The Body Resembles the Right Path, the Heart Resembles Evil

East Victory Divine Continent, Yaoguang Immortal City.

Li Xingtian, clad in white robes, swept his gaze across Yaoguang—the pride of the East Victory Divine Continent, an unparalleled pinnacle immortal city rivaling even those of the Central Continent.

As the embodiment of the East Victory Divine Continent's essence, Yaoguang Immortal City stood alone atop a spiritual vein flowing down from the Central Continent.

This should have been prime land for establishing a sect, yet through compromises and choices among various factions, it had instead become an unprecedented, peerless immortal city.

Across the five continents, only the East Victory Divine Continent boasted a city like Yaoguang.

Immortal light shimmered, spiritual energy wafted, and countless cultivation shops lined its streets, offering an inexhaustible array of treasures.

The city's governance far surpassed that of ordinary towns. Rumor had it that a Unity-stage cultivator from the coalition of the East Victory Divine Continent's eighteen immortal sects stood guard here. Any malicious act would immediately draw the attention of the continent's most formidable sects.

Most cultivators here moved with purpose, hurrying toward their destinations—though all were restricted to walking, forbidden from flying through the skies.

Entry into such a prestigious immortal city required spirit stones, and each additional day spent within its walls demanded further taxes.

Naturally, these rules applied only to outsiders.

Natives of Yaoguang Immortal City, or those who had once called it home, were exempt from such fees. Thus, a fair number of mortals also resided within its bounds.

As for why the Central Continent lacked such a pinnacle immortal city—well, the Central Continent already had the eighteen immortal sects, whose status far surpassed that of Yaoguang.

Li Xingtian had rushed here from the Central Continent after receiving a summons from his master.

After all, this was the first time his master had ever called for an urgent gathering. Unless absolutely necessary, his master would never have sent such a message.

Whatever the matter, whether dangerous or not, Li Xingtian knew one thing—his master needed him now.

Upon receiving the message, he had dropped everything and made his way here.

Yet...

His gaze swept across the seemingly tranquil Yaoguang Immortal City. He couldn’t fathom what his master could possibly need him to do here.

The cultivators here were no weaklings; many had reached the Golden Core stage.

If he were to act recklessly, the odds of being mobbed were high.

Lost in thought, Li Xingtian soon arrived at the meeting place his master had designated—the Yaoguang Immortal Pavilion.

A landmark of the city, the pavilion was a testament to extravagance, with no expense spared in its construction.

A single glance was enough to make Li Xingtian sigh—wealth truly was a wondrous thing.

The pavilion’s cascading azure radiance, a dazzling display of pure spiritual energy, was fueled entirely by spirit stones.

To waste such resources merely for aesthetics... If only he could use them for cultivation instead.

With a quiet sigh, Li Xingtian stepped into the opulent Yaoguang Immortal Pavilion.

Such a prestigious establishment naturally offered service to match. The moment he gave his name, a Qi Refinement attendant guided him inside.

Within moments, he was led to the highest floor—to the door of the most luxurious room, the Celestial-Class Suite A.

Li Xingtian paused outside, his eyes flickering to the room number plaque beside the door. A pang of heartache struck him—his master had changed.

In the past, his master would never have wasted money on such extravagance.

They were master and disciple—was it really necessary to meet in such an absurdly lavish setting?

Couldn’t they have just met at a table on the first floor?

How many spirit stones had this cost?!

Though the sect was far wealthier now... this was still...

Ah, well. His master had worked hard for many years. A little luxury was deserved.

Just as he was about to push the door open, his gaze fell on the attendant, who, despite having completed her task, remained standing nearby with a respectful, expectant smile—clearly waiting for a tip.

After all, a guest who could afford the Celestial-Class Suite A might casually spare a few spirit stones, enough to save a Qi Refinement attendant a decade or more of toil.

Of course, the attendant wouldn’t dare ask outright.

Whether a guest chose to tip was entirely up to their mood. To demand one would be presumptuous.

Li Xingtian understood these customs well. He glanced at the hopeful attendant and calmly uttered two words:

"Thank you."

With that, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

At least the attendant hadn’t guided him for nothing—she had received his gratitude.

As for spirit stones? Better to save them for his master’s room fee.

Who knew how exorbitant the cost was here?

When Li Xingtian entered, he did not find his master lounging lazily in a rocking chair, sipping wine while a songstress performed.

Instead, the room’s center was sealed by an array formation, blocking all sound and detection.

Chu Xingchen sat at the head of the table, surrounded by several cultivators who seemed to be receiving orders.

Daoist Yuyang leaned back in his chair, reading a document while murmuring to Chu Xingchen, as if in discussion.

Xie Lingyu stood nearby, studying a map while speaking.

Li Xingtian froze, staring at his master in disbelief—this was... his master in his most serious state?

Did this mean there was actually something important for him to do?

And given the meticulous secrecy, with even Daoist Yuyang present...

Whatever this was, it couldn’t be trivial.

As Li Xingtian entered, every eye in the room turned toward him.

Chu Xingchen waved him over, signaling for him to step into the array formation.

Li Xingtian strode forward and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Master, your disciple has arrived."

"You came faster than I expected. I thought you’d be later." Chu Xingchen smiled warmly. "It’s been a while. Have you faced any troubles out there?"

Li Xingtian felt a surge of warmth. "All is well."

"Good. That puts my mind at ease." Chu Xingchen’s expression turned solemn. "There’s an important matter I need you to handle. After much consideration, I believe you’re the most suitable for the task."

Without hesitation, Li Xingtian replied, "I am at your command!"

"That’s my beloved disciple! Straight to the point. This mission should also help hone your leadership skills!" Chu Xingchen responded even more swiftly, his tone tinged with enthusiasm.

"I’m placing a unit of elite cultivators under your command. They’re a spearhead force, likely to face the final enemy. But remember—restraint is key. Your safety is my foremost concern."

An elite cultivator unit?!

Li Xingtian’s eyes widened. What kind of mission warranted him leading such a force?

He didn’t even know the details yet.

Before he could ask, Chu Xingchen swiftly continued, his gaze shifting to Gu Sanyang.

"Hand over that carefully assembled group of elite cultivators to my second disciple. Also, assign two more cultivators to assist him in this mission. With my disciple handling the matter, rest assured—those creatures won’t even doubt what true orthodoxy means!"

"As you command!" Gu Sanyang acknowledged first, then subtly glanced at Li Xingtian.

In his gaze, Li Xingtian’s expression appeared somewhat unkind, yet his eyes held a strange sincerity. Dressed in rather opulent white robes, upon closer inspection, he almost seemed like a decent man.

To entrust him with leading those... ahem... elite cultivators while ensuring orthodoxy—

It was clear this man wore the guise of righteousness but harbored a demonic heart. No true paragon of virtue, that one.