Chapter 448: The King's Return

Chapter 448: The King's Return

In the turbulent world of Luo Yuan, the shattered skull of You Luo Shan Zun drifted, signaling the end of the once-dominant ruler of the realm.

Lei Jun retracted his Grand Dao Domain.

Under his suppression, the remaining lingering ghosts, which were already weakened, vanished without the need for Lei Jun to attack.

There was no look of pained struggle on their faces; instead, they faded away with a sense of peace and even a hint of liberation.

In the surrounding abyssal seas, low to mid-level lingering ghosts began to appear and then dissipate—all remnants of You Luo Shan Jun's previous deeds.

With the demise of You Luo Shan Jun, these became history.

If there were practitioners of the Wu Gate's Ghostly Path or other spiritual traditions that focused on the soul, they could have harvested these lingering ghosts and gained great benefits.

But to Lei Jun, all of this was meaningless.

He watched calmly as the ghosts of humans and demons faded away, silently reciting the Daoist scripture for the passing of souls.

As if in response, far away, Buddhist light stirred, and the chanting of Buddhist monks could be heard.

Through the observation of Lei Jun's Yu Qing Zhou Tian Fa Jing, one could see Wang Guiyuan, who now appeared as Jing Jiu, the White Lotus Saint, silently reciting sutras.

By his side, the manifestation of the Six Paths Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva shone, its light subtly illuminating the silent, cold depths of Luo Yuan.

Lei Jun approached Wang Guiyuan and turned his gaze to another direction.

There, a black-violet Silvermoon Phoenix spread its wings and flew towards the distance.

Neither Lei Jun nor Wang Guiyuan gave chase.

"Does she intend to remain in Luo Yuan?" Lei Jun asked.

Wang Guiyuan replied, "Yes, she will stay. This place is one of the best for her cultivation, and having a neighbor like me can be helpful if any disturbances arise from the Unbounded in the future."

Lei Jun watched the disappearing Silvermoon Phoenix with interest. "A phoenix cultivating the evil miasma, her foundation is truly unique."

Wang Guiyuan would remain in Luo Yuan for the time being.

With his presence, others would not be able to control Luo Yuan as deeply as the previous ruler, You Luo Shan Jun, had.

However, just like how he had no intention of controlling the world like Ri Shu Mountain's Ji Yao and Tan Li's Li Yuanheng had in the past, he also had no desire to dominate a world like You Luo Shan Jun.

A world free from chaos was all he wished for.

The Silvermoon Phoenix cultivated the evil miasma, and its nature was more aggressive, domineering, and sharp compared to other phoenixes.

But since Wang Guiyuan had no intention of monopolizing Luo Yuan and oppressing the phoenix's environment like You Luo Shan Jun had, the Silvermoon Phoenix also had no reason to cause trouble.

"As long as she doesn't take human lives and doesn't leave Luo Yuan to wreak havoc, let her be."

Lei Jun retracted his gaze. "What about the Great Abyssal Turtle?"

Wang Guiyuan replied, "Yes, although it hasn't entered the human world of the Great Tang, its nature is similar to You Luo Shan Jun, the Bone Flood Dragon, and the Yu Ming Moss. They view human lives as insignificant."

"However, there are some other entanglements involved, so for now, I'll spare its life and deal with it later. I've sealed it inside the Vacuum Bottle."

Lei Jun circled the Vacuum Bottle, a treasure akin to the Nine-Petaled Lotus Platform. "So this is the renowned Vacuum Bottle. It's truly extraordinary."

The White Lotus Sect originated from the division within the holy lands of Buddhism: Tianlong Temple, Xuantian Temple, and Putisi, which represented the traditions of vow, precept, and Chanwu respectively. Thus, the White Lotus Sect also inherited these three traditions of Buddhist practice, symbolized by the treasure bottle, lotus, and bodhi.

The Nine-Petaled Lotus Platform, known to all, came from the precept tradition.

Meanwhile, the Vacuum Bottle originated from the vow tradition.

With Jing Jiu, the White Lotus Saint, often in "seclusion," rarely making public appearances, the Vacuum Bottle had also not been seen in the human world of the Great Tang for many years.

