Cultivation: When you take things to the extreme

Three months later, on the State of South Observance, at Wuzhuang tier.

A multitude of Academy Monks, working tirelessly like bees and ants, repairing the wounds of heaven and earth.

The vast scars had begun to heal, and the depleted Yuan Spirits were also recovering somewhat.

This was the wonderful use of the Earth Deity Law.

The Nine Rites and Three Talents Sword Formation, although of tremendous power, involves even heavier karma. Each activation causes great harm to heaven and earth. It is only because Xuanyuan possesses the Holy Divine Emperor Weapon that he can use it. Had it been someone else, especially a Calamity Immortal daring to use such a Mana Point, it would be a sure path to self-destruction.

The immense karmic impact would inevitably increase the power of the Heavenly Tribulation exponentially.

Even Xuanyuan had to make reparations afterward; otherwise, he would be in deficit. The Heavenly Dao keeps count and will certainly exact repayment.

Fortunately, Xu Yang had passed on the Earth Deity Law to the Academy, and many Ascension Cultivators had mastered the method of adjusting the Qi of Feng Shui. Supported by a vast amount of Spiritual Objects, their repair efforts were more effective, achieving significant results.

"I have heard that within the Heaven Reaching Secret Realm lies the Classic of Mountains and Seas, the Earth Book from the Three Books of Heaven, Earth, and Man. It is intricately connected to the cultivation method of Earth Deities and is a treasure of Array Formation. Should there be an opportunity in the future, its mysteries must be witnessed."

Within the Ascension Academy, Xu Yang presided over the central hub, overseeing the overall development.

As three months passed, there was no follow-up action from the Heavenly Court. It seemed that they wanted to cease hostilities and make peace.

Of course, it might alternatively be a cold treatment, which isn't the rational approach of a ruler.

So...

"Taoist Master, an envoy from the Heavenly Court has arrived!"

"Lead them into the hall. I shall personally attend."

"Understood!"

A short time later, within Wuzhuang Pass, Xu Yang met with the envoy. Without stating it outright, the leader among them, distinguished and imposing, was indeed...

"Zhen Yuanzi pays his respects to the Jade Emperor!"

As Xu Yang approached, he raised his hand in greeting and identified the identity of the emissary.

"Xuan Qiong pays his respects to the Honored Wandao!"

Seeing this, the Jade Emperor reciprocated with due etiquette, his demeanor impeccable.

"Please!"

Xu Yang smiled and, without saying much, invited them into the hall.

"You may wait here."

The Jade Emperor gestured for the Longevity Star Palace Master and the others to wait outside while he entered the hall alone.

Both parties were of imperial bearing, sharing an understanding, so without further ado, Xu Yang went straight to the point, "Heavenly Venerable, what brings you here?"

"To dissolve hostilities, to transform conflict into friendship!"

The Jade Emperor was straightforward: "The karmic responsibilities of this affair, including its intricacies, are fully understood by Us. Indeed, the Heavenly Court was first at fault; law and discipline were not strict, poorly managed, causing harm to the Taoist friend, which led to this conflict and countless deaths and injuries. As the lord of the Heavenly Court, this sin also lies with Us.

This visit is to extend an apology to the Taoist friend."

"Ha!"

Xu Yang laughed, neither agreeing nor disagreeing: "Since the Heavenly Venerable understands karma, what will you do about it?"

"This..."

The Jade Emperor hesitated for a moment, then replied, "The root cause lies within the Western Extreme Auxiliary Court. We must administer severe punishment. As for the Taoist friend's various actions in the Heavenly Palace, all will be forgotten, considered compensation to the Wandao School.

Additionally, the State of South Observance can also be governed by the friend under the jurisdiction of Wandao School, similar to Fengdu and the Four Seas Dragon Palace. Domestic affairs will not be interfered with by the Heavenly Court, as long as they concern the Demon Abyss..."

He laid out the conditions clearly and generously.

Xu Yang smiled but changed the topic, "I've heard that the Western Extreme Great Emperor is still within the Heavenly Secret Realm. If the Heavenly Venerable finds it difficult to punish your subordinates, would it cause you trouble?"

"..."

The Jade Emperor's gaze sharpened, looking at him in surprise but remained silent.

Xu Yang also refrained from elaborating, speaking for himself: "Every grievance has its protagonist; every debt has its debtor. The karmic consequences of this affair will have an end in the future. The Heavenly Venerable need not be troubled. As for the matter of South Observance and Wandao School, I, too, shall pay homage to the Heavenly Court as did Fengdu and the Dragon Palace.

However, there are several conditions. I wonder if the Heavenly Venerable can consent?"

