Chapter 90: Illusory World Realm
"Squeak squeak squeak!"
"Squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak!"
Looking at the group of Sea-Monkey Demon Beasts on the island shore that had already fallen into the illusion, the corner of Lu Qingyang's mouth curved upward.
"Whoosh!"
His right hand rose, and brilliant blue light bloomed from his index finger.
In an instant, it condensed into a screen of light.
Displayed on the screen were the very scenes of these Sea Star Monkeys trapped within the illusion.
In the image, the originally weak Sea Star Monkeys had become incomparably powerful.
The Chaotian Sect's disciples had all been reduced to their rations.
These monkeys seemed to have arrived in paradise itself, unleashing their true natures.
"Heh heh, as expected, this Illusory World Mirror only works on those below Soul Transformation. Against an expert, it's not very useful…"
Watching the Sea Star Monkeys going mad in the image, Lu Qingyang smiled faintly.
He had spent several months finally developing this fourth-tier Dharma Artifact called the Illusory World Mirror.
Though its grade was only fourth-tier, by imitating the Simulation System's style and combining the traits of countless Illusion Dharma Artifacts, he had created the Illusory World Mirror's unique function — multi-person simulation illusions!
"Boom!"
As his mind stirred, on the light screen, the scenes of the Sea Star Monkeys' frenzied rampage and cruel slaughter abruptly dissipated.
Replacing it was a paradise of plenty, abundant with melons and fruit.
Those Sea Star Monkeys who had already killed until their eyes were red, upon seeing the scene before them, revealed expressions of confusion one after another.
"Roar… awoo…"
The Sea Star Monkeys roared and howled at each other, seemingly discussing the environment here.
And among this group of monkeys, one with a relatively massive body, covered entirely in silver-white patterns, stood upright. It reached out, grabbed a grape, and stuffed it into its mouth, chewing with an expression of pure enjoyment.
"Jiji… jijiji…"
Seeing its appearance, the surrounding monkeys immediately cheered merrily, a clamor rising…
"Hm, this treasure can simulate not only illusions but even taste. Truly lifelike."
"From now on, any disciple entering the sect will unwittingly undergo a life simulation, to discern their character."
Looking at the Illusory World Mirror in his hand, Lu Qingyang's eyes flickered with brilliant light.
He waved his right hand and put away the Dharma Artifact, leaving only a ground full of dumbfounded, foolish monkeys.
"Whoosh!"
Accompanied by the sound of a sharp wind, a mirror of deep blue appeared out of thin air.
Complex, mysterious Runes were inscribed upon it, coiling and spiraling layer upon layer.
Lu Qingyang's eyes were bright. With a flick of his index finger, the Illusory World Mirror floated upward, flying into the sky above Tiangong Island.
A moment later, it cleverly concealed itself among the blue sky and white clouds.
"Jiangxin, take over the Illusory World Mirror. From now on, all new disciples will undergo one illusion simulation."
"Set the simulation template as follows: they have just entered the sect and discover a treasure, but using this treasure will harm the sect. Their choice will be used for evaluation."
"Received, Master!"
As Lu Qingyang's words fell, streaks of water mist suddenly surged from the deep blue mirror, finally converging into a ball of light.
In an instant, it seemed to possess spirituality, clearly having been taken over by Jiangxin.
Only after doing all this did Lu Qingyang place his gaze on Zhu Gangkai and the group of monkey demons on the island shore.
"Whoosh!"
With a flash of his figure, Lu Qingyang hovered above Zhu Gangkai's head.
"Out of the sect already?"
"Yes…"
Looking at Lu Qingyang above his head, Zhu Gangkai respectfully cupped his fists.
"You found this batch of monkeys?"
"Yes, Sect Master."
"Since old pig here has accepted the post of Demon Servitude Bureau Director, naturally I must solve problems for the sect."
"Once I train this batch of monkeys properly, they will surely charge into battle for the sect in the future!"
