Even the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven, returned Jiang Liu's greeting.
A Golden Immortal, neither particularly strong nor weak, wouldn't normally warrant such treatment from the Jade Emperor. However, the Three Sovereigns paved the way for Jiang Liu. The human race's uniquely blessed fortune meant that even the Jade Emperor, who controlled the workings of Heaven, had to treat Jiang Liu, this representative of humanity, with respect.
Chapter 499 The Leader of the Human Cult
In the Three Realms, the human race is an indispensable member.
Jiang Liu holds the great fortune of the human race. Although he is only a Golden Immortal, he can still stand on equal footing with the Jade Emperor.
He is the chosen one of destiny!
Within this Lingxiao Palace, the one with a great karmic connection to the human race is Laozi. As the leader of the Human Religion, Laozi advocates governing by non-action, yet he shows no embarrassment when meeting the controller of the human race's great fortune.
Laozi established his religion and became a saint, gaining great merit and protecting the human race to this day. He can be said to be the true controller of the human race's great fortune, but he has not been tainted by it at all.
Apart from Laozi, the leader of the Human Sect, and the Grand Master Xuandu, who is not of the human race, all other disciples of the Human Sect are of the human race.
Such as the Eight Immortals who were not yet fully assembled, the Hundred Sages of the Hundred Schools of Thought, and the many cultivation schools in the human world.
Lao Jun looked at Jiang Liu and nodded slightly, seemingly having figured something out, but he didn't say anything. He was originally the benevolent corpse of the Supreme Being, the only remaining incarnation of a saint in this world. Even with such cultivation, he couldn't see through Jiang Liu's foundation, which was truly questionable.
More importantly, the Three Sovereigns were the ones who first settled everything in the Heavenly Court for Jiang Liu, including Laozi.
Laojun had the right to control the great fortune of the human race, but he never touched it. Instead, he handed it over to the Three Sovereigns of Huoyun Cave, who then passed it on to Jiang Liu. How could Laojun not know this? How could the Three Sovereigns not tell Laojun about it?
If there is anyone in this world who wouldn't be interested in "the one who has vanished," it would only be Laozi.
"This great calamity will be beyond the control of even the sages. Those extraterrestrial visitors who have descended are nothing but minor figures. Perhaps it won't be long before the sages from beyond the universe arrive as well. At that time, even if my true form returns, it will inevitably end like the Investiture of the Gods calamity. The struggle between the sages may cause this land to fall into ruin once again."
Laozi meant that the earth would be shattered again in the great calamity. The primordial world was once so vast, but after several great calamities, only the four continents remained.
"A sage from beyond the universe?" The Jade Emperor was filled with shock. He had never been so shocked since he sat in the Lingxiao Palace, but Laozi's words today were truly terrifying.
Is a sage from beyond the universe about to descend?
It should be known that since the beginning of time, there have only been seven sages, and they were all driven to the Thirty-Three Heavens by Hongjun, never to come here again.
If a sage from beyond the universe were to descend, who could stop him?
Taibai Jinxing wore a bitter expression and said in a deep voice, "Laojun, this... this is too alarmist! Wasn't this ancient Qilin bloodline extraterrestrial powerhouse also sealed by the Doumu of Kan Palace? Judging from his memories, he was originally at the Great Emperor realm, and he cut off a sword to drop a realm and prolong his life. That Great Emperor was only at the peak of the Golden Immortal realm! The Red Dust Immortal in his memories was probably a Daluo Golden Immortal, how could there be a Saint?"
“Of course it will!” A loud voice rang out from outside the Lingxiao Palace, where a golden Buddha statue sat serenely amidst the clouds.
"Buddha," the Jade Emperor nodded slightly and asked in a deep voice, "has the demonic energy on Mount Ling been purified? Have any messages returned from the worlds that the Buddha visited in the past?"
