Surrounded by everyone, Lei Jun returned their greetings with a calm demeanor, then invited them to sit inside the hall.

Among the high-ranking elders from Mount Longhu's Tianshi Mansion attending with Lei Jun were several eighth heaven elders like Zhuo Baojie, Qin Caiwei, and Ma Zongxiang. Another heavyweight present was Chu Kun, who had already reached the ninth heaven.

"The world changes ceaselessly, leaving people dazzled. All human realms are stirring with winds and clouds."

Lei Jun sat at the main seat and spoke calmly, "Therefore, this time I have invited all fellow Daoists to discuss matters, so that our Daoist peers may support one another and move forward amid the tides of this era."

Shen Xi, Mu Chunyang, Zhang Taigang, and others all said, "The Celestial Master's righteousness is admirable."

Lei Jun continued, "This discussion will not involve internal affairs of each sect. I only intend to fulfill the host's duties. For various matters, we shall establish a common protocol together."

He looked toward Shen Xi, the leader of the Southern Jin Shushan Sect, and Murong Minghui, the leader of the Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace. "The situations in each human realm differ. Some places are still unsettled. I have no intention of overstepping or interfering. Each of you Daoist friends can decide for yourselves."

Both Shen Xi and Murong Minghui nodded slightly. "The Celestial Master is humble and magnanimous. We admire you."

The Northern Jin and Southern Jin dynasties were still confronting each other across the great river.

The Northern Jin dynasty, after having suppressed major noble families earlier, still needed to restore its vigor due to internal struggles. However, they had two ninth heaven experts stationed: the Northern Jin Empress and Xiao Chan, the clan leader of the Xiao Clan from Northern Jin’s Longxi region.

Additionally, due to the recent appearance of Lianshan, they had established connections with the Tang cultivators in Sumeru.

On the other hand, the Southern Jin dynasty appeared isolated and weak.

Although the Northern Jin dynasty had yet to begin their southern campaign, the overall situation of north strong and south weak was gradually taking shape, and the scales were tipping.

The Southern Jin’s only hope lay in the Shushan Sect.

With neither the Sumeru Tang court nor the Saha Daoist factions intervening, Shen Xi, who had achieved the ninth heaven perfect scattered immortal state in the Daoist artifact forging path, alone could determine the future trajectory of the two Jin human realms.

Shen Xi and his master-disciple Gongsun Daoqi were not keen on the Northern and Southern Jin dynastic disputes and had only average relations with the Southern Jin royal family.

But historically, their ties with the Northern Jin royal family were even worse, causing unease throughout the Northern Jin court.

Their delay in moving south was not only to recuperate and gather strength but also due to Shen Xi’s stance.

Murong Minghui and Pure Yang Palace supported the Northern Jin court.

Yet, when the human world’s situation truly solidified, Murong Minghui had her own plans.

She had to face the Confucian forces represented by Xiao Chan.

Because the Tang cultivation world was strong, some noble families like the Xiao Clan in Northern Jin’s Longxi and the Lin and Ye clans, who had previously fled to Lianshan, had severed ties and followed other paths, emulating noble families like the Han Fang, Li, and Wang families, gradually decomposing themselves.

However, during this process, although noble clans faded, Confucian influence would not diminish;

instead, it would consolidate more closely around the royal family.

As the leader of a Daoist holy land, Murong Minghui had mixed feelings about this.

Under these circumstances, she had to carefully consider Pure Yang Palace’s relationship with the Shushan Sect.

Because the Longhu Tianshi Mansion lineage was strong, the Daoist world as a whole had become detached in the Tang, current Han, and two Jin human realms.

Murong Minghui was also continuously adjusting her mindset.

Being in the two Jin human realms was closely connected to Shen Xi.

Though Lei Jun did not interfere with either side’s decisions, the current occasion was more suitable for Shen Xi and Murong Minghui to discuss matters deeply.

At the very least, they would not fall out on the spot.

For the weaker Murong Minghui and the Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace, this was the best outcome.

She could also use this opportunity to interact with Dan Ding Sect peers such as Mu Chunyang, Zhang Haipeng, Jiang Yu, and Deng Lai.

"The return of the former Heavenly Palace members also includes our Dan Ding lineage’s ancestor, Ge Zhenjun."

