Chapter 133: Sages stand ahead, lighting the way for humanity; the new fire burns, yet does not veil the former glory

Da Xia Capital.

In Chu Fu.

Everyone stared blankly at all of this.

Confucius gazed at Gu Jin Nian; there was no longer any shock in his eyes.

Only relief remained, a relief that came from the heart.

He is Confucius.

He is the first sage of heaven and earth, who opened the Confucian Dao for the world; seeing later generations achieve such feats, he felt deep relief.

No matter who leads the people in later generations, he feels relief; whether they are of the Kong family or not makes no difference.

People gazed at everything.

Because of this phenomenon, they felt an unparalleled shock, and also developed immense reverence for Gu Jin Nian.

Afterward, no one dared to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian again.

Only because Gu Jin Nian repeatedly proved himself.

These four lines represent everything and also reflect everything.

His brilliance is destined to leave a deep mark in the flow of time; past and present, no one can deny his brilliance.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian slowly descended from the firmament.

Although the phenomenon still lingered, Gu Jin Nian surpassed everything, and all eyes gathered on him.

He landed on the ground.

Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward Confucius.

His eyes were full of relief.

"Student Gu Jin Nian, thank you, Sage, for bestowing the Dharma."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, first thanking Confucius; indeed, his own insight into the Dao was largely thanks to Confucius's help.

As Gu Jin Nian spoke,

Confucius slightly shook his head, appearing calm, his eyes filled with relief.

"To reach this point, you relied on yourself; it has nothing to do with me."

"From now on, the new fire will illuminate the world, finding a path for future generations."

Confucius spoke.

Bathed in the spring breeze, he stood before Gu Jin Nian, giving the highest praise.

To others, it sounded as if Confucius already regarded Gu Jin Nian as a future sage.

He will lead the Confucian Dao to a new height.

Listening to Confucius's words,

Gu Jin Nian slowly bowed.

"Today's new fire does not block the former brilliance."

"The brilliance of the ancient sages shines like the great sun, illuminating the world; I walk in step with the sages, striving to usher in eternal peace for myriad generations."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Confucius's praise did not make Gu Jin Nian happy; he voiced his own thoughts.

Without the efforts of the ancient sages, there would be no new fire today.

The long night of myriad ages was illuminated by sages one after another; it is because they bore burdens and pressed forward that humanity endures.

Upon saying this,

Countless scholars praised Gu Jin Nian's words.

Confucius believed that Gu Jin Nian is a future sage, his brilliance eclipsing all, unmatched past and present; this is the highest praise.

But Gu Jin Nian placed the ancient sages first; at this moment he felt no pride, only humility and courtesy.

In contrast, those who once criticized Gu Jin Nian for arrogance should now feel ashamed.

If this too is called arrogance?

Then who dares to claim they are humble and courteous?

"If you lived in my era, how wonderful that would be."

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, Confucius could not help but feel moved; he very much wished to have lived in the same era as Gu Jin Nian.

He is a sage; although he taught the world, he was very lonely, but seeing Gu Jin Nian today, he felt deep relief.

"Different eras shine with different colors; may we Confucians establish destiny for the people, so that humanity endures."

Gu Jin Nian continued speaking, expounding his Dao.

"A gentleman should endure forever; you have fully comprehended the true essence of the Confucian Dao."

"Little friend Jin Nian."

"We will meet again."

"When you truly become a sage, I will bring the ancient sages across the river of time and space to congratulate you."

"At that time, the firmament will be a clear azure, the ground will burst forth with golden lotuses, and the righteous qi of heaven and earth will pervade the world like towering mountains."

Confucius smiled slightly.

He said thus.

Afterward, his figure gradually faded.

However, he did not completely vanish; instead, he walked toward the outside of the Kong Family's Main Residence.

"Holy Ancestor, where are you going?"

A member of the Kong family spoke up, asking Confucius where he was going.

"Stay for the final moments."

"Take a look at these magnificent mountains and rivers."

Confucius gave his answer.

He could not linger here long; he did not belong to this era—more precisely, he was merely a mark of heaven and earth.

Seizing the final moments, he wanted to behold the mountains and lands, to see the beauty of the mortal world.

The next instant.

Confucius vanished.

All the anomalies also gradually faded at that moment.

But at that very moment, Gu Jin Nian also set off.

"Holy Son."

"Where are you heading?"

Scholar Meng spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he asked.

"Following the footsteps of the sages, touring the rivers and mountains, and perceiving the Dao within one's heart."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His expression was gentle; all grudges were completely resolved at that moment, and he felt an unprecedented lightness.

