Chapter 530: 529. Divine Powers Cannot Rival Heaven's Plans (Part 1 of 3) (Part 1)

Chapter 530: 529. Divine Powers Cannot Rival Heaven's Plans (Part 1 of 3) (Part 1)





Regarding Xu Yuanzhen's situation, Tang Xiaotang seemed to have been aware of it all along and wasn't surprised.

Despite this, she pouted and spoke with a hint of sourness, "Next time, you won't be so lucky."

The Flashing Divine Water's wonders were not effective for everyone.

Among the Five Primal Supremacies, only the Primordial Origin Body had a natural advantage in this aspect.

If not for this, relying solely on the Primordial Origin Body, Xu Yuanzhen would not have been able to distort time and space to such an extent, even disregarding the established rules and conventions for breakthroughs between Major Realms.

And after this instance, the Flashing Divine Water was also exhausted.

"No problem," Xu Yuanzhen wasn't too concerned about the future.

Tang Xiaotang turned to Lei Jun and asked, "I've been focusing on secluded cultivation these days, how's the situation outside?"

Lei Jun replied, "The Jiutian Shidi Grand Thousand World is generally doing well. The High Sky Lord hasn't reappeared, and Northern Star Master hasn't returned to that side either. In the Jiutian Shidi, there's a gradual trend of the two worlds merging, but there's still a time gap.

In the Confucian Thousand World, Yan Zi and Yue Yuan Master directly engaged in a great battle.

The Demon-Buddhist lineage invaded Central State, and the Zheng Clan in Hezhong Prefecture and other small families are on high alert."

In the Confucian Thousand World, the Time Abyss is directly located in the Human Realm or the Mortal World, seemingly in the middle reaches of the great river, merging with the surging river to some extent.

Since the invasion of the Demon-Buddhist lineage, Jinghu and Xianghu, the northern and southern regions, have been under the most direct threat.

However, due to the presence of Void-Bound Jade, the Demon-Buddhist lineage from the Demon World has mainly moved northward in recent years.

The most obvious disaster in Jingchu is that the Demon-Buddhist experts have even advanced northward, reaching the Nanyang area and further threatening Central State.

Northern Star Master Zheng Baiyu's intervention stopped their invasion and pushed them back to the northern region of the great river basin.

Zheng Baiyu's clan, the Zheng Clan, is one of the three pillars of the Confucian Old Learning, and they have always been the number one aristocratic family in Central State, even in the Central Plains, dominating Hezhong Prefecture.

At the same time, the Zheng Clan also controls a considerable amount of Void-Bound Jade accumulated in this era.

With the Demon-Buddhist experts moving northward, Jingchu falls, and the Zheng family in Central State faces direct threats.

Although Zheng Baiyu has forced them back and suppressed them, the Zheng family in Central State still dares not be careless.

Zheng Yan, the former head of the Zheng Clan, along with Wu Hailin, the former head of the Wu family in Guanzhong, are known as two of the three Sage Kings of the Confucian Old Learning.

With the war against the Confucian New Learning and the need to guard against the Demon-Buddhist disciples from the Time Abyss, Zheng Yan remains in Central State, watching over the Zheng family while also coordinating with other Confucian Old Learning aristocratic families.

"The current situation has made the Zheng family head increasingly restless," Lei Jun said.

At this point in time, similar to the Confucian Old Learning, there are also three Sage Kings of Confucianism who have achieved the Third Level of the Confucian Saint and attained the Three Immortalities in the New Learning.

In addition to Yan Zi, there is Jiao Feiyang, hailed as the number one grandmaster of the Confucian New Learning in both Zhejiang and Fujian, and Lian Feng, the leader of the New Learning in Yan Zhao.

Overall, the Confucian Old Learning still has more scholars and erudite sages.

Fortunately, at the highest level, the Sage Kings of the Third Level of the Confucian Saint, both sides have three experts each, creating a three-on-three situation.

Therefore, the other cultivators of the Confucian New Learning have room to maneuver, and they can take advantage of the fact that the Confucian Old Learning aristocratic families must guard their cultural heritage, engaging in a stalemate with their opponents.

