Becoming a god starts from planting a Bodhi tree.

Chapter 502 The Investiture of the Gods, the Five Emperors of the Five Directions, and the Other Shore

Ji Jingqiu did not answer, but asked instead:
"You're certainly willing to go to great lengths. In the calamity just now, the number of Star Lords and Divine Generals of the Heavenly Court who lost more lives than the True Saints of all the other factions. With that in mind, who can criticize you?"

Doumu raised her eyebrows and said:
"Didn't Emperor Yi tell you that as long as the Investiture of the Gods still exists, these divine generals, even if they die in battle, can instantly return after undergoing tribulations? If there were no such means, how could our Heavenly Court have absorbed powerful figures from all sides and ruled over the vast sea of ​​realms in the past?"

Ji Jingqiu was shocked. The Investiture of the Gods?!

He tentatively asked, "Who has the God-Slaying Whip now?"

The Heavenly Court in the Boundary Sea, while not entirely similar to the Heavenly Court in his previous life's memories, still shares many similarities.

The Three Treasures Ruyi, the Investiture of the Gods...

Doumu sneered, "What, didn't Di Yi tell you that this item was in his possession?"

These words revealed too much information, and Ji Jingqiu vaguely guessed the true intentions of Doumu and the Heavenly Court.

A hundred centuries ago, the one who unified the world seas was the Heavenly Court, no wonder Doumu dared to assert that she had never heard of any "World Honored One".

The Heavenly Court, which has been in seclusion for a long time, has reappeared in the world. Doumu Yuanjun, who is about to return to her true nature, is actually after the entire World Sea.

The Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip—is this the Heavenly Court's reliance on divine powers to rule the World Sea? If we truly compare it to the previous life, this thing could at least appoint three hundred and sixty-five gods…

At Doumu's invitation in front of all the saints, Ji Jingqiu sighed and finally accepted her invitation.

Even though everyone had a vague idea of ​​the outcome, their expressions still changed drastically.

All the saints who favored Ji Jingqiu, including Feng Ming and Kong Ming, wore solemn expressions.

Did the World Honored One choose to join the Heavenly Court? Was it to jointly resist this great tide of annihilation?

Among those present, the True Saints from various factions gradually realized certain problems.

Originally, the World Honored One and the Heavenly Court represented two forces from a hundred centuries ago, but now the two have chosen to join forces.

Deep within the Heavenly Court, such terrifying calamities are suppressed.

In the Boundary Sea, who would dare to challenge the Heavenly Court?
Aren't you afraid of mutual destruction?
The Heavenly Court, under the pretext of "overcoming the great calamity together," is almost using the emperor to command the feudal lords. How should the various factions respond and deal with this?
"The Boundary Sea is about to undergo another major upheaval..."

A true saint murmured.

Originally, with the emergence of many hidden sects and ancestral lands of the Great Dao, the landscape of the Boundary Sea had already changed repeatedly.

Now, with the emergence of the Heavenly Court, a calamity that is highly likely to affect and spread throughout the entire Boundary Sea has also appeared.

At this moment, Doumu Yuanjun once again swung her heavy hammer, striking the hearts of all the saints:

"A hundred centuries ago, in order to fight against a great calamity, the Heavenly Court forged a divine artifact for the world, called the Investiture of the Gods."

The saints looked surprised and doubtful.

The Investiture of the Gods? As the name suggests, it can grant titles and honors to gods? But they are all true saints, already standing at the pinnacle of the mortal world, immortal and indestructible. Why would they turn to the path of gods? Could it be that the Investiture of the Gods can help them ascend to transcendence?

"Those whose names are on this list will have their true spirits linger after death. As long as the Investiture of the Gods remains intact, they will be able to be resurrected immediately," Doumu Yuanjun continued.

At this point alone, the sages merely exchanged glances, and someone, realizing something, asked:

"Regardless of location?"

Doumu Yuanjun nodded: "As long as it is within the Boundary Sea, even the formless and intangible, omnipresent Annihilation Tide cannot annihilate the true spirits of those listed."

The saints were slightly moved, and this alone far surpassed the immortality of the true saints.

"This list can officially appoint 365 principal gods and 84,000 subordinate gods. Among the principal gods, the Five Emperors are the foremost, all being the ancestors of the divine path and the masters of the Heavenly Court—"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up towering waves in the hearts of all the saints.

The saints' expressions changed drastically, staring incredulously at the female Heavenly Emperor before them.

"Five Great Dao Ancestors?!" someone exclaimed on the spot.

Doumu Yuanjun said calmly, "When the Heavenly Court was at its peak, there were indeed five Great Dao Ancestors, but now only the remnants of their positions remain. In order to jointly resist the great calamity, the Heavenly Court is willing to offer the remaining three positions to help future generations reach the pinnacle of the Dao and jointly resist the great calamity."

