The author of the book "The Book of the Dead"

Chapter 248 Universal Harmony, the Twenty-Four Solar Terms
Within the Heaven of Parting Sorrows, Zhu Yingtai's coffin stands alone.

It has been more than two thousand years since then.

Liang Yue strode forward, stroking the cold coffin.

"Bound by Taihu Lake, we express our aspirations amidst the green hills. Yingtai, you will soon be resurrected."

Liang Yue never forgot.

After two thousand years of cultivation, only this first time has left me with such deep longing.

That was a period of time unique to ordinary people, and also a time when my values ​​were formed.

"When immortals fall in love, the three realms are in turmoil. I don't want to be an immortal; I only want to be a mortal with feelings and righteousness, carefree and endlessly happy."

Liang Yue opened the coffin, and the beauty was peaceful and serene, as if she had fallen asleep.

After much deliberation, he finally placed the crystallized essence of the Queen Mother of the West onto Zhu Yingtai.

The primordial energy crystal slowly merged into Zhu Yingtai's body, becoming one with her.

However, the integration process does not seem to be progressing as well as expected.

Liang Yue sensed the Jade Pool in the outside world.

The jade pillar in the center of the emerald green pool is constantly shrouded in mist, which is the condensation of the essence of the sun and moon.

"Let's add the Jade Pool and the Peaches of Immortality together."

With a thought, a ray of golden light flew out from the center of the emerald green Jade Pool, and another peach fell from the peach tree that only had nine peaches left.

The two objects passed through the array's restrictions, entered the coffin, and slowly merged into Zhu Yingtai's body.

The essence of her body cleansed away all impurities, and Zhu Yingtai's skin radiated a jade-like glow.

From this point on, Zhu Yingtai will be bound to Yaochi and become the new Queen Mother of the West.

"almost."

After checking several times to confirm that everything was correct, Liang Yue exited this world.

Under the peach tree, Chang Xi sat cross-legged, breathing in the vitality overflowing from the innate peaches.

Centered on her, a bone-chilling cold emanated from her.

After a long while, having finished practicing, he opened his eyes and met a pair of double pupils that seemed to contain thousands of stars, and his heart trembled slightly.

"Chang Xi greets the Eastern King." Chang Xi stood up and bowed, revealing her snow-white neck as she lowered her head. Her thin feather dress could not conceal her exquisite figure.

After several days of contact, Chang Xi felt more and more that this person was unfathomable.

He possesses extraordinary skills, yet he is not greedy for power; his ambitions must be immense.

She seemed to be subtly seducing the man before her.

Unfortunately, Liang Yue was unmoved and didn't care about the woman in front of him.

"There are three major sects in the Jade Kingdom: the Pure Yang Sect, the Primordial Holy Land, and the Thunderclap Sect. Apart from the Pure Yang Sect, the other two sects should be forces from the Western Queen Mother Kingdom. Go and subdue them."

"Alright... But, Your Highness, what will be our status in your divine kingdom in the future?"

“Innate gods and demons have no status.”

These words made Chang Xi's heart sink. Does this mean that the innate gods and demons are doomed to extinction?

"The only way out for innate gods and demons is to completely integrate into the human race and become human."

Liang Yue never believed in the wisdom of later generations, nor did he respect so-called racial traditions, nor could he unite different races for the benefit of humanity.

The only way out for innate gods and demons is to stubbornly admit that they are human and completely intermarry with humans.

Hearing this, Chang Xi actually breathed a sigh of relief.

Although the Eastern King Duke may seem cold and unapproachable, he actually provided a way out for the innate gods and demons.

Fortunately, most of the people in the Kingdom of the Queen Mother of the West are humanoid, making it relatively easy for them to integrate.

The Eastern King Duke might truly be able to create a world where all races live in harmony and the world is united.

"You can go out now," Liang Yue gestured for the woman to leave.

"Yes."

Liang Yue sat under the peach tree, breathing in the rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth, the essence of the sun and moon.

The divine soul slowly condensed into a thought.

"The idea of ​​a single unit of value requires sixty years to accumulate, which is still too slow."

The power unleashed by 129,600 thoughts was truly astonishing, as evidenced by the previous battle with the Queen Mother.

Liang Yue gazed at the peaches on the tree, and a thought struck him.

"Never mind, I'll just eat one and take the rest later."

If one encounters a powerful innate god or demon, one can feed their vital energy to the innate peach, thereby quickly condensing the innate peach.

Liang Yue picked the fruit and took a small bite.

The fruit has an indescribable sweetness, melts in your mouth, and vitality and energy spread throughout your body.

This substance is more potent than elixirs and is more easily absorbed by the body, so there is no need to worry about excessive energy damaging the meridians.

At the same time, the number of divine thoughts increased rapidly, soon exceeding one yuan.

In the years that followed, Liang Yue cultivated himself under the peach tree, restoring his vital energy and seeking a way to break through to the level of a celestial being.

Humanity is destined to clash with the innate gods and demons.

However, with the revival of spiritual energy, the innate gods and demons were too busy to take care of themselves. Having just been revived, they were busy conquering territories and resurrecting even stronger leaders.

