https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-474-Failing-to-Meet-the-Enthusiasm-of-the-Bystanders-Part-1-/12934049/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-475-I-Can-t-Play-Along-with-Them/12934056/
Chapter 474: Failing to Meet the Enthusiasm of the Bystanders (Part 2)
Chapter 474: Failing to Meet the Enthusiasm of the Bystanders (Part 2)
A single subject was not enough to oppose the ruler.
The only way to create a balance was through the collective voice of the entire court.
Over the years, the country has been plagued by chaos, both within and without.
Just as the White Lotus Sect's rebellion seemed to be suppressed, the Vajra World Karmic Department and the northern barbarians regrouped.
Initially, due to the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and Summi, the Western Buddhist Sect restrained themselves from opening the Kongsang Sect's doors, seeking to divert the disaster eastward.
However, with the Tang's initiative to seal off Summi, the Great Ming Court could shift its attention from the west and focus on the northern barbarians and the Vajra World Karmic Department.
As a result, the Vajra World Karmic Department seized the opportunity to guide Kongsang's arrival in the Great Ming Realm.
The north has always been a thorn in the side of the Great Ming.
"The court's military efforts are primarily directed towards the Kongsang Buddhist Sect in the north. Additionally, we should send people to guard the Void Realm Gate in the south, which leads to another realm, and make preparations for sealing it off."
Zhou Mingzhe spoke, "Regarding the Daoist Sect, we should take a more lenient approach for now, focusing on appeasement. However, we must remain vigilant and not let our guard down."
A loophole had emerged.
But at this moment, he was still uncertain about the extent of the loophole.
Nie Song understood, "Master, do you mean the Shu Mountain Sect?"
Despite Mu Chunyang's "resurrection," which had made the Great Ming's True Martial Temple less trustworthy, the Great Ming Court had been infiltrating the True Martial Temple for many years, including the current master, Wei Jingyi, who was under Zhou Mingzhe's control.
Mu Chunyang's fake death and seclusion had not only deceived the court but also Wei Jingyi and others.
On the other hand, the Great Ming Shu Mountain Sect, which had been incited by Han Qingtao to rebel, although they were well-behaved, had caught Zhou Mingzhe's attention.
Unfortunately, they were already a step too late.
Soon, Zhou Mingzhe received a secret report:
The current master of the Great Ming Shu Mountain Sect, Yuan Qingci, had successfully reached the Great Vehicle Dao Scenery of the Ninth Heaven.
The Great Ming Realm had gained a new high-level Daoist cultivator.
Zhou Mingzhe silently read the letter in his hand.
As Nie Song was guessing whether his master would invite the Shu Mountain Elder Mo Qingshi to meet, Zhou Mingzhe spoke, "Please invite the Abbot Guangshu of the Bodhimanda Temple to the capital for a meeting."
...
In the southeast coastal region of the Great Ming Realm.
The leader of the Vajra World Karmic Department, Kali, walked upon the boundless and majestic waves of the sea.
His expression was calm.
The previous regrets had dissipated, clearing his mind and not affecting his mood.
Earlier, he had miscalculated a move.
After the Tang Court suppressed the Summi Gate, he turned his attention to guiding Kongsang's arrival in the Great Ming Realm, hoping to rely on the Wise Wisdom Venerable and deter the Great Ming from acting recklessly.
Only then did he learn that the former master of the Great Ming's True Martial Temple, Mu Chunyang, might have been active in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Realm.
If he had known this earlier, Kali would have continued to endure and prevented Kongsang's arrival.
In that case, the Great Ming Court's greatest concern would have been the Daoist Sect and the Tang Dynasty.
They would have purged the Great Ming's Daoist Sect and explored the Guicang Realm and other places.
The Tang Court could have continued to retreat, but this way, they could have completely cut off their influence in the Great Ming Realm.
But now, the Great Ming's focus on the north had once again put them on the brink of war.
Decades ago, when their national power was at its peak, they could have fought on multiple fronts. Now, they were appeasing the Great Ming's Daoist Sect, but their attention remained on the northern border, targeting the Vajra World Karmic Department.
... The information conveyed by the Thunder Sound Temple earlier was mostly true, but there were some reservations.
Kali was not surprised by this; he could only sigh at his missed opportunity.
After years of interaction, conflict was the norm, and cooperation was rare.
The Kongsang Buddhist Sect also had their own private plans...
Whether it was Kongsang's arrival in the mortal realm or not, if it weren't for this, the Great Ming Court, which was already eyeing the north, would not have allowed Kali, the leader of the Vajra World Karmic Department, to have so much free time to quietly travel south and move around.
