“Heaven, Earth, and Human Three Realms?” Tang Xiaotang’s eyes brightened just like Lei Jun’s upon hearing this.

She asked urgently, “So, does that mean the Heaven, Earth, and Human realms still exist there without collapsing?”

In the history familiar to Lei Jun and the others, a catastrophe far greater than that of the Late Han period once erupted in ancient times, spanning the Three Realms.

At that time, the Heaven and Earth realms within the Three Realms shattered during that battle.

Eventually, the Heaven Realm transformed into the Nine Heavens.

The Earth Realm became the Ten Lands.

This situation has continued to this day.

The legendary Ancient Heavenly Palace was also destroyed in that great calamity, vanishing without a trace, leaving only ruins for later generations to discover, thus gaining the name of the former Heavenly Palace faction.

Naturally, Gao Tiansui and others are not true members of the Ancient Heavenly Palace but claim to be its former faction to recreate its past glory.

Most details about ancient times have long been lost.

The Talisman Sect, as the oldest Daoist inheritance, and the Tianshi Mansion on Mount Longhu as its sacred ground, preserve some related records about ancient times.

But due to subsequent events, especially the Late Han calamity and the Daoist law reform period’s turmoil, many records have also been lost.

Therefore, when Lei Jun and others perused the books stored in the mansion, they could only catch glimpses here and there.

Tang Empress Zhang Wantong, however, combined some findings from the excavation of the Heavenly Palace ruins with Lei Jun and others, filling in missing information through mutual exchange.

“Our sect’s founding Celestial Master once held an important position in the Heavenly Palace but was deeply involved in that turmoil, suffering collateral damage, which made our sect’s situation difficult during that period.”

Lei Jun shook his head lightly, “After ancient times, Confucianism flourished, which is not unrelated... or perhaps there are other hidden reasons.”

He steered the topic back, “According to Senior Sister’s message tone, the Heaven, Earth, and Human realms in that other great world should still exist. This likely isn’t a miscommunication, so the Three Realms must still be intact, which means...”

“Just like our great world split during the Late Han human realm, the ancient final battle also caused a split, producing different great worlds.” Tang Xiaotang’s eyes shone brightly.

Tang Zhenjun, who had reached Dongxuan Immortal Ascension, seemed to return to his youth, excitement evident as he paced around Lei Jun with hands behind his back.

“Our Heaven and Earth realms in this great world broke into the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands.

But in the history of that other great world where Senior Sister went, the Heaven and Earth realms still maintain their ancient appearance?”

She rubbed her hands eagerly, wishing she could immediately rush to the Great Square and pass through the Abyss of Time to explore that other great world.

Lei Jun said, “It’s hard to say they’re exactly the same. According to Senior Sister’s description, the overwhelming density of demon energy and malevolent aura there suppresses the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth, causing hordes of demons and rampant chaos.

Currently, it’s unknown why that great world turned out like this.”

Tang Xiaotang stopped, hands behind her back, “Tell me the details?”

Lei Jun said, “Messages are difficult to transmit across the Abyss of Time, so the wording is relatively simple.

What is known is that the Buddhist tradition once flourished there, but now, according to their account, it has entered the End Law Era, a demon and chaos age, where all Three Realms are alike.

There is a powerful successor of the Great Extinction Tathagata residing in the Earth Realm.

A demon dragon emperor roams the Celestial River and star seas in the Heaven Realm.

The strongest demon spirit among humans is a demon tree, also called the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree, known as the Hundred-Eyed Great Sage.

Besides, from the time Senior Sister sent the message to when we received it, we don’t know how long has passed or if it reflects the latest situation. It’s still unclear.”

Tang Xiaotang listened fascinated, “Is there still a Longhu Mountain inheritance over there?”

Lei Jun shook his head, “No.”

Tang Xiaotang’s expression immediately sank, “Although not completely unexpected, it’s still a pity.”

She thought for a moment, “Is it because the Ten Thousand Dharma Sect exists on our side?”

“Junior Sister, good question. That’s exactly the problem.”

Lei Jun said slowly, “From the perspective of this great world, the Ten Thousand Dharma Sect is likely not unique.

Senior Sister found some faint clues that the other great world should also have had a Ten Thousand Dharma Sect...”

