Inquiry about immortality

Chapter 2586 Qin Tianjun

"The successor disciple Yuan Yanchu, respectfully receiving the imperial decree from Zhang Tianshi, reports to the Holy Assembly of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace and the Xuandu Law Altar... Now, disciple Qin Sang, having returned to the vast universe, has once again returned to the mortal world, greatly revitalizing the Xuanjing (mysterious principles) and widely practicing salvation; restoring the Dharma realm, gathering followers; and returning the Capital Merit Seal to the altar in peace, his merits are outstanding! Now, having participated in the conferment of the Hetu True Rank, his merits resonate with the Nine Heavens and his actions extend to the Eight Extremes, he is specially promoted to the Second Rank of Immortal, the Supreme Ruler of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace, the Demon Subduer of the Divine Firmament Jade Pivot, and the Co-judge of the Six Courts of Thunder, overseeing wind and thunder, and governing yin and yang! The Xuanke (mysterious system) is orderly, and the Jade Law is impartial..."

Before the altar of Gengchu, there is a jade table and incense altar.

Qin Sang wore a lotus-patterned jade crown and a rhinoceros horn hairpin. She was dressed in a purple Taoist robe, with thirty-two purple shawls and a crimson skirt with five panels and four ruffles. She held a white jade tablet, with a purple cloud pendant hanging from it, and wore red shoes, as she respectfully listened to Yuan Zhenjun read out the edict of Zhang Tianshi.

Yuan Zhenjun silently channeled his profound power, producing sounds like bells and drums, which resonated with the ancestral masters of the Nine Heavens above and the followers of the Daoist court below.

This was a year after the Battle of Qilin Cave Heaven. The demon race had retreated, the Dao Court had taken over, and from then on, there was no more Great Wind Plains in the world, only Geng Chuzhi!

The altar of Geng Chuzhi is no longer what it used to be.

The abyss left by Qin Sang's tribulation around the altar was filled in by several True Lords who moved mountains and used their great magic to lift the lakebed where the altar was located, creating a winding and boundless immortal mountain.

The Daoist Temple cultivates worldly practices. In the future, a celestial city will be built around the altar in this mountain. However, now that Gengchu has finished its work, everything is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt. At present, only some halls and pavilions have been rebuilt to restore some of the Daoist Temple's original appearance.

Today, Zhang Tianshi issued an edict that descended from the heavens to the altar. Yuan Zhenjun set up the ritual, presented the edict, and summoned Qin Sang.

Before the main hall of the Gengchu Zhizhi Altar, five half-demon True Lords, including Xuanqiu True Lord, were waiting respectfully to listen to the Heavenly Master's decree.

After the reading was completed, the light faded, and Yuan Zhenjun, no longer serious, smiled and bowed to congratulate him: "Congratulations! Congratulations! From now on, you shall address me as Lord Qin Tianjun!"

"This humble Taoist is unworthy of such praise!"

Qin Sang waved his hands repeatedly, not out of modesty, but because the title of "Heavenly Ruler" was not something an ordinary person could bear, and it would be like a monkey wearing a crown.

In the spirit world, the word "Heaven" in a Dharma name or honorific title is not casually bestowed. For example, the Heavenly Master of the Daoist Court, the Heavenly Witch of the Witch Clan, the Heavenly Demon of the Demon Clan, and the Heavenly Masters of the Buddhist Sect are either Mahayana cultivators themselves or have a status equivalent to that of Mahayana cultivators.

This time, Zhang Tianshi's promotion of his immortal rank to the second grade was quite unexpected. Qin Sang had originally predicted that he should be able to rise to the second grade, the Junior Minister of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace.

However, a closer look at the edict reveals something fishy. The Daoist court has a system of ranks, positions, and duties. Qin Sang's rank, position, and duties all qualify as promotions. The problem lies in his final duty: to jointly preside over the affairs of the Six Departments of Thunder.

At its peak, the Thunder Department of the Daoist Court comprised four prefectures, six academies, and various officials. The so-called six academies of the Thunder Department refer to the Taiyi Inner Academy, the Jade Pivot Academy, the Five Thunder Academy, the Dou Pivot Academy, the Shiyang Academy, and the Immortal Capital Fire and Thunder Academy. Qin Sang's immortal rank was sufficient to oversee the affairs of the six academies of the Thunder Department, and even to concurrently oversee the affairs of the Thunder Commandery.

