Chapter 123: Honeyed Words, Internship Institution

Clang!

The divine sword hummed, sword qi burst forth, shooting straight into the heavens.

Even though it was a bright, clear sky with the sun high overhead, at this moment it still seemed as if day and night were inverted, and the vast, boundless mountains, rivers, heavens and earth instantly fell into darkness!

Above the night sky, stars twinkled.

At the center, the seven stars guarded, turning according to ancient law, reflecting the Myriad Heavens, manifesting the myriad worlds, governing the lifespans of heaven, earth, and all beings!

As if existing or not, life and death are dictated by heaven.

"Fengxi! If you've got the guts, don't run—catch my sword!"

Yuchen roared in his violent state, his anger nearly solidified, becoming a raging fire across the heavens, as if it could scorch the universe.

"Fine, fine, fine—if you've got the skill, then you, the skilled one, come! Come catch me!"

Ahead, Fengxi, who deeply understood the teachings of Di Jiang Zu Wu and moved with unmatched agility, displayed his self-created Imperial Sovereign Step, each time escaping the locked spacetime before the Seven-Star Sword could strike.

"Catch me, and I'll let you… hehehe!" Fengxi's laugh was stimulating, "Not to mention one slash, what about ten, or a hundred?"

Yuchen felt an urge to vomit blood.

At this moment, right now.

He finally fully understood why, during a certain conversation with Chimi, involving this person with a leadership emblem tattooed on his forehead—Fengxi—his expression would be so complex.

It really is…… it really is……

Yuchen struggled to find words deep in his heart, but finally realized—it simply couldn't be described accurately!

Heart black, hands vicious, limits like an abyss, principles as if nonexistent, a talent that infuriates people…… even with the vast knowledge of the person behind Yuchen, few could match it!

He judged him thus.

Meanwhile, Fengxi was still adding fuel to the fire.

"Yuchen, you say you…!"

"How can you repay kindness with enmity?"

"I went to great trouble and effort to help you become famous, renowned throughout Kunlun, making your great name known to every household…" Fengxi muttered, his lethal intent rising continuously, "Moreover, the key is, throughout this process I have been packaging you, praising you, making you an idol for countless cultivators."

"You're all good reputation!"

"Super scholar!"

"Peerless genius!"

"The bearing of a Great Luo!"

"Look!"

"How much of a halo is this?"

"And they're all positive images!"

Fengxi wore a pained, sorrowful expression, "I haven't played those dirty tricks—first smearing you, manufacturing gossip news, deliberately stirring up public debate, then turning around to whitewash…"

"Hype and whitewashing tactics—I don't have any of that here… I'm taking the completely orthodox publicity route!"

"But now you actually use your actions to tell me that all my good intentions have been fed to the dogs?!"

Fengxi's eyes held a smile, his expression sorrowful… this micro-expression acting earned a like from the artist who was watching the drama while eating melon seeds.

Of course, Yuchen was so angry his nose was practically crooked.

His whole person was slightly swollen—this too was from being angry.

What does it mean for a mute to eat coptis—having bitterness but unable to speak?

Right now he experienced it.

Exactly.

What Fengxi did, on the surface, had no problems at all.

He poured his heart and blood into packaging the idol Yuchen, whose fame filled Kunlun.

But family knows family business!

If all this were based on Yuchen's true ability, naturally it would be no matter, and one could gladly accept this glory and praise.

But…

Yuchen is cheating!

Cheating, who would want to make a fuss and have the whole world know?

Yes.

The myriad masses don't know the hidden secrets behind; they only think that the rising star—Yuchen—is that excellent.

But…

To the Great Luo Heavenly Will, a glance is enough to know what's going on.

Originally Yuchen was just thinking of cheating secretly, doing a couple of covert operations, fabricating a plausible excuse, thinking few would bother to investigate, and even if they did, it wouldn't matter.

But unfortunately, under the joint summer halt of operations by Fengxi, Hougang, and a few others, his fame filled Kunlun.

Fame filling Kunlun… the consequences are grave.

