Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 798 Emperor Huangze visits various sects (Seeking monthly votes)

Li Yunjing issued the order and simultaneously transmitted the scattered information known about the East Sea and the Ten Thousand Demon Swamp, as well as the vague clues about that ancient ruin, through the Soul Restriction.

"In addition, if the opportunity arises, one can try to contact local forces as a rogue demonic cultivator to collect all valuable intelligence, especially information about the movements of the demonic path."

This was Li Yunjing's instruction.

"Understood! I will certainly not fail my master's trust!"

Xie Wuyi's soul received the information, paused briefly as if processing the mission details, and then immediately responded: "But Master... I have lost all my treasures and my strength has been greatly diminished, I'm afraid..."

"I have my own arrangements."

Li Yunjing interrupted him and then took out a treasure pouch from his storage ring.

The "Treasure Pouch" contained a large number of mid-grade spirit stones, pills used by Golden Core cultivators, several high-grade third-tier talismans, and several captured demonic artifacts.

These things are so rare that even a demonic cultivator like Xie Wuyi, who has just entered the Golden Core realm, might not have this many good items.

Li Yunjing gave Xie Wuyi the capital to rise to power. With Xie Wuyi's methods, he should be able to thrive in a chaotic place like the East China Sea.

As Xie Wuyi sensed the abundant spiritual energy and numerous treasures within the "Treasure Pouch," his eyes shone brightly with excitement that almost overflowed from their sockets.

Medium-grade spirit stone!

Elixirs for the Golden Core stage!

Tier 3 Talisman!

There were even a few magical artifacts with extraordinary auras!
These resources far exceed his wealth at the height of his career!
With these, not to mention restoring one's strength, even advancing further in the Golden Core stage, or even aiming for the Nascent Soul stage, is not out of reach!

"Thank you for your generous gift, Master!"

"The master's boundless grace will never be forgotten by the evil and wicked!"

"I will dedicate myself to making a name for myself in the East China Sea, and I will die for my master!"

Xie Wuyi knelt down with a thud, his voice hoarse and distorted with extreme excitement, and words of loyalty poured out like a tide.

At this moment, all humiliation and resentment were temporarily overshadowed by this sudden "great wealth," leaving only a thirst for power and a trace of awe for Li Yunjing's unfathomable methods.

As for why he was moved by Li Yunjing?
That is totally impossible!

How could someone like him possibly submit to anyone?

"Remember your mission."

Li Yunjing watched his performance indifferently and waved his hand: "Go."

"Yes! I'm resigning!"

Xie Wuyi kowtowed again and then carefully put away the treasure pouch.

Then, he transformed into a barely perceptible dark streak of light, and with the route map and access granted by Li Yunjing, he skillfully avoided all the sect's overt and covert outposts, silently leaving the "Divine Firmament Mountain Range".

Half a month later, on the coast of the East China Sea, outside a bustling market town filled with all sorts of people and a menacing atmosphere.

A shadowy figure staggered out of a hidden cave; it was none other than Xie Wuyi who had arrived.

"East Sea... Ten Thousand Demon Swamp... I, Xie Wuyi, have returned! Hahaha!"

He laughed silently to himself.

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately followed the demonic path he knew best, sneaking into the market and easily finding out the entrance to the largest black market in the vicinity with a few low-grade spirit stones.

Several days later, deep within the black market, a bloody struggle had just ended.

Xie Wuyi stood on the corpse of a cultivator whose life essence had been drained, and there were several other corpses of various shapes around him.

He toyed with a "Bone-Corroding Orchid" that he had just snatched, which exuded a strong yin energy, while his cold gaze swept over the demonic and evil cultivators around him who were both shocked and fearful, and were itching to make a move.

"Who else wants it?"

A hoarse, distorted voice, carrying undisguised murderous intent, spread out.

There was dead silence.

In the brief exchange just now, this newcomer, who was covered in black aura, was clearly extremely ruthless and unpredictable, and not someone to be trifled with.

Xie Wuyi snorted coldly, skillfully collected his spoils, and strode away.

Instead of concealing his whereabouts, he deliberately displayed his cultivation level of "peak of the first level of the Golden Core Realm" and his ruthless methods, quickly earning a fearsome reputation in the area.

Using the resources provided by Li Yunjing, he secretly gathered information about the "Ten Thousand Demon Swamp" while recruiting several disillusioned low-level demon cultivators to form a small gang specializing in double-crossing and exploring ancient cultivators' caves.

With resources, strength, and means, Xie Wuyi quickly gained a foothold in this chaotic place and, just as Li Yunjing had predicted, thrived.