He wished to see the towering heavens and earth, to trek back to the Da Xia Dynasty, and to digest all the insights of today.

"Mr. Wenjing."

"In a month, the students will return to the capital; during that time the students should rest well."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He needed to completely relax, to truly appreciate the beauty of heaven and earth; previously he had been too tangled, with anger in his heart, so his thoughts could not reach clarity.

Now the anger in his heart had also completely dissipated.

He needed a good one or two days of rest.

"Very well."

"Travel slowly."

"Your master will await your return to the capital."

Su Wenjing gave a slight smile, seeing Gu Jin Nian off as he left.

When Gu Jin Nian had completely departed.

The others gradually came to their senses.

Most people were still immersed in today's events: first the Kong family caused trouble, then they employed a holy artifact to try to suppress Gu Jin Nian.

But they did not expect that the final outcome was Gu Jin Nian summoning a sage.

Everything was full of drama.

Yet everything also seemed highly reasonable.

For some reason, Gu Jin Nian seemed to carry a miracle; whenever anything involved him, all matters became filled with uncertainty.

Until the final moment, no one would know what the ending would be.

"Wait a moment."

"Mr. Wenjing, since when did the Holy Son become your disciple?"

Just as the crowd remained lost in such sentiment, a voice suddenly rang out.

It was Yan Gong's voice.

Hearing this, many people regained their composure.

Then pairs of eyes inevitably fixed on Su Wenjing.

"Gu Jin Nian is a student of the Da Xia Academy."

"I, too, am the director of the Da Xia Academy."

"Gu Jin Nian is my disciple; is that wrong?"

Hearing Yan Gong's voice, Su Wenjing stroked his beard, his expression calm as he said,

"Mr. Wenjing, that statement is inaccurate; you are indeed the director of the Da Xia Academy, but that is a title bestowed by His Majesty, and Gu Jin Nian has not taken you as master."

"Exactly, Mr. Wenjing, Gu Jin Nian never called you 'sir' either."

Scholar Meng and Yan Gong and the others all spoke together.

They challenged Su Wenjing.

"Didn't he shout 'sir' at me?"

"'Sir' simply means teacher."

"Fine, I'm too lazy to tangle with you; I'll also return. In a few days Gu Jin Nian will be crowned, and I still need to think of a character for him."

"I don't know which character to grant him; I must ponder it carefully."

Su Wenjing said with a solemn face.

"Don't go."

"Mr. Wenjing, I respect you as a Half Saint, but some matters still need to be clarified."

"Since when did Gu Jin Nian take you as master? As a Half Saint, how can you be so shameless?"

"Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Wenjing, when Confucius was present just now, why didn't you say that Gu Jin Nian, the Holy Son, is your disciple?"

"What a fellow, Mr. Wenjing, you're reaping the fisherman's profit? Want to take advantage of the Holy Son for free?"

Many Great Scholars rose, directly blocking Su Wenjing.

Gu Jin Nian now is not what he was before.

If there were many disputes before, now there are none at all.

After finishing the four lines "Establishing the heart for heaven and earth", Gu Jin Nian was already deified, becoming the saint of later Confucian and Daoist generations, and even conversed with Confucius, gaining Confucius's approval.

To be honest, no one can say for sure whether he can truly become a saint.

After all, until the final moment, no one dares to be certain.

But Gu Jin Nian is already the foremost leader of Confucian and Daoist paths; one could say that on the entire Shen Zhou continent, no one can accomplish what Gu Jin Nian can.

He has already achieved establishing merit, and only Establishing Speech and Establishing Virtue remain lacking.

Establishing Virtue is easy to speak of; even saints praise Gu Jin Nian's moral conduct, it merely requires a bit of time to settle.

As for Establishing Speech, Gu Jin Nian has already found the right path beneath his feet, though perhaps his heart also holds his own Confucian righteousness.

Sooner or later he will also set down immortal words.

Therefore, Gu Jin Nian's becoming a saint, in the eyes of many, is hardly a problem at all.

Unless, before attaining sainthood, someone can surpass Gu Jin Nian.

But such a person virtually does not exist.

Otherwise, the world would have known long ago.

Now Su Wenjing wants to freeload off Gu Jin Nian, and these people will not do it.

It's not that you, Su Wenjing, are unworthy.

The main issue is that freeloading is not acceptable.

We may be Great Scholars, unable to match you, Half Saint, but among three there must be a teacher; at worst the three of us will each teach Gu Jin Nian one thing.

Isn't there a classic saying? Seeing others earn silver feels worse than one's own loss.

That's not a matter of virtue or lack thereof; it's a normal thought.

