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Chapter 423: A Bamboo Staff and Grass Shoes are Better than a Horse, A Rain Cape and Mist are All On
Chapter 423: A Bamboo Staff and Grass Shoes are Better than a Horse, A Rain Cape and Mist are All One Needs for Life (Part 1)
"Sixth brother, your scholarly pursuits have always been outstanding."
Wang Jian collected himself and said, "Qilang is the most exceptional among their generation. May I ask if he can accompany you and learn from your guidance?"
"Wang Xu" turned to Wang Bujiu, "Qilang mentioned he wanted to travel to the mortal realm of Great Tang and beyond, didn't he?"
Wang Bujiu replied, "That is my nephew's intention."
"Wang Xu" nodded, "Reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles. Instead of studying under my tutelage, it would be more beneficial for him to broaden his horizons and gain more experiences at his current cultivation level."
"Yes, Sixth Uncle," Wang Bujiu agreed.
Hearing "Wang Xu"'s tone, Wang Jian also breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Wang Bujiu couldn't stay by his side to study, it was clear that "Wang Xu" held him in high regard.
At this moment, "Wang Xu" swept his gaze towards the distant shore.
In the distance, another group of people was approaching from the north.
The leader was a capable middle-aged official, none other than Ouyang Jingyuan, who had accompanied Fang Junmei to Datong.
He bowed towards "Wang Xu" from the shore, "Ouyang Jingyuan, following the Crown Prince's orders, greets Master Dongyang."
"Wang Xu" did not halt the boat, "The Crown Prince is thoughtful."
Ouyang Jingyuan's gaze swept over Wang Jian and Wang Bujiu before resting on Fang Junmei for a moment.
Fang Junmei maintained her composure and returned the greeting to Ouyang Jingyuan.
Without boarding the boat, Ouyang Jingyuan's figure rose into the air, hovering briefly over the mighty river as he followed the light boat downstream.
"His Royal Highness learned of Master's emergence from seclusion and is overjoyed. He wishes to pay a visit but is unable to due to matters of state. Hence, he specially invites Master to Chang'an for a meeting. We hope Master can make the journey."
"Wang Xu" stood with his hands behind his back, "Perhaps another time."
In truth, he intended to find Pan Hailin of the Dragon-Tiger Mountain in the Great Han first.
However, the latter had gone into hiding. After helping the Great Han court defeat a formidable foe, he had disappeared without a trace.
This only piqued Lei Jun's interest in finding him.
But with no leads at the moment, Lei Jun didn't dwell on it and decided to go elsewhere first.
"I'll be heading to Suyang first," he said nonchalantly.
Ouyang Jingyuan's heart trembled at his words, and so did Wang Jian, Wang Bujiu, and Fang Junmei on the boat.
The abbot of Dakuang Temple, Juexiang Monk, was currently in that direction.
..................
Mount Sumeru.
The serene and sacred land of Buddhism had lost its tranquility due to the attack by experts from the Great Ming Empire.
After a period of recuperation, Mount Sumeru finally regained its former peacefulness and tranquility, exuding a serene and blissful atmosphere once more.
Even the collapsed Mount Sumeru had been re-erected, shimmering with a faint golden light as if it were a pillar propping up the entire realm.
However, upon closer inspection, one could see that Mount Sumeru had undergone significant changes.
Although it still possessed profound wisdom and indomitable power, its roots weren't as deep as before.
At the peak of Mount Sumeru, a solitary monk sat in a meditative posture. His body emanated a subtle golden hue, resembling a gilded Buddha statue.
With his eyes closed, the monk silently recited sutras.
At the foot of Mount Sumeru, the leader of the Buddha Division of the Vajra Realm of Mount Sumeru, the youthful-looking Vimala, approached and paid respects to the golden-hued monk, "Venerable."
At the summit of Mount Sumeru, the Wise Venerable opened his eyes, "Any news from Zongga and the others?"
The leader of the Buddha Division, Vimala, replied, "With your assistance, Venerable, Vamakata and Jadir have a good chance of bringing Zongga out of the Ruins of Ancient Gods. However, they still require more time."
"It's good that they will be out," said the Wise Venerable.
He then asked, "Has the surge of spiritual energy in the mortal realm of the Two Jin Kingdoms not commenced yet?"
Vimala lowered his head, "Yes, the Great Calamity that befell that realm wasn't too long ago, so it's understandable."
