Chapter 536: 535. A Gathering of Immortals

Chapter 536: 535. A Gathering of Immortals



Regarding Pi Xiu's innate divine abilities, the Tian Lu Yu Jiao was used to gather the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, possessing immense wondrous uses.

Lei Jun possessed the Taiji Dao Body and natural intuition, and with such a foundation, the Tian Lu Yu Jiao would grant him wondrous benefits beyond the reach of ordinary people.

With his current cultivation realm, he could also rely on this Tian Lu Yu Jiao to enhance his cultivation, accelerating his accumulation in the current Tai Wei Yuan, thereby striving to break through to the realm of the Dong Xuan threefold Zi Wei Yuan sooner.

Lei Jun, revered by his peers in the contemporary Taoist community as the Xuan Men's Grand Master, was already blessed by the Ten-Colored Crane Canopy above his head, expediting his cultivation progress. Now, with the newly acquired Tian Lu Yu Jiao, the combination of the two was like adding wings to a tiger.

"The Daoist friend is indeed thoughtful," Lei Jun acknowledged with a slight nod, simultaneously opening his palm.

In his palm, vibrant and colorful thunderous light shone.

The seemingly ethereal thunderous light, at this moment in Lei Jun's palm, seemed to solidify into a tangible solid.

From the perspective of the Pi Xiu Demon Sage, it was as if a gigantic pond had appeared in his field of vision. However, this seemingly immense pond was currently held in Lei Jun's palm, as if he were holding a bowl.

Pi Xiu Kong was also a millennium-old Demon Sage active before the end of the Han Dynasty, but even he felt unfamiliar when witnessing the vibrant and colorful thunder that had condensed into a tangible form.

"This thunder is called Luo Que Shen Lei, belonging to the Yin Thunder category, but it remains pure and righteous. It can aid the Daoist friend in nurturing and refining yourself, which I consider a humble return gift," Lei Jun explained.

This Luo Que Shen Lei was one of the six Yin Thunders he cultivated, created by combining Yang Thunder methods with his own innate talents and intuition.

Pi Xiu Kong cultivated the evil aura of demons, but his foundation was inherently graceful.

Luo Que Shen Lei assisted him in refining his physical body, purging evil influences, and facilitating his cultivation. It was not as excessively vigorous and fierce as the Tian Qiong Yang Lei, which might damage his foundation.

Ever since the calamity in the Jin Gang Jie, Pi Xiu Kong had been quietly nurturing himself over the years, but his essence had never truly recovered.

Lei Jun's assistance was a significant benefit for Pi Xiu Kong.

"Thank you, True Lord, for bestowing the method," the great demon bowed his head in gratitude to Lei Jun.

He carefully collected the Luo Que Shen Lei that had condensed into a thunder pool, then bid Lei Jun farewell without further disturbance.

Feng Ting represented Lei Jun in seeing Pi Xiu Kong off.

Lei Jun remained in the San Qing San Bao Dong Tian, and later, Chu Kun came to visit.

"How is it?" Lei Jun inquired.

Chu Kun shook his head with a sigh, as the Jiu Hua Kun Yuan Ding floated beside him in mid-air, "Earlier, when dealing with Mr. Bei Chen and Mr. He Xuan from the mountains, I almost thought I had found the answer regarding the ink. I thought it was related to the Scholar Forest World, but after the turmoil in the Scholar Forest World, there was no reaction here."

Lei Jun said, "At least, the previous premonition of a potential major change in the Scholar Forest World was correct."

Chu Kun, however, shook his head, "After listening to the general situation from you, Senior Brother, I now feel that it was a premonition of Mr. Bei Chen's personal actions, rather than the Scholar Forest World itself."

Lei Jun asked, "But your connection with the Time Abyss doesn't seem like Mr. Bei Chen's doing?"

Chu Kun replied, "I suspect he has something in his possession, which is why I had a slight premonition here."

Lei Jun nodded slightly, sharing the same sentiment.

