"Although Puguang, Zhou Tian, Shanzhihui, and others have contributed, it would not be enough with only them."

Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong said, then stood up and walked along the lakeshore with her hands behind her back, speaking as she walked:

"The main force comes from the people inside Biluo, from within and without."

Lei Jun stood beside her. "It is not surprising that Gaotian Sui is involved after all."

So many years have passed, and it would be unrealistic to say that the former leader of the Heavenly Palace faction did nothing.

Earlier, when Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong arranged the ritual with treasures like the Cosmic Heaven Calamity Gold, the Biluo Seal was not broken during her ascension to sainthood.

But now, after years have passed, those sealed inside Biluo from the Heavenly Palace faction surely do not wish to wait quietly.

With the passage of time, progress has gradually been made.

As to why it happens at this current moment...

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on about to reach a new level," Lei Jun said. "Your unique cultivation approach continues to advance rapidly, earning my admiration."

Moreover, the preparations should not be just at this moment, but already well in place for some time.

Because her cultivation level might soon change again, the concealment of treasures like the Cosmic Heaven Calamity Gold is less stable than before.

Although Zhang Wantong has not yet crossed that final step, the resonance between her and the Immortal Realm master Gaotian Sui has become extremely sensitive.

The Biluo Seal shows slight fluctuations as Zhang Wantong undergoes changes.

These fluctuations are so subtle, it is like a lock on a door trembling slightly in midair—so slight it could almost be ignored.

But Gaotian Sui has keenly detected this change and has taken action.

"I could have taken this step years ago," Zhang Wantong admitted. "My reincarnation and cultivation path differ slightly from before, but many aspects are still connected. Saying my cultivation is merely recovering the past state is somewhat inaccurate, but it is certainly more convenient than others."

Lei Jun thought silently, "That also relates to your remarkable innate talent."

Even Zhao Chanyang might not surpass Zhang Wantong in speed.

But due to external reasons, she must occasionally adjust the pace of her progress.

Zhang Wantong stopped walking around the lake. "I feel ashamed. The Biluo Seal is closely linked to me, yet I find it hard to reinforce it further.

Although I can avoid crossing that step, once the mortal realm merges, Biluo will inevitably reopen.

Judging by the current movements inside Biluo and the disturbances in the mortal world, whether the merging succeeds or not, any slight opportunity could help Gaotian Sui close this final gap."

Lei Jun's expression was calm like a still lake. "Whether the mortal realm merges or not, the difference is huge."

The merging of the mortal realm means that people from the Immortal Realm can freely travel to various places.

Lei Jun is currently not eager to see the mortal realm merge prematurely.

Although, for him, it could also be a form of assistance.

Lei Jun silently recalled the list Zhang Wantong had previously provided to him and Mount Longhu:

Gaotian Sui, the fourteenth Celestial Master of the Tianshi Mansion, leader and founder of the former Heavenly Palace faction—no need for further explanation.

Ge Xuanzhi, former ninth leader of Pure Yang Palace, Daoist alchemist sect immortal.

Ruan Qiao, former twelfth Holy Lord of the Witch Sect Yinshan Cave, Gu art master.

Luo Sigao, former Dongxuan immortal of the Longhu Tianshi Mansion, Gaotian Sui’s direct disciple grandson, once competed for the sixteenth Celestial Master position of Longhu with fellow senior disciple Zhuang Zheng.

These few alone are all heavyweight figures.

Besides them, seven other Immortal Realm experts were sealed into Biluo.

Of course, not all remained intact.

During the great war at the end of the Han, both sides suffered heavy casualties.

The eleven inside Biluo can also be called survivors in some respects.

Among them, including Gaotian Sui, many are injured, some gravely so.

Over these years sealed inside Biluo, not only does Biluo itself—one of the Nine Heavens—not endure such waste, but the seal’s existence prevents them from moving freely.

Under heavy injury, even immortals suffer lifespan and Dao essence loss. After so many years, while Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, and others may still hold on, those with lower cultivation may have exhausted their lifespan.

"All the same, prepare for the worst and assume all eleven are present," Lei Jun said.

Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong nodded.

Lei Jun said, "The most important is still that Gaotian Lord."

He looked at Zhang Wantong. "If Biluo breaks, does that mean Your Majesty as well?"