"What does freeloading mean?"

"Matters of scholars cannot be called freeloading."

"I think Confucius hasn't been cut thoroughly enough; he should also cut away your talents."

"You are jealous; fine, after attacking Jin Nian you now want to attack me? I will not tolerate you."

"Step aside for me, or when I unleash my fury, you bear the consequences."

Su Wenjing began to argue slyly, his words tinged with anger, muttering something about insulting the refined and the petty hearts of you, which drew much laughter.

"I want to see how Mr. Wenjing erupts."

"If this matter isn't clarified today, don't think you can leave."

Lu Yuan stepped forward, blocking Su Wenjing's path.

Staring at Lu Yuan.

Su Wenjing still felt a bit wary; this Thunderhand's reputation is not boastful, it's earned.

A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall.

"Jin Nian, why have you returned again?"

At that moment, Su Wenjing looked into the distance and shouted.

Immediately, everyone's gaze turned toward the far side.

After they recovered, Su Wenjing had already vanished.

Hmm.

He ran away.

Su Wenjing fled, and the Great Scholars began to criticize, gaining many people's approval.

However, most were just joking; few were serious, for they also knew that Gu Jin Nian's master, the Half Saint, whether worthy or not, no one knows, but the Great Scholars certainly are unworthy.

Gradually, the crowd began to leave the Kong family in groups.

They've had their fill of this Kong family banquet; staying here is unnecessary, why linger and boast when they could go back for the New Year?

Although the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror reflects this place between heaven and earth, they themselves are participants, so everyone still waits to brag.

If they wait longer, there will be no bragging left.

One by one, figures departed, and the Kong family arranged things orderly.

Although they faced this calamity, in the way of propriety, the Kong family remained clear, showing no neglect.

Perhaps because of Confucius, the Kong family, after this calamity, curbed its arrogance.

However, everyone understood.

This time Confucius emerges, causing the Kong family to reach a turning point.

If the Kong family can grasp Confucius's intent, they may experience a second spring, for after a saint comes another saint; Confucius merely blames those whose hearts have already been gnawed by profit.

He does not wholly blame every member of the Kong family.

Take Kong Zheng as an example; even as a good model, seizing this chance, the Kong family might still rise, especially with the foundation built over years of influence.

The sunken ship still has three jin of nails, let alone the Kong family, which is not even a sunken ship.

But to keep the Kong family's great vessel sailing, reform is required; poor reform spells doom.

Of course, considering everything, there is one point to heed, and that point is.

Do not offend Gu Jin Nian.

In less than half an hour.

All the guests have left; most went straight out of Chu Fu, carriages departing one after another, while a small portion plans to leave tomorrow.

And among the Kong family.

It also fell silent instantly.

"Clang."

The Kong family's bell rang; it was the summons of the Holy Sage Pavilion.

Then one after another, figures headed toward the Holy Sage Pavilion.

A quarter hour later.

Inside the Holy Sage Pavilion, over sixty people gathered; aside from a few elders who could not arrive, essentially everyone was present.

The Seventy-Two Sages were forever short of two members.

Kong Xin and Kong Wuya—one already dead, the other now suffering the torment of thunder punishment—could be said to fare worse than death.

Await the gathering of the sages.

The expressions of the crowd were grim; sighs and lamentations filled the Holy Sage Pavilion.

Faced with this calamity, the Kong family suffered a severe loss of vital energy; not only their face was bruised, but their confidence and foundation were also greatly diminished.

Of the Three Sacred Instruments, only one remains, and it still cannot be used.

Confucius's emergence further chastised them; their own ancestors rebuking their own people—this reputation is utterly and completely ruined.

No temper at all, truly no temper.

Inside the Holy Sage Pavilion, an unparalleled silence; everyone remained mute, each one exceedingly quiet.

And at that moment.

A voice sounded.

"Today we convene the Sage Assembly; there are three matters to address."

"The Holy Ruler has passed; Kong Yu is still a minor, so for now the Holy Sage Pavilion elders, with Kong Zheng acting as proxy for the Holy Ruler's duties, what do you think?"

He was an elder, already eighty years old, looking extremely frail; his talent had been stripped away in several layers, and it seemed he would soon depart this world.

The loss of talent wounded his sinews and bones.

Listening to the elder speak, the crowd exchanged glances, then all spoke in unison.

"We have no objections."

At present, only Kong Zheng can initially replace the Holy Ruler's position, since he has undergone the Sacred Ruler's Test and can still salvage some ground for the Kong family.

With everyone's agreement, the elder nodded and then spoke again.

