Chapter 488: When Have We Ever Fought Such a Well-Resourced War? (Part 1)

Chapter 488: When Have We Ever Fought Such a Well-Resourced War? (Part 1)





Surrounded by the crowd, Lei Jun greeted everyone calmly and invited them to take their seats in the hall.

Among those accompanying Lei Jun, besides the Eighth Level of Heaven elders like Zhuo Baojie, Qin Caimei, and Ma Zongxiang, there was another heavyweight figure—Chu Kun, who had already reached the Ninth Level of Heaven.

"The world is ever-changing, and events are unfolding at a rapid pace, affecting all corners of the human realms."

Lei Jun, seated at the head of the table, spoke calmly, "Therefore, I have invited all of you, fellow Daoists, to gather here to discuss matters, so that we, as Daoists, can support each other and move forward together in the tide of our times."

Shen Xi, Mu Chunyang, Zhang Taogang, and others all said, "The Celestial Master is truly noble."

Lei Jun continued, "This meeting will not involve the internal affairs of any sect. I will only act as the host, and we will all come to a consensus on the matters at hand."

He looked at Shen Xi, the head of the Southern Jin Mountain Gate, and Murong Minghui, the head of the Northern Jin Purity Palace: "The situations in different human realms vary. Some places are still not peaceful. I have no intention of overstepping or interfering, so please make your own decisions, fellow Daoists."

Shen Xi and Murong Minghui both nodded slightly, "The Celestial Master is humble and magnanimous; we admire you."

The Northern Jin Dynasty and the Southern Jin Dynasty are currently facing off across the great river.

The Northern Jin Dynasty, having previously purged the major noble families and suffered internal losses, still needs to recover its strength. However, they have two Ninth Level of Heaven experts, the Empress of the Northern Jin Dynasty and the head of the Northern Jin Longue Xiao Clan, Xiao Chan, to rely on.

Additionally, due to the appearance of Lian Mountain, they have established contact with the Tang Dynasty cultivators in Sumi.

In contrast, the Southern Jin Dynasty appears to be in a weaker position.

Although the Northern Jin Dynasty has not yet begun its southern campaign, the overall situation has gradually tilted, with the balance of power shifting.

The Southern Jin Dynasty's only hope lies with the Mountain Gate.

In the absence of intervention from the Tang Court and the Shabao Daoists, Shen Xi, who has achieved the Ninth Level of Heaven, the peak of the Daoist alchemy school, can single-handedly determine the future of both Jin human realms.

Shen Xi and his disciple, Gongsun Daodi, are not particularly enthusiastic about the conflict between the two Jin imperial courts and have a generally lukewarm relationship with the Southern Jin royal family.

However, due to historical factors, their relationship with the Northern Jin royal family is even worse, causing the Northern Jin royal family to be constantly on edge.

They have not yet moved south, partly to rest and gather strength, but also out of consideration for the opinion of the Mountain Gate's head, Shen Xi.

Murong Minghui and the Purity Palace support the Northern Jin royal family.

But in the face of a truly settled situation, Murong Minghui has her own plans.

She must confront the Confucian forces represented by Xiao Chan.

Due to the strength of the Tang Dynasty cultivation world, some noble families and clans, including the Northern Jin Longue Xiao Clan, have broken ties with the Lin and Ye Clans who had previously taken refuge in Lian Mountain, choosing a different path, emulating the Han Fang Clan, the Li Clan, and the Wang Clan, and gradually beginning to disintegrate.

However, as the noble families and clans fade away, the influence of Confucianism will not diminish but will instead become more closely aligned with the royal family.

As the head of a Daoist holy site, Murong Minghui's perception of this is nuanced.

In such a situation, she must carefully consider the relationship between her Purity Palace and the Mountain Gate.

Due to the strength of the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion, the Daoist community as a whole has become more transcendent in the Tang Dynasty, the Present Han World, and the two Jin human realms.

Murong Minghui is also continuously adjusting her mindset.

Being in the two Jin human realms, everything is closely related to Shen Xi.

Although Lei Jun does not interfere with their decisions, the current setting he provides is more suitable for Shen Xi and Murong Minghui to discuss matters.

They can delve deeper into the discussion and, at the very least, will not confront each other openly.

For the weaker party, Murong Minghui and the Northern Jin Purity Palace, this is undoubtedly the best scenario.

She can also use this opportunity to interact with fellow Daoists from the Dandeng Sect, such as Mu Chunyang, Zhang Haipeng, Jiang Yu, and Deng Lei.

"The former Heavenly Palace affiliates have returned, and among them is our Dandeng Sect's ancestor, Master Ge."

The head of the Zhen Wu Temple, Mu Chunyang, spoke first, "I have no disrespect for Master Ge, but since our paths differ, if Master Ge does not sever ties with the former Heavenly Palace affiliates, I will follow the teachings of Master Liu and Master Wang."