It seemed that Zheng Baiyu was unaware that something in his possession was still connected to Chu Kun.

Otherwise, during the conflict in the Time Abyss within the Scholar Forest World, which was of great importance, Zheng Baiyu wouldn't have been so oblivious.

If he had sensed it beforehand, even if he didn't alter the entire plan, he would have certainly taken special precautions.

"This is indeed good news, which may be useful in the future," Lei Jun said.

Chu Kun nodded, "Senior Brother's words are indeed correct."

Lei Jun continued, "According to your premonition, the item in Mr. Bei Chen's possession is not from the Scholar Forest World but likely originates from another World."

Chu Kun asked, "Senior Brother, did you and Senior Sister, as well as Senior Sister Tang, mention a world related to the Demon from beyond the realm and Luofu Mountain?"

Lei Jun smiled slightly, "It's too early to make assumptions, and we shouldn't jump to conclusions blindly."

With a faint smile, Lei Jun said, "Focusing on your own cultivation is the best approach."

Chu Kun nodded, "Yes, Senior Brother."

Subsequently, Lei Jun also concentrated on his own cultivation.

News from the Scholar Forest World and the Demon World gradually trickled back.

Junior Sister Tang Xiaotang successfully utilized the Zhao Yuan Zhu and reversed the Hong Meng, bursting into that world from the human realm, causing blood to flow like rivers among the demon hordes.

Previously, the human cultivators or Confucian scholars in the Scholar Forest World held an advantageous position, suppressing the demon hordes most of the time, making it difficult for them to surface.

However, with the invasion of the Demon from beyond the realm and the conflicts between the new and old Confucian schools, the demon hordes in the Earthly Realm became active again.

Despite this, there were still numerous powerful demons in the Earthly Realm before that.

Apart from the Ghost Cart Demon Sage and the Poisonous Centipede Demon Sage, who were at the second level of immortality, there were even demon lords equivalent to the third level of human immortality.

If not for this, they would have struggled to survive in the Earthly Realm during their weaker times.

Previously, taking advantage of the invasion of the Demon Buddha's disciples and the upheaval in the Time Abyss, the great demons emerged from the Earthly Realm to wreak havoc, staining the human realm with blood. After Yan Ao Yun ascended to the Sage Master realm, they hastily retreated to the Earthly Realm.

Unfortunately, they were soon confronted by Tang Xiaotang.

In the first level of the immortal realm, Tang Xiaotang had chased the Great Sun Demon Sage from the second level of the immortal realm all the way here. Now, having reached the second level herself, she roamed freely in that realm.

Initially, the top demonic beasts feared the might of Yan Zi and avoided him at all costs.

But as time passed, they realized that Yan Aoyun never personally entered the realm.

They even noticed that there weren't many human cultivators venturing into the realm.

Thus, the most powerful demonic beasts shifted their focus to besieging Tang Xiaotang, who had come alone.

Tang Xiaotang was fearless, empowered by the Supreme Vessel and the Gu Shen's immortal body. She was agile and nimble, battling across millions of miles in the dark and desolate underground world, finding it quite enjoyable and not wanting to leave.

Meanwhile, Xu Yuanzhen had gone to the Demon World and hadn't caused much of a stir.

This was mainly because she didn't need to take action; the Demon World was already in chaos, and she only needed to watch the spectacle.

The Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree, which had gone to the Scholar Forest World to assassinate the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva, was instead counterattacked by the Bodhisattva. Taking advantage of its entanglement with Wu Hailin, Yan Aoyun, and Zheng Baiyu, the Bodhisattva injured it, and the wounds were quite severe.

Even in its frenzy, the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree had no choice but to retreat back to the Demon World.

But the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva had pursued it all the way back.

In the Demon World, the recent battle between the Demon Dragon Imperial Lord and the Fallen Demon Buddha had just concluded, and a bigger storm was about to brew.

Due to the severe injuries inflicted on the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree, the Fallen Demon Buddha forces were in constant retreat.

The Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree itself was also in a precarious situation.

