Chapter 537: Du Ge secured his first solid foundation

World’s End: My Keyword is One More Than Others

Du Ge had barely finished speaking when at least dozens of eyes turned to Xu Jin Kui.

Among them were cultivators whose enlightenment had been interrupted, as well as the peak masters of the other four peaks, such as Zhao Jinlu and Chi Jinshou, who had been mentioned earlier...

The technique of "Ruining Without Rest" could only stir the evil thoughts in people's hearts, but Du Ge's words often directly targeted the greed and desire within, reaching the darkest corners of the heart.

The combination of the two was not as simple as one plus one equals two.

Taking in the expressions of everyone around him, Du Ge remained calm and composed. He didn't like to resort to violence; in fact, the keyword "ruthless" was contrary to his nature.

Being ruthless would only bring him more enemies, eventually leaving him with no way out.

Persuasion, on the other hand, would bring him more friends, and with more friends came more opportunities, ultimately widening his path.

Therefore, Du Ge preferred the hidden keyword of persuasion.

Persuasion was even more subtle than divine power, and now that Pan-Universal Entertainment no longer cared about divine power, Du Ge felt no psychological burden when using persuasion.

This was the advantage of having two keywords: if one path was blocked, he could take the other, unlike other Alien Star warriors who were completely suppressed.

...

"You all..."

Xu Jin Kui felt a chill run down his spine as he raised the Heavenly Assistant Sword and looked around, his face as dark as a pot's bottom.

He felt his authority being challenged.

Xu Jin Kui had no doubt that if he dared to make a move against Du Ge, those around him would tear him to pieces. No one could resist the allure of Dao resonance, not even him.

Putting aside the issue of Dao resonance, the thousand-year foundation of Dragon and Tiger Mountain was about to be destroyed in his hands...

With the deterrent power of Master Xu, Xu Jin Kui had been a stable sect leader for decades, never encountering such a tricky situation, leaving him at a loss.

Looking at Du Ge, Xu Jin Kui forced himself to remain calm: "Brothers, what do you mean by this?"

"Sect Leader brother, I think this... fellow Daoist makes a valid point." Zhao Jinlu glanced at Du Ge, paused, and found a relatively suitable term of address, "Brother, comprehending Dao resonance, even if one cannot become a Celestial Master, one's status in the celestial realm after ascension will be much higher."

"Fourth brother, have you considered who he is?" Xu Jin Kui remained calm, pointing at Du Ge and scolding, "Dao resonance is not ownerless; he is an enemy of Dragon and Tiger Mountain. Comprehending Dao resonance from him would mean our fate is in his hands. In the end, he might become the Celestial Master, and we will become his stepping stones..."

"Sect Leader Xu, for the sake of your Xu family's personal gain, do you intend to cut off everyone's opportunity to comprehend Dao resonance and advance further?" Du Ge interrupted him, raising his voice, "Does the Xu family plan to enslave the other peaks' Daoists for generations? Even worldly dynasties experience changes; the Xu family seems to have a grand plan to establish a foundation for ten thousand years!"

With these words, the emotions that Xu Jin Kui had managed to suppress were once again stirred up, and the discontented gazes directed at him increased.

"Nonsense." Xu Jin Kui felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles, once again experiencing the previous sense of powerlessness, "The Xu family never intended to enslave them. It's you who truly wants to use Dao resonance to enslave Dragon and Tiger Mountain!"

The best way to incite evil thoughts was to establish a common enemy for everyone.

Du Ge looked at Xu Jin Kui with pity and said, "Sect Leader, you are mistaken. Comprehending Dao resonance depends on oneself. Dragon and Tiger Mountain's golden generation had five people, all comprehending Dao resonance, yet only Xu Wen'an became a Celestial Master.

Comprehending Dao resonance from me is the same; each person's aptitude and comprehension differ. Does comprehending Dao resonance guarantee becoming a Celestial Master?

Of course not. I'm merely providing everyone with an equal opportunity, a possibility. Who becomes a Celestial Master and who remains ordinary depends entirely on themselves.

If someone has the ability to become a Celestial Master, do you think I can suppress them? And the notion of serving me is baseless. The Dao resonance comprehended by Master Xu and others is ownerless, naturally unrelated to cause and effect.

But the Dao resonance comprehended by those present is derived from me. Doing something for me to resolve this cause and effect is the only way to attain the supreme Dao. It's fair; no one is serving anyone."

Du Ge's words were more thorough than Xu Jin Kui's.

Many of the celestial beings present nodded unconsciously, deeply agreeing.

"Smooth talker." Xu Jin Kui's forehead veins bulged, wanting to refute but not knowing how to start, shaking with anger.

