Chapter 501: Explanation, Anomaly (4K)

On the summit of Beheading Demon Peak.

"Master, congratulations on becoming the next Resident Immortal of the Tongshan Dao Lineage—your future prospects are vast!"

Beheading Demon True Monarch glanced at Zhang Jian and sneered: "You slippery fellow—what does a mere Celestial Immortal mean to you?"

Zhang Jian shook his head.

"A Celestial Immortal, even among the myriad realms of heaven, remains a position of unique distinction—let alone one such as you, Master, whose foundation is heaven-bestowed!"

Zhang Jian glanced at Beheading Demon True Monarch, a faint smile appearing in his eyes.

Yet beneath that, there was some change.

He did not know whether Beheading Demon True Monarch's choice to become a Resident Immortal was partly voluntary on his part, or if there was some other reason behind it.

However, Beheading Demon True Monarch becoming a Resident Immortal also benefits the Great Xia Dynasty.

Before his ascension, he would necessarily send ahead a portion of the Great Xia Dynasty's host of immortals, to avoid being overburdened and to aid the Crown Prince in governing this colossal entity.

But after taking the immortals away, the Great Xia Dynasty's control over the Five Continents would inevitably decline, possibly even inviting backlash.

The Crown Prince's fall was not due to this Holy King himself possessing the martial power to suppress all.

Yet the existence of Beheading Demon True Monarch holds immense significance for the Great Xia Dynasty.

What is a Celestial Immortal if not a powerful ally?

At this moment, Beheading Demon True Monarch's gaze fell upon Zhang Jian, sensing the terrifying divine energy on him that could not be gazed upon directly; she spoke bluntly.

"A Yu, how far has your cultivation progressed?"

Her eyes held a hint of solemnity.

"Why do I sense your cultivation has even surpassed that of Ancestor Qingyuan and Master?"

Zhang Jian gave a slight smile and lightly nodded.

"Over three thousand years, I've been fortunate to make a bit of breakthrough!"

Ancestor Qingyuan, aside from Ancestor Chufa—his cultivation realm, he had only just vaguely sensed it.

Ancestor Qingyuan should be moving in and out of the Taiyi realm.

Ancestor Chufa had already stepped into the Taiyi realm three thousand years ago; after three thousand years of accumulation, his foundation is even more substantial, yet he remains far from the true numbers of Taiyi.

Merely due to the great fortune of three thousand years, his cultivation speed still vastly exceeds that of ordinary Taiyi immortals.

Now he is in no way inferior to those who have accumulated hundreds of thousands, even millions of years in the Taiyi realm.

This is the benefit of supporting the Holy Court.

It can completely shorten tens of thousands, even millions of years of arduous cultivation.

Seek fortune in peril!

Not only these two second-generation ancestors, but as the Tongshan Dao Lineage, enshrined as the state religion of the Great Xia Dynasty, the number of immortals produced over these thousands of years equals the total of the previous era—and even exceeds it slightly.

Yet the greatest beneficiaries remain the direct lineage of Beheading Demon Peak.

Ancestor Chufa, his master Beheading Demon True Monarch, and the other disciples of the Beheading Demon Peak lineage.

Beheading Demon True Monarch let out a soft hum.

"Be more specific!"

Zhang Jian said.

"We are still just a step away from the Taiyi True Numbers realm!"

"Taiyi True Numbers!"

Upon hearing this, Beheading Demon True Monarch couldn't help but widen her eyes—such progress is simply astonishing.

The Taiyi True Numbers realm, for immortals like them, is also a legendary realm.

It is an existence to be looked up to.

The Taiyi realm alone is enough for many Celestial Immortals to polish for millions of years—let alone the Taiyi True Numbers realm.

"I truly wish I could open your spiritual platform and see just how you cultivate, progressing at such divine speed!"

Beheading Demon True Monarch sighed.

After thinking, she asked again.

"Then, after your ascension, have you already determined your destination?"

Zhang Jian nodded slightly.