Of course, he always kept his primary mission in mind, and all his actions were in preparation for entering the more dangerous "Ten Thousand Demon Swamp". He also continuously transmitted some insignificant but useful information, which proved that he was "working hard", back to the distant "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" through the "Ten Thousand Laws Association".

Li Yunjing, who was meditating in the "Purple Cloud Palace", occasionally received these fragmented pieces of information and sensed that Xie Wuyi was generally safe and active, so he no longer paid much attention to it.

The pieces have been placed and are beginning to arrange themselves.

What he needs to do now is improve his skills as the player.

……

Ten years later, the eight spheres of influence of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" were already very stable.

The mortals in various places had become accustomed to being ruled by the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" and its affiliated forces, and everything had returned to peace.

All the territories are developing in an orderly manner, continuously mining and utilizing the natural resources of various places.

During this period, "Tianlan Star" mysteriously fell into a state of calm.

Large-scale wars do not seem to occur on any of the continents.

Numerous sects, families, dynasties, and independent cultivators are maintaining close contact with their relatives and friends, seemingly exchanging information.

The lower and middle-level cultivators were completely unaware, but the top-tier behemoth forces all knew that a great calamity was about to erupt.

These forces, which were established a little over a decade later than the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," were also rapidly preparing countermeasures for the great calamity.

"Buddha's Light Continent," a gathering place for Buddhists, is located to the west of "Tianlan Star."

In the early morning, before the mist had dissipated, birds chirped in the woods.

An ancient temple stands quietly on the mountainside, with green tiles and red walls, and the faint sound of Buddhist chants.

With a soft creak, the gate of the "Kasyapa Baoguang Temple" was pushed open from the inside out.

Two monks walked out slowly.

The former was tall and strong, and although his beard and eyebrows were all white, with two long eyebrows drooping to the corners of his eyes, he did not look old or frail.

He had a straight nose and square mouth, and his face radiated a precious light. He wore a purple and gold kasaya and held a string of oily sandalwood prayer beads. His gait exuded a noble and solemn air, which aroused respect in people who saw him.

The latter was a young monk, dressed in a faded gray robe, tall and slender with thick eyebrows and large eyes, who seemed curious about everything.

Before the morning bell rang, the birds in the forest chirped merrily, and I knew that a distinguished guest must be coming to visit.

The old monk gracefully stepped out of the temple gate, his gaze falling on the figure in a dragon robe standing not far away, admiring the morning scenery of the mountains. He smiled slightly and said in a warm voice, "Amitabha, I never expected that it would be the 'Emperor of Imperial Grace' who graces this humble temple with his presence. This brings great honor to our humble temple."

"The Zen master was well-versed in Buddhist teachings and had keen insight into the subtle and profound."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Huangze turned around, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and said with a faint smile, "A great calamity is about to begin, and no one can remain unaffected. How could I not come?"

"This must be the Zen master's esteemed disciple, the young monk Xuanji, who possesses the 'Buddha's Bone Aura'?"

Emperor Huangze's gaze swept over the young monk behind the Great Compassionate Zen Master, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he said knowingly, "Indeed, he possesses profound wisdom and an overwhelming spiritual aura."

Upon hearing this, the young monk Xuanji clasped his hands together and bowed slightly, his expression neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Majesty flatters me. My cultivation is shallow, and I do not deserve such high praise."

His voice was clear and bright, and his eyes were pure and bright; he was certainly no ordinary person.

The old monk was none other than the abbot of "Kasyapa Baoguang Temple," the Great Compassionate Zen Master!

This person once participated in the secret realm battles of the "Huangze Dynasty"!

That emperor was none other than the emperor of the "Huangze Dynasty," and the sole ruler of the entire "Huangze Continent."

Both of them are top-tier Nascent Soul realm experts in the world!
They can be said to represent the strongest fighting force of both Buddhism and the imperial dynasty.

This time, Emperor Huangze's arrival clearly indicates that he has important matters to discuss.

"The Emperor has come from afar, surely not just to admire the morning scenery in the mountains."

The Great Compassionate Zen Master nodded with a smile, not saying much on the topic, and instead said, "Please come into the temple for a chat. Though the tea is simple, it can cleanse you of worldly cares."

"Please, Zen Master." Emperor Huangze did not refuse.

The three entered the ancient temple, passing through several halls. Incense smoke swirled along the way, and the occasional sound of morning chanting could be heard, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Finally, they entered a quiet meditation room, where sandalwood incense wafted through the air, and the simple furnishings exuded a Zen-like atmosphere.

