The emperor and the council elders had been holding meetings in Yangxin Palace from dawn till dusk for three consecutive days, piquing countless people's curiosity. However, no one was able to glean much information about these meetings, adding an air of mystery to them.
After the third day, the council elders, the kings, and the noble officials, though revealing some signs of fatigue from these three continuous days of meetings, appeared very upbeat and not a single one of them complained about being tired.
A week later, the emperor issued a decree delegating the responsibility of overseeing the preparations for the establishment ceremonies of the Divine Dynasty to Xia Yan, the current First Minister, and Yan Weizhong, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites. All the council elders were authorized to oversee the preparations, various other government offices in the Court were to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Rites, and nothing could be overlooked to ensure that the altar was completed on time.
At this point, everyone began to understand what these important people had been discussing in Yangxin Palace for three days, and they finally realized that the much-publicized plan for the Divine Dynasty had commenced.
"The day has finally come!"
"I hear that establishing the Divine Dynasty on earth allows those who hold official positions under the dynasty to receive divine blessings, to be conferred divine gods, and to grasp authority, even achieving immortality!"
"Even if you don't join, the establishment of the Divine Dynasty will definitely attract the favor of heaven and earth. As subjects of the Divine Dynasty, we will also be able to receive the blessings of Qi Luck, thus our cultivation will progress by leaps and bounds."
"Divine Dynasty on earth, the rumored everlasting dynasty…"
Many details about the Divine Dynasty had already been circulating amongst the people, and countless people were aware of the benefits of the dynasty.
Suddenly, martial artists everywhere started moving, given that such benefits lay ahead, they could use this opportunity to rise rapidly and change their destiny.
The establishment of the Divine Dynasty might seem like the interest of a particular family or surname, but in reality, it was greatly beneficial for all subjects within the Divine Continent and the Great Ming territory. There was hardly any opposition to this and many powerful people took the initiative to join the dynasty at this moment.
The preparations for the Divine Dynasty plan had been going on for a long time, actually, the preliminary work like site selection had been completed way in advance, and everything was ready for the plan to start anytime.
The moment the imperial decree was officially issued, the feudal empire revealed an unprecedented level of action and execution.
Within Tiandu, a near hundred-foot-long wall of the Imperial City was pushed down according to a location calculated by countless Feng Shui masters. A ritual altar would be constructed on this spot for the enthroning ceremony.
The altar was built with Han white jade stone, ninety-nine feet tall, divided into nine layers, symbolizing the number of nine layers of heaven, and at the highest spot was a five-color soil altar for the enthroning ceremony.
Countless skilled craftsmen gathered in Tiandu for this project and worked day and night without rest.
Within Tiandu, at the National Teacher Daoist Temple.
Pei Xuanjing looked at two people and laughed, "You two actually dared to enter Tiandu, aren't you afraid that the royal family will take action against you?"
Although the Great Ming imperial court had temporarily put aside their grievances with these two at the moment, they would certainly not let go of any opportunity that arose.
"What could the Great Ming imperial court possibly do to us?" Zhao Baiyang sneered.
Xue Wuheng chuckled lightly, "As long as the National Teacher does not take action, what can the masters of the Great Ming imperial court do?"
He added flatteringly, "If we're in the National Teacher's Daoist temple and the National Teacher protects us, even the imperial court wouldn't dare to offend this place."
Zhao Baiyang added in a low voice, "All their attention is on that altar at the moment, even if they knew about our presence, they wouldn't choose this time to take action."
At such a critical time, even if they appeared there, as long as they were not there to disrupt the proceedings, the Great Ming imperial court certainly would not dare to provoke them at this moment.
They would choose to tolerate for the big picture and not sacrifice the major for the minor. They had already once put aside grievances temporarily for this project, why would they fall out at such a crucial time?
The most important thing was that the true promoter behind the scene of this plan was right there, as long as Pei Xuanjing did not speak, no one would dare to act rashly at this time and spoil Pei Xuanjing's plan, thereby inviting disaster upon themselves.
Pei Xuanjing did not confirm or deny this, and instead said, "Since both of you are here, why not stay here for a while until everything is complete then leave, how about that?"
At this point, Pei Xuanjing wanted to ensure that his plan was carried out smoothly, and all the potential sources of trouble were under the careful watch of Bai Xiaosheng, so that any unexpected developments could be prevented.
If these two had not shown up, it would have been fine. Now that they had arrived, Pei Xuanjing wanted to ensure that there were no exceptions, he needed them to stay here and not act rashly.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Baiyang and Xue Wuheng exchanged a glance and nodded. They had their answer.
Zhao Baiyang laughed and said, "That's very good, we two were actually hoping to witness the grand event under Brother Pei's guidance."
