Chapter 253: Changes in the Heavenly Dao! Rules of Ascension! Hongjun

In the midst of Chaos, Yuanshi was discussing the matter of opening a dojo with Laozi and Tongtian Jiaozhu, when he suddenly received news from a disciple under his sect, learning of the unexpected death of Yunzhongzi.

Filled with shock and anger, he immediately began to divine, and soon discerned the cause and effect, discovering that all of this was actually related to Lu Yun.

Yuanshi felt incomparably depressed; he knew well that Lu Yun's strength was formidable now, and even as a Heavenly Dao Saint, he dared not make a move against him at all. After all, Lu Yun's strength was such that even his teacher, Hongjun, had to retreat and sue for peace!

Seeing this, Tongtian could not help but ask curiously, "Second Brother, has something happened?"

Yuanshi briefly explained the ins and outs of the matter to Laozi and Tongtian.

After listening, Laozi suddenly spoke, his voice calm and profound: "Second Brother, there is no need to be overly worried. Although this matter seems like Lu Yun has taken advantage, it may not actually be so."

Upon hearing this, Yuanshi was stunned, looked at Laozi, and asked, "Why does Eldest Brother say this?"

Laozi smiled slightly and said, "Although Lu Yun's action has resurrected Hongyun, it also violates the rules of the Heavenly Dao. Under the Heavenly Dao, all things have a fixed destiny. Now that Lu Yun has forcibly changed Hongyun's fate, how could the Heavenly Dao sit idly by?"

Hearing this, a flash of brilliance crossed Yuanshi's eyes, and he suddenly realized: "Eldest Brother's words are reasonable!"

Tongtian Jiaozhu also nodded, expressing his agreement.

Yuanshi took a deep breath, calmed the anger in his heart, and said, "Since that is the case, we shall wait and see."

While speaking, he also temporarily ignored the matter of opening a dojo and turned his attention toward the direction of Witch City.

Laozi and Tongtian naturally also looked toward Witch City.

Inside Witch City, as Hongyun's soul completely merged with the Ginseng Fruit Tree, the originally calm Ginseng Fruit Tree suddenly began to shake violently.

Zhenyuanzi stood to the side, watching this scene with a face full of anticipation.

He knew that this was a sign that the Ginseng Fruit Tree was about to take human form, and it also meant that his old friend Hongyun was about to be reborn.

However, the Queen Mother of the West on the side asked with some worry: "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, does the Ginseng Fruit Tree taking human form mean that we will never see this precious tree again, and will never be able to eat Ginseng Fruit again?"

Upon hearing this, Zhenyuanzi shook his head gently and said with a smile: "Queen Mother is overthinking. Although the Ginseng Fruit Tree will lose its original form upon taking human shape, after Fellow Daoist Hongyun is reborn, he will naturally cultivate a new Ginseng Fruit Tree. After all, this precious tree has always had a deep connection with Hongyun."

Only then did the Queen Mother of the West breathe a sigh of relief and express her agreement with Zhenyuanzi's explanation.

Just at this moment, the sky suddenly became covered with dark clouds, and thunder and lightning flashed. A terrifying pressure from the Heavenly Dao descended upon Witch City, making everyone present feel palpitations.

Zhenyuanzi's expression changed, and he looked at the sky in panic, only to see a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation brewing.

He immediately understood in his heart that this was the Heavenly Dao's punishment for Hongyun's resurrection, and what was descending was actually the Purple Heaven Divine Thunder! "This... what should we do? Can Fellow Daoist Hongyun withstand this Heavenly Tribulation?" Zhenyuanzi asked anxiously.

Lu Yun, however, remained calm and said to Zhenyuanzi with a smile: "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, do not worry. Although Fellow Daoist Hongyun's resurrection violates the rules of the Heavenly Dao, I have long had a countermeasure."

While speaking, Lu Yun flashed and arrived above the Ginseng Fruit Tree.

