Players and NPCs mingled, some conducting interviews, others practicing their skills. Everyone was bustling, seizing the moment to arrange their affairs.

Lin Bai had temporarily settled down.

However, he wasn't idle. He gathered all the Artifact Refiners from the Spirit Artifact Pavilion, collected the rare materials they possessed, and combined these with their advanced theories of Artifact Refining. He forged himself a kitchen knife with outrageous attributes: sharp, blood-sucking, energy-storing, Spiritual Energy-extending, and incredibly durable.

The new task from the God of Craftsmen System required Lin Bai to forge a weapon for a reputable individual and ensure this weapon gained public recognition.

Lin Bai pondered this and concluded that he himself was the most reputable person in the Justice League. After all, thanks to the publicity from Justice Weekly, his fame was Like the Midday Sun, and the System hadn't forbidden him from forging a weapon for himself. With the Cooking God System, a kitchen knife seemed to be the weapon tailor-made for him. Although he rarely used weapons in combat, gaining public recognition shouldn't be difficult. At worst, he could add an entry for the Way of Cooking in Justice Weekly and Heavenly Review; recognition didn't necessarily require bloodshed. The world was currently in turmoil, but stability would eventually come. When that time arrived, he could host a grand cooking competition, allowing his kitchen knife to shine alongside him.

Lin Bai had considered using his cooking skills in combat. After all, he had watched "New Dragon Inn" and was deeply impressed by Diao Buyu, the character who used a kitchen knife to hack Cao Shaoqin's limbs to bare bones. Nowadays, his knife work was no less skilled than Diao Buyu's; he only lacked a method to immobilize his enemies. The foes he faced were far more powerful than Cao Shaoqin, and each of them was capable of Flying to the sky and escaping into the ground, essentially giving him no opportunity to get close. The Paralysis Technique awarded by the Peerless Divine Doctor System could immobilize enemies, but it was only effective against those in lower realms. Using a kitchen knife to butcher those weaker than himself would only earn him a savage and evil reputation, offering no real benefits. If he were to fight, he should fight formidable opponents. The skill awarded by the Cooking God System, which made food glow, had an effect far more impressive than Xiang Yu threatening to cook Liu Bang's father in a large cauldron. Turning an enemy into a dish on the battlefield, though monstrous, would undoubtedly promote the Way of Cooking and awe the world's heroes. If word of this spread, who would dare provoke him? Exchanging a terrifying reputation for a lifetime of peace—it was worth it!

「...」

After forging the kitchen knife, Lin Bai strolled among the Players, the Little Fox in his arms, gathering more information.

When interacting with NPCs, Players often withheld useful information. Many enjoyed the sense of superiority that came from manipulating others; the superiority derived from information asymmetry was particularly satisfying. Lin Bai faced no such obstacle. The Players' private chats always brought him more surprises, allowing him to understand external dynamics. Upon careful consideration, being able to hear Players' private chats was his real trump card. After all, Players who were constantly plotting to defeat bosses and control everything were hardly friendly towards NPCs. Fortunately, as he demonstrated increasing strength, discussions among Players about overthrowing him grew less frequent. Their topics shifted more towards analyzing societal trends and their own positioning within the game.

Unlike the high-ranking members of the Beggar Gang, who had been essentially hijacked by advertisers and turned the game into a commercial venture, the majority of Players entered this world genuinely to play. Earning a salary from the Beggar Gang was merely a way to add a little extra joy to their gaming experience.

「...」

The media war, the countermeasures of various sects around Qian City, the Beast Control Sect that had turned back midway, the rising status of the Players… After making his rounds, Lin Bai learned a great deal about developments in the outside world. These were all within his expectations. The growth of the Justice League inevitably encroached upon the interests of the surrounding sects. And this chaotic, disorderly effect was precisely what he wanted to see. Although he was on the verge of becoming a public enemy, he had disrupted the rhythm of the Players' growth and upset the balance of power in the native world.

