Chapter 409: Beyond the Ninth Heaven (Part 1)

Chapter 409: Beyond the Ninth Heaven (Part 1)



In the world of cultivation, those with physical disabilities may face some challenges, but it does not deter them from embarking on the path of self-improvement. In both the Tang and Ming dynasties, the history of the cultivation world is long, and over the years, it is not uncommon for eunuchs to embark on the path of cultivation.

Even those with physical imperfections may face some inconveniences, but the path to self-improvement remains open. Even in martial arts, which emphasizes the masculine essence of blood and flesh, there are corresponding branches that cater to different individuals. Just as women can achieve success in martial arts, so too can eunuchs find their path to power.

However, over the years and throughout the ages, there have been few outstanding cultivators from the eunuch community, and thus they are rarely mentioned by the world. But in the current Ming dynasty, there is quite a stir.

After all, the Ming Empire is engaged in a great war with the Northern Barbarians and the Western Buddhist Sect, and top experts from both sides have gathered.

In such a situation, it is no easy feat to gain an advantage on the battlefield, and it is not something an ordinary person can accomplish.

"The eunuchs in the Ming Palace have produced talented individuals, and it seems there may be more than one." Lei Jun said.

Chu Kun added, "The Ming royal family has numerous descendants, but very few have achieved greatness. The palace has cultivated high-level practitioners from another direction."

The Ming Emperor is willing to let them leave the palace and follow the northern expedition, and this time the Ming Empire is truly united and exerting its full strength.

"Senior Brother, if they forcefully break into Sumeru, how will this battle end?" Chu Kun asked softly.

The Buddhist Seal Sect has gained a strong foothold in Sumeru.

But this time, their opponents are unusual.

In the Ming Empire, spiritual energy has been surging for hundreds of years, and both the duration of this abundance and the richness of the current spiritual energy are the best among all realms.

However, due to internal strife, the Ming Empire has been severely hindered by internal conflicts and has been unable to unite to face external threats. When faced with external threats such as the Northern Barbarians, the Hidden Pavilion of the Tang Dynasty, the Human Realm-Country, the Ruins of Yu, and the Southern Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, the greatest enemies of the Ming cultivators are often from their own backyard.

To some extent, in their own concepts, they often view each other as their true opponents.

The troubles on the four sides are but minor issues.

It is the disorder in the court that truly endangers the country.

However, when the Ming Empire temporarily sets aside its internal struggles and forms a united front, it is still an indisputable formidable force at this point in time.

Not only the Sumeru Karmic Ministry and the Northern Barbarians are unable to withstand their might.

The entire Sumeru Vajra Realm's five ministries are on high alert.

The master of the Vajra Ministry, Gala Tao, has fallen, and the master of the Lotus Ministry, Zongga, is trapped outside.

Fortunately, with all their might returning to aid, Sumeru may still have the masters of the Buddha Ministry, the Treasure Ministry, and the Karmic Ministry—three great Ninth Heaven Buddhist Sect masters with perfect Dharma bodies—leading other Buddhist masters to stand firm.

But the Ming Empire's Ninth Heaven experts who joined this battle are no less in number.

"Prime Minister Chen Yu has truly led the way this time."

Chu Kun said, "In addition to the current high officials, Daoist and Buddhist experts, there are also retired cabinet elders who have come out of seclusion."

"Calculating their ages, they should be over 600 years old, right?" Lei Jun asked.

"They are probably over 700 years old," replied Chu Kun.

The maintenance of the system of rituals and norms allows Confucianist cultivators to abnormally retain their strength even in old age.

If it were another path of cultivation, cultivators above the age of 600 in the Upper Three Heavens would inevitably enter a state of decline.

But for the Confucianist path, this stage is, to some extent, their prime.

Retirement is often the result of losing power struggles, and only a few are truly due to old age.

Thus, many elders remain vigorous in mind despite their physical age.

On the other hand, the younger generation of Confucianist cultivators appears mediocre and weak compared to cultivators of other paths.

