Chapter 529: 528. Three Taiwei in One Sect

Chapter 529: 528. Three Taiwei in One Sect



Learning and imitation are two different concepts.

Imitation does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.

However, for An Buzheng, although he shared some similarities with Lei Jun in certain aspects, the differences between them were also significant.

Moreover, as Zhuo Baojie had said, An Buzheng's perception of Lei Jun was merely a glimpse through a tube.

In many cases, it couldn't even be called a "glimpse."

Most of the time, it was just hearsay, and he had formed an image of his master in his mind.

Yet, this image might be far from the real Lei Jun.

Just as Zhuo Baojie himself always appeared as a Daoist Sage in front of An Buzheng.

To the vast majority of people, the most unflattering thought about Zhuo Baojie was that he was merely the mount of Master Lei.

But even those who held this view acknowledged that as a Spirit Beast, he possessed a profound foundation and an ethereal immortal essence.

If Zhuo Baojie hadn't mentioned it himself, An Buzheng would never have guessed that the damage to the Yin-Yang Brush was caused by his master's gnawing.

Moreover, this happened after he had already embarked on the Daoist path and gained some awareness, not when he was still ignorant.

When Zhuo Baojie gnawed on the Yin-Yang Brush, his cultivation realm was even higher than An Buzheng's current level.

An Buzheng could never have imagined how his master and grandmaster interacted before he joined the sect, let alone fully understand his grandmaster.

As a result, his attempt to completely imitate his grandmaster would inevitably lead to some...twists.

This was also related to his young age and limited life experience.

As he gained more experience and knowledge in the future, the situation might intensify or, on the contrary, he might gradually gain some enlightenment.

But Zhuo Baojie didn't want to wait any longer.

Previously, he had hoped that the child would overcome this hurdle on his own, but seeing that he was about to face the heavenly chasm tribulation between the first and second levels, Zhuo Baojie finally decided to clarify the situation with him.

As An Buzheng bowed down before Zhuo Baojie, his back was already damp with cold sweat.

"Calm your mind," Zhuo Baojie said with a smile. "This is also part of your cultivation."

At that moment, An Buzheng's mind indeed settled, and he bowed his head, saying, "Yes, Master."

Zhuo Baojie helped him up and said with a smile, "Go and take a bath, change your clothes, and then go directly to face the heavenly chasm tribulation between the first and second levels."

Although the cold sweat on his body had not yet dried, An Buzheng did not object to his master's arrangement.

Feeling the encouragement and expectation in Zhuo Baojie's tone, An Buzheng also smiled and said, "Yes, disciple obeys."

Although breakthroughs between major realms were known as heavenly chasms, for An Buzheng, who had already cleared his heart of obstacles, the journey from the first to the second level was as easy as walking on flat ground.

He had already accumulated a substantial foundation.

Even if Zhuo Baojie had not mentioned this matter today, he still had a high probability of passing safely.

However, Zhuo Baojie didn't want to take any risks or see his disciple continue to accumulate frustration.

There was no need to wait any longer.

On that very day, Elder Zhuo's personal disciple, An Buzheng, successfully established his foundation.

Later, Zhuo Baojie went to the Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm to report the matter to his master, Lei Jun.

A faint smile appeared on Lei Jun's face. "Well done."

Zhuo Baojie showed no sign of pride and said softly, "My disciple has a strong competitive spirit and a desire to win. Although he has now realized this, there will undoubtedly be greater and more frequent tests in the future, and he will need to constantly reflect and examine himself."

Lei Jun's faint smile became slightly more pronounced. "It's good that you've considered this."

Zhuo Baojie said, "I have my master's past teachings to thank for this. Now that I've become a teacher myself, I often reflect as well."

There was no doubt that being non-competitive and detached was more in line with the wonders of the Daoist path, but that didn't mean that a competitive person couldn't achieve greatness.

Not to mention others, the current Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Tang Zhenjun, was a living example.

However, there were significant differences between the current An Buzheng and Tang Xiaotang.

Tang Xiaotang's emotions, no matter what they were, came and went quickly.

Everyone knew that Tang Zhenjun held grudges, but he didn't let it affect his other affairs.

