A golden meteor streaked across the sky, drenched in blood and dazzlingly bright. Emperor Zhao Heng, who wished to learn what had happened as soon as possible, arrived directly at the Zhiyi Mansion, the headquarters of the Six Gates. As he waited for news, he heard Simashi’s bitter laughter and sigh, and slightly shook his head: “I won’t be surprised no matter what incredible feat Su Meng has accomplished.”
Not after learning he was still alive!
Not after knowing he alone entered the depths of Ling Mountain, confronted the Buddha of Evil who had triggered the great calamity and ended the Middle Ages, and still managed to cut off all attachments and return alive!
Simashi, of course, was unaware of these details. He sighed and said, “Watching helplessly as he grew from a young junior barely in his twenties into one of the most influential martial cultivators in the land, while I myself remained stagnant…”
He stopped there, clearly unwilling to continue, and instead asked, “Prince Qin has secluded himself again, attempting to breakthrough?”
Zhao Heng stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, walked to the window, gazed at the blooming flowers outside, and sighed softly, “Yes. If attaining a Dharma Body were so easy, given the vastness of the world and the abundance of heroes, why would there only be about a dozen or so?”
“Indeed. Even in ancient times when great cultivators were numerous, the Dharma Body still marked the boundary between immortals and mortals. Even with boundless power, immense cultivation, and standing at the threshold, it was not easy to attain a Dharma Body,” Simashi empathized.
Sunlight bathed the flowers, casting Zhao Heng in golden light. After a moment of silence, he thought about the increasingly difficult situation, shook his head, and smiled faintly, “Director Sima, you mentioned just now about re-ranking the Heaven List. Do you have any ideas? Who should be ranked higher and who lower?”
Sima stroked his chin and gave a self-deprecating smile. “To be honest, I can no longer comprehend their battles. According to reports from our spies in the Southern Wilderness, at that time, Su Meng uttered a single word, and his Dharma Manifestation emerged. When he questioned what was high and what was low, mountains overturned and collapsed. When he inquired where divine punishment lay, the Bug Deity faced lightning tribulation. When he declared that wild beasts dwelled at the core while humans scattered at the periphery, mountains shifted and rivers altered their courses.”
“This is already beyond anything I could imagine. It seems like something only found in myths and legends, just like in the days of Su Wuming when he seemed to be everywhere at once.”
“Judging from reports from Huamei Villa and Xijian Pavilion, this might be a combination of the characteristics of the Other Shore and the Fruit-and-Cause.”
Zhao Heng softly repeated the terms “Other Shore characteristics” and “Fruit-and-Cause characteristics,” then smiled and asked, “Can the Crazy Blade, who slaughtered a Bug Deity at the Earth Immortal level and possesses slight legendary and Other Shore characteristics, be ranked first on the Heaven List? Neither Lu Daxian nor Su Wuming have records of slaying Earth Immortals. Back then, Gourdo was defeated only through a joint effort.”
“But that battle with Gourdo was over twelve or thirteen years ago. At that time, Lu Daxian had been guarding a tomb for over a decade, staying away from the martial world. When he reappeared, he had already attained the Earth Immortal level with slight legendary characteristics, his techniques refined to perfection. Another decade has passed since then. He may have already entered the Heaven Immortal level, or at least his sword techniques have reached perfection, truly reaching the level of divine mastery. Meanwhile, the Crazy Blade has only just attained the Dharma Body, and there remains an irreparable gap in cultivation. Personally, I believe Lu Daxian is stronger.” Simashi explained calmly.
Zhao Heng said, “But Su Meng wields the Supreme Blade of Tyranny. The gap in cultivation isn’t necessarily insurmountable.”
“True. That’s why I’m troubled. I’m not sure how awakened the Supreme Blade of Tyranny has become. His battle against the Bug Deity seemed more like a natural counter.” Simashi frowned slightly, a rare expression for him. “A similar case is Su Wuming. Every year, he somehow connects with countless other selves, his power growing exponentially. In a short time, he reached the Earth Immortal level and felt confident enough to challenge Lu Daxian. He might even be able to defeat the Bug Deity. Also, Han Guang, the ‘Demon Sage,’ gained some benefit in Ananda’s Pure Land, quickly broke through his limitations, and became an Earth Immortal. He briefly fought against the current Su Wuming without being outmatched.”