After thorough analysis, he already had a plan in mind: first enter the Fire Cloud Cavern of the Three Sovereigns' Heaven to cultivate in seclusion for a time, then proceed to the Central Heaven.

This is the best choice.

Zhang Jian had no intention of keeping it secret; he mentioned it casually, and Beheading Demon True Monarch nodded.

At this moment, she gazed at Zhang Jian, her expression carrying a hint of a smile.

The height Zhang Jian has now attained has already long surpassed hers, even Ancestor Chufa—but she will only rejoice for Zhang Jian.

After the master and disciple chatted for a moment, they then saw several Daoists rushing over from outside the Beheading Demon Hall upon hearing the news.

"Junior Brother Zhang!"

Upon seeing Zhang Jian's figure, several Daoists' expressions showed some joy.

The leader was Second Senior Brother Chu Yunzi Daoist, followed by Third Senior Brother Yun Tianhe, then Fourth Senior Sister Hua Wanzǐ.

It was just that Eldest Senior Brother Chi Jiang was not present here.

At this moment, the Beheading Demon Peak lineage had already changed its head—now led by Second Senior Brother Chu Yunzi.

Over three thousand years, this Second Senior Brother's cultivation rose to surpass others, reaching the Primordial Spirit True Monarch realm not long ago.

Meanwhile, Third Senior Brother Yun Tianhe and Fourth Senior Sister Hua Wanzǐ have already attained the Great Perfection of Primordial Spirit Great True Person in the Fortune Realm, having certified their immortal bodies.

This is due in part to the protection of the Beheading Demon Peak lineage's fortune.

Everyone present clearly understands this; otherwise, the fourth generation of five disciples of the Beheading Demon Peak lineage would not have all broken through the Life-Death Reincarnation Tribulation and certified the Great Dao of Longevity.

Zhang Jian's expression held a smile, though although he did not put on the airs of a Holy King, his entire being naturally bore a regal bearing of the Dao, which inevitably made his fellow disciples feel somewhat restrained; even Yunzi of Chuyun, whose Dao-heart was the strongest, upon facing Zhang Jian, this junior brother of the Holy King, could still sense a palpable aura, as if the great Dao of heaven and earth were manifesting before his eyes, lofty and unattainable.

The Slaying Demon True Monarch quickly saw the situation and ushered everyone away.

She seemed to have something to mention to Zhang Jian.

The master and disciple immediately walked out of the main hall side by side.

At this moment, the Slaying Demon True Monarch wore a solemn expression and said.

"A Yu, do you still remember that demon sovereign incarnation you slew three thousand years ago?"

Zhang Jian glanced at the Slaying Demon True Monarch, slightly furrowing his brow.

He certainly remembered this matter; precisely because of this, he had in one fell swoop awed numerous immortal sects and lineages, creating the prerequisite condition for the bloodless unification of the Five Continents by the Great Xia Dynasty.

His Dao-heart was extremely sensitive; his eyes turned toward the Slaying Demon True Monarch, and he immediately furrowed his brow and said.

"Master, could it be..."

He did not mention the demon sovereign's name.

Such an existence can no longer be directly named.

The Slaying Demon True Monarch gave a slight nod and said.

"The Patriarch has sent word that this demon sovereign bears you unusual ill will and may seek trouble for you after your ascension!"

Zhang Jian furrowed his brow, being eyed by a terrifying demonic Dao sovereign—this was certainly no light matter.

However, he felt no excessive worry, for who behind him lacked protection?

The Tongshan Dao lineage has the Patriarch Great Yu; upon entering the Fire Cloud Cave, another layer of gilding will be added, and naturally he shall receive the protection of the Three Sovereigns and Five Elders, so as long as he does not recklessly court danger, there should be no problem!

The master and disciple strolled among the mountains.

Though this place was mountainous, it enjoyed eternal spring, with towering ancient trees, birdsong and floral fragrance, and distant blue mountains like dye, like mist and silk, making one forget sorrow.

The two appeared as ordinary disciple and master, chatting about many amusing matters.

Until, without realizing it, they had stepped into the mountain's base, whereupon the Slaying Demon True Monarch halted her steps, her form gradually fading into the hazy mist.

