Then let them offer their loyalty!

Page 669

Among all of Qiu Tu's women and confidants, Guan Xiao and Yan Yan are the two most intelligent.

They are not only exceptionally intelligent, but also possess very strong independent thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Many times, Qiu Tu even needs to be on high alert when facing them to guess their motives.

After all, no one knows what they're plotting or scheming—while their loyalty is very high, reaching 80% or 90%, and they wouldn't betray Qiu Tu, loyalty isn't everything. Not betraying him doesn't mean they won't go against Qiu Tu's will.

Especially these very intelligent and opinionated subordinates. They are likely to do things they believe are good for Qiu Tu.

Characters like Yan Yan help Qiu Tu with various strategies to win over beautiful women of high status; Guan Xiao also proactively and extra-supplementarily handles various political and personal matters for Qiu Tu.

What they're doing now is in line with Qiu Tu's wishes, but if one day Qiu Tu isn't keeping an eye on them and they go astray, then problems could very well arise.

Therefore, to some extent, they are like spirited thoroughbred horses, and Qiu Tu must firmly grasp their reins to prevent them from going astray.

Even so, Qiu Tu is very optimistic about their future development.

After all... you need to use your brain to get ahead in the world.

Even in a world of extraordinary abilities, where great power originates from within, the mind remains a trump card comparable to superhuman abilities.

Only those with sufficient intelligence and talent can truly stand on their own.

In contrast, although Tang Feifei is highly talented and exceptionally strong, Qiu Tu's perception of her is gradually shifting towards that of Huang Shangzong, that is, a "warrior."

Such a person can use force to guard a state, or even a country. They can charge into battle and withstand evil gods. But it is very difficult for them to govern a region.

If Qiu Tu goes to the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area", then Tang Feifei can become Qiu Tu's apparent successor. However, Qiu Tu will definitely increase the power of Yu Die, Guan Xiao, and others, so that they can assist and check Tang Feifei, and prevent all of Qiu Tu's foundations from being destroyed.

Qiu Tu silently reviewed his plan to go to the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area" in his mind before slowly withdrawing his gaze.

He glanced at Guan Xiao, who was waiting there with his hands at his sides, then stood up and said, "Alright, enough chit-chat. Let's go."

"Yes, Speaker~~" Guan Xiao replied with a charming smile, then went out to arrange the travel arrangements.

Qiu Tu's current public identity is that of the number two figure in both the 6th and 7th shelters, and a high-ranking official in the 8th shelter, with influence extending to the three shelters and dozens of states. Therefore, his travels naturally require a corresponding level of protocol.

This is not because Qiu Tu was extravagant, but because "ritual" itself is one of the ways to strengthen rule.

Why do high-ranking officials and leaders in centralized countries, whether in ancient times or now, have such grand processions and ceremonies when they travel or meet?

Because rituals are symbolic acts and symbols, they can demonstrate the legitimacy and sanctity of power, and establish authority through psychological suggestion and other means.

During periods of regime change or political upheaval, rituals become even more important. They can help rulers demonstrate military power and deter those who seek to harm them.

So, as the grand convoy drove away from Wangbei City, both the common people and the scouts from various shelters knew that Qiu Tu, the "uncrowned king of the Northwest Region," had once again headed to the 7th Shelter.

As a result, all eyes were once again focused on the 7th Sanctuary, wondering if something big was about to happen.

Meanwhile, on the way to Shelter No. 7, Qiu Tu was oblivious to the attention from various factions. He was sitting in the car, stroking Guan Xiao's thigh while answering her questions...

While massaging Qiu Tu's arm, Guan Xiao asked curiously, "Speaker... what level of strength have you reached now?"

"Fifth tier? Peak fifth tier? Or sixth tier?"

Qiu Tu has been developing his business in the Northwest region for over a year and has many trusted confidants. He also has a powerful weapon called the "loyalty game," with his car filled with people whose loyalty is 80% or even 90%.

Therefore, he didn't hide it from Guan Xiao and said calmly, "Sixth rank."

Guan Xiao didn't seem too surprised. Clearly, based on Qiu Tu's performance and her understanding of him over this period, she had already guessed it.

However, as Qiu Tu's most trusted confidante, she was bound to offer him maximum emotional support, so she immediately prepared to offer a few flattering remarks.

Before Guan Xiao could speak, Qiu Tu casually added, "Mid-term."

Guan Xiao: ?

Guan Xiao, who was about to flatter Qiu Tu, was taken aback for a moment, then looked at Qiu Tu with surprise and asked, "Mid-stage sixth rank?"

Qiu Tu nodded slightly.

Guan Xiao had already forgotten about deliberately flattering Qiu Tu. Her astonishment stemmed from Qiu Tu's rapid advancement. So, she couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Is it... realm, not strength?"

Qiu Tu glanced at Guan Xiao indifferently, then said, "In terms of strength, he should be comparable to the peak of the sixth rank."

