The Council Chamber of the Confucian Temple.

Compared to the strict formalities of the previous two council sessions, this gathering was much more relaxed. Seating was open, without any distinction between principal and subordinate positions. Those with personal friendships, family ties, or shared connections often clustered together. The Sage of Rites was absent, along with the Second Sage and the Sage of Culture, which undoubtedly eased the atmosphere for everyone, even the Confucian Temple’s libationers and preceptors, and the academies’ rectors.

Ah Liang plopped down on the ground, supporting himself with his hands, legs stretched out, and exhaled a long breath.

Disciple Xi Ping had already prepared low tables and bamboo mats. Each table had writing brushes, inkstones, paper, and a plate of immortal fruits. There were several immortal jujubes from an ancient immortal mansion on the Immortal Cloud Path, their skins patterned like swirling sunset clouds, a few golden apricots from the Meridian Observatory of the Central Earth Daoist Sect, and jade peaches grown by the Old Ancestor of the Jade Rhyme Abode beside the Dusk Pavilion. There were also plums and water chestnuts from various blessed grotto-heavens. Each item was limited in quantity, but the colorful array was quite festive. Ah Liang picked up a jade peach, took a bite, and was so delighted by the exquisite flavor that he narrowed his eyes. Truly, these things were best when ripe.

Years ago, when he visited the Jade Rhyme Abode, no one at the Dusk Pavilion had told him whether the peaches were ripe or not. In any case, the ripe peaches weren’t a vibrant red. Ah Liang picked a large pouchful, but he was in a hurry due to pressing matters and didn’t inform the Rhyme Abode. After descending the mountain, his teeth were almost turned sour. He had to finish the peaches he picked, even with tears in his eyes, didn’t he? It was better to share the misery. Later, while traveling the world, Ah Liang gifted many of these peaches to friends in the mountains, offsetting a few of his drinking debts. For some reason, in the following decades, the Dusk Pavilion’s jade peaches gained a reputation that didn’t match reality. Once praised as the best peaches in the world in numerous landscape gazettes, they became ranked as the worst, which was a bit much. Ah Liang felt indignant and believed that while the peaches’ flavor was unusual, they certainly didn’t deserve to be ranked last. So he specifically used a few familiar landscape gazettes to speak fairly of the Dusk Pavilion’s jade peaches. Unexpectedly, the Jade Rhyme Abode didn’t appreciate his efforts and erected a rather hurtful forbidden tablet at the foot of the mountain: “Ah Liang and dogs are forbidden from climbing the mountain to pick peaches.”

Ah Liang repaid evil with good, still wanting to speak well of the Dusk Pavilion’s jade peaches, saying that after eating one, a scholar could gain enlightenment, gathering the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth to transform it into literary fortune, a pure martial artist could increase a cycle of sixty years of cultivation, and a cultivator’s Qi refinement and breathing exercises would be divinely assisted. Later, he heard that many guests visited the Jade Rhyme Abode in those years, resulting in a poor harvest of Dusk Pavilion peaches.

After accomplishing the deed, he brushed off his sleeves and concealed his merit. Being kind to others in all things and providing convenience wherever possible was Ah Liang’s guiding principle in his travels.

On the low table, there were also two jars of wine: Green Bamboo Wine from the Bamboo Sea Grotto-Heaven and Ten-Flower Brew from the Hundred-Flower Blessed Land.

The wine cups were the Hundred-Flower Blessed Land’s unique imitation Flower Goddess cups, which could be considered an official imitation of an official product, and were quite expensive.

The wine cup on Ah Liang’s table was a peach blossom cup. It was decorated with a cluster of peach blossoms, both deep red and light red, each lovely, like a woman’s makeup, both heavy and light. Beside it was inscribed a flower-themed poem by the Confucian Temple’s Deputy Preceptor, Old Master Han.

Ah Liang turned to look at Xi Ping, who was standing by the entrance. Without Ah Liang needing to ask, Xi Ping, sensing the gaze, proactively said, “Besides the writing brushes, inkstones, and paper, everything else can be taken away.”

Ah Liang asked, “What about the low tables and bamboo mats?”

Xi Ping countered, “What do you think?”

Ah Liang immediately understood: they were allowed.

Brother Xi Ping was generous and righteous.

Xi Ping also immediately understood, saying, “When you return to the Merit Forest, you can drink a pot of this year’s Pre-Rain Green Armor tea, freshly produced by Qingyou Blessed Land. Master Lu personally picked it and entrusted the Marquis of Evernight to deliver it to the Confucian Temple. Even Master Dong is reluctant to drink much of it.”

Ah Liang smiled knowingly, understanding again. He would have his attendants go to the Merit Forest, pack it up, and take it away, or simply give it to the Old Scholar.

Lu Zhi poured a cup of Green Bamboo Wine and drank it in one gulp. Why did it taste like fake wine?

The wine’s flavor was actually not bad, but it didn’t quite feel right. He was more used to the Green Peak Mountain wine from Diezhang Pavilion in the Sword Qi Great Wall.

