I built the Jade Capital with the Netherworld

Chapter 191 Establishing a Taoist Academy and Distributing the Legacy
The Xuanji Terrace is 360 zhang wide. It is surrounded by stone carvings of green dragons and white tigers, which guard the twelve pillars in the center. The pillars are carved with the shape of flying immortals holding the moon, and the cloud patterns around them seem to be alive, supporting this high platform.

That was supposed to be the seat of the Immortal Palace Dao Lord, but now it's completely empty.

Compared to the cold and aloof atmosphere on the high platform, the number of spectators below the platform was increasing.

Initially, it was the lucky rogue cultivators like Ding Ran who sat on the outermost edge of the stage; then came the masters of the nine major temples and monasteries; followed by the immortal officials of the nine departments and academies of the Immortal Palace.

The appearance of the celestial officials, in particular, has attracted even more attention.

Because most temples and even independent cultivators have recognized these celestial officials to some extent.

Looking at the cultivators who once lived among mortals, now clad in celestial robes and flowing cloaks, exuding an ethereal aura and resembling divine beings, it's impossible not to feel envious.

If the initial attraction of the Celestial Court was the promise of immortality and longevity through the Netherworld Reincarnation Path;

With Lu Wujiu's ascension to the fifth rank, the Celestial Court's prestige reached its peak.

Even the Nine Great Mystic Sects wouldn't dare disobey the Celestial Master now. Who wouldn't want to join the Immortal Sect and soar to great heights in a single day?

"The Grand Master of Ceremonies, Hua Chaoge, in charge of rites and music, and the imperial ceremonies, arrives carrying the Nine-Radiant Treasure Banner and the Eight-Scenery Cloud Book—"

The call to arms gave Ding Ran, who had been through so much, a jolt of energy.

Not to mention him, the crowd watching the ceremony on the Xuanji Platform fell silent instantly. Looking around, they immediately spotted a nine-colored deer-drawn carriage flying in from the west.

The palanquin landed on the central high platform of the Xuanji Terrace, and Hua Chaoge, the Grand Master of Ceremonies dressed in the purple robes of an abbot, stepped down.

As he looked around, his heart, cultivated for a hundred years, couldn't help but feel a moment of disorientation... This is how a true man should be!

With the arrival of Hua Chaoge, the grand ceremony of ascending to the fifth rank is finally about to begin. Then, one by one, the Nine Lords of the Dao, amidst chants, will appear on cloud chariots, auspicious clouds, or mythical beasts.

Looking at these high and mighty cultivators, Ding Ran was so excited that he grabbed his knees with both hands, thinking to himself, "I've seen the world, haven't I?"

He was increasingly looking forward to Lu Wujiu, the Celestial Master.

As Duan Lan, the Lord of Taiyi, stepped onto the high platform, the chanting finally ceased.

However, Xuanji Terrace became increasingly quiet, with a calm that suggested an impending storm.

Everyone craned their necks, looked around, and waited for Master Lu to arrive.

A moment later, the familiar chanting came, but it was extremely concise.

"Celestial Master Lu Wujiu of the Celestial Court has arrived—"

As the sound rang out, starlight suddenly flickered around the Xuanji Platform, transforming into endless streams of light that converged on the platform from all directions, eventually forming Lu Wujiu's figure amidst the attention of the crowd.

Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that on the day of the celebration, she wore a nine-colored crane cloak, a lotus crown on her head, and cloud-patterned shoes, looking simple yet otherworldly.

"Is he Lu Wujiu?"

Ding Ran's heart pounded as he watched this scene.

My mind was overflowing with words as I sketched out this scene, not for any other reason than to describe it to my friends with great enthusiasm when I returned.

Before he arrived, he had fantasized about being favored and highly regarded by a noble person.

However, upon arriving at the celestial palace, he realized that he was just one of the ordinary people.

Today's scene will surely be reminisced about in the future, and often mentioned at the dinner table, but for now, he is just one of the "rituals" in the Celestial Master's celebration.

With Lu Wujiu's ascension to the throne, the Golden Palace Ascension Ceremony officially began!
Hua Chaoge, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, rose and issued a proclamation.

