Chapter 494: 493. The Letter from the Other Side of the Time Abyss

Chapter 494: 493. The Letter from the Other Side of the Time Abyss



The tender sprout emerging from the soil shimmered with a faint spirit glow, not particularly dazzling.

The black mist in the Earth Sea had already thinned compared to before, but at this moment, it still obscured the spirit glow.

However, Lei Jun carefully observed it and could sense the unique mysteries hidden within.

In some ways, the environment of the Shadow Abyss was harsher than the Earth Sea.

The Earth Sea was pitch-black, with darkness enveloping everything, and the black mist obscured all light.

The environment of the Shadow Abyss, on the other hand, actively devoured surrounding light sources.

After leaving the Shadow Abyss, the Tranquil Grove Seed sprouted and quickly displayed a chaotic and wild posture, like an untamed wild horse.

Lei Jun calmly extended his finger and tapped it.

Thus, his cultivation power gathered spiritual energy, manifesting a three-layered altar without any light, like an inverted vessel, covering the newly sprouted seedling.

Lei Jun, with his personal cultivation, carefully balanced the spiritual energy and the power within the three-layered pagoda.

Gradually, the Tranquil Grove Seed that had sprouted began to grow steadily and healthily.

Lei Jun withdrew his hand and continued to observe the seed carefully.

Later, Li Tianqing, who was stationed in the Earth Sea, sent a message to Lei Jun, mentioning an event:

The Kong Sang lineage, which had been resting and recuperating in the Han and Great Unity worlds, had its leader, Ke Lang, leading several core high-level members to the Earth Sea at this time to seek an audience with Celestial Master Lei Jun.

Lei Jun could guess the reason for their visit, but he didn't mind it.

Ke Lang, the former Han Emperor Xiang Chengyuan who had become an elder of Kong Sang, and another elder, Chen Xiao, met with Lei Jun together, all of them performing a solemn bow: "We pay our respects to the Celestial Master."

Lei Jun: "Please rise, fellow cultivators."

After Ke Lang and the others thanked him, they congratulated Lei Jun: "Celestial Master Lei and Tang Zhenjun's cultivation is unparalleled, and the Venerable Wisdom has finally resolved his karma. From now on, the mortal realm will have one less source of calamity."

Lei Jun: "When His Majesty the Tang Emperor and my senior sister Tang first entered Kong Sang, although they withdrew, it was then that the opportunity for their second entry into Kong Sang was established.

The contributions of the fellow cultivators earlier were extraordinary, and this time, together with the Venerable Wisdom resolving his karma, Kong Sang has changed hands, and it is also due to the efforts of the fellow cultivators."

Ke Lang and Xiang Chengyuan both said: "We dare not, Celestial Master is too kind."

Lei Jun: "Has it been many years since the Kong Sang lineage and its followers have returned to Kong Sang? Do they have the intention to return to their homeland?"

"Speaking of it, it has been nearly twenty years," Ke Lang sighed.

At the same time, both he and Chen Xiao breathed a sigh of relief.

In the past, their lineage, due to their opposition to the Warlock King of Kong Sang, was eventually forced to flee Kong Sang and enter the Han world.

In less than twenty years, Kong Sang had changed hands twice, and the Warlock King of Kong Sang had long become a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, Kong Sang was not reclaimed by them, the great warlocks.

Now, it is under the control of the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence.

Fortunately, this Celestial Master Lei is so detached that he seems indifferent, showing no greed or tyranny.

Since he has spoken, the Kong Sang lineage can now return to Kong Sang.

Naturally, there is no issue with traveling between Kong Sang and the mortal realm.

Ke Lang and the others did not dare to hope that there would only be warlock cultivators in Kong Sang in the future, but they were content to have a place to call their own.

Furthermore, when they return to Kong Sang, they won't be as they were in the past, forced to hide and flee from the Warlock King of Kong Sang, living in constant danger.

Kong Sang has truly become their blessed land.

Ke Lang and Chen Xiao repeatedly expressed their gratitude.

Xiang Chengyuan also made the same gesture.

The Great Han Dynasty, for him, had become the past.

Lei Jun contacted the Kong Sang side, informing them of the situation with the Kong Sang lineage.

Currently, apart from Tang Xiaotang, there are also elders and disciples from the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence who have gone to Kong Sang.

This time, Zhang Jingzhen and Ke Siceng led the group.

Unlike the past, there were still many Buddhist followers in the Saha world.

Although there are mortals in Kong Sang this time, their numbers are scarce.