Ah Liang turned and asked Qi Tingji if he wanted to eat or drink. Qi Tingji smiled and said to take it all. Ah Liang didn’t stand on ceremony. A scholar like him didn’t understand worldly affairs, had a thin face, and found it difficult to earn money. He had many outstanding debts, so he could only work like a swallow carrying mud, making a small profit wherever he could. As for the attendants, there was no need to ask. Ah Liang moved all the wine, wine cups, and immortal fruits from their tables to his own. Nearby, Zhao Yaoguang, Lin Junbi, and other young people were sitting. Ah Liang asked the Little Celestial Master to help pass the message: those who didn’t drink wine should bring their wine pots and wine cups. Those who did drink should keep the wine, but not be petty. Drinking wine should be done with boldness. What was the point of using wine cups? Anyone who couldn’t drink themselves to the Ascension Realm should bring their cups over.

Soon, Ah Liang had collected a complete set of twelve Flower Goddess cups. The cups were stacked together, looking lonely. Ah Liang again asked Zhao Yaoguang and the others to help call friends and acquaintances, and they gathered another complete set of Flower Goddess cups. There was also a peach blossom cup, but the painting and poem were different. Ah Liang sighed with emotion, thinking that the Flower Mistress of the Hundred-Flower Blessed Land really knew how to conduct herself.

Master Dong, the leader of the Confucian Temple, was the first to speak, saying in a deep voice, “Repay evil with justice. Even the Desolate Wilderness knows this principle. There is no reason for you not to know it.”

These words were not spoken to the mountain peak cultivators, but to a few academy rectors whose scholarship was profound enough but whose hearts were too focused on governing multiple worlds.

Some teachers were extremely rigorous in their scholarship, often being pedantic and inflexible. Their scholarship benefited the world greatly, but when it came to managing the world and benefiting the people, they were not so good.

Therefore, there was actually internal disagreement within the Confucian Temple regarding the selection of certain candidates to fill the seventy-two academy rectorships.

The Confucian Temple Leader’s opening remarks immediately made the atmosphere heavy.

Regardless, now that the Sage of Rites had taken that step, it meant that the Confucian Temple would definitely take serious action against the Desolate Wilderness.

Between the rows of low tables on either side, mist rose, eventually revealing five landscape paintings.

Each of the four seas of the Great World had a Return to Emptiness entrance leading to the Desolate Wilderness.

The Confucian Temple had named these four Return to Emptiness entrances: Celestial Eye, Tattoo Mark, Divine Village, and Sunken Sun.

In addition, there were three ferries, called Candle-Holding Ferry, Galloping Horse Ferry, and Earth Vein Ferry. Among them, the Earth Vein Ferry had been built into a city by the Mo Clan’s Grand Craftsman.

North of the three ferries was the Sword Qi Great Wall, which was extremely difficult to repair.

Compared to the widely spaced four Return to Emptiness entrances, the three ferries, along with the two sections of the Sword Qi Great Wall, could be regarded as a single area.
The scattered Ruins of Return across the Savage Lands, along with the three ferry crossings located in the northernmost part of the Savage Lands, these five locations would serve as the foothold for the Great Harmony World within the Savage Lands.

Everyone received five booklets.

The booklets were thick, detailing every aspect of the five entrances’ terrains, including the geographical situations of each Savage Land sect, the dynasties at the foot of the mountains, the tribes, the accurate distribution and reserves of various resources.

Yu Panshui stared intently at the scrolls, and as expected, it wouldn’t be long before battlefields erupted everywhere.

The wealthy merchant-like, corpulent old man asked worriedly, “South of the Sword Qi Great Wall, there’s that old blind man from the Ten Thousand Mountains. What about him? One slip-up, and the connection between the Sword Qi Great Wall and the three ferry crossings will be severed by this fellow.”

Those golden-armored puppets in the Ten Thousand Mountains weren’t just capable of moving mountains. Once they entered the battlefield, they would cause incalculable losses for the Great Harmony World.

Especially since the old blind man was a seasoned Fourteenth Realm cultivator, and within his own domain for millennia, even Moon Support Mountain could only turn a blind eye to him. If the old blind man insisted on blocking the way, who would stop him? Even if he could be stopped, a large number of Great Harmony World’s top combatants would be tied down. For example, Yu Xuan, Great Celestial Master Zhao Tianlai, or True Man Fire Dragon? Would they have to accompany the old blind man, drinking the northwest wind and basking in the sun every day?

As for ordinary Ascended Realm cultivators, they were no match for the old blind man. They might even be stuffed between the teeth of his guard dog, a great Ascended Realm demon, for a few satisfying meals.

Once one reached the Fourteenth Realm, especially those peak cultivators who harmonized with the terrain, fighting them was a nightmare.

Old Master Dong seemed hesitant.

However, judging from his expression, the Confucian Temple Master didn’t seem worried, but rather had a smile on his face.

A’Liang had a strange expression.

Good heavens, the old blind man was throwing all his face away for his opening-mountain disciple!