"What do you all think?" Du Ge's gaze swept past Xu Jin Kui and looked at the people beside him, smiling as he asked.

"The fellow Daoist's words make a lot of sense." A celestial being looked at Du Ge, cupped his fists, and saluted him.

"In that case, comprehending Dao resonance should include the fellow Daoist." Du Ge nodded at him, "Fellow Daoist, please stand aside for now. If Sect Leader Xu acts against me later, I hope you can help stop him."

That celestial being glanced at Xu Jin Kui and, without hesitation, stood not far from Du Ge's side.

Having cultivated to the celestial stage, he indeed owed Dragon and Tiger Mountain a debt.

But the road ahead was long, and he couldn't bind his legs for the sake of Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

He had been stuck in the celestial stage for a long time, and when he was comprehending Dao resonance earlier, he had already gained some insight. If not for Xu Jin Kui's interruption, he might have already comprehended his own cultivation technique.

Other celestial beings cast envious glances at him, but looking at the Mountain Protection Array shrouding Dragon and Tiger Mountain, they hesitated.

"Opportunities are rare and hard to come by." Du Ge looked at them and said, "Cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you retreat. If you retreat today and retreat tomorrow, there will come a day when you have nowhere to retreat.

Suppose one day, fellow Daoists truly ascend to the celestial realm and recall the Dao resonance that was right in front of you today. Wouldn't you regret not comprehending it?

Immortals live long lives. Instead of letting regret haunt your heart every day, why not take this brave step today? Fellow Daoists, if you wish to comprehend Dao resonance and walk with me, feel free to stand with that fellow Daoist..."

Du Ge's words were highly persuasive, especially since someone had already taken the lead. Those who had gained insights from observing Dao resonance earlier immediately stepped forward, cupped their fists at Du Ge, then saluted Xu Jin Kui, and stood with the first person who had stepped forward.

One led to two, two led to three...

In a short time, more than twenty celestial beings stood beside Du Ge.

Zhao Jinlu, Chi Jinshou, and others were eager to join but hesitated due to Xu Jin Kui's presence.

After all, their ancestors also served in the Celestial Master's Mansion.

As peak masters, they had also enjoyed many benefits from the Celestial Master's Mansion, but seeing more and more people standing beside Du Ge, their gazes grew anxious.

Why was there only Master Xu and not Master Zhao or Master Chi? The thought gnawed at their nerves...

Zhao Jinlu gritted his teeth: "Sect Leader brother, I..."

Xu Jin Kui glared at him fiercely, then looked at the disciples of Dragon and Tiger Mountain standing with Du Ge, his face turning ashen: "You fools, you only see the immediate benefits but don't consider that without Dragon and Tiger Mountain, you wouldn't be where you are today. You can indeed comprehend Dao resonance, but can today's events be hidden from the Celestial Master's Mansion?

Master Xu despises rebellion the most. If Master Xu learns of today's events, can this demon protect you? To comprehend Dao resonance, you must have the life to enjoy its benefits..."

With these words, the celestial beings who had just stood with Du Ge immediately changed their expressions. They had been blinded by benefits, forgetting that Dragon and Tiger Mountain was Master Xu's domain, and their actions were tantamount to declaring war on the Celestial Master.

Master Xu had ascended to the celestial realm thousands of years ago, and the Celestial Master's Mansion had countless celestial soldiers and generals...

If the Celestial Master descended to suppress them, who could withstand it?

"Sect Leader Xu, is that what you're worried about?" Du Ge looked at Xu Jin Kui and smiled, "We just need to ensure Master Xu doesn't find out."

"..." Xu Jin Kui's face darkened. Is that what I meant? It sounds like I want Dao resonance too, but I'm just afraid of Master Xu.

However, he wasn't wrong. I do want Dao resonance; otherwise, I would have cut him down with a sword long ago.

"Sect Leader Xu, strictly control the discourse at Dragon and Tiger Mountain. As long as Sect Leader Xu keeps it a secret, how would the Celestial Master's Mansion know?" Du Ge looked at Xu Jin Kui and said, "All the Daoists present have benefited, and I'm sure they won't spread the word. When they ascend to the celestial realm, they will owe Sect Leader Xu a favor..."

"..." Xu Jin Kui was stunned.

"If you don't speak, and I don't speak, who will know that the disciples of Dragon and Tiger Mountain have comprehended Dao resonance?" Du Ge smiled and continued, "With Dao resonance as a foundation, this generation of Dragon and Tiger Mountain disciples will be the strongest. At that time, with the resources of the Celestial Master's Mansion, they can grow in the celestial realm and establish their own sects. During this period, we just need to keep our mouths shut."

Gulp!

Xu Jin Kui's throat moved.

