Chapter 376: An Unexpected Harvest

Chapter 376: An Unexpected Harvest

The message sent by Shen Guangjie traveled all the way north to the imperial capital of Luoyang.

In one of the Great Tang Shence Army's bases in Luoyang, a general by the name of Shangguan Xiu received the message.

Ever since Shangguan Peng's untimely death in South Wilderness thirty years ago, Shangguan Xiu had been meticulously groomed by the Shangguan clan as the new rising military leader.

Inside the army tent, General Shangguan Xiu quietly read Shen Guangjie's transmission. After finishing, he destroyed the message and instructed his personal guards to pay a visit to his relative, Shangguan Zhengqing's residence.

Later that day, after the Crown Prince Zhang Hui finished his duties at the Hall of Politics and returned to the Eastern Palace, Shangguan Zhengqing paid a visit to the palace.

"Thunder Master bravely ventured down the mountain despite his injuries, a true pillar of the country," said the Crown Prince with a smile.

At this time, Fang Yu, the son of Fang Du, the Sixth Lord of the Jingxiang Fang Clan and a newly appointed official of the Eastern Palace, spoke softly, "With the National Master already in the Earthly Sea, isn't the Thunder Master's decision to go there a bit... hasty?"

As a newly inducted official, he was currently conveying the opinions of the clan leader, Fang Jingsheng.

"My grandfather sent a message, stating that the situation in the Earthly Sea is complex and not to be taken lightly," added Suzhou's Chu Pu. "The preparations we've made are only suitable for this side of the South Wilderness."

Qingzhou's Ye Song looked at Crown Prince Zhang Hui and asked, "Your Highness, what are your thoughts...?"

However, Zhang Hui changed the subject, "How has the Northern Border been recently?"

Shangguan Zhengqing replied, "Black Mountain King has temporarily retreated, and the other demon clans do not pose a significant threat. With His Royal Highness, Prince Zhao, overseeing the Northern Border, all should be well... However, the Black Mountain King wreaked havoc in the Northern Border's forests, causing considerable losses and unrest among the indigenous tribes."

Chu Pu, Ye Song, and Fang Yu, who were present, maintained their composure.

The indigenous tribes, who had previously surrendered from within the Kingdom of Lonely Eagle, were tasked with assisting in the management of the Northern Border's forests and pastures, as well as taming the exotic beasts within.

While the situation had been manageable initially, an increasing number of disputes and conflicts had arisen between the indigenous tribes and the Han people of the Great Tang Dynasty following the recent demon chaos, gradually leading to a state of turmoil.

Adding to the woes, Shen Quibing, who could have effectively quelled the turmoil, was currently in the South Wilderness, venturing deep into the Earthly Sea.

"Transmit the relevant reports to Prince Zhao," instructed Zhang Hui. "With His Royal Highness overseeing the Northern Border, all should be well."

Shangguan Zhengqing, Ye Song, and the others smiled and replied, "We will obey Your Highness's commands."

After a while, Chu Pu spoke up, "Your Highness, there was some news earlier about the White Lotus Demon Monks. They seemed to be plotting something, but things suddenly quieted down afterward."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hui fell into deep thought, "It sounds... somewhat similar to the Huai Mountain Rebellion, doesn't it?"

Ye Song from Cangzhou added, "Regarding this matter, we might be able to gather more information from that side."

Zhang Hui said, "Please look into it when you have the time, Brother-in-law."

"Yes, Your Highness," Ye Song replied.

"Let's focus on the matters at hand for now," said Zhang Hui.

No further words were needed, as everyone understood their respective duties.

Zhang Hui, along with Ye Song, Chu Pu, and Fang Yu, who represented Qingzhou, Suzhou, and Jingxiang, respectively, entered the back hall to personally refine the ritual artifacts.

Shangguan Zhengqing remained outside, joining the other Eastern Palace officials in handling external matters.

............................................

In an inconspicuous ancient temple nestled deep within the mountains, a group of monks sat in a circle, silently chanting sutras to a dilapidated Buddha statue.

The ancient temple, left unattended for years, had fallen into disrepair, and the Buddha statue was equally worn down.

However, the monks sat with serene expressions, their eyes focused.