Everyone knew that Tang Zhenjun was competitive, but even when he first learned about Zhao Qianyang's situation, his emotional breakdown didn't hinder his subsequent actions.

Despite frequently losing to Xu Yuanzhen in the past, he had gradually turned the tables in recent years.

However, the challenge that An Buzheng would face next was...

Chi Haifeng.

For the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain, having two outstanding disciples join the sect was indeed a double celebration.

For An Buzheng, who aspired to become the second Lei Jun, Chi Haifeng was undoubtedly a rare fellow cultivator, but also a test.

In some ways, Zhuo Baojie even felt that Chi Haifeng, who seemed so different from Lei Jun on the surface, had an inner core that resembled his own master even more closely.

Detached and non-competitive, Chi Haifeng was wholeheartedly devoted to the Dao, eager to explore the unknown mysteries of the natural world, the Daoist realm, and its infinite wonders.

Currently, An Buzheng's cultivation realm was similar to Chi Haifeng's, and their talents were also comparable. Although Chi Haifeng was slightly ahead, An Buzheng, with his superior talent and foundation, might be able to catch up or even surpass him in the early stages of cultivation.

However, if Chi Haifeng's talent took another step forward and his Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body ascended to the Divine Array of All Ghosts Immortal Body, while An Buzheng's enlightenment and talent remained unchanged, the situation would be different.

Even though the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain, to some extent, had grasped the path from Tranquil Enlightenment to Natural Enlightenment and the elevation from the Two Pole Divine Body to the Supreme Taiji Immortal Body due to the connection with Lei Jun, such opportunities were hard to come by and difficult to replicate.

In comparison, the strategy to elevate from the Ten Thousand Phase Holy Body to the Divine Array of All Ghosts Immortal Body was also challenging, but the difficulty was slightly lower...

Additionally, there was competition between the Divine Array of All Ghosts Immortal Body and the Two Pole Divine Body.

Although it might be too early to discuss future matters, and there might be a peerless genius who would surpass both of them, but based on the current situation, it seemed likely that the position of the Celestial Master would be decided between these two disciples.

Chi Haifeng himself might not have been overly concerned.

Lei Jun and his disciple Zhuo Baojie were similarly indifferent to the idea of the Dragon Tiger Mountain sect being led by someone outside their lineage.

But for An Buzheng, with his competitive spirit and pride, could he accept not being the best?

Although he now realized that he couldn't simply emulate Lei Jun, the calls within and outside the Celestial Master Mansion had already begun, gradually elevating him.

Most of these calls and expectations were not malicious.

Having an exceptionally successful great-grandmaster was undoubtedly glorious, but it also came with a burden that he had to bear from the moment he entered the sect.

"From the moment you brought him back to the mountain, you should have anticipated this situation."

Lei Jun said calmly, "A master leads the disciple into the door, but the disciple's cultivation is up to them. However, as a master, guiding your disciple is also part of your own cultivation."

Zhuo Baojie bowed. "Yes, I will follow your teachings."

Not long after the Ordination Ceremony, Xu Rui, who had been serving as the head of the Daoist Apprentice Academy, stepped down.

While teaching his disciple An Buzheng, Zhuo Baojie took up the position, becoming the new head of the Daoist Apprentice Academy.

A regular term lasts three years, and whether to step down is decided after the next Ordination Ceremony based on the arrangements within the mansion.

After that Ordination Ceremony, Elder Zhuo's public image began to change.

Others also noticed that Zhuo Baojie now appeared taller, like a normal person.

Some speculated that this might be related to his formal role as a teacher.

It wasn't just about formally accepting disciples, but also his appointment as the head of the Daoist Apprentice Academy, no longer just a guest.

Another part of the speculation was that the trend of Master Lei passing the position of Celestial Master to his eldest disciple was becoming more evident.

Elder Zhuo, who already exuded the aura of a grandmaster, though still not in human form, became even more imposing.

Elder Zhuo did not react to the outside discussions, remaining calm and composed, focusing on his own cultivation and duties within the mansion.