Besides Wu Hailin and Zheng Yan, another Sage King of Confucianism at the Third Level of the Immortal Realm from the Confucian Old Learning, Qiuli, the former head of the Qi family in Qilu, is currently fighting Jiao Feiyang, who is also at the Third Level of the Confucian Saint.

Lian Feng from the New Learning in Yan Zhao has taken the initiative to attack the famous aristocratic families of the Confucian Old Learning in Jinzhong.

The land of the Three Jins is currently in a precarious situation, forcing Zheng Yan, who resides in Hezhong Prefecture in Central State, to consider coming out to provide assistance.

Although there are Confucian Old Learning experts intending to surround Wei to save Zhao, invading the areas of Jiangdong, Zhejiang, and Yan Zhao, which are managed by the New Learning, the New Learning side responds in an orderly manner. Although Zhang Wantu kept a low profile after coming to the Confucian Thousand World, she currently remains in Jiangdong, and no one dares to underestimate her.

"I'm more interested in what Zheng Baiyu is planning," Xu Yuanzhen said.

Lei Jun replied, "I feel the same."

"Then let's go take a look at the Time Abyss," Tang Xiaotang said, "Alright, I'd rather find that old crow who sneaked over here earlier. I haven't heard of him returning to the Time Abyss or the Demon World..."

Lei Jun explained, "First, he was watched by Little Senior Sister, and when you began your secluded cultivation, the Time Abyss also became a focus of attention due to Zheng Baiyu and the Demon-Buddhist disciples. The Great Sun Demon Sage is also worried that the fire will spread from the city gates and affect the innocent. However, if the Time Abyss becomes more chaotic, the Great Sun Demon Sage might consider taking advantage of the chaos."

As they spoke, Xu Yuanzhen had already set off, with Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang following side by side.

However, before they reached the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Lei Jun's eyes, which contained the Heaven Penetrating Thorough Talisman, flashed slightly.

Xu Yuanzhen kept walking, slightly turning her head to look back.

Tang Xiaotang turned to Lei Jun and asked, "What's happening?"

"The situation has changed," Lei Jun's eyes glowed, and the light gradually dimmed, "Emperor Tang has rushed over."

Tang Xiaotang asked, "This isn't their first encounter, and they've been evenly matched in the past with minor victories. Is this time a major victory for Qiuli? How did he do it?"

Lei Jun replied, "The details are still unclear, but Emperor Tang might send another message later."

Xu Yuanzhen suddenly asked, "What about Lian Feng?"

Lei Jun answered, "He's still in Jinzhong, I've heard."

...

In the Huai'an Prefecture of the Jianghuai region, there used to be a gathering of literary talents, with renowned families passing down their legacies for generations.

Later, due to the Demonic Deities Beyond, the literary talents withered, and the aristocratic families disappeared.

Up to now, neither the Confucian Old Learning aristocratic families nor the New Learning have revived in this place.

This is because this location is precisely the forefront of the struggle between the two sides, and over the years, it has been a stalemate, preventing anyone from establishing a firm foothold here.

And outside Huai'an City, a towering stone monument stands, shimmering with a faint light, as if built by countless words.

The monument is massive and tall, resembling a solitary peak from afar.

The original merit monument stood silently. But suddenly, its surface began to glow rapidly and intensely.

With the glowing light, a gentle breeze appeared, blowing unexpectedly.

Affected by the breeze, the light on the monument dimmed significantly.

Fortunately, within the concentrated glow, a figure emerged.

This was a Confucian scholar who appeared to be only thirty or forty years old, with a dignified demeanor, but his face was extremely pale and bloodless.

In Huai'an City, the students of the New Confucian Learning saw the radiant monument outside the city and the figure within it. Initially, they were delighted, but soon they realized something was amiss, and their hearts began to sink.

This young scholar was none other than Jiao Feiyang, one of the three Sage Kings of the New Confucian Learning.

However, Jiao Feiyang's current situation seemed rather unfavorable.

The monument, known as the Merit Monument, was a manifestation of Jiao Feiyang's literary talent and achievements.

Confucian scholars who cultivated the Way of Classics and ascended to the Immortal Realm were referred to as "Establishing Holiness on the Spot."

