no merit is lost.

Anything available in this realm, the armory of the ’Nine Soldiers’ will likely have eighty percent of it; you will not be disappointed."

Upon hearing the details of the mission, Wang Yuan’s spirits immediately lifted, and he nodded in agreement:

"Understood, so the main task is to stir up trouble for demons and deceit monsters? I’m adept at that!"

"That’s right, it’s exactly about causing trouble."

Great Fate gave him a look of approval, as though he was a teachable youngster.

As an ancient who had lived for an unknown number of years, and as a Corpse Dissection Immortal at the forefront of the Human Clan’s liberation front,

she was clearly a staunch hawkish figure who esteemed classic Confucian thought.

Confucianism, which had ruled over the spirit world of Great Yan for thousands of years, obviously couldn’t have produced only modest gentlemen.

In the era of "Hundred Schools of Thought" and when Red County Divine Land uniquely revered Confucianism, what was esteemed was the Gongyang School that established the "Literary Dragon Technique."

And the core of the Gongyang School had two main points:

One was unification – under the heavens, all land is the king’s; along the shores of the land, everyone is the king’s subject.

The other was about grand revenge – enmities of nine generations could still be avenged.

Thoughts always served the ruling class of the dynasty. In the era when the "Gongyang School" held sway, it was often a time when the nation was aggressively expanding and actively pioneering.

Therefore, it could be said that Great Yan had been a martially virtuous and combative nation since ancient times.

This long-standing tide of thought also influenced the entirety of "Nine Soldiers," which was rooted in "Slaughter Science."

Regardless of the Immortal Official, their nature was most likely not of the type inclined to convince with virtue.

"Giant Gate Star Lord mentioned that you and the second prince of Great Yan have taken over Dengzhou Prefecture and can be considered a vassal lord.

I will test your knowledge of causing trouble. You, tell me what is the King’s Way? What is the Domineering Way? And what is the way of the gentleman?"

Wang Yuan, whose thinking became sharper the higher his realm, only pondered briefly before he replied:

"The so-called King’s Way is to mess with those who don’t submit. The Domineering Way is to mess with that person even if they do submit!

The way of the gentleman is to give a heads-up before causing trouble, lest anyone blames us for punishing without teaching!"

A smile had already appeared on the beautiful lips of Great Fate, who then asked:

"Dengzhou Prefecture is bordered by Tanhuan and Moluo, two small nations. If such a small nation provokes you and attempts to profit from Great Yan’s civil unrest, how would you deal with them?"

"A small nation that does not act humbly, weak yet not fearing the strong, impolitely insults their greater neighbor, covetous and bungles alliances, they are ripe for destruction!"

"And how exactly would you execute this plan?"

Wang Yuan chuckled mischievously:

"I seem to have a soldier who wandered off, might have to go find him in your country!"

At this point, both of them exchanged glances, revealing a very... "nuclearly hydrogenous," no, a very hearty smile.

Although it was their first meeting, they felt like kindred spirits, as if lamenting not having met sooner.

After chatting for a few more sentences, Wang Yuan took his leave with a bow.

As he was about to step out the door, a voice suddenly rang out from behind him:

"Qianshan, my real name is Ruan Hongxiao. When no one’s around, you can just call me Sister Ruan.

Go on, Giant Gate will show you around Pengxuan Grotto Heaven."

Wang Yuan, who never knew what politeness was, immediately took advantage of the moment to reply.

"Ok then, Sister, you keep busy. Next time, I’ll bring some local specialty from Dengzhou to visit you again."

Once the hall returned to silence,

the voice of Cloud Lord could suddenly be heard:

"Tsk, tsk, this guy’s body is filled with five Qi like a flood dragon, absolutely a genius in practicing the Five Thunders Skill.

If he joined my Thunder Department, he might be able to soar to the skies in no time. What a pity."

He knew he couldn’t compete with Great Fate for the man, and after a sigh, he changed the subject:

"About my earlier proposal, what do you think now?"

"Oh, you’re referring to the higher-level driving force of the Jade Mansion Thunder Pivot? I do have some ideas."

The Jade Mansion Thunder Pivot was Nine Soldiers’ third most important research achievement, after "Dragon Qi Prohibition" and "Taoist Military Skill."

It was a masterpiece that directly eroded the Killing Tree.

Once the knowledge contamination corresponding to Killing Dao Fruit was eliminated, it could provide energy for all the magical creations in the world.

However, varieties like "Killing Thieves," "Supply," and "No-Life" were not very useful. If a larger specimen could be found, it might bring about a qualitative change.

"You have a lead? Do tell!"

Great Fate, not knowing where she got a bottle from, took a big gulp for herself, blowing out a fragrant breath of wine, her face smiling somewhat liberally:

"As we both know, the highest grade of Killing Dao Fruit, the No-Life Fruit, is essentially the Heavenly Official themselves hanging on the tree.

Even a small part sliced from them would be sufficient.

The only concern is where we can find such quality goods!"

While saying this, she pointed her delicate fingers towards the northwest.

Cloud Lord’s eyebrows shot up:

"Hmm? You mean..."

"That’s right, it’s exactly what you’re thinking. Although the Mortal World is in chaos now, it’s still not chaotic enough; without a great temptation, Heavenly Officials are unlikely to risk life and death to come forward.

But there’s a place that has already met most of the conditions.

They want a blood sacrifice, don’t they? Let’s just combine our efforts, and when the time comes, we can take advantage of the situation and share the spoils!"

Soon after, following a private whisper between the two Corpse Dissection Immortals, the hall again echoed with eerie, cackling laughter.

Such spine-chilling laughter would probably unsettle even the Heavenly Officials if they heard it, wouldn’t it?