"Master."

Zhuo Baojie returned to Penglai carrying the Taiyi Poxue Sword and the ink treasure formed by Feng Wensu's ritual instrument.

Lei Jun nodded slightly. The Taiyi Poxue Sword flew up on its own and hovered nearby, then he and Tang Xiaotang studied the ink treasure carefully while Zhuo Baojie stood respectfully behind them.

"It shows great thought and skill," Lei Jun remarked after examining it.

Feng Wensu neither entered Biluo nor Great Square;

he stayed in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human world, taking advantage of Gaotian Sui’s entry into Great Square to fish in troubled waters via the connection between Biluo and Great Square, and he actually gained some clues.

Of course, the person capable of setting such a Confucian sacrificial rite was naturally not the Martial Saint Feng Wensu himself, but the one behind him.

The current master of Abyssal Border is the Abyssal Emperor Zheng Baiyu.

Lei Jun inspected the ink treasure, the brilliance of the Heavenly Communication and Earthly Hearing Talismans flowing in his pupils.

However, neither the ink treasure nor the previous sacrificial ritual could trace more clues about Abyssal Border or Zheng Baiyu.

On the other hand, although Zheng Baiyu has supreme cultivation power, it would be difficult for him to directly intervene in the human world through this ritual.

Such matters are usually two-way.

Still, through the style of this sacrificial ritual, Lei Jun felt a faint sense of familiarity.

It was as if, through Chen Yi’s pure gold hall of old, he once again met those cold, lofty eyes.

“Zheng Baiyu cares deeply about Biluo and Great Square, or rather, about the Abyss of Time,” Tang Xiaotang said after looking at the ink treasure.

Lei Jun said, “He should have been an insider back then. The Tang Emperor has always said this person hides deeply and plans many things in secret.”

Tang Xiaotang laughed, “I heard the Tang Emperor informed the former Heavenly Palace faction about both him and Jiang Fengge’s affairs, wanting to watch the tigers fight from a mountain? People who like to play tricks should be exposed under the glaring sun!”

Lei Jun rubbed the rim of his teacup, “Whether they will reunite with the former Heavenly Palace faction is too early to say. We shall wait and see.”

…………………………

Feng Wensu died in the human world.

Those in Abyssal Border immediately learned of it.

In the vast, endless darkness, a figure stood.

Before him lay several open scrolls, and his gaze fell on one of them.

Words appeared on the scroll.

The endless darkness did not seem to affect the scroll owner’s sight.

After reading, he shook his head slightly, and the scroll closed again.

A tall figure approached the Abyssal Emperor and bowed, “Your Majesty.”

The Abyssal Emperor, closing the scroll, did not turn, “Feng Wensu is dead.”

The visitor’s expression was solemn, “What about the task Your Majesty entrusted to him?”

Abyssal Emperor: “Most likely intercepted by those who killed him. It’s not simple to find Feng Wensu so quickly.”

Ren Caomu, a tall man beside him, answered, “I have immediately ordered the others in the human world to raise their vigilance and act more cautiously.”

The Abyssal Emperor sat down, “It must be someone from the Tang. Their insight and scavenging skills are extraordinary. The one preventing the early merging in the human world is probably the same person;

otherwise, they wouldn’t act so swiftly and accurately.”

“Gaotian Lord failed in Great Square, likely encountering Zhang Wantong, the reincarnation of Venerable Tianrui,” Ren Caomu added, “As for others, it should be people from Longhu Tianshi Mansion.”

In the boundless darkness, the Abyssal Emperor’s gaze shifted to another open scroll beside him:

“The general situation of the Battle of Penglai was witnessed by people from the Tang Dynasty. The news has spread in the human world of the Tang and flowed into other human worlds.

Yu Shuo, Venerable Puguang, and Daoist Zhou Tian all died at Penglai, and the only person from Longhu Tianshi Mansion there was Lei Jun.”

Ren Caomu took a deep breath, “Considering the rumors before his ascension, this outcome is not entirely surprising.”

Abyssal Emperor: “It was not a war of attrition, but one against three simultaneously, killing all three on the spot within Penglai.”

Ren Caomu fell silent, then said, “I could not do it.”

Abyssal Emperor: “No need to mind. Throughout history, such people are rare.”

Ren Caomu was silent.

His current worry was that Longhu Tianshi Mansion already had one Lei Jun, who was terrifyingly powerful after ascending.

Among his peers, there were at least two others of equal standing, Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang.

His Majesty could suppress them now, but time was running short.

With Biluo reopening, He Ying, or rather Zhang Wantong’s unbinding, had become inevitable, and currently, this was the more troublesome matter.