This means that all the Great Luos of the Daoist sects understand, it means that the foremost female divine adept, Jinmu Yuanjun, knows, and the hidden high-ranking members of the Necromancer faction who have been increasing their attention to Kunlun know…

With so many Great Luos aware, and moreover knowing and paying attention together… all of Yuchen's actions are observed under a magnifying glass by the three thousand heavenly wills, and his already poor acting is exposed at a poke.

Yuchen imagined a scene likely to appear in the future, and involuntarily shuddered.

—A certain heavenly sovereign who refuses to reveal his name enters the Zixiao Palace, and the Great Luos present all look at him and laugh, with some divine adepts shouting, "Ling×, your trumpet is cheating again!"

The heavenly sovereign didn't respond, walked over with a solemn face to sit beside his two brothers, and asked left and right, "This time, Hongjun Daozu summoned us Great Luos in the Zixiao Palace—what's the matter?" with an air of wanting to handle it coldly.

But some powerful beings deliberately shouted loudly, "A few days ago, your trumpet cheated and demanded an innate spiritual treasure!"

This time, the heavenly sovereign who refuses to reveal his name widened his eyes, "How are you groundlessly sullying my purity?"

"What purity? I'm not blind or deaf—I know all the news from Kunlun Mountain crystal clear, with solid evidence you privately transmitted to your trumpet, laundered money and transferred a Seven-Star Treasure Sword over, committing fraud!" the powerful being shouted.

The Heavenly Venerable's eyes reddened, the veins on his forehead bulging as he strained to explain, 'Transferring funds can't be counted as money laundering… wrong, that's the profit I got from my Trumpet through genuine skill—does that count as cheating?' Then followed a string of incomprehensible remarks like 'What happens on a Trumpet doesn't count as cheating,' which caused many Great Luo to burst into laughter, filling the Purple Cloud Palace with a cheerful atmosphere.

……

Hiss!

Just thinking about that terrifying future made Yuzhen ache all over.

Those bright Big Dipper Seven Stars seemed to be turning for him.

Southern Dipper governs life, Northern Dipper governs death.

So the seven stars are seen as omens of death; … that doesn't seem like a big problem, does it?

Thinking this, Yuzhen felt sorrow well up from his heart.

I barely broke through my bottom line, decided to cheat, and yet the outcome is so unfavorable…… Is it easy for me?

Others who cheat put it out in the open, undisguised…… Why must I, who cheats secretly, bear such great misfortune?

Yuzhen felt sorrowful, even losing the will to chase and kill Fengxi.

However, he no longer continued the pursuit; instead, Fengxi, displaying the Emperor's Pace footwork, trotted backward toward him, observing with interest, feigning admiration with clicks of the tongue.

What, you look like you've lost your life's ambition? Isn't it just that cheating might be exposed? He spoke confidently, "So what if it's exposed?"

As long as one's spirit is humble as a valley, able to humbly accept all criticism and then forget it completely…… At all times, the world is beautiful!

You're just too thin-skinned.

Hmph. Yuzhen snorted coldly, sheathed his sword, not wanting to bother with Fengxi, turned and left.

But Fengxi chattered on, continuing, 'Of course, besides that, there's another infallible method.'

Yuzhen's steps slowed, his ears perked up.

Those who slander me, bully me, humiliate me, laugh at me, look down on me, despise me, hate me…… How should we deal with them? Fengxi said in a refined manner, "All you need is to cultivate the supreme realm, then with one axe strike kill anyone who dares to insult you to your face, along with those gossiping behind your back, and you will be a flawless sage."

Pah! Yuzhen spat on the ground to show his indignation, "If I had this ability, would I still need to cheat?!"

Surname Feng, you wait for me…… this isn't over! Yuzhen pointed at Fengxi, dropping harsh words.

Eh eh eh…… don't be so impulsive! Fengxi said calmly, not at all afraid or timid, "There are always more solutions than difficulties!"

Isn't it just cheating? What's the big deal? He spread his hands, a mysterious smile on his face, "I have a good plan that can help you turn danger into safety, easily settle this matter so it doesn't become a laughingstock, and brings great benefit to both ofus…… How about it?"

Let's hear it. Yuzhen, doubtful, suppressed his urge to kill, temporarily believing Fengxi once.

After all, no matter how bad Fengxi is, his wisdom and strategy are commendable.

