Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 538 Ant Master owes me another favor. Senior Brother Zhou, I hope you survive!
Qin Shi from Feilai Peak smiled and said, "Junior Brother Zhou, I would like to hear the details."

Seeing that the leaders of Qi Yun Peak and Fei Lai Peak were showing such respect, everyone couldn't help but glance more at the young man in the tent.

[You recounted in detail: "This matter dates back to the end of the Great Qi Dynasty. Apart from natural disasters and man-made calamities, the Jiangnan region was suddenly struck by a strange plague. Those infected first developed red spots all over their bodies, then danced wildly day and night, and finally died from exhaustion."]

"At this time, a new sect emerged, named the Reincarnation King Cult."

You paused, then continued, "According to the 'Brief Account of the Suppression of Bandits in Southern Henan,' government troops destroyed their altar and found a strange statue enshrined inside."

"The statue was neither Buddhist nor Taoist, but a black-faced Bodhisattva seated upon a sea of ​​blood. It possessed a thousand hands, each palm bearing an eye that expressed anger, sorrow, or madness. Its head was a blooming lotus platform, from which a distorted human face could be faintly seen. This statue was named the Xuanhuang Wheel-Turning King."

Everyone looked puzzled upon hearing this, for this book was not a secret of the cultivation world, but rather a record of mortal history.

Yang Chen frowned and said, "I have also read 'A Brief Account of the Suppression of Bandits in Southern Henan,' a book hailed as the greatest book of the late Daqing period, yet I did not find this passage."

You smiled slightly: "This was added by later commentators; it is not part of the original text."

"At that time, people in Jiangnan, regardless of their wealth or social status, all worshipped this deity in their homes in hopes of warding off disease."

[“Believers claim that this Xuanhuang Lunzhuan King is the divinely ordained ruler, not the future Buddha or Maitreya Buddha of Buddhism, nor the original form of the Great Ages.”]

"It's strange, really. Although the Reincarnation King Cult operates in secrecy, its doctrines mostly encourage people to do good."

"Small acts of kindness can accumulate into great virtue; one should not deceive in secret, nor kill, nor drink alcohol, and one may attain a higher level of enlightenment."

At this point, your voice grew somber: "And its core doctrine is to offer one's body to the cycle of rebirth. Believers must obey the decrees of the King of Rebirth, willingly turning their bodies into ashes so that their souls may return to the boundless homeland and enjoy ultimate bliss and peace."

[You paused briefly: "However, it's strange that, apart from these mundane records, I've never seen a single word about this Xuanhuang Wheel-Turning King in the many Daoist scriptures of the cultivation world."]

"Of course, it's also possible... that I'm just inexperienced."

After listening, the crowd found the doctrine quite mysterious, but upon reflection, they realized that such sects often arose at the end of dynasties, so it wasn't surprising.

Yang Chen, however, stated definitively, "Junior Brother Zhou, if you haven't even heard of it, it's probably just some ancient secrets."

Qin Shi did not flinch upon hearing this. "So, in the end, this is merely a mortal belief, and probably has little to do with today's events."

Those in the spiritual cultivation world naturally do not believe in the afterlife or the retribution for good or evil deeds.

However, this is merely a tactic used by the world to deceive the people before the spiritual energy has been revived.

How pathetic it is to suffer in this life only to seek a vague and uncertain afterlife!

The group fell into deep thought again; it seemed the trail to the demon had gone cold once more.

Someone spoke up, "For such a demon to dare establish a demon city within the territory of Fangcun Mountain, it must be for more than just a simple scheme."

"We should have informed the mountain earlier. The disciples undergoing the trial are too weak; they might cause trouble and cost you your life in vain."

[Of course, this wasn't meant to genuinely favor these newly initiated disciples, but rather to state that everyone's cultivation level was at the Dao Embryo realm, and it was said in his own words.]

After all, facing such demons of unknown origin, the slightest carelessness could lead to certain death.

