For the sake of this goal, Lai Anding must die.

"Since the target is clear, it's time to branch out on my own."

Until now, Li Aozi had not truly developed a system of followers.

Previously, he hesitated because many Narrative Civilizations were willing to take him in, and with the small status of True General, he had basically secured the godhood of [Boundless Celestial Honor].

You should know, True General is not a path with few people like the [Sovereign] pathway, but the [Destroyer] pathway.

As long as he enters the Mass Abyss, he will surely provide the Narrative Civilization with a stable, powerful, and easy-to-enhance path for an Ascender, bringing an endless stream of fresh blood to the narrative as numerous talented individuals flock into it.

Following the path of the Narrative Civilization, at the very least, he would be on par with the four generals of the Empire in the future, which is the minimum, and reaching the level of a king like the Philosopher King is not impossible.

The only issue is that one must change their faith and steadfastly adhere to a single ideology for life.

But, branching out on one's own brings even more significant rewards.

A God Master on the [Destroyer] pathway, with such low thresholds, just the vacancies for God Embracers would drive many struggling demigods and quasi-gods in the chicken-eating contest in the Mass Abyss to madness.

However, with rewards come risks as well.

Once he chooses to branch out on his own, he would face an endless stream of challengers.

Speaking of which, Li Aozi brought forth the head of Lievice.

Lievice looked very humanoid, with cold and smooth porcelain-like skin that even had a biological feel. She possessed delicate features, and a beautifully vibrant blue rose grew from her left eye.

The process of defeating Lievice was, in fact, quite comical.

When he returned to the grasslands, prepared to wage war with Speaker Qixi Lei, he found himself empty-handed.

It was just in time to catch the Golden Dragon Monk fighting with Lievice, the two engaged in a fierce battle, where even nearly two non-demigod powerhouses almost created an Underwater Abyss Port.

He had always wanted an Underwater Abyss Port; unfortunately, recently, he had been guarding a corpse watched over by Qixi Lei for a month, and he particularly wanted an Underwater Abyss Port.

However, when he arrived, he merely countered a blow and instantly finished Lievice, to much amazement.

But this was not surprising; he was a Cauchy Rank with full-status in the third transformation (14), instantly overcoming an Evil God who had tanked the Six-Layered Starry Abyss Curse in succession and been beaten by the Golden Dragon Monk for several months.

It can't be called bullying; it's similar to a 1.9-meter tall old white man wielding a golf club and bashing a loli-obsessed Hawking, just like that.

At this stage, there really aren't many he can't defeat anymore.

In contrast, the reaction of the Golden Dragon Monk was more interesting.

As Li Aozi reminisced, outside the cave came a strong wind with a dragon's roar. He looked up as a magnificent golden stream continually danced in the sky and landed before Li Aozi, immediately transforming into a tall, handsome, advancing Elf.

"Apologies for the interruption, Master Li Aozi."

The Golden Dragon Monk Yachi Dukin Monson performed a particular greeting, resembling practitioners Li Aozi had seen in the Eastern Great Liang Empire. As he looked Li Aozi up and down, this attire felt familiar, and a satisfied look appeared in the golden dragon's eyes:

"Who would have thought that having not seen you for some days, not only did your martial arts improve, but even your taste has elevated."

"Are you referring to this Taoist robe? It was a gift from Daoist Qian Yuan of the Great Liang Quanzhen Sect."

Li Aozi raised his hand, spun around, and displayed these foreign and exotic garments, with diagonal opening, a blue base, cloud-patterned sleeves, and a jade belt with pants. He originally had a lavish dark blue cloak but didn't deem it fit to wear.

"Was it Daoist Qian Yuan?" Yachi was quite surprised.

"You know that old Daoist?" Li Aozi was puzzled, "He seems never to have left the Border Abyss."

"During my first plunge into the Underwater Abyss, it was under Quanzhen Sect's territory where I found peace. Daoist Qian Yuan's mana is boundless and his knowledge profound. He didn't shun us as foreigners but instead taught us the Dao and cleared our doubts. Those Ascenders at the Layer Abyss who came were much under his care."

The stories the Golden Dragon Monk recounted were not surprising to Li Aozi.

In the Dragon Race, the Golden Dragons were originally the kindest and most orderly among the nobles. Yachi follows the [Martial Monk] path which is upright and just, respectful of nature, combined with the high Charm of the Dragon Race, it easily makes him affable towards others.

"Who would have thought the Golden Dragon senior also understands Eastern etiquette — come, have a seat here. Recently I planted some tea and will brew you a good pot."

"Haha, from the first meeting, I felt Master Li Aozi had a strong Eastern vibe, very scholarly and charming. Seeing you today is truly like a breath of fresh air, so I won't stand on ceremony. We haven't met for ages; I have much to chatter about."

The two took their seats, and Beatrice quietly brewed tea for them, pouring water and setting out refreshments. The two drank tea and exchanged conversations, deeply engaged in their talk.

"The ancient eastern land is quite fascinating. Their strength hierarchy is not based on the unchanging 24 rankings, from Alpha to Omega. Instead, it's divided into: Body Tempering, Qi Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Divinity Transformation, Fusion, Earth Immortal, Human Immortal, Heavenly Immortal, Daluo Golden Immortal, all the way to the final Saint realm, totaling 12 stages."

Golden Dragon Yachi, upon learning that Li Aozi also studied in the East, was delighted. It's been long since he found someone with so much in common:

"I always felt that eastern wisdom is worth our admiration. Using 24 terms to represent ranks makes each layer unclear, while the people of Great Liang use just 12 terms, each stage clearly indicating the strength of champions at that tier. This is their unique way of thinking."

"Indeed, although there are certain matters the easterners are too stubborn about. They place extreme importance on immortality and the Dao, thus apart from the paths of [Destruction] and [Redemption], other paths are not very popular. But surprisingly, these eastern people's mathematics is astoundingly excellent. Despite not using various technologies, they develop such sophisticated mathematical achievements, truly amazing."

Li Aozi ate a piece of yellow pea cake and conversed with the other party:

"Speaking of which, my surname 'Li' is not a prominent surname in the Layer Abyss, yet it's quite prevalent in the Eastern Empire. Everywhere I go, people know it. I found out that in the early dynasties of Great Liang, it was a surname known for producing talents, being emperors or prime ministers, with many appointed as princes and lords. It's hardly surprising being so respected; it makes me want to settle in the East."

The Golden Dragon Yachi laughed heartily:

"Haha, if that's the case, henceforth I'll call you Brother Li Xian, and you may simply call me Golden Dragon Brother."

"Hey, this wouldn't be appropriate, senior. You once saved me at the Eye of the Galaxy, and I never expected you would still remember me in the Border Abyss." Li Aozi quickly waved his hand.

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