“It’s really hard for me to determine who is stronger among these four, and it’s difficult to even imagine their levels. Previously, I could still rank them based on habits, but now the Crazy Blade has a record of defeating an Earth Immortal…”
Cultivation level, achievements, and past experiences are all criteria for ranking on the Heaven List. These four Dharma Bodies each have their strengths, and none has shown a clear advantage over the others.
Zhao Heng also showed a faint bitter smile: “Indeed, it’s really hard to decide.”
Sima paced back and forth, hands clasped behind his back, appearing hesitant. After a moment, he suddenly stopped and murmured, “There’s no choice but to do this.”
“Director Sima, you’ve thought of a ranking basis?” Zhao Heng asked, slightly surprised.
Sima nodded, walked to the desk, knelt and sat down, and picked up a brush, writing the names Lu Daxian, Su Wuming, the Crazy Blade, and the Demon Sage on a piece of white paper. He then tore the paper into small slips, each with one name.
Next, he took the brush from the brush pot and placed the small slips inside, his spiritual sense spreading out to envelop the pot.
“Director Sima, what exactly are you doing?” Zhao Heng asked, puzzled.
Sima answered seriously: “Drawing lots.”
“When something can’t be accurately judged, it should be left to fate and intuition.”
Ranking the Heaven List by drawing lots… Zhao Heng’s expression froze for a moment as he muttered, “Director Sima, I never expected you to be so humorous…”
Sima extended the brush pot toward Zhao Heng: “Your Majesty, my spiritual sense is isolated, and external forces can’t interfere. Please draw the first name on the Heaven List.”
Zhao Heng’s lips twitched slightly. He extended two fingers into the pot and picked out a slip. Without opening it, he sensed the name written on it: “Lu Daxian.”
“Yes. Lu Daxian guarded a tomb for over a decade, was the first to break through his limitations, and entered the Earth Immortal level, possessing legendary characteristics. Since then, he has made rapid progress. After another decade, his strength and cultivation have become even more unfathomable. It is only fitting that he ranks first on the Heaven List.” Sima said solemnly, then wrote it down.
Zhao Heng looked at him for a moment, then reached into the pot again and picked out another slip. Without opening it, he sensed the name: “Su Wuming, the Divine Sword from Beyond the Heavens.”
Sima nodded and continued solemnly: “After attaining the Dharma Body, he immediately defeated a high-level expert, displaying many legendary characteristics. His path forward is mostly smooth, growing stronger every year. He has already reached the Earth Immortal level and is expected to attain the Heaven Immortal level soon, making him worthy of the second place on the Heaven List.”
Zhao Heng had already calmed down and reached into the pot again, pulling out a slip with the name “Su Meng, the Crazy Blade.”
Sima exhaled and declared solemnly: “Having just attained the Dharma Body, he already possesses slight legendary and Other Shore characteristics. His words can become laws for the world, making him the first person since ancient times. His future is limitless, and with the Supreme Blade of Tyranny in his hands, he can destroy even the strongest opponents among Dharma Bodies. However, his cultivation level is still slightly lower, having just reached the Human Immortal level. His victory over the Bug Deity was due to natural countermeasures, and he still lacks the maturity compared to the previous two. Therefore, he ranks third on the Heaven List.”
Here is the translation of the provided Chinese text into English:
—
Once Meng Qi was ranked, Sima’s thoughts flowed smoothly, and he continued without pause:
“Han Guang, the Demon Sage, has inherited the Jade Book of the Celestial Emperor and the Six Annihilations of the Yama lineage. He obtained a rare opportunity in the Ananda Pure Land at the back mountain of Shaolin and has since advanced rapidly, capable of briefly contending with Su Wuming without being overpowered. He ranks fourth on the Heaven List.
The Dushi Dharma King, having attained the Dharma Body many years ago, finally reached the Earth Immortal level, his cultivation surpassing others, placing him fifth.
Gao Lan wields the Emperor’s Sword and holds formidable power in Northern Zhou, though constrained by geographical limitations, he ranks sixth.