The population that once lived and thrived in Kong Sang, due to the early interruption of the Warlock King of Kong Sang's attempt to descend into the Han world, caused chaos in Kong Sang. While Ke Lang, Chen Xiao, and other Kong Sang disciples were expelled, a large number of commoners living there were also expelled, and the Great Han Dynasty was mainly responsible for their resettlement.

After the Venerable Wisdom occupied Kong Sang, with everything in ruins, he opened a passage to the Great Ming world.

Among them, the Western Buddhist followers migrated some people from the Great Ming world, but it was far inferior to their previous numbers and even less than the Saha world.

Therefore, Zhang Jingzhen, Ke Siceng, and the others had no difficulty managing and coordinating the situation.

Ke Lang also made arrangements for the return of the Kong Sang lineage.

After repeatedly thanking Lei Jun, the group headed to Kong Sang to first congratulate Tang Zhenjun on his ascension to immortality and the victory in Kong Sang, and then coordinate with the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence regarding the overall relocation of the Kong Sang lineage back to Kong Sang.

Lei Jun remained in the Earth Sea.

On the one hand, he nurtured the Daoist essence he had lost while traveling in the mortal realm, and on the other hand, he continued to nurture the Tranquil Grove Seed.

During this time, a woman in a deep red Daoist robe approached Lei Jun and bowed:

"Master!"

It was his second disciple, Han Xiaofei.

Lei Jun glanced at her and nodded slightly: "You haven't been slacking off during this time, good."

Han Xiaofei giggled: "I dare not, Master.

Lei Jun: "It seems you're well prepared."

Han Xiaofei, full of confidence, said, "Disciple will surely pass through the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation between the Sixth and Seventh Heavens in a short time!"

Lei Jun: "Your momentum is good, but you need to be more meticulous."

Han Xiaofei quickly replied, "Yes, Master."

Lei Jun: "The divine abilities and talismans of the Seventh Heaven, you can put them on your schedule during this last closed-door cultivation period to study and consult. When you achieve success, you can then cultivate, and it will be like water flowing into a channel, achieving twice the result with half the effort."

"Yes!"

Han Xiaofei's spirits lifted, "Master, I'm ready to observe the Life-Prolonging Talisman!"

Lei Jun slightly nodded, "After returning to the mountain, follow the formal procedures and go see your grandmaster."

As he spoke, Lei Jun didn't make any other movements, but his eyes remained fixed on Han Xiaofei.

Without Han Xiaofei saying a word, Lei Jun offered her a few more pointers on important cultivation techniques, ensuring she wouldn't encounter any more obstacles on her path.

In the end, as her master, Lei Jun couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental, "Since you officially entered the residence and received the teachings, twenty years have passed."

Han Xiaofei composed herself, "Disciple's achievements today are largely thanks to Master, the elders in the residence, and the guidance of my senior brother."

Lei Jun smiled and shook his head, "When your grandmaster taught me, he often said, 'A teacher can only guide you to the door, but cultivation depends on the individual.' The same is true for you and me."

This second disciple of his had extraordinary talent and overflowing talent. Although she seemed a bit out of tune with other matters, her cultivation was earnest and diligent, resulting in rapid progress. She even surpassed Lei Jun's senior disciple, Zhuo Baojie, in terms of speed.

In just twenty years since her formal entry, she had covered a distance that many cultivators couldn't reach in their entire lives, and she was now challenging the realm of the Upper Three Heavens.

In recent years, among the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence, only Tang Xiaotang had made more rapid progress than her.

Even Lei Jun, from the time he entered the residence and received the teachings until he cultivated to the Seventh Heaven of the Talisman Sect, had taken nearly twenty years.

Despite Lei Jun's strong foundation and understanding, having undergone several postnatal enhancements, he still couldn't compare to Han Xiaofei.

However, Lei Jun's life experiences and opportunities were far richer than his disciple's.

If there was one issue with Han Xiaofei's cultivation path, it was that she had it too easy.

Although Lei Jun often joked about his senior disciple, Zhuo Baojie, frequently changing "masters," from the Residence Elder to the High-Achieving Elder, and then from the High-Achieving Elder to the Celestial Master, it was undeniable that during Zhuo Baojie's initial stages, his environment was far inferior to Han Xiaofei's. Additionally, due to his unique background and appearance, his experiences were far more diverse than Han Xiaofei's.

When Han Xiaofei first entered the sect, Lei Jun was already the contemporary Celestial Master, a Great Sage of the Ninth Heaven, and one of the top experts in the mortal world.

In the battle where Han Xiaofei was brought back to Dragon Tiger Mountain, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang had together defeated the former Vajra World Lotus Department Master, Zong Jia.

