Chapter 238: The Chosen One, What is Morality? (8k7) (Part 2)

Chapter 238: The Chosen One, What is Morality? (8k7) (Part 2)

In a century or two, by then, these seemingly "impossible" matters might become very simple.

【After returning to the Great Universe, you should pay attention to the fusion of your mind and the planet. Planets are one of the greatest existences in the universe, and like all sentient beings, they are children of the universe.】

A branch extended, sending Ji Jingqiu to the passage and bidding him farewell.

Finally, Ji Jingqiu formally bid farewell to the Nine Provinces, returning to the long-separated Great Universe.

He crossed the passage and stepped out of the portal, and the first thing that caught his eye was no longer the cramped temple room of the past, but a bright and spacious hall. The setting sun shone through the window in front of him.

The evening sun at dusk passed through the window and fell into his eyes, as if a fire was burning.

Boom!

In the void, there seemed to be a deafening sound.

Ji Jingqiu gazed at the setting sun at the horizon, and in this moment, his mind followed his gaze, traveling infinitely far.

In the inner world, Helan hugged the Fat Tiger, who was struggling desperately, almost suffocating, and rubbed its fluffy head.

She noticed Ji Jingqiu's movement and tilted her head, muttering:

【Could this kid be a genius? He even managed to attain enlightenment upon returning to the Great Universe.】

【It's a pity that the more powerful the world, the more feedback one gets when condensing the Sacred Embryo. This planet...】

"This is... Fetal Breath? Someone is actually condensing the Sacred Embryo, breaking through the Fetal Breath Realm. Will the Federation have another Quasi-Divine Human? Who is it? This direction..."

In front of a hotel's floor-to-ceiling window, a middle-aged man's eyes narrowed.

Similar warriors to him, at this moment in the eastern three-star region, numbered in the dozens, were distributed across various areas. They followed the rising Heart Flame Ten Thousand Lamp Technique, and their hearts began to stir.

"Ji Jingqiu hasn't returned yet, and the eastern three-star region has another Heart Certification Breath cultivator. It's getting more and more chaotic."

"Hey, this direction seems to be near the newly built Divine Temple of the Dragon Tiger Arena?"

"The eastern three-star region has another Quasi-Divine Human... We should notify the higher-ups immediately."

In the vast universe, aside from the extremely rare beings that can independently grow in the cosmic vacuum, most sentient beings rely on planets for their birth. Therefore, many civilizations believe that the planet mother gives them life, and the planet is the embryo of the universe's life.

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In many civilizations, the planet is regarded as the incarnation of "Earth" and the abode of "Virtue".

Ji Jingqiu once found such a sentence in the library of the Dragon Tiger Arena—

What is virtue?

The Way is the Heaven, the Way of Heaven, which leads all things to life.

Virtue is the Earth, the Earthly Virtue, which supports all things in their growth.

Heaven is the Way, Earth is Virtue, and the "True Man" stands between Heaven and Earth, touching the Way of Heaven and Earth, and grasping the Dharma Law.

In this moment, Ji Jingqiu seemed to stand between Heaven and Earth, his mind infinitely vast, roaming the heavens and earth.

He had a dream, an incredibly long dream.

In his dream, he became the sun and moon, overseeing the sentient beings of heaven and earth, observing the growth and reproduction of all things, witnessing every seed's sprouting; he also became the wind, free and unfettered, traveling through mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, listening to the voices of all things...

This dream was too long.

In the vast expanse, he almost completely lost himself.

Until a faint sigh reached his ears.

He awoke from his dream, gazing clearly at the drastically different world before him.

At this moment, the moon-like heart moon between Ji Jingqiu's eyebrows shone with golden brilliance, and his spiritual power glittered, resembling the descriptions of enlightenment in ancient books.

He could clearly sense that his divine embryo was gradually stabilizing, and it was connected to a will that existed in the East 3 Huang Star.

