Chapter 512: Revered by All, Bowed by Countless Immortals (511) (Part 2)

Chapter 512: Revered by All, Bowed by Countless Immortals (511) (Part 2)

Although the overall human region had expanded significantly, there were still many urgent matters to be decided between the various dynasties.

On the one hand, there were more transcendent existences above the human world, and on the other hand, the various dynasties, having previously joined forces to deal with the human convergence, were now refraining from major actions and instead trying to communicate and organize representatives for a meeting.

Luo Hai, as one of the representatives, hurried to attend the meeting.

...

The human convergence affected all aspects of the world.

Compared to the other realms in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, Lian Shan was currently in turmoil.

The reason was not that Lian Shan had lost control.

On the contrary, Lian Shan was firmly under the control of Jiang Fengge from He Xuan Mountain.

The reason for Lian Shan's turmoil was that, under the impact of the human convergence, Lian Shan also had the trend of reopening the void portal and returning to the human world.

Jiang Fengge took the initiative to suppress and curb this phenomenon, ensuring that Lian Shan remained closed and would not descend upon the human world at this time.

Because of this resistance, Lian Shan was constantly shaking.

After a long time, the shaking finally stopped.

Xiao Jing and the others were quietly waiting in the courtyard.

Jiang Fengge himself stood in the courtyard, gazing up at the sky, silent for a long time.

He had just received news from the outside world:

The former leader of the Heavenly Palace, Gao Tian Sui, a Celestial Master from the Han Dynasty, had fought against Lei Jun, the current Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and in the end...

He was defeated and retreated.

Upon hearing this news, Jiang Fengge couldn't help but fall silent:

Gao Tian Sui was actually defeated?

Due to the closure of Lian Shan, the Three Caverns Three Heavens Supreme Dragon Tiger Array couldn't channel spiritual energy from within, so Jiang Fengge couldn't witness the battle firsthand and could only get a rough idea from the brief messages conveyed from the outside world.

It's not that Gao Tian Sui was truly invincible and unbeatable.

But this time, he was clearly defeated by a young Daoist at the Second Level Profound Dao Realm.

Although Lei Jun's array was said to be powerful and renowned throughout the world, as long as it was Lei Jun's own arrangement and preparation, it wouldn't diminish his achievement of repelling and overwhelming Gao Tian Sui.

Unless Gao Tian Sui had been injured when he returned from the Time Abyss, Lei Jun's achievement would be solid and impressive.

Jiang Fengge wouldn't consider Gao Tian Sui's defeat by a junior as incompetence.

As someone who had directly interacted with Gao Tian Sui during the late ancient times, Jiang Fengge was very familiar with Gao Tian Sui's strength.

Even if he hadn't made any progress over the years, as long as he wasn't injured and was at his peak, in Jiang Fengge's understanding, Gao Tian Sui was still the top expert in this Great Thousand World.

But now, this perception was shaken by Lei Jun.

Since it wasn't that Gao Tian Sui was weak, it could only mean...

Lei Jun was stronger.

"Dragon Tiger Mountain..."

Jiang Fengge stood in the Lian Shan realm, gazing up at the sky, deep in thought.

...

Yuyin was also in turmoil, just like Lian Shan.

In the dark and quiet Yuyin, many experts were taking action together.

Although Zheng Baiyu wasn't present, the sacrificial ritual he left behind assisted Ren Caomu and others in stabilizing the situation in Yuyin, ensuring that the void portal remained closed and didn't descend upon the human world.

After the turmoil in the heavens and earth gradually subsided, Ren Caomu also silently gazed up at the dark void.

The latest news from the human world described the great commotion caused by the Talisman Sect's grand array, which channeled spiritual energy throughout the human world, and the final outcome of Gao Tian Sui's defeat.

Lei Jun and Gao Tian Sui faced off, and the upper and lower realms of Yuyin were pleased to hear this.

But Lei Jun's strength far exceeded Ren Caomu's expectations.

Because Lei Jun, when he was at the Ninefold Heaven realm, had joined forces with Xu Yuanzhen to publicly challenge Heaven during the Later Han Dynasty, the world was aware of the existence of the Three Caverns Three Heavens Supreme Dragon Tiger Array.