This time, Guan Xiao was truly astonished. Her small mouth opened slightly, just like when she usually held Qiu Tu's lychee in her mouth.

"Peak of the sixth rank?"

Even though she already knew that Qiu Tu was making rapid progress, Guan Xiao's mind still went blank for a moment.

With her talent for planning and calculation, she quickly recalled Qiu Tu's developments over this period.

If she remembered correctly, Qiu Tu was still at level five a month ago. To reach level six, one needs to go to the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area" or obtain the "Shan Gen".

Qiu Tu had never been to the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area", and according to her analysis, the "Shan Gen" was most likely obtained from the 6th Shelter.

Considering that Qiu Tu left half a month ago, it has only been half a month at most for Qiu Tu to advance to the 6th rank.

The result... he's already at the mid-stage of Rank 6, with peak Rank 6 combat power?

For a moment, Guan Xiao's gaze towards Qiu Tu was somewhat complicated: every time she felt that the man in front of her was beyond her imagination, he would always give her a new surprise.

Meanwhile, Qiu Tu was gently caressing Guan Xiao's smooth legs while also recalling his own strength.

He certainly didn't lie to Guan Xiao. His cultivation level and strength had indeed improved rapidly in the past two weeks.

There are two main reasons.

One is... A couple of days ago, he finally got his wish and became the number two person in the two major shelters.

When Qiu Tu became the Speaker of the Dongye State Council, he successfully advanced to the fifth rank. When he became a high-ranking member of the Shelter, he reached the peak of the fifth rank. Now that he has become the number two figure in the Shelter, his Cataclysmic Path has naturally successfully entered the sixth rank.

However, Qiu Tu, now a "World Official," has completely merged the Cataclysmic Path and the False Rank. Therefore, he, who was already at the sixth rank, took another step forward, and his strength surged to the mid-sixth rank.

Qiu Tu had actually asked Zhao Ji about the difference between true strength and fake strength.

If he didn't have the "root of the nose" and hadn't advanced to the sixth rank beforehand, what would happen if he became the second-in-command of the shelter?

At that time, Zhao Ji simply asked Qiu Tu a question in return: How do you think I managed to defeat a sixth-tier opponent when I was at the peak of the fifth tier?

With just one simple sentence, Qiu Tu immediately understood the answer.

Without going to the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area" and without the "Shan Gen", Qiu Tu would only be a stronger "Fifth-Order Peak" instead of a "Sixth-Order".

This is probably because, as Zhao Ji said, even though they are both at the peak of the fifth rank, there is still a difference between them.

After listening to Qiu Tu's analysis, Zhao Ji gave Qiu Tu an affirmative answer.

To advance from the fifth to the sixth rank, one must obtain the approval of the "World Origin" and a "World Official Position." Therefore... without the approval of the "World Origin" and without obtaining a "World Official Position," no matter how strong one is, their rank will never be able to advance.

However... the strength gained through practicing the Cataclysmic Path, and even the strength acquired through cultivation, will not be limited by rank.

Therefore, there is no upper limit to the peak of the fifth tier.

This also means that some peak fifth-tier cultivators who have accumulated countless resources and strength are indeed stronger than some sixth-tier or even seventh-tier cultivators.

After all, their rank was just suppressed, but their strength had already broken through to the 6th rank.

Therefore, once they advance to the sixth rank, their strength will also rapidly increase to the peak of the sixth rank in a short period of time.

Qiu Tu was in the same situation. If he had been at the peak of the fifth rank, he would have become the number two figure in the shelter.

His strength will surge, but due to his rank limitation, he will be slightly weaker than an ordinary sixth-rank cultivator.

However, once he advances to the sixth rank, his status improves, and his strength cap is unlocked, his strength will also increase rapidly, reaching the mid-sixth rank realm.

After understanding this difference, Qiu Tu suddenly realized why Zhao Ji's strength had increased by leaps and bounds.

Clearly... this woman has accumulated a great deal of resources over the years. She's just waiting for her rank to break through.

Besides the Cataclysmic Ability, the second thing that made Qiu Tu's strength soar was his recently acquired Cataclysmic Ability "Sealing Jade" and his cheat ability "Earn Without Effort".

The "Sealing Jade" finally allowed Qiu Tu to no longer be limited to simply crushing weaker opponents, but to fight against opponents of higher levels.

Last time, Qiu Tu sealed his power for a month, and then acted like a real man for 5 minutes, which initially verified the power of the sealing jade.

Therefore, after the fierce battle with the "Nine-Headed Lion" and the "Jackal", Qiu Tu once again used the "Sealing Jade" to seal his strength.

This time, he sealed him even more severely. He directly sealed his strength from the early and middle stages of the 6th rank down to the 4th rank.

There's a reason why Qiu Tu puts himself under so much pressure.

Qiu Tu's "Order Space" makes him invincible among those of the same level, so even if he suppresses himself to the level 4 strength, those below the level 4 are still no match for him.