Confucian Saints cultivated the Three Immortals: Establishment of Words, Establishment of Deeds, and Establishment of Virtue.

In the First Immortal Realm, Confucian Saints who achieved the Establishment of Words could write and spread their profound words and principles, passing them on to others, especially those of lower realms. This way, their articles would spread throughout the world, educating countless beings.

It was no secret that those who wrote and spread their words in the real world were more adept at leading and uplifting others, but their effectiveness in personal battles was relatively limited. Therefore, Confucian Saints of the First Immortal Realm might be slightly disadvantaged when facing opponents of the same realm.

But upon reaching the Second Immortal Realm, Confucian Saints who achieved the Establishment of Deeds could manifest their own Merit Monument. Their profound words and principles, inscribed in the monument, could, under certain conditions and within a specific range, have a lasting impact and suppress their opponents.

Additionally, the monument, through word of mouth, would be passed down for generations, ensuring their names would live on for eternity. Thus, Confucian Saints of this realm possessed a certain degree of regenerative power, also known as Eternal Legacy.

This provided Confucian Saints with an extra advantage in real battles.

Naturally, if unnecessary, Confucian Saints would not wish to rely on such methods.

But at this moment, Jiao Feiyang was clearly using his Merit Monument outside Huai'an City to regenerate and retreat from the front lines.

Jiao Feiyang, a Confucian Saint of the Third Immortal Realm, was severely weakened, and against an originally evenly matched opponent like Qiu Li, he was at a disadvantage in every aspect.

With Qiu Li's advantage, his opponent had almost no chance of turning the tables.

The students of the New Confucian Learning in Huai'an City, though not to the extent of bowing down immediately, were also shaken in their hearts.

Compared to daring to confront the opponent before them, their current thoughts were more akin to...

They shouldn't have opposed the opponent in front of them.

This was naturally due to the influence of Qiu Li's Establishment of Virtue, which formed a virtuous wind.

The Confucian scholars knew this in their hearts, so they forced themselves to resist the wind, causing inner turmoil and making it difficult to maintain their composure.

At the same time, everyone was shocked as to why Jiao Feiyang was so severely injured and even forced to rely on the regenerative power of the Merit Monument, almost losing the next move and being controlled step by step.

Jiao Feiyang and Qiu Li, who had arrived with the wind, locked eyes. His gaze then shifted slightly to the person behind Qiu Li, and without saying much, he sighed softly.

Qiu Li, accompanied by the wind, stood on a massive ink-colored carriage.

His presence was so strong that it made it easy to overlook the others who rode with him.

In front of Qiu Li was Qiu Xuanhe, a scholar who served as the driver of the ink-colored carriage. He was also from the Qiu family of Qi Lu.

And behind Qiu Li stood two other scholars, one on each side.

One was Huo Zhen, the master of the Huo family in Yuanzhou, Xiang-Gan. He was a Confucian Saint of the Second Immortal Realm and the leader of the Old Confucian Learning in the Xiang-Gan region. Among the Old Confucian Learning experts, he was second only to Wu Hailin and Zheng Yan, ranking among the top.

And the other person...

Some of the New Confucian Learning cultivators suddenly widened their eyes.

The other person standing behind Qiu Li was clearly You Yue Ning, one of the leading figures of the New Confucian Learning in the Liangzhe region and the master of the Rain Pavilion.

You Yue Ning was from Jiangyin, but he often traveled and studied in Liangzhe, making him one of the representatives of the New Confucian Learning in Liangzhe, alongside Jiao Feiyang.

At this moment, he stood calmly behind Qiu Li, and the reason for Jiao Feiyang's severe injury was apparent.

Facing Jiao Feiyang's sigh and the disbelieving gazes of the New Confucian Learning students in Huai'an, You Yue Ning remained composed.

If there were other options, he wouldn't want to stand so openly before others, although his Yu clan had already temporarily relocated quietly.

But since he couldn't completely keep Jiao Feiyang there and allow him to successfully regenerate using the power of the Merit Monument and someone else, the secret of him working with Qiu Li and others to severely injure Jiao Feiyang would naturally be difficult to preserve.

With matters having reached this point, You Yue Ning calmly accompanied Qiu Li, Qiu Xuanhe, and Huo Zhen.

