Chapter 479: The Sage Musters His Troops

Li Li Banfeng mentioned the price, and Chu Duan Shaohong felt a pang of discomfort.

He had used five Tianxin Stones to guide Dao Dao Guiling toward Shengxian Peak, and just as he was about to arrive, the Tianxin Stones were stolen.

Those were Tianxin Stones the Sage had given him—stones of incalculable value—he had lost five, and was given back only two, and now had to pay to redeem them; no matter how he thought about it, it felt suffocating.

But discomfort was no use; who else but him had lost the items? Chu Duan Shaohong said to Li Qi: "The stones are in your hands—name your price."

Li Qi shook his head: "First, the stones aren't with me. With my abilities, I couldn't have stolen them from you—I lack the power."

Not even the local deity of this region has such power. The one who stole the Tianxin Stones is clearly a high-level cultivator."

Li Li Banfeng spoke every word truthfully; not a single lie was in his statement.

To speak convincingly, one must first tell some truth.

Chu Duan Shaohong firmly believed him: "I'd very much like to know who stole the Tianxin Stones—and just how powerful this high-level cultivator truly is."

Li Li Banfeng said: "I can't reveal his identity. As for his abilities—I'd say they're about the same as the Peddler's."

Chu Duan Shaohong shook his head: "That's an exaggeration. As far as I know, whether in Neizhou, Waizhou, or Like Puluozhou, no one walking the earth dares claim to match the Peddler's level."

Li Li Banfeng raised an eyebrow, glanced at Chu Duan Shaohong, and said nothing.

Chu Duan Shaohong paused, as if suddenly grasping Li Li Banfeng's implication.

No one on earth dares claim to match the Peddler—so is this thief one of those from above?

But that one from above hasn't been heard from in years; how many living souls have even seen him? And why would someone of his stature steal Tianxin Stones?

Or perhaps the thief himself is the Peddler?

Whether the one from above or the Peddler, both were figures Chu Duan Shaohong could never afford to provoke. What had once felt suffocating now stirred dread.

But was Li Qi telling the truth?

Someone of such stature—why would he stoop to stealing a few Tianxin Stones?

Li Qi added: "Dao Dao Guiling has been here many days. The local deity has done nothing but tighten patrols by the aberrations—can't you see who this high-level cultivator must be?"

Chu Duan Shaohong stayed silent, his doubts lingering—but those doubts no longer mattered. What truly mattered was what price he must pay to make this deal happen.

Li Qi said: "I dare not name a price. I lack the insight to know what treasure could move such a great figure.

This matter concerns you—the Sage cannot be offended, the affair must remain secret, and your life depends on it. Think carefully yourself."

Chu Duan Shaohong lit a cigarette and paced back and forth, carefully weighing what price he should offer.

Money was out of the question—this deal could not be measured in coin.

Would a few magic treasures suffice?

No, that wouldn't do. Magic treasures were not equivalent in value to Tianxin Stones, nor did they match the stature of that high-level cultivator.

After careful thought, everything Chu Duan Shaohong possessed was unworthy of such a figure—could this deal even be made?

It could.

The first rule of business is knowing who you're dealing with. Li Qi's great figure—no matter his true nature—Chu Duan Shaohong had never met. The real counterparty here was not that great figure.

He was dealing with Li Qi. His only need was to offer something that would move Li Qi.

After finishing the cigarette, Chu Duan Shaohong pulled out a yellow-brown scroll and handed it to Li Qi.

Li Li Banfeng unrolled the scroll and studied it—he couldn't identify its material.

It wasn't paper, nor cloth, nor leather, nor anything like them.

The material could wait; the key was that the scroll was blank—no characters, no drawings—what was this thing for?

Chu Duan Shaohong explained: "This is a map of Neizhou."

"Did you grab the wrong one?" Li Li Banfeng held the scroll up before Chu Duan Shaohong, gesturing to its emptiness.

Chu Duan Shaohong said: "The Neizhou map only reveals itself within Neizhou. You may take it now, show it to that high-level cultivator—if he recognizes its worth, he'll know if it's genuine.

The value of a Neizhou map—I'm certain that cultivator knows it well. It's more than enough for two Tianxin Stones."

Li Qi accepted the scroll, looked up, and saw dawn had broken.

"Meet me here at noon. I'll give you an answer—success or failure. If the matter isn't settled, I'll return the map unharmed."