Between the two, the mystery deepens, with fortune and disaster intertwined.

Zhang Wantong’s expression remained normal. "If Biluo unseals, I can immediately advance further, but I am still far from fully restoring my former state.

Gaotian Sui might still be injured, but remains formidable."

Lei Jun: "Your Majesty’s warning is duly noted."

After a slight pause, he quietly said, "In recent years, in my view, if Biluo reopens, the Great Square may also be affected."

Zhang Wantong looked into the distance and nodded. "Indeed, the success of sealing Biluo back then relates to this. Every detail was predestined."

She withdrew her gaze and asked Lei Jun, "Forget Jiang Fengge, any news on Zheng Baiyu lately?"

Lei Jun: "No further discoveries. According to Master Huiyin of the White Lotus Sect, people from the Abyssal Border have been quieter in recent years and seldom appear in the Ming human realm."

Whether as the Longhu Tianshi or the Tang Emperor, mentioning the White Lotus Sect was done calmly.

"Zheng Baiyu was born late. His cultivation was not as strong as Gaotian Sui’s in the past. Otherwise, the trouble he caused would have been greater."

Zhang Wantong resumed walking around the lake, returning to her previous fishing spot.

"Things have shifted. Over the years, Gaotian Sui injured and trapped in Biluo, while Zheng Baiyu seems to be scheming in secret, preparing something.

They may no longer cooperate as seamlessly as before, but there is still possibility for alliance."

Lei Jun pondered but remained silent. There were still too few clues for judgment.

Zhang Wantong sat down again, swinging her fishing rod and gazing at the lake’s surface.

Lei Jun stood quietly for a moment, then took his leave.

…………………………

At this moment, inside Lianshan, one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands,

Xiao Jing, born of the Datong Xiao Clan and currently head of the Longxi Xiao Clan, walked among endless mountains and waters.

The scenery before her seemed infinite and repetitive, leaving her bewildered about her location.

Suddenly, the scene changed, revealing a brighter path.

A seemingly ordinary village appeared within her view.

Xiao Jing’s expression was calm, indicating prior experience, and she entered quietly.

At the village center, before a large house stood a scholar in white robes, hands behind his back, beside a blank scroll.

The great Confucian scholar Xiao Jing, who had mastered all Five Classics, approached silently to grind ink for him.

The middle-aged scholar stood silently, deep in thought.

After a moment, he still said nothing but began to write on the blank paper with a brush.

Xiao Jing watched the characters, feeling she should understand them but found their profound meaning elusive.

This only made her linger longer.

"He Xuan Shanren Jiang Fengge lives up to his name," Xiao Jing thought.

Her family’s scholarly heritage meant she had heard much about his reputation and deeds.

But truly facing this Confucian sage from the Ye Clan, she found him unfathomable.

This former Ye Clan son-in-law left the Ye Clan early and seized Lianshan.

Now the Ye Clan in Qingzhou and Jinzhou barely survive, yet Jiang Fengge did not exclude them.

Not exactly cold or harsh, but not warm or friendly either.

They seemed strangers, yet he allowed Ye Clan members and others like Xiao and Lin Clans to remain in Lianshan.

Because of this attitude, Xiao Jing felt uneasy watching silently.

She was not from the Ye Clan, so no surprise, but Ye Ying, Ye Zhao, Ye Chunyue, and others probably felt worse.

Still, staying in Lianshan now meant they could not ask for more.

But no one could guess what this middle-aged scholar was truly thinking.

Xiao Jing was silent, many thoughts flashing through her mind.

Jiang Fengge, painting nearby, seemed to understand her thoughts but did not care.

To him, although Zhang Wantong’s entry into Lianshan brought negative influence, overall he still controlled things here.

The key was beyond Lianshan... Jiang Fengge put down his brush and stared at the paper silently for a long time.

Biluo.

Great Square.

Jiang Fengge could roughly guess Zheng Baiyu’s considerations.

If the Great Square once held by Yan Rizhong and others truly connects with ancient spacetime turbulence, then other vast worlds might exist...

His frown eased instantly.

If Biluo moves, the Great Square will follow.

Therefore, Lianshan must not act rashly but watch quietly.

…………………………

Inside and outside Lianshan remain sealed.

Abyssal Border Martial Saint Feng Wensu’s activities in the Ming human realm have become more discreet in recent years.

