Time passed and the leader of the Nefarious Alliance, Zhao Baiyang, came out of seclusion. He broke into the ongoing battlefield between the human race and the demon race, successively killing several great demons who were on the sixth level of the Spirit Realm and even went toe-to-toe with a Demon King who was on the seventh level, emerging unscathed from the battle. This sent shockwaves through the world.
No one expected this, Zhao Baiyang, who had not taken action in decades, would show such strength. Many forces that had once looked down on the Nefarious Alliance instantly changed their previous attitudes and began to reinspect their stance.
Being able to contend with a Demon King at the seventh level of the Spirit Realm and remain unscathed, even though he didn't suppress the Demon King, at least proved that he was capable of fighting at the same level.
Such a strong individual, even in the Sky Wasteland, could be classified as one of the top powerhouses, singlehandedly able to support a second-rate faction, and qualify to dominate one side.
Therefore, with Zhao Baiyang now having such qualifications, the powerful forces in the Sky Wasteland must change their attitudes toward the Nefarious Alliance, as they now pose a threat to their own standing.
The clearest indicator was that outside territories of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, some forces that had been targeting the Nefarious Alliance abruptly changed their styles and chose to concede many resources.
This alone proved just how clear and stark the understanding of "survival of the fittest" was among the powers of the Sky Wasteland.
They clearly understood that Zhao Baiyang was fully aware of their targeting of the Nefarious Alliance. His active move against the demon race was a show of strength. If they did not heed this warning, then Zhao Baiyang would certainly not show mercy.
No matter what they thought, the current situation did not allow them to act against the Nefarious Alliance. After all, there were plenty of unowned lands. Why provoke a powerful figure over such a matter?
Zhao Baiyang was very satisfied with this outcome.
However, just then, another major event happened.
Xue Wuheng, the leader of the Demonic Cult, emerged from seclusion. He located Wang Changqing of the Hell Demon Sect, forcefully killed him, but let Yang Yongxiu escape.
Even so, Xue Wuheng's slaying of Wang Changqing surprised many powerful forces.
After all, everyone was well aware of the incident where Wang Changqing and Yang Yongxiu had ambushed Xue Wuheng. But it was surprising when the injured Wang Changqing was counterattacked by Xue Wuheng.
Now, thirty years had passed, and Wang Changqing's wounds should have healed. Wang Changqing, a cultivator of the demonic way from the Hell Demon Sect, had many hidden aces up his sleeve. However, he was killed by Xue Wuheng. This undoubtedly confirmed the rapid progress Xue Wuheng had made in these thirty years.
First, it was Zhao Baiyang, and now Xue Wuheng. Their successive actions shocked both the Sky Wasteland and the Daming World.
Before the revival of Heaven and Earth, these individuals were powerful forces suppressing the world. However, with the changes brought by the revival, their strengths were continuously improving. But compared to the emerging powerful forces from the Sky Wasteland, they inevitably seemed a bit lacking, gradually distancing themselves from the top.
Many people believed that after the revival reached its peak and ancient powers from the Sky Wasteland returned, these original powerhouses would inevitably become indistinguishable from ordinary people, losing their ability to stir up the world.
Some argued that these individuals had become history. In their view, the only ones capable of stirring up the world and claiming a place when Great World truly arrives would be Pei Xuanjing, who overwhelmed the world at the time, and His Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty.
However, the reality proved many people wrong. The actions of Zhao Baiyang and Xue Wuheng told everyone that they were still relevant and maintained their position at the very top.
Many wondered if these two could achieve this, what about those powerhouses, who once ranked alongside them?
Could individuals like Taoist Qingxu and Elder Tianshi also have made tremendous progress and possess great strength during these thirty years?
If these two individuals also made significant progress, then what about that person hidden within the depths of the Taoist Academy? Thirty years ago, he could easily suppress cultivators of the seventh level of the Spirit Realm. With thirty more years having passed, his strength might have become even stronger.
This thought added pressure to many powerhouses in the Sky Wasteland. The revival of the Heaven and Earth in the ancestral land seemed to not possess the straightforward advantage they had imagined.
Of course, nobody would forget His Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Despite his lack of action, no one would ignore this powerhouse as the Great Ming Divine Dynasty continually grew stronger.
"The strength of these two individuals has actually reached such an extent. It seems that over these thirty years, everyone has advanced without pausing." Zhu Houji's indifferent voice echoed throughout the palace.
At this moment, he was not wearing a yellow robe. Instead, he had put on a Taoist robe. Paired with his lean stature, he had the appearance of a Taoist immortal.
Although he hadn't thought like many others, assuming that Zhao Baiyang and Xue Wuheng would blend into the crowd, he did not expect that they would make such progress in only thirty years.