In the Ming Empire, those who enter the cabinet are at least cultivators of the Ninth Heaven.

Only those who enter the cabinet can shoulder the responsibilities of the country and attain the perfect state of the Ninth Heaven.

Retirement does not strip them of their past cultivation achievements.

Thus, there are many elderly statesmen in the Ming Empire who are not to be underestimated.

Although, in terms of lifespan, they do not have much time left.

"Why are they still so determined, then?" Chu Kun sighed.

Lei Jun replied, "Firstly, their disciples and old friends are like a network, and secondly, this is a favorable situation. In such a situation, there will be many who wish to venture into Sumeru to find out its secrets."

Upon hearing this, Chu Kun fell into deep thought.

The Buddhist Seal Sect has flourished in Sumeru, and there may be secrets or treasures hidden within.

There are probably many who are interested in uncovering these mysteries or trying their luck.

Especially after hearing from the Hidden Pavilion about the Tang Dynasty's victory in Sumeru, the Ming cultivators' concerns were alleviated.

But...

"Entering Sumeru is not that easy," said Lei Jun slowly.

When he and Tang Xiaotang first invaded Sumeru, they caught their opponents off guard.

After he exterminated the Vajra Temple of the Tang Dynasty and blocked the passage to Sumeru, it seemed fragile, but that was intentional.

They had the strength, but not in great numbers.

Lei Jun's intention was to mislead the people of the Vajra Ministry in Sumeru and the master of the Vajra Ministry, Gala Tao, who was in the Tang Dynasty.

But as a result, he also misled the other four ministries of the Vajra Realm in Sumeru.

So when Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang suddenly broke into Sumeru with the captured Gala Tao, the four ministries of the Vajra Realm were actually quite depleted.

Only the master of the Treasure Ministry, Fantada, was on duty in Sumeru, and many of his Treasure Ministry experts were still in the Han Dynasty.

As for the Buddha Ministry, the Lotus Ministry, which managed the Song Dynasty, and the Karmic Ministry, which managed the Ming Dynasty, they were not even in Sumeru.

By the time these Sumeru experts returned, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang had already returned to the Tang Dynasty.

There must be something strange going on at the foot of Mount Sumeru.

But with only Fantada, it seemed impossible to open the passage.

However, the situation is completely different for the elders of the Ming Empire.

While it is true that they have gathered many experts, the majority of them are Confucianist cultivators.

This determined their style of combat, cautious and steady, even when they were powerful.

The scale and momentum of their advance were such that the Five Departments of the Vajra Realm in Sumeru would surely recall all their forces to face this formidable enemy.

The speed of their progress was also enough to force the Buddhist Sect in Sumeru to recall all their forces from other mortal realms.

Even if only three of the five departments remained, they might not be able to withstand the might of the Great Ming army on their own. However, with the current situation, it was hard to predict what would become of Mount Sumeru...

"Senior brother, who knows how many people will be buried in the pit you and Senior sister Tang dug all those years ago." Chu Kun's voice sounded as if he had a toothache.

Lei Jun: "You're overestimating me. I really didn't think that much back then."

Chu Kun: "......"

Senior brother, I believe you.

It's just uncertain how many people in the Great Ming Dynasty believed it... No, it should be said, how many people in the Great Ming Dynasty would be left to consider this question.

"The Great Ming is so slow, yet they still managed to reach the gates of Sumeru. We should also make some preparations." Lei Jun pondered.

Chu Kun: "Senior brother, are you referring to the possibility of the Great Ming going all out and breaking the vase after entering Sumeru?"

After Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang had struck down the Vajra Department of Sumeru previously, the Buddhist Sect in Sumeru had not taken any further retaliatory actions.

Perhaps the other four departments were not willing to go all out for the sake of the Vajra Department.

Or maybe there were other reasons that temporarily restrained them.

If the Great Ming Dynasty truly pushed Sumeru to a dead end this time, while they would be at the forefront, it was uncertain if the Sumeru side would seek retribution from the Great Tang mortal realm afterward.

