Chapter 1806: Chapter 1833: Qualification for the Sacrificial Feast
Li Xiaobai has already grasped the basics of the Law of Order.
From how Liaowang was crushed by Wuqing, it’s evident that it’s the same kind of power as his Time Law. The Power of Laws does not depend on the cultivation level of the user, but rather on the amount of power obtained when acquiring the Law.
In other words, Monk Changsheng, like him, is merely a medium for exerting the Law of Power and cannot perfectly control it, thus he is also restricted by the Law of Order.
"Eat, don’t just stare, use your chopsticks."
Monk Changsheng was no longer amused; it was the first time he encountered someone so difficult to deal with. A single phrase of disbelief seemed to perfectly counter all his overt schemes.
Truly, shamelessness is invincible, lacking any composure or pride befitting a master.
But such childish bluffing tricks left him helpless.
"I’ve already seen through your tricks, thanks to your Law acting twice consecutively."
"Your weakness is not in the Law of Order, but in the word immortality!"
Li Xiaobai calmly explained.
Monk Changsheng’s eyes flashed with intrigue, his demeanor unchanged: "How do you see that?"
"Upon careful consideration, it’s not hard to find. This village lives by rules; the reason it can establish order is based on the trust in you. In other words, villagers believe in your immortality, therefore you can establish rules."
"They regard you as a high monk of the Buddhist Sect, a messenger of God, and the foundation of all this relies on immortality being true."
"Immortality is the limitation you have set upon yourself. Once it can be proven that you are not truly immortal, your actions will be judged by the Law as breaking the rules, and you will be killed by your own Visualized Item."
Li Xiaobai spoke firmly; this was merely his speculation, but judging by Monk Changsheng’s reaction, it was likely he guessed correctly.
This monk’s control over the Laws is virtually zero. The disappearance of Liaowang and Ma Niubi has nothing to do with Monk Changsheng’s own power; it is entirely suppressed by the Law of Power.
Order is a balance that doesn’t tilt arbitrarily. If Monk Changsheng’s lie is uncovered, it’s akin to doing something wrong in the village, and he would be dragged to the back mountain by the Law of Power. He remains unharmed at the moment because no one knows the truth about immortality, making it impossible to discern right from wrong.
Once judged by the Law, the monk will inevitably die.
Monk Changsheng’s expression remained calm: "Then, how do you intend to prove that I am not immortal?"
"That’s simple, consuming immortal flesh grants immortality. If someone eats you, the truth will be clear. But under the order you established, not to mention eating your flesh, merely harming others for personal gain breaches the rules, invoking the Law of Power. I suspect this is the primary reason countless corpses hang in the back mountain."
"Once someone doubts you and begins testing, their actions unknowingly become excessive, falling into your trap, ultimately leading to their death."
Li Xiaobai’s demeanor was indifferent, his gaze sweeping around. Monk Changsheng and Village Chief Shangguan Dong were unperturbed, showing no reaction to these statements.
Conversely, Wang Dachui in the corner, who was bleeding, trembled involuntarily upon hearing this, his fear greater than when his hand was severed, reaching its critical point.
"But the villagers did the killing, what does that have to do with this poor monk?"
"If what you say is true, then they also harmed those around them and should have faced the Law of Power’s punishment."
Monk Changsheng tapped the table, coldly questioning.
"Master, have you forgotten? At the beginning of the feast, you explicitly stated that villagers kill those who break the rules to become closer to God’s will. In other words, they did it to uphold the Law’s authority, not to break any rules."
Li Xiaobai said with a smile.
"No wonder the organization put you on the must-kill list; you indeed have exceptional skills."
"So... what will you do?"
"Are you really going to find someone to eat me?"
Monk Changsheng’s expression suddenly calmed down, his tone somewhat mocking.
This is his domain; even if this young man in front of him gains some understanding, it doesn’t matter. The order system of this village is complete, making him unbeatable here.
"Of course not, the one who should be anxious now is not me. Master must know this dinner cannot hold me back; I won’t break any rules. If things go on like this, I’ll walk away unhindered."
"If a cultivator put on the organization’s kill list leaves your domain unharmed, you’ll be held accountable, right?"
Li Xiaobai said.
"You’re right, letting you leave unscathed, the organization won’t spare me. How about we give each other a chance?"
"Tomorrow is the Jade Lotus Village’s sacrificial feast; every household needs to set up boilers, cook sacrificial dishes, offering them to the gods. The monk and the village chief’s task is to taste the dishes and offer the finest one at the feet of the deity."
"You’ll be given an exception to participate this time. If you win, I’ll release your two companions. If you lose, you’ll live here forever as a part of Jade Lotus Village."
Monk Changsheng slowly said, establishing a new rule akin to a gamble.
"No problem; this rule will become your new grave."
Li Xiaobai leisurely cleared the table of food, then cupped his hands and departed.
Monk Changsheng’s expression turned cold, his aura chilling.
"This person is unusual. Make him err tomorrow, understand?"
"As usual, deal with disturbances; you’ll remain the village chief."
Shangguan Dong rose, his disheveled silver hair and white beard obscuring his face, making his expression unreadable. He respectfully saluted Monk Changsheng: "Understood!"
...
Outside the temple.
Wang Dachui caught up with Li Xiaobai. His task was to escort Li Xiaobai back and forth; having failed to explain properly, he’d already lost an arm, not daring to show any slack.
"Is Uncle Wang’s injury severe?"
"Just a flesh wound, it’s not serious."
"You don’t seem like someone who neglects his duties; if your role was to explain the dinner rules to me, you certainly wouldn’t have neglected it. Was it Master Changsheng who instructed you to remain silent?"
Li Xiaobai abruptly asked.
"It was my negligence; I’ve already been punished by the gods."
Wang Dachui said woodenly, his gaze unfocused, showing signs of severe blood loss.
"Hehe, if it was truly divine punishment, you would’ve been dragged to the back mountain by those hands. You haven’t violated any rules; it was under Monk Changsheng’s hint that you chose self-harm, both intimidating me and allowing him to perfectly evade responsibility."
Li Xiaobai’s words were sharp, making Wang Dachui’s already pale face even more bloodless.
"No... Don’t speak recklessly; it’s all my fault."
Wang Dachui’s expression was panicked.
"You heard everything at the dining table; you know in your heart, think it over deeply."
Li Xiaobai walked briskly back to his small courtyard, leaving Wang Dachui dazed outside. He had already planted a seed in Wang Dachui’s heart, waiting for it to slowly ferment until the moment it finally exploded.