Tusita Palace
"Laojun."
"After the disappearance of the saints in the past, is the Execution Sword Formation of that saint still left in the Primordial World?" Haotian looked at the Supreme Lord Laojun before him and asked directly.
"What do you mean by this?"
The Supreme Lord Laojun glanced at him in surprise.
"With Laojun's divine abilities, you should be well aware that a Taiyi Golden Immortal deity from my Heavenly Court, leading one hundred thousand celestial soldiers and generals to the mortal world, was annihilated," Haotian said with a grim expression.
"The Execution Sword Formation does still exist in the Primordial World."
"But it has always been in the hands of the disciples of the Chan Sect."
"It can't have fallen into the mortal realm," the Supreme Lord Laojun said slowly.
"Wang Lingguan descended to the mortal world, and if not for the power of the Investiture of the Gods reconstructing his divine body, I would not have known about matters of the mortal realm."
"Four ominous swords, the formation unfolded, enveloping my one hundred thousand celestial soldiers and generals, boundless murderous aura."
"This was completely the power of the Execution Sword Formation," Haotian said in a deep voice.
The Supreme Lord Laojun shook his head. "If it were truly the Execution Sword Formation, then Wang Lingguan's true spirit would not have returned, and even the Investiture of the Gods could not have revived him."
"Could it be that the Saint Tongtian left some sort of inheritance in the mortal world?" Haotian was still unwilling to let it go.
"That, I do not know," the Supreme Lord Laojun replied calmly.
"Laojun."
"I ask for your assistance in breaking the Absolute Separation of Heaven and Earth and restoring the mortal world to the Earthly Immortal Realm," Haotian said, looking at the Supreme Lord Laojun with anticipation.
He knew the person before him possessed great power.
After all, it was rumored that the Supreme Lord Laojun was the incarnation of the most powerful Saint, the Supreme Purity Saint.
"This matter…"
"I do not have that kind of power," the Supreme Lord Laojun replied slowly.
Upon hearing this, Haotian's eyes darkened for a moment, but he had no choice but to suppress his frustration.
"I can only seek out Tathagata," Haotian thought to himself.
After Haotian left, the Supreme Lord Laojun raised his hand and gazed into the void.
"The disappearance of the Vajra Bracelet… could this have something to do with the mortal world?"
"The Execution Sword Formation… could it be that Saint Tongtian truly left behind something?" The Supreme Lord Laojun pondered deeply.
Buddhist Land, Spirit Mountain
High above in the void, in a secluded space.
Haotian and Tathagata stood facing each other.
"Duobao."
"I won't waste words with you."
"If we join forces to restore the mortal world to the Earthly Immortal Realm, then the fortune and opportunities of Divine Continent will be up for grabs by whoever has the ability," Haotian said directly, not wanting to waste any time.
"Not enough."
Tathagata shook his head.
"What do you mean?" Haotian frowned.
"The mortal world… my Buddhist sect has not invested much there."
"Moreover, my Buddhist sect is in no hurry regarding the return of the mortal world to the Earthly Immortal Realm."
"Besides, the mortal world will inevitably return to the Earthly Immortal Realm sooner or later, and the fortune of Divine Continent will ultimately be contested based on one's abilities," Tathagata replied.
Seeing Tathagata's attitude, Haotian naturally understood his intentions.
"Speak."
"What are your conditions?" Haotian said coldly.
Tathagata smiled faintly and uttered four words: "The Eastward Spread of Buddhism."
"Impossible." Haotian rejected it outright.
"In the past, when the saints were still present and the Heavenly Dao was clear, my Western Sect was already destined for great prosperity, and the eastward spread of Buddhism was inevitable," Tathagata responded.
"As you said, that was when the saints were still around. Now, the saints are gone, and the Heavenly Dao is fractured."
"The so-called eastward spread of Buddhism and the prosperity of the West are mere delusions now," Haotian retorted coldly.
"In that case."
"Then there is no need to discuss further."
"My Buddhist sect will not interfere in the mortal world's affairs," Tathagata said calmly, turning as if to leave.
Watching Tathagata about to depart, Haotian hesitated for a moment before immediately calling out, "Wait."
A flash of delight crossed Tathagata's heart, and he immediately asked, "So, does the Heavenly Emperor agree?"
"Buddhism may spread eastward, but only within Southern Jambu Continent and the regions bordering Eastern Victory Divine Continent," Haotian ultimately conceded.
At this moment, he had no choice but to compromise.
After all, the Supreme Lord Laojun was detached and unwilling to take action.
And the other great powers of the Earthly Immortal Realm held grievances against the Heavenly Court and would not collaborate with him.
After all, the Heavenly Court's actions in recent years raising and exploiting living beings to extract spiritual essence had already caused dissatisfaction among many great powers.
"Agreed."
Tathagata nodded immediately.
Haotian's concession had already satisfied him.
The eastward spread of Buddhism and the seizing of fortune.
For a long time, the Buddhist sect had sought to spread eastward.
But they had been blocked by both the Heavenly Court and the Daoist sects. Even now, the situation remains the same.
