There were forums and live streams. News among Players traveled much faster than among NPCs.

News of the Qian City Cup spread immediately, causing a major stir among the Players.

「Morning Yuan Sword Sect.」

「Sword Peak.」

A few Players gathered together.

"Lin, the Storekeeper is causing trouble again. With the way he's acting, our Levels are too low to keep up with the game's plot. We'll eventually just end up being spectators." Discontent flickered in Wild Wolf's eyes.

"According to the normal game plot, when Lin, the Storekeeper holds the Qian City Cup ranking, the protagonists should be the Players. We would compete with each other, ranking our Sects by contribution. But now, even if we go to the battlefield, we'll end up like the Beggar Gang encountering Return to Dragon View—dead without knowing how." No.1 Sword Immortal said, "I don't know what the developers are thinking. They haven't integrated the plot with Player Levels at all. What's the point of playing a game with no sense of involvement?!"

"That's true. Everyone knows that after Lin Bai deals with the Five Evil Sects, he'll target the Morning Yuan Sword Sect and the other righteous Sects. But how can our Levels compete with a BUG like Lin Bai?" Wild Wolf said in frustration. "The most absurd thing is, ever since the Beggar Gang's Advertisement Alliance appeared, all the Players in our Sect are practically Undercover agents for the Beggar Gang, hoping they take over sooner. There's not the slightest bit of resistance; it's pointless."

"That's the real downside!" Lord said. "The NPCs are too intelligent, and the officials don't restrict them. We've only been in the game for a few days; how could we possibly be the protagonists?"

"If it weren't for the fact that this game can replace sleep, I wouldn't even want to play," Wild Wolf said. "This game company has no idea how to design a proper game. I really hope they make their technology public so that established game companies can develop a truly Player-friendly game."

"Ultimately, Lin Bai is the one who has disrupted the game's balance," No.1 Sword Immortal said. "Greg was right. If Lin Bai isn't killed, the game will definitely collapse."

"It's too late now; Lin Bai's influence is already too great," Lord said, shaking his head.

"The officials need Lin Bai to advance the plot and make money for the game. Good luck trying to kill him," Wild Wolf said. "Stupid game company, idiotic plot design. They've completely ruined a perfectly good game."

"Never mind Lin Bai for now. What should we do?" No.1 Sword Immortal asked.

"What else can we do? Get sponsors and make some money! With Greg as a precedent, no Player will listen to us. Let's grab what cash we can! We'll join the Beggar Gang first. Sooner or later, even the Beggar Gang Disciples will get fed up with Lin Bai." Wild Wolf stood up and fiercely slashed with his sword, sending a wave of energy at the Sword Testing Stone in front of him. "Damn that Lin Bai!"

「...」

The same scene also occurred in the Spirit Artifact Pavilion, Medicine King Valley, and Hundred Flower Valley. Players began active preparations. Even if they couldn't play a significant role in the battle, going to the scene to watch the excitement and livestream was more interesting than staying in the Sect to grind Levels monotonously.

「...」

Return to Dragon View urgently mobilized. Players rushed to level up or found places far away from Lin Bai to practice tongue twisters. Dao Xu and Dao Kong were trying to persuade the Taoists within the Sect to participate in the upcoming War. This time, they were facing the Five Evil Sects, and the strength difference between them and Return to Dragon View's Taoists was too vast. After all, in just two or three days, not enough trust had been established between them and Lin Bai. In the hearts of most Taoists, this expedition to Qian City, although ostensibly to protect the heaven-sent individuals, seemed more like being coerced into a suicide mission...

「...」

After Lin Bai had assigned various tasks, he shifted his focus back to the System's current task. Qing Yu was the acting Sect Leader, while Dao Kong and Daojing were the highest authorities in Return to Dragon View. He believed they could manage things effectively. As his responsibilities grew, he knew he couldn't personally handle every detail. His plan for the Righteous Door was for it to become like the Beggar Gang, where the Sect could eventually become self-sufficient; he only needed to extract Merit Points from it. As for whether the Sect would eventually turn against him like the Players, Lin Bai believed in his Personal Charm.

「...」

Having cleared a plot for the Spiritual Field, Lin Bai scattered some vegetable seeds and cast the Formula of Rain and Breeze twice, prompting the seeds to sprout. He then focused all his energy on the task from the Great Language System. He found that the seemingly simple task of infuriating his target was not easy at all. It was simple to provoke someone momentarily. But when done repeatedly, the target might develop a mentality similar to, "He is just that kind of person; I won't stoop to his level," making it difficult to irritate them again. This was especially true with Players. Sometimes, even when it was clear Lin Bai's words had provoked them, the emotion tree fed back excitement and thoughts along the lines of, "Lin, the Storekeeper noticed me; is he going to cultivate me specifically?" leaving Lin Bai speechless. Players are truly a bunch of lunatics! The Taoists from Return to Dragon View were no different. Even when Lin Bai deliberately disrupted their Spoken Law Follows cultivation, after creating a few disturbances, all he reaped was indifference or frustration... After all, the Taoists had been cultivating the Dao for many years and were skilled at tempering their emotions. You could never discern whether the person in front of you was genuinely angry or just pretending. The catch was, the task from the Great Language System required continuity; any disruption and it would have to start all over again. Facing such a group of unreasonable people, Lin Bai felt on the verge of breaking down. He felt if he didn't come up with a solution, his progress in the Great Language System might come to a halt. Unfathomable human emotions.

