Chapter 869: A Dream of Ten Thousand Li, Slaying the Grand Age

Chapter 869: A Dream of Ten Thousand Li, Slaying the Grand Age

Taking that step forward, one might not feel despair or loneliness.

Standing amidst the dim darkness, Hu Ma found himself beyond the human realm, no longer able to see the mortal world behind him or the Grand Age before him. This was because he had left the human realm but was still too far from the Grand Age.

However, the lamps, familiar and unfamiliar faces, and outstretched hands reaching towards him suddenly filled Hu Ma with inexplicable emotions, softening his heart.

Indeed, he didn't want to be a divine being living among humans; he only wished to be someone who could give others hope.

How could such a path ever be lonely?

It was the divine beings who were solitary and lonely, but the path he had chosen would not be like that...

With newfound confidence, he took a big step forward on a path that no one could have imagined.

Holding the Eight Scenic Views Authority, becoming the "Old Heavenly Father," the highest realm in the Great Dharmic Religion, was already the pinnacle of this world. But with this step, Hu Ma ventured towards the Grand Age.

Initially, this step might not have reached the Grand Age, leaving him stranded in eternal solitude. However, the appearance of the Reincarnator had already helped him bridge this gap.

They had all come!

Knowing that he was about to take this step, they had all gathered.

To accompany him on this final journey.

The Reincarnator couldn't leave the human realm and rush towards the Grand Age like Hu Ma, but they had their own innate extraordinariness.

After crossing the bridge, they were supposed to hide from the Grand Age, preventing them from reaching the highest realm. But now, they no longer hid; instead, they used their connection with the Grand Age to leave the human realm and arrive at this lonely place between the mortal world and the Grand Age.

Upon reaching this place, they would have been devoured by the Grand Age, but the golden light from the Life Spirit Temple on their bodies protected them.

This was the blessing given to them by the Great Dharmic Religion, or rather, the protection from the realm behind them.

The only thing that could counter the Grand Age!

"When the future is uncertain, only the brave can break through."

"The Grand Age isn't as scary as it seems. At least, we were all once people the Grand Age wanted to defeat but couldn't..."

"..."

The first to grasp Hu Ma's palm was Tie Guan Yin.

In the vast universe, in a vacuum, Hu Ma's most dangerous moment was after leaving the human realm, as he couldn't precisely locate the Grand Age, getting lost in eternal solitude.

However, Tie Guan Yin's appearance solved this problem. As she gripped Hu Ma's palm, she pulled him forward, rushing towards the depths.

"Now, you too!"

"..."

A voice from the void echoed in Hu Ma's mind. Tie Guan Yin pressed her Dharma Seal, and in front of her, the Twelve Ghost Pavilions appeared, forming a row as Hu Ma stepped on them, rushing into the dark abyss.

Tie Guan Yin watched Hu Ma's determined figure with a satisfied smile.

She plunged into the profound loneliness, surrounded by infinite tentacles reaching for her.

With all her might, she slashed at the endless tentacles, seemingly without any regrets.

This final human Slaughter Tribulation was the most bustling, sweeping across the world. But during this tribulation, Tie Guan Yin remained hidden, not participating in any battles against the Ten Clans or the various Grass-Head Kings. It seemed like she had been sleeping in the capital all along.

Only a few people, including Hu Ma, Red Wine Lady, Er Guotou, and a handful of others, knew that she had been working behind the scenes, resolving numerous issues.

With her ruthless thunderous means, she guided the human realm towards the most perfect outcome.

And now, Hu Ma's figure rushing towards the Grand Age was her final satisfaction.

Hu Ma could feel Tie Guan Yin using her last strength to fight the Grand Age, slaying the countless tentacles surging towards her on the pavilion, but she had no time to look back.

As he stepped on the pavilions, rushing towards the deepest part of the Grand Age, countless tentacles appeared from the eerie void, reaching for him. But a giant paper umbrella completely blocked them.

