Chapter 486: Renowned Across the Nine Heavens, Resounding Across the Ten Earths (Part 2)

Chapter 486: Renowned Across the Nine Heavens, Resounding Across the Ten Earths (Part 2)

However, her growth and changes from the Ninth Level of Heaven in the mortal realm to the first level of the Immortal Realm, and then to the second level, were vastly different from those of other Immortal cultivators.

Lei Jun, similarly, had proven his uniqueness in his first battle after ascending to the Immortal Realm.

The impact and pressure brought about by the simultaneous advancement of these two individuals were felt even by the Venerable Wisdom.

Moreover, with people like Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang eyeing the situation, there was always the possibility of more variables.

In such a situation, which side should they consider approaching?

Yuyin, with whom they had previously cooperated, but the circumstances and information were unclear?

Or Pure Sky, whose strength and intentions were openly displayed and exceptionally dominant? The latter was led by the Taoist community, but could the former be trusted?

…………………………

Inside Pure Sky, which was being watched by others, it was empty, with only three people present.

Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, and Wang Dianchen.

"I didn't expect Kunwu Sect to send such a talented junior, a pearl thrown into the dark," Ge Xuanzhi gave a Taoist bow to Gaotian Sui, "My apologies, my personal grudges have disrupted the High Sky Lord's arrangements."

Gaotian Sui strolled with his hands behind his back, wandering in Pure Sky, "You're being too hard on yourself. I've heard Zhou Tian mention this friend, Zhao Xiaoyou, before. He's a quiet person, and the one who has the greatest influence this time is still the reincarnation of He Jushi, as well as... the successor of Zhuang Zheng."

Ge Xuanzhi and Wang Dianchen followed behind him.

"He Jushi's reincarnation and rebirth has brought significant changes to the Dao lineage."

Gaotian Sui smiled, "Although he has to start over, it's still a unique situation."

Ge Xuanzhi spoke softly, "He Ying's reincarnation and rebirth will still take time. Currently, she is still at the second level of the Confucian Saint Realm, not at her peak during Han's End. Even if she were as she was back then, if it weren't for the High Sky Lord's care for us these years, her entering the Great Rectifier first would still be useless."

Gaotian Sui said, "This time, we were a bit too arrogant."

He then asked, "How is Bai Zhenjun of the Shushan Sect doing now?"

In the empty Pure Sky, Ran Qiao's voice echoed, "Not as strong as before, but still not to be underestimated. If I don't show myself, she probably won't take action. However, her appearance in the mortal realm and her close relationship with the cultivation world of the Tang Dynasty..."

Like Ge Xuanzhi and the Kunwu Sect, Ran Qiao's relationship with Bai Mi was also personal.

To be precise, her relationship with the Shushan Sect and the Taoist Alchemy Sect's lineage was not that significant.

It was during Han's End that Bai Mi had another friend who died from her Gu worms, leading to today's grudges.

"We should count her in, then," Gaotian Sui said.

On the other side, in Ling Mountain, Quan Yuanyi completely shut out the outside world, quietly cultivating his treasures and healing himself, completing this two-in-one, one-in-two task.

Ran Qiao contacted Gaotian Sui and the others in Pure Sky, "The Gu I left with Yu Shuo, although it was a quiet Gu to aid his cultivation and nurture, not a fighting Gu, disappeared along with Yu Shuo in the blink of an eye... If the person who took action was truly just a newcomer to the Immortal Realm, we have to admit that their cultivation strength is astonishing and rarely seen in history."

Gaotian Sui said, "Zhuang Zheng has a good successor, and I have some premonition. His successor might surpass him."

Ge Xuanzhi, Ran Qiao, and Wang Dianchen all remained silent.

The sixteenth Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhuang Zheng, was widely acknowledged for his exceptional talent, rivaling his grand-uncle, Gaotian Sui.

It was under Zhuang Zheng's leadership that he and his followers from the same sect jointly accomplished a significant event in the history of the entire Taoist Talisman Sect, leaving a deep impression during that time at Dragon Tiger Mountain.

Since then, the entire Taoist Talisman Sect's lineage had changed.

If it weren't for this, Gaotian Sui could have easily removed Zhuang Zheng's talisman with a wave of his hand, and there wouldn't have been the subsequent fierce battles.