Cultivation is about valuing oneself; if one dies young, then all talk is meaningless. What are the Taoist arts and immortal masters anyway? It all amounts to nothing.

Yang Chen nodded, "Don't worry, everyone, I have already consulted the elders using the Ten Thousand Mile Talisman."

"The mountain gate will send a Dragon Court Realm elder to oversee the operation, along with several Heavenly Gate Realm seniors. We simply need to wait here."

Upon hearing this, the tense atmosphere in the hall immediately eased.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After all, if there were orders from the mountains to enter the city and exorcise demons, they couldn't disobey. Desertion or obedience would both result in serious demerits.

[You found it slightly strange. Logically, Fangcun Mountain should have immediately recalled its trial disciples. Why were these newly initiated cultivators allowed to linger in the demon-infested area?]

The demon city's blatant construction right under the mountain gate's nose is a naked provocation; its visitors are clearly up to no good.

Instead, they waited until the elders of the sect arrived before returning.

However, this makes sense; if one is worried about unrest in the city, it's just not very logical.

Just as he was pondering, Yang Chen spoke again: "However, there is another order from the mountain, commanding us to re-explore the outskirts of the imperial city and ascertain the fate of the people within."

Everyone nodded. The outskirts of the imperial city weren't dangerous, and Yang Chen and his group almost immediately entered the central command platform of the city.

Everyone nodded in agreement. When the five of them investigated last time, the highest-ranking demons in the city were only at the early stage of the Dao Embryo realm. As long as they didn't repeat their mistake of venturing deeper into dangerous areas, they should be fine.

Yang Chen looked at everyone and said, "Each of our three peaks will send two people to explore again tonight."

"I imagine the seniors from the mountain gate will arrive tomorrow."

The people inside the hall looked at each other and nodded; no one raised any objections.

"I, Yang Chen, will naturally not shirk my duty."

Upon hearing this, Senior Brother Qi Yunfeng, Qin Shi, laughed heartily: "Since Senior Brother Yang says so, how could I, Qin, fall behind?"

Xiao Wan'er, the most powerful cultivator among the young members of Xiao Qingfeng, also took on this task.

Yang Chen looked at you, "Junior Brother Zhou, you are very knowledgeable. Why don't you come along? Perhaps you can spot some clues we may have overlooked."

[Lu Qingyu directly refused on your behalf, saying, "I'm afraid that won't work, Junior Brother Zhou. Your cultivation is only at the Solidifying Spirit Realm. This city is dangerous. I'll go in your place."]

Qin Shi quickly said, "Junior Sister Lü, please rest assured, we will definitely protect Junior Brother Zhou Jing."

"Junior Brother Zhou has exceptional insight; he is the most suitable person for this mission, and this cannot be judged solely on his cultivation level."

[Lü Qingyu frowned slightly, still unwilling; who could guarantee against the dangers involved?]

Seeing this, Yang Chen also spoke up, "In that case, please let Junior Brother Zhou decide for himself."

Faced with this situation, you decide...

1. Proceed into the city. (Hint: This may have adverse effects on the future.)
2. Do not go into the city with them. (Hint: This may be detrimental to the future.)
3. Secretly follow them into the city. (Hint: This may be beneficial in the future.)
4. Predict the next possible scenario. (0/2)

5. Personal involvement. (0/3)

The ancient cauldron resounded, revealing a radiant glow.

Yu Ke looked at the characters that had not appeared on the cauldron for a long time.

Somewhat surprised.

In the third life, "Zhou Jing," the number of pop-up options was pitifully small compared to the second life, "Xie Guan."

Xie Guan walked out of a courtyard, and the options would be answered several times, each time involving life and death.

Zhou Jing, however, rarely experienced this situation.

The first time was when I encountered the "Elder of the Dragon Court Realm" while slaying the drought demon.

The second time was when I met the "woman in the painting" at Chen Guoyao Mountain.