The Buddhist Thunderclap Monastery heirs are likewise cautious.

Master Duming stays hidden.

After a while, he twitched his ears and looked far into the distance.

No trace was found.

Suddenly, Master Baoneng appeared: "Senior Brother Duming."

Master Duming joined his palms: "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother."

Baoneng returned the gesture and sighed: "The White Lotus demons from Great Tang have come, specifically looking for us. We must act carefully."

If their opponent was just the White Lotus Sect, Baoneng and Duming’s cultivation would not require such caution.

However, although White Lotus is nominally rebellious, both the Tang imperial court and other sacred sects in the Tang cultivation world turn a blind eye to their existence.

This made legitimate Thunderclap Monastery heirs bitter.

To prevent Future Maitreya Huiyin from attracting Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, and others, Master Duming, Baoneng, and others act cautiously, avoiding confrontation where possible.

But recently, Huiyin has become more perceptive, exposing Thunderclap monks frequently, causing great trouble for Baoneng and Duming.

Fortunately, the mortal realm is vast, and they seek hidden meeting places.

But this greatly slows their interference with the mortal realm’s ley lines and spiritual energy flow, making their plan to hasten realm merging harder to achieve.

Although some progress has been made, it took years.

To Thunderclap monks, the rapid rise of Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang weighs like three heavy mountains.

Time is not on their side.

They must act quickly.

News of Lei Jun’s seclusion in Great Tang once made them feel besieged.

Fortunately, rumors later said Lei Jun emerged and resumed his duties at the Tianshi Mansion, seeming not yet immortal, which eased Baoneng, Duming, Cen Ruopu, and Vairochana.

But Thunderclap Monastery previously suffered losses in the Jin realms and Saha, due to Lei Jun’s concealed true cultivation.

Though signs show Lei Jun won’t ascend soon, Baoneng and others are eager to complete their plan.

"Witch Sect benefactor Jia’s preparations have grown over the years," Master Duming said first. "Though for his own cultivation, it serves dual purposes. We can leverage his control over the mortal realm’s mountains and ley lines."

Baoneng: "Good. Though Jia has his own aims, surrounded by enemies, our good relations now may lead to cooperation once he ascends the Immortal Realm."

Saying Thunderclap trusts Witch Jia Xianting is an exaggeration.

But the current environment encourages alliances or mutual benefit.

At worst, everyone takes what they need.

"Now we await the battle between Canghuan’s Golden Crow and the True Dragon," Baoneng said.

Master Duming looked toward the void gate connecting Ming human realm to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm: "Send the latest news to the Revered Ones."

Baoneng: "Good."

He took out an incense burner, sat facing Master Duming, and silently chanted sutras.

Blue smoke rose automatically from the burner, soaring into the clouds.

In the vast void, a flash of light appeared—a purple-gold alms bowl.

The bowl seemed to contain all things, carrying the intangible smoke.

Shortly after, a powerful will seemed to awaken from slumber in the void.

The golden body of Venerable Puguang, much smaller than usual, appeared inside the purple-gold bowl.

He silently received prayers from Thunderclap monks in the mortal realm.

Unlike when Golden Khan Ongqinfu slumbered in the void and the Golden Khanate and Vajra Realm Lotus Division had difficulty contacting him, requiring years of chance,

thanks to the special purple-gold alms bowl, Venerable Puguang can receive Thunderclap monks’ messages promptly even while slumbering and awaken quickly to respond.

But unless necessary, Baoneng, Duming, and others would not disturb his rest.

After reviewing various messages, Venerable Puguang issued divine orders.

The purple-gold bowl vanished into the void.

However, Venerable Puguang did not immediately return to slumber.

The vast void surpasses the mortal realm for him but remains far from Saha.

At this moment, while resisting external erosion, he began to forge a new mystical treasure.

It resembled a bell.

The ancient bell gently shook but made no sound.

At the same time, Buddhist and Daoist mystical essences radiated together, profoundly mysterious.

In the Ming human realm, Baoneng and Duming received the message from Venerable Puguang.

Both were somewhat surprised, exchanging looks.

"Besides benefactor Jia and the merging plan, the Revered One has other arrangements..." Master Duming said slowly.

Baoneng: "We shall follow the divine orders carefully."