Qiu Li nodded slightly to Huo Zhen and You Yue Ning, saying, "We can now call it a great success. There's no need to seek perfection. You two may leave first."

You Yue Ning needed to look after his own clan.

Given that Yan Aoyun, Lian Feng, and others were still present, and Jiao Feiyang was severely injured to the point of endangering his life, the Old Confucian Learning would continue to infiltrate the Liangzhe region, and there was still a need to rely on You Yue Ning and the Yu clan.

The Old Confucian Learning families in Liangzhe had already declined and fallen, and under the current circumstances, the Wu, Zheng, and Qiu families were willing to help the Yu family consolidate their literary lineage in Liangzhe and look towards Jiangdong.

The Huo family of Yuanzhou, located at the border of Hunan and Jiangxi, also faced the threat of the Time Abyss due to their proximity to the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.

Although the current focus of the Demon-Buddhist lineage was primarily in the north, the Huo family of Yuanzhou could not afford to let their guard down.

It was for this reason that the head of the family, Huo Zhen, suddenly traveled far from Hunan and Jiangxi. On one hand, he managed to convince You Yue Ning, and on the other, he assisted Qiu Li in his plans against Jiao Feiyang, taking many by surprise and achieving unexpected success.

Considering the threats posed by the Time Abyss and the Demon-Buddhist lineage, it was not advisable for Huo Zhen to be away from Yuanzhou for an extended period. While the situation in Huoai and Si couldn't be considered completely stable, the Confucian Old Learning had at least achieved its initial strategic goals, allowing Huo Zhen to return to Hunan and Jiangxi.

As Qiu Li spoke, his actions were merciless.

Accompanied by his virtuous aura, he seemed unassuming, but his influence had already enveloped the surrounding areas of Huai'an.

In a subtle manner, the brilliance of Jiao Feiyang's merit monument dimmed, and then, without a sound, it collapsed! Jiao Feiyang and Qiu Li were old rivals, and seeing this, Qiu Li's expression remained unchanged.

As the foremost Confucian Old Learning family in the world, the Qiu family in Qilu had gathered profound and prosperous literary traditions, fostering the cultivation of exceptional Confucian talents. Their cultivation methods were so effective that they were known as "Talents of Eight Pitchers."

These "Talents of Eight Pitchers" were not only proficient in Confucian cultivation methods, but they also excelled in combat, quickly gaining the upper hand by absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy to enhance their own literary aura. This made it difficult for others to turn the tide, and thus, they were known for their exceptional talents.

When combined with the mysterious cultivation base of the Third Level Immortal Realm and the virtuous aura of the Sage King, the power of both Qiu Li and the cultivator was amplified, creating a harmonious synergy.

The weaker one was compared to Qiu Li, the harder it was to counter-attack, and there was rarely a chance for an underdog to turn the tables.

Jiao Feiyang, in his prime, could still hold his own against Qiu Li, but now, a single miscalculation could lead to a complete defeat.

Fortunately, at that very moment, a white light shone from the south of Huai'an.

Huo Zhen and You Yue Ning, who had intended to take their leave, slowed their steps.

Qiu Xuan, driving the carriage, turned his head and said, "Uncle, that's Zhang..."

Qiu Li's expression became even more solemn, and he nodded. "Indeed, Zhang Wantu."

As the white light flickered, a woman in Confucian robes indeed approached from the north.

Jiao Feiyang, facing Qiu Li and the others, didn't turn to look but spoke, "I am ashamed, and I thank you, Scholar of Heavenly Blessings."

Within the white light, Zhang Wantu's figure appeared hazy, as if overlapping with multiple shadows, "Your words are too kind, let's focus on the present, and we can catch up later."

...

The Wang Clan of Jinzhong, renowned as the top aristocratic family in the Confucian Thousand World, was one of the most prominent Confucian Old Learning families in the North.

However, at this moment, the ancestral land of the Jinzhong Wang Clan was on the verge of collapse, with its protective restrictions torn open and continuously breached from within.

The literary traditions and talents of the Jinzhong Wang Clan soared like a pillar to the heavens, but now, they were in turmoil, repeatedly severed, and though quickly restored, they were significantly weaker than before, and then severed again.