"..."

Such direct words led to a moment of silence from the Jade Emperor, who then spoke after a pause, "The Taoist friend may speak them."

"Firstly, the karma between the Western Court and myself will be resolved in the future; it is a personal grudge. I hope the Heavenly Court will not get involved."

Xu Yang was straightforward, directly stating his conditions.

"..."

After a moment of silence, the Jade Emperor nodded: "Agreed!"

"Secondly, the State of South Observance is under my rule. Should the Demon Abyss stir up trouble, I alone shall defend against it. Beyond this, all other decrees will be disregarded."

"..."

"Agreed!"

Although it was a bit presumptuous, it was expected, and the Jade Emperor did not hesitate to agree.

Xu Yang smiled and continued, "The captured Wuqu Heavenly Soldiers, along with all I took from the crucial points of the Heavenly Palace, may be returned. However, some must serve labor to atone for their sins and clear the karma!"

To this, the Jade Emperor was quite surprised.

He had thought it a case of 'a meat bun beating a dog; gone and never returned,' but unexpectedly, there was a chance for redemption.

Overjoyed, the Jade Emperor did not hesitate: "The Taoist friend is most generous!"

"That was the third condition, and now for the fourth, the last move."

Xu Yang met the Jade Emperor's gaze, presenting his final condition: "I seek authority over the Ascension Platform."

"Eh!?"

The Jade Emperor's gaze intensified, as they looked at each other in silence.

The Ascension Platform!

The place that facilitates the lower realm cultivators' Ascension to become Earth Immortals.

It represents not just a source of human resources such as Ascension Cultivators but also the lower realms as numerous as stars beneath the Earth Immortals.

Although these lower realms are generally of lower caliber, they are worlds nonetheless. Their vast number, akin to a cluster of stars, not only provides a force of Ascension Cultivators but also can cultivate and tribute various resources.

Quantity induces a qualitative change, something not to be underestimated—a vital strategic location for the Heavenly Court's production strategy.

Both the Heavenly Court and its subordinate Tao Lineages have sent cultivators to the lower realms, passing on lineage after lineage.

Such a strategic location, how could it be surrendered with folded hands?

To have gained the State of South Observance wasn't enough, and now there was an intent to covet the worlds of the lower realms?

This condition had clearly exceeded the psychological price that the Jade Emperor was willing to pay.

Xu Yang knew his thoughts and said with a light laugh, "I control the Ascension Platform, creating a new Lower Realm without interfering with the Heavenly Court or any major Taoist lineages. As long as they maintain integrity and refrain from the evil deeds of demons, causing harm to the people, that will suffice!"

Having said that, he looked at the Jade Emperor and pressed, "What say you, Heavenly Venerable?"

"This…"

The Jade Emperor hesitated, unable to decide.

Xu Yang's words had shaken him once again.

To control the Ascension Platform but not to interfere with the Lower Realms already under the administration of the Heavenly Court, nor prevent the Heavenly Court from opening up new lower realm resources—wasn't this just wanting to join in and share the resources of all the lower realms under heaven?

This wasn't a big deal. The lower realms under heaven, as numerous as stars, apart from the Heavenly Court, Netherworld, Dragon Palace, and East Victorious, all the major Immortal God Taoist lineages had their share, sending Cultivators to explore and develop various resources.

Now, with one more Wandao School, it would not affect the overall situation.

But...

Maintain integrity, not become demons, nor bring disaster upon the people?

Was this asserting authority over law enforcement and punishment in the lower realms?

No wonder he mentioned controlling the Ascension Platform!

Could he entrust him with such authority?

What was his intent in wanting this authority?

Merely for the resources of the lower realms?

Or... perhaps for merit?

The merits of Slaughtering Demons, the virtues of saving the world!

Did he intend to use the resources of the lower realms to forge the Nine Rituals Heavenly Sword, to further enhance it?

No wonder, no wonder...

The Jade Emperor was caught in hesitation.

Law enforcement rights in the lower realms!

This authority seemed light but could also be heavy.

Look at the Western Buddhism, where the Great Mercy Bodhisattva's mount was allowed to run amuck in the lower realm, seeking to advance to Mahayana with the methods of demons; or the Netherworld's Yin Heavenly Lord, the Dragon Palace's Mo Yunzi... these kinds of matters had long been an unspoken agreement and tacit understanding among the major Taoist lineages.

If this was normal in the Earth Immortal Realm, how could the Lower Realm be exempt?

The various Taoist lineages inevitably had some uncontrollable mounts, disciples, rebels, grandchildren, and the like who would escape to the Lower Realm, proclaim themselves kings, and wreak havoc.