Master Duming: "Next, contact Daoist Elder Cen, benefactor Feng from Abyssal Border, and also the Kong Sang side."

Baoneng nodded.

…………………………

In Kong Sang, Vairochana, head of Vajra Realm’s Buddha Division, approached Venerable Shanzhihui, forming a seal in respect: "Revered One, junior disciple Shedila sent word. The Heavenly Snake King is ready, awaiting the start of the Canghuan battle."

Venerable Shanzhihui nodded lightly, then said: "Handle this matter cautiously. Do not rush."

Vairochana: "Yes."

He knew that due to many misfortunes over the years, Venerable Shanzhihui has not yet fully recovered vitality.

Losing Sumeru was a huge blow, even though Kong Sang partially compensates.

Sumeru’s operation lasted many years, while Kong Sang must start anew.

Although early efforts showed progress, from Venerable Shanzhihui’s perspective, there is no profit, only continuous investment.

But this initial investment is necessary.

Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, Venerable Shanzhihui will not leave Kong Sang.

Partly cautious, partly helpless.

"Besides Biluo and the Great Square, continue to closely monitor Zhang Wantong, the three Longhu Master saints, and White Lotus Sect’s Jingjiu’s movements."

Venerable Shanzhihui remained calm and composed. "Also, watch Abyssal Border and Lianshan."

Vairochana understood and said, "Yes, Revered One. I will obey."

…………………………

Winter passed and spring came, gradually into summer, time flying quickly.

Lei Jun traveled through the Great Tang mortal realm to Penglai.

Inside Penglai, besides some permitted Longhu Tianshi Mansion disciples undergoing training, there were other Daoist practitioners.

In the Great Tang Shushan faction, Ji Chuan and Xie Yiying, both at the eighth heaven level, were currently in Penglai.

The twin purple-blue swords were also here.

After Ji Chuan reached the Daoist alchemy faction’s eighth heaven Immortal Tour realm, Lei Jun arranged for him to retrieve the Qingming Sword.

Recently, he and Xie Yiying brought the twin swords together to borrow the spiritual energy of Penglai’s sea to nurture the two flying sword treasures.

Lei Jun naturally agreed.

Also present was a ninth heaven great saint of the Daoist alchemy faction.

He was Yuan Qingci, current head of the Ming Shushan faction.

Since Han Qingtao’s death, the Ming Shushan finally had a ninth heaven cultivator again.

Yuan Qingci recently came to Penglai to nurture the faction’s three great treasures: the Chui Tian Whip, Du Xu Shuttle, and San Shan Fire Cover.

These treasures have always been stored here, with hands periodically changing for nurturing.

Lei Jun and Longhu Tianshi Mansion could also use them as needed.

After reaching the great saint realm, Yuan Qingci had no plan to bring the treasures back to Shushan Xiaoding.

Although the Ming court grudgingly acknowledged Yuan Qingci as a ninth heaven Daoist, their vigilance against the Shushan faction was stronger than before, both overt and covert.

Under current circumstances, Yuan Qingci kept a low profile, waiting to plot for the future recovery of Shushan’s top treasures taken by the Ming court, like the Qian Kun Sun and Moon Pot.

"Thank you for your care over the years, Celestial Master." Yuan Qingci bowed to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun raised his hand mid-air to stop him: "Master Yuan, no need for formalities. We are fellow Daoists, watching and helping each other. It’s nothing."

Yuan Qingci bowed again humbly.

Meanwhile, his peripheral vision scanned the other side.

There, Daoist alchemy faction cultivators were practicing.

A steady and mature young Daoist, wearing Zhenwu Temple disciple robes, named Chen Ning, was a new generation talent highly regarded by Mu Chunyang, an old acquaintance of Yuan Qingci.

Zhenwu Temple’s branch in the Great Tang would likely be promoted by Chen Ning in the future.

At this moment, another Daoist was instructing Chen Ning, a legitimate Pure Yang Palace heir from the Tang homeland, like Xie Yiying and Ji Chuan.

Yuan Qingci could tell this young elder of Pure Yang Palace, named Yue Xiling, was not far from the ninth heaven great saint level and might cross the final step anytime.

Yue Xiling had petitioned Lei Jun and was permitted to cultivate quietly in Penglai, expected to attempt the gap between the eighth and ninth heaven levels.

