Lei Jun watched those fleeting, illusory eyes flash by and understood clearly in his heart.

The current ruler of the Abyssal Border was indeed the legendary North Star Scholar Zheng Baiyu.

The transformations of the Earth Sea Nine Li tribe, as well as the pure gold hall that Chen Yi acquired, all originated from Zheng Baiyu.

This person was truly as Empress Zhang Wantong of the Tang Dynasty had warned—one to be cautious of.

During the great calamity at the end of the Han Dynasty, others endured countless hardships but only barely survived to this day. Even those who did not suffer the calamity mostly maintained only their cultivation and strength from back then.

Only Zheng Baiyu seemed to have made progress beyond what Zhang Wantong had described.

The portal from the Abyssal Border to Kong Sang had not truly opened.

Even so, the current self-proclaimed Abyssal Emperor Zheng Baiyu exhibited extremely powerful strength.

If he were to truly descend into Kong Sang, the situation there would undoubtedly be rewritten.

No wonder the fate slip related to Chen Yi’s pure gold hall warned of heavy troubles ahead.

However, this person seemed to have other considerations, which made Lei Jun feel restrained in his actions each time.

Although Lei Jun had somewhat established his independence after separating from Gaotian Sui and the former Heavenly Palace faction, it did not seem like a complete severance of cooperation was impossible.

So...

Was he considering the possible changes soon to come in the Abyssal Depths? Lei Jun guessed silently.

Many thoughts surged in his mind, but he quickly reined them in.

Lei Jun then proceeded to clean up and stabilize Kong Sang internally.

Tang Xiaotang sent word back that Venerable Shanzhihui had been dealt with.

The battle in Kong Sang had reached their objective.

In the Ming human realm, Tang Xiaotang watched Venerable Shanzhihui completely dissipate and nodded repeatedly.

Her gaze then shifted aside.

There, a streak of black smoke flashed swiftly and vanished beyond the horizon.

“The Pixiu Demon Saint who fled from Sumeru when the Ming Dynasty forces attacked earlier?” Tang Xiaotang wanted to investigate further.

But this time, the Pixiu Demon Saint’s attack was both decisive and long-planned.

His own state was even worse than that of Venerable Shanzhihui before.

It was only through the innate traits of his Pixiu tribe that he had barely survived in the mortal realm.

Driven by hatred toward Venerable Shanzhihui, he had been secretly scheming for years, waiting for an opportunity of unknown timing.

Fortunately, that moment finally came.

For his own sake, regardless of whether the ambush on Venerable Shanzhihui succeeded, the Pixiu Demon Saint planned a hit-and-run.

With the Demon Saint’s power dissipating widely in the mortal world, this was basically his only gamble.

Therefore, he did not even care about the results of his attack or Venerable Shanzhihui’s ultimate fate.

After striking once, he immediately fled along a prearranged escape route he had prepared long ago.

However, it seemed heaven was not unkind to him.

Venerable Shanzhihui was already severely injured, and after being intercepted by him once more, he had no hope of shaking off the pursuing Tang Xiaotang.

Though the Pixiu Demon Saint fled without looking back, he could faintly sense behind him the ending of Venerable Shanzhihui’s soul being severed, dissipating into dust.

Elated, the Pixiu Demon Saint did not slow down but sped up even more.

The black smoke drifted past the distant mountains and rivers before settling and joining the Ming warrior Luo Hai waiting at the agreed location.

Then, Luo Hai, lightly equipped, advanced forward;

not far ahead was a populous city within the Ming territory.

He, or rather they, quickly concealed themselves among the vast, chaotic mortal realm.

After Tang Xiaotang killed Venerable Shanzhihui and looked toward the Pixiu Demon Saint, the latter had already disappeared at the horizon.

During mortal battles, even she felt her previously faintly dissipating immortal aura suddenly fade at an accelerated rate.

Tang Xiaotang raised an eyebrow and carefully discerned the movement of the surrounding spiritual energy and evil aura, taking note of the Pixiu Demon Saint’s characteristics.

Her Celestial Heart, combined with the Supreme Boat, automatically activated its divine effect.

Later, Tang Xiaotang withdrew her distant gaze and then turned to return to Kong Sang.

