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Fang Lin Kong's earlier performance had caught everyone's attention, leading to a respectful atmosphere among the onlookers. Lin Yu, unfamiliar with Fang Lin Kong's background due to her lack of interest in current events, was unaware of the recent turmoil in the demon world that had been sparked by him. However, the Daoists who regularly dealt with demons were well aware of the situation.
Fang Lin Kong's origins were no longer a secret. Although they found his collection of magical artifacts somewhat peculiar, no one dared to inquire further out of courtesy.
Since entering modern times, Kunlun Celestial Path had undergone significant restructuring. Following contemporary educational models, the traditional master-apprentice system was replaced with a mentorship system. Upon reaching certain levels of cultivation, practitioners would receive corresponding titles and could then choose higher-level mentors to study more advanced Daoist techniques.
However, Kunlun did not categorize its teachings like earthly schools into elementary, middle, high school, or university. Instead, it divided practitioners into ten levels based on their Daoist sect cultivation: beginner, intermediate, advanced students, Xuanwu Priest, White Tiger Daoist, Zhuque Daoist, Qilin Daoist, Azure Dragon Taoist, Five Elements Sorcerer, and Immortal Taoist.
Lin Yu was still studying as an advanced student and had not yet attained formal Daoist status. Among the Kunlun disciples present to prevent the fighting, the highest rank was only a level five White Tiger Daoist. As for Eastern Thunder, he had already completed his training and was now a Qilin Daoist. The highest rank of Immortal Taoist remained unattainable for anyone at Kunlun; even the most skilled elders were stuck at the Five Elements Sorcerer level.
Most Kunlun disciples pursued legitimate careers after leaving their studies. Once their duties were complete, they quickly dispersed. As for post-battle cleanup, that was not their responsibility; local demons would handle it.
In this battle, there were few casualties among the combatants. However, hundreds of innocent civilians suffered injuries or fatalities. Fortunately, human life in China was often undervalued; even a mining accident could claim dozens of lives. Thus, managing the aftermath was not overly burdensome.
Fang Lin Kong felt immense indignation over this situation but found himself in a position similar to that of many frustrated young people who could only vent their anger online—he had no choice but to endure.
Local demons maintained their identities and refrained from engaging too closely with Kunlun disciples. While they expressed gratitude for the intervention, the historical enmity between Daoists and demons persisted. Although recent years had seen some easing of tensions due to reforms and changing attitudes, centuries-old beliefs remained deeply entrenched.
Once both sides had departed, Lin Yu was left with a Xuanwu Priest who had once been a master of pastry-making at Kunlun. After leaving Kunlun, he opened a noodle shop that had recently expanded into a food company with dozens of chain stores across more than ten cities. With his schedule relatively free and being responsible for recruiting new members among the external disciples of Kunlun, he approached Lin Yu.
"I am Wang Wuxing," he said warmly. "I truly admire your bravery in stepping up to stop those demons from harming the citizens just now. Since I have some free time, why don't we grab a meal together and strengthen our bond?"
Wang Wuxing could be considered a middle-aged man, clearly well-nourished, having developed a plump and prosperous appearance. However, he spoke in a hearty manner and had a friendly attitude, evidently honed from countless banquets.
To be honest, Fang Lin Kong had not consumed a single drop of water in recent days. He had absorbed ten percent of the demon energy from Liexiezi, which left him feeling full and disinterested in food. But after so many days, the demon energy had been completely absorbed and refined. Following the recent battles at the airport, Fang Lin Kong found himself feeling hungry as soon as Wang Wuxing mentioned food; his stomach growled loudly, making him acutely aware of his hunger.
Lin Yu came from a family of Daoist Sect practitioners. Thus, she was sent to Kunlun at a young age. However, after turning seven, she only attended Kunlun for training during winter and summer breaks, spending her regular school days in the city. She was one year older than Fang Lin Kong and was now in her third year of high school.
Wang Wuxing was clearly well-acquainted with dining and entertainment venues, displaying an impressive familiarity with everything around him.
Before long, they found a restaurant and ordered several dishes. As Fang Lin Kong tasted the food, he praised it enthusiastically. Normally, if Ding Qingya were not present, Fang Lin Kong would have taken the opportunity to get to know Lin Yu better. Although he lacked that intention now, he still made plenty of jokes that made Lin Yu laugh like a blooming flower in the wind and prompted hearty laughter from Wang Wuxing.
Lin Yu was quite perceptive and had already noticed that her senior brother wanted to discuss something with Fang Lin Kong. In truth, she wasn’t very familiar with Wang Wuxing, having only met him a few times in this city. Moreover, as a blossoming young woman, she had little in common with a middle-aged man. Although there was a trend among certain fans to be attracted to older men, not every girl wished to join that world filled with its terrifying creatures.
Making an excuse to head home early, Lin Yu stayed for just over an hour before discreetly leaving. Although Fang Lin Kong already had a girlfriend, he still casually asked for her phone number and cheerfully remarked, “Next time I come here for free food and lodging, make sure to prepare two places so it doesn’t seem lacking in hospitality!”
