The Revival of Heaven and Earth, the merging of the two Realms; given such a grand opportunity and the long stretch of time, Pei Xuanjing's power had ascended rapidly, but he was not the sort to arrogantly believe that he alone was improving at such a swift pace in the world.
Every cultivator, every powerhouse that rises, possesses extraordinary aptitude, temperament, and fortune. Those who manage to grow and advance, all certainly have something exceptional about them.
And now, although Zhu Houji was only at the Spirit Realm Eightfold, it should not be a problem for him to restrain a Supreme Strong for a short while.
As for Wang Boan, with Pei Xuanjing's Realm, of course he had now also noticed that although the other party had yet to step into the Strongest Realm, he was not entirely clear on what kind of combat power could be exerted at the peak of Spirit Realm Eightfold, if the other party truly dared to come, that meant they had enough confidence.
Thus, in Pei Xuanjing's view, these three people could at least restrain three Supreme Strong for not a short period of time, which was good news for Pei Xuanjing.
"How many True Immortals will ascend this time?" Wu Shijiu's eyes flashed with puzzlement. He was extremely curious and wanted to know how many True Immortals would be born.
…
Even a Supreme Strong like Wu Shijiu found it difficult to clearly discern the true changes in the situation between Heaven and Earth at this moment.
Upon hearing his question, Zhu Houji and Wang Boan also became curious.
The pattern of Heaven and Earth changes, only those who truly stand at the peak can grasp its pulse. Although they can't change the major trends, if they can receive lots of information ahead of time, they can naturally attempt to alter some minor directions, at least to avoid many unnecessary troubles.
"The number of True Immortals, to speak the truth, I am not very clear either. However, in my view, compared to the number of True Immortals, it's more important to look at the camps to which the newly emerged True Immortals belong," said Pei Xuanjing, his gaze profound, emotions unclear. But after he spoke these calm words, they sent a shiver down Wu Shijiu and the other two's spines, prompting many thoughts.
The emergence of True Immortals signifies that the originally invincible Supreme Strong are no longer the sole powerhouses. Not only does it change the hierarchy of forces, but it also has a profound influence on the redivision of power structures.
The most terrifying aspect is that unless the number of True Immortals ascended by the human race and the Demon Race is nearly the same, if one side grows stronger, it will inevitably lead to a Great War.
"If the Demon Race ascends more True Immortals, they will definitely make a move," Wu Shijiu's face showed a hint of killing intent.
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Perhaps in the Great Ming World, due to previous constraints of Heaven and Earth, the Demon Race couldn't be born, and the human race dominated the Great Ming World without that kind of crisis awareness.
But for someone such as Wu Shijiu, who comes from the Sky Wasteland, in the Sky Wasteland, even if the upper-class cultivators intentionally contained it, the constant killing between the human and Demon Races amongst the lower and middle classes has never truly stopped, with countless lives lost in the conflict between humans and demons every year.
Wu Shijiu hailed from the upper echelon of power within the Witch Deity Teaching, and it was these top-tier powerhouses who formed the backbone of the battles between humans and demons. Before breaking through to the Seventh Level of the Spiritual Realm, Wu Shijiu fought countless times on the human-demon battlefields, narrowly escaping death on multiple occasions.
"Correct, so with this opportunity for ascension now upon us, there will be powerhouses among the humans attempting to obstruct the Demon Race Supreme Strong from breaking through," Pei Xuanjing said indifferently.
Wu Shijiu's mouth curled with a chilly smile: "Then likewise, I presume the Demon Race will also choose to prevent the human race's Supreme Strong from breaking through, right?"
This was almost an undeniable matter; since the human race is sending people to stop the demons, the Demon Race will certainly not sit idly by and watch the humans break through.
"Correct, this time both the human race and the Demon Race will make their moves, each will obstruct the possibility of the opposing race's Supreme Strong breaking through," said Pei Xuanjing, whose Taoist robe shimmered ambiguously as he spoke slowly.
What kind of battle this Great World will witness, Pei Xuanjing could not fathom. The conflict between Supreme Strong should have occurred much later, but with the chance for True Immortals to ascend, none of the races' powerhouses would back down.
"No matter what, we will make our move to help Master Pei stop all enemies," Zhu Houji stated gravely.
At this moment, between Heaven and Earth, only the Supreme Strong stand at the summit and possess the supreme status. However, waiting for the two worlds to merge, once someone successfully ascends to True Immortal, it means the pattern of Heaven and Earth is completely changed. Only True Immortals will be the will dominating everything.
These three came here under these circumstances, whether in the past or present, during the rise of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, they all received Pei Xuanjing's protection. It was with his support that they were able to grow smoothly to have everything they possess now.