"As expected... By condensing the divine embryo on a planet in the Great Universe, one can receive nurturing from the planet and establish a subtle connection."

Ji Jingqiu whispered.

During the brief moment of unity with heaven and man, he also sensed the presence of numerous powerful auras on this planet. Many strong individuals keenly captured his spiritual fluctuations, and there was no shortage of hostility and scrutiny.

These people were at least at the Shackles or Heart Phase Realm!

Where did so many powerful individuals come from in the East 3 Huang Star? Among them, the most powerful "existence" was at least at the Heaven Person Stage, and their spiritual strength far surpassed his own. Moreover, they were the closest to him, not far away.

As expected, it should be the Heaven Person who was stationed here at the Dragon Tiger Arena.

Is it Grandmaster Qingyang?

Ji Jingqiu was curious and approached proactively, radiating goodwill.

"Which fellow cultivator is this?" A calm spiritual fluctuation transmitted, "Hmm... You are, Jingqiu?"

A voice filled with surprise and doubt reached him.

Ji Jingqiu smiled and said, "Senior Uncle White Deer! It's been a long time!"

In a hall not far from here.

An old man with a tall hat and a feathered robe opened his eyes, his expression filled with shock, as if witnessing something incredible.

Ji Jingqiu's heart rose, and he sensed the anomaly, but he didn't disturb him because interrupting such an important breakthrough could be considered an obstruction to the path.

However, he never expected that it would be Ji Jingqiu, who had left a year ago!

White Deer Daoist took a step forward and came from the main hall to this side hall.

At this very moment, Ji Jingqiu's spirit returned to his physical body.

Deep within his spirit, a divine embryo resembling an infant had stabilized and was constantly transforming.

At the same time, he felt a sense of "hunger," not originating from his physical body but from the divine embryo deep within his spirit.

But at this moment, Senior Uncle White Deer had already arrived in front of him.

"Jingqiu?!"

Ji Jingqiu's smile blossomed, and he proactively greeted Senior Uncle White Deer.

"It's really you." Senior Uncle White Deer's eyes were like lightning, carefully examining Ji Jingqiu's current state. His usually calm and composed face was filled with shock, and he even seemed a little dazed and lost.

He had already heard from Grandmaster Qingyang that Ji Jingqiu had achieved remarkable results in the Nine Provinces, not inferior to the Seven Talents of the past.

But he never imagined that in just one year, Ji Jingqiu had already stepped into the Embryo Breath Realm in the spiritual realm! This almost shattered his understanding of the martial path.

After a moment, Senior Uncle White Deer gradually calmed his mind.

During this time, Ji Jingqiu was also trying to communicate with heaven and earth using his spiritual power, scanning the surrounding area within a few kilometers.

By now, his spiritual power could completely penetrate his body, and through the medium of heaven and earth, he could observe all sentient beings.

After scanning the surroundings, Ji Jingqiu also felt a little dazed and couldn't hide his astonishment.

Although he had heard before leaving that Taian City would definitely undergo a major transformation... he never expected the progress to be so rapid!

This divine temple was originally located at the intersection of a street in the lower layer, but now, within a radius of several kilometers, there were continuous temples and palace buildings.

Among them, he also discovered a Four Directions Divine Lord Temple!

The Federation's actions could be described as swift. He wondered if Senior Mu had already taken up residence there.

"Jingqiu..." Senior Uncle White Deer pondered for a moment and said, "You've finally returned. Under the arrangement of Grandmaster Qingyang, I've been waiting for you for a long time. There are some matters we need to discuss thoroughly."

At this moment, Senior Uncle White Deer's attitude towards Ji Jingqiu subtly changed, indicating his recognition of the latter and even more so, his respect for the future Heaven Person Warrior.

Ji Jingqiu looked up at the night sky and invited, "Senior Uncle White Deer, how about we change the location? I've been outside for a long time, and I just got home, feeling a little hungry."