This place held some special meaning for Yue Xiling.

Yuan Qingci had heard of his mentor—Huang Xuanpu, the Northern Black Emperor of the former human Dao State alongside Han Qingtao.

Old matters from years ago no longer hindered Yue Xiling but sharpened his edge.

Yuan Qingci could somewhat gauge Yue Xiling’s depth.

But the younger contemporary Tianshi, Yun Qingci, was completely unfathomable to him.

Once, he saw Lei Jun as his name suggests—like dense clouds, hard to measure.

Now, Yuan Qingci no longer looked at this Longhu Tianshi as admiring clouds but more like...

Admiring the sky itself.

"Has Master Zhang recently entered seclusion to prepare for the ninth heaven?" Lei Jun asked Ji Chuan.

Ji Chuan: "Yes. Senior Master Zhang has entrusted such matters to other elders and is quietly secluded on Xiaoding, preparing to cross the tribulation gap between the eighth and ninth heaven."

Lei Jun nodded as usual: "I wish Senior Master Zhang great success."

Privately, after inspecting the growth of the Phoenix Tree branch on the Penglai Sky Terrace, Lei Jun further reinforced and adjusted the talisman array and talismans left there.

After some time, Lei Jun left Penglai.

Next, he traveled to Longhu Mountain of the Han realm.

After preparing at the Dragon-Tiger Altar, Lei Jun lectured mountain disciples for seven days.

Seven days later, he entered the Taiqing Duren Grotto-Heaven above Longhu.

Another seven days later, he left Longhu Mountain, returning to Luo Abyss.

During this trip, besides adjusting Luo Abyss layouts possibly to cooperate with senior brother Wang Guiyuan, Lei Jun met Silvermoon Nether Phoenix in person.

During this time, she lived alone here, and Luo Abyss remained stable, peaceful with the mortal realm.

"Luo Abyss may have changes, but it will not affect fellow Daoists’ cultivation here."

Lei Jun said calmly, "Unless necessary, my sect brothers have no intention to disturb this Netherworld. But sometimes, emergency dictates flexibility."

Silvermoon Nether Phoenix was surrounded by purple flames;

her silver moonlight eyes flickered with surprise.

But she said little: "Having a place to reside here is enough."

Lei Jun nodded: "Good."

Leaving Luo Abyss, he then went to the Yellow Springs.

As in Penglai and Luo Abyss, Lei Jun checked and adjusted his arrangements inside the Yellow Springs Nine Abysses and the Yellow Springs Phoenix Tree branch there.

Finally, he came to the gradually transforming Fengdu City ruins, took a wisp of incense smoke, lit it, and offered a sacrifice to the land and sky.

Over the resurrecting Fengdu City, faint light flickered.

In the cold and silent world, even light seemed dim.

But the massive formed light shadow was majestic, overlooking the Yellow Springs realm.

This summer, Lei Jun passed his ninety-ninth birthday.

At the same time, he received another good news:

Third junior brother Chu Kun officially emerged from seclusion, successfully reaching the ninth heaven realm.

The Longhu Tianshi Mansion sect added another Daoist talisman great saint.

"Congratulations, third junior brother."

Lei Jun sent a message: "Unfortunately, after your emergence, I must share bad news about the Great Square."

Chu Kun smiled wryly: "It is indeed bad news, but not entirely unexpected. After all, the Time Abyss exists, and Biluo and Great Square have long been connected."

Lei Jun: "We have delayed their actions through various interference methods, buying some time. We should not blame ourselves for not stopping everything."

After some thought, he said: "Just in case, during your study of your third life talisman technique, you might consider quiet cultivation in Sumeru."

Chu Kun understood: "Tang Emperor, right? Understood. I’ll set out immediately."

Lei Jun: "I will first notify the Tang Emperor."

Lei Jun himself then headed to Saha.

He handed two talismans to Wang Guiyuan.

Wang Guiyuan accepted with a bitter smile: "Such a grand array;

I hope it won’t be needed."

Lei Jun: "I hope so too, but usually when we least want something to happen..."

Before he finished, Wang Guiyuan looked at him helplessly.

Lei Jun spread his hands.

For a while, he stayed in Saha.

After the Shangqing Lei Mansion and Taiqing Duren Grotto-Heaven, Lei Jun reentered the Yuqing Miluo Grotto-Heaven.