Actually, they had already anticipated this result before entering Tiandu. After all, everyone had to guard against potential disturbances when their plans were about to succeed.
Zhao Baiyang knew that if they didn't come, it would be fine. However, if they came to Tiandu and didn't show themselves but hide instead, they might not only invite the suspicion of the Great Ming imperial court, but they would also arouse Pei Xuanjing's wrath.
That's why they took the initiative to go to Pei Xuanjing in person, to show him that they meant no harm this time.
Suddenly, Xue Wuheng spoke up, "I remember when we were at the meeting on the Shenxiao Mountain, National Teacher promised us that if we supported the establishment of the Divine Dynasty, we could conspire about immortality together. I wonder if today's agreement still counts?"
When Pei Xuanjing first proposed the idea on Shenxiao Mountain, he had invited them with the idea of the Divine Dynasty. Now that the Divine Dynasty was about to be established and it seemed possible to attain immortality, Xue Wuheng naturally wouldn't sit idly by; he wanted a piece of the action too.
This was the real reason why Xue Wuheng and Zhao Baiyang risked entering Tiandu.
"Indeed, I wonder if Brother Pei would still honor his word." Zhao Baiyang also looked at Pei Xuanjing expectantly.
Pei Xuanjing made no immediate comment after hearing these words.
Looking at the silent Pei Xuanjing, the Daoist temple became eerily quiet. Even to the point of feeling ominous.
Zhao Baiyang and Xue Wuheng exchanged a glance, both maintaining a peaceful smile on their faces, but they were already on their guard, ready for Pei Xuanjing to turn against them.
"Haha!"
The next moment, Pei Xuanjing's laughter rang out. He looked at the two with a gentle smile, "Of course, my word remains. But what would you exchange for it?"
In an instant, it was as if a spring breeze had blown across, making the erstwhile silent air start to warm.
Zhao Baiyang and Xue Wuheng also relaxed their vigilance a little bit. Zhao Baiyang took the initiative to speak, "What would Brother Pei want us to exchange with?"
Next, it depends on what conditions Pei Xuanjing would propose. If the conditions are reasonable, it would indicate that the other party is willing to negotiate. However, if the other party deliberately proposes insurmountable conditions, it implies rejection.
Pei Xuanjing calmly asked, "I wonder if the two of you would be willing to share all of your sect's internal skills?"
Um!
The countenances of the two changed. As they listened to Pei Xuanjing's words, a hint of wariness flashed across their eyes.
What did it mean by presenting all their internal skills of the sect? It signified that they were being pushed into a corner, indicating their refusal.
It's important to note that, for any religious sect, many of the skills they command are fundamental. Some of the secret teachings are only passed down to a select few from generation to generation.
These skill manuals are the most valuable assets of a sect. Should they be disclosed, it would mean nothing short of catastrophe.
Pei Xuanjing's condition was something they couldn't possibly agree to. Thus, it meant refusal.
"If Brother Pei is unwilling, let's end it here. Why go to such lengths?" Zhao Baiyang suggested in displeasure.
Given Pei Xuanjing's current strength, if the other party reneges on their initial agreement, they can't say much. After all, with the other party's strength, it's not like they can force things.
But to demand their inherited skills, this was simply a joke.
Xue Wuheng also had a similar expression. Although he had given some skill manuals to Pei Xuanjing before, those were the ones plundered by the demonic cult over countless years, not core secrets. Hence, it wasn't a big deal.
However, he naturally couldn't easily reveal the many core skills of the demonic cult.
Given the current divine dynasty and the prospect of longevity—regardless of whether it's verified—they couldn't easily reveal their core skills. These skills were the foundation of their strength, and if they were known, they would inevitably be exposed.
Pei Xuanjing saw their reactions and understood that there had been some misunderstanding and they hadn't grasped his intention.
He laughed and told them: "Please listen carefully to what I have to say."
"Do you remember the Martial Academy?"
"The Martial Academy?"
Not only were they familiar with the Martial Academy, but every martial artist in the world also knew about it.
The Martial Academy, established by the first emperor, had touched the hearts of many, despite its decline.
Not only did Pei Xuanjing—the strongest martial artist in the world—train there, but it was also where he started his legendary journey. The "Martial Scripture", compiled by the Martial Academy, had greatly benefited many ordinary martial artists and was considered their stepping-stone into cultivation.
Because of this, the first emperor, despite being assassinated, was revered by many martial artists and was posthumously dubbed Emperor Wuzong by the Great Ming imperial court.
Now hearing about the Martial Academy from Pei Xuanjing, a spark appeared in Zhao Baiyang's eyes. He tentatively asked, "Brother Pei, are you planning to emulate Emperor Wuzong and also compile a 'Martial Scripture' for spiritual realm cultivators?"
