I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Chapter 767 Too Greedy!

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow slightly, spread his hands, looked completely innocent, and spoke with utmost frankness: "What makes you say that, fellow Daoist? What is deception? In the world of transactions, it is a matter of mutual consent, a matter of course."

“Back then, I clearly stated the price: scales for innate treasures and information about races. You took the initiative to come to me and offered five innate treasures to trade with me. No one forced or robbed me throughout the entire process. How can you say I deceived you?”

The young Qilin trembled with rage. It took a step forward, its auspicious light blazing, and roared, "You knew that the Secret Realm Tower had rules, that using external objects to pass through was a violation, yet you didn't tell me beforehand! If you had told me earlier, I wouldn't have wasted my precious treasure for nothing! You deliberately set this up!"

Jiang Wang chuckled lightly, his tone calm and composed, each word clear: "The rules of the Secret Realm Tower were established by the Heavenly Dao of the Auspicious Realm, passed down through the ages, and deeply rooted in the understanding of every cultivator in the Auspicious Realm."

"You were born and raised here, taught by your sect and clan elders from childhood, yet you are unaware of these core rules? Instead, you blame me, an outsider cultivator, for not reminding you?"

"I am neither your teacher nor your elder, and I have no obligation to explain the rules of the industry to you."

During the transaction, I only discussed my terms and the price; I never promised you that the scales would guarantee your safe passage through the Secret Realm Tower. All consequences should be borne by you.

An older Qilin cultivator stepped forward, his expression solemn and his voice deep and authoritative: "Boy, stop with your sophistry! In our Auspicious Realm, the younger generation has always accepted the use of external objects during trials. In previous Secret Realm Tower trials, disciples have used spiritual treasures for assistance without ever being judged as violating the rules. Why is it not allowed this time?"

Jiang Wang looked up at the other person, his eyes clear and his words logical: "What worked in previous years does not mean it will work this time."

The rules of Heaven are ever-changing, and the rules of the Secret Realm Tower trials adjust with the changes of the Great Dao. This time, the bell tolls, clearly stating that those who cheat or use external aids to pass the trials will be punished. Heaven's will is public, witnessed by all; do you still wish to question Heaven's judgment?

Another Qilin cultivator frowned and spoke, his tone filled with resentment and accusation: "Even if the rules have changed, you were aware of the new rules, yet you still took the opportunity to trade and profit from our clan's treasures. Your intentions are sinister, and you are certainly not the kind of person a righteous cultivator would do!"

Jiang Wang stood with his hands behind his back, his smile undiminished, and said frankly, "The path of cultivation is about each person relying on their own methods to seize opportunities."

You covet my scales, hoping to use this shortcut to break through the tower, gain fame, and seize the inheritance of the Great Dao Secret Realm. I will take your innate treasures, each getting what we need, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

You gamble on opportunities and shortcuts, I gamble on the gains from a transaction. If I lose, I lose; to renege or cheat is not the style of a great family.

The young Qilin, devastated by the loss of its treasures, cried out in despair, its eyes red with anxiety: "Those five innate treasures were collected by my father over a thousand years, specially prepared by me as a gift to my master as a token of my initiation into the sect! Now you have tricked me out of them all, and I am returning empty-handed. My master will surely be furious, and my father will severely punish me. My entire training has been for nothing!"

Jiang Wang shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a hint of feigned consolation: "Fellow Daoist, in your cultivation, you should understand gains and losses, and know what to take and what to leave behind."

Opportunities in this world are always accompanied by risks; there's no such thing as a sure thing. Your desire for shortcuts and your unwillingness to work your way up step by step have led to your current predicament—all due to your own inner demons, and have nothing to do with me.

"Furthermore, the Qilin scales I gave you are still in your hands. These items are extraordinary. Even if they cannot help you break the rules to pass the test, they are still top-tier spiritual items that can be refined to temper the body, stabilize the foundation of the Dao, and nourish the soul. No matter how you look at it, you are not at a huge loss."