「...」

"Master, are you worrying about the upcoming decisive battle?" The Little White Fox stood behind Lin Bai, gently massaging his temples. "Your temper seems off today; you've been lashing out at everyone. This is unusual for you; I think it's not good. If you are seen as lacking confidence, they will be less inclined to wage War with you."

"..." Lin Bai was taken aback for a moment, looking at the Little White Fox with surprise. He laughed. "You little fellow, you've gotten quite witty, even thinking of this."

"Foxes are adept at the Charm Technique and are excellent observers," replied the Little White Fox. "It's just that your enemies are too powerful. Otherwise, I could certainly help you. Master, your strength is growing so fast, I'm having trouble keeping up."

Seeing the dejected Little Fox, Lin Bai chuckled. "You've been doing very well. Don't worry, I'll figure out a way to enhance your strength. Xiao Bai, I'm not lashing out without reason. I'm in the seventh stage of cultivating Spoken Law Follows, where I need to use language to infuriate others. Alas, my cultivation has hit a snag, making it difficult to incite anger in people. As for the battle with the Five Evil Sects, it hardly concerns me."

「Outside the door.」

The two Disciple Taoists serving Lin Bai were jolted. They exchanged a look as unprecedented enthusiasm exploded in their eyes. It's true! Spoken Law Follows is real! The Sect Leader didn't deceive us...

「...」

"So, that's how it is!" The Little White Fox had a sudden realization. "The cultivation method of Spoken Law Follows is indeed unique! Sadly, the Disciples within the Sect are the innocent victims. You should have told them beforehand... no, wait, telling them in advance would have made them prepared and less likely to get angry. What a dilemma!"

"Don't worry, there will be a way," Lin Bai said with a smile.

"Master, why don't you scold me!" The Little White Fox came around in front of Lin Bai. "If Master scolds Xiao Bai, I'll be sad for a long time."

"I need anger, not sadness," Lin Bai said.

The Little White Fox put on a stern face and bared her teeth at Lin Bai. "I can be angry too."

"Pretending won't work," Lin Bai said, looking at the Little Fox acting cute in front of him, his mood improving considerably. "Besides, Xiao Bai, you're so adorable. How could I possibly scold you..."

While speaking, Lin Bai suddenly stopped, his eyes landing on Dao Xu, who was standing there blankly. Xiao Bai is cute! This old fellow is not only unlikable but also incredibly annoying. Most importantly, infuriating this fellow poses no danger...

「...」

"Xiao Bai, step back a bit," Lin Bai instructed. He took out Cupid's Bow, nocked an Arrow of Resistance, and walked over to Dao Xu.

The Little White Fox didn't know what Lin Bai was up to but obediently left the room.

Confirming no one else was around, Lin Bai released the bowstring. The Arrow of Resistance shot forward, embedding itself in Dao Xu's chest. Then, he reached into his robes, pulled out an Enlightenment Pill, and fed it to Dao Xu.

「A moment later.」

Dao Xu's eyes flickered a few times. His senses returned; memories flooded back. He looked at Lin Bai before him, his hair and beard bristling. "Bastard! You ruined the thousand-year foundation of Return to Dragon View! You've humiliated this old man so! I swear I'll tear you to pieces!"

Having said that, he raised his hand to strike Lin Bai, but Lin Bai had given him the command to protect. His Spiritual Power was completely inaccessible.

Hit by the Arrow of Resistance, Dao Xu's heart filled with loathing for Lin Bai. His previous affection had long since vanished. Recalling the promises he had made to Lin Bai in public, Dao Xu was overcome with such shame and indignation that he wanted to commit suicide on the spot.

"You've been turned into my Puppet; you can't hurt me!" Lin Bai taunted, watching Dao Xu with a grin.

[Anger from Dao Xu; +1+1+1]

"Argh! You fiend! You'd better kill me now! Otherwise, when I find a way to break your control, I swear I'll eat your flesh!" Dao Xu glared at Lin Bai furiously, gritting his teeth.

「...」

Who would have thought that the Arrow of Resistance wouldn't work on Dao Xu before? It was just a matter of timing! Look at him now, perfect for farming anger for the quest! How great is that! As expected of a genius; no task can stop me.

「...」

"I just love it when you hate me but can't do anything about it," Lin Bai laughed and continued.