Hua Diao Jiu appeared beside him, raising her hand to support Hu Ma's back with all her might, giving him a final push.

Her figure was engulfed by the boundless solitude, but her voice reached Hu Ma's ears: "Everything we do in this world is driven by our true selves. There's no debt between us; whether you're here or not, we would still do these things for the people of the world..."

"Because we were born this way!"

"But..."

As she vanished, her figure dimmed, and the golden light faded. The paper umbrella in her hand continued to shield Hu Ma:

"If I could see West Lake one more time, taste the West Lake vinegar fish, that wouldn't be bad either..."

"When facing the Grand Age, don't be afraid. All the strangeness and changes are just illusions. Just remember who you are!"

A fluffy white cat jumped onto Hu Ma's shoulder, and Red Wine Lady's voice sounded beside him. She waved red threads, binding the tentacles that were wrapping around Hu Ma.

She accompanied Hu Ma, pushing forward for a long distance. When the golden light on her body faded, the white cat transformed into a human, gently pressing her hands on Hu Ma's shoulders to support him.

The voice remained calm and rational, but beneath the surface, there was a hint of gentleness that could only be felt with a careful ear. "Of course, perhaps I'm overthinking things."

"When you emerged from the mountains, you were already a pure person."

"If there comes a day when you see me again, be sure to come and greet me... although, I probably won't pay any attention to you."

"If we can become friends, remember to persuade me not to listen to what others say and study medicine."

"..."

"White Wine Miss..."

Hu Ma listened to White Wine Miss' voice, feeling it grow fainter and lighter as she moved further away behind him.

His heart trembled for a moment, almost wanting to turn back, but he held himself back.

This path was one-way, and there was no turning back.

"Kid, take care..."

A large hand grabbed his arm and pushed him forward, belonging to Lao Gaoliang, a reincarnator from Anzhou.

"The Hu Family of Pest Suppression is worthy of our respect..."

Someone flung off their brocade robe, adorned with gold and jade, and it was none other than Wu Jia Pi from Mengzhou.

"So there really is someone bold enough to draw their sword against the Earth Deity. Little brother, I believe you'll be the manliest of them all..."

A giggle sounded, belonging to Jade Ice Burn.

"Senior, senior..."

A voice filled with urgency rang out, and she hugged Hu Ma, pushing him forward at a rapid pace. Miss Sweet Potato Burn's head poked out from under his arm.

In this eerie and mysterious place, her face showed no fear, only urgency as she said, "Senior, please remember, you must remember, my home is in the old district of QD City... Remember to come and visit me..."

"I'll take you clubbing, and introduce you to a few little sisters..."

"..."

One by one, hands reached out to help Hu Ma, rushing towards the dark front. Lights encircled him, only to be extinguished one by one.

One by one, people exerted their utmost strength to help him approach the Earth Deity, only to quickly disappear.

Hu Ma had no time for sadness; the closer he got to the Earth Deity, the more certain he became.

"It will happen, it definitely will..."

"..."

"..."

"They're gone..."

At the collapsing boundary between the Nether Palace and the Underworld, on the Bridge of No Return, the National Teacher and the others stood at the farthest point this realm could reach.

Yet, they still witnessed Hu Ma take a step forward, leaving the mortal realm far behind and reaching a depth beyond imagination. The National Teacher was furious, angry, cursing, but in the end, he could only smile bitterly.

"Damn it, no wonder he's from the Iron-Headed Hu Family..."

"We've always aimed to expel the Earth Deity, believing it to be the most challenging task..."

"So, you... from the very beginning, you intended to slay the Earth Deity?"

"..."

"So, now... what's the situation?"

On Great Sorrow Mountain, the Wang Family heard the National Teacher's curses and opened their eyes. They were already drenched in sweat.

They understood what had just happened and even felt an impending will that would pierce through heaven and earth, subjugating all creation. But to their surprise, everything seemed like a fleeting dream. On Great Sorrow Mountain, purple aura swirled, but in the end, life seemed to hang by a thread.