He had gone to Moon Support Mountain’s side, pretending to cheer for the Savage Lands, but in reality, he was taking neither side, clearly stating a principle to the Confucian Temple: I was originally going to help Moon Support Mountain, but now I have taken in a good disciple who both opens and closes the mountain. Because that kid also has a Confucian scholar identity, I won’t favor the Savage Lands. If you need my help in the future, you can discuss it with my disciple; his words carry weight…

Li Huai and the Ascended Realm serving as his attendant, the Tender Taoist, were currently leisurely strolling around Pan Shui County, enjoying themselves.

The Tender Taoist felt he was basking in Young Master Li’s glory, gaining familiarity with the Confucian Temple, which would stabilize his future travels in the Great Harmony World.

He wouldn’t dare say he could lie back and enjoy life every day, but at least he no longer had to worry about being struck by lightning or eaten by flying swords.

Li Huai was in a great mood after seeing Chen Ping’an, and while browsing bookstores, he hinted to the Tender Taoist if he had any valuable items, something of good quality, to give as a gift. He would settle the bill with his half-master’s old blind man later; they were all family, why be polite?

The Tender Taoist was even happier, assuring the young master that he wouldn’t give a cheap gift, while his mind sank into his small world, quickly searching through those few items, completely dazzled.

If only it had seen the old blind man’s position at that time, it would have been scared to death on the spot.

The old blind man in the Fourteenth Realm was hard to kill, but what was so difficult about chopping an Ascended Realm demon to death within a few steps of the Confucian Temple?

If only it knew what the old blind man had done to go from being a half-master to a full master, engaging in such shameless behavior.

Old Master Dong didn’t say much, pausing to find the right words, before giving a vague explanation, “This senior, although he stood on the opposite side during the previous discussion, he will definitely not interfere in this war. Everyone can rest assured. The Ten Thousand Mountains remain neutral.”

Old Master Han poured himself a cup of Ten Flower Brew, drinking it by himself. Compared to Hundred Flower Brew, the quality was much lower. It wasn’t that the Flower Master of the Blessed Land couldn’t produce enough Hundred Flower Brew, but the Confucian Temple had politely declined, and the Confucian Temple paid for all the wine and immortal fruits. Of course, the price was much lower than the market price. In fact, the wine and fruits on the table were almost priceless, but all the sects and immortals who could show their faces once wouldn’t feel like they were losing money.

Lu Zhi asked via spiritual communication, “Will this meeting last a long time?”

Because from the Confucian Temple’s posture, once they closed the doors today, it would be impossible to open them for at least an hour.

Zuo You nodded and said, “If it were at the Sword Qi Great Wall, there would be at least ten meetings by now.”

Qi Tingji smiled and comforted his chief offering, “Such meetings are rare. As long as you get through this one, it will be difficult to have such a meeting again in the future.”

Lu Zhi was still a bit unaccustomed and took a gulp of wine.

At the Sword Qi Great Wall, the so-called meetings of the ten-odd peak sword immortals on the city walls were actually just a few words from the老大(Eldest) sword immortal, and if there were no objections, it was considered passed.

Even if the Sword Workshop and Clothing Workshop held their own meetings, it was estimated that a large number of sword cultivators would be unable to hold on for more than half an hour and would make excuses to leave. Lu Zhi had rarely participated in a few important meetings hosted by Dong Sangeng or Chen Xi. The sword cultivators didn’t dare to run away, so one after another, they gathered outside the meeting hall to drink. Matters were discussed inside, and wine was drunk outside, without delaying either. Lu Zhi’s realm was high, and there were also peak candidates like Yue Qing and Mi Hu who could sit on the steps outside and drink. Some Jade Purity Realm sword cultivators could also linger and drink a whole pot of wine. The poor Earthly Immortal sword cultivators who weren’t of a high enough realm often had to be kicked back inside after a few sips, or the great sword immortals would give them a look, and they would have to get up and return. After all, it wouldn’t look good if half of the seats inside were empty and sparse. However, Dong Sangeng and Chen Xi would actually come out and have a few drinks themselves.

In the history of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the only exception was probably the Summer Palace led by Chen Ping’an.

Old Master Han smiled and said, “In this meeting, everyone outside the Confucian Temple doesn’t need to be ashamed to talk about benefits.”

This Confucian Temple Deputy Master, who was the most “intimate” with the Sage and was the first to propose the complete “Orthodoxy Theory,” said something surprising today, “Fame, fortune, money, using military achievements and merit to exceptionally exchange for the right to choose a lower sect’s location, and the limited number of places for the next opening of the Five-Colored World. Everyone can talk about these today, chat openly, with no restrictions.”
Speaking of which, Master Han glanced at Liu Caishen of Aiai Continent, then at Song Changjing of Treasure Bottle Continent.

The youthful Liu Tui had just finished browsing the booklet and unknowingly devoured all the fruits on the table. He inquired, “Besides the great dynasties and tributary states of Middle-Earth Divine Continent, where will the rest of the forces come from? Just considering our Soaring Cloud Continent, the assembled cultivators and mortal armies are far from enough.”

Liu Tui’s remarks were not exactly airing dirty laundry, as everyone present knew the situation.

Soaring Cloud Continent was only marginally better than Fallen Leaf Continent.