"In the past, I needed the assistance of the Vacuum Bottle to suppress the chaos of the Unbounded." Wang Guiyuan stood beside the treasure bottle. "The situation is slightly better now."

Lei Jun looked inside the bottle.

There, he saw a massive Buddhist golden body of a dragon, its palms pressed together, sitting on a turtle as vast as an island.

The Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva's golden body seemed even larger than the Great Abyssal Turtle.

Lei Jun examined the Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva's golden body before turning his gaze to Wang Guiyuan, who stood outside the Vacuum Bottle, manifesting the light of the Six Paths Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva:

"Congratulations, Senior Brother, you've achieved the True Body?"

Just like Fa Qing, the high monk of Tianlong Temple, Jing Jiu, the White Lotus Saint, followed the vow tradition of Buddhism.

The Ninefold Heaven Bodhisattva Realm cultivated by the vow tradition was divided into five stages, similar to the Five Hand Seals of the Sumeru Buddhist tradition.

The related Buddhist practice of the hand seal tradition was called the Five Phases of Embodiment.

The vow tradition's related practice was called the Five Testaments of Compassion or the Five Testaments of Sadness.

The first stage of the Ninefold Heaven is known as Jia Xing (Accumulation). It is here that the golden body is initially formed, and the practitioner begins amassing merits through acts benefitting sapient beings, thus tracking their advancement from the Eighth Heaven to the Ninth Heaven.

In terms of battling external foes and subduing demons, it represented the enhancement of Buddhist power and the improvement of other Buddhist divine abilities.

The second stage was Abiding, where wisdom found stability and tranquility.

Externally, it enhanced the stability and defensive capabilities of the Buddhist golden body.

The third stage, Observing Wisdom, involved observing and understanding the world.

Externally, it enhanced the abilities of perception and awareness.

In some ways, it was akin to the "Change" of the Confucian Canon's Nine Heavens at the fourth layer.

Buddhist cultivation, regardless of the path chosen, prioritized the spirit and the soul.

At the fourth layer of the Nine Heavens in the Vow tradition, it was called Enlightenment, signifying the realization of the Monkey King's nature, imperishable and detached from the world, also known as the Detachment-aspiring Heart.

One of its main external manifestations when facing foes was the difficulty for enemies to discern the true foundation and existence of a Buddhist monk at this stage.

Hence, it was exceedingly challenging for cultivators of similar prowess to attack a monk at this stage, requiring unique spells and abilities to overcome their defenses.

As for the fifth layer, it was called Wisdom of Liberation, where cultivators realized the true nature of self, entered emptiness, free from the cycle of coming and going, birth and death, attaining great liberation.

Externally, the most notable characteristic was the possession of a single opportunity to resurrect and be reborn.

Furthermore, for cultivators of the Vow tradition who had perfected the Law Body realm of the Nine Heavens, the additional change that came with the fulfillment of the five virtues of compassion was the transformation of the Detachment-aspiring Heart into the Bodhi Heart, thereby gaining a Transformation Body in addition to their Law Body.

From the perspective of battling external foes, the Transformation Body was almost like a second self, and with the mystical qualities of the Law Body, it could discern the opponent's true nature and emptiness.

Using Lei Jun's gaming terminology from before he came to this world, it was as if the Vow tradition cultivators at this stage could hardly be truly harmed by their opponents, but when they attacked, they instinctively struck their opponent's weak spots and vital points without needing to deliberately study them.

Having witnessed Wang Guiyuan's Peacock Mahamudra Bodhisattva Law Body with his Yu Qing Zhou Tian Fa Jing earlier, and now seeing Wang Guiyuan himself outside the Vacuum Bottle, with the Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Law Body within, Lei Jun surmised that what was inside the Vacuum Bottle was Wang Guiyuan's Transformation Body.

Through the Vacuum Bottle, his first glance was not entirely clear.

Wang Guiyuan calmly acknowledged, "Junior Brother's praise is excessive. I have not yet cultivated to the Wisdom of Liberation realm."

He didn't hide anything from Lei Jun, simply explaining, "Compared to other Buddhist cultivators, my situation is unique, largely due to the influence of the Unbounded. Coincidentally, both my past life and present life are walking the path of the Vow tradition, which has resulted in some unusual variations."

