CHAPTER 286: CHAPTER 258: THE QI OF ALL HEAVENS BILLOWS, MY PATH FLOURISHES DAILY!

Emei Mountain.

On Chenhua’s desk lay information about Xuan Country.

All government affairs since Song Lin’s ascent to the throne were meticulously recorded.

"The vision isn’t bad, but it’s a pity..."

If it were an ordinary emperor, there might be hope of unifying Shenzhou, or at least maintaining a divided rule for decades.

But Song Lin had gone mad, choosing to ascend the throne.

Initially, Chenhua thought Song Lin was a pawn sent by some power, but now he dispelled that notion and somewhat believed Song Lin truly was a loose cultivator.

People from noble and righteous sects wouldn’t be so foolish.

With that thought, Chenhua set aside the intelligence, no longer concerning himself with the matter, assigning others to keep an eye on it from time to time.

He was currently more concerned with the East Sea.

"Any news from the East Sea?"

Chenhua looked at Qiyun, his third-generation eldest disciple.

"Return to the sect leader, according to the fishermen’s reports, we reached Fangxian Island in the East Sea and discovered that the Earth Lungs beneath it are extremely hot, possibly tracing back to the ancient Taiqing Divine Flame."

"I will go there tomorrow."

Qiyun suddenly hesitated and said, "Sect leader, I have something to report."

"What is it?"

"A few days ago, seven of us disciples found a Vermilion Fruit Tree, and while picking it, a group suddenly arrived. Initially, we wanted to negotiate a fair split, as we couldn’t return empty-handed. We couldn’t come to an agreement, so we engaged in a fight. The other side reacted fiercely, and regrettably, we had to kill them."

"Which sect did those disciples belong to?"

"Seemed like loose cultivators?"

"Then it’s not an issue. Don’t worry, fighting among cultivators is inevitable. In the wilderness, whoever wins claims it, whether it’s you or others, everyone must have that realization."

Chenhua waved them away dismissively.

This kind of matter was beneath his concern, as long as they weren’t orthodox sect disciples, otherwise, they would have to offer an explanation.

Qiyun and the other six breathed a sigh of relief, then respectfully withdrew.

That single Vermilion Fruit Tree was enough to greatly enhance their Daoist prowess, bringing them a small step closer to becoming Earth Immortals.

In truth, they had concealed something about the incident.

The Vermilion Fruit Tree was not ownerless but was part of a loose cultivator family’s heritage.

Initially, they thought the others were lying out of greed.

When the fight broke out, Qiyun couldn’t restrain his Sword Qi and accidentally killed the father and two sons, later discovering it truly was their inherited property.

Since their estate was just at the foot of the mountain, less than ten miles from the Vermilion Fruit Tree, it was impossible they hadn’t discovered it over several hundred years.

Some people from the estate escaped, and fearing the matter would be exposed, Qiyun took the initiative to report it; otherwise, he would not have informed the sect leader.

Having the sect leader’s assurance, they felt much more at ease.

...

Real World.

Song Lin walked out of the cave mansion.

Everyone in Xuanke Temple was wearing Taoist robes, with Jade Talismans and Dharma Seals hanging from their waists...

Especially Guu Yuchan, Shi Yinhua, Wang Ziyue, and Yan Jiuge, all had Five Thunders Talisman Jade Tokens hanging, making the Taoist temple appear even stronger.

Besides people from the temple, other temple masters and disciples above Qi Refinement mostly attended.

"Currently, there are 456 Qi Refinement disciples from the eight temples, 37 in Divine Establishment, and including the temple master, five in Core Formation..."

Shi Yinhua reported quietly about the Taoist Temple Alliance.

The alliance’s current strength was significant, equivalent to half of a jungle; except for being somewhat lacking in resources, it was initially capable of becoming independent.

Song Lin walked to the plaza in front of the main hall.

A massive dharma altar was set up in the plaza, with rows of seats on both sides.

In the center of the banquet site stood a brilliantly shining laurel tree, with an entire body like white jade, and leaves like emeralds.

The laurel emitted a gentle moonlight power.

This moonlight power could be used for Qi Refinement, refining Moonlight Attribute True Qi of no higher than second-rank and no lower than sixth-rank.

The leaves of the laurel tree, used to brew water and wine, had the effect of calming and focusing.

This time, to demonstrate the temple’s strength, Song Lin specifically had the laurel tree transported here.

The venue only included humans, not the other Five Immortals.

It wasn’t out of disdain for them, but having them sit with the Taoists would be too shocking.

Song Lin sat at the main seat, while Shi Yinhua stood at the door to greet the guests.

"Emperor Forest Hall Master has arrived!"

"Qingshan Jungle Warehouse Steward visiting!"

"True Water Observes the Tide..."

"The Taisu True Person of Yunzhou’s Qi Regulation Office..."

"Yunlong Forest Scripture Master: Xianlu!"

"Jiazi Military Merit Officer Yangji!"

"Yun Xiao of the Sun, Moon, Five Star Mansion."

"Lu Mingyang of Tianling Jungle!"

Hmm?

Why did this guy come too?

Song Lin was a bit surprised.

Lu Mingyang was the one who had a disagreement with him at the Refining Soldiers Technique.

Later, the two even had minor clashes, so was this guy seeking reconciliation after seeing his good relationship with Zhi Xin and his recent rapid advancement in cultivation?