Once the benefits shift from incremental to existing assets, a massive battle is about to begin.

The human race, which has the largest population, may face being ganged up on.

Liang Yue was unwilling to deal with worldly affairs and only wanted to live in seclusion, but faced with this crisis facing the human race, he had no choice but to take action to defend against the enemy.

"I hope future generations will grow up soon."

……

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Jade Kingdom, Chunyang City at the foot of Chunyang Sect Mountain.

Inside the towering city lord's mansion, Liang Changming changed into a white Taoist robe.

He walked to the window and looked down at the masses of people below.

His staff behind him reported on the situation this year.

"Hard work pays off."

With the unification of the Jade Kingdom, eight hundred million people lived in peace and prosperity.

Ten years of construction have made every road accessible.

The city walls and main roads were paved with thick cement, and drainage systems, water towers, and tall buildings stood in rows.

The people have rosy complexions and live in peace and contentment.

The productivity brought by the monks greatly improved the country and its people.

Productivity was even higher than in previous modern times.

The output of a large cement company in a month is no more than the output of ten Taoist priests here who are skilled in stone magic in one night.

Under the guidance of modern systems, the incredible abilities of cultivators were brought to their fullest potential.

Of course, wherever there are people, there are selfishness and desires.

The subordinates reported to Liang Changming on the achievements of the past ten years.

"In ten years, our population has increased by 30%, all industries are thriving, and everything is flourishing. This is a golden age that the world has never seen before."

"Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Jade Kingdom will march step by step toward endless victory."

Everyone praised Liang Changming in all sorts of sycophantic tones.

The Jade Emperor had no real power; instead, the prime minister held absolute power, and he and his ministers also gained supreme authority.

If Liang Changming hadn't repeatedly declined, everyone would have already pushed him onto the throne.

Despite the lavish praise from the crowd, Liang Changming remained silent, gazing down at the scene below.

Upon seeing this, everyone had a bad feeling; something seemed amiss.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

After a long silence, Liang Changming slowly began, saying, "The new struggle has only just begun."

"Leave Hong!"

"Chen is here!"

"Issue a first-class cabinet order to crack down on all underground forces, clans, land annexation, private lending, brothels, cultivators' private property, corruption..."

"Within three months, the world will be restored to its former glory."

Great order is inevitably followed by great chaos.

Because the Jade Kingdom has reached its development limit, Liang Changming is preparing to reform the distribution once again.

"Three months, thirty decrees, and decrees involving so many interests—Prime Minister, isn't this excessive? Perhaps we should proceed gradually?"

The courtiers were dumbfounded, and one of them cautiously probed.

"Too much?" Liang Changming suddenly turned his head, his gaze burning as if penetrating deep into people's hearts.

"Don't you understand the meaning of a Class A order?"

"Your Majesty understands. The first-class order shall be implemented at all costs."

"So..." Liang Changming paused, then said menacingly, "Using overwhelming force, we'll cut our way through, killing one wave after another, until another wave emerges. We'll keep killing until we're wiped out." This time...

Liang Changming is prepared for the deaths of ten million people.

For countless years to come, people will continue to be killed and die, until the world is at peace.

"Yes!"

The people were heavy-hearted; with this decree issued, countless people would die.

Reforms have always required people with strong hands and flexible tactics to win over one faction and suppress another.

This prime minister didn't have the time or inclination for such things; he always used a very crude and forceful approach, often only needing to eliminate the enemy.

As everyone walked out of the city lord's mansion, they were drenched in sweat without even realizing it.

An old minister said with a wry smile, "The prime minister is truly fickle in temperament and ruthless in his methods."

"The prime minister has already mastered the strongest fighting force in the world, so it is convenient for him to do so."

As the saying goes, governing a large country is like cooking a small fish.

Prime Minister Liang, however, did not think that way. He followed the principle of "reducing the heat with brute force," using absolutely ruthless methods to do the absolutely right thing.

To establish a happy world through slaughter.

This is the path of the sage.

The news spread through the central government to all levels of the Jade Kingdom, causing widespread panic and chaos.

"Is it starting again?"

Deep in the mountains, in a luxurious palace, the young, talented cultivator was still in shock, knowing that he was about to face a great calamity.

"Run!! Run out of the Jade Kingdom, the Prime Minister has gone mad!"

boom! !

The young cultivator's expression changed drastically as his physical body broke through the dome and disappeared into the horizon.

"If they don't want me here, there are plenty of other places that will."

At worst, we can turn to demons.

The young cultivator deeply resented the sect's broken rules. He was a genius among geniuses, one in ten thousand. Didn't he have the right to enjoy some benefits?
Isn't the path to immortality simply about killing and seizing treasures, where might makes right?

Here, the roles are reversed; a cultivator is treated like a servant. What's the point of this?
Perhaps we should look for another place.

"The people of the Chunyang Sect are truly fools. They so easily revealed the insights of the Chunyang Daoist to us inner disciples. Well, this trip will also be a chance to establish our own sect. Hahaha, how wonderful!"

