Chapter 495: The Changing Tides of Fortune

Chapter 495: The Changing Tides of Fortune



"The Heavens, Earth, and Human Realms?" Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaotang's eyes lit up, just like Lei Jun's.

She eagerly asked, "So, over there, the Heavens, Earth, and Human Realms still exist and haven't shattered?"

In the history familiar to Lei Jun and the others, during ancient times, a calamity greater than the one at the end of the Han Dynasty once erupted, affecting all three realms.

During that battle, the Celestial Realm and the Earthly Realm within the Three Realms were shattered.

In the end, the Celestial Realm transformed into the Nine Heavens.

The Earthly Realm became the Ten Earths.

This situation has continued to the present day.

The ancient Heavenly Palace in the legends was also destroyed in that great calamity, vanishing without a trace, leaving behind only its ruins for later generations to discover, thus earning the name of the Remnant Celestial Palace.

Naturally, Gao Tiansui and the others were not true inhabitants of the ancient Heavenly Palace but called themselves remnants of the Celestial Palace to recreate the glory of the past.

Most of the ancient times' events have long been buried and forgotten.

As the oldest Taoist lineage, the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence, the sacred site of the Talisman Sect, retained some records from ancient times.

However, due to subsequent events, especially the turmoil during the end of the Han Dynasty and the period of the Daoist law reform, many records have also been lost and forgotten.

Therefore, when Lei Jun and the others browsed the books in the residence, they could only get a vague glimpse of a few details.

Instead, Emperor Tang Zhang Wantong, combining some findings from previous excavations of the Heavenly Palace ruins, exchanged information with Lei Jun and the others, mutually filling in some missing pieces.

"Our founding ancestor, the Celestial Master, held an important position in the Heavenly Palace but was also deeply entangled in that turmoil, which, like a fish caught in a net, made our sect's situation difficult during that period."

Lei Jun shook his head lightly, "After ancient times, Confucianism flourished, which is not unrelated... Or perhaps there are other hidden reasons."

He brought the topic back, "According to the tone of the message from Senior Sister, in that Great Thousand Realm, the Heavens, Earth, and Human Realms still exist, which is likely not a miscommunication but a fact. This means..."

"Just like how, in our Great Thousand Realm, the human world split during the end of the Han Dynasty, the battle at the end of ancient times also caused a split, resulting in different Great Thousand Realms." Tang Xiaotang's eyes sparkled.

Tang Zhenjun, who had already ascended to immortality, seemed to have returned to her youth, her expression excited as she walked with her hands behind her back, circling around Lei Jun:

"In our Great Thousand Realm, the Celestial Realm and the Earthly Realm are shattered, becoming the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

But in the history of the Great Thousand Realm where Senior Sister went, the Celestial Realm and the Earthly Realm still maintain their ancient forms?"

She clenched her fists, eager to immediately rush to the Great Rectifier and travel through the Time Abyss to explore the other Great Thousand Realm.

Lei Jun said, "It's hard to say if it's exactly the same. According to Senior Sister's description, over there, the demonic aura and evil atmosphere are so dense that they overwhelm the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, causing demons and evil forces to rise and dance wildly.

Currently, we don't know why that Great Thousand Realm has become like this."

Tang Xiaotang stopped walking and put her hands behind her back, "Tell me more about it."

Lei Jun said, "With the Time Abyss separating us, it's not easy to communicate, so the messages are relatively simple.

At present, we only know that Buddhism once flourished over there, but according to their claims, they have entered the Dharma-Ending Age, and it's a world of demons and devils, with all three realms in chaos.

There's a strong successor of the Great Annihilation Buddha, the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva, residing in the Earthly Realm.

The Demon Dragon Emperor roams the celestial river and starry sea, dwelling in the Celestial Realm.

And the strongest demon spirit in the human realm is a demon tree, also known as the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree, bearing the name of the Hundred-Eyed Great Sage.

Additionally, we don't know how much time has passed between when Senior Sister sent her message and when we received it, so we can't be sure if it's up-to-date information."

Tang Xiaotang listened with a sense of wonder, "Is there still a Dragon Tiger Mountain lineage over there?"

Lei Jun shook his head, "No."

Tang Xiaotang's expression immediately fell, "Although it wasn't entirely unexpected, it still feels so regrettable."

She thought for a moment, "Is it because the Ten Thousand Dharma Altar is on our side?"

"Junior Sister, that's a good question, and that's the problem."

Lei Jun slowly said, "At the level of the Great Thousand Realm, the Ten Thousand Dharma Altar is very likely not the only one.