"What do you think, how much has Master Pei gained in these thirty years? To which step has he advanced in his realm?" Zhu Houji looked at Wu Shijiu and asked.
Ever since cooperating with Wu Shijiu and understanding his objectives, their relationship had grown closer, and they became increasingly intertwined by mutual interests.
Upon hearing the Emperor's question, Wu Shijiu hesitated for a moment, his eyes shone brightly, then he shook his head slightly and said, "Wu Shijiu is not certain."
The Nine Realms of Spirit, each step is like ascending the heavens. After stepping into the seventh level of the Spiritual Realm, no one could easily make further progress, even those with exceptional talents.
From the seventh level to the eighth level of the Spiritual Realm is one step at a time. This hurdle might be too high for many to cross in their lifetime. Thirty years were but the blink of an eye for a cultivator at the seventh level of the Spirit Realm. To achieve another breakthrough in such short a time was not easy.
However, the person he faced was Pei Xuanjing.
Considering Pei Xuanjing's extraordinary journey, anyone else would not have achieved his current prominence. Yet, Pei Xuanjing had done so.
Therefore, despite his own experiences, Wu Shijiu dared not judge Pei Xuanjing's progress based on common sense.
"Indeed, Master Pei's mystery is known to none." Zhu Houji sighed.
Master Pei was indeed mysterious. It seemed that his hidden strength could never be fully revealed. It seemed impossible ever to gauge the depth of his strength fully. He could always break people's conventional thinking, so no one dared to underestimate him.
"Let's put aside Master Pei's matter for now. Your trouble seems to be approaching." Zhu Houji said to Wu Shijiu.
"Indeed, trouble is coming." A hint of murderous intent flashed in Wu Shijiu's eyes.
Wu Shijiu was a member of a top-tier force in Sky Wasteland, the Witch Deity Teaching. Originally, as a powerful figure of the Eightfold Spirit Realm, his status within the Witch Deity Teaching was quite prominent.
However, some incidents led to a huge conflict between him and the Witch Deity Teaching, resulting in an explosive fight. Wu Shijiu fought against a cultivator of the Nine Realms of Spirit and barely escaped with his life, but was seriously injured.
If it weren't for the resurgence of Heaven and Earth in the Ancestral Land, he would have been relentlessly pursued by numerous powerful figures of the Witch Deity Teaching within Sky Wasteland, and it's uncertain whether he could have survived.
After all, the Witch Deity Teaching, a legacy from ancient times, existed since the tribal era. Especially their divine abilities and skills involving tracking curses were bizarre. Even Wu Shijiu, a member of Witch Deity Teaching, was unsure if he knew them all.
Ordinarily, a cultivator of Wu Shijiu's realm would have superior self-awareness and would not put too much faith in luck. Compared to luck, they trust more in their own strength.
However, after arriving at the Ancestral Land, Wu Shijiu had to admit that his luck had indeed taken a fantastic turn; becoming acquainted with Pei Xuanjing, the rise of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, all af these events greatly benefited the severely injured Wu Shijiu.
The Witch Deity Teaching, with its ancient lineage, originally had a status within the human race akin to that of a priesthood. Being able to gain the trust of the human king and being nourished by the Qi Luck of humanity greatly aided Witch Deity Teaching. The ascension of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty undoubtedly allowed Wu Shijiu to envision this possibility.
Hence, Wu Shijiu willingly offered to assist when he learned that Pei Xuanjing planned to help the Great Ming Empire ascend to a divine dynasty. As for the deal originally proposed, Wu Shijiu didn't take it seriously at first, using it merely as a pretext.
Only those who have truly faced cultivators of the Nine Realms of Spirit would understand just how terrifying such individuals can be. The foundation of the Witch Deity Teaching is also not something the Great Ming Divine Dynasty could oppose. Even if they possess the high-grade Golden Book and Jade Scroll, the still-growing Great Ming Divine Dynasty has no ability to counter an apex force like the Witch Deity Teaching.
Wu Shijiu's initial plan was simple: help the Great Ming Divine Dynasty ascend successfully, then nourish his injuries with the Qi Luck and offerings from the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. As long as he recovers before the return of the Witch Deity Teaching's people, he should be able to protect himself, even if he can't win.
As for anyone else, Wu Shijiu simply didn't care and wouldn't care.
However, by this point, Wu Shijiu realized that some things had taken an entirely unexpected turn. Pei Xuanjing's growth rate was too fast. In a few short decades, Pei Xuanjing had trodden a path that would take most cultivators hundreds of years to walk, and had truly become a mighty figure of this world.
Moreover, as someone who interacted extensively with the current Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, he could clearly sense a terrifying strength lurking beneath the frail body. Should the emperor truly unleash his power, it would surely be earth-shattering.
Consequently, Wu Shijiu changed his initial plan. If the Great Ming Divine Dynasty had potential, why then, should he discard it?