Although Lei Jun had not yet stepped down from his position as Celestial Master, most of the mansion's affairs no longer required his personal attention.

Once Zhuo Baojie and others had the mansion's affairs running smoothly, Lei Jun once again ventured into the Boundless to further study the Time Abyss.

During this period, news came from the Great Rectangle:

Following the successful ascension of Shu Mountain Sect's South Peak disciple Shen Xi, the top expert of the Spirit Mountain Witch Sect, Wu Xian Zhao Qianran, had also successfully opened the Immortal Gate and ascended to the Immortal Realm.

Upon hearing the news, Lei Jun instructed his disciples to carry gifts and offer congratulations.

Later, Zhao Qianran, now a Witch King, personally visited the Boundless to return the courtesy.

He was full of gratitude toward Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan.

Without Lei Jun and Wang Guiyuan extracting the Qingming Linglang from the Samsara, Zhao Qianran believed he would not have been able to successfully open the Immortal Gate and overcome the heavenly chasm tribulation in recent years.

This visit was not only to express his thanks but also to make it clear that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he had no intention of returning to the mortal world and wished to emulate Master Lei by avoiding interference in human affairs.

After Zhao Qianran left, Wang Guiyuan sighed, "As we discussed earlier, the number of immortals in our Great Thousand World is gradually increasing, restoring some of the atmosphere before the great calamity at the end of the Han dynasty."

Lei Jun nodded lightly.

Apart from Shen Xi and Zhao Qianran, Xiao Yumen and Mu Chunyang were currently in seclusion.

While there was no absolute certainty, their cultivation had also accumulated sufficiently.

If successful, this world would gain another Sage of Confucianism and a Dan Cauldron Immortal.

Among them, Mu Chunyang would be the first Immortal Realm expert in the True Martial Sect's lineage, making it a significant milestone for the True Martial Sect.

"I hope such peaceful times can continue, but alas..." Wang Guiyuan shook his head.

Lei Jun, however, gazed calmly at the Time Abyss.

There, his Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body had been maintained for a long time.

Lei Jun waved his hand, and under the cover of the black and white Taiji Diagram, the Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body flew out of the Time Abyss and naturally dissipated in the Boundless world.

Immediately, he created a new Dharmakaya.

As the Blue Heaven and Yellow Springs trembled, the new Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body sat on a lotus, this time not directly entering the Time Abyss but remaining in the Boundless, facing Wang Guiyuan.

"Are you planning to go there personally?" Wang Guiyuan asked.

Lei Jun replied, "The battle in the Confucian Thousand World is becoming more intense, and Zheng Baiyu is unusually quiet. I want to go and check the situation.

Although things here in the Jiutian Shidi Grand Thousand World are still a bit sluggish, the Dharmakaya should be able to maintain the situation for a while.

With you, Elder Brother, and friends like Zhao Daoyou and Canghuan Fengming Holy Lord here, there should be no major issues in the short term."

Through this period of refinement and study, Lei Jun's Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body had become increasingly refined.

Although he was now heading to the Confucian Thousand World, if any major events occurred in the Jiutian Shidi Grand Thousand World, Lei Jun could return in time.

Moreover, his mind's light ball currently showed no new signs of fortune, so from a precautionary perspective, this trip should not result in significant unexpected events in the Jiutian Shidi Grand Thousand World.

"Poor at home, rich on the road."

Wang Guiyuan, seeing his determination, could only sigh and extend his palm, with a bit of golden light floating toward Lei Jun.

"In the Confucian Thousand World, the Demon Buddha Lineage is also involved. Although only figures like the Great Nirvana Buddha and the Great Nirvana Bodhisattva pose a significant threat to you, we must be cautious."

Lei Jun accepted the golden light. "I knew you could always be relied upon, Elder Brother."

Wang Guiyuan, however, said, "Given my current cultivation, I have no confidence at all. I can only hope that being prepared will make a difference."

Lei Jun waved to him.

Above the black and white Taiji diagram, the Thunder Emperor City reappeared.

As Lei Jun stepped into it, the Twelve Thunder Gates of Taiji opened, and vast thunderous lights swallowed the surroundings.

Below the Taiji diagram, specks of light shone and covered the Time Abyss.