At this moment, Mu Chunyang, leader of Zhenwu Temple, took the lead in expressing his stance: "I harbor no disrespect toward Patriarch Ge, but our paths differ, so if Patriarch Ge refuses to sever ties with the former Heavenly Palace members, I shall follow the teachings of Patriarch Liu and Patriarch Wang."

Jiang Yu, leader of Tang Pure Yang Palace, and high elder Yue Xiling both spoke in agreement: "I concur and am willing to follow the teachings of Patriarch Liu and Patriarch Wang."

Ge Xuanzhi was the ninth leader of Pure Yang Palace before the great Late Han calamity, but the records he left in the sect’s own scriptures were ambiguous.

Due to the dispersal of texts during the Late Han calamity, early on Jiang Yu, Yue Xiling, and others were unclear on the matter.

Later, as exchanges between human realms increased, especially after the former Heavenly Palace members reappeared, various Pure Yang Palace branches pieced together information and reached a sobering conclusion:

During the Late Han period, Pure Yang Palace had experienced signs of division.

Some followed Ge Xuanzhi, while others opposed him.

Later, because Ge Xuanzhi disappeared, the matter was left unresolved. In retrospect, he and Gao Tiansui were probably sealed in Biluo.

After that, the anti-Ge faction gained the upper hand. Pure Yang Palace gradually stabilized after the chaotic Late Han human realm split.

Subsequent Pure Yang Palace leaders denied Ge Xuanzhi, but never officially expelled him from the sect, and his legacy was still honored by later generations.

However, in the Tang Pure Yang Palace scriptures, his presence became increasingly faint.

Similar situations existed in the Han Pure Yang Palace, Song Pure Yang Palace, Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace, and Zhenwu Temple.

"I agree with Brother Mu’s words," said Deng Lai, leader of Han Pure Yang Palace.

Nearby, Murong Minghui, leader of Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace, and Qi Yicheng, representative of Song Pure Yang Palace, expressed similar views.

As for Zhang Haipeng, leader of Kunwu Sect, he simply said, "Our sect opposes the former Heavenly Palace’s reestablishment of the Heavenly Court."

He did not elaborate much on Ge Xuanzhi.

But no one doubted his and Kunwu Sect’s resolve.

Everyone understood clearly that precisely because of Ge Xuanzhi’s existence, Zhang Haipeng and his disciple Zhao Chanyang had entered the secular world.

The heads of Shushan Sect branches then echoed Zhang Haipeng’s words: "We oppose the former Heavenly Palace’s attempt to reestablish the Heavenly Court."

"I second that," Lei Jun finally said.

His tone was calm and steady: "The former Heavenly Palace members now number only five due to various reasons since the Late Han. All five are beings from the Immortal Realm.

Besides them, there may be a few remaining disciples under Daoist Zhou Tian.

Currently, they hover over Biluo and Mount Ling, lacking inheritors and followers walking in the human realm."

Lei Jun nodded slightly toward Mu Chunyang. "In the human realm where Master Mu’s Zhenwu Temple has spread branches, the former Heavenly Palace members have already begun to act. Because that realm is divided among many countries, many have gravitated toward them.

From what I understand, signs have also begun to appear in the Ming human realm."

Yuan Qingci, leader of Ming Shushan faction, nodded lightly.

Lei Jun continued: "Today’s invitation aims to foster communication and connection. If needed, everyone can watch over and assist each other.

However, the current human realm is complicated, so I prefer to advance cautiously, step by step.

We will monitor the movements of Gao Tiansui, Ge Zhenjun, and others."

Mu Chunyang, Chen Lingfeng, Jiang Yu, and others all nodded slightly.

Though the current human environment was unfavorable for Immortal Realm experts to enter freely, this was not absolute.

If it came to a desperate moment, the other side might still take action, so we cannot be complacent.

"Besides the present former Heavenly Palace members, there is another matter involving the future..."

Lei Jun said, "The real reason for inviting all of you Daoists to discuss is that the future is more important than the present. However, depending on future developments, these matters might be one and the same."

Shen Xi, Mu Chunyang, Chen Lingfeng, Zhang Taigang, Yuan Qingci, and Qi Yicheng exchanged looks, gradually forming guesses in their minds.

Sure enough, Lei Jun continued, "The human realms will soon merge."

Everyone silently nodded.

By now, even eighth heaven cultivators like Jiang Yu, Deng Lai, Murong Minghui, and Qi Yicheng had sensed it.