After all, regardless of the situation, having someone to face the people of the Witch Deity Teaching together was always better than facing them alone.
"Rest assured, Master, I keep my promises," said Zhu Houji, his voice calm and collected.
Through their many years together, he had come to roughly understand Wu Shijiu's thoughts. As for what Wu Shijiu truly intended, Zhu Houji didn't care.
As an emperor, he naturally understood that some people didn't need to be loyal. They merely needed to be useful.
If he intended to develop the Great Ming Divine Dynasty into an immortal dynasty, he had to be magnanimous. If he lacked this basic level of tolerance, how could he speak of the future?
"Thank you, your Majesty," Wu Shijiu replied with a smile.
...
The Taoist Academy.
Upon hearing that his Master has left seclusion, Pang Hong immediately came to the Taoist Academy to pay respect to his master. He did this as is befitting of a disciple and also to report some matters to his master, so his master could make a decision.
Pei Xuanjing sat on the master seat, playing with the Sanbao Jade Ruyi in his hand, his expression indifferent as he listened to Pang Hong's report, offering no opinion.
Although he physically resided in the Taoist Academy, his spiritual consciousness had already spread throughout the Great Ming territory, covering all sub-academies of the Taoist Academy. He was practically aware of the major events happening in the world, virtually knowing everything without ever leaving his residence.
Pei Xuanjing wasn't very concerned with the occurrences in the world reported by Pang Hong. He truly wanted to understand the reactions of various forces over the past few decades, along with the attitudes of those returning from the Sky Wasteland.
If Pei Xuanjing wished to promote his ideas and set rules for all cultivators, he inevitably needed to make some preparations.
Before that, he needed to make a judgment: among the many forces returning from Sky Wasteland, which ones could be won over, which ones couldn't be, and which ones could remain neutral…
Only after making such judgments, could he prescribe the most suitable solutions.
"You've worked hard over these years, not only diligently managing the affairs of the Shenxiao Sect but also keeping up with your cultivation. This makes me very gratified," Pei Xuanjing praised Pang Hong.
For the past few decades, Pei Xuanjing concentrated on cultivation in seclusion and handed all matters to Pang Hong. Pang Hong not only handled the affairs of the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist School, but also advanced his cultivation to the Fourth Level of the Spiritual Realm. This evidently showed his hard work.
Perhaps the Fourth Level of the Spiritual Realm might not amount to much in Pei Xuanjing's eyes now, and compared to the cultivators from Sky Wasteland, this achievement might be insignificant, but when Pang Hong's efforts were taken into account, it held significance.
"All this is part of a disciple's duty. There's no hardship involved," Pang Hong replied, shaking his head.
From an initial nobody who relied on connections to enter the Martial Academy, to his current status – this was a result that the former Pang Hong wouldn't have dared to dream of. Hence, he conscientiously reminded himself that everything he had was given by his Master and he was obligated to repay his Master, doing everything for him was the least he could do, without shirking his duties.
As far as Pang Hong is concerned, as long as he can do something for his Master, even if it cost him his life, he wouldn't hesitate or retreat in the slightest.
Upon hearing his words, Pei Xuanjing sighed slightly and said, "Why should it be like this…"
Regarding his disciple, Pei Xuanjing admitted that when he first accepted him, there was a hint of pity involved.
Because when he saw that matured youngster at the Martial Academy, he seemingly saw himself in his younger times, hence his compassion was aroused.
So, everything that followed — his meticulous nurturing, and earnest teachings — happened because of this.
However, Pei Xuanjing has now found that his disciple is possibly taking things a little too seriously. Although it may not be discernible now, when he reaches the stage of cultivation in the future, this may turn into his obsession, his demon.
"To express gratitude is a principle I've learned since I was a child. The master has been merciful to me, without your teachings and nurturing, I wouldn't have been here today." Pang Hong shook his head and said, "I don't think this is an obsession or a demon, it's my principle for living, unchangeable no matter what, and I won't regret it even if it kills me."
Having reached this age, Pang Hong naturally has his own set of beliefs. About the obsessions Pei Xuanjing proposed that may block his cultivation, Pang Hong actually didn't worry or care about it at all.
In his heart, this is precisely what he believes in. He doesn't do this to deliberately flatter, but because he really wants to do so.
Pei Xuanjing was silent, and didn't know how to reason with him.
He's not someone good at persuading others, so when Pang Hong put forth his viewpoint, Pei Xuanjing couldn't immediately reject his understanding.
Thus, the only thing he could do is to switch the topic temporarily, suppress it, and wait for a stealthy influence on him later on.
Moreover, he believed that with his realm, even if his disciple made a mistake during cultivation in the future, he could still save him.
