199: This is KFC.

Facing the words of the white-haired man before them, the Young Saints, though discontented, could not refute him.

His ranking on the Cultivator List was higher than theirs, and this ranking was far from simple.

To gain recognition on the list, one must not only kill enough people but also possess sufficiently powerful combat strength.

In the past, every rise and fall in ranking symbolized a major shift in the power structure of the Epoch Battlefield.

To put it bluntly, they weren't afraid of fighting him, but these selfish and Wicked Cultivators didn't want to stick their necks out, nor did they want their own interests damaged.

So what if they got scolded? Being scolded a couple of times wouldn't deduct their resources.

“Alright, that's the situation.”

Next to them, Yao Yao stepped forward, speaking favorably on behalf of the low-level Young Saints.

“Didn't Fellow Daoist Taosu mention it? Scarlet Butcher has a sweetheart whose combat strength is terrifying.”

“I was also present at the time, and I was wounded by that person.”

Yao Yao then briefly described the battle process, which essentially involved hundreds of them being utterly defeated single-handedly by one person.

“Oh? Fellow Daoist Yao was also injured? Then this matter is somewhat understandable.”

Seeing the other party speak, the white-haired man's attitude improved slightly.

“Forget it. Since those two, including Scarlet Butcher, have escaped the Epoch Battlefield, let everyone disperse.”

“I must remind those few of you that those ranked in the top fifty already know about this matter.”

“However, since there truly was a reason, except for Fellow Daoist Yao Yao, all of you prepare a moderate amount of resources as tribute. Otherwise...”

The Man in White Robes gave a cold snort, flicked his sleeve, and departed.

“We owe Senior Brother Yao Yao a great debt!” The ten low-level Young Saints were overwhelmed with gratitude.

Thanks to the plan he provided, by slightly exaggerating the battle report, they could significantly reduce their resource loss.

As the news spread, the “events” of that day were quickly presented before the higher-ranked Young Saints.

After reading the battle report, these highly-ranked Young Saints issued their instructions.

“Such a thing happened? These two must be killed!”

“Send circulars throughout the Middle and Upper Epoch Battlefields and the Twenty-Seven Heavens to launch a massive search.”

“Especially the fellow with seven heads and six arms—focus on him and capture and kill him as quickly as possible!”

...“So, she has already left the Epoch Battlefield.”

After Yao Yian heard the other party's words, the worry in his heart finally eased slightly.

Although he didn't know much about Li Weiqing's background, judging by the grade of the all sentient beings blades, the knife was definitely top-tier.

Such a Divine Weapon and Sharp Weapon had already become his second trump card besides the twin star mirror.

Li Weiqing's identity was probably not simple... “Senior, may we leave now?”

Several Cultivators asked tremblingly.

“No rush, I have one more thing to ask.”

“Do you know which small and medium-sized Coral Fortresses are nearby? Tell me about all of them.”

“Yes, Senior, we will certainly tell you everything.”

After obtaining the latest intelligence on various Coral Fortresses, Yao Yian kept his word; after robbing them clean, he let the Wicked Cultivators go... Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

Yao Yian arrived outside a small Coral Fortress.

“Who goes there! Stop!”

The Guards inside the Coral Fortress were instantly serious upon seeing the suddenly appearing Yao Yian.

It must be known that when ordinary low-level Wicked Cultivators came near a Coral Fortress, they would invariably flee in terror, scrambling to escape.

In contrast, this person appeared so calm and unconcerned.

Such an existence, if not a reckless fool begging for a whipping, was very likely a master.

Thus, they did not dare to be negligent; while maintaining a strict defensive posture, they rushed to summon the Person in Charge within the Coral Fortress.

Before long, three Cultivators wearing exquisite robes walked out.

They swept their Divine Sense over him and discovered that his cultivation seemed to be above theirs.

The three of them were at the Spirit Manifestation Middle Stage, but this person was at least at the Spirit Manifestation Late Stage!

“Fellow Daoist, what instruction do you have for us?”