With the spiritual energy waves surging from all sides, the entire human realm would soon reunify.

When that time comes, it would be a cataclysmic upheaval for all human realms.

"If my guess is correct, the human realms’ merging will not be a mere external stitching without internal interference. Instead, overlapping and further changes may occur."

Lei Jun’s expression turned rare and serious. "Thus, at that time, not only will Immortal Realm cultivators freely move in the human world, but it may also have a huge impact on all living beings in this world. We must prepare in advance."

Everyone, including Zhang Haipeng, responded, "The Celestial Master’s kindness is a blessing for the human world."

Lei Jun said, "I ask all fellow Daoists for their assistance."

He looked at Nie Fang from the Mystical Daoist Sect, as well as Zhang Taigang of Tang Shushan Sect, Jiang Yu, and Yue Xiling of Tang Pure Yang Palace:

"I have already made preliminary plans with friends from the Mystical Daoist Sect, Shushan Sect, and Pure Yang Palace. I now hope others can help review and assist so that we can arrange for all human realms to face such massive changes together."

Shen Xi, Chen Lingfeng, and Yuan Qingci of the artifact forging faction had long heard about this and first thought of the various new types of magical artifacts and treasures that had gradually become popular and mainstream in the Tang Dynasty over the years.

Mu Chunyang, Deng Lai, Murong Minghui, and Qi Yicheng also speculated.

They were now completely clear about Celestial Master Lei’s intentions.

This contemporary Celestial Master of Mount Longhu was preparing for the future human realms’ merging not just with sect holy land inheritors or a small group in mind.

He considered the vast masses of the entire human world.

And it was not limited to the Tang side alone.

Thus, the people and matters involved were as vast as smoke and clouds.

To cover everything thoroughly, both scale and strength mattered, as well as quantity and detail.

Though the early merging of human realms had been interrupted, the trend was unstoppable and time was scarce.

Lei Jun and other top experts still had to pay attention to the former Heavenly Palace members.

Under such circumstances, mass production of low-difficulty, standardized, and replicable magical artifacts and treasures that could be combined effectively would have potential.

Naturally, it was best for Daoist sects from all human realms to coordinate for higher efficiency.

This involved not only manpower but also reserves and exchanges of raw materials.

"Thank you all for your hard work," Lei Jun said.

Everyone humbly responded.

Mu Chunyang said, "If we are to arrange across all human realms, we must stabilize the local environment to avoid disturbances."

His gaze swept over the leaders of the Tang, current Han, and two Jin human realms. "Tang, Han, and Jin are generally peaceful. Minor disturbances won’t affect the overall situation, so we can begin there first."

Then Mu Chunyang looked at Yuan Qingci, leader of Ming Shushan faction, and Qi Yicheng, elder of Song Pure Yang Palace. "Song, Ming, and the chaotic human realm where I am currently located are still unfavorable for us to act."

After speaking, Mu Chunyang gave a Daoist bow to Lei Jun. "What you just said, fellow Daoists of the Daoist gate, we must watch over and assist each other. I wonder if all sects could unite and gather in one place?"

The Longhu Tianshi Mansion and Tang imperial family were currently mainly focused on the former Heavenly Palace members and the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect.

Over recent years, Shushan Sect and Pure Yang Palace had gained many experts, but they were scattered across various human realms.

If they united, their collective strength in the human realm would be considerable.

Leading them would be Shen Xi and Mu Chunyang, both perfected at the fifth layer of the ninth heaven, and Zhang Haipeng, at the fourth layer of the ninth heaven.

"I second that," Zhang Taigang, leader of Tang Shushan Sect, was the first to speak.

Jiang Yu, leader of Tang Pure Yang Palace, also said, "I agree with Master Mu."

Over the years, it was precisely because of the Tang Longhu Tianshi Mansion’s generous help that they had survived many calamities and gradually restored their vitality.

Mutual support among Daoist sects was a time for repayment and further strengthening.

Though each had their own possessions, as Lei Jun said, the times were changing rapidly, and they had to adapt.

"I second that," said Zhang Haipeng, leader of Han Kunwu Sect, speaking few but weighty words.

After all, besides the Longhu Tianshi Mansion, only their sect had an Immortal Realm master stationed.

Moreover, their sect had been the most detached so far.

To this day, Zhang Haipeng largely represented only himself, not Zhao Chanyang.