Zhu Gangkai patted his chest in guarantee. That earnest, serious appearance made even Lu Qingyang chuckle.
"Good. In that case, the Demon Servitude Bureau will be established in the northern part of Tiangong Island."
"I hope you won't disappoint me."
Lu Qingyang glanced at Zhu Gangkai, his tone indifferent.
"Yes!"
Hearing Lu Qingyang's command, Zhu Gangkai was delighted. He knew that for the time being, he wouldn't have to die.
Because he was useful.
"Hm, this is your reward. There are some spirit stones and pills inside. Take them and use them."
Seemingly quite satisfied with Zhu Gangkai's handling of matters, Lu Qingyang generously produced a Storage Ring and tossed it to Zhu Gangkai.
"This…"
Looking at the Storage Ring before him, Zhu Gangkai was overwhelmed with excitement, hurriedly catching it with both hands.
He had never imagined that Lu Qingyang would actually give him a reward.
After all, in the Demon Domain, some small tribes couldn't even pool together a single Storage Ring among their entire clan.
Even though he was a fifth-tier great demon, he still found it exceedingly precious.
"Thank you, Sect Master!"
"Old pig will definitely go through fire and water for the sect!"
Not knowing where he had learned such platitudes, Zhu Gangkai knelt to the ground, overwhelmed with excitement.
"Enough, go do your work."
Watching this fellow's excited appearance, Lu Qingyang flashed away and paid him no further attention.
The reason was that the monthly simulation time had arrived.
"Yes!"
Zhu Gangkai also stood up in response, and scurried off.
…
Tiangong Island, the Spirit Lake.
Lu Qingyang listened to the crisp System notification by his ear, his eyes flickering.
This time, after the simulation, I must grasp the Return to True!
Lu Qingyang drew a deep breath and activated the Simulation.
【Ding! Simulation cooldown complete】
【Start Simulation? Yes/No】
"Yes!"
【Ding! Simulation archived: Loading save】
【Loading, please wait…】
【Load failed】
【Ding! Load failed: limit reached】
【Reset Simulation? Yes/No】
"Reset."
【Ding! Reset successful: Simulation starting】
【Age 0: You are reborn, carrying memories of your previous life. You may choose to discard or retain them】
【Retain】【Discard】
"Retain."
【Age 1: In your previous life, you were a Void Return True Lord, only a single step from Dao Integration. Now, reborn with your memories, you swear to never waste this life】
【Age 2: Your parents are the masters of a sect. Though their realm is only Soul Transformation, in this world they are already top-tier cultivators】
【Age 3: With a standard Heaven Spirit Root plus a mysterious bloodline, your cultivation advances by leaps and bounds. In just three short years, you have already reached Foundation Establishment】
【…】
【Age 28: Before reaching thirty, you have already reached the great perfection of Golden Core. Nascent Soul seems within easy reach. However, your father intends to arrange a marriage alliance with another sect. You…】
【Agree】【Refuse】
"Marriage alliance?"
Looking at the option that suddenly appeared, Lu Qingyang raised an eyebrow.
This simulation option seemed to carry no danger, but a poor choice would surely hide a pitfall.
If I refuse, it will most likely stir up trouble. But if I agree, perhaps I can still gain some benefits.
After all, she is the daughter of a major sect. How could there be no dowry?
With that thought, the corner of Lu Qingyang's mouth curved slightly, his smile playful.
"I choose to agree…"
【Age 28: Before reaching thirty, you have already reached the great perfection of Golden Core. Nascent Soul seems within easy reach. However, your father suddenly intends to arrange a marriage alliance with another sect. You agreed】
【Age 29: A grand sect marriage alliance begins. The other party is also the daughter of a Spirit-Severing sect master, her strength considerable; and she brings with her a generous dowry】
【Age 30: One year after the marriage, you break through to Nascent Soul. Combined with the precious dowry your wife brought, your cultivation speed becomes even more astonishing】
【…】