In the end, Hundred Flower Valley and other sects relied on teaching the players their sect's cultivation method in advance to stabilize the situation and extricate themselves.

"Zhao Yi, you stay in Qian City to appease the fallens. I'll return to my sect and inform the Sect Leader about the situation here," Tong Cha said, rubbing his throbbing temples to relieve his agitated mood. "How should we truly settle these fallens?"

"What if Lin Bai comes knocking?" Zhao Yi asked.

"Handle it yourself." Tong Cha glared at him. "If I have to worry about everything, what's the use of having you around?"

... Zhao Yi looked sheepish and silently contributed a wave of negative emotions for Lin Bai.

Then, a sword light shot straight into the sky.

Tong Cha rode his sword back to the Morning Yuan Sword Sect, taking Wild Wolf with him.

He had learned that messages could be swiftly relayed amongst the fallens.

Having Wild Wolf with him could keep him informed of the developments in Qian City. He could also use Wild Wolf's voice to let the fallens understand the true nature of the Morning Yuan Sword Sect.

Perhaps, once they realized the wonders of the Morning Yuan Sword Sect's Spiritual Energy, they wouldn't clamor to remain in Qian City and contend with the Beggar Gang anymore.

Flying through the air, Tong Cha's heart felt somewhat heavy.

The righteous and evil factions had been coexisting peacefully, but Lin Bai, that meddler, had stirred things up, shattering the balance. Cultivating peacefully as before was now certainly impossible.

Perhaps the Cultivation World was about to descend into chaos again.

The fallens were also a problem. Although they possessed heaven-defying aptitudes, they were far too rebellious. If they couldn't be made to feel truly loyal to the sect, rashly imparting advanced cultivation techniques to them could ultimately bring disaster upon the sect.

This was also why he hadn't dared to bring all the fallens back to the sect.

Wang Jingtian from the Spirit Artifact Pavilion and Cao Ruan from Medicine King Valley made the same decision as Tong Cha. The trouble Lin Bai had stirred up was too great; it was beyond their authority to handle.

As soon as Lin Bai finished dealing with the Beggar Gang's affairs, he was summoned to the City Lord's Mansion.

City Lord Guo Yuan had initially planned to let Lin Bai handle the fallens as he saw fit. Who would have thought that within just two days, he had stirred up trouble of monumental proportions?

Looking at Lin Bai, Guo Yuan's face was grim. "Lin, the Storekeeper, it was out of consideration for the Commandery Princess that I entrusted you with the allocation of the fallens. But what have you done? Do you realize how much trouble you've caused me?"

"Please forgive me, City Lord." Lin Bai bowed slightly, his tone apologetic. "You must have been aware of the situation at the time. Those sects, failing to recognize good intentions, were instigating trouble. I am a young and impetuous man; seeing a bunch of clowns prancing around in front of me, how could I endure such vexation? So, I simply got rid of them all to find some satisfaction."

"You found your satisfaction, but what about the people of Qian City?" Guo Yuan retorted angrily. "Do you realize the losses Qian City would suffer if the Five Major Evil Sects were to attack?"

Lin Bai detected no emotional fluctuations from Guo Yuan in his mind, indicating he wasn't truly angry.

Old fox! Lin Bai cursed silently, then chuckled. "Surely the City Lord doesn't believe that the fallens can be peacefully integrated into this world, does he?"

Guo Yuan remained impassive. "What are you suggesting?"

Lin Bai smiled at Guo Yuan. "Even Xu Longyun knows that the fallens are the root of chaos in this world. City Lord, with all your years, surely you're not oblivious to this fact!"

Guo Yuan stroked his beard. "Indeed, I find it hard to see through. I am merely the lord of this city, seeking only the peace of my people and the prosperity of the nation."

Lin Bai looked at the old City Lord with an expression of pleasant surprise. "What a coincidence, so do I! To tell you the truth, City Lord, when I first descended the mountain, my master specifically instructed me to strive for the peace of the people and the prosperity of the nation…"

Guo Yuan's hand, stroking his beard, suddenly froze; he nearly plucked out his own whiskers.

If not for his profound composure, he would have already hurled the inkstone beside him.

So shameless! How can such an unprincipled scoundrel exist in this world!

He had all the information about Lin Bai since his appearance in Jiamucheng.

The information about Lin Bai's Righteous Door master alone had already gone through several versions from Lin Bai's own mouth.

His master's image changed constantly, entirely to serve the needs of the current situation…

What a scoundrel! Guo Yuan cursed inwardly.

[Resentment from Guo Yuan; +1+1+1]

[Admiration from Zhao Xing; +1+1+1]

Ignoring the scholar's astonished gaze, Lin Bai inwardly snorted. And I thought this old fox could truly hide his emotions. Turns out, he cracked after all!

Suppressing his rising anger, Guo Yuan said calmly, "Lin, the Storekeeper, you and I share the same beliefs, yet our actions are diametrically opposed!"