But times have changed, and compared to the past, the power of the array has increased exponentially, beyond everyone's expectations.

Ren Caomu was certain that even the Dark Emperor Zheng Baiyu, upon hearing about the events and outcome, would be surprised.

During the battle in Guizang regarding the Time Abyss, in order to achieve the desired outcome, Zheng Baiyu had to venture deep into the Time Abyss, which led to his departure from the human world and his prolonged absence.

Although it was a less favorable outcome, it was somewhat within Zheng Baiyu and Ren Caomu's expectations.

But now, looking back, Ren Caomu felt that the consequences of Zheng Baiyu entering the Time Abyss were difficult to estimate, and one day, it might become an unbearable burden.

If Zheng Baiyu hadn't anticipated Lei Jun's move when he returned from the Time Abyss, he might have faced a similar blow as Gao Tian Sui did this time.

Ren Caomu had already started trying to send a message to Zheng Baiyu.

But with the Time Abyss as a barrier, sending messages was difficult, and the timing of message exchanges was hard to grasp. For now, he could only do his best and leave the rest to fate.

...

Beyond the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, after the human convergence, the heavens and earth were much broader than before.

On the shores of the South China Sea, a middle-aged Daoist in a nine-colored Daoist robe stood with his hands behind his back, gazing north.

Behind him were a green-robed woman and a brocade-clad man.

The Daoist looked fine from the outside, but his skin was paler than before.

The two behind him were clearly injured, and the brocade-clad man's injuries were more severe.

"Elder Ge and Chen Jushi have both perished," Gao Tian Sui said slowly.

As he spoke, white light dust emerged from his body, enveloping Ruan Qiao and Wang Dianchen behind him, aiding their recovery.

"Thank you, Celestial Lord." Ran Qiao and Wang Dianchen expressed their gratitude before Wang Dianchen couldn't help but ask, "Celestial Lord, is Elder Ge in the Time Abyss?"

Gao Tian Sui replied, "We are not in the same Great Thousand World. I later went to the Demon World on his side, but I was already a step too late. Elder Ge has already perished due to Zhao Chanyang of the Kunwu School."

"The paths in the Time Abyss are difficult to discern. I ultimately returned a little late. Scholar Chen has already encountered danger, and Boundless has fallen into the hands of Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan."

Wang Dianchen exhaled a mouthful of turbid air.

Ran Qiao bowed to Gao Tian Sui, "It's not a big deal that Boundless has fallen, but this time, we have lost the Pure Sky, and we feel ashamed before you, Celestial Lord."

Gao Tian Sui said, "That's too much. The main reason for this outcome is me. I lost in the Boundless battle. If not for that, we could have taken a longer-term approach."

Ran Qiao said, "Due to the attraction of spiritual energy and the illusions of the spirit realm, we also witnessed that battle. The opponent relied on the power of the grand formation, which is not something that can be challenged by personal cultivation. Since it's not their personal cultivation, there must still be a distinction between the person and the formation, and they are not completely integrated."

Gao Tian Sui said, "This doesn't affect the final outcome of this battle. As for the future, Lei Jun is not the type to seek a sword in a boat or be complacent. He will also constantly study and improve his own cultivation, further perfecting his formation techniques. It won't be easy to find an opportunity to take advantage of him."

After a moment of silence, Ran Qiao nodded slightly.

She had never interacted with Lei Jun directly, but everything she had seen and heard indicated that Lei Jun was a talent that made constant progress every moment.

If one were to assume that his strength would remain fixed at a certain point and then use that as a reference to target and break through, they would still be beaten by Lei Jun the next time they met, and there might not be another chance.

A similar situation had occurred with Gao Tian Sui himself in the past.

However, Gao Tian Sui's cultivation realm was already very high.

The higher one climbed, the more difficult it was to take the next step.

On the other hand, people like Lei Jun and Xu Yuanzhen were still advancing rapidly.