After a great war, other than shattered lands like Soaring Cloud Continent, the remaining Middle-Earth Divine Continent, Aiai Continent, Northern Reed Continent, and Flowing Haze Continent all preserved their strengths relatively intact, both cultivators and mortal forces.

Liu Tui and the other seven, each the leader of their respective continents, had a new booklet placed before them.

Master Han stated, “After you have read it, you may increase or decrease the manpower as you deem fit.”

Wei Ying opened the booklet and quickly perused it. She then drew several blank sheets of paper from the side of the table and added the names of a group of cultivators from the True Mirror Sect, as well as some mountain forces omitted by the Literary Temple. However, with the exception of her own True Mirror Sect, she had to be mindful of overstepping when it came to other immortal families, lest she be accused of being generous at others’ expense. After all, it had to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Wei Ying was not foolish enough to become an enemy of the entire continent simply to curry favor with the Literary Temple.

Finally, Wei Ying wrote the three characters “Fallen Leaf Sect” on a blank sheet and raised her head to ask Master Han, “If cultivators from the Fallen Leaf Sect are willing to go to the desolate battlefield, will the Literary Temple agree?”

Master Han showed clear approval, nodding and saying, “Of course, there is no problem. After Sect Master Wei returns home, she can assist the Literary Temple in discussing this matter with the Fallen Leaf Sect cultivators.”

Chao Pu, as the National Preceptor of the Shao Yuan Dynasty, knew the mountain and mortal forces of Golden Armor Continent like the back of his hand. He raised several objections, which were answered by a Master of Studies from the Literary Temple.

This discussion alone, regarding the battle-ready troops of the nine continents, lasted a full half-hour, and still no final conclusion was reached. Master Han presented the Literary Temple’s opinions, and after this meeting, each continent would hold another discussion. The Literary Temple would convene more great cultivators from each continent for separate discussions, delving into further details.

The head of the prestigious family, Song Zi of Zhuolu, suddenly remarked, “The geographical locations of the four Return to Ruins entrances were clearly carefully chosen by the wildlands.”

The spiritual energy was thin, and the resources were scarce. Within tens of thousands of miles, there were either crisscrossing waterways or towering mountains, making battlefield advancement extremely inconvenient for mortal forces. For righteous cultivators, there was also no advantage to be gained.

Zhao Tianlai, Zheng Juzhong, Pei Bei, Huai Yin, and others had all been stationed at Return to Ruins or ferry crossings, precisely to prevent wildlands great cultivators from making moves there, especially paying attention to the traces of formation masters.

Old Master Dong inquired, “Are there any areas that need to be checked and supplemented?”

Zheng Juzhong’s mind stirred. The Return to Ruins exit known as Divine Homeland, as well as Running Steed Crossing, had more mountains, rivers, and an expanded territory nearly doubled in size compared to the Literary Temple’s already detailed topographical maps.

Celestial Master Zhao raised a hand, his two fingers held together, “pointing out the landscape” towards the Sky Eye Return to Ruins exit. Dozens of bright spots of varying depths appeared on the landscape painting, all hidden traces of lurking great demons. In addition, six golden threads appeared in several boundary areas, hidden arrays meticulously laid out by the wildlands great demons.

Huai Yin felt his scalp tingle. He had previously been stationed at the two locations of the ferry crossing and Return to Ruins for a short time, only two or three years, but he had been conscientious, flying around to help the Literary Temple survey the mountains and rivers, and sparing no expense in scattering talismans to create soldiers, dispatching hundreds of puppets to patrol the mountains and rivers in all directions, working hard without a moment of rest. He thought his achievements were remarkable, and originally thought he would stand out, but he did not expect to fall behind.

The City Lord of White Emperor City and the Great Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain were not hiding their abilities. Zheng Juzhong and Zhao Tianlai had clearly not been concealing these details from the Literary Temple, but rather the latest findings they had made after leaving the ferry crossing, relying on their respective techniques and supernatural powers.

True Man Fire Dragon was unusually embarrassed. Comparing people is infuriating. He, the poor Daoist, had become a useless good-for-nothing like Huai the Accountant.

There was no other way. He would have to contribute more when he went to the wildlands next time. A tree needs its bark, and a man needs his face. One cannot be too much like Huai Yin.

Yu Xuan asked, “Could the Return to Ruins itself be hiding a contingency plan from Mount Crescent?”

Old Master Dong nodded, “That possibility cannot be ruled out.”

Yuan Pang spoke, “We must prepare for the worst. We can assume that each Return to Ruins passageway is hiding a seated great demon with combat power equivalent to Crimson Consort.”

Liu Qi smiled and asked, “Does Mountain Master Yuan have a countermeasure?”

Yuan Pang nodded, and another booklet appeared on all the tables.

The root of ordinary scholars’ idle talk and high-sounding theories lies in their ability to raise questions but not solve them, or simply never thinking about solving them.

Liu Qi casually opened the booklet, nodded, and smiled. Little Husband Yuan’s remarks were on point.