But since they had decided to change course, at least Zhang Haipeng would not waver and would take decisive steps forward.

Shen Xi, leader of Southern Jin Shushan Sect, Chen Lingfeng, leader of Han Shushan Sect, Deng Lai, leader of Han Pure Yang Palace, Qi Yicheng, elder of Song Pure Yang Palace, and Nie Fang, leader of Tang Mystical Daoist Sect, all consented.

Including Murong Minghui, leader of Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace, as well.

Seeing today’s conference’s direction, Murong Minghui’s previously vague thoughts grew clearer.

The Daoist world would become more detached in all human realms.

Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace would commit to joint progress, not just serve the Northern Jin dynasty.

With Shen Xi stationed in Southern Jin Shushan Sect, Northern Jin Pure Yang Palace had no hesitation.

"My sect and fellow disciples will jointly watch the former Heavenly Palace members and Venerable Shanzhihui in the Immortal Realm. This matter can be discussed by all Daoist friends," Lei Jun finally said.

He nodded slightly at his junior brother Chu Kun: "If the plan proceeds, our sect will have Brother Chu lead disciples to assist."

Mu Chunyang, Yuan Qingci, and Qi Yicheng first bowed to Lei Jun and Chu Kun. "Thank you, Celestial Master Lei. Thank you, Elder Chu."

Qi Yicheng glanced at Mu Chunyang and Yuan Qingci, hesitating slightly.

Mu Chunyang spoke first: "The war-torn human realm, facing the former Heavenly Palace members in Biluo, is currently uncertain. I think it is better not to act rashly."

Yuan Qingci then asked, "I heard the alien chieftain often visits the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect and keeps a low profile?"

Qi Yicheng answered, "That is true."

Yuan Qingci asked, "Do you think chieftain Zholigetu intends to prepare soon to cross the calamity between the ninth heaven and the Immortal Realm?"

Qi Yicheng responded cautiously, "His actions resemble those of Golden Khan Ongqinfu in earlier years, but the exact situation is unclear. I dare not make a rash judgment."

Yuan Qingci said, "In that case, in my opinion, we should start from the Song human realm.

The Ming court is united, deeply rooted, with complex intertwined relations. That human realm might also be entangled with the former Heavenly Palace members, the Abyssal Border, and Kong Sang.

I think there could be major changes there, so we should observe before acting."

He apologized to Qi Yicheng, "I have been in seclusion and away from the Ming realm for some time. I need to return for a few years and might not be able to assist in Song. Please forgive me, Elder Qi."

Qi Yicheng hurriedly said, "Master Yuan, you speak modestly. I should be the one to thank you for your generosity. If possible, I will visit Ming to contribute."

He had heard about the Ming Shushan faction’s situation.

Although Han Qingtao and Yuan Qingci, two ninth heaven great true experts, had emerged, the Ming human realm was quite oppressed. Even the sect’s treasures were under the Ming imperial family’s control.

After the early human Daoist national affairs, the Song Pure Yang Palace was weakened and its people scattered.

But hope had not been lost.

After Golden Khan Ongqinfu’s death and the reopening of the land-sea barrier, they had regained footing.

Even the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect had sealed the void gate leading to the former Song human realm.

Under these circumstances, Yuan Qingci was willing to wait longer, and Qi Yicheng was grateful.

So, besides Yuan Qingci returning to the Ming human realm first, the remaining Daoist experts began negotiating details, selecting elites from their sects to prepare to travel together to the former Song human realm.

The Tang, current Han, and two Jin Shushan Sect inheritors would be less frequently dispatched.

They would mainly cooperate with Nie Fang from the Mystical Daoist Sect to study Lei Jun’s arrangements and prepare in these three relatively stable human realms.

However, top experts like Shen Xi, Chen Lingfeng, and Zhang Taigang would still go to the former Song human realm.

In the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm, Han King Zhou Pu had already become a formidable figure.

The former Heavenly Palace members had just returned to the human world, and the true teachings of Gao Tiansui and Ge Xuanzhi had long been lost in history.

Although some cultivators had joined them, there was no one capable of directly threatening Zhou Pu in the short term.

If there had been hidden dangers, they would have been the rifts between Witch King Huangfu Qi of Mount Ling and sorcerer Jia Xianting.

But Jia Xianting had died.

As for the few Immortal Realm experts themselves, Lei Jun, Zhang Wantong, and Zhao Chanyang were watching over them.