A massive black shadow appeared beneath the waves before him.
Kali's expression remained calm as he formed a hand seal in greeting, "How are your considerations, benefactor?"
The enormous black shadow beneath the waves spoke through the crashing waves,
"The treasures of Kongsang are indeed valuable, and even after being occupied by the Wu Xi for so many years, they still possess such rare treasures.
But unfortunately, they have fallen into your hands, and I have heard of some of your methods!"
Kali shook his head, "Kongsang does have treasures beneficial to your cultivation, but it is still far from helping you further. It requires the blessing and empowerment of the Venerable to have any hope. Otherwise, why didn't the Witch King of Kongsang use it to cultivate good karma?
The Venerable did indeed suppress the Pixiu Demon Saint in the past, but that was due to the cause and effect of old grudges. You, benefactor, need not worry about this aspect.
As for the matter of salvation, the current realm is filled with chaos and suffering, and the Venerable does not lack disciples from the Ninth Heaven like us. What he needs are friends who share the same aspirations in the Immortal Realm."
The enormous black shadow beneath the waves became clearer at this moment.
It was a massive four-winged snake with a black body, exuding a powerful demonic aura without any trace of evil. Instead, its presence was akin to that of a dragon.
Even Kali, a cultivator at the Ninth Heaven of the Vajra World Karmic Department, could not match its might.
Although his figure was now clearer, his words were not polite, "The cultivation and strength of the Wise Wisdom Venerable are indeed genuine. But if he truly wants to cultivate new Immortal Realm helpers, you monks are the most suitable candidates. Could it be that he has been delayed because he has consumed too many Buddhist treasures to recover from his injuries?"
Kali faced the Four-Winged Serpent King, one of the most powerful demons in the Great Ming Realm, and remained calm, "Without the Venerable, not to mention our current cultivation, in these chaotic times, we would not be able to move about in the mortal realm as freely as we do now. How can we talk about being delayed?"
The Four-Winged Serpent King let out a hum and sank back into the depths of the sea, disappearing from sight, "We'll see."
Kali's expression remained calm, "It seems that the benefactor is ready. Please be patient, benefactor. I have a plan, and I will handle it as soon as possible. At that time, I invite you to join me in this grand event."
After speaking, he concealed his tracks and left the southeastern sea, heading west back to land.
Then, he ventured deep into the southern wilderness of the Great Ming Realm.
...
In the Great Ming Realm, Lei Jun was receiving another guest.
The current master of the Southern Jin Shu Mountain Sect, Shen Xi.
"Thank you for your help, Heavenly Master Lei. My master's condition has finally stabilized much more than before." Shen Xi thanked Lei Jun.
Although he had not entered Penglai again, and the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion did not support him in practicing the ancient Talisman Sect methods, Lei Jun had first gifted him a jade ruyi and then bestowed the Dragon Tiger Talisman. With the exchange of various Heavenly Treasures between different realms, Shen Xi managed to help his benefactor, Gongsun Daoqi, overcome various obstacles and stabilize his Immortal Soul.
Though the original path was blocked, he found a new way and ultimately succeeded in solving the problem, which filled Shen Xi with gratitude and admiration for Heavenly Master Lei.
"You are too kind, Daoist Brother Shen." Lei Jun invited him to sit down. "I see that your state of mind is much clearer than before. Your Immortal Soul is transparent and pure; it's just a matter of time before you make further progress. I wish you joy in advance."
Shen Xi said, "Heavenly Master is too generous."
He was a prodigy, achieving the Ninth Heaven Daoist Great Dharmic Realm at a young age and continuously advancing thereafter.
However, in recent years, he encountered some obstacles, and his cultivation progress slowed down, preventing him from achieving the Five Qi Toward the Immortal.
To some extent, his situation was similar to that of Western White Emperor Han Qingtao and Southern Red Emperor Li Hang, but the reasons were different.
Shen Xi was originally a carefree person, but over the years, the burdens on him grew heavier, thus slowing his progress.
Now, the situation in the Northern and Southern Jin realms had undergone a dramatic change. The Southern and Northern Buddhist Sects had vanished, and Gongsun Daoqi's condition had improved. The various constraints that bound Shen Xi had all been obliterated.
It was like a mountain stream that had been blocked but now flowed freely again.
Although he had not yet truly advanced further, as Lei Jun said, his Immortal Soul was now clear and lively, far surpassing what it was before.