Meanwhile, Gaotian Sui still existed on the other side.

Furthermore, in Great Square’s Abyss of Time…

“This great world of myriad things has finally obtained great fortune from the Daoist path. Such rare figures appearing all at once is unprecedented since the ancient Three Realms ceased and the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands opened,” the Abyssal Emperor said with a calm tone.

Ren Caomu nodded slightly.

Indeed, as he said, since the ancient Three Realms vanished and the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands opened, this great world has been dominated by Confucianism with many noble families enduring. However, the key turning points affecting the era's overall trend have usually been driven by the Daoist path.

Previously there were Gaotian Sui and Zhuang Zheng.

Thousands of years later in this era, Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, Xu Yuanzhen, and Zhao Chanyang are emerging one after another.

Will this era be decided by them?

“There was a commotion with Gaotian Sui and He Ying. Great Square’s Abyss of Time will surely see changes.”

The Abyssal Emperor said, “We only need to wait quietly from now on.”

Ren Caomu took his leave, “I obey Your Majesty’s order.”

In the darkness that swallowed light and heat, the Abyssal Emperor’s eyes lost their glow.

But as his gaze extended, the scroll on the other side that had closed reopened.

Words appeared on the scroll, and as the ink manifested, a figure emerged.

It was not a real person but a manifestation of literary elegance and talent.

It was none other than Jiang Fengge, now residing in Lianshan, one of the Ten Lands.

At their level of cultivation, seeing words was like seeing the person, able to transform written descriptions into vivid scenes.

“Do you have detailed information about the Battle of Penglai you mentioned earlier?” Jiang Fengge asked.

Abyssal Emperor: “The rumors are chaotic, barely pieced together.”

Jiang Fengge: “The contemporary Tianshi of Longhu, fighting one against three?”

Abyssal Emperor: “Correct.”

Jiang Fengge asked, “The Nine Heavens differ from the Ten Lands but still provide territorial advantage. I recall you mentioning Zhuang Zheng’s successor newly established formations with insight?”

Abyssal Emperor: “Indeed. According to Daoist Zhou Tian’s information, he met the successor when losing Kunlun Yuyu Heaven. However... in the news from Penglai, Lei Chongyun did not use similar formations. He killed Daoist Zhou Tian and the others purely through personal cultivation.”

Jiang Fengge frowned slightly, “Even if he had been quietly cultivating in Penglai, when Daoist Zhou Tian and the others came, he should have only just ascended Immortal Realm, perhaps without time to refine his skills. Still, he had such power?”

Abyssal Emperor’s tone was indifferent, “Whether he refined or not, he is certainly a first-level Dongxuan of the Talisman Sect, not second-level.

Yet he slaughtered three people of the same realm who attacked him simultaneously. His talent is indisputable.

Though details are missing, it is known his physical body and life energy surpass some Martial Immortals, and his thunder magic is powerful enough to crush Yu Shuo’s Eight Extreme Heavenly Thunder Dragon technique.”

Jiang Fengge pondered, “Both magic and martial prowess…”

Abyssal Emperor: “Bai Mei is still alive, and the Daoist Danjing Sect has a new talent, Zhao Chanyang. Although they rarely act, the Golden Crow and True Dragon in Canghuan are severely injured. But if Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and Wang Guiyuan also push open the Immortal Gates, combined with Lei Jun and He Ying, their united strength will be considerable.

Moreover, Bai Mei and Zhao Chanyang are not completely detached;

Ruan Qiao and Ge Xuanzhi have connections with them.

Though seemingly unrelated to us, such exceptions warrant caution and preparation.”

Jiang Fengge: “Is Gaotian Lord still with Venerable Shanzhihui?”

The Abyssal Emperor smiled faintly, “Even if we trust Gaotian Lord, he probably does not trust us. It’s time to talk with Venerable Shanzhihui, regarding his injuries and his acquaintance with Kunpeng Yu. I heard Kunpeng Yu is currently in Guixu planning to advance.”

In Lianshan, Jiang Fengge ended the conversation with Abyssal Border.

He quietly watched the ink vanish from the paper before him, falling into deep thought for a long time.

The other side praised the Tang cultivation world warmly and showed considerable concern while fearing the former Heavenly Palace faction led by Gaotian Sui.

But…

What exactly is the cultivation power and status of Abyssal Border’s occupant himself?

Jiang Fengge, who had dealt extensively with the other side back in the Late Han era, was doubtful.

After a moment, he gathered his spirit, calmly read and painted, focusing on his own cultivation.

…………………………

Elsewhere, Zhao Chanyang of the Kunwu Sect left Canghuan soon after Gaotian Sui escorted Ge Xuanzhi away.