Lei Jun understood, "Senior Brother has reached the fourth layer of the Nine Heavens, attaining the Enlightenment realm, realizing the Monkey King's nature, and cultivating the Detachment-aspiring Heart. Although the burden of the Unbounded has reduced your lifespan, it also affects your daily cultivation, hindering your progress."

Wang Guiyuan replied, "I am a lesson for you to heed."

Lei Jun then turned to the Great Abyssal Turtle, "Who is that behind this turtle?"

"Gui Xu," Wang Guiyuan answered.

"I, along with the Vacuum Bottle, am suppressing him, severing his connection to Gui Xu. But we must not let our guard down," Wang Guiyuan cautioned.

Lei Jun nodded slightly.

He recalled the various shocks and changes that occurred in the former Song Realm when Gui Xu had descended.

If not for Zong Gan of the Sumeru Lotus Sect falling to Gui Xu back then, there wouldn't have been the subsequent invasion of the former Ming Realm into Sumeru, triggering a series of momentous events.

There might be a beast-deity surviving at a level beyond the Nine Heavens.

As Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan inspected the Great Abyssal Turtle, Lei Jun pondered, "A Roc?"

While the two senior brothers conversed, the tremors in Luo Yuan were gradually subsiding.

Since Wang Guiyuan was now using the energy of Luo Yuan to suppress the Unbounded, the invader was slowly being pushed back by the dominant influence of Luo Yuan.

Wang Guiyuan then turned the tables, using the power of the Unbounded to further seal it away.

Without the Unbounded wreaking havoc, the tumult in Luo Yuan began to calm.

The light of the Six Paths Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also gradually faded away in Luo Yuan.

However, Wang Guiyuan continued to maintain the appearance of Jing Jiu, the White Lotus Saint.

In addition, by his side, the manifestation of the Tianlong Temple's high monk, Fa Qing, appeared.

Immediately following, another figure appeared beside Fa Qing, resembling Wang Guiyuan.

On one hand, Luo Yuan was gradually settling.

On the other hand, with the presence of Jing Jiu and Fa Qing, Wang Guiyuan's cultivation, though relatively low, could now be sustained within Luo Yuan.

Seeing that his senior brother had made up his mind and that the current environment was more conducive to his cultivation, Lei Jun didn't persuade him further.

Wang Guiyuan rarely spoke of his cultivation, but he was well aware of his progress.

Lei Jun also understood this tacitly.

Aside from the Silvermoon Phoenix, the top beasts in Luo Yuan, such as the Yu Luo Shan Jun, the Great Bone Flood Dragon, and the Yu Ming Moss, had already been subdued.

However, there were still some relatively lower-level beasts dwelling within Luo Yuan.

These beasts, along with the lingering spirits from the Unbounded, were the ones Wang Guiyuan would be guiding and saving in the days to come.

As a cultivator of the Vow tradition, these were unavoidable considerations.

With the remaining beasts in Luo Yuan and the calamities from the Unbounded, Jing Jiu or Fa Qing would have ample opportunities to cultivate without needing to immerse themselves in the mortal world.

The only aspect that piqued Lei Jun's curiosity at the moment was that Wang Guiyuan's primary cultivation was in the Daoist Talisman tradition, and its progress was relatively slow.

At least, it was far from comparable to his progress in the Vow tradition of Buddhism.

Even if he hadn't ended his past life as the White Lotus Saint, Jing Jiu, and embarked on a new life, merely maintaining his current three lives would still seem somewhat imbalanced.

Compared to his past and present, Wang Guiyuan, burdened with the future, was evidently weaker.

Lei Jun's current insight and perception far exceeded that of ordinary people.

Not only had his Daoist talisman cultivation reached an extraordinary level in the mortal world, but his understanding of the Buddhist tradition also far surpassed that of most.

Watching Wang Guiyuan's current cultivation structure, Lei Jun gradually formed some ideas and guesses.

"Given Silvermoon Phoenix's temperament, we should theoretically be able to coexist peacefully. However, aside from the Great Abyssal Turtle, I will also be keeping an eye on her."

Wang Guiyuan said to Lei Jun, "Please leave me some of your Sky-Penetrating, Earth-Piercing Talismans and your Heaven-Seeing, Earth-Hearing Charms to set up in Luo Yuan."

