Longevity Candle

Chapter 141 Immortal Era
The two peach trees are still there. The phoenix's eggs were taken away by the Jingwei bird. She plans to invite the white crane couple to incubate them together.

She was clearly not as professional as the white crane couple when it came to incubating eggs.

The three returned to the palace, where Jiang Yunmeng organized the national policies.

She planned to follow Li Qingping's example and set a future development plan. Even if she stepped down, as long as the subsequent emperors could firmly implement it, the country would be even more prosperous than Ningguo.

However, she was temporarily stumped by the formulation of these national policies.

"Jiangzhu, what is a country of cultivation like?" Jiang Yunmeng asked.

"A realm for cultivating immortality?" Jiang Zhu pondered. "What does it look like in your imagination?"

“What I’m thinking is that Qi cultivators can abide by the law and care about the people, but that’s unrealistic,” Jiang Yunmeng said.

Just like the idea of ​​everyone cultivating immortality, it's unrealistic.

Not to mention the inherent difference in talent, Tian She Nu and the others would definitely fight over those with immortal talent.

Immortal talent is extremely rare. Both she and Li Qingchen were created by the Cloud Dream Sword, not born with it.

Over the years, there has only been one person, Li Qingping, who truly possesses innate talent for immortality.

Those with low talent cannot possibly engage in cultivation.

Even if they were given the opportunity, without good fortune or destiny, it would only be a matter of breathing exercises and strengthening their bodies.

Moreover, there are countless ordinary people of all kinds. Once they possess power, they will think of using it to break the law.

The pursuit of immortality and the Dao is about seeking freedom and liberation, without constraints.

"Moreover, I'm also worried that as various sects develop, some corrupt elements will inevitably emerge," Jiang Yunmeng said.

This was inevitable; even the likes of Tian She Nu couldn't avoid it.

They can't possibly target all Qi cultivators. Those with ambitions will inevitably do some outrageous things because of their desires.

"You want to keep them in check."

Jiang Zhu pondered and said, "Then let's have two sets of laws, one to restrain Qi cultivators and one to be used for ordinary people."

"Won't this cause conflict?" Jiang Yunmeng asked with a worried expression.

"Mortals cannot judge Qi cultivators. They can send your fallen subordinates to the path of rebirth to cultivate and guard a region."

Jiang Zhu pondered, "We can build temples in various places. They have rendered meritorious service, and after their deaths they should enjoy incense offerings and protect the region..."

As he recounted it, the immortal path had completely entered the mortal world, and temples were everywhere.

Although various religious sects have been preaching, they have not yet truly taken root in people's hearts.

Everything was just beginning, and what Jiang Yunmeng needed to do was to act first.

"You can try to refine an immortal official seal, which, when empowered by dragon energy, can suppress a group of Qi cultivators."

Jiang Zhu spoke his mind.

The best choice would be to select a kind and benevolent person who loves the people like his own children to serve as an official in the immortal path.

They don't need to do anything; they just need to intimidate the surrounding Qi cultivators so that they don't dare to bully the common people.

As Jiang Yunmeng listened to his story, her eyes gradually brightened.

As long as one can mobilize dragon energy, those immortal cultivators will naturally be wary, and if they have malicious intentions, they will think twice.

As for martial arts practitioners, they were managed by local officials.

She would classify the method of sealing immortals as a forbidden technique, which no one except members of the royal family could cultivate.

Now, she is the only member of the royal family.

As for Li Qingchen and his ilk, they had long hoped to retire and live a carefree life.

"How about I bestow Baiyun Mountain upon you? You can become the mountain god of Baiyun Mountain," Jiang Yunmeng said with a smile.

"Forget it, I don't want to stay in one place. I want to travel around the mortal world," Jiang Zhu refused.

Baiyun Mountain was his place of origin, but he did not linger there.

Jiang Yunmeng didn't insist. If Jiang Zhu agreed, she would definitely seize the opportunity and eventually let Jiang Zhu manage the immortal path while she managed the mortal realm.