"Secondly, the Kong family's policy must change; from now on, we shall emphasize Confucian learning and the intention of the virtuous gentleman. Over the years, the Kong family, for profit, indeed committed many misdeeds; though for development, it damaged the foundation."

"The Holy Ancestor stripped our talent, actually to remind us that before the Holy Ancestor manifested, I had few thoughts, and today the Holy Ancestor has appeared; our loss of talent is not due to the Holy Ancestor's stripping."

"It is self‑inflicted; had we possessed lofty righteous Qi within, the Holy Ancestor would not have stripped our talent."

"From today onward, diligently study; the Kong family has not yet lost. As long as we immerse ourselves in study and comprehend the Way of the sages, the Kong family's foundation will not collapse."

"What do you think, everyone?"

He continued speaking, having understood Confucius's earnest intentions.

He did not blame Confucius, nor did he blame Gu Jin Nian; perhaps knowing his death was near, he attained great enlightenment and grasped this principle.

At the critical moment, he turned back, forsaking profit and emphasizing Confucian learning, returning to the essence, to the scholar's true heart.

When these words were spoken, most people fell silent, while a few directly nodded in praise.

The Holy Sage Pavilion split into two factions, the Sacred Faction and the Confucian Faction; the Sacred Faction engages with foreign nations to generate profit and expand the Kong family's influence, while the Confucian Faction studies the sacred teachings to solidify the foundation.

But as the Kong family's power grew, they began to sink and lose themselves, each resorting to any means for profit, thus the Sacred Faction's power also increased.

Until today, this led to a great mistake.

"At this moment, are you still not awakened?"

He spoke, his eyes showing anger.

As he raged, many people began to speak.

"Elder, please forgive us; we were only momentarily reluctant. Your words are indeed correct; we shall comply."

"We respectfully obey the elder's words."

The crowd dared not say more; each one agreed.

Having obtained everyone's consent.

Only then did the elder nod, then he coughed lightly and slowly spoke again.

"The third matter."

"The Jixia Academy is about to open; the Kong family still has a chance to regain its brilliance. The Jixia Academy, the contest of scholarship, is not only for the Kong family to win glory, but primarily for the contest of Heaven's Mandate, now further marked by the Confucius Seal."

"Various Confucian and Daoist sects will also emerge, vying for the Confucius Seal."

"Everyone must firmly seize the opportunity."

He spoke, outlining the matters of the Jixia Academy.

The contest of scholarship.

That is the true core foundation of Confucianism and Daoism.

A sage must have his own scholarship, forge new learning, and guide the world onto a glorious path.

The Kong family also possesses corresponding scholarship; the Confucian Faction diligently studies this very contest of scholarship.

That is the key.

"We understand."

The crowd nodded; they understood what the contest of scholarship meant.

After the three matters were spoken, the elder nodded, steadied his breath, and spoke again.

"Today, the Kong family faces this great calamity; I, an old man, hope that our descendants should take this as a warning."

"Moreover, today's disaster is not solely the Kong family's plight; scholars across the world have also encountered a calamity."

"In other words, the entire Confucian and Daoist realms have suffered; now is the era of Heaven's Mandate, and originally our Confucian and Daoist paths should shine brightly, destined to give birth to a Heaven's Mandate sage."

But now it's different; the Confucian Dao has been cut off, and the Immortal Dao, Demonic Dao, and Monster Dao will likely be moved, especially the Buddhist Sect, which has long coveted the Confucian Dao's teachings; now that the Confucian Dao has been cut, the Buddhist Sect will likely act, seizing this opportunity to become the foremost teaching under heaven. Sectarian strife is not to be taken lightly; we must quickly contact those of the Immortal Sect and join forces to oppose the Buddhist Sect.

The elder continued speaking.

He spoke of the impending danger.

Confucius embodies the righteous qi of heaven and earth; cutting out the malignant tumor of the Confucian Dao is a good thing, and had it happened fifty years earlier it would have been a tremendous boon.

But now it's different.

Because there is a Heaven's Mandate contention, and this time the contention is aimed at the Confucian Dao; if it weren't for this matter,

The Confucian Dao will produce a Heaven's Mandate sage who enters the eighth realm, the glory of an age.

But now that the Confucian Dao has been cut, all factions will be moved, even exhausting every means to seize the Heaven's Mandate that belongs to the Confucian Dao.

It's like a prince who has long wanted to ascend, but while the crown prince lives he has no chance; now seeing the crown prince fall gravely ill, possibly to die at any moment, how could those princes not be moved?

"What the elder said is indeed so."

"However, Gu Jin Nian is still present in the Confucian Dao; perhaps it will not necessarily be suppressed."