The names of Lady Dan Dan of Verdant Water Pit, who now manages the land and water transportation of the world, Marquis Li Yehou of Bright Moon Lake, the five great lake water deities, as well as a large group of water gods, water immortals, and water descendants, all appeared in the booklet. Among them were the water deity of Mirage Lake in Middle-Earth Divine Continent, Lord Lingyuan of Ji River in Northern Reed Continent, Shen Lin of Southern Fragrance Palace, Li Yuan, the Dragon Pavilion Marquis, Yang Hua, the water deity of Iron Talisman River in the Great Li Dynasty of Treasure Bottle Continent, an old dragon from the Qiantang River in the southeast… In short, the Literary Temple had meticulously recorded the high-ranking water gods of each continent, as well as their approximate strengths and the depths of their water mansions, down to the last detail.

A Liang clicked his tongue in wonder, “Water gods as escorts, that’s interesting.”

Before the troops move, provisions go first. Now that we have discussed where the troops will come from and how they will generally march, the next step is to discuss the matter of stationing in the wildlands.

The Giant of the Mo Family, with his lone city on the terrestrial vein ferry crossing, would continuously migrate south, and the great city could garrison 200,000 elite mortal soldiers.

In addition, the three branches of the Mo Family, along with the Craftsman Family, would jointly dispatch more than 12,000 Qi Refining cultivators.

The two sides would rely on the Torchlight and Running Steed ferry crossings respectively, and be responsible for building massive cities that could also migrate south.

There were arrangements at the other four great gates of the Void.
In the lineage of Yu Xuan Talismans, the Celestial Master’s Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain, respectively at the Gui Xu of Tianmu and Shenxiang, utilized Talisman Warriors and Mountain-Moving Golems to carve paths, relocate mountain ranges, and construct bridges.

The cultivators of the Military strategists and the Yin-Yang array masters, near the Gui Xu of Qingji and Rizhui, respectively, were responsible for establishing grand formations, gathering the spiritual energy of mountains and rivers.

Merchants took charge of investing heavily, using Immortal Coins to create天地異象 at the four Gui Xu locations, ensuring an abundance of spiritual energy.

The cultivators of the Agriculturalists and the Herbalists were responsible for planting immortal flora and the five grains in various locations.

Furthermore, the Confucian Temple mobilized all the remaining Sword Vessels, mountain-crossing ferries previously prepared for war but unused, from the vast world.

As for all intercontinental ferries, needless to say, the Confucian Temple requisitioned them all, providing symbolic compensation for the losses afterward. Even Luhua Island of the Rain Dragon Sect would be transformed into a temporary ferry port.

Among them, all debts owed by the Da Li Song Clan to the Mo Clan were transferred to the Confucian Temple, and the Confucian Temple would also provide the Da Li Song Clan with a sum of Immortal Coins.

Song Changjing had no objections to the sum of Immortal Coins, saying, “Grant at least three sect slots to the Da Li Dynasty.”

Old Master Dong smiled and said, “Agreed. Just three, no more.”

Fire Dragon True Person said in a deep voice, “The sword cultivators of Beiju Luzhou, even if they voluntarily rush to the battlefield, the Confucian Temple cannot remain silent.”

Old Master Dong nodded and said, “Of course.”

The Grand Libationer of the Rites Academy laughed, “Please trouble the True Person to devise a plan, what level of sword cultivator should receive what kind of compensation, the Confucian Temple will be waiting. Beiju Luzhou can ask anything.”

The Grand Libationer said to Lin Junbi, “Junbi, you will be responsible for coordinating with the Fire Dragon True Person on this matter later.”

Lin Junbi accepted the order, cupped his hands in salute to the Fire Dragon True Person, and said nothing.

He was a sword cultivator of the Hidden Official lineage, so he was considered half a member of Beiju Luzhou.

Therefore, there was no need for pleasantries with the Fire Dragon True Person. Even one extra word would seem superfluous.

The Fire Dragon True Person had a good impression of this young man.

He found him agreeable.

He had heard that he had been a sword cultivator of the Hidden Official lineage in the Summer Palace of the Sword Qi Great Wall for several years and had participated in the battlefield many times. As for the matter of breaking through three realms in three years, it was secondary.

Old Master Han suddenly said, “True Person, you can frankly tell all the sword cultivators of Beiju Luzhou that even if they go to the savage world for a sword-flying journey, just for sightseeing, without even drawing their swords, regardless of their cultivation level, the Confucian Temple will still provide money, don’t be shy.”

The Fire Dragon True Person asked with a smile, “What about the young sword cultivators who are going to the Sword Qi Great Wall for the first time? Will the Confucian Temple still give money?”

Old Master Dong said solemnly, “Yes, why wouldn’t we! Even if the Confucian Temple needs to borrow money for this sum of Immortal Coins, we won’t hesitate.”

The God of Wealth Liu of the Aiai Continent laughed, “For the next hundred years, we will forego the one-tenth share of the profits from the Snowflower Coins of the Liu Clan.”

Old Master Dong asked with a smile, “Isn’t this a disadvantageous trade?”

Liu Jubao smiled without saying a word.

Old Master Han nodded and said, “Since the God of Wealth Liu himself has said so, the Confucian Temple cannot refuse, or it would seem pretentious.”

Liu Jubao nodded lightly.