He suddenly remembered from a few conversations he had had with Pei Xuanjing that the latter cared much for the world as well. Although he had conflicts with Emperor Wuzong, Pei Xuanjing seemed to support the former's compilation of the 'Martial Scripture'.
If this was the case, it made sense for Pei Xuanjing to emulate Emperor Wuzong and compile a Spirit Realm 'Martial Scripture' for all martial artists to practice.
Xue Wuheng's eyes also twinkled. He hadn't conversed much with Pei Xuanjing and hadn't known about his ambitious aspirations. Upon hearing Zhao Baiyang's words, he was secretly startled.
"If he succeeds, Pei Xuanjing would win the respect of the world's martial artists and become an undisputed grandmaster of them all," Xue Wuheng thought to himself, hiding his turbulent emotions behind a serene facade.
"Correct!" Pei Xuanjing nodded openly and said to the astonished duo, "and there's more!"
"I intend to make all skills available to the public. Regardless of one's origins, anyone who pays a certain price can practice all skills, allowing all martial artists to shine and avoid a mediocre life!"
That was Pei Xuanjing's real intention. He wanted to play the role of the supreme leader of all immortals, the ancestor of all cultivation paths. He wanted all martial artists in the world to have access to cultivation methods, allowing them to demonstrate their talent.
He wanted to pave the way for all living beings, using every spark of wisdom as fuel for his cultivation path.
Two heads are better than one. Only when there are a sufficient number of strong cultivators in this world can they ignite the spark of cultivation and open more paths, allowing Pei Xuanjing to gain insights and profit enormously.
Whoosh!
The two were shaken, deeply moved by Pei Xuanjing's words.
Even though they had just guessed that Pei Xuanjing aimed to emulate Emperor Wuzong by compiling the Spirit Realm 'Martial Scripture', they were shocked but could accept it.
But after listening to Pei Xuanjing's intention to make all the skill manuals public for all martial artists to learn, they were unable to maintain their previous composure.
From their perspective, the cultivation techniques they practiced, the product of endless efforts of their ancestors, were invaluable. They were the basis of their sects' existence.
Now, the idea of spreading these skills was almost shocking and hard for them to accept.
After all, compiling the Spirit Realm skill manual and disclosing one's cultivation skills were two completely different concepts.
The former involves skill compilations that reflect personal cultivation knowledge but don't influence oneself. In contrast, disclosing one's own skills is equivalent to revealing one's origin, which is a deviation from the normal path.
"Brother Pei, this…" Zhao Baiyang didn't know what to say.
Even though he was an enlightened individual, he found it difficult to accept Pei Xuanjing's deviant idea.
He had thought of breaking the monolithic power of the established forces to make room for later generations.
However, he had never contemplated spreading his Mire Sect and his personal cultivation skills throughout the world, making them accessible to all martial artists. It was simply beyond imagination.
Xue Wuheng felt the same. Although the three factions of Buddha, Dao, and Demon often spread some skills to attract potential disciples, they had never thought about spreading their secret teachings to everyone, making them ubiquitous.
The two were astonished and found it hard to accept Pei Xuanjing's idea.
Seeing the attitude of the two men, Pei Xuanjing was not surprised. One could say, their reactions were all within his expectations.
In his original world, many inherited traditions were held in tight gatekeeping, let alone passing on their unique skills to everyone. Some people would rather let their unique skills become lost than pass them on to someone they deem unworthy.
Pei Xuanjing didn't judge any of it because, in his previous life, he didn't feel qualified to pass judgment on these matters.
However, in this world, he had the qualifications and the power to carry out this matter.
Moreover, it involved his objective.
"Are both of you placing such a high importance on exclusivity?" Pei Xuanjing asked calmly.
Zhao Baiyang furrowed his brow, "It's not my exclusivity, but it has been a tradition since ancient times not to casually pass down our practices. How can one simply give them out recklessly?"
Xue Wuheng added, "Doing so, where does that leave us? Our Demonic Cult's tradition, developed over thousands of years, is precious. How can we let others cultivate it so casually?"
If these practices are given out freely, will cultivators truly treasure them?
Pei Xuanjing didn't argue this point. He asked, "What's your greatest goal right now?"
Without waiting for them to answer, Pei Xuanjing said, "My biggest goal is to become immortal!"
Become immortal!
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's goal, both of them couldn't help but long for a moment.
Perhaps in the past, it wouldn't matter, but now, with the revival of heaven and earth and the hope of cultivation, strong warriors like them, of course, harbored the idea of immortality.
