People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 406, The Covenant Between Heaven and Man Begins

Mount Taiyi, Baopu Lodge.

After bowing to Qi Lunzi and Xiaoyaozi, the disciple turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Both Qi Lunzi and Xiaoyaozi, the master and disciple inside the room, wore solemn expressions. They looked at each other simultaneously, and then both looked at the memorial tablet placed in the center of the room.

"I never expected Xu Qing to break through at this critical juncture."

Although Qi Lunzi's voice was calm, his gaze toward the memorial tablet was exceptionally complex, filled with surprise, disappointment, and even a hint of helplessness.

“Master, Xu Qing... he has only just broken through to the Celestial Master realm. Although he has extremely strong talent, I may not necessarily lose to him,” Xiaoyaozi said in a deep voice.

Qi Lunzi glanced at Xiaoyaozi, then closed his eyes and shook his head helplessly. He understood that Xiaoyaozi was just trying to comfort him.

Although Tianzong and Xu Qing publicly acknowledged that Xu Qing had entered the Celestial Master realm, the extraordinary phenomena that Xu Qing attracted were so magnificent that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he had broken through to the Celestial Ultimate realm.

Although he didn't know why Tianzong had Xu Qing fight in the Heavenly Man Covenant, it was ultimately an opportunity for Renzong. He was initially quite relieved, thinking it was the blessing of the Renzong's ancestors in heaven. However, it now seemed that Tianzong had long had confidence in Xu Qing.

It truly is a case of Heaven not protecting humankind.

With He Guanzi in the past, Chi Songzi in the middle, and Xu Qing in the future, how can the Human Sect compete with the Heavenly Sect?
Xiaoyaozi looked at the memorial tablet in front of him, then at Qi Lunzi, whose face was filled with sorrow, and a resolute look flashed in his eyes.

"Master, rest assured, your disciple will definitely win this covenant between heaven and man, and will never allow the Human Sect to be defeated at this time!"

Xiaoyaozi said with a solemn expression, as if he had made a major decision in his heart.

"Man proposes, God disposes, but sometimes fate is beyond our control. Tomorrow's covenant between man and nature is yours to do your best. Even if you lose, don't blame yourself. You should have done your best."

Qi Lunzi turned to look at Xiaoyaozi and said with a comforting look in his eyes.

Xiaoyaozi remained silent, only looking at the ancestral tablets on the table.

No one knows for sure how strong Xu Qing really is. Just because the other party can attract celestial phenomena doesn't mean that he is necessarily stronger than him.

Moreover, Xu Qing broke through in the heat of battle, and one night was simply not enough time for his opponent to stabilize his realm. Although his opponent was renowned throughout the world, it was all about his medical skills and moral character; there was very little, if any, information about his combat abilities.

Although he had only been a member of the Human Sect for three years, he was once the number one hero in Guanzhong. This title was not bought with money, but earned through real battles.

Even if Xu Qing is exceptionally talented and possesses great strength, he lacks experience in fighting others and may not necessarily be able to defeat him.

Therefore, he is not in a situation where defeat is inevitable; he also has a chance of winning.

"Don't worry too much. Go back and get some rest. Tomorrow, go all out and show the might of our Human Sect."

Qi Lunzi patted Xiaoyaozi on the shoulder and said calmly.

"The disciple retire."

Xiaoyaozi didn't say anything more, bowed, and left.

Qi Lunzi watched Xiaoyaozi's departing figure, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. Now, he could only pray that Xu Qing's strength wouldn't surpass Xiaoyaozi's by too much, although this was just wishful thinking on his part.

But one must have hope in one's heart to live, otherwise how can one face the sorrows of life?
After one night, the once peaceful Taiyi Mountain became lively early the next morning.

Disciples from the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect began preparations early on. Various flags and ceremonial regalia used in rituals were hung in the Taiyi Palace, and the originally quiet and peaceful Taiyi Mountain became solemn and dignified. Everywhere you looked, you could see Taoist disciples with solemn expressions.