"What else can we do?"

The National Teacher stood up, his expression a mix of anger and excitement, under the gaze of Lao Suandan and the Wang Family.

He declared loudly, "Heaven's mandate has arrived, it's time for the Grand Ritual of the Lofty Heaven!"

"The chances of us successfully performing this grand ritual are higher than anyone can imagine..."

"Because we've surrounded the Earth Deity!"

"..."

"What?"

The Wang Family struggled to comprehend the concept of "surrounding the Earth Deity," but they could sense that this realm was extraordinary.

The most striking difference was the corpse of the Hu Family heir lying before them. They couldn't tell if he was alive or dead, but they felt that where he lay was the center of the world, the source of all life. Yet, he himself...

...had lost all signs of life.

However, when the National Teacher reached out, they didn't hesitate to hand over the pill they had refined using the purple aura of Great Sorrow Mountain. The National Teacher placed it into Hu Ma's mouth.

"He's left the mortal realm, gone too far for us to reach or help."

"Because the place he's gone to is too deep, and we don't know how long a moment there equals in the mortal realm..."

"But we must preserve his physical body. Is your pill enough, Wang Family?"

"..."

"It's enough!"

The Wang Family couldn't guarantee anything else, but when it came to pills, they were confident. "One pill is enough to preserve his life force for a year."

The National Teacher sighed, "Just a year?"

"Hopefully, it's enough!"

"..."

"..."

"They're all gone?"

Meanwhile, in the mortal realm, Er Guotou was rushing to Great Sorrow Mountain, but on the way, he heard Tie Guan Yin's voice and learned where they had gone. He also heard the National Teacher's voice from the Underworld and understood what had happened to Hu Ma."

Those guys actually just left like that? They’re so carefree, leaving the final burden entirely on my shoulders?

"This is fucking unreasonable. They just said they were leaving and all left..."

"I haven’t even gotten in the car yet..."

"Could it be that I’ve been too high-profile and reliable all along? How could you all dare to leave me behind alone?"

"..."

He cursed fiercely and fiercely, and he was truly heartbroken.

No reincarnated person could understand his feelings at this moment. This vast world, though foreign, still had many people like himself.

At the very least, there were friends he had confided in for many years.

But in the blink of an eye, everyone was gone. In the vast sea and boundless sky, there was no one similar to him left, only himself...

He wasn’t just cursing; he wished he could burst into tears. No, he already had...

Amidst this endless loneliness and cold, a warm breeze gently wafted by. Lady Red Lantern, seeing the Right Guardian cry like this, couldn’t bear to disturb him. She quietly draped a cloak over Er Guotou’s shoulders...

"Don’t catch a cold..."

"..."

Er Guotou was taken aback by this sudden care, and it took him a while to recover.

He gently held Lady Red Lantern’s hand, nodded firmly, wiped away his tears, and slowly got up.

He looked at the world and said fiercely, "Since it’s been entrusted to me, I’ll take care of it!"

"The tide of the world has already formed; it’s time to deal with the real matters!"

"..."

"..."

At this moment, the human slaughter was nearing its end, and the struggle for the petty kingship was also in its final stages.

Mingzhou King Yang Gong swept through the southwest and returned to Mingzhou. He, along with Beggar General, led eight hundred troops to sweep through the Southern Border’s ten thousand mountains, eliminating the bald-headed Old Zhang, Zhang Yanbei, and the various surplus armies that had joined him from all over the world.

His momentum was so great that it could engulf the world.

In the north, opposing him was the Iron Gate King Zhou Datong, who had swept through the Northern Region.

Both now commanded hundreds of thousands of troops, controlled several provinces, and had endless supporters.

In terms of fame, even the Iron Gate King Zhou Datong was slightly more renowned. After all, Mingzhou King Yang Gong was the first to turn against the noble clans and create boundless slaughter.

To this day, the world views him as a bandit, and the number of people who hate and curse him is countless.