Although the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion did not overly involve itself in the Northern and Southern Jin realms, it was similar to the True Martial Temple in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm. The Southern Jin Shushan Sect's situation in the Northern and Southern Jin realms was also very different from before.
Compared to Murong Minghui's arduous efforts to manage the Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace, the entire Southern Jin Shushan Sect, including Shen Xi, was much more relaxed.
Without the dual constraints of the Northern and Southern Buddhist Sects, they were content to develop naturally.
In this situation, with Gongsun Daoqi no longer worried, Shen Xi had the desire to travel far and wide.
After learning about different realms through Penglai, he had long harbored this intention, but the timing and conditions were never right before. Now, he could finally fulfill his wish.
"I never imagined I would enter Sappho in this way," Shen Xi looked around.
Lei Jun smiled slightly. "Yan Keji is the incarnation of the former Sappho Buddhist Sect Leader, Venerable Puguang."
Shen Xi reflected on the past, slightly lost in thought. "It feels like a different world..."
Lei Jun said, "Sappho is currently connected to two realms: the Northern and Southern Jin, and another realm where various heroes are battling."
"I heard that our Daoist Sect was not thriving there, but your sect and the True Martial Temple have made some improvements."
Shen Xi smiled. "It makes me feel a sense of shared hardship."
Lei Jun said, "There are still many differences. If you are interested in seeing it, the current dynasty where the Shushan Sect's old site is located is supported by the Spirit Mountain Sorcerers. I have already informed the Spirit Mountain side, and some of the Great Han Shushan Sect's Daoist friends will also be going."
Shen Xi said, "I have no intention of offending the Spirit Mountain Sorcerers. Thank you, Heavenly Master, for your assistance."
Lei Jun said, "You are too formal."
Almost at the same time Shen Xi left, Tang Xiaotang returned to Sappho.
"The time is set," Tang Xiaotang brought back the news of the two dominant powers in the Canghuan Realm setting a date for their battle, but she didn't seem as excited as before.
Lei Jun noticed and looked her over.
From Tang Xiaotang's expression, it was clear that she still had high expectations, but it felt more like...
Dissatisfaction with being kept in suspense?
Tang Xiaotang sat down in front of Lei Jun, acting carefree. "Guess when?"
Lei Jun remained calm. "You will tell me eventually, Senior Sister."
Tang Xiaotang stared at Lei Jun with wide eyes, then turned her head and said, "Pfft."
Lei Jun leisurely prepared tea and poured it for her.
Tang Xiaotang sipped the tea slowly, and after a moment, she slammed the teacup down on the table and cleared her throat.
Lei Jun was already prepared to listen and gestured for her to continue.
Tang Xiaotang met Lei Jun's gaze and suddenly smiled.
The smile made Lei Jun feel a bit strange.
Then she made a gesture and said three words:
"Seven years later."
"So long?" Lei Jun was genuinely surprised.
Although he had guessed something from Tang Xiaotang's teasing, the time still exceeded his expectations.
For the long-lived and powerful Jinguo Haoyang and Zhenlong Huaming, seven years was not a long time.
They could easily spend more time in seclusion.
But with the current confrontational atmosphere in Canghuan, the two Holy Lords setting a date seven years in the future?
It was a real letdown for the eager audience!
No wonder Tang Xiaotang looked so disappointed after returning from Canghuan.
Wait...
Hold on a moment.
Lei Jun thought for a moment and looked at Tang Xiaotang uncertainly.
"Is Holy Lord Haoyang at the second level of Immortal Spirit?
Is he waiting for Holy Lord Huaming to reach the second level of Immortal Spirit as well?"
Tang Xiaotang played with her teacup and puffed out her cheeks. "You really can see through the smallest details!"
Lei Jun refilled her teacup. "The records from before the Great Cataclysm at the End of Han are incomplete. I've only seen descriptions of Holy Lord Haoyang, but not his exact level of cultivation.
Regardless of his current level, this confidence and audacity are truly remarkable, but it also depends on who he's facing."
He put down the teapot and thought for a moment. "The news is public. I wonder what others will think when they hear it?"
Tang Xiaotang sipped her tea. "Well, there won't be any exciting battles for a while. I'll return first. How is Senior Sister doing in the Great Measure?"
Lei Jun said, "Good question. Third Junior Brother just sent a message back. Senior Sister has 'pierced the sky' in the Great Measure."
Tang Xiaotang paused with her teacup at her lips and turned to look at him.
Lei Jun raised his teacup in a toast to her.
"Literal meaning, she pierced the sky."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
