Chapter 162: The Lord of the Xian Alliance is the Lord; Dripping Water Grotto

Among the cultivators guarding the Grotto-Heaven was a son of the Yuan family, Yuan Qi; he was not the kind of fool like Yuan Wu, but rather one of the smart ones among the Yuan family's new generation.

Seeing Wang Yulou leave the Grotto-Heaven, Yuan Qi's eyes rolled, and he found an excuse to skip work, heading to the depths of the Yuan Dao to report the news.

"You say Wang Yulou and Lin Ying left the Grotto-Heaven together?" Yuan Dao Shen was somewhat startled by this suddenly acquired news.

He did not know whether to praise Yuan Qi for being too clever or to scold him for trying too hard to show off.

So in the end, he merely waved his hand, dismissed Yuan Qi, and continued his cultivation.

However, the profound experience unique to Foundation Establishment cultivators was like a venomous snake in his heart.

The echo of the snake's hiss constantly surfaced in Yuan Dao Shen's mind, disturbing him so much that he could not enter a state of cultivation.

After a long while, Yuan Dao Shen opened his eyes, summoned a command token, and threw it directly outside the hall.

The command token bore only one character—Come!

In a moment, Yuan Zhengju arrived at Elder Dao Shen's place of cultivation.

The spiritual energy of the divine technique expanded infinitely, and purple spiritual energy enveloped the two Yuan family Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"Just now, Yuan Qi, who was guarding the entrance and exit of the Grotto-Heaven, came to report that Wang Yulou took Lin Ying and left the Grotto-Heaven. Zheng Ju, what do you think?"

The uncle-grandfather's sharp gaze flashed with coldness; what could Yuan Zhengju possibly think?

You, my elder, already have a plan; naturally, I must stroke your fur in the direction it lies.

"Uncle-grandfather, this is an opportunity!" Yuan Zhengju did not specify what kind of opportunity, but both understood what they were discussing.

Yuan Dao Shen hesitated for a moment in the end, but finally made up his mind.

If one can settle it once and for all, then settling it once and for all is certainly better.

"You go arrange it; act on the return journey."

Yuan Zhengju smiled bitterly.

"Ancestor, if Wang Yulou and Lin Ying die, our Yuan family will surely be suspected."

Making the conflict public is a form of protection for Wang Yulou; at this moment, the meaning of that protection is revealed!

"If we do not struggle, we will ultimately gain nothing. Zheng Ju, if it truly reaches an uncontrollable point, Elder Jiu Sheng will still have to protect our Yuan family.

Daring to gamble with the upper hand is merely a strategy; do not hesitate. Wang Yulou is no longer an ordinary disciple of the Bi Shui Palace; we must employ thunderous measures!"

Yuan Dao Shen originally had another scheme designed for Wang Yulou, but that scheme was far too complex compared to killing him directly; therefore, he wanted to try a small all-in bet first.

If it succeeds, there will be no need to kill him by twisting around.

Where the Dao lies, benefit itself is the reason and the meaning.

"Uncle-grandfather, Zheng Ju does not mean to hesitate; I merely think that if we kill, we cannot kill only Wang Yulou and Lin Ying; we must also kill some other main-line disciples and ordinary disciples from the Dripping Water Grotto who are out, thereby confusing the situation."

After being scolded by Wang Xian Zhou, whose cultivation was far inferior to his own, Yuan Zhengju had obviously reflected seriously; now, at least, he knew what decisiveness meant.

"Yes, you are right. That villain affected my Dao heart, and I forgot the point of confusing the situation.

However, we cannot kill just a few; there are more than twenty people who left the Grotto-Heaven with Wang Yulou; let us kill ten of them.

I recall Yuan Qi mentioned that Elder Chang He's granddaughter was also out; she counts as half of our Yuan family. If she perishes at the hands of bandit cultivators, I can also launch a retaliation, thereby creating an ironclad case!"