The Kongque Demon King has not appeared for many years, but his Five-Color Divine Light can absorb all things, and his Demon Saint Spear has awakened to the Earth Immortal level, earning him the seventh rank.”
—
(Note: Proper nouns such as names and titles have been preserved in their original form or transliterated according to standard conventions.)
“He Qi, exploring the path of cultivation, is close to attaining the Earth Immortal level and ranks eighth. Bai Ze Demon King Zhu Wu was already at the peak of the Human Immortal level many years ago. After being sealed for many years, he has now mostly recovered, making him rank ninth. Yun He Zhenren cultivates steadily and steadily, embodying the characteristics of a talisman cultivator, and can instantly set up formations with divine talismans to suppress enemies, making him rank tenth. Blood Sea Rakshasa steadily progresses but is still too slow compared to others, unable to freely plunder, making him rank eleventh.”
These eleven beings, human and demon, these eleven names, are the fulcrum of the world’s great powers. Their every move profoundly affects the overall situation, living up to the title of high cultivators.
Zhao Heng nodded as he listened and finally said, “This time, the unusual activity on the grasslands is likely related to Gourdo’s return. At least we can finally breathe a sigh of relief.”
“Whether it is Gourdo remains to be seen, and his current condition is even more unclear. Therefore, he will not be included in the Heaven List for now,” Sima said casually.
Zhao Heng knew he was too hasty and steadied his mind, chuckling, “Now that Su Meng has entered the Heaven List, perhaps we should give him another title, just like the Demon Emperor and the Supreme Divine Sword.”
“That’s possible, but what should it be?” Sima asked while organizing the content he had just written.
Zhao Heng thought for a moment and smiled, “Perhaps ‘Blade Monarch’ or ‘Blade Emperor.’ If he’s not satisfied, he can change it himself.”
“Just ‘Blade’ is not enough to encompass Su Meng’s current abilities. His words can become laws for the world, just like the Primordial Unity, who created all things from nothing and established all laws. Perhaps we can take the character ‘Yuan’ or ‘Shi,’ paired with ‘Emperor’ or ‘King,’ such as Yuanhuang or Shiwang…” Sima mused.
Zhao Heng’s expression froze for a long time before he finally said, “Then Yuanhuang it is.”
They had a connection…
…
Heaven List:
“Name: Su Meng.”
“Age: Thirty-seven.”
“Origin: Su Clan of Shendu. He was a discarded apprentice of Shaolin and walked the martial path alone after opening his spiritual aperture.”
“Cultivation Techniques: Unknown, similar to the Indestructible Golden Body, blade mastery at its peak, success in the Path of Causality, self-questioning cultivation, and wielding the Supreme Blade of Tyranny.”
“Dharma Body: Unknown, Human Immortal level.”
“Achievements: Entered the Southern Wilderness and defeated the Bug Deity in a one-on-one battle.”
“Titles: Yuanhuang, Crazy Blade.”
“Ranking: Third.”
“Evaluation: Possesses slight legendary and Other Shore characteristics. His words can become laws for the world!”
Looking at the ranking list in his hand, Su Li’s heart was filled with joy. The Su Clan had passed down its legacy for generations, and finally, they had produced a Dharma Body expert!
He was so excited that he paced back and forth, unknowingly entering the courtyard. At this time, the night was as calm as water, but it was not yet time for sleep. The voices and footsteps from the inner quarters reached his ears, filled with warmth and harmony, yet also intrigue and rivalry.
For some reason, Su Li suddenly calmed down, looked up at the sky, and saw that all around him were eaves, cutting out a small, square patch of sky, giving a sense of confinement.
Upon returning to the Su Mansion, his contempt for this place and his bold declarations still lingered in my ears. Now, he has shattered the boundary between immortals and mortals, ascending to the realm of a Dharma Body expert—fulfilling what many deemed an impossible dream…” Su Li was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. “Such a dragon cannot be tethered by a mere marquis’s estate or the petty power struggles within, nor can this narrow sky confine him. Only the vast and boundless world is his true domain.”
Compared to his vision, this mansion, hidden with so much filth, seemed so small.