He quickly returned to Kunlun.

Then True Dragon Huaming, despite injuries, insisted on leaving Canghuan.

Golden Crow Haoyang did not stop him.

It was not that he minded his departure but knew it was useless to hold him.

He rested on the Fusang tree, surrounded by dazzling, flickering light.

He still seemed strong but could not hide signs of weakness.

A pure phoenix call drifted from afar.

After returning to Canghuan, Fengming the Phoenix did not immediately go back to the Wutong Forest but came to Fusang first. “Holy Lord.”

Golden Crow Haoyang retracted his wings, “Thank you. How did things go in that human world?”

Fengming: “Everything has been handled. Witch Zhen Jia Xianting of Mount Ling and a four-winged heavenly snake from the Ming human world have been subdued.”

Haoyang nodded, “Good.”

Fengming was silent for a moment.

Haoyang seemed to understand, “No need to mind. I asked you to leave Canghuan to guard and subdue petty thieves to avoid disturbing the battle between Huaming and me. It turned out just as planned.

As for Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, and Wang Dianchen’s attack, thanks to Tianshi Lei and Kunwu Sect’s True Lord Zhao, Canghuan is safe for now. It’s also because you have connections with Longhu’s successors that we have this day.”

The phoenix before him remained silent.

Haoyang continued, “Fengming, you are better than me, better than both Huaming and me. But you have never contended nor liked fighting. You have not pushed open the Immortal Gates, while Ge Xuanzhi has mastered both Danjing arts, and Wang Dianchen is no ordinary first-level Immortal Realm Witch King.”

Fengming spoke, “I understand.”

He said no more and spread his wings, flying off Fusang back to Wutong Forest.

The giant Wutong tree greeted the returning phoenix with shaking branches, “More haste, less speed.”

Fengming landed on a branch, “It’s almost there.”

His wings retracted, and the surrounding colorful light and golden radiance also withdrew.

On the Wutong tree’s branches, brilliant clouds formed a colorful mist covering several acres.

In the dazzling mist’s center, the phoenix’s figure gradually disappeared, leaving only an egg-shaped presence, faint and indistinct.

…………………………

Zhao Chanyang, having left Canghuan, soon returned to Kunlun Qingwei Heaven.

Zhang Haipeng, the Kunwu Sect’s sect leader and Zhao Chanyang’s mentor, hurriedly welcomed him back to the Dao Palace.

Zhao Chanyang’s figure was shrouded in pale white mist.

Zhang Haipeng: “Closed-door cultivation, forming dual-petaled convergence?”

Zhao Chanyang: “Yes. Thank you, Master, for your hard work on other matters.”

Zhang Haipeng shook his head gently, did not leave immediately, and sat across from Zhao Chanyang.

He did not ask about Ge Xuanzhi but briefly shared news he heard about Penglai, Mount Ling, and Saha, concluding:

“Great Square has appeared. Gaotian Lord initially went there but was temporarily stopped by the Tang Emperor. Later, he likely changed plans after hearing of the Penglai upheaval and led his people to retreat.”

“Gaotian Lord is very strong, as is the Tang Emperor.”

From the mist, Zhao Chanyang rarely took the initiative to speak, “When Gaotian Lord recovers, he will be stronger.”

Zhang Haipeng: “You mentioned Wang Dianchen of the Witch Sect in Canghuan?”

Zhao Chanyang: “Yes, it’s a pity.”

Zhang Haipeng, who had watched Zhao Chanyang grow up, understood his meaning.

Wang Dianchen was a renowned Witch Sect prodigy in the Late Han, just ascending Immortal Realm, with prestige rivaling Ruan Qiao.

Many expected him to advance further to the second level of Immortal Realm, surpassing Ruan Qiao.

But all seemed to halt when he was sealed into Biluo along with Gaotian Sui and Ruan Qiao.

Thousands of years later, Wang Dianchen remained at the first level of Immortal Realm.

Although due to Gaotian Sui’s talismans and Ruan Qiao’s longevity gu, Wang Dianchen is still alive and retains formidable witch curse power, this stagnation is likely a sign of a different future.

Wang Dianchen and Ge Xuanzhi are comrades, but Zhao Chanyang has no grudge, hence his regret.

“The former Heavenly Palace faction reappears. Longhu Tianshi Lei wants to summon the Daoist sects for a council. I intend to leave Kunlun to attend,” Zhang Haipeng said.

Zhao Chanyang: “Master?”

Zhang Haipeng: “Ge Xuanzhi is part of the former Heavenly Palace faction. Not discussing their plan to rebuild the Heavenly Palace, but Gaotian Lord always looks after his companions and won’t easily let our sect end the feud with Ge Xuanzhi.

