Chapter 318: Integrate 318
"Alliance Hierarch Lin, on behalf of the Righteous Seven Sects, Ancestor Yan Qing has a message for you," Hold Nothing Back in Happiness approached Lin Bai, bowed respectfully, and relayed. "He assures you that you can focus on overcoming your tribulation without any interference in the Justice League’s affairs. They will uphold their agreement to compensate for the war as promised. On the day you succeed and ascend, the Ancestor will bring the Righteous Seven Sects to celebrate with you."
The other three players followed closely, curiously examining Lin Bai and his Justice League team.
Most of the time, their gaze was fixed on the Phoenix Seeking Phoenix Group. Trusting that Lin Bai couldn’t hear their private conversations, they started discussing members of the Phoenix Seeking Phoenix Team.
Only NPCs have such patience. If it were me flipping somersaults, my real body would be nauseous within half an hour, Madness Without Battle said.
Flipping somersaults is fine, but that sword-swallowing act is seriously uncomfortable to watch. Swallowing for three months straight, that sword must be coated already! Action Over Words added.
Well, not coated per se. I think constant sword swallowing keeps the throat clear. Maybe it’ll awaken some other habits, Rational Cat sniggered. Phoenix Seeks Phoenix can even control players. For this reason alone, Lin Bai is the nemesis of all players. He must be taken down.
I must say, Little White Fox is really adorable! Madness Without Battle blurted.
I like Hu He, Rational Cat sneaked a glance at Hu He and said. This beautiful woman has a unique charm.
Without the support of the Beggar Gang’s disciples, Lin Bai lost his external source of information.
Words can deceive, but private chats don’t, so the private chats among these players became his sole channel for news from the outside world. Of course, even when Beggar Gang disciples were around, Lin Bai relied on their private chats for accurate information.
Dedicating a part of his attention to their idle chatter, Lin Bai asked, "What about the Demon Five Sects?"
Hold Nothing Back in Happiness replied, "The Holy Extreme Sect and the Blood Sect have some complaints about you but were persuaded to stand down by the other three sects. The bigger picture is what matters. The Righteous Seven Sects wouldn’t want them to interfere with your tribulation. You can rest assured about that."
"When have I ever worried they would interfere with my tribulation? What I mean is, they caused me to fall into this Heavenly Tribulation. Haven’t they thought about compensating me at all?" Lin Bai sneered.
... Hold Nothing Back in Happiness was taken aback, then couldn’t help but curse under his breath, "DAMN!"
It was already impressive that others had promised not to invade his territory, but this man, even in a crisis, was still trying to shake them down... What kind of mentality is this? He has internalized shamelessness and greed to their very core!
BANG!
The Sect Master of the Holy Extreme Sect slammed his palm down, shattering the table. Veins protruded on his forehead as he roared furiously, "This is too much! He tamed Qingmu of my Holy Extreme Sect, and now he has the audacity to demand compensation from us! I’ll give him compensation? Can he even take it? Compensation? I’ll give him nothing of the sort!"
Lin Bai always had an uncanny knack for pushing his buttons.
"Lin Bai is indeed pushing his luck. After our defeat in the Battle of Zhen City, it’s reasonable for him to demand war reparations. However, leading him into the Heavenly Tribulation, strictly speaking, means he lost. So, he should compensate the Holy Extreme Sect instead," Nightfall glanced at the Sect Master and advised. "However, Sect Master, it’s come to this; why bother with a man who’s as good as dead? As you said, even if he gets the resources, he won’t be able to use them. Why not give some resources to his Justice League to appease them? Once Lin Bai dies in the Heavenly Tribulation and it disperses, we can reclaim those resources."
Qu Chaozong reasoned, "Sect Master, the Blood Sect hasn’t even recovered its own Sect premises, and the Holy Extreme Sect is large and established. Giving some resources to Lin Bai to appease him is the right course of action to prevent him from dragging us all down with him if he becomes desperate."