Moreover, Zhou Jing's cultivation level has already reached the "Dragon Court Realm" perfection.

Even a true spirit like Ant Immortal could not threaten Zhou Jing.

The only people in the world who could threaten him were cultivators at the Golden Core stage of the Great Dao.

It seems this demon is no ordinary creature!
Yu Ke didn't hesitate and made his choice immediately.

3. Secretly follow them into the city. (Hint: This may be beneficial in the future.)
After a moment's thought, you said, "Senior Sister Lü is right. My cultivation is currently shallow, and I'm afraid I'll only become a burden to my fellow senior brothers."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Yang Chen and Qin Shi's eyes, but they said nothing more.

[The others left, leaving only six people, including Xiao Wan'er and Lü Qingyu.]

You also departed, returning to the camp at Little Green Peak.

It wasn't yet late at night; a crescent moon hung low in the sky, and there was still an hour until midnight.

You suddenly sense that a man and a woman are waiting for you.

The woman had fair skin and black hair, a slender figure, and wore a jade-green blouse and a misty pleated skirt. Her eyes were delicate and she possessed a scholarly air. She stood quietly under the moonlight, waiting, and was extremely beautiful.

There was also a tall man, whose physique was far beyond that of an average person.

[These are Lin Shuang and Zhang Tong, the five participants in this trial.] [Upon seeing you arrive, Lin Shuang greets you gracefully: "Senior Brother Zhou."]

"Junior Sister Lin, Senior Brother Zhang?"

[You're being rather strange; why would the two of you come here so late at night?]

Lin Shuang smiled and said, "Firstly, it's to apologize to Senior Brother. Wei Zhi and I were quite rude to you before."

"That's alright."

Lin Shuang then added, "Secondly, I must inform Senior Brother that the five of us are probably unable to participate in this trial."

Upon hearing this, you gently raised your eyes and saw Zhang Tong's gaze shift, as if he intended to avoid your gaze.

"Oh? Is that so?" You raise an eyebrow slightly, as if to say something appropriate.

Lin Shuang remained calm, saying, "It's just that Wei Zhi's family has encountered an emergency, and we need to go and help them immediately."

"This is a last resort."

She seemed aware that this reason was rather far-fetched, but she didn't offer any further explanation.

Everyone knows perfectly well that using "family matters" as a pretext to interrupt the trial is a far-fetched excuse.

[The rules of Fangcun Mountain are very strict; such an explanation will certainly not be approved.]

Lin Shuang had expected you to ask questions with suspicion or show impatience, but instead you simply nodded gently.

"Senior brother, aren't you curious?"

You laughed and said, "I'm not curious."

Lin Shuang didn't say anything more, but instead changed the subject, "Senior brother, what do you think of the demons and ghost soldiers in this imperial city?"

"Troublesome."

"Lin Shuang thinks so too," her voice suddenly softened, carrying a barely perceptible tremor, "and she fears... that things might change over time, and something unexpected could happen."

Although I haven't spent much time with my senior brother, I know him well...

At this point, the woman slightly raised her beautiful eyes, looked directly at you, and uttered four words: "A hidden talent."

"But... take care."

Zhang Tong clasped his hands in a fist salute to you, saying, "Senior brother, we'll take our leave now."

You nodded gently, watching their departing figures, lost in thought.

If this were true, all five of them would have left. The Xue sisters wouldn't have failed to say goodbye; the fact that these two are making a hasty visit at night suggests something is amiss.

[As you can see, even if they're not allowed inside, they'll still leave. These two aren't here to ask for permission, but to inform others, or perhaps even as a veiled warning.]

As for why these people were in such a "rush" to leave, you couldn't immediately guess the reason.

However, at least the two of them had good intentions.

You gaze into the distance, towards the imperial city. Behind its towering walls, a chilling aura spreads out like a tide, resembling thick, dark fog that appears eerie and terrifying even in the soft moonlight.