Moreover, although he was nominally in charge of the affairs of the six departments of the Thunder Department, Qin Sang had no contact with the other five departments at all, and the heads of those five departments would not come to him specifically to report. To put it bluntly, he had a nominal title but no real power.

However, in Yuan Zhenjun's eyes, with Zhang Tianshi's imperial edict in place, it was not an exaggeration to call Qin Sang Qin Tianjun.

The Thunder God of yesteryear was indeed incredibly powerful and virtuous, and no one but the Celestial Master could overstep his authority. However, the Daoist court was no longer what it used to be, especially the Thunder Department, which suffered the most severe damage during the cataclysm. Before Qin Sang appeared, the Thunder Left and Thunder Right Offices couldn't even invite a single high-ranking talisman god from the Thunder Department.

After thousands of years of recuperation, the Thunder Department has barely managed to set up the framework of its Six Ministries, and it is unknown when it will be able to restore its former glory.

The current Six Courts of Thunder Department is the complete Thunder Department, and it is now under the temporary leadership of Zhang Tianshi. Although Qin Sang is only the co-judge of the Six Courts of Thunder Department, he has the highest authority in the Thunder Department, second only to Zhang Tianshi.

Moreover, Qin Sang is the only one in the current Thunder Department who has summoned the Thunder Ancestor twice. Even with the secret help of the Celestial Master, it is still of extraordinary significance!

Zhang Tianshi is the Thunder God, and Qin Sang is the Assistant Heavenly Lord!

This time, although Zhang Tianshi granted Qin Sang a nominal position, it held immense power, and Yuan Zhenjun could discern the intentions behind it.

Firstly, no matter how high Qin Sang's immortal rank is, it will not affect the balance within the Dao Court. People of similar status in the Dao Court, such as Yuan Zhenjun, know a little about Qin Sang's origins.

Secondly, after returning to the Great Thousand World, they obtained excellent places of worship. During their recuperation, some recalled the hardships and difficulties they faced in the Small World, becoming preoccupied with gains and losses, content with the status quo, and thus losing their pioneering spirit. This sentiment was not uncommon within the Taoist court. Qin Sang's recapture of the former territory of Gengchuzhi was a pioneering effort, and Zhang Tianshi naturally wanted to commend him greatly, using this opportunity to admonish the immortals. Even outsiders could do this; shouldn't you all feel ashamed?

Thirdly, the Daoist court has already acknowledged Qin Sang's identity, and Qin Sang openly summoned the Thunder Ancestor to intimidate the demons. In the eyes of outsiders, Qin Sang will represent the Thunder Ancestor from now on; how can he tarnish the Thunder Ancestor's prestige!

Congratulations, Qin Tianjun!

Congratulations, Qin Tianjun!

……

Qin Sang's reasoning was ineffective. Xuanqiu Zhenjun and the others filed in one after another, congratulating Qin Tianjun repeatedly, creating a joyful atmosphere.

The five half-demon True Lords were all smiles. Today was a joyous occasion for Qin Sang, and also a great joy for the half-demons. The four words "gathering and summoning the followers" on the edict acknowledged that the half-demons of Dafeng Plain were former members of the Dao Court!

From now on, they will be the true Daoist Lords.

More importantly, they will not be classified as demon soldiers, but are True Lords recognized by the Dao Court.

The Daoist Court only sent Yuan Zhenjun this time, instead of directly residing in Dafengyuan and stripping them of their power. Furthermore, Yuan Zhenjun personally promised them that after joining the Daoist Court, Geng Chuzhi would always have a place for them. This may reflect the Daoist Court's consideration of the overall situation and reality, and it also shows that the Daoist Court respects them, rather than treating them as mere playthings.

They won this high-stakes gamble and reaped enormous rewards!

"Three months from now, I will once again set up an altar and perform rituals to connect with the Divine Court and bestow upon Qin Tianjun the Fourth-Rank Purple Void Thunder Treasure Register," Yuan Zhenjun said solemnly after the laughter and chatter. He looked at the Half-Demon Zhenjun and said, "You should also decide whether you want to receive the register and what kind of register you want. If you do not wish to receive the register, as far as I know, there are still some Half-Demon Dharma gates in the treasury that I can invite for your reference."