The young novice monk served tea and then quietly withdrew.

Only three people remained in the meditation room.

“Zen Master, you must have already sensed the warning from Heaven that a calamity is about to befall the entire world. This is a great disaster that will sweep across the entire ‘Tianlan Star,’ and no one can escape it.”

Emperor Huangze took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, his expression turned solemn, and he got straight to the point: "I have come here today to discuss countermeasures with the Buddhist community."

"Amitabha."

"The calamity is overwhelming and cannot be averted by human effort."

"I understand the Emperor's meaning."

The Great Compassionate Zen Master paused slightly as he moved the prayer beads, and said slowly, "However, the Buddhist path is pure and does not like disputes. It only wishes to guide people in the world and eliminate violence invisibly."

"Eliminating hostility is certainly the best policy!"

"As far as I know, the 'Ten Thousand Demon Swamp' on the shores of the East Sea is frequently disturbed; the aura of ancient demons has also been leaked in the northern wilderness; and even on the Central Continent, evil cultivators have been committing increasingly rampant crimes recently."

Emperor Huangze nodded, then changed the subject, "This is a sign of impending calamity. We must use swift and decisive measures to eliminate the root of the disaster in advance in order to protect more lives."

"Although Buddhism advocates compassion, there are also times when it is fierce and wrathful."

"At this critical juncture of life and death, I hope that the 'Buddha Light Continent' can communicate with my 'Huangze Dynasty' and even the leading Taoist sects such as the 'Luofu Taoist Sect' and the 'Shenxiao Taoist Sect' and form an alliance."

He paused, then looked sharply at the Great Compassionate Zen Master: "At least in terms of intelligence sharing, joint defense against demonic disasters, and stabilizing the rear, we need to work together."

The Great Compassionate Zen Master remained silent for a moment, and the only sound in the meditation room was the faint crackling of burning sandalwood.

“What the Emperor says makes sense.”

“Compassion is not indulgence, and protecting the Dharma is also our duty.”

"The Buddhist community will not stand idly by and watch the people perish."

"Regarding the alliance, this humble monk, representing the 'Kasyapa Treasure Light Temple' and most sects of the 'Buddha Light Continent,' agrees in principle."

After a long silence, he raised his long eyebrows slightly and said, "The specific details still need to be discussed with the abbots of the various temples."

"With these words, I am relieved."

"Details can be discussed later."

"The most urgent task is to establish smooth communication channels and closely monitor the movements in various places, especially those ancient sealed lands and entrances to the Demon Abyss."

Emperor Huangze revealed a genuine smile. "I have received news that some forces seem to be trying to take advantage of this great calamity to profit from the chaos."

"Oh? What does Your Majesty mean?"

The Great Compassionate Zen Master's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Some ancient demonic sects that have been dormant for a long time, and...some seemingly detached but not necessarily peaceful aristocratic families or rogue cultivators."

Emperor Huangze spoke in a deep voice, “The great calamity is both a disaster and an opportunity. There are always people who are blinded by greed and try to take advantage of it to rise to the top in one step, even at the cost of letting wolves into the house.”

"Amitabha, sin, sin, sin."

"It seems that the situation is indeed more complicated than I had anticipated."

The Great Compassionate Zen Master chanted a Buddhist mantra: "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Buddhist sect also has Dharma protectors and supernatural powers that can see throughout the heavens. We will closely monitor any unusual developments."

"So good."

"I am very pleased to receive the Zen Master's promise today."

Emperor Huangze rose to his feet. “There is no time to lose. I must proceed to the next location. The alliance is newly established, and there are many matters to be addressed.”

"The Emperor has worked tirelessly for the common people, and his merits are immeasurable."

The Venerable Dabei and the monk Xuanji also rose to see them off.

As we arrived at the temple gate, the morning light had completely dispelled the thin mist, and the mountains were lush and verdant.

"We hope to reach a consensus and form the 'Tianlan Star' Alliance before the calamity strikes!"

Emperor Huangze transformed into a dazzling golden light and vanished into the sky, disappearing in an instant.

The Great Compassionate Zen Master stood still, gazing in the direction where Emperor Huangze had disappeared, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were calculating something.

The young monk Xuanji couldn't help but speak up: "Master, this emperor... seems to be preoccupied, and there is a faint aura of calamity surrounding him."

"You're right."

"Emperor Huangze is a dragon among men, a great ruler of his generation. He intends to take advantage of this great calamity to consolidate his power, accomplish great things, and even glimpse a higher realm."

"His heart is great and his will is firm, but his path is also perilous."