The entire Thunder Emperor City, along with the massive black and white Taiji diagram, seemed to transform into ripples, pouring down like water, and together, they fell into the Time Abyss.

At this moment, the Time Abyss seemed to have a reverse current surging upwards, also transforming into a mysterious light, falling upon the Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body where Wang Guiyuan and another person were seated.

Lei Jun's vision changed.

When the world before his eyes calmed down, he had already arrived in another Grand Thousand World.

Like Xiao Chunhui before, Lei Jun did not directly emerge from the Time Abyss but appeared under another sky.

The talisman's light flickered faintly, but there was no sign of Master Xu Yuanzhen.

Before coming, Lei Jun had contacted her and knew that she and Little Senior Sister Tang Xiaotang were currently elsewhere. Fortunately, Xu Yuanzhen had already made preparations in the Confucian Thousand World, allowing Lei Jun to quietly "sneak" over.

Lei Jun, visiting this side for the first time, sent messages to Xu Yuanzhen and Zhang Wantu separately but did not immediately rush to meet them.

Master Lei strolled with his hands behind his back, his presence inconspicuous.

Without much effort, he had already adapted to the changes in the spiritual energy of this world, making him seem to merge with nature.

Lei Jun looked around.

With a sweeping gaze, he could see soaring spiritual lights, like pillars, seeming both real and illusory.

The pillars varied in thickness and brightness, standing in various places.

Even where Lei Jun's eyesight couldn't reach, he could still see hazy light in the distance.

These were the foundations of the renowned old families of the Confucian Old Learning in this Grand Thousand World.

The literary talents and scholarly auras soaring into the sky were much more intense than those of the Five Surnames and Seven Expectations in the Nine Heavens Ten Lands Grand Thousand World.

Among the lineages of these renowned families, many special principles and realms were integrated.

Their ability to pass down the secrets of cultivating Confucian bones through bloodlines must be hidden within.

At this moment, some of the pillars of literary talent and scholarly auras were shaking.

Lei Jun quietly approached.

In that direction, a major battle was unfolding.

Lei Jun drew near without making a sound.

The Confucian New Learning was organizing an attack on the ancestral land of a Confucian Old Learning renowned family.

According to the messages from Xu Yuanzhen, Zhang Wantu, and others, in the Confucian Thousand World, the overall strength of the Confucian Old Learning was still more formidable.

One key factor that allowed the New Learning to contend was their strategy of attacking where the enemy must rescue.

For the Confucian Old Learning, their respective lineages were of utmost importance.

If the lineage was destroyed, it would be extremely difficult to regroup.

Many families had fallen due to the Domain Beyond's demonic deities, and their warnings were heeded by later generations.

The protection of ancestral lands in various worlds was naturally very strong, and with top experts stationed there, they were even harder to attack.

But it still required manpower.

This inevitably stretched the top experts of the Confucian Old Learning thin.

Conversely, the New Learning, with their numerical disadvantage, acted more flexibly.

Of course, this flexibility was relative.

The destruction of the New Learning Academy was not as severe as the collapse of the Old Learning lineage, but if they were constantly unable to establish a foothold, it would undoubtedly hinder recruitment, teaching, and inheritance.

Regarding the defense of the Old Learning family lineage, both sides devised ingenious strategies, often luring enemies away and attacking from unexpected directions.

The battle Lei Jun witnessed was an example of this. A seemingly vulnerable ancestral land of an Old Learning family was being attacked by New Learning cultivators, appearing on the verge of collapse, when suddenly, hidden troops emerged from all around, specifically targeting the enemy's ambush.

The New Learning side was also experienced and prepared, with top experts surrounding them from another direction.

The two sides fought in a complex, interlocked formation, neither giving nor taking ground.

The top Confucian experts could communicate with a single word, and soon, a grand battle erupted around that family's ancestral land as they called for reinforcements.

Other Old Learning family cultivators came to aid.

From a distance, Lei Jun saw that the New Learning side had set up an ambush outside, seemingly employing a strategy of surrounding and attacking reinforcements.

There were also conflicts among the Old Learning families.