He paused briefly, then added, “...once.”

Tang Xiaotang’s eyebrows rose sharply, “Already destroyed? Gone forever?”

Lei Jun nodded, “Probably, and it’s been quite a while. Who did it is still uncertain on Senior Sister’s side.”

Tang Xiaotang fell silent.

Lei Jun also was quiet for a time.

After a long while, Tang Xiaotang broke the silence as if suddenly remembering something:

“Lei Jun, how many great worlds like this are there in total?”

Obviously, she was recalling that during the Late Han human realm split, there were more than one or two human realms, prompting her question.

Lei Jun shook his head lightly, “Currently, no more clues.”

Tang Xiaotang stared into the distance, lost in thought, “If there are other great worlds, what will happen to our Longhu Tianshi Mansion?”

Lei Jun said, “That’s a question I want answered too.”

After carefully reading Xu Yuanzhen’s returned message again, he continued, “From Senior Sister’s wording, apart from our Talisman Sect, there is no inheritance of the Pill Refining Sect or the Artifact Refining Sect.”

Tang Xiaotang said, “That’s not surprising. In ancient times, only our Talisman Sect inherited Daoism. The Pure Yang Palace was established after ancient times, and the Shushan Sect even later.

If other Daoist inheritances exist in that great world, they might not be the Pill Refining or Artifact Refining sects but other sects, like Nie Fang’s Yanshi lineage?”

Lei Jun pondered, “Yes, that’s quite possible...”

Xu Yuanzhen’s information was still too simple.

There was little mention of the Witch Sect, Confucianism, or other major inheritance systems.

Currently, it is only known that Buddhism once flourished there, but it too is in the End Law Era now.

The dense demon energy and sparse spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth make cultivation difficult for humans.

The Dagong Temple lineage there is likely very different from Yuanmie and others on our side. Although our Dagong Temple inheritors deal with demon energy, they still rely mainly on Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.

It’s hard to say about the great world across the Abyss of Time.

“Given that state, has Senior Sister crossed the final threshold?” Tang Xiaotang asked with concern.

Lei Jun said, “She didn’t mention it, but I think precisely because of this, she must have succeeded in crossing that step.”

According to Xu Yuanzhen’s description of the demon chaos era there, she would need higher cultivation strength to continue enjoying ‘playing’ there.

It’s obvious that even the bloodiest and most chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm here is comparatively civilized.

And from Xu Yuanzhen’s implication, Immortal Realm cultivators can freely travel among the Heaven, Earth, and Human realms of that great world.

If there are any restrictions, they are not from realm logic but the “man-made disasters” possibly caused by the Great Extinction Bodhisattva, the Demon Dragon Emperor, and the Hundred-Eyed Demon Tree.

Tang Xiaotang stood with arms behind her back, her eyes spinning rapidly.

Seeing this, Lei Jun said, “Junior Sister, calm down. According to the Tang Empress’s message, the Abyss of Time near the Great Square has been turbulent and unstable recently, with possible changes soon.”

Tang Xiaotang said, “Because of Biluo?”

Lei Jun said, “Probably.”

“Is Biluo still sealed now?” Tang Xiaotang asked.

Lei Jun said, “Yes, it’s hard to open.”

Although he hadn’t traveled in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm, his faint connection to Biluo made his spiritual sense sensitive.

However, it is no longer sealed by the human Celestial Virtue layman He Ying but by Gao Tiansui on the other side.

That person’s cultivation strength is extraordinary.

With Biluo sealed by him, Lei Jun can only faintly sense it from outside, and breaking the seal in recent years is difficult.

“Accurately speaking, Biluo is unlike other Nine Heavens and Ten Lands sealed void portals that vanish from the human realm.

Instead, it still permeates the war-torn human realm, dyeing the surrounding world a bluish-green.”

Lei Jun said, “In the past two years, according to reports from Master Mu Chunyang of Zhenwu Temple and Zhou Pu from Later Han, Biluo’s influence has been expanding rapidly, growing from a few hundred miles radius to thousands of miles.”

Tang Xiaotang understood immediately, “Gao Tiansui is secluded, recuperating?”

Lei Jun said, “That should be the case, and progress is being made.”