Someone spoke up, an elder of the Confucian faction, who felt favor toward Gu Jin Nian, acknowledged and admired him, and thus dared to say such words.

"Gu Jin Nian has the makings of a sage, that's true, but a sage is a sage, and a Heaven's Mandate sage is another; they differ by one realm, yet in practice the gap is as vast as clouds and mud."

"I would hope he becomes a sage, but he is still too weak; he knows the sage and establishes speech, yet has not become a Great Scholar."

"You must understand: if the major factions truly contend for Heaven's Mandate, then Gu Jin Nian will face not those peers' pride, but the older generation's existence, the older generation's heaven's pride."

"Gu Jin Nian needs time, but is there enough time?"

He sighed, unwilling to admit it, but he could not deny Gu Jin Nian's excellence.

Yet his words were not born of envy for Gu Jin Nian, but came from the heart.

Gu Jin Nian is excessively outstanding, leaving his peers behind by dozens of mountains.

But the true enemy is not these peer heaven's pride, but the older generation's heaven's pride; they were once top-notch figures, and with the passage of time they have internalized their sharpness, becoming even more complete.

If given a hundred years, Gu Jin Nian becoming a sage is certain.

But what if this Heaven's Mandate contention erupts in fifty years, thirty years, or even within this decade?

"Elder, perhaps we should help Gu Jin Nian, which would also serve as an apology."

At this moment, Kong Zheng spoke up, proposing this idea.

"Forget it."

"Holy Son Gu Jin Nian still bears some grudge against us; your words may not be believed by him."

"Let things take their natural course."

"But from now on, do not offend him again; no matter what, do not deal with Gu Jin Nian."

"Just focus on improving yourself."

The elder spoke.

Having said this, he began to cough violently and was eventually sent to rest.

At this moment.

Kong Zheng also sighed, but continued to discuss with everyone what the Kong family should do next.

Meanwhile,

Eastern Wilderness Realm.

Grand Mystery Immortal Sect.

Among the mountains and rivers lies a secluded utopia.

The sect leader of the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect, the Supreme Clarity True Person, stands silently on the water's surface, gazing at a sky washed azure, wondering what he is pondering.

And just then,

Several figures appeared, all wearing the robes of the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect, standing behind the Supreme Clarity True Person.

"Head Teacher Senior Brother."

"Heaven's secrets have been divined; the fortune of the Confucian Dao has been diminished; in this Heaven's Mandate contention, the Immortal Dao can vie."

A voice sounded, addressing the Supreme Clarity True Person thus:

These four are all Grand Elders of the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect.

Upon hearing this voice, the Supreme Clarity True Person's eyes involuntarily showed excitement.

"We are cultivators, inherently contending with Heaven for fortune; in this Heaven's Mandate contention, with the Confucian Dao diminished, we must not miss this once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity."

"Convey my order: all disciples of the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect shall act on Heaven's behalf, subdue demons and eliminate monsters; all cultivators within the three realms shall go to the mundane world to redress grievances for the common folk and relieve suffering and rescue those in distress."

The Supreme Clarity True Person spoke, establishing the rules of the immortal sect.

"We respectfully obey the Head Teacher's order."

The four spoke in unison, responding to the Supreme Clarity True Person.

And the Supreme Clarity True Person continued speaking.

"Junior Brother Changchun, quickly unite with the remaining six great immortal sects of the Eastern Wilderness Realm to confer secretly about the Eastern Wilderness Demon Lair."

The Supreme Clarity True Person continued speaking, revealing this matter.

Secretly discuss the Eastern Wilderness Demon Lair.

But upon saying this, the four's expressions involuntarily changed.

"Head Teacher Senior Brother, has something happened to the Eastern Wilderness Demon Lair?"

Someone spoke up, asking the Supreme Clarity True Person.

"No."

The Supreme Clarity True Person shook his head and then continued speaking.

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Lair has been sealed by a great immortal adept since ten thousand years ago."

After ten thousand years of repeated reinforcement, the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave has been essentially eradicated; now our Taixuan Immortal Sect will lead, together with the Six Great Celestial Gates of the Eastern Wilderness, each offering their own immortal artifact, striking in one go to destroy the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave and claim an immortal feat.

Heaven senses this and will surely grant supreme Qi luck, bestowing it upon the Immortal Dao, and our Taixuan Immortal Sect will also receive the reward.

Shangqing True Immortal spoke.

He said so, his eyes full of expectation.

At his words, everyone instantly showed a look of sudden enlightenment, but some also couldn't help feeling worried.