From the moment Han Xiaofei was brought back, her reputation had skyrocketed.

Twenty years had passed since then, and her journey had been smooth and uneventful.

Lei Jun didn't mind this at all.

The cultivation world of the Great Tang was much more stable than before, and the environment in the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence was far better than before.

There was nothing wrong with everything going smoothly.

There was no need to seek out hardship.

Han Xiaofei continued her cultivation journey, and if she encountered any future obstacles, they would be a part of her cultivation life, which she should calmly overcome.

... Moreover, she wasn't the type to seek a quiet life.

However, due to some minor personal factors of Elder Han, her reputation in the cultivation world was not as resounding as her senior brother, Zhuo Baojie, and sometimes people might even overlook that she was the personal disciple of the contemporary Celestial Master.

At times, one could say that it was because of Lei Jun that Elder Han had some presence.

But Han Xiaofei didn't lack relevant experiences.

Her smooth journey was partly due to her own abilities, in addition to her master's teachings.

"After you successfully reach the Seventh Heaven, you will be promoted and given additional responsibilities. For the younger disciples in the residence, you will be a leader and a role model," Lei Jun said with a calm smile.

Han Xiaofei gave a wry smile upon hearing this.

Lei Jun waved his hand, "Alright, you may go now."

"Yes, Master!" Han Xiaofei bowed to him once more and then left the Earth Sea, returning to the mortal world's mountain gate of the Great Tang to close herself off for cultivation.

Lei Jun remained in the Earth Sea.

Recently, there hadn't been much activity in the Great Tang Dynasty.

The most notable news was that after Yue Xiling, the contemporary head of the Great Tang's Pure Yang Palace, Jiang Yu, had also announced her closed-door cultivation.

Based on what Lei Jun had seen of Jiang Yu at the previous assembly, he silently calculated and deduced that she would also begin challenging the Great Sage realm of the Ninth Heaven.

With her extraordinary talent and rich accumulation, this closed-door cultivation would likely allow her to pass through the Heavenly Chasm between the Eighth and Ninth Heavens.

Although Yue Xiling and Jiang Yu couldn't yet compare to the past Huang Xuanpu, the Great Tang's Pure Yang Palace could be considered to have truly emerged from its low point and seen a new dawn.

As for the Great Tang's Shushan Sect, there was no need for further explanation.

With the return of the Six He Treasures, the sect leader, Zhang Taogang, had also achieved the Great Sage realm, and younger talents were gradually rising.

They have already surpassed the Tang Shu Mountain of the past, before the internal strife.

Like the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence, the Tang Daoist cultivation world has been steadily developing and recuperating over the years, allowing various regions to gain precious time and space.

Not only the Daoist sects, but also the academies and Buddhist sacred sites, and even the Zhang and Tang royal families, have made progress in recent years.

Take the Tang Bodhimanda Monastery's Abbot Ru Yuanfang, who visited Lei Jun and celebrated his birthday. Despite his young age, he has shouldered a great responsibility and lived up to everyone's expectations, reaching the Buddhist Martial Arts' Eight Heavens realm. He has restored the Eight Heavens Great Monks in Bodhimanda Monastery and continues to cultivate quietly, steadily improving.

Not only the Tang world, but also the current Han world, is showing signs of stable recovery.

The Song world is still in its prime.

Although the Eastern and Western Jin worlds remain in a stalemate, the Pure Yang Palace in the Northern Jin and the Shu Mountain Sect in the Southern Jin have both made significant progress.

In comparison, the Great Ming world and the Wu Dai Shiguo worlds are still filled with many major news events.

This also implies unrest and turmoil.

"Recently, the Great Ming court has been neglecting the people's welfare."

In the Earth Sea, Meng Shaoji calmly sat in the darkness, quietly telling Lei Jun what he had seen and heard.

Having spent many years in the Great Ming world, he occasionally returned to the Tang world, and this time, he specifically came to the Earth Sea to pay his respects to the Celestial Master Lei Jun, whom he had always respected.

"The mountains and rivers are in turmoil, and the people's hearts are influenced by the intricate relationship between the people and the land. When the mountains and rivers are in chaos, the people's hearts are also affected."

At this moment, Meng Shaoji even believed that the Earth Sea, once known for its darkness, chaos, belligerence, and bloodthirst, was far more peaceful and harmonious than the Great Ming world:

"Although it hasn't reached the point of widespread civil unrest, if this continues, the outcome is worrying."