Upon hearing this, Xuanqiu Zhenjun showed a troubled expression, but his smile remained. Compared to his previous precarious existence, this was a happy kind of trouble.

However, this is indeed a difficult decision.

The inheritances of the five of them are all incomplete, and some of them even reached this level through self-deduction and cultivation. This achievement is already their limit. If they could continue to deduce, they would not be stuck in this predicament until now.

Accepting the Dao Court's talisman is the best choice, but they are all Integration Stage cultivators. Integration Stage cultivators have an easier path to cultivation, which is no small matter. Does the Dao Court have a talisman that is perfectly suited to them?

Or do they need to shatter their own foundation and rebuild their Dao?

Will the result be a temporary period of freedom, completely severing any possibility of further advancement?

Although they dare not presume to attain Mahayana Buddhism, having already reached this point, they are all exceptional individuals, and who wouldn't dream of it?

Yuan Zhenjun didn't say much, leaving these decisions to them. He then said to Qin Sang, "The new Demon Court will soon send an envoy to visit. It should be the Wood God Envoy. He specifically mentioned that he wanted to congratulate Qin Tianjun... What are Qin Tianjun's thoughts on the new Demon Court?"

"His true intentions lie elsewhere!" Qin Sang stopped struggling, sighed softly, and thought of the little Qilin that had transformed into an egg and was now asleep.

Anyone who knows the origins of the new Demon Court knows that the Qilin is of extraordinary significance to them.

In the current spirit realm, the Qilin beside him is probably the only one to have been born. Last time, he used the name of the Dao Court to deflect the attack, but he fears the Wood God Envoy and the Demon Court may still be holding a grudge.

Thinking of the little Qilin, Qin Sang's feelings were somewhat complicated.

When he and Zhuque chose to hatch the little Qilin, their original intention was to use it as a tool to find the origin of the Qilin.

After years of living together day and night, the little Qilin is innocent and carefree, and obeys his every command. Now that the little Qilin has absorbed the essence of the Qilin, will it regain its past memories after waking up, causing a drastic change in its temperament?

These reincarnated divine beasts possess limitless potential, but they are also potential time bombs that could explode at any moment. Qin Sang actually has two of them by her side. This worry almost became a reality with the Vermilion Bird, but fortunately, judging from the Vermilion Bird's later performance, it can still be treated as the Vermilion Bird of the past.

However, it would be difficult for him to kill the little Qilin now, or to hand it over to others.

Yuan Zhenjun was unaware of the existence of the little Qilin and misunderstood Qin Sang's meaning. He sighed and said, "This time, I have formed an alliance with the Demon Court. I bear the expectations of the Celestial Master and my fellow Daoists. I feel a great responsibility and am very apprehensive. After much deliberation, I have recently written some articles. I will send them to Qin Tianjun's residence tomorrow for Qin Tianjun to review."

“Since Master Zhang has entrusted Yuan Zhenjun with such an important task, it means he trusts Yuan Zhenjun’s abilities. I will do my best to assist him. If Yuan Zhenjun encounters any problems, please feel free to speak up,” Qin Sang said earnestly.

Hearing Qin Sang's words, Yuan Zhenjun asked directly, "I have a question I'd like to ask Qin Tianjun. After the alliance is established, both sides are to send envoys to each other. In Qin Tianjun's opinion, who is capable of undertaking this important task?"

“Naturally, it is True Lord Yanzhu,” Qin Sang blurted out.

The five half-demon True Lords were all astonished, especially True Lord Yan Zhu.

"True Lord Yanzhu is skilled in diplomacy and resourcefulness; surely he can shoulder this important task?" Qin Sang gazed deeply at True Lord Yanzhu.

This Yanzhu Zhenjun secretly colluded with the new demon court, which was exposed by Zhuque, but he returned as if nothing had happened after the battle of the cave heaven.

At the time, Zhuque may have acted impulsively to deceive Yanzhu Zhenjun, but Qin Sang was clear about Zhuque's feelings for his descendants.

Qin Sang did not want to see this branch of the Vermilion Bird bloodline wiped out, nor did she want to see Yan Zhu Zhenjun betray the Daoist court. No matter what choice Yan Zhu Zhenjun made, he had to be reprimanded.