Some Vajra Realm Buddhist disciples still remained here, but most had already been cleared by Lei Jun.

He was not bloodthirsty;

whether from the Han Dynasty Longhu Mountain or the Saha Buddhist descendants, the vast majority still lived and even cultivated within Longhu Mountain and Saha.

But just like when he had destroyed the Great Tang Vajra Temple, Lei Jun never held back dealing with these Vajra Realm disciples.

The earlier cleanup after the Great Tang cultivation world took over Sumeru, plus the Buddhist artifacts forged by Vajra monks Lei Jun had seen in Kong Sang, all made him uneasy.

They were all pests... Lei Jun sighed in his heart while casually clearing both people and items.

Only a few less bloody artifacts were temporarily kept by Lei Jun.

Later, Wang Guiyuan, having received Lei Jun’s notice, rushed to Kong Sang.

“Senior brother, why not sort through them and see if there’s anything useful for inspiration?” Lei Jun suggested.

Wang Guiyuan replied, “If there is, it’s certainly useful, but compared to me, Huiyin might make better use of it.”

Lei Jun nodded, “Since you’ve already sent Master Jingjiu to rest, I’ll contact Master Huiyin about the related matters.”

Tang Xiaotang appeared in Kong Sang at that moment.

Her immortal aura dissipated and faded, then stopped, but restoring the earlier loss was not something that could be done all at once.

“Although some preparations were made before taking this step, it still seems insufficient.”

Tang Xiaotang was slightly dissatisfied, looking down at herself, “It’s fine when I don’t act, but once I do, the loss and dissipation accelerate too much. I need to think it through more.”

Lei Jun said, “Compared to other immortals who lose aura severely while walking the mortal world, Senior Sister, you already make countless people envious. Warriors like Ang Qinfu and Chen Dadao cannot compare to you.”

Wang Guiyuan testified from the side, “When Chen Dadao walked the mortal world, his condition was indeed far less relaxed than Sister Tang’s.”

Lei Jun added, “Also, congratulations, Senior Sister, on your first entry into the Immortal Realm and successfully killing Venerable Shanzhihui, who was already at the second Vajra Body level.”

Wang Guiyuan glanced sideways.

...Second junior brother, your mouth is really skilled at flattering Sister Tang.

No wonder the third junior brother has expressed his admiration countless times.

You’ve already ascended to Dongxuan Immortal Ascension, earlier than Sister Tang, yet can still say such flattering words without changing expression—truly amazing.

This could be considered, in a way, cautious to the end and steady as the beginning... Wang Guiyuan was first surprised, then immensely pleased.

After greeting Wang Guiyuan, Tang Xiaotang waved at Lei Jun, “Today’s battle was a two-on-one between you and me;

it’s not just my achievement.”

Lei Jun calmly replied, “If I don’t say it, and senior brother doesn’t say it, who will? Venerable Shanzhihui?”

“...Stop, stop!” Tang Xiaotang paused, then puffed her cheeks, “If you don’t say it and Brother Wang doesn’t say it, I will!”

Lei Jun smiled and did not object.

The portal from the Abyssal Border to Kong Sang had not truly opened before being sealed.

Those illusory eyes flashed by;

even seeing Lei Jun, they did not know the exact situation before and after the battle in Kong Sang.

But it did not stop them from guessing.

Lei Jun had no intention to cover up, so he had mostly joked earlier.

“By the way, where did that just lead to?” Tang Xiaotang recalled earlier events, “To Biluo or the Abyssal Border?”

Lei Jun said, “Abyssal Border.”

Tang Xiaotang: “They had colluded before, huh.”

Lei Jun: “They’re connected, but not deeply colluded;

otherwise, Venerable Shanzhihui wouldn’t have been forced to the brink and made way for Zheng Baiyu of the Abyssal Border.”

Tang Xiaotang: “How’s your search for clues about the Abyssal Border going?”

Lei Jun: “No new discoveries recently. After killing that Abyssal Border martial saint last time, I gained something, but it also made them more cautious and stealthy.”

With his Heavenly Communication and Earthly Hearing Talismans, to conceal traces to such an extent was no ordinary feat.

Lei Jun tended to overestimate the current strength of Abyssal Emperor Zheng Baiyu, which was one reason.