Chu Duan Shaohong nodded: "I trust you. I'll wait here."

…

Li Li Banfeng returned to Leaving Suishenju and handed the scroll to the phonograph: "My dear, do you recognize this?"

The phonograph traced the scroll with its needle, then exclaimed: "This is from Neizhou—it carries Neizhou's craftsmanship."

"Chu Duan Shaohong says it's a Neizhou map. Do you think it's real?"

"I can tell it's from Neizhou, but whether it's a map—I can't say. I've only just begun studying gong cultivation. This is a matter for the Old Master."

Li Li Banfeng took the scroll toward the third chamber. His wife warned: "Husband, the Old Master isn't in good spirits—watch your words carefully."

Why wasn't he in good spirits?

Was it because the repair station had tired him?

Entering the third chamber, Li Li Banfeng greeted: "Old Master, busy?"

After a long silence, the Old Master let out a sob: "You've come for the stones?"

"What's wrong, Old Master?" Li Li Banfeng said. "Didn't we agree? Five stones—three for the repair station, two to send Dao Dao Guiling away."

Leaving Suishenju sobbed again: "Those stones were mine."

That was a strange thing to say.

How could they be his?

"We found them. We took five, kept three—we already profited greatly."

The Old Master wept uncontrollably: "They were all mine originally…"

The glove crawled out of Li Li Banfeng's pocket and sighed: "Master, you don't understand the hardship. For those of our trade, giving away what's in hand—this pains the soul."

"I'm not of your kind!" Leaving Suishenju wept bitterly, yet still scolded the glove.

Li Li Banfeng placed the scroll on the ground: "These two stones aren't a gift—they're being exchanged for something."

"I won't trade! Why should I? What could possibly match such fine Tianxin Stones? How dare you—"

The sobbing stopped. Leaving Suishenju snatched the scroll, his tone now calm: "Ah Qi, where did you get this?"

Li Li Banfeng said: "The man who lost the Tianxin Stones wants to trade this scroll for two stones, to take Dao Dao Guiling away."

"Just two?"

"Agreed—two."

"Hehehe!" Leaving Suishenju suddenly laughed. "Ah Qi, this is no loss—even five would be worth it!"

The glove said: "Old Master, you yourself said the stones used for the repair station can't be reclaimed—now you say five can be given? That doesn't add up…"

Thwack!

A broom swept the glove to the ground.

Leaving Suishenju said: "Tell that man—he'll find two Tianxin Stones tonight, where he lost them."

Li Li Banfeng asked: "Is this scroll truly a Neizhou map?"

Leaving Suishenju replied: "It's genuine—no doubt. This thing is exceedingly rare."

Li Li Banfeng understood: "Old Master, when you deliver the stones, be extremely careful—leave no trace they can trace back to us."

"Ah Qi, do you doubt my methods? Hehehe…"

Hong Ying was applying makeup outside and muttered: "Thank goodness I've got courage—this old man cries one moment, laughs the next—he's terrifying! Anyone else would be frightened half to death."

The phonograph stared at Hong Ying for a moment: "I've told you countless times—don't apply lipstick so thickly. It looks vulgar."

"Then what's elegant?" Hong Ying wiped off the lipstick from her spear tip and redrew her lips.

…

Receiving Li Qi's message, Chu Duan Shaohong arrived at the spot where he lost the Tianxin Stones that night, set up his magic treasures, and waited in silence.

He waited until midnight, when his magic treasure reacted.

He pulled a shovel from the hem of his coat, drove it into the earth, and the shovel dug downward on its own—down seventy feet, it emerged again.

Two Tianxin Stones lay below. Chu Duan Shaohong smiled.

With these two stones, his gong technique could guide Dao Dao Guiling to Shengxian Peak.

Leaving Suishenju said two were enough—why were two also enough for Chu Duan Shaohong? How could this be so coincidental?

It wasn't coincidence. The principle was simple: two Tianxin Stones could form a straight line, enough to guide Dao Dao Guiling.

Why had he originally used five?

Because Chu Duan Shaohong didn't want to expose himself.

Five Tianxin Stones: two to lock direction, three for fine adjustments—he could walk away, letting Dao Dao Guiling move autonomously to Shengxian Peak.

In that case, even if Neizhou discovered Dao Dao Guiling had reached Shengxian Peak, it couldn't be tied to Chu Duan Shaohong.