At the same time, from the Wu Dai Shiguo world, the True Martial Monastery Master Mu Chunyang, who had also come to the Earth Sea to pay respects to Lei Jun, spoke slowly:

"When Venerable Wisdom severely damaged the primordial energies of the Great Ming, various powerful cultivators from different immortal realms reappeared. Although few stepped into the mortal world, it still shocked everyone.

With the reopening of Pure Sky, the return of the Remnant Celestial Palace, and the successive ascensions of the Celestial Master and Tang Zhenjun, this will undoubtedly affect the hearts of the Great Ming's rulers.

In my opinion, these changes collectively may alter the balance of the Great Ming ruler's strategies... The Ming Emperor is skillfully using external threats to gain the upper hand in internal struggles."

Meng Shaoji asked softly, "Do they want to force the Ming Emperor to become a Saint overnight?"

Mu Chunyang replied, "Neo-Confucianism and its laws are strong in the Great Ming, but its history is short, and there has never been a Saint who became one overnight. Therefore, how to take this final step in the mortal world is something that people must continuously explore.

The former Chen Shoufu had this intention when he campaigned in the west, but he died in battle in Sumi, leaving no results.

Now, this Zhou Shoufu has even higher talents and abilities, but it seems he is still exploring.

If he continues to explore without results, then the Ming Emperor is the only person the Great Ming world can rely on, but..."

However, with twice the effort for half the results, it exhausts the people and drains resources, and there's no guarantee of success.

Lei Jun recalled that when his eldest senior sister, Xu Yuanzhen, first visited the Great Ming world, she mentioned that the current Ming Emperor was mediocre.

At that time, Ming Emperor Han Zhenning could still be called a young emperor, having just ascended the throne.

The special situation of the emperor's art of ruling and Neo-Confucianism's emphasis on the ruler's principles, combined with the Great Ming Dynasty's previous foundation, eventually, sooner or later, would elevate Emperor Han Zhenning to the peak.

But to take another step forward, the resources and energy consumed would increase exponentially, not to mention the uncertainty of success.

This is like squeezing even harder.

"The situation may be worse than expected."

Mu Chunyang sighed lightly, "When the imperial decree is issued, local gentry will also get a share, filling their own pockets. The exploitation may double."

Due to their special nature, many resources for cultivators are difficult to obtain through ordinary means.

But such pressure will be transmitted layer by layer.

With scarce resources, chaotic spiritual energy, and the turmoil of mountains and rivers, various disasters will occur frequently, possibly even more frequently than the battles of high-level cultivators, and the impact will be more widespread.

"The Great Ming's Bodhimanda Monastery Abbot Guang Shu is coming to Kong Sang by imperial decree..." Meng Shaoji said.

Lei Jun's expression remained calm and unperturbed, nodding slightly.

He was already aware of this, and Zhang Jingzhen and Ke Siceng were handling the reception.

"There's nothing to discuss," Lei Jun said indifferently.

The Great Ming's rulers made him feel tense.

"After the Song world, it may be necessary for fellow Daoists to make another trip to the Great Ming world in the near future."

Lei Jun turned to Mu Chunyang, "Wooden Monastery Master, with your understanding of the local situation, it will be a challenge for you."

Mu Chunyang shook his head, "Celestial Master, your words are heavy, but it is my wish."

In the past, he left the Great Ming world out of concern that the Great Ming's cultivation world might fall into chaos, giving opportunities to great demons.

But now, he no longer has such worries.

With the Celestial Master seemingly wielding heavenly punishment, even without entering the mortal world, he has already eliminated numerous great demons.

In this situation, Mu Chunyang no longer has any concerns.

"If they don't cherish the common people and the nation, they shouldn't sit on this throne."

Lei Jun said, "However, those in the Shadow Abyss have been secretly operating in the Great Ming world for some years, but their specific plans are still unclear. Wooden Monastery Master and fellow Daoists should be cautious when the time comes."

Mu Chunyang: "Many thanks for the reminder, Celestial Master. We will keep it in mind."

After Meng Shaojie paid his respects to Lei Jun, he needed to return to the Tang Dynasty and then rush back to the Great Ming, so he took his leave.

Mu Chunyang, however, stayed a bit longer.

Lei Jun: "If there is anything, Master Mu, please speak freely."

Mu Chunyang hesitated before speaking: "Celestial Master, please forgive my boldness, but after the convergence of the human worlds, what is His Majesty, the Tang Emperor, thinking about... the human world?"

Although Mu Chunyang supported Zhou Pu, Zhou Pu still faced many issues.

He indeed started late.

With the Immortal Eye, Zhou Pu, who was already exceptionally powerful, could now challenge a Ninth Heaven perfected realm expert.

However, the Wu Dai Shiguo human world had yet to be unified.