The Fire Dragon True Person was enlightened, so Old Master Dong’s previous statement about not being embarrassed to talk about money was a setup for the Confucian Temple itself?

So the Fire Dragon True Person glanced at the fat woman.

Madam Dan was a little clueless.

Yu Xuan comforted her with a smile in his mind, “This is the gaze of a poor person looking at a rich person, Madam Dan doesn’t need to pay attention to this kind of jealousy.”

Madam Dan, after receiving the “reminder,” immediately said in a trembling voice, “Lu Shui Pit is willing to hand over all its wealth to the Confucian Temple for management.”

People are insignificant compared to Heaven. After seeing immortals, one likes to visit mountains. After seeing ghosts, one is afraid of the dark.

She was really terrified of the Fire Dragon True Person.

A dignified Great Celestial Master of the Dragon Tiger Mountain, a bandit-like existence on the mountains of Beiju Luzhou, had blocked the entrance of Lu Shui Pit for more than just a few days. Two enormous fire dragons, each ten thousand zhang long, swam swiftly in the water, circling Lu Shui Pit every day. This was nothing, the key was that the Fire Dragon True Person dared to say anything, dared to utter any harsh words, and helped Madam Dan calculate the days outside the gate every day, because the Fire Dragon True Person said that his sworn brother, Zhao of the Dragon Tiger Mountain, had received his flying sword message and, without hesitation, had already descended the mountain with his seal and sword, and would soon visit Lu Shui Pit.

Of course, Madam Dan was living like years. She could only grit her teeth and persevere.

As for the aquatic monsters hiding inside Lu Shui Pit, they were trembling every day, as if mourning their parents. Day after day, they always felt that they might catch a glimpse of the Celestial Master’s face, and then be split open by the immortal sword, slapped by the Celestial Master’s seal, and stirred up by the Fire Dragon True Person’s two fire dragons, wouldn’t they all die?

Madam Dan’s statement at least left room for maneuver. It was management, not a complete gift.

But if the Confucian Temple was ruthless, it could all be embezzled. At worst, she would just consider it as paying to avoid disaster.

Not to mention the Immortal of Fishing stationed at Xie Long Stone and the band of Lone Riders of the South Sea, just the aquatic immortals and monsters of Lu Shui Pit, tens of thousands of shrimp soldiers and crab generals, were a real hegemon in the sea, except for rare guests like the Fire Dragon True Person. Moreover, each world was an ancient ruin, and many relics of ancient battlefields were scattered in the vast ocean of the boundless world. There were also many immortal opportunities born in response to the times. The sea was vast, and Lu Shui Pit had many subordinates. Over the long years, they had collected a lot of treasures, all of which were high-grade natural materials and earthly treasures. Otherwise, ordinary objects would not catch Madam Dan’s eye. Not to mention the piles of dragon pearls, wouldn’t they just let them gradually “yellow” in the treasure trove? Once, a great cultivator had actively approached her, hoping to do business with the dragon pearls, but Lu Shui Pit, which could have made a huge profit, did not even open its gates.

Earn this little money? She felt ashamed.

Then, the Confucian Temple provided a list of cultivators stationed in various locations, responsible for the initial safety of the five footholds in the savage world, and would not need to be “attendants” when the battle lines were truly spread out.

The people on the list were required to be present, and the Confucian Temple would continue to deliberate on the ongoing addition of certain candidates. None of the top combat power of the vast world would be missed, and no one could stand aloof.

Gui Xu Tianmu:

Two Vice Sect Leaders of the Confucian Temple, three Grand Libationers of the academies.

Shenxiang:

Yu Xuan, Zhao Tianlai, Fire Dragon True Person, Bai Chang.

Qingji:
Zheng Juzhong. Pei Bei. Huai Yin. Guo Outing. Liu Tui. Cong Qian.

The sun sets.

Su Shi, Liu Qi. Song Changjing. Wei Ying.

A Sword Qi Great Wall.

Qi Tingji, Lu Zhi. A Liang, Zuo You.

Master Dong said, “In the end, we can only engage in armchair strategies for now. Let’s have a few battlefield simulations.”

Yuan Pang and a group of Military Strategists from the Confucian Temple chose the side of the Savage Lands, engaging in fierce battles against the Righteous Path across five battlefields.

Zheng Juzhong glanced at the troop movements of both sides on the simulated battlefield, saying nothing more.

The most basic and fundamental methods of calculation were of paramount importance.

The White Emperor City Lord remained silent, but the Confucian Temple had no intention of letting go of this strategist who offered the world first dibs on taking advantage of situations.

Especially the three old Ancestors of Calculation, who were clearly eagerly awaiting Zheng Juzhong’s opening remarks.

Battlefield simulations were like building a structure. The overall standard was the key.

Only with a stable underlying architecture could one discuss the appropriate additions and subtractions to the upper layers of the structure. The style of mortise and tenon joints, the system of revolutions, the origin of curved arcs, the tilting norms of side feet and risers, the regulations for large timber work and the dovetailing…

To give a simple example, how does one determine the precise combat power of two Earthly Immortal cultivators with different cultivation paths on the battlefield? It certainly isn’t two rigid numbers. There are fluctuations. Otherwise, this simulation would be child’s play. And even if these fluctuations were included in the calculations, as long as it wasn’t perfect, the accumulating errors would result in the battlefield simulation becoming nothing more than a pile of useless paper, a self-deprecating “armchair strategy” for the Confucian Temple.