And now, the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain is once again at the forefront of opposing the old subordinates of the Heavenly Palace.

Zhou Tian Daoist had barely managed to preserve the ancient Talisman Sect's lineage in one mortal realm.

However, the current Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun, had already completed the talisman revision for the Han Dynasty's Dragon Tiger Mountain branch.

Just like what Zhuang Zheng did during Han's End.

Lei Jun did not directly and crudely wipe out the Han Dynasty's Dragon Tiger Mountain branch, starting anew. Instead, he painstakingly recreated the talisman revision, causing the Han Dynasty's Dragon Tiger Mountain branch to return to the main lineage.

This matter has dragged on until now, and the dust has not completely settled. Even in the foreseeable future, there may still be fluctuations, and it may even provide an opportunity for the old subordinates of the Heavenly Palace.

If Lei Jun didn't foresee this, Ge Xuanzhi and the others wouldn't believe it.

But he still did it.

"Although the leader of a sect has astonishing talent, he is a reclusive person," Gaotian Sui said, "It's a pity that we cannot collaborate due to our differing paths."

Ran Qiao asked, "What about Zhao Chanyang from the Kunwu Sect?"

Gaotian Sui smiled, "Judging solely by talent, he should be even more outstanding than Lei Jun."

Wang Dianchen, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up, "High Sky Lord, what is Zheng Beichen's true intention?"

Gaotian Sui replied, "He wants to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. It's not just between us and the cultivation world of the Tang Dynasty; he's also guarding against a possible third tiger from the Great Rectifier."

Upon hearing this, Ge Xuanzhi and Wang Dianchen's eyes flashed.

Ran Qiao asked softly from Ling Mountain, "High Sky Lord, this time you entered the Great Rectifier..."

Gaotian Sui said, "The Time Abyss in the Great Rectifier will soon undergo another change."

It might have already been disturbed by someone from the Tang Dynasty.

This time, after being dragged into the conflict between him and Zhang Wantong, the Time Abyss seemed calm on the surface, but underneath, the undercurrents were raging.

"Zheng Baiyu, Venerable Wisdom, Puguang, and Zhou Tian's actions can be considered a gain and a loss," Gaotian Sui said.

Yuyin, Kongsang, Thunder Sound Temple, and Zhou Tian's four sides jointly promoted the early convergence of the mortal realm, but in the end, they were stopped halfway, and the success was not genuine.

Such behavior was akin to exploiting a loophole in the mortal realm.

If it didn't work once, it would be inconvenient to replicate it even with Gaotian Sui's abilities, as the spiritual energy of the mortal realm would change.

The great calamity of the mortal realm that caused the split in the past was the result of multiple forces working together.

Although the early convergence of the mortal realm was unsuccessful, it was precisely this disturbance that broke the balance of the Pure Sky seal, allowing Pure Sky to return to the mortal realm.

Thus, in this interconnected web, there were gains and losses.

"Fortunately, the convergence of the human realm is an inevitable trend, and it will eventually come to pass. Before that, if you wish to walk in the human realm, you should consider other methods."

Gaotian Sui instructed, "For now, leave human affairs to you. I will be retreating for a period of time."

Ge Xuanzhi, Ran Qiao, and Wang Dian Chen all agreed, "Yes."

Pure Sky finally returned to the human realm, and the High Sky Lord retreated to heal his injuries, finally recovering completely.

With his cultivation, insight, and understanding, he might have a way to navigate the current human realm.

In Pure Sky, amidst the green mountains, there was an unassuming small city. The city was empty, and at its center was a palace complex.

The palace buildings were in ruins, looking old and inconspicuous.

Gaotian Sui strolled into the palace and sat down quietly, meditating.

Beneath him, a three-tiered altar appeared silently, rising from the ground.

With this as the center, the winds of Pure Sky blew.

The small city, the palace complex, and the people inside, including the altar, gradually disappeared.

The Pure Sky realm seemed to have its own thoughts and life.

The gentle breeze, like breathing, flowed from the Pure Sky gateway to the outside human realm.

The breathing was not intense, as if in a deep slumber, and the human realm outside was unaware.

However, the area where the Pure Sky gateway was located, the sky of that side, seemed to have deepened in color and expanded slightly.