The one attacking the ancestral land of the Jinzhong Wang Clan was Lian Feng, the leader of the Confucian New Learning in Yan Zhao.

Alongside him were other experts of the Confucian New Learning.

Among them, another top Confucian scholar was Zhang Zhuo, a Sage of Confucianism in the Second Level Immortal Realm.

Suddenly, Zhang Zhuo paused, and in mid-air, he wrote a passage.

After reading the information in the passage, Zhang Zhuo frowned and quickly informed Lian Feng.

The message was about Jiao Feiyang and You Yue Ning.

Upon hearing the news, Lian Feng's sword didn't slow down, and his expression remained calm. "Since Scholar Zhang has gone north to support Huai'an, the situation can be controlled. We will continue our battle."

Although Lian Feng and Jiao Feiyang had differing views from Yan Aoyun, for Lian Feng and his companions, the Confucian Old Learning was still an enemy.

Zhang Zhuo nodded and sent a message to the other New Learning cultivators nearby. "The matter of You Yue Ning must be made known to all."

Lian Feng: "Indeed."

Zhang Zhuo's voice lowered slightly. "Traitors are indeed hateful, but we must remain vigilant. There may be more than just You Yue Ning."

Lian Feng: "If we let things run their course without control, we may invite such disasters."

Zhang Zhuo: "In ancient times, there were many unfavorable circumstances, but if not for the collapse of the ancient heavenly palace and the loss of heavenly rules, the human world would not have become what it is today, with aristocratic families monopolizing literary traditions."

Lian Feng: "The path ahead is indeed challenging, but as long as we stay on the right path, we need not be lost. Moreover, we are not alone in our journey."

As he spoke, he slashed his sword, accompanied by his virtuous aura, severing the Wang Clan's literary traditions and completely breaking through their ancestral land's restrictions.

More cultivators of the Yan Zhao New Learning began to charge into the ancestral land.

The Wang Clan of Jinzhong, despite their numbers, faced Lian Feng, a Sage King in the Third Level Immortal Realm. They had no choice but to plan their escape.

Lian Feng himself also entered the Wang Clan's ancestral land, but he instructed his second-in-command, Zhang Zhuo:

"Whether it's Zheng Beichen or Scholar Zhang, we cannot take them lightly. Scholar Zhang is currently engaged with the Qiu Clan of Qilu, but Zheng Beichen has been acting too normal lately."

Due to his communication with Gao Tian Sui, he was wary of Zheng Baiyu.

The more normal Zheng Baiyu acted, the more suspicious it was.

"Yan Zi and Yue Yuan Master are also keeping an eye on him, and even the Zheng Clan in Central State may be doing the same," Zhang Zhuo said. "Now that the Wang Clan in Jinzhong has fallen, I will head to Central State. If there are any changes, I will inform you, Mountain Lord."

Lian Feng: "That's perfect. Thank you for your efforts."

...

The Thousand World of Confucianism was in turmoil, and the Demon World was also stirring.

Compared to the human realm, the demon tribes in the demon realm were in greater disarray.

Various demon tribes became active, some infiltrating the human realm to devour human cultivators and commoners as blood food, while others plotted their own schemes.

A massive shadow loomed in the dark demon realm, making it even more ominous.

This shadow descended upon an isolated peak in the demon realm, and as its figure stabilized, one could vaguely discern its true form—a monstrous bird with nine heads, resembling birds and snakes, but neither. Black air flowed from its mouths, and its eighteen eyes were fiercely malevolent. Its wings spread wide, blocking out the sun, and black winds swirled around it.

In contrast, another colossal bird stood on the solitary peak, its figure even darker and more mysterious, as if an eclipse devoured the surrounding light, and faintly, it seemed to have three legs.

It was the Great Sun Demon Saint who had come from the Demon World, originally a Golden Crow, but now cultivating an evil demonic aura.

Having been relentlessly pursued by Tang Xiaotang in the past, it had rarely found peace in recent years.

In the land of the Confucian Thousand World, the demonic aura was dense and oppressive, and the Great Sun Demon Saint survived here, finding solace.

However, compared to the previous Demon World, the human forces here clearly overwhelmed the demon tribes.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end