The vitality of life and death in Luo Yuan would continuously wash away at the talismans, causing them to deteriorate quickly.

Fortunately, Lei Jun had traveled to the Yellow Springs more than once and had adapted to similar environments.

Thus, the talismans he left behind would also endure in the environment of Luo Yuan.

"In that case, I appreciate your hard work, Senior Brother." Lei Jun said.

Wang Guiyuan replied, "I won't be alone here, so it won't be a problem."

Luo Yuan was even more treacherous than the Earthly Sea to a certain extent.

Although the Great Tang world seemed peaceful at the moment, neither Lei Jun nor Wang Guiyuan intended to open a stable passage between Luo Yuan and the mortal world.

However, they wouldn't stop individuals with special abilities from traveling to Luo Yuan alone on rare occasions.

Xing Feng, the master of the Blood River Sect in the Great Tang, had obtained an opportunity years ago, allowing him to travel between the mortal world and Luo Yuan.

His cultivation differed from the older generation of the Blood River Sect, incorporating a deeper understanding of life and death, making him unique.

Later, it was because of Mu Wei Zi's mediation that the Silvermoon Phoenix, the Great Bone Flood Dragon, and the Yu Ming Moss joined forces to expel the Silvermoon Phoenix, invade their territories, and further solidify their control over this realm, cutting off Xing Feng's access to Luo Yuan.

Now that the Silvermoon Phoenix had failed to replace them, Xing Feng might have a chance to re-enter Luo Yuan.

Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan wouldn't stand in his way.

Given the current situation in Luo Yuan, it would undoubtedly be more beneficial for Xing Feng.

Xing Feng might even invite Li Tianqing and other top witches of the Great Tang to join him in Luo Yuan.

Among the Nine Heavens and Ten Realms, Luo Yuan had once been occupied by human cultivators from the Witch Clan for a long time.

However, something unexpected had happened, causing this place to fall into the hands of the demon clan instead.

During Lei Jun's meeting with Ke Lang, the master of Kongsang, they had discussed this matter.

Kongsang had been occupied by demons in the past, but the owner had changed, and it had fallen into the hands of the Witch Clan instead.

According to Ke Lang's knowledge, the exchange between the two sides seemed to have occurred around the same period, almost like they had swapped places.

The Luo Yuan Great Witch entered Kongsang.

The Kongsang Great Demon entered Luo Yuan.

The timing was probably around the Han Dynasty, before the great calamity.

Ke Lang wasn't entirely sure about the details, but the Witch King might know.

There were also some unconfirmed rumors that the Witch King had ascended to the Nine Heavens above, and he might not have been alone.

However, after the great calamity of the Han Dynasty, not many people knew the specifics of that incident.

After a brief conversation, Lei Jun bid farewell to Wang Guiyuan and left Luo Yuan, returning to the mortal world of the Great Tang.

This time, the change of power in Luo Yuan had been swift and decisive.

Before long, the ruler of Luo Yuan had changed.

Lei Jun returned to the Heavenly Master's Mansion on Dragon-Tiger Mountain and met with his master, Yuan Mobai. He briefly described the situation.

Yuan Mobai nodded slightly, "His return has been delayed for many years. Thankfully, as time passed, he gradually began to break free from his constraints, and although he is currently in Luo Yuan, his cultivation is no longer hindered by the past worries. It's a good thing after all."

Lei Jun said, "Master and I share the same view. Although Luo Yuan is secluded, I will make sure he has everything he needs, and I will send them to him regularly."

Yuan Mobai said, "Of course, we need to update his supplies. Let's restock his inventory."

Master and disciple smiled at each other.

It was obvious that Wang Guiyuan had prepared ample resources for himself.

Sending supplies from this side was more about refreshing his stock and allowing him to consume his old supplies without worry.

"However, we should remain vigilant about the Kunpeng Demon Saint in the Ruined Paradise. He might not give up easily," Yuan Mobai's smile faded as he spoke.

Lei Jun nodded, understanding his master's implied meaning.

With Wang Guiyuan's ability to foresee the future and his presence, there was no doubt that the Kunpeng Demon Saint from the Ruined Paradise wouldn't back down easily.