You wish to get it back! Lin Bai’s Magpie Bridge can bring a whole host of people back to the Blood Sect’s territory at any moment. Even if he returned the Sect premises to you, would you dare to take it? people silently cursed.
"Sect Master, Qingmu has been tamed by Lin Bai and is unlikely to serve the Holy Extreme Sect again even if she survives the Heavenly Tribulation. At this point, it would be best for everyone if both Qingmu and Lin Bai died in the Heavenly Tribulation," Lu Wei advised. "As for the Holy Extreme Sect’s premises, the world is vast. You can always find another location rich in Spiritual Energy to re-establish the Sect."
Feedback arrived in real time.
Hold Nothing Back in Happiness watched the live stream and said, "Alliance Hierarch, the Holy Extreme Sect has agreed to provide compensation, based on the standard of the previous war reparations. Within seven days, they will deliver these war reparations, along with the previous ones, to the Justice League Headquarters in Zhen City. At that time, you just need to arrange for someone to receive them."
"Why should I have the compensation resources sent to Zhen City when I am undergoing a tribulation outside the Holy Extreme Sect? Who is he trying to slight with that? Tell everyone, within seven days, all the compensation resources should be sent outside the tribulation cloud over the Holy Extreme Sect. When everything is delivered, inform me, and I’ll personally verify it," Lin Bai said. "Within seven days, if I do not see the corresponding compensation, I will personally take my tribulation cloud and visit each of their Sects to take back what is rightfully mine. That was my original purpose in coming here anyway. A mere tribulation cloud won’t hinder my travels."
This time, not only the Holy Extreme Sect cursed. Even aloof sects like the Poison Sect and Blood Sect began to curse, wishing the Heavenly Tribulation would intensify a hundredfold and strike Lin Bai dead on the spot, putting an end to this menace.
The players who had been planning to use the resources from the various sects for their own development were also dumbfounded, cursing Lin Bai one after another.
You’re already in the tribulation cloud, why are you still hoarding those resources? Can’t you leave some inheritance for your disciples?
Curse as they might, the various sects had no choice but to swallow their anger and prepare as Lin Bai demanded. After all, Lin Bai was an untouchable porcupine now. Others caught under a Heavenly Tribulation might not be able to move, making them less of a concern. But Lin Bai, with his Magpie Bridge, could literally pick up and leave, dragging the tribulation cloud wherever he pleased. Could a Sect’s grounds still be usable after being ravaged by a Heavenly Tribulation? Now, with their Saint Heirs and Demon’s Sons to consider, it wasn’t worth antagonizing a desperado like Lin Bai...
"Alliance Hierarch, they’ve agreed," Hold Nothing Back in Happiness looked at the screen, silently curling his lips.
At this moment, he suddenly had a strange thought. People should be like Lin Bai. Truly exploiting every advantage, living so freely and unrestrainedly! In the real world, various scruples might prevent one from acting like that. But in the game, you totally can!
Lin Bai then turned to the crowd and said with a smile, "Everyone, these resources are prepared for you. Overcoming the tribulation might take three months. Most of you won’t be of much help during the Heavenly Tribulation, so don’t waste this time. Continue your cultivation..."
"Thank you, Alliance Hierarch."
The many low-level cultivators in the Phoenix Seeking Phoenix Group thanked in unison. At this time, they didn’t know whether to cry or laugh, but Lin Bai’s confidence undoubtedly increased their own. At this critical juncture, he was still thinking about their cultivation. Perhaps they really could overcome this Heavenly Tribulation!
"Do you have any other needs? Food, clothing, utilities, entertainment—anything you need can be requested from the outside world through these few players. A Heavenly Tribulation of this magnitude is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Wouldn’t it be a waste not to seize this opportunity to reap sufficient benefits?"
Not long after these words were said, Lin Bai’s System registered a long string of negative Emotion Values.
He smiled indifferently and continued to scatter Spirit Fruit onto Qingmu.