The Wise Venerable showed no signs of disappointment, his expression and tone remained calm, "It's alright, there's no need to rush."
"Yes, Venerable," Vimala replied.
During this period, he had received fragmented news about Penglai through various channels.
However, he hadn't expected that the World of Saha had also intervened there.
Although Penglai had undergone changes, the World of Saha remained stable.
Among the five divisions of the Vajra Realm of Mount Sumeru, Vimala's Buddha Division operated in the mortal realm of the Two Jin Kingdoms.
Even though the spiritual energy there was still scarce, it provided a vast population base for the Buddhists of Mount Sumeru.
The Buddha Division was also the most firmly established and had made the most progress among the five divisions of the Vajra Realm.
In the Northern Jin Kingdom, the Buddha Division of Mount Sumeru had been established as the state religion. Vimala himself was the Royal Preceptor of the Northern Jin Kingdom.
In that realm, not only did the Taoist and Shamanist sects struggle to gain a foothold, but even the influential Confucian families were unable to suppress the flourishing of Buddhism.
In a sense, the greatest opponent of the Buddha Division in the mortal realm of the Two Jin Kingdoms was actually the Southern Jin Dynasty, which faced the Northern Jin Kingdom across the mighty river.
There, Buddhism also thrived, but it was backed by the Central Plains Buddhist lineage of the World of Saha.
"For now, we shall observe the developments in the mortal realm of Great Han and respond accordingly," said the Wise Venerable. "Once Vamakata returns, we will leave the matter in his hands. There's no need for drastic measures."
Vimala acknowledged his instructions.
The premature breakthrough had adversely affected the Wise Venerable, and he needed time to recuperate.
For now, stabilizing Mount Sumeru was the priority.
The reappearance of Wang Xu of Dongyang Mountain might bring about various changes in the mortal realm of Great Han.
The eventual outcome of the situation was difficult to predict, and it was better for Mount Sumeru to maintain a flexible approach.
"Venerable..." Vimala spoke softly, "What about the mortal realm of Great Tang?"
Although they had suffered a significant loss in the mortal realm of Great Tang, there was no resentment in Vimala's tone. He brought up the topic for a different reason.
The Wise Venerable nodded slowly, "The mortal realm of Great Tang warrants our attention. Emperor Zhang Wantong of Great Tang is an enigmatic figure.
Vimalakirti: "Yes, disciple will comply."
......
Time and space were ethereal and hazy, making it impossible to discern one's whereabouts.
Within the void, a wondrous world seemed to exist independently, filled with infinite marvels and ethereal mists, resembling a celestial paradise.
At the heart of this world was a majestic mountain peak that stood tall, though it seemed a bit out of place within its surroundings.
It appeared as if it had been abruptly transplanted from elsewhere.
The peak emitted a soft radiance, with its light extending deep into the void, seamlessly merging with the world.
However, on the mountainside, numerous courtyards and temples were built.
On the plaque above the main entrance, the words "Tian Shi Fu" were inscribed.
This was the Tian Shi Fu of Dragon and Tiger Mountain from the Great Han realm.
The entire mountain gate had been transported into this world of Taiqing Duren Dongtian.
Unlike the Upper Clarity Lei Fu Dongtian of the Great Tang Dragon and Tiger Mountain, this place lacked the towering Biyu Fairy Mountain and the pervading Nine Heavenly Divine Thunder, instead exuding a sense of serene tranquility.
Abundant in spiritual energy and resources, it could accommodate numerous cultivators to live and cultivate.
Nevertheless, overall, being cut off from the human realm's supply lines, the development of the Great Han Dragon and Tiger Mountain lineage here was, for the time being, passable, but in the long run, it would inevitably face constraints.
They were waiting.
Hoping that the day to change this situation would come soon.
Deep within the mountain, in the Dragon and Tiger Sect's altar, Ji Daocheng, the Celestial Master of the Great Han Dragon and Tiger Mountain, was offering prayers to the heavens.
Above the altar, spiritual light soared into the sky, piercing through the blue expanse of the Taiqing Duren Dongtian, as if penetrating the void and reaching towards the depths of the cosmos.
Within the altar, eleven orbs of light floated beside Ji Daocheng, continuously emitting radiant light.
Soon, in the distant void, a flash of light seemed to appear.
Then, a torrent of light enveloped Ji Daocheng.