"In the end, the Demon Dragon Imperial Lord still intervened to rescue the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree."

Wang Guiyuan sighed lightly as he gazed into the Time Abyss.

Lei Jun: "Perhaps it doesn't want to disrupt the balance between the three parties, or perhaps it has other plans."

Wang Guiyuan: "How so?"

Lei Jun: "According to Master Sister, although the Demon Dragon Imperial Lord helped the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree, his own situation didn't seem very stable. After assisting the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree in breaking free from its predicament and avoiding the most dangerous crisis, he disappeared again, paying no heed to the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva's continued pursuit of the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree."

Wang Guiyuan: "The Kun Wu Sect's Zhao Daoyou's past encounter seems to support this point as well."

Lei Jun: "I'm glad to see the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva and the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree fighting each other. However, if the Bodhisattva easily defeats the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree without significant losses, it would indeed pose a risk to the Demon Dragon Imperial Lord, and we should also be on guard."

Wang Guiyuan sighed, "Who can say otherwise?"

The location of the Void attracted not only the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree and other Fallen Demon Buddha beings but also the Demon Buddha's disciples.

However, the Demon Dragon Imperial Lord's intervention ultimately played a role.

Xu Yuanzhen's later messages revealed that the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva still couldn't completely defeat the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree.

But the Demon Buddha's disciples made significant progress in their invasion of the Demon World.

Fortunately, they didn't turn their attention to the Nine Heavens Ten Earths World or the Scholar Forest World due to the Void or Kongmo Yu's influence.

Compared to the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree, the Great Annihilation Bodhisattva was equally cruel and ruthless, but it still possessed rationality amidst its viciousness.

The impact of Yan Aoyun's ascension to the Sage Master realm wasn't limited to the Scholar Forest World.

Lei Jun left his Voice-Seeking Divine Sense in the Time Abyss.

He himself continued to cultivate silently within the Three Pures' Three Treasures Cave Heaven.

Time passed.

Two years went by.

Lei Jun celebrated his one hundred and thirty-first birthday.

In the past two years, the most comforting thing for Lei Jun, aside from the gift of the Heavenly Grace Horn from Pi Xiu Kong, was the promising growth of the younger generation in the Celestial Master's Mansion.

A year ago, during the New Year following his one hundred and thirtieth birthday, the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion held a new ordination ceremony.

The most highly anticipated participant in this ceremony was an extraordinary genius among the fourth generation of young disciples in the Mansion—Chi Haifeng, a disciple of Xin Beiyuan.

Just one year after participating in the transmission ceremony, he once again attended the ordination ceremony, donning the red robe and becoming the youngest ordained disciple in the Mansion at that time.

Of course, this was related to his earlier "head start."

Even before participating in the transmission ceremony, the Mansion had exceptionally transmitted the True Dharma Zhenzhi Great Way Scripture and the Talisman Scripture to him.

By the time he participated in the ordination ceremony, he had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

Naturally, his cultivation speed was indeed extremely rapid, and he quickly advanced to the Three Heavens Law Platform realm. While continuing his cultivation, he calmly awaited the ordination ceremony.

This year, Chi Haifeng's cultivation strength continued to soar.

In contrast was Lei Jun's direct disciple, An Buzheng.

Due to his personal decision, although he successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage after the transmission ceremony, his cultivation progress lagged behind Chi Haifeng by a year.

Although Zhuo Baojie and other Mansion elders all had high hopes for him catching up, they also taught him the principle of 'haste makes waste' and not to be blindly impulsive.

In just one year, An Buzheng progressed from the early to the middle and then to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, eventually achieving the full stage.

As the ordination ceremony approached, he was just a little short of crossing the heavenly tribulation between the second and third heavens.

An Buzheng didn't rashly attempt to break through the tribulation, relying solely on his immortal body's root bone and his calm and insightful nature.

Of course, with a six-year gap between the two ordination ceremonies, he wouldn't foolishly wait another six years.