When Tang Empress Zhang Wantong first came out of Biluo to the Great Square, Gao Tiansui was seriously injured.

Comparing with Venerable Shanzhihui, although their cultivation levels differ, it’s hard to say who was in worse condition after returning to the mortal world.

But now, Gao Tiansui’s healing speed far surpasses Venerable Shanzhihui’s.

Under these circumstances, it’s even unclear whether he can immediately respond to an external attack.

With him guarding Biluo, the seal is extremely firm.

Moreover, even disregarding Gao Tiansui, experts like Ge Xuanzhi, Ruan Qiao, and Wang Dianchen stand opposite.

“There are also those in the Abyssal Border waiting to take advantage while watching the mountain and tiger fight,” Lei Jun said.

The Abyssal Border and former Heavenly Palace faction have barely maintained a three-way balance.

But this balance is fragile and ever-changing.

Tang Xiaotang thought for a moment, “I want to probe Abyssal Border and Lianshan first, but unfortunately, it’s not as easy as finding a portal in Kong Sang.”

Lei Jun said, “Let’s start from the Ming human realm. It’s evident Abyssal Border has been operating there for some time.”

Tang Xiaotang laughed, “Will Master Mu Chunyang of Zhenwu Temple and Sect Leader Shen Xi of Southern Jin Shushan Sect go?”

Lei Jun said, “Preparations are underway.”

Tang Xiaotang sat cross-legged opposite Lei Jun, “Who do you think is faster, Master Mu or Leader Shen?”

Lei Jun said, “It’s hard to tell now.”

Master Mu Chunyang of Zhenwu Temple and Shen Xi, leader of Southern Jin Shushan Sect, are both nine-heaven cultivators with five layers perfected.

Among Daoist cultivators frequently walking the human realm outside Longhu Tianshi Mansion, these two basically represent the highest level of this great world.

Though they don’t match the likes of Zhao Chanyang of Kunwu Sect or Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, and Tang Xiaotang, Shen Xi and Mu Chunyang are rare prodigies with hopes to break into the Immortal Realm as Heaven and Earth spiritual energy surges.

Mu Chunyang achieved the Daoist Pill Refining Sect’s Five Qi Ascending to Origin body perfection decades ago, even earlier than Lei Jun and others.

His accumulation is deep and abundant.

But living in a special environment in the Ming human realm, he feigned death to avoid the world and was struck by a sword from Venerable Shanzhihui.

Though he used his Daoist immortal body to achieve his goal, this incident severely wounded his vital energy, with lingering effects for years, partially interrupting his steady progress.

Since then, Mu Chunyang has been quietly recuperating and accumulating.

To date, his hope of reaching Qi Refining and Spirit Ascension isn’t extinguished but may be surpassed by Shen Xi.

Shen Xi recently achieved the Daoist Artifact Refining Sect’s Five Qi Ascending to Immortal minor freedom state.

Though his foundation isn’t as deep as Mu Chunyang’s, his resilient character and recent breakthrough have brought unprecedented momentum.

His possession of the Cosmic Light Immortal Body grants him extra advantages in saving cultivation time.

“Relatively speaking, I favor Master Mu slightly, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Leader Shen surpasses him.”

In response to Tang Xiaotang’s question, Lei Jun said, “It’s normal whichever comes first. Without major surprises, they might arrive almost simultaneously.”

“Hmm, but it will still take years, probably after the human realms converge,” Tang Xiaotang judged similarly, “Neither is likely faster than Senior Brother Wang.”

Lei Jun agreed, “Besides Fengming the Phoenix in Canghuan, Senior Brother is likely the fastest.”

Fengming is currently in seclusion in Canghuan, apparently attempting to break through the portal to the Immortal Realm.

No other nine-heaven experts in this era can surpass him.

Next would be Wang Guiyuan, Mu Chunyang, and Shen Xi.

“Xiao Clan’s Jade Gate Cultivator also has potential,” Lei Jun said, “Furthermore, Elder Zhao Qianran of Mount Ling Witch Sect usually keeps a low profile but has profound accumulation and may not be slow.”

The Witch Zhen Jia Xianting once took risks, but his progress wasn’t as steady as Zhao Qianran’s calm journey.

