82: The Emperor in Disguise, The Test of the Gods

Mount Buzhou Gathering Ground.

The figures of Li Yun and Houtu sped toward the location.

As they appeared, the Cultivators present immediately turned their gazes toward them!

"Are they here?"

"Is he the Cultivator behind the Wu Clan?"

"This person's cultivation doesn't seem high at all. It's truly unbelievable that he could gain the recognition of the Wu Clan and even help them improve so much!"

"..."

As the two arrived, many Cultivators frowned deeply. While exchanging looks, the confusion in their hearts grew increasingly intense.

They had thought the Cultivator helping the Wu Clan from the shadows would at least be a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, or perhaps even a Quasi-Saint level existence. After all, everyone had witnessed the rise of the Wu Clan these past years.

But the current result left them greatly disappointed. At the very least, they didn't sense any powerful aura fluctuations from Li Yun's body; in fact, he felt so weak that he seemed like someone they could destroy with a mere wave of their hand.

"Big Brother, were we tricked by the Wu Clan?"

At this moment, Tongtian and Yuanshi spoke up subconsciously.

As soon as these words were spoken, many surrounding Cultivators also looked toward Laozi.

After all, the scene before them was indeed suspicious. That handsome young man looked pitifully weak, making it hard for them to believe that the Wu Clan's changes and improvements over the years were really because of this person.

"No, that is not the case!"

However, at this moment, Laozi spoke with a deep frown: "The aura on this person is very weak, there is no doubt about that, but his own situation is somewhat unusual."

"Although he has done his best to conceal his situation, I can feel that his state is special. Either he has hidden his cultivation, or he himself is not the Main Body!"

As soon as these words were spoken, all the Cultivators present were stunned.

Hiding cultivation?

Or not being the Main Body!

In their view, the first possibility was unlikely; after all, it would be too forced to call something everyone could see through a disguise.

But the second possibility mentioned by Laozi was very plausible.

After all, who didn't know that this fellow's assistance behind the scenes for the Wu Clan had caused a massive shift in the landscape of the Primordial World? Even the Wu Clan had risen and expanded rapidly with his help.

The Protective Aura techniques, which were completely unlike what a Cultivator should have, were enough to illustrate the point. This person had already become a thorn in the side of countless Cultivators. The possibility that he didn't dare to come in his Main Body and instead sent a Clone was quite high.

Thinking of this, the crowd of Cultivators immediately calmed down significantly.

After all, if it were a Clone, it would be reasonable for its cultivation to be weaker. Moreover, it was very likely a Clone hastily refined after he made his decision; otherwise, the cultivation wouldn't be this weak.

With this thought, the suspicion in the hearts of the Cultivators lessened slightly, and the looks they directed at Li Yun became more expectant.

"Good heavens!"

"Fellow Daoist Laozi, this is a divine assist from you."

Li Yun had been paying attention to the situation of the Cultivators all along. He had naturally heard Laozi's words and breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

Since Laozi had already found an excuse for him, he naturally wouldn't be foolish enough to argue or explain anything.

Being misunderstood was even better; it would allow him to hide himself more effectively.

Thinking of this, a sharp light flashed in Li Yun's eyes as he followed Houtu into the central area.

Walking directly to the area beside Dijiang, Li Yun sent a secret transmission: "Fellow Daoist Dijiang, from now on, you can just call me Di Yi!"

Hearing this, Dijiang immediately understood Li Yun's intention.

This was a desire to avoid exposing himself. The confusion in Dijiang's heart vanished instantly as he stood up and said, "Fellow Daoist Di Yi, you've finally arrived."

"According to your request, I have invited all these Fellow Daoists here. I'll leave the rest to you!"

"Alright!"

Giving an affirmative response, Li Yun did not refuse.

After cupping his hands in a polite gesture to Dijiang, he turned to face the crowd of Cultivators, cupped his hands, and said, "Di Yi greets all Fellow Daoists!"

"Thank you all for coming, and thank you for your trust."

"Since everyone is here, I won't beat around the bush. I do indeed possess the information you need, but to obtain it, you must pay a corresponding price. I wonder if you all are interested?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire field fell silent.

Everyone's gaze gathered on Li Yun. Their hearts were stirred, yet no one spoke or acted rashly.

After all, no one knew if the information Li Yun held was actually true, no one knew if he was bluffing, and even less was known about what specific items he wanted in exchange.

"Fellow Daoist Di Yi!"

Just then, Laozi took a step forward, his eyes fixed intently on Li Yun as he said, "We are indeed extremely interested in the information you mentioned. Even my two younger brothers have the intention of trading with you."

"However, how can you prove that what you say is true? And how can you make us believe that the information you possess is not false?"

Hearing this, the other Cultivators all nodded.

Although they didn't say it directly, the meaning was self-evident: they also didn't quite believe Li Yun's words, nor would they rashly decide to trade with him.

At the same time, Dijiang and Houtu also looked at Li Yun curiously.

They wondered how he would solve the current problem. After all, this was no small matter; it concerned whether he could continue and whether the trade between the two parties could be completed.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Laozi~"

With a slight smile, Li Yun appeared full of confidence. He looked around and then spoke: "I understand and acknowledge everyone's concerns!"

"Since everyone has doubts, I will first offer a small sample by describing a Method of Proving the Dao—specifically, the path that Fellow Daoist Laozi follows. What do you all think?"

Hiss—

Hearing this, the Cultivators present couldn't help but gasp, their breathing instantly becoming rapid.

For no other reason than this being a Method of Proving the Dao, which held immense temptation for anyone. Moreover, it was the path Laozi took, which meant that if there was any discrepancy in his words, Laozi could expose it immediately.

Conversely, if Laozi did not deny it, it would mean Li Yun truly possessed the information and content they needed. At that time, trading wouldn't be out of the question. Furthermore, if they could also follow the path Laozi took, they might get the information they needed without paying anything at all.

Thinking of this, the group of people began to speak up one after another: "Good!"

"No problem!"

"I agree with Fellow Daoist Di Yi's proposal!"

"..."

However, Li Yun didn't give a direct answer. Instead, he looked at Laozi and asked, "Fellow Daoist Laozi, what do you think?"

"May I speak of it?"

As soon as these words came out, the gazes of the other Cultivators also turned toward Laozi, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Only the Three Pure Ones' expressions shifted slightly.

But thinking about the difficulty and issues regarding Attaining the Dao through Strength, the Three Pure Ones exchanged a look. Afterward, Laozi spoke without hesitation: "Of course you may!"

"It's just as well to let these Fellow Daoists know that what I said before was not false; the path I follow is indeed unsuitable for the vast majority of people!"