Senior Uncle White Deer nodded silently.

Ji Jingqiu originally wanted to take a look at the snack street.

However, Senior Uncle White Deer told him that within this year, Taian City had undergone significant changes, and the place where he used to live had become a key protected area.

The snack street he remembered had also been relocated intact to another place to prevent certain people with ulterior motives from finding it...

This last sentence made Ji Jingqiu's eyebrows twitch.

The two walked through the temples and halls, and Ji Jingqiu was amazed by the changes here.

"The main reason is that the place where you used to live has become a key protected area, and those who have had dealings with you have been dispersed and protected to prevent things we don't want to see from happening."

"Additionally, the lower layer has been completely renovated."

"The place you just came from is the core of this area. To the left is the Four Directions Divine Lord Temple, and to the right are the stations of several Federation departments. After all, the connection to the Nine Provinces needs to be closely monitored."

"Hmm, the news of your return has probably already spread..."

Senior Uncle White Deer shook his head slightly, his eyes deep and profound.

The two arrived at a dining hall, where Ji Jingqiu saw Ah Cheng, whom he had previously assigned to guard the divine temple.

"Big Brother Ji!" Ah Cheng's eyes lit up, and he quickly approached Ji Jingqiu, having grown a little taller in the past year.

Ji Jingqiu smiled and ruffled the boy's hair, telling him to go about his business.

Ah Cheng was very understanding and knew that Ji Jingqiu had matters to discuss with Senior Uncle White Deer, so even though he had a lot to say, he obediently left at this moment.

Ji Jingqiu and Senior Uncle White Deer sat down and ordered some food from the kitchen.

After sitting down, Ji Jingqiu took the initiative to inquire, "Senior Uncle, how have things been recently? When I was roaming the heavens and earth, I sensed that many powerful individuals had appeared in the East 3 Huang Star."

"Recently?"

Senior Uncle White Deer mentioned the current situation in the Federation, and even his usually calm and composed expression couldn't help but be tinged with a hint of worry. He sighed lightly,

"The storm is approaching, and demons and monsters are all stirring.

Ji Jingqiu asked solemnly, "What significant changes have occurred during your absence of one year, and where is Qingyang Ancestor now?"

"Not long ago, the Mu Clan's Grandmaster led a recruitment effort, summoning Masters and Warriors within the Federation, including Qingyang Ancestor, a Heaven Person pinnacle."

"Half a month ago, Qingyang Ancestor departed, responding to the summons."

Ji Jingqiu's curiosity got the better of him: "What's the reason behind this?"

White Deer Daoist shook his head, "No one's certain, only that a great opportunity has arisen, necessitating their departure from the Federation."

"Departure from the Federation?" Ji Jingqiu's gaze intensified, "All Masters? Doesn't that leave only Heaven Person Warriors in the Federation?"

White Deer Daoist's voice turned solemn,

"Indeed! The Federation's stability over the years is due to the presence of overwhelmingly powerful figures at the top."

"Now, with news of several Grandmasters leading all Masters to leave, various factions are eagerly probing."

"By the way, you've had dealings with the Unsurpassed True Buddha Sect. A few days ago, news emerged that they've designated you as the Sect's 'Buddha's Child' of this generation, inviting you to return."

Ji Jingqiu's expression turned skeptical, sensing trouble.

The last person to call him 'Buddha's Child' was Li Bu Yi.

As expected—

White Deer Daoist's tone turned grave:

"Don't think this is a good thing. The Unsurpassed True Buddha Sect's ranking on the Federation's wanted list is only slightly lower than the Four Devils' Church, and their reputation is abysmal!"

"Federation officials have already attempted to summon you for questioning, but we've managed to suppress these efforts."

"Apparently, the one who ordered your return as the Buddha's Child is the Sect's Law King, Zuo Qianqiu."