The saints could no longer sit still. If the great tide of annihilation was like a guillotine that was always hanging over their heads, then what this person was throwing out now was a stairway to heaven that drove everyone crazy!

"May I ask the Heavenly Emperor, how did you come to be listed on the Investiture of the Gods?!"

"Heavenly Emperor! How is the position of the Five Emperors determined?"

"How will the three Great Dao Ancestors choose their masters?"

Seeing this scene, Ji Jingqiu's eyes deepened. With this scheme in hand, the Heavenly Court was destined to become the center of the entire Boundary Sea...

Doumu Yuanjun's gaze swept over all the saints present, and her voice was calm yet majestic as she spoke:

"The Heavenly Court will reopen the 'Battle of Ten Thousand Paths,' and all living beings in the Boundary Sea can participate. This selection will also be for those who are willing to fight against the great calamity for the Boundary Sea."

Subsequently, the saints surged forward, afraid of being left behind, and eagerly inquired about the Heavenly Court's Investiture of the Gods and the Great Tide of Annihilation.

Soon, all the saints took their leave, and Doumu did not stop them, but sent divine generals to escort them away.

When the saints left the Heavenly Court, they discovered that they could actively choose their "entry and exit points," and realized that the Heavenly Court had four Heavenly Gates, which connected to the four parts of the realm.

The saints, belonging to different sects, chose to leave the Heavenly Court through the nearest Heavenly Gate and quickly returned to their respective sects to report what had happened in the Heavenly Court.

Kong Ming and the others also left in a hurry. Feng Ming and the other two originally wanted to keep the two of them, but Ji Jingqiu shook his head and told them to return to the palace as soon as possible, find Uncle Qin, and tell him that the real culprit behind the Netherworld had revealed his true form.

The three were puzzled, but they still followed his instructions and left immediately.

In the end, only the Holy King remained by his side.

When the last True Saint left the palace, only Ji Jingqiu, Doumu Yuanjun, and the Holy King standing behind Ji Jingqiu remained inside.

Doumu Yuanjun turned to look at Ji Jingqiu, showing no regard for the Holy King, and said with a slight smile:
"Does the Emperor think this bait is substantial enough?"

"Too much bait might not be a good thing," Ji Jingqiu said calmly. "It could also attract a big fish that could capsize the fishing boat."

Doumu Yuanjun smiled and said, "Then let's wait and see if there are any big fish in this world that can overturn my Heavenly Court."

"The Five Emperors of the Five Directions, excluding the Central Heavenly Emperor, do you intend to plunge the four divisions of the Boundary Sea into internal strife, ultimately choosing a victor for each side?"

Ji Jingqiu looked at Doumu and continued to probe,
"But don't forget, the God-Slaying Whip isn't in your hands. Even if you fill all the positions on the Investiture of the Gods, you're still not enough in the eyes of the Emperor who holds the God-Slaying Whip."

Doumu Yuanjun didn't care that Ji Jingqiu had guessed her thoughts. As an emperor, she should forbid underhanded tricks, so all she used were open and aboveboard schemes.

So what if someone guesses it?
In the Boundary Sea, who can refuse the positions of the three Great Dao Ancestors?

"Even the Emperor Yi has lost his position, so he is nothing to fear." Doumu Yuanjun looked at Ji Jingqiu and suddenly said with a playful tone, "How about letting Fellow Daoist Ji eliminate the Emperor Yi and reclaim the God-Slaying Whip for me and for the Heavenly Court?"

Ji Jingqiu said calmly, "I couldn't ask for more."

Doumu Yuanjun looked at Ji Jingqiu for a long time, and finally smiled:
"Let's forget it. Di Yi is cunning and treacherous. You might not be his match. It would be bad if something unexpected happened. Ji Shizun, I have high expectations for you now."

"The things and people I promised you have been sent to your subordinate god. I have also found a protector for you to prevent any accidents, since your cultivation level is still low."

"Go forth and unify the underworld as soon as possible."

Ji Jingqiu was suspicious. Why did he feel that this person's attitude towards him was a little strange?
As Ji Jingqiu led the Holy King away from the palace, a dark shadow appeared at Doumu Yuanjun's feet.

"The tide of annihilation has been closed again."

Doumu Yuanjun nodded and said, "Be prepared. Ji Jingqiu wasn't wrong. The various families in the Boundary Sea aren't so law-abiding. They will definitely infiltrate and investigate."

"Why do I feel like your attitude towards him is a bit strange?" the shadowy figure asked. "Is it because of Di Yi?"

