In the simulated world, Pei Xuanjing as the greatest power of that world, acting as the Divine Dynasty that united the whole world, the power of the faith gathered is unimaginably immense.
The Sanbao Jade Ruyi in his hands now is a terrifying divine artifact, possessing the power to suppress Heaven and Earth. As long as he gets permission from Pei Xuanjing, even an ordinary martial artist who has the chance to wield this artifact can possibly suppress and kill strong warriors of the Spirit Realm Sixth Level.
Of course, for ordinary martial artists, their small amount of power would be drained by the artifact before they have a chance to trigger it.
The Sanbao Jade Ruyi in Pei Xuanjing's hand absorbs countless faith power accumulated over the years as an emperor, and it doesn't need to be triggered.
As the power of faith flows into it, the aura of the Sanbao Jade Ruyi in his hand seems to become smoother; the power of Heaven and Earth will resist it less and less and eventually dissipate.
Pei Xuanjing put away the Sanbao Jade Ruyi and took out a replica of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty from his sleeve.
"Unfortunately, I could not bring the original Golden Book and Jade Scroll belonging to the Eternal Divine Dynasty, even the life simulator could only guide some projection powers back. Luckily, I had a replica of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty in my hands, or else I would have missed it," Pei Xuanjing expressed somewhat gratefully.
The Golden Book and Jade Scroll are gifts bestowed by Heaven and Earth to the Divine Dynasty. Even as the god of the Eternal Divine Dynasty in that world, Pei Xuanjing could not bring the Golden Book and Jade Scroll after the life simulation ended. Ultimately, the rewards given by the simulator were merely some projection power of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll.
The Golden Book and Jade Scroll are very special, and ordinary objects can hardly withstand them. If Pei Xuanjing didn't have a replica of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll in this world, he would not have been able to get the projection power. The final result would be either its dissipation or its fusion into Zhu Houji's Golden Book and Jade Scroll.
"Although the level of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll of the Eternal Divine Dynasty is only moderate, the power of the Eternal Divine Dynasty is stronger than that of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Therefore, will the fusion of these powers into the Golden Book and Jade Scroll increase the power of my replica?" Pei Xuanjing was very curious.
Although he hasn't used this Golden Book and Jade Scroll, for him, it still held high importance as one of his tokens of authority. If he didn't have it, many things in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty wouldn't have been possible.
Buzz, buzz…
Pei Xuanjing's Golden Book and Jade Scroll began to glow warmly and slowly floated up after receiving such force.
At the same time, Zhu Houji, inside the Imperial City, instantly furrowed his brows, noticing the changes in his Golden Book and Jade Scroll.
The Golden Book and Jade Scroll is extremely important to Zhu Houji, absolutely not allowing any mishap, so he immediately stopped his actions.
"Your Majesty?" Huang Jin, who was standing beside him, noticed the emperor's change and softly called out.
Zhu Houji said without looking up: "I'm busy with something right now. Let the people waiting outside go back first."
"Yes!" Huang Jin responded decisively, without asking any questions.
Zhu Houji put down the things in his hands and went into the back hall alone with the Golden Book and Jade Scroll. He placed it in front of his eyes and releases the power of his Yin Spirit to carefully sense the changes in the Golden Book and Jade Scroll.
Even though he had fully refined this Golden Book and Jade Scroll and could feel it was changing for the better, Zhu Houji still wouldn't let his guard down without knowing the reason. He put aside all other matters and focused entirely on the Golden Book and Jade Scroll.
While carefully observing the changes in the Golden Book and Jade Scroll, he was also pondering the possible reasons for its sudden change.
This Golden Book and Jade Scroll is related to the Divine Position and fate of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, its changes are generally brought by the strength of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Apart from the few years at the beginning of the Divine Dynasty, the acceleration of progress has gradually slowed down.
But now, this Golden Book and Jade Scroll suddenly went through a drastic change, the speed of the abrupt increase is even faster than at the beginning of the Divine Dynasty, which startled Zhu Houji.
"Could there have been some abnormality in Master Pei's situation?"
Zhu Houji recalled the recent changes in the celestial phenomena and the terrifying aura just emitted from the Taoist Academy, and a speculation rose in his heart.
Since nothing has happened in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty at the moment, it is very likely that something has happened to Master Pei. After all, he still holds a replica of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll; if something on his side triggers the Golden Book and Jade Scroll, it will naturally affect the change in his main copy.