Unfortunately, the time they stood at the pinnacle was not long before they had to confront new challenges. If they cannot ascend to True Immortal, they will have to succumb to others once again.
Therefore, even if Zhu Houji wanted to prove something to Pei Xuanjing, to remove Pei Xuanjing's influence over the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, he clearly knew that wasn't appropriate under the current situation. He could only use reason to suppress his emotions and wait for the right time.
At this time, the undercurrents surged throughout Heaven and Earth. Powerful forces from all sides had their own schemes. The tender rain falling from above, nourishing all life and containing the essence of fortune, was seen by countless powerhouses. They all understood that a Great War was approaching.
"The curtain has been lifted, who will transform from mortal to immortal, and who will fall to dust, all is determined at this moment," Pei Xuanjing spoke aloud, then took a step forward, ascending above ten thousand miles into the sky of Shenxiao Mountain.
Wu Shijiu and the other two stood atop Shenxiao Mountain, making no moves, just quietly standing there as they watched Pei Xuanjing above the ten thousand miles of sky.
"Everything needs someone to start, since none of you are willing to take the initiative, let I, humble Taoist, begin," Pei Xuanjing declared from above the sky, his Taoist robe swirling with the Weather of the Four Seasons; purple and blue lightning coursed around him, and the Sanbao Jade Ruyi in his hand emitted an enigmatic glow, making him appear like a celestial general overseeing the mortal realm.
"I am the Lord of Shenxiao Tao, the Immortal Taoist Pei Xuanjing, today I establish the Shenxiao House of Jade Purity, ascend to the divine position of Emperor of the South Pole Eternal Life, taking the title of Jade Purity True Monarch, progenitor of the thunder lineage, source of Thunder God's law, commanding ten thousand spirits, presiding over the Seasons' weather cycles, capable of summoning wind and rain, employing Thunder and Lightning Gods and Demons, also controlling the pivotal mechanism of all living beings' fortune and disaster, able to rescue the masses during calamities, universally transforming all life. The Shenxiao House of Jade Purity, established!" His resonant voice spread from Pei Xuanjing's lips, shaking Heaven and Earth, subjugating all spirits so mightily that everyone across Heaven and Earth could hear his proclamation.
As Pei Xuanjing spoke these words, the will of Heaven and Earth began to converge towards him. Nearly all powerhouses heard this declaration and understood the birth of the Emperor of Longevity.
Pei Xuanjing chose to ascend to the True Immortal Realm, advancing on the Immortal Path among the five types of paths of Heaven, Earth, Human, God, Ghost. This might be the first time since he obtained the Life Simulator that he ascended without using the Life Simulator's projected simulation of life to ascend and then nourish himself, even though he already had tens of millions of Taoyun points and was not far from the Taoyun points needed for his next chance to use the Life Simulator.
Firstly, there wasn't enough time—The speed at which the two worlds were merging was too fast, and Pei Xuanjing could no longer afford to wait. The time left for him was running short.
Secondly, Pei Xuanjing wanted to give it a try. Through his many previous life simulations, as well as his daily cultivation, he had long since deduced the five paths of ascending to the True Immortal Realm. With the experience of pioneering the Longevity World, Pei Xuanjing naturally had great confidence that even if he failed, it would not harm him, so he wanted to make a breakthrough by himself.
By seizing this breakthrough, Pei Xuanjing completely advanced the divine position and authority of his status as the Jade Purity True Monarch. If previously his divine position was incomplete and he could only be called the Jade Purity True Monarch, then with his recent declaration to Heaven and Earth, he had thoroughly perfected his authority and taken control of all the authority of the Emperor of the South Pole Eternal Life.
As his words fell, the Will of Heaven and Earth descended, and within the territories of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, the Force of Faith Incense accumulated in all Taoist Academies soared upwards, sweeping toward Pei Xuanjing.
Rumbling, continuous thunder exploded above the vault of heaven, and the invisible and intangible Golden Core formed by the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Art within his body was rapidly spinning. A steady stream of Shenxiao Origin Qi flowed out, infiltrating this force.
…
Above the sky, various celestial phenomena descended. On the ground, lotus blossoms emerged, the phantom of a True Dragon soared, the Qilin danced, and the Phoenix softly chirped. Thunderbolts filled the sky, as if announcing the birth of a True Immortal—the first God in the space between Heaven and Earth. These extraordinary signs alarmed the entire Daming World.
Jade Purity True Monarch, Emperor of the South Pole Eternal Life, Shenxiao House of Jade Purity.