It’s not easy to have a meeting without third-party interference. Since Ge Xuanzhi is involved, our sect can’t stay out.

With Tianshi Lei ascending, I will go to Penglai to attend the meeting and offer congratulations.”

Zhao Chanyang listened to Zhang Haipeng’s account of Lei Jun’s ascension and the Battle of Penglai without surprise:

“Tianshi Lei is very strong.”

Zhang Haipeng knew Zhao Chanyang had never fought Lei Jun directly nor seen Lei Jun’s ascension battle, but they had met once when Lei Jun first arrived in Kunlun.

Even then, Zhao Chanyang highly regarded Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang.

“Since the Late Han catastrophe, only you and Tianshi Lei have ascended among our Daoists,” Zhang Haipeng smiled, “I wonder when Master Xu and Master Tang will ascend?”

“Tianshi Lei…”

Zhao Chanyang’s voice was faint, “He has what I lack, and I have what he lacks.”

Zhang Haipeng nodded softly.

His prodigious disciple was flawless in cultivation.

All the more, they were clear-eyed about their shortcomings. He and Zhao Chanyang never hid the truth;

if forced to find a flaw, Zhao Chanyang had one.

Experience.

Combat experience.

Not just being poor at fighting.

Since starting cultivation, his two most valuable battles were once with Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong before ascension and recently in Canghuan when confronting Ge Xuanzhi and Gaotian Sui.

Besides these, few.

His natural talent was profound, nearly self-taught, and he understood almost all Daoist methods with no secrets.

Therefore, he often didn’t need experience in battles, reading opponents’ intentions instantly.

But against a few top-tier opponents, experience became crucial again.

Not in daily cultivation but in real combat.

Moreover, Zhao Chanyang and Zhang Haipeng could easily imagine that top-tier figures like Lei Jun, Tang Xiaotang, Xu Yuanzhen, and Wang Guiyuan gathering and exchanging ideas could spark brilliant insights.

Yet this was a gap Zhao Chanyang found hard to overcome.

Not from disdain but genuine difficulty.

“Sadly, I cannot help you with this,” Zhang Haipeng sighed, “You have already surpassed me.”

Zhao Chanyang’s figure vanished into the white mist, “Master has helped me greatly.”

After arranging Zhao Chanyang’s closed-door cultivation, Zhang Haipeng went out to instruct other Kunwu disciples on their next steps and prepared to visit Tianshi Lei in Penglai.

…………………………

At the same time, within the sealed Kong Sang.

Venerable Shanzhihui sat cross-legged on a lotus.

Before him stood Vairochana, head of the Vajra Realm Buddha Division, silent.

The collected news was bittersweet.

The former Heavenly Palace faction returned with great strength and directly confronted the Tang cultivation world.

But the final results were hard to summarize.

Chen Dadao was lost in Saha, and Penglai buried three Immortal Realm experts at once.

The contemporary Tianshi of Longhu, Xuanxiaozi Lei Jun, successfully pushed open the Immortal Gates, becoming the fourth person after Zhang Wantong, Ongqinfu, and Zhao Chanyang to ascend following the Late Han catastrophe.

He just ascended Immortal Realm and killed Venerable Puguang, Yu Shuo, and Daoist Zhou Tian—three Immortal Realm experts.

Adding the Golden Khan Ongqinfu who died in Biluo during his ninth heaven stage, four Immortal Realm experts have died because of him...

“Xuanxiaozi Lei Chongyun joined late but now officially surpasses Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang,” Venerable Shanzhihui said.

“If not for Biluo reopening and Gaotian Lord’s return to the mundane world, calling Lei Chongyun the first of Longhu Tianshi Mansion today would not be an exaggeration... and he is still young.”

Vairochana silently nodded.

Among this generation of Longhu Tianshi Mansion experts, Lei Jun joined cultivation latest and, unlike Tang Xiaotang’s innate talent, did not have a sudden breakthrough early on.

But now he not only caught up with Xu Yuanzhen and Tang Xiaotang but surpassed them, ascending Immortal Realm.

He is the first to ascend from Longhu Tianshi Mansion since the Late Han catastrophe!

Regarding his strength and record, Vairochana was unsurprised.

They were very familiar with Tianshi Lei.

Many of his achievements had been taken from them.

When he was at eighth heaven cultivation, he once attacked Sumeru with ninth heaven Tang Xiaotang, destroying the Vajra Division!

At that time, standing beside Tang Xiaotang, he did not seem so eye-catching.