Killing Feng Wensu was a deliberate test to stir the hornet’s nest.

Though there was no direct confrontation, it was a form of contact.

Since it was contact, they might probe each other and gain information;

this was both advantageous and disadvantageous.

“Fortunately, the Youning Tree seed has already taken root and sprouted.” Lei Jun said.

Wang Guiyuan asked, “Have you considered sealing the void portal from Kong Sang to the Ming human realm first?”

Lei Jun: “Senior Sister and I will rest in Kong Sang for a while to replenish the immortal aura lost in the mortal world. The Kong Sang portal sealing can be considered later.”

.............................

The void portal from Kong Sang to the Ming human realm had not been closed.

Everything appeared as usual.

But with Venerable Shanzhihui’s death in the Ming realm, brilliant light and rain illuminated the northern borders of Ming, and the news quickly spread throughout the world.

When the Ming court confirmed the truth and received further information, the shock was unprecedented.

Previously, the deaths of the three Immortal Realm masters Yu Shuo, Daoist Zhou Tian, and Venerable Puguang buried in Penglai seemed to have deeper and more shocking impacts, but they were one step removed from the Ming cultivation world.

Although Buddhist and Daoist experts like Cen Ruopu, Master Duming, and Master Baoneng had operated in the Ming realm, the Ming cultivation world had never directly confronted Venerable Puguang and the others.

But Venerable Shanzhihui was entirely different.

Not only was his cultivation and strength above Venerable Puguang, Yu Shuo, and Zhou Tian, but the Ming cultivation world had genuinely and solidly suffered crushing defeats before him.

Back then, it was Chen Yu, the new prime minister of Ming, who led many court experts to expedition Sumeru, then controlled by the Western Region Buddhists, causing Venerable Shanzhihui to emerge again in the mortal world.

In the end, except for Master Mu Chunyang, the strongest and best-prepared leader of Zhenwu Temple, who feigned death to escape, the Ming experts participating in the battle were almost completely wiped out.

The outcome of this battle was beyond mere injury—it could be called a turning point in Ming’s national destiny.

The losses have never been fully recovered, and the White Lotus rebellion followed.

After losing Sumeru, the Western Region Buddhists occupied Kong Sang and reopened the Kong Sang portal in the northern Ming realm.

The shadow of Venerable Shanzhihui still loomed over the heads of Ming rulers and ministers.

In recent years, the Ming Dynasty’s strategic defense focus had always been on the north.

They even relaxed the southern border.

The void portal connecting the Ming realm to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm in the south had never been sealed.

And now, Venerable Shanzhihui had fallen?

Would the dark clouds hanging over northern Ming finally dissipate so easily?

The Ming rulers and ministers had no time to rejoice.

News soon arrived one after another.

The killer of Venerable Shanzhihui was none other than Tang Xiaotang, former Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion.

The Tang human realm and Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion were now a heavy burden on Ming rulers and ministers.

Though the threat was not direct, it was like having a thorn in their backs.

The two sides had unpleasant experiences concerning the Guizang or natural law, but overall had been restrained in recent years.

But now, with the Tang Dynasty and Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion growing stronger, the Ming court’s fear deepened.

Especially as they observed the mountains, rivers, dragon veins, and spiritual energy, sensing that the mortal world convergence might soon come.

At the same time, Kong Sang had changed masters, shifting from Buddhism to Daoism like Saha before.

This news did not bring relief to Ming rulers.

The only good news might be that the northern foreign tribes of Ming, along with the Vajra Realm Karma Department, fled the vicinity of the Kong Sang portal immediately.

The Ming court was now closely monitoring further changes at the Kong Sang portal.

The Ming Emperor issued an unprecedented decree, urgently summoning current prime minister Zhou Mingzhe to the palace overnight.

“Your Majesty.”

The palace was brightly lit. Zhou Mingzhe bowed to a young man in dragon robes, appearing only about thirty years old.

This was Han Zhining, the present Supreme Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

“Prime Minister, please rise.” Han Zhining ordered. “Take a seat.”

After thanking, Zhou Mingzhe sat down on half a seat.

Ming Emperor Han Zhining asked, “Speak. What is the exact situation in the north now?”