"Headmaster, the idea is good, but what if we fail to destroy it and release demons and monsters?"

"Within the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave lies a Great Demon."

An elder spoke, saying so.

"I understand."

Shangqing Daoist nodded, but soon continued.

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave sealed 108 Great Demons and Great Fiends; after ten thousand years, those Great Demons have long been extinct."

"Even if a few remain, they are on the brink of death."

"Moreover, I will not act rashly; I will unite with the Six Great Celestial Gates, discuss together, as the Six Great Celestial Gates each possess three immortal artifacts."

"If it truly cannot be done, we can call upon the Buddhist Sect to intervene; then we will suppress it together. No matter what, the Taixuan Immortal Sect will always claim the primary merit."

"Of course, there is no need for unnecessary certainty, and we will not take risks."

Shangqing True Immortal spoke; he was only proposing, not stating it must be so.

Receiving this reply, the others felt somewhat relieved.

After all, the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave seals countless demons; a single slip could bring disaster to the world.

"Headmaster senior brother, the junior brother has another question."

"What exactly is this Heaven's Mandate?"

Someone asked Shangqing True Immortal, not understanding what Heaven's Mandate is.

"The people's hearts."

Shangqing True Immortal calmly said, stating what Heaven's Mandate is.

"One who gains the people's hearts can obtain Heaven's Mandate."

Shangqing True Immortal added another sentence.

In that moment, everyone finally understood why the Headmaster sent the disciples outside to slay demons.

It was for the people's hearts.

"Then for the dynasty, wouldn't that be of great benefit?"

They were puzzled and couldn't help asking aloud.

"Watch."

"The dynasty is indeed powerful, but it also has its own flaws; internal strife and external wars make the populace hard to prosper, and these problems become obstacles for them."

"Nevertheless, the Central Continent Dynasty is indeed our greatest enemy. The Central Continent Emperor possesses a spirit that can swallow mountains and rivers; he wishes to unify the Divine Continent, emulating the ancient millennium emperor."

Shangqing True Immortal stood with his hands behind his back; he feared not the Eastern Wilderness realm's dynasty, but he dreaded the Central Continent realm's emperor.

Because the Central Continent has already been unified.

Otherwise, the Taixuan Immortal Sect, being a great sect of the Immortal Dao, would not have founded a school in the holy lands of the Central Continent, but chose the Eastern Wilderness realm, which explains everything.

"Enough, go and handle it."

Shangqing True Immortal spoke, letting the others depart.

Only when the others prepared to leave did Shangqing True Immortal suddenly speak again.

"By the way, let Xu Changge and his companions return."

"No longer stay at Da Xia Academy; Heaven's Mandate is about to abandon the Confucian Dao, so there is no need to work on the Confucian Dao."

"As for Gu Jin Nian."

"He has become a Confucian Dao Saint, and will in the future be a strong competitor to us."

"But there is no need to offend him; just focus on ourselves."

Shangqing True Immortal said.

Let Xu Changge and others return.

Assigning Xu Changge to Da Xia Academy was to soak up some Confucian Dao luck; now that the Confucian Dao has been cut, the Immortal Dao should stand, and naturally can be summoned back.

"We obey your command."

The four spoke in unison, then vanished completely.

After they left, Shangqing True Immortal couldn't help murmuring to himself.

"What a pity for this immortal spirit root."

Shangqing True Immortal muttered, his eyes somewhat complex.

At the same time.

Dragon Tiger Dao Sect.

Inside Yin‑Yang Mountain.

Two figures stood opposite each other, one wearing a golden Celestial Master Robe, the other a silver Celestial Master Robe.

The silver Celestial Master Robe belongs to the Headmaster of the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect.

The golden Celestial Master Robe belongs to the Supreme Elder of the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect.

"Elder, now the Confucian Dao Heaven's Mandate has been cut, the Immortal Dao must stand; we fear the Taixuan Immortal Sect will act first to seize the Heaven's Mandate and the people's hearts. Our Dragon Tiger Dao Sect has few disciples, cannot match the Taixuan Immortal Sect; what should we do?"

The Headmaster of the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect looked at the other side, slowly asked.

The latter kept a calm expression, gazed at the mountains and rivers, and spoke in a flat tone.

The Great Profound Immortal Sect indeed has countless disciples, but my Dragon Tiger Dao Sect must not be complacent; we will send disciples to the various nations to subdue demons and eliminate monsters, accumulating merit.

If I am not mistaken, the Great Profound Immortal Sect will surely set its sights on the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern.

He spoke, making a judgment.

"Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern?"