Creating an ironclad case and such things are secondary; whether the bandit cultivators live or die cannot change the overall situation. Even if the bandit cultivators expose the Yuan family as the mastermind, it is impossible for them to be believed as evidence to convict the Yuan family.

What Yuan Dao Shen valued was that if Luo Chang He's granddaughter, who counts as half of the Yuan family, died outside the Grotto-Heaven together with Wang Yulou and Lin Ying, the Yuan family would not be suspected.

"This..."

Yuan Zhengju wanted to say whether doing so would hurt Elder Luo Chang He too much, but seeing his uncle-grandfather's gaze burning like torches, he ultimately dared not speak it.

"Zheng Ju receives the order; I will immediately leave the Grotto-Heaven to contact the bandit cultivators!"

Bandit cultivators are all dogs of the great families; the Yuan Shi naturally had familiar bandit cultivators, and their number was quite large.

However, ordinary bandit cultivators naturally could not handle the main-line disciples of the Dripping Water Grotto; therefore, he still needed to provide the bandit cultivators with some small tricks.

For example, talismans drawn from the Turbid Yin Orchid exchanged from the Dripping Heaven Grotto—confusing the situation, muddying the waters to catch fish, utterly shameless.

If a person is not ruthless, they cannot stand firm.

—

Two days later, while Elder Dao Shen's grand gift of killing ten to accompany Wang Yulou in death was still on the way, the young couple Wang Yulou and Lin Ying were gradually approaching the Lotus Immortal City.

Lotus Immortal City, Lotus Immortal City; an ordinary person would certainly think this Immortal City must have some connection to the lotus.

But in reality, the "lotus" in Lotus refers to Lotus Peng Immortal Venerable, and the "flower" in Lotus refers to Qing Rui Immortal Venerable.

These two Jin Dan True Persons belong to the number one and number two leaders of the Lotus Immortal City under the Xian Alliance; they are also figures who sit in the front row at the Qun Xian Terrace.

Therefore, this Immortal City is respectfully called Lotus.

In the void seven or eight li above the ground, Lin Ying looked with some surprise at the illusory entrance to the Grotto-Heaven before her and said,

"I heard long ago that the Lotus Immortal City is also located within a Grotto-Heaven; I just did not expect that the Grotto-Heaven of the Immortal City has no entrance or exit, but connects directly to this world."

Yulou nodded slightly; he noticed that at the entrance and exit of the Lotus Peng Grotto-Heaven, Foundation Establishment cultivators were coming and going from time to time.

Truly worthy of being one of the three major Immortal Cities of the Xian Alliance in Wunan; indeed extraordinary. I just do not know if a toll is required to enter or leave this place.

Qing Xi Fang charges a toll; one spirit stone per person.

The status of an Immortal City is special; if they charge a toll, would it not start at seven or eight spirit stones?

"Let's go; let us enter." Yulou piloted the flying boat, slowly flying toward the entrance of the Lotus Peng Grotto-Heaven.

However, what surprised Yulou was that the Lotus Peng Grotto-Heaven where the Immortal City is located not only did not charge a toll, but even had no guards.

But thinking about it, it is reasonable; if one of the three major strongholds of the Xian Alliance in Wunan still had to worry about the spying of petty thieves, would the two Jin Dan True Persons stationed at the Lotus Immortal City not become mere decorations?

Those with strong strength naturally understand the power of True Persons, so they will not seek death.

Those with weak strength and low vision, even if they dare to foolishly seek death, will not cause any consequences.

The two entered the Lotus Peng Grotto-Heaven and were immediately frightened by the terrifying scope of the Lotus Peng Grotto-Heaven.

The Dripping Water Grotto-Heaven spans two thousand li in all directions, supporting thousands of cultivators of the Dripping Water Grotto and countless demon beasts in the Xiu Shui Lake.

The Lotus Peng Grotto-Heaven spans at least three thousand li in all directions, and is even almost larger than the territory of the Red Lanterns.