Jiang Zhu naturally knew what she was thinking. She had only been emperor for a short time, yet she was already thinking of quitting.

Even if a mortal emperor is protected by the fate of his country, how can he compare to the carefree life of an immortal?

The two discussed matters in the study for several days. Only after learning that Jiang Zhu was asleep did she open the study and go to court.

In the second year after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Jiang Yunmeng finally set the reign title as Xianyuan.

Using "Xianyuan" as the era name symbolizes the formal entry of the immortal path into the mortal world, and she will open a new immortal kingdom.

In the third year of the Immortal Era, Jiang Yunmeng proclaimed to the world that the Immortal Dao lineage was established, with the lineage of Tianshenu and other spirits as the orthodox one, and all others as unorthodox paths!
Without the permission of the imperial court, one may not preach.

The path to becoming a Celestial Official was promulgated. Those who cultivated Qi or were benevolent people who brought blessings to a region could become Celestial Officials after death. They would be conferred titles by imperial decree by the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and could become Celestial Officials in a region, enjoying incense offerings.

Apart from celestial officials and those whose lineage is recognized by the imperial court, anyone who dares to gather incense offerings is considered an evil god or demon, and we must wage war against them!
The news spread quickly, and soon, even some spirits deep in the mountains and forests opened their eyes.

The mortal dynasty took the initiative to accept the temples of immortals and opened the path of immortals and gods.

This is something that no previous dynasty would have dared to do!
In previous dynasties, there was no shortage of ghosts and gods, and temples were destroyed.

Only the Ming Dynasty took the initiative to open the path to immortality, and temples were erected in various places!
Soon after, the spirits, including Tian She Nu, returned to court to discuss matters concerning the celestial officials.

In the fourth year of the Xianyuan era, in addition to temples in various places, a Demon Suppression Bureau was established.

Any supernatural phenomena that have not been certified by the imperial court and have been issued as divine decrees are considered demonic!

Jiang Yunmeng harbored resentment. Since her mother had become a demon, she felt that everyone should suffer and become demons together!
The elves were naturally furious. Although they didn't care about a mere mortal, Jiang Yunmeng had already gained their approval and was almost on equal footing with them, after all, she was blessed with dragon energy.

What is a demon?
The mud and dust on the ground, the infamous femme fatale whom everyone condemns, all symbols of disaster.

But now, without your approval, it's considered a demon?
So overbearing!

Jiang Yunmeng didn't care what the elves thought. The fate of the nation was now in her hands. Even if it hadn't reached its peak, it wasn't something the elves could manipulate at will.

Immortality could not disturb her mind.

News from the north and west also kept coming in, saying that the western countries were about to be conquered.

If the elves hadn't been watching so closely, she would have been willing to help the North.

In the fifth year of the Xianyuan era, at Baiyun Mountain.

The mountaintop has long since lost all traces of its former self, and a new altar has been erected there.

A huge blue lamp supports the eerie, glowing candlelight, forming a strange divine image.

The elves, including the village nymph, did not appear; they remained hidden in the shadows.

Jiang Yunmeng and Li Qingchen, holding green lanterns, ascended to the mountain peak amidst the entourage of civil and military officials.

Offerings included three kinds of livestock, six kinds of animals, new rice seeds, peaches, and other sacrificial items.

Jiang Yunmeng stood before the altar, looking up at the sky.

Those elves and immortal masters are already on their way.

"Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived."

Zhang Youwei of the Way of Peace bowed and said.

Jiang Yunmeng took a deep breath, glanced at the civil and military officials, and then faced the statue of the god again.

"I, the ruler of the Central Plains, have seen the end of the Qian dynasty. The Mandate of Heaven arose in Peach Blossom Spring, spreading the Way to pacify the country and establish a peaceful era. He became the ruler of the Central Plains, bestowing blessings upon his descendants and all people. Now, his reign has also come to an end."