Zhou Mingzhe’s tone was still calm. “Your Majesty, the foreign Hu cavalry and Western Region demon monks have all fled further east. Since the Longhu Mountain female Taoist Tang Xiaotang returned, no other Longhu Mountain cultivators or pseudo-Tang people have appeared near the Kong Sang portal. No traces of people are seen inside or outside the void portal currently.”

After a slight pause, Zhou Mingzhe added, “Also, someone witnessed that at the moment of Venerable Shanzhihui’s death, besides Tang Xiaotang, it seemed another powerful figure intervened, with overflowing demon aura, possibly a Demon Saint who has already ascended the Immortal Realm.”

Ming Emperor Han Zhining quietly asked, “What do you think, Prime Minister?”

Zhou Mingzhe said, “I guess it might be the Demon Saint who escaped from Sumeru earlier coming back for revenge. Venerable Shanzhihui offended heavenly grace and committed many evils, hence this outcome—deserved punishment.”

Han Zhining nodded slightly. “What about next steps regarding Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion and the pseudo-Tang? Any plans?”

Zhou Mingzhe pondered briefly.

Han Zhining: “Speak freely.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Zhou Mingzhe stood and said, “I dare to say that for the campaign against Tang, it’s better to be slow than fast, quiet rather than active, to plan gradually.”

Han Zhining’s expression remained unchanged as he quietly watched him.

Zhou Mingzhe continued, “From what we know, the so-called former Heavenly Palace faction has returned and is at odds with Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion and the pseudo-Tang. The two are at loggerheads, unwilling to yield. Even if things seem calm for now, it’s just the calm before the storm. Ming can watch from the sidelines...”

Han Zhining: “What if they intend to invade Ming territory?”

Zhou Mingzhe: “From the current movement inside and outside the Kong Sang portal, they seem not to have such intentions. Also, I have some unrefined ideas, please forgive me, but I absolutely do not intend to dishonor the nation. I think to stabilize them and better grasp their information, we could send envoys to communicate. Even if situations change, we can investigate in advance.”

Han Zhining asked, “What about suitable candidates for envoys?”

On the surface, the Ming court had no one both loyal and connected to the Tang cultivation world.

But Zhou Mingzhe proposed a plan: “Two people can be tried. One is Wei Jingyi, the Taoist leader of Zhenwu Temple;

the other is Abbot Guangshu of Bodhi Temple.”

Han Zhining knew both well: “Abbot Guangshu, then.”

Zhou Mingzhe: “As Your Majesty commands.”

Wei Jingyi had somewhat betrayed Mu Chunyang but had not completely broken ties.

Now the Tang cultivation world and Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion were strong, and Mu Chunyang himself had another flourishing Zhenwu Temple branch in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm.

If he could tolerate Wei Jingyi, Wei Jingyi and Ming’s Zhenwu Temple might waver and return to the opposite side.

Abbot Guangshu of Bodhi Temple was more firmly on Ming’s side because of Bodhi Temple’s relations with the White Lotus Sect and Tang.

Zhou Mingzhe favored Abbot Guangshu as the choice.

After discussing envoys, Han Zhining rose and paced silently in the hall for a long time.

Zhou Mingzhe stood respectfully beside him.

“Prime Minister...”

After a long time, Han Zhining broke the silence: “I feel ashamed before the ancestors of Ming, the former emperors.”

Zhou Mingzhe quickly knelt: “I am guilty.”

Han Zhining stood with hands behind his back, looking at the night sky through the window:

“Those like Venerable Shanzhihui who have long ascended immortality need not be mentioned.

People of today step through the immortal gates one after another to ascend the Immortal Realm.

Our Ming court enjoys peace and prosperity everywhere, yet stagnates. This is a warning from Heaven to me!”

Zhou Mingzhe took a deep breath: “All our fault.”

Han Zhining withdrew his gaze, then personally helped Zhou Mingzhe up. “Prime Minister, you overstate yourself. In such critical times, the unity of ruler and ministers is needed to overcome difficulties. Only then can Ming turn crisis into safety, right? Ming must have immortals, must have immortals!”

Zhou Mingzhe whispered, “Your Majesty is wise.”

Han Zhining asked, “Any clues on sudden sainthood?”

