"There's a saying: 'The poor take care of themselves, while the prosperous take care of the world.' I can now be considered somewhat prosperous, so naturally, I should do something to help the world."
These were Daniel Davis's true thoughts. Just like what he did in the world of "One Piece," if his strength wasn't enough to overthrow Ning Daoqi and Cihang Jingzhai, he wouldn't have made such a grand entrance. Instead, he would have quietly developed his power and then seized the opportunity to ambush Ning Daoqi and others.
With careful planning and the element of surprise, Ning Daoqi, with his mental cultivation and elusive movements, might be hard to ambush. But Jingnian Chanyuan was a different story.
"Did I say you could leave?"
Just as Du Fuwei, Daniel Davis, Shan Meixian, and the others were deep in thought, digesting Daniel Davis's earlier words, Xiang Gui, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly made a move toward the back.
From Daniel Davis's attitude, it was clear that he had no intention of letting Xiang Gui and his son go. Moreover, Xiang Gui couldn't count on Du Fuwei or the others to help him. In this situation, even if Xiang Yushan was his son, Xiang Gui had no choice but to save himself.
Xiang Yushan was injured, and even if he weren't, his mediocre martial arts skills wouldn't have allowed him to escape. Xiang Yushan was no martial arts prodigy, and due to the demonic sects' schemes, his meridians were in a state of chaos, causing him occasional bouts of pain.
It was only later, when Kou Zhong and Xu Zilian worked together using the "Longevity Scripture," that Xiang Yushan's pain was somewhat alleviated. However, after their falling out, they never fully cured him.
As soon as Xiang Gui moved, Daniel Davis noticed. With a wave of his right hand, two green vines sprouted from the gambling table and shot toward Xiang Gui and Xiang Yushan.
Xiang Gui had only managed to run about five meters when the green vines wrapped around his legs, quickly spreading to his entire body. In moments, Xiang Gui was completely bound, resembling a green dumpling.
As for Xiang Yushan, he didn't even have time to react before he, too, was wrapped up like a green dumpling.
"Brother Daniel, what kind of martial arts is this? It's amazing!" Kou Zhong, seeing Xiang Yushan and his father bound like dumplings, couldn't help but reach out and touch the green vines extending from Daniel Davis's right hand.
The martial arts of the "Twin Heroes of the Tang Dynasty" world had their own unique techniques. For example, ice, fire, and other elemental effects could be produced, but these were mainly due to the properties of one's internal energy. For instance, Kou Zhong's energy was yin, while Xu Zilian's was yang. Together, they formed yin and yang.
However, the green vines created by the "Ten Thousand Leaves Flying Flowers" technique belonged to the realm of "techniques," something that didn't exist in this world.
In worlds like "The Outcast," "Qin's Moon," and even "Storm Riders," there were users of techniques. However, in the "Twin Heroes of the Tang Dynasty" world, such knowledge was fragmented. Strictly speaking, martial arts and techniques weren't entirely separate. For example, in "The Outcast," the Longhu Mountain practitioners were skilled in both martial arts and techniques, unless they specialized in esoteric arts, in which case the distinction was clearer.
Take the Five Elders of the Yin-Yang School, for instance. Could they be considered "technicians"? According to "The Outcast," they wouldn't be, as technicians needed to possess an "inner landscape."
"This is a technique," Daniel Davis explained softly, seeing Kou Zhong's curious gaze.
"Do you know the meaning of 'martial arts'?" Before Kou Zhong could respond, Daniel Davis continued, "Martial arts consist of two parts: 'martial' refers to combat skills, while 'techniques' refer to the laws of nature. The world is composed of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Utilizing the power of these five elements is what we call 'techniques.'"
As Daniel Davis spoke, he raised his right hand. The vines wrapped around Xiang Yushan and Xiang Gui immediately dissipated into the air, though the vines on their bodies remained.
Then, Daniel Davis held up his right hand, and as he spoke, the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—appeared on his five fingers. This spectacle captivated everyone present.
"The five elements are interconnected and mutually restraining," Daniel Davis said. As he spoke, the five elements on his fingers began to transform, eventually forming a small green tree. Moments later, the tree blossomed with beautiful cherry blossoms.
There was no denying that the "Ten Thousand Leaves Flying Flowers" technique had an impressive flair, especially when used in front of beautiful women. Both Shan Wanjing and Daniel Davis's eyes glazed over slightly, though Shan Meixian remained calm.