Other than that, he focused on adjusting his breath and contemplating spirit preservation.

With time, everything gradually fell into place.

The battle of Canghuan arrived as promised.

"Looks like I still have to try my luck."

Passing through Saha, Tang Xiaotang came with Qin Caiwei to see Lei Jun, smilingly asked: "How prepared are you?"

Lei Jun: "A reverse and a forward path, both mostly walked. At the door, only the final push remains."

Tang Xiaotang grinned: "So, are you entering Canghuan or not?"

Lei Jun: "I’ll decide later and wait to see the mortal realm’s net reports."

His gaze passed over Wang Guiyuan and landed next to Qin Caiwei.

Wang Guiyuan was not annoyed but smiled.

No need for Lei Jun to ask;

Wang Guiyuan would not interfere in such matters voluntarily.

Beside Qin Caiwei, although no light flickered, Bai Mei’s calm voice sounded: "I won’t go, to avoid spoiling Haoyang’s mood."

Tang Xiaotang asked curiously: "Related to the Jiuxiao Yuanyang Staff? But I thought Bai Zhenjun didn’t forge that treasure."

Bai Mei: "But I helped later."

Tang Xiaotang laughed: "If you don’t mind, after returning from Canghuan, please tell us the story."

After bidding farewell to Wang Guiyuan and Bai Mei, Lei Jun left Saha with Tang Xiaotang and entered the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms mortal realm.

Halfway, he suddenly stopped:

"…Looks like luck is not bad."

Tang Xiaotang: "How so?"

Lei Jun: "The Ming human realm’s spiritual net found clues about Thunderclap Monastery members."

In fact, his mental light orb suddenly flickered and displayed words:

[All rivers flow to the sea, the dusk is near;

the noon sun shines, the mortal realm is far.]

Along with three divination slips:

[Medium-high luck: Go to Canghuan at sunrise to watch the battle, chance to obtain a second-grade expandable opportunity, no current risk, but possible huge future hazard, be very cautious, auspicious.]

[Medium-high luck: Go to Qingxing Mountain in Ming’s southern border at sunrise, chance for a fourth-grade opportunity, no current risk, handle well to avoid future hazard, auspicious.]

[Medium-low luck: Go to places other than Canghuan and Qingxing Mountain at sunrise, no current gain or loss, but possible huge future hazard, be very cautious, inauspicious.]

At first, Lei Jun’s focus was not on the second-grade expandable opportunity in the first slip.

Rather, he noticed that the highest slip given was medium-high luck, not top luck.

Though no immediate risk was mentioned, the description suggested a great future hazard.

Looking at the last two slips, he felt the hazard of the first slip might not be from the second-grade opportunity itself, or at least not entirely.

It seemed choosing the first medium-high slip and going to Canghuan instead of the second’s Qingxing Mountain caused a missed opportunity, hence the hazard.

Usually doing nothing yields a medium luck slip.

But this time it was medium-low luck, also with hazard, confirming his suspicions about the first two slips.

The second medium-high slip might avoid the hazard, so although the fourth-grade opportunity is far inferior to the second-grade, it still yielded medium-high auspicious luck.

Lei Jun usually picks the first medium-high slip and asks Tang Xiaotang or others to handle the second.

But this time, he chose the latter.

One reason was to fulfill Tang Xiaotang’s wish to watch the Canghuan battle.

Another was his vague understanding of Qingxing Mountain’s situation, which he could handle better than Tang Xiaotang.

Someone wants to hasten the mortal realm’s merging.

Lei Jun has also been waiting for this day, though expecting a different outcome.

Of course, the spiritual net takes credit for the intelligence.

"You won’t be lucky in Canghuan," Tang Xiaotang said.

Lei Jun waved goodbye: "Have fun."

After parting from Tang Xiaotang and Qin Caiwei, Lei Jun stopped openly traveling on purple lightning clouds.

He concealed his presence, blending with heaven and earth, then quietly entered the Ming human realm.

He secretly arrived near Qingxing Mountain.

Overall, the Ming human realm’s mountains, rivers, and national fortunes are more stable than the fractured Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm.

It is harder to interfere here.

However, to attract the Ming court’s attention, the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect has recently allied with northern grassland tribes, acting more boldly.

Cen Ruopu, Baoneng, and others have more activity in the southern border.