…
After a long time, when the replica of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll had completely absorbed the power of the projection, it seemed even more refined than at the beginning. Pei Xuanjing grabbed it in his hand.
Pei Xuanjing felt the Golden Book and Jade Scroll replica in his hand, calming his mind to sense the changes within it.
In the instant it was in his hands, Pei Xuanjing could feel that the power of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll replica had become much stronger, almost doubling.
For example, if the battle power boost given to him by having the Golden Book and Jade Scroll was *1 before, it should be a *10 boost now.
Besides that, Pei Xuanjing also discovered something else—after the increase in power of his replica Golden Book and Jade Scroll, the Divine Position it could condense also increased, and his authority became greater too.
If before, Pei Xuanjing could only control one-fourth of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty's power using the replica Golden Book and Jade Scroll, now he could control one-third.
"If just the replica of the Golden Book and Jade Scroll could benefit this much, then in this common situation, the main copy should also receive considerable benefits." Pei Xuanjing thought.
He suddenly felt that his cheap disciple was a person of Heavenly Mandate. He only needed to sit in the Imperial City to share the fruits of Pei Xuanjing's hard-earned simulation of life.
However, this was unavoidable. Unless he gave up this Golden Book and Jade Scroll replica or stormed into the Imperial City, usurped the throne, and became the emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, he could only deal with the current circumstances.
But as someone who has already been emperor of a Divine Dynasty in the life simulation, Pei Xuanjing held no interest in this position.
…
Pei Xuanjing came out of his secluded training place, preparing to take a look around the academy and see the changes over the years.
But before he could, he saw Qingyang Zi already standing in front of him.
"QingYang Zi pays respects to the Headmaster," Qingyang Zi greeted.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled, "You've worked hard during this period, Taoist friend. Thank you for looking after academy matters."
Pei Xuanjing originally referred to Qingyang Zi as a senior, inheriting this title from his martial academy days. Even when Pei Xuanjing's strength had vastly surpassed Qingyang Zi, he did not change how he referred to him.
However, Qingyang Zi insisted on being called otherwise. Given Pei Xuanjing's current strength, hardly anyone could be legitimately referred to as his senior. Especially as Qingyang Zi and Xuanjing's fellow apprentice, Qingxu Taoist, were peers, he could not possibly address Qingyang Zi as his senior, so this appellation naturally ceased.
Qingyang Zi shook his head repeatedly, saying: "This is merely part of my duties, no hardship involved. Besides, the position of instructor in the Taoist Academy is one which many people yearn for. If anything, I'm the one benefiting."
To Qingyang Zi who had formerly managed the Martial Academy, the responsibility of managing the Taoist Academy for the past few years was hardly a challenge or complication, and certainly wasn't effortful.
In fact, Pei Xuanjing's invitation freed him from several nuisances, saving him abundant worry.
From what he knew, the issues and complications he encountered in the True Martial Sect existed in many major power circles around the world. The greater the force, the more conflicts arise.
From his current position, many of his peers who dislike power struggles yearn to secure an instructor's position in the Taoist Academy.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled lightly and ceased to speak. Following this, he was led by Qingyang Zi on a stroll through the Taoist Academy, learning about the developments of both the Academy and the world.
This simulation of Pei Xuanjing's life lasted approximately five years. However, in the context of the current Daming World, where every day brought rapid changes, five years were significant.
In these five years, following the rules set by Pei Xuanjing, the Taoist Academy admitted two batches of disciples. Presently, the number of disciples in the academy exceeded six thousand, and there were nearly a hundred instructors.
"I must say, your strategies are indeed effective, master. By now, approximately 70 percent of all martial arts skills have been cataloged in the Taoist Academy. No other place comes close in terms of the number of martial arts skills they possess," commented Qingyang Zi, somewhat in awe.
Exchanging contribution points for martial arts skills was an inconceivable concept to many ordinary martial artists.
Pei Xuanjing nodded and asked, "Have there been any problems?"
He had initially implemented this strategy temporarily, but could not monitor later operations due to time restraints, as he spent the majority of these five years in cultivation retreat.
However, Pei Xuanjing was not worried about any problems arising from these plans. After familiarizing himself with this initiative during the life simulation, and assuming control of the Eternal Divine Dynasty, he became proficient in implementing the scheme. All he needed to do was replicate it here.
"Indeed, there is one problem and that's private teaching," Qingyang Zi said with a frown, "Some people disseminate the skills privately to those they're close to after exchanging them."