He raised his hand and waved, and a stream of Humanity Power surged out, turning into a light barrier that shrouded the Ginseng Fruit Tree within it.

Seeing this scene, how could Zhenyuanzi and the Queen Mother of the West not know that Lu Yun was clearly intending to have a head-on confrontation with the rules of the Heavenly Dao again!

For a moment, Zhenyuanzi also let out a long sigh of relief.

After all, Lu Yun had done this more than once, and even when he did not have his current strength, he was able to prevail, so it would certainly be a breeze now.

Sure enough—

"Boom!"

The first Purple Heaven Divine Thunder struck the light barrier, but it seemed to be swallowed by an invisible force, unable to touch the Ginseng Fruit Tree in the slightest.

Seeing this, Zhenyuanzi finally relaxed and cast a grateful look at Lu Yun.

The Queen Mother of the West also exclaimed: "His Majesty the Saint Emperor truly has vast Supernatural Powers!"

Lu Yun shook his head slightly, his expression turning slightly solemn instead, and said: "Don't be happy too early; I have discovered that the rules of this Heavenly Tribulation are somewhat different!"

These words left both Zhenyuanzi and the Queen Mother of the West feeling somewhat confused.

Zhenyuanzi hurriedly asked: "Your Majesty the Saint Emperor, what does this mean?"

Lu Yun seemed to have discovered something interesting and said: "So that's how it is! This Hongjun has actually added rules of ascension to the Heavenly Dao. Anyone who undergoes the Tribulation under the Heavenly Tribulation, if successful, ascends to the Heavenly Realm; those who fail but survive remain in the human world; and those who die after failing either vanish into thin air or fall into the Underworld for Reincarnation!"

"What?!"

Both Zhenyuanzi and the Queen Mother of the West could not help but exclaim in shock.

With their vision, they naturally knew how great an impact such a rule would have on the Three Realms after the Great Desolation was formed! Under this rule, the Heavenly Realm would continuously absorb those who had achieved success in cultivation from the human world and the Underworld, growing stronger, while the human world and the Underworld could only accommodate those who had not undergone the tribulation or had failed it, and their strength would naturally gradually weaken.

In the long run, the Heavenly Realm would naturally rise above the human world and the Underworld!

The more they thought about it, the more terrified they became; they never expected that just as the Three Realms had been divided, Hongjun would actually come up with such a counterattack!

The Queen Mother of the West, who was already determined to stand on the side of Humanity, racked her brains but could not think of a countermeasure, and could not help but ask: "Your Majesty the Saint Emperor, what should be done about this?"

Zhenyuanzi also looked at Lu Yun nervously.

After all, he did not want Hongyun, whom he had finally resurrected with such difficulty, to end up having to ascend to the Heavenly Realm and stand on the opposite side of him!

Lu Yun, however, was very indifferent and said: "Hongjun does indeed have a trick up his sleeve! However, it is a pity that my Humanity may not be helpless against him!"

He looked at Zhenyuanzi and said: "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuan, I want to confer the title of Human Race Guardian Divine Tree upon the Ginseng Fruit Tree and use the Human Race Luck to help him pass the Heavenly Tribulation, while also allowing him to remain in the human world. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of joy crossed Zhenyuanzi's eyes, and he hurriedly nodded: "Your Majesty the Saint Emperor, I am willing! Hongyun has always been a friend of the Human Race; being able to become the Human Race Guardian Divine Tree is also a great honor for him."

Lu Yun nodded slightly, then said in a loud voice: "Today, I, Lu Yun, in the name of the Human Dao Saint Emperor, confer the title of Human Race Guardian Divine Tree upon the Ginseng Fruit Tree, to gather Human Race Luck and eternally guard the territory of the Human Race!"

As Lu Yun's voice fell, a majestic surge of Humanity Luck gathered from all directions and landed on the Ginseng Fruit Tree.