When the human worlds converge, it will be very disadvantageous for him to compete for the Dragon Vein and the Mountain River and National Fortune.

The Wu Dai Shiguo human world itself is not short of experts.

Previously, the seven existing kingdoms each had a ruler, such as the Post-Han King Zhou Wei, the Southern Chu King Li Weilie, and the Southern Wu King Tang Gong, who were all already accomplished Martial Saints.

Otherwise, they would not have been able to survive in this war-torn human world.

Of course, their rise was partly due to the support and assistance of the Spirit Mountain Warlock Sect and the Saha Buddha Sect.

But now, Tang Gong and others are Zhou Pu's opponents in his conquest of the human world.

Eliminating them all would leave the human world with a void of experts.

Without external intervention, Zhou Pu could dominate the human world.

However, the time until the convergence of the human worlds is too short for him to cultivate new experts.

As for trying to persuade Tang Gong and others to surrender... if they were willing to submit, why not submit to a stronger existence like Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong?

The crux of the matter is that Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong is too formidable.

Even if Zhou Pu tries to improve himself, he cannot catch up.

Lei Jun said calmly: "The Tang Emperor's focus is more on cultivation, and she has no interest in ruling the human world. However, she will not tolerate people like Han Zhenning, Xiang Jing, and Ang Qinfu controlling the common folk and the nation."

Mu Chunyang understood after hearing this.

No wonder the Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong and Celestial Master Lei Jun can coexist peacefully.

"Post-Han King has the intention of nurturing the people to achieve peace, which is a blessing for the masses," Lei Jun continued. "But how the future will unfold is still too early to say."

Mu Chunyang nodded silently.

He agreed with Lei Jun's view.

People's perspectives can change with their environment, status, and position.

From her early days as the Heavenly Providence Scholar He Ying to her current actions, the Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong has proven herself to some extent, but what the future holds is still uncertain.

As for Zhou Pu and the current Han Emperor Xiang Sheng of the Han human world, it's even more difficult to predict.

The future Zhou Pu may not be the same as the current Zhou Pu.

However, Lei Jun, Zhang Wantong, and others have lived long enough that trying to outlive them is quite difficult.

Although, based on Mu Chunyang's current observations, Zhou Pu is consistent inside and out.

But even if it's an act, he can only maintain it in front of Lei Jun, Zhang Wantong, and Tang Xiaotang for the rest of his life.

Fortunately, if Zhang Wantong's stance is the same as Lei Jun's, she will not support other Tang imperial clan members in competing for the human world, leaving everything to be determined by individual ability.

And among the current Tang imperial clan, there is no one who can match Zhou Pu.

Those with the intention lack the ability, and those with the ability lack the intention.

However, the Tang Dynasty as a whole has many experts.

After Xiang Jing's death, Mu Chunyang does not believe that the current Han Emperor Xiang Sheng can compete with Zhou Pu.

But the Han Dynasty also has many top-tier experts.

However, today's confirmation from the Tang Emperor through Lei Celestial Master is already the best news for Zhou Pu and Mu Chunyang.

After Mu Chunyang took his leave, Lei Jun gathered his thoughts and continued to quietly cultivate himself while nurturing the young Tranquil Grove Tree saplings.

"Hmm?"

One day, Lei Jun's mind suddenly stirred.

The Heaven-Through Earth-Penetrating Talisman in his eyes glowed.

A message came from the Great Rectifier.

The Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong, who was temporarily staying there, received a letter from the other side of the Time Abyss.

The message was from Xu Yanzhen, who had been out of contact for some time.

Upon hearing this news, Tang Xiaotang rushed from Kong Sang to the Earth Sea: "What did Senior Sister say? What did she say?"

Lei Jun: "Senior Sister mentioned that she is currently fine, but will not return immediately... she finds that world very interesting."

Tang Xiaotang: "How so?"

Lei Jun's expression was somewhat peculiar: "She said that she saw many Buddhist relics there, but that world is already a complete Demon Devil World, with demons and evil paths rampant everywhere.

The authentic Buddhist sects have only met a few scattered individuals, and they are insignificant. Instead, the Great Annihilation Buddha has a large Great Void Temple lineage there, which is even larger than the Great Void Temple lineage we saw in the current Han human world.

However, it can only dominate one region, as other demonic forces are equally strong."

Tang Xiaotang asked curiously: "Does that world also have multiple human worlds and Nine Heavens Ten Earths?"

Lei Jun's eyes were sharp: "That world does not have Nine Heavens Ten Earths and multiple human worlds. It only has... the Heavens, Earth, and Human Realms."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end