If Du Fuwei had any doubts about Daniel Davis's claims regarding the Taoist Heavenly Sect earlier, they were completely dispelled after witnessing this display of technique.
"Alright, I've said enough for today. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now," Daniel Davis said. In a flash, he appeared in front of the bound Xiang Yushan and his father, grabbed them, and vanished from the gambling hall.
From this point on, the major powers of the world would have to prepare for the arrival of the Taoist Heavenly Sect. Daniel Davis had revealed so much to them to spread the word about the Taoist Heavenly Sect throughout the world.
To gain prestige, one needed an impressive presence, and there was no doubt that the Taoist Heavenly Sect now had the most impressive presence.
"My dear children, it seems we'll have to meet again another time," Du Fuwei said, standing up shortly after Daniel Davis left. After glancing at Kou Zhong and Xu Zilian, he quickly departed.
The sudden emergence of such a mysterious and powerful force was a significant shock to the major powers of the Central Plains. Du Fuwei needed to return and discuss this with his allies.
Similarly, Daniel Davis also left shortly after Du Fuwei, taking her subordinates with her.
Next, the Dongming Sect took Kou Zhong and Xu Zilian away. In the blink of an eye, the gambling hall was empty, leaving only Ren Meimei and her group.
"We have no grievances. If you want to compete for the world, we can cooperate."
In a secluded valley outside Pengcheng, as soon as Daniel Davis released Xiang Yushan and his father, Xiang Yushan immediately spoke up. Having heard everything, Xiang Yushan knew that Daniel Davis's goal was to unify the world, and to do that, he would need support.
The Xiang family and the Baling Gang, one of the "Eight Gangs and Ten Societies," were undoubtedly influential in this world. Otherwise, Xiao Xian wouldn't have been able to use the Baling Gang's power to become a major rebel leader and even declare himself emperor.
The Xiang family was incredibly wealthy—extremely wealthy. They were the demonic sects' financial backers, which was why the Xiang family, despite their weak martial arts, held such a special position within the Baling Gang.
To compete for the world, what was most needed? Wealth, of course.
"You think you're qualified to cooperate with me? With trash like you, you're not even close. Don't worry, soon the entire Xiang family will join you in death."
"You probably don't know what the Xiang family is built on. If you think you can destroy the Xiang family, you're dreaming." Seeing that there was no escape, Xiang Yushan suddenly became defiant.
"You're just the demonic sects' puppet. Do you really think the demonic sects can't function without you?"
While the Xiang family held a special position within the demonic sects, that was all it was. To the top figures of the demonic sects, if you didn't obey, they would simply kill you without a second thought.
"You might think the Xiang family's arrangements across the land are well-hidden, making it difficult for anyone to completely eradicate you."
In the original story, even though the Twin Heroes relentlessly pursued the Xiang family, they still resurfaced during the "Sun and Moon in the Sky" era. But this time, they wouldn't have the chance to reappear.
"In front of me, don't think you can keep any secrets. Even if you die, I can pull your soul back from the underworld. No one can keep secrets from me. Now, enjoy the show."
Seizing this rare opportunity, Daniel Davis didn't let Xiang Yushan die easily. He imprinted the "Skeleton Blood Hand Seal" on Xiang Yushan's chest, causing his internal organs and blood to burn with searing pain until he finally died.
"How does it feel to see your own corpse?"
After his death, Xiang Yushan looked at his lifeless body on the ground and let out a chilling scream. At this moment, Xiang Yushan was filled with fear and deep regret, but it was too late.
"Don't worry, father and son. Your family will be reunited soon."
The Xiang family was indeed clever, much like a cunning rabbit with multiple burrows. Long ago, some of the Xiang family's descendants had changed their names and identities, which was why, even when the Twin Heroes became grandmasters, they couldn't completely eradicate the Xiang family.
Ignoring their pleas for mercy, Daniel Davis collected their souls and then took their bodies back to Pengcheng.
Pengcheng had a Xiang family stronghold, which needed to be thoroughly cleaned out.
"Baling? I'll leave that to you. While you're at it, rescue the people there. We might be able to cultivate a few talents."
The Baling Gang's headquarters were in Baling. Since Emperor Yang of Sui wasn't dead yet, the Baling Gang hadn't openly rebelled. Given the distance, Daniel Davis didn't go himself but instead sent four Wood Clone shadow clones to handle the task.
He wanted the Baling Gang and the Xiang family to become infamous as quickly as possible, while also showcasing the depth of the Taoist Heavenly Sect's power. He wasn't alone in this.