Yet, as they sat in a circle, they seemed to be both guarding and surrounding a young monk in their midst, creating an air of tension.

The young monk, with a dignified bearing, chanted peacefully, appearing no different from the others at first glance.

But upon closer inspection, their auras clashed, creating a sense of dissonance.

Until, another young monk arrived at the ancient temple.

The tense atmosphere instantly dissipated.

The group stopped chanting and stood up, joining their palms together in a respectful greeting to the newcomer.

The new young monk returned the greeting, and then opened his palms.

In his palm lay a small, delicate white lotus.

The white lotus floated and landed within the ancient temple, growing larger until it reached a diameter of ten feet.

The closed lotus petals then opened, revealing an elderly monk dressed in white.

Upon seeing him, the young monk who was previously guarded in the center spoke up, "Master Jing Si."

The elderly monk returned the greeting, "Disciple Hui Zhen."

The young monk, Hui Zhen, was a talented cultivator whom the White Lotus Clan had diligently groomed in recent years.

While he remained relatively unknown outside the clan, he was acknowledged within the White Lotus Clan as the new rising genius, second only to the Future Maitreya.

Both Masters Jing Shan and Jing Si held high expectations for him.

Unfortunately, at that moment, Masters Jing Si and Hui Zhen were captured, and the captor was none other than the Future Maitreya.

Hui Zhen asked, "What of Master Jing Shan...?"

Master Jing Si joined his palms together, "Disciple Jing Shan has passed away."

The Future Maitreya joined his palms together, "I am sorry, Master. My current cultivation is insufficient to capture Master Jing Shan alive."

Hui Zhen sighed, "If only you could achieve the Dharma Body realm, you would have succeeded."

The Future Maitreya remained silent.

Master Jing Si calmly said, "If it were only Jing Shan, you might have been able to capture him alive. But with me here, the outcome could only be one captured, one dead.

Since the incident at Tian Gu Peak, our fates have been sealed. Your actions today, sparing a portion of our lineage, are a result of your compassion.

However, from the perspective of our clan, your actions constitute a grave sin. You will cause our clan to miss the best opportunity it has had since the establishment of the Tang Dynasty."

The Future Maitreya said, "No, Master. The Tang Dynasty's fate still persists.

"No one intervenes, their fate remains, but if countless people take action, their fate will surely be severed," he added. "Your actions today, Master, while sparing us, may further shake the dynasty's foundation and cause suffering to countless beings. This is not the way of the Buddhist path."

Master Jing Si spoke quietly, "Excuses. Your actions today are not without reason, but do you think no one else knows of your deeds?"

The Future Maitreya asked, "What do you mean, Master Jing Si?

"Abbot Jing Si:" The future Maitreya remained calm in the face of his master's accusation.

"You have colluded with certain individuals outside of our sect.

As monks, we do not lie. I admit that I am unaware of your secret dealings. But I am certain that they are happening.

Given your recent words and actions, I find it hard not to speculate about your relationship with the Tang imperial family."

Upon hearing this, Hui Zhen's expression changed, and he looked surprised.

"Master, you misunderstand your disciple," the future Maitreya replied calmly.

Abbot Jing Si held his gaze, and after a long pause, he spoke again, "Things have come to this point, and I am powerless to change them. How do you intend to proceed? We shall wait and see what the future holds."

The future Maitreya nodded, "Please rest here, Master Jing Si and Brother Hui Zhen."

Abbot Jing Si's demeanor was peaceful as he sat down again with Hui Zhen, surrounded by the other monks who began chanting sutras in silence.

The future Maitreya strolled out of the ancient temple, gazing into the distance with a worried expression.

...........................................

Deep within the Earthly Sea, Lei Jun presided over the ritual while also gazing into the distant, murky landscape.

The current environment prevented him from using the Great Heaven-Circulating Mirror effectively, making it challenging for him to observe their surroundings.

Fortunately, after entering the Earthly Sea, the Heaven-Viewing and Sound-Hearing Talismans, and the Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission Talisman became more useful.

Due to the ritual's influence, the obscuring black fog had lessened significantly, first improving communication and perception among the human cultivators, including Lei Jun and his group.