[Anger from Dao Xu; +1+1+1]

"You can control me for a moment, but can you control me for a lifetime?" Dao Xu yelled angrily. "Lin Bai, your mistake was letting me regain my senses..."

"You fell in love with a man," Lin Bai said.

"Evil Spirit! I will tell everyone about your deeds and make you the enemy of the world! Wherever you go, people will call for your death!" Dao Xu was hysterical, his eyes completely bloodshot.

"Your Disciple is also under my control," Lin Bai said with a smirk.

"…" Dao Xu.

"Qing Yu is in love with a demoness from the Evil Sect," Lin Bai proclaimed.

"You... despicable wretch!" Dao Xu's teeth gritted so hard they audibly scraped together.

"Daojing and Dao Kong have submitted as my lackeys," Lin Bai added.

"…" Dao Xu suddenly realized. "You... you're using me to practice Spoken Law Follows! I won't let you succeed..."

"You can't control your own emotions," Lin Bai gloated, looking at Dao Xu and savoring his constant anger. He was practically overjoyed.

[Anger from Dao Xu; +1+1+1]

Dao Xu took a deep breath, closing his eyes to calm himself. But for some reason, just knowing Lin Bai was standing next to him filled his heart with endless disgust, and every word Lin Bai uttered could quickly drive him into a frenzy.

"The thousand-year foundation of Return to Dragon View is ruined because of you!" Lin Bai declared. When it came to completing his tasks, he didn't care about others' feelings, especially not those of his Puppet.

Dao Xu let out a painful scream, gathered all his Spiritual Power, and dashed towards the hall's entrance. The window shattered. In the blink of an eye, Dao Xu disappeared from Lin Bai's sight. But he had only flown about thirty meters when a huge force drew him back into the Card.

The two young Taoists outside the room looked stunned.

Lin Bai once again let Dao Xu out and laughed. "Even if you run thousands of miles away, I can summon you back in an instant."

"…" Dao Xu trembled in despair. "Evil Spirit, you will never embody the Heavenly Dao!"

"Hit that railing over there." Lin Bai glanced at him, pointed to the stone railing outside the main hall, and gave the attack order.

Dao Xu raised his hand and struck, shattering the railing. He looked at his own uncontrollable hand, dumbfounded.

"I told you, you can't control yourself," Lin Bai said nonchalantly.

"I will kill you!" Dao Xu trembled all over, completely unable to maintain his composure.

"I'll be waiting!" Lin Bai glanced at him provocatively, offering a word of encouragement.

「...」

"So scary!" The young Taoist looked at the miserable state of their former Abbot, turned pale, and whispered, "Senior Brother, will we also have to go through this stage when we practice Spoken Law Follows?"

"I suppose so!" The other young Taoist replied, dumbfounded.

"We don't have Sect Leader Lin's methods. If we irritate others like he does, we'll be killed!" The young Taoist was crestfallen. "This whole 'cultivation methods don't require a cultivation base' thing is a lie!"

"We can try to irritate those with lower cultivation than us," the second young Taoist said. He was also scared but clearly a bit unwilling to give up so easily. After all, they had just verified that Spoken Law Follows was real.

"That's the only thing we can do." The first young Taoist cast a sympathetic glance towards Dao Xu. "Senior Brother, I never knew our Abbot was so easily provoked!"

"Imagine if you had first fallen in love with Sect Leader Lin, then been abandoned by him, and he even schemed away your Sect's assets—wouldn't you be angry?" his Senior Brother analyzed earnestly.

"I would. I'd really want to kill Lin, the Storekeeper," the young Taoist replied honestly.

"And what if you couldn't kill him?" his Senior Brother asked again.

"…" The young Taoist was stunned for a moment, then heaved a sigh. "Then I would be incredibly, incredibly angry."

He hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Senior Brother, practicing Spoken Law Follows is so cruel. I doubt I can carry on. Wouldn't it be better if we also practiced the Love Principle?"

"The Love Principle? With whom?" His Senior Brother chuckled bitterly. "The Righteous Door doesn't even have any women, and even if it did, it wouldn't be our turn! So many Martial Uncles are waiting!"

"A few days ago, the Abbot also liked Lin Bai," the young Taoist gulped, lowered his head, and spoke even more quietly, "Senior Brother, what if we... tried it with each other?"

The Little White Fox was originally watching Lin Bai provoke Dao Xu. When she overheard the conversation between the two Taoists, her eyes widened, and she turned to them with a surprised expression.

"…" His Senior Brother was stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage. "You, Jingming! I treated you as my Junior Brother, and you planned to use me to cultivate Spoken Law Follows! Such deep scheming! I really misjudged you!"

Didn't he suggest practicing the Love Principle with you? Little Fox furrowed her brows, somewhat puzzled. But when she looked back at Dao Xu, who had turned against her master, she instantly understood. Looking at the young Taoist Jingming again, her eyes were filled with admiration. His cunning truly runs deep!