Anyway, bragging doesn't incur any taxes; as long as the Celestial Dao can't surpass oneself, one should elevate the status of the Lord of the Underworld as high as possible in this earthly version.
Lu Yan had already planned that once the entire earthly version concluded, he would find a way to orchestrate a perfect exit for the Underworld.
Even if the bigwigs from other versions wanted to verify the truth afterward, as long as they couldn't find any traces of the Underworld, they wouldn't be able to expose anything.
By the time the next lower-level version comes around, he could add another layer to the persona and continue to uphold the dignity of the Underworld. Even if a Divinity Transformation Daoist Monarch came, they wouldn't be able to find any flaws.
While Lu Yan was secretly pondering in his heart, representatives from various factions also conducted a brief consultation, exchanging opinions with each other.
Having said this much, despite any reluctance in their hearts, they could only bite the bullet and agree.
Going to the Beimang Tomb to face potential death was better than dying immediately.
Moreover, the information Lu Yan revealed about the Lord of the Underworld slightly reassured them.
In their view, even if the plan failed, at least with the Lord of the Underworld backing Lu Yan, it shouldn't result in the worst outcome.
After a round of discussion, the one who spoke was not the highest-ranking Federation representative present, but rather Qu Shu, the deputy minister of the personnel department of the Archaeological Association, who spoke up voluntarily.
"Resolving the matter of the Beimang Forbidden Land is certainly our responsibility.
But the only concern is that we are all ordinary people, and the weapons we can wield are merely mundane tools.
The Beimang Tomb is perilous, and we are unsure how we can assist the esteemed god."
Lu Yan's voice was indifferent:
"Rest assured, I will cast spells to personally hold back the ghosts of Beimang; they won't harm you in the slightest.
Also, before breaking into the tomb, Ghost Generals and Yin Soldiers will ensure your safety; the real key lies within the tomb itself."
"The tomb serves as the anchoring point for the Beimang Forbidden Land. With its space imbalance and disordered yin-yang, neither Yin Soldiers nor battlefield spirits can enter.
On the contrary, you ordinary people from the living world won't be affected; otherwise, I wouldn't have you destroy the Beimang Tomb.
The only thing you need to be cautious of are the traps laid by the ghosts of Beimang inside the tomb."
After hearing Lu Yan's explanation, everyone visibly exhaled in relief.
Their greatest fear was confronting those terrifying ancient battlefield spirits or facing the ghost of Beimang.
Receiving such guarantees now, they felt much more reassured.
Although there were still risks involved, how could they connect with this Underworld ghost and obtain the Beimang Spiritual Vein he mentioned without bearing some risks?
Qu Shu immediately pledged loyalty:
"We will give our utmost effort!"
The massive face formed by the black mist displayed a satisfied expression and then gathered to form a large hand, reaching into the Beimang Forbidden Land. The source of thɪs content is 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚·𝔫𝔢𝔱
Moments later, over ten Spirit Plants of various types and three Spirit Ores were extracted by the black mist hand and deposited in the square of the scenic area.
Spiritual Light shimmered, and the nearly visible Spiritual Qi bedazzled the representatives of the various factions.
"This is an advance on your rewards, giving you half a month to prepare.
In half a month, attack the Beimang Tomb."
As the words fell, the vast black mist dissipated in an instant.
Whether it was the grand face that obscured the sky or the oppressive black mist hand, they all vanished silently.
Li Hao, who had been kneeling to the ground, rose to his feet, regaining his former pride.
He looked at the representatives of the various factions present and asked coldly:
"So, does anyone still want me to confess?"
After all this commotion, the factions understood that Li Hao was, to some extent, chosen as the spokesperson by the Underworld ghost.
Although not of high status, just a subordinate dog, before a Prime Minister there are still minor officials, let alone an Underworld ghost?
It's not just about being a dog; even if he were a real dog, they could only hold their noses and offer him respect.
In such a situation, who would dare to easily target Li Hao?
Qu Shu from the Archaeological Association wore a benevolent smile and mediated:
"Chairman Li, you're jesting; it was merely a misunderstanding earlier."
The Archaeological Association, among the factions present, wasn't strong; it had neither financial nor political power, merely a semi-official loose organization.
However, since this matter involved historically mythical legends, the Archaeological Association had a significant say in this area, and Qu Shu, as the Minister of the Personnel Department, saw his influence soar.
Even Shi Zhiyuan, the Federation representative, managed a smile:
"Since Chairman Li developing the Beimang Forbidden Land was with the esteemed god's permission, it naturally isn't a violation."
At this point, Shi Zhiyuan paused, glancing at Xu Shaolin standing next to him, who looked pale.
"In managing Luocheng, Chairman Li has consistently performed exceptionally.
The council has several members resting on their laurels; on behalf of the Federation, I decide to reduce the seats in the Luocheng City Council, and this matter can be discussed with Chairman Li further."
Upon hearing this, everyone knew that the Federation's position meant that the entire Luocheng would fall under Li Hao's control.
This would no longer be the balanced situation with eleven factions, but genuine dominance by one entity.
Once Luocheng could be fully integrated, leveraging the advantages of the Spiritual Energy Revival in Beimang Mountain, development was only a matter of time.
The representative from the Qingwu Group also spoke up:
"In half a month, we need to gather strength to destroy the Beimang Tomb, and cooperation among us is essential.
With such substantial gains in Spiritual Objects, let's seize this opportunity to establish a Joint Research Institute and quickly decipher the secrets of Spiritual Qi, laying the groundwork for the operation in half a month."
The representative from the Celestial Fortune Group stated boldly, "Although the trip to the Beimang Tomb involves risks, as the first place in the world for Spiritual Energy Revival, it undoubtedly contains immense value.
Exploring the tomb not only fulfills the task of the esteemed god but also conceals opportunities, necessitating prompt preparation!"
Listening to the gentle words from the representatives of various factions, Li Hao couldn't help but feel a bit euphoric.
Despite having high prestige and influence locally in Luocheng, the city was just a third-tier small city, with only its historical heritage worth noting.
In face of major forces impacting the entire Federation like the Celestial Fortune Group and Qingwu Group, he, Li Hao, was merely a rural landlord who couldn't really make the scene.
Yet, at this moment, he received unprecedented treatment, with all the various forces, including the Federation Government, proactively seeking to curry favor with him, even conceding the interests of the Joint Research Institute.
It all came down to the fact that all this stemmed from him proactively allying with the Underworld ghost.
In a daze, Li Hao revealed a slight smile, murmuring inwardly:
"Being a dog isn't all that bad!"