A graceful mature woman was the first to ask, while the two beside her secretly mobilized their True Essence, ready to fight at any moment.

On the Epoch Battlefield, it was always right to be cautious.

However, they quickly breathed a sigh of relief, because the other party told them he was looking for a Coral Fortress to settle down in.

As long as he wasn't here to fight, everything was negotiable.

“May I ask Fellow Daoist's name? Please allow us to report this matter to the Fortress Master first.”

“Mhm, that is understandable.”

“My name is KFC!”

“So it is Fellow Daoist KFC. We have long admired you.”

After hearing Yao Yian's introduction, one of the three departed and returned inside the Coral Fortress.

Under the arrangement of the remaining two, the Coral Fortress Guards brought out tables, chairs, dishes, and other items, and quickly erected a small pavilion.

A Daoist respectfully raised his cup.

“Come, Fellow Daoist Ken, allow me to toast you first.”

“Haha, let us drink together.”

Yao Yian raised his wine cup, clinked it, and then drained the fine wine in one gulp, his expression calm and composed.

“Fellow Daoist is so straightforward? Aren't you afraid we poisoned it?”

The Daoist in front of him narrowed his eyes and asked softly.

Was Yao Yian afraid of being poisoned?

The answer was, of course, yes, but he possessed the twin star mirror, and the wine had been devoured by the twin star mirror the instant before he drank it.

After pretending to be a corpse next to Tang Heng for over a year, wouldn't all that pretense have been for nothing if he lacked this much shrewdness?

Yao Yian put down his cup and said coldly, “Do you believe that I can kill both of you before the poison takes effect?”

Hearing this, the two people in front of him instinctively felt a faint malice, as if the other party was about to strike immediately.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, two figures, glowing with streaks of light, sped over from the direction of the Coral Fortress and quickly landed beside the pavilion.

The person leading them wore a long robe of green fur, and looked relatively young, appearing to be about thirty years old, followed by the person who had gone to report earlier.

“Fortress Master!”

The two instantly stood up the moment they saw the arrival, respectfully retreating to one side.

The man in green robes cupped his hands toward Yao Yian and smiled, “I am Lu Yunqing, the Fortress Master of the Yunqing Coral Fortress. Greetings, Fellow Daoist KFC.”

Yao Yian returned the salute: “Fellow Daoist is too polite.”

Fortress Master Yunqing Coral continued, “I heard Fellow Daoist Ken wishes to find a place to settle down. Is this a jest?”

“I am completely serious. I have been in secluded cultivation in the Nie Luo Heaven Domain for decades, never having truly enjoyed life.”

“Now that I have finally Cultivated to the Spirit Manifestation Late Stage, I plan to find a Coral Fortress and enjoy life properly.”

The two probed each other again. Yao Yian's words and expression were very sincere, truly resembling someone who had suffered for decades and was finally ready to enjoy himself.

After a preliminary assessment, he felt that this person could be recruited.

“Since Fellow Daoist has this intention, I happen to have an opening for a Putrefaction Hall Master. I wonder if Fellow Daoist would be interested?”

“What exactly does that involve?”

Hearing this, the man in green robes looked strangely at Yao Yian.

“What does it involve? Naturally, Fellow Daoist can do whatever he pleases.”

The man in green robes explained in detail. To put it simply, it was just giving Yao Yian the title of Hall Master. If he wanted to find something to do, he could; if not, he could just eat, drink, and relax every day.

Working hours were flexible, and the monthly salary was three thousand blood beads, equivalent to ninety thousand Spirit Stones.

Furthermore, male and female servants, Cultivation Techniques, and places for Cultivation were all provided!

If Yao Yian agreed, he would become the Hall Master of this Coral Fortress, which imprisoned nearly ten thousand Cultivators.

“What do you say, Fellow Daoist?”

“Excellent! Since this is the case, might you take me for a look?”

“Of course.”

Fortress Master Yunqing Coral made a gesture of invitation.

(P.S. I was locked in a small dark room. I will release a burst of updates once I get out.)