Wu Ming smiled without speaking, listening to the verbal sparring of the celestial immortals, gradually gaining insight.
Even within a cave heaven, there exists a distinction between celestial and demonic paths.
Of course, this demonic path isn’t about murder, soul destruction, or harming living beings—it’s merely a different approach to utilizing energy.
Take the Taiji as an example, which contains the Yin and Yang dualities. The celestial Dao of the Great Zhou cultivates the Yang aspect, while the demonic immortals of the Four Regions cultivate the Yin.
The Four Regions have harsh environments, nothing like the prosperity of the nineteen provinces of the Great Zhou. The primordial energies of heaven and earth there are also insufficient, leading cultivators down a completely opposite path.
Of course, from the perspective of the central immortal sects, this is seen as deviating from the orthodox teachings.
Perhaps there were also elements of doctrinal disputes or other forms of rivalry involved. In any case, the cultivators of the Four Regions lost and were branded as demonic immortals, excluded from the orthodox records.
The Huangting Yinfujing is a central plains cultivation classic, naturally following the orthodox celestial Dao.
However, now that Wu Ming has modified it, it embraces both Yin and Yang. In the future, it will be sufficient to support an entire world’s great Dao. Fortunately, the presence of the Primordial Temple conceals these changes, so others likely won’t detect them.
“Hehe…”
Wu Ming observed coldly, smirking inwardly: “The Dao of celestial immortals lies in embracing both Yin and Yang. Without this, how can one ever hope to achieve a world of their own? Cultivating only one aspect, unless one discovers an entirely new path, will likely lead to perpetual stagnation…”
At this thought, a chill crept into his heart.
Compared to the Western Regions of the Great Zhou world and the Ji world, the Great Zhou world’s fundamental essence is more vast, and the world itself is grander. Logically, it should be able to sustain more celestial beings.
Yet from ancient times to the present, only thirty-six cave heavens have been recorded. Why?
Perhaps the root cause lies in the fundamental cultivation techniques having flaws right from the beginning.
Therefore, the number of celestial immortals in the entire Great Zhou world is even less than the number of overseas immortals who came to listen to Wu Ming’s lectures when he was the Purple Luo Dao Lord.
For the world, this lighter burden is actually a good thing.
“If this was done deliberately, then the person’s scheming and intelligence are truly terrifying…”
Wu Ming’s thoughts raced: “Could it be the Celestial Severing Immortal? No, this immortal might also be a victim. It should be another force—perhaps the Divine Path, the Shaman Path, or the Confucian Path? Or could it be the will of the world itself, directly guided by heavenly decree?”
Cultivation requires resources.
Immortal cultivators, from the Celestial Immortal down to the Earth Immortal, the Heavenly Master, and the True Man, form layers that grow increasingly numerous. Like locusts, they will eventually exhaust the heavens and the earth.
Although the world also draws essence from chaos, if the burden becomes too great, the effort is like trying to put out a fire with a teacup—utterly futile.
Eventually, calamities will brew, leading to the deaths of many celestial immortals.
In fact, this is a fundamental principle of the universe, applying not only to the Dao of immortals but also to the Dao of mortals.
Ancient dynasties cycled every three hundred years because population growth outpaced land productivity. Limited arable land led to accumulated tensions that eventually erupted into war, eliminating excess population.
Once enough people had perished and the land-population balance was restored, a new dynasty would emerge, beginning another three-hundred-year cycle. Without radical change, this cycle continued unabated, no matter how wise the rulers or virtuous the ministers.
The Dao of mortals is like this, and so is the Dao of immortals.
Moreover, the energy consumption of a single Celestial Immortal’s Grotto-Heaven surpasses that of ten Blessed Lands combined with a hundred Heavenly Masters and True Men!
“Therefore, must they restrict the advancement of Celestial and Earth Immortals, and divide them into celestial and demonic factions, even provoking wars every hundred years to reduce their numbers?”