Although, currently, due to the mediation of Mr. Yueyuan, Ji Hailin, and others, the families had formed an alliance.

But there were also those who stirred up trouble, abandoned allies, and even took advantage of others' misfortunes.

Lei Jun watched quietly, temporarily saying and doing nothing, only observing carefully.

After witnessing the chaos in one area, he moved to another.

In addition to the deeply-rooted areas of the Old Learning families, Lei Jun also visited the Jiangdong, Liangfeng, and Yan Zhao regions, where the New Learning was active.

The Old Learning families were not merely passive.

There were also a few top experts who, together, invaded the regions where the New Learning was active.

Without the support of their lineage, these top experts swept through like autumn winds scattering leaves.

In the Liangfeng region, around Huzhou, a fierce battle was underway.

A Confucian Sage in the Immortal Realm caught Lei Jun's attention.

His strength was naturally impressive, but what drew Lei Jun's attention was his bone structure, which seemed like a divine creation, touching heaven and earth.

At this point in the Confucian Thousand World, anyone with such bone structure must be from the Huo family.

The Huo camp, which Tang Xiaotang had previously eliminated, was from this family, a renowned clan in the Xianggan region.

The Immortal Realm Confucian Sage who had personally come on this expedition was none other than the current head of the Huo family, Huo Zhen.

Under his assault, the largest New Learning Academy in Huzhou was collapsing.

The New Learning cultivators had no choice but to fight and retreat.

It was only when another Confucian Sage, known as the Master of Wei Yu Zhai, arrived that Huo Zhen's offensive was halted.

Huo Zhen did not linger, and upon achieving his objective, he led his forces to withdraw.

The one he feared was not the Misty Rain Pavilion Master, You Yue Ning.

Instead, it was the leader of the Confucian New School in Liangzhe, the Third Level Sage of Confucianism, and the Sage King of Confucianism in the Immortal Realm, Jiao Feiyang of Kuaiji.

Jiao Feiyang was currently not in Liangzhe but had gone north to compete with the Third Level Sage of Confucianism from the Confucian Old School.

However, no one knew if he would suddenly turn back, so Huo Zhen chose to be cautious.

But since Huo Zhen and his group had already invaded Liangzhe, they would not retreat easily. They hesitated, constantly monitoring news from all directions, looking for an opportunity to strike.

Although the Confucian New School had forced them to retreat this time, the losses in Huzhou were not light.

Lei Jun continued his journey without stopping, observing the situation in all directions.

His expression remained neutral, never revealing his true intentions. After a general survey, he headed towards the place where Tang Xiaotang was in seclusion to meet with Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang.

In the mountains, at first glance, there seemed to be nothing.

But within Lei Jun's eyes, the light of the Heaven Penetrating Earth Thorough Talisman shone.

He did not disturb any place, and his figure moved forward on its own, eventually seeming to disappear among the mountains.

However, the scene before Lei Jun suddenly brightened. A tall three-story altar, invisible to the outside world, stood in the mountains.

On the three-story altar, Tang Xiaotang was not present, only Xu Yuanzhen stood by the side.

"Senior Sister," Lei Jun approached.

Xu Yuanzhen was examining the three-story altar with great interest, "You're here?"

Lei Jun said, "With the advancement of the Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body, it's now even more perfect. I can come over here without any major issues for a short period."

He had always been interested in traveling the world, and the Confucian Grand Thousand World, which he had not personally visited, piqued his curiosity even more. This time, he decided to take a look.

Overall, it was a place full of mysteries.

There was only one minor issue.

He did not like the Confucian Old School here.

However, as the matter involved Zheng Baiyu, Lei Jun did not reveal his presence in the Confucian Grand Thousand World. For now, he chose to remain hidden and observe from the side.

"Junior Sister is about to succeed," Lei Jun nodded slightly, then looked at Xu Yuanzhen, "When did Senior Sister begin?"

This trip to the Confucian Grand Thousand World, with the Sound-Seeking Great Emperor Body, was to facilitate his response to any changes in the Jiutian Shidi Grand Thousand World.