Personal cheating is moral corruption. Fengxi said slowly, "But if it's established for the greater good, sacrificing for the camp, choosing to cheat is to sacrifice oneself for righteousness!"

The Wu Clan and the Demon Race, the two major camps locked in a life-and-death struggle…… Naturally we will use any means; what's the big deal about cheating?

So that's it.

As long as you cooperate with me, making this into a posture of further cooperation between the Dao Sect and the Wu Clan, with concrete actions to back it up, no one will find fault. Fengxi smiled, "You know, earlier you obtained the Lingbao treasure through cheating, and Senior Xuandu all thought you were a symbol of the Dao Sect and Wu Clan growing closer."

Although we all know that's not the case…… but making it true, isn't that good?

Yuzhen remained silent, his eyes flickering, deep in thought.

After a long while, he exhaled deeply, 'I can agree…… but the one behind me might not consent.'

No, he will agree. Fengxi smiled faintly, "We've been tossing and turning without scruple in Kunlun Mountain, yet the Three Pure Ones Heavenly Venerable showed no reaction…… This very silence itself indicates approval of deeper cooperation."

After all, we are essentially enhancing the influence of the Dao Sect, especially the orthodoxy of the Lingbao Heavenly Venerable…… Once our master-teacher platform expands further, his idea of education for all will be implemented more deeply!

Some things, out of face, several Heavenly Venerables find hard to do——at least we must guarantee the orthodoxy's brand image, lest it become a run-of-the-mill crappy academy.

But we temporary workers needn't worry so much…… implicitly, there is a cooperative stance.

However, the Three Pure Ones Heavenly Venerable follows the master line; he cannot openly speak out, nor can he oppose either of the Wu-Demon camps that vie for heaven-earth hegemony…… So he can only choose silence.

Not staying silent will bring suppression.

The Demon Race said, 'If you dare to openly oppose us, I can't handle the Wu Clan now—could I not bloodbath Kunlun?'

As a Dao Sect modeled after an academic school, the focus is on the transmission of thought; survival comes first…… therefore it will not directly clash irreconcilably with a huge terrifying regime.

However, silence is enough. Fengxi said slowly, "Within this lies our room to operate…… As a key figure related to both the Dao Sect and the Wu Clan, presiding over the Wu Clan's established master-teacher platform, representing the platform to further introduce Dao Sect teaching talent, it's reasonable and reasonable!"

So cheating…… is also reasonable and reasonable.

Fengxi stared steadily at Yuzhen, "Now, the choice is in your hands."

Yuzhen's gaze flickered and changed, his heart undergoing intense psychological struggle.

And finally, he sighed, "Alright, you win."

But! Yuzhen furrowed his brow, "The one behind me also won't engage in a losing deal…… and there's some truth to that."

The cooperation between the Dao Sect and the Wu Clan must be transparently priced, leaving no room for fault…… After all, nowadays the Dao Sect's students, when scrutinized, who isn't a future member of the Demon Race's scope?

The Demon Race can sanction us…… as long as they do good publicity and start from the clans behind the disciples, a two-pronged approach!

Don't look at how mighty the Dao Sect appears today; even after taking this hit, we'll still suffer injuries." Yuzhen said, "What's more frightening is if the Demon Race again supports some sects and orthodoxies, to compete with us in contests and debates, secretly pulling strings behind the scenes…… the Dao Sect's great educational undertaking would truly be hard to proceed.

Yuzhen felt somewhat moved.

Without reliance on the state ruler, religious rites are hard to establish.

Those engaged in elite education dare to confront a terrifying regime that likewise lacks no peak power and enslaves countless lower beings?

They could cut off your lifeline in a split second.

Unless one day the Dao Sect takes a perilous step, establishing an earthly Dao state, only then would it have that qualification!

But the Dao Sect's adoption of the master-disciple transmission model was precisely to seek stability…… in the struggle for heaven-earth hegemony, there are too many ruthless figures fighting within!

The Three Pure Ones Heavenly Venerables all together reckon they might not be able to handle some powerful, ruthless characters——those running education, can they compare in ruthlessness to those mixed in politics?

Simply, honestly run a Dao Sect academy, build the brand, reap rain or shine, sustain growth…… although the returns are low, it's safe!