Senior Sister has vaguely found some clues, and that Great Thousand Realm should also have a Ten Thousand Dharma Altar..."

After a slight pause, Lei Jun added, "...Once upon a time."

Tang Xiaotang's eyebrows rose slightly, "It's been destroyed? Completely gone?"

Lei Jun nodded, "Probably, it's been a while, and as for who did it, Senior Sister may not have a conclusion yet."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaotang fell silent.

For a long time, Tang Xiaotang broke the silence, as if suddenly remembering something, "Lei Jun, how many Great Thousand Realms are there like this?"

Obviously, she was thinking of the time when the human world split at the end of the Han Dynasty, resulting in more than one or two human worlds, hence her question.

Lei Jun shook his head lightly, "There are currently no further clues."

Tang Xiaotang's gaze drifted into the distance, lost in thought, "What if there are other Great Thousand Realms? What about our Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence?"

Lei Jun said, "That's a question I'd also like to know the answer to."

After carefully reading the message sent back by Xu Yanzhen, Lei Jun spoke again, "From the meaning between the lines of Senior Sister's message, outside of our Talisman Sect, we haven't seen the legacies of the Furnace Dao Sect or the Forge Dao Sect either.

Tang Xiaotang: "That's not surprising. In ancient times, only our Talisman Sect inherited the Daoist teachings. The Pure Yang Palace was established after ancient times, and the Shushan Sect came even later."

"If there are other Daoist lineages in that Great Thousand Realm, it might not be the Furnace Dao Sect or the Forge Dao Sect, but other sects, like the Yan Shi lineage of Nie Fang, for instance?"

Lei Jun pondered, "Hmm, that's indeed a possibility..."

Xu Yuanzhen's message was too simple.

It rarely mentioned other major lineage systems like the Warlock Sect, Confucianism, and others.

Currently, they only knew that Buddhism once flourished in that realm, but now it has entered the Degenerate Dharma Age.

The Great Void Temple lineage in that realm is likely very different from the Yuan Mie Monk and his followers here. Although the Great Void Temple disciples occasionally deal with the evil atmosphere, they still primarily rely on the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

As for the Time Abyss in that Great Thousand Realm, it's hard to say.

"With that realm in such a state, has Senior Sister crossed the final threshold?" Tang Xiaotang asked with concern.

Lei Jun: "Senior Sister didn't mention it, but I believe that's precisely why she should have successfully taken that step."

According to Xu Yuanzhen's description of the demon-infested world, it indeed requires her cultivation realm and strength to improve further for her to continue enjoying her 'playtime.'

It's common knowledge that the most chaotic and bloody Wu Dai Shiguo human realm is more civilized compared to that world.

According to Xu Yuanzhen's words, immortal realm cultivators can move freely between the heavens, earth, and human realms in that Great Thousand Realm.

If there are any restrictions, they are not due to the laws of the heavenly and earthly realms but the potential 'human disasters' brought about by the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva, the Demon Dragon Emperor, and the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree.

Tang Xiaotang stood with her hands behind her back, her eyes darting around.

Seeing this, Lei Jun said, "Junior Sister, calm down. According to the message from Emperor Tang, the Time Abyss in Great Rectifier's realm has been in frequent turmoil lately, very unstable, and may change again in the coming years."

Tang Xiaotang: "Because of Pure Sky?"

Lei Jun: "That's likely the reason."

"Is Pure Sky still sealed?" Tang Xiaotang asked.

Lei Jun: "Yes, it's not easy to open."

Although he hadn't entered the Wu Dai Shiguo human realm, his connection with Pure Sky made him highly sensitive.

However, Pure Sky is no longer sealed by our Heavenly Providence Scholar, He Ying. Instead, it's the work of Gao Tian Sui from the other side.

His cultivation and strength are extraordinary.

With Pure Sky sealed by him, Lei Jun can sense its presence, but it's difficult to break the seal in the coming years.

"To be precise, Pure Sky, unlike the other Nine Heavens Ten Earths, doesn't leave any trace in the human realm after sealing the void gateway, but it continues to permeate the heavens and earth of that war-torn human realm, turning the area around the original gateway into a sea of green."

Lei Jun spoke, "In the past two years, according to the Wood Master of True Martial Monastery and Zhou Pu of the Later Han, Pure Sky's influence has been expanding, and at a rapid pace. It has grown from covering a few hundred li to now encompassing several thousand li."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaotang immediately understood, "Gao Tian Sui is in secluded meditation to heal his injuries?"

Lei Jun: "That's likely the case, and there's progress."

