Chapter Seventy: Founding the Sect and Establishing the Mansion — The Rise of Earth's Power

Uncle Li and the others had come here precisely to meet the extraordinary figure rumored to possess the Daoist arts of immortals. At first, hearing Wood’s refusal, they felt disappointed, but when a glimmer of opportunity presented itself, their spirits soared. To dispel their doubts, Wood rose into the air as if weightless, a blue sword hovering above his head, revealing his extraordinary cultivation.

At once, Uncle Li and his companions’ knees buckled, and they knelt to the ground, calling out repeatedly, “Immortal master, have mercy upon us and teach us the way of the Great Dao.”

Xiuyuan was inwardly delighted, secretly pleased that he had not misjudged Wood and had been the first to become his disciple, believing this would win Wood’s trust more easily.

“Rise,” Wood said, withdrawing his spell. “To speak the truth, I am a disciple of the Taixu Sect. Our founding ancestor was once of the immortal race. Cultivating the arts of Taixu, the Great Dao is within reach, and longevity is possible.”

Seeing their expressions of delight, he continued, “But there is a prohibition set by our sect’s previous ancestor: disciples must not carelessly impart these wondrous arts to outsiders, lest these powers be used for evil. Moreover, life and death are governed by fate; if every person in the world were to practice the arts of Taixu and all gained immortality, would this not disrupt the cycle of heaven and earth?”

At these words, Uncle Li and the others' faces fell again. Just as their dream seemed within reach, it was slipping away—anyone would feel disappointed. Uncle Li pleaded, “Immortal master, I have long revered the Great Dao, seeking it in vain for many years. Now, at last, I witness the immortal arts. I beg you, seeing the sincerity of your disciple’s heart, to accept me—even if only as a menial servant at your side!”

This was what Wood had been waiting for. He smiled and replied, “Times are changing. It is not sustainable for our Taixu Sect to remain hidden from the world. At my suggestion, the sect has finally permitted me to accept a few outer disciples to handle worldly affairs on behalf of Taixu. These disciples may learn some basic arts. Should you render great service to the sect in the future, you may be promoted to inner disciple and study the true path to longevity.”

At this, all three were overjoyed. Uncle Li stammered, “I am willing to donate all my worldly possessions to the Taixu Sect, if only Immortal Master would accept me as an inner disciple.”

Gu Yueguan quickly added, “I too am willing to offer up all my wealth, if only I may join Taixu and study the arts.”

Wood frowned. “Do you think it so easy to become an inner disciple? First, you must lay a foundation in the arts; then, it depends on your fortune. If one could become an inner disciple simply by donating property, would there not be countless immortals in the world?”

“Yes!” Uncle Li, chastened by Wood’s rebuke, suddenly understood. He dropped to his knees again. “Immortal master, if you do not disdain my humble talents, I, Li Yun, am willing to become your disciple,” he declared, bowing his head.

Gu Yueguan, seeing this, followed suit, throwing himself to the ground and earnestly begging to be accepted. To learn the immortal arts, they willingly bowed before one much younger than themselves.

“Well...” Wood feigned hesitation. “Our Taixu Sect does not accept disciples lightly. I must first petition the ancestors for permission, and even then, it is not easily granted...”

Hearing there was still a chance, the two did not wait for him to finish. “Master, please accept our three bows!” they cried, not giving Wood a chance to refuse as they bowed thrice. “Master, whatever you command, your disciples will carry out without hesitation!”

Wood, intent on leveraging their social influence, had no reason to refuse. After their formal bows, he sighed, “Since you have acknowledged me as your master, according to Taixu tradition, I must give you something. But... what should I give?”

Li Yun quickly said, “It is we who should be presenting gifts to our master, not the other way around!”

Wood smiled faintly. “I have it. Before I descended the mountain, my master gave me a few immortal beans. For those in the secular world, they strengthen the body and dispel illness. I shall give them to you now.”

He produced two pills, their fragrance immediately filling the air—these were the so-called “miraculous beans.” Wood explained, “These immortal beans are not easily obtained. Xiuyuan already has a foundation in the arts and does not require them. For you two, one each.”

The pair, having witnessed Wood’s immortal arts, had no reason to doubt him. They quickly accepted the beans and swallowed them. Both men were over fifty and inevitably suffered from hidden ailments. Upon taking the beans, they felt an instant sense of comfort and well-being, all previous pains and illnesses swept away. Overjoyed, they hurriedly bowed in thanks, not noticing the faint, sly smile at the corner of Wood’s mouth.