The Great Compassionate Zen Master withdrew his gaze, glanced at his disciple, and his eyes revealed approval: "Forming an alliance with them is a matter of unpredictable fortune and misfortune, but it is indeed one of the best options for dealing with the great calamity at present."

"Pass down the order: effective immediately, strengthen security within the temple and activate some of the surveillance arrays."

He turned and slowly walked into the temple: "Also, send out invitations to the abbots of various sects such as 'Dalun Temple' and 'Jingnian Zen Temple' to come to my 'Kasyapa Baoguang Temple' in ten days to discuss dealing with the great calamity and forming an alliance."

"Yes, Master."

Xuanji responded respectfully, his eyes filled with solemnity at the unknown calamity and contemplation of the future.

The peaceful and tranquil land of Buddha Light Continent is beginning to stir with undercurrents due to the arrival of Emperor Huangze and the impending great calamity.

Meanwhile, on the shores of the East China Sea, Xie Wuyi, who had already earned the title of "Bloody Hand Butcher" and amassed some power through ruthless means and with the support of his master, had just received a vague message from the depths of the "Ten Thousand Demon Swamp" transmitted through a secret channel.

Its contents warmed even his cold heart!
That ancient ruin seems to be showing signs of opening.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, auspicious clouds gathered over the Shenxiao Mountains, and celestial music filled the air.

The resounding bell tolled from the main peak of the "Shenxiao Daozong" and traveled thousands of miles, announcing the highest level of welcoming ceremony.

At the mountain gate, the street had already been sprinkled with clean water and the path paved with sacred stones.

Two rows of true disciples, each with profound auras and at least at the Golden Core realm, stood solemnly in ceremonial robes, their expressions a mixture of excitement and utmost respect.

Along the long jade steps leading from the mountain gate to the main hall, the "Divine Firmament Hall," all the true disciples, deacons, and elders were present, silent and all eyes fixed on the outside of the mountain gate, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Because the one who has come to visit today is the emperor, Huangze Dijun, the ruler of a continent and a supreme being at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage!
The news had already spread, and the entire "Shenxiao Dao Sect" was shaken.

The presence of Emperor Huangze signifies not only a meeting between two giants, but also a potential major collaboration between top powers on the eve of a turbulent calamity.

As we waited, a burst of golden light appeared on the horizon, as if a blazing sun had leaped out of the sea of ​​clouds, dazzling yet majestic.

A vast, majestic, and awe-inspiring imperial pressure approached from afar, yet it was controlled with remarkable restraint, causing no sense of oppression but rather a feeling of being bathed in a gentle breeze, demonstrating the giver's superb cultivation and self-control.

The golden light arrived in an instant, transforming into a majestic figure in front of the mountain gate.

The newcomer wore a flat-topped crown and a nine-patterned dragon robe. His face was blurred in the faint golden light, with only a pair of deep, star-like eyes clearly visible. Wherever his gaze swept, all the disciples involuntarily lowered their heads slightly in reverence.

It is none other than Emperor Huangze!

Behind him stood only two elderly men dressed in python robes, their auras equally unfathomable, clearly royal experts accompanying him.

Over the past three years, Emperor Huangze has visited the "Canglan Continent" and reached agreements with the Thirty-Six Heavenly Caves, showing signs of becoming the leader of the "Tianlan Star" alliance!
After visiting one colossal power after another, Emperor Huangze finally arrived at the "Southern Heaven Continent"!
As the strongest sect in the Southern Continent, the Divine Firmament Dao Sect naturally couldn't possibly not come!

"Welcome to the Divine Firmament Dao Sect by the Imperial Emperor!"

A clear and calm voice rang out from inside the mountain gate, breaking the silence of the scene.

Li Yunjing was dressed in a "Starry Sky Robe," not the sect leader's fine attire, yet he possessed an air of profound composure and absolute authority.

He walked out with a calm smile on his face, followed by four Nascent Soul True Monarchs whose auras were either sharp, heavy, or ethereal!
This was almost all of the top combat power of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" on the surface, and they all came out to greet him, giving Emperor Huangze a lot of face.

Following that were over a hundred Nascent Soul stage cultivators, arranged in order of cultivation level and seniority. The impressive lineup and magnificent presence fully demonstrated the profound foundation of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" as one of the leading sects of Taoism.

"Sect Leader Li is too kind. I feel deeply ashamed of such hospitality."

Emperor Huangze laughed loudly, his voice gentle yet imposing, instantly echoing throughout the welcoming party. "I apologize for this unannounced visit, which disturbs the peace of your esteemed clan."

(End of this chapter)