Taoist priests in the supernatural world

Chapter 112 Penglai Immortal Kingdom, Heaven Unseen

The vast East China Sea stretches for thousands of miles, its waves surging where the sea and sky meet.

In the distance, an island shrouded in swirling mist stretches across the horizon.

Under the blazing sun, the light shines through layers of water mist, refracting into a rainbow of colors.

Clouds and mist rise and swirl around the island.

The magnificent palaces and pavilions, resplendent in gold and jade, are faintly visible.

There are also trees with pearl-like flowers covering the mountains and fields, their branches and leaves crystal clear, their petals like jade, looking from afar like a fairy palace in the clouds.

This place is Penglai.

Penglai is much smaller than the largest Yingzhou and Fangzhang, but its advantage lies in its remote location.

For hundreds of miles around, there was nothing but the vast sea and the perpetual fog.

If anyone tries to sneak into the island, they will likely be discovered by the island's sorcerers or the paper figures patrolling the sea before they even get close.

The temples and monasteries on the island are arranged according to the eight trigrams.

The palaces and temples are connected by long steps made of green jade, and streams flow gently past the steps, their waters reflecting a faint green light.

In the center stands a mound of moderate height.

On the mound, there is a piece of crystal-clear jade.

The jade was carved into the shape of a jade tree.

The branches are graceful and the leaves are translucent, with faint green light spots slowly flowing within each jade leaf.

The entire palace complex seemed to be paved with jade.

Upon closer inspection, one will discover that the floorboards are not genuine jade.

It was a soft, moss-like substance that would sink slightly when stepped on, but would quickly flatten out again.

It is entirely jade-colored, with a delicate and warm surface, and occasionally it undulates gently as if it were alive.

Not just the floor.

This jade-like substance grows on the walls, steps, pillars, and even parts of the eaves.

The entire complex, though seemingly ethereal, is imbued with an indescribable eeriness due to the lifelike green moss.

At this moment, more than ten sorcerers were sitting cross-legged around Yushu.

These alchemists included both men and women, and were of varying ages.

Some had green hair and were thin and bony, with pale skin, as if they had lived underground for a long time.

Some had jade-like faces and square pupils, with a hint of water in their eyes.

Some have fine scales growing on their foreheads.

Some had bluish fingernails and their breath carried the scent of medicine.

At a glance, one can tell that they are all accomplished cultivators.

Beneath the jade tree sat a young man in a golden crown and black robe.

Of all the people present, only this man did not show any unusual behavior, yet everyone treated him with the utmost respect.

The crowd sat around him, like immortals worshipping the moon, listening quietly to his sermon.

This person was Huang Bai.

Huang Bai looked around and his gaze fell on an old man and a young man.

"Song Wuji, Gao Yao."

"exist!"

The master and disciple stood up at the same time and responded in unison.

Song Wuji now has long green hair, a thin figure, and deeper wrinkles on his face than before, but he is in excellent spirits.

Gao Yao is no longer the flustered cook he once was.

He was dressed in a Taoist robe, with a medicine pouch and a copper bell hanging from his waist, and his expression was much more composed.

Over the years, he has followed Song Wuji in cultivation. Although he cannot be considered exceptionally talented, he is good at enduring hardship and has great patience.

Now, it is considered a significant member of the Penglai Immortal Kingdom.

Huang Bai looked at the two of them and said:

"The foundation of this land of immortals lies in the Pangu corpse vein."

"You two must keep a close eye on changes in the earth's atmosphere at all times."

"Once the corpse vein is severed, the corpse moss and the essence will decay accordingly."

"At that time, the entire Penglai Immortal Kingdom will be affected."

Song Wuji and Gao Yao both turned solemn.

Huang Bai continued:

"The Corpse Vein is the foundation of the Penglai Immortal Kingdom and the basis for everyone's longevity."

"Remember this, remember this."

Song Wuji cupped his hands and said:

"Rest assured, Immortal Elder, we will inspect the earth's energy every day."

"Under the Jade Tree, at the Bagua Palace, at the Earth Vein Water Eye, and at the places where corpse moss grows most abundantly, there are people on duty in shifts."

Gao Yao quickly added, "If there's even the slightest problem, I'll report it immediately."

Huang Bai nodded: "That would be best."