"That's not true," Lin Bai shook his head. "City Lord, my actions are precisely for the sake of the country and its people…"

"Oh? How so?" Guo Yuan glanced at the inkstone, restraining his twitching hand.

"City Lord, you truly don't understand the nature of the fallens!" Lin Bai sighed lightly. "City Lord, do you know why the fallens came to this world?"

Guo Yuan was stunned. "Could Lin, the Storekeeper, elaborate?"

"I wasn't aware of it myself at first, but after establishing the Beggar Gang, I gradually came to understand their disposition." Lin Bai smiled. "The fallens came to this world without any special purpose. They're here to have fun, to seek thrills, and to experience a different life..."

"How so?" Guo Yuan's brow furrowed.

"Put yourself in their shoes," Lin Bai asked. "If you, City Lord, possessed an immortal body and exceptional talents, and went to a world unfamiliar to you, would you care about their ceremonious etiquette and moral norms?"

Guo Yuan contemplated for a moment, then shook his head. "Naturally not."

"Exactly." Lin Bai looked at Guo Yuan. "It's the same for them. Hence, most of the fallens come with the mindset of treating life as a game. They can do anything that makes them comfortable. City Lord, you should know that their peculiar behaviors when they first arrived in the Basic City were just them acting out their true nature."

"Acting out their true nature?" Guo Yuan mused.

"Yes. Once we understand their driving forces, managing them becomes much easier," Lin Bai smiled. "If they seek thrills, we provide them with ways to do so; if they wish to experience life, we let them experience it; if they desire good food, we deliver delicacies to them. All in all, there are only a few thousand of them. Our great nation can certainly afford to indulge them as if they were a few prodigal sons."

"What does this have to with you single-handedly wiping out five Evil Sects?" Guo Yuan asked curiously.

"Of course, it's related," Lin Bai replied. "What could be more thrilling than a battle between the righteous and evil factions in the Cultivation World? It's far better to let these immortals fight to the death with people in the Cultivation World than to let this group of undying individuals wreak havoc on ordinary citizens, wouldn't you agree?"

"I think you're twisting logic," Guo Yuan said. "You may not realize the methods of those Evil Sects. Wiping them out at a recruitment fair will undoubtedly provoke their swift and furious retaliation..."

"That's precisely why I didn't let the fallens learn from those Evil Sects!" Lin Bai sighed with a hint of sorrow. "City Lord, you already know they come seeking excitement. If they enter reputable righteous sects to learn, they will at least have the sect rules to restrain them."

"But if they learn the techniques of those heretical Evil Sects, aren't you afraid, City Lord, that these exceptionally talented fallens, in their pursuit of rapid advancement, would recklessly slaughter civilians? They feel no connection to the myriad lives in this world; one might even say they regard such lives as worthless."

Lin Bai looked up at Guo Yuan. "Does the City Lord truly wish for such a thing to happen?"

Guo Yuan was shaken. "So, you used the recruitment fair as a pretext to lure the Evil Sects and eliminate them all in one fell swoop?"

"Precisely." Lin Bai puffed out his chest and declared righteously, "Setting a tiger to devour a wolf, killing several birds with one stone—it provided a target for the fallens and also severed their thoughts of joining the Evil Sects. As long as this war between righteousness and evil ignites, even if some fallens do join Evil Sects in the future, their targets will be the Beggar Gang and the fallens who joined the Righteous Faction. It will no longer concern the common people."

"..." Guo Yuan and Scholar Zhao Xing exchanged a look, momentarily unable to discern whether Lin Bai's words were true or false.

"City Lord, I know you don't believe me, but if you investigate a little, you'll find that everything I've done since I left my mountain has been aimed at the fallens." Lin Bai's gaze swept over the two men. "There may have been oversights, but I have done my utmost, even to the point of making myself a target. All my actions are merely for peace of mind. Otherwise, with my abilities, I could simply stand aside and do nothing. Why would I invite so much trouble upon myself?"

Guo Yuan pondered for a moment, then suddenly stood up and clasped his fists towards Lin Bai. "Lin, the Storekeeper, I admire your noble intentions."

Lin Bai returned the salute. "You flatter me, City Lord."

MBD! Not a shred of emotional feedback! Admire my ass!

Scholar Zhao Xing asked, "Since Lin, the Storekeeper, wiped out the Evil Sects to sever the fallens' path into evil, then why Return to Dragon View..."

"They failed to appreciate the situation. Even as the fallens brought chaos to the world, they still attacked me for their own selfish gains. Naturally, I wouldn't show them any courtesy." Lin Bai snorted disdainfully, looking at the two. "I descended the mountain under my master's orders to save the world, which involves managing the fallens. This task itself is as difficult as ascending to the heavens. One wrong step means eternal damnation. No amount of caution is excessive. Naturally, I wouldn't gamble my own life on Return to Dragon View's overall perspective. City Lord, rest assured, if Return to Dragon View holds you accountable, simply push all responsibility onto me."