...

In the Great Rectifier, Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong did not leave immediately.

She quietly gazed upwards at the Well of Time.

Beside her stood Chu Kun, and Xiao Xueting, who had come through the Great Rectifier gateway from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

Chu Kun's gaze was also fixed on the Well of Time, and his tone was uncertain, "Your Majesty, it seems that over there..."

Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong replied, "Yes, after Gaotian Sui used the Pure Sky to draw it, it has undergone new changes.

When I fought with Gaotian Sui, I vaguely felt that over there, on the other side of the chaotic Well of Time, someone was spying on this side."

Chu Kun took a deep breath upon hearing this.

With Zhang Wantong's words, it meant that the person on the other side of the chaotic Well of Time was not her senior sister, Xu Yuanzhen.

Through the chaotic time and space, the other party's gaze could be focused here, indicating that the Well of Time had indeed undergone significant new changes, and the observer's strength was not to be underestimated.

Chu Kun's mind calmed down, and he didn't feel too surprised.

Those who could come into contact with and study the Well of Time were definitely not ordinary people.

Just like on their side, there were Xu Yuanzhen, Zhang Wantong, Lei Jun, Gaotian Sui, and Zheng Baiyu, constantly paying attention to the Well of Time.

However, Zhang Wantong's words meant that beyond the chaotic time and space of the Well of Time, there might be a connection to other worlds.

Here, thousands of years ago, there was a great calamity at Han's End that caused the human realm to split.

And before that, there was an even greater catastrophe.

The legend of the ancient heavenly palace's destruction and the collapse of the three realms...

Chu Kun's mouth turned bitter as he wondered if this Well of Time led to the past or to other present and future worlds.

In recent years, the Great Rectifier had been constantly changing, and his personal cultivation had also been improving. Now, he had even reached the Great Enlightenment realm of Taoism.

However, with all these changes, not only had the two sides not separated, but Chu Kun felt that his connection with the Great Rectifier was even deeper than he had imagined.

Or perhaps it was not a connection with the Great Rectifier, but with this Well of Time...

At this moment, Chu Dao did not have the slightest sense of being the son of heaven; instead, he felt like there was a huge black pot hovering over his head.

He needed to carefully discuss this with his two senior brothers, who were experts in shifting blame. Chu Kun thought to himself.

"Pure Sky and the Great Rectifier are connected, and the Great Rectifier gateway can block others, but it cannot stop the former servants of the heavenly palace." Chu Kun turned to thank Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong, "This time, thanks to Your Majesty's assistance, I have an unwelcome request. I would like to ask Your Majesty to stay in the Great Rectifier for a while longer, and I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."

Zhang Wantong said, "Chu Dao, do you wish to go to Penglai to see Lei Tian Shi?"

Chu Kun replied, "Yes."

Zhang Wantong nodded, "I have no other matters at hand, so I can stay in the Great Rectifier for a while longer. Please convey my congratulations to Lei Tian Shi on his Cave Profound ascension to immortality."

Chu Kun said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After he left, Zhang Wantong looked at the somewhat silent Xiao Xueting, "Are you sure it's your father?"

Xiao Xueting sighed, "Yes, I never thought I would meet my father here."

Zhang Wantong said, "At least you two don't seem to be at each other's throats."

Xiao Xueting was lost in thought for a moment, "I guess so."

Zhang Wantong asked, "Have you talked to your two brothers?"

Xiao Xueting felt a headache coming on, "Not yet, I'm still thinking about how to bring it up. It's fine with my second brother, but as for my eldest brother... Sigh!"

She knew she had to tell them.

So, Xiao Xueting first contacted her second brother, Xiao Chunhui.

Xiao Chunhui remained calm after hearing the news, "It's good that Father is still alive. I'll go and talk to my eldest brother."

Xiao Xueting heaved a sigh of relief, "Then I'll leave it to you, second brother!"

After ending the conversation, she gazed into the distance, lost in thought for a moment.

The mother's side of her and Xiao Chunhui's family had always been a mystery in the Tang Dynasty's human realm.

In fact, for a very small number of people like Zhang Wantong and Chu Yu, it was not a secret.

They were the children of Xiao Yumen and a great demon from the Western Regions.