Regardless of the likelihood, Lei Jun was taking precautions.

Zhang Hui, Xiao Chunhui, and Meng Shaoji would also relay the news back to Empress Zhang Wantong.

Soon, on Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun received a sacred edict from the imperial capital, Luoyang.

As expected, the Empress was also paying close attention to the developments concerning the Great Ming.

As for the Great Ming at this moment, aside from their original plan to march north against the foreign tribes and west against Sumeru, many of them also had the goal of entering Sumeru to take a look.

Even those who initially intended to stay within the mortal realm found it hard to refuse at this point.

The gateway to Sumeru had already been seized.

The atmosphere had been built up to this extent; they had no choice but to enter and take a look.

In the court of the Great Ming, being afraid of the enemy was a more serious accusation than recklessly charging forward.

Thus, the Great Ming army charged into Sumeru.

The monks of Sumeru, led by the Dharma Department, the Karma Department, and the Treasure Department, put up a fierce and determined resistance.

They genuinely did not want outsiders to disturb Mount Sumeru.

How could they easily give up thousands of years of accumulation and effort?

But if it truly could not be helped, they would at least have time to make their final preparations. Everything was the result of karma...

The monks of Sumeru defended with all their might.

The Great Ming cultivators attacked in waves.

In the end, the powerful cultivators from the Great Ming succeeded in disturbing Mount Sumeru.

Mount Sumeru collapsed.

In that moment, Chen Yu, the Grand Chancellor of the Great Ming, suddenly felt a strong sense of unease.

Liu Chong and other Confucian masters who had also reached the Ninth Revolution Perfection shared similar feelings of foreboding.

Wood Chunyang, the master of True Warrior Abbey, had his eyes suddenly shine with a brilliant light.

The other Confucian masters of the Ninth Revolution, including Gao Ming, also began to feel a sense of unease.

In everyone's vision, after the collapse of Mount Sumeru, which had seemed like a pillar of Sumeru, there was no dust flying.

Instead, a silent, colorless, and transparent sea of fire spread across Sumeru.

Boundless and infinite!

"...The Wrathful Flames of the Wisdom Kings!" Chen Yu's face turned solemn.

After clashing with the powerful cultivators of Sumeru earlier, they had come into contact with the Wrathful Flames of the Wisdom Kings many times.

However, even when all the powerful cultivators of Sumeru transformed into the Wrathful Flames, their combined scale and might were far inferior to what was before them now!

Led by Vimalakirti, the master of the Dharma Department, the top cultivators of Sumeru chanted Buddhist sutras and formed hand seals together.

They abandoned their previous attitude of defending Sumeru at all costs and instead focused on protecting their disciples while quickly retreating.

Seeing this, the Great Ming cultivators also began to withdraw from Sumeru.

Looking towards the direction where Mount Sumeru once stood, they saw a massive black shadow rising from the boundless sea of the Wrathful Flames.

A terrifying demonic aura emanated from the enormous black shadow, something that a Ninth Revolution demon could not possess.

As the black shadow rose, it seemed to tear through the boundary of Sumeru in an instant, fleeing towards the boundless void outside.

Below it, from the sea of Wrathful Flames, a second massive figure stood up.

Its body was translucent blue, with two arms. Its right hand held a sword, and its left hand held a rope, although a section of the long rope was temporarily broken.

On its head was a five-petaled crown, with blazing flames behind it. Its three eyes were wide open, the right eye gazing upward, the left eye looking downward, and the middle eye staring straight ahead.

The cultivators from the Great Ming were all erudite individuals. Although they denounced the monks of Sumeru as heretics and demons, they were mostly familiar with the sutras and scriptures propagated by the Buddhist Sect.

Just by looking at the translucent figure in the sea of fire, they recognized its origin.

Unmoving Wisdom King!