Among the ten witches of Mount Ling, Zhao Qianran is the leader, not Jia Xianting.

In fact, Jia Xianting’s desperation partly stemmed from the Witch King Huangfu Qi and Zhao Qianran.

Previously, Zhao Qianran stayed in Mount Ling and was less famous in the human world than Jia Xianting.

As for the siblings Xiao Hang, Xiao Chunhui, and Xiao Xueting’s father, Xiao Yumen, he also keeps a low profile but is not to be underestimated.

“If the three great witches Ke Lang, Peng Youshan, and Xiang Chengyuan don’t receive major fortune, their chances are slim,” Lei Jun said.

Penglai Sect leader Peng Youshan of Kong Sang Tianjing, Earth Governor Ke Lang, and former Han Emperor Xiang Chengyuan have suffered many upheavals in recent years, greatly diminishing their momentum.

Considering their age, their chances of advancing are worse than Jia Xianting’s once were.

In contrast, the early Han Crown Prince Xiang Jing and Zen Master Chonghui of Lei Yin Temple were just a step from the Immortal Realm.

Their distance was even closer than Jia Xianting, Tian Sheyi, and Zholigetu of the Azure Wolf Khanate.

But now, all of that is gone.

“Chonghui, Xiang Jing, Zholigetu...” Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang stared at each other wide-eyed, “They were exactly the ones we took down.”

Tang Xiaotang laughed, “With Puguang and Shanzhihui gone, they didn’t stand a chance.”

Lei Jun said, “Zhou Mingzhe of the Ming human realm is a special case. Honestly, if he followed traditional Confucian classics, he might have already become a saint.”

Tang Xiaotang scoffed, “Serves him right.”

She suddenly recalled, “By the way, that flood dragon in Guixu was quite strong. If I hadn’t planned to enter Kong Sang, I almost couldn’t resist killing him.”

Lei Jun knew she meant the greatest demon under the Kunpeng Demon Saint in Guixu—the Submerged Sea Dragon King—equivalent to a nine-heaven perfected cultivator among demons.

He was powerful and deeply cultivated with potential to become a demon saint.

“Elder Witch Peng Qiao is expected to lag behind Elder Witch Zhao Qianran,” Lei Jun said.

“If much later, they might be surpassed by lay cultivators Zhang Hui, Li Tianqing, and Master Huiyin from the Tang Dynasty.”

Zhang Hui, Huiyin, and Li Tianqing have all reached the fourth layer of nine heavens.

After specializing, Huiyin’s realm has soared.

Zhang Hui’s cultivation of Confucian classics is complete, and after achieving smooth progress, he will likely break into the Immortal Realm faster than others.

Former Xiao Clan leader Xiao Jing from Datong has already reached the fifth layer of nine heavens.

But barring surprises, she won’t surpass Zhang Hui and might be overtaken by him.

Though both have perfect five classics, their talents and potential are on different levels.

As for others, without special opportunities, they will come later.

After Lei Jun replied to Xu Yuanzhen, Tang Xiaotang forcibly suppressed her urge to head to the Great Square’s Abyss of Time and instead returned to Kong Sang.

The Daoist alliance planned to act concerning the Ming human realm.

How Abyssal Border and Lianshan would respond was unknown;

Tang Xiaotang stayed in Kong Sang to observe.

Lei Jun finally left the Earth Sea, traveling through the Tang human realm back to Penglai.

Though walking through the human realm caused his immortal essence to dissipate again, he did not mind.

Responding to the human Heaven and Earth was also a process for him to gain feedback.

Though his immortal essence and magical power truly diminished, comprehending natural Dao principles and mysteries benefited his cultivation.

With this advantage, he continued cultivating.

Breaking open the Immortal Gate to enter the Immortal Realm was just a new experience of cultivation for him, full of fun amid his calm focus.

Back in Penglai, sitting quietly on the Celestial Observation Terrace, Lei Jun raised his hand.

The Taiyi Poxue Sword floated before him, and the sea of green Nine Abyss True Fire spread out.

In the vast sea of fire, besides the Taiyi Poxue Sword, several other sword artifacts appeared.

The North Pole Sword.

The Zhou Tian Sword.

