Chapter 348: The Third Blade of Suffering

Chapter 348: The Third Blade of Suffering

"So this kid managed to outsmart me again," Qinglian Daoren muttered to himself.

"Now, may I ask how I should address you, fellow cultivator?" Taiyin Zhensheng cautiously inquired.

Taiyin Shengong's true cultivator was once a high-ranking survivor from the Mingxu lineage, the only one left after the Mingxu lineage fell into obscurity.

Very few ancient true sages could rival his age.

He had a vague idea of the identity of the "Person Beyond Realms" before him.

This person had merely arrived at the entrance of his Taiyin Shengong's dojo, and he had already felt an extremely peculiar aura while in seclusion.

It was a feeling of being rejected by the world, completely incompatible with everything around him.

To people like them, this rejection was glaringly obvious, as if they had been marked and surrounded by the will of heaven.

It was like being a... prisoner?

"Just call me Qinglian," Qinglian Daoren smiled faintly, "I once had the honor of witnessing the miracles of the Taiyin Ancient Deities."

Although he was one of the three trailblazers after the Five Pillars, he was far from being as ancient as these primordial true sages.

When the Taiyin Ancient Deities looked down upon the world, he had not yet embarked on the path of cultivation.

It was merely a matter of later surpassing them.

Taiyin Zhensheng sighed lightly, "Today, fellow cultivator Qinglian, your visit has finally confirmed that certain matters are not a result of my memory's confusion."

"Without transcending, one is forever trapped in the passage of time, dreaming in the mortal realm," Qinglian's gaze was serene, "Freedom is merely a matter of being 'awake'."

Taiyin Zhensheng sighed deeply.

Even true sages were shackled by the flow of time, rising and falling with the ebb and flow of the waves, unable to break free.

Unlike ordinary people, they were more attuned to the subtle changes in the river of time, but they were powerless to change it, as if they had vaguely dreamed a dream.

"I've come here on behalf of the Yanhuang Federation to act as a mediator," Qinglian Daoren said calmly, "As long as the Four Devils remain, no one in this realm can achieve transcendence."

Taiyin Zhensheng's expression turned solemn, "Is this true?"

They had anticipated this, but had never been able to confirm it.

"It's true!" Qinglian Daoren asserted, his voice low, "To completely eradicate the Four Devils, we must rely on the Yanhuang Federation. The Dream Devil is just the beginning."

Taiyin Zhensheng frowned slightly, "I can understand the need to eliminate the Four Devils, but why must this matter be entrusted to the Yanhuang Federation?"

"It's fate," Qinglian Daoren replied calmly, "Since the beginning of the Five Pillars, has anyone in this realm managed to subdue any of the Four Devils? No, it was only with the emergence of the Yanhuang Federation that this became possible. This is fate."

Taiyin Zhensheng remained silent for a moment, then sighed, "Fellow cultivator, your words will not convince others."

How could a true sage of such pride place all their hopes on a single power?

"It's just the way things are," Qinglian Daoren said indifferently.

Taiyin Zhensheng raised an eyebrow.

What was this trend?

The Yanhuang Federation?

Or the act of subduing the Four Devils?

"I won't hide it from you, fellow cultivator. Before you arrived, we had a 'guest' visit," Taiyin Zhensheng hinted, "Your journey here may not be as smooth as you think."

Qinglian Daoren's eyes flickered, "Who was it?"

"The Tianji Realm," Taiyin Zhensheng replied, "But you should know that the Tianji Realm is merely a puppet pushed to the forefront."

Qinglian Daoren scoffed, "Such a way of doing things truly makes me 'nostalgic'."

Taiyin Zhensheng smiled but remained silent.

If they continued discussing the Three Thousand Yanfu Ti, it would be disrespectful, especially since the person before him was also from the Three Thousand Yanfu Ti.

...

...

"Senior Qinglian, can we stay a little longer?" Ji Jingqiu asked with a hint of regret.

He had just been discussing the path with the "senior brothers and sisters," gauging the gap between himself and the Tian Wang, but before they could finish their conversation, Senior Qinglian had left with a dark face, forcefully dragging Ji Jingqiu away.

