Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 124 - 105: All are Mayflies Beneath the Immortal

Chapter 124: Chapter 105: All are Mayflies Beneath the Immortal

The True Monarchs who had gathered below gradually dispersed, and some sect protectors nearby found a tavern to chat in.

The makeup of the True Monarchs was even more complex than the Venerables, divided into two categories; one was the sect’s protectors, the other was those who entered Immortal Land to supplement their cultivation and hoped to break through to a higher level, and this latter group was further divided into forming good karmic connections, seizing opportunities, and body seizing, among others.

Externally, they had relationships with each other, but these great powers were also shrewd people; when benefits were involved, they never considered past feelings and would decisively end any enmity. They were beyond the stage of resolving conflicts through fights or chats and then calling each other brothers.

Thus, when Venerables monopolized opportunities, it did not lead to the True Monarchs forming alliances. To the Venerables, hitting them was just child’s play and if word got out, the higher-ups of the sects might even be pleased; if they hit their own Venerables, it was an indefensible act.

In essence, their presence in Immortal Land wasn’t reasonable.

At the tavern, Gu Wen returned to the tavern, and everyone fell silent. There were looks of astonishment, admiration, and reverence... He had undoubtedly gained most people’s recognition. Venerables were all proud, and being too ostentatious could easily lead to dissatisfaction.

Because everyone felt they could do it, too ostentatious a person seemed pretentious.

But to say that Gu Wen was ostentatious was an ’understatement’; to say he was arrogant wasn’t quite right either, something about him was indescribably wild.

Especially for the few who were among the top five in rankings and consulted frequently by others, reflecting on their frequent interactions added an extra flavor to their thoughts.

Is this madness? It seemed not. A truly mad person wouldn’t humbly seek advice from others.

He seemed more like someone pursuing the Dao, and for the sake of it, would do anything. But unlike most people’s perception of a Dao seeker, Gu Wen did not conceal himself, thus appearing wild.

Jade Sword Buddha was actually wilder, not tolerating others, just as strong as those from the Three Religions.

"What’s the matter with everyone?"

Gu Wen scratched his head, adopting an innocuous demeanor.

"You really know how to act. You just had an invincible look, and now you start pretending?"

Chi Yu Zi couldn’t hold back; he really wanted to rip off that face to see what was underneath.

Gu Wen said, "Everyone here is better than me, both in cultivation bases and magic skills; there’s much for me to learn from you all."

Asking for help from others wo’’t happen if you act haughty. The recent instances of seeking advice also made Gu Wen realize that Venerables are a gold mine, especially when the level of Cultivation Technique is very low; these people are much more useful than Heavenly Marrow.

After all, Spiritual Medicine isn’t available all the time; he couldn’t just go around seizing whatever he wants.

Everyone grew solemn and their gaze toward Gu Wen softened a lot, with the exception of Jade Sword Buddha and Jun Yan, who very much appreciated his flattery.

It matters WHO is doing the flattering, especially if it comes just after overwhelming many True Monarchs as a Venerable himself; who wouldn’t like that?

Dressed as a scholar, Lan Yongning said, Brother Hongchen, I have some pointers about the dharma form, you can find me later on."

"Thank you, Brother Ning."

"I have some insights about the relationships between the Sword Dao, Sword Qi, Sword Intent, and Sword Divinity that might be useful to you, Brother Hongchen."

"Ah, thank you, fellow daoist. May I know your esteemed name?"

"Ranked eighth on the earthly list, Li Rongyun of Qi Sect. Although not originally from a Sword Dao Sect, I do have some achievements in the Sword Dao."

Showing one’s capabilities brings attention and gifts; for a moment, Gu Wen felt a surge of everything related to the Sword Dao coming towards him.

As the crowd gradually calmed down, Jun Yan stepped forward, asked everyone to take their seats, and the official Sword Inquiry Conference of the Three Religions, gathering a third of the Venerables, began.

Gu Wen sat to the right of Yu Hua, who was virtually invisible from start to finish, never speaking up nor approached by anyone for conversation.

To her left was Jade Sword Buddha, while the nun was the ultimate introvert, only accessible by Yu Hua.

"As for the matter of Heavenly Spring Mountain, let Fellow Daoist Xiao begin with a brief overview."

Jun Yan directed the discourse to Xiao Yunyi, the host from Heavenly Spring Mountain, who did not refuse and said:

"This time at Heavenly Spring Mountain in the Ten Thousand Sword Path, the number of Taoist Soldiers potentially includes multiples, but the capacity of Sword Pond to refine treasures isn’t unlimited. Taoist Soldiers for the talented, while the Sword Pond is for everyone."

This was the basis of their alliance; the Sword Pond could refine artifacts, enhancing one’s own Magic Treasure,

but if the older generation of True Monarchs also entered, it would become "those with virtue deserve it."

By not allowing the older generation to join in and cut the cake, it ensured the basic interests of ordinary Venerables and also the likelihood that Xiao Yunyi and their ilk would obtain Taoist Soldiers.

"Is everyone satisfied?"

Many Venerables nodded; there was no opposition.

In the face of interests, even one’s own father must step aside, not to mention the inherent conflicts between the old and new generations. The protectors aren’t necessarily their masters or close relations, because True Monarchs are still scarce outside, and their close elders might not qualify.

Xiao Yunyi handed back the speaking right to Jun Yan beside him, who maintained his usual irreverence and said, "Now that everyone is clear on the situation, the old ones should step aside. If you fear you can’t explain to your sect after leaving, you can join me in the Demon Sect, where we teach without discrimination."

"Of course, no need to express now, just know that when you really have nowhere else to turn, the Demon Sect will be your refuge."

Faced with such blatant recruitment, many Venerables weren’t tempted.

As Jun Yan said, unless they were absolutely desperate, only then might they consider the Demon Sect; they were all being groomed by their sects to potentially become future Venerables and Buddha.