But comparing his ninth heaven and post-ascension records now, he was likely more formidable than he appeared.

“Send the related news to Guixu,” Venerable Shanzhihui ordered.

Vairochana: “Yes, Venerable.”

Kunpeng Demon Saint was still in closed-door cultivation but Kong Sang would pass on the information.

“The Kong Sang gate in the former Song human world remains closed. We will guide Zholigetu of the Azure Wolf Khanate to reach me by another route.”

Venerable Shanzhihui continued, “Open the void gate to the Ming human world.”

While Vairochana agreed, a thought flashed through his mind:

Both Ming and former Song human worlds are unstable.

The Golden Khanate and Azure Wolf Khanate of the former Song human world are closer to Kong Sang, which is relatively beneficial.

But Ming human world might connect elsewhere.

Biluo.

Abyssal Border.

Facing the strong Tang cultivation world, Kong Sang felt increasingly isolated.

Signs indicated that Tang Emperor Zhang Wantong had already reached the second level of Immortal Realm.

Her growth from ninth heaven human world to first then second level Immortal Realm was unlike other Immortal cultivators.

Lei Jun also proved himself different in his first Immortal Realm battle.

With them advancing together, the impact and pressure were felt even by Venerable Shanzhihui.

Moreover, Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang, and others watched closely, ready to add more variables at any time.

In such circumstances, which side to choose?

There was previous cooperation, but Abyssal Border’s intentions and information were unclear.

Biluo was clearly powerful and Daoist-led.

But could Abyssal Border be trusted?

…………………………

Inside Biluo, mostly empty, only three people remained.

Gaotian Sui, Ge Xuanzhi, and Wang Dianchen.

“I never expected Kunwu Sect to send such a junior, a dark horse,” Ge Xuanzhi bowed in Taoist fashion to Gaotian Sui, “My personal grudges disrupted your plans. I’m at fault.”

Gaotian Sui walked with hands behind his back, strolling through Biluo:

“You overstate it. Daoist Zhou Tian mentioned this Zhao Xiaoyou before. He is quiet. The greatest impact this time comes from the reincarnation of He Jushi and... Zhuang Zheng’s successor.”

Ge Xuanzhi and Wang Dianchen followed behind.

“He Jushi’s reincarnation rebuilding the Daoist tradition has changed it greatly.”

Gaotian Sui smiled, “Though starting anew, it is fresh and novel.”

Ge Xuanzhi said softly, “He Ying’s reincarnation will need time. She is currently at the second level of Confucian Sage, no longer at her Late Han peak. Even if she were as strong as before, without Gaotian Lord’s care, entering Great Square first would be useless.”

Gaotian Sui: “This time, we were somewhat overconfident.”

He turned to ask, “How is Bai Zhenjun of the Shushan Sect?”

In the emptiness of Biluo, Ruan Qiao’s voice sounded: “Not as strong as before but still not to be underestimated. She rarely shows herself. If I don’t appear, she mostly won’t act, but she is in Saha and close to the Tang cultivation world.”

Like Ge Xuanzhi and the Kunwu Sect, she had personal grudges with Bai Mei.

More precisely, the connection to Shushan Sect and Daoist weapon refining lineage was slight.

During the Late Han catastrophe, Bai Mei had a friend who died under her gu worms, causing today’s enmity.

“That makes her part of it,” Gaotian Sui said.

Elsewhere in Mount Ling, Quanyuan Qi ignored outside matters, quietly refining treasures while healing himself, accomplishing two tasks as one.

Ruan Qiao contacted Gaotian Sui and the other two in Biluo: “The gu I left on Yu Shuo, though a nurturing static gu, not for combat, vanished with him instantly… If the attacker was truly only just ascending Immortal Realm, their cultivation power is astonishing and rare in history.”

Gaotian Sui: “Zhuang Zheng has a good successor. I have a faint feeling his successor may surpass him.”

Ge Xuanzhi, Ruan Qiao, and Wang Dianchen remained silent.

Zhuang Zheng, the sixteenth Tianshi of Longhu, was acknowledged as extraordinarily talented, rivaling Gaotian Sui.

Under Zhuang Zheng’s leadership, they completed a monumental Daoist ritual reform thousands of years ago that left a significant mark on the history of Longhu and the Daoist Talisman Sect.

Since then, the Daoist Talisman Sect’s lineage changed fundamentally.

If not for that, Gaotian Sui could have removed Zhuang Zheng’s talismans at will, avoiding the subsequent battles.

Now, Longhu Tianshi Mansion leads the front against the former Heavenly Palace faction.

Daoist Zhou Tian left a legacy for the ancient talisman sect in one human world.

