Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 99 - 85 Luo River to Take the Surname Gu_2

Chapter 99: Chapter 85 Luo River to Take the Surname Gu_2

Even at this moment, Gu Wen was not entirely spared; he could control himself, but he couldn’t be immune to illusions.

"Recently broke through, Fourth Level Dao foundation, Second Level fulfilled."

"It can be done."

Gu Wen nodded, making a mental comparison; he had pulled ahead of the other by one level.

When they were in Bianjing, the two of them were on nearly the same level, Lu Chan seemed slightly superior in realm, though Gu Wen was a bit better in magical combat.

He Qing quietly pondered for a while, feeling the intense gaze of Gu Wen, an invisible pressure spontaneously emerging.

Although they had come to him, as soon as Gu Wen sat down, their momentum was completely suppressed, naturally acknowledging him as the leader.

"The Rong family, being supported by our sect and sharing the same tutelage..." He Qing revealed his cultivation, Fifth Level Dao foundation, Second Level fulfilled.

Clearly, he wasn’t as talented as Lu Chan, failing to reach Third Level fulfilled, he opted for the next best thing, raising his normal Dao foundation first.

"I need to take a lot more, or else my conscience won’t sit right; I want all of the Rong family’s Spiritual Medicine."

"Can you handle or resolve the Rong family’s True Monarch?"

"I can."

In just a few words, True Monarchs seemed utterly worthless, but there were disparities among True Monarchs. A Seven-Level True Monarch without any fulfillment was on par with Gu Wen, as was Ao Tang with a total Dao foundation of twelve levels.

It’s similar to a master’s degree in the past life; a one-year program also yields a master’s degree, as does graduating from a top global institution.

Especially since those present were among the top ten on three lists, they were the future great powers of the Cultivation World.

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Afterward, Gu Wen went upstairs to find Ao Tang, clarified the pros and cons, expressing his feelings and reasoning, nearly summoning a mandate against the five major families.

It was as if he were the Emperor of Daqian, almost shouting, "Daoist’s Spiritual Medicine, they pin the blame on me and don’t give me eighty percent of the Spiritual Medicine?"

Ao Tang was speechless but agreed, however only this once.

Since he was now among the high-level strong, stepping in personally would not look good, as Qianfeng Sect and He Qing’s Blood Buddha Sect had powerhouses at his level too.

In the evening, Gu Wen found He Huan and Murong Suyue; learning of his genuine intent to act against the five major families alarmed them.

After knowing the number of people involved, they both agreed.

They sat at a tavern table, He Huan glanced at Lu Chan, then at He Qing, and finally at Gu Wen, who exuded an air of an old boss.

Enthusiastically, he said, "Tonight, we start with the Wang family."

This was practically a bandit conference; it was hard to believe his situation was extremely dangerous.

He Qing suddenly said, "Have you considered what to do if Sword Mountain steps in? Although they are not in Luo River, they are undeniably the spokesperson in this Earth Realm. Moreover, Xiao Yunyi is a big problem; he is known as the third on the sword refining list, refining a sword in thirty days."

"The family of sword cultivators, refining a spiritual sword is the best test of Sword Dao; he is regarded as the most talented person from Sword Mountain in thousands of years."

The crowd looked grave, He Huan, being the best informed, said, "Xiao Yunyi has an Immortal Sword; previously, he used it to transcend and kill a Seventh Level Daoist."

"No need to worry about that," clearly, Lu Chan had some acquaintance with him, said, "He’s wooden; if he were so shrewd and profit-driven, he wouldn’t be ranked seventh now."

Holding an Immortal Sword killing a Seventh Level....

Gu Wen pondered; he seemed to actually need a good weapon, ready to prepare refining of his heirloom.

He had attempted refining before; imperial jelly could indeed stir the true spirit of his heirloom, but twenty years were plainly insufficient for a complete refinement.

He feared he would need a fierce battle to refine it, and he may not even be able to defeat the true spirit of the heirloom, for it was unlike the Jade-eyed Water Wave Pearl’s loach, being a genuine Taoist Immortal Artifact.

"Late at night, be careful with fire and candles!"

Clang!

The sound of a copper gong came from outside, the night watchman passed by the tavern, noting it was brightly lit despite the curfew, found it odd but dared not ask too many questions.

Gu Wen was the first to rise; the rest, although they all stood up, followed him out of the tavern.

He Huan asked, "Don’t we need to wear masks? Aren’t we going to prepare a bit more?"

Gu Wen grinned, "All the schemes are no match for one punch, just follow me; tonight, Luo River belongs to Gu."

Currently, with his Seventh Level cultivation, no one of the same level had the standing to confront him. Those a level higher could only tie with him, or even get killed by him, such as Xia Yunyi, who had fought him to a draw despite being a level higher.