Like Tang Xiaotang, Han Xiaofei, and Chi Haifeng, Little An Daozhang would also enjoy special treatment, eating from a separate pot with peace of mind.

This time, he made an exception and participated in the ceremony with his Second Heaven Foundation cultivation, donning the red robe just like Chi Haifeng.

In fact, not long ago, after the New Year, An Buzheng successfully overcame the heavenly tribulation and reached the Third Heaven realm.

In terms of cultivation speed at the beginning, only Tang Xiaotang had progressed faster than them in the past years.

Although their current cultivation realm is still low, many within and outside the Celestial Master's Mansion have already taken notice of this pair of outstanding talents.

It was also during these two years that the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion welcomed a new Grand True Immortal of the Ninth Heaven.

Qin Caiwei, a disciple of Luo Haoran, successfully advanced to a higher level, prompting congratulations from all directions.

Including Cang Huan, representatives from various places came to offer their blessings.

Regarding matters within the human realm, Lei Jun received the news with joy, but in recent years, he has been less directly involved in such affairs.

The guests were left to be handled by Zhuo Baojie, Qin Caiwei, and others.

Lei Jun himself was currently in the Three Pure Three Treasures Cave Heaven, silently observing a giant sphere.

Beside him sat a gentle Taoist in a purple robe, looking like a young man—none other than his master, Yuan Mobai.

The sphere was pitch-black, yet the stars within shone brightly, resembling the universe's celestial phenomena.

It was a Grand True Immortal's Dao Realm of the Talisman Sect.

Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun, master and disciple, remained silent, quietly gazing at the Dao Realm.

After an unknown amount of time, the Dao Realm suddenly opened, and from within, faint green energy accompanied by nine-colored radiance flowed out, brimming with vitality.

Immediately after, a profound bridge extended from within, reaching out in all four directions.

On the bridge stood a young-looking Taoist with a slim build, clad in a purple robe.

After the Taoist's appearance, the Dao Realm contracted with him at its center, and then he turned to Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun, smiling:

"Master, Senior Brother."

It was Chu Kun.

Today, he successfully reached the fifth layer of the Ninth Heaven, achieving the Bridge of Transcendence.

"Congratulations, Junior Brother, on reaching the fifth layer of the Ninth Heaven," Lei Jun said with a smile.

Yuan Mobai's face, usually adorned with a gentle smile, now beamed even brighter.

Regarding his last personal disciple catching up to his own cultivation realm, Yuan Mobai felt no sense of loss but only joy.

Lei Jun: "The fifth layer of the Ninth Heaven, and the Dao Profound is within reach."

Chu Kun quickly shook his head: "Family matters are known to the family. I still have a long way to go. I just reached the fifth layer of the Ninth Heaven, but the path to immortality is still vague. It takes years of accumulation, just like Senior Shen and Senior Mu."

At the beginning of this year, good news came from both Cang Huan and the True Martial Temple in Jingxiang.

One achieved sanctification, while the other's cultivation reached the divine realm. At the same time, Xiao Yumen and Mu Chunyang simultaneously pushed open the immortal gate, successfully crossing the heavenly tribulation and ascending to the immortal realm.

At that time, the Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion sent human emissaries to offer congratulations, and the other party reciprocated.

Thus, following Shen Xi of the Southern Peak of Shushan Sect and Wu Xian of the Ling Mountain, two more immortals emerged in the human realm.

Shen Xi has officially handed over the position of the Southern Peak's head to his fellow disciple, Li Wanqiu.

He was once a figure on par with the White Eyebrow Patriarch, but his aspirations never lay in such matters. Initially, he had to support the sect alone.

Now, with the changing times, there was no need for him to continue shouldering the burden. After ascending, he was delighted to pass on the position of the sect leader to his fellow disciples.

However, compared to Bai Mei, he often remained at the Southern Peak of Shushan Sect.