The elite disciples of both families also gathered in the square of Taiyi Palace to wait. A huge bronze cauldron was placed on the high platform of the square. The disciples below bowed their heads and remained silent, but in their hearts they silently recited scriptures to pray for the blessings of their sects.

Representatives from various schools of thought and countries emerged from Taiyi Palace in an orderly fashion, and led by disciples of the Tianzong Sect, headed towards Guanmiaotai.

Tianzong, inside the stone cave on Zuowang Cliff.

Bei Mingzi, Chi Songzi, and the eight elders of the Heavenly Sect led Xu Qing in a sacrificial ceremony to the sages of the Heavenly Sect.

"Offering sacrifices to our ancestors is a tradition I have before each Heavenly Alliance ceremony. Firstly, it informs our ancestors of the candidates for the Heavenly Sect's participation this time, thus gaining their approval. Secondly, it also serves as a prayer for blessings."

"Junior brother, let's offer incense to the sages."

Chisongzi handed the burning incense stick in his hand to Xu Qing, and said with a smile.

Wearing a deep blue robe from the Heavenly Sect, Xu Qing, with a solemn expression, accepted the three long incense sticks and looked up at the portraits of the sages carved on the stone wall. From Laozi to Liezi to Zhuangzi, more than a dozen sages of the Heavenly Sect were carved on the stone wall.

Although these portraits are simply outlined in black and white without any extra colors, each one is lifelike, some solemn and dignified, some peaceful and serene, and some smiling. Against the backdrop of the surrounding cloud patterns, they resemble a scene of immortals in their ranks.

"Xu Qing, a disciple of the Heavenly Sect, will fight in place of the Heavenly Sect today."

Xu Qing slowly recited the prayer he had prepared. The rising sun slowly shone into the cave, and the dazzling light shone on Xu Qing. His shadow fell into the painting, making him look like a pilgrim.

Xu Qing placed the incense sticks in the incense burner, and wisps of green smoke rose up.

After respectfully bowing to the portrait of the sage, Xu Qing then kowtowed to the portrait of Liezi.

Although he lived nearly a century after Liezi, he received the Changqing Gong and the inheritance of Liezi, so he could be considered a disciple of Liezi's lineage, and the master-disciple relationship should be established.

After performing the ceremony, Xu Qing slowly stood up and looked at Bei Mingzi, Chi Songzi, and the others.

"Go, today is the day to formally inform the Celestials of your identity, and from now on, the Heavenly Sect will be entrusted to you." Chisongzi stepped forward, grasped Xu Qing's hand, and said with a light laugh.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Sect Leader, I won't lose."

Xu Qing revealed a confident look, his eyes gleaming.

"Do your best."

After Chisongzi nodded, he led Xu Qing and the others out of the cave on Zuowang Cliff, and the group headed towards Guanmiao Terrace.

Upon arriving at the Guanmiao Terrace, Xu Qing finally saw the place that would determine the orthodox lineage of Taoism.

The Guanmiao Terrace is located between two mountain peaks. The peaks are covered with lush green pines, symbolizing the Taoist ancestor of Heaven and Humanity. The Guanmiao Terrace is a natural, flat stone platform, situated precisely between the peaks, with two giant rocks resembling the peaks standing on either side.

The disciples of the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect were already lined up on both sides of the stone platform, while the envoys of the Hundred Schools and the Seven Kingdoms were already sitting on the futons below the stone platform, waiting to witness the annual covenant between Heaven and Man.

The leader of the Human Sect, Qi Lunzi, along with the six elders and Xiaoyaozi, walked over unhurriedly and met Chisongzi, Xu Qing, and their group.

"Senior Brother Bei Mingzi." "Uncle-Master Bei Mingzi."

Qi Lunzi and the rest of the Renzong clan bowed to Bei Mingzi.