He looked up at the jade tree on the mound, then at the surrounding palaces and temples that resembled jade, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Sixty years is enough to recreate the Pangu corpse vein."

"good."

"good."

The concept of this Penglai Immortal Kingdom originated from Feng Shigu's Immortal Village in the Ghost Blows Out the Light world.

The Pangu Corpse Moss parasitizes the human body, constantly repairing the physical body to maintain its vitality, thereby achieving an effect similar to immortality.

However, Feng Shigu's method was too crude; the corpse moss would erode his consciousness, and his physical body would gradually become distorted.

Therefore, erysipelas was added to Huangbai.

Erysipelas was used to counteract cadaveric lichen.

The corpse lichen and the erysipelas will fight each other, so that the corpse lichen is not enough to occupy the cultivator's consciousness.

People who take Pangu's Elixir of Immortality generally have their lifespan increased by about thirty to fifty years.

This is already considered an extremely rare longevity elixir.

If one were in the Penglai Immortal Kingdom, where the Pangu Corpse Vein continuously sustains the activity of the Corpse Moss, a cultivator might be able to extend their lifespan by about two more Jiazi (60 years).

This is combined with the three methods of possession left behind by Xu Fu.

Its overall lifespan may reach five hundred years.

Of course, the price is also obvious: one can never leave the Land of Immortals for too long.

Huang Bai had experimented with this before.

Those who exceed their predetermined lifespan will quickly lose the activity of the corpse moss once they leave Penglai.

In less than half a day, the physical body will rapidly decay.

Flesh and blood wither, skin sags, and vitality drains away like water from a burst dam.

If they do not return to Penglai in time, they will die in a very short period of time.

Therefore, this land of immortals is both a place of longevity and an invisible prison.

Huang Bai did not shy away from this.

The desire for immortality comes at a price.

As long as the cost is clearly laid out before them, whether they are willing to accept it or not is their own choice.

Huang Bai got up and walked down the mound.

He walked through the jade path amidst the orchids and jade trees, leaving the Bagua Palace.

Outside the palaces and temples were the surrounding residential areas.

The houses here are scattered on the hillside and among the trees.

Every household has a small courtyard.

At first glance, it doesn't resemble the legendary fairy island; it looks more like a small maritime country far from the Central Plains.

The sorcerers here include people from this world as well as reincarnated ghost soldiers from other worlds.

The twin spirits, the little girl in red, the Yaksha, and the King Xian all acquired new identities here.

As Huang Bai's cultivation level increased, the strength of many Yin soldiers could no longer keep up with his progress.

Huang Bai had no interest in specifically repairing the altar for soldiers and horses.

Rather than keeping them as soldiers to be driven around, it's better to give them freedom and let them live a second life in Penglai.

Although still bound by the Heavenly Path Temple, it is much better than being trapped in the Yin Soldier Altar all day long.

Huang Bai gazed at the Penglai Immortal Kingdom before him, secretly making plans in his heart.

"Sixty years. The Penglai Immortal Kingdom was founded, with a total of twenty-eight Earth Immortals and fifteen thousand peripheral servants."

"This result is not bad."

When the people along the way saw Huang Bai, they all stopped what they were doing.

"Old Immortal!"

"Greetings, Immortal Elder!"

"The immortal has emerged from seclusion!"

Huang Bai walked by, nodding slightly.

At this moment, a refined scholar stepped out from the crowd and bowed to Huang Bai.

"The old immortal has arrived at just the right time."

"I had originally intended to say goodbye to you."

Huang Bai glanced at the man.

This man was dressed in a scholar's robe, with a gentle demeanor, yet his eyes held a profound sense of authority.

This person was none other than Ying Zheng.

Or rather, it was Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng, after his third possession.

Huang Bai asked:

"Are we going back already?"

Ying Zheng nodded and said, "Yes, I am ready for the third possession."

He smiled slightly as he said this.

"Through this life's policy of non-interference, the world has been able to recover some of its vitality."

"It's time to find someone else to take over the work."

Huang Bai said, "Perfect timing, I also need to go out for a bit."

Ying Zheng's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Is the Immortal Elder going to come out of seclusion?"

Huang Bai shook his head and said, "Not really, just wandering around."

Ying Zheng did not ask any further questions.

The two boarded the ship together.

The ship left the shore and slowly sailed onto the vast sea.