Instead, the Eastern Peak's Zhang Taogang and Xie Yiyang, the Northern Peak's Chen Chenfeng and He Yuhang, the Western Peak's Yuan Qingci, and other fellow disciples invited Shen Xi to directly preside over the Central Peak, establishing a new tradition for the sect. After this, the Shushan Sect's immortal masters would freely roam the human realm, and upon their return, they would follow this example, forming a customary practice. Shen Xi had yet to make a decision regarding this matter.

Mu Chunyang, who had dedicated himself to the prosperity of the True Martial Temple, finally shared the news of his intention to pass on the position of the sect leader after his ascension.

"After Mr. Xiao and Mu ascended to immortality, no one should be able to push open the immortal gate in the short term, right?" Chu Kun asked.

Speaking of the current Nine Heavens Ten Earths World, influenced by Lei Jun, the immortals in the immortal realm either actively or unintentionally reduced their activities in the human realm.

However, overall, there were still some in number.

The Taoist immortals were Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, Bai Mei, Zhao Chanyang, Shen Xi, and Mu Chunyang.

The Buddhist Golden Body Venerables included Wang Guyuan.

The Confucian Saints were Zhang Wantu and Xiao Yumen.

The Shamanic Kings were Huangfu Qi and Wu Xian.

Among the spiritual beasts were Phoenix Fengming, Golden Crow Haoyang, and True Dragon Huaming, and even the Demon Sage Pi Xiu Kong.

Even without considering Gao Tiansui, Zheng Baiyu, Jiang Fengge, Ruan Qiao, and their group, the current Nine Heavens Ten Earths World had a considerable number of immortal experts.

Of course, it was still far from the era before the Han Dynasty's great calamity.

Compared to the Demon World, the current Nine Heavens Ten Earths World was gradually regaining its brilliance, with ample reserve talents. Still, it needed more time to accumulate and consolidate.

"There shouldn't be any more in the next decade."

Lei Jun agreed with Chu Kun's assessment: "The only one with hope is Zhang Hui. However, he might take more cautious steps to ensure a safe tribulation crossing."

Thus, he might attempt to push open the immortal gate and achieve sanctification slightly later.

Zhang Huizhen had reached the fifth layer of the Ninefold Heaven and achieved perfection with his graceful and rapid progress over a decade ago. His accumulation of power was profound, and his control was significant.

Even if he took a moment to stabilize and slow down, he could still gather strength for a powerful breakthrough.

Of course, Zhang Hui was currently enjoying himself in the Scholar Forest World, living a carefree life.

Elder Li Tianqing of the Wu Clan and the leader of the White Lotus Sect, Hui Yin, had also achieved perfection in the Ninefold Heaven over a decade ago. However, compared to Zhang Hui's rapid progress, they were slightly slower.

Among them, Hui Yin's situation was unique.

As far as Lei Jun knew, Hui Yin, after vowing in the Buddhist path to inherit the compassionate heart and attain the Five Witness, had the intention to further research other branches of Buddhist teachings. Therefore, he was in no rush to attain the Golden Body.

Aside from them, Wu Luosun, one of the ten great Wu Clan members of Ling Mountain, was expected to challenge the Wu Wang realm after Wu Xian Zhao Qianran.

Following them were Xiao Xuetin and Xing Feng, the leader of the Blood River Sect.

Chu Yu and Shen Qu Bing had only recently reached the Ninefold Heaven perfection, and they still needed more accumulation.

Zhang Haipeng, on the other hand, was getting older. Although he had successfully awakened the Five Qi, he was similar to Mu Chunyang in that he required more accumulation and deeper contemplation.

"These are just estimates based on the current situation, and there may be changes in the future."

Lei Jun looked at his master and junior brother, "Our sect might also have two more additions to the Dao Profound realm soon."

Yuan Mobai smiled slightly.

He had always been humble.

But as a spiritual beast turned human cultivator from a beast-taming sect, he had prepared for this crucial stage for a long time. To solidify his foundation, he deliberately slowed down his early and middle-stage cultivation.

It wasn't that he wanted to rush, but he was confident about this stage.