In truth, the two “miraculous beans” had been soaked in Guy Feng’s secret potion. The potion’s effect was simple: after ingestion, the first person the user saw would become the focus of their subconscious loyalty—they would never betray them. Knowing that Li Yun and Gu Yueguan were seasoned veterans of the world, Wood had decided that temptation alone might not suffice to control them. As for Xiuyuan, he seemed a pure cultivator; by imparting a few arts and raising his realm, he would naturally become devoted.

With the immortal beans swallowed and the title of master uttered, the relationship seemed to grow even closer. Wood continued, “Although Taixu is now establishing itself in the secular world, we cannot openly recruit disciples, nor should you reveal any of this to outsiders.”

The three immediately agreed in unison. Wood went on, “Unfortunately, my resources are limited; currently, I only have this small villa. Please keep an eye out for a suitable, peaceful location we might purchase as our sect’s base in the mortal world.”

“Yes! Master, you need not worry about this. Your disciples will handle it at once!” Wood nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself that having influence truly made things easier—his followers would see to everything.

“Oh, Li Yun, I recall you once mentioned preparing a rare object for my master. What was it exactly?” Wood asked, remembering their earlier conversation.

“To be honest, Master, I’m not entirely sure myself. The item is still in Hong Kong, but I will arrange for it to be delivered to you as soon as possible.”

“Very well,” Wood nodded.

Finding nothing further to discuss, the three took their leave, their gains from this meeting far exceeding their expectations. They were naturally elated.

Once they were gone, Mu Siyu quietly emerged from inside. Since returning to the foundational material plane, Wood felt the villa was too small and worried that Ouyang Lingfeng and the others might not adapt to this new world. He had therefore only summoned Mu Siyu, who had already learned everything that transpired outside while in her room.

Seeing her, Wood smiled softly. “Siyu, I haven’t had a chance to ask—since bathing in dragon’s blood, your physical abilities must have improved. Your wind abilities should be stronger now!”

But Mu Siyu gazed at him with a strange expression, a hint of worry in her eyes. “Brother Wood, you’ve changed.”

Wood was taken aback, then realized she was referring to his giving Li Yun and Gu Yueguan the “miraculous beans,” which had been soaked in Guy Feng’s secret potion.

“I remember you once told me that human nature is easily corrupted, and that I could use certain methods to control others, just as I did with you—making them forever incapable of betrayal.” Wood frowned. “I don’t want to add them to my harem or bind them by soul contract, so this was the only way left. Besides, you suggested this approach.”

“That’s not it!” Mu Siyu replied. “True greatness requires ruthlessness, and I’m not criticizing your method with Li Yun and the others. I just suddenly feel... you’ve changed. You seem more distant now; the gentle warmth in your expression is gone. Before, when I stood before you, I felt so pure, never worried you’d treat me poorly. Now, standing here, I suddenly feel a little constrained... as if I dare not resist.”

“Hahaha, and before, could you really resist?” Wood laughed oddly, scooping her into his arms and carrying her into the room. Yet this time, he noticed a subtle tremor in the woman beneath him, a trace of fear—her submission to him was now tinged with dread...

“You’ve grown a little more domineering,” Mu Siyu murmured, “but I like it—it makes me feel safer. Just... please don’t abandon me.”

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Two days later, Li Yun and the others brought good news: they had found a plot of cleared land thirty kilometers west of the city, which could be acquired through their connections.

Wood followed them to inspect the site and was taken aback. This was the very place where Fatty Wang had once led them in search of the mysterious object that had fallen from the sky. Here, Wood had obtained the dimensional trading system that changed his fate. Here, too, he had received the Transformers and engineering robots transmitted from the silicon-based dimension, marking the beginning of his journey in interdimensional trade.

Now, the location chosen for the sect’s base was this same plot of land—a place that had brought him so much fortune. Naturally, Wood felt a special attachment to it and nodded in satisfaction.

“This land was originally cleared for commercial development, covering about thirty mu. If Master is pleased, we’ll immediately contact the current owners and acquire it,” Li Yun said.

Wood nodded, but asked, “This is a fine piece of land, but I recall it’s been abandoned for years. Didn’t someone buy it long ago?”

Li Yun smiled. “Developers often buy up land and deliberately leave it idle, waiting for property prices to rise before building, so they can profit more. But since Master favors this place, with Old Gu and me working together, we’ll make sure it’s secured for the sect.”