Through Tian Cheng and the others, Lei Jun also gained a better understanding of the various developments within the Earthly Sea.

His junior sister, Tang Xiaotang, was currently occupied as she had taken on the strongest opponent among the Nine Li tribes in the Earthly Sea—the chief of the Wen Li tribe, Li Zhongding.

With the injury inflicted on the chief of the Tu Li tribe, Li Yuanheng, by their battle, Tang Xiaotang was now facing the strongest Nine Li witch in terms of cultivation and combat prowess.

In the past, when vying for dominance over the Earthly Sea, Li Zhongding had been defeated and severely wounded by Li Yuanheng. Now, the tables had turned, and Li Zhongding was taking advantage of Li Yuanheng's preoccupation with the battle against Luo Yuan.

The situation between the two sides had reversed.

Tang Xiaotang had not interacted with Li Zhongding before. At least, her primary target was not him but the chief of the Po Li tribe, Li Yan.

However, the Po Li tribe had currently joined forces with the Wen Li, Ju Li, Lu Li, and Gu Li tribes.

To some extent, it could be said that Li Zhongding had taken Li Yan's place in facing Tang Xiaotang.

Of course, he did not bear the brunt of the blame.

He was a Nine Li grand witch who cultivated the Divine Dance Sacrificial Array, currently the strongest witch in terms of cultivation and combat power within the Earthly Sea. To be precise, there hadn't been a witch with such prowess in the Great Tang for many years.

The ritual that reversed the flow of spiritual energy from the Great Tang into the Earthly Sea, fortifying it against the onslaught, was established by Li Zhongding.

He unleashed his Ghost God Sacrificial Array, enveloping the area and aiding Li Yan.

Tang Xiaotang's arrival led to a natural clash with Li Zhongding and his Ghost God Sacrificial Array.

The opponent possessed a higher cultivation realm and firmly held the advantage of the Earthly Sea's terrain.

However, Lei Jun had intentionally left the Heaven Subduing Sword with Tang Xiaotang, not bringing it back to the Heaven Subduing Peak.

Thus, with the Heaven Subduing Sword and the National Master's Seal in her possession, Tang Xiaotang faced no disadvantages in the Earthly Sea and instead pressured the Nine Li witches, leaving them no room to attend to other matters.

The allied forces of the Five Tribes could no longer maintain their offensive against the Tu Li tribe's ancestral land.

For the human cultivators, the current situation was somewhat... out of control.

Their primary objective in entering the Earthly Sea was to prevent the loss of spiritual energy and instability of the earth veins in the Great Tang.

As for the internal conflicts within the Nine Li tribes, many of them were reluctant to involve themselves too deeply.

In another situation, they might not have hesitated to lend a hand. But with the Great Tang Dynasty in a state of turmoil and crisis, further entanglement in the internal strife of the Earthly Sea made several individuals apprehensive.

Even if they intended to help, it should have been by assisting the Tu Li, Wu Li, Guang Li, and Fu Li tribes against the other five tribes.

Instead, they found themselves as the main force against the Five Tribes, allowing the Tu Li and the other four tribes to withdraw and regroup.

However, compared to the human cultivators who had limited interactions and understanding of the current National Master of the Great Tang, the Nine Li tribes were more aware of the kind of person Tang Xiaotang was.

From the moment she entered the Earthly Sea, it was inevitable that things would not end peacefully.

Lei Jun also anticipated this development.

However, he was not directly aiding Tang Xiaotang at the moment. On one hand, despite the ritual's weakening effect, the environment within the Earthly Sea remained complex and unpredictable. On the other hand, Lei Jun was also concerned about the changing situation in the Great Tang.

With Tang Xiaotang currently unharmed, Lei Jun did not feel an urgent need to intervene.

The ritual still required maintenance, so Lei Jun remained at his location.

A butterfly-like Gu insect with an ordinary appearance, which had been silent until now, suddenly stirred on Lei Jun's body. Its voice resonated within his mind:

"Heaven Master, I believe I just caught a glimpse of Yuan Shanji."

Lei Jun's expression remained unchanged as he heard Tian Cheng's words, "He has made the same choice as Yang Yuqi and the others back then?"