But now, two stones could only lock direction—the fine adjustments had to be done by Chu Duan Shaohong himself.

Though risky, he had no time to hesitate—he must complete the Sage's order quickly.

He moved cautiously; if Neizhou's spies spotted Dao Dao Guiling, Chu Duan Shaohong would be in grave trouble.

He trusted his gong technique wouldn't fail—but Dao Dao Guiling's condition was unusual.

Along the way, faint roars echoed from Dao Dao Guiling—similar to the cries of Dao Dao Laogui—but there was no rain, which contradicted Dao Dao Laogui's nature.

Perhaps the changing environment had unsettled the Dao Dao Laogui.

When they reached Jianren Gang, the noises on the mountain subsided. Chu Duan Shaohong grew slightly more at ease. When the Tianxin Stones settled and Dao Dao Guiling rested beside Shengxian Peak, he went to the Sage's residence and reported in person.

The Sage was satisfied with Chu Duan Shaohong's conduct: "Though there were setbacks, the task was completed. Duan Shaohong, I've noted your merit. I'll handle Gu Ge Junma's matter myself—you needn't worry about it again."

Chu Duan Shaohong thanked him, and as he left, added: "Dao Dao Laogui are capricious—Your Holiness must be cautious."

The Sage smiled, and nodded slightly.

Chu Shaoyang added, "Along this journey, the climate has changed, and the Dao Dao Laogui's habits may have changed too—Your Saintship must pay close attention."

The Saint said nothing, showed no other expression.

Chu Shaoyang continued, "Dao Dao Laogui are vicious and cruel; taming them is nearly impossible. Your Saintship, if you wish to form them into an army, must think carefully before acting."

He meant well—he believed the Dao Dao Laogui's condition was abnormal.

But the Saint grew displeased.

"Are you thinking too much?"

Chu Shaoyang said nothing, but the Saint reminded him: "The matter of Ge Ge Junma has nothing to do with you, and the matter of Dao Dao Guiling has nothing to do with you—remember this clearly."

Why did Dao Dao Guiling have nothing to do with Chu Shaoyang?

Because this matter concerned the Saint's reputation.

Chu Shaoyang descended the mountain and walked through Jianren Gang; he soon learned the reason.

Beside Shengxian Peak, a new peak had suddenly appeared—no one in Jianren Gang could have missed it.

How did this peak come to be? Shengxian Peak needed a plausible explanation—and the Saint provided one: he had moved it there.

The root of heaven and earth begins in the Saint's heart; the change of heaven and earth begins in the Saint's thought.

The Saint's disciples in Jingde Village said: "Heaven and earth turn upside down at the Saint's mere thought—what is moving a mountain? The Saint merely blinks, and the mountain arrives."

The people believed this utterly. Each day, they first burned incense and kowtowed toward Shengxian Peak, then kowtowed again toward Dao Dao Guiling.

Dao Dao Guiling must have nothing to do with Chu Shaoyang—this was all the Saint's divine power.

…

Cui Ti discovered Dao Dao Guiling was gone, and was furious: "Li Qi, we agreed on three days for investigation—only two have passed, and Dao Dao Guiling has vanished. This is clearly a betrayal of our friendship!"

Li Li Banfeng explained: "Dao Dao Guiling disappeared for no reason, just as it appeared for no reason—I truly don't know why, and you can't blame me."

Cui Ti didn't believe him: "I think you've deceived me!"

Li Li Banfeng said: "Think carefully—do I have the ability to control Dao Dao Guiling?"

Cui Ti paused, then said: "Judging by your personal ability, you shouldn't."

"If I can't do it, then I didn't do it—isn't that perfectly clear?"

Yes.

Not only clear—it seemed utterly unassailable.

Cui Ti sighed: "Wherever Dao Dao Guiling goes, disaster will follow. I hoped to witness it firsthand, but now I can only wait for others' reports."

Li Li Banfeng said: "As long as no one ascends Dao Dao Guiling, they won't encounter Dao Dao Laogui—this disaster can still be contained."

Cui Ti shook his head: "I thought all night yesterday—something may have changed."

Li Li Banfeng frowned: "What changed?"

"This change stems from their innate habits," Cui Ti said, sketching with a twig on the ground. "Dao Dao Laogui rarely leave Dao Dao Guiling. This behavior likely has two origins:

First, Dao Dao Laogui prefer Dao Dao Guiling's environment—in Pulu Province, they call it 'dense yin energy'—but I still don't fully understand what yin energy is.