If that were the case, Song Lin thought reconciling was fine.

The two didn’t have a deep-seated enmity, and Song Lin indirectly caused the death of several of his disciples last time. Since Lu Mingyang seemed not to care about that, Song Lin thought making peace was no big deal, having more friends is better than none.

As he considered this, Lu Mingyang approached.

"Mr. Song, I have offended you in recent days, please forgive me!"

"You’re too serious, Taoist. It was all a misunderstanding. As long as it’s resolved, all is well. Please, sit!"

Song Lin helped Lu Mingyang to a seat.

"Thank you very much."

Lu Mingyang let out a sigh of relief.

Since learning of the close relationship between Song Lin and Zhi Xin, Lu Mingyang had lost sleep day and night.

Upon finding out that Zhi Xin had become the Heavenly Mechanism Minister of the Fifth Palace, Lu Mingyang was nearly scared to death.

He didn’t have a deep background like Zhengsi.

If Zhi Xin really took action against him, he had no way to defend himself.

So, he came to request a ceasefire.

He initially thought the young Song Lin would inevitably humiliate him, yet unexpectedly, he was so agreeable.

Another few streaks of tunneling light appeared.

"Mei Mountain Forest Taoist has arrived!"

Zhengsi arrived with the Three Capitals and Five Masters.

"Song Lin, you’ve set quite the scene, congratulations on becoming a refiner."

Zhengsi said with a superficial smile.

"Please, have a seat!"

Song Lin didn’t answer.

Qingyu and Yun Xiao came walking side by side.

"Mr. Song, congratulations, congratulations!"

Yun Xiao, full of spirited charm, cupped his fists.

"The same to you!"

Song Lin glanced at Yun Xiao without leaving a trace. The matter with the Heavenly Venerate didn’t affect her much, indicating the Taoist School had countermeasures in place.

At this moment, the dim sky brightened with golden light.

Zhi Xin, dressed in a white celestial garment, rode on cloud energy, followed by twelve white-feathered Taoist disciples.

He strolled carelessly in the void, with each step creating a road of white mist beneath him.

Soon, Zhi Xin stopped ten feet above the Taoist temple.

The mist gathered into a Seven Treasures Coral Tree, its leaves forming crystalline Jade Plates, and the breeze made the plates jingle faintly.

"Salute the Heavenly Mechanism Minister!"

As soon as Zhi Xin arrived, no matter the status or rank, everyone stood and saluted.

This was the authority of the Taoist chancellor.

Second only to the Heavenly Master, the position of Xuanyu City Lord.

"Song Lin, receive the decree!"

"Thus it is ordained, with the heavens and earth vast and the auspicious day and time, invoking the Three Sanmao Nine Masters, Heaven and Earth Three Officials, Holy Might Mage...the emperor shines above, watching over the earth. Gathering the planet’s spirit, descending auspicious winds and rain...now conferring Donghua Master Song Lin, welcoming the day at the East Suburb Yin Mountain on the first of the eighth month. May you be blessed!"

With that said, Zhi Xin took out a Jade Plate.

The Jade Plate glowed, with the large words "Donghua Master" in the center, and on the back were Song Lin’s titles, talismans, positions, and so on.

The Jade Plate split in two, one part hung on the tree, becoming part of the Seven Treasures Tree’s leaves.

The other half flew in front of Song Lin.

This was the Donghua Master’s Jade Plate.

The Seven Treasures Tree was the Magic Treasure of the Spirit Treasure Celestial Master of the Heaven and Earth Xuanmen Alliance.

Carrying the Jade Plate allowed one to enjoy privileges anywhere within the Taoist Alliance.

Seeing this scene, everyone couldn’t help but feel envious.

Truly soaring to new heights!

After the ceremony, Zhi Xin landed next to Song Lin, patted his shoulder, and gave a nod: "Do well."

"I will."

Soon, Zhi Xin also took his seat.

Logically, after the ceremony, the banquet should about begin.

Song Lin, however, made no movements and instead walked toward the dharma altar.

Seeing that Zhi Xin made no move, the crowd remained silent.

Looking at the distinguished and hopeful faces around him, as well as the eager eyes of the temple’s members, Song Lin couldn’t help but feel excited inside.

Finally, he had reached this step.

"Fellow Taoists of Xuanke Temple and the seven temples, since succeeding, I have been fortunate to have you all walk with me, overcoming countless difficulties together."

"The Immortal Dao is a difficult pursuit, and we should advance together, traversing mountains and rivers. Unfortunately, vile individuals have interfered, hindering my cultivation!"

"With the Heavenly Mechanism Minister present today, I, Song Lin, hereby declare!"

"Xuanke Temple is now renamed Donghua Temple, and together with Yunze, True Demon, Qi Eater, Five Ghosts, Sword Peak, Mountain Goblin, and White Bone Seven Temples, we form the Donghua Dharma Lineage, applying for independence and withdrawing from Mei Mountain Jungle!"

"From this day forth, I, as a poor Taoist, will lead the Donghua Dharma Lineage and the future Donghua Jungle into a new Chapter! The vast energy of the heavens, may our Tao prosper."

"The vast energy of the heavens, may our Tao prosper!"

In an instant, everyone from the eight temples shouted aloud.

This new motto resounded with great momentum, deeply impressing everyone present!

.........

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