Seeing them considering it, Pei Xuanjing seized the opportunity to press on, "For us, everything else is an irrelevance. Immortality is our only true pursuit."
He looked at the two men and asked, "Over the ten thousand years, not even at the peak of the Tang Dynasty's cultivation momentum, where countless strong men fell and died without achieving immortality. Do you think you can become the unprecedented true immortals of the millennia?"
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's words, both men felt as if they had been doused with cold water. Their excited gaze was quenched and their longing vanished without a trace.
Becoming an immortal is exceedingly difficult!
Through their various interactions within the cultivation world, and many secrets they have learned, they clearly know that over these thousands of years, countless formidable cultivators have died in the pursuit of immortality.
Although they have extreme confidence in themselves, they still remain at Spirit Realm Second Layer, not even reaching the ultimate Nine Heavens of the Spirit Realm. How could they be convinced that they will definitely be able to become immortal?
Zhao Baiyang hid a hint of disappointment and looked at Pei Xuanjing, "Can revealing our cultivation techniques to the world help us in our path to immortality?"
"Yes!"
Pei Xuanjing was adamant.
With confidence, he said to the two men, "Over the millennia, countless powerful cultivators have been born. They have devoted countless efforts in studying the mystery of immortality. But why has no one truly ascended to immortality?"
"Please enlighten us, National Master," Xue Wuheng chimed in at the right moment.
Pei Xuanjing's strength far exceeded his own and had close contact with the people from the Sky Wasteland, naturally he had learned many secrets unknown to others. He was naturally curious about what answers the other party had.
Of course, whether he believed or was willing to fully trust this answer was still an open question.
"It's because they are reinventing the wheel, unwilling to collaborate. Most powerhouses either work alone or within a sect, refusing to openly share their experiences. That's why they can't discover the mysteries of becoming immortal," Pei Xuanjing said coldly, his tone full of dissatisfaction with this approach.
Zhao Baiyang retorted, "But those powerful individuals often exchange ideas, exploring together. How can this be considered reinventing the wheel?"
Pei Xuanjing glanced at him, making him shiver, before counter-asking, "Let me ask you, even if you and Master Xue were to debate and exchange ideas, would you willingly discuss the core techniques that you base your cultivation on?"
After saying that, he looked at the two of them, smiling as he waited for their rebuttal.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Baiyang and Xue Wuheng both awkwardly smiled, their expressions full of embarrassment.
Indeed, even when they discuss and exchange ideas as allies, they stop just short of revealing crucial secrets, and tacitly avoid probing into each other's core techniques.
If they are like this, then so are the other powerful characters, right?
Pei Xuanjing added, "The power of many is infinite, compared to that of one. Take your sects as an example. Your current grandeur resulted from the continuous development by many generations of disciples. Countless cultivators have achieved their abilities by standing on the shoulders of their predecessors. But, if the wisdom of all living creatures can be gathered together, the benefits would undoubtedly be great. Perhaps, one day, we might unravel the secrets of becoming immortal and living forever."
I am of all living creatures and all living creatures are of me.
Only in this way, can Pei Xuanjing achieve his goal. Once one person becomes immortal, all people could become immortals.
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's words, the two men were silent. They didn't speak but they were no longer as resistant as before. Instead, they were lost in thought.
Clearly, Pei Xuanjing's words struck a chord within them, and sparked their interest.
They were unyielding about their unwillingness to give up the inheritance of their cultivation techniques, not only because they complied with the rules of their sect against leakage of their inheritance, but also due to their understanding of the consequences.
Just as Pei Xuanjing said, everyone's wisdom amounts to a lot. Although their talents might not be top-tier, their achievements today are largely due to their luck, in addition to exceptional talent.
Among the numerous martial artists and ordinary people in the world, perhaps there are many extraordinary individuals who ended up being lost among ordinary people just because they lacked some luck.
"However, our cultivation techniques, handed down until today, have been studied and tried by many generations and have reached a limit. At this stage, the experience left by our predecessors not only doesn't help much, it has invisibly become a sort of shackle. If we could explore new paths, perhaps we might achieve some surprising results."
"Regarding the cultivation techniques in our sect, I, with my current power, have many different ideas. Initially, I only intended to record these thoughts to pass them on to my successors. However, if others are willing to practice and explore another way of cultivation, it might lead to a great discovery."
The two men each had their own thoughts and, after making eye contact, saw a hint of motivation in each other's eyes.
This method might not be such a bad idea.
After all, for powers that have been passed down for thousands of years, even if they can't disclose their core cultivation techniques, the secondary cultivation methods they provide are things countless martial artists in the world strive to acquire.
Seeing their response, Pei Xuanjing added fuel to the fire, completely cementing their determination.