Qinglian Daoren hummed dismissively, ignoring the young man who had dug a hole for himself.

After adjusting his emotions, Qinglian Daoren spoke slowly, "Thanks to you, it's settled. Now that it's settled, we should head to the next place as soon as possible. Do you think we have all the time in the world?"

"It's settled?" Ji Jingqiu was surprised, then nodded, "It seems I still have some face."

Qinglian Daoren didn't respond to him. Taiyin Shengong belonged to the Mingxu lineage, and they only needed to mention Mu Shitian's name to secure the deal. Wasn't Ji Jingqiu Mu Shitian's disciple?

"Senior Qinglian, what are your thoughts on the upcoming battle?" Ji Jingqiu suddenly asked.

"There's not much suspense in this battle," Qinglian Daoren's gaze sharpened, "With the two at the pinnacle of their cultivation for ten thousand years, it's not surprising if they win. The question is how they will win. Your family's ambitions are such that simply driving back the Four Devils is the worst-case scenario in their plans."

Ji Jingqiu pondered for a moment, then turned back to deliver the good news, "You might get a new neighbor!"

Hela: "..."

"But to keep the Four Devils at bay, even with the True Saints of all realms watching, how difficult will it be?"

"And after winning, how will the Yanhuang Federation position itself? If those few are gone, will the forces of the Three Thousand Yanfu Ti allow the Yanhuang Federation to exist?"

Qing Lian seemed to be answering him, yet also speaking to himself.

"If the disaster of the Four Demons can truly be eradicated, then it will be the day when all families compete for transcendence. The first one the saints will eliminate will be the Yanhuang Federation, and then they'll divide the Four Demons' legacy."

JiJingQiu fell silent for a moment before speaking, "It seems that Senior Qing Lian owes a great favor to Ke Shuai."

Qing Lian smiled wryly, "That's one way to put it. Otherwise, why would you be so busy running around for your Federation?"

"Let's go. There are three true saint dojos in the Nine States, and we should visit them all."

JiJingQiu was surprised, "You want to go to the Ten Thousand Phenomena Godly Nation as well?"

Qing Lian pondered, "Actually, it doesn't make much difference whether we go to the Ten Thousand Phenomena Godly Nation or not. The God Master of Ten Thousand Phenomena doesn't have much choice in the matter."

"But if the Tai Yin and Sun Deity Dynasties are going, it wouldn't be appropriate for the Ten Thousand Phenomena Godly Nation to not go. Face is something that's given and received."

JiJingQiu understood.

Not long after, the two of them visited the Sun Deity Dynasty.

"Tai Yin and Sun Deity are not allies," Qing Lian said, "Tai Yin belongs to the Mingxu lineage, while the Sun Deity Dynasty traces its origins to the most ancient Sun Deity. After returning to the Macrocosm, half of the Star Spirits will be under his command."

"Opposite the Sun Deity Dynasty is the Yue Huan of the Nine States, corresponding to the Yue Gong race. Unfortunately..."

Qing Lian shook his head, "That most ancient Moon Deity has long since perished, and no one knows where his Dao fruit has gone. Among the later generations, no one has stepped into the True Saint realm."

Yue Huan, this was a force that JiJingQiu had encountered on the ancient road, where a semi-forbidden figure had died first.

The woman leading them was named Yue Huansha, who took the initiative to establish a force known as Yue Gong.

I didn't expect that those guys are all from the Yue Gong race...

"Oh, right."

As they approached the Sun Deity Dynasty, Qing Lian suddenly smiled enigmatically,

"The strongest figure in Yue Gong later on was a Dao Ancestor, a man, and his weapon was an axe that could split the heavens."

At this moment, inside the Sun Deity Dynasty, a majestic and awe-inspiring man with divine martial prowess took large strides forward, just like before, and received Qing Lian.

Leaving only JiJingQiu behind.

"A man, an axe that can split the heavens..." JiJingQiu fell silent.

