The roused cultivators panicked, shrugging off the ropes that bound them. Without thinking, they subconsciously turned to flee again.
"Return!"
Upon this light rebuke, the cultivators who had just turned to flee abruptly reversed and rushed back as if commanded...
The once haughty cultivators were now as pitiful as mice being toyed with by a cat.
Duke Zhenguo watched the absurd scene before him, feeling an inexplicable pang of sympathy for them.
He had once thought that the collaboration between Taiyi Country and the Justice League was hugely advantageous for Lin Bai. Taiyi Country, taking on immense pressure, had dispatched The Northern Army to assist Lin Bai. For this reason, Duke Zhenguo was even prepared for the destruction of the kingdom. However, the result was that the formidable Northern Army had merely come to watch a monkey show? It now appeared that Taiyi Country was the real beneficiary! The Law was too terrifying, completely shattering the existing rules of cultivation. Heaven was truly changing...
Duke Zhenguo felt a wave of relief; thankfully, he had agreed to Lin Bai's terms. Otherwise, if they had truly driven Lin Bai to desperation, causing him to wreak havoc across Taiyi Country, the kingdom's downfall would likely have been swifter than if they had offended the Seven Major Sects.
At this moment, Duke Zhenguo felt the need to mend the relationship with his son-in-law. He felt that his previous attitude had been too harsh.
...
"Ye Song, Brother Xiao Dao, Brother in Purple Robe, it's time for you to act," Lin Bai gently reminded the three stupefied Great Cheng Realm cultivators.
Jolted from their stunned mockery, Ye Song and the other two simultaneously lunged toward the nearest Great Cheng Realm cultivator of the Pill and Spirit Sect, Gu Yi.
At this moment, Gu Yi had just managed to break free from his bindings when he saw the three formidable Great Cheng Realm cultivators rushing at him. His face changed, and he threw out several Poison Pills while stuffing another pill into his mouth to forcibly boost his Cultivation Level.
The Poison Pills exploded.
The Elder in Purple Robe launched a sword beam, creating a gust of wind that forced the poisonous gas back toward Gu Yi.
A Great Cheng Realm cultivator specializing in Pill Dao, when engaging in close combat with a Great Cheng Realm cultivator specializing in Sword Dao, would naturally be overwhelmed. Moreover, beside the Elder in Purple Robe was Ye Song, a Great Cheng Realm cultivator from the Holy Extreme Sect, foremost of the Demon Five Gates, and Xiao Yu, who was filled with hatred for them and wanted nothing more than to grind their bones to dust.
"Brothers..." Gu Yi cried out in terror, his body bursting with brilliant light as he turned to flee.
Just then, a rope suddenly wrapped around his arm and, in the blink of an eye, hoisted him up.
Lin Bai was adept at seizing opportunities.
Facts proved that when a Great Cheng Realm cultivator with the power to overwhelm others truly decided to kill, an instant was enough to determine victory or defeat.
During the brief moment he was bound by the rope, Ye Song's palm, the Elder in Purple Robe's sword, and Xiao Yu's soul entanglement simultaneously struck Gu Yi. Such a formidable assault rendered all the life-saving Pill Medicine on Gu Yi useless. In an instant, he lost consciousness and fell from the air.
Taking advantage of the situation, Lin Bai threw out a Gold Card, successfully sealing the first Great Cheng Realm elder, Gu Yi.
After recalling the Card, Lin Bai didn't delay. He released Gu Yi from the Card, and a dazed Great Cheng Realm elder was now protectively stationed beside him.
Immense Spiritual Power filled his Dantian.
Through the Card, Lin Bai successfully advanced to the Great Cheng Realm. If the Spiritual Power of the Hollow Realm was a lake, then the Spiritual Power of the Great Cheng Realm was an endless, boundless ocean.
As Lin Bai felt the changes in his body, the world seemed different. What were once swift movements in the Hollow Realm now seemed as slow as a normal person's actions. Previously, with the Eye of the Broken, he could see the weak points in techniques. But the vulnerabilities of a cultivator in motion would often flash by, and with Lin Bai's previous Cultivation Level, even if he identified them, he couldn't exploit them. But now, with the power and Skills of the Great Cheng Realm, he was confident he could disable a Hollow Realm cultivator with a single move, just as Ye Song had done earlier.
The difference between the Great Cheng Realm and the Hollow Realm was indeed a gaping chasm.
Stability achieved!
Lin Bai heaved a sigh of relief. Above the Great Cheng Realm was only the Crossing Tribulation Realm. Cultivators in the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, fearing the descent of Heavenly Tribulation, dared not act recklessly. Thus, Great Cheng Realm cultivators were essentially the mightiest combatants in the world. Now, he possessed the Cultivation Level of the Great Cheng Realm, coupled with the Skills awarded by the System. The world was his to traverse.