"Celestial Lord, not to mention that the other party deliberately ambushed you this time, but the environment near the Time Abyss is already unfavorable for you."

Wang Dianchen spoke up, "Whether it's in the mortal world or other places in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, the result may not be the same as today's!"

Within a certain range near the Time Abyss, it was difficult for powerful Talisman Sect cultivators to deploy their Taiwei Mystic City and Great Vehicle Mystic City techniques.

This was undoubtedly more unfavorable for Gao Tian Sui.

His Purple Microcosm at the third level of Grotto Profound, could easily defeat the Mystic City techniques of those at the first and second levels.

"This is one of the reasons, indeed."

Gao Tian Sui remained calm, "But even if I could deploy the Grand Immortal Mansion, I still wouldn't have a guaranteed victory. The final battle outcome is still uncertain."

He turned his head, his gaze still looking north, "The Zhuang Zheng lineage has produced many talents, and I was arrogant and underestimated the people of this era, which led to this defeat."

Upon hearing this, Ran Qiao and Wang Dianchen fell silent.

In the past, they were among the core members of the Heavenly Palace, sealed in the Pure Sky for thousands of years, unable to leave.

Some of them even perished during that time, and those who remained, even if they re-emerged, became lonely and isolated.

Time was insufficient for them to cultivate new talents.

With Gao Tian Sui and Ge Xianzhi entering the Time Abyss, Ran Qiao and Wang Dianchen had no choice but to seal the Pure Sky.

As a result, they found themselves in a situation where their support had collapsed, and they were left with nothing.

If Gao Tian Sui could reorganize the mortal world this time, there would be an opportunity to start anew.

However, the once-prosperous Heavenly Palace had fallen into a state of decline, lacking successors.

"One step late, and every step late. We were late in leaving the Pure Sky. In this Great Thousand World, the lineage of Zhuang Zheng has already obtained the favorable conditions before us."

Gao Tian Sui's expression remained unchanged, "Fortunately, in the other Great Thousand Worlds, we still have like-minded companions."

Upon hearing this, Ran Qiao and Wang Dianchen's eyes lit up, "The Great Thousand World where Confucianism has obtained favorable conditions?"

Gao Tian Sui was from the Daoist School, while they were from the Sorcery School.

Despite their different lineages, they shared a common pursuit in restoring the Heavenly Palace.

"Indeed, but the situation in that Great Thousand World is also complex. Confucianism has obtained favorable conditions, but the disputes between the new and old schools are currently intense."

Gao Tian Sui explained, "That's why I spent some extra time there, and only returned after the human world merged."

Wang Dianchen spoke in a deep voice, "Celestial Lord, is He Ying still there?"

Gao Tian Sui nodded, "Yes, she lost half of the Universe Diagram, and unfortunately, I couldn't obtain it either.

However, don't be complacent. Scholar He has made other gains there."

Wang Dianchen's expression turned solemn, and he slowly nodded.

Gao Tian Sui said, "For the next period, you can focus on recovering from your injuries. I will study this half of the Universe Diagram, and I've made some progress in recent years."

Ran Qiao and Wang Dianchen both replied, "Yes, Celestial Lord."

...

At the same time, Lei Jun bid farewell to Xu Yuanzhen and Bai Mei, leaving the Pure Sky and traveling through the mortal world to reach the Boundless.

The mortal world was indeed more expansive than before.

Celestial cultivators no longer suffered from the dissipation of their immortal energy when operating in the mortal world.

However, Lei Jun was an exception.

There were still specks of light dust falling from his body, dispersing into the mortal world, just like before the human world merged.

But there was also a faint glow gathering from all directions, merging into his body with Lei Jun at the center.

At this moment, a cycle was formed, and balance was achieved.

Lei Jun proceeded calmly through the mortal world, arriving at one of the Ten Earths, the Boundless where the Time Abyss was located.

The Boundless was currently directly connected to the mortal world.

However, under Wang Guiyuan's leadership, various calamities were contained within this Boundless realm and did not spread to the mortal world.

Apart from Wang Guiyuan, his third junior brother, Chu Kun, had also arrived in the Boundless.