There were similar mythical figures like Chang'e in the Federation as well.

So, is Wu Gang also from the Yue Gong race?

By the time he came back to his senses, a Tian Wang from the Sun Deity Dynasty personally welcomed him in.

Along the way, many people gathered to watch, as if they had foreseen their arrival, their eyes filled with scrutiny.

Speaking of which, he didn't seem to have much of a connection with the Sun Deity Dynasty.

"Do you want to challenge him? Wait until you reach the threshold of Tian Wang before talking."

The welcoming Tian Wang scolded those below who were restless and wanted to provoke JiJingQiu.

"Please." The Tian Wang were very polite, "We are very interested in the Yanhuang Federation and hope to ask Ji Xiaoyou about some matters."

After a moment, JiJingQiu realized that what they were inquiring about was Chu Yinghuo.

The fact that He Shuai remembered him from years ago meant he was no ordinary person.

After mastering the Hundred Mai, JiJingQiu had come across certain rumors that Chu Yinghuo possessed a hidden heritage and was not a true citizen of the Federation.

"He was a senior from three thousand years ago, and I didn't have much interaction with him," JiJingQiu said helplessly.

The Sun Deity Dynasty was inquiring about him; was Chu Yinghuo an important disciple of the Sun Deity Dynasty?

One of the Tian Wang spoke up, "I've heard that the Federation has a lineage called 'Chun Yang'? Have you ever seen it?"

"Of course," JiJingQiu recalled. The master of the Chun Yang lineage was Chu Yinghuo's disciple.

The Tian Wang of the Sun Deity Dynasty exchanged glances, and one of them politely said, "The Sun Deity Dynasty wishes to send an envoy to the Yanhuang Federation to promote mutual exchange. Can you help us with the introduction?"

JiJingQiu thought for a moment and said, "How about an exchange between the younger generation? There's a young martial artist from the Chun Yang lineage who has inherited the true essence of the Chun Yang Dao. He can serve as an exchange student to promote mutual martial arts exchange."

"Exchange student?"

The Tian Wang pondered over this term, and after communicating with the elders behind them, they quickly received a response and agreed, "The Sun Deity Dynasty is willing to engage in martial arts exchange with the Yanhuang Federation."

JiJingQiu smiled and nodded, thinking that the Chun Yang lineage's Yin Tianping had stepped into the Great Heavenly Rank and was defending the border.

It seemed that this time, San Dao would have to endure some hardship.

JiJingQiu suddenly realized that some of the Federation's ancestors had studied a hundred schools of thought, and there had been instances of "Zhuang Shenong" in the past. Did these martial lineages imply a hidden network of connections?

...

"Do you also have a connection with the Sun Deity Dynasty?" Qing Lian couldn't help but ask.

JiJingQiu shook his head. Although he was friends with many people, it wasn't to the extent of having friends everywhere.

Qinglian Daoren was skeptical. Although the Solar True Sage was not as polite as the Taiyin Sage, given his character, he had already been quite accommodating.

He thought that the Yanhuang Federation and the Sun Deity Dynasty had no connection, and he assumed that Ji Jingqiu had given him another "surprise."

"Did the Sun Deity Dynasty succeed as well?" Ji Jingqiu asked.

Qinglian Daoren shook his head. "Willing to take a neutral stance and not help each other is enough."

"After another trip to Wanxiang, it's time to officially head to the Three Thousand Yanfu Ti." Qinglian Daoren spoke in a low voice, "At that time, you might need to step up."

"Me?"

"Why else would I bring you along?" Qinglian Daoren glanced at him, "The establishment of a power depends on three things: the past, the present, and the future."

"You are the future of the Yanhuang Federation."

...

Wanxiang Shen Guo.

"If His Holiness is willing to persuade Wanxiang Shen Zhu on our behalf, the Tianji Realm can make a promise on your behalf. The elders will help Wanxiang Shen Zhu get rid of the Heavenly Demon's entanglement."

The guest from the Three Thousand Yanfu Ti had come to see Wan Chengcang, and he spoke with great enthusiasm.