According to Emperor Tang Zhang Wantong, when she first arrived at Great Rectifier's realm after leaving Pure Sky, Gao Tian Sui's injuries were not light.

If we compare it to Venerable Wisdom, although their cultivation realms are different, it's hard to say who would be in a worse state after returning to the mortal world.

But now it seems that Gao Tian Sui's recovery is much faster than Venerable Wisdom's.

In this situation, it's even hard to judge if he could stop and fight if faced with an external attack.

With Gao Tian Sui guarding Pure Sky, it's even more solid.

Moreover, even without considering Gao Tian Sui, the other side has high-level cultivators like Ge Xuanzhi, Ran Qiao, and Wang Dianchen.

"In Shadow Abyss, there's someone waiting to take advantage of the situation like a bystander watching a tiger fight," Lei Jun said.

There's a fragile balance between Shadow Abyss, the Remnant Celestial Palace, and the other side.

But the balance is fragile, and things can change in an instant.

Tang Xiaotang thought for a moment, "I want to investigate Shadow Abyss and Lianshan, but it's not as easy as finding the entrance in Kong Sang."

Lei Jun: "Let's start with the Great Ming human realm. It seems that Shadow Abyss has been operating there for a while."

Tang Xiaotang laughed, "Is the Wood Master of True Martial Monastery and Shen Xi, the master of the Southern Jin Shushan Sect, going there?"

Lei Jun: "They're already making preparations."

Tang Xiaotang sat cross-legged opposite Lei Jun, "In your opinion, who do you think will arrive first, the Wood Master or Master Shen?"

Lei Jun: "It's hard to tell at the moment."

The Wood Master Mu Chunyang and Southern Jin Shushan Sect's Master Shen Xi are both fifth-layer, ninth-heaven complete Daoist high immortals.

Apart from Zhao Chanyang of the Kunwu Sect, Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang, they represent the highest level of cultivators in this Great Thousand Realm.

Although they are not as powerful as Zhao Chanyang and the others, Shen Xi and Mu Chunyang are still rare geniuses blessed by heaven. With the recent surge in spiritual energy, they both have the hope of opening the Immortal Gate.

At the same time, Mu Chunyang had already achieved the perfect Five Qi Towards Yuan Physical Body of the Furnace Dao Sect of Taoism decades ago, even earlier than Lei Jun and the others.

His accumulated cultivation was indeed substantial.

However, in the special circumstances of the Great Ming World, in order to feign death and seclude himself, he suffered a blow from the sword of Venerable Wisdom.

Although he successfully achieved his original purpose with the help of his natural immortal body, that incident still greatly injured his primordial energy.

Especially the latent effects, which lasted for many years, to some extent, interrupted his previous steady upward momentum.

Therefore, since then, Mu Chunyang has been quietly recuperating and accumulating again.

Up to this day, it's not that the hope of practicing qi and ascending to immortality is completely cut off, but it's entirely possible that Shen Xi will surpass him later.

Although Shen Xi has only recently achieved the Five Qi Towards Immortality of the Forge Dao Sect, his foundation seems less profound than Mu Chunyang's, but with his resilient temperament, his current progress is unprecedentedly high.

His Universe Light Immortal Body has an additional innate advantage in saving cultivation time.

"Relatively speaking, I'm more optimistic about the Wood Monastery Master, but if Shen Master surpasses him later, it won't be surprising."

In response to Tang Xiaotang's question, Lei Jun replied, "It's normal for either of them to go first or second. If there's no major surprise, I think it's more likely that they'll be close together."

"Hmm, but we'll still have to wait for some years. I estimate it'll be after the human worlds merge," Tang Xiaotang judged, similar to Lei Jun, "They should all be faster than Wang Shixiong."

Lei Jun agreed, "Apart from Feng Ming in Cang Huan, it should be our eldest senior brother who's the fastest."

Currently, Phoenix Feng Ming is in secluded cultivation in Cang Huan, and it seems he has already started challenging the gateway to the immortal realm.

Among the other Ninefold Heaven experts of this era, none can surpass his speed.

Moving down the list are Wang Guiyuan, Mu Chunyang, and Shen Xi.

"The Jade Gate Scholar of the Xiao Clan also has hope," Lei Jun said. "Additionally, Elder U Qian of Spirit Mountain Warlock Sect usually keeps a low profile, but with his profound accumulation, he might not be slow."

Initially, Jia Xianting of the Sorcerer Sect took a risk, but his progress might not have been as steady as Elder U Qian's calm journey.