The head of the Tang Dynasty Purity Palace, Jiang Yu, and the high-ranking elder, Yue Xi Ling, both chimed in, "I concur and will follow the teachings of Master Liu and Master Wang."

Ge Xuanzhi was the ninth head of the Purity Palace before the Han Dynasty's end, but his records in the Purity Palace's own annals are relatively nuanced.

Due to the dispersion of the Han Dynasty's end records, Jiang Yu and Yue Xi Ling initially could not discern the full picture.

Later, as exchanges between different human realms increased, especially after the reappearance of the former Heavenly Palace affiliates, the various branches of the Purity Palace exchanged and pieced together information, gradually arriving at a somber conclusion:

At the end of the Han Dynasty, the Purity Palace also experienced a subtle split.

Some followed Ge Xuanzhi, while others opposed him.

After Ge Xuanzhi's disappearance, the matter was left unresolved. Reflecting on it now, he was likely sealed into the Pure Sky alongside Gao Tian Sui.

Afterward, the anti-Ge faction gained the upper hand, and the Purity Palace, after the chaos of the Han Dynasty's end, gradually stabilized.

The tenth and eleventh heads of the Purity Palace after Ge Xuanzhi both rejected him, but ultimately retained him within the sect without expelling him, still receiving the veneration of later generations.

However, his presence in the records of the Tang Dynasty Purity Palace lineage has become increasingly faint.

Similar situations exist in the Han Dynasty Purity Palace, the Song Dynasty Purity Palace, the Northern Jin Purity Palace, and the Zhen Wu Temple.

"I agree with Daoist Brother Mu," said the head of the Han Dynasty Purity Palace, Deng Lei.

Beside him, the head of the Northern Jin Purity Palace, Murong Minghui, and the representative of the Song Dynasty Purity Palace, Qi Yicheng, echoed similar sentiments.

As for the head of the Kunwu Sect, Zhang Haipeng, he simply stated, "Our sect opposes the re-establishment of the Heavenly Court by the former Heavenly Palace affiliates."

He did not say much about Ge Xuanzhi.

But no one in the room would doubt his and the Kunwu Sect's resolve.

Everyone understood that, precisely because of Ge Xuanzhi's existence, Zhang Haipeng and his disciple, Zhao Chanyang, entered the world.

At this point, the heads of the various branches of the Mountain Gate spoke one after another, "We oppose the re-establishment of the Heavenly Court by the former Heavenly Palace affiliates."

"I concur," Lei Jun concluded.

His tone was calm, "The former Heavenly Palace affiliates, due to various reasons from the end of the Han Dynasty, now number only five, but these five are all Immortals.

Additionally, there may be a few remaining disciples of Zhou Tian Daoist, who are currently high in the Pure Sky and Spirit Mountain, lacking followers and believers in the human realms."

Lei Jun nodded slightly at Mu Chunyang, "In the human realm where the Zhen Wu Temple has branched out, the former Heavenly Palace affiliates have already taken action. Due to the many countries in that realm, many people have rallied to their cause.

According to my understanding, similar signs are beginning to appear in the Great Ming human realm."

The head of the Great Ming Mountain Gate, Yuan Qing Ci, nodded lightly.

Lei Jun continued, "I have invited all of you, fellow Daoists, here today to communicate and cooperate. If needed, we can support each other."

Despite the complexity of the current human world, I, as a humble Daoist, intend to proceed with caution and take gradual steps.

We will keep an eye on High Sky Lord, Master Ge, and their actions."

Mu Chunyang, Chen Lingfeng, Jiang Yu, and others nodded slightly.

Although the current human world is not conducive to the direct entry of Immortal Realm experts, it is not an absolute rule.

If the situation becomes desperate, the other party may still make a move, so we cannot afford to be careless.

"In addition to the former Heavenly Palace members before us, there is also a matter concerning the future..."

Lei Jun spoke, "The reason I invited all of you here today is that matters of the future are more important than those of the present. However, depending on future developments, they may be one and the same, or two separate issues."

Shen Xi, Mu Chunyang, Chen Lingfeng, Zhang Taogang, Yuan Qing Ci, and Qi Yicheng exchanged glances, and a guess gradually formed in their minds.

Sure enough, Lei Jun continued, "The merging of the human worlds is about to happen."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded silently.

At this point in time, even relatively lower-level cultivators like Jiang Yu, Deng Lei, Murong Minghui, and Qi Yicheng from the Eighth Level of Heaven had sensed it.

As the spiritual energy of the human worlds surged, the entire human realm would merge in the near future.

When that happens, it will be a dramatic change for all human worlds involved.

"If my prediction is correct, the merging of the human worlds is not just about non-interference between the various human worlds, with only external connections. There may be overlaps, followed by other changes."