Behind, the old tavern keeper cleaned up the leftovers, watching their backs somewhat wistfully, he remarked, "Youth is truly wonderful."

Many years ago, before Daqian was established, he too was among the many proud young talents.

As time changed, Immortal Land opened once more, yet he had become one of the mediocrities risking danger to re-enter this place, solely to rely on this land’s Spiritual Objects to seek a breakthrough in cultivation.

Those in Immortal Land were of two types, the spirited young chivalrous and the twilight brilliant.

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"Boy, get this old man a jar of the finest Spiritual Wine."

Ao Tang came down from upstairs, transformed into a strong man with a full beard.

"Seven hundred years ago, I had a sip with Yun Miao, and now I suddenly miss it."

Old Shopkeeper smiled and said, "After so long, you still remember?"

"Of course, I remember. Your craft is rare to see in a thousand years, the only Jiu Zhenjun of the liquor."

"However, I, a True Monarch of mixed paths, can’t make it to the public stage."

Ao Tang revealed the other’s identity, and the old shopkeeper, a True Monarch himself, was not arrogant. He took a white jade jug from his sleeve, and the wine poured out wafted for miles.

Jiu Zhenjun asked, "Senior, an elder of The Three Pure Sect, why risk it this time?"

Ao Tang retorted, "Do you want the Immortality Pill?"

In just a moment, greed uncontrollably surfaced in the eyes of the dignified True Monarch, and he froze for a long time before gradually restraining himself.

Ao Tang said, "My Daoist Heavenly Girl is unparalleled in the world; her power alone is probably equivalent to only a third of the lifespan loss even if dozens of True Monarchs take action."

"At least she will die, won’t she?"

Driven by obsession and oscillating between his inner demon and reason, Jiu Zhenjun sobered up for a moment and sought help.

"I’m afraid, Senior. I fear death, but I can’t help myself. This is a great tribulation. Can you save me?"

He could be certain that the moment the Immortality Pill appeared, he would rush for it without hesitation, abandoning his thousand years of cultivation and the remaining thousand years of his life, all for the word ’Immortal.’

Even with his mediocre combat power as a True Monarch, getting near an opportunity to become immortal, even if he turned to ashes, would still satisfy him.

At least he had pursued the chance to become immortal, instead of facing the hopeless road ahead like now.

This was a celestial trap, shifting stars and changing fates; even True Monarchs, who existed like stars, must perish.

Ao Tang empathized; he too had entered this trap because of the Immortality Pill; otherwise, with his role assisting the Daoist Heavenly Girl through three reigns, he would never risk his life.

Staying honestly on the Three Pure Mountain, as a Divine Beast of the world’s number one Mystical Sect’s holy land, he lived quite comfortably.

"There’s no rescue unless there’s another Daoist Heavenly Girl, a peerless presence that can deter everyone."

Ao Tang thought up to here, then suddenly a spirit light flashed and he remembered Gu Wen.

"I have a method that might save you."

Thinking about old times, but also to reduce some trouble.

Like grasping a lifeline, Jiu Zhenjun hastily inquired, "Senior, please tell. If it can truly resolve this tribulation, I will gift you a jar of Heavenly Spirit Wine."

"No need to give it to me. If you see clearly, you naturally know who to give it to."

Ao Tang shook his head and only slightly uttered two words.

"Gu Wen."

"Hmm?"

Ao Tang did not elaborate further, shaking his head and said, "That’s all I’ll say. If you can’t see through this, you’re bound for this tribulation."

Once Jiu Zhenjun stepped into the Immortality Pill sequence, he would not survive; he would be like a moth to the flame, becoming one of the hardships weakening Yu Hua.

He wouldn’t be the first, nor the last.

Few in the world could resist the chance to become immortal, feeling honored even if they serve as stepping stones for others on the immortal path. Such is cultivation, and so are the cultivators of the Human Race.

Jiu Zhenjun frowned, not understanding how Gu Wen could make him let go of his obsession. Gu Wen was indeed a peerless genius, more gifted than himself.

But there was only a difference in level, not the substantial difference like a Daoist Heavenly Girl possessing the power of an Immortal.

He was mortal; Gu Wen was also mortal, only the Heavenly Girl was an Immortal.

Boom!

A loud roar came, followed by a furious shout.

"Who dares to intrude? State your name!"

"I am Gu Wen, here to annihilate."

Jiu Zhenjun was somewhat stunned. He had overheard Gu Wen and the young ones planning, but had not expected such a bold approach.

On the second floor, Yu Hua leaned against the window, his gaze distant, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Dao Foundation Fourth Level? He was at the Third Level two days ago, and now he was already at the Fourth Level.

In just half a year, he had gone from an ordinary mortal to catching up with other prodigies, and even subtly pulling ahead.