Zhou Mingzhe fell silent briefly, then said, “I am dull;

the road ahead is still unclear.”

If Chen Yu had succeeded back then, perhaps Ming’s Neo-Confucian sect could have opened a path upward.

But he failed.

Zhou Mingzhe had some ideas, but Ming’s current foundation was insufficient to support them.

If there truly were peace everywhere with no internal or external troubles and more time, he might try.

But now, only a sigh.

A sigh for himself and also for...

“Ming must have immortals, must have immortals.” Han Zhining repeated the words.

Zhou Mingzhe slowly knelt: “Your Majesty is in prime of life and respected by all. If anyone in Ming can open the immortal gates, it would be no one but Your Majesty!”

Han Zhining smiled slightly and helped the prime minister up, “Please rise, Prime Minister. With unity above and below, Ming’s state can be secure.”

Zhou Mingzhe left the palace and returned to his residence near dawn.

Nie Song and other close aides had gathered there awaiting him.

Zhou Mingzhe calmly scanned the group and said, “Your Majesty needs more support.”

Everyone exchanged looks.

The current emperor had always been ambitious but somewhat lacking talent.

This “talent” mainly referred to cultivation.

Not completely mediocre by ordinary standards, but not genius or brilliant compared to Ming’s position.

Unfortunately, the royal Han family’s talent had declined, making better choices rare. The Neo-Confucian scholars also disliked branching off before the main bloodline ended.

Fortunately, the Neo-Confucian monarch’s adherence to ministerial principles and imperial arts had concentrated the mountains, rivers, and national destiny, helping Han Zhining’s cultivation grow steadily.

Recently, this was intensified, extracting mountain, river, and dragon vein energy more aggressively until reaching the mortal world’s peak.

Currently, few in the Ming court had the chance to break into the Immortal Realm.

Han Zhining’s so-called “support” meant backing from scholars like Zhou Mingzhe and even greater extraction of mountain, river, and national energies.

This meant far more national and civilian resources.

But with his talent, no one knew how much he would have to consume or how likely success was.

If the emperor actually succeeded... Ming officials looked at one another, hesitant to speak.

Except for the emperor, no one was confident, even Zhou Mingzhe, closest to this heavenly barrier.

“Until a better choice appears, we must obey the sacred decree.”

Zhou Mingzhe finally said, “But we must prepare two plans.”

Nie Song and others responded, “Yes, Prime Minister.”

Zhou Mingzhe mentioned another matter: “The Western Region demon monks and foreign Hu cavalry fleeing east into northern borders—keep close watch on their movements. Don’t relax just because they lost Kong Sang.”

Everyone quickly replied, “Yes.”

..........................

The Vajra Realm Karma Department’s leader Shedila and others, tracked by Zhou Mingzhe, had reached the snowy mountains in the northern border east.

After seeing no pursuers near the Kong Sang portal, they temporarily stopped.

Shedila arranged his disciples and entered the deep snowy mountains alone.

Here, a woman in white waited.

“Devotee Yuan, thank you for your patience.” Shedila formed a hand seal as a greeting.

Yuan Jing, a martial saint from the Abyssal Border, returned the salute: “Master.”

Shedila: “The venerable one previously instructed that if anything happened to him, we were to seek refuge under the Abyssal Emperor’s rule. The Abyssal Emperor is merciful, and we are deeply grateful.”

Yuan Jing: “Master, you flatter us. His Majesty regrets not arriving at Kong Sang in time to prevent the venerable’s death. He specially sent me to assist you masters.”

While speaking, Yuan Jing took out a mirror and handed it to Shedila: “This is a gift from His Majesty to help you conceal your whereabouts and avoid detection.”

Shedila thanked her.

Yuan Jing said, “I will stay in the mortal realm. His Majesty commands that some matters will need your assistance.”

Shedila formed a hand seal in reply: “Devotee Yuan, you are too courteous. The venerable has already left instructions. I will introduce you to Guixu, but it is unknown whether the Pixiu Demon Saint has emerged.”

..........................

In the Abyssal Border, Ren Cao Mu reported to Abyssal Emperor Zheng Baiyu after receiving Yuan Jing’s report:

“Your Majesty, Yuan Jing has met Shedila.”