Second, Dao Dao Laogui suffer from severe visual impairment, causing profound cognitive difficulties, forcing them to live only in familiar areas. But through our joint efforts—"

"Stop!" Li Li Banfeng had a bad feeling. "This was your effort alone—I never intended to take credit."

Cui Ti insisted: "Your contribution is part of this achievement. Even if I write an autobiography, I will mention you.

Because the potion we developed caused a visual mutation in the Dao Dao Laogui—their range of movement may have expanded."

Li Li Banfeng took a deep breath: "How much?"

Cui Ti couldn't give a precise answer: "It requires extensive biological knowledge, plus countless observations and experiments.

But Dao Dao Laogui still depend on Dao Dao Guiling's yin energy, so they won't stray far. Previously, they roamed two or three li below the mountain—now they may appear twenty or thirty li away, at most a hundred li."

Li Li Banfeng pulled down his hat brim.

Jianren Gang was about to face disaster.

…

Two days later, at nine in the morning, the weather in Jianren Gang was clear.

On Shengxian Peak, the Saint bathed, burned incense, and donned a yellow robe embroidered with cloud patterns, then stepped onto a palanquin.

The palanquin was a highly unusual vehicle—a luxury sedan, in essence.

This palanquin of the Saint looked, from the outside, like a house: it had a front hall, a bedroom, a roof ridge, doors and windows.

Twenty-eight disciples carried the Saint down Shengxian Peak; along the path, countless seekers knelt, foreheads pressed to the ground, daring not to look up.

Behind the palanquin, eighteen disciples carried a bronze cauldron down the mountain; the rest, neatly dressed, followed in procession.

When they reached the foot of Dao Dao Guiling, ten disciples ascended first to scout.

They had scouted several times already—three groups had climbed before and found no Dao Dao Laogui. Had it not been for those who had visited Dao Dao Guiling before, they might have doubted its existence.

Where had the Dao Dao Laogui gone?

Chu Shaoyang's earlier guess was correct: the environmental shift had unsettled them. At first fearful, then agitated, they eventually burrowed underground and fell into hibernation.

Confirming the peak was safe, disciples carried the bronze cauldron up and set up a magical array at the preselected site.

Once all was ready, the remaining disciples carried the palanquin, escorting the Saint up the mountain.

Halfway up the slope, the Saint stood atop the palanquin, gazed at the clear sky, then scanned his disciples.

All disciples knelt and kowtowed before the Saint.

The Saint gave his order: "Rise, my lords. Mobilize the troops!"

For all the Saint's disciples, this was a moment of profound significance.

Since leaving Huineizhou, the Saint finally had troops under his command.

This was the first step toward reclaiming the realm!

Eighteen disciples took their roles: they filled the cauldron with water, added sacrificial offerings, lit a fire beneath it. As the broth boiled and steamed, dark clouds gathered in the sky.

This cauldron was a magic treasure—a powerful artifact capable of altering weather within a limited range. It could summon a thunderstorm over Dao Dao Guiling within twenty minutes.

Thunder rolled; rain poured down. The once-silent Dao Dao Guiling erupted with a chorus of shrieks.

"Squeak!"

Several Dao Dao Laogui emerged nearby, flickering in and out of the tall grass and thickets.

The Saint and his disciples all swallowed pills.

These pills were for breath-holding—Dao Dao Laogui's toxic mist could poison them; strict precautions were necessary.

Ten Mind Cultivators struck first. Their task: use mental control to manipulate Dao Dao Laogui. If they succeeded, the taming plan was half won.

After five minutes, the Dao Dao Laogui, who had merely watched, began attacking. The Mind Cultivators failed to control them—they only enraged them.

This was what Cui Ti meant by cognitive disparity.

Mind Cultivators could perceive and infiltrate Dao Dao Laogui thoughts. But the Dao Dao Laogui's cognition had mutated severely—in their minds, the Mind Cultivators had already launched real, physical attacks.

Failing Mind Cultivators, the Insect Cultivators moved in.

Would Insect Cultivators work on Dao Dao Laogui?

This was no idle stunt by the Saint—it stemmed from past research.

