Witnessing Bai Qing’er depart resolutely, Huang Tian felt his stone heart ache as if splitting apart. The bitterness in his chest was something he could share with no one.
If he did not cherish this daughter, why would he have sent Lord Turtle King and General Pillar to her side to protect her safety?
As a great god with a name that shook the universe, he was still far inferior to enemies like Yi Tianjun and Shang Tian. He needed to proceed gradually and carefully.
Without endurance, how could he have survived to this day?
How could he have personally slain the Heaven-Seizing Divine Emperor?
Moreover, the fate of the Nishen Clan, let alone the him of a hundred thousand years ago, even with his current ability he could not alter in the slightest.
What he could not achieve, Zhang Ruochen had accomplished!
It was not that Zhang Ruochen was stronger or more outstanding, but that behind Zhang Ruochen stood even more formidable figures laying plans. Every move could shift the pattern of the starry skies.
One could say Zhang Ruochen was far luckier than he.
With that luck, combined with Zhang Ruochen’s fearlessness in the face of death, resilient character, deep sentiment yet open-mindedness, chivalrous generosity, and magnanimous包容 that embraced all rivers, he had attained a position no one could replace today.
Why did the Nine Heavens support Zhang Ruochen? Merely because of his cultivation talent?
The greater reason was that even when opposing cultivators across the world, Zhang Ruochen resolutely protected Bai Qing’er, whose veins flowed with Nishen Clan blood, and guarded Divine Maiden City. Even when he appeared overreaching at the time.
Why was Tian Lao willing, for Zhang Ruochen’s sake, to break precedent and emerge from the Abyss of Darkness?
Merely because he was the descendant of the Great Senior?
If that were the only reason, why had she not acted when Jie Zunzi faced danger?
In truth, it was the fighting spirit in Zhang Ruochen that she admired. It was precisely that spirit which, in the Abyss of Darkness, led Zhang Ruochen to refuse the divine decree she offered, unwilling to live meekly beneath godhood.
Of course, the greater reason was that she herself intended to shelter the Nishen Clan and contend against the force seeking to eradicate them.
She too possessed a fearless spirit.
Why did the Dragon Lord support Zhang Ruochen?
Because the Dragon Lord saw Zhang Ruochen’s devotion to Kunlun Realm.
…
In methods, wisdom, willpower, and talent, Huang Tian believed himself inferior to no one. The gap with Zhang Ruochen perhaps lay in lacking too much human warmth and that open, inclusive mindset.
Emerging from his reverie, Huang Tian said, “It was Senior Nine Heavens who sent you here, was it not? What has happened outside?”
Yu Yao recounted the major events of recent decades in detail. “Master hopes you can make a trip to the Yaksha Clan ancestral realm.”
With Huang Tian’s profound wisdom, he understood instantly. “The Infernal Court and Heavenly Court are certain to eradicate Xinghuan Heaven and Xing Tian Ya. They will not permit you to remain neutral any longer. Without planning ahead, when the great tide strikes, you can only await destruction passively.”
“Uniting the Hundred Clan Royal City is imperative. Yet it is still insufficient. To divide the world threefold with Heavenly Court and Infernal Court, Kunlun Realm, the Undying Blood Race, and the Luo Sha Clan must be drawn in. With Zhang Ruochen’s current cultivation, does he possess such rallying power?”
“Moving the Hundred Clan Royal City now is premature. Would the Infernal Court allow you to succeed?”
“In my view, this action is more likely to enrage the Temple of Destiny and Temple of Darkness, probably drawing the storm here.”
Yu Yao said, “What if Zhang Ruochen finds the Sword Realm?”
Huang Tian nodded lightly. “If so, the matter could be managed. But before that, some measures must be taken to render the Hundred Clan Royal City and Infernal Court utterly irreconcilable. This is a perilous gambit. If Zhang Ruochen cannot find the Sword Realm, we will have no retreat and may face simultaneous assault from Heavenly Court and Infernal Court.”