He was sitting not far from the Time Abyss, quietly sensing the various changes within it.

When Lei Jun arrived, Chu Kun stood up, "Senior Brother, there's no major issue with the Returning Abyss."

"Good." Lei Jun approached him.

Without the Kunpeng Demon Sage, it was difficult for the Ninefold Heaven Great Demons, like the Sea-Covering Flood Dragon King, to prevent the Returning Abyss from opening the void door to connect with the mortal world during the human world merger.

But Chu Kun, holding Lei Jun's treasure, the Supreme Jade Chariot Immortal Bamboo, along with his own personal treasure, provided some assistance from the mortal world side, helping the Returning Abyss a little, ensuring that it did not reappear in the mortal world like Lian Shan and You Yin.

"Kunlun has also appeared in the mortal world, but not in our Dragon Tiger Mountain area. It's in the Western Region, as recorded in ancient books." Chu Kun explained.

With the human world merger, the six mortal worlds became one.

The Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, like before the great calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty, had mostly reappeared.

The entrances to the various realms had both similarities and differences compared to the Han Dynasty.

Currently, the entrances to the Saha and Pure Sky realms were located in the eastern part of China.

The Gui Zang portal is located near the eastern coast, while the Penglai portal is situated in a more remote area of the Eastern Sea.

The Da Ju portal is in North China.

Kongsang and Da Huang portals are both on the northern frontier plains.

The Luo Yuan portal is above the Northern Sea.

The Spirit Mountain and Earth Sea portals are both in the southern frontier.

The Datong and Cang Huan portals are located in Central China.

The Sumeru, Boundless, and Kunlun portals are situated in the Western Regions.

Additionally, the Yellow Springs portal is currently located in southern Bashu.

"Comparatively, these are all well-understood. What’s unpredictable is the people," Lei Jun said calmly. "The human realms have just merged, and there will be a period of chaos, but it shouldn’t be too severe."

Chu Kun nodded. "Yes, the major empires are wary of each other but still maintain some level of tacit understanding. Currently, the Central Plains are mainly controlled by the Tang Dynasty, while the Han Dynasty primarily holds the Guanzhong and Bashu regions. The Later Han Dynasty has retreated to Jiangdong and Jiangnan to avoid the Tang, while the Southern Jin has further retreated southward, and the Northern Jin has moved northward, mainly to the Youyan region."

The Ming Dynasty is on its last legs, and the various warlords are still vying for supremacy, spanning the north and south of the former Ming human realm. However, with the unification of the six human realms, they will no longer face each other as opponents but will confront a more severe and unexpected situation.

Fortunately, everyone had some mental and external preparation for the unification of the human realms. Now, the various forces in the Ming human realm, compared to the massive entities like the Tang and Han Dynasties, can only survive in the cracks.

In contrast, the Later Han Dynasty, which retreated to Jiangdong, seems less formidable. However, King Han Zhou Pu has a distinguished military record and is supported by the Ninth Heaven perfected Daoist expert Mu Chunya, who has established connections with numerous Daoist holy sites, making others wary.

However, the various separatist forces originally belonging to the Ming human realm have not dispersed but have become a buffer zone between the top-tier major forces.

The current situation of the Southern and Northern Jin is similar.

The most difficult times are for the scholars of the Ming Dynasty. Originally, they had a structured and deeply rooted presence in the human realm, but now they find themselves surrounded by large numbers of cultivators and commoners from the Tang, Han, and Jin Empires. The formerly solid foundation is now fragmenting.

Some are gradually being diluted and absorbed, while others form tighter, smaller groups. But they are no longer the mainstream in the human realm.

Already targeted, with their grassroots base being disrupted, the Ming scholars of Neo-Confucianism are rapidly declining.

"However, due to the involvement of many ordinary people, it won’t be resolved in a day or two. Fortunately, the major empires have dispatched envoys to specifically discuss and formulate strategies," Chu Kun said. "The alliance meeting will be held in Xinzhou."

That is, near Dragon Tiger Mountain.

"Agreed," Lei Jun said calmly. "Our sect will not send disciples to observe."