Lei Jun's expression became unusually serious, "Therefore, at that time, not only will Immortal Realm cultivators be able to move freely in the human world, but it may also have a significant impact on the lives of the people in this world. We must prepare in advance."

Including Zhang Haipeng, everyone present responded, "The Celestial Master has the virtue of nurturing life, which is a blessing for the human world."

Lei Jun said, "I still ask for the assistance of all fellow Daoists."

He turned to Nie Fang from Xuanji Temple, as well as Zhang Taogang from the Tang Dynasty's Shushan Sect, Jiang Yu from the Pure Yang Palace, and Yue Xi Ling:

"Regarding the specific strategies, I have already discussed some preliminary plans with fellow Daoists from Xuanji Temple, Shushan Sect, and Pure Yang Palace. Next, I would like to seek the assistance of other fellow Daoists from the human worlds to participate in the planning. We will make arrangements in all human worlds to cope with such a significant era of change."

Shen Xi, Chen Lingfeng, Yuan Qing Ci, and other experts from the Taoist Alchemy Sect had already heard about this. Their first thought went to the various new-style magical artifacts and treasures that had become popular in the Tang Dynasty over the years, even showing signs of becoming the mainstream.

Then, Mu Chunyang, Deng Lei, Murong Minghui, and Qi Yicheng also had their speculations.

At this moment, they clearly understood the intentions of the Celestial Master Lei.

The current Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain was preparing for the future merging of the human worlds, considering not just the disciples of various sects and sacred lands, but the entire human realm.

Moreover, it wasn't just about the human world of the Tang Dynasty.

With such a vast scope, the people and matters involved were as numerous as the stars in the sky.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, one aspect was to be large and powerful, while another was to be numerous and detailed.

Although the process of the human worlds' early merging had been interrupted, the trend was unstoppable, and the remaining time was not abundant.

Top experts like Lei Jun also had to deal with the former Heavenly Palace members.

In this situation, magical artifacts and treasures that could be mass-produced, standardized, and replicated, yet still be effective when combined, might have a chance to be of use.

Therefore, it would be best for the Daoists from the various human worlds to coordinate and cooperate for higher efficiency.

It wasn't just about manpower but also involved the preparation and exchange of various raw materials.

"Thank you for your hard work, fellow Daoists," Lei Jun said.

Everyone responded that they dared not.

Mu Chunyang spoke, "To make arrangements in the various human worlds, we need to pacify the local environments to avoid disturbances."

He glanced at the various sect leaders of the Tang, Han, and Jin human worlds, "The Tang, Han, and Jin regions are generally peaceful, and minor troubles won't affect the overall situation. We can start there."

Then, Mu Chunyang looked at Yuan Qing Ci, the leader of the Ming Shushan Sect, and Qi Yicheng, the elder of the Song Dynasty's Pure Yang Palace, "As for the Song, Ming, and the chaotic human world where I currently reside, it's still not favorable for us to take action."

After speaking, Mu Chunyang gave a Daoist bow to Lei Jun, "As the Celestial Master said, we fellow Daoists of the Xuanmen should support and help each other. I believe that we can gather the strength of various sects and gather in one place."

Currently, the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion and the Tang Dynasty Imperial Court were mainly focusing on the former Heavenly Palace members and the Kongsang Buddhist sect.

Over time, the Shushan Sect and the Pure Yang Palace had grown in strength, but their experts were scattered across the various human worlds.

If they joined forces, their power in the human world would be considerable.

Leading them were Shen Xi and Mu Chunyang, who had reached the Fifth Layer Perfection of the Ninth Level of Heaven, and Zhang Haipeng, who had reached the Fourth Layer of the Ninth Level of Heaven.

"I agree," Zhang Taogang, the leader of the Tang Dynasty's Shushan Sect, spoke first.

Jiang Yu, the leader of the Pure Yang Palace, also agreed, "I also support what Mu Guan said."

Over the years, it was because of the help from the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion that they had survived many tribulations and gradually recovered their vitality.

For the Daoists to support and help each other was, for them, not only a time to give back but also an opportunity to further deepen their understanding.

Although they had their own responsibilities, as Lei Jun said, the changes in the world were happening too fast, and they couldn't afford to ignore them.

"I agree," Zhang Haipeng, the leader of the Han Dynasty's Kunwu Sect, spoke briefly but with great weight in his words.

After all, apart from the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion, only they had a Xian expert.

Moreover, they had previously been the most reclusive.

Up to this point, Zhang Haipeng largely represented himself rather than Zhao Chanyang.

But since he had decided to change course, Zhang Haipeng would not be inconsistent. Instead, he took a firm and decisive step forward.