Their mother had died in the demon chaos in the Western Regions back then.

As for their enemies, most of the people from the Xiao clan outside the Longxi region had perished in that battle.

Xiao Yumen did not like the Xiao clan outside the Longxi region, nor did he have any allegiance to the Tang Dynasty imperial family.

It was said that he lost the position of clan leader due to his mother's influence, but in fact, even without that incident, this old man of the Xiao clan was often away from home, which infuriated the old patriarch.

Xiao Yumen was a gifted individual, and from a young age, he often traveled far from home and self-taught himself to become accomplished. Without relying on his family's resources, he still became the most promising scholar of the Xiao clan outside the Longxi region, capable of bringing peace to the world and reaching the Ninth Level of Heaven. The Xiao clan had complex feelings about him.

And now, he had already risen to prominence, just one step away from becoming a Confucian sage, but this had nothing to do with the Xiao clan outside the Longxi region.

Although Xiao Yumen did not like the Xiao clan outside the Longxi region, the demon chaos in the Western Regions still bothered him.

This was due to his wife, the former Tang Emperor Zhang Qilong, and also involved other noble families within the Tang Dynasty at that time.

Xiao Yumen, who had already abandoned all of this, eventually left the Tang Dynasty.

By chance, he obtained a way to enter Canghuan.

Here, he lingered, reluctant to leave.

Xiao Xueting could roughly understand his feelings towards her and her brother, Xiao Chunhui.

But she was unaware of his thoughts regarding his half-brother, Xiao Hang, and Xiao Yumen.

At the moment, Xiao Xueting was more concerned about Xiao Hang's feelings, but she could only sigh helplessly.

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

Meanwhile, in Guicang, Zhang Hui received news from his aunt, Zhang Wantong, that she would be staying in Dajiu for a short period.

After some contemplation, he informed the Ling Mountain Wu Gate members who were currently residing in Guicang for recuperation.

"This time, we have to thank the Tang Emperor and the Daoist Immortals for their efforts in calming the chaos," Wu Xian Zhao Qianran expressed his gratitude. "We are even more grateful to the Tang Dynasty and the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion for allowing our king to rest in Guicang."

The Ling Mountain Wu King, Huangfu Qi, was currently in a state of near-slumber meditation.

Wu Peng Qiaoyang, who had been traveling as a wandering healer, had already rushed back to take care of Huangfu Qi and Lei Lei, among others.

Ran Qiao and Quan Yuanyi entered Ling Mountain, where the Ling Mountain Wu Gate suffered heavy casualties and their vitality was severely damaged.

After comforting them, Zhang Hui did not stay long in Guicang and instead returned to the Tang capital, Luoyang, to take command.

Zhao Qianran and the others expressed their gratitude once again.

"Ran Qiao is still alive, but this great catastrophe couldn't be avoided," Wu Peng Qiaoyang sighed.

Zhao Qianran of the Wu Xian said, "For now, we can only hope for our king's speedy recovery."

He took out a piece of bone that resembled jade and handed it to Wu Luo Sun Li: "We must express our gratitude to the Tang Dynasty and the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion for allowing us to stay in Guicang. As a token of our appreciation, I have something to give to the Dragon Tiger Mountain."

Sun Li took the jade bone: "With the successful ascension of Lei Tian Shi to the Cave Profound realm and his new insights into the cracks in the Saha world, he will soon send a message to the other side."

Zhao Qianran and Qiaoyang both showed joy: "Lei Tian Shi's magnanimity is truly admirable."

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

After the battle in Canghuan, Qin Caimei, who had been fortunate enough to witness the battle for a long time, felt as if she were in a dream as she returned to the Saha world.

Then she saw Wang Guyuan talking to Bai Mei, who appeared as a figure of light: "Bai Zhenjun, don't you plan to recall the Purple and Green Twin Swords? The Tang Dynasty's Shu Mountain Sect would surely welcome them."

Bai Mei smiled: "Since the Purple and Green Twin Swords have been left for future generations, I won't use them lightly, just as I did in the Tang Dynasty when I borrowed the sword to fly and cut down the Great Han. It was merely a convenient coincidence."

She waved her hand, and a stream of light gathered in mid-air: "However, times have changed, and I'm considering creating a new treasure."

