Chapter 512: Revered by All, Bowed by Countless Immortals (511) (Part 3)

Chapter 512: Revered by All, Bowed by Countless Immortals (511) (Part 3)

Apart from Zhou Pu and his ministers, no one else was present, but it felt as if thousands of troops and horses were gathered there.

As a Great Scholar who had achieved the Four Theories of Governing the Nation in the Eighth Heaven, Geng Yuanye had to carefully adjust himself to protect his soul from being overwhelmed by the intense energy.

Zhou Pu walked calmly through the array of weapons.

Among the many divine and sharp weapons, there were two objects with relatively peaceful auras.

One was a long stone knife, and the other was a book.

Zhou Pu gazed at the stone knife and said slowly, "In the past, there was an identical stone knife that my father passed down to me. I used it to open the Great Square. This stone knife here is a later imitation."

Geng Yuanye stood quietly behind him.

He knew that it was during that trip to the Great Square that the Han King Zhou Wei was cursed to death by the Great Sorcerer Jia Xianting.

Jia Xianting had also died long ago, and although Zhou Pu couldn't take revenge personally, he had finally put an end to this matter.

The stone knife he had imitated and the book, when combined, served a common purpose—to gather and carry the national fortune and dragon veins of the Later Han.

Previously, as Zhou Pu campaigned in the east and west, successively conquering and pacifying the Northern Liang, Southern Chu, and Southern Wu kingdoms, the national fortune and dragon veins of the Later Han gradually began to gather.

If not for the merging of the human realms, after further pacifying the Later Shu, Southern Yue, and Southern Han, Zhou Pu and the Later Han would have completely stabilized the world and reunified the land.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

However...

Geng Yuanye's gaze turned to the southwest.

That was the direction of Xinzhou, where Dragon Tiger Mountain was located.

He noticed that Zhou Pu was also looking in that direction.

But soon, Zhou Pu's gaze shifted to the

Unlike the Great Song, Zhou Pu had no intention of submitting to any other dynasty.

The Later Han remained as it was.

Everyone had dispersed the Dragon Vein's energy, and it was time to manage their own affairs.

All were in the same mortal realm, where the earth's spiritual energy flowed and connected, and the Heavenly Emperor's Art was most sensitive to related matters.

Zhou Pu's actions immediately drew the attention of other dynasties.

The weak and dim Northern and Southern Jin, as well as the small countries of Southern Han, Later Shu, and Nanyue, and the Song Kingdom, which had already submitted to the Great Tang, were of little concern.

The most concerned, undoubtedly, were the Great Tang and the Great Han.

At this moment, in the capital of Chang'an within the Great Han Dynasty, in the imperial palace of Guanzhong.

The current Han Emperor, Xiang Sheng, was silently observing his trusted ministers in the hall.

Everyone in the hall remained silent.

It wasn't until later that Fang Junmei entered the hall.

He first greeted Emperor Xiang Sheng and then reported, "The false Jiangdong Dynasty has not submitted to the Tang Dynasty."

Emperor Xiang Sheng nodded slowly and closed his eyes.

In the hall, Ouyang Jingyuan, Li Feiyang, Wang Bujiu, and other important ministers of the Great Han remained silent as well.

After a long while, Xiang Sheng finally spoke, "A clever move, retreating to advance."

Without the support of the Heavenly Emperor's Art and the nation's Dragon Vein, Zhou Pu would undoubtedly suffer a loss. However, by doing so, he gained the favor of the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion.

At the very least, he wouldn't cause the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion to develop negative feelings towards the Later Han.

For the current Han Emperor, Xiang Sheng, this principle was crystal clear to him even before his ascension to the throne.

In the present day, such situations would only become more severe.

With Zhou Pu's move, the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion might not show any reaction, but the Zhenwu Temple would no longer hesitate to support him as before.

For the Great Han Dynasty and Emperor Xiang Sheng, at this point, there was no other choice but to follow suit.

Compared to the Later Han Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, when the human realm was not yet unified, the Great Han Dynasty in the current human realm not only unified the world but also deeply won the hearts of the people.

It was only because of the consecutive major incidents caused by Xiang Chengyuan and Xiang Jing that the Han royal family suffered humiliation.