The originally violently shaking Ginseng Fruit Tree gradually calmed down, and its branches and leaves emitted a soft light, as if it were accepting the baptism of Humanity Luck.

Seeing this, Zhenyuanzi was filled with excitement; he knew that with the Ginseng Fruit Tree becoming the Human Race Guardian Divine Tree, Hongyun was completely safe this time.

The Queen Mother of the West sighed with emotion, looked at Lu Yun, and said: "Your Majesty the Saint Emperor is truly far-sighted. This move not only solidifies the status of the Human Race but also adds a powerful protective force for the Human Race."

Lu Yun smiled slightly and said: "Although Hongjun is powerful, my Humanity is not easily dealt with either. As long as we are united as one, in the future Three Realms, Humanity will surely rise!" Just at this moment, thick dark clouds gathered in the sky again, and the Purple Heaven Divine Thunder was brewing once more.

However, this time, under the protection of Humanity Luck, the Ginseng Fruit Tree appeared calm and unhurried.

"Boom!"

The Purple Heaven Divine Thunder struck down again, but it was easily absorbed by the light barrier around the Ginseng Fruit Tree.

As one divine thunder after another fell, the light of the Ginseng Fruit Tree grew brighter and brighter, as if it were undergoing a transformation and rebirth.

Zhenyuanzi and the Queen Mother of the West watched all of this nervously, praying silently in their hearts.

As time passed, the Heavenly Tribulation gradually dissipated, and the Ginseng Fruit Tree also stopped shaking.

Finally, after the last bolt of divine lightning fell, the dark clouds dispersed, and the sky returned to clarity. A figure was seen slowly walking out from the tree; it was none other than Hongyun.

Hongyun looked at Zhenyuanzi, Lu Yun, and the others before him, his eyes filled with gratitude. He knew that if not for their help, he would likely never have been able to be reborn.

"Many thanks to all fellow Daoists for your grace in helping me!" Hongyun bowed and saluted.

Zhenyuanzi walked forward excitedly, gripped Hongyun's hand tightly, and said, "Fellow Daoist Hongyun, you have finally returned!"

Hongyun was also somewhat moved and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuan, thank you for all the worry you have shouldered for me over these years!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with the joy of reunion.

Immediately, Zhenyuanzi hurriedly said to Hongyun, "Hongyun, this time it is all thanks to the Saint Emperor. Come quickly and thank the Saint Emperor!"

Hongyun immediately looked at Lu Yun, bowed deeply, and said, "Many thanks to the Saint Emperor for your grace in helping me!"

Lu Yun merely waved his hand and said, "There is no need for this. From now on, you are the guardian divine tree of the Human Race. You only need to look after the Human Race well; that is the best reward for me!"

Hongyun said with a solemn expression, "Yes, Hongyun is willing to be loyal and devoted to the Human Race, guarding the peace of the human world!"

Lu Yun added, "Alright, I imagine you and Zhenyuanzi have much to say after your reunion of many years. Go ahead and reminisce!"

Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun hurriedly saluted together and said, "Many thanks, Saint Emperor!"

Immediately, the two retreated together.

After they left, Lu Yun looked at the Queen Mother of the West and said, "Fellow Daoist, I must trouble you to make a trip to the Underworld. Regarding the Ascension Rule, you still need to go and speak with Houtu, while I have some other matters to handle."

The Queen Mother of the West nodded, her expression solemn as she said, "Rest assured, Saint Emperor. I shall head to the Underworld now to discuss this matter with Fellow Daoist Houtu. The Heavenly Dao adding the Ascension Rule is a major transformation for the Underworld as well; we must make preparations in advance."

Having said this, the Queen Mother of the West turned and transformed into a stream of light, speeding away in the direction of the Nether Blood Sea.

After watching the Queen Mother of the West depart, Lu Yun took a deep breath and cast his gaze into the distance.

He knew clearly in his heart that Hongjun adding the Ascension Rule was not only a challenge to Humanity but also a reshuffling of the entire Great Desolation landscape.