Therefore, adhering to the idea of uniting in one place, Mu Chunyang temporarily left the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm.

Coincidentally, after Zhou Pu’s Later Han took over the Southern Chu territory, it was also in a stage of rest and recovery.

For stealth reasons, Qi Yicheng traveled alone from the former Song human realm.

When he returned, the majority would come together in a grand procession.

Chu Kun would follow later.

In Penglai, Lei Jun asked him, "Third junior brother, after reaching the ninth heaven, have you settled on your third life divine ability?"

Chu Kun smiled, "Senior Brother, to be honest, I have some ideas but still need more accumulation and organization.

Though I hate to admit it, in some cases, it is very useful in actual combat and unavoidable."

Tang Xiaotang laughed beside him, "I see you’ve changed your tune and are willing to go to the battlefield. No wonder."

Chu Kun sighed with a smile, "Yes."

Tang Xiaotang rubbed her hands, "Great, I’m going too!"

She was not going directly but planned to find a chance to "honor" Elder Zheng Chen of the Song Pure Yang Palace.

"Senior junior sister, you must be close to pushing open the immortal gate?" Lei Jun asked.

Tang Xiaotang said, "I’m confident. I’ll accumulate a bit more and wait until the natural calamity passes to surge forward."

Chu Kun was surprised by this different tone from her usual character.

Lei Jun understood, "Ninety-nine or one hundred years old?"

Tang Xiaotang waved her hand, "In two years, ninety-nine. Can't be too late."

Chu Kun suddenly understood.

Ah, it was about having a sense of ceremony.

That suited Tang Xiaotang perfectly.

In terms of cultivation years, even Zhao Chanyang had been surpassed by Lei Jun, so Tang Zhenren didn’t worry much.

If the overall situation became unstable, she still had motivation to push hard. Now that it was relatively calm, no problem.

Chu Kun curiously asked, "Senior Brother, after reaching the Immortal Realm, can you cultivate two immortal formulas simultaneously?"

Tang Xiaotang smiled brightly, "Of course."

She thought of something and looked at Lei Jun, "What’s your current situation?"

Lei Jun said, "I continue refining the Xuanhuang photo and the ten views of the Xuanhuang Heavenly Stems, studying the Three Caves and Three Heavens Supreme Dragon-Tiger Formation, and nurturing and tempering my own magical treasures."

He made a Tai Chi diagram in the air: "From the seventh to the ninth heaven stages of the Divine Path, through the Two Poles immortal body, I hope to cultivate an additional divine ability for each major realm.

But upon reaching the Immortal Realm, the Dongxuan stage, the immortal body’s foundation focuses more on daily cultivation itself and can no longer support another immortal formula.

If I succeed in the Tai Chi Dao body, there is hope to cultivate an extra immortal formula in each major realm during Dongxuan."

Tang Xiaotang asked, "I heard Gao Tiansui has the Taizu Dao body?"

Lei Jun: "Yes, correct. Besides that Gao Tiansui, the Tang Emperor should have the top Confucian aptitude illuminated by the Wenqu Star, overseeing ancient and modern times. It’s uncertain if he already had this during the era of the Heavenly Auspice Layman He Ying."

Tang Xiaotang patted Chu Kun’s shoulder, "Your Heavenly River immortal body will only have a chance to replace Gao Tiansui after his demise."

Chu Kun smiled wryly, "There’s no sign yet. Just because Gao Tiansui dies doesn’t mean someone will automatically fill the gap! I’m happy to achieve the Heavenly River immortal body and will calmly cultivate and improve."

Lei Jun nodded, "Yes, letting it be is good."

Chu Kun asked curiously, "Senior Brother, what exactly is the Dongxuan realm?"

Lei Jun said, "Like the Divine Path, it is a stage on our cultivation journey.

If the Divine Path is the road to the heavens, the beginning of becoming one with the universe, then Dongxuan is continuing to become one with the universe on a larger, more detailed scale, until we truly become a primordial universe ourselves.

Hence the Dao Realm Xuanyuan. The three stages of Dongxuan are also called the Three Heavens Xuanyuan or simply the Three Xuanyuan.

The first stage is the Heavenly Market Xuanyuan, where Daoist Zhou Tian and Yu Shuo were before, and where I and Quanyuan Qi currently are."

The second stage above is called Taiwei Xuanyuan.