After years of recuperation, the Xiang Han royal family had gradually regained its vitality.

Xiang Sheng himself had rapidly advanced his cultivation and ruled over the Great Han due to the empowerment of the Heavenly Emperor's Art.

This human realm convergence was a severe blow to him.

But now, with Zhou Pu following Zhang Wantong's footsteps, Xiang Sheng had no choice but to keep up.

If other dynasties remained unmoved, the Great Han Dynasty, though not unified, would reap great benefits by focusing on its national Dragon Vein.

The problem was how the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion would view them. How would the Thunder Celestial Master, who had just forced the Heavenly Lord into retreat, perceive them? What would be Zhang Wantong's reaction if he returned to this vast universe?

In the end, there was no other choice... Emperor Xiang Sheng shook his head slightly and stood up, walking directly towards the rear hall.

Ouyang Jingyuan and the others in the hall also remained silent, bidding farewell to their emperor.

Xiang Sheng entered the rear hall.

A figure that hadn't appeared in the palace for many years was waiting.

The previous Han Emperor, now the Great Sorcerer of Kongsang Ditu, Xiang Chengyuan.

"Father..." Xiang Sheng sighed softly, "Father."

Xiang Chengyuan's expression was calm, "Have you made a decision?"

Xiang Sheng smiled bitterly, "Actually, there's no other choice."

Xiang Chengyuan said, "Everyone is in the same situation, and it's not impossible."

Xiang Sheng nodded slightly, "After dispersing the national Dragon Vein, I plan to visit the Chunyang Palace, so I won't be able to accompany you for long. Please forgive me."

With the dispersal of the national Dragon Vein, the Great Tang still remained the most formidable force.

The Great Han Dynasty needed more support to establish itself.

Xiang Chengyuan said, "Regarding Kongsang Ditu, you don't need to worry."

After a brief pause, he continued, "Although the Thunder Celestial Master is indifferent, he is not without compassion. He has always cared for the common people. While human affairs are human affairs, having fewer wars and bloodshed is not a bad thing."

Xiang Sheng thought of his late older brother, Xiang Jing, and as he sighed, he bowed to Xiang Chengyuan, "Father, your teachings are right. I will keep them in mind."

Xiang Chengyuan said, "The Chunyang Palace, of course, should still be visited. With more support, the Great Han will have more peace, especially in the current human realm, where the Daoist Sect has gained a great destiny."

Emperor Xiang Sheng replied, "Yes, I understand."

With the human realm convergence, Mount Zhongnan remained in Guanzhong.

However, like the Guanzhong Plain and the Qinling Mountains, the area had become extremely vast.

The Chunyang Palace's main gate was currently located here.

Not just one, but four.

The Chunyang Palace of the Great Tang, the Great Han, the Great Song, and the Northern Jin had initially merged.

These four branches of the Chunyang Palace currently occupied four neighboring spiritual mountain caves, each housing their disciples.

At the original site of the Chunyang Palace's main gate, the institution was streamlined, but it remained the core of the sect.

The ancestral halls of various sects were divided into two parts.

One part was for the ancestral masters of each sect, who were worshipped separately on their respective spiritual mountains after the human realm split at the end of the Han Dynasty.

The other part was for the ancestral masters before the end of the Han Dynasty, who were all recorded and worshipped together at the central main gate.

Qie Yicheng of the Great Song's Chunyang Palace was about to begin his breakthrough to the Ninth Heaven Great Vehicle Realm this year.

The Great Han and Northern Jin's Chunyang Palace also had rising young masters.

However, within the entire Chunyang Palace lineage, there were only two Ninth Heaven Great Vehicle masters, Jiang Yu and Yue Xiling.

Considering various factors, Murong Minghui, Deng Lai, and Qie Yicheng agreed to jointly appoint a palace master to manage the daily affairs of the palace for a considerable period.

With the human realm convergence, the Daoist Sect flourished.

However, the times were changing rapidly, and it was far from peaceful.

Unity was the consensus of the current Chunyang Palace lineage.

Compared to Dragon and Tiger Mountain and Shu Mountain, their situation was more complex.

Although the Kunwu Sect and Zhenwu Temple both belonged to the Daoist alchemy lineage, they were currently separated from the Chunyang Palace.