"This Lotus Pore Cave Realm is surprisingly vast. Wang Yu, which way should we go?"

The Lin family Miss, making her first long journey, was somewhat panicked, gripping Wang Yu's hand with nervous force.

"Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie, look. We just need to follow the direction that Foundation Establishment senior is flying."

Wang Yu was very calm; having already entered the Lotus Immortal Venerable's Cave Realm, there was naturally no need to worry about safety. He continued to fully drive the flying boat, and soon arrived before Xiancheng.

Unlike the appearance of Didi Waterfall flying in the sky, the Lotus Immortal City was situated on a land where mountains gathered within the Cave Realm. Looking down from the sky, it was fully three to five times the size of Qing Xi Fang.

The cultivator capacity of Qing Xi Fang could reach several thousand people. Converting this, it meant there might be over ten thousand cultivators in the Lotus Immortal City.

The Immortal City did not ban flying, but it seemed to have a set of special flying rules.

Qi Refining fly in the lower layer; Foundation Establishment fly in the upper layer, interfering with each other not at all.

Wang Yu piloted the flying boat, circling several times above Xiancheng, discovering arrays and prohibitions everywhere. Finally, he carefully landed before a restaurant named Zhi Wei Fang.

"Zhi Wei Fang is a Wang Shi enterprise. Although I am unclear which clan uncle is hosting this place, it will surely be convenient to inquire about some news," Wang Yu explained.

Since this was Wang Yu's first time in the Lotus Immortal City, he naturally needed to ask about the general situation of the Immortal City first.

Lin Ying, following at his side, secretly marveled. The Wang Shi of Anbei Country was indeed extraordinary; they could even establish enterprises within the Immortal City. Although it was just a donkey meat restaurant, this was already impressive—the Lotus Immortal City was very, very far from Wang Shi, fully over two thousand li.

In fact, the Zhi Wei Fang within the Immortal City was established and hosted by Ancestor Xian Zhou. It had only been operating for less than a hundred years, and was also the furthest reach of the Wang Shi's tendrils.

"Honored guests arrive! Two seniors, please to the private room~" The senior waiter of Zhi Wei Fang, seeing Wang Yu lead Lin Ying through the door, cleverly stepped forward to welcome them.

Although Wang Yu was unremarkable in appearance and did not look very presentable, there was a saying in the Cultivation World: a Dao Companion is the manifestation of a male cultivator's strength.

Wang Yu was not very presentable, but Lin Ying was!

Moreover, Lin Ying looked like a small bird relying on a person, following obediently, yet her cultivation was actually higher than the unremarkable male cultivator beside her.

What did this indicate?

It indicated that Wang Yu belonged to the category of great honored guests who could be ruthlessly fleeced without worrying about fleecing them too much.

"No need. I am Wang Yuan of the Wang Shi of Anbei Country. May I ask if the clan elder hosting this enterprise is present? As this is Wang Yuan's first time in the Immortal City, I naturally must pay my respects."

Lin Ying first looked puzzled, then smiled with sudden realization.

Wang Yu, oh Wang Yu, you are truly cautious enough.

Seeing that the person was from the master's family, how dared the senior waiter be negligent? He hurriedly responded respectfully.

"Junior Uncle Wang Yuan, please wait quietly in the private room on the second floor. I will immediately invite the Shopkeeper over!"

Wang Yu and Senior Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie had only been seated in the private room for a moment when the door was pushed open.

An old man with white beard and hair walked into the private room with a face full of joy. Just as he was about to greet them, he suddenly stuttered as if stuck.

"Wang Wang Wang Yuan! Wang Yuan, how did you, young man, suddenly come?"

Wang Yu looked at Uncle Rong Shi with some shock, at a loss between laughter and tears. In his heart, he even felt some shame—just now, when Uncle Rong Shi choked on his throat, he nearly couldn't catch his breath.