"How has the True Martial Sect been lately, has Taoist Qingxu come out of seclusion?" Pei Xuanjing asked Pang Hong about the situation of the True Martial Sect.
The most suitable person to inquire about the True Martial Sect would originally be Qingyang Zi, who comes from the sect.
Unfortunately, Qingyang Zi entered seclusion before Pei Xuanjing came out, and since he was always in the Taoist Academy, he didn't know much about the sect. Therefore, even if Pei Xuanjing asked, Qingyang Zi wouldn't be clear about it.
Upon hearing his master's inquiry, Pang Hong thought about it and shook his head, "The True Martial Sect has been very low-key these past few decades. Taoist Qingxu has also been in seclusion on Taihe Mountain the entire time, never once setting foot in the martial world."
It's strange to say, but over the years, while various forces have somewhat restrained their expansion due to fear of the people of the Sky Wasteland, they didn't truly stop.
On the contrary, the True Martial Sect has been very low-key. All their disciples have started to return to the mountain. The True Martial Sect's leader, Taoist Qingxu, has not taken a single step into the martial world.
You must know that back in the day when he was atop of the martial world, the Demonic Cult's leader, Xue Wuheng, and the outsider, Zhao Baiyang have both been active lately. It seems they were announcing a comeback to the world.
However, this Taoist Qingxu who was originally superior to the two, has been extremely low-key, almost as if he was invisible.
Hearing these words, Pei Xuanjing nodded, "Well if that's the case, then for now, we shouldn't worry about them."
He didn't believe that Taoist Qingxu would truly decline completely. With such low-key movements, the latter must have his own plans and schemes. Better not to intertwine too closely to avoid arousing suspicion.
At Pei Xuanjing's level, his every move is scrutinized by countless people and powers. If he showed too much concern for the True Martial Sect, it could draw unnecessary attention to the sect and trouble them.
Pang Hong suddenly thought of something and said, "Master, there is something rather strange that I feel like I should bring to your attention."
"What is it?" Pei Xuanjing asked with a smile.
Pang Hong frowned slightly and said, "Several years ago, Elder Bai Xiaosheng suddenly found me. He wanted to entrust me with some people from his lineage. He wanted me to temporarily take control of his authority to monitor the martial world."
Several years ago, Bai Xiaosheng suddenly sought out Pang Hong, saying he wanted to assign some people to him. Such people are part of Bai Xiaosheng's network that investigates information about the martial world. It's his real authority to monitor the world, the core essence which he suddenly handed over to Pang Hong. How could Pang Hong not feel astonished and puzzled?
"Oh?" Pei Xuanjing's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, "Did he give any reason?"
Pang Hong continued, "I also took the initiative to ask the elder, but Elder Bai Xiaosheng said he temporarily didn't need these things. Also, he needed to enter seclusion for a while and was afraid that it might delay matters, so he temporarily entrusted the authority to me until he could take it back when he gets the chance."
Listening to this, it seemed to Pang Hong as if Bai Xiaosheng was planning to hand over the resources he had. It greatly shocked him, but given the circumstances, he didn't know who to turn to and didn't dare to spread the news. Therefore, he could only keep it to himself until he could talk to his master.
Upon hearing this, Pei Xuanjing immediately understood Bai Xiaosheng's intentions. He knew that Bai Xiaosheng was quite worried about the upcoming situation because everything that was happening had gone beyond his control.
After the arrival of Master Tianji in the future, Bai Xiaosheng wouldn't necessarily be able to guarantee his safety, so he needed to make some preparations.
After understanding these matters, Pei Xuanjing nodded and said, "Alright, I understand his intentions. You go ahead and do as he asked."
"Master?" Pang Hong wanted to ask hesitantly.
Pei Xuanjing waved his hand and said, "Knowing about this matter won't be of any help to you. The most important thing for you now is to ensure that you handle the matters at hand well."
"Yes, master." Pang Hong nodded.
Since the master said so, Pang Hong naturally wouldn't ask further.
No matter what happened to Bai Xiaosheng, since his master already knew about it, he'll decide how to proceed. He only needed to do as his master instructed.
Pei Xuanjing then talked to Pang Hong about some matters concerning the development and handling of affairs within the Shenxiao Sect. After finding out that there were no major issues, Pei Xuanjing no longer interfered. He directly allowed Pang Hong to make decisions without having to consult him.
Then, after refining the jade talisman to facilitate his incarnation's descent again, he let Pang Hong leave.
After waiting for Pang Hong to leave, Pei Xuanjing put away his Sanbao Jade Ruyi. His indifferent voice echoed, "You've been here for so long already, when exactly are you planning to reveal yourself?"
"Hahaha…" A hearty laugh sounded in Pei Xuanjing's ear. The voice responded, "You are indeed the top of the martial world from the Ancestral Land. Today's visit was really worth the trip."