[The Ghost Army Borrows a Path, the Demonic Soul-Refining Banner, the Xuanhuang Responding Virtue Reincarnation King...]

Everything here is eerily strange.

You come to your senses and silently meditate. An hour quietly passes, then you gently open your eyes.

【at this time!】

Suddenly, six streaks of light rose silently from the silent camp, subtly descending upon the majestic city gates of the imperial capital.

[This is a report from Yang Chen and his group on their trip to the capital to investigate the situation.]

[You also rose gently, stepping on the "Sword Escape Technique." This time, however, the azure mist did not appear. Your figure floated away as if on water, disappearing dozens of miles without a trace.]

You followed behind Yang Chen and his group of six, neither too fast nor too slow.

The six people gradually descended into the city.

[You pondered briefly, then exhaled, your body enveloped in a purple-gold light, vanishing completely. In your place appeared a giant ant, its entire body a deep purple, emanating the aura of a wild and ferocious beast.]

[Then, the carapace melted away inch by inch, and the six legs gradually took shape.]

As the light faded, a tall, slender young man with cascading black hair appeared, his body covered in mysterious purple-gold patterns.

This is the Dharmakaya of the "Purple-Gold Heavenly Horned Ant" from the "Seven Treasures of Wonderful Appearances Book".

[This is truly a transformative technique that changes one's very origins; you have now become a true spirit of a Purple-Gold Heavenly Horned Ant roaming the world.]

You remarked with amusement, "I wonder what Ant Immortal's reaction would be upon seeing this?"

"Today, I've made a name for yourself, Old Ant. You owe me, Zhou Jing, another favor."

~

Behind the camp where the disciples of Fangcun Mountain were stationed, there was a tense atmosphere amidst the tranquility.

Why did you take so long?

Wei Zhi breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Lin Shuang and Zhang Tong return. "I thought you two had been given a hard time by him?"

Lin Shuang said, "No, we just chatted a bit more than usual."

Wei Zhi asked, "Zhou Jing... Senior Brother Zhou, what did he say?"

"He didn't say anything, and he didn't ask anything!"

Wei Zhi thought about it and felt that it seemed to fit the behavior of this Senior Brother Zhou these days, and couldn't help but sigh.

Lin Shuang said, "This Senior Brother Zhou is really quite unassuming... so I dare not reveal my abilities."

"However, we meant well in reminding you."

Zhang Tong's gaze fell on the two sisters, Xue Ruyi and Xue Ruxin, who were standing next to Wei Zhi.

At this moment, the two sisters are sleeping peacefully on a colorful cloud, as if in a dream.

This colorful cloud is Wei Zhi's magic treasure, called "Seven-Colored Illusionary Cloud Silk," which can carry people to travel through the sky and can also be used for rest.

However, the two sisters did not wake up during their conversation, indicating that they had been put into a deep sleep by magic.

"It was the right thing to not sue them."

Zhang Tong nodded slightly, "Ruyi and the others are pure of heart and cannot keep secrets."

Lin Shuang smiled and said, "You really believe what I say?"

“If nothing happens tonight, you will all be severely punished by Xiao Qingfeng.”

Zhang Tong's expression hardened, and he said solemnly, "If it weren't for you, Lin Shuang, we would have been dead long ago."

Wei Zhi nodded solemnly.

Neither of them asked why Lin Shuang wanted them to leave this place as soon as possible.

I simply chose to trust my friend!

Lin Shuang glanced at the time. "Let's not delay, let's leave here first."

After saying this, the three summoned their magical treasures, transformed into streaks of light, and quietly departed.

Lin Shuang looked back at the increasingly distant and blurred imperial city of Zhao, a hint of apprehension clearly showing in her eyes, as if some indescribable terror was hidden within that imperial city.

She turned her head again and looked at the camp on Fangcun Mountain, which was a hundred miles away from the imperial city.

"Senior Brother Zhou, I hope you really have abilities I can't imagine... that you can survive."

(End of this chapter)