If this authority were granted to the Wandao School, it could provoke countless conflicts.

This was simply...

Perfect!

The Jade Emperor laughed heartily in his heart, though he kept his expression unchanged: "Fellow Daoist is indeed a True Immortal of great virtue, detesting evil as if it were a personal enemy. Very well, let this authority over the Ascension Platform be entrusted to you, Fellow Daoist!"

"Then I thank you greatly, Heavenly Venerable," Xu Yang replied.

The Jade Emperor readily agreed, and Xu Yang was not surprised.

Law enforcement in the Lower Realm?

This thankless task that offends others, he was of course more than happy for the Wandao School to undertake it.

If the Wandao School were to get along well with Buddhism, the Netherworld, and the Dragon Palace, he would be the one feeling uneasy.

As for the forging of the Nine Rituals Heavenly Sword...

Firstly, whether or not he agreed, Xu Yang would still descend to the Lower Realm in search of the merits of demon-slaying and world-saving to forge the Nine Rituals Heavenly Sword. The only difference was that it wouldn't be through the Ascension Platform, but through breaking the Broken Void, which would be somewhat troublesome.

Secondly, slaying demons to save the world sounds simple, but it is no easy feat.

You can't just pick a world overrun by demons, slay the demon, and cleanse it to obtain the merit of saving the world. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

What is merit? It is to benefit the world and be approved by the Heavenly Dao—that is considered merit.

What is the Heavenly Dao? The world is the Heavenly Dao, and all living creatures are the Heavenly Dao.

In a world dominated by demons, its Heavenly Dao would certainly be formed by the demons. If you enter and slay the demons, that is called destroying the world, not saving it. You would receive karma, not merit.

To obtain the merit of saving the world through slaying demons, one must, like in the World of Dao and Law and the Yuan Spirit world tainted by demons, slay the world-ending demons and eradicate the polluted evil before the constituents of the Heavenly Dao perish.

Only then can one gain merit.

But such events are difficult to find and risky to attempt; it's truly a thankless job.

The Heavenly Court has also sought to gain merit for the forging of the Nine Rituals Heavenly Sword in this way but with minimal success.

Even upon encountering one or two Lower Realms that were suitable and completing the act of slaying demons to save worlds, not much merit was gained.

Because those Lower Realms were of such low stature that even if you slayed demons to save them, the merit earned was not enough to forge the Nine Rituals Heavenly Venerable.

But him...

He was an exception. The World of Dao and Law was an Ancient Realm, which had seen Ancient Immortal Gods and even had remnants suspected to be of the Taoist fruit left by entities practicing the Fake Cultivation Skill. Despite the Five Turbidities Evil Age and the dormant Yuan Spirit, its standing was not low.

Add to that Xu Yang's skill characteristics, a heaven-defying cheat code. Only by combining these two could the Xuanyuan be forged, and then ascend to the Nine Rituals Heavenly Venerable.

The Jade Emperor was unaware of the key point, and therefore at ease.

In fact, both sides understood that this apparent agreement was nothing more than superficial politeness, a temporary compromise.

The situation in the Heavenly Court was unclear with Taihuang in an uncertain state, and the Emperor of the North Pole, who had held back, being injured by the Holy Sword; only the Southern Extreme Great Land was left to defend the Heavenly Court, and could not engage in external battles.

As for the Dragon Palace and the Netherworld, though they nominally pledged allegiance, the Emperor of Fengdu and the East Sea Dragon Emperor, both being Nine Tribulations True Immortals, had the power to ignore orders and would not be involved in this matter for the Heavenly Court. They might even blame the Heavenly Court for bringing disaster upon them.

Hence, the Heavenly Court had no choice but to call for a truce.

But this helplessness would not last forever.

In three thousand years, the Heavenly Secret Realm would reopen.

Once the Heavenly Secret Realm reopened, the two Emperors of the Eastern and Western Poles, who have been cultivating arduously within the realm, would return as kings, allowing the Heavenly Court to possess the combat power of four True Immortals to settle the battle decisively and eliminate any future threats.

By then, if he had not ascended to True Immortal or possessed the power to fight a True Immortal without defeat, the Heavenly Court would likely initiate hostility again.

Thus, any conditions, any authority offered, should be accepted. Give what needs to be given, for it is all but superficial politeness, no harm done.

That being said, there was still plenty of room for maneuvering.

For example...

Xu Yang turned to the Jade Emperor, saying with a smile, "I wonder, Heavenly Venerable, what is your opinion on the Art of Mech Armor of my Wandao School?"