Chaos! It was beneficial for his growth and development. After all, both NPCs and natives had to deal with various troubles in a chaotic situation. Without the chaos, everyone could free their hands to deal with him systematically! Pushing the entire game in a chaotic, unpredictable direction—this was likely the objective of the provider of the System behind it all!

「The next day.」

Lin Bai was pondering whether to start a new round of cultivation for the Great Language System. After all, everything that needed arranging had been arranged. Even if he went out to collect patent licensing fees, it would take more than a day or two. An extra skill meant an extra chance at survival.

But before he could decide how to cultivate, he saw He Qin approaching hastily with Silver, Dumbelldore, and a few other Players. He Qin looked grave, while the Players were animated, their faces alight with excitement.

"What happened?" Lin Bai asked.

"Alliance Hierarch, we just received news! The Seven Righteous Sects and the Five Demonic Sects have issued a Righteous and Evil Alliance Killing Order against you!" He Qin said anxiously.

Pei Yanzong, who had been looking affectionately at Li Zhenren, turned pale upon hearing the words "Righteous and Evil Alliance Killing Order."

"What on earth is that?" Lin Bai was confused.

Just then, Xin Shang and the others arrived one after another, each accompanied by one or more Players. Every one of them looked extremely grim.

"Are you all here about the Wen and Evil Decree too?" Lin Bai glanced around at the newcomers.

"You've heard about it too, Alliance Hierarch!" Zhao Tulong frowned, his expression fraught with worry. "I'm afraid the Justice League is doomed this time."

The Players were whispering among themselves.

"This is huge!" Not Settling For Less exclaimed, his eyes dancing. "Being hunted by both Righteous and Evil factions—the plot is really taking off!"

"I never expected the Seven Righteous Sects and the Five Demonic Sects to intervene directly. Shopkeeper Lin has quite the reputation. The game's only been out for two months, and it already feels like the late game. Now I finally understand what the developers meant when they said the game has no fixed plot!" Silver lamented. "Late-stage bosses disregarding established conventions, directly targeting rising stars and crushing them with overwhelming level differences. Even movies and TV series don't depict things this way!"

"Who would dare say Shopkeeper Lin is the favored son of the developers now?" Bitter Melon Vine chimed in.

"Being hunted by the entire world is the classic protagonist template, okay!" I'm Not an Alt Account argued. "The forums are in an uproar. Many people are clamoring for an open beta; no one wants to miss this massive plot event!"

「...」

Lin Bai only caught snippets of the Players' scattered private chats. He turned to He Qin and asked, "What's going on? Tell me the details."

"The Wen and Evil Decree," He Qin began, his gaze fixed on Lin Bai, his throat a bit dry as he instinctively swallowed, "is issued for those guilty of the most heinous crimes. The Seven Righteous Sects and the Five Demonic Sects have been in constant conflict since their founding. There have been several Devil's Heads, figures tolerated by neither the righteous nor the demonic factions. However, the pursuit of these individuals was always undertaken by individual sects. This is the first time that both the Righteous and Evil factions have jointly ordered an extermination for someone like you, Alliance Hierarch."

"The first time? Aren't they being a bit petty! What heinous crime have I committed to be deemed irredeemably evil? I haven't even killed that many people! Is it wrong to promote the Cultivation of Rules? Is it wrong to make the benefits of cultivation accessible to the common people?" Lin Bai retorted defensively. "They're truly so domineering that they won't allow any new power to emerge. As expected, the Justice League's approach is correct. With these old diehards ruling the Cultivation World, the path of cultivation is truly at its end!"

He Qin and the others were stunned. Was this really how he was reacting to a Wen and Evil Decree?

"Alliance Hierarch, aren't you worried at all?" Xin Shang asked. "That's the Wen and Evil Decree we're talking about!"

"Will worrying make them retract it?" Lin Bai glanced at him. "We'll counter their every move. One decisive blow now will prevent a hundred more later. Once they realize they can't eliminate me, their Wen and Evil Decree will become a mere paper tiger."