Suddenly, Su Li smiled.
Though I cannot break free myself, I can witness him doing so. I can die in peace.
…
The ancestral home of the Wang Clan in Zhou Prefecture.
Close to the Southern Wilderness, they received the news almost simultaneously with the Six Gates headquarters.
Wang Zaiguo’s face remained unchanged, but he now had a mustache and five strands of black beard, signs of maturity. Standing on the eaves, he watched the sun set: “His words can become laws for the world… Could it be similar to the Human Emperor, who changed the laws of the Southern Wilderness… It should only be a slight change, perhaps not even stable, but even so, it is awe-inspiring.”
“I’ve known him for twenty years, witnessing a miracle firsthand.”
At that moment, Wang Zaiguo’s grandfather, Wang Shuhou, came out of his study and stood beside him, sighing, “Some people are born to be seen only from behind. Comparing yourself to them will only bring frustration and disturb your peace of mind.”
“Grandfather, I understand. Su Meng has his own miraculous path, and I have my own steady way.” Wang Zaiguo’s expression was calm, and he smiled. “In this life, knowing such a friend is worth it.”
Wang Shuhou nodded in satisfaction:
“Walk slowly, and you won’t be late.”
…
After a long journey, Mu Yunle finally returned to the Jin Dynasty from the border of the Northern Zhou and the grasslands. As soon as she stepped into the bustling city, hearing familiar accents and smelling the scents of life, she felt as if she had returned to the world after a long absence.
Strolling leisurely on the street, she glanced at candied haws and admired exquisite jewelry, enjoying herself. However, she was in a state of unity with heaven and earth, and the surrounding conditions naturally reflected in her mind. Snatches of conversation entered her ears, most of which were filtered out, only a few interesting topics catching her attention.
“This must be the youngest person ever to make the Heaven List!”
“Not just that! He might be the youngest Dharma Body expert since the Middle Ages!”
The youngest Heaven List member? The youngest Dharma Body expert? Mu Yunle’s ears twitched slightly, her heart beating a little faster. She turned her head toward the source of the voices. It was a teahouse on the street, where many idle people and martial heroes had gathered, discussing something.
“Ah, he became a Dharma Body expert at around thirty-seven or thirty-eight, while I’m a few years older and still struggling with the seven apertures. It’s just… just too discouraging to compare!”
“You’re still in a better position. Haven’t you seen people in their forties who haven’t even opened their meridians yet? Even the direct descendants of major sects and noble families—how many of them can become top-tier experts by that age, much less achieve a Dharma Body!”
“That’s true. But I’m not surprised he attained the Dharma Body. It feels natural.”
“Indeed. But what about those Other Shore characteristics and his solo defeat of a Bug Deity? It’s terrifying and hard to believe. To us, it’s like a dream, something so unreal.”
“Speaking of which, the new title ‘Yuanhuang’ sounds really imposing…”
Mu Yunle listened while approaching the teahouse. She saw the Heaven, Earth, and Human Lists posted there. She didn’t care about her own ranking changes, only looking at the Heaven List.
“Heaven List Third… Supreme Blade of Tyranny… Defeated a Bug Deity… Other Shore characteristics…” She murmured a few lines, suddenly smiling with pride and satisfaction. She clasped her hands behind her back and walked away cheerfully.
He was born to command the winds and waves!
…
Inside the Sword Washing Pavilion, Jiang Zhimei sat cross-legged on the cloud bed, her long sword resting across her knees, both hands forming a mudra, enveloping fragments of the Hao Tian Mirror. Her entire aura felt empty and distant, as if she were present yet absent at the same time.
Her eyes were open, their depths seemingly concealing another world—profound, distant, and unfathomable. A faint smile lingered on her lips as she silently mused, “It’s good to have severed past burdens and broken free, good to still be alive.”
He had already reached such a level; she must not stagnate, but neither should she rush forward recklessly. Using the HaoTian Mirror to sense the “Other Self” prematurely made it very easy to lose oneself—those who seek speed will not succeed.
Jiang Zhimei closed her eyes, her breath growing increasingly ethereal, as if reality itself had become obscured behind layers of veils.
