Chapter 188: Restless and Eager to Move

Chapter 188: Restless and Eager to Move

The wealthy patrons of the Putuan District linked Qi Xia Dongtian for a deep experience, marking the final process of today’s Dharma assembly.

Some Qi Xia Group employees, unqualified to wear Daoist robes, had already begun dismantling the banners, colored flags, and altar arrangements on the square.

When the gathered believers witnessed this scene, they instantly felt discontent, muttering in secret that the Qi Xia Group was too stingy.

According to the Daoist ceremonial rules, regardless of the scale of the assembly, small gifts are usually presented to the attending believers.

Some generous Daoist groups even hold lotteries with engraved talisman charms on-site.

Even the most modest companies distribute some talisman water to dispel fatigue, rewarding the distant pilgrims.

It is rare to find a Qi Xia Group that offers no gesture at all, instead driving people away.

Yet these thoughts could only remain unspoken; none dared openly criticize the Qi Xia Group.

The crowd sighed in regret, gathering in twos and threes as they descended the mountain.

“Look!”

At that moment, a sudden cry erupted from the crowd.

Turning to look, they saw a massive screen erected at the former altar site.

“What is this? Is the Qi Xia Group going to show us a fleeting light and shadow performance?”

“Tch, what’s so special about Daoist fleeting light and shadow performances? It’s always the same plot of immortals subduing demons. Better to go home and enjoy a Yellow Grain Desire Realm while there’s still time before the mao rites begin.”

Someone in the crowd picked up the thread: “Exactly, at least in the Yellow Grain Desire Realm you can ride flying swords to capture fairies or wield ritual seals to seize demons. Isn’t that more thrilling than standing here watching?”

Some devout believers, their faces solemn, rebuked: “You hypocrites, your minds are filled with vile desires. Beware—the spirits above may strike you down!”

“You’re so high and mighty. I just heard you cursing that the Qi Xia Group is stingy. Now you’re pretending to be righteous?”

“Enough arguing. This humble lay practitioner believes it’s not just a fleeting light and shadow performance—there must be other surprises!”

The square buzzed with whispered conversations, chaotic and loud.

The Qi Xia Group employees tasked with dismantling the venue stood frozen, at a loss.

After all, the ‘blessed land experience’ was supposed to be the final step. When did a movie screening become part of the process?

Yet doubts aside, when they saw the Qingyi Daoist standing beside the screen was none other than the high-ranking official who had presided over the assembly, they immediately abandoned the thought of approaching.

“How could Wang Wenqin, a Jindan cultivator, manage the Qi Xia Group without even noticing his own Dao Eight deputy was replaced by Honghu’s people?”

Outside the square, Wang Xie, now clad in plain white robes, crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes scanning the surging crowd, a barely perceptible cold smile curling his lips.

To outsiders, this might seem like the Qi Xia Group’s ‘conscience awakening,’ preparing a small program for the believers.

Though still stingy, it was better than nothing.

But what Wang Xie saw was a meticulously planned ‘trap’ orchestrated by Honghu.

Some believers, eager to return to other areas for the mao rites, were forcibly detained by others urging them to stay.

Some, uninterested in the spectacle, were told the screen’s content would be absolutely thrilling, tempting them to pause.

Even those with urgent matters to attend to were mocked as disrespectful to Patriarch Liu, leaving them no choice but to remain.

Under these people’s guidance, the crowd that had been about to disperse surged forward, clustering before the screen.

They encircled the group seated on cushions, experiencing Qi Xia Dongtian.

The scenes seemed ordinary, merely some nosy believers urging others to stay and enjoy themselves.

But Wang Xie saw clearly—these persuaders’ smiles were radiant, yet their eyes held a chilling indifference.

“Boss, what do you think Honghu’s people are thinking? Sabotaging someone else’s product launch—don’t they fear provoking the Qi Xia Group into a deadly feud?”

Wang Xie muttered to himself.

“When have they ever feared anything?” A voice echoed in his ear.

“True enough. They wouldn’t hesitate even at a minor Qi Xia Group, let alone the grand ceremonies of giants like Wudang or Longhu. They’d dare to join the fray.”

Wang Xie chuckled bitterly, “Though we’re all part of the same sequence, I must admit—Honghu’s people have guts. I wouldn’t dare do such a thing.”

“The barefoot aren’t afraid of shoes. The one deceived by Honghu has nothing left to lose, so there’s no need to worry about losing anything.”

Wang Xie’s jaw dropped in disbelief, “Having nothing doesn’t mean you should join a rebellion! This is a matter of entire clan extermination—how could anyone be so reckless?”

“Sometimes, when people become beasts, it’s not as complicated as you think. Just a simple, extreme reason.”

“What reason?”

“Since my life is miserable, let others suffer too. Overturn this table and start anew. Honghu’s target is the future dealer who holds the cards.”

Wang Xie froze, speechless.

The words struck him like thunder.

As a member of the sequence, Wang Xie had always believed that dynastic changes had little to do with ordinary people.

It was the clash of armies, heroes drawing their blades, and people like him manipulating the balance of power.

In turbulent times, the stage belonged to the chosen ones.

Yet in the eyes of common folk, it was merely human jealousy and selfishness at play.

Let the hardships fate bestowed upon oneself become everyone’s shared burden.

This cold, merciless logic left Wang Xie, who had long idolized the ancients of the sequence, struggling to accept it.

He fell silent, unable to find a counterargument.

But he also knew he wasn’t the type to debate—let alone the fact that the voice on the other end was a true master of the Fa Sect.

Debating with the Fa Sect’s reasoning was never wise.

“Boss, I still don’t understand. Honghu went to such lengths, even exposing a Dao Eight’s hidden pawn—was it just to brainwash these believers? That’s not cost-effective, is it?”

The voice on the line fell silent for a moment, “If you can calculate this account, Honghu surely can.”

Wang Xie was stunned, “You mean, they’re not here to recruit members today?”

“If you were Honghu, would you ignore so many faithless poor people and instead come to brainwash Daoist believers?”

Of course not!

Wang Xie’s brow furrowed, “Should we let the brothers act now?”

“Not yet. This is just the beginning. Have the brothers monitor every communication channel—we’re fishing for a big catch today!”

The voice from the communicator was colder than the raindrops falling from the sky.

At that moment, the massive screen on the square finally flickered to life.

A world blanketed in crimson glow, resembling a fairyland, unfolded before them.

Wang Xie glanced once and his pupils suddenly contracted, a cry escaping his lips.

“This is… Qi Xia Dongtian?!”