"Highly likely," Tian Cheng replied.

Yuan Shanji was one of the former elders of Mount Ge Po who had colluded with Yang Yuqi and Wei Ancheng. After their scheme was exposed, he went missing, and Mount Ge Po, along with Li Tianqing, had been searching for him over the years, but to no avail.

Now, he had finally entered the Earthly Sea.

"What is the situation with the Lu Li tribe?" Lei Jun asked after a moment of thought.

"The current chief of the Lu Li tribe is named Li Jin, a newly emerged grand witch of the Nine Li who cultivates the same Divine Dance lineage as the chief of the Wen Li tribe, Li Zhongding," Tian Cheng explained.

The Lu Li tribe had been closely associated with the Wen Li tribe in the past, united against the Tu Li, Wu Li, and the other four tribes.

In the end, the chief of the Wen Li tribe, Li Zhongding, suffered a severe defeat and fled with serious injuries.

The previous chief of the Lu Li tribe also perished, and the tribe faced dispersion and turmoil within the Earthly Sea for many years before eventually regaining their strength and cohesion under the leadership of Li Jin.

Lei Jun inquired about the Lu Li tribe because, as the human world gained a deeper understanding of the Nine Li tribes within the Earthly Sea, they realized that Mount Ge Po, and by extension, the entire South Wilderness, had made a grave mistake in the past.

The invaders who wreaked havoc in the human realm were led by Li Yan and Li De of the Po Li tribe, accompanied by the Bi Li tribe.

During their assault, they breached the defenses of Mount Ge Po and caused the demise of the previous Mount Ge Po Saint, Sang Lu.

Li Tianqing was forced to leave Mount Ge Po due to the exposure of his Nine Li bloodline, becoming a target of hatred across the South Wilderness for a period.

However, it was later discovered that Li Tianqing was not of the Po Li or Bi Li tribes but belonged to the Lu Li tribe.

Reflecting on these past events, many felt a sense of regret and sorrow.

After concluding his conversation with Tian Cheng, Lei Jun turned his gaze to another figure, "Senior, it's been many years. I hope you are well."

In the dim underground world, a figure gradually emerged, "You are too kind, Master."

The newcomer appeared to be a middle-aged man with handsome features, but his skin was dark and his expression disheveled. His eyes, however, shone brightly.

It was none other than Sun Li, the elder of the Spellcasting lineage from the sacred site of the Cycle of Rebirth in the Southern Wilderness.

"As it should be, Senior. You were a friend of my mentor," Lei Jun said.

"You flatter me, Master," Sun Li replied.

"My mentor has sent a message, informing me of the general situation. But do you have a plan in mind?" Lei Jun asked.

Sun Li nodded, "The disturbances in the Earthly Sea are influenced by both the ritual arrays and magical artifacts of the Sorcerer's Clan, as well as the countermeasures taken by the Great Kingdom.

The combination of these forces has resulted in a rare and unique phenomenon in the Earthly Sea, affecting the spiritual energy and wasteland."

As he spoke, Sun Li took out a piece of wood that emitted a faint glow.

At first glance, the wood seemed tiny, but as soon as it was freed from Sun Li's suppression, it transformed into a massive log, reaching a length of nearly thirty feet.

In the dim surroundings, the log emitted a soft glow, resembling sunlight.

Lei Jun's eyes flickered as he observed, deep in thought, "This... Could it be the legendary Dawnwood?"

"Indeed, it is the Dawnwood," Sun Li confirmed. "While it is indeed precious, it is not of immediate use to me.

However, after noticing the unusual activity in the Earthly Sea, I made some deductions and was delighted to find that, with the current unique conditions in the Earthly Sea, I may be able to refine this Dawnwood into another type of spiritual object.

With that spiritual object, I will have a greater chance of breaking through to the Realm of the Ascended and attaining the Divine Realm."

Among the major cultivation paths of this era, the Realm of the Ascended had similar designations across different lineages.

For instance, in the Mystic tradition, the Realm of the Ascended were referred to as the Great Vehicle in the Talisman, Pill, and Artifact lineages.

In the Way of the Warrior, the Realm of the Ascended were known as the Dharma Body in the Precepts, Martial Arts, Hand Seals, and Vows lineages.

