The world of Da Zhou Xi Yu Ji is an illusory paradise.
What is an illusory paradise? Although it can form a separate world and even has great cultivators reaching the levels of Celestial Immortals or Dao Lords, everything here is illusory!
In terms of reality, it likely cannot even compare to an ordinary blessed land or cave heaven!
Yet while inside this world, everything feels undeniably real, including various power systems and cultivation rules.
Unless one possesses the might of a Da Luo cultivator capable of transcending reality, even a seventh-stage Golden Immortal would be ensnared.
Seeming real yet not real, appearing illusory yet not illusory.
Wu Ming’s status in this world is also extremely unique.
Although his original form is merely an Earth Immortal, he is actually the creator and sovereign deity of the entire world!
Of course, even now, he keeps this identity deeply hidden, adopting the alias of Dao Lord Zi Luo.
As a revered Dao Lord acknowledged by the world and possessing a high cosmic status, within the Da Zhou world and the Main God’s Palace system, he is considered a seventh-stage Golden Immortal.
Although Golden Immortals are impervious to ten thousand calamities and coexist with heaven and earth, they still must be drawn into karmic tribulations.
Therefore, if Wu Ming does not want anomalies to be discovered by a group of false Golden Immortals and Celestial Immortals he himself created, he must also appear as a normal Dao Lord, getting involved in these tribulations, using the people as chess pieces, and playing a grand game with other colleagues and heavenly will.
Just like now, he has transformed into a young Daoist priest and arrived in Qingzhu Prefecture.
A Dao Lord already possesses the ability to see through the origins and roots of great tribulations. “Ten thousand calamities” means that one still gets involved in the world’s tribulations, but “impervious” means unless it is an epoch-ending calamity capable of destroying the entire world, Golden Immortals will never perish!
“So, my current public identity is merely the manifestation of Dao Lord Zi Luo, here to make arrangements and place pieces on the board…”
Wu Ming frowned slightly: “This identity is the avatar of an avatar of an avatar… why does it sound so convoluted?”
In this world, there are three Ancient Gods and five Founding Patriarchs, all seventh-level experts. Besides Wu Ming, the other seven will not remain idle either.
“The scheming and rivalry among Golden Immortals…”
Wu Ming smiled slightly at the corner of his mouth: “Fine… I’ll play along with you all!”
His current identity is a crucial character in Da Zhou Xi Yu Ji; without him, the entire plot would not be able to progress.
“Heavenly Grand Tribulation! The Great Tribulation of Immortals… hehe… The first contest will likely begin with where the origin lies, right?”
Wu Ming sneered coldly and suddenly appeared on the street, transforming into the image of a fortune-telling Daoist priest. He held a small banner and carried a bamboo box on his back. The banner read, “Iron Mouth, Straightforward Divination, Honest to Young and Old,” making him look like an old Jianghu swindler who had traveled far and wide—yet his appearance was quite convincing.
Beside him, a vendor casually strolled by, carrying a pole with candied hawthorns, while pedestrians bustled around, noisy and lively, yet none found his sudden appearance strange.
As a Dao Lord, he was almost one with heaven and earth, so such concealment was naturally effortless.
He waited a little while, and then several figures appeared at the street corner.
Zhang Tianxiang, dressed in Confucian scholar’s robes, a feather fan in hand, walked at the front, looking elegant and carefree, obviously well-cultivated. Although his chivalrous spirit had somewhat receded, it had become deeper.
“This time, Li Brother is hosting a literary gathering, which likely also implies discussions about going to the capital for the imperial examinations…”
He slowly walked, occasionally turning his head to talk with the others behind him, appearing very cordial.
“Master is already the top scholar of this province, the literary champion of the entire region. This time going to the capital, you will surely pass the exam!”
Ji Fu and several other Reincarnators immediately said. They were all readers of Da Zhou Xi Yu Ji and knew that this time, Zhang Tianxiang’s imperial examination would definitely not fail.
However, among them, there were also signs of rivalry.
Indeed… the Main God Hall has not only deployed one wave of Reincarnators…
Ji Fu looked at the leaders of two other small teams, appearing quite troubled: “I wonder if there will be any troublemakers specifically assigned to sabotage…”
“Hehe… our Da Zhou dynasty has ruled for a hundred years, with flourishing literature and talents as numerous as carp crossing a river. This time, I only hope to go and broaden my horizons…”
Zhang Tianxiang had been a prodigy since childhood. His writings had already shown the talent of a top scholar. After a year of refinement, several old scholars had praised him endlessly, saying that he could even aim for the position of Zhuangyuan. Although he was confident, he naturally remained humble at this moment.
“Master is the Star of Literature descended from heaven; no need to be so self-deprecating!”
Before Ji Fu could speak, the girl who had been following behind Zhang Tianxiang like a servant suddenly smiled and spoke.
This girl was Xue Qing. Ever since Zhang Tianxiang had avenged her father by killing a demon wolf, she had been the first to offer her family’s wealth and follow him, voluntarily becoming his servant. Zhang Tianxiang refused, only accepting her as an adopted sister, and their relationship was quite good.
Of course, in Wu Ming’s eyes, this scene held even more meaning.
“Hmm… this girl appears intelligent and reserved, bearing the appearance of a woman destined to bring fortune to her husband. Normally, she should not have to endure many hardships. This must be a variable—a casual piece placed by a certain Dao Lord?”
Dao Lords’ strategies emphasize going with the flow, leaving no traces, listening to thunder in silence.