The third stage is Ziwei Xuanyuan.

Since ancient times, few have reached this realm.

The most recent achievers of the Three Heavens Xuanyuan were Gao Tiansui and Zhuang Zheng.

"The three stages of Dongxuan lack the distinct sub-levels seen in the Divine Path’s eighth and ninth heaven stages," Lei Jun said.

"It’s more like the sixth and seventh heaven stages of the Divine Path, each a large realm.

Rather than a specific platform, it is a path we silently walk until we reach the next natural calamity. Passing it leads to a new world.

Of course, early on and near the end, the accumulation of immortal energy and magical power differs, but not as clearly as in the Divine Path’s eighth and ninth heaven stages.

From an external or combat perspective, it mainly means our divine abilities and immortal formulas will diversify."

Chu Kun listened with fascination.

Then he suddenly snapped back, his gaze shifting between Lei Jun and Tang Xiaotang: "Like your Yin-Yang Divine Aurora, Nine Heavens Original Five Thunder True Method, Thunder Emperor True Form, or Senior Junior Sister’s Pure Yang Vessel and Innate Dragon-Tiger Combo?"

Lei Jun: "Not exactly, but roughly similar."

Indeed, few could achieve that, requiring profound foundations and comprehension... Chu Kun thought.

He was currently pondering his third life divine ability and wondered if it would show some promise.

Tang Xiaotang was pondering another matter: "Luo Sigao, Ban Shuang, Chi Yin, Wu Zehong, they are all dead, right? Oh, and now add Yu Shuo, and Chen Dadao is barely half counted."

Lei Jun nodded, "According to current information, that is correct."

Tang Empress Zhang Wantong had given Lei Jun and others eleven names—former Heavenly Palace masters sealed in Biluo—renowned and historic immortal Daoist giants.

But after thousands of years, even with the help of Gao Tiansui and Ruan Qiao, only seven remained.

Yu Shuo was slain by Lei Jun shortly after emerging in Penglai.

Chen Dadao was exiled by Wang Guiyuan using the Unceasing force.

"We still cannot be careless. Any of the remaining five are formidable."

Lei Jun shook his head, "Though Wang Dianchen and Quanyuan Qi are both first-level Immortal Realm, Wang Dianchen should be regarded as a second-level Immortal Realm sorcerer king.

As for Quanyuan Qi, like Yu Shuo and Daoist Zhou Tian, he transferred to our Talisman Sect lineage.

The difference is he shifted from Daoist artifact forging to Daoist talisman craft, originally a Shushan Sect expert before the human realm split.

After switching, he retained many artifact forging techniques and may have a mixed immortal body.

At least he has two saintly bodies as base and very high comprehension."

Tang Xiaotang clicked her tongue, "Bai Zhenjun really didn’t clean house!"

Lei Jun: "Compared to Ji Yao from the former Shushan, Quanyuan Qi clearly dislikes Daoist Zhou Tian and Ruan Qiao more."

The latter two’s dislike stemmed more from personal grievances.

"Enough. I’ll head to the former Song human realm first," Tang Xiaotang stood and left.

Chu Kun also bid farewell to Lei Jun.

The two left Penglai together, traveling through the land-sea barrier toward the former Song human realm.

..........................

Meanwhile, in the Ming human realm,

Meng Shaojie held a letter and came to see Xiao Chunhui.

Xiao Chunhui took the letter and read quietly.

Meng Shaojie stood aside, silently watching his expression.

A few days ago, Mr. Xiao had received a letter and after reading it, his expression was... how to describe?

Complex and subtle.

Meng Shaojie rarely saw such an expression in his life and never expected such complexity from the usually calm Mr. Xiao.

His concern was evident.

Xiao Chunhui noticed and gave a slight smile to indicate all was well, causing Meng Shaojie to quickly look away.

"My Qi cultivation is still insufficient..." Xiao Chunhui sighed inwardly.

When he received the letter from his sister Xiao Xueting, he was unusually stunned.

In Meng Shaojie’s eyes, Xiao Chunhui appreciated his concern but did not want to say much.

He certainly could not say that after more than seventy years, his supposedly dead and secluded father who abandoned the children had sent a letter.

If the other side was truly heartless, Xiao Chunhui wouldn’t mind.

But the parental grudges were a messy story better left untold.

Xiao Yumen indeed hated other Xiao relatives but never intended to erase his own household registry.