Her chosen path was similar to her master’s, but far more arduous. Su Wuming enlightened the “Other Selves,” allowing them to awaken and return naturally, without forcing or prematurely compelling those whose sword philosophies did not align with his own. Compared to others’ legendary methods, his was slower and more roundabout. Jiang Zhimei, however, had not even begun to awaken any “Other Selves.” She merely sought to find them, to sense and communicate with them, to understand why they were “Other Selves.” Then, with the detachment of Supreme Emptiness, she would embrace them without distinction, acting without attachment, nurturing without control, allowing them to grow and evolve freely until the end.
This was the path once taken by many ancient Daoist greats, the path described in the Dao De Jing, yet it was far more difficult and perilous. Most would only attempt to embrace undifferentiated sentient beings at the peak of the Immortal Saint stage, accepting them without merging. Jiang Zhimei, however, had begun attempting this at only the Half-Step Dharma Body stage, aided only by fragments of the HaoTian Mirror. Naturally, her journey was fraught with danger and her progress painfully slow.
Yet, living in this world with a sword heart untainted, how could one go against one’s true nature?
…
In the Ruan family of Langya, streams murmured gently, deep gardens flourished, and the scenery was as poetic and picturesque as a painting.
A small stream flowed into a lake, rippling with foam and waves. Upon its surface stood pavilions and terraces where an immortal maiden sat in serene elegance.
Ruan Yushu sat within the waterside pavilion, gently stroking the Qifeng zither, playing a calm and soothing melody as tranquil as a moonlit lake at night.
The lingering notes of the zither floated in the air as she lifted her gaze toward the night sky. A full moon hung high, flawless and radiant, casting a dreamlike glow across the waters, reflecting silver shimmering light upon the surface.
“It’s good to still be alive…” Her delicate fingers gently brushed the zither strings, her eyes filled with a mixture of joy and peace.
May all be well, and may we all share the beauty of the moon, even if separated by thousands of miles.
…
In the Southern Wilderness, the miasma vanished, the noxious fog receded, and countless illusions shattered like bubbles.
Meng Qi sheathed his long saber, and with his left hand, he gathered the shattered golden carapace of the Gu God along with the Divine Weapon—the Mountain-Moving Whip.
These were his spoils of war. Since the treasures of the Gu God originated from the Southern Wilderness, Meng Qi decided to utilize them here in the Southern Wilderness.
Thinking of how he still lacked a divine sword and the materials needed to refine the Multiversal Consciousness Sphere, and recalling the lost divine treasures like the Fire Blade and Moral Ice Sword, Meng Qi—who had previously felt carefree, as though he had come into this world with nothing and would leave with nothing—suddenly felt a pang of regret. Worse still, he had never learned the art of forging, despite his constant pursuit of strength.
That was a problem…
After storing the iron-black bamboo-section whip and the golden carapace within his inner world, Meng Qi looked toward the horizon and strode directly westward.
Yun He, that cunning and greedy old fox, wouldn’t have mentioned his disciple from the Myriad Phenomena Grotto-Heaven without reason. He must have something he wanted to say in private!
Besides, Yun He was skilled in crafting artifacts!
…
In the Western Regions, amidst the vast desert sands, a majestic green mountain rose, springs bubbling around it, lush grass carpeting the ground. Clouds and mist swirled around its peak, as if it were the abode of immortals. This was the home of the Myriad Phenomena Sect.
Inside a quiet chamber, Meng Qi and Master Yun He sat facing each other, the ornately carved Myriad Phenomena Gate standing beside them.
Since the Myriad Phenomena Sect had emerged from the grotto-heaven, they would often travel back and forth in the future. As Meng Qi no longer needed the Myriad Phenomena Gate for now, he had temporarily lent it to Yun He.
Behind Yun He coiled a dragon-like creature, no bigger than a palm, exhaling mist and clouds, its aura vast and mighty—clearly forged from the remains of a true dragon combined with other materials.
Meng Qi did not envy him, but recalling the Yellow Springs bones he had lost at the Spirit Mountain, he was overwhelmed with renewed regret.
Without the guidance of the Six Paths, he could no longer find the entrance to the Spirit Mountain and had to wait until some future time to return.