“You said… we?” Yu Yao was slightly dazed.
Huang Tian smiled bitterly. “I cannot return to the Stone Clan, nor to Heavenly Court. Apart from remaining in Xinghuan Heaven, where else can I go? Since those old fellows intend to overturn the heavens, I should qualify as a vanguard, at least.”
Yu Yao had not expected Huang Tian to speak so jestingly. Joy filled her heart, and a world-stunningly beautiful smile bloomed on her fair face.
…
Beneath the cyan dao palace, Zhang Ruochen practised swordsmanship once more.
Tai Qing appeared even older than Yu Qing by a few degrees. He carried no sharpness, holding a whisk with kind brows and gentle eyes. He smiled. “Is this truly a disciple of our Liangyi Sect?”
The Dragon Lord said, “In truth, his achievements today are all thanks to the Saint Monk.”
Yu Qing revealed displeasure. “The Saint Monk was indeed vastly capable, but he fell a hundred thousand years ago. How could he personally guide him? Ultimately, it is the merit of our Liangyi Sect. This poor Taoist sensed a strand of sword intent I once left in his body.”
“This old Taoist sensed it too!” Tai Qing said.
Zhang Ruochen saluted upwards. “When entering the Fish-Dragon Realm, I indeed obtained sword intent left by the three Ancestors from the Heaven-Sacrificing Bronze Cauldron.”
Yu Qing and Tai Qing both stroked their beards and smiled.
Liangyi Sect was founded by their own hands. Now seeing a descendant with such extraordinary sword dao talent emerge, how could their mood not be joyous?
The Dragon Lord said, “It is a pity his cultivation is still insufficient. If he now possessed Immeasurable Realm cultivation, with support from us elders, one-third of the world would fall into his hands.”
Tai Qing restrained his smile, understanding the Dragon Lord must have important matters to discuss.
Hearing the Dragon Lord speak thus for the first time, Yu Qing could not help asking, “What does this division of the world into thirds mean?”
“You have always worried about betrayal by your own side, feared that everything you do is pre-designed by others. If so, why not step forward and accomplish something great yourself?”
The Dragon Lord then looked to Tai Qing. “Brother Tai Qing, shall we enter the dao palace for detailed discussion, and perhaps beg a cup of fine brew?”
“You, Ji Wang, truly do not regard yourself as an outsider.”
Tai Qing smiled, leading the Dragon Lord and Yu Qing into the dao palace, vanishing amid glazed divine light.
The words they spoke thereafter were not heard by Zhang Ruochen.
The dao palace stood upon a floating island a thousand li long, lined with sacred trees, clustered with wondrous peaks, divine qi rising like mist: a cultivation paradise even for gods.
Yet it was regrettably too quiet!
Zhang Ruochen probed with mental power, sensing only eight cultivators’ auras. Apart from two dao children, the other six were all exotic demon cultivators. The strongest had already stepped into godhood.
“Greetings, Great God.”
An upper god in cyan dao robes appeared before Zhang Ruochen, bowing in salute.
Zhang Ruochen discerned his true form: an ancient ginseng. He asked, “Your Excellency is?”
“I am disciple Li Ni under Tai Qing.”
“No need to call me Great God. My name is Zhang Ruochen. Calling me Ruochen is fine.” Zhang Ruochen smiled.
Li Ni had initially been wary of outsiders. Seeing Zhang Ruochen’s affability, his impression improved greatly. “Brother Ruochen, by Master’s command, I shall show you around.”
“Good. I was just wishing to admire the Sword Realm’s scenery.”
Zhang Ruochen flew off the floating island with Li Ni.
The floating island already abounded with spiritual and sacred medicines, astounding Zhang Ruochen. Beneath it lay the boundless Cangmang Continent, mountains rising and falling. Unexpectedly, amid the ridges and peaks, spiritual lights flashed and medicinal fragrances soared heavenward.
The revived Kunlun Realm counted as a great world rich in cultivation resources, yet compared to the Sword Realm it remained far inferior.