Just like how Shi Feixuan could travel the martial world without being attacked—her grandmaster-level skills were one thing, but more importantly, she had the backing of Cihang Jingzhai, Ning Daoqi, Jingnian Chanyuan, and most of the orthodox sects. Attacking her would be like poking a hornet's nest.
Even the demonic sects, with their lawless nature, never gathered forces to ambush Shi Feixuan. Even Zhu Yuyan couldn't easily attack her; only Wanwan could.
Poor Xiao Xian, who had once established the Liang Dynasty and ruled as emperor for several years, would now have to exit the stage before even raising his banner.
With Daniel Davis's current strength, a single Wood Clone shadow clone could easily defeat Ning Daoqi, let alone a mere Baling Gang.
At the same time, Daniel Davis took control of the Baling Gang's territory. Of course, this control was only superficial, maintaining order and preventing chaos.
As for how to unify the world, Daniel Davis had already made plans. With his strength, there was no need to slowly build a rebel army.
Although he wanted to prevent the suffering that would befall this world's China in the future, Daniel Davis wouldn't lose sight of his ultimate goal. His journey was among the stars. For a single world, with his strength, as long as he set the right goals and plans and recruited the right people, he could manage the overall direction.
This was similar to how Kou Zhong, as the leader of the Young Marshal Army in the original story, spent most of his time away from his territory, running around dealing with the demonic sects and the Turks.
All the forces he had established so far operated in a similar manner.
Take Stark Industries, for example. Tony Stark rarely involved himself in the company's operations, leaving most of the work to Pepper Potts. But could you say Stark wasn't important? Without his inventions, there would be no Stark Industries.
The Baling Gang had abducted many children, some too young to return home. These children could be trained, and perhaps a few talents could be cultivated. Establishing a "Hundred Birds" organization in this world wasn't out of the question.
Replicating Qin Shi Huang's operations with the likes of the Net, Hundred Birds, and Shadow Secret Guards was entirely possible.
But these were matters for the future. For now, after eliminating the Xiang family's stronghold in Pengcheng and sending out the four Wood Clone shadow clones, Daniel Davis went to find Daniel Davis.
"What are you thinking about, Strategist Daniel?"
In a small town's only inn, Daniel Davis was sitting at a table, lost in thought, when Daniel Davis's voice suddenly rang out, startling her into drawing her dagger.
"It's you. Have you resolved your matters, Mr. Daniel?" Seeing it was Daniel Davis, Daniel Davis quickly sheathed her dagger.
"It's just the Baling Gang. In a few days, you'll hear news of their complete destruction. I'm here today to give you something," Daniel Davis said, placing two talismans on the table in front of Daniel Davis.
"What are these?" Daniel Davis looked at the talismans in confusion. She was familiar with talismans, as Taoism existed in this world. However, since this world lacked the art of talismans, they had no special effects. Aside from deceiving the lowest classes, they were essentially useless.
"These are for your protection. Given Li Mi's personality, if he suspects you, he might try to kill you. You're a talent I value highly, and I can't let you die like that."
As Daniel Davis spoke, another talisman appeared in his hand. "Using this is simple. Just channel your internal energy into it."
With that, the talisman in Daniel Davis's hand turned into a beam of light and disappeared. At the same time, a golden protective barrier formed around Daniel Davis's body.
"This is the 'Diamond Talisman.' It creates a protective barrier that lasts for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Even if Ning Daoqi attacks, it can withstand a few hits," Daniel Davis said, lightly tapping the golden light surrounding Daniel Davis.
"This is the 'Swift Movement Talisman.' Combined with the Diamond Talisman, even if Ning Daoqi chases you, it will give you a chance to escape."
Daniel Davis's plan to recruit Daniel Davis had been carefully considered. To ensure success, he had come to deliver these talismans. If Daniel Davis had already joined him, he would have given her artifacts crafted with the "Divine Machine Hundred Refinements" instead of talismans.
"Why me?" Daniel Davis asked, feeling the golden protective barrier around her body, her expression filled with confusion.
"Because you're one of a kind. If something were to happen to you, this world would lose a lot of its brilliance."
In truth, when Daniel Davis first saw Daniel Davis, his recruitment plan had largely been about causing trouble for Li Mi. Whether it succeeded or failed, he had nothing to lose.
(End of Chapter)
[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Mutter"]
[Every 50 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]
[Use Code D8986 for 33% Off on All Tiers — Valid Until October 5th]