Shen Xi, the leader of the Southern Jin Shushan Sect, Chen Lingfeng, the leader of the Han Dynasty's Shushan Sect, Deng Lei, the leader of the Han Dynasty's Pure Yang Palace, Qi Yicheng, the elder of the Song Dynasty's Pure Yang Palace, and Nie Fang, the leader of the Xuanji Temple, all agreed.

This included Murong Minghui, the leader of the Northern Jin Dynasty's Pure Yang Palace.

Seeing the direction of today's meeting, Murong Minghui's initial thoughts became clearer.

The Daoist Xuanmen would become even more transcendent in the various human worlds.

The Northern Jin Dynasty's Pure Yang Palace should join them and share their fate, rather than planning for the Northern Jin Dynasty.

If the Southern Jin Shushan Sect, with Shen Xi at its helm, was already like this, the Northern Jin Dynasty's Pure Yang Palace had even less reason to hesitate.

"My fellow Daoists and I will join the Tang Emperor in paying attention to the former Heavenly Palace members and the Venerable Wisdom Immortal Realm cultivators. Fellow Daoists can discuss and decide on this matter." Lei Jun spoke last.

He nodded slightly to his fellow disciple Chu Kun, "If it is feasible, our sect will send Chu and his disciples to lend a hand."

Mu Chunyang, Yuan Qing Ci, and Qi Yicheng first bowed to Lei Jun and Chu Kun, "Thank you, Celestial Master Lei, and Elder Chu."

Qi Yicheng looked at Mu Chunyang and Yuan Qing Ci, slightly hesitant.

Mu Chunyang spoke first, "Regarding the chaotic human world, facing the former members of the Pure Sky Heavenly Palace, the current situation is unclear. I believe it's not appropriate to make any big moves.

Yuan Qing Ci asked, "I've heard that the barbarian rebel leader has been frequently interacting with the Kongsang Buddhist sect, but has been keeping a low profile and rarely seen in public. What do you think, Elder Qi?"

Qi Yicheng replied, "It's true."

Yuan Qing Ci continued, "Do you think that the rebel leader, Zhuo Lige Tu, is preparing to face the tribulation of ascending to the Ninth Level of Heaven and entering the immortal realm?"

Qi Yicheng answered cautiously, "His actions are similar to those of Golden Khan Ang Qin Fu in the past, but the specifics are unclear. I dare not make a hasty judgment."

Yuan Qing Ci said, "In that case, I suggest we start with the human realm of the Great Song Dynasty. The Great Song Dynasty is deeply rooted and interconnected, with complex relationships. Moreover, that human realm might also be entangled with the former heavenly palace, the Yu Yin, and Kongsang."

Yuan Qing Ci continued, "In my opinion, there might be significant changes there, and we can observe and act accordingly."

He apologized to Qi Yicheng, "However, I've been in seclusion for a long time and haven't appeared in the Great Ming for a while. In the next few years, I still need to return there, so I may not be able to go to the Great Song to help. Please forgive me, Elder Qi."

Qi Yicheng quickly responded, "No need for such words, Elder Yuan. It's I who should thank you for your kindness. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will definitely go to the Great Ming to contribute."

He had heard about the situation of the Great Ming Shu Mountain Sect.

Although they had produced two Great Enlightenment Sages of the Ninth Level of Heaven, Han Qingtao and Yuan Qing Ci, their situation in the human realm of the Great Ming was quite oppressive. Even their sect's most precious treasure, used to suppress the mountain gate, was currently in the hands of the imperial family.

Despite their weakened state in the human realm after the fall of the Daoist nation, the remnants of the Great Song Dynasty had not lost hope.

After the death of Golden Khan Ang Qin Fu and the reopening of the Earthly Sea, they had regained their footing.

Even the Kongsang Buddhist sect had closed the void gateway to the former Song Dynasty's human realm.

Under these circumstances, Yuan Qing Ci was willing to wait, and Qi Yicheng was deeply grateful.

Therefore, apart from Yuan Qing Ci returning to the human realm of the Great Ming, the remaining high-level cultivators from various sects began to discuss the specifics and select cultivators from their own sects to prepare for the journey to the former Song Dynasty's human realm.

The Shu Mountain Sect disciples from the Tang, Han, and Jin dynasties were relatively less involved in this matter.

They would mainly collaborate with Nie Fang from Xuanji Temple, assisting Lei Jun in his arrangements, as the human realms of these three regions were relatively stable.

However, top-notch cultivators like Shen Xi, Chen Lingfeng, and Zhang Taogang would still be heading to the former Song Dynasty's human realm.

In the human realm of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Zhou Pu, the Han King, had already established a strong presence.

The former heavenly palace had just returned to the human realm, and Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, and others had long been forgotten in the annals of history.

Although cultivators were gradually joining them, in the short term, there was no one who could directly threaten Zhou Pu.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end