What is pseudo-dao?
After an Imperial Dao expert falls, their rules return to heaven and earth.
The rules dissipate extremely quickly, but there is still a chance to capture them.
The more Dao openers there are, the slower the rules dissipate.
Therefore, to capture the rules that are about to dissipate, only the number of rules from a titled Emperor expert can leave a window for extraction.
And the rules stripped from a deceased Imperial Dao expert are called pseudo-dao.
Pseudo-dao is a supreme treasure for anyone.
For example, if an Imperial Dao expert absorbs one pseudo-dao, they can ascend to the rank of a titled Emperor expert.
However, there are still flaws. After all, these are not rules refined by oneself, so their strength will only be the weakest among titled Emperor experts.
But do not forget, among Imperial Dao experts, there is a world of difference between being titled and not being titled.
Pseudo-dao has another miraculous use, and this use has no flaws: integrating it into one's own rules to strengthen the existing Great Dao of rules.
This is akin to plundering the insights of a deceased expert.
Therefore, when Gu Lao proposed the concept of pseudo-dao, Da Kui immediately betrayed him.
"Huo Xing."
The greed in Da Kui's eyes was unconcealed: "I'm sorry, what Gu Lao provided is too valuable."
No Imperial Dao expert could refuse the allure of a pseudo-dao.
"Heh heh."
Huo Xing sneered.
She had anticipated this situation long ago.
She knew her decision to step forward was somewhat reckless, but she had no regrets.
If she died today, she would have repaid the kindness of the late City Lord Yi Fu.
If she survived, when City Lord Yi Fu returned, these people would pay the price.
"Buzz."
Starlight flickered on Huo Xing's body.
"Long Ling."
Huo Xing said, "I will do my best to hold off two people. I can't do anything for the others."
"No need."
Long Ling was grateful that Huo Xing stood up at this time.
Facing the stirrings of the surrounding enemies, there was no trace of nervousness in his eyes.
Instead, he smiled and said, "Master has suppressed Freedom City for a hundred years. Do you think Master wouldn't have a backup plan?"
Huo Xing's eyes lit up: "You mean..."
The restless individuals had a change in their expressions.
The opposing forces from the two continents became much more serious.
Long Ling had a backup plan.
"Then..."
Long Ling raised his hand: "Prepare to kill..."
Creak.
Just as Long Ling was about to lower his hand.
The door of the thatched cottage opened, and a smiling figure walked out: "What's wrong? Am I late? The atmosphere feels a bit off, tense. What are you all doing?"
"City Lord."
Long Ling turned abruptly.
His gaze towards Chen Fan was filled with a hint of excitement.
At the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The City Lord had appeared.
Now, there was no reason for the opponents to make a move.
As expected, that Gu Lao waved his hand, and the tense atmosphere immediately dissipated.
Chen Fan walked forward with a smile: "Everyone, I apologize. As they say, guests from afar are welcome. I am a hospitable person, and I apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner."
"Heh heh."
Young Master Huo sneered: "Chen Fan, do you still remember me?"
"Of course, I remember."
Chen Fan acted as if he hadn't heard the sarcasm in Young Master Huo's tone and said with a smile, "If it weren't for Young Master Huo's help, I would have died in the Land of Exile and wouldn't have entered this Immortal Realm."
His identity as an inhabitant of the wasteland was already known to everyone, so there was no need to hide it.
Chen Fan ascended the high platform, raised his hand, and a wine cup flew into his hand. He cupped his fists towards everyone and said, "Thank you all for coming to witness the ceremony. I will drink a cup to atone for my faults."
Sizzle.
After drinking the cup of wine.
In the venue, only Chen Fan's voice could be heard.
Everyone else remained silent.
The method of succession for a City Lord was not complicated: a few drinks, a chance to see some important figures, and that was it.
Nothing else was needed.
Except for Chen Fan, no one drank the wine.
Long Ling's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
Gu Lao gave a cold laugh: "What are you all thinking? Didn't you see Little Chen raise his cup? Let's all have a drink together."
As he spoke, Gu Lao raised his cup and gestured to Chen Fan.
The term "Little Chen" effectively relegated Chen Fan's status to the lowest possible level.
As for the succession of the City Lord, no one cared.
In the eyes of the various factions, Chen Fan would never be able to become the City Lord.
"Little Chen."
Chen Fan repeatedly savored these two words in his mouth.
It was a naked insult.
Long Ling's pupils instantly filled with killing intent as he looked at the old man in sackcloth.
Unfortunately, the other party did not care and continued to drink his tea.
"Pah."
The old man spat out a tea leaf: "Are you serving trash to guests? As expected, after Yi Fu left, Freedom City has declined."
The insults came one after another.
"Yin'er."
The old man said, "Bring me my Heavenly Mountain Lotus Sound."
A young maiden behind the old man stepped forward and took out an ice-crystal lotus petal. With a casual grab, spiritual energy from water converged and fell into the cup.
Energy surged, and the tea boiled, releasing a faint, refreshing aroma that filled the air.
"So fragrant."
Those close to Gu Lao inhaled deeply.
Not only was it fragrant, but it also gave a sense of comfort to the entire body.
The old man took a sip and looked at Chen Fan: "Little Chen, would you like a taste?"
"Certainly."
To everyone's astonishment, Chen Fan actually agreed.
He acknowledged the address "Little Chen" and accepted the old man's condescending offer.
This was unacceptable...
"City Lord."
A trace of anger flickered in Long Ling's eyes.
How could the City Lord, designated by his master, be so spineless?
"It's alright."
Chen Fan waved his hand, interrupting Long Ling's impending words.
He then stepped forward and looked at the old man in sackcloth: "I, for one, have never cared much about saving face. In my opinion, face is earned, not given by others. Senior, don't you agree?"
Gu Lao did not understand what Chen Fan was going to say, but he still nodded: "What you say is reasonable."
"Mmm."
Chen Fan was pleased that the old man agreed.
He then continued, "I heard the fragrance of your tea just now, which is undoubtedly extraordinary. I wonder if Senior has any more of those ice-crystal lotus petals. May I have one to try?"
"Haha."
The old man laughed heartily: "Of course. Since Little Chen has asked, as an elder, how can I refuse?"
After speaking, the maiden called Yin'er stepped forward again, and an ice-crystal lotus petal flew into Chen Fan's hand.
Chen Fan thanked the maiden and then looked at the old man in sackcloth, sighing, "My Freedom City is somewhat barren. You must forgive me, Senior. We don't even have good water to make tea. Perhaps... may I borrow some of your water?"
"Hmm?"
The old man was filled with doubt.
But he still nodded: "Yin'er..."
"No, no, no."
Chen Fan shook his head, looking at the lotus petal in his hand: "Such a precious treasure cannot be prepared with ordinary water."
"Then what do you want?"
"..."
Chen Fan pondered seriously before speaking: "I'll take it myself. May I curse?"
"Yes."
"Then thank you very much."
A smile bloomed.
Chen Fan's hand slowly reached forward.
"Buzz."
In an instant, a seven-Dao Emperor expert standing behind the old man felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.
The next moment, before he could react, his body was suddenly pierced by an irresistible surge of power, carrying his body to Chen Fan's palm.