The young Qilin clutched the shimmering white scales in its palm, exasperated, "What use are these scales to me! What I want is to successfully conquer the tower, obtain the inheritance, and become a disciple of the sect! Now that I've been punished for violating the rules, I still have to go to the Battlefield of Myriad Realms to accumulate merit before I can return. Everything is ruined!"

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and spoke slowly: "How about the Battlefield of Myriad Realms? It's a training ground that many cultivators would love to visit. It's the easiest place to break through shackles and accumulate a foundation for the Dao amidst the fighting. You see it as punishment, while others see it as an opportunity. With different perspectives and scales, what you see and gain will naturally be worlds apart."

The older Qilin cultivator's eyes darkened, and his tone turned cold: "So, you're determined not to return my clan's treasure?"

Jiang Wang shrugged and chuckled, his tone resolute: "The deal is done, there's no going back."

In the world of spiritual practice, there is no rule against going back on your word and getting a refund after a transaction has been completed.

If everyone could get their chips back after losing, wouldn't the art of trading become chaotic?

"If you want the treasure back, you can exchange it for an equivalent opportunity, the treasure, and ancient secrets. Asking for it with empty words is not acceptable."

The three Qilin cultivators exchanged glances, each seeing helplessness and frustration in the other's eyes. They knew that Jiang Wang's words were all reasonable, and that this was the rule of the cultivation world: once a deal was made, there was no room for reneging. However, they still found it difficult to swallow their anger.

The older Qilin cultivator suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "Outsider cultivator, you certainly have a sharp tongue."

I know you use the alias Tu Xiaonai, and are known as the Undefeated Supreme. You made a fortune by setting up a stall outside the Secret Realm Tower.

But are you aware that you have completely offended my Qilin clan?

Jiang Wang remained calm and spoke in a relaxed tone: "On the path of cultivation, it is inevitable to make enemies. I am focused on cultivating and seeking the Dao, so why should I care about the likes and dislikes of others? I know that the Qilin Clan is powerful, but they are not strong enough to forcibly control me, Jiang Wang."

Another Qilin cultivator said coldly, "Don't be so arrogant! My Qilin clan is a top clan in the Auspicious Realm, with members all over the Three Realms and Nine Domains. Our sect's influence is deeply entrenched. You are in the Auspicious Realm, and if you make an enemy of my clan, you will find it difficult to move an inch! In less than half a day, all the cultivators in the Auspicious Realm will receive the message that no one will dare to trade with you, no one will dare to let you set foot, and you will not be able to get even half a step closer to the Auspicious Sect!"

A glint of light flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. Far from being afraid, he took the opportunity to speak, his tone carrying a hint of probing: "Oh? Hearing you say that, I'm quite curious."

Since the Auspicious Auspicious Sect is heavily guarded and monitored by various clans, making it impossible for ordinary outsiders to approach, how can one legitimately enter the Auspicious Auspicious Sect?

The young Qilin, having lost its treasure, huffed and sneered, its face full of disdain: "Don't even think about it! I will never tell you how to join the sect! You tricked me out of my treasure and caused me suffering, so I will make sure you never touch the gates of the Auspicious Sect and are trapped to death in this Auspicious Realm!"

Jiang Wang smiled without changing his expression and gently persuaded, "Why are you so stubborn, fellow Daoist? Our relationship is nothing more than a transaction, not a life-or-death enmity."

"If you tell me the path to the sect, I will consider giving you some pointers on how to conquer the secret realm, to make up for your losses this time, how about it?"

The older Qilin cultivator's eyes flickered, and he raised his hand to stop the young beast from speaking, saying in a deep voice, "Is the secret to passing the trial that you mentioned really useful? Is it definitely not some unorthodox method that is opportunistic or violates the rules of heaven?"