The tables of offense and defense had turned. From today onward, the rise of the Righteous Door was inevitable.
...
At this point, the Great Cheng Realm cultivators besieging Zhen City were only Qiu Liang of the Beast Taming Sect, Cen Qing of the Moon Spirit Sect, Zuo Lan of the Tool Refining Sect, and Wen Ba of Sky Demon Mountain.
On the side of the Justice League were Ye Song, Xiao Yu, the Elder in Purple Robe, Gu Yi, and the newly advanced Great Cheng Realm cultivator, Lin Bai.
Five versus four. In terms of raw power, the Justice League already had the upper hand.
Gu Yi was turned into a Puppet in an instant. The remaining Great Cheng Realm cultivators seemed to foresee their own end, and their composure shattered. It was one thing to effortlessly turn Divinity Transformation Realm cultivators into Puppets, but to do the same to Great Cheng Realm cultivators so easily—was there any way for them to survive?
"Brother Qiu Dao, Fairy Cen, Brother Zuo... We've all seen Brother Ancient Dao's fate. There's no escape. Let's use our trump cards and fight it out!"
"Ye Song, are you willing to be the Justice League's lapdog?"
"Old Purple Robe, the Heavenly Sword Sect will be shamed because of you..."
...
The remaining Great Cheng Realm cultivators cursed wildly and incoherently.
At this moment, their biggest regret was obeying their Sect's orders to come and kill Lin Bai.
Only Divinity Transformation Realm cultivation? This bizarre Law completely defied measurement by cultivation realm!
...
DING!
[The role of wisdom in battle is undeniable, but a War God should be proficient in both scholarly and martial arts. Personally participate in battles of the same level to comprehend the true essence of combat and compensate for your shortcomings. Reward: Aptitude +30]
Lin Bai had initially intended to hide within the defensive formation and let Ye Song and the others turn the Great Cheng Realm cultivators outside into Puppets, reaping the benefits without risk. After all, he always pursued safety and prudence. But the sudden appearance of a System task made him pause.
Lin Bai didn't much care about compensating for shortcomings; what he cared about was the aptitude rewarded by the mission. All along, the main difference between him and the Players was cultivation talent. Without the sharing feature of the Card System, relying on his own cultivation, he probably wouldn't have even reached the Golden Core stage yet. In the final analysis, he was just an ordinary person. But an increase in cultivation aptitude might mean he could possess strength that was truly his own. After all, the Card System was providing fewer and fewer Cards, and the Matchmaker System hadn't rewarded any items recently. What if the Card Puppets were targeted? If he lost the shared abilities and his power declined, he would be utterly ruined... Should he take the gamble? What if Ye Song and the others betrayed him?
Lin Bai analyzed the situation. After a moment's thought, he made up his mind.
Be prepared for danger in times of peace. For long-term safety, it's worth the risk! Stepping out of the defensive formation meant no return for others, but he had the Magpie Bridge. If danger arose, he could return instantly. What was there to fear?
...
"Fellow Daoists, whether they will bring shame to their sects, I do not know. I only know that not only are you all shamed, but you are also about to lose your freedom," Lin Bai said with a slight smile, stepping outside the defensive formation.
"Master!"
"Lin Bai!"
"Master!"
...
Several exclamations sounded in succession. Xu Longyun, Jiang Qingqin, and a few others close to Lin Bai, worried for his safety, rushed toward the city wall but were stopped by cultivators of The Northern Army.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Wait for me inside. As long as you are safe, I am safe." Lin Bai turned and gave them a reassuring look. "Just now, I had an epiphany. My cultivation is now at the Great Cheng Realm."
"..."
The world fell silent.
...
Great Cheng Realm, my ass! Your damned Cultivation Level is just bound to your Puppets! What Heavenly Dao? You're a genuine Evil Spirit! Zuo Lan and the others cursed inwardly, their hatred for Lin Bai's accomplices reaching an extreme.
...
"Ye Song, aren't you afraid that one day Lin Bai will turn you into a Puppet too, making you his sustenance?"
"Brother Xiao Dao, Lin Bai has stepped out of the defensive formation! If we join forces, we might have a chance to win!"
"Evil Spirits and heretics must be hunted down by all righteous people!"
"Is Taiyi Country not afraid of a backlash for cooperating with an Evil Spirit?"
...
"Noisy!" Lin Bai snapped. "Hollow Realm cultivators, lay down your weapons and voluntarily join the Justice League, and your lives may be spared."
As soon as he said this, the Hollow Realm cultivators who were still resisting immediately stopped struggling. Some of the cleverer ones simply let the ropes bind them, hanging limply in the void, indicating their submission.