In the Way of the Sage, the Realm of the Ascended were called the Pacifier of the World, while in the Warrior's Code, they were termed as the Martial Saint.

Within the Sorcerer's Clan's five lineages, a Grand Sorcerer who attained the Realm of the Ascended was commonly recognized as the Divine Realm.

"You rarely interact with me, Master, but I can tell that your cultivation and strength have improved significantly since our last meeting," Lei Jun remarked.

Sun Li's age surpassed that of Yuan Mobai, but Lei Jun couldn't pinpoint his exact age.

However, judging by his vibrant life force, it seemed that his outward appearance of aging was more a result of his neglect for external appearances.

"You are too kind, Master. My mentor has sent me a message, and I am here to assist you," Sun Li said.

"Very well, I will cooperate as needed," Lei Jun replied.

Sun Li proceeded to push the Dawnwood entirely into the ground.

Then, he circled the area, scattering other unique Sorcerer's Clan magical artifacts.

As these artifacts touched the ground, they sank into the pitch-black soil, just like they were submerged in water.

The glow of the Dawnwood also faded, as if the sun had set.

Sun Li knelt with his legs crossed, closing his eyes in concentration.

Lei Jun watched with keen interest, and Sun Li didn't seem to mind.

However, their hearts stirred almost simultaneously as they sensed a powerful presence approaching.

Lei Jun, still posing as an injured person, pretended not to notice.

Yuan Mobai and Sun Li were old friends, but Yuan Mobai wouldn't divulge Lei Jun's secrets to his friend.

Thus, Sun Li also assumed that Lei Jun's physical condition wasn't optimal.

So, he was the first to stand up and gaze into the distance.

There, a figure appeared, shrouded in mystery.

"The Chief of the Juli Tribe, Li Bin," Sun Li whispered, revealing the identity of the newcomer.

The sensitivity of the situation was undeniable.

For the newcomer was also a Spellcasting Grand Sorcerer of the Realm of the Ascended.

And that was the case with Lei Bin at that very moment.

Being a master of the Cursing lineage of the Witch Clan, he could dispel his opponent's curses and hexing.

Furthermore, a high-realm Grand Witch like him would more easily dispel the hexes of lower-realm cultivators, whereas the opposite would be incredibly difficult, nearly impossible.

Lei Jun had heard people describe this before.

The current Saint Master of the Wheel of Reincarnation, Feng Gui, had once directly avoided Lei Bin due to his condition.

When facing other experts of the Nine Heavens, he didn't appear as flustered.

Lei Bin had come to destroy the ritual.

Although he had heard that Lei Jun's current state wasn't optimal, Lei Bin didn't take it lightly.

Facing Lei Jun and Sun Li, he directly cast a Hand of the Underworld Sea Hex.

This was a type of curse from the Earth Sea and the Nine Li people, one that the Great Tang had never seen before.

From afar, Lei Jun saw what appeared to be vast and boundless waves, sweeping in all directions and engulfing the surrounding earth, an awe-inspiring and overbearing sight.

The Hand of the Underworld Sea was cold and lifeless, leaving no room for life where it passed, and it caught one off guard.

However, Sun Li took the seemingly most foolish approach, directly dispelling the hex with his own curse.

But, there was a twist to Sun Li's dispelling.

Hidden within was another Dawnwood.

With the warmth and light emanating from the Dawnwood, Sun Li successfully countered the extreme cold of the Hand of the Underworld Sea, resisting Lei Bin with his Eight Heavens realm.

At the same time, Sun Li launched another counterattack with his curse.

His counterattack looked casual, just a faint gray shadow that quietly crept past the Hand of the Underworld Sea.

However, the outcome was that the Nine Heavens Grand Witch, Lei Bin, didn't even attempt to dispel it, and directly withdrew.

As it turned out, his eyes and judgment were correct, narrowly avoiding Sun Li's curse.

Lei Bin, the chief of the Giant Li Clan, whose body was marked with intricate patterns and was robust like a martial artist, took one deep look at the unremarkable Sun Li before his figure retreated into the shadows of the underground world.