Du Ge's voice, like that of a devil, continued: "If Sect Leader Xu can deceive the higher-ups and the lower-downs, with my walking Dao resonance as assistance, it's not impossible to intercept Master Xu's lineage and establish a new sect in the celestial realm.

A group that shares benefits and maintains a common secret has the strongest cohesion, sharing both losses and gains. Who says there can only be one Master Xu in the celestial realm?"

Ruining Without Rest stirred the evil thoughts in Xu Jin Kui's heart, unknowingly guiding him with Du Ge's words to start envisioning the future.

"Dragon and Tiger Mountain's golden generation had only five brothers, yet they established the Celestial Master's Mansion in the celestial court." Du Ge looked at Xu Jin Kui and said calmly, "Sect Leader Xu, why not count how many disciples Dragon and Tiger Mountain has now, and how many can comprehend Dao resonance. Are you really willing to give this immense wealth to Master Xu?"

Xu Jin Kui trembled, his tiger-like eyes glaring at Du Ge.

"If we keep it a secret, everyone can comprehend Dao resonance, and Sect Leader Xu will have a force comparable to or even surpassing the Celestial Master's Mansion, capable of establishing a sect and becoming a founder." Du Ge deeply analyzed the pros and cons for Xu Jin Kui, "But today, if because of me, Sect Leader Xu starts a massacre, Dragon and Tiger Mountain suffers this unwarranted disaster, and many celestial beings die, do you think Master Xu will blame you?

Taking a step back, thinking positively, you kill me without harming a single disciple of Dragon and Tiger Mountain. But you also cut off their opportunity to comprehend Dao resonance. Do you think when they ascend to immortality, they will resent you or Master Xu?"

Xu Jin Kui trembled again, looking around at the celestial disciples with unfriendly gazes. Though he had long practiced inedia, he felt a layer of fine sweat on his back.

One path was a bright future; the other was betrayal and isolation.

The choice seemed easy, requiring only a betrayal of his ancestors...

"But..." Xu Jin Kui's hand holding the Heavenly Assistant Sword trembled.

"Sect Leader, don't hesitate any longer." Du Ge's eyes shone brighter, "One's position is linked to strength. When your strength is strong enough, even the Immortal Emperor will look up to you. After all, who doesn't want more elite soldiers under their command?

If the Immortal Emperor can establish four Celestial Master's Mansions, he can establish ten.

Sect Leader Xu, ask yourself, do you want to be a Celestial Master in the celestial realm or a dog of the Celestial Master's Mansion? Perhaps by then, Master Xu will come to befriend you, the junior!"

"Sect Leader brother, the fellow Daoist is right." Zhao Jinlu was the first to be convinced, swallowing lightly, "Ascending to immortality and entering the Celestial Master's Mansion means never seeing the light of day. If we can comprehend Dao resonance..."

Xu Jin Kui looked at Du Ge, his face full of struggle.

"Fellow Daoists, are you willing to fight for your destiny?" Du Ge smiled slightly, looking around, adding the final fuel to the fire.

"Of course, we are willing." The crowd responded unevenly, but Du Ge's words had paved all their paths. As long as Xu Jin Kui could be persuaded, who could say what the future held?

After all, Dao resonance was related to aptitude and comprehension. After overcoming the most challenging period and entering the celestial court, who would become a Celestial Master was still uncertain.

Everyone was filled with confidence in themselves.

"Are you willing to join Sect Leader Xu in sharing the same boat, advancing and retreating together?" Du Ge asked again.

"Of course, we are willing." This time, the voices were much more unified.

Xu Jin Kui looked around at the crowd, finally resting his gaze on Du Ge: "I..."

"Sect Leader Xu, make a decisive decision." Du Ge nodded affirmatively, then once again revealed Dao resonance, looking directly into Xu Jin Kui's eyes, and said loudly, "Life is rare, seize the moment."

Looking at the ethereal Dao resonance surrounding Du Ge, Xu Jin Kui took a deep breath, finally making up his mind, and said spiritedly, "Alright, I'll take this gamble."

...

From then on, Dragon and Tiger Mountain bore the surname Du!

Du Ge withdrew his gaze from the increasingly fervent Xu Jin Kui, feeling triumphant.

Before coming to Dragon and Tiger Mountain, he only intended to obtain some basic techniques. Who knew that by a twist of fate, he would establish a foundation? His luck in this Alien Star Battlefield was indeed strong...

...

Beside him, Elder Daoming glanced at Du Ge's figure, suddenly doubting his identity.

Is he really an Innate Water Spirit?

Innate Water Spirits are born of nature and rarely interact with the mundane world. Logically, their minds should be pure. Why is this Innate Water Spirit so worldly wise?

With just a few words, he united Dragon and Tiger Mountain under him, even betraying Master Xu.