After these voices spread, Heaven and Earth shook, the Will of Heaven and Earth paid attention, and what was most shocking was the reaction of the Supreme Strong.
"How dare he!"
"He actually dared to be the first to break through, so decisive and straightforward, without the slightest hesitation—terrifying!"
"He disregarded everyone else and broke through like this. Isn't he afraid of attracting tribulation?"
"This Immortal Lord Longevity is indeed formidable, to have reached this point in such a short time—he is truly extraordinary."
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"A pioneer of the Golden Core Dao, and a powerhouse of the Taoist School actually broke through with the Divine Tao. What a pity!"
"The Divine Tao is not necessarily weaker than the Immortal Path. Moreover, according to what this one has previously stated, the Divine Tao and the Immortal Path are not necessarily exclusive of each other."
"Human race, being the first to choose to break through, must become the target of all arrows. Now it remains to be seen if there are any humans left who can assist you."
…
Regarding Pei Xuanjing's decision to be the first to make a breakthrough, the reaction among the powerhouses between Heaven and Earth varied.
Some believe that Pei Xuanjing was somewhat greedy for success and too risky, taking ventures that were overly dangerous. Others consider that a cultivator's practice should be decisive in this way in order not to be disturbed by external things.
Some feel pity for Pei Xuanjing, as he was the pioneer of the Golden Core Dao and a leader of the Taoist School of his generation. Yet now, compelled by the situation, he has opted to ascend through the Divine Tao, betraying his own Dao.
The Demon Race was even more shocked; they had many speculations, but never did they imagine that the one who would initiate a breakthrough with the movement of Heaven and Earth would be none other than Immortal Lord Longevity Pei Xuanjing.
Regardless, once Pei Xuanjing's actions caused such a stir, all forces naturally would hesitate no longer and each began their own preparations.
Within the territory of the Demonic Way, the Blood Fiend Ancestor also made his preparations, as strands of crimson Blood Qi continuously dissipated and condensed, seemingly trying to coalesce into a True Immortal Dao Fruit.
"Fellow Taoist friends, if I, the old ancestor, can seize the ascension to True Immortal Dao Fruit this time, I will certainly fulfill my promise to protect you, helping each of you ascend to the True Immortal Realm," declared the Blood Fiend Ancestor, with rivers of blood appearing above his head. The terrifying aura flowed, and within these blood-colored rivers, destruction and creation coexisted, as if embodying an existence of evil and gore within Heaven and Earth.
Competition in the Demonic Way is the most vicious and intense; even with the Blood Fiend Ancestor's usually overbearing and fearless demeanor, at this critical juncture of seizing the True Immortal Dao Fruit, he did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent.
Therefore, he contacted a few Independent Practitioners from the Demonic Way that he could reach, binding them with a Heavenly Earth Oath to serve as his protectors. Then he promised them protection after ascending to True Immortal, in turn offering to guard them in their own ascension to True Immortality.
Despite being from the Demonic Way and having a domineering manner, the Blood Fiend Ancestor was known to be reliable. Furthermore, the Heavenly Earth Oath was in place. After pondering and seeing the heavy price the Blood Fiend Ancestor was willing to pay, these Supreme Strong Independent Practitioners agreed.
This time, the Blood Fiend Ancestor had invested everything, sparing no expense in his pursuit of the True Immortal Dao Fruit. If successful, all would be well; but in case of failure, all would be rendered futile, and the entire Blood Fiend Sect would have to accompany him to the grave.
In Xuan Du Guan, several simple Taoist Temples were scattered atop mountain peaks. These temples seemed unimposing, yet for such a force, no one between Heaven and Earth could dare to underestimate them.
The Master of Xuan Du Guan, Lingguang Taoist, almost merged with Mount Xuántiān, as if evolving an ancient and mysterious great formation. The Eight Trigrams rotated in reverse, as if concealing everything. A massive Eight Trigram crucible circled in the sky, moving up and down, devouring all Heaven and Earth Essence Qi without reservation.
Within the Xuantian Sect, Daoist Xuantian, wearing a Profound Daoist Robe, had a faint glow with a crown on his head, holding a seal that emitted an ancient and mysterious aura. Around him were several Supreme Strong members of the Xuantian Sect. An old man with white hair and an aged countenance was standing right in front of Daoist Xuantian.
This elderly man, despite the vitality in his eyes, emitted faint signs of decline. Were Pei Xuanjing and others present, they would instantly recognize that this old man was approaching the end of his life.
He was an ancient being of the Xuantian Sect, having lived for over ten thousand years, a Supreme Strong figure from an older generation than Daoist Xuantian's teacher's generation. He had been sleeping in the Xuantian Cave World, underpinning the Sect's foundation, and staving off the ravages of time.