But for the Confucian Grand Thousand World, Master Lei could not bring his Three Pure Ones Three Treasures Heavenly Realm's Supreme Dragon Tiger Immortal Formation, nor could he temporarily set up a formation here.

Even if he succeeded, it could not be compared to the Jiutian Shidi Grand Thousand World.

Therefore, Lei Jun's trip here, in the event of any changes, relied solely on his own divine abilities and cultivation.

Although he was at the Second Level of the Immortal Realm, he had no problem facing off against experts at the Third Level of the Immortal Realm, like the Great Venerable of the Boundless Sea.

However, if it was someone like Gao Tian Sui, a top talent, without the support of a grand formation, Lei Jun would still be at a disadvantage due to his cultivation level.

Nevertheless, Lei Jun had come prepared.

Xu Yuanzhen said, "I'm not in a hurry. As soon as Xiaotang comes out of seclusion, it'll be fine."

Lei Jun raised his eyebrows slightly, surprised.

From the perspective of safety, breaking through to a higher realm meant facing the Heavenly Chasm Tribulation.

But in terms of cultivation, it was not a matter of taking one step to surpass the threshold; instead, it was achieved in one go.

Compared to a single point, it was more like a journey, often requiring a period of cultivation before and after.

Lei Jun's initial ascent to the Immortal Realm, where he retraced his steps and rose again after two years, was an extremely rare exception.

To some extent, those two years before his ascent to the Immortal Realm were similar to the process required for a breakthrough.

Currently, Xu Yuanzhen seemed to be in a different situation.

She possessed the Primordial Body and was proficient in the mysteries of space and time, but according to Lei Jun, it was still not enough to completely ignore the challenges of a higher realm. She could not instantly transcend tribulations like breathing and drinking water.

"What about the gains from the Time Abyss?" Lei Jun's response: 'The feeling is still a bit lacking...'

Xu Yuanzhen: "Indeed, it's not just the Time Abyss. I have other gains in this mortal world."

As she spoke, she casually threw a small bottle to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun took it and contemplated the principles and state of mind within. A name appeared in his mind:

Flashing Divine Water

"The quantity is a bit less, and I couldn't find more afterward," Xu Yuanzhen said. "But this shouldn't be all of it. Some of it had dispersed earlier."

Lei Jun pondered the principles and state of mind contained in the flowing water, like ripples, and understood. He returned it to Xu Yuanzhen, "Indeed, it's a good thing. It's no wonder it's you."

The two waited at the original spot for only two days when the three-story altar shone brightly.

The next moment, the massive altar quickly shrank, eventually transforming into a faint trail of clear air.

Within the clear air, a tall female crown appeared. She laughed loudly, "Cave Profound Subtle, I've succeeded!"

The one who appeared was Tang Xiaotang.

Seeing Lei Jun, she smiled, "Oh, you came over?"

Lei Jun: "The timing was just right."

Xu Yuanzhen looked at Tang Xiaotang, "It's more like we were all waiting for you."

Tang Xiaotang put her hands on her waist and rolled her eyes, appearing to already know what was going on.

As Xu Yuanzhen spoke, she took out the bottle of Flashing Divine Water and opened it. The water, like a thin veil of light, enveloped her.

In an instant, Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang's vision seemed to darken as the three-story altar covered Xu Yuanzhen, but she disappeared in a flash.

Xu Yuanzhen reappeared before them.

But her spiritual energy was completely different from before.

As Lei Jun smiled, his Dao Realm Universe, Xuanhuang Universe, appeared above his head, not too large, quietly suspended.

Tang Xiaotang pouted, and her Dao Realm Universe, Taichu Realm, also appeared, resonating equally with Lei Jun's Dao Realm Universe. It had indeed transformed from the First Level Market Sky to the Second Level Taiwei Sky.

Xu Yuanzhen's Dao Realm Universe, Endless Void Sky, also appeared above her head, the same Taiwei Sky as Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

Just a short moment ago, she was still at the First Level of the Immortal Realm, but now she had clearly reached the Second Level of the Immortal Realm, just like Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

"Congratulations, Senior Sister and Junior Sister, on reaching the Cave Profound Subtle," Lei Jun smiled.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end