He had been too careful, wanting to test the specific situation of the clan elders here by seeing if they knew him or Wang Yuan. He never expected the person hosting here to be Uncle Rong Shi.

"Wang Yuan, it has been several years since we last met. Your changes are indeed considerable."

Wang Rong Shi poured tea for 'Wang Yuan' while secretly transmitting sound.

'Wang Yu, using your younger brother's name to deceive a female cultivator is not appropriate, is it?'

Wang Yu took the cup of spirit tea that Uncle Rong Shi had just poured for him, casually handed it to Lin Ying, and then said.

"Uncle Rong Shi, Wang Yu was simply uncertain who the person hosting here was, so I used Wang Yuan's name to see if he could distinguish the difference between me and Wang Yuan.

Since it is you, naturally, we uncle and nephew can speak openly. Hahaha.

By the way, this is Senior Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie Ying, my Dao Companion from Didi Cave. However, we have not yet formally married.

This trip to Didi Cave is to purchase some gifts for Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie.

Coming to find Zhi Wei Fang is to inquire about the situation within the Immortal City."

Wang Yu was naturally most familiar with Wang Rong Shi. Wang Yuan, Wang Yu, and Uncle Rong Shi had broken through to Qi Refining together within An Ning Cave Realm, so they were all familiar with each other.

And him being sent to serve as Shopkeeper in the Immortal City, over two thousand li away from the Wang Family, was not strange.

Meeting Wang Yuan in a foreign land, Uncle Rong Shi had been too excited just now, rushing quickly to meet, only to see Wang Yu, which caused him to choke so badly on the name.

"Dao Companion?"

Wang Yu said a lot, but Wang Rong Shi, as the elder, only heard two words.

He looked Lin Ying over subtly, as if with an intent to examine.

Who was Senior Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie? A social expert. She immediately perceived Uncle Rong Shi's gaze.

With a slightly shy expression, she lowered her head slightly and even raised her hand to gently fix her hair. At this moment, she acted out the role of being well-behaved to the extreme.

Although Wang Rong Shi appeared to be at Qi Refining Layer One, he was after all Wang Yu's elder, so she naturally needed to give him some face, so she acted very seriously.

"Not bad. Little Lin is indeed not bad. Hahaha.

Come, drink tea first. This is the 'Gentleman Among Flowers,' a specialty of the Lotus Pore Cave Realm. It has both tea fragrance and wine flavor.

You came to Zhi Wei Fang to find me to inquire about the situation, which means you found the right person. There are over seven hundred shops of various sizes in the Immortal City, and the types of businesses are terribly complex.

From spirit plants to spirit beast cubs, from arrays to external prohibitions, and so on. If you explore by yourselves, it will probably take half a month to understand it.

Among the seven hundred-plus shops, naturally there are many facing female cultivators, concentrated in three places.

The first place is the West Street of Hundred Shops Return Street, mainly facing female cultivators of Qi Gathering and Qi Refining early to mid stages. Most high-stage Qi Refining female cultivators also go there to browse. This place has the most shops.

The second place is Yun Xiu Fang, mainly facing high-stage Qi Refining female cultivators and Foundation Establishment female cultivators. Although the things are terribly expensive, they are all good things.

The third place is the Immortal City Auction House. This Immortal City Auction House is the most special; it will occasionally hold special themed auctions. Sometimes there will be special sessions specifically auctioning items suitable for female cultivators.

And every half year, the Immortal City Auction House will hold a grand auction. The grand auction will feature over a hundred items of various treasures. Magical artifacts, spirit pills, and magical robes suitable for female cultivators are naturally not lacking.

Such a grand auction must not be missed. Even if you cannot afford to buy, it is good even just to broaden your horizons.

Unfortunately, the grand auction just ended last month, so you missed it. Of course, if you can wait, it will be held again in five months."

Exchanging a glance with his Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie, Wang Yu naturally understood they could not wait five months.