The leader of the Ten Sorcerers of Spirit Mountain has always been Elder U Qian, not Jia Xianting.

Rather, the reason Jia Xianting took such a risk was not only because of the Sorcerer King Huangfu Qi of Spirit Mountain but also because of Elder U Qian.

However, since Elder U Qian had stayed in Spirit Mountain for many years without leaving, his reputation in the human world was not as resounding as Jia Xianting's.

As for Xiao Hang, Xiao Chunhui, and Xiao Xueling's father, Xiao Yumen, he also seemed to keep a low profile, but one should not underestimate him.

"The Three Great Sorcerers of Ke, Peng, and Xiang have little hope if they don't have an extraordinary opportunity," Lei Jun said.

Peng Youshan of Kong Sang's Tianjing, Ke Lang of Diguo, and the former Han Emperor Xiang Chengyuan have been through many hardships over the years, and after experiencing several dramatic changes, their sharp spirit has been greatly dampened. Considering their age, their chances of advancing further are not as good as Jia Xianting's.

On the other hand, the Han Crown Prince Xiang Jing, and Heavy Concealment Zen Master of Lei Yin Temple, were very close to the immortal realm back then, just one step away.

The gap between them was even closer than that of Jia Xianting, Tian She Yi, and Blue Wolf Khan Zhuolige.

But naturally, all of that is now just a bubble.

"Heavy Concealment, Xiang Jing, Zhuolige..." Lei Jun looked at his junior sister Tang Xiaotang, his eyes wide. "Hmm, they were the ones we took down."

Tang Xiaotang smiled, "Both Pu Guang and Venerable Wisdom have fallen, let alone them."

Lei Jun said, "Zhou Mingzhe's situation in the Great Ming World is rather special. To be honest, if he had cultivated the traditional Confucian classics, he might have already become a saint."

Tang Xiaotang pouted, "Serves him right."

She suddenly remembered something, "Oh, that Flood Dragon in the Return Abyss, he's also quite capable. If I hadn't considered entering Kong Sang, I almost couldn't resist taking him down."

Lei Jun knew she was referring to the first great demon under the Kunpeng Demon Sage in the Return Abyss, the Sea-Covering Flood Dragon King, equivalent to a human Ninefold Heaven completed cultivator.

In addition to his formidable strength, his profound cultivation has the potential to achieve the Demon Sage realm.

"Elder Peng Qiao is expected to be later than Elder U Qian."

Lei Jun said, "If it's much later, he might be surpassed by Zhang Layman, Elder Li, and Master Huiyin from the Great Tang."

Zhang Hui, Huiyin, and Li Tianqing have all reached the fourth layer of the Ninefold Heaven.

After focusing on a single cultivation path, Huiyin's realm improved rapidly.

Zhang Hui, who cultivates Confucian classics, will challenge the immortal realm faster than others after reaching the completion of the Five Classics.

Xiao Jing, the former leader of the Daxia Xiao Clan, has already reached the fifth layer of the Ninefold Heaven.

But if there's no major surprise, she won't be faster than Zhang Hui and might even be surpassed by the latter.

Although they both have the completion of the Five Classics and the ability to advance rapidly, in terms of other aspects of talent and potential, they are not on the same level.

As for the others, if there's no special opportunity, it will take even longer.

Tang Xiaotang watched as Lei Jun forcefully suppressed his urge to go to the Time Abyss of the Great Rectifier and instead returned to Kong Sang after replying to Xu Yanzhen's letter.

The Daoist Alliance was preparing to make a move on the Great Ming Human Realm.

The reactions of the Shadow Abyss and Lianshan were still unknown, and Tang Xiaotang was temporarily residing in Kong Sang, observing the situation.

Lei Jun finally left the Earth Sea, passing through the Great Tang Human Realm and returning to Penglai.

Although his journey through the human realm caused his immortal energy to deplete once again, Lei Jun didn't mind.

While feeding back to the human realm, he was also gaining a deeper understanding of it.

Despite the tangible loss of his immortal energy and power, the profound mysteries of heaven and earth nourished him, providing him with a new level of insight into his cultivation.

Benefiting from this, he continued his cultivation.

Opening the Immortal Gate and ascending to the immortal realm was, for him, just the beginning of another new experience in his cultivation journey, filled with enjoyment as he focused his mind and spirit.

Upon returning to Penglai, Lei Jun sat on the observation platform of the Guanzhai. He raised his hand, and the Taiyi Gate-Crushing Sword floated before him, accompanied by the emerald green ocean of Nine Abyss True Flame.