Heroes within the realm vie for supremacy, while demons and monsters beyond the borders wreak havoc, plunging the people of the Central Plains into chaos. In my peach grove, a woman, favored by the flickering candlelight and guided by the spirit of peace, ventures to seize power and gather wise men from both the mortal and immortal realms…

The grand imperial voice resounded across the summit of Baiyun Mountain, spreading far and wide.

As she spoke, the old snake king opened his eyes and let out a high-pitched dragon roar, drawing upon the dragon energy that governed the nation's destiny.

A vast aura of national destiny swirled atop Baiyun Mountain, causing all officials to kneel in worship, as did the Taiping Dao (Taiping Dao).

"...Now, at Baiyun Mountain, the world shall be named Ming, and the reign title shall be Xianyuan!"

bang
As the words "Immortal Essence" fell, a thunderclap suddenly sounded in the distance, followed by a high-pitched dragon roar.

A ninety-meter-long dragon, symbolizing the nation's destiny, came from the south and entered the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

"Jiang Yunmeng!"

With a shout, the Dragon Blood Serpent's gaze turned icy.

Without a word, Jiang Yunmeng leaped forward, standing atop the dragon's aura of national destiny, and charged towards the dragon-blooded serpent. "Take them away," Li Qingchen said calmly.

Without hesitation, Zhang Youwei used his magic to summon all the civil and military officials and return to the palace.

Rumble

Thunder rumbled in the north as well, and a massive national dragon aura, already a hundred meters tall, appeared, though it was riddled with cracks.

"With the country unstable, you've come in such a hurry; it must have been difficult for you," Li Qingchen said, looking up at them.

The elves appeared from the void, and the elves of the northern grasslands also arrived.

They arrived riding on the nation's destiny, uniting the Path of Longevity and the Path of Following Heaven, aiming directly at that green lamp.

"Just you?"

The White Wolf King lowered his head and looked down at Li Qingchen: "Where is Qingdeng? He should be awake by now."

"I'm here."

Halfway up the mountain, Jiang Zhu responded, stepped onto the clouds, and came to Li Qingchen's side: "Alright, you can go now."

“Jiang Zhu.” Li Qingchen was taken aback.

Jiang Zhu waved his hand, and an invisible force enveloped Li Qingchen, moving him away.

The beads and the Heavenly Court token both ended up in his hands.

Jiang Zhu looked at them and said, "Since they're targeting me, I won't involve them."

"What a beautiful green lamp, what a beautiful river candle."

The three-legged black wolf sneered, "You broke one of my legs back then, and today I'll eat your flesh and blood to settle our score."

"Then, come on." Jiang Zhu's eyes were cold, his magic power surged, and the glowing candlelight rose, transforming into the mortal world of the heavens.

"No one can save you today!"

A vast aura of national destiny, carrying numerous spirits, swooped down.

With many elves united, including an old elf, even the Nine-Colored Deer and the Country Cowboy could not withstand this onslaught.

The old dragon didn't come; he only wanted to compete with the true dragon and didn't want to participate in this battle.

Of course, he didn't intervene, because he was already on the opposite side from Jiang Zhu.

The mortal realm was torn apart almost instantly.

The nation's destiny suppressed his magical power and immobilized his body. Although it could not completely suppress him, it was difficult for him to escape.

Jiang Zhu grasped the Heavenly Court token and infused it with his magic power; the pink bead absorbed his magic power.

In an instant, an ancient aura emanated, as if the oldest being had awakened.

A figure in white robes materialized on the bead, identical to Jiang Zhu, but exuding an ancient and sacred aura.

Like an ancient immortal, arriving across the ages.

The Heavenly Court token also bears the image of a figure in white, none other than Yunmeng.

The Yunmeng Sword, piercing through the void from afar, landed in Yunmeng's hand.
The dragon energy of national destiny, plunging down, stopped at this moment, and all the elves were shocked.

"Fleeting life, fleeting dreams!"

"A legacy from a past life!"

The man from Shuntiandao had a gloomy expression: "After all these years, how much magic power do you still have?"