From the Taoist Academy's perspective, this would be undermining their authority, as those people only paid a one-time amount of contribution points to acquire the skills from the academy; even though they earnestly forbid private dissemination. But the allure of profit is so great, some still risk punishment by conducting illicit trades.
Even with Pei Xuanjing's backing, the support from Taoist School, and the Great Ming imperial court strictly prohibiting private teaching, transgressions were inevitable.
From the very first day skills were exchanged for contribution points, this situation has happened. Even paying the ultimate price did not deter many from breaking the rules.
Fortunately, the most widely circulated are mostly low and intermediate-level martial arts. High-level martial arts being precious and most first-class martial artists listed in Bai Xiaosheng and Factory Guard Six Gates' records, such incidents were less common.
However, in Qingyang Zi's view, this issue should not be overlooked. If allowed to continue unchecked, more people might flock in. Especially with the continuous rejuvenation of the world and the increasing number of first and second-rate martial artists after Pei Xuanjing revealed how to fix the deficiencies in heterodox cultivator's practice, it's impossible for Bai Xiaosheng and Factory Guard Six Gates' records to fully cover them.
"This is not a big problem, I naturally have a way to solve it," Pei Xuanjing laughed, confidently.
He had anticipated this problem. After all, where there is profit, there will be people willing to take risks.
If this were before the life simulation, he wouldn't have known how to solve it even if he was aware of the problem. But, having experienced the sim, he devised a corresponding strategy.
In the life simulation, Pei Xuanjing also encountered the same problem when he introduced the skill exchange. Even killing countless people did not stop some from taking risks.
Thus, he changed his approach and aimed to resolve this at its roots.
Skill Sealing, Uniqueness.
This was the key to protect skill leakage. Once the origin was sealed, there would be no worries.
In the simulation, Pei Xuanjing took a simple approach: he managed the dissemination of skills himself.
This may seem incredible, but there was no denying that Pei Xuanjing achieved it effortlessly.
Based on Pei Xuanjing's strength now, regardless of his spiritual consciousness, his power is terrifying. He can divide his consciousness into thousands. Every single one of them may seem ordinary to cultivators of the same realm, but to those of lower realms, it was incredibly influential and mystical.
During the simulation, Pei Xuanjing constructed countless divine statues in the Eternal Divine Dynasty. He divided his consciousness into numerous parts which, receiving power from the Power of Incense Fire, allowed them to exist for a long time.
He then treated these fragments as if they were exclusive NPCs in a game, instructing those who wanted to exchange for skills. During the teaching process, the consciousness would establish a seal that would disperse the skill and erase the receiver's memory when they attempted to privately disseminate.
With his current abilities, if Pei Xuanjing truly wished to erase someone's memory silently, very few could resist.
Pei Xuanjing could easily categorize these spiritual consciousness into several levels, imparting different skills to people with different abilities.
Once he differentiated the strong spiritual consciousness, even a powerful cultivator at the Spirit Realm Sixth Level would find it impossible to deceive Pei Xuanjing.
"Since the Dean has perfected his plan, then Old Taoist can rest assured," Qingyang Zi laughed.
Since he had agreed to manage the Taoist Academy for Pei Xuanjing, he naturally had to bear the responsibility. Therefore, after identifying this issue, he was quite worried and attempted to find a solution. If this problem could not be resolved, it would inevitably affect Pei Xuanjing's subsequent plans.
However, even after consulting some people, they were either limited by their strength or vision and had not come up with an appropriate solution, which made Qingyang Zi feel uncomfortable.
Therefore, when Pei Xuanjing asked, he promptly pointed out this oversight, hoping that Pei Xuanjing wouldn't neglect it. Learning that Pei Xuanjing already had a solution, he naturally felt overjoyed.
After they finished discussing this topic, they talked about the great changes in the world during the years when Pei Xuanjing was in seclusion. In just a short span of five years, the world underwent earth-shaking changes.
Firstly, the changes in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. In recent years, the Great Ming Divine Dynasty had undergone rapid development, particularly with the lure of the Divine Position related to their lifespan. Government Officials from the Great Ming Divine Dynasty showed unprecedented enthusiasm and actively improved their abilities.
Especially after refining the Divine Positions, they used their right to act on behalf of the heavens to balance and control the weather, resulting in abundant harvests across the nation.
After annexing territories outside the border spanning thousands of miles, growing population pressure within the Great Ming was alleviated. Numerous commoners migrated outside the border where lands were distributed.