Although the Buddhist sect was strong, the Heavenly Court was no weaker.
While the Heavenly Court was powerful, the great powers within it each had their agendas just like the three Buddha Lords in the Buddhist sect.
As long as they could gain entry into Eastern Victory Divine Continent, the door would be opened, and things would be much easier in the future.
"When do we take action?" Haotian asked directly.
"You and I both know that Divine Continent's fortune is immense, and it still holds the last opportunity for a Saint's position."
"To directly pull Divine Continent into the Earthly Immortal Realm is extremely difficult. It requires ample preparation. Even with our combined efforts, it would still be arduous. We must wait until the mortal world and the Earthly Immortal Realm are at their closest, and the space barrier is at its weakest only then can we accomplish it in one move," Tathagata said with a faint smile.
"When?" Haotian looked at Tathagata in surprise.
"When the time comes."
"I will inform the Heavenly Emperor."
"It won't be long within one or two years," Tathagata smiled.
Upon hearing this,
Haotian's eyes narrowed slightly as he scrutinized Tathagata for a moment.
"You've been planning to pull the mortal world into the Earthly Immortal Realm all along," Haotian said, his tone tinged with anger.
"Has the Heavenly Emperor forgotten which sect I once belonged to?"
"Even though the Heavenly Dao is in chaos and fate is unclear, deciphering the will of Heaven has always been my specialty."
"This time, after the Heavenly Emperor returns to the Celestial Court, I hope to hear an official decree approving the eastward spread of Buddhism."
"Only then can our Buddhist sect cooperate with the Celestial Court."
Tathagata smiled slightly, his seemingly warm expression carrying an undertone of veiled threat.
With the rules of the Heavenly Dao now incomplete, oaths sworn to Heaven had become little more than a joke.
Forcing Haotian to issue a decree would effectively cut off any possibility of him reneging on his promise.
"Fine," Haotian responded coldly, unwilling to say more.
With a flash, he vanished from the space.
Watching Haotian leave, a triumphant smile finally appeared on Tathagata's face.
"The Saints have departed."
"The fate of Heaven and Earth now largely rests in the hands of my Buddhist sect and the Celestial Court."
"You covet the illusory opportunity for sainthood in the mortal world, while I desire the fortune of the Eastern Continent."
"If I can seize all of the Eastern Continent's fate, perhaps I will be able to take that final step."
"Sainthood…"
"What a distant yet awe-inspiring realm."
A look of deep ambition flickered in Duobao Tathagata's eyes.
Having witnessed firsthand the boundless power of the Saints, who wouldn't dream of possessing such might?
To overturn Heaven and Earth, to shatter and remake reality itself even to create a world of one's own.
Since the disappearance of the Saints, this had become the ultimate goal of all the great divine beings.
Whether it was Haotian, Tathagata, or the many great immortals of the Earthly Immortal Realm
They all longed for it.
Celestial Court
Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the Grand White Venus held a sacred decree.
"The decree of the Heavenly Emperor."
"As of today"
"The Celestial Court and the Buddhist sect have agreed to an alliance. Therefore, when the mortal world returns to the Earthly Immortal Realm, Buddhism shall be permitted to spread eastward, but only within the Southern Continent and the regions bordering the Eastern Continent."
"Heaven and Earth bear witness to this."
The Grand White Venus read the decree aloud in a solemn voice.
Hearing these words, all the assembled immortals and deities were left in stunned silence.
Yet, with the emperor's throne empty, even those filled with doubt had no means to object.
Earthly Immortal Realm
In just three short months, Zhao Feng's fifty thousand elite soldiers had conquered hundreds of thousands of miles of territory.
The surrounding small nations near the Ao Lai Kingdom had all fallen under the dominion of the Great Qin Empire.
Much like when they had seized control of Ao Lai Kingdom, Zhao Feng's forces hardly had to expend any effort.
Simply revealing their supernatural abilities was enough to make these mortal kingdoms believe celestial beings had descended, prompting them to kneel in submission.
The Celestial Court's practice of keeping the people of the Eastern Continent subjugated had instilled in them a deep, soul-level reverence for immortals leaving them far too afraid to resist.
This, in turn, worked greatly to Zhao Feng's advantage.
Martial City
Once the capital of a small kingdom, Zhao Feng had renamed it Martial City, establishing it as the temporary capital of Great Qin within the Earthly Immortal Realm.
At this moment
Inside the grand hall of the palace, Zhao Feng sat on the throne.
Below him stood his leading generals, as well as several civil officials.
"Your Highness,"
"In less than three months, we have gained control over hundreds of thousands of miles of territory and a population of over a hundred million."
"This expansion has been far faster than even our conquests in the mortal world," Han Fei remarked in amazement.
After Zhao Feng had carved out a foothold in the Earthly Immortal Realm, Han Fei had personally requested to be assigned there to oversee governance.
Zhao Feng had readily agreed.
"In this realm, mortals have been utterly reduced to livestock under the rule of celestial beings," Zhao Feng said with a calm smile.