But the contemporary Tianshi Lei Jun has also completed a Daoist ritual reform for the Han Longhu branch.

Just like Zhuang Zheng in the Late Han era.

Lei Jun did not simply wipe out the Han Longhu branch and start anew but painstakingly restored the Daoist ritual reform to reunify the Han Longhu branch.

This matter remains unresolved and will fluctuate in the foreseeable future, leaving openings for the former Heavenly Palace faction.

No one believed Lei Jun did not foresee this, but he still did it.

“Though a sect leader and a prodigy, he is a recluse,” Gaotian Sui said, “Sadly, differing paths prevent collaboration.”

Ruan Qiao: “What about Zhao Chanyang of Kunwu Sect?”

Gaotian Sui smiled, “In talent alone, he might surpass Lei Jun.”

Wang Dianchen, silent until now, suddenly said, “Lord, Zheng Beichen’s intentions are unclear.”

Gaotian Sui: “He wants to watch the tigers fight. Not only between us and the Tang cultivation world, but he also fears a third tiger might appear in Great Square.”

Ge Xuanzhi and Wang Dianchen’s eyes flickered upon hearing this.

Ruan Qiao from Mount Ling asked softly, “Lord, your entry into Great Square this time…”

Gaotian Sui: “Great Square’s Abyss of Time will soon change again.”

It might already have been disturbed by the Tang.

After being torn by him and Zhang Wantong, the Abyss of Time seems calm but is surging with hidden turmoil.

“Zheng Baiyu, Venerable Shanzhihui, Puguang, and Daoist Zhou Tian’s actions this time were gains and losses,” Gaotian Sui said.

Abyssal Border, Kong Sang, Thunderclap Monastery, and Daoist Zhou Tian together pushed the human worlds’ merging forward but were halted midway, failing to succeed.

This behavior exploited the human world’s loopholes.

Once failed, due to the human world’s shifting spiritual energy, even Gaotian Sui would find it difficult to repeat the method.

The ancient catastrophe causing the human world’s split was a joint effort.

Though the early merging failed, it triggered the breaking of Biluo’s seal, returning Biluo to the human world.

Such cause and effect bring gains and losses.

“Fortunately, the merging of human worlds is an unstoppable trend. Before it comes, find other methods to walk among humans,” Gaotian Sui ordered.

“Leave human affairs to you for now. I will enter closed-door cultivation for a while.”

Ge Xuanzhi, Ruan Qiao, and Wang Dianchen all agreed.

Biluo finally returned to the human world. The lord’s closed-door cultivation would soon lead to full recovery.

With his cultivation and insight, he might find a way to move in today’s human environment.

In Biluo, among green mountains, stood an inconspicuous small city, empty except for a palace group at its center.

The palaces were ruins, old and unremarkable.

Gaotian Sui walked in calmly and sat cross-legged.

Beneath him, a three-level ritual platform silently rose from the ground.

Around it, winds blew through Biluo.

The small city, palaces, ritual platform, and people gradually disappeared.

Biluo’s world seemed to gain its own thoughts and life.

The breeze was like breathing, flowing from Biluo’s gate to the outside human world.

The breathing was gentle, as if asleep, unnoticed by the human world outside.

But at Biluo’s gate, the azure sky deepened in color and expanded its range.

…………………………

In Great Square, Tang Empress Zhang Wantong did not leave immediately.

She quietly gazed up at the Abyss of Time.

Beside her stood Chu Kun and Xiao Xueting, who had arrived through Great Square’s gate from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human world.

Chu Kun’s gaze was also on the Abyss of Time, his tone uncertain, “Your Majesty, it seems…”

Tang Zhang Wantong: “Yes, Gaotian Sui used Biluo to lure and caused new changes.

When I fought Gaotian Sui, I vaguely felt someone was spying from the other side of the Abyss of Time.”

Chu Kun inhaled deeply upon hearing this.

Tang Zhang Wantong’s words meant the one opposite in the distorted space-time was not their senior sister Xu Yuanzhen.

Despite the chaotic time and space, the observer’s gaze could still focus here, indicating a new major change in the Abyss of Time and that the spy was formidable.

Chu Kun calmed his mind and was not surprised.

Those who could access and study the Abyss of Time were surely no ordinary mortals.

Just as here, Xu Yuanzhen, Zhang Wantong, Lei Jun, Gaotian Sui, and Zheng Baiyu always watch the Abyss of Time.

But Tang Zhang Wantong’s words confirmed that crossing the Abyss of Time’s chaotic space-time might lead to other great worlds.

Thousands of years ago, the Late Han catastrophe caused the human world’s split.