"We humbly beseech the vast and boundless heavens, and the celestial phenomena to be revealed. By the decree of the Heavenly Emperor, we gather the immortals at the gates of heaven and the saints at the celestial palace, to congratulate the Celestial Minister of the Azure Heaven and the Celestial Master of the Supreme Virtue on their ascension to the fifth rank and their promotion to the rank of Supreme Immortal..."

The ethereal celestial music resounded throughout the Xuanji Terrace and the celestial palace.

After Zhu Wenzhao finished his proclamation, the ceremony of presenting gifts and auspicious omens from the Nine Paths and Eighteen Seas began, including the falling stars from Louguan, the jade spring from Shenxiao, and the elixir of immortality from the elixir cauldron...

Numerous rare treasures were unveiled one by one, leaving not only the nine cultivators speechless with amazement, but even Lu Wujiu was astonished.

The Nine Great Mystic Sects have really gone all out!

He was so annoyed that when he was ranked fourth, they forgot to hold a grand ceremony to mark his ascension to the next level.

After the offerings and auspicious omens have been presented, all spirits will pay homage.

Numerous demons, monsters, and evil spirits make their appearance, offering grand gestures and precious gifts. This segment, resembling a gift-giving ceremony, actually symbolizes the return of all spirits to the heart of the nine realms.

Lu Wujiu also bestowed blessings and auspicious omens according to etiquette.

The amount of blessing bestowed in this step was predetermined by the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Whoever performed well would receive more blessings. Lu Wujiu could also adjust the amount of blessing at will to show the emperor's favor.

They are overjoyed when they receive generous gifts, but uneasy when they receive fewer.

After a political performance, there was a display of heavenly music, a discussion of the Dao and its mysteries, and a contest of supernatural powers.

This will be the most exciting part of the celebration, and the part that most attendees are most looking forward to.

Unexpectedly, just as Hua Chaoge was about to announce the Tianle Performance, Lu Wujiu suddenly stood up and walked towards the center of the high platform.

Hua Chaoge was taken aback when he saw this. Although he realized that this was not in accordance with etiquette, he still quickly bowed slightly, took three steps back, and gave the central position on the platform to Lu Wujiu.

As Lu Wujiu reached the center, he looked around. On the Xuanji Platform, the gazes of tens of thousands of spectators converged upon him, seemingly possessing a substantial presence.

With a thought, his soul left his body, inflated, and transformed into a hundred-foot-tall Dharma form behind him, surrounded by towering flames. Upon seeing it, one could sense a sharp sword path that seemed capable of shattering the void, enough to terrify anyone!

The undisguised display of the Five Jia Daoist skills drew a commotion.

I don't understand why Lu Wujiu conjured up such a Dharma form.
Was it merely to show off and achieve a top-five ranking?

However, this allowed the onlookers to clearly see Lu Wujiu's expression and actions.

"This humble Taoist is Lu Wujiu..."

Upon hearing the sound, the Xuanji Terrace fell silent.

"I am deeply grateful to the Supreme God of Heaven for imparting the Way and teachings, and for enabling me to ascend to the fifth rank!"

"The Jade Emperor once said that the fifth-grade cultivators are the starting point of cultivation and should not be so few. However, looking at the nine realms, it is rare for a fifth-grade cultivator to appear in a thousand years. The reason for this is that each sect cherishes its own secrets."

Upon hearing this, the hearts of the nine major sects sitting behind the high platform all sank.

They exchanged a glance, both seeing fear and anger in each other's eyes.

Is Lu Wujiu planning to force the nine great sects to hand over their inheritances?

Amidst the unpredictable thoughts of the Nine Great Mysterious Sects, Lu Wujiu continued:

"The path of cultivation lies in aligning with the heavens and merging with the truth. Without a specialized skill, one is like a boat sailing against the current, or a sword hanging in its sheath. Therefore, the Celestial Court is extensively searching for the inheritances of the world. From this day forward, nine Dao Academy will be established in the Nine Paths. Regardless of whether one is a celestial being, a mortal, a spirit, or a monster, whether one's aptitude is superior or inferior, all may enter the Dao Academy to seek the Dao, cultivate truth, help the world, and greatly promote the Xuan culture!"

Upon hearing this, the Xuanji Platform fell silent for a moment, then burst into excited shouts that filled the air.

Some of the bolder students in the audience even asked questions loudly:

"Can rogue cultivators like us also enter a Taoist academy?"