The foremost of the Five Great Wisdom Kings in the Buddhist Sect's hand seal lineage, it was said to be the command wheel body of the Great Sun Tathagata, manifesting a wrathful appearance to subdue all demons in the world.

The Wisdom King form was illusory and not a true manifestation of the Great Sun Tathagata.

However, only a supremely powerful being who had achieved the Golden Body realm and surpassed the Ninth Revolution could attain this form!

Previously, there had been a cultivator in Sumeru who had surpassed the Ninth Revolution.

No.

It was not just that.

The Unmoving Wisdom King raised its right hand, and an invisible force slashed through the void, landing on the massive black shadow that had risen earlier.

The giant black shadow trembled, and although there was no blood, its entire body was enveloped in invisible and colorless Wrathful Flames.

A deafening roar echoed through the air.

However, the black shadow did not stop and continued upward, enduring its injuries as it fled out of Sumeru, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

During this time, the broken section of the long rope in the Unmoving Wisdom King's left hand regenerated.

Although it was too late to capture the fleeing black shadow, the rope, accompanied by the blazing Wrathful Flames, immediately bound Chen Yu, a Confucian master of the Ninth Revolution Perfection.

Countless texts and writings appeared around Chen Yu, but they were instantly destroyed by the transparent Wrathful Flames.

The Grand Chancellor of the Great Ming's face turned ashen.

Although it was just a brief moment, the situation in Sumeru had become crystal clear.

Here, there was clearly not just one existence beyond the Ninth Heaven.

It was just that one of them, a Yao Saint, was suppressed here by a Buddhist Sect Venerable.

The secret ritual formed by Sumeru Mountain was not only to aid the Buddhist Sect Venerable's self-healing but also to refine that great demon.

In this process, the Sumeru monks benefited from it.

However, the secret ritual required mutual reinforcement between the inside and outside, and it also needed a large amount of feedback from the outside world.

That great demon had just stirred up a monstrous miasma.

But it was probably in an extremely weak state, having been worn down for many years, and its power at its peak was surely even more formidable than it was now.

And the existence that could suppress and refine it here, nourishing the Sumeru monks, was undoubtedly even more powerful.

Even among those who have ascended, there are differences in strength.

The strength of the Buddhist Sect Venerable who had been dormant in Sumeru Mountain was even more heart-chilling to the people of the Great Ming Dynasty.

The secret ritual had not been completely finished, and its sudden interruption would surely bring harm to its caster.

But even so, the massive and awe-inspiring Immovable Ming King still took people's breath away.

The long rope wrapped around Sang Yan, immobilizing him.

The Immovable Ming King raised his right hand again, holding the sword.

The boundless colorless sea of fire began to converge.

But with a casual swing of the sword, countless Ming Dynasty cultivators were sliced in half as if their afflictions were cut away.

At the original site of Sumeru Mountain, as the sea of fire disappeared, a skinny monk appeared.

His entire body, from head to toe, was golden.

In the distance, the Sumeru monks stopped retreating.

Led by the masters of the three major Ninth Heaven perfect Buddhist sects—Vimalakirti of the Buddha Sect, Bhandada of the Treasure Sect, and Jnana of the Karmic Sect—a group of Western Buddhist disciples bowed together:

"Venerable One."

The golden monk stood still, forming the wisdom fist seal. Although he did not speak, his voice seemed to echo throughout Sumeru:

"You need not involve yourselves in the affairs of the Great Ming's mortal realm. Vimalakirti, stay and rebuild Sumeru. Bhandada and Jnana, go and find Zongga and bring him back as soon as possible."

The Sumeru monks replied in unison, "Yes, Venerable One."

The skinny monk remained standing still.

However, the Immovable Ming King waved its hands, and the treasure sword and long rope swept across the four directions.

…………………

Outside Sumeru, in the mortal realm of the Great Ming, in the Western Regions.

Sang Yan, the second most powerful figure after the Prime Assistant Chen Yu and the third-ranked Grand Secretary in the current cabinet, stood guard at the entrance of the void portal.