Ji Daocheng's figure seemed to temporarily vanish from the Dragon and Tiger Sect's altar.
His senses told him that he was ascending with the soaring light of the altar, entering the depths of the cosmos.
Enveloped by the radiant light, Ji Daocheng's vision seemed to reveal another celestial mountain and another Daoist palace.
Within the palace, a Daoist who appeared to be a middle-aged man was lying on his side in front of a pill furnace.
"Disciple pays respects to the ancestor," Ji Daocheng said reverently.
This middle-aged man was none other than Zhou Tian Lao Zu, the founder of the revival of the Great Han Dragon and Tiger Mountain, who had already achieved the Dao and ascended to immortality.
Since embarking on his cultivation path, Ji Daocheng had only met his ancestor twice: once when he took over the position of Celestial Master, and now, the second time.
"Regarding the matters of the mortal realm, are you already aware?" Zhou Tian Lao Zu's voice, like a grand bell, resonated within and without the palace.
Ji Daocheng respectfully replied, "Thanks to the ancestor's meticulous arrangements, your disciple and the others are informed of the situation in the mortal realm.
On the chessboard of Kongsang, an unexpected piece has appeared, which may disrupt their plans."
Zhou Tian Lao Zu: "Regarding this matter, Kongsang can handle it themselves. Compared to that, the internal strife between Kongsang's Celestial Capital and Earthly Capital is more likely to cause trouble."
Ji Daocheng: "Is there anything that disciple and the others should do?"
Zhou Tian Lao Zu: "For now, there is no need to get involved. You should focus on cultivating with a calm mind."
"Yes, ancestor," Ji Daocheng replied. Then, he added softly, "It's just a pity that due to the mountain seal, we are unable to continue our investigations into the related personnel of Shu Mountain."
A corner had been missing from the Kunlun Three Purities for over twenty years, and its whereabouts remained unknown.
According to Ji Daocheng's knowledge, it was a Daoist ancestor of Shu Mountain who had achieved the Dao and ascended to immortality.
His ancestor attached great importance to this matter, but they had not made any progress in their investigations.
Now, it seemed that the clues might lie in another mortal realm.
However, due to the affairs of the Great Tang Celestial Master's Mansion and his ancestor's other plans, the Great Han Dragon and Tiger Mountain had temporarily sealed their mountain and closed their doors, leaving the previous matter unresolved.
Nevertheless, with the current divergence of disasters in the mortal realm, immortal beings entering the mortal realm would inevitably lose their immortal essence and vitality to the mortal world, nourishing nature. Even in the Taiqing Duren Dongtian, they could not remain for long.
Only in the worlds of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands could they maintain balance.
If one's foundation had been damaged during the previous great calamity, even in the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, one would need to remain dormant and recuperate.
If one were to forcefully enter the mortal realm, it might be manageable for a short while, but the loss of essence and vitality could become irreversible in a very short time.
According to the ancestor's estimation, only after the mortal realm reunites can those from the immortal realm remain there for extended periods.
This was the reason why the Wise and Benevolent Venerable did not leave Mount Sumeru.
However, there was always a possibility of unexpected events, and those from the immortal realm each had their own means and methods.
The Witch King of Kongsang was plotting to descend to the mortal realm ahead of schedule. Although he had been hindered and forced into a deeper slumber in the past, he was now preparing to make a comeback.
The ancestor of the Great Han Dragon and Tiger Mountain was also making preparations.
After receiving a few more instructions from Zhou Tian Lao Zu, Ji Daocheng respectfully took his leave.
As his mind regained clarity, he found himself back in the Dragon and Tiger Sect's altar.
Ji Daocheng bowed once more.
The radiant light of the Dragon and Tiger Sect's altar gradually faded.
Ji Daocheng stepped out of the altar.
An elder of the Great Han Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Fu Yuzhou, approached and said, "Celestial Master."
Ji Daocheng returned the greeting, "Uncle Master Fu."
Fu Yuzhou asked, "Do you want to contact Hailin?"
Ji Daocheng replied, "Not for now. To avoid revealing any clues about the location of the Taiqing Duren Dongtian, we should believe that Hailin will handle the matters in the mortal realm appropriately. For now, we should follow the ancestor's instructions and focus on our own cultivation."
"Will the Celestial Master soon achieve the Bridge of Communicating the Mysteries?" Fu Yuzhou asked in a low voice.