Lu Wujiu smiled and repeated his previous words:

"Regardless of whether one is a celestial being or a mortal, a spirit or a monster, whether one possesses superior or inferior talent, all may enter the Dao Academy!"

"Master Lu is truly a blessing to the Nine Realms!"

"Master Lu is mighty!"

"Wonderful, wonderful!"

"That's wonderful! Does this mean I can also cultivate the Great Dao?!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Ding Ran, sitting on the outermost edge, looked at the hundred-foot-tall Dharma image on the high platform. Suddenly, he gripped the Dharma robe on his knees with both hands, so tightly that he tore the expensive Dharma robe that he had ordered at great expense.

An indescribable surge of heat welled up in my chest!
On the high platform, the Nine Lords Dao, who had been extremely nervous, exchanged a glance upon hearing this and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

They guessed correctly. Lu Wujiu was indeed collecting these remnants of the Dao to support rogue cultivators from humble backgrounds, balance the nine major sects, and control the Immortal Court.

The boiling sound lasted for more than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Seeing this, Lu Wujiu raised his hand and gestured to calm the crowd, which was as excited as if it had been doused with hot water.

"However, the power of the Celestial Court is limited, and the inheritances it has received are all incomplete. The Jade Emperor, out of pity for the beings of the Nine Paths, has decided to pass down the Netherworld Path! This path enacts the Great Demonic Laws, carries out the decrees of Fengdu, investigates the seals of the Nine Paths of Ghosts and Gods, subdues the demon hordes, dispels the evil influences, and saves the common people." As Lu Wujiu spoke, the flames surrounding the hundred-foot-tall Dharma Image suddenly subsided, and a thousand-foot-tall Gate of Hell rose from the ground, almost enveloping the entire Xuanji Platform!

The overwhelming demonic energy soared straight into the sky.

"Five Armor!"

On the high platform, the Nine Dao Lords were all furious upon seeing this.

They clearly sensed another aura from the Five Armors, completely different from the Fire Element Sword Path, whose attributes were blatantly contrary to the Fire Element Sword Path.

Lu Wujiu... has reached the top five in both the dual-path rankings?
This, how is this possible?

At this moment, Dao Lord Jiu Si was stunned.

However, upon careful reflection on Lu Wujiu's path to fame, the path he cultivated seemed to be constantly fluctuating. He appeared to be practicing the Taiyin Refining Form Path, but in fact, he registered as one of the top three practitioners of the Ranzhen Path.

As it turned out, he was supposed to be a practitioner of the True Path of Dyeing, but overnight he inexplicably ascended to the fifth rank using the Path of Flame.

Now, the so-called Netherworld Path has even emerged.

How many paths did he cultivate?

What exactly is the difference between the Netherworld Path and the Netherworld Reincarnation Path?
Daoist Jiu Si was deeply shocked, and the cultivators on the Xuanji Platform were even more terrified.

What Lu Wujiu displayed was clearly a complete inheritance that could be cultivated to the fifth rank. At least for cultivators of the Nine Paths Land, this was a complete inheritance!
The world is quiet.

In the Nine Paths Land, complete inheritance has always been a closely guarded secret.

The Nine Great Mysterious Sects have gathered all the talents in the world through this.

Is the Celestial Court planning to publicly reveal this doctrine within the Daoist academy?

"Is this lineage also within the Dao Academy?"

A trembling voice came from below the Xuanji Terrace.

Lu Wujiu closed the Ghost Gate Pass, but his hundred-foot-tall Dharma Image still exuded a chilling aura. He looked at the questioner and nodded, saying, "Since a Taoist academy has been established, one can naturally learn it."

Upon hearing this, the Xuanji Terrace erupted in chaos.

Sitting in the back, the rogue cultivator Ding Ran's face flushed red, and the heat that had been building up in his chest suddenly streamed down his face.

Just when he was about to give up his cultivation and only seek a life of wealth and honor, unexpectedly, the mysterious and unpredictable gate to immortality was suddenly pushed open by Master Lu.

"Whoo-"

He took a deep breath to calm the trembling in his heart, but a sense of worry quietly rose in his mind.

Having witnessed the dangers of the martial world, he was somewhat worried that the academy's requirements for accepting disciples were too high.

Although Master Lu said that regardless of whether one is a celestial being, a mortal, a spirit, or a monster, or whether one's aptitude is good or bad, what if there are other limitations?

Many people share this concern.