The Vast Sea Sword.

The Guangmo Sword.

The Taiyi Poxue Sword was temporarily set aside.

Lei Jun began refining treasures with the Nine Abyss True Fire, starting with the North Pole Sword.

This magic sword, refined by Lei Jun himself, trembled slightly, showing changes previously unseen on the blade’s surface.

Like rippling water, the blade seemed to become ethereal and transparent, even losing shape.

It appeared to merge into the void.

This Daoist realm of profound void had appeared before on the Taiyi Innate Tower, Taiyi Poxue Sword, Du Xu Shuttle, and the Taiyi Huashang of Southern Jin Shushan Sect.

It involves profound mysteries of the void.

With Lei Jun’s current cultivation and comprehension, although not as unique as Xu Yuanzhen’s Universal Immortal Body, his grasp of void Daoist mysteries was already meticulous.

At this moment, he reforged the North Pole Sword, integrating all changes.

This was not to turn the North Pole Sword into a second Taiyi Poxue Sword.

But going forward, as Lei Jun’s Primordial Magnetic Flying Sword traverses void realms to arrive in the human world, using the North Pole Sword would be much easier.

After the North Pole Sword came the Zhou Tian Sword.

Lei Jun concentrated fully, refining sword after sword.

…………………………

While Celestial Master Lei refined treasures, the Guicang portal to the Ming human realm quietly opened.

Chu Kun, representing Longhu Tianshi Mansion again, greeted Mount Ling great witches Zhao Qianran, Qiao Yang, Lei Lei, and others residing here:

“Later, Guicang will require the care of all Mount Ling members.

I hope it will not disturb the Witch King’s recuperation;

otherwise, it would be our fault.”

Zhao Qianran shook his head, “Not at all. Elder Chu is too polite. We are grateful for your sect’s prior support, so it’s natural to lend a hand now.

If our Witch King were not still recuperating, we would have accompanied you all to the human realm to help shoulder the burden.

We ask for your understanding, and rest assured, we will firmly guard the Guicang portal.”

Chu Kun and Master Mu Chunyang and other Daoist experts with him bowed in return, “Many thanks to Mount Ling.”

Thus, led by Mu Chunyang, except for the current main forces stabilizing the Song human realm at Pure Yang Palace, various Daoist experts gathered at Guicang and passed through it to head to the Ming human realm.

On the human side, the Guicang portal lies in the southwest.

In recent years, the Ming court’s main attention focused on the north, while the south was mainly monitored.

The official responsible for important southern border affairs was Governor Zheng Qing, a key minister overseeing Chuan-Qian region.

But this time, no matter how carefully he monitored, it was useless.

Now active mostly in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm, the name of Master Mu Chunyang of Zhenwu Temple in Ming has been spread anew.

Also visiting the Ming Governor were Chu Kun, elder of Longhu Mountain in Tang human realm;

Zhang Taigang, Sect Leader of Shushan Sect;

and Yue Xiling, elder of Pure Yang Palace.

Additionally, Zhang Haipeng, leader of Kunwu Sect, and Chen Lingfeng, leader of Shushan Sect in the current Han human realm.

Six high-level Daoist experts from various sects came together to visit the Ming Governor.

Mu Chunyang did not act aggressively at first.

He detained Zheng Qing.

The news returned to the Ming capital from the southwest, instantly shaking the court.

“What do they want?” Ming Emperor Han Zhi Ning looked at his ministers.

Prime Minister Zhou Mingzhe sighed, “Though the original Shushan Sect leader hasn’t acted rashly, detaining someone shows their intention...

They are after the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot and the Immortal Firmament Bell.”

The Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot and Immortal Firmament Bell are top treasures inherited for years by the Ming Shushan Sect, always ranked alongside the Chuitian Whip, Three Mountain Fire Shield, and Du Xu Shuttle.

Among them, the Heaven and Earth Sun Moon Pot is one of the founding treasures inherited by the Shushan Sect before the Late Han human realm split.

In earlier years, due to Han Qingtao’s rebellion, both treasures were confiscated by the Ming court and remain so today.

Since Yuan Qingci’s time, no one dared to challenge the Ming Shushan Sect.

But now, the situation seems completely different.