Lin Yu found it both amusing and exasperating but ultimately left her number with him while advising, “Your strength is quite formidable now. I don’t know what’s so special about Gouli Heaven's Tome that it can boost you more than consuming a thousand-year elixir. But your skills are still lacking. That Oren Vikin may be impressive, but how can the Demon Hunting Team compare to our Chinese Daoist arts? Especially when it comes to martial prowess; you really need to train harder. Otherwise, you might not be so lucky next time. Don’t rely too much on those magical artifacts; at some level, it all comes down to real strength—no artifact can be trusted.”
Fang Lin Kong raised his thumb confidently and replied, “I know you’re stronger than me right now. But if I don’t use any artifacts, by this winter break I’ll definitely become very powerful! Don’t underestimate a man’s determination and courage.”
Lin Yu waved goodbye lightly and said calmly, “Then I’ll look forward to seeing your progress in the second half of the year! Goodbye; see you next time!”
“Fang Lin Kong, I’ll remember you!”
After their cordial farewell, Wang Wuxing merely smiled without speaking. Once Fang Lin Kong returned after seeing off Lin Yu, he said, “I don’t want to hide anything; if you want to cultivate further, you can join our Kunlun Sect. Although the foremost figure in China right now is Zhuang Lou from Kongtong—Grand Master—we at Kunlun have deep roots and have always been the largest Daoist sect. I believe this will greatly benefit your future.”
Fang Lin Kong nodded with a grin; he had sensed Wang Wuxing’s intentions long ago. Like Oren Vikin, he was seen as a potential key to unlocking the mysteries of Gouli Heaven's Tome. There would always be someone trying to recruit him. However, he could never join the Demon Hunting Team based on religious theology; that conflicted too much with the Chinese cultural upbringing he had received since childhood. Even if he believed in deities, he would rather worship Taishang Laojun—the Primordial Lord of Heaven—than convert to Western figures like Christ Jesus or Heavenly Father and Holy Mother.
Wang Wuxing laughed heartily and quickly took out a small Copper Seal, saying to him, "You will be going home soon. I won't keep you any longer. Take this with you, and when you get back, go to this address or call this number to contact this person. You can start your training in the Daoist arts of Kunlun. When you have a break, you can even visit Kunlun Mountain for further study."
Fang Lin Kong then realized that the influence of Kunlun was so vast that even his own city had a branch. He casually asked about the current state of Daoist practitioners in China. After all, Oren Vikin was a Westerner and did not know much about the situation in China. As for Ding Chifeng and the others, being monsters, they naturally could not know these secrets.
Wang Wuxing smiled slightly and explained, "In modern society, human physical health is much better than in ancient times, but the spiritual essence of both body and mind has greatly diminished. The number of beings capable of cultivation is decreasing; most humans or plants and animals find it difficult to sense the existence of true energy. Even if we provide them with the most profound techniques, at best they can only prolong their lives. We do not recruit such individuals. The International Demon Alliance also supports beings capable of cultivation, but I believe their results are similar to ours. Before long, there will be no practitioners left in this world."
"Whether it is our Daoist Sect or the monsters, once they reach a certain level of cultivation, they will seek ways to leave this mundane world. Those who cannot cultivate to that point will remain trapped in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death."
"Therefore, although in recent years both monster and human forces have grown unprecedentedly large, it is merely a fleeting moment. We at Kunlun currently have eight thousand disciples, but the vast majority are still at the student level. Only a handful become formal Daoists each year. Moreover, even those who reach the level of Daoist often find their progress stagnating at some point without further potential for advancement. For example, I am currently a Xuanwu Priest; ten years from now I will still be at this level, and twenty years later there won't be much improvement either. I have not made any progress in my cultivation for seven or eight years now; it seems unlikely that I will ever advance to become a White Tiger Daoist in this lifetime."
Fang Lin Kong listened quietly and suddenly felt a sense of fondness for this always-smiling homebody Daoist. Humanity has created countless legends in its quest to escape birth and death; yet even emperors who live for thousands of years cannot escape their final moments.
Even with careful attention to diet and exercise—though they may prolong life—it is merely a temporary fix at best, extending life by just a few years. Even if there are cultivators among them, decades of hard work cannot defy the laws of nature; only a very few can break free from worldly ties while leaving many behind to struggle hopelessly in this world.
Wang Wuxing clearly did not want to dampen the mood and quickly changed the subject. He continued, "Although we Kunlun have personnel in almost every major city, we do not exert enough pressure to deter local monster forces. Most Kunlun disciples are ordinary people like me; while they practice Daoist arts, their levels are not particularly high. The advanced disciples are based at the Kunlun headquarters and rarely appear unless there is a significant event; they are busy with their own rigorous training."
"In your city, there is a Kunlun disciple who is a teacher. Perhaps he could even help you with your studies!"
Fang Lin Kong chuckled lightly but did not respond. Wang Wuxing was indeed an interesting person.
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