Chu Kun responded, "I will follow the master's orders."

After a brief pause, Chu Kun continued, "By the way, the Song Dynasty has submitted to the Tang Dynasty."

Lei Jun: "Human affairs should be resolved by humans. It’s a good thing if it can reduce unnecessary bloodshed."

Chu Kun: "After the unification of the human realms, the world is vast, and it can accommodate the people of the world, but it’s uncertain if it can accommodate the hearts of a few."

If there is an external threat, the current greatest threat is being handled by the immortals in the heavens.

But human affairs are still significant.

Public sentiment, the dragon veins.

After the unification of the human realms, under the same sky, both the land and the population are extremely vast. The convergence of public sentiment and dragon veins will have effects far surpassing those of the previous single human realms.

The upheaval of the old Heavenly Palace during the late Han period also erupted during the transfer of the divine tripod.

With the human realms just unified, the flow of the earth veins and spiritual energy has not yet stabilized.

But once fully stabilized, if someone can unify the world and win the hearts of the people, they may not just rule the human realm.

"We shall wait and see," Lei Jun said, his expression unchanged, gazing at the Time Abyss.

……………………………………

Currently, in Xinzhou of the human realm.

Dragon Tiger Mountain stands tall, more majestic and perilous than before, with vast mountain ranges.

On Dragon Tiger Mountain, the Celestial Master Mansion does not house the Ten Thousand Dharmas Altar but the Dragon Tiger Altar, which is currently shining brilliantly.

In contrast, above Dragon Tiger Mountain, there is a high and profound existence, seemingly a celestial realm, suspended in the sky, vast and ethereal, evoking a sense of longing.

When Lei Jun left the Pure Sky for the Boundless, he passed through the human realm, and thus ordered the Shangqing Thunder Mansion Heavenly Realm, Taiqing Salvation Heavenly Realm, and Yuclear Omnipresence Heavenly Realm to reposition.

The three Heavenly Realms merged into a new Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm, more profound and vast, combining the wonders of the original three Heavenly Realms, resembling a celestial paradise.

The Ten Thousand Dharmas Altar is currently located within it.

Although Lei Jun has left for the Boundless, he carries the array map, maintaining a constant connection with the Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm. As long as he remains in this vast universe, he can activate the power of the great array at any time.

Outside the mountain, Xinzhou City is currently in the process of reconstruction, bustling with people.

Previously, cultivators and commoners from different human realms are now here.

But when they look at Dragon Tiger Mountain, everyone is at ease.

The envoys from the major empires unanimously chose this place as the meeting point, even though the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain does not have any elders or disciples representing it.

Another tacit agreement is that no imperial family members are present as envoys.

The Tang Dynasty envoy is Chu Yu, a close confidant of the Tang Emperor.

She scanned the gathering.

The Song Dynasty envoy is Zhu Junjie.

The Han Dynasty envoy is Ouyang Jingyuan.

The Later Han Dynasty envoy is Geng Yuanyan.

The Ming human realm is currently in turmoil, but the various factions have collectively chosen Luo Hai, who has close ties with the Daoist community, as their representative.

The Southern and Northern Jin are somewhat special.

The Southern Jin envoy is Lin Chaoyun, and the Northern Jin envoy is Xiao Chan, both from prominent local families. Over the years, the influence of the noble families of the Southern and Northern Jin has gradually diminished.

Including the Ninth Heaven great scholar Xiao Chan, they now more closely resemble figures like Chu Yu, Fang Yue, and Xiao Xueting, representing their respective courts rather than noble families.

As for the absence of imperial family members... Chu Yu gazed into the distance toward Dragon Tiger Mountain.

Although she knows the Celestial Master might not be in the mansion, Chu Yu speculates that the tacit agreement among the major empires is still related to the Celestial Master.

In the Battle of Luoyang, the Celestial Master personally executed many members of the Zhang and Tang royal families.

In the Han human realm, he personally ended the life of Crown Prince Xiang Jing, who fueled the bloody disaster in Guanzhong.