It was exaggerated to say the nearly complete decline of the Xiao clan was solely due to his remarried wife, but she was certainly a participant.

So Xiao Yumen’s sudden departure was met without resentment by Xiao Chunhui.

If anything, Xiao Erlang now cared more about their eldest brother Xiao Hang’s feelings, just like Xiao Sanniang.

Now Xiao Chunhui’s thoughts had returned to peace.

He was seriously considering the letter’s contents.

"Send it back to the Tang court quickly." Xiao Chunhui put away the letter and handed it to Meng Shaojie. "There are signs of a fire starting in the Ming court."

Meng Shaojie said softly, "Are they eager to have someone ascend to Immortal? That might backfire."

Xiao Chunhui silently nodded.

Meng Shaojie bowed and left to deliver the message.

Elsewhere, someone quietly returned from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm to the Ming human realm.

Luo Hai walked through the mountains and fields, observing carefully before resting.

No one was around. He whispered, "Senior, we are back in Ming."

The voice of the Pixiu Demon Saint sounded, "Head north but do not rashly approach the Kong Sang gate. Find a place in the north to settle and wait for the right moment."

During this trip to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms human realm, Luo Hai made no major moves, only instructing Luo Hai to roam with a special rhythm.

Though the early merging of human realms was interrupted, he had gained some precious results using his Pixiu’s innate talents.

Though few, the gains were invaluable.

With the ever-changing situation, he must prepare accordingly.

Luo Hai had mostly been in the north during his military service and later faked death to escape. Returning north now carried great risk.

But after years of cultivation and training, his will was firm and far beyond ordinary.

Hearing the Pixiu Demon Saint’s words, Luo Hai calmly nodded. After resting briefly, he set out.

..........................

When Deng Lai, leader of Han Pure Yang Palace, returned to his sect, he immediately selected suitable high elders and talented disciples to prepare for the journey to the former Song human realm.

Neither Lei Jun nor Deng Lai concealed this.

After receiving the news, the current Han emperor Xiang Sheng made no other remarks but wished Deng Lai and Chen Lingfeng success and hoped to invite Kunwu Sect leader Zhang Haipeng to Chang’an in the future.

Fang Junmei, Wang Bujiu, Li Feiyang, and Li Tingyu fell silent briefly upon hearing.

Ignoring the presence of Immortal Realm expert Zhao Chanyang, the gathering of Han Daoist experts did not yet pose great pressure on other parts of the Han cultivation world.

Though the Eastern Mountain Hermit Wang Xu was missing, Wang Bujiu was pushing toward ninth heaven, and Li Feiyang had long become a great scholar of the world.

The current Han emperor Xiang Sheng successfully crossed the eight to ninth heaven calamity in recent years after combining imperial techniques.

At present, only Zhang Haipeng and Chen Lingfeng were ninth heaven great true experts in the Han Daoist world.

But if experts from other human realms gathered, that would be another matter.

Even excluding the Longhu Tianshi Mansion, that would be a powerful torrent.

"The Daoist world is quite united now, at least for the moment," Fang Junmei slowly said.

"They have a detached leader with a huge gap from others, caring for the sects with little selfishness, which enables coordination."

"Even so, it’s not easy," said Li Feiyang, the highest cultivator among them.

"Kong Sang once had a sorcerer king stationed, divided into Tianjing and Didu branches.

One human realm called Song once had the chieftain Ongqinfu ascend to martial immortal status, but he only led the so-called Golden Khanate and never subdued other barbarian tribes like the Azure Wolf or White Deer clans.

The Western Region Buddhist branch in Sumeru, now Kong Sang, once had the Vajra Realm’s five divisions at their peak, full of experts and power, but all practiced hand seal arts derived from Venerable Shanzhihui’s lineage.

Unlike today’s three unified Daoist branches."

Li Tingyu, who led another faction breaking away from the Suzhou Li family, said quietly:

"Not to mention Southern Jin Shushan Sect leader Chen, even Pure Yang Palace leader Deng has yet to reach ninth heaven but remains the sect’s pillar. Now, for another sect’s affairs, they travel far beyond Han.

If all goes well, it’s fine. If not, and casualties occur..."

She glanced at Li Feiyang.

Even with the Li family splitting, Li Feiyang’s importance as a ninth heaven great scholar was undeniable.

If he fell or died outside Han, it would greatly affect all Li branches.