"I cannot be certain of the exact date of success," Ji Daocheng answered.
......
Kongsang, one of the Ten Lands, along with the Earthly Sea, Yellow Springs, Lost Abyss, and Luo Abyss.
However, unlike the harsh environments of the Earthly Sea and Luo Abyss, this realm resembled the mortal world.
Amidst the sprawling mountains and rivers, a man dressed in antique clothing walked aimlessly.
The rhythm of his footsteps seemed to be in mysterious harmony with the rising black smoke in the distant mountains.
After a while, the man stopped.
Another boy, who seemed rather young, approached him and called out, "Brother Peng."
Peng Yushan, the Great Shaman of Kongsang, asked, "Do you have any new information?"
The boy, who was also a Great Shaman of Kongsang, O Hongcheng, replied, "My latest news is that Wang Xu has shot and injured the Flame Island Turtle King on the north shore of Poyang Lake in the Great Han realm."
Clad in ancient garments, Peng Yushan fixed his gaze on the distant horizon, deep in thought.
O Hongcheng continued, "It appears that he is continuing downstream along the Great River. If he's headed to the Jiangdong region, our people from Dakuang Temple are already there lying in wait."
Peng Yushan remained silent, his eyes narrowed in contemplation.
"Brother Peng?" O Hongcheng prompted.
"Are we sure it's Wang Xu? Could it be someone else from the Confucian sects?" Peng Yushan asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
"No one else should be able to imitate someone who can simultaneously embody the three veins of Divine Archery, Chanting, and Classical Studies and possess such formidable strength. It has to be him," O Hongcheng answered confidently.
A frown creased Peng Yushan's forehead as he mused, "Our King once personally bestowed upon him the Shaman King's Curse, intending to end his life. It's hard to believe that he managed to survive and is still roaming free."
At the mention of the Shaman King, O Hongcheng fell silent.
In the past, the Shaman King had attempted to descend upon the mortal realm by using a human vessel to avoid the dissipation of his curse spirit and law essence. However, their plan had been interrupted, and the Shaman King's entry had been thwarted.
Now, after much preparation, the opportunity had presented itself once more, and they were determined to seize it.
However, Wang Xu, the very same person who had interfered with the Shaman King in the past, had reappeared like a vengeful ghost, threatening their plans once again.
"Could it be that the Xumi, or some other power, is secretly causing trouble and interfering with our affairs?" O Hongcheng asked, his eyes narrowing.
Peng Yushan shook his head, "The Xumi have their own agenda and are preoccupied. It's unlikely that they would meddle in our business and create unnecessary complications."
"It's a pity that we discovered too late that the Golden Khanate of the foreign races had occupied the mortal realm. If we had known earlier, we would have had more time to strategize and prepare," O Hongcheng lamented, his eyes flashing with regret.
Peng Yushan nodded in agreement. "Yes, opportunity rarely knocks twice. We must not let this chance slip through our fingers."
Before the Great Tang realm's expedition to conquer Datong, they, the people of Kongsang, had not been fully prepared. It was only after the war in Datong had ended that they were able to make the necessary arrangements for their true goal.
How they wished they could have seized the opportunity presented by the countless bloodshed and souls during the war for their ritual!
But regretting missed chances would change nothing.
"Now, we must shift our focus to the Great Han realm," Peng Yushan said, his voice resolute.
"Yes, the Great Han realm is crucial," O Hongcheng agreed.
The Great Tang realm, especially the lineage of the Taoist Talisman Sect, still held some value to them. They could be used as a bargaining chip to restrain the Great Han Longhushan.
"We must continue to closely monitor the movements in the Great Tang realm," Peng Yushan said, his eyes narrowing. "As for the Great Han realm, we must get to the bottom of this Wang Xu mystery. We cannot let him ruin our King's plans a second time."
"I shall take it upon myself to go to the mortal realm," O Hongcheng said, his voice steady. "Although Zuo Xiang is not weak, I doubt that Wang Xu, who once bore the Shaman King's Curse, could have completely purged it. Should the opportunity arise, I will join forces with Zuo Xiang to eliminate this calamity and ensure that it never resurfaces. However, this may expose Kongsang slightly."
"Do as you must," Peng Yushan said, his tone unwavering. "If necessary, we can adjust our arrangements in the mortal realm, but several key locations must not be compromised. They must remain secure and untouched at all costs.
(End of Chapter)
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