Lu Zhi asked, “It seems like the Summer Palace tried this before, but it didn’t work out.”

Zuo You nodded. “It’s too difficult. Back then, there were too few sword cultivators proficient in calculation. And no one dared to try it lightly.”

A Liang sighed, “If only I were at the Summer Palace, I could definitely help Chen Ping’an.”

Qi Tingji remembered something and curiously asked, “What’s the deal with that Dragon Slayer?”

A Liang raised his chin, pointing to that Huai Xian old brother in white robes, whose elegance was comparable to his own, “Go ask him.”

That Dragon Slayer from three thousand years ago was indeed strange. Not only were his actions incomprehensible, but his attainment of Dao and his fall from grace were also unpredictable.

Killing those Flood Dragons was, as A Liang had to admit, like chopping vegetables. He’d kill one upon sight, and he’d kill a pile of them just the same.

Regarding this matter, A Liang even went to the Sword Qi Great Wall and had to ask the Eldest Sword Immortal what was going on. There was no reason for him to be so powerful.

No matter how high one’s swordsmanship was, it couldn’t surpass Chen Qingdu. No matter how broad one’s Sword Dao was, A Liang didn’t really think that Dragon Slayer was stronger than him.

But if A Liang were to face those swarms of Flood Dragons, he would never dare to say that he could slay them with such ease, as if cutting down dragons was as simple as falling rain.

As a result, the Eldest Sword Immortal replied at the time, “No one is stronger than me. Why would I waste my brain on that? Figure it out yourself.”

A Liang was so angry that he almost took two kids wearing open-crotch pants to water the thatched cottage late at night.

And now it was even stranger.

That Dragon Slayer was very likely to have fallen from grace back then, which is why he disappeared for three thousand years. Now, he had once again attained Dao and broken through, returning to the Fourteenth Realm.

So A Liang, with a flattering smile, asked Zheng Juzhong telepathically, “Huai Xian old brother? This little brother is confused about something and hopes you can help me solve it.”

Zheng Juzhong smiled, “I can’t help you.”

Zheng Juzhong and that Dragon Slayer, master and disciple, had in fact had a long-awaited reunion in Treasure Bottle Continent. At that time, Zheng Juzhong, the disciple, had already surpassed his teacher.

The blind Daoist “Jia Sheng” had also frankly admitted this, acknowledging that his realm and cultivation were not as good as Zheng Juzhong’s.

As for now, it was hard to say.

Back then, when Pei Bei returned to the Central Earth Divine Continent from the Upside-Down Mountain, this female Martial Goddess of the Great End Dynasty once challenged White Emperor City.

Both were among the Ten of the Central Earth.

But the outside world only heard that Pei Bei’s challenge didn’t result in a true victory for either side.

In fact, they never even fought.

Zheng Juzhong said to Pei Bei, “Wait until both your feet have crossed that threshold before you come to challenge me with all your might. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be a pity?”

Pei Bei didn’t think Zheng Juzhong was boasting or bluffing, so she agreed.

White Emperor City then spread the news that it was just a draw.

In reality, the two mountain-peak figures were just drinking in the colorful clouds.

Zheng Juzhong even played a game of chess with Cao Ci in the end.

Cao Ci was actually quite good at chess, but this young martial artist’s erudition was overshadowed by his dazzling martial talent.

In fact, Cao Ci’s skill in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting were all quite remarkable.

Fu Jin, Zheng Juzhong’s eldest disciple, had long held the same doubts as A Liang and Qi Tingji.

“Little White Emperor” Fu Jin, as a pure sword cultivator, had an extremely strong desire to win. He wanted to test swords with that grandmaster.

Anyway, in White Emperor City, as long as you had the ability, patricide and betrayal were no problem.

Zheng Juzhong had once meticulously planned a rebellion, plotting for a full six hundred years.

Han Qiaose and the other junior sisters and brothers, along with several direct disciples including Fu Jin, joined forces with guest elders and enshrined ones.

And the mastermind who attempted to change the entire White Emperor City was a person transformed from a wisp of Zheng Juzhong’s own mind, “kept in the dark” by himself. He also roped in a large number of White Emperor City’s hostile forces, with a fierce momentum, feeling confident that even killing a Fourteenth Realm was no problem.

From beginning to end, only Liu Chicheng, that idiot, didn’t participate.

Zheng Juzhong was both greatly disappointed in this little junior brother who was the Pavilion Master of the Glazed Pavilion, thinking that Liu Chicheng was a piece of trash, and more or less held a bit of fraternal affection in his heart.

As for the crowd of rebels, Zheng Juzhong didn’t punish any of the White Emperor City cultivators after the fact. A bunch of trash was still good for decoration.

As for those hostile forces that were colluded with by “Zheng Juzhong” himself, their fate was more pathetic.