The remaining members had to consider more.

Thus, the first palace master was appointed from the Great Tang's Chunyang Palace, led by Jiang Yu.

Upon receiving the news of the Han Emperor's visit, Jiang Yu turned to Deng Lai, the leader of the Great Han branch, and asked, "What is Elder Deng's opinion?"

Deng Lai replied, "I have a private relationship with His Majesty the Han Emperor, but it shouldn't influence the decisions of our sect."

Jiang Yu said, "Elder Deng, you are the most knowledgeable about the situation, and your opinion carries the most weight."

Deng Lai said, "The palace master speaks too highly of me."

Seeing this, Yue Xiling, Murong Minghui, Qie Yicheng, and others on the side understood Deng Lai's intention.

Just as Murong Minghui had gradually adjusted his relationship with the Northern Jin royal family, the Chunyang Palace, located in Guanzhong, naturally had a close relationship with the Great Han Dynasty.

However, compared to the past, as a sacred place of the Daoist Sect, the Chunyang Palace would no longer easily express its stance on human affairs.

The Zhenwu Temple supported the Later Han not only because of Mu Chunyang's personal relationship with Zhou Pu but also to stabilize the Jiangdong situation.

In fact, the Chunyang Palace had received news that Mu Chunyang might retreat into seclusion in the coming years, focusing on his cultivation and understanding of the immortal path without involving himself in human affairs.

During the Later Han Dynasty, the Zhenwu Temple might gradually diminish in its inclination.

Zhou Pu should have been informed by Mu Chunyang.

Despite this, he still chose not to reunite with the nation's dragon veins, and his intentions have drawn the attention of all sides.

For Chunyang Palace, the next decision is to gradually detach itself from worldly disputes alongside the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion, placing the entire Daoist sect in a transcendent position.

However, in the mortal world, their existence cannot be ignored.

Even now, in the minds of many, their position is more of a bridge for communication with the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion.

Jiang Yu, Yue Xiling, Deng Lei, and others have long adjusted their mindset.

The current era belongs to the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion, and with it as the leader, the Daoist sect rises and falls together.

All Chunyang Palace needs to do is to cultivate calmly, accumulate its strength, and quietly await the next era.

In the next era, they may be the protagonists or remain supporting characters.

It doesn't matter; what's important is for Chunyang Palace to continue its legacy and advance in cultivation.

As long as they grasp this point, whether it's receiving the Han Emperor Xiang Sheng or others, Jiang Yu and the others remain composed.

In contrast, at the same time in Bashu Xiaoding, within the merged sects, they are also entering a new phase.

After stabilizing the earth's veins, Xiaoding was transformed into the Five Peaks.

The four branches of the Han Dynasty Shu Mountain Sect, the Tang Dynasty Shu Mountain Sect, the Ming Dynasty Shu Mountain Sect, and the Southern Jin Shu Mountain Sect each occupy one of the four peaks.

The Han Dynasty branch resides in the North Peak, the Tang Dynasty branch in the East Peak, the Ming Dynasty branch in the West Peak, and the Southern Jin branch in the South Peak.

The central Xiaoding main peak was specifically left vacant but has become the most crucial hub of the current Shu Mountain Sect.

The six ancient treasures of the Shu Mountain Sect, the Purple-Blue Twin Swords, the Nine Heavens Primal Yang Ruler, the Taiyi Huashang, the Heaven and Earth Sun and Moon Gourd, and the Five Declines Grand Dao Bell, are all enshrined together on the central main peak.

Although Shen Xi, the head of the Southern Jin branch, is acknowledged as having the highest cultivation strength, he has no intention of leading the entire Shu Mountain Sect.

Unlike Chunyang Palace, which unanimously elected a Palace Master, the Shu Mountain Sect formed something akin to a joint council of elders, collectively overseeing the central Xiaoding peak.

Naturally, various countries would also want to visit Shu Mountain.

However, the current priority for the elders of the Shu Mountain joint council, aside from overseeing the reconstruction of Shu Mountain, is to arrange a visit to their White Eyebrow Ancestor.

After several interventions, although Bai Mei has never publicly appeared, her existence is no longer a secret.