[Admiration from Bitter Melon Vine, Silver, I'm Not an Alt Account, Dumbelldore… +1+1+1]

"That's our Shopkeeper Lin! This fearless disdain for the rest of the world is exactly what's needed!" Silver exclaimed in admiration.

「...」

"By the way, what are the specific execution methods for this Wen and Evil Decree?" Lin Bai asked.

He doesn't know a thing, yet he's so calm! the Sect Leaders grumbled inwardly.

He Qin sighed helplessly. "All cultivators from both Righteous and Evil factions must participate in your pursuit, Alliance Hierarch. They are forbidden from harboring you or providing you with aid. Anyone who assists you will also be considered a target of the joint hunt."

"So, you're all considered my accomplices then!" Lin Bai said, looking at He Qin and the others with a smile.

He Qin and the others forced smiles, nodding bitterly.

Shen Kuangdao said, "Unless we can prove we were coerced and immediately announce our disassociation from the Justice League."

"And would you do that?" Lin Bai asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Of course not! They might not know how formidable our Alliance Hierarch is, but we've experienced it firsthand," Ma Changcheng was the first to declare his stance, filled with righteous indignation. "Besides, this so-called Wen and Evil Decree is utterly baseless. Isn't it just because the Justice League has infringed upon their interests? The Seven Righteous Sects and the Five Demonic Sects have dominated the Cultivation World for tens of thousands of years; are they now trying to prevent anyone else from rising?"

"Valley Master Ma is absolutely right. Once a member of the Justice League, always a member of the Justice League," Wan Qifeng stated solemnly. "The Cultivation of Rules is an unstoppable trend; they cannot halt it."

"Alliance Hierarch, rest assured, we will not withdraw from the Justice League," Ge Feiyun affirmed.

The others also voiced their support one by one.

The local official has more sway than the distant emperor. The fiend himself was right before them; who knew how long it would take for the Seven Righteous Sects to actually act on their decree against Lin Bai? Offend Lin Bai, and they could be turned into puppets in minutes. Wouldn't you be terrified in their shoes?

"You won't regret your choice," Lin Bai said, smiling at them. "The Cultivation of Rules demands such unwavering conviction. It's not without reason that the Righteous Door pushed me out to face this Tribulation. There's a saying: 'When one person achieves the Dao, even their dogs and chickens ascend to heaven.' When I succeed in my cultivation, even if you haven't mastered the Cultivation of Rules, a single word from me—Spoken Law Follows—can grant you immortality. Imagine how much cultivation time that will save you."

[Resentment from He Qin, Ma Changcheng, Wan Qifeng, Xin Shang… +1+1+1]

Although they didn't quite believe the grand promises Lin Bai was making, the Sect Leaders still chorused their thanks, "Thank you, Alliance Hierarch."

"Empty words are no proof." Lin Bai opened his hand, and more than ten Spirit Fruits materialized in his palm. "These are fruits that can condense the Divine Soul. Take one each and divide them! The Righteous Door has plenty of such heavenly materials and earthly treasures. As long as you serve the Justice League faithfully, you won't lack for such treasures."

A tangible benefit was worth more than a thousand pleasantries. A single thread cannot make a line, nor can a single tree form a forest. Having truly become a public enemy, he needed to gather more like-minded companions. Otherwise, he'd be facing life-or-death escapes daily.

Ever since the release of Justice Weekly, negative emotions had been surging, and Lin Bai had an overabundance of Spirit Fruits, more than he could ever consume. Using some as bait wasn't a loss.

Little White Fox unconsciously swallowed. Looking at Lin Bai, she thought, So he's finally showing his hand, huh!

Smelling the rich fragrance emanating from the Spirit Fruits, He Qin and the other Sect Leaders were momentarily stunned. Being knowledgeable individuals, they quickly popped the Spirit Fruits into their mouths.

Then, their eyes suddenly lit up. The effects of the Spirit Fruit were immediate.

