Chapter 1171: The things that Eight Venerable Dark can't give you, I can

This was Xu Xiaoshou's first time hearing such an eccentric title from anyone other than Xu Xiaoji.

Was this bizarre moniker, spread under the radiance of Shengnu, propelled by someone to become his own infamous label?

The key issue was that hearing "whatever lord" from a Tai Xu felt a bit surreal.

Of course, what was even more unreal was this Tai Xu kneeling before him right now!

"What's going on..."

Xu Xiaoshou pressed his hand to his temple, feeling his head spin.

In the short time since he had broken through to the Wangzuo level, he had already gained the allegiance of two Tai Xu, each with their own hidden agendas.

Compared to Li Fugui's obsequious submission, Zhu Yike had clearly stated his intentions.

This time, Xu Xiaoshou finally understood why Zhu Yike's gaze had seemed off from the start—that "off" feeling stemmed from this.

"Why do you want to join Shengnu?" Xu Xiaoshou asked, full of curiosity.

At that moment, both Feng Xiaoshe and Li Fugui looked at Zhu Yike with a hint of strangeness in their eyes.

Shengnu wasn't exactly a prestigious force.

With Ba Zun An formally declaring war on Sheng Shen Dian Tang, the former tranquility of Shengnu was bound to be shattered.

Xu Xiaoshou had even prepared himself for the possibility that everyone he knew in Shengnu might die one by one.

Yet, at this critical juncture, Zhu Yike was still requesting to join Shengnu.

Was he planning to shoulder all the hardships without enjoying any benefits?

Xu Xiaoshou didn't yet have the authority to approve someone's entry into Shengnu on behalf of Ba Zun An.

But he had a Ba Zi Ling tucked in his pocket, and given how much Ba Zun An valued him...

In a pinch, nodding or shaking his head in Ba Zun An's place wouldn't be too presumptuous, right?

Zhu Yike's eyes burned with fervent devotion, seemingly oblivious to the others present, as if he were solely focused on seizing this opportunity.

"My entire life has been preparation for joining Shengnu!"

"In Nan Yu, I inherited the Jin Men Shu Fa to restore the former glory of Jin Men."

"I believe that no one else in the world can help me achieve this glory, but Shengnu can!"

"I've traveled to many places—Zhong Yu, Bei Yu, and now Dong Yu—always searching for people from Shengnu, but I could never find them."

"Today, meeting you here, Lord Shou, I think my dream might finally come true."

Feng Xiaoshe frowned as he listened.

A Ling Lian Shi born and raised in Nan Yu shouldn't be so devoted to Shengnu.

Shengnu was an organization from Dong Yu and Zhong Yu, and the influence of the Eighth Jianxian barely reached Nan Yu's Sin Lands.

As the dominant power in Nan Yu, Xu Yue Hui Gong should have been Zhu Yike's first choice for such a talent, yet he was settling for second best by seeking Shengnu?

Feng Xiaoshe couldn't understand it.

In fact, as soon as Zhu Yike displayed his "Jin Men Shu Fa," Feng Xiaoshe realized that this guy had likely inherited the genuine techniques originating from Shu Zu.

This could be glimpsed from the hints of ability Zhu Yike had shown earlier.

A Tai Xu trying to join Shengnu must have a clear grasp of his own combat strength—unless he was out of his mind.

What Zhu Yike had revealed was probably just a fraction of his true power!

Xu Xiaoshou could infer what Feng Xiaoshe was thinking.

He gazed at the man kneeling before him, hesitated briefly, then shook his head and said:

"Anyone can spout grand rhetoric, but Shengnu isn't a tool for anyone's personal agenda."

"If you're trying to use it to achieve your own selfish goals, then from the start, you've already failed."

"I'll give you one more chance—speak plainly!"

Zhu Yike's eyes sparkled like stars. He had only tossed out those formal words to gauge Xu Xiaoshou's attitude toward Shengnu.

Now, with this response, he was satisfied—at least Shengnu wasn't recklessly accepting anyone.

"I want to storm Gui Zhe Sheng Shan!"

Zhu Yike's honest answer was like a thunderbolt, stunning both Feng Xiaoshe and Li Fugui.

Xu Xiaoshou's eyes lit up. This wasn't just Shengnu's goal—it was also the creed of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou!

"Why?"

"For freedom!"

Zhu Yike lifted his head, his gaze blazing with intensity.