Wang Guyuan said, "It will surely be a masterpiece, a unique creation."

Bai Mei's figure transformed into a stream of light and merged with Qin Caimei: "To ensure success, I still need to gather some materials, and I'll have to trouble your sect's disciples for assistance."

Wang Guyuan replied, "No need for such formality, Zhenjun. I'm heading to Penglai, and I'll leave the Saha world in your capable hands for now."

After bidding farewell to Bai Mei and Qin Caimei, he set off for Penglai.

Upon seeing him, Lei Jun smiled and snapped his fingers.

Two beams of Buddha light flew out and landed in front of Wang Guyuan.

One was a purple-gold alms bowl.

The other was a nine-ringed staff.

Wang Guyuan first picked up the alms bowl and nodded slightly: "Although this treasure is not particularly sharp for combat, its uses are boundless, especially for my current cultivation."

He then shook the nine-ringed staff, feeling slightly sentimental: "Indeed, it was specifically left behind by the Venerable Puguang for me and Wu Jian."

Although the Venerable Puguang had passed away, and Wu Jian had also separated from Wang Guyuan, the insights and principles within it would greatly aid his cultivation.

The realm and principles within had much in common, and they could serve as the 'other mountain's stone to polish one's jade'.

"I wish you success in achieving your future body and attaining the golden body of the Buddhist path," Lei Jun said.

The past body of White Lotus Saint Master Jingjiu had been replaced by the current body of Faqing Monk, who had transformed into his past body. With this change, his cultivation and strength had also shifted, surpassing the White Lotus Saint Master Jingjiu and reaching a higher level. He had achieved the golden body of the Buddhist path, fulfilling the nine-fold heaven, the fivefold perfection of compassion, and the tenfold perfection of vows.

However, the new current body of Wang Guyuan still maintained the middle three heavens realm of the Daoist path.

Of course, he also had the left and right monks as his guardians, who were the horizontal three-life body.

But compared to when Faqing Monk had been the current body, Wang Guyuan still lacked a nine-fold heaven dharma body.

In terms of actual combat ability, he had somewhat regressed compared to his previous self.

However, Lei Jun strongly suspected that the other party might have other backup methods to make up for this.

But one thing was certain...

Wang Guyuan said, "Being freed from the suffering of Wu Jian has made me feel much lighter, but I've also lost the ability to coexist in multiple lifetimes. Now, I only have this current life. If I can't achieve the golden body, when my time comes, I'll return to dust."

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun slightly tilted his head, his eyes filled with doubt as he looked up and down at Wang Guyuan.

Wang Guyuan sighed helplessly: "Your gaze is hurting me."

Lei Jun: "It's a gaze of trust."

"No matter what, I'm still a mortal in this life," Wang Guyuan said with a bitter smile, shaking his head repeatedly.

His gaze swept across Penglai: "Speaking of which, Brother, you still have a hidden trick up your sleeve here in Penglai, as you didn't use the Three Caves and Three Heavens Supreme Dragon and Tiger Array. Is this in preparation for the High Sky Lord?

Although you have continuously improved the array, Zhou Tian Dao Ren has seen it before and may have leaked information. Even if the High Sky Lord is injured, as a Cave Profound Triple Talisman Immortal, his vision is undoubtedly exceptional. We must be cautious to avoid falling into their control."

With the acquisition of the Wutong Divine Wood branch and its planting in Penglai, one of the Nine Heavens, corresponding to the Human Realm's Wanfa Zongtan, one of the Ten Grounds, and the Yellow Springs, the Three Caves and Three Heavens formation has already taken shape, with even greater power than before. Lei Jun can set up the formation in Penglai or use it to guard against a direct attack on the Dragon Tiger Mountain ancestral court by the old subordinates of the Heavenly Palace.

The reason Lei Jun carried all three treasures of the Celestial Master himself was not only to prevent the Human Realm from merging prematurely but also to consider this aspect.

"Your concerns are well-founded, and I've also given it much thought," Lei Jun said.

Lei Jun nodded: "Upon ascending to the immortal realm, I will make further adjustments and improvements to the formation to continue enhancing it."

Having reached the immortal realm, his perspective and senses had changed, and numerous ideas and inspirations flooded his mind.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end