Guangshu, the abbot of Putuo Temple, kept watch on the outskirts.

The exotic tribes were driven away from the northern desert and the Western Regions by the might of the Great Ming Dynasty, retreating further into the distant wilderness. Their Khan was injured.

But Chen Yu, Sang Yan, and the others did not take this lightly; they remained vigilant, anticipating a possible comeback.

However, their opponent was swift, and when they were determined to leave, even the Great Ming Dynasty's Confucian scholars couldn't force them to stay.

Nevertheless, they had already inflicted heavy casualties on the exotic tribe cultivators, and by taking away their lush pastures and spiritually rich lands, the tribe had suffered a severe blow to their vitality. It would be difficult for them to pose a threat to the Great Ming's northern border for a long time to come.

Compared to the migrating exotic tribes, the Western Regions' Buddhist Sect's void portal to Sumeru had a fixed location, leaving them no option to evade.

Now, it all depended on the outcome of the civil war in Sumeru...

As this thought crossed Sang Yan's mind, he suddenly felt a sense of unease and foreboding.

Before he could ponder further, a large amount of ink and paper gathered around him.

At the same time, a figure rushed out of Sumeru! Just as Sang Yan recognized the person as Zhuyin Guan's master, Mu Chunyang, he saw Mu Chunyang's body split in two!

A Daoist Grand Sage of the Ninth Heaven's fifth layer and the Five Qi Morning Yuan realm from the Dan Ding Sect was sliced in half by a sword flashing with Buddhist light.

Although his body was divided into two parts, it still looked intact. Only at the wound was there a colorless and transparent Buddhist Ming King's wrathful flame burning!

The void seemed to twist, as if something invisible had flown out.

But Sang Yan had no time to dwell on this.

Because, from the void portal connecting to Sumeru, a long rope flew out along with the treasure sword.

It immediately wrapped around Sang Yan.

The ink and paper around Sang Yan, a Ninth Heaven perfect Confucian scholar, were dissolved by the rope.

The rope continued to bind Sang Yan tightly.

On the Great Ming's side, a large amount of ink and paper surged, forming a black hall.

The halls were endless, connecting and spreading in all directions.

The Great Ming Dynasty's side had been advancing cautiously and steadily, naturally turning the void portal entrance into a solid fortress. It served as both a bridgehead to Sumeru and a backup plan for Chen Yu, Liu Chong, Gao Ming, and others to retreat.

Under the long-term influence of the Ninth Heaven perfect Confucian scholars, the ink and paper here were naturally thick and solid.

The long rope fell into the sea of ink and paper, and for a moment, it paused slightly.

Sang Yan seized this opportunity to struggle and try to escape.

But as the sword swung again, chunks of the hall collapsed.

The Confucian principles of ritual and propriety had a strong restraining effect on the lower realms.

However, Sang Yan now faced an opponent whose cultivation was even higher than his.

In Confucianism, this opponent had already achieved sagehood.

In Taoism, they had already pushed open the immortal's gate.

In Buddhism, they had already attained the perfect Buddha body.

The sword cut through the halls formed by the ink and paper, and the long rope immediately regained its freedom, binding Sang Yan once more.

On the sword and rope, a large amount of colorless and transparent Ming King's wrathful flames appeared, burning the remaining ink and paper.

In his desperate resistance, Sang Yan was still dragged into the void portal leading to Sumeru by the long rope.

At this moment, the Grand Secretary of the Great Ming had only one thought:

The Prime Assistant Chen Yu and the others had made a misjudgment.

Sumeru was even more powerful than they had anticipated.

But the problem was...

What were those monks doing all this time?!

With such ability, how could they have been defeated by the humans of the Great Tang Dynasty, causing the collapse of the Vajra Sect?!

The colorless sea of fire spread in all directions, engulfing the heavens and the earth in a terrifying display.

The Great Ming cultivators guarding the void portal retreated in panic.

At a relatively distant location.

The void flickered, and a faint light appeared, gradually revealing a human figure.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end