Although the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect split up due to differences in their philosophies, neither of them ever claimed to have broken away from Taoism, so their seniority system remained the same. Bei Mingzi nodded without speaking.

"Uncle Qi Lunzi, I've kept you waiting," Chisongzi said, bowing.

"Nephew Chisongzi, it's been a long time," Qi Lunzi returned the greeting.

While the two were bowing and exchanging greetings, Xu Qing also looked at Qi Lunzi. After glancing at this sect leader who had been defeated by Chisongzi three times in the original story, he looked at Xiaoyaozi beside him.

Compared to the already aged Xiaoyaozi in the original work, Xiaoyaozi at this time is in his prime.

He was dressed in a white linen robe, his jet-black hair was held in place by a hairpin, and he had regular features. He possessed the composure and vicissitudes unique to middle-aged people. Although his temperament was not as otherworldly and otherworldly as in the original work, he still had a Taoist style.

In his hand was a sword with a wide guard and a sapphire inlaid in it, a sword that was mentioned in the intelligence given by Lü Buwei.

The White Rainbow Sword, which helped Xiaoyaozi establish his reputation as the number one hero in Guanzhong, looks like an ordinary sword, but it is light and agile. When wielded, it is like a white rainbow piercing the sun, swift and fierce.

As Xu Qing sized up Xiaoyaozi, Xiaoyaozi was also sizing up Xu Qing. Looking at Xu Qing's excessively young and handsome face, he couldn't help but feel a little dazed and surprised.

Although I knew Xu Qing was not old, even almost twenty years younger than me, I was still somewhat surprised when I actually met her.

However, Xiaoyaozi's gaze was quickly drawn to the sword in Xu Qing's hand. It was not the Lingxu Sword inlaid with eighteen Beihai Bixue Danxin, but a long sword with an ancient hilt and a bronze scabbard.

"Is this the Cheng Ying Sword?" Xiaoyaozi wondered to himself.

Noticing the other person's gaze, Xu Qing and Xiaoyaozi nodded slightly to greet them.

At the same time, the envoys from the Hundred Schools and the Seven Kingdoms also noticed that Chisongzi and Qilunzi, among others, were already at odds even before the event had begun.

"Bei Mingzi has actually emerged from seclusion. It seems that the Heavenly Sect attaches great importance to this Covenant between Heaven and Man."

As the head of the Ming family, Gongsun Long stroked his beard and spoke, he glanced at Xu Qing and then looked at the Confucian scholars sitting beside him, his gaze lingering on Gongyang Di.

Gongyang Di naturally understood what Gongsun Long meant. He was simply saying, "You old man who's trying to steal someone's partner, aren't you afraid of being dragged up to the Guanmiao Terrace by Beimingzi and getting into a fight?"

"The people sent by the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect are all newcomers, but they are also the backbone of the future. It is not an exaggeration to attach great importance to them. This world ultimately belongs to the young, and the future rests entirely on their shoulders," Gongyang Di said calmly.

Gongsun Long cursed under his breath, "Shameless old man, just like when he was young."

Although he looked down on Gongyang Di's move to lead the entire Gongyang Confucian school to surrender to Qin and Xu Qing, he had to admit that Gongyang Di's move was brilliant. Although dangerous, it successfully secured a future for the Gongyang Confucian school.

“I remember the Mo family has always enjoyed excitement and usually sets up betting games to guess the outcome of the Covenant between Heaven and Man. Why haven’t they made any moves this year?” Tian Guang asked the Six-Fingered Black Knight.

Six-Fingered Black Knight glanced at Tian Guang indifferently and said...

"Instead of worrying about these things, the leader of the sect should pay more attention to his disciples. Although the peasant school doesn't value literary virtues, we can't allow our disciples to speak recklessly and be completely devoid of moral character, can we?"

Upon hearing Six-Fingered Black Knight's words, not only Tian Guang but also Zhu Jia, Tian Meng, and others all turned pale. Tian Guang, in particular, felt extremely embarrassed.