In the Ming human realm, although he did not directly execute Emperor Han Zhi Ning, he severed the national fortune of the Ming Dynasty, which had been forcefully exploiting the people and the earth veins.

Now, although Celestial Master Lei is not involved in the alliance meeting of the major empires and has not made any demands, the various factions have still reached a tacit agreement.

However, there is not complete harmony.

As an important minister and envoy of the Han Dynasty, Ouyang Jingyuan appears calm, his gaze steady, but there is one person among the attendees who draws his attention.

As the Chancellor of the Later Han Dynasty, Geng Yuanye personally served as an envoy to this gathering.

Geng Yuanye noticed Ouyang Jingyuan's attitude, but his expression remained unchanged.

The Great Song also sent its top minister, Zhu Junjie, as an envoy.

However, Zhu Junjie's mood was much lighter.

The Song Emperor had already submitted to the Great Tang, becoming a vassal.

Currently, they were still in the initial contact phase, but the situation was essentially settled.

Although there would only be a Song King and no Song Emperor from now on, Zhu Junjie, who had worked tirelessly for the Great Song, felt a sense of melancholy. Still, he found it acceptable.

After everything settled down, Zhu Junjie even considered putting down his burdens and traveling around to see the current human realm.

This alliance gathering itself was uneventful.

Everyone present agreed to continue eliminating the Confucianist patriarchal rituals to prevent their resurgence, and the main focus of the negotiations was on specific measures.

This involved the power boundaries of various imperial dynasties in different regions.

Disputes and even conflicts were inevitable.

However, as time passed in Xinzhou near Dragon Tiger Mountain, all parties tried to seek common ground while respecting differences.

By the end of the alliance gathering, Geng Yuanye returned to Jianye, the new capital of the Later Han.

After hearing Geng Yuanye's report, Zhou Pu, the Han King, nodded: "Since it's been agreed upon, our dynasty will continue to implement it."

After the human realms merged and the situation stabilized, they had already started purging the remnants of the Ming Dynasty.

With the frequent cooperation between Zhenwu Temple and other Daoist sects, the current collaboration was even more seamless.

"Currently, all parties are jointly promoting this matter," said Geng Yuanye. "But after that..."

After that, the focus of all parties might shift to the Later Han.

The reason was simple—the Jiangdong and Jiangnan regions were prosperous.

"It's mainly about Tang," Geng Yuanye said.

Zhou Pu's choice of Jianye was not random.

On one hand, Jiangdong was prosperous, but on the other, the Southern Jin Dynasty, which was originally located there, was relatively weak.

The Great Song and the Ming Dynasty were currently preoccupied with their own affairs.

The Han Dynasty also made concessions to the Great Tang.

Although the Han Dynasty viewed the Later Han with a complex sentiment, this arrangement effectively separated the two dynasties by the Great Tang's territories.

Thus, the Later Han only needed to deal with the Great Tang.

However, from another perspective, including the Northern and Southern Jin Dynasties, all the major dynasties were, in a way, surrounding the strongest Great Tang in the center.

This made the overall situation even more intricate.

If the Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong continued to stay away or, like Celestial Master Lei Jun, remained uninvolved in human affairs, the situation would have more potential for change.

However, the Later Han's location in Jiangdong and its oversight of the Jiangnan region still drew significant attention.

Compared to the Great Tang and the Han Dynasty, they had started a bit later and still felt somewhat vulnerable.

Nevertheless, Geng Yuanye knew that his emperor was currently planning something else.

"How are the preparations coming along?" Zhou Pu asked.

Geng Yuanye replied, "The rumors that His Majesty has become immersed in pleasures after moving the capital and is neglecting state affairs have already spread far and wide."

Zhou Pu said, "Excess is as bad as deficiency."

Geng Yuanye responded, "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

Zhou Pu remained calm and said, "Good, let's begin."

Geng Yuanye bowed to him: "I will devote my life to Your Majesty."

"Come," Zhou Pu led the way, with Geng Yuanye following closely behind.

The place they arrived at was not a secret location but a military training ground.

The training ground was filled with various weapons, and the air was thick with an iron-blooded, murderous aura that soared into the sky.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end