The Dragon Tiger Dao Sect Master frowned, then could not help but say, "That Upper Clarity Daoist is truly shameless, trying to ride on the first achievement?"

He spoke, feeling ashamed of the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

"It doesn't matter."

"The matter of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern cannot be settled in just a day or two."

"If the Great Profound Immortal Sect sends people, we will agree to let them take the first achievement, but on the condition that at this year's Water and Land Assembly, the Great Profound Immortal Sect must support our Dragon Tiger Dao Sect."

"They have their way of obtaining Heaven's Mandate, and we have our way of obtaining Heaven's Mandate."

"At this Water and Land Assembly, the Buddhist sect will surely stir its intentions; at this Assembly, the Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist schools will vie for Heaven's Mandate. If we can secure the Great Profound Immortal Sect's support, the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect will surely prevail."

"We can obtain Heaven's Mandate first; I am watching the heavenly signs. This Water and Land Assembly will see immortal artifacts descend. If we win, the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect will possess two immortal artifacts. At that point, even if the Great Profound Immortal Sect takes the first achievement, what can they do?"

The Dragon Tiger Dao Sect Supreme Elder was incomparably self‑assured.

Upon hearing this, the latter could not help but show a look of delight.

"Immortal artifacts descending?"

Hearing about the immortal artifacts, he was extremely excited.

The immortal Dao also has nine immortal artifacts; currently only three exist, with the Great Profound Immortal Sect, the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect, and the Azure Cloud Immortal Sect each holding one, while the remaining six have not yet manifested.

Like the Confucian Sacred Instrument, these immortal artifacts possess incomparable power.

The Dragon Tiger Dao Sect's immortal artifact, called the Dragon Tiger Yin‑Yang Furnace, can melt Yin‑Yang Immortal Pills, increase the sect's disciples' Jiazi lifespan, and even transform their bodies, solidifying their foundation.

Precisely because of this, although the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect has few disciples, it can still be one of the world‑renowned immortal sects.

"Alright."

"If nothing goes wrong, an immortal artifact will be born."

"As for this matter, it's enough that the Master knows."

"I still have business; I must go investigate matters in the northwest. Lately, vengeful spirits in the northwest have surged, and I fear something serious has occurred."

He said.

"Elder, take care."

The Dragon Tiger Dao Master nodded and said nothing further.

At the same moment.

Southwest direction.

The borderland where the Eastern Wilderness meets the Central Continent.

This is the Buddhist world, known as the Western Realm.

Within the Western Realm there are three major Buddhist schools.

Xiao Yuan Temple.

Da Yin Temple.

And the Upper Path Esoteric Sect.

Xiao Yuan Temple lies in the middle, Da Yin Temple is near the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Upper Path Esoteric Sect is near the Central Continent Dynasty.

The three great temples are all Buddhist sects.

However, the most unusual is the Upper Path Esoteric Sect, because it contains thirty‑six sub‑sects, each with different Buddhist precepts.

In some sub‑sects, monks may marry and have children; in others, monks may eat meat and drink alcohol; and in others, monks may kill living beings.

The ascetic monk is one of the thirty‑six sub‑sects, called the Bitter Garment Sect.

The most powerful is the Upper Path Esoteric Sect, followed by Da Yin Temple, and lastly Xiao Yuan Temple.

The Upper Path Esoteric Sect's sub‑sects are better suited to the Central Continent Dynasty, while Da Yin Temple's sub‑sects are better suited to the Great Jin Dynasty.

As for Xiao Yuan Temple, it mainly produced a person with Buddhist insight, called the Buddha's Son, who in the past thirty years has managed to enter one of the three great Buddhist schools.

Otherwise, thirty years ago, the Western Realm's Buddhist world consisted only of Da Yin Temple and the Upper Path Esoteric Sect.

At this moment, inside Xiao Yuan Temple.

Three figures sat cross‑legged in the Hall of Enlightened Buddha.

These three are, respectively, the Xiao Yuan Temple Abbot, dressed in a yellow‑blue kasaya, bearing nine vow scars on his head, with a calm expression.

The second is one of the four Abbots of Da Yin Temple, wearing a golden gem‑embroidered kasaya, exuding noble aura.

The final figure is the Mind‑Only Buddha Abbot of the Upper Path Esoteric Sect, wearing a flat monk's cap; his kasaya merely wraps his side, his right hand is bare, and he holds a dharma wheel, muttering unknown words.

He is a divine monk of the Mind‑Only Buddha Sect, holding a very high position within the Upper Path Esoteric Sect.

The three great monks have gathered here, discussing the current changes of heaven and earth.