In the vast darkness, Zheng Baiyu slightly nodded: “Good.”

Ren Cao Mu: “The Kong Sang portal was lost too easily...”

At first, the emptiness of Sumeru was acceptable, but this time Venerable Shanzhihui was present in Kong Sang, yet it still fell.

According to current Abyssal Border knowledge, the Longhu Mountain people did not enter Kong Sang from the Ming side’s void portal but took another route.

“When the Kong Sang battle happened, He Ying’s reincarnation and Longhu Mountain’s Tang Xiaotang entered Kong Sang. That’s probably where the root of the trouble was sown.”

Zheng Baiyu: “Venerable Shanzhihui was injured and mostly needed rest. If he had been fully healthy and managed Kong Sang more deeply, there might have been a chance to recover.”

Ren Cao Mu whispered: “As Your Majesty expected, this generation of Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion heirs is truly remarkable.”

Even in a weakened state, Venerable Shanzhihui fought desperately as a Vajra Body second-level Buddhist venerable, rumored to have touched the third level.

Yet now, a newcomer to the Immortal Realm was able to fight him.

Normally, even if Tang Xiaotang and others were impressive, a single person could only withstand or repel Venerable Shanzhihui;

to kill him was extraordinary.

Venerable Shanzhihui couldn’t even escape.

Since the deaths of Daoist Zhou Tian, Yu Shuo, and Venerable Puguang in the Penglai battle, this outcome shocked all corners once again.

“I care more about one prior matter.”

Zheng Baiyu said, “I care more about Feng Wensu’s demise.”

Ren Cao Mu: “Feng Wensu acted cautiously and stealthily. His death was indeed strange.”

Zheng Baiyu: “I suspect... Lei Jun did it.”

Ren Cao Mu was surprised, then pondered: “He could kill Feng Wensu, but...”

Although Kong Sang changed hands and Venerable Shanzhihui died, before that, Venerable Shanzhihui had sent a message to Abyssal Border about something.

Lei Jun, the current Longhu Mountain Celestial Master, though outside the mortal realm, was able to descend divine power and kill the leader of Vajra Realm Buddha Division, Vimo She, in the Song mortal realm.

He had the capability to strike the mortal world from the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands!

But at that time, Vimo She was guarded by many Daoists like Shen Xi, Mu Chunyang, Yue Xiling, and Lei Jun’s own junior brother Chu Kun.

Through them, Lei Jun confirmed Vimo She’s position with ease.

But how did Feng Wensu expose his location then?

Was it a coincidence, encountering Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion disciples?

“Perhaps because Feng Wensu was carrying out a task entrusted by me. Due to ritual ceremonies, his movements were exposed. Not too early, not too late—a very timely coincidence.”

Abyssal Emperor Zheng Baiyu pondered: “There are two decisive changes in this matter: one is Biluo’s reopening, the other is... Lei Jun’s Dongxuan Immortal Ascension.”

Ren Cao Mu: “Your Majesty means... that the current Longhu Mountain Xuanxiaozi can see and observe all mortal realms upon first entering the Immortal Realm?”

“Not necessarily, but if it was truly Lei Jun...” Zheng Baiyu said, “I sense in the dark that the turning point lies in his ascension.”

Ren Cao Mu silently nodded.

No wonder this time Yuan Jing and others were sent on a mission, and His Majesty personally inquired about the concealment matters, making adjustments.

He recalled another matter: “Your Majesty, the former Heavenly Palace faction, Gaotian Lord has been very quiet lately...”

“No matter.”

Zheng Baiyu stood with hands behind his back, gazing into the surrounding darkness. “After the last commotion in Great Square, the Abyssal Depths will soon have a major disturbance.”

..........................

The former Heavenly Palace faction in Biluo and Mount Ling likewise received news of Kong Sang’s unrest.

In Mount Ling, Peng Youshan reported to Ruan Qiao and Quanyuan Qi about the situation.

Hovering near Ruan Qiao was a Gu insect emitting shimmering light, jade-like all over.

After Peng Youshan withdrew, the Gu insect spoke human words. Wang Dianchen, in Biluo, spoke through it: “The monks are too careless. If we knew earlier, we should have taken Kong Sang first. That would have been better than the opportunists from Zhuang Zheng’s disciples.”