Before that, there was an even greater calamity.

The legendary ancient Heavenly Palace’s destruction, the Three Realms’ collapse...

Is this Abyss of Time a passage to the past or to other presents and futures?

Chu Kun’s mouth tasted bitter.

Great Square’s constant changes and his growing cultivation now placed him at Daoist Great Vehicle level.

Yet these changes deepened his connection not only to Great Square but perhaps to the Abyss of Time itself...

Chu Daoist felt no pride as a favored son of heaven but rather a huge burden hanging over his head.

He would need to discuss this carefully with his senior brothers, who are skilled at shifting blame.

“Biluo and Great Square are linked. Great Square’s gate can seal others but not the former Heavenly Palace faction,” Chu Kun turned to thank Tang Zhang Wantong, “Thanks to Your Majesty’s help, I have an impertinent request: please stay longer in Great Square. I sincerely hope you will permit.”

Tang Zhang Wantong: “Daoist Chu, do you want to go to Penglai to see Tianshi Lei?”

Chu Kun: “Yes.”

Tang Zhang Wantong nodded, “I have nothing pressing. Stay longer in Great Square and send my congratulations to Tianshi Lei on his Dongxuan ascension.”

Chu Kun: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After he left, Tang Zhang Wantong looked at the somewhat silent Xiao Xueting, “Are you sure it’s your father?”

Xiao Xueting sighed, “Yes. Never expected to meet my father here.”

Tang Zhang Wantong: “At least it doesn’t seem you two are at odds.”

Xiao Xueting zoned out briefly, “Sort of.”

Tang Zhang Wantong: “Have you talked to your two brothers?”

Xiao Xueting immediately felt headache, “Not yet. I’m wondering how to start. My second brother is easier, but my eldest brother... sigh!”

She would have to talk eventually.

So she contacted her second brother, Xiao Chunhui.

He remained calm upon hearing and said, “It’s good Father is still alive. I will talk to the eldest brother.”

Xiao Xueting breathed a sigh of relief, “Then I’ll leave it all to you!”

Ending the conversation, she gazed into the distance, lost in thought.

Her and Xiao Chunhui’s maternal lineage in the Tang human world was a mystery.

Actually, for a few like Zhang Wantong and Chu Yu, it was no secret.

They were born of Xiao Yumen and a great Western Region demon.

Their mother died in the Western Region demon chaos.

Most of their enemies from the Longxi Xiao clan also died in that battle.

Father Xiao Yumen disliked the Longxi Xiao clan and had no loyalty to the Tang imperial court.

It was said he lost his clan leader position because of his wife, but even without that, he was often absent from home, angering the patriarch.

However, Xiao Yumen was a prodigy, traveling far from youth, self-taught, and without relying on family background, became the most promising great scholar of the Longxi Xiao clan, poised to unify the nine heavens in the era.

This gave the clan mixed feelings toward him.

Now he was rising rapidly, just a step from Confucian Sage, but had even less relation to the Longxi clan.

Though he disliked the clan, the Western Region demon chaos still troubled him, partly because of his wife, the former Tang Emperor Zhang Qilong, and other noble families.

Disgusted with it all, Xiao Yumen finally left Tang.

By chance, he entered Canghuan, which captivated him.

Xiao Xueting could somewhat understand his feelings toward her and Xiao Chunhui.

But she did not know his views on their half-brother Xiao Hang.

She cared more about Xiao Hang’s feelings but could only helplessly lament.

…………………………

Meanwhile, in Guizang, Zhang Hui received news from his aunt Zhang Wantong that she would stay in Great Square for a while.

After some thought, he informed the Mount Ling witches resting in Guizang.

“Much thanks to Tang Emperor and several Daoist masters for turning the tide,” Witch Xian Zhao Qianran expressed gratitude, “Even more grateful to Tang and Longhu Tianshi Mansion for allowing our king to recuperate in Guizang.”

Witch King Huangfu Qi was nearly in a state of deep meditation.

Witch Peng Qiao Yang, who had been a traveling doctor, rushed back to care for Huangfu Qi and Lei Lei.

Ruan Qiao and Quanyuan Qi entered Mount Ling, which suffered heavy casualties and severe depletion of vitality.

After comforting them, Zhang Hui did not linger in Guizang but returned to the Tang imperial capital Luoyang to oversee affairs.

Zhao Qianran and others expressed further thanks.

“Ruan Qiao still lives. This calamity could not be avoided,” Witch Peng Qiao Yang sighed.

Witch Xian Zhao Qianran said, “For now, we can only hope our king recovers soon.”