There was still a lot of land left in the hands of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, even after distributing countless lands to various forces, as their fiefs.
Additionally, these forces, though they acquired fiefs, also lacked civilians. Therefore, it was a win-win situation as countless civilians were relocated beyond the border.
With the authority of the Divine Position in hand, the Great Ming Divine Dynasty used these powers to improve the land and weather conditions outside the border, making it more suitable for habitation.
Though everyone knew clearly that such actions would inevitably make these forces even more powerful, the Great Ming Divine Dynasty had to do it because the burgeoning population was a burden. If the issue wasn't solved timely, even a promoted Divine Dynasty could not guarantee the prevention of big conflicts in the future.
On the other hand, by relocating people outside the border – even if these people were to be absorbed by other forces – it might potentially sow the seeds of problems in the future. However, now they could seize the opportunity for a rapid rise in power. As long as they had a powerful Divine Dynasty, they could solve these future issues.
While regular government officials might not comprehend which is the lesser of the two evils, the Council Elders understood it. Hence, after the Emperor and many Council Elders made the decision, almost no one dared to oppose it.
Minister of the Ministry of Rites Yan Weizhong personally presided over this, and even a rising general under Wang Boan named Yu Xunya was sent to carry out this task in the aftermath of the war beyond the borders.
"Speaking of Yu Xunya, there is an interesting event, I wonder if the Dean heard of it?" Qingyang Zi said, laughing as he brought up this person.
Pei Xuanjing's spiritual consciousness moved, recalling when he heard this name.
Yu Xunya, a merit official from the Great Ming. His ancestors followed the founding Emperor of the Great Ming to establish the empire. Later, they received the inheritance of lands and, even though they were not given titles, they were also hereditary chieftains. By the time of Yu Xunya, he was a hereditary chieftain of a hundred households.
Later when Yu Xunya grew up, he was given the position of chieftain of a thousand households due to his outstanding natural martial arts talent. From then on, he rose steadily, making significant achievements.
During his tenure as a chieftain, an interesting incident occurred. His place was close to the South Chan Sect of Buddhism. Hearing of the formidable martial arts skills of the Chan Sect disciples, he took the initiative to challenge all the monks of the South Chan Sect at his own realm with martial arts. He defeated all the monks, and never once lost. The members of the South Chan Sect did not blame him for this and even sent disciples to learn from him, following his leadership.
This incident gave him great fame, and he caught the attention of Wang Boan.
"Those old guys from Buddhism really know how to make hay while the sun shines, they shamelessly tagged along," Qingyang Zi sneered.
Being challenged by a chieftain from the imperial court and being defeated every single time, any other force that suffered such a disgrace would politely ask the person to leave.
Only the Buddhism Sect would see someone else's potential and, ignoring the loss of face, want to take advantage of it.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled, "Every time-honored force has its unique characteristics."
He didn't mock their idea, indeed, this move from the Buddhism Sect was impressive. All that aside, didn't the Taoist School play the same game as the Buddhism Sect, and even exceeded them sometimes?
After all, what's the matter with losing face? To these age-old forces, benefit was the most concrete thing, and everything else could be abandoned.
The smile on Qingyang Zi's face froze, apparently, he also remembered some things about the Taoist School.
He changed the subject, "Speaking of which, someone from the Demonic Cult has emerged, who has quite a connection with the Dean."
"Oh?" Pei Xuanjing was somewhat surprised, "How could I be related to someone from the Demonic Cult?"
He had few interactions with the Demonic Cult, so he could not figure out how he could be related to them.
"Does the Dean still remember Blood Demon Yang Tinghe?" Qingyang Zi mentioned when he saw Pei Xuanjing had no impression.
"Yang Tinghe, didn't he already die? Is it related to him?" Pei Xuanjing had a flash of surprise in his eyes.
Blood Demon Yang Tinghe was merely a trifling opponent whom Pei Xuanjing had met. But because of his death, he took the opportunity to seize power and start his plan. Therefore, he still had some memory of this man.
At that time, the people from the Demonic Cult were involved in the assassination attempt on Emperor Wuzong in Tiandu. Once Blood Demon Yang Tinghe's identity as a member of the Demonic Cult was exposed, it was unlikely that anyone would believe that he had not participated it. As a result, the entire Yang Clan was imprisoned.
Qingyang Zi sighed, "Although Yang Tinghe died, and his family was connected to it, it's a pity that some people escaped. One of them was Yang Tinghe's eldest son, Yang Yongxiu."