"Hongjun has quite the scheme! However, who will emerge victorious remains to be seen!"

Lu Yun revealed a smile toward the firmament, then his figure moved, and he left the Great Desolation directly, entering his own cosmic space.

He still had some treasure chests that had not been opened, including a Supreme Treasure Chest for establishing Humanity and a Legendary Treasure Chest containing the Four Great Killing Arrays. It was time to go back and open them to see what good things were inside!...

Inside Zixiao Palace, Hongjun sat upright on a cloud bed, his gaze profound, as if he could pierce through Chaos and peer into everything within the Great Desolation.

He had been silently observing everything that had just happened. Although he was somewhat surprised by Lu Yun's countermeasures, he did not reveal much emotional fluctuation.

Hongjun closed his eyes slightly and calculated inwardly. He had not expected that Lu Yun could immediately think of using the Human Race Luck to canonize Hongyun, thereby neutralizing the impact of the Ascension Rule he had added.

Such a method was indeed beyond his expectations.

However, Hongjun did not care, because in his view, this was merely a bit of cleverness on Lu Yun's part.

Hongjun knew deeply that although Lu Yun could use this method to help some beings remain in the human world or the Underworld after their Tribulation Transcendence Stage, there were countless beings in the Great Desolation, and it was impossible for every being to receive Lu Yun's canonization.

As time passed, more and more beings would face the test of the Heavenly Tribulation.

By then, whether they were willing or not, the power of the Heavenly Realm would constantly strengthen, while the human world and the Underworld would become places for the Heavenly Court to cultivate strong individuals.

The Heavenly Court could not only strengthen itself but also draw nutrients from the Underworld and the human world to continuously grow. When it completely suppressed the human world and the Underworld, it would naturally be the day for his Heavenly Dao to regain control of the Great Desolation!

Hongjun was very confident in this scheme of his; he believed his plan would eventually succeed.

Now, Humanity and the Earthly Dao might seem arrogant, but it was all just making wedding clothes for him in the future!

Now, all he needed to do was wait patiently for the opportunity to arrive. When the power of the Heavenly Realm was strong enough, he could unify the Three Realms in one stroke and let the Great Desolation return to the control of the Heavenly Dao.

Of course, to ensure his scheme succeeded faster, he still needed the Three Pure Ones and the Western Two Sages to open their dojos as soon as possible!

But when he looked at the Three Pure Ones and the Western Two Sages, he found that they were slow to take action.

For a moment, he felt somewhat helpless.

Because of his various schemes in the past, the growth of the Three Pure Ones and the Western Two Sages was now far below what it should have been; they could not even handle this small matter! Since that was the case, he would give them another push! He directly sent a voice transmission to the Three Pure Ones and the Western Two Sages, ordering them to return to Zixiao Palace to prepare to teach them properly how to open a dojo!...

The Queen Mother of the West arrived at the Netherworld and stepped into the Underworld.

The entire Underworld was permeated with an atmosphere of solemnity and mystery. She passed through layers of mist and arrived at the core area of the Underworld to meet Houtu.

Houtu sat upright on the main hall, her face solemn and dignified, yet her eyes revealed a sense of closeness toward the Queen Mother of the West. The Queen Mother of the West stepped forward to salute and recounted everything that had happened in Witch City, as well as the Ascension Rule added by Hongjun.

After hearing this, Houtu's expression also became solemn.

She naturally saw at once how enormous the impact of this rule was on the balance of the Three Realms. Once implemented, the Heavenly Realm would become increasingly powerful, while the human world and the Underworld would gradually decline.

However, Houtu did not feel as panicked and helpless as the Queen Mother of the West.

After pondering for a moment, a smile appeared on her face, and she comforted the Queen Mother of the West, saying, "Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West, there is no need to worry too much. Since Lu Yun has already noticed and taken countermeasures, I believe he must have a way to solve this problem."

(End of this chapter)