Xu Xiaoshou grinned. This aligned perfectly with what he and Ba Zun An wanted.

He vaguely understood Zhu Yike's mindset.

"Go on." Xu Xiaoshou's expression turned indifferent.

Zhu Yike glanced at the others nearby, gritted his teeth, and said solemnly:

"There are too many hypocrites in Sheng Shen Dian Tang! Their justice only applies to the majority—the weak who pose no threat to them."

"For those they can't absorb, they simply eliminate them."

"Across the five domains of the continent, there are so many geniuses, but ninety-nine percent of them have been suppressed by Sheng Shen Dian Tang. They daren't stand out, can't stand out, and have no way to stand out!"

"Even Feng Sheng..."

Zhu Yike shook his head, his eyes dimming. "Ban Sheng are confined to their corners—I think any mature Tai Xu can see that."

"You want to break free from this shackle," Xu Xiaoshou asked.

"Not just me—everyone does!" Zhu Yike declared firmly, continuing:

"But it's impossible. Sheng Shen Dian Tang controls ninety-nine percent of the paths to Feng Sheng."

"On this continent today, almost no one can resist, and the only force that can openly challenge Sheng Shen Dian Tang is your Shengnu!"

"I don't know how your resistance will end, but if there's truly a group fighting for real freedom, I want to be one of them."

Xu Xiaoshou narrowed his eyes.

Perhaps this was exactly what Ba Zun An had hoped to see after formally declaring war on Sheng Shen Dian Tang?

There were too many oppressors, and a single tree couldn't stand alone in resistance—it needed a leader to guide them.

But these suppressed geniuses wouldn't submit to just anyone.

There might be rebellions and organizations everywhere, but small streams couldn't form a great river, and scattered forces couldn't unite.

Overall, everywhere was fragmented, like dragons without a head.

Ba Zun An was different! The name "Ba Zun An" alone was enough to command respect from all.

That's why he dared to use Shengnu as a bridge, directly taking on the burden and pointing the way for this small group of oppressed individuals across the five domains.

"Hmph!"

Feng Xiaoshe silently listened to Zhu Yike's words, his face showing displeasure.

Surprisingly, he didn't refute Zhu Yike's disparagement of forces other than Shengnu.

Xu Yue Hui Gong was different from Shengnu—it was a massive organization.

Or rather, it had become bloated.

Xu Yue Hui Gong could be roughly divided into two factions: the conservatives and the militants.

Feng Xiaoshe belonged to the militants, whose goals aligned roughly with Shengnu's direction—resisting Sheng Shen Dian Tang.

But there were differences in the details.

The militants of Xu Yue Hui Gong were only resisting the Hong Yi—the oppressors of the Gui Shou.

However, the conservatives remained a stubborn force. As long as they existed, Xu Yue Hui Gong could never become a unified whole.

If there were multiple voices issuing commands, how could they stand united against external threats?

Thus, Shengnu could directly declare war on Sheng Shen Dian Tang because their strength was already consolidated.

But Xu Yue Hui Gong wasn't there yet—internal chaos had to be eliminated first, or the aftermath would be endless.

Li Fugui watched everything unfolding before him with an impassive expression, his gaze fixed on Xu Xiaoshou, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

Xu Xiaoshou took in everyone's reactions, his eyes still on Zhu Yike, and smiled.

"How can I be sure you're not a spy sent by Sheng Shen Dian Tang?"

This question left Zhu Yike stunned, clearly something he hadn't anticipated.

"I'm not..."

"You're not what?" Xu Xiaoshou asked with a smile.

"I'm not from Sheng Shen Dian Tang!"

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at his information panel, which showed no fluctuations.

He hadn't used the lie detection function in a long time.

Ever since "Ling Hun Yue Du" had awakened, he could just read the souls of the uncooperative and skip it for the cooperative—everything was under control.

But Zhu Yike was an exception.

Forcibly acting against him might not work and would definitely trigger a backlash.

Crucially, this was a Tai Xu offering allegiance, not an enemy, so he couldn't just make a move.

For anyone else, they might have to seriously consider whether Zhu Yike was a spy from Sheng Shen Dian Tang.

But Xu Xiaoshou didn't need to.

"You are!"

"I'm not!" Zhu Yike grew anxious, trying to argue. "Lord Shou, hear me out—I'm sincerely here to join..."