Jiang Wang nodded solemnly and said sincerely, "Naturally, it is the orthodox method of the Great Dao, a method of breakthrough based purely on one's own cultivation. It does not rely on any external objects, secret techniques, or external forces, and it is completely in line with the rules of the Secret Realm Tower trial. It will never trigger the punishment of the Heavenly Dao, and it can ensure that you can pass the trial safely and obtain the inheritance."

The three Qilin cultivators exchanged glances again, their eyes filled with emotion. They had come here for two reasons: first, to demand the treasure; and second, because they were unwilling to miss the opportunity in the secret realm. If they could obtain the authentic secret techniques for clearing the realm, they would have a chance to make up for their losses.

The elder cultivator pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "The Auspicious Sect is an ancestral sect of our realm. Its entry rules are extremely strict. Ordinary outside cultivators, without introductions, qualifications, or status, cannot even step into the sect."

Jiang Wang leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest: "I would like to hear the details."

The elder cultivator slowly explained: "There are only three paths to enter the Auspicious Sect."

Firstly, one can participate in the once-a-decade sect selection, stand out based on their talent and cultivation, and become a formal disciple of the sect, with free access to both inside and outside the sect.

Jiang Wang asked softly, "When will this election begin?" "It will be three years from now."

The older monk replied calmly.

Jiang Wang shook his head slightly, his tone helpless: "Three years is too long, I can't afford to wait that long. What's the second option?"

The older cultivator continued, "Secondly, one can obtain a personal recommendation order from a sect elder or core disciple. Holding this order allows temporary entry into the sect for one day, and is limited to observation only. One is not allowed to peruse the sect's ancient texts or learn its secret techniques; the privileges are extremely limited."

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow and pressed further, "Is there any way to obtain a referral order?"

"Absolutely impossible."

The older cultivator shook his head decisively, his tone resolute, "The sect elders and disciples have always only recommended direct descendants and genius cultivators of various clans. You are an outsider cultivator who has also incurred the wrath of my Qilin clan. Your reputation has already spread, and no one will vouch for you or recommend you."

Jiang Wang nodded and continued, "What about the third path?"

Thirdly, he joined the sect to do odd jobs.

The elder cultivator slowly spoke, “The territory of the Auspicious Sect is vast, and the sect’s industries, medicinal fields, alchemy rooms, artifact pavilions, and the outer perimeter of the scripture library all require servants to manage them.”

Every six months, the sect opens recruitment for menial servants, with no restrictions on race, cultivation level, or background. As long as one is of upright character and has no major misdeeds, one can join the sect as an outer sect menial servant, with free access to the sect's outer areas.

Jiang Wang's eyes lit up instantly, and he asked in a light tone, "Outside the sect's perimeter, is it possible to access the sect's ancient texts? Is it possible to consult ancient records?"

The young Qilin, having lost its treasure, couldn't help but sneer, its tone mocking: "You wish! The core ancient texts and records of ancient secrets are all stored in the sect's inner courtyard scripture library, and only core disciples and elders can read them."

Those who perform menial tasks on the periphery may at most have access to the most basic and rudimentary techniques and common texts, but they have no chance to access any secret or intricate records.

Jiang Wang remained expressionless and softly asked, "Where is that ancient human book that Tu Miaomiao mentioned hidden?"

The older cultivator frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then spoke: "The ancient books of the human race are all fragments from ancient times. They are not considered core secret texts of the sect and are not sealed in the inner courtyard's scripture library. Instead, they are stored in a side hall of the outer courtyard's ancient book pavilion."

Although the outer courtyard servants did not have the authority to actively browse the documents, they had free access to all parts of the outer courtyard and could secretly examine them if they found the right opportunity.

Jiang Wang felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and his smile deepened: "So that's how it is. In that case, the identity of a menial servant is the most suitable identity for me."