Based on their current strength in the Great Tang and Wang Guiyuan's unique ability, there was no doubt that they would face a formidable enemy if the Kunpeng Demon Saint attacked.

However, if they were joined by other powerful beings, the threat they would pose would escalate drastically.

Lei Jun had always been concerned about this possibility.

The fact that Zong Liang from the Mount Sumeru Lotus Sect had not personally taken action but instead sent Zong Jia to deal with the situation during the previous incident had always been on Lei Jun's mind.

If the Benevolent Wisdom Sovereign had personally intervened, Zong Liang would have been unable to return to the Ruined Paradise unscathed, let alone intact.

There might be a beast-deity surviving at a level beyond the Nine Heavens.

As Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan inspected the Great Abyssal Turtle, Lei Jun speculated, "A Roc?"

While the two senior brothers conversed, the tremors in Luo Yuan gradually subsided.

Since Wang Guiyuan was now using the energy of Luo Yuan to suppress the invader, the dominant influence of Luo Yuan was slowly pushing back the intruder.

Wang Guiyuan then turned the tables, using the power of the invader to further seal it away.

With the invader no longer wreaking havoc, the tumult in Luo Yuan began to calm.

The light of the Six-Paths Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also gradually faded away in Luo Yuan.

However, Wang Guiyuan continued to maintain the appearance of Jing Jiu, the White Lotus Saint.

Additionally, the manifestation of Fa Qing, the high monk of Tianlong Temple, appeared beside him.

Immediately following, another figure resembling Wang Guiyuan appeared next to Fa Qing.

On one hand, Luo Yuan was gradually settling.

On the other hand, with the presence of Jing Jiu and Fa Qing, Wang Guiyuan's cultivation, though relatively low, could now be sustained within Luo Yuan.

Seeing that his senior brother had made up his mind and that the current environment was more conducive to his cultivation, Lei Jun didn't persuade him further.

Wang Guiyuan rarely spoke about his cultivation, but he was well aware of his progress.

Lei Jun also tacitly understood this.

Aside from the Silvermoon Phoenix, the top beasts in Luo Yuan, such as the Silvermoon Phoenix, the Great Bone Flood Dragon, and the Yu Ming Moss, had already been subdued.

However, there were still some relatively lower-level beasts dwelling within Luo Yuan.

These beasts, along with the lingering spirits from the invader, were the ones Wang Guiyuan would be guiding and saving in the days to come.

As a cultivator of the vow tradition, these were unavoidable considerations.

With the remaining beasts in Luo Yuan and the calamities from the invader, Jing Jiu or Fa Qing would have ample opportunities to cultivate without needing to immerse themselves in the mortal world.

The only aspect that piqued Lei Jun's curiosity at the moment was that Wang Guiyuan's primary cultivation was in the Daoist talisman tradition, and its progress was relatively slow.

At least, it was far from comparable to his progress in the vow tradition of Buddhism.

Even if he hadn't ended his past life as the White Lotus Saint, Jing Jiu, and embarked on a new life, merely maintaining his current three lives would still seem somewhat imbalanced.

Aware of the potential changes, Lei Jun, together with others, had sealed off the spatial gates connecting the Earthly Sea, Datong, and the human realm.

The good news was that Ang Qin Fu of the Golden Khanate was currently slumbering alone in the distant void of a foreign realm.

Messages from the human realm might not reach him promptly.

However, nothing was certain.

Thus, the strength of the Golden Khanate in the Song human realm remained formidable, suppressing the Canglang Khanate and the remnants of the Great Song. This was due to the uncertainty surrounding Ang Qin Fu's current situation.

"By the way..."

Yuan Mobai recalled something: "There seemed to be some turmoil in Penglai recently, but the reason is unclear."

Lei Jun pondered, "Could it be... the Eastern Qing Emperor?"

Waves stirred in Penglai, but only for a brief moment.

After bidding farewell to his master, Yuan Mobai, Lei Jun set off for Penglai.

Within Penglai, the tides had calmed.

Lei Jun inspected the area inside and out and soon understood the situation:

Someone had attempted to enter Penglai from the outside, most likely the Eastern Qing Emperor, Shen Xi.

However, after a short while, they gave up.

Lei Jun's Yu Qing Zhoutian Fajing observed the Two Jin human realms.

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

In the Two Jin human realms.