If I were the Celestial Severing Immortal, the first step would be to form an alliance among the blessed lands of the Central Land. The second step would inevitably be to wage war against the Four Regions and unify the Dao of immortals. The third step would be to intervene in the mortal struggle for supremacy, and finally, to launch an assault against heaven itself, challenging the Heavenly Emperor for his throne…
In an instant, Wu Ming felt as if he had grasped the pulse of the world.
…
“In that case, this seat has nothing more to say!”
Golden Feather Celestial Immortal snorted coldly and sat down beside them: “Rong Chengzi, as the host, why don’t you start? Be careful not to miss the auspicious hour!”
Beside him was Dragon Transformation Celestial Immortal. When he saw Golden Feather approach, he immediately furrowed his brow and shifted uncomfortably closer to Nine Bends Celestial Immortal.
“Golden Feather cultivates the techniques of the Great Peng, while Dragon Transformation has some connection with the dragon race, hence the natural antagonism…”
Wu Ming smiled inwardly but said outwardly: “Esteemed Dragon Transformation Daoist Friend, I happen to have a matter to consult with Golden Feather Daoist Friend. May I ask if it is possible?”
“Of course! Of course!”
Dragon Transformation hurriedly switched seats with Wu Ming and sent a grateful glance his way.
“Nameless pays respects to Golden Feather Daoist Friend…”
Wu Ming approached with a beaming smile. The Primordial Temple activated its Great Luo capabilities, subtly imprinting a hidden mark upon him.
“Since you are an unaffiliated cultivator, you should understand the current situation of the Central Land’s immortal sects. Do not bring misfortune upon yourself!”
Golden Feather snorted and secretly transmitted his voice: “My master has already ascended to the rank of Golden Immortal. What do you have to resist us?”
“If you are willing to abandon darkness and embrace light, this old man can guarantee you a place within our alliance!”
“So, they’re trying to recruit me? Probably trying to sway the other Celestial Immortals as well?”
Wu Ming inwardly chuckled but did not directly refuse, instead cautiously probing for information.
…
Buzz!
At this moment, the central plaza’s cauldron blazed with bright flames, clearly nearing the completion of the elixir.
“Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, arise!”
Rong Chengzi stepped forward, tracing celestial patterns. With each movement, several bolts of lightning flashed, entered the cauldron, and transformed into talismans.
Boom!
The top of the cauldron burst open, releasing a cloud of five-colored medicinal vapor, followed by a golden radiance shooting skyward like a heavenly pillar.
“The elixir is complete!”
The lower-ranking cultivators below cheered, stretching their necks to inhale more of the elixir’s vapor. Even if they couldn’t obtain the Golden Elixir itself, gaining some benefit from the vapor was still valuable.
“Out!”
Rong Chengzi continuously chanted incantations, directing them into the cauldron. The cauldron suddenly trembled, producing a sound like distant thunder. One by one, the elixir pills leaped forth.
Nine golden rays blazed with astonishing force, instantly attempting to soar into the sky. However, Rong Chengzi was prepared, sealing each one into jade bottles without missing a single one.
“Thank you all for coming today…”
Rong Chengzi first bowed to Wu Ming and the others: “This humble gift is but a token of appreciation!”
He then distributed the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs, giving one to each person, not even excluding Golden Feather.
“This medicinal property is quite good. It’s quite suitable for younger generations to consume…”
Golden Feather sighed, shaking his head: “I must admit, Rong Chengzi Daoist Friend’s talent in alchemy is truly admirable…”
“Flattery, flattery…”
Rong Chengzi kept one for himself and placed the remaining three bottles before the cloud bed: “Then let us begin the Dan Yuan Assembly!”
Seeing this, the lower-ranking cultivators below wore expressions of worry.
In previous Dan Yuan gatherings, even though several Celestial Immortals each took one pill, there were still four or five left. No one expected that this year, with two additional Celestial Immortals joining, only three remained, making the competition for them much fiercer.
“Today’s assembly is merely for entertainment through martial contests, not for life-or-death battles. Once the match is over, all grudges are resolved. We, along with all present, shall bear witness!”
Rong Chengzi declared solemnly.
“We respectfully comply with the decree!”
The Earth Immortals and Heavenly Masters below all bowed, then quickly dispatched their outstanding disciples to compete.