Especially this subtle method, as gentle as water, immediately made Wu Ming trace the source back to two Dao Lords.
“Indeed… they are all competing to place their pieces on Zhang Tianxiang, the key point of this great tribulation…”
Wu Ming silently smiled and followed them.
…
The Taibai Building.
The Taibai Drunken produced here is a famous vintage, smooth and fragrant upon entry, sweet and mellow in taste, yet strangely not causing intoxication. It is a popular gift and hospitality item, very famous.
Zhang Tianxiang and several familiar juren (candidates who passed the provincial examination) ascended the Taibai Building, reciting poetry and singing softly as they went. After three rounds of wine, they began discussing the matter of going to the capital for the imperial examination.
“On the way to the capital, the journey is long. How about we travel together?”
One of the juren couldn’t help but smile.
“Excellent! Excellent! I have long wanted to learn from the literary talents of these esteemed brothers day and night…”
Another juren surnamed Huang nodded repeatedly. His eyes were slightly sunken, with dark circles, and no one knew if it was from overworking or spending his energy elsewhere.
“We should definitely go together. The roads are unsafe these days, and traveling in a group is the safest way!”
Several older and more experienced juren also nodded in agreement.
They all knew that even though the current era seemed peaceful, there were still many highwaymen lurking in the wilds.
Especially deep in the mountains and old forests, there were many spirits and monsters. Even though they were national juren with heavenly fortune, if they encountered a truly ruthless great demon, they would immediately meet with disaster.
With this in mind, they all looked expectantly at Zhang Tianxiang.
After all, the story of him slaying a demon wolf had already spread throughout Qingzhu Prefecture. Which juren didn’t know that this Zhang Xianggong was both literary and martial, capable of killing demons?
“Since all of you are so kind, how can I possibly refuse such a good intention!”
Zhang Tianxiang smiled slightly.
These juren were the essence of the entire prefecture. Gaining their favor would be beneficial with no harm. Not only would it help in the Linlin Banquet later, but even staying in the countryside, they would make excellent allies and connections.
“With Zhang Xianggong leading the way, our journey will surely be smooth sailing. We are very grateful…”
The other juren were all delighted.
“The Iron Mouth, the Straightforward Divination, the Supreme in the World…”
At this moment, the Daoist priest played by Wu Ming also strode into the Taibai Building.
“This Daoist priest, what a big mouth he has!”
Ji Fu and the other Reincarnators frowned. Most of them were rough men. Earlier, listening to the juren exchanging poems had already bored them immensely. Except for Ji Fu and a few others, the rest were nearly falling asleep. Now seeing a boastful Daoist priest coming in, they all found it quite amusing.
“Esteemed Daoist Master… the second floor has been reserved by the juren lords. Please be so kind as to move elsewhere!”
The innkeeper, seeing Wu Ming seemingly heading straight upstairs, immediately came out with a smiling face to politely decline.
“Wait! Let him come up and take a look at our fortunes. Whether we can attend the Linlin Banquet or not, it’s just for fun anyway!”
The juren surnamed Huang, who was hosting the banquet today, saw Wu Ming’s flowing robes and Daoist demeanor. For some reason, his heart stirred, and he blurted out.
His family had always respected ghosts and gods. The other juren, upon hearing this, were not particularly surprised.
“Thank you!”
Wu Ming walked forward casually, gave a slight bow with his hands, and looked at the juren surnamed Huang. He first nodded, then shook his head.
“Oh? Why do you act like this, Daoist Master?”
The juren surnamed Huang asked in some surprise.
Esteemed sir, I notice that your hall is shrouded in darkness, a sign that you have been in close proximity to a formidable evil deity day and night. If this matter is not properly addressed, you may encounter great calamity in the future…
Wu Ming shook his head and said.
“Daring heretic!”
“Arrogant nonsense!”
Upon hearing Wu Ming’s bold words, several other juren immediately sneered. However, seeing the pale face of the juren surnamed Huang, Zhang Tianxiang looked at Wu Ming thoughtfully.
“Ah?”
A Reincarnator’s eyes turned: “In the storytelling, there wasn’t this part, was there?”
“Of course not!” Ji Fu coldly snorted: “In the storytelling, Zhang Tianxiang’s preparations for going to the capital were only briefly mentioned. How would we know if there were any twists and turns in between?”
“You don’t believe me, young master?”
Wu Ming lightly waved his flywhisk, calm and composed: “You approached this evil deity within three months… Originally, your literary inspiration was still acceptable. This time, even if you fail in the capital, you would succeed next time. But due to the erosion of this evil deity, your fortune and essence have been drained. It will manifest within this month, and a great calamity will befall you by the end of the year!”
These words were like sharp knives, piercing the heart of the juren surnamed Huang, making him tremble all over, his lips turning blue.
His family had always loved to respect ghosts and gods. Three months ago, they indeed invited a deity statue into their home.
But from that day on, their home was no longer peaceful. Even he felt his literary inspiration drying up, making no progress in his studies, and even regressing.
After noticing this, he had the idea of returning the deity statue, but every time he tried, his entire family would have nightmares and be unable to wake up.
After several such disturbances, they eventually dared not take action, and even he was exhausted both mentally and physically.
However, he was still a juren, and in a public place. Although he had already believed in Wu Ming’s supernatural ability in his heart, his legs just couldn’t kneel down, his lips quivering, unable to utter the words “Daoist Master, please save me.”
“Esteemed Daoist Master, please take a seat and read my fortune as well?”
Seeing this, Zhang Tianxiang’s eyes flashed with light, immediately inviting him to sit.
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