"When I slew the Primordial Demon Lord, I thought I had grasped the essence of that world, which was merely at the 'Immortal King' level, equivalent to a Great Luo Golden Immortal. Therefore, I invited the Ancient Buddha Dipankara and others to go. Today, after completely breaking the Demon Lord's soul seal, I discovered that what came was merely an avatar of the Demon Lord. Above the Immortal King level, there is 'Supreme Shattering,' and 'Eternal Life.' That world is vast and boundless, containing countless realms such as the Immortal Realm, Dragon Realm, Buddha Realm, and Upper Realm, with three thousand Great Daos and supreme artifacts… If the Sages do not return, we cannot withstand the invasion of that world… I only remind the Jade Emperor that, under uncertain circumstances, do not easily set foot in the outer world. Here, with the Heavenly Dao protecting the Ancestor Hongjun, there may still be a glimmer of hope. That's all I have to say. Think it over!"
After the Buddha finished speaking, the golden Buddha gradually dissipated and returned to the Western Paradise.
Inside the hall, everyone from the Jade Emperor and the Goddess of the Water Palace to everyone present was horrified.
Only Laozi, the benevolent avatar of the sage, and Jiang Liu remained unmoved, having already understood everything.
In the Lingxiao Palace, the Jie Sect revered the Doumu of the Kan Palace. She was one of the eight direct disciples of the Tongtian Sect Master, second only to her senior brother, Duobao Daoren, who was also the Buddha Tathagata. Her strength was unfathomable. Even though her true spirit was imprisoned in the Investiture of the Gods, her cultivation had not progressed much over the past few thousand years, but she was still a Great Luo Golden Immortal.
Her original plan was to use the extraterrestrial world with the Qilin bloodline as her target, to try to reunite her true spirit in that alien world and thus break free from the shackles of the Investiture of the Gods.
But when Buddha suddenly arrived, although he spoke those words to the Jade Emperor, she actually knew that they were meant for her.
Entering the outer universe is not something to be taken lightly; the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin.
Even Tathagata himself couldn't be sure if the future Buddha would return after stepping into that outer world, let alone the disciples of the Jie Sect whose true spirits were imprisoned within the Investiture of the Gods.
Lao Jun sighed deeply, clearly seeing through the thoughts of the disciples of the Jie Sect. He reminded them, "Doumu, there must be a reason why Ancestor Hongjun used the Investiture of the Gods to imprison you all, establish the Heavenly Court, and align with the Heavenly Dao. It seems that during the Great Calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, he already foresaw today's calamity beyond the universe. Although your cultivation has not progressed for thousands of years, in my opinion, that vast and supreme Heavenly Dao may be attached to you all, relying on you to protect this world..."
"For thousands of years, we have been imprisoned, why has the Ancestor remained silent? Now that the great calamity has descended from beyond the universe, the supreme Heavenly Dao has not changed at all. Laozi's words are merely to reassure us!" said Doumu of Kan Palace.
"The time is not yet ripe, so there is no use in saying more." Lao Jun turned to look at Jiang Liu and stared intently. Although his eyes were extremely calm, Jiang Liu felt that those eyes seemed to pierce through his soul, leaving him nowhere to hide.
Inside the Lingxiao Palace, all the immortals and gods looked at Jiang Liu, wondering what Laozi meant.
Suddenly, Laozi sighed deeply and said, "So be it. Since the Three Sovereigns have made their choice, I, Laozi, will also bestow upon you a great fortune! The inheritance of the human race is entrusted to you, and the Human Teachings are also entrusted to you..."
Laozi pointed to the blue sky, and a white jade bridge, transformed into a rainbow from the heavenly path, appeared above Laozi's head as a Taiji diagram.
The Tai Chi diagram is a primordial treasure used by Laozi to suppress the destiny of humankind.
It possesses the power to pacify earth, water, fire, and wind; the ability to transform yin and yang and the five elements; the skill to discern the mysteries of the heavenly way; and the capacity to encompass all things in the universe.
It is one of the three innate treasures, and it is in the color of chaotic yin and yang. It manifests the image of "the Great Dao without limit", from which limit gives rise to taiji, taiji transforms into yin and yang, yin and yang evolve into san cai (the three powers), san cai form si xiang (the four symbols), si xiang transform into wu xing (the five elements), wu xing form liu he (the six harmonies), liu he ding qi xing (the seven stars), qi xing zi ba gua (the eight trigrams), and ba gua tong ji ...
In an instant, it was surrounded by countless rays of light and auspicious colors. Outside the image, the "Great Dao Prophecy" surrounded it, and inside the image, the "Heavenly Dao Talisman" was faintly visible. Five-colored rays of light illuminated the mountains and rivers, and nine-colored auspicious energy shook the heavens and the universe.