He took out a bone resembling jade and handed it to witch Luo Sun Li:

“Thanks to Tang and Longhu Tianshi Mansion lending Guizang as a refuge, we owe gratitude.

To face the threat of the former Heavenly Palace faction, unity is necessary. With His Majesty resting, passing this treasure to Longhu may have greater effect.”

Sun Li took the jade bone, “Tianshi Lei’s Dongxuan ascension and new judgments on Saha’s rift may soon bring Qiang Ming Langhuan here.”

Zhao Qianran and Qiao Yang smiled, “Tianshi Lei is magnanimous and noble.”

…………………………

After the Canghuan battle, Qin Caiwei, lucky to observe for a long time, returned to Saha in a daze as if from a dream.

Then she saw Wang Guiyuan conversing with Bai Mei’s projection, “Does Bai Zhenjun consider recalling the Twin Purple-Blue Swords? The Tang Shushan Sect would welcome it.”

Bai Mei smiled, “Since the Twin Purple-Blue Swords are left to the successors, I won’t use them lightly, only occasionally wielding them when borrowing the sword to slash the Han.”

She waved her hand, condensing light in midair, “But times change;

I intend to forge a new treasure.”

Wang Guiyuan: “It will surely be ingenious and unique.”

Bai Mei’s figure transformed into light and merged with Qin Caiwei, “To wield it skillfully, I need some materials and will borrow your disciples to fetch them.”

Wang Guiyuan: “No trouble at all, Lady. I intend to visit Penglai soon. Saha will temporarily trouble you.”

After bidding farewell to Bai Mei and Qin Caiwei, he headed to Penglai.

Upon his arrival, Lei Jun smiled and snapped his fingers.

Two Buddha lights flew out and landed before Wang Guiyuan.

One was a purple-gold alms bowl.

The other was a nine-ringed copper staff.

Wang Guiyuan held the alms bowl with a slight nod, “Though not sharp in combat, this treasure has endless uses, especially suited to my current cultivation.”

He shook the nine-ringed staff, sighing a little, “Indeed, Venerable Puguang prepared it for me and Unceasing.”

Though Venerable Puguang had died and Unceasing left Wang Guiyuan, the treasure would still greatly aid his cultivation.

The realm and principles behind it share similarities and can be used as a stepping stone.

“I wish Senior Brother success in his future body and early Buddhahood,” Lei Jun said.

Abandoning his past life as White Lotus Holy Lord Jingjiu, the former current life Master Fajing transformed into his past life. His cultivation changed accordingly, surpassing Jingjiu, achieving the ninth heaven’s full realization of compassionate enlightenment, completing the fruition body realm.

However, Wang Guiyuan’s current self’s Daoist cultivation remains at mid-third heaven.

He still has two monks protecting his left and right as past and future bodies.

Compared to when Master Fajing was the current body, Wang Guiyuan now lacks a ninth heaven Daoist body.

In actual combat, he has regressed somewhat.

Yet Lei Jun strongly suspected Wang Guiyuan had other reserves to compensate.

One thing was certain…

Wang Guiyuan: “Relieving Unceasing’s suffering has eased me greatly but cost me the ability to coexist in multiple lives. Now I only have this one. If I cannot attain the golden body, my fate is dust to dust.”

Lei Jun looked up with a doubtful gaze, sizing him up.

Wang Guiyuan was somewhat helpless, “Your gaze hurts me.”

Lei Jun: “It is a gaze of trust.”

“No matter what, I am still a mortal,” Wang Guiyuan smiled bitterly and shook his head repeatedly.

He looked around Penglai, “By the way, you held back this time, not using the Three Caves and Three Heavens Supreme Dragon-Tiger Formation. Was it for Gaotian Lord?

Though you kept upgrading the formation, Daoist Zhou Tian saw it once and might leak the secret. Even injured, Gaotian Lord is a third-level Dongxuan Talisman Sect immortal with sharp eyes. Be careful not to be controlled.”

With the Wutong divine tree planted in one of the Nine Heavens’ Penglai, corresponding to the myriad laws altar in the human world and Huangquan in the Ten Lands, combined with the three treasures of the Tianshi, the Three Caves and Three Heavens formation had basically formed. Its power surpassed before, and Lei Jun could set a great formation in Penglai or guard against direct attack on Longhu’s ancestral grounds by the former Heavenly Palace faction.

He carried all three treasures himself this time not only to try to stop the early merging of the human world but also for this reason.

“Your concern is well placed. I have thought much about this,” Lei Jun nodded.

“This time ascending Immortal Realm, I will further adjust and improve the formation to continue enhancing it.”

Reaching Immortal Realm changed his perspective and senses, bringing many new ideas and inspirations.