Unfortunately, the Shu Mountain Sect has never had the opportunity to meet their Ancestor, and now they must ask the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion to mediate on their behalf, leaving everyone in tears.

Fortunately, the Ancestor has finally agreed.

The Shu Mountain Sect cultivators immediately selected representatives as instructed and headed to Pure Sky to meet the Ancestor.

In the Boundless Void, Lei Jun receives a message from Qin Caimei regarding this matter, feeling slightly surprised: "White True Lord agreed?"

Qin Caimei replied, "Reporting to the Headmaster, it is indeed so."

Lei Jun asked, "What happened?"

Qin Caimei honestly answered, "I don't know the reason either; Granny didn't mention it further."

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun didn't inquire further.

He is also hosting guests at the Boundless Void.

There are five guests.

From Confucianism, Zhang Hui and Fang Yue; from the martial path, Shen Gubing; from the Sorcery sect, Sun Li; and from Buddhism, Hui Yin Monk.

Except for Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong, who has not yet returned from the Time Abyss, the other members of the Seven Luminaries of the Heavenly Book are present.

Shen Gubing's eyes fixed on Sun Li: "I never would have thought it would be you."

But Elder Sun laughed: "On the contrary, but this is not worth mentioning."

Zhang Hui patted Shen Gubing's shoulder and then smiled at Sun Li, asking, "Elder Sun, I heard you took the lead in organizing a Sorcery sect alliance?"

Sun Li repeatedly waved his hands: "How could I take on such a role? I merely helped out in the middle, running errands and delivering messages. Once the matter was settled, I didn't inquire further and came here directly."

This time, with Sun Li's help, the Witch-Grotto Earth Capital lineage's Witch-Grotto Dust, the Earth Sea's Nine Li clan's expert Li Jin, and the Yinshan Grotto lineage's Saint Hu Hengyuan also organized an alliance.

Even without considering the Witch King Huangfu Qi of Spirit Mountain and the secluded Witch Xianran of Spirit Mountain, the Sorcery sect currently has many experts in the mortal world, though they are scattered in different directions.

Now, with the mortal world's unification, everyone lives under the same sky, and as long as there are no grudges, some exchanges are inevitable.

Of course, the various parties are only making initial contact.

In this situation, Sun Li, with his unique and even transcendent identity, naturally becomes the most suitable candidate to facilitate connections.

"In Confucianism, everyone has their own aspirations and ambitions," Zhang Hui smiled. "But there are also people like me who are idle. Later, I plan to invite some people to go on a spring outing, not just Brother Duanfeng. Everyone is welcome to join."

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun and the others all laughed.

Zhang Hui, Wang Bujiu, Xiao Chunhui, and Meng Shaojie are indeed all idle, but they are not to be taken lightly.

Especially with the recent addition of Zhu Junjie, who just retired from the Song Dynasty's chancellor position.

As soon as he retired, Zhang Hui pulled him aside, making Lei Jun wonder if Zhu Junjie was going to let loose after retiring?

"The Bodhi Temple, Hanging Sky Temple, and Heaven Dragon Temple are also frequently visited," Hui Yin Monk sighed.

The orthodox Buddhist sect is currently low-key, in a slump, but gradually showing signs of unity.

On the contrary, the White Lotus Sect's Tang and Ming branches have some disagreements.

After the mortal world's unification, there have been many debates regarding the current state of the world and the White Lotus uprising.

Fang Yue spoke: "Lianshan may be in trouble."

Zhang Hui and the others turned to look at him.

Fang Yue nodded slightly: "It may be related to the Ming Dynasty's Neo-Confucian cultivators in the depths of the East Sea, but the specifics are unclear. They may have made contact with Lianshan."

Lei Jun asked calmly: "Any news from the Yu Yin region?"

Fang Yue replied: "I haven't heard anything yet."

Up to this point, the group still often exchanges news and helps each other.

Looking back, they all feel a bit sentimental.

"This time, I invited everyone here for a matter that Emperor Tang mentioned earlier."

At this moment, Lei Jun revealed a ball of light.

Within the light was the complete main chapter of the Heavenly Book.