Although trapped in the Heavenly Tribulation, the influx of negative Emotion Values to his System never ceased. Conversely, positive Emotion Values had become scarce. Lin Bai had to use various incentives to encourage those facing the tribulation with him, hoping to earn some positive Emotion Values from them.
Once he successfully overcomes the Heavenly Tribulation according to plan, he will become the undisputed number one under heaven. Whether his strength increases further at that point will be irrelevant. But earning more resources is always good. Just as he advised others, time shouldn’t be wasted; even under a tribulation cloud, tasks can be completed.
After speaking, Lin Bai looked at the few players in front of him and asked, "Would any of you be interested in joining my Justice League?"
The players were taken aback.
Lin Bai smiled and pointed his finger to the sky. "You too are enveloped by the Heavenly Tribulation. Barring death, escape is impossible. For three months, other players have been cultivating, striving to improve themselves. Are you content to remain mere messengers?"
The four players’ expressions changed simultaneously.
Yes! Their livestreams might have many viewers now, but a player’s survival in the game world fundamentally depends on their Level. Should they really just sit around doing nothing for three months? Once they left Lin Bai, who would recognize them outside?
"My people are all around us, with experts ranging from the Divinity Transformation Realm to the Crossing Tribulation Realm. You are only four people. I’ve also extorted vast resources from the Righteous Seven Sects and the Demon Five Sects. Join my Justice League, cultivate here, and you’ll be uniquely blessed. How many other players receive such treatment?" Lin Bai looked at the four and continued, "I can even accept you as disciples, which will increase your cultivation speed by fifty percent. The only condition is that you switch your allegiance, become my representatives, and promptly share information about the outside world with me. What do you say?"
"Master, please accept your disciple’s obeisance." The four players didn’t even exchange private messages. After a mutual glance, they knelt down simultaneously, performing a grand kowtow to Lin Bai.
Serendipity! This is serendipity! If Lin Bai completes his tribulation, they, as Lin Bai’s disciples, could swagger around. If Lin Bai fails his tribulation, they would at most lose one Level. In the meantime, it wouldn’t affect their livestreaming income. Even a fool would know how to choose!
They believed that even their financial backers wouldn’t object to them becoming Lin Bai’s disciples.
「Offline.」
Watching the live broadcast, Dumbelldore felt a tightness in his chest, almost spitting out a mouthful of blood, and was left speechless with indignation.
Was he really the most unlucky one? He really wasn’t suited for playing that game!
Silver and the others from the Beggar Gang also fell silent.
Truly, people’s destinies differ. If they hadn’t been killed by the Heavenly Tribulation, they would be Lin Bai’s disciples now, wouldn’t they? Fate! Life! Why were they the ones to trigger Lin Bai’s qualification to accept disciples? Damn their rotten luck! After the Heavenly Tribulation, we’ll definitely have to make some trouble for them...
Having dealt with the players, Lin Bai instructed Cen Qing, "Let everyone go. There is no need to temper them anymore. Now that everyone is part of the Justice League, we should work together and face the tribulation as one."
Cen Qing breathed a sigh of relief and immediately ended Phoenix Seeks Phoenix. In just two short days, she had almost been driven mad. Moreover, especially under the Heavenly Tribulation, she was unwilling to sacrifice herself for this crowd!
Suddenly released from their ’talent performances,’ Ancestor Tuohai and the others looked up at the dense tribulation clouds overhead, an unexpected sense of loss washing over them. If possible, they truly didn’t want to step out from the protection of Phoenix Seeks Phoenix.
As for the talent performances, after a while, they became just a thing. As long as one didn’t take it to heart, it was merely an ordinary confinement array, nothing to be ashamed of.
"We greet the Alliance Hierarch." Ancestor Tuohai and the others immediately came to pay their respects to Lin Bai. The terror of life and death loomed large. Under the Heavenly Tribulation, their survival depended entirely on Lin Bai. Thoughts of their sect’s destruction or the torment of Phoenix Seeks Phoenix had long since vanished.