"Wheel of Reincarnation Hex..." Lei Jun murmured.

The Wheel of Reincarnation Hex, one of the most powerful curses of the Witch Clan, had plagued the late Celestial Master Li Qingfeng for years.

Once afflicted, it was described as an entanglement that lasted lifetimes.

In the past, after the Celestial Master Mansion improved its relationship with the Wheel of Reincarnation, Saint Master Feng Gui had helped Li Qingfeng alleviate the effects of the Wheel of Reincarnation, but even then, it couldn't be completely eradicated.

Some traditions had methods of feigning death and rebirth.

However, even those divine techniques couldn't dispel the entanglement of the Wheel of Reincarnation.

This curse had been lost in the cultivation world of the Great Tang for many years, and no one had cultivated it since.

Even Lei Bin, the new rising master of the Nine Li Clan, hadn't cultivated this most powerful curse.

Yet, at that moment, what appeared to be an insignificant gray shadow directly pierced through the Hand of the Underworld Sea.

However, after repelling the Nine Heavens Grand Witch, Sun Li exhaled deeply, his face revealing a sense of fatigue.

"You've worked hard, Senior," Lei Jun said.

"It's nothing," Sun Li replied with a smile.

Even so, with just this one curse, it was clear that he had surpassed Feng Gui and become the new number one expert of the Cursing lineage in the Great Tang.

However, there was a small problem...

How had Sun Li cultivated the Wheel of Reincarnation?

Lei Jun's mind involuntarily wandered to...

The Dew of Ancient Years.

Back then, in the Tian Shu Universe, Chen Xing had traded the Dew of Ancient Years he obtained from Lei Jun for the Fixed Void Cloud Net.

Could it be that Sun Li had obtained the Dew of Ancient Years from someone else?

Lei Jun tried to recall.

It seemed that there was indeed a time when everyone first traded intelligence in the Tian Shu Universe, and later, Master Yuan Mobai received similar information.

Now that he thought about it, it wasn't a coincidence.

He had initially suspected Li Tianqing, Lei Bin, or Xing Feng.

But the result of the scattering of the Tian Shu was that it wasn't given to the younger generation...

Well, except for Zhang Wantong.

It wouldn't be right to say that, though.

Sun Li's page of the Tian Shu might not have come from Zhang Wantong, either.

Lei Jun didn't intend to investigate further.

He didn't ask about the Wheel of Reincarnation but instead said, "Senior, do you have any more of that Dawnwood?"

"I do have some more Dawnwood," Sun Li replied. "But I haven't kept much for myself. Why do you ask, Master?"

"I want to borrow one," Lei Jun said.

"Please don't stand on ceremony, Master. I didn't know of your need before, but now that I do, I won't be stingy," Sun Li said.

Lei Jun buried the Dawnwood in the ground, just as he had done with the previous one.

Then, he added his own preserved Reversal of Heaven and Earth, and waited.

Soon, the black earth beneath his feet began to shake.

Then, the soil cracked, and a starlight surged forth from the ground, illuminating the dim underground world like the rising of a brilliant star.

It was the phenomenon of the Earth Surging Star!

Lei Jun's insight, perception, and judgment were all extraordinary. After entering the Earth Sea, he had realized that the current environment, combined with his own Reversal of Heaven and Earth, had the potential to create the Earth Surging Star phenomenon, but there was still something lacking.

When he saw Sun Li take out the first piece of Dawnwood, he immediately confirmed that this was what he needed.

However, he wasn't sure if Sun Li had any spares, so he didn't say anything further.

Now, seeing Sun Li take out one piece of Dawnwood after another, he finally asked.

And now, with the Dawnwood buried in the earth, the Reversal of Heaven and Earth added, the Earth Surging Star phenomenon was finally achieved.

Lei Jun, with his Yang Lightning Dragon, soared into the sky, then coiled around the surging starlight, capturing it and retracting it before sealing it within the Yin-Yang Diagram.

Within the Yin-Yang Diagram, the starlight flowed and circulated endlessly.

...

PS1: 7k for 4 chapters

PS2: I forced myself to write this chapter without delay, but I'm ashamed to say that it took me much longer than expected, and by the time I finished, the sky had already brightened.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end