The sea breeze lifted the sails, and Penglai Island gradually disappeared into the distance behind us.

The fog closed up again, the seven-colored light was obscured by the clouds and water, and the fairy island gradually disappeared at the horizon.

Huang Bai gazed at the gradually disappearing Penglai Island and suddenly asked:

"Is this land of immortals truly worthy of its name?"

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then answered seriously:

"I believe the title of Earth Immortal is truly fitting."

"To refine one's form and remain in this world, to live forever among men."

"How can it not be an earth immortal?"

The term "earth immortal" is not a simple state of being, but rather a definition.

Those who live forever and remain in the human world can be called earth immortals.

Unlike the Corpse-Dissolving Immortal.

To achieve immortality through corpse liberation, one must first die, and then separate their soul from their physical body.

Immortals do not need to die.

Earthly immortals possess immortality and enjoy the pleasures of the mountains and forests.

They neither ascend to heaven nor enter the underworld, but remain in this world forever; these are the earth immortals.

Huang Bai nodded after hearing this.

"That's true."

He looked into the depths of the sky, his eyes flickering slightly.

"The gods of the upper realm cannot easily descend to the mortal realm; perhaps there are similar things that help them achieve immortality."

Perhaps the so-called Upper Realm is just an even larger Kingdom of Earthly Immortals.

A larger cage with a wider territory, stricter rules, and deeper control.

The so-called ascension to the ranks of immortals may simply mean becoming one of those trapped beings in that cage.

A thought flashed through Huang Bai's mind.

"This must be the strongest Heavenly Dao Temple in all the heavens, right?"

Of all the worlds he has experienced, Penglai Immortal Kingdom is currently the most complete and has the greatest potential for growth.

Perhaps one day, this land of immortals will become like the land of the Queen Mother of the West.

Thinking of this, Huang Bai looked up at the sky.

Deep within the endless starry sky, that meteorite continues its journey toward Earth.

Over the years, the distance has indeed narrowed somewhat.

It is still a long way off before it actually reaches Earth.

Huang Bai watched for a while, then looked away.

……

Chang'an City.

The crowds were huge, and the traffic was heavy.

Vendors loudly hawk their wares in the streets and alleys.

There were vendors selling hot pancakes, vendors selling fermented bean curd, and vendors carrying bamboo baskets to sell melons and fruits.

Scholars and officials rode by on horseback, their wheels clattering over the bluestone road.

A wandering swordsman, sword in hand, swaggered down the street.

Occasionally, children would chase and play, running past the alley entrance, their laughter ringing out.

The city is bustling and peaceful, reflecting the diverse aspects of daily life.

Compared to the chaotic and precarious existence of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Chang'an today appears vibrant and full of boundless energy.

After the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, who ruled with a policy of non-interference, the Han Dynasty had accumulated a rich and profound foundation.

As granaries gradually filled, the people were able to recuperate, and the nation's strength slowly recovered.

Chang'an Street.

Huang Bai looked at Ying Zheng, who was wearing a bamboo hat, and asked:

"Whom do you intend to possess?"

Ying Zheng barely hesitated.

"Naturally, it is Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che."

He inherited Yi Xiaochuan's memories, so he naturally knew many important events of later generations.

Although Yi Xiaochuan is only half-baked.

Much of history is only known in general terms.

Even just a few words were enough to get Ying Zheng to do a lot.

Especially the name Liu Che.

Ying Zheng certainly wouldn't miss it.

After a moment of silence, Huang Bai finally spoke up to remind him:

"It's difficult to balance being an emperor and cultivating immortality. As the saying goes, an eagle cannot catch two rabbits at once. You'd better retire when you're in your fifties or sixties and return to the immortal kingdom of Penglai to live forever."

"If one becomes obsessed with pursuing hegemony, there may be no turning back."

Ying Zheng was slightly moved.

Given Huang Bai's personality, he rarely gives advice so directly, so this is already a rare sign of concern.

He nodded solemnly and said, "I understand."

Huang Bai glanced at him.

He then took out a brocade pouch and handed it to Ying Zheng.

"Take this brocade pouch for now, and open it when you feel everything is settled."

Ying Zheng accepted the brocade pouch, carefully put it away, and thanked him again: "Thank you, Immortal Elder."

The two then parted ways.

July of the same year.