"This individual was once a renowned legendary figure, a civilian martial arts prodigy courted by the Mu Clan, only to betray them and join the Unsurpassed True Buddha Sect, rising to the position of Law King and recruiting a group of wanted fugitives."

"The Unsurpassed True Buddha Sect's ill repute over the centuries can be attributed to this person, at least seventy percent!"

Ji Jingqiu recalled Bone Arhat's earlier warning, advising him to avoid the Unsurpassed Buddha Country for the time being, lest he be discovered by certain individuals.

He inquired, "What's this Law King's strength?"

White Deer Daoist replied cautiously,

"The Heaven Person's path, from bottom to top, is divided into three heavens. This individual entered the third heaven two hundred years ago and was said to be one step away from becoming a Master a hundred years ago. Currently, his strength is unknown, and with the Unsurpassed True Buddha's backing, even Masters might not be able to defeat him."

Ji Jingqiu pondered, "As a Heaven Person pinnacle, why wasn't he on the recruitment list?"

"Apparently, he was on the list but refused, hiding within the Unsurpassed True Buddha's country. Unless a true confrontation occurs, the several Grandmasters can't touch him for the time being."

Ji Jingqiu furrowed his brow; the Unsurpassed True Buddha's country was indeed a thorny issue. Being targeted by such a troublesome figure, especially with Qingyang Ancestor absent, was a concern.

The Federation, now left with only Heaven Person Warriors...

This was, in fact, a good thing for him.

No need to wait long; he wouldn't have to take a detour to go anywhere.

Before that, however, he needed some time.

At least, until he reached the late stage of the Shackles Realm.

Suddenly, a hunger sensation from the depths of his soul resurfaced.

Ji Jingqiu sighed, a side effect of the Sacred Embryo. During his time in Xuan Kong Temple, he had discovered more than just the three heavenly medicines; other items were stored away, awaiting his use in the Shackles Realm.

He retrieved a medicinal herb beneficial for nourishing his soul, mindlessly consuming it to temporarily satiate the hunger.

White Deer Daoist's gaze fixed on the medicinal herb in Ji Jingqiu's hand.

A portable secret realm...

Treating a precious herb as a snack...

What had Ji Jingqiu experienced in just one year?!

This night, Ji Jingqiu and White Deer Daoist conversed at length before parting ways.

News of Ji Jingqiu's return quickly spread, radiating across half the Federation, stirring up undercurrents.

Various forces monitoring the East 3 Huang Star's movements were outraged upon receiving the latest intel.

"Fetal Breath...?!"

"Are the East 3 Huang Star's intelligence personnel brainless?! Seasoned in just over a year? Even with rapid progress, Ji Jingqiu should only be at the Divine Roaming pinnacle, not breaking through to Heart Fetal Breath!"

"Unexpectedly, among the young individuals who went to the Nine Provinces, Ji Jingqiu was the first to return. This youth indeed didn't follow the Federation's path, instead taking another route... the He Shuai Dao Cang?"

"Send someone to meet with Ji Jingqiu, gauge his attitude, and attempt to extract information about the He Shuai Dao Cang."

"Ji Jingqiu's back? Quickly, find out about the achievements of our family's Qilin child on the Nine Provinces' ancient road!"

"I'm more curious about Ji Jingqiu's gains in the Nine Provinces. Recently, an external force contacted us, hoping to obtain Ji Jingqiu, and after I directly refused, they requested... a special soil in his possession?"

In one night, countless forces sprang into action.

Meanwhile, Ji Jingqiu, having just parted with White Deer Shifu, strolled through the lower layers of Tai'an City, "Rebirth and Renewal."

He browsed through his communication log, blowing gently into the night wind.

From White Deer Shifu, he learned that among the numerous warriors the Federation sent to the ancient road, he was the first to return, while the others remained in the Nine Provinces, assisting the Federation's development efforts.

(Slightly delayed, apologies)



(End of Chapter)

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