Suddenly, the monk stopped laughing, his face showing fear.

There was no other reason than a large black dog appeared ahead.

The black dog breathed fire, its cold eyes fixed on him, its expression seemingly mocking.

"Lord Xiaotian, I... ah..."

No sooner had he finished speaking than flames erupted, burning him to ashes.

Over the next three months, almost everyone, from cultivators to the lowest levels of the mortal realm, was slaughtered.

In an instant, the sky was clear and the world was at peace.

A small courtyard nestled in the mountains, with a small bridge and flowing water.

The secluded wooden house is filled with wisps of smoke rising from its chimney, and the aroma of food wafts through the air.

A group of people sat around a wooden table, with a charcoal stove simmering a steaming broth.

"Come on, let's have Earth's first-ever party! Wishing everyone a bright future."

Li Tuo is very happy today.

Because all the fellow countrymen from Earth have returned, and these fellow countrymen hold high positions of power and have embarked on the path of immortality.

After more than a decade of hard work, everyone understands just how fortunate they were to have encountered such an opportunity back then.

Even now, they still benefit from the legacy of that meal; perhaps that meal truly turned them into geniuses.

The group chatted about Earth's past.

"This place is becoming more and more like Earth. Has anyone else noticed?" someone said mysteriously.

"Indeed, things are getting better anyway, and maybe in the future it will look like the modern Earth."

The group went from being down on their luck to being full of vigor, and they have finally accepted the fact that they have traveled through time.

"There's a secret, do you know it?"

Li Tuo said mysteriously.

"What's the matter?"

"The current prime minister, Liang Changming, is an Earthling. Yuan Tiangang, Lü Dongbin, and other high-ranking officials all came from Earth."

"what?"

Everyone exclaimed.

“I saw it with my own eyes; the prime minister even received me at the beginning…”

Li Tuo couldn't help but recall the scene from back then, when his proud identity as a transmigrator was exposed. It was supposed to be something extraordinary, but it turned out the other party was also an Earthling.

"Then...do they know how to get back to Earth?"

"They can't do it either; Earth is too far away from us, and we can't find a solution for the time being."

Li Tuo smiled wryly, saying that he had asked the same question before, but had received a negative answer.

"Have we found that hermit from before?" the others asked.

“I know who he is,” Li Tuo said.

"Who?"

Li Tuo suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with a sense of vicissitude, and pointed to the sky.

"Lingbao Tianzun, Xuantian Yudi. Residing high in the Nine Heavens, the Imperial Land of White Clouds!"

"The Jade Emperor?"

For a moment, everyone was somewhat dazed.

It turns out that they encountered the Jade Emperor.

"No wonder it looked so familiar."

"The divine being was right before their eyes, yet they did not know it; at the time, they thought it was just an ordinary thing."

Being able to seize the opportunity at that time was already incredibly fortunate.

Everyone involuntarily looked up at the sky.

It seemed as if some unseen being was watching them.

"Let's get together once a year from now on, to fulfill our friendship as classmates."

"Okay, we must get together once a year."

"cheers!!"

The glasses clinked, and the wine spilled.

In the blink of an eye, sixty years have passed.

After resolving its internal strife, the Jade Kingdom expanded outwards, conquering various tribes and increasing its territory tenfold.

Lu Dongbin emerged from seclusion ten years ago, slaying all the demons with a single sword strike and earning a formidable reputation.

Liang Yue has not appeared in public all these years, and the people of the Jade Kingdom have also tried to downplay the Jade Emperor's influence.

After all, Liang Yue was known as the "Great Thief of the End Times," and his high profile made him an easy target for attacks.

With the higher-ups intentionally downplaying his fame, Liang Yue was virtually unknown among the common people. Even if a few people knew a little about him, they probably didn't think he was as famous as the Pure Yang Patriarch.

……

Within the White Cloud Imperial Township.

An old man with a stubble beard sat under a tree, drinking wine and pointing at things.

The person standing opposite is Liang Yue.

Liang Yue stood still in his true form, surrounded by two dragons, one hot and one cold.

The two dragons moved in accordance with Emperor Yao's command.

"The use of the Twin Dragons is not so simple. Emperor Ku created the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. As long as you are proficient in using the Twin Dragons, you will be able to determine the climate from now on."

"Great Cold!!" Emperor Yao uttered softly.

Wow!
The two dragons stirred slightly and intertwined.

In an instant, the capital city of Baiyun was frozen solid for thousands of miles.

"beginning of summer!"

"spring equinox!"

As Emperor Yao shouted, the two dragons made corresponding movements.

The seasons in Baiyun Imperial Township change constantly.

Liang Yue was like a god who controlled the seasons, until the twenty-four solar terms were completed.

"Not bad, you've mastered the basics," Emperor Yao said with satisfaction. "Practice some more in the future, and you'll be in control of the seasons on the other side from now on."

"I'd like to descend to the mortal realm for a stroll, Emperor Yao, would you like to come along?" Liang Yue said, retracting his twin dragons.

(End of this chapter)