"You mean Ji Jingqiu?" Doumu Yuanjun asked in return, looking into the void. Even though Ji Jingqiu had already left, he still could not escape her gaze.

She suppressed her smile, her eyes turning deep as she said, "There's something strange about this guy. I initially thought he was a being from a hundred centuries ago, but the more I interacted with him, the more I realized that his aura is somewhat similar to that person's."

"Who?"

Doumu Yuanjun remained silent for a long time before saying, "You have never seen him."

Then she added, "Back then, Di Yi and the others were always searching for a place, which even included the founder of the Heavenly Court."

The shadowy figure immediately understood and said calmly, "You mean the Other Shore? The legendary land where all realms unite, the most ancient realm, the source of everything... but that's just a legend."

Doumu Yuanjun slowly said, "Ji Jingqiu has an aura belonging to the other shore. It is very faint and does not conform to common sense, but it is real. So much so that I was mistaken about it before."

"Huh?" the shadowy figure suddenly exclaimed. "What did you say?! You've seen the Other Shore? If you haven't, what makes you think he has the aura of the Other Shore on him?"

Doumu Yuanjun looked at the dark figure with a strange look in her eyes: "In your world, throughout endless time, has no one ever reached the other shore?"

The shadowy figure said in a deep voice, "This is just a legend!"

Doumu Yuanjun smiled, offering no further explanation: "Perhaps."

Her gaze remained fixed on Ji Jingqiu's back the entire time, as if trying to find some coordinates in him.

Someone once said something that she still remembers vividly.

If you lack confidence in yourself, then you might as well have more confidence in others.

…… ……

In the inner universe.

Ji Jingqiu found a quiet place and privately met with both of them, Yi Jianguang, to ask them a question.

The vast ocean encompasses the boundless universe.

Is the universe he lived in in his previous life hidden somewhere within it?
Is there a method to trace the coordinates of the world in a past life?

"Reincarnation?" Hela looked at Ji Jingqiu suspiciously. "You had a past life? When was it?"

"Ji Jingqiu, instead of spending your time searching for your past life, why don't you think about how to see the other shore?"

Ji Jingqiu said seriously, "I have a strange premonition that if I want to see the other side, I must figure out some things."

……

In response to Ji Jingqiu's question, Wu Zhou suddenly said, "Ji Jingqiu, do you still remember the Heavenly Lord Kong Xiao, whose nature you have influenced?"

Ji Jingqiu nodded slightly, not understanding why Wu Zhou suddenly mentioned Kong Xiao.

"Do you know that Hela has been allowing your Buddhist nature to taint her divinity? It's not just a form of sustenance, but also a kind of invisible struggle for the Dao?"

Wu Zhou stared into Ji Jingqiu's eyes, trying to verify something.

Ji Jingqiu remained silent for a moment, something he had vaguely sensed ever since he joined the Heavenly King.

Hela's increasing humanity was not without reason; she was constantly and actively using her own nature, or rather, her Buddha-nature, to permeate her divinity, thereby giving birth to more humanity from her divinity.

It's like a step... from God to man.

But Ji Jingqiu did not stop it, because he did not think it was a bad thing.

"I understand."

Just by looking at Ji Jingqiu's reaction, Wu Zhou understood some of the truths, but the only thing he was not sure about, or rather, still held a sliver of hope for, was whether all of this was a scheme set up by Mu Shitian.

If so...

His true form has probably already perished.

"What did you want to ask just now?" Wu Zhou said calmly, "To trace the footsteps of your past life? If you were just an ordinary person in your past life, it will be very difficult. An ordinary person's life is destined to lack a strong enough causal link to guide you back home."

……

"A reincarnation?" The Moon-Slaying Sword Light circled him suspiciously a few times before cautiously asking, "Was your previous life truly an existence from a hundred centuries ago?"

Ji Jingqiu shook his head. There was no need to hide this from those around him. He described himself as someone who was "born with knowledge."

The sword light of the Moon-Slaying Sword nodded knowingly: "No wonder, he really is a born freak."

Ji Jingqiu: "..."

"To find the coordinates of my past life..." Jian Guang pondered for a moment, "There are several secret methods, each with varying degrees of difficulty. I will pass on all that I know to you, and you can try them one by one."

Ji Jingqiu nodded, and after asking around, he finally got results.

Jian Guang taught Ji Jingqiu several secret techniques. After a brief look, the latter discovered that they were all related to the River of Destiny and belonged to the collection of destinies in the Boundary Sea.

The boundless sea and realms of the world are like all the rivers of destiny, with a common beginning and an end. Starting from one point, they branch out into billions, and finally return to one point.

Only in such places is it possible to find the coordinates of one's past life without any clues.

"Have you thought about how you will face the Heavenly Court and all the other families?"