"With the Confucian and Daoist schools cut down, the Buddhist sect must stand. The Marquis of Eternal Night from the Central Continent came to see me, promising to spare no effort to support our Buddhist resurgence."

"Now our Buddhist sect also needs to make a move."

The high monk of the Mind‑Only Buddha spoke first, breaking the silence to reveal this matter.

At that moment, the two Buddhist Abbots involuntarily opened their eyes and looked at each other.

"What actions should we take?"

The Xiao Yuan Temple Abbot asked directly.

"Our Buddhist disciples will go to the various regions of the Eastern Wilderness to recite sutras for the people, liberate the dead, and accumulate merit."

"Then the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern will inevitably reach a conclusion; seizing this opportunity, we can again suppress the fortunes of the Confucian and Daoist schools."

"However, the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern is a must‑have for immortal sects; we cannot claim the first achievement, but we can still have a share."

The Water and Land Grand Assembly is also a contest for Heaven's Mandate.

Our Buddhist sect can concede; the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave and the Water and Land Grand Assembly can both be yielded to members of the Immortal sect, provided the Immortal sect helps our western Buddhist sect open the eastern passage.

The Buddhist sect will cross eastward.

The Esoteric Sect high monk spoke, revealing his plan.

The Buddhist sect will cross eastward.

Upon hearing this, the abbot of Xiaoyuan Temple shook his head.

The Buddhist sect's eastward crossing is likely very difficult.

All these years, even the Great Jin Dynasty has been hard to convert, let alone accomplish the eastward crossing.

The abbot of Xiaoyuan Temple said so.

But the abbot of Dayin Temple could not help but speak up.

Not so.

The Great Jin Emperor has already agreed; Dayin Temple will be stationed within it.

His words instantly left the abbot of Xiaoyuan Temple astonished.

Confucius angrily cut off the fortunes of the great dynasties; the Great Jin Dynasty suffered heavy losses, fearing that the Da Xia Dynasty might rise from this, so he agreed to the Buddhist sect's eastward crossing, sharing the fortunes.

The abbot of Dayin Temple said so.

The latter instantly understood.

Dayin Temple has, over the years, continuously enlightened the populace; it is only a matter of time. At present, Confucius's actions have helped our Buddhist sect—a sign of Heaven's Mandate.

When the Da Xia Dynasty crosses eastward, let Master Juechen handle it.

The Fuyu Dynasty will be handled by my Esoteric Sect.

The Esoteric Sect high monk spoke, saying as follows.

When these words were spoken, the latter still shook his head.

Difficult.

The Da Xia Dynasty is a stronghold of Confucianism and Daoism; although they have been curtailed, it remains difficult, and within the Da Xia Dynasty, senior Confucian‑Buddhist monks are stationed, making entry hard.

The abbot of Xiaoyuan Temple said so, feeling it was rather tricky.

No problem.

The Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu Nation are about to go to war; then the world will be drenched in blood, and at that time the Da Xia Dynasty will inevitably ask our Buddhist sect to intervene and save the lost souls.

Seizing this opportunity, we should unite with the Immortal sect to help us complete the eastward crossing.

As for the senior Confucian‑Buddhist monks, let my Esoteric Sect handle them.

Regarding the doctrine of debate, my Esoteric Sect has never feared it.

The Esoteric Sect high monk spoke, appearing supremely confident.

As he spoke, the abbot of Xiaoyuan Temple couldn't help but nod.

However, whether it's the eastward crossing or the Water and Land Grand Assembly, both are still somewhat distant.

Do not rush; proceed slowly and steadily, and never let impatience cause disorder.

The abbot of Dayin Temple spoke, reminding everyone that there is still time; we can lay the groundwork gradually and plan slowly.

Good.

Amitabha Buddha.

The two clasped their hands in prayer and uttered a chant.

What differs is that.

At this very moment.

Xiongnu royal court.

Inside the palace.

The Xiongnu king's expression was dark and terrifying.

This time Confucius also cut their fortunes, which for the Xiongnu Nation was like adding insult to injury.

War is highly likely, and now their fortunes have been stripped.

Honestly, at this point it's no longer about whether the soldiers are willing to fight.

Rather, they cannot help but consider.

Whether to fight?

If they fight, they may very likely fail and pay a grievous price.

And at that moment.

A figure rushed in quickly.

It was his prince.

Father.

The Great Jin Sovereign has sent a secret letter.

The Xiongnu prince hurried in and handed the secret letter to the Xiongnu king.

The latter took the letter and eagerly opened it.

Upon seeing the letter, he fell silent instantly.

Return the Twelve Cities.

(End of chapter)