"You said you are."

"I..."

Zhu Yike paused. "I am?"

Xu Xiaoshou narrowed his eyes at him, his gaze inscrutable, as if it could pierce a soul.

Without saying more, under the influence of his Ban Sheng-level "Qi Tun Shan He" aura, Zhu Yike followed the direction Xu Xiaoshou wanted and continued.

"I am from Sheng Shen Dian Tang..."

"Passive value received from deception: +1."

Xu Xiaoshou burst into laughter, suddenly reining in his expression, and said calmly, "I can see through a person's soul! Tell me, are you truly here to join?"

Zhu Yike straightened his back, slamming the ice sculpture of Ruan An he held onto the ground.

He pounded his chest with a fist and declared firmly, "I, Zhu Yike, am truly here to join Shengnu! Please accept me, Lord Shou!"

The information panel remained still.

Xu Xiaoshou didn't need to verify it.

Under the pressure of Ban Sheng-level aura, if someone wasn't speaking from the heart, how could a Ling Lian Shi below Ban Sheng say such weighted words while meeting his gaze?

It was hard to imagine that Zhu Yike, of all people, was such a pure warrior!

Xu Xiaoshou's talent-scouting instincts kicked in.

This man had brains, ability, and was worth putting to good use.

Of course, not in Shengnu itself.

Compared to the achievements of those in Shengnu's nine seats, Zhu Yike would be like a lump of waste—even as a Tai Xu, when Shengnu's nine seats included Zhan Dao experts.

But if he were placed in Tian Shang Di Yi Lou...

Xu Xiaoshou stroked his chin, lost in thought for a while.

As his silence lingered, the scene grew quiet.

Zhu Yike looked on with expectation, Li Fugui remained unmoved, and Feng Xiaoshe stood by with arms crossed.

Mu Zixi held Han Ye, glancing at Xu Xiaoshou and realizing her senior brother was already tempted. She began sizing up this future companion.

He couldn't escape now!

Before his abilities were fully exploited, he couldn't skip Tian Shang Di Yi Lou and join Shengnu directly.

And once he was in Tian Shang Di Yi Lou and witnessed Xu Xiaoshou's various methods, he wouldn't have any desire left for Shengnu.

In other words, from the moment Xu Xiaoshou started thinking about it, Zhu Yike was already shaped for Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

Mu Zixi could pat her chest and guarantee that right now.

Of course, she wouldn't be foolish enough to say it all out loud.

"Shengnu is already at full capacity and isn't planning to recruit more. Even if you joined, you'd just be an auxiliary member, unused for decades."

Xu Xiaoshou's first words made Mu Zixi purse her lips and turn her head away.

Here we go...

The old trafficker was at it again!

Sure enough, with that one sentence, the stars in Zhu Yike's eyes shattered, and his expression froze.

"I don't seek the authority of Shengnu's nine seats. I just hope to fight alongside you..."

"You think that's easy?"

Xu Xiaoshou scoffed, cutting him off. "The achievements of Shengnu's nine seats are right there. Could a newcomer like you replace them? Even my contributions are that outstanding, and I still can't!"

Zhu Yike was speechless.

He had only hoped to get a little closer, to have a fighting partner by his side.

If not for confirming Xu Xiaoshou's true identity, he never would have revealed his abilities—the Jin Men Shu Fa.

He would have just continued following Feng Xiaoshe's team as an unremarkable extra, lending a hand when necessary but never standing out or drawing attention.

Because his abilities were something even Sheng Shen Dian Tang coveted.

"But what Ba Zun An can't give you, I can!" Xu Xiaoshou suddenly interjected, standing tall and proudly manifesting his Kongjian Wangzuo to sit upon it.

Zhu Yike looked at the young man seated in the air, finding it amusing at first.

But Xu Xiaoshou spoke so seriously that he suppressed his laughter.

Mu Zixi turned back, suddenly interested again.

There was still so much about Xu Xiaoshou worth learning.

Right now, Mu Zixi wanted to carefully observe how Xu Xiaoshou... uh, recruited a Tai Xu.

Maybe not just Tai Xu...

She stroked Han Ye's fur.

Mu Zixi knew this Ban Sheng wasn't from Ba Zun An—it was Xu Xiaoshou's.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be so docile, letting her pet it.

Saints were not to be disrespected!

But any Saint connected to Xu Xiaoshou was an exception.