"This…?" Ma Changcheng's breathing grew ragged, his face a mask of shock. "A fruit that condenses the Divine Soul, and it doesn't need purification? It has no toxicity and is even more effective than Pill Medicine? And it doesn't need to be refined?"

Lin Bai chuckled, his palm opening to reveal another dozen or so Spirit Fruits. He casually popped one into his mouth, slipped another into the Little Fox's mouth, and tossed the remaining ones to Hu He. The little foxes with Hu He chattered excitedly as they scrambled for them.

[Shock from He Qin, Wan Qifeng, Xin Shang… +1+1+1]

Witnessing Lin Bai's casual display, everyone's faces were filled with unconcealable shock.

A heavenly treasure that aided Soul Condensation would be considered a remarkable rarity even in the Seven Righteous Sects. Yet Lin Bai casually took them out handful after handful, even using them to feed his fox… What a profligate waste of precious things!

He Qin and the others' eyes turned red with envy. Lin Bai had demonstrated the power of the Righteous Door through his actions!

Those at the Divinity Transformation Stage needed to condense their Divine Souls to withstand the Yang Lightning of the Tribulation. The more condensed the Divine Soul, the higher the chance of success. Even if one failed the Tribulation, their Divine Soul could still form a Yin God, reincarnate, or undergo Robbery cultivation.

In other words, these fruits were equivalent to an extra life for those at the Divinity Transformation Stage! If these Spirit Condensing Fruits were made widely available, it would be easy to recruit cultivators in the Divinity Transformation Realm to serve him fervently.

「...」

Seeing Jiang Qingqin's pitiful little gaze, Lin Bai took out a few more fruits and gave them to her. Jiang Qingqin beamed with joy. Watching Jiang Qingqin pop Spirit Fruit after Spirit Fruit into her mouth, He Qin and the others gulped, nearly mad with jealousy. Good heavens! It was as if she was simply eating sunflower seeds!

At this moment, all of them wished Lin Bai would shoot them with an Arrow of Love and become his lovers!

「...」

"Alliance Hierarch, can we try some?" Silver asked, licking his lips with a grin. A fruit that can instantly silence several Sect Leaders must be something extraordinary! What if it's useful for Players too?

"Your realms are too low. Eating them now would be useless," Lin Bai glanced at them and said. "However, if you make more contributions to the Justice League, I can reward you with a few."

"Alliance Hierarch, if we make contributions, can we also be rewarded with these fruits?" He Qin asked, his eyes bloodshot. In just that short time, his voice had become hoarse.

"Of course." Lin Bai surveyed the crowd with a smile. "Otherwise, why would I bring them out for you to eat? I may not fully understand the Cultivation World, but I'm not stupid; I certainly grasp the value of Spirit Condensing Fruits. However, my Cultivation Rules dictate that I treat people with sincerity and always reward my own people."

"Thank you, Alliance Hierarch! We swear to defend the Justice League with our lives!" Xin Shang and the others all clasped their fists in gratitude to Lin Bai. The smiles Lin Bai elicited this time were genuine. Only a fool wouldn't seize the chance to cling to such a powerful patron.

"Alright, now that your confidence is restored, let's continue discussing the Wen and Evil Decree!" Lin Bai grinned. "Such a big commotion can't just be about mobilizing some people to hunt me down, can it?"

"Nations are prohibited from offering you aid," Xin Shang interjected. "When necessary, cultivators from any nation are obligated to participate in your encirclement and elimination."

"Basic city laws will no longer apply to the Alliance Hierarch," Ge Feiyun stated. "Anyone can hunt the Alliance Hierarch within basic cities, and they will not be held responsible for any harm to civilians."

"The patents of the Justice League are deemed invalid," Shen Kuang chimed in.

"The Way of Rules promoted by the Alliance Hierarch is considered heresy, and no one is permitted to practice it," Cu Wushuang declared.

"Whoever kills the Alliance Hierarch will receive the status of a direct disciple of a Sect Leader from the Seven Righteous Sects," He Qin added, "as well as Magic Treasures, Spirit Pills, and countless Spirit Stones as rewards."