"We are willing to surrender!"
"Willing to surrender!"
A miserable life is better than a noble death. The more one pursues longevity, the more one fears death. It was obvious Lin Bai held the upper hand. They couldn't escape, nor could they win a fight. If they didn't join the Justice League, would they really let hundreds of years of cultivation go to waste merely for their Sect's sake?
...
"If you join the Justice League, aren't you afraid of being hunted down by your sects?"
"Lin Bai, do you think they will truly submit? You can know a person's face, but not their heart. Can your Justice League withstand a few betrayals?"
"Whoever dares to surrender, I'll kill you first!"
"Fellow Daoists, if we combine our strength to kill Lin Bai, we might secure a sliver of hope! Elder Qiu, your Beast Taming Sect's Demon Beasts are still idle. What are you waiting for?"
...
Different voices rose simultaneously—threatening, instigating, warning, resisting—revealing the distinct personalities of each speaker.
"Ye Song, kill Wen Ba first!" After placating the numerous Hollow Realm cultivators, Lin Bai turned to Wen Ba, who had been clamoring to unite everyone to kill him. With a thought, a refined rope flew out, and Wen Ba was instantly bound in the humiliating Turtle Shell Binding and hoisted up.
Ordering Gu Yi to guard him, Lin Bai took a step and appeared beside Wen Ba.
At the same time, Ye Song, the Elder in Purple Robe, and Xiao Yu arrived.
Xiao Yu looked at Lin Bai, who was within arm's reach. He was tempted to use his Shadow Soul Possession, to eliminate this sword hanging over his head in one fell swoop. But a glance at Ye Song and the Elder in Purple Robe made him abandon the risky thought. Lin Bai might spare him once, but not necessarily a second time.
Little did he know, the Elder in Purple Robe was also eager to make a move. Hu Qing being controlled by Lin Bai made him feel constrained and resentful. But due to Ye Song and Xiao Yu's presence, he too dared not act.
Ultimately, the reason the allied forces of the Seven Major Sects and the Five Demonic Sects had fallen into such a predicament was their lack of unity.
Only Ye Song didn't overthink it. He felt he had betrayed Emperor Zidewei and could only continue down this dark path. Otherwise, when he ascended to the Fairy World in the future, that formidable-looking Moral Heavenly Respect would not spare him...
Seeing Lin Bai approach, a savage expression flickered across Wen Ba's face.
POP! The rope snapped. A serpent-like Monster suddenly burst from his back and, like an arrow loosed from a bow, lunged at Lin Bai with a fetid stench.
Its weak point was seven *fen* down its neck. Lin Bai saw it at a glance. He raised his hand, channeling sword qi through his kitchen knife, and slashed towards a spot three *fen* down the Monster's neck.
Meanwhile, another rope flew out, hoisting Wen Ba up again.
The Monster dodged swiftly but failed to avoid Lin Bai's slash. It shrieked as its neck was partially severed. Before it could reorganize its attack, a purple sword beam suddenly slashed from the side like a fierce gale, cutting the serpent-like Monster in two...
"Die!" Wen Ba's voice roared.
The bisected serpent-like Monster abruptly exploded. A powerful shockwave, carrying a foul stench and fragments of flesh and blood, spread in all directions. It was like a cannonball exploding at close range.
Spiritual Power surged toward Lin Bai. He retreated rapidly, and Gu Yi, his newly acquired Puppet, fearlessly threw himself in front, shielding Lin Bai from most of the shockwave. The Monster's flesh struck Gu Yi, producing a SIZZLING sound, like acid corroding flesh. Plumes of white smoke rose from Gu Yi's body...
"All that Spiritual Power, yet no combat awareness! Fellow Daoists, let's join forces and kill this menace!" Wen Ba, having landed a successful blow, sneered. He broke the ropes and this time released three Monsters from behind him, which attacked Lin Bai from three directions.
Lin Bai flicked his hand, and Hu Qing moved to block in front of him. In the next instant, the Elder in Purple Robe's ferocious sword qi swept in, forming a sword cage that trapped the newly released Monsters, preventing any from escaping.
Lin Bai snorted inwardly. If he didn't put these fellows in their place, they would never learn who their true master was!
"You old Purple-Robed thief!" Wen Ba roared, furious that his successful attack had been foiled by the Elder in Purple Robe. "You and I are irreconcilable!"
The Elder in Purple Robe, his face dark, unleashed a sword beam at him.
Ye Song silently Flashed behind Wen Ba, a palm print formed of Spiritual Power striking towards Wen Ba's chest.
Xiao Yu no longer hesitated, releasing several dark spirits that tried to bore into Wen Ba through his seven orifices...