After chatting with Wang Rong Shi for another two hours, Wang Yu finally left Zhi Wei Fang, still reluctant to depart.

Under the lead of the senior clerk from Zhiwei Workshop, the two headed straight for Yunxiu Workshop.

So be it if it's expensive; Hundred Shops Street is full of small stalls, nothing particularly interesting.

Wang Yulou and Lin Ying are about to become Dao Companions; now is the critical moment to invest heavily in raising favor, so he naturally would not be vague.

"Junior Uncle Wang Yulou, Yunxiu Workshop is one of the core areas within Xiancheng; there are many seniors at the Foundation Establishment stage inside. We must be careful when we go there."

Foundation Establishment cultivators from sects are often easier to talk to, but some Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Xian Alliance are extremely arrogant, prone to beating people at the slightest provocation; last year there was even the absurd incident of a rogue cultivator being beaten to death by an Xian Alliance Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"Of course, since you two are disciples under the Red Lantern Gate, you will not encounter danger yourselves; just staying alert can avoid trouble."

The Xian Alliance is the nominal highest authority in the Southern Cultivation World of Wunan; the families within it hold far greater relative advantages than those within sects.

The Yuan family is merely the first family in Dishui Cave, yet they can breed a bunch of idiots.

Naturally, there are many idiots bred among the Xian Alliance families; moreover, considering they rely on the Xian Alliance and hold more resources, it is no surprise they can push idiots up to the Foundation Establishment stage.

As the three walked all the way to Yunxiu Workshop, Wang Yulou noticed that as the distance to Yunxiu Workshop gradually shortened, more beautiful female immortals appeared.

However, the beauty of beauties differs in each case; Lin Ying's beauty naturally does not lose to any female cultivator.

Finally, the group entered Yunxiu Workshop; on both sides of this workshop's streets were laid out many flowers and plants, and every shop was decorated exceptionally beautifully.

Senior Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie, visiting a distant place for the first time and entering such an extraordinary Xiancheng marketplace, was naturally greatly shocked; one could say her eyes were almost staring straight ahead.

In his heart, Wang Yulou nodded in satisfaction silently.

If she has not experienced prosperity, then take her to see the vastness of the world.

"Junior Uncle Wang Yulou, although the name Shanhaijian sounds somewhat ordinary, it is the best shop in Yunxiu Workshop; shall we start here?"

Wang Yulou looked at Lin Ying; Senior Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie, somewhat worried, tugged his sleeve and stopped his steps.

"Wang Yulou, I dare not accept things that are too expensive."

With a large wave of his hand, Wang Yulou summoned the Channeling Treasure.

"No matter; since we are here, let's go in and take a look first."

Thus, under Wang Yulou's lead, Lin Ying walked into Shanhaijian with trepidation.

"Are the two Dao Friends visiting for the first time?"

Looking at the Mid-Quality Technique-grade robe worn by the female greeter of Shanhaijian, Lin Ying was somewhat stunned.

Is this Xiancheng?

Wang Yulou was not the least bit panicked; isn't this just browsing a luxury store? What is there to fear?

The Lin family gave so much dowry; Wang Yulou naturally must arrange corresponding dignity for Lin Ying; expensive is better, so that this Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie who is about to be taken as a Dao Companion can understand what kind of life she is about to step into.

In his interactions with Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie, Wang Yulou did not hide his ambitions from Lin Ying too much; what he wants is the Great Dao to endure long, what he wants is a smooth path to immortality.

Therefore, he needs a Dao Companion with similar ambitions; only then can the two support each other and walk further.

"First time; let's look at robes first. We are about to marry; we need to pick three Mid-Quality Technique robes: one to wear at the wedding, and two as newly acquired additions."

Wang Yulou said to the female cultivator attending them.

"Hmph, cultivators from out of town are just poor and shabby; actually buying a wedding robe at the last minute? Don't you know that Xiancheng cultivators have their wedding robes custom-made?"