"Under Shengnu, there is a building called Tian Shang Di Yi Lou."

"Even within Shengnu, it has absolute freedom and autonomy."

"Most importantly, Tian Shang Di Yi Lou is under my control!"

Xu Xiaoshou sat in the void, fingers interlaced, his words shocking.

Feng Xiaoshe's eyebrows twitched as he realized something.

Anyone who had visited Dong Tianjie would have heard about the major events in Dong Tian Wangcheng recently.

And that made Tian Shang Di Yi Lou impossible to ignore.

The information Xu Xiaoshou was revealing was overwhelmingly significant!

What he was implying was that he had already toyed with Sheng Shen Dian Tang and succeeded once!

For the first time, Li Fugui's expression showed panic.

As an intelligence operative, how could he not know what Tian Shang Di Yi Lou represented in Dong Tian Wangcheng?

But why was Xu Xiaoshou revealing these secrets so openly?

Weren't they meant for internal communication only?

Or perhaps...

Only the dead were qualified to hear?

Li Fugui wanted to cover his ears, but it was too late. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and listened for more.

Zhu Yike clearly understood the implications of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou and looked at Xu Xiaoshou with slight shock.

"Shengnu won't take on outsiders anymore—I can guarantee that—because you wouldn't keep up with Shengnu's pace."

"Ba Zun An wouldn't waste time verifying a mere Tai Xu's identity—he wouldn't even bother with a Ban Sheng."

Xu Xiaoshou's wording had shifted from earlier probabilities to absolutes.

Because he had decided to intercept this recruit midway.

"But what Shengnu can't offer, Tian Shang Di Yi Lou might consider giving you—just one chance!"

Xu Xiaoshou surveyed those below, his words carrying a hint of emotion.

For the first time, he wasn't imitating others or borrowing their momentum to pretend.

Relying solely on "Qi Tun Shan He" and the Ban Sheng under his command, Xu Xiaoshou now had absolute confidence to recruit a Tai Xu for himself.

He didn't even want to reveal his full hand early, like his two Ban Sheng, because he still had some intent to test Zhu Yike.

If you want it, I'll give you a chance.

If not, I won't force it, because Tian Shang Di Yi Lou's rise is unstoppable—more or less you won't make a difference.

Zhu Yike's gaze wavered, showing obvious hesitation.

His goal was Shengnu, and Tian Shang Di Yi Lou was just Xu Xiaoshou's word for it.

Its structure, strength, actions, principles, and direction were all unknowns.

However, Zhu Yike could grasp the key point.

Ba Zun An truly wouldn't take him now, and Xu Xiaoshou was someone Ba Zun An valued...

His words could be trusted!

Tian Shang Di Yi Lou was his last opportunity!

"Please give me your instructions, Lord Shou." Zhu Yike lowered his head, his attitude very respectful.

Xu Xiaoshou chuckled, but he could see that Zhu Yike still held some disdain for Tian Shang Di Yi Lou deep down.

That was human nature, and he wouldn't let it affect his mindset.

Because Tian Shang Di Yi Lou currently didn't have anything impressive to show.

After all...

Joining Sheng Shen Dian Tang's headquarters to work alongside Dao Qiong Cang and Ai Cang Sheng was completely different from joining one of its branches under bosses like Jiang Bian Yan or Cheng Ji—the latter were nobodies.

Of course, Xu Xiaoshou was confident.

Tian Shang Di Yi Lou wasn't just a Shengnu branch, and he wasn't on the level of Jiang Bian Yan or Cheng Ji.

"Thud!"

While Zhu Yike was still bowed, a black token suddenly embedded itself in the ground before him.

He looked up to see a "Ba" character on the front and the image of a naked woman hugging her knees in tears on the back—the Ba Zi Ling!

This was Ba Zun An's token!

"You..."

Zhu Yike was shocked. Xu Xiaoshou could toss out the Eighth Jianxian's token just like that?

What did he mean by this?

Xu Xiaoshou smiled at the kneeling Zhu Yike and said calmly, "That's Ba Zun An's token. Its weight is the same as the words I'm about to say."

The stars reignited in Zhu Yike's eyes, and his attitude grew even more devout.

Now, even Feng Xiaoshe and Li Fugui looked at Xu Xiaoshou differently.

Holding Ba Zun An's token meant he had received absolute favor—his position in Shengnu was higher than anyone outside imagined!