Even if he were attacked by a fifth-tier Cataclysm or an evil god, Qiu Tu wouldn't be worried. Right now, he's always protected by two dark soldiers: "Ji Yuan," a mid-fifth-tier warrior, and "Da Hai," a peak fourth-tier warrior.

With only a dozen or so Tier 5 Cataclysms in the "Northwest Region," this level of security, coupled with the deterrent effect of Qiu Tu's achievements, is sufficient to handle 99% of the situations.

Of course, if he were to encounter an attack from a foolish fifth-tier peak or sixth-tier evil god, Qiu Tu would not show mercy and would directly release the "sealing jade" to take the opponent's life.

Besides the "Sealing Jade," Qiu Tu's third cheat ability, "Earning Without Effort," has also been in full swing during this period.

Previously, Qiu Tu had been using it to learn "Intermediate Sword Technique" and "Dragon's Movement Technique". Later, after Zhao Ji gave Qiu Tu "Opening Heaven", Qiu Tu replaced "Intermediate Sword Technique" with "Opening Heaven".

Now that Zhao Ji has given Qiu Tu the "Spatial Eye Technique", Qiu Tu naturally replaced the "Dragon Movement Technique" with the "Spatial Eye Technique".

So, don't be fooled by Qiu Tu's busy schedule and apparent lack of time for cultivation; in reality, his strength is increasing every single moment.

Now, once he fully unlocks his power, taking on a peak sixth-tier opponent shouldn't be a problem at all...

At that moment, while Qiu Tu was contemplating his own strength, Guan Xiao finally snapped out of his daze.

She looked at Qiu Tu and then asked curiously, "Then, Speaker, will you be able to advance to the 7th rank soon?"

Hearing Guan Xiao's words, Qiu Tu came back to his senses.

This time he didn't agree so readily... Instead, he pondered for a moment before nodding slightly, "I suppose so."

After saying that, he prepared to continue explaining to Guan Xiao.

Just then, Qiu Tu saw a hint of expectation in Guan Xiao's eyes.

He paused for a moment, then leaned close to Guan Xiao's ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Want to know?"

Guan Xiao nodded slightly.

Qiu Tu smiled slightly. "I don't want to just preach and teach..."

Guan Xiao understood immediately upon hearing Qiu Tu's words.

She licked her lips, then gave Qiu Tu a flirtatious wink. She then got up and pulled down the curtain between the front and back rows.

Qiu Tu also activated the Order Space at the right time, blocking the perception of the driver and Tao Yaoyao in front.

Seeing that everything was ready, Guan Xiao untied Qiu Tu's snack pocket and then gathered her hair.

"hiss--"

'This is the right way to discuss intelligence!'

Silently sighing to himself, Qiu Tu leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to enjoy the moment, and continued, "Actually, I've had many in-depth conversations with La Riluo during this time."

"Through her, I also obtained a lot of valuable information from Zhao Ji."

"For example... the advancement to the sixth rank is actually divided into two methods."

"One can either practice the Cataclysmic Path to enhance one's strength, or advance by increasing one's authority within the 'World Origin' and strengthening one's 'World Rank'."

Guan Xiao gathered her hair and nodded, quickly memorizing the information.

She knew this was a rare opportunity to learn from the "Number One Person in the Northwest," so she worked exceptionally hard.

"Hmm..." Qiu Tu's mental energy swept over the driver and Tao Yaoyao in the front row, who were completely unaware of what was happening.

Then he continued, "But regardless of the path taken, the final result is that all nine areas controlled by the Cataclysmic Beings at the fifth tier will be refined and pried up from the 'Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area'."

"Pry it up?" Guan Xiao actually looked up this time, and then looked up at Qiu Tu in surprise.

Qiu Tu nodded slightly. "Yes."

"To elevate your cultivation to the peak of the 6th rank, and to advance to the 7th rank, there is only one path: to carve out and establish your own territory within the 'Boundless Sea of ​​the Heart.'"

"Only by refining all nine previously controlled areas into the soul can a Tier 6 being be free of weaknesses, and be able to receive massive amounts of cataclysmic power at any time to maintain peak condition."

Speaking of this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but recall the scene when Zhao Ji had just been promoted and directly took away all nine areas.

He was shocked at the time, but did not understand what it meant.

It now seems that Zhao Ji's accumulated resources are indeed incredibly exaggerated. After just advancing to the 6th rank and spending two days consolidating her realm, she directly broke through to the peak of the 6th rank.

This led to her remarkable feat of taking away nine regions after advancing to the next round.

It was during a casual conversation with Zhao Ji that Qiu Tu learned that Zhao Ji's original plan was to enter the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area" to advance to level 6, and then directly pry off 9 areas and integrate them into herself.

After that, having no more weaknesses, she will have no further connection with the "Northwest Region".

As a result, no one expected that just as she arrived at the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area" and gained the recognition of the "Origin of the World" and was preparing for her advancement, Qiu Tu thwarted her plans, which led to the series of events that followed.