"To them, our martial arts techniques seem indistinguishable from divine power how could they possibly resist?"
"That said, this situation is to our great advantage."
"It means that as we continue to conquer the mortal nations of this realm, we will face little resistance."
"Your Highness,"
"I must admit, I'm curious about something."
"Our forces have already swallowed up over a dozen smaller nations, gaining control of more than a hundred million people. We've even discovered the existence of immortal sects, though we've yet to take action against them."
"But why haven't they stopped us?"
"They act as if they haven't even noticed our military campaigns," Wei Quan asked in confusion.
"Because they see themselves as above it all."
"They don't care about mortals."
"In their eyes, mortal conflicts are nothing more than petty squabbles," Zhao Feng explained with a smirk.
"This is also why I have temporarily concealed the name of Great Qin."
"If we were to announce ourselves openly, it might invite unforeseen complications."
"Your Highness is truly wise."
"In just three short months, Great Qin has already gained a vast population and sprawling lands."
"As we continue to expand, our empire's power and fortune will only grow stronger," Han Fei said with a satisfied smile.
"However"
"The so-called Ascension Ceremony of the immortal sects is approaching."
"I suspect"
"Great Qin is about to have its first true encounter with the celestial beings of this world."
Zhao Feng's voice grew serious.
Just as Zhao Feng finished speaking
Above Wu City, the sky suddenly gathered clouds, and a powerful celestial aura descended.
As the clouds dispersed, a hundred disciples clad in Daoist robes appeared atop floating clouds.
"The immortals have arrived!"
"Pay respects to the immortals!"
"The Ascension Ceremony is finally beginning!"
"This is wonderful!"
"My son has already turned ten he can participate in the Ascension Ceremony."
"Once he joins an immortal sect, he is sure to become an immortal himself! Our family will rise with him and become a family of immortals!"
"Indeed! Every year, many talented individuals with spiritual roots are selected to enter the immortal sects. My son has been able to stir the surrounding spiritual energy while practicing the Qi Refining Technique this proves he has spiritual roots!"
"Congratulations!"
"Your family is about to produce an immortal!"
"However, we are no longer in Ying Kingdom we are now in the Wu Kingdom. Could this cause any problems for the Ascension Ceremony?"
"What problems could there be?"
"Immortals are all part of the same lineage. The Ascension Ceremony will proceed as usual."
...
Seeing the immortals appear in the sky, the countless citizens of the city were filled with excitement.
Of course, the Ascension Ceremony was not limited to the capital. Any city with a population exceeding five hundred thousand would have an immortal sect disciple dispatched to conduct spiritual root examinations.
"Your Highness, they arrived quite quickly," Wei Quan remarked, gazing up at the sky with a smirk.
"A Heaven Immortal, fifty Earth Immortals, and over three hundred others at the Nascent Soul and Unity stages."
"This must be only the contingent for a single kingdom."
"It seems we have underestimated these immortal sects," Zhao Feng said solemnly.
"Your Highness, the troops are fully prepared," Wei Quan reported.
"We have already set up formations in the former capitals of these various kingdoms. If they dare to come, the formations you granted us will be enough to annihilate them."
"Relay my orders to Liu Shi and the others capture them if possible; if not, kill them."
"Come, let's watch the show."
Zhao Feng chuckled and strode toward the entrance.
High above, the leading Heaven Immortal cast a haughty glance around before speaking in a commanding voice:
"The ruler of Ying Kingdom, present yourself at once!"
Zhao Feng stepped forward at a measured pace.
"Ying Kingdom no longer exists."
"This is now the Wu Kingdom."
His voice was calm.
"Regardless of whether it is Ying or Wu Kingdom," the Heaven Immortal said coldly, "have you prepared the offerings for this year's Ascension Ceremony?"
"I don't like talking to people who remain standing."
"Kneel before me."
With a single word, Zhao Feng pressed down with his hand.
In an instant
All the immortal sect disciples in the sky, without any chance to react, were suppressed by an overwhelming force. They were all forced to their knees on the clouds, completely unable to resist the immense pressure bearing down on them.
Seeing this, the tens of thousands of citizens in the city were completely stunned.
"Immortals… The immortals are kneeling?"
"What is happening?"
"How could immortals be in such a state?"
The entire crowd was at a loss, as the scene before them shattered everything they had ever believed about immortals.
At this moment, Zhao Feng clasped his hands behind his back and stepped into the sky.
He walked calmly toward the kneeling immortals.
"Immortals, are they truly that powerful?"
His voice was indifferent.
"You… Who are you?"
"How dare you treat the Kunlun Sect with such disrespect?"
"The Kunlun Sect is a great immortal sect! How dare you humiliate us like this?"
The leading Heaven Immortal glared at Zhao Feng in rage.
"Kunlun?"
"So what?"
Zhao Feng chuckled.
Then, his gaze shifted downward, sweeping over the astonished citizens.
"My people."
"I am your king."
"Do you see? The immortals you feared and revered are now kneeling before me like insects."
"They are not invincible. They are not omnipotent."
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