However, most people are clearly not considering this point right now, and they are all excitedly discussing it.

Thus, Lu Wujiu's purpose in reading the document was achieved.

He turned back to his seat and gestured to Hua Chaoge to continue the celebration.

Hua Chaoge, seemingly distracted, presided over the progress of the celebration ceremony.

However, most of the cultivators below the Xuanji Platform had lost interest in watching the ceremony and were eager for it to end so they could verify their findings.

Compared to the slow pace of information dissemination among the independent cultivators, Daoist Jiu Si, being on the high platform, had already taken advantage of his proximity and inquired about the matter.

"May I ask, Celestial Master, is there any connection between the Netherworld Path and the Netherworld Reincarnation Path?"

Duan Lan, the Taiyi Sijun, was the first to ask a question, which drew sidelong glances from several other Sijun.

Lu Wujiu smiled and said:

"The Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two. The Tao of the Netherworld Reincarnation is One, the Tao of the Netherworld is Two. Why are you interested in this Tao, fellow Daoist?"

Duan Lan asked in surprise, "Can this humble Taoist also cultivate this path?"

"Immortals, mortals, spirits, and monsters can all cultivate! Moreover, this path does not consider aptitude, but only merit. To be honest, I relied on the merit of establishing the Immortal Court to rise from nothing to the fifth rank overnight."

"what?"

"Reaching the top five ranks overnight?"

"This is simply unheard of!"

"May I ask, Celestial Master, what is merit?"

"To deliver the souls of the dead, to cleanse the impurities and exorcise demons, is a meritorious act; to be ranked among the immortals and to bring blessings to the people is also a meritorious act."

These words puzzled Daoist Jiu Si even more, and he quickly pressed for an answer.

It took a long time before I realized what was going on.

Tiangong Sijun Siyebai said, "What the Celestial Master means is that the ascension ritual of the Netherworld Path happens to conform to the Heavenly Laws of the Celestial Court, and therefore, being ranked among the immortals is the ascension ritual?"

Lu Wujiu nodded: "That's one way to understand it!"

The platform fell silent instantly.

The Nine Dao Lords exchanged bewildered glances, and Yi Wenyan, the Lord of the Treasury, pressed on, "Doesn't this mean that the higher one's position in the Celestial Court, the easier it is to cultivate this path?"

Lu Wujiu nodded: "That's one way to understand it. However, if one holds a position without doing anything, even if one becomes a Celestial Master, it will be difficult to achieve the Great Dao."

Zhuoxian Sijun Lu Yan asked impatiently, "May we have the pleasure of seeing it?"

Lu Wujiu shook his head and said, "This was passed down by the Jade Emperor. It is not in accordance with the rules to display it now. I hope you will wait a little while."

This made everyone even more eager to try it out.

They had no interest in watching the celebratory performances.

At this moment, in the vast Xuanji Platform, perhaps only Lu Wujiu could calmly enjoy the upcoming performance.

The Celestial Court has no day or night.

After an unknown amount of time, this grand Golden Palace Ascension Ceremony finally came to a close amidst the eager anticipation of all the cultivators.

After Lu Wujiu finished his final speech, he transformed into countless stars and drifted away.

The celestial immortals from various departments and academies of the Celestial Court also departed in turn.

As they left, the once awe-inspiring Xuanji Platform became even more bustling, with countless people discussing the soon-to-be-opened Taoist academy and dreaming about the future.

Ding Ran, in particular, had just left the Celestial Court when he saw a large number of rogue cultivators already gathered outside the Hundred Rivers Temple.

"Fellow Daoist Ding, how is the celebration?"

Du Ruyun, a sworn brother of many years, led a few friends over and bowed.

"Something happened!"

"Huh? What's the big deal!"

"The Celestial Court intends to build a Dao Academy, where you and I can all cultivate the Dao, including the complete lineage of the Netherworld Dao."

Ding Ran didn't hide anything and succinctly told the truth.

"What? Tell me more!"

"Old Du, what's the rush? Fellow Daoist Ding, the spring scenery in Banpo Forest is just right right now. I happen to have brought some wine and spiritual fruit with me. Let's enjoy some wine and chat slowly together."

"Very well, that's exactly what I was thinking."

The group left in a hurry, taking with them the news that the Celestial Court intended to establish a Taoist academy.

(End of this chapter)