Yun He took a sip of tea and said, “Your disciple is truly impressive. Relying solely on the manuals you left behind and a few pointers from this old Taoist, she’s already achieved unity with heaven and earth.”
“She has a strong will and good character,” Meng Qi nodded, knowing this was just small talk leading into the main topic.
Yun He placed his teacup down and smiled at Meng Qi. “This old Taoist initially thought you cultivated the Indestructible Vajra Body of the Buddha and wielded a mighty saber. But I was mistaken. I never expected you to be a disciple of the Kunlun Yuxu lineage.”
“Kunlun Yuxu?” Meng Qi’s eyes narrowed slightly. Outwardly calm, inwardly he was deeply shocked.
In the True World, he had only heard of myths regarding the Primordial Lord and Guangcheng Tianzun, but had never heard of Kunlun Yuxu, nor seen any records of it. It seemed as though it had never existed at all.
Yet now, Master Yun He had spoken its name.
Meng Qi paused slightly, then smiled. “I never expected there to still be someone who knows of Kunlun Yuxu Palace.”
“If it weren’t for a few passing mentions in the scriptures personally written by our sect’s patriarch, this old Taoist wouldn’t have known either. Kunlun Yuxu seems to have been deliberately erased from history, existing only in legends and the memories of ancient greats,” Yun He mused, “and yet, today, it has returned through you.”
Erased from history… Meng Qi was filled with confusion and decided to speak up. “I once accidentally entered another world and received the true teachings of the Kunlun Yuxu lineage. In that world, Yuxu had already concealed itself, yet its legends remained—echoes of the God War.”
“The God-Sealing War…” Yun He frowned slightly, murmuring to himself. “The patriarch’s notes vaguely mentioned that a God-Sealing War also occurred in our world, but beyond that, this old Taoist has never heard of it. Even if much of ancient history has been lost, an event as catastrophic as the collapse of the Heavenly Court should not have been completely forgotten.”
The Fengshen War also took place in the True World? Meng Qi was utterly astonished, his mind flooded with countless thoughts, yet unable to form a coherent picture.
In the world of Fengshen, the downfall of the Heavenly Court was closely linked to the Fengshen War…
What exactly was the relationship between his own world and the God World?
Unfortunately, Yang Jian had come and gone too quickly, leaving many of Meng Qi’s questions unanswered.
They exchanged glances, each sharing what they knew, yet no matter how hard they tried, the pieces refused to fit together.
“Ah, ancient secrets abound. We can only wait for more clues,” Master Yun He sighed deeply.
At this moment, Meng Qi suddenly recalled something and casually asked, “Master, you once visited the Snow Mountain Sect and entered the ancient tombs of the Nine Immortal Sovereigns. Did you find any traces of the Immortal Sovereign of Myriad Phenomena?”
At this question, Yun He’s expression subtly changed, as if recalling a nightmare. After a moment’s silence, he replied, “The Patriarch and eight other Immortal Sovereigns used their own remains as the pivot, forming a grand formation that connected heaven and earth, sealing away a terrifying evil entity.”
“A terrifying evil entity?” Meng Qi asked.
If even Yun He found it terrifying despite the seal, how horrifying must it be?
Yun He instinctively picked up the tea lid, stirring the leaves as he exhaled. “Even through the seal, this old Taoist could hear the creature’s howls—so terrifying that even one’s Yang Spirit would shatter. Indescribable. The Snow Mountain Sect often had disciples who wandered too close, entering a certain radius, only to become soulless husks afterward.”
“After leaving the tomb, this old Taoist even suffered from nightmares for an entire month before recovering.”
At his cultivation level, meditation and visualization were far superior to sleep, and he could control his mind completely—dreams were something that should no longer occur. Yet after visiting that tomb, he had suffered nightmares for a whole month!
Meng Qi was visibly moved, grasping the key question. “What was the creature shouting?”
Yun He’s voice was low and grave. “Its language was strange, but whether it was from the Primordial Age or the Ancient Era, all languages originated from the Dao’s principles, sharing fundamental similarities. This old Taoist could make out a bit.”
“He was shouting ‘Taiyi’…”
“Or perhaps ‘Taiyi’!”
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