Zhang Hui nodded and said, "My aunt instructed that studying the Heavenly Book would benefit our fellow cultivators. Therefore, she entrusted the Celestial Master to collect and organize the main chapter during the mortal world's unification, and for the Celestial Master to hold it. Thank you for your efforts, Celestial Master, in lecturing on the Heavenly Book, allowing us to study it together."

Lei Jun said, "I dare not take on the responsibility of holding it. After Emperor Tang returns, we will discuss its ownership. For now, let's view it together and have more exchanges."

After viewing the complete main chapter of the Heavenly Book, the impressions are naturally different from seeing a single page.

At this moment, Lei Jun's observation, reflecting on his studies, also brings a sense of accomplishment.

He opens the altar to teach, and although the others present are not from the Daoist tradition, they still feel they have gained a lot from listening to the Celestial Master's teachings.

After the altar was closed, as everyone took turns reading the documents, Huixin Monk humbly let others go first and went to see Wang Guiyuan in the Boundless Realm.

Wang Guiyuan did not hide from Huixin.

But for both him and Huixin Monk, Jingji Monk was already history.

The two had much in common when it came to Buddhist scriptures, so Huixin sought advice from Wang Guiyuan, who had already achieved the Golden Body, and benefited greatly. Wang Guiyuan was also generous with his guidance.

At this moment, someone else suddenly arrived.

It was Zhang Haipeng, the head of the Kunwu Sect.

His expression was solemn as he performed a Taoist bow to Lei Jun, and then presented a pill.

Lei Jun saw that the pill was pure gold all over, but its surface was cracked, and blood-red light shone through, as if blood vessels crisscrossed on the pill.

Although Lei Jun was not a Dan Ding Sect cultivator, his current cultivation and insight allowed him to understand at a glance, "Is this the treasure that Zhao Daoyou left behind for communication and warning?"

Zhang Haipeng's expression turned grave, "The current situation is that he is injured, and not lightly..."

The fact that such a skilled cultivator as Zhao Chanyang was injured indicated the severity of the situation.

Zhang Haipeng had no choice but to come and seek Lei Jun.

As Lei Jun took the pill, a light sphere in his mind suddenly flashed and displayed words:

【The sun and moon in different heavens, ancient and modern times with different talismans.】

Then, three divination signs appeared:

【Middle-Upper Sign: Pass through the Time Abyss to the Demon World, arrive at the Lock Heaven Abyss before the third quarter of noon, and there is a chance to obtain a first-class opportunity. There is no risk at present, but there may be hidden troubles, so be cautious. Auspicious.】

【Middle Sign: Do not pass through the Time Abyss to the Demon World or go to places other than the Lock Heaven Abyss. There is no additional gain or loss. Neutral.】

【Middle-Lower Sign: Pass through the Time Abyss to the Demon World, arrive at the Lock Heaven Abyss after the third quarter of noon, and there may be great danger. Be extremely cautious. Inauspicious.】

Hmm?

A first-class opportunity? But such a good opportunity only yields a Middle-Upper Sign, indicating that the hidden troubles mentioned in the divination need to be heeded.

However, according to the divination, there is no significant risk at present.

Considering the Middle Sign and Middle-Lower Sign, even if Lei Jun were to go to the other side of the Time Abyss now, there shouldn't be any major changes in the Nine Heavens Ten Earths Vast Universe.

This was very important to him at the moment.

Because by leaving this Vast Universe, he couldn't immediately return using the Taiyi Imperial Body's Seeking Sound and Responding Senses, nor could he bring the grand formation to the Demon World on the other side.

Fortunately, the divination didn't seem to indicate any concerns in this regard.

The key to the divination lay in the timing.

Lei Jun first tried to contact Tang Xiaotang in the Demon World.

However, due to the Time Abyss, he couldn't make an immediate connection.

He pondered for a moment, informed Wang Guiyuan and Zhang Haipeng, and then stepped into the Time Abyss.

The first time he entered, the chaotic time and space within made Lei Jun feel challenged.

He could only stabilize himself and then move forward.

Time seemed to flow backward and then rush forward at an incredible speed, intertwining in a chaotic and unpredictable manner.

In Lei Jun's sea of consciousness, countless light and shadows appeared, but they were all fragmented and disordered.

