Huh? Isn't this an adventure kingdom building game?!

Chapter 1287: Chapter 975: Let Me Make Up a Story for You

"Quite punctual," Jiang Yuan glanced at the system time, noting there was just one minute left until the Wilderness descended.

He had become accustomed to the capriciousness of evil cultivators, so meeting a punctual villain was somewhat unexpected.

The diligent old scholar, eager for grapes, had already extracted information from the Ugly Slave: the Third Protector meeting "Yang Sansi" this time was indeed Qi Baijun, whom the Ugly Slave had previously mistaken.

It is said that he is quite capable, even earning commendations from the Sect Leader of the Leisure Sect.

If not for his slightly shorter tenure and limited experience, he would likely be in charge of the entire Wilderness World. The current overall person in charge, the Sixth Elder, is a color-starved ghost seen only once by the Ugly Slave, who found him arrogant and dismissive.

On the surface, the Sixth Elder holds the greatest authority, but only the Third Protector Qi Baijun and the Fourth Guardian You Lai are currently active in the Leisure Sect.

The former wields significant power; the latter is chiefly responsible for discipline.

The Ugly Slave mentioned that You Lai possesses a Divine Artifact, suspected to be the Underworld’s Mirror of Sin, capable of observing the actions of disciples with clarity. Betraying one’s comrades results in a death sentence where assistance is denied during tribulation, leading to death by heavenly thunder.

This Fourth Guardian is elusive, spotted only a few times by the Ugly Slave, providing little intel.

As for the Third Protector Qi Baijun, it’s well-known among the higher-ups that he’s adept at the Soul-Devouring Demon Skill!

This was the primary reason for Ugly Slave’s mistaken identity—Soul-Devouring Demon Skill is a rare technique among evil cultivators, affording those who cultivate it a remarkable advantage.

Jiang Yuan looked up at the approaching colossal Immortal Ship, curious to see whose Soul-Devouring Demon Skill was superior, his or Qi Baijun’s.

"Buzz..."

The Immortal Ship stopped silently at the cliff top, its large doors humming open as two rows of well-covered black-robed figures filed out.

The disguises of the evil cultivators were useless under the system’s appraisal. Sweeping his eyes over them, Jiang Yuan felt both excitement and worry—there were certainly many evil cultivators, all of a fairly high Realm.

If he couldn’t capture them all at once, many big fish might escape!

Jiang Yuan instantly appreciated the thrill of playing possum to catch a tiger, feeling the sheep’s satisfaction in a wolf’s pack. The sight of live blood bags and mission rewards made his hands tremble with excitement.

"Are you Yang Sansi?" A thin, well-wrapped evil cultivator approached, scrutinizing Jiang Yuan with cold eyes, and said, "Take out your Merit Token."

Understood, this was to verify his identity.

He took out Yang Sansi’s Merit Token from the Storage Bag and respectfully presented it with both hands.

The other glanced at it, noticing Jiang Yuan’s involuntary trembling hands, and chuckled, "We know you’re just a minor Incense Master, unaccustomed to this big scene.

Ordinarily, with insufficient merit, you’d never have the chance to meet a Protector in this lifetime. The Third Protector, being kind and fair, summoned you, so it’s natural to be nervous. Relax, and don’t embarrass yourself in front of the Protector later."

"Thank you for the pointers, senior," Jiang Yuan had already identified him as the Protector’s chief disciple through system appraisal.

In the Leisure Sect, he should be addressed as Immortal Master, but since the other did not introduce himself, Jiang Yuan played along, pretending to nervously thank him.

"Hehe, your superior, the Banner Master, is indeed neglectful, having neglected to teach you the etiquette when meeting Upper Immortals." The other was pleased with Yang Sansi’s timid demeanor, his nostrils flaring arrogantly, "Remember, when you meet fellow Immortal Masters by the Protector’s side, refer to them as Immortal Master. Come with me!"

"Yes, Immortal Master." Jiang Yuan maintained the act, respectfully holding the returned Merit Token.

Thinking about what was to come, he couldn’t help but smirk.

In the Wilderness World, the highest position in the Leisure Sect is held by the Sixth Elder, possessing real power but indulging in sensual pleasures, having not left the Little Demon’s abode for several months.

Beneath him are four Protectors.

The Great Protector is the Little Demon’s own brother, attaining his position through familial connections. Despite his title, he holds little real power, with only a few subordinates to his name; the Second Protector recently received a substantial Essence award and has gone into seclusion to break through to the Tribulation Crossing Realm;

The Third Protector, Qi Baijun, wields significant power and ambition. While the Sixth Elder is lost in his nightly revelries, Qi Baijun seized control of most of the important affairs within the sect.

This includes the collection, management, and usage of Essence, as well as the activation of the Tribulation Crossing Holy Land and the distribution of Tribulation Crossing Arrays—crucial elements affecting the disciples’ stability and safety.

The allocation of time to meet a mere Incense Master was an unprecedented rarity. The Protector’s imposing presence must be maintained, but there was no need for an overwhelming display, thus only a squad of black riders was dispatched.

Even so, observing the column of at least sixty-strong evil cultivator black riders, Jiang Yuan pondered how to subtly and quietly capture all the evil cultivators.

"Remove your mask," Qi Baijun’s Merit Token had nearly unrestricted access. With a mere thought, he could "scan" the represented information of incoming visitors, confirming it as undoubtedly the Divine Soul of Yang Sansi.

He observed the incoming young male body with outstanding temperament, considering this youth fortunate. Despite the desperate possession, he had managed to find an impressive host.

However, with the damaged Divine Soul being difficult to heal, it would be years before Yang Sansi’s Realm could advance any further.

Jiang Yuan obediently removed the bronze mask and respectfully saluted, "Yang Sansi meets Lord Protector."

Without the Magical Treasure to conceal his breath, his human scent was keenly detected. Qi Baijun noticed the youth’s handsome appearance yet complete lack of Spiritual Energy, and all existing suspicions dissipated.