Sword Light said in a deep voice.
"If the Heavenly Court's goal is the entire Boundary Sea, then the woman's purpose in inviting you to join is obvious. She wants to use your identity to win over the various families, including the Primordial Palace, that are inclined to your side."

“I’ve got it.” Ji Jingqiu nodded. “Doumu didn’t hide her purpose at all. Including releasing the news of the Investiture of the Gods, we couldn’t stop her. She used an open scheme. The positions of the three Great Dao Ancestors… among all the sects, who can resist such a temptation?”

"We can only take it one step at a time," Jian Guang sighed.

"Although the Heavenly Court is powerful now, it is also full of hidden dangers. Let's do what we can do now. It will take some time for the message to spread, so let's wait and see how it develops."

"Furthermore, the Heavenly Court's true purpose has only just surfaced; the Investiture of the Gods is merely their first step."

Ji Jingqiu whispered.

At this moment, his main body, along with the Holy King, had found the location of Ksitigarbha and Azure.

In addition, there is one more person here.

Lord of the Underworld.

The Holy King, who had been restraining himself for a long time, realized that what Ji Jingqiu said was true when he saw Cang Qing and Ming Hou.

He hurried forward to meet his two old friends and confirm some things with them.

Ji Jingqiu then arrived in front of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Compared to before, Ksitigarbha now exudes an aura of holiness and solemnity.

Unexpectedly, the Heavenly Emperor really did hand over most of the power over this underworld to Ksitigarbha!
"World Honored One." Ksitigarbha clasped his hands together.

Ji Jingqiu returned the greeting, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "Do you think that my choice to join the Heavenly Court was a mistake?"

Ksitigarbha Buddha chanted: "World Honored One, have faith in your choices."

"I'll leave the Netherworld to you from now on," Ji Jingqiu said softly. "I need to go back to the Netherworld to retrieve my two clones."

"We will do our utmost," Ksitigarbha said solemnly.

Ji Jingqiu raised his hand and beckoned: "Come out."

The next moment, several figures emerged from the void, the leader of whom was none other than a young man with a beaming smile – Luo Xuan.

Behind him stood several people, including Xin Zun, whose faces were extremely grim.

Ji Jingqiu's image was reflected in their pupils.

The person that the Heavenly Lord was referring to is indeed this one!

"You are Luo Xuan?"

Ji Jingqiu had already learned from Doumu Yuanjun the identities of these people who were unclear whether they were "protectors" or "monitors".

"Are you remnants of the Netherworld?"

Upon hearing about the remnants of the Netherworld, the Holy King and his companions couldn't help but turn around.

Xin Zun and the others noticed the Lord of the Underworld present, and their expressions grew increasingly grim.

Luo Xuan, who had been standing in front of them, walked aside with a grin, showing no intention of shielding them from the bullets.

Ji Jingqiu asked directly, "What level is that person in the River of Fate of the Netherworld at now?"

Xin Zun suppressed certain emotions, knowing that one has no choice but to bow one's head when under someone else's roof.

"That one who now calls himself 'Tianyou' is the vessel of our ancestral master's soul; you should all have known him in the past—"

Xin Zun glanced at Cang Qing and the others.

"He is the Lord of Taiyou."

The three Holy Kings frowned, about to ask a question in return.

Ji Jingqiu interrupted, "I don't care who he is, I just want to know what his weaknesses are."

Xin Zun hesitated and said, "The Samsara Palace can suppress him."

Where is the Palace of Reincarnation?

"You can't enter the core of the Netherworld. There are backup plans left by our ancestors there!" The Heart Venerable said resolutely, referring to his family's last secret.

Ji Jingqiu suddenly asked, "Before you came here, did you, the remnants of the Netherworld, know that the Heavenly Court had already invaded the Underworld?"

Xin Zun and the others chose to remain silent.

Ji Jingqiu understood and shook his head, saying, "No wonder the Netherworld Palace collapsed. Even without the Ancestors' siege, once the Netherworld Lord left, with incompetent people like you around, the Netherworld Palace was bound to collapse anyway."

Luo Xuan couldn't agree more with these words.

Even though Xin Zun and the others wanted to kill Ji Jingqiu, they could only suppress their anger at this moment.

Then, Ji Jingqiu looked at Luo Xuan:

"So you're the one with lofty ambitions, aspiring to be the Great Dao Ancestor, yet wasting countless eons, the younger brother of the Demon Ancestor Rahu, who hasn't even reached the level of transcendence, the 'Invincible' Xuanzu Luo Xuan?"

Luo Xuan's lips twitched. He realized that this person seemed to be particularly good at mockery and rubbing salt into other people's wounds.

(End of this chapter)