In the following three hundred years, Zheng Juzhong didn’t kill a single person, but the ancestral halls were rife with infighting, scheming and plotting against each other. Assassination methods among fellow disciples emerged one after another, and every time a cultivator succeeded, they would gloat. Among them, two Central Earth sects that were originally deeply established fought each other until they were exhausted. In the end, they couldn’t even keep their “sect” title.
The most terrifying aspect was that even Fu Jin, the most senior disciple of Zheng Juzhong, harbored a deep-seated doubt: was he truly Fu Jin, or merely one of his master’s many fragmented selves?

***

Panxi County.

Gu Can was engrossed in studying a chess manual when his martial aunt, Han Qiao’se, seated by the doorway, suddenly called out, “Senior Brother.”

Zheng Juzhong ignored her and entered the room, sitting down opposite the chessboard.

Han Qiao’se remained unfazed.

Gu Can slowly put down the manual, looking up to inquire, “Is the meeting over?”

Zheng Juzhong shook his head. “The meeting is still ongoing. I merely took a break.”

Of all the people in White Emperor City, this newest disciple was the only one with whom Zheng Juzhong was willing to exchange more than a few words.

Gu Can said, “If Grandmaster wishes to remain at the Fourteenth Realm, does there need to be at least one true dragon remaining in this world?”

This was, in essence, a paradox. Grandmaster had vowed to slay all true dragons, and it was through this grand oath that he had achieved the union of sword intent and Dao heart, becoming a cultivator of the Fourteenth Realm.

But once he truly exterminated all the dragons, he would fall from grace, reverting to a mere Ascendant Realm sword cultivator, and his sword heart would turn on him, severely damaging his vitality.

Zheng Juzhong nodded.

Han Qiao’se whirled around, clearly shocked by this revelation.

Some said the dragonslayer was a Fourteenth Realm cultivator, others claimed he was at the peak of the Ascendant Realm, and still others insisted that he possessed a fourth immortal sword beyond Tai Bai, Myriad Dharma, and Dao Repository.

Gu Can asked, puzzled, “Grandmaster is a native of the Great Balance Continent, so why hasn’t his rise to the Fourteenth Realm as a sword cultivator drawn the animosity of the celestial gods from beyond? Is it because the Jiaolong lineage betrayed their own kind and sided with us humans back then?”

Zheng Juzhong smiled. “Close enough.”

Gu Can said, “But the rise of the Jiaolong lineage is an inevitable trend. The literary shrines require the Jiaolong to manage the waterways in order to maintain order. How will Grandmaster deal with this situation then?”

Zheng Juzhong retorted, “You’re just a little Jade Purity cultivator. Why are you worrying about the survival of a Fourteenth Realm sword cultivator’s path?”

Gu Can stated plainly, “I wish to learn the sword from Grandmaster. Master is unwilling to impart all his knowledge.”

Zheng Juzhong nodded. “I can help you make the connection. Your grandmaster has disliked me for years, and he would be happy to give me some trouble.”

Han Qiao’se sighed quietly.

What were they thinking, this master and disciple pair, along with their grandmaster?

She resumed admiring herself in the mirror, applying rouge and pursing her lips before turning her head to ask, “Little Can, which color looks better?”

Gu Can glanced over and smiled. “A light red would be better. The Palace Warden Peony Red is a little too vibrant, perhaps you could try the Tender Fragrance from the Plum Blossom Hermitage.”

Han Qiao’se smiled enchantingly, wiping her lips clean and applying the shade of lip rouge that Gu Can had suggested.

***

On the Mandarin Duck Isle, anglers were as thick as clouds.

Chen Pingan, while participating in the riverside discussions, simultaneously had a “second” Chen Pingan, sent by the Sage of Rites near the Mandarin Duck Isle, presumably to prevent those with ulterior motives at the Literary Temple meeting from becoming suspicious. Otherwise, as the Hidden Official, he should have been present within the Literary Temple.

Attending the meeting and fishing – two birds with one stone, without even needing to speak much, allowing for a peaceful respite.

Chen Pingan simply chose a secluded spot to fish, preparing two bait spots, switching between them. Chen Pingan was quite familiar with the art of fishing; he had fishing rods and bait stored in his inch-perfect world.

However, because Zhang Tiaoxia and other martial arts grandmasters had gathered here previously, it seemed to have become a renowned place.

Soon, two groups of anglers, men and women, gathered around Chen Pingan, all of them quite young, clearly with no interest in fishing.

It was a pity for Chen Pingan’s prepared bait spots. These immortal cultivators didn’t even know how to cast and spread the bait. After one cast, they remained motionless, foolishly waiting for the fish to bite. Were they simply patiently waiting for foolish fish?

Madam Rosy Cheeks and a maiden flower deity from the Hundred Flowers Paradise happened to be passing by, and they fled in panic at the sight of the figure in azure robes.

Chen Pingan suddenly stood up and waved vigorously into the distance.

On the road, a young woman in red, leading a horse at a leisurely pace.

She quickly hid her wine flask, released the reins of the horse, and sprinted over, leaping to a stop and shouting loudly, “Little Grand-Uncle!”