This was a customary practice from previous years, proceeding quite swiftly.
Wu Ming wasn’t particularly interested in watching these younger disciples and the direct confrontations between True Men and Heavenly Masters. Half-closing his eyes, he noticed that Golden Feather seemed quite interested in him, as if eager to ask probing questions.
“So, Daoist Friend hails from Dingzhou, and the Wu Zhi Dragon Vein was also established by you…”
Golden Feather shook his head: “Now that you’ve attained the rank of Celestial Immortal and enjoy freedom, why involve yourself in mortal affairs?”
“Where the Dao lies, one must act accordingly!”
Wu Ming smiled slightly: “Could it be that Golden Feather Daoist Friend also has a chosen dragon candidate?”
At this question, Golden Feather’s expression immediately turned somewhat sour.
Although he also coveted the dragon vein of the nineteen provinces and had selected a candidate, this person was currently only a regional warlord commanding a few commanderies, far from controlling even a single province. Compared to Wu Zhi’s dominance, there was a vast difference.
In the struggle for supremacy, falling behind by even a single step makes catching up extremely difficult.
“Daoist Friend Nameless…”
Just as Golden Feather was about to continue persuading, a change occurred below.
A female cultivator gracefully ascended the stage, exuding heroic vigor. Before her, a crimson virtue sword roared and transformed into a red flood dragon—none other than Wu Qing!
“Ah? Dragon energy transformed into a sword. This woman’s fortune is indeed immense…”
Golden Feather let out a soft exclamation. Seeing Wu Qing’s opponent was a Daoist in a golden robe, he smiled slightly: “Pity her luck is poor; she likely won’t make it into the top three this time!”
“Oh?”
Wu Ming inwardly sneered: “It seems that young man has deep ties with you!”
Indeed, in the past, I did teach Jin Yuanzi of the Golden Eagle Sect a few techniques, so we share a partial master-disciple relationship. That Daoist could勉强be considered my disciple’s disciple…
This wasn’t a secret, so Golden Feather readily revealed it.
“Hmm, having already reached the Celestial Immortal stage, cultivating to the point of sensing the will of heaven through one’s own heart—he’s truly a piece of raw jade!”
Wu Ming nodded, secretly activating the Primordial Temple.
With all present being Celestial Immortals, if he secretly manipulated things, he would surely be discovered, causing him to lose face.
However, the Primordial Temple’s Great Luo capabilities might not even be detected by Golden Immortals, let alone these mere sixth-tier beings.
“Golden Eagle Sect’s Yang De versus Jade Clarity Sect’s Miao Qing, begin!”
A Earth Immortal announced, expanding his domain to establish the arena.
“Please, Senior Sister, show mercy!”
The golden-robed Daoist grinned wickedly, his aura surging and transforming into a Great Peng form, seemingly ready to devour its prey.
“Actually using the Great Peng techniques!”
The cultivators below gasped: “We’ve long heard that Jin Yuanzi has a special relationship with Golden Feather Celestial Immortal. Now seeing his disciple receiving genuine teachings from a Celestial Immortal, it’s clear this rumor holds true!”
Seeing this, the Jade Clarity Daoist’s face paled: “This is bad! Yang De’s cultivation level was already higher than Miao Qing’s. Miao Qing’s only advantage was her dragon-vein sword, but the Great Peng techniques have an inherent advantage against dragons… I’m afraid…”
“My master just transmitted voice instructions, asking me to secretly test this girl. Since that’s the case…”
Yang De spread his arms, and the golden-winged Great Peng behind him flapped its wings, generating slicing winds that swept toward his opponent.
“Chih!”
Wu Qing’s face turned icy as she pointed her sword.
Roar! Roar!
The red dragon let out a long roar and charged directly into the hurricane-like whirlwind.
Bang!
A flash of light, and ripples of power spread outward.
Just as a hint of a smile appeared on Yang De’s face, he saw a sword pierce through the hurricane, swiftly darting toward him. His expression abruptly changed.
Puh!
How swift is a flying sword strike? He barely managed to block slightly with the golden armor on his body before he was pierced, spitting blood and flying backward.
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