"Tian Shang Di Yi Lou is Shengnu's sword, responsible for delivering the sharpest external attacks."

"If Shengnu truly storms Sheng Shan, Tian Shang Di Yi Lou will be the first to sound the charge."

"Of course, when blood is spilled, the sword will suffer wear."

"I can give you a chance to join Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, but you must be prepared to die."

"Can you do that?"

Xu Xiaoshou wasn't purely inviting him.

Tian Shang Di Yi Lou didn't need idle guests—it needed like-minded fighters.

He deliberately elevated his own stance, making joining Tian Shang Di Yi Lou seem like a gift.

Under this pressure, and with his limited understanding of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, Zhu Yike was more likely to be driven away.

Unless Zhu Yike had a masochistic streak, Xu Xiaoshou didn't think he could commit so firmly.

If he did choose this, it would mean Zhu Yike, as a Tai Xu, had to set aside his past pride and bow to a young man.

"I'm willing!"

To his surprise, Zhu Yike's eyes burned brightly, and he answered without a hint of hesitation, only asking, "Will Tian Shang Di Yi Lou truly be Shengnu's first sword against the outside?"

This guy...

Xu Xiaoshou was momentarily stunned.

His focus was on that?

So, he really was a pure warrior, not considering his own interests at all?

"Yes."

"Yes, it will," Xu Xiaoshou nodded.

"If so, I have no objections. I'll join Tian..."

"No!" Xu Xiaoshou interrupted, shaking his head. "You might not have fully understood me. This isn't about joining Tian Shang Di Yi Lou first and Shengnu later."

"Tian Shang Di Yi Lou isn't Shengnu's reserve force—it exists independently."

"Shengnu probably won't use you at all. After swearing loyalty, there's a ninety-nine percent chance you'll stay in Tian Shang Di Yi Lou for life."

"You're loyal to me, not Ba Zun An!"

Xu Xiaoshou decided to lay it all out.

His words were outright rebellious, poaching from his own backer right in front of everyone.

Even Feng Xiaoshe found it unbelievable.

Li Fugui just watched calmly, growing more composed the more shocking things he heard.

Zhu Yike finally grasped Xu Xiaoshou's true meaning.

This young man had ambitions of his own!

Perhaps his rebellious thoughts weren't strong yet, but he wasn't one to stay content—he was full of defiance!

Did Ba Zun An know about this?

"Can I ask a question?" Zhu Yike pondered before speaking.

"Go ahead."

"What's the purpose of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou?"

Xu Xiaoshou heard this and laughed silently.

He laughed for a while before composing himself and saying calmly, "Storming Sheng Shan is just the first step."

His words were flat, without extra emotion.

But as soon as he spoke, the surrounding aura shifted to a thick killing intent—an unstoppable bloodlust.

In an instant, Zhu Yike understood.

Xu Xiaoshou's enmity toward Gui Zhe Sheng Shan was even deeper than his own!

Thinking of the multiple profound array diagrams Xu Xiaoshou had displayed earlier...

Thinking of that ice-attribute Ban Sheng who endured humiliation without resistance...

Thinking of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou's lofty positioning and Xu Xiaoshou's description of it...

He still couldn't fully grasp Shengnu's overall plan.

After hearing Xu Xiaoshou's words, he felt joining Shengnu might be tough anyway.

But at that moment, Zhu Yike saw through Xu Xiaoshou and Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

Perhaps Shengnu wasn't necessary—what Tian Shang Di Yi Lou was doing now was exactly what he wanted.

And if the leader was Xu Xiaoshou...

Zhu Yike looked up at the spirited young man before him.

For a moment, he felt this figure overlapped with another from decades ago—that world-renowned youth.

With a "thud," Zhu Yike kowtowed without hesitation.

"Please accept me, Lord Shou. I, Zhu Yike, swear my life to Tian Shang Di Yi Lou!"

"Passive value received from submission: +1."

At that moment, Xu Xiaoshou looked at the confirmation on his information panel and felt no ripple of excitement.

He realized the essence of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou then, seeing Zhu Yike as just one of the many like-minded individuals he would encounter.

"Get up."

"I've accepted you, but there's a probation period: survive leaving Xu Kong Dao and, during that time, demonstrate your unique value."

Xu Xiaoshou smiled as he helped Zhu Yike up. "Only then will you be a full member of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou!"