He once thought that once the Mountain Protection Array was activated, a great battle would be inevitable!

However, Elder Daoming buried his doubts deep in his heart. He still relied on Du Ge to rebuild his Dao foundation, and now was not the time to undermine him.

Moreover, with Dragon and Tiger Mountain under his control, the situation had changed, and he could no longer handle this little spirit.

From stealing scriptures to now, in just a few hours, Dragon and Tiger Mountain had changed hands. Elder Daoming felt like he was dreaming.

This spirit is terrifying!

If he grows, he might really overthrow the Celestial Master's Mansion...

...

By now, the sky had already turned white, and many celestial beings in seclusion were alerted by the Mountain Protection Array and rushed to Celestial Master Peak.

Many disciples were still unaware of what had happened on Celestial Master Peak.

Since Xu Jin Kui had decided to cooperate with Du Ge, he no longer hesitated.

Using the Mountain Protection Array, he sealed Dragon and Tiger Mountain, arranging for the peak masters and celestial beings to reassure the panicked disciples, issuing a gag order to the disciples who had seen Du Ge's true form on Celestial Master Peak, and promising them the opportunity to comprehend Dao resonance.

With a mix of suppression and reassurance, Xu Jin Kui strove to control the situation within the smallest possible scope.

Fortunately, whether celestial beings or Qi Refiners, they understood the value of Dao resonance, and no one was foolish enough to go against their future.

As for the outer disciples, they didn't need to be concerned, as they had no idea what had happened on Celestial Master Peak.

In less than a day, Xu Jin Kui and others had unified Dragon and Tiger Mountain.

...

While Xu Jin Kui and others were busy consolidating Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Du Ge spent a day in the Scripture Repository. After helping Elder Daoming repair a meridian, he went through all the books in the repository, verifying some magic, formations, and escape techniques.

When Du Ge experimented with these techniques, he almost dropped Elder Daoming's jaw.

Because when Du Ge set up formations or used the Five Elements Escape Technique, he didn't need to chant spells or perform hand seals; he could complete them with a wave of his hand.

This was something Elder Daoming had only seen in Master Xu.

But Master Xu was a Heavenly Immortal, while Du Ge was just an Elemental Infant cultivator.

Although Du Ge had demonstrated combat power far beyond that of an Elemental Infant cultivator, Elder Daoming knew he was genuinely at the Elemental Infant stage, which was incredible.

Is this the power of an Innate Spirit?

Or is it due to Dao resonance?

Or perhaps he is a reincarnation of a great celestial being, descending to the lower realm for cultivation?

Elder Daoming couldn't figure it out, but that didn't stop him from letting go of his previous petty thoughts about Du Ge, replacing them with reverence.

Perhaps Xu Jin Kui and others aimed to become Celestial Masters in the celestial realm.

But Elder Daoming believed that with Du Ge's current performance, his future achievements would be at least at the level of an Emperor...

...

Du Ge didn't care about Elder Daoming's thoughts.

After reaching the Elemental Infant stage, Du Ge's mental power doubled, jumping to over fifty million.

The reason it only doubled was probably because he had just formed his Elemental Infant. The three Elemental Infants continuously mobilized spiritual power to nourish his soul, causing his mental power to keep rising. By the time he reached the peak of the Elemental Infant stage, who knew how high the numbers would go.

But even the current fifty million was a number Du Ge had never dared to imagine before. After all, Hua Guyun, revered as a deity on Qi Yuan Star, only had a mental power of 1.53 million.

The reason Du Ge could cast spells instantly was likely related to his mental power and divine power.

After combining mental power and divine power, escape techniques, formations, and magic had no secrets in Du Ge's eyes.

Like a high school student solving first-grade math problems, Du Ge could give the answer with just a glance.

Of course, this miraculous ability was unique to him; the celestial beings of this world didn't have his capability...

...

Currently, Du Ge's cultivation level was only at the Elemental Infant stage.

Above that was the celestial stage, then True Immortal, Heavenly Immortal, Golden Immortal, Great Golden Immortal, and the highest, the Primordial Saint.

Du Ge couldn't imagine how high the mental power of a Dao Ancestor would be.

If such a figure targeted him, could he really escape?

The faster he grew, the stronger his sense of crisis became.

Clearly, this world was far more terrifying than he had imagined...

However, Du Ge also felt a slight anticipation, hoping he could attain the Great Golden Immortal in this world.

Based on the current progress, if he could truly cultivate to the Great Golden Immortal in this world, his mental power might reach billions, and this world should have methods to develop mental power and soul.

Bai Long always said that mental power was extremely important.

If he had billions of mental power, he should be able to easily defeat Bai Long when he returned!

Indeed, opportunities and risks coexist at all times!