Mysterious beyond mystery, wondrous beyond wonder.
"From this day forward, Jiang Liu of the Human Race will lead the Human Sect and become its leader..."
Jiang Liu, a member of the human race, is in charge of the Human Cult and serves as its leader... Jiang Liu, a member of the human race, is in charge of the Human Cult and serves as its leader...
Across the nine heavens and ten earths, as a human being, I heard Lao Tzu's words. Heaven and earth bear witness, the Dao of Heaven resonates with me.
Jiang Liu gritted his teeth and sighed inwardly: Wasn't it supposed to be that the taller ones would hold up the sky if it fell? How did I end up in the eye of the storm? The leader of the Human Cult, the innate treasure Taiji Diagram, it's really tempting!
new book!
Chapter 500 The Destiny of Transforming into the Primordial World
Jiang Liu knew that he had attained enlightenment through the Nine Cauldrons and could not sever his connection with the Nine Provinces. With karma weighing on him, he had already foreseen that he would have to protect the Nine Provinces when the heavens descended.
Otherwise, if the Nine Provinces collapse, the bronze cauldron, being a treasure of merit for the Nine Provinces, will naturally collapse at the same time, and Jiang Liu's physical cultivation, which was formed from the Nine Provinces, may also be rendered powerless.
Let alone proving the Dao through force, even breaking through to the realm of shattering the vacuum is impossible.
These are all things that Jiang Liu cannot tolerate.
Protecting the Nine Provinces was no burden for Jiang Liu. But becoming the leader of the Human Sect made him somewhat hesitant.
As the saying goes, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." To assume the position of leader of the Human Cult means to protect the human race.
Jiang Liu felt that he might not be able to bear such a huge causal burden.
Laozi had already presented the Taiji diagram, but Jiang Liu was hesitant to accept it, which was rather awkward.
Above the Lingxiao Palace, all was silent. All eyes were on Jiang Liu. Some were insecure, some were deep in thought and frowning, and some were envious and jealous.
This is the leader of the Human Cult, this is the Taiji Diagram. He is an unknown mortal boy. Although he is a Golden Immortal, what has he done for the human race? He can control the human race's fortune and sit in the position of leader of the Human Cult, on equal footing with the Heavenly Emperor.
And why are you looking so disgusted?
What a despicable person!
"Laojun, this is not a good idea! This young man is not up to the task..." Looking at the Taiji diagram in front of him, with its flowing Yin and Yang and profound Dao, this creation artifact was truly extraordinary.
The Pangu Banner cleaved through chaos, the Taiji Diagram stabilized earth, water, fire, and wind, and the Eastern Emperor Bell suppressed the primordial world. These three magical artifacts are far superior to ordinary innate spiritual treasures.
It's impossible not to be tempted.
Lao Jun shook his head and said in a deep voice, "Although I am a sage, I also owe this great debt of karma to heaven and earth, which I must repay. Otherwise, I will not be free... I gained great merit by establishing the Humanity Sect and successfully became a sage, but I also imprisoned myself here. The outer heaven is vast and boundless, connecting all the heavens and myriad worlds, and has the supreme Dao, but we six sages cannot leave. We must protect this world until the person destined for calamity appears, until he reopens chaos and establishes the primordial world again."
The Jade Emperor was horrified, and Doumu of the Kan Palace was greatly shocked and could not believe that even a sage could not be free.
Lao Jun looked around and sighed deeply: "...You are the one destined for this calamity. We helped you become a saint and helped you create the primordial world, which is how we came to understand this great cause and effect...The Taiji Diagram stabilizes the earth, water, wind, and fire, which can protect your physical body and help you achieve the Dao!"
After he finished speaking, the Tai Chi diagram landed on Jiang Liu's head.
Feeling that he could truly control the Taiji diagram, Jiang Liu's expression remained grim. He looked up and stared directly at Laozi, asking, "Laozi, is my purpose in existence the same as Pangu's? Once I cleave the chaos, I will transform into the primordial earth, my left eye into the sun, my right eye into the moon, my hands, feet, and body into the four poles and five famous mountains of the earth, my blood into rivers, my veins into roads, my muscles into fields, and my hair into the stars in the sky... But this is not what I envision!"