Liu Che was born.

This child possesses the unusual appearance of having blue eyes and square pupils.

When Emperor Jing of Han, Liu Qi, saw him, he was greatly surprised and thought that this boy must be no ordinary person.

Huang Bai made a brief appearance in Chang'an before quietly disappearing into the dust of history.

After that, Ying Zheng began his final possession.

At the age of fifteen, Liu Che ascended the throne.

From then on, the Han Dynasty entered a new era.

They fought in the south and north, and campaigned in the east and west.

They attacked the Xiongnu in the north, established trade routes to the Western Regions, pacified the Baiyue in the south, and opened up trade routes to the southwest.

The mighty Han cavalry swept across the wilderness, and the mighty Han banners crossed the border.

His military achievements were remarkable, securing living space for the Han people.

This battle had a profound impact, demonstrating the dignity of a nation.

For more than two thousand years afterward, the Han people mostly lived and thrived within the territory established by Emperor Wu of Han.

The harm is in the present, but the benefit will last for generations.

Fifty-five years later.

Dusk has fallen, and the sun is setting in the west.

Dim light spilled into the courtyard of the Five Palaces.

The setting sun, like blood, shone on the palaces, steps, and withered trees, seemingly foreshadowing the end of an era.

An elderly man with white hair and a haggard appearance stood in the courtyard, holding the hand of an eight-year-old child, gazing at the setting sun.

The old man had a full head of white hair and deep wrinkles on his face.

Those once sharp, piercing eyes are now veiled by the twilight of youth.

If you look closely, you can still see the fire that has not been extinguished deep in the eyes.

This person is Ying Zheng in this life, and also Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che.

He gazed at the setting sun, which seemed so heavy today. He remained silent for a long time, then suddenly whispered:

"Elder, I still think that if we're going to do it, we should do it thoroughly."

He ultimately did not heed Huang Bai's advice and retired from public life in his fifties.

Three generations of imperial rule and four emperors—that is already an incredibly brilliant achievement.

Because by now, Ying Zheng has fully realized that he was born for hegemony, not to live a long and peaceful life in a small place.

If one can only eke out a few hundred years of life in the immortal kingdom of Penglai, watching the ebb and flow of the human world, but can no longer personally rewrite the world's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing overall structure, overall situation, and overall character), then one's fate is sealed.

Such immortality held little appeal for him.

Why not end this magnificent chapter in a spectacular way?

Besides his ambition to establish his hegemony, Ying Zheng also did some things for the Penglai Immortal Island.

He deliberately left behind a reputation for seeking immortality and for becoming senile in his later years.

This will remind future generations of the lessons of the First Emperor and Emperor Wu when they think of emperors seeking immortality.

This completely blocked the path for later emperors to seek immortality on a large scale.

Even if some people are still obsessed with immortality, they dare not easily exhaust the nation's resources to support alchemists.

Young Liu Fuling looked up at him and asked innocently:

"Father, are you going to die?"

Ying Zheng looked down at the child, a half-smile on his face.

Yes, everyone has to die.

Liu Fuling seemed to understand, but not quite.

Ying Zheng released his hand and looked up at the setting sun.

The setting sun shone on his aged face, casting his shadow extremely long.

Then, he walked step by step towards the setting sun.

The figure gradually disappeared into the light and shadow.

Only two sentences were left on the ground.

"One should not gaze at the vast sky for too long, nor tread upon the grand ground for too long."

"This is the ultimate truth."

One cannot gaze at the vast sky for long, nor tread on the expansive earth for long.

His path ends here.

In the dense forest.

The aged Ying Zheng sat cross-legged, quietly waiting for time to pass.

The wind rustled softly through the woods, and withered leaves drifted down gently.

His body was extremely frail.

Qi and blood deficiency, and mental and physical exhaustion.

After being possessed three times, his soul was already severely damaged.

Just then, Ying Zheng suddenly remembered the brocade pouch that Huang Bai had left him years ago.

He took out a brocade pouch from his bosom.

Ying Zheng looked at it for a moment, and finally opened it.

Inside was a stick of incense and a strip of cloth with writings left by Huang Bai on it.

"Seeing the words is like seeing the person."

"I have left this world."

"This incense is called 'Crossover Incense,' and it can help you travel to a world called 'The Mummy.'"

"This world..."