Chapter 3058

The State Preceptor’s lips curled into a strange smile. "I am a demonic cultivator. I do not fear karma. But what about you?"

Indeed, demonic cultivators were indifferent to karma. They were beings watched by the Heavenly Dao, so karma meant nothing to them.

"If you do not fear karma, why do you wish to deceive the Heavenly Dao? Why not steal fortune openly?" Ouyang Tianyun was not fooled by such simple words.

Other demonic cultivators might not fear karma, but this one clearly valued it heavily.

The State Preceptor stared at Ouyang Tianyun in silence for a long moment before speaking slowly. "I feel that every word you say carries your own intent."

"Your words are strange, State Preceptor," Ouyang Tianyun said with a gentle smile. "Every word I speak has a reason. Can you deny that my words are incorrect?"

The State Preceptor looked at him. "Just say what you want to do."

"You are wrong again," Ouyang Tianyun replied, his intelligence matching the Preceptor’s. "You are a demonic cultivator; I am an immortal cultivator. We are naturally opposed. You should know exactly why I am here and what I intend to do."

The State Preceptor pondered for a moment, then smiled. "My mansion lacks many things, but the tea is excellent. Shall we have a cup?"

"Very well," Ouyang Tianyun agreed readily.

She did not care about the Preceptor’s schemes. Her priority was to uncover the Preceptor’s origins and determine if more demonic cultivators remained.

Entering the mansion, Ouyang Tianyun remarked calmly, "Your mansion is too empty. Only you and two Daoist boys remain."

"Those who come here cannot defeat me, nor can they return. Like you, if they cannot withstand my power, having more people is a waste." The State Preceptor gestured for him to enter.

After Ouyang Tianyun sat, the Preceptor fetched the tea set. "Truly, a demonic cultivator and an immortal cultivator sitting together to drink tea… we must be the first."

"No choice. I must first determine how many demonic cultivators remain behind you. That is the proper course." Ouyang Tianyun was bold and skilled, showing no hesitation.

The Preceptor poured the tea, offering a cup to Ouyang Tianyun first. He then took a cup, sniffed it, and tasted it. "Even if many demonic cultivators stand behind me, you will still face me, correct?"

"That is true." Ouyang Tianyun sniffed the tea aroma. "Rosemary. I did not expect you to enjoy such mortal things."

"I was once a mortal," the State Preceptor said, looking seriously at Ouyang Tianyun.

Ouyang Tianyun raised an eyebrow. He had little interest in the Preceptor’s past, but since the Preceptor offered, he would listen.

"The mortal realm is not bad," Ouyang Tianyun said, observing the Preceptor. "At least in these Nine Domains, you have fared well. As State Preceptor, you appear to be second only to the Emperor. In reality, there is no one above you. Emperors change, but you have held this position continuously."

The Preceptor took another sip. "State Preceptor means the Father of the State. Naturally, there is only one."

Ouyang Tianyun replied calmly, "I hear it differently. State Preceptor present, State lost. Is that not the truth?"

"Your eloquence is truly impressive," the State Preceptor said faintly.

Ouyang Tianyun smiled. "What is there to it? Everyone has a mouth. It is used for eating and speaking. Eloquence is merely a matter of having a skilled mouth."

The Preceptor showed no anger. "I was born in the Wei Sea of the Heavenly Star River. That area is filled with resentment, gathering all negative emotions of humanity. I was originally just a spirit. However, the generation of this resentment allowed me to grow. My mind naturally contained cultivation methods. These methods used human fortune to strengthen myself."

The Preceptor drank more tea. "I continuously absorbed fortune, growing stronger. But I found that the fortune in the air was too thin. True fortune belongs to the Children of Fortune in various planes. So, I came here."

The Preceptor looked at the sky. "This land suffers frequent wars. Because of the wars, there are many people carrying fortune. I have lived here for nearly a thousand years, but I cannot shed this skin. I cannot ascend."

"So you wish to steal the State’s fortune," Ouyang Tianyun said.

"I originally did not wish to steal the State’s fortune, as there were many Children of Fortune. But one day, I found that my Heavenly Dao Sect was gone."

The State Preceptor looked at Ouyang Tianyun. "If I am not mistaken, you destroyed the Heavenly Dao Sect."

Ouyang Tianyun nodded slightly. "I destroyed it."

"As expected," the State Preceptor said faintly. "Only you could destroy the Heavenly Dao Sects everywhere in a single night."

"It was not that exaggerated. I simply went out every night and caught a few small shrimp to play with," Ouyang Tianyun explained seriously. "Actually, I have always admired you."

"Admired me?" The State Preceptor was stunned.

"I truly admire you. You can control so many puppets. Even though you are a demonic cultivator, one cannot deny your ability is considerable." Ouyang Tianyun smiled.

The State Preceptor raised an eyebrow. "But no matter how powerful I was before, you eventually discovered me."

"So?" Ouyang Tianyun looked at the Preceptor, raising an eyebrow.

"In half a month, there will be a solar eclipse. The stone of the Heavenly Dog swallowing the sun will be at noon. Let us fight two hours earlier. If you win, I am at your mercy. If I win, I will steal the State’s fortune."

The State Preceptor looked at Ouyang Tianyun with a serious expression.

Ouyang Tianyun laughed. "State Preceptor, State Preceptor, you calculate people without even frowning. Why should I agree to fight you that day? I can destroy you today."

Ouyang Tianyun smiled faintly. "It is a simple matter. Why must I complicate it?"

"Do you not think that way, you can become famous throughout the world? If you win, your faith will increase," the State Preceptor said, his expression remaining calm.

"My faith is sufficient," Ouyang Tianyun said faintly. "Besides, destroying you helps the Heavenly Dao, earning countless karmic merit. Whether I have faith or not is not a major matter for me."

Ouyang Tianyun tilted his head, looking at the Preceptor. "In this situation, I generally dislike wasting time. Tell me, why would I agree to delay until half a month later?"