Suddenly, in the chaotic river of time and space before him, a clear and orderly existence appeared for the first time.

It was as if a fork in the road was presented to him.

Lei Jun knew that this probably meant stepping into a different Vast Universe.

With the presence of Zhang Wantong and Tang Xiaotang, Lei Jun could vaguely distinguish between them.

He chose the path leading to the Demon World, but he didn't know how long he had been floating and sinking within it.

Until, the flow of the Time Abyss before his eyes was slightly more stable than before.

In front of him, the light and mist swirled like the surface of water.

Lei Jun didn't rush out immediately but carefully investigated.

He had just ambushed Gao Tian Sui on the other side, so he naturally didn't want to be ambushed as soon as he left.

After exiting the Time Abyss, thick demonic energy and an evil atmosphere assaulted him from all directions.

At first glance, the world didn't show the chaotic and bloody scenes described by Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang, but it made one feel extremely desolate.

The Time Abyss in the Demon World was located in a subtle position, as if it were stuck at the border between the Human Realm and the Earthly Realm.

On this side, even though the demonic energy and evil atmosphere overwhelmed the heavenly and earthly energy, it was much easier to contact Tang Xiaotang.

However, Tang Xiaotang was currently in the Celestial Realm.

Lei Jun calculated the time and found that there was still a considerable distance until the third quarter of noon. He studied the map provided by Xu Yuanzhen for a while, then concealed himself and quietly moved through the human realm.

After wandering for a while and visiting several places according to Xu Yuanzhen's introduction, Lei Jun had a general understanding of the environment.

In terms of terrain, it was similar to the human realm of the Nine Heavens Ten Earths Vast Universe, but there were significant differences in the details.

On the one hand, it was due to the changes in the land over time, and on the other hand, it was because of the battles between cultivators and the ravages of demons.

Like Xu Yuanzhen, Lei Jun didn't actively search, but when he encountered demons harming others along the way, he casually eliminated them.

He moved without a trace, unnoticed by anyone.

Demons brought disasters to people.

Lei Jun, at this moment, was like a demonic disaster himself.

Later, when the time was almost right, he arrived at a place called the Lock Heaven Abyss.

Then, he found Zhao Chanyang, who was meditating and healing his injuries.

Zhao Chanyang was indeed injured, and his Taiyi body was not as ethereal and elusive as before, making it much easier for Lei Jun to find him.

"Zhao Daoyou," Lei Jun approached.

"Celestial Master?" Zhao Chanyang was surprised.

Lei Jun raised the cracked pill given by Zhang Haipeng, "If not for your injury, I wouldn't have been able to find this place accurately."

Zhao Chanyang said, "Forgive me for making you laugh..."

Lei Jun asked, "The Demon Dragon Emperor?"

Zhao Chanyang shook his head, then after a moment of thought, he nodded, "Yes."

There were no visible wounds on his body, but a faint black aura surrounded him.

Lei Jun couldn't sense any existence that could be called a first-class opportunity nearby, so he estimated that the first-class opportunity had fallen on Zhao Chanyang. As the current situation and timing were not appropriate, he didn't say much and directly used his spiritual power to weave a Yin-Yang Tai Chi Diagram.

Zhao Chanyang was surprised to see that Lei Jun had already achieved the Taiji Dao Body, but without the need for communication, he cooperated with him.

The initial Taiyi and the final Taiji, the void and the myriad phenomena, intertwined at this moment, evolving a wonderful pure energy that temporarily concealed the black aura.

Zhao Chanyang immediately became free to move.

The two of them left together.

Just after the third quarter of noon, a twisted arm-like branch with a single eye on it suddenly burst out of the Lock Heaven Abyss.

But it was too late.

On the other side of the Time Abyss, in the Boundless Realm of the Nine Heavens Ten Earths Vast Universe.

Zhang Haipeng closed his eyes and remained silent, appearing calm and quiet, but his heart was filled with anxiety, which was almost about to spill out.

But at this moment, the Time Abyss suddenly shook.

Zhang Haipeng opened his eyes and saw Lei Jun and Zhao Chanyang walking out together.

The ease and calmness of their departure left Zhang Haipeng stunned:

So smooth?

So simple?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end