The true emperor would only emerge between these two.

They faced off against each other, sweeping through the land, and had already eliminated countless petty kings, incorporating their troops under their command.

So, it was time to contend for the world, right?

...

...

On both banks of the Cang River, armies of hundreds of thousands were stationed, ready to vie for supremacy, the tension palpable.

People said that the Iron Gate King and the Mingzhou King were once allies, but when it came to contending for the world, who cares about alliances? Breaking faces and fighting for the world is only natural.

But no one expected that, on the southern bank of the Cang River, in a small tavern with a makeshift straw shed, the Iron Gate King Zhou Datong, wrapped in a black cloak, accompanied by only two trusted men, arrived by boat, and strode confidently to the door of the small tavern.

"Hu..."

A lame little ghost inside the tavern sensed a familiar aura and ran out happily.

But upon seeing it was Zhou Datong, his little face fell, and he listlessly bowed before returning dejectedly.

He didn’t even take the blood offering that the Iron Gate King Zhou Datong held out.

Yang Gong was inside the tavern. Seeing Zhou Datong arrive, he said, "I can’t sit on the emperor’s throne; it should be you."

"We talked about this at Tiger Gate."

"..."

"Ha ha..."

The Iron Gate King Zhou Datong was no longer the same. He wore a brocade robe and golden-embroidered boots, sitting down nonchalantly and sneering, "Do you think that because you created so much slaughter, the world will hate you, and you’re destined to never be emperor?"

"I don’t believe that."

He looked coldly at Yang Gong and said, "In the past, those nobles and lords would indeed hate you, and you wouldn’t be able to become emperor. But now, things are different."

"They’ve already been beaten into submission. Those who resisted have been killed. Even those who still harbor resentment only dare to keep it in their hearts. I admire you for daring to call out that slogan back then."

"So, I’ll let you sit on the emperor’s throne."

"..."

Yang Gong just smiled and said, "Even if you agree, your people won’t."

"They’ve probably worn out their tongues trying to persuade you to ascend the throne as the new emperor."

"..."

"More than that."

Zhou Datong laughed and said, "I’ve even picked out an empress, but she’s too young, not even thirty, and I don’t like her..."

"Besides..."

He laughed smugly, "A man who dares to kneel before the enemy general on the battlefield, do you think I’m afraid of whether they’ll agree or not?"

Yang Gong hesitated, "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely!"

Zhou Datong laughed heartily, winked, and said, "You don’t know, but I learned a lesson when I came out of Old Yin Mountain: those who rush to eat the meat get beaten, but those who follow and drink the soup have the most fun."

In the midst of this grand affair, I've earned my own merits. Therefore, I won't sit in that hot seat.

"You owe the world, so you should be the one to become the Emperor!"

"It's about time for an Emperor to rise from the ranks of commoners, and as for me..."

He paused, suddenly standing up and speaking with reverence, "I wish to become sworn brothers with you. After you ascend the throne, I will be a king of a different surname. I'll have wealth and status, and my clan will prosper."

King Yang Gong of Mingzhou never expected such a proper attitude from him, and he too fell into a moment of silence.

"Moreover..."

Zhou Datong remained silent for a moment before patting his shoulder and saying, "Not only did you learn the profound principles from Brother Ma."

"I listened by the side and learned quite a bit too."

"This world is about to lose its Emperor, so I think you should take on this task..."

"..."

Only after hearing these words did Yang Gong burst into laughter, and not just him. Outside the tavern, other voices joined in, as Zhou Liang and Zhao Zhu appeared at the entrance.

Especially by Zhao Zhu's side, there were dozens of followers carrying earthen jars, laughing and patting Zhou Datong's shoulder, "Fortunately, you didn't get bewitched, or else I'd have to splash this gold liquid on your face to wake you up..."

"..."

"..."

The most unambitious 'Grass King' has arrived!