At the critical moment, another rope wrapped around Wen Ba. Originally confident he could dodge the three attacks, Wen Ba was struck squarely by all three. A large mouthful of blood sprayed from his lips.
"I would rather die than become a Puppet! Qiu Liang, attack now! What are you waiting for?" Wen Ba roared, lunging fiercely at Lin Bai. Seizing the moment before a second rope could bind him, black flames suddenly erupted from his body. The dark spirits that had just entered his orifices shrieked miserably as they were instantly incinerated by the black flames, dissipating into the air.
"Sky Demon Burning Body!" Ye Song exclaimed in alarm. "Quick, retreat!"
Sky Demon Burning Body? What in the world is that? Self-destruction?
Lin Bai watched Wen Ba, engulfed in black flames, pounce toward him. He threw a Puppet at Wen Ba and used Separation of Love on him. The flames engulfing Wen Ba were instantly suppressed back into his body. Wen Ba struck an alluring pose and began to ascend into the sky.
"No!" Wen Ba let out an inhuman shriek.
Rush Moon. All Cultivation Level converts into upward momentum. Self-destruct? In his dreams!
"Ah Zi, get him!" Lin Bai immediately called out to the Elder in Purple Robe. The Puppet he had subjugated was Gu Yi from the Pill and Spirit Sect, whose combat style relied mainly on Pill Medicine; his techniques were far inferior to those of the Elder in Purple Robe from the Heavenly Sword Sect. Moreover, as Wen Ba had pointed out, although Lin Bai shared his Puppet's Skills, he had too little combat experience. He possessed immense Spiritual Power but didn't know which techniques to use against an enemy. After all, the Puppet's techniques and Skills were not cultivated by him. Selecting Skills on the fly was like choosing moves with a mouse—indirect and far less convenient than using the Skills awarded by the System... The War God System was right; his combat abilities truly had shortcomings.
Ah Zi? The Elder in Purple Robe shivered slightly, glanced at Lin Bai, then transformed into a streak of sword light, pursuing Wen Ba. His sword pierced Wen Ba's Dantian, followed by another stab directly into his heart...
During the Rush Moon ascent, even basic defense was impossible.
Wen Ba screamed, still maintaining his flying posture, yet he didn't fall unconscious. He spat fiercely at the Elder in Purple Robe and accelerated his ascent. The wounds the Elder in Purple Robe had inflicted on him were healing at a visible rate as he rose.
"The Sky Demon Body truly lives up to its reputation," Ye Song remarked with admiration, then followed in pursuit, with Xiao Yu close behind.
Sky Demon Body? Lin Bai suddenly understood. When the Sky Demon Valley's Cultivation Techniques were mastered to the extreme, one could achieve Blood-drop Reincarnation. Although no one had ever reached that ultimate stage, regenerating severed limbs was a simple matter. It could be said that people from the Sky Demon Valley were the most difficult to kill, veritable unkillable cockroaches, famed for their resilience. No wonder the Elder in Purple Robe's attacks were all fatal, showing no concern for leaving him barely alive...
Lin Bai pursed his lips slightly, his eyes gleaming. This Puppet, he was determined to have it!
"Alliance Hierarch Lin, are you truly going to exterminate us all?" Qiu Liang, mounted on his Flying Dragon, asked in a grave voice.
Zuo Lan of the Tool Refining Sect and Cen Qing of the Moon Spirit Sect formed a triangular encirclement, distantly surrounding Lin Bai. Their faces were filled with grim determination. Clearly, the fates of Gu Yi and Wen Ba had deeply affected them.
Qiu Liang of the Beast Taming Sect relied on Demon Beasts; Zuo Lan of the Tool Refining Sect was practically crippled by the Blacksmith's Six-Piece Set, a blank slate; and Cen Qing of the Moon Spirit Sect was not skilled in combat... These three combined were not even a match for Wen Ba! Lin Bai smiled faintly. "So what if I exterminate you all? Weren't you here in Zhen City to do the same to me?"
"Can we join the Justice League?" Qiu Liang asked after a moment's thought.
"Those two can. You cannot!" Lin Bai looked at Qiu Liang and said suddenly.
Cen Qing and Zuo Lan were taken aback.
"Why?" Qiu Liang's eyes widened.
Because the System task isn't complete yet! Lin Bai looked at Qiu Liang and declared righteously, "The Justice League has established the Demon's Country. I must be responsible for every member of the Monster Race who joins the Demon's Country. If I were to shelter people like you, who persecute Demon Beasts, how would they view me..."
The War God System's task was secondary. After this battle, the primary functions of his War God System should activate, and he still had a long-term mission: to destroy the Beast Taming Sect! Most importantly, if everyone joined the Justice League, how would he acquire more Puppets?