"At the same time, we are also willing to help His Holiness control Wanxiang Shen Guo. Now that Wanxiang Shen Zhu has entered a deep sleep, he doesn't need to appear unless necessary. Many of the lower forces are wavering, and if His Holiness wants to take them down, just the title of Pope is not enough."

"Also, if I'm not mistaken, His Holiness seems to be about to break through to Tianzun."

Wan Chengcang, the leader, showed no change in expression.

"Tianji Realm, have you calculated this as well?"

The messenger from the Tianji Realm smiled and said, "When it comes to the Tianji Art, our Tianji Realm is unparalleled in all realms."

"Oh?" Wan Chengcang's smile was slightly sarcastic, "But I think your calculations are not comprehensive enough."

"What does His Holiness mean?" The Tianji Realm messenger asked cautiously.

Wan Chengcang spoke slowly, "You didn't calculate where I came from, did you?"

The messenger from the Tianji Realm was taken aback. Wasn't this person once the prince of Wanxiang Shen Guo?

He looked up and saw that the messenger had stood up at some point, his hands behind his back, looking down at him with a condescending gaze. He spoke with a calmness that shook Wan Chengcang's heart.

"I am from the Yanhuang Federation, guided by Ji Shuai, and I made my move in Wanxiang a thousand years ago. Your Tianji Realm's mastery of the Tianji Art is not even worthy of polishing Ji Shuai's shoes."

The messenger from the Tianji Realm's pupils contracted, and he exclaimed, "You're from the Yanhuang Federation?!"

...

A high bishop hurried into the temple and saw the new Pope, Wan Chengcang, with his back turned.

He sighed and advised, "After all, he's a messenger from the Tianji Realm. It's just sending off a guest. Why kill him?"

Wan Chengcang spoke in a neutral tone, "After lying low for a thousand years, there's some dissatisfaction in my heart. I need to vent a little, and the God Master won't hold it against me."

The high bishop couldn't help but smile wryly, "The Yanhuang Federation has sent someone. Do you want to meet them?"

Wan Chengcang slightly raised his head but still didn't turn around. After a brief silence, he said, "Send off the guest."

"Tell them not to waste their time here."

"With the end of this great tribulation, consider it as the God Master repaying a favor for me. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Yanhuang Federation."

The high bishop looked deeply at Wan Chengcang, his heart filled with doubts.

Hearing these words, it seemed like Wan Chengcang had fallen out with the Federation.

Over the past thousand years, what had happened between the God Master, Wan Chengcang, and the Yanhuang Federation?

...

After the high bishop left, Wan Chengcang continued to stare at the statue before him, devoid of a believer's humility.

Until a dignified and cold figure appeared before him, carrying a heavy weariness and the hues of dusk.

Wanxiang Shen Zhu.

He looked at Wan Chengcang and then towards the vast emptiness, speaking calmly, "You should meet him."

"There's no need."

Even when facing the God Master, Wan Chengcang's tone and expression remained unyielding, as hard as iron.

Wanxiang Shen Zhu spoke softly, "To some extent, you and that young man named Ji Jingqiu still have something in common. Not everyone has the qualifications to be calculated by Ji Tianxing. Even I must admit that if this person attains the Dao, he will be more troublesome than the Four Devils."

"Then there's even less need to meet." Wan Chengcang turned to Wanxiang Shen Zhu and spoke in a low voice, "Is the promise still valid?"

Wanxiang Shen Zhu remained silent for a moment before replying, "That's a question you should ask."

Wan Chengcang suddenly said, "If I can't hold on, should I be replaced by that kid?"

Ji Jingqiu and he shared the same Wuxiang Dao Body, and Ji Jingqiu had progressed further on this path.

Wanxiang Shen Zhu shook his head, "He is the heir of Mu Shitian and He Donghuang. Ji Tianxing is best at making the most of everything and never 'wasting' anything."

"What a waste," Wan Chengcang nodded, "After this battle, you repay my karma, and I'll bear the burden of your past Dao deeds."

Wanxiang Shen Zhu sighed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end