"Senior Brother, your praise is too much for me to bear," Chu Kun said, inviting Lei Jun and Yuan Mobai to sit on his bridge of understanding. "As you can see, aside from your guidance, I have nothing else to rely on. I can only diligently practice harder."

Lei Jun asked, "Aside from the Heavenly River Immortal Body and the calm and quiet nature of enlightenment, is there anything else you rely on?"

Chu Kun smiled bitterly, "I'm fortunate to have laid a solid foundation in the past, improving my innate talent. But now, I'm just living off my past achievements."

Lei Jun advised, "It's not unreasonable to be cautious in the early stages. As your cultivation level increases, you can reopen your personal domain."

Chu Kun had a special connection with the Time Abyss.

After years of exploration, he could navigate the Time Abyss more freely than other cultivators of the same level. Even Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and others might not have the same convenience in this aspect.

However, Chu Kun had never taken it seriously.

The outside world was too terrifying...

But as Lei Jun said, as Chu Kun's cultivation level gradually increased, he also wanted to personally enter the Time Abyss and explore it further.

It was similar to his exploration of the Great Rectangle back then.

For Chu Kun, who had just embarked on the path of cultivation, the Great Rectangle was also filled with unknowns and dangers.

"Now that I've accumulated more, I'm living up to the old saying, 'The older you get in the cultivation world, the smaller your courage becomes,'" Chu Kun self-deprecatingly joked.

Yuan Mobai smiled, "It's not all bad."

"In the alchemy path, the fifth Qi of the Five Qi Awakening is the Qi of Peace and Harmony, which balances the Five Qi."

Lei Jun explained, "In our sect's talisman path, the fifth Qi of the Five Qi Awakening to the Profound is the lively Qingling Qi. The most peaceful and true Qi, which can serve as the foundation, is the Five Spirit Qi. During the fifth layer of the Ninefold Heaven, accumulating Qingling Qi requires patience yet urgency."

He provided further details to Yuan Mobai and Chu Kun.

With his current cultivation level, all of this came naturally to him.

Yuan Mobai listened attentively, showing no signs of distraction.

Although Lei Jun was used to giving lectures and teachings, not many had the privilege of receiving such guidance at any time.

Later, Yuan Mobai and Chu Kun silently cultivated, accumulating their Qingling Qi.

Lei Jun received guests from outside.

Xiao Yumen had recently attained enlightenment, but the news was kept low-key.

However, because of this, Xiao Yumen, along with Xiao Hang and Xiao Xuetin from the Nine Heavens Ten Earths, set off for Canghuan.

No one knew what they discussed with the runaway old man.

Afterward, Xiao Yumen and his brother Xiao Hang sought an audience with the leader of the Xuanmen Sect, Lei Tian Shi.

In addition to seeking guidance on cultivation methods, Xiao Yumen also hoped to meet with the Buddhist master Fa Qing Zun.

Lei Jun contacted Wang Gui Yuan and brought Xiao Yumen and his brother to the Void Realm.

"Has Xiao Yumen's learning reached its peak?" Wang Gui Yuan also showed a rare curiosity.

Xiao Yumen replied, "Not at all. I only have some knowledge, but it's not a complete understanding. I've come to seek guidance from Lei Leader and Elder Wang."

Lei Jun and Wang Gui Yuan both said, "Xiao Yumen, you're too kind."

After bowing to them, Xiao Yumen stood still.

But within a certain range around him, the environment began to change.

Wang Gui Yuan looked at Lei Jun, who nodded slightly.

This wasn't about Confucian scholars, poetic verses, or archery skills.

The Void Realm, calmed by Wang Gui Yuan, is a journey into the power of creativity!

how it influences our lives.

The Void Realm, though peaceful due to Wang Gui Yuan's efforts, still made hearts tremble. The countless disasters that once destroyed the world seemed frozen in place.

But now, all these scenes vanished, replaced by a peaceful and harmonious countryside with fragrant flowers blooming on the branches.

However, Xiao Yumen seemed to have disappeared as well.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end