Moreover, who knows, after cultivating and cultivating, one day we might suddenly find that our disciples and grand-disciples have all mixed into the core of the heaven-earth hegemony forces, each holding a position, involved in every aspect…… a single command could hope to topple the highest tier's Heavenly Emperor!

Infiltrate, erode…… become an uncrowned king!

Isn't that fragrant?

If you live long enough and accumulate enough foundation, even this kind of dream isn't impossible to pursue!

So Yuchen said, even if the Dao Sect cooperates, they must at least get along on the surface.

"Ha!" Fengxi clapped and laughed loudly, "I thought it was some big deal; turns out it's just this."

"You can rest assured."

"I, Fengxi, am absolutely not the kind of person who betrays allies after crossing the river!"

"Since you've proposed deep cooperation with the Dao Sect, I will definitely not shortchange you on benefits!"

"Those Dao Sect students who enroll in our Wu Clan's master platform will not be deprived of any welfare or benefits!"

Fengxi patted his chest, took on everything, looking like a sincere gentleman, and pulled out a small ledger: "Take a look, this is the fund I previously budgeted for investment......"

Yuchen glanced at it curiously, his eyes widening instantly, almost sucking in a breath of cold air.

Many!

Too much!

"Are you planning to dump all the pure profits from publishing books, even from big scams, into this?" Yuchen said incredulously, "Is this just the beginning?!"

"I've told you before, I, Fengxi, am not someone who shortchanges allies!" Fengxi spoke righteously, "Of course, these are merely plans on paper...... once they're actually implemented, they may not necessarily be this figure."

"It could be more, or it could be less."

"Of course, no matter what, with this fund injected to improve the platform...... the lineage of Lingbao Heavenly Venerable will also flourish, right?" Fengxi narrowed his eyes, "Other lineages are fine, but Lingbao Heavenly Venerable is unique."

"A great family and great enterprise!"

"We must admit, Lingbao Heavenly Venerable is a good teacher, teaching without discrimination, enthusiastic in guiding disciples."

"But these days, enthusiasm can't be eaten as a meal!"

"The investment demand in the education industry, everyone understands...... it's truly a bottomless pit of gold and silver, because there's no best, only better."

"If you truly want students to become talented, merely listening to the Dao isn't enough; they also need the environment and opportunity for further study, so they can truly walk their own path."

"Lingbao Heavenly Venerable, with such a huge Jie Sect, following master-disciple transmission rather than heavenly-earth hegemony or occupying mountains as kings, how much revenue could they possibly have on a daily basis?"

"A mighty venerable wouldn't personally go shirtless to gather resources to cultivate disciples, would they? That would be raising rice worms!" Fengxi sighed, "Relying solely on the accomplishments of cultivated disciples to give back isn't appropriate either!"

"Simply put, with my Wu Clan's enthusiastic help, we can make use of those students who haven't graduated yet...... the Jie Sect provides disciples, we provide the venue; on one hand they gain teaching experience and improve their internship opportunities, on the other hand we expand our market operations."

Fengxi spoke, and Yuchen listened attentively.

As he listened, his eyes rolled, and he suddenly asked, "For these students' off‑campus teaching internships, how will the platform finally pay their wages?"

"Well..." Fengxi blinked, revealing a strange smile, "Of course it's paid directly to the person designated by Lingbao Heavenly Venerable!"

"After all, students who are still studying shouldn't be tainted with money!"

"What if their minds go wild and they're tempted by the outside world's red lights and green wine—what then?"

"Students should focus on their studies and not waste time on nonsense."

"As for that salary money, I think the person arranged by the Heavenly Venerable will convert it into cultivation resources and then somehow deliver it to the students......"

"Yuchen, do you agree or not?"

Fengxi said with a smile.

"Yes...... exactly right!" Yuchen clapped his hands, praising repeatedly, "This model is good, very good!"

"Yes, very good." Fengxi said, "So, what do you think? Can that person behind the scenes approve?"

"No problem!"

Yuchen affirmed it firmly.

Afterward, he reached out to take the ledger, but couldn't move it.

He gave it a hard pull, but still failed.

Yuchen frowned, looked up at Fengxi, and saw an inexplicable smile on his face.

His heart stirred, and he fell into thought.

"So that's how it is......"

(End of chapter)