Chapter 1387: Chapter 1388: A Hundred Things Await Revival
“What do you mean by this?”
Ying Diao’s eyes narrowed, the corners of his brows raised, and his face darkened. He hadn’t expected these people to be so blunt, bringing up money right off the bat.
Indeed, his sect still held countless top-grade Immortal Stones and various rare resources, but these were the foundation for strengthening the Villian’s Guild disciples over time—not something others could lay hands on.
“Sect Master Ying, please calm your anger. We are merely reflecting the reality of the current situation as it stands. As for what should be done, we will follow your lead without reservation.”
“The current Central Origin Realm truly requires resource infusion—for repairs, sect disciples, everything demands resources!”
The gathered experts waved their hands repeatedly, appearing almost comedically earnest as if they weren’t motivated by greed.
“Since that’s the case, I understand everyone’s intentions.”
“In truth, Ying Diao had intended today to only pay his respects within the sect without disturbing anyone. I’m glad that you all have come here to mourn, but the words some of you have spoken—they greatly displease me.”
“As Gang Leader of the Villian’s Guild, my brothers and I spilled blood for the Central Origin Realm. Yet, as soon as this chaos was quelled, many of you rushed to covet my sect’s wealth. This is truly unbecoming of esteemed experts! Furthermore, if memory serves, during the battle with the Immortal Gods, some of you fled the battlefield last minute. Given this, isn’t it fair to say your cowardice caused significant losses for the Central Origin Realm’s experts? Shouldn’t we settle this account as well?”
Ying Diao’s stoic face remained unmoving, like an ancient well devoid of ripples, as he began listing criticisms of the Saint Realm experts one by one.
“Ahem, we are indeed aware of our shortcomings. Sect Master Ying, if punishment is warranted, then so be it. However, the Central Origin Realm is in a state of rebuilding, and still needs our efforts. Once everything returns to normal, we will leave ourselves at your disposal. How does that sound?”
A middle-aged man from the Hundred Flowers Sect spoke—his words polished and masterfully phrased. Circling back on the issue, he subtly emphasized his sect’s value while concealing a veiled threat. By the time everything was restored, the various sects would likely grow strong enough to break away from the Villian’s Guild, making the promise to “leave ourselves at your disposal” ultimately meaningless.
“Since my fellow Daoists have expressed willingness to cooperate, Ying Diao will be frank. Rebuilding the sect and recovering from the damages will take both time and resources. Unfortunately, the Villian’s Guild has suffered immense losses and is unable to allocate resources to aid other sects. However, there are still many untapped treasure grounds in the Central Origin Realm. I can dispatch sect disciples to assist in mining these resource veins together.”
After a moment of contemplation, Ying Diao offered this reply.
These so-called experts wanted something for nothing. Such a thing would never come to pass! If they sought resources, they could dig for them themselves. This proposal allowed Ying Diao not only to leverage their influence to generate more profit but also to monitor these sects. If any groundbreaking treasures were unearthed, he would ensure his slice of the pie.
“Then we must thank Sect Master Ying for his generosity!”
The faces of the various sect experts turned sour as they realized Ying Diao wouldn’t bend. Judging by his stance, they wouldn’t gain any real benefits.
“Dismissed.”
…
The Sword Sect had transformed into the gathering place of Villian’s Guild members, yet the name was changed in title alone—as life within the sect continued as usual. During the Immortal Gods’ invasion, their losses were relatively minor and small amounts of sect resources were sufficient to restore everything.
Chen Yuan worked tirelessly, managing to restart the Villian’s Guild checkpoints and rebuilding them all in just days.
Amid the rebuilding effort, the Second Peak of the Villian’s Guild stood out prominently in the recovering Central Origin Realm. Its ethereal aura was captivating, the “Quality Goods Shop” reopened to eager customers, and the Tangneng First-class bathhouse steamed with heat—passersby would invariably stop in awe and linger.
“Huazi, one pack, one hundred top-grade Immortal Stones!”
“Bathhouse entry—for one hundred top-grade Immortal Stones, you can soak for two hours!”
“Fellow Daoists, if you want to experience this, follow me now to the Villian’s Guild flagship checkpoint. Once you do, you’ll understand the true joy of rewarding yourself with a soak and a Huazi after hard labor!”
Chen Yuan shouted boldly at the top of his lungs.
A large number of cultivators rushed eagerly behind him, streaming toward the mountaintop latrine in droves—too naïve to know what awaited them, cheerfully lining up and charging inside.
…
In the private estate on the Second Peak.
Ninety-nine children sat under the Money Tree, while Fu Tiantian cried her eyes out, beads of tears falling like rain. She was the one saved by Li Xiaobai years prior. Without him, she might still be wandering the Immortal Spirit Continent, carrying a baby on her back as she struggled to survive.
“Little Princess, please hold your grief.”
The old turtle waddled over, extending a claw to pat her shoulder in consolation.
Death was insurmountable. Ying Diao, Long Xue, Chen Yuan, and others, as the current pillars of the Villian’s Guild, lacked the luxury of mourning. The Central Origin Realm’s wheels continued turning forward, and with adversaries surrounding them, they couldn’t afford the time for sorrow—they had to preserve Li Xiaobai’s legacy.
Only these children, alongside the idle old turtle, had moments to truly grieve and shed their tears for him.
“Ahh ya ya!”
The children, indignant, unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches at the Money Tree, venting their frustrations.
The Money Tree shimmered with golden runes before twisting into a line of text: “Who hit me? It’s fine to play and mess around, but don’t joke with a badass brother!”
“Young Master Li’s cultivation level reached the pinnacle of creation, but he once said all of you possess unparalleled opportunities. You don’t even need deliberate guidance to cultivate. By letting nature take its course, there’s hope that you’ll someday stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him. If you ascend to the Upper Realm, perhaps you might even avenge him!”
The old turtle spoke slowly. These children were extraordinary; even if Li Xiaobai didn’t explicitly say so, their innate talents were evident from daily interactions. Each carried a profound aura—not of Immortal Yuan power, but of a mysterious strength beyond ordinary comprehension.
In time, they would undoubtedly achieve remarkable glory.
“Such a group of pitiful children. Without Li Xiaobai’s care, you must ensure their well-being moving forward.”
In the distance, Ying Diao gazed at the mountain peaks, his eyes piercing through illusions, fixating on the weeping Fu Tiantian as he sighed softly.
“These children are my husband’s disciples, so they are mine now too. I will ascend to Saint Realm cultivation as soon as possible to shoulder the burden of the Villian’s Guild!”
Long Xue spoke resolutely beside him.
“Yes. Time grows short. My cultivation level cannot subdue the masses. Without a top-tier expert sitting as the pillar, we can only focus on strengthening the core forces of the sect!”
“Xiaobai has just passed away, yet the major Super Sects are already beginning to stir. As time drags on, rebellion will inevitably brew. Let’s hope they don’t act too soon. My power alone cannot intimidate them—what is keeping them in check is likely the lingering influence of Li Xiaobai’s name. But if time calms the storm, it will signal their invasion of the Villian’s Guild.”