In the Shu Mountain Sect of Nan Jin.

The sect leader, Shen Xi, returned from outside.

His fellow disciple and trusted aide, Li Wanqiu, hurried to meet him.

With only the two of them in the room, Li Wanqiu, as Shen Xi's confidant, spoke in a low voice, "How is Uncle-Master's condition, Sect Leader?"

Shen Xi replied slowly, "Although there aren't any significant changes, Master's condition has deteriorated slightly compared to before."

Upon hearing this, Li Wanqiu's expression turned solemn.

The former sect leader, Gongsun Daoqi's physical condition was gradually worsening.

Although the decline was slow and minor, if it continued, no one could predict when his condition might suddenly deteriorate rapidly.

They couldn't afford to delay.

"Is there still no way with Penglai?" Li Wanqiu asked with a grave expression.

Like Shen Xi, he had also received the talisman edict and had accompanied Shen Xi to Penglai in the past.

However, now, neither of them could enter Penglai.

Shen Xi fell into deep thought before finally speaking, "I plan to go to another human realm, to the Heavenly Master's Mansion on Dragon-Tiger Mountain."

Li Wanqiu frowned, "Sect Leader... will that work? From what we learned about the Great Tang's Dragon-Tiger Mountain Heavenly Master's Mansion from Penglai, not only are they not affiliated with the ancient Fulu Sect, but they are also rivals.

Because of this, after the Northern Black Emperor, there was also the Penglai upheaval.

If it were in the past, we might have been able to negotiate with them, but now, we are also linked to the ancient Fulu Sect's legacy."

"We still have to try," Shen Xi said.

"The gates of Penglai are closed, and the talisman edicts we usually use are ineffective. How do you plan to get there without going through Penglai?" Li Wanqiu asked, concerned.

"We can just go directly from the human realm," Shen Xi replied.

Li Wanqiu was taken aback.

Shen Xi continued, "The Lin Clan of Jiangzhou has secretly opened a spatial gate leading to another human realm."

"Is that so? There wasn't even a hint of this before," Li Wanqiu said, astonished.

"They were cautious before, but recently, they've become more bold in their actions. It seems that the human realm on the other side of the gate has undergone significant changes," Shen Xi explained.

"Is the other side the Great Tang human realm?" Li Wanqiu asked.

"The other side..." Shen Xi replied, "is called the Han Dynasty."

Through his secret actions, Shen Xi had learned about the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou in the Han human realm and the Great Han Dynasty, as well as the fact that the Han human realm was directly connected to the Great Tang human realm.

By using the Han human realm as a transit point, one could travel from the Two Jin human realms to the Great Tang human realm without much difficulty.

Both the Lin Clan of Han Jiangzhou and the Lin Clan of Nan Jin were secretly guarding the spatial gate.

However, for Shen Xi, this was not a problem.

Not only did he possess exceptional personal cultivation, but he also had the support of several Shu Mountain Sect treasures.

Among them, the Taiyi Huashang, in particular, was closely related to the mysteries of space.

Li Wanqiu digested the information Shen Xi had shared and asked, "Sect Leader, according to what you said, the Lin Clan of Jiangzhou has been making big moves recently. This will likely alert others in the south and the north, which may lead to a big mess."

"That's why I must go as soon as possible," Shen Xi said.

After a moment of silence, Li Wanqiu resolutely said, "Sect Leader, let me go first to test the waters and find out more. Then you can go..."

But Shen Xi stopped him, "No, I'll go myself."

"Sect Leader, your cultivation is indeed higher than mine," Li Wanqiu said urgently, "but the Dragon-Tiger Mountain Heavenly Master's Mansion in the Great Tang is not someone we can fight against!"

"My higher cultivation will mainly help in maintaining secrecy and avoiding conflict. It's not about fighting," Shen Xi explained.

"But the Dragon-Tiger Mountain Heavenly Master's Mansion..." Li Wanqiu persisted.

"Whether it's Penglai or the Eastern Qing Emperor, it's all for Master and our sect. If changing our approach can extend Master's life and preserve our sect's legacy, then why not? It's a risk worth taking, and my personal safety and reputation are insignificant in comparison.

Moreover, it may not even be necessary to take such a risk."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end