For Li Feiyang’s branch, it would be an earthquake.

Wang Bujiu said calmly, "That’s why they want to unite. It’s safer.

Though battle risks and casualties are inevitable, Deng and others must have foreseen this.

They persist because the current leader of the Daoist world is Celestial Master Lei of Longhu."

Fang Junmei, Li Feiyang, and Li Tingyu all nodded lightly.

After a moment, Li Feiyang said, "The Daoist gate’s leaders have always been like this. The earliest Celestial Masters were so.

But with Biluo reopened, former Heavenly Palace members returning, Gao Tiansui and Ge Zhenjun still present, and the brilliant Zhao Zhenjun of Kunwu Sect, that is why no one speaks openly."

"Perhaps... it will be soon," Fang Junmei said softly, staring toward the place connecting the Tang and current Han human realms.

..........................

While Fang Junmei, Wang Bujiu, and others discussed, Daoist experts had already begun heading toward the former Song human realm.

Elder Zheng Chen of Pure Yang Palace finally emerged from seclusion.

He met with Zhu Junjie to welcome Mu Chunyang and others.

Once everyone assembled, Zhu Junjie was unexpectedly moved to the point of tears.

Shen Xi, leader of Southern Jin Shushan Sect, perfected at fifth layer of ninth heaven with the Five Qi tending to Immortality.

Mu Chunyang, leader of Zhenwu Temple, also perfected at fifth layer of ninth heaven with the Five Qi tending to the Origin.

Zhang Haipeng, leader of Kunwu Sect, at fourth layer of ninth heaven.

Chen Lingfeng, leader of Han Shushan Sect, at second layer of ninth heaven.

Chu Kun, elder of Longhu Tianshi Mansion, at first layer of ninth heaven.

Zhang Taigang, leader of Tang Shushan Sect, at first layer of ninth heaven.

Yue Xiling, elder of Tang Pure Yang Palace, at first layer of ninth heaven.

Adding Zheng Chen and Zhu Junjie themselves, when had the Song remnants ever fought such a prosperous battle?

Frankly, compared to the alien tribes recently entering the human realm and the Vajra Realm’s five divisions at their peak, the current Daoist merger still lacked strength.

But first, that was the opponent’s accumulation over many years.

Second, except for Chu Kun, other top Longhu Tianshi Mansion experts were absent.

Opposing them, the Golden Khanate, Azure Wolf Khanate, and Vajra Realm Lotus Division were no longer at their peak.

This ebb and flow gave Zhu Junjie a feeling of a world apart.

"I am just out of seclusion and know little of the current situation. What exactly is going on, especially with the Azure Wolf Khanate?" Zheng Chen asked.

Zhu Junjie composed himself and said solemnly, "The rumored chieftain Zholigetu once went to Kong Sang to meet Venerable Shanzhihui. Afterwards, his whereabouts became unknown, but his followers finally took over the former Golden Barbarian capital."

"Zheng Chen" understood, "Like Ongqinfu, he seeks to open the immortal gate and become a martial immortal."

Zholigetu and Ongqinfu both practiced martial cultivation combining horse riding and combat.

This style required frequent joint actions with their followers rather than seclusion in Kong Sang.

"Did Ongqinfu have Venerable Shanzhihui’s help to continuously produce martial immortals?" Chu Kun asked.

Mu Chunyang said, "There must have been some secret methods, but it wasn’t easy. Otherwise, there would have been moves after Ongqinfu died."

"Zholigetu fears being disturbed during seclusion like Ongqinfu, so he scattered decoys in many places," Zhu Junjie said. "We cannot confirm he is in the capital now."

Zheng Chen said, "No matter, we will find him."

Shen Xi said, "Though time is short, we came early. We will unite in one place and not divide forces, sweeping known clues point by point."

"Feint emptiness with reality, feint reality with emptiness."

Chu Kun pondered, "We should not overlook the Golden Khanate’s areas or the already desolate Great Wilderness. Since Venerable Shanzhihui and the Kong Sang Buddhist Sect coordinate, Zholigetu might choose these places to seclude."

Zhu Junjie’s spirit lifted. "Everyone, follow me!"

That day, in the central stronghold Luoyang, Azure Wolf Khanate general and ninth heaven Martial Saint Morigen, with a face black as iron, surveyed the many Daoist great true experts surrounding him inside and outside three layers.