Lin Ying looked in surprise toward the direction of the voice; she had never imagined that such a brainless prodigal existed in this world.

Shouldn't such a stupid creature be locked up and not allowed out to cause trouble? Why was he let out?

Compared to this brain-dead person, Yuan Wu, that loud-and-clear big idiot from Dishui Cave, seemed to have become somewhat cute.

'Don't look; such a stupid creature will be troublesome if he latches on. We are all people who will become immortals and ancestors in the future; by then, we can just kill his whole family clean.'

While reminding Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie, Wang Yulou pulled Lin Ying to follow the greeter cultivator to pick out robes.

Just then, a somewhat familiar female voice sounded, making the bones of many male cultivators accompanying their Dao Companions to shop in Shanhaijian turn to jelly.

"Wang Yulou?"

Lin Ying finally could not hold back and looked again in the direction just now; originally, beside that stupid male cultivator walked a female cultivator wearing a veil and a moon-white robe.

At this moment, that female cultivator was staring straight at Wang Yulou's back.

Wang Yulou turned around awkwardly, laughed heartily, and said.

"Dao Friend Yingxi, many years have passed since we last met; I never expected to meet here."

Zhou Yingxi was also somewhat awkward, but the stupid creature beside her had no self-awareness whatsoever.

"Oh, Xi'er, you know these two? Hmm?"

Wang Yulou glanced roughly and realized that Stupid Creature Brother indeed had the qualification to be arrogant—the treasure light on his person was about to dissipate into a human-shaped little sun.

"Senior Brother Lian Chengxian, this is Dao Friend Wang Yulou from the Master Mangxiang lineage; Yingxi and he are considered friends, but we haven't seen each other for many years; I never expected to meet here."

Upon hearing "Master Mangxiang lineage," Lian Chengxian's eyes instantly became much clearer; he put away the disdain between his brows and asked with a smile.

"Oh, from the Master Mangxiang lineage. Dao Friend Yulou, just now I saw that the robe you wore was somewhat similar to the robes of Dishui Cave; I mistook you for a moment. Please do not take offense."

Lian Chengxian's face was like white jade, his figure slender and handsome, his cultivation reached the peak of Qi Condensation, and when scolding bumpkins, he was even more domineering to the point of near brainlessness.

Such a person likely has a deep background.

But Wang Yulou did not move at all; he simply replied without being humble or arrogant.

"Yulou is indeed a disciple of Dishui Cave; Senior Brother did not mistake me. Dao Friend Yingxi, time is tight; we will not chat much today. You two go ahead with your business."

Having spoken, Wang Yulou pulled Senior Lin Lin Lin Lin Shijie away, having no intention whatsoever to continue exchanging words with Zhou Yingxi and Lian Chengxian.

Little Zhou is no longer the Little Zhou of the past.

The Little Zhou of the past was so stupid that Wang Yulou despised her; now, Little Zhou seems to have chosen to kneel before the rules of the Cultivation World.

Life, ah, who can determine what tomorrow will be like?

"Dishui Cave? Hahaha, Xi'er, you must be more careful when dealing with people in the future."

"A cultivator's life is short; the sea of Dao is boundless; one should not waste time becoming friends with these insects."

Lian Chengxian, full of fatherly tone and overflowing with superiority, began lecturing Zhou Yingxi.

The masters of the Xian Alliance are the only true masters!

Dripping Water Cave?

Nothing but a stinking beggar kneeling at the Xian Alliance's feet!

"Yingxi has taken note." A flash of disgust passed through Little Zhou's eyes, but she still forced a smile and answered obediently.

It's just that, when she thought of Wang Yulou's words, her heart always felt a little hollow.

'We're about to be married.'

So it turns out you weren't devoted to the Great Dao—you just weren't devoted to me.

Too many people once failed to understand Wang Yulou, and in the future still won't understand Wang Yulou.