You helped me rebuild the primordial world, gain freedom, and achieve transcendence, but how can I transcend it...?
"Form, existence, decay, and emptiness; life cycles through reincarnation, and so does this world. Perhaps the creator of the last cycle lacked sufficient power and could only create the Three Realms and evolve all things through self-sacrifice. This path of transcendence is unknown to us sages; you must find it yourself..."
Jiang Liu instantly understood what was going on with the small world within his body; damn it, it was trying to make him evolve the primordial world! Pangu created the world, but where did Pangu's will go? Did it transform into the Three Pure Ones?
Even though he transformed into the Three Pure Ones, he was no longer the Pangu who created the world.
Jiang Liu was in a terrible mood, but he found himself powerless to resist. He realized that everything he had was given to him by "the one who has gone away," and he would eventually have to repay him.
For a moment, his mind was in turmoil. Even the "future master," who could calculate tens of thousands of things in a second, could not find a path that belonged to Lin Qiu.
Kan Gong Doumu stepped forward, looked directly at Jiang Liu, and then said to Lao Jun, "Uncle-Master, the other day our teacher issued a decree saying that 'the one who has escaped' has reappeared in the Three Realms. Is it... on the leader of the Human Cult?"
The Maiden of the Kan Palace calls Laozi her senior brother, and now she represents the Jie Sect, specifically the Golden Spirit Mother of the Jie Sect.
"You should go and ask him!" Lao Jun pointed at the river, smiling but saying nothing.
Jiang Liu looked around at those gazes. Now, having received the great fortune of the human race and taken over the position of leader of the Human Cult, he was no longer afraid. He said in a deep voice, "It is in my hands!"
"Perhaps it can release our true spirits. The Investiture of the Gods has imprisoned us for nearly ten thousand years; we should be set free!"
A vast will descended, transforming into an old man. Looking at his face, one suddenly realized that the face had no fixed shape; it could be whoever one thought it was, neither male nor female, neither old nor young.
"Ancestor!" Laozi immediately bowed.
Everyone immediately understood and performed the deepest kowtow.
High above the nine heavens, I lie on my meditation cushion, having attained the true Dao. Beyond the mysteries of Heaven and Earth, I shall be the supreme master. Pangu gave birth to the Taiji, from which the two polarities and four symbols follow. One Dao is passed down to three friends, and the two teachings, Chan and Jie, are separated. I am the leader of all the mystical sects, and one Qi transforms into the Primordial Chaos.
This old man was none other than Hongjun Laozu.
Jiang Liu stood tall and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Hongjun. Only today did he realize the mission that the "one who has vanished" had given him, which was truly a source of great distress and pain.
"The day he attains enlightenment will be the day you are liberated. Formation, existence, decay, and emptiness; birth, existence, change, and extinction. If even this world ceases to exist, what good will your liberation be?"
This was what Hongjun said to the disciples of the Jie Sect in the Lingxiao Palace. Then he turned to Jiang Liu and said, "Pangu is Pangu, and you are you. Perhaps you can surpass Pangu; it all depends on human effort. Look at these extraterrestrial visitors, seeking the path to immortality—how difficult it is! They have endured countless years, yet still cannot attain it. You have obtained the Great Dao, directly giving birth to the Hongmeng World. How fortunate you are, and how fortunate all beings in the Three Realms are. At least, I see hope in you. At least, it won't be like the last era, where all beings perished and all things fell into ruin..."
"The previous era? Ancestor, you come from the previous era? What kind of world was the previous era?" Jiang Liu asked.
"What's past is past, no need for further discussion. This era is also nearing its end. Even if it lingers on, it will enter the end times after ten thousand years. Everything depends on you..."
Hongjun slowly faded into nothingness, as if he had never existed.
"Respectfully seeing off the Ancestor..."
"Respectfully seeing off the Ancestor..."
In an instant, everyone's attention was once again focused on Jiang Liu.
Especially the disciples of the Jie Sect, whose true spirits have been sealed in the Investiture of the Gods for nearly ten thousand years, are eager to be freed.
Jiang Liu took a deep breath. A passive response would only lead to his death. Since transforming into the Primordial Chaos was already inevitable, he would strive to become stronger.