It is said that other 'Grass Kings' are decisive in their actions, leading their followers in the pursuit of destiny, even at the cost of their own lives. Yet, the 'Iron Coffin King' is different. Despite having the opportunity to seize destiny, he has countless capable subordinates and an army of hundreds of thousands loyal to the death.

Just as countless capable individuals and heroes thought that this battle for destiny would be fought on the Cangjiang River, with blood filling the sea and corpses floating in the river, they heard that the 'Iron Coffin King' had...

...surrendered!

Not only did he comply with King Yang Gong's decree, but he also humbled himself, swearing allegiance as his sworn brother. He handed over all military power and even personally led his trusted followers to capture and execute those who opposed King Yang Gong.

After the Cangjiang Incident, King Yang Gong's iron cavalry marched towards the capital. No one could stop them.

A few days later, the world heard the King's decree:

"I, the ruler of Zhongxia, have witnessed the end of the Yi Dynasty. The world is filled with evil and calamities, and the land is barren. Heroes and experts compete for destiny, all for the sake of the people's lives. I drive away calamities and seize fate, responding to the will of heaven.

I, a commoner from Mingzhou, have received the favor of heaven and the blessings of my ancestors. Thus, I ride the wave of destiny, gathering heroes and experts by my side.

I have slain demons, dragons, and even divine-given human demons, ultimately achieving victory with my generals. Now, civil and military officials, along with the people, unanimously urge me to ascend the throne as Emperor, to rule over the people.

This decree is announced to the world, summoning all extraordinary individuals to the capital. I invite the Grand Master Hu Shancuan to serve as the Grand Priest, overseeing the Five Grand Sacrifices to pacify the heavens. This aligns with the will of the people, ensuring the eradication of evil and the protection of the world. The Grand Sacrifice is performed to inform the heavens and establish righteousness.

Upon hearing this decree, extraordinary individuals from various sects across the land set out for the capital.

First, the current Ghost King, who had risen from the ranks of the Mingzhou Red Lantern Society, entered the capital with the 'Imperial Seal' engraved with the eight characters, 'Mandated by Heaven, Longevity and Eternal Prosperity'.

This seal radiated a majestic purple aura, destined to replace the Twelve Ghost Pavilions and become the new symbol of the world's fate, replacing the ancestral hall that had been destroyed two hundred years ago. Other extraordinary individuals also brought the Stone Pavilion Skin, the Yin General, and other artifacts to the capital.

As the world's fate converged, the final arrival was a carriage drawn by thirty-two horses, shaded by a green canopy, and guarded by golden armored warriors. It was escorted by the former Grand Master of the Great Dharmic Religion, the Grand Priest Dong Xuan, entering the capital through its main gate.

The carriage was driven directly to the ancestral hall, which was still the Hu Clan's ancestral hall, receiving offerings and incense.

Within the ancestral hall, the Ghost Granny sensed the faint aura emanating from the carriage. She appeared at the hall's entrance, her body trembling slightly.

Inside the carriage was Hu Ma, who had lost his vitality but not yet completely severed his life force, preventing him from directly entering the ancestral hall. Instead, he was offered protection by the incense.

The outsiders were unaware of the Governor of Pest Suppression's arrival in the capital, but when he reached the ancestral hall, King Yang Gong, the soon-to-be-crowned Emperor, along with the sworn brother Zhou Datong and various extraordinary individuals who had made significant contributions, all bowed to him.

The Governor of Pest Suppression, having achieved unparalleled merit, acted selflessly, without seeking fame or fortune. A faint spiritual light appeared in his dream, slaying the Grand Tyrant's remnant soul, suppressing the world's evil spirits.

The Ghost Granny, the only one standing, used her yin spirit body to transform into a shadow, gently caressing Hu Ma's face. Her voice carried a hint of sorrow, but more so, pride:

"My grandson is truly remarkable..."

"He did not disappoint the world, the Ghost King, or his reincarnated self..."

"Just remember, Granny, no matter what, don't let yourself suffer..."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end