"This……"

Yan Zhu Zhenjun hesitated for a moment, then immediately realized what was going on and said with righteous indignation, "As long as it can help Qin Tianjun and Yuan Zhenjun, this humble Taoist will not hesitate!"

He was filled with suspicion and dared not meet Qin Sang's gaze.

After the great battle in the grotto-heavens, the situation was chaotic. Before leaving the Qilin Grotto-heaven, he parted ways with the Demon Saint Yinhu. At the time, he didn't have time to think things through and never revealed their connection to the Dao Court. However, this wasn't a secret no one knew. Back in the Qilin Grotto-heaven, the Dragon and Phoenix clans had caught them together. What if they used this against him later…

Qin Sang's gaze shook him to his core, making him realize that he should not harbor any illusions.

At this moment, Yuan Zhenjun chuckled and said, "Yanzhu Zhenjun, you flatter me. We are all working to revitalize the Daoist court."

"Yes, yes, yes! Let's restore the prestige of the Daoist court!" everyone echoed.

"There's one more thing," Yuan Zhenjun changed the subject, "In the western Fire Abyss, there are treasures sealed away from the Qilin Grotto, which is truly a pity to leave them there. Those treasures should rightfully belong to Qin Tianjun, but Qin Tianjun, being of noble character, does not wish to keep them all to himself. He discussed with me the possibility of opening up a portion of the Fire Abyss as a training ground. Each of you can select some disciples, and whatever treasures they find in the Fire Abyss will be considered their opportunity. Furthermore, we should establish a rule that our disciples will represent us in determining the ownership of the Qilin's treasures, so as to avoid disputes arising from external objects."

As he spoke, Yuan Zhenjun chuckled, “This humble Taoist has only brought Yunqi and Songjian with him this time, so they will take my place.”

"This is a great plan!"

Everyone has disciples and followers, and there must be many treasures in the Qilin Cave. The True Lords repeatedly praised Qin Sang.

Qin Sang wasn't truly noble and virtuous. These treasures were obtained with the help of the Dao Court, and it was impossible for him to keep them all for himself. Besides, the most important treasure in the Qilin Cave Heaven, the Qilin Origin, had already been taken away by them.

After discussion, the True Lords parted ways in front of the hall.

Yuan Zhenjun and Qin Sang traveled together, and after going some distance, Yuan Zhenjun hesitated and said, "That Yan Zhu Zhenjun..."

"As long as this person doesn't do anything detrimental to the Dao Court, there's no need to worry too much about him," Qin Sang said, stopping there.

“I understand,” Yuan Zhenjun nodded, no longer asking further, and then changed his tone, “Since the Zhenjun have agreed, all disciples practicing thunder magic within Gengchu Prefecture will enter the Five Thunder Academy and be under the command of Bai Zhenren. Without laws, it is impossible to maintain authority. I have decided to first establish a Daoist Law Office in Gengchu Prefecture to regulate laws and punishments, and also entrust it to Bai Zhenren. What does Qin Tianjun think?”

"I will go and ask Ying'er what she thinks," Qin Sang said.

After saying this, the two parted ways.

Watching Yuan Zhenjun leave, Qin Sang gradually put away her smile. She had already made up her mind that she could not let Bai Ying'er take on this job that would offend people.

The official position that the Daoist court bestowed upon him this time was not insignificant, but it was merely a nominal one, a benefit without any cost.

From beginning to end, the Daoist court did not invite him to ride the Heavenly Chariot to the Altar of Ten Thousand Laws to meet Zhang Tianshi and personally receive the rewards. Qin Sang could sense from this that the Daoist court's attitude towards him, the successor of Ziwei, remained ambiguous.

Qin Sang had anticipated this, and he stated early on that he would not take over Gengchuzhi, nor would he stay in Gengchuzhi for too long, and he voluntarily handed over the Gengchuzhi Dugong Seal to Yuan Zhenjun for safekeeping.

Perhaps because of insufficient merit, Yuan Zhenjun is currently only acting as the head of Gengchuzhi and has not yet become the true head of Gengchuzhi.

It's clear that the Daoist Court is very cautious in its attitude towards Geng Chuzhi, having specifically chosen Yuan Yanchu, a True Lord known for his skillful maneuvering and gentle nature, and is not planning to send any Daoist troops to govern these half-demons for the time being. They are also adopting a policy of appeasement towards the demons remaining in the Great Wind Plains. (End of Chapter)