Lei Jun viewed all directions through the Yuqing Zhou Tian Mirror but found no suspicious figures.

This does not mean the divination is inaccurate.

Mountains and ley lines’ disturbances often start at special points, then spread to other places, eventually showing great impact elsewhere.

Qingxing Mountain might not be the plot or attack site.

But here must be a key location for overall change.

The issue is timing.

It may be peaceful one moment, then upheaval the next.

Lei Jun calmly sat cross-legged in the mountains at night, with no disturbances around, continuing his cultivation and quietly breathing.

Dawn approached.

Sunrise neared.

Through Tang Xiaotang’s messages, Lei Jun knew the Canghuan battle had begun.

Golden Crow Haoyang healed.

True Dragon Huaming leveled up.

Two strong Immortal Spirit second-stage beings launched a fierce battle.

Though careful to protect Canghuan, the fight shook the heavens.

As sunrise came, the earth around Qingxing Mountain suddenly trembled without warning.

"Surely the situation has matured, waiting to use Canghuan’s movement as the final opportunity to hasten the mortal realm merging."

Purple, gold, and blue talismans flickered in Lei Jun’s eyes as he gazed at Qingxing Mountain.

One hand formed a seal at his chest, the other swept through midair.

Immediately, talisman light spread across the hills and fields, echoing the dawn’s light on the horizon.

The next moment, Qingxing Mountain cracked open, and fierce earth energy surged skyward.

Lei Jun’s figure descended underground.

There, the ley line energy flowed like a vast river.

Entering Qingxing Mountain, his aura transformed into black and white, forming a Tai Chi Yin-Yang diagram.

Under this influence, the cracked mountain rejoined.

The rising earth energy dissipated.

From outside, the place returned to calm, as if all had been an illusion.

Yet vast ley line spiritual energy still surged underground, flowing elsewhere.

Lei Jun sensed it headed toward the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm.

Through the Yuqing Zhou Tian Mirror, he saw the void gate connecting Ming and Five Dynasties realms.

Currently, spiritual energy exchange there was more frequent and intense than before.

The void showed signs of tremors at the connection points between the two mortal realms.

Lei Jun’s Star River Net left in the Great Tang realm also observed changes.

The spiritual energy flow between the present Han realm and Great Tang was shifting.

Though this area was least penetrated by disciples of Zhou Tian, Puguang, and Shanzhihui, it still felt the influence of an invisible great force.

The scale was slight, and ordinary people in Great Tang did not notice.

But sharp Lei Jun could discern the changes.

If things continue, minor tremors will soon trigger massive transformations.

The invisible great force affecting Great Tang mainly comes from outside.

It is other mortal realms with greater movement subtly interfering.

When this reaches a certain scale, Great Tang will be affected internally and externally simultaneously.

Currently, the present Han realm and Great Tang’s connection sees ever closer and stronger spiritual energy exchange.

The Han realm and the Jin realms similarly share this trend.

Extending observations northward through the Star River Net, Lei Jun even saw the spatial-time around Da Guan Mountain and Guyun Plain starting to show slight independent fluctuations.

This was the old site where Great Tang and former Song realms opened their void gate.

Now, attracted by each other, the long-sealed void gate shows signs of reopening.

If unchecked, as time passes and intensifies, mortal realms previously disconnected will connect one after another.

Eventually, changes will not be limited to one place but affect vast interconnected mortal realms, compressing and merging their great cosmic domains.

Specifically, since the Jin realms began their spiritual energy surges, Lei Jun and others sensed the multiple mortal realms formed after the Han’s historical split gradually attracting each other.

Hence their previous prediction that when Jin realms’ surges reach a scale, mortal realms will begin merging.

Now, influenced by several Immortal Realm experts working together, the mortal realm merging is artificially accelerated.

Lei Jun sat in the ley line, unshaken.

His Tianshi robe emitted dazzling multicolored Nine Qi and Nine Lights.

The Tianshi sword at his waist crackled with purple lightning.

The Tianshi seal glowed with purple, gold, and azure lights.

Lei Jun stood tall, one hand forming a seal at his chest, the other raised as if supporting heaven and earth.

Centered on him and the three Tianshi treasures, billions of talismans flickered, traveling in all directions, splitting into purple, gold, and blue hues, forming a massive three-layered talisman altar underground.