Had it not been for the Revival of Heaven and Earth and the timely opportunity to ascend to True Immortal, this ancient figure might not have many years left. When the Xuantian Cave World could no longer stem his decline, he would have chosen to enter the Chaos Void, following the path trodden by other aged Supreme Strong before him.
Daoist Xuantian handed over the seal of the Xuantian Cave World to the old man, and with a solemn expression, he began to speak…
"Elder Honored Ancestor, this is the core nexus of the Xuantian Cave World. From now on, you will take charge of presiding over the ascension of the Xuantian Cave World."
The Xuantian Cave World is the heart of the Xuantian Sect, and the seal that controls the nexus of the Cave World has always been held by the sect master, every generation of Daoist Xuantian. Handing it over to this antique means he will tread the path of an Earth Immortal, using the Xuantian Cave World to ascend a minor world and merge with it to become a True Immortal.
"Very well!" The antique accepted the seal without the slightest hesitation.
Daoist Xuantian continued, "However, it is a pity that there are not many who can aid the Elder Honored Ancestor this time. We must send people to the Demon Domain, which is the collective will of many human forces."
Enhancing our own strength while simultaneously suppressing the ascension of opposing supreme powers is a common goal of the human race and the Demon Race. The Demon Race will send people to hinder us, and the human race will likewise retaliate.
It is because of this goal that top forces from all parties initially aided their own sect's powerhouses to ascend as supreme powers, while allowing first-rate forces' Spirit Realm Eightfold Cultivators to ascend.
…
This time, killing two birds with one stone, sending these newly ascended human supreme powers to obstruct the Demon Race is both a suppression of the demons and a prevention of these new supreme powers from becoming an obstacle to them.
"The greater good of the human race, this is a matter of course, and I naturally understand it," said the antique of the Xuantian Sect, who clearly grasped this point.
As the leader of the righteous human path of the Xuantian Sect, no matter what, he had to set an example, or how else could he convince other forces to dispatch people to block the Demon Race?
To the antique, their ascension and breakthrough were extremely crucial, but suppressing the Demon Race to safeguard the orthodox human way was equally important. It was their responsibility and significance to exist.
"How are your preparations, do you have confidence in this breakthrough?" asked the antique to Master of Mystiq Sky.
Clearly, not only did the Xuantian Sect support the antique in ascending the Xuantian Cave World and pursuing the path of an Earth Immortal by merging with the world, but they also intended for Daoist Xuantian to achieve a breakthrough at the same time.
Hiss!
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The Xuantian Sect was indeed formidable. While other top forces exhausted all resources just to produce one True Immortal, the Xuantian Sect actually aimed to create two at the same time. Such audacious thinking deserved admiration for the daring of the Xuantian Sect, truly worthy of being the leader of the righteous path for thousands of years.
Atop Dragon Tiger Mountain, Ancestor Celestial Master sensed the changes in Heaven and Earth, perceived that Pei Xuanjing dared to take the lead for the world, and after other powerhouses also began their breakthroughs, he didn't hesitate for a moment.
With a single step, the Ancestor Celestial Master arrived at a prepared sacrificial altar. On the altar, there were already placed three pairs of male and female precious swords, along with the Yangping Seal.
"The Dao is the origin of all things under Heaven. I, Zhang Daoling, Ancestor Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, stand to uphold the prestige of the Zhengyi Alliance, bestowing talismans to all Daoists under Heaven. A talisman is the joining of Yin and Yang; only those with the utmost sincerity can use it, and without it, naturally, it doesn't work. Hence it is said: I align my essence with the essence of all things in Heaven and Earth. I align my spirit with the spirit of all things in Heaven and Earth. When essences interact, when spirits rely on each other, thus I use this scrap of paper to summon gods and spirits." The booming voice of the Ancestor Celestial Master resonated across Dragon Tiger Mountain, reverberating through the heavens and intertwining with the sky.
He chanted spells, formed finger seals, and stepped in Yu steps. One after another, talismans coalesced and spread across the entire sky, extending outwards in all directions.
The Talisman Method—this was the Dao of a True Immortal from the Ancestor Celestial Master.
Abandoning passions and desires, sealing away mistakes and transgressions, severing the roots of evil, and fostering the Dao, transitioning from the mundane to the sacred, from beginning to end, starting with the precepts, and only then ascending to the truth.