His tone was calm.

But some things had been etched deep in memory and soul.

Zhuang Zheng, He Ying.

The others could be disregarded, but these two had ruined his plans and his future.

With his talent and strength, reaching second Immortal Realm would have been easy, and the third level was also within sight.

Yet it all ended with imprisonment in Biluo, wasting his time.

“Lord Gaotian is currently in seclusion.” Ruan Qiao said, “Be patient.”

Wang Dianchen changed the subject: “In Great Square, the Abyssal Depths seem increasingly unstable.”

Although Gaotian Sui withdrew from Great Square earlier, through Biluo he had established some connection with it.

Ge Xuanzhi’s voice also came from the Gu insect: “Lord Gaotian said he will emerge before the Abyssal Depths’ turmoil.”

Ruan Qiao and Quanyuan Qi nodded: “That is best.”

..........................

With the return of the former Heavenly Palace faction in Biluo and Mount Ling, the situation in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm became more delicate.

The Later Han Dynasty fought in the south and north, rapidly growing in strength, but Han King Zhou Pu did not feel satisfied.

Prime Minister Geng Yuanyan stood beside him: “Your Majesty, a new batch of recruits has been added to the Imperial Army.”

Zhou Pu nodded slightly: “Order them to lay a good foundation. I will personally teach them martial arts.”

Geng Yuanyan: “Yes.”

Zhou Pu: “How about your side?”

Geng Yuanyan: “Civilian foundation is relatively weak. The first imperial examination may be unsatisfactory.”

“No matter.” Zhou Pu: “Everything arranged according to our agreed plan.”

Geng Yuanyan: “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Zhou Pu stood at the palace gate, gazing into the distance. “Yiran, time waits for no one!”

Hearing Zhou Pu call his courtesy name, Geng Yuanyan stepped forward.

Zhou Pu’s sentiment was deeply felt.

Time waits for no one.

In all respects.

The most urgent was the mortal world convergence.

If the mortal world convergence occurred, all mortal realms would unite, and the outcome of their struggles would be unpredictable or simple.

The Jin and Song mortal realms were still manageable.

The present Han and Ming realms, with complete mountains and rivers, and emperors backed by imperial arts, were strong.

But none could compare to the Tang Dynasty.

That Tang Emperor had already ascended the Immortal Realm.

Even excluding Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion, the Tang Dynasty was terrifyingly strong.

Only the return of the former Heavenly Palace faction made things uncertain.

“Observing Tang Emperor, she differs greatly from ordinary emperors, especially as her cultivation and strength improve.”

Geng Yuanyan said softly, “Whether tacit understanding or agreement, Tang Emperor and the current Celestial Master have both stepped back, so their relationship is currently harmonious.”

He paused, then said, “The current Celestial Master Lei probably dislikes the despotic emperor, and may prefer a more moderate ruler...”

Zhou Pu looked over.

Geng Yuanyan nodded softly: “Lei Celestial Master does not hide, is not concerned about being known, but does not show off deliberately.”

Zhou Pu silently withdrew his gaze, continuing to look into the distance.

Geng Yuanyan sighed inwardly.

Their monarch had the grand aspiration to expand the world, nurture the people, and bring peace—a heroic ruler with compassion for the people and intent to sweep across all directions.

But even if Tang Emperor cared little for the mortal throne or the Tang royal family, Lei Celestial Master remained.

Could their monarch align with Lei Celestial Master’s wishes?

Mu Chunyang and Zhenwu Temple chose to support Later Han.

But it should be noted Zhenwu Temple also had a branch in Tang.

Longhu Mountain Tianshi Mansion in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms realm had never clearly stated a position...

“Focus first on accumulating strength.” Zhou Pu said calmly.

Geng Yuanyan solemnly bowed: “I will obey your command, Your Majesty.”

The Longhu Mountain Celestial Master, concerned by Later Han rulers, had already left Kong Sang.

He returned to Earth Sea through the portal connecting it to Kong Sang.

Now standing in the dim underground world, he quietly watched a faint ray of spiritual light slowly sprout from the earth.

The Youning Tree seed planted here had finally taken root and sprouted after a long cultivation.