As Lei Jun’s raised palm fell, the altar filled the ley line.

The ley line spiritual energy paused.

Then, like blocked tides, it violently surged back at Lei Jun.

Lei Jun sat atop the third layer’s altar calmly, silently enduring the spiritual energy river’s impact.

The mountains and ley lines were vast and mighty.

Ordinary cultivators would be annihilated instantly.

Only the most powerful upper-three-heaven cultivators could survive with caution, like a drowning person grasping at shore.

Whether emperor’s arts or other Daoist traditions involving spiritual energy and ley lines, they usually direct flow from the side like water channels, slowly and carefully, risking both benefit and harm.

Old legends say only masters who have ascended the Immortal Realm can directly intervene, even sever, the ley line spiritual energy river’s flow.

But such means are beyond ordinary newcomers.

Like Golden Khan Ongqinfu once briefly affected the Jingxiang ley line in former Song, but only in short bursts.

Long-term blocking, even he was not certain of success.

Now Lei Jun sat beneath Qingxing Mountain, within the ley line.

Though the altar began to tremble, with his will, his arrangements in other realms began taking effect.

Above the Longhu Mountain ancestral hall in Great Tang, in the Shangqing Lei Mansion Grotto-Heaven, many talismans flickered, stirring the entire grotto centered on Biyou Fairy Mountain.

Purple lightning formed a giant pillar, shooting into the void and disappearing.

Simultaneously, above Longhu Mountain in the present Han realm, in the Taiqing Duren Grotto-Heaven, a grand azure light soared.

In Saha, the Yuqing Miluo Grotto-Heaven trembled, with thick golden light flowing into the void and vanishing.

Underground at Qingxing Mountain in the Ming realm, Lei Jun’s purple, gold, and blue radiance surged greatly.

The Tianshi sword drew power from Shangqing Lei Mansion.

The Tianshi seal drew power from Yuqing Miluo Grotto-Heaven.

The Tianshi robe drew power from Taiqing Duren Grotto-Heaven.

The three grottos and heavens resonated, helping Lei Jun firmly sever the ley line spiritual energy flow at this critical point.

Meanwhile, Lei Jun heard Tang Xiaotang’s somewhat exasperated voice:

"You really have amazing luck!"

In Canghuan, Tang Xiaotang was dumbfounded.

She stared at the intense battle between Golden Crow Haoyang and True Dragon Huaming, both wounded, which triggered the fusion of scorching yang energy and various spirits into a golden light.

This light rushed outside Canghuan through a temporary void fissure created by their clash.

Tang Xiaotang first perfected the Pure Yang Immortal Body then the Taichi Dao Body, with exceptional cultivation and insight.

Though brief, she intuitively was almost certain...

That might be the solar spirit treasure she searched for on Lei Jun’s behalf in Canghuan but failed to find.

This treasure was not forged by Golden Crow Haoyang alone;

besides his blazing spiritual blood, it involved True Dragon Huaming’s blood.

Tang Xiaotang was unsure of the details but guessed True Dragon Huaming once devoured and refined some spirit item.

The combination, after breaking through the void and merging with Canghuan’s spiritual energy, gave this solar treasure its rudimentary form.

Still only a rough form, needing further refinement.

But its birth was already incredibly rare, beyond description.

At the battle’s critical moment, the golden light flickered and was about to vanish.

Tang Xiaotang snorted, leaving the battle at a crucial moment, stepping through a bridge spanning the cosmos, and followed the golden light outside Canghuan.

Other watchers restrained any impulses, focusing on the peak duel.

Tang Xiaotang caught up just as the light began to fade.

She quickly intercepted it.

The illusory radiance became tangible, like a burning sun or a beating heart.

Each heartbeat emitted golden brilliance like heart blood spurting forth.

But this “heart” was unstable, shifting between intangible gold light and tangible heart form.

Tang Xiaotang used her power to stabilize it, but any disturbance reverted it to flowing light.

"It looks like the solar heart blood recorded in ancient texts, but was it always born like this back then? That shouldn’t be right..."

While stabilizing the "heart," she contacted Lei Jun:

"You actually found this for me? In the end, I lose the show and just pick the fruit for you here!"

Lei Jun: "No, it’s you, junior senior sister, who found it and then told me."