A smile appeared on Guo Yuan's face as he stroked his beard. "That won't be necessary. Lin, the Storekeeper, you truly live up to being the one chosen by Commandery Princess Yunyang. I am thoroughly convinced."

"It has nothing to do with Commandery Princess Yunyang. I am merely doing what is within my duty," Lin Bai said with a smile. "Regardless, my actions have indeed brought certain risks to Qian City. I hope you can bear with me, City Lord."

"But of course," Guo Yuan chuckled. "Taiyi Country has stood for a thousand years; its foundations are deep. It cannot be shaken by such minor sects. If Nephew Lin truly encounters danger, you may take refuge in the City Lord's Mansion. I will naturally protect you."

"Thank you, City Lord," Lin Bai said quickly. Whether he meant it or not, now that the words were spoken, he could make them true if needed.

"You're too kind, Nephew." Guo Yuan looked at Lin Bai. "I've invited you here tonight not only to discuss the matter of the Evil Sects. I also have some questions about the fallens for which I seek your enlightenment, Nephew."

Lin Bai put away his previous arrogance, reverting to the politely respectful demeanor of a gentleman. With the Temperament Fruit as his foundation, every action and movement of his naturally exuded grace. "Please ask, City Lord," he said.

"Nephew, you mentioned earlier setting a tiger to devour a wolf, giving the fallens something to do by having them direct their conflicts within the Cultivation World. Yet, your Beggar Gang seems to be putting down roots among the common folk?" Guo Yuan asked with a smile.

"City Lord, you are astute to have pinpointed the crux of the matter." Lin Bai smiled and clasped his fists at Guo Yuan. "This is precisely my second plan for the fallens. The fallens are wreaking havoc in our world mainly because it is foreign to them; they have no emotional connection to this place. My plan for the Beggar Gang to take root among the common folk is a process to allow them and the populace to integrate and develop such connections."

Lin Bai paused. "To generate such feelings from scratch would take ages. However, with the inclusion of advertisements from their own world, it's a different story. Economic circulation has always been one of the most effective ways to accelerate interaction between strangers. As long as they can derive benefits from this world, they will take the initiative to protect it."

"That makes sense." Guo Yuan nodded in affirmation. "Nephew, have you considered what might happen if, one day, the fallens manage to overthrow even the Righteous Seven Sects and become too powerful to control? You know they are all exceptionally talented. If their numbers continue to grow, once they mature, perhaps even the Righteous Seven Sects will be no match for them."

"Therefore, we must constantly provoke wars to weaken their strength!" Lin Bai declared. "They do suffer losses when they die. If they die multiple times, several days of their cultivation might be wasted."

"Is that all?" Guo Yuan frowned.

"What else?" Lin Bai retorted. "City Lord, I'm merely a young man in my twenties, and I've had contact with the fallens for less than a month. It's already quite something that I could devise these strategies. Surely you don't expect me to manage the fallens from beginning to end? You're overestimating me. It's uncertain if I'll even live that long! Let's just take it one step at a time!"

"It seems I was inconsiderate," Guo Yuan chuckled. "Nephew, the City Lord's Mansion has also recruited some fallens this time. How do you think they should be settled?"

"Those attracted to the City Lord's Mansion are likely fond of power. Granting them some minor official positions should suffice," Lin Bai said. "I am clueless about officialdom; you are far more versed in this than I, City Lord. There's no need to ask me. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. The Beggar Gang has gained two thousand more members, and a mountain of affairs awaits me!"

"Go on then!" Guo Yuan said, waving him off with a laugh. "An hour ago, Tong Cha, Cao Ruan, and Wang Jingtian left Qian City one after another, heading back to their sects. Perhaps tomorrow or the day after, those sects might send more important people to coordinate the matter of the fallens. Nephew, you must handle it carefully then. Remember, the unyielding are easily broken. You must know when to bow your head. If you truly isolate yourself, you'll achieve nothing in the end!"

"Thank you for your guidance, City Lord. I understand," Lin Bai clasped his fists, then turned and departed.

After Lin Bai had left, Guo Yuan turned to the scholar beside him. "Old Zhao, what do you think?"

"A little fox," the scholar chuckled. "He was most likely coaxed out by the elders of his sect. However, those characteristics of the fallens he mentioned might indeed be worth considering."

"You underestimate him. He said those things deliberately for me to hear," Guo Yuan sighed. "Currently, Lin Bai's influence is limited to Qian City. He's worried that the fallens in other towns might get out of control, eventually becoming unmanageable. That's why he specifically gave me these pointers, so that other towns might avoid some pitfalls when dealing with the fallens."

"Is he truly that clever?" The scholar was taken aback.

"Through a single recruitment fair, although he made many enemies, the number of fallens in the Beggar Gang snowballed. If he isn't clever, then what does that make the people from those other sects? Stupid pigs?" Guo Yuan gazed wistfully out of the hall. "Moreover, he still hasn't revealed his full background! This talk of being ordered to manage the fallens... I fear that in the end, the one to benefit most will be that hidden Righteous Door. The foundation the Righteous Door has displayed is far too profound..."