Zhang Jian gazed upon this scene, a ripple in his eyes, fragments of memory flashing through his mind.

He could have reached this point today thanks greatly to the Slaying Demon True Monarch's aid.

He harbored no thought of repaying how much; to speak of repayment in master-disciple affection would indeed be utterly unpoetic.

Their master-disciple bond could only be counted as mutual accomplishment.

At this moment, Zhang Jian's gaze fell toward the mountain's base.

Before the forest, two figures emerged into view.

"Father Emperor!"

Upon seeing Zhang Jian, the two youths each performed their rites.

Upon learning that Zhang Jian had entered the Tongshan Dao lineage, Zhang Yi and Zhang Xian also simultaneously rushed over to meet him.

The two bore vastly different temperaments.

One was yang-strong, domineering, his qi and blood surging like a little sun.

The other was filled with scholarly air, refined and erudite, yin-soft and handsome in appearance, though his eyes held the light of wisdom.

These were Zhang Yi and Zhang Xian.

Zhang Yi, however, had in just three thousand years likewise attained the body of a Heavenly Immortal; at this moment, in Zhang Jian's deep gaze, his entire being seemed surrounded by boundless wind and thunder, like a mighty deity born of wind and thunder.

Relying on the Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot, Zhang Yi's growth speed was astonishing.

Achieving Heavenly Immortal status in less than three thousand years—this was an astonishing cultivation speed.

On the other hand, Zhang Xian's cultivation was somewhat inferior.

He possessed the body of an Innate Dao Embryo, yet ultimately lacked the nourishment of such a heavenly treasure as the Wind and Thunder Immortal Apricot, and his cultivation had stalled at the Primordial Spirit True Monarch realm for over two thousand years.

The accumulation for the Heavenly Immortal realm had already been perfected.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Jian felt a quiet satisfaction in his eyes.

With these three Heavenly Immortals guarding the Eastern Zhou Zhang clan.

The Great Xia Dynasty could still flourish for another era; adding his arrangements, a full retreat would not be a problem.

He could also secure the title of Holy King lineage.

Even seek development toward the outer realm heavenly courts.

Zhang Jian looked at the two and spoke calmly.

"When you have leisure, return often to see your mother!"

"Yes!"

The two exchanged a glance and performed a respectful bow in unison.

They already knew they would be left in the Zhou Mountain Realm, while the Qi and Bai empresses would accompany the Great Xia Emperor on his ascent to the Heavenly Gate.

Zhang Jian pondered and then said again.

"You now, whether already immortal or about to become immortal, also need a natal treasure; in my youth I once obtained part of a hidden immortal trove, and now I have left part for the future Eastern Zhou Zhang clan, and another part for you, as a house-guarding treasure; you may return to the palace on your own—the treasure is already in your princely mansions!"

Three thousand years ago, when his cultivation had just been achieved, he had slaughtered many immortals and gods, among whom were even several fourth-rank immortal treasures, and even fifth-rank immortal treasures.

Nowadays, most of these fourth-rank immortal treasures are unusable by him, or their effects are negligible, so he has left them behind.

For example, the Sea God Seal, the Mountain Stabilizing Seal, the Demon Beast Gourd, and even the fifth-rank immortal treasure Qianjun.

As for the other fifth-rank immortal treasure, the Pure Zen Staff, he has given it to the Ji clan.

The two brothers' eyes flickered, and they hastily agreed.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian spoke in a deep voice.

"Cultivate well; when I, your father, ascend to the Heavenly Gate, I will naturally create opportunities for you!"

"Please, Father Emperor, take care of yourself!"

The two brothers had solemn expressions.

Zhang Jian waved his hand, and with a step he entered the void, his figure vanishing instantly from the spot.

……

Dongxuan Shenzhou, Fengyang Commandery, Bai Shui Basin.

At this time, Fengyang was unusually bustling inside and out; every day merchants from afar, even high officials and nobles from various commanderies, came here.