Another Qilin cultivator said coldly, "Don't be too happy! Although the threshold for recruiting servants is very low, there is an ironclad rule: anyone who has recently caused trouble in the Secret Realm Tower, been punished by the Heavenly Dao, or caused a disturbance in the realm will not be recruited."

"Your stall outside the secret realm tower was a commotion, attracting cultivators from all races and causing quite a stir. It's already been recorded by the sect, so you can't even register!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang remained calm and composed, saying in a nonchalant tone, "Did I cause trouble? I was merely setting up a stall to trade, each of us getting what we needed, and I was law-abiding. I did not harm anyone, destroy anything, or violate any of the laws of nature. How could you say I caused trouble?"

"But you deceived cultivators of various races, obtained a large number of treasures, caused disputes and scrambles among the cultivators, and disrupted the order of the trial!"

The young Qilin spoke angrily.

Jiang Wang waved his hand slightly, his tone frank: "The disputes and scrambles are caused by their insatiable greed and weak minds. What does it have to do with me? I set up my stall and traded with clear prices. I have never forced anyone to trade. Everything was done voluntarily."

If the sect refuses to admit someone on this basis, it would be unreasonable, unfair, and unjust.

The older cultivator remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "You are eloquent and persuasive, and indeed, there is no substantial fault to be found in your words."

"But now you're using the alias Tu Xiaonai, and your reputation as the undisputed supreme master has spread throughout the world, making you highly recognizable. If you were to appear at the recruitment site, you would undoubtedly be recognized, and you still wouldn't be able to successfully join the sect."

Jiang Wang lightly tapped his cheek with his fingertip, a sly smile on his face: "A name is a name, and a form is a form. If I change my appearance, alter my aura, and conceal my identity, who can recognize me?"

The three Qilin cultivators were taken aback upon hearing this, then realized what was happening and their faces were filled with astonishment.

The young beast exclaimed urgently, "You can change your appearance and aura? Aren't you only good at physical strength and setting up stalls for trade? You actually have a secret technique to conceal your appearance!"

Jiang Wang smiled faintly and said casually, "For cultivators, the art of self-preservation and concealment is fundamental. It's not surprising that I know a little bit about it."

The older cultivator's expression was solemn as he spoke in a deep voice: "If you change your identity and infiltrate the ranks of the sect's servants, concealing your true identity and plotting something sinister, the consequences will be unimaginable once the sect discovers it."

The Auspicious Sect's protective array, its divine detection restrictions, and its discerning eyes are omnipresent, capable of seeing through all disguises. Ordinary concealment techniques simply cannot hide from the sect's grand array!

Jiang Wang spoke with certainty and composure: "Whether I can deceive them or not is my skill."

All you need to do is tell me when and where this recruitment of menial laborers will begin.

I will faithfully reveal the secrets to passing the level that I previously promised; I will never break my promise.

The three Qilin cultivators stared at each other for a long time, weighing the pros and cons in their hearts. In the end, they could not resist the temptation of the orthodox breakthrough technique, which was an excellent opportunity to make up for their losses and seize the secret realm's inheritance.

The elder cultivator finally relented and slowly said, "Three days from now, at the first light of dawn outside the south gate of the Auspicious Sect, the recruitment of menial servants will begin. At that time, cultivators from all races without background or status can go and register."

Jiang Wang nodded slightly, his tone sincere: "Thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist."

After speaking, he looked up at the three of them and slowly revealed the key: "The core of the Secret Realm Tower Trial and the Heavenly Dao Assessment lies in just two words: one's true nature."

Many cultivators failed the trials and triggered punishments because of excessive greed and eagerness for quick success, attempting to use external shortcuts and violating the true nature of the trials.

"From now on, when you attempt to pass the trials, you must discard all distracting thoughts and external reliance, avoid seeking quick success or shortcuts, and directly test your skills with your pure Dao heart and genuine cultivation. You will then pass with certainty and without any risk of violating any rules." (End of Chapter)