When the Saint once ruled, he had sent investigators to Dao Dao Guiling. Among their findings, one had earned his approval: humans infected by a certain parasite on Dao Dao Guiling transformed into Dao Dao Laogui.

If Insect Cultivators could control the parasite, they might control the Dao Dao Laogui. This was the Saint's carefully planned strategy.

Another five minutes passed. The Insect Cultivators failed. Dao Dao Laogui numbers swelled, growing more frenzied. Many disciples were splattered with Dao Dao Laogui venom.

They wore water-resistant armor; the Saint carried water-resistant magic treasures that offered partial protection—but the Dao Dao Laogui were too numerous. Several disciples already bore fatal wounds.

The Saint remained unfazed. He ordered the third group to act.

The third group were Nightmare Cultivators, prepared according to earlier findings.

One finding stated: Dao Dao Laogui—literally, "ghosts of the poisoned"—were the spirits of those who died from poisoning. Nightmare Cultivators could command dead souls; dealing with ghosts was natural to them.

After seven or eight minutes, the Nightmare Cultivators failed too.

Dao Dao Laogui filled the mountain, three layers deep, surrounding them completely.

The Saint was not worried. This outcome was expected.

Turning Dao Dao Laogui into an army seemed absurd to ordinary people. The task was immensely difficult; failure on the first attempt was reasonable.

Though this attempt failed, it yielded three clear lessons: Mind Cultivators, Insect Cultivators, and Nightmare Cultivators—all ineffective against Dao Dao Laogui.

The Dao Dao Laogui's movements remained under the Saint's control. When the thunderstorm ended, according to their habits, they would return to their nests—and the Saint could depart calmly.

As for wounded disciples: those who could be saved, would be. Those who could not—those who became Dao Dao Laogui—would serve in the army. In this way, all were put to use.

Twenty minutes passed. The rain ceased. The thunder faded.

Everyone prepared to retreat—but the Dao Dao Laogui did not withdraw. They seemed even more excited.

The Saint was surprised. He ordered his disciples to hold their ground, remain calm, and delay—Dao Dao Laogui would surely leave soon.

Another twenty minutes passed. Dao Dao Laogui numbers kept growing.

Ten or so disciples fell—not from poison, but torn apart by Dao Dao Laogui bites.

Thick black mist filled the air, rendering visibility zero. The pills the disciples took were nearly spent.

The Saint ordered retreat. The disciples still tried to carry the palanquin.

The Saint abandoned the palanquin himself. He used Joy Cultivation techniques to suppress the Dao Dao Laogui's frenzy, dampen their battle lust, and seek an escape route.

But the Dao Dao Laogui's cognition had changed further.

Their battle lust did not wane. Another impulse surged rapidly, seizing their consciousness.

In the chaos, disciple after disciple was slain—those alive were killed, those dead were torn apart.

And for the Saint, who wielded Joy Cultivation techniques, the Dao Dao Laogui's interest was especially intense.

…

At dusk, the ragged Saint descended from Dao Gui Ridge with a dozen disciples.

Given his cultivation base and his followers' strength, had they descended immediately after discovering the Dao Dao Laogui, such a result would never have occurred.

But his goal was to control the Dao Dao Laogui; even after being surrounded, he refused to retreat, and now suffered heavy losses, nearly losing his own life.

Back at the mansion, the Saint was still shaken; only today did he personally experience the terror of Dao Gui Ridge.

A previous plague had cost him half his disciples; the remaining ones were nearly all slain on Dao Gui Ridge, leaving Shengxian Peak severely weakened, and the Saint could not suppress his rising fury.

Disciple Song Deko advised: "Master, the way of commanding troops must begin with strictness. To subdue such vile spirits, lure them down the mountain and kill more than half before they will submit."

The Saint nodded: "I entrust this matter to you."

Song Deko quickly explained: "I am not skilled in warfare…"

The Saint looked at Song Deko; Song Deko lowered his head in silence.

Du Duan Xiangwen stepped in to defuse the tension: "The Dao Dao Laogui will not easily leave Dao Gui Ridge. Luring them down the mountain is likely unwise—this matter requires careful deliberation."

"Squeak!"

A roar echoed outside the mansion.

The Saint was startled and asked Du Duan Xiangwen: "Is that the voice of the Dao Dao Laogui?"

PS: If the Dao Dao Laogui breaches the mansion, what the Saint loses won't be just his clothes.

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(End of Chapter)