"No need for formalities," Lin Bai contemplated for a moment and said. "Line up according to cultivation level, from highest to lowest. Then, select twenty-seven individuals to become my disciples. We do not know how long the Heavenly Tribulation will last. As my disciples, your cultivation speed will increase by fifty percent. Every bit of progress you make increases everyone’s chances of survival."
He looked at the remaining people and said, "Those who are left need not be envious. Currently, my Way of the Master can only accommodate thirty-six disciples, but in the future, as my Way of the Master advances and I gain more slots for disciples, I will accept you then."
Even a mosquito leg is still meat. Besides, the quality of these disciples was exceptionally high, all being either at the Crossing Tribulation Realm or Great cheng. Having them settle down and concentrate on their cultivation, the feedback Value obtained by the Master System would be an astronomical figure, far exceeding what he could gain from arduous solo cultivation.
"Thank you, Alliance Hierarch," everyone chorused.
Everyone had witnessed the power of the Ruler. Even a powerhouse like Qingmu couldn’t withstand it. But they were compelled by the circumstances. Lin Bai wanted to accept disciples; who dared refuse? Not to mention, with a single word from Lin Bai, Boss Qingyun, who was blocking the Heavenly Tribulation above, could cast them into the raging lightning, leaving not even ashes behind.
"From now on, address me as Master," Lin Bai withdrew his gaze, turned to Little White Fox, and instructed, "Xiao Bai, you are the Eldest Senior Sister. The task of guiding these junior martial brothers and sisters falls to you. Tell them what virtues they, as disciples of the Righteous Door, must uphold."
"Yes, Master," Little White Fox replied crisply.
Virtue? Tuohai and the others had heard this word several times today, but thinking of Lin Bai’s actions, they simply couldn’t associate virtue with him! However, at this point, whatever Lin Bai said, they had to comply.
The initial power of the Heavenly Tribulation was still manageable. Qing Yun could support against it with ease, and not a single bolt of lightning could fall through.
Sustained by Spirit Fruit and Temperament Fruit, Qing Yun shielded Lin Bai from the Heavenly Tribulation without complaint, unconcerned with his activities below. Plus, Lin Bai wasn’t wrong either. Seizing the time to enhance everyone’s strength did indeed increase their chances of surviving the Heavenly Tribulation. In a critical moment, they could offer her some assistance.
Nourished by the Spirit Fruit and Temperament Fruit, Qing Yun’s appearance was visibly transforming. Her hair was azure, and supplemented by more Temperament Fruit, it grew an even more vibrant cyan-green. Her looks didn’t change, but under the lightning, she exuded the ethereal air of an Immortal, her aura rivaling Lin Bai’s.
Under the Heavenly Tribulation, her Qingmu body began to emanate a faint glow. An ethereal mist wafted from its branches and leaves, enveloping Lin Bai and the others. It made them feel as though they were in an Immortal realm, every breath invigorating them with vitality.
In this forest, Qingmu already stood out like a crane among chickens. After the ethereal mist suffused its branches and leaves, the entire Qingmu appeared even more otherworldly. The surrounding trees swayed without wind, subtly bending towards Qingmu as if courtiers paying homage to their sovereign.
Qingmu’s fruits had long been harvested clean by the Holy Extreme Sect. Yet, in merely a day, new flower buds had begun to sprout one after another on Qingmu’s branches...
Seeing this, Peach Ancestor’s eyes widened round as saucers, her brow furrowed in deep thought. Truth be told, she held no grudge against Lin Bai. Luring the Heavenly Tribulation to strike Lin Bai was merely because she couldn’t withstand her own Heavenly Tribulation, yearned for her deceased lover, and no longer wished to live. Before dying, she simply wanted to do a favor for the Holy Extreme Sect.
But seeing the series of methods Lin Bai displayed and the transformation of Qingmu, a trace of bewilderment suddenly arose in her heart.
Maybe she had made a mistake. Lin Bai was the true Son of Destiny, Qingmu’s rightful master. Everything the Holy Extreme Sect had done was merely to push the gears of fate forward, allowing Qingmu and Lin Bai to meet...