"The fate of the nation rests in our hands, and we have many spirits within us. Even if you have a past life left behind, you will perish just the same way!"

The immense magical power, carrying the dragon energy of the nation's destiny, crashed in with frenzied force.

The void trembled, and the world changed color, but no matter how much they activated their magic power, they could not advance even a fraction further.

Suddenly, a colossal figure appeared in the distant void, resembling both an island and a massive ancient spirit.

Pink light permeated the air, enveloping the summit of Baiyun Mountain and even the dragon aura of national destiny.

Fusheng and Yunmeng seemed not to see them, and walked hand in hand toward the green lamp.

Fusheng grasped the green lamp and looked at Jiangzhu: "You should go."

"Thank you." Jiang Zhu bowed in greeting.

With a flick of his wrist, the green lamp transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the unknown distance.

"Go away!"

Roars echoed from the sky.

In the far north, a brilliant celestial light suddenly appeared, and a majestic celestial palace appeared and disappeared.

"Eternal Heaven!"

The White Wolf King exclaimed in surprise, "That's the Immortal Palace of Longevity!"

"The mortal world is but a dream, life is but an illusion, and even the Eternal Heaven cannot grant eternal life."

The massive phantom island collapsed with a deafening roar, and torrents of earth-shattering energy surged forth from it, crashing against the dragon energy of the nation's destiny.

"Thank you for your help."

Life is fleeting and lighthearted.

Yunmeng, wielding the Yunmeng Sword, unleashed a slash.

With this sword strike, the void seemed to crack open, swallowing up the national destiny, the dragon energy, the spirits of mountains and seas, and the earth-shattering roar.

Two figures transformed into shimmering light and disappeared into the horizon.

Rumble

A devastating torrent of magical power, the mysteries of two eras collide at this moment.

The end of their pursuit may not be what they hoped for, but rather an unspeakable disaster.

Beams of light emerged from the cracks in the void, some shooting straight into the sky and disappearing into the starry sky in the blink of an eye.

Some transformed into beams of light, scattering across the heavens and earth.

The old dragon, far away in the Southern Mountains, rose into the air, his face unusually grim: "What are those things?"

Above the South China Sea, Peach Blossom Island floated, and the old tortoise opened its eyes: "The dream... is over."

He finally stopped sleeping, yet he wished he could sleep forever.

But this slumbering dream was eventually awakened.

He took Peach Blossom Island and headed into the distance. No one knew where he went, only the mystical creatures of the sea watched him leave the South China Sea.

The void rift disappeared, White Cloud Mountain remained, and the elves were nowhere to be seen.

The dragon energy of the nation's destiny collapsed; the dragon energy that had just gathered was directly dispersed.

Only the shimmering, glowing statue of the deity still stands atop the mountain, as if nothing had ever happened.

The fates of distant nations are no longer intertwined; each returns to its own path.

Jiang Yunmeng returned to the palace and quickly went to the study: "How is it? Did you bring Jiang Zhu back?"

“It’s gone.” Tian She Nu said in a deep voice, “We’ve been keeping an eye on it, but after Fu Sheng threw out the green lamp, it suddenly disappeared.”

"Disappeared?" Jiang Yunmeng was stunned. "Did Fusheng use magic to hide it?"

"No, it just disappeared inexplicably. We didn't even detect a trace of magical energy fluctuation."

The tabby cat said in a deep voice, "There is only one possibility: an old elf cast a spell long ago and kept it from all of us."

Jiang Yunmeng's face darkened: "Which elf could it be?"

"I don't know. The world is vast, and even an old dragon couldn't possibly know all the spirits," Blue Moon said.

"There's no need to worry. Without the national fortune and dragon energy, the other party can't possibly harm Jiang Zhu."

Niu Youdao comforted him, "When Jiang Zhu wakes up again, even the old elf won't be able to stop him."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunmeng and the others' expressions softened; it was indeed true.

Even the old dragon couldn't do anything to Jiang Zhu.

(End of this chapter)