In the vast sea of fire, in addition to the Taiyi Gate-Crushing Sword, several other sword artifacts appeared.

The North Pole Sword.

The Heavenly Sword.

The Vast Sea Sword.

The Vast Void Sword.

The Taiyi Gate-Crushing Sword was temporarily set aside.

Lei Jun then proceeded to refine treasures using the Nine Abyss True Flame, starting with the North Pole Sword.

This sword, forged by Lei Jun himself, trembled slightly, and its blade underwent changes that it had never experienced before.

As if rippling like water, the sword's edge seemed to become illusory and transparent, even losing its shape and form.

It seemed to merge with the void.

The practitioner embodies the void or emptiness, the ultimate reality is the void or emptiness.

It involved the profound mysteries of the void, a realm of profound Daoist insights.

With Lei Jun's current cultivation level and understanding, although he couldn't match Xu Yanzhen's unique Heavenly Body, his grasp of the void's mysteries was equally meticulous.

At this moment, he refined the North Pole Sword and incorporated these changes into it.

He wasn't turning the North Pole Sword into another Taiyi Gate-Crushing Sword.

But with this, Lei Jun's Primagnetic Flying Sword could easily pass through the void and descend into the human realm, making it more convenient to use the North Pole Sword.

After the North Pole Sword, he moved on to the Heavenly Sword.

Lei Jun focused intently, refining one flying sword after another.

...

While Lei Celestial Master was refining his artifacts, the Guizang gateway to the Great Ming Human Realm quietly opened.

Chu Kun, representing the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Residence, bowed to the Spirit Mountain Warlocks Zhao Qianran, Peng Qiao, and Lei Qian, who were residing there: "Later, at Guizang, we will need the help of the Spirit Mountain Warlocks.

We hope we won't disturb the Warlock King's rest, or it will be our fault."

Zhao Qianran shook his head: "No, Elder Chu is too polite. It's we who are grateful for your previous care. It's only right that we lend a hand now.

If not for our king's current rest, we would fear disturbing her, and we should have accompanied the Daoist elders into the human realm to help share your burdens."

Now that we can't go, please forgive us, Elder Chu. Rest assured, we will guard the Guizang gateway."

Chu Kun and the other Daoist experts, including Mu Chunyang, returned the bow: "Thank you, Spirit Mountain Warlocks."

So, led by Mu Chunyang, except for the Pure Yang Palace's current focus on stabilizing the Great Song Human Realm, various Daoist experts gathered at Guizang and then traveled together to the Great Ming Human Realm.

On the human side, the Guizang gateway was located in the southwest.

Over the years, the Great Ming court's attention had been primarily focused on the north.

The south was mostly under surveillance.

The official in charge of handling important affairs in Sichuan and Guizhou was the governor Zheng Qing.

But this time, no matter how closely he monitored, it was of no use.

Mu Chunyang, the master of the True Martial Monastery, who had been active in the human realms of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, had now returned to the Great Ming.

Chu Kun, an elder of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhang Haipeng, the head of the Kunwu Sect, and Chen Lingfeng, the head of the Shushan Sect, all from the Great Tang Human Realm.

Zhou Taogang, the head of the Shushan Sect, and Yue Xiling, an elder of the Pure Yang Palace, from the Jin Human Realm.

A total of six Daoist masters visited the governor of Sichuan and Guizhou in the Great Ming.

Mu Chunyang didn't rush into action.

He detained Zheng Qing.

The news spread from the southwest to the Great Ming capital, causing a stir throughout the court and the country.

"What are they up to?" Emperor Han Zhenning asked, looking at the officials before him.

The chief minister, Zhou Mingzhe, sighed: "Although the former head of the Shushan Sect didn't act recklessly, the act of detaining an official has made their intentions clear... They're after the Heaven Earth Sun Moon Flask and the Immortal Heaven Bell."

The Heaven Earth Sun Moon Flask and the Immortal Heaven Bell were both top-tier artifacts passed down for generations in the Shushan Sect of the Great Ming, and they were often mentioned alongside the Heaven Hanging Whip, the Three Mountains Fire Shield, and the Crossing Void Shuttle.

Among them, the Heaven Earth Sun Moon Flask was one of the founding treasures of the Shushan Sect before the end of the Han dynasty.

In the early years, due to the Han Qingtao Rebellion, the Heaven Earth Sun Moon Flask and the Immortal Heaven Bell were confiscated by the Great Ming court and had remained so until now.

Since Yuan Qingci, the Shushan Sect of the Great Ming had not dared to interfere.

But now, the situation seemed completely different.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end