Flying south thirty million li, Zhang Ruochen could not help asking, “Are there no human nations in the Sword Realm? All along the way, I have seen only flying birds and walking beasts, grass and wood spirits.”
“The Sword Realm has always been thus!”
Li Ni thought, then added, “However, in remote antiquity the Sword Realm should have had human civilisation, and quite prosperous, leaving many ruins. But for unknown reasons, humanity perished entirely, not one remaining.”
“Master once brought some humans to the Sword Realm, but after achieving cultivation they sought to leave. Master naturally forbade it, fearing the Sword Realm’s location would be known to greedy outsiders and disturb the peace within. Thus he later brought no more beings!”
Zhang Ruochen nodded lightly. It made sense that Yu Qing trusted the Dragon Lord sufficiently to invite them so boldly to the Sword Realm.
Zhang Ruochen asked, “Does Brother Li Ni know where the Sword God Temple is?”
“Sword God Temple?”
Li Ni looked blank, shaking his head to indicate he had never heard of it.
Zhang Ruochen’s expression grew even more puzzled. With Li Ni’s cultivation, he did not know of the Sword God Temple?
Could the Sword God Temple not be in the Sword Realm at all?
“The Sword Realm has five continents altogether, named after the five elements. This is Qingmu Continent. Come, Brother Ruochen, let me take you to Cangjin Continent.”
…
The Sword Realm was truly vast. After Zhang Ruochen and Li Ni toured Cangjin Continent, he received a message from the Dragon Lord. Crossing the Lian Yun Sea, they returned to Tai Qing’s dao palace.
Yu Qing seemed burdened with thoughts. His gaze towards Zhang Ruochen grew far more complex. “Ruochen, would you be willing to remain in the Sword Realm cultivating for a thousand years? Ji Wang says you possess the Sundial. With the power of time, you can swiftly raise your cultivation. A thousand years of practice should bring you to the Taixu Realm.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “The Sword Realm is a pure cultivation paradise. To receive the Ancestor’s shelter fills Ruochen with deep gratitude. If time permits, let alone a thousand years, even ten thousand, Ruochen would be willing.”
Yu Qing said, “Oh! Do you perhaps have some important matter outside?”
“At present, nothing is more important to you than cultivation.” Tai Qing said.
Zhang Ruochen said, “This junior has countless enemies outside. Unable to find me, they will surely target my kin and friends madly to force me to appear.”
“A good child, valuing sentiment and righteousness.” Tai Qing smiled approvingly. “Rest assured. This matter can be left to your Uncle Dragon. He will bring all your kin and friends to the Sword Realm, freeing you from worries.”
Zhang Ruochen bowed deeply once more in gratitude, yet said, “The matter is not so simple! This junior has an impertinent request. I hope the two Ancestors will grant it.”
“Speak.” Yu Qing said.
Zhang Ruochen said, “I wish to save Tianchu Civilisation and have them migrate to the Sword Realm for refuge.”
Yu Qing and Tai Qing had evidently learned the external situation from the Dragon Lord. They communicated via transmission. Moments later, Tai Qing said, “Tianchu Civilisation is the source of the Daoist lineage. The Old Heavenly Lord possesses profound virtue, a great sage this old Taoist admires deeply. I once went to hear him expound the Dao.”
“Now that Tianchu Civilisation faces imminent peril, your Ancestor Yu Qing and I are naturally willing to lend aid, nor do we mind Tianchu Civilisation relocating to the Sword Realm. However, with the Old Heavenly Lord’s character, he may not be willing to betray Heavenly Court and become a deserter.”
Zhang Ruochen’s heart shook violently. He looked up at Tai Qing and Yu Qing seated above, scarcely believing they had so readily agreed to let Tianchu Civilisation migrate to the Sword Realm.
Had they already decided to emerge from seclusion? To join this surging worldly strife?
How exactly had the Dragon Lord persuaded them?