Talismans, which are the combination of symbols and writings. Symbols are naturally formed by the clouds in the sky and are transcribed by Immortals to be passed down to the mortal world, hence they possess miraculous functions such as summoning and controlling Ghost Gods, pacifying the five regions, subduing demons, healing diseases, and removing calamities. Talismans, also called Talismanic Methods, often list the names and titles of divine officials and their corresponding symbols, and they also depict images of the gods. Only when a Taoist possesses the corresponding Talismanic Method can they call upon the divine officers and soldiers to protect their body, or command them to carry out Taoist Skills.
After receiving the Talismanic Method, one could be registered in the heavenly bureaucracy, attain a position and divine office, and only then could the hymns and songs in the religious rituals be presented to the Gods, thus gaining their blessing and the temporary right to use divine authority.
One could say that the path laid out by the Ancestor Celestial Master and the one Pei Xuanjing had initially deduced and speculated were essentially aligned—this was a Cultivation method belonging to the Dao of Spirit Immortals, yet it differed completely from that belonging to the Divine Tao, which involves concurrent Immortal cultivation.
"Disciples of the Immortal Sect receive Talismans, and although they have not yet possessed the Divine Position and authority, they can, through Talismans as a medium, forge a contract with the Gods and Ghost Gods, borrowing the divine power temporarily to gain strength and enhance their ability to combat enemies." This was the conclusion Pei Xuanjing reached after reviewing the Ancestor Celestial Master's Talisman Method.
Pei Xuanjing also cultivated the Talismanic Skill, but his Talismanic Skill was entirely different from that of the Ancestor Celestial Master. The latter's method was about borrowing the authority of Gods and Ghost Gods for personal use, able to wield divine power even without a divine position, with the drawback being if permission from the Gods was not granted, one could not utilize the power of the authority.
On the other hand, Pei Xuanjing's Talismanic Skill was different, emphasizing the principle of following nature, commanding Heaven and Earth, and using Talismans as a medium to harness the forces of Heaven and Earth for personal use, prioritizing the natural powers of Heaven and Earth over relying on the strength of the Gods. Of course, the drawback was that one had to progress step by step; it wasn't as fast as leveraging the power of the Gods.
The advancement of the Ancestor Celestial Master's Talisman Method marked the beginning of the Taoist School, and naturally, the Buddhism School wasn't willing to be outdone and released its own declaration.
"All living beings are suffering. Our Buddhism School ought to guide them towards goodness, relieve the suffering of all creatures, transform and ferry them, and establish the Blissful World."
Supreme Strong of the Buddhism School swore an oath to Heaven and Earth, declaring the grand vow of Buddhism. Relics shone with endless light, and beneath them, a lotus pedestal manifested, emitting beams of golden light that illuminated the heavens.
The sounds of Sanskrit were deeply resonating, the scent of sandalwood drifted, and golden lotuses blossomed. The boundless Force of Faith Incense gathered by the Buddhism School converged, coloring the sky, and descended upon the Buddhism School's Supreme Strong who had made the grand proclamation.
However, this Supreme Strong of the Buddhism School, despite feeling the rich Force of Faith Incense upon them, clearly understood it was not enough to aid their breakthrough. Not daring to be negligent, they started to emulate the Buddha by establishing a great and far-reaching vow:
If I am to attain Anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi, the Supreme Enlightenment, and become truly enlightened, then the Buddha's World in which I reside shall be adorned with immeasurable and inconceivable meritorious virtues. There will be no Hell, Hungry Ghosts, or Beasts. All living beings, as well as those in the Realm of the Fire Mara and the Three Evil Paths, upon rebirth into my Pure Land, receiving my teachings, shall all achieve Anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi and shall not fall back into evil realms. Upon fulfilling this vow, I shall become a Buddha. Without this vow, I shall not attain Supreme Enlightenment.
When I become a Buddha, in the worlds of all directions, all beings that are born into my Pure Land shall possess bodies of purple milled true gold and the thirty-two marks of a great man. Pure and upright, all of one kind. If there are differences in appearance with some being beautiful and others not, I shall not attain true Enlightenment.
…
When I become a Buddha, and the Bodhisattva assemblies of other worlds hear my name, they shall realize release from the cycle of birth and death and achieve Dharani. With purity and joy, they will attain equanimity. Practicing the Bodhisattva paths, they will complete the root of virtue. If at that time they do not achieve the first, second, or third stages of forbearance, and are unable to manifest and confirm the immovability in the Buddha Dharma, I shall not attain true Enlightenment.
I wish, with these merits, to adorn the Buddha's Pure Land.
To repay the four types of kindness above, and relieve the sufferings of the three paths below.
May all who see or hear this generate the mind of Enlightenment.
And in this repayment body, be born together in the Blissful World.