This place was the dragon-rising land of the Zhang clan of the Great Xia imperial house; the Great Xia Emperor had once been born and raised here. Not only did many high officials and nobles come, but many accomplished cultivators passing through would also pause here temporarily, wishing to know the growth trajectory of a sage king.

By the Feng Creek, a great city stood tall, replacing the small town from three thousand years ago.

Here immortals and mortals coexisted; there was a secular district where ordinary folk lived, and also an immortal city district where cultivators resided. The eastern part of the city had much denser spiritual qi, while the western part had no spirit-gathering great array laid down, and the air was thick with mortal dust.

At this moment, a youth dressed in purple, his attire luxurious and styled like a scion of a noble family, strode into Fengxi City.

Zhang Jian gazed at the bustling streets on both sides, trying in his eyes to find a trace of the past.

But the vicissitudes of time had already covered everything.

Although throughout this great city, descendants of the Fengxi Zhang clan were everywhere, even Zhang Jian's own descendants, yet there was not a single old acquaintance.

In fact, old acquaintances had not been entirely absent.

But most of them could no longer be considered human.

Zhang Jian's gaze fell to one side; at this moment, a scarlet temple stood in the DC area.

That was the Kitchen God Temple found everywhere in the Great Xia dynasty.

Inside was enshrined the protector deity of the Great Xia dynasty, the Kitchen God Lady's shrine.

And not far away was the Yiwang Temple, enshrining another deity, the Grand City Emperor of the Great Xia dynasty, who was also a powerful deity.

Zhang Jian had no intention of disturbing Zhang Yi and the Red Flower Lady.

He slowly stepped into the Zhang ancestral residence.

The former paternal uncle, brothers, and even paternal uncles, the brothers' descendants—all had passed away one after another.

Zhang Jian could only look at their shadows on the spirit tablet.

Prince Qing Zhang Kui, Huai Shan Zhang Duan, Prince Ping Zhang Yun.

Among them also included part of his offspring.

In the depths of his eyes at this moment, a trace of endless azure sky suddenly appeared, as if traversing the ages through time and space, but moments later this trace of ancient qi vanished instantly.

His figure left this place, directly tearing through the void to enter Fengyang City.

Fengyang City was now taller and more magnificent than three thousand years ago.

Having endured three thousand years of wind and rain, it had been repaired many times.

"Zhang Family Grand Residence!"

At this moment, Zhang Jian appeared before an old residence.

That had once been his foothold, later becoming the Fengxi Zhang clan's foothold in Fengyang Commandery; now a jujube tree sprouted from within the residence's wall—it was a jujube seed planted three thousand years ago, now lush and verdant, bearing jujube blossoms all year round, extraordinarily spirituous.

Though not as fine as the one in Haojing City, it was still quite pleasing.

The Zhang ancestral residence still had Zhang clan members managing it.

Zhang Jian thought for a moment, stepped inside, but shortly afterward he walked out again; his body seemed to have the last trace of mortal qi gradually fading, while the immortal light surging in the depths of his eyes became more condensed and brilliant.

But just as he stepped out of the Zhang ancestral residence, Zhang Jian's expression stirred; his eyes gazed toward the depths of the firmament.

"Hn?"

A flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes.

The next moment, in the depths of the Zhou Shan Jie firmament, the eternal Taiyin star suddenly appeared in broad daylight.

The Taiyin Dao laws trembled; above the firmament, the Taiyin star suddenly manifested terrifying omens.

Beyond the lovely white moon, it seemed as if countless demons and monsters had turned into black clouds, swallowing the Taiyin.

"Heavenly Dog Eats the Moon!"

At this moment, Zhang Jian also felt his Taiyin authority greatly tremble.

The next moment, beyond the heaven and earth Dao, it seemed as if a vast blood light coiled around the Taiyin star, a strong ominous aura surging forth.

But in an instant, the holy Dao qi within and without Zhou Shan Jie rose, instantly dispersing that ominous Dao rhythm, undulating.

Zhang Jian immediately realized this omen came from beyond the realm.

He did not know what had happened beyond the realm, but it had produced such an ominous omen.