The farmer understood that the Six-Fingered Black Knight was referring to Wu Kuang's matter. This matter was originally the farmer's fault. On Xu Qing's territory, speaking ill of him in front of the Bai family was indeed a matter of character.

"People from other families are unreliable, of mixed quality, and incredibly stupid. Farmers have to clean up their messes for them."

Tian Meng glanced coldly at the Zhu family and other outsiders, his eyes full of disdain.

Zhu Jia felt Tian Meng's gaze. Although he was angry, he was helpless, since Wu Kuang's actions were indeed foolish.

Chen Sheng glanced at Tian Meng, then at the empty space beside him, which belonged to Wu Kuang.

After what happened yesterday, Wu Kuang sought his help. Since the other party was his sworn brother, he took Wu Kuang to Tian Guang. As for what happened after that, he didn't know.

With Wu Kuang's safety in mind, Chen Sheng's gaze involuntarily turned to Tian Mi, who was among the Tian family members, and his eyes instantly turned cold.

Tian Mi was looking up ahead, but her eyes were secretly glancing at Xu Qing in the distance.

Looking at Xu Qing's handsome and upright figure and his ethereal temperament, Tian Mi's charming eyes were full of light, her pink lips slightly upturned, and her heart couldn't help but pound.

"Whether in terms of reputation or ability, whether in the imperial court or in the martial world, this man is among the best. This is the kind of man you should entrust your life to!"

Thinking of Xu Qing, Tian Mi pursed her pink lips slightly, and her long, beautiful legs under her pink skirt trembled slightly.

Seeing Tian Mi's appearance, Chen Sheng knew that she had a new target. He felt angry and indignant for Wu Kuang.

After all, Wu Kuang went this far for Tian Mi's sake, but it was also the path he chose himself, so he can't blame anyone else.

Besides Tian Mi, many people in the crowd were looking at Xu Qing.

Feiyan and Yueshen sat in the front row, their expressions as calm as ever, but their gazes toward Xu Qing held a different meaning.

"I hope he can defeat Xiaoyaozi." The Moon Goddess couldn't help but feel a little worried for Xu Qing.

Although she witnessed Xu Qing causing a celestial phenomenon yesterday, for some reason the Moon Goddess was still worried about Xu Qing, fearing that something might happen to him.

"What's wrong with me? Why am I so worried about him? Oh, right, he's my mission target. If he loses, it will affect his reputation and make it harder for him to deal with Lü Buwei."

"Yes, I'm worried about the Yin Yang School's plans, not... not about Xu Qing."

The moon goddess's gaze fell on Xu Qing, a hint of guilt flashing in her blue eyes beneath the veil. She quickly looked away, but couldn't help stealing glances at Xu Qing again.

Feiyan didn't notice the Moon Goddess's gaze; her mind was entirely on Xu Qing. However, compared to the Moon Goddess's concern, her gaze was more complicated.

"You've outsmarted me again. What's your secret?" Fei Yan thought to herself.

Since Xu Qing attained enlightenment, Fei Yan realized that her debate with the Moon Goddess and Xu Qing, which seemed like a normal exchange, was actually Xu Qing extracting the Yin-Yang School's knowledge of the Yin-Yang Way from them.

Feiyan wasn't angry about this; she just became even more interested in Xu Qing. She not only wanted to know his secrets but also wanted to understand him better.

Besides Feiyan and Yueshen, Zinu, Nongyu, and Hu Meiren, who were mixed in with the Korean envoys, also watched Xu Qing nervously, silently praying for him.

Yan Lingji, who was among the disciples of the Heavenly Sect, was much calmer. She had great confidence in Xu Qing and believed that he would definitely be able to defeat Xiaoyaozi.

After exchanging a few polite words, Qi Lunzi said to Chisongzi...

"Now that everyone has arrived, please, Nephew Chishongzi, begin this year's Celestial Covenant."

(End of this chapter)