The Dragon Lord's Calling Card, Crisis in the Sea Region
There is a newly built auditorium in Black Tortoise Wall. Although it is called an auditorium, it is actually a separate Suspended Island with an area of about 800 acres, which is enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people.
In the center of the auditorium, there is a white stone platform, three zhang high, with ninety-nine steps on each of the four sides.
Zheng Fa sat cross-legged on the platform, looking in all directions.
The three thousand disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect, led by Senior Sister Zhang and others, sat on various prayer mats.
These disciples are all above the Golden Core. Of course, they are not all the Golden Core disciples of the Nine Mountains Sect, but rather the elite among them. The lowest level is the Golden Core Late Stage stage with the potential to condense into a Nascent Soul. Although the <Yellow Court Scripture> starts from the <Talisman Dao Foundation Establishment Method>, it is still very profound and mysterious. Only those Nascent Soul have reached the Nascent Soul stage can truly begin to understand it. If a disciple's cultivation is not up to par, it is a minor matter if he does not understand it. The real problem is that he may learn it but still have a cognitive obstacle.
Therefore, those who ultimately came to listen to this sermon were the three thousand most elite disciples of the sect.
Seeing that everyone was watching him, Zheng Fa's spiritual power stirred slightly, and three golden flowers floated in the air, illuminating the stage and the audience.
"This lecture will last for twenty-one days. For the first seven days, I will impart the essential secrets of the * Yellow Court Scripture * before the Nascent Soul, mainly the * Nine-Turn Golden Core Method * and the * Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend Transformation *."
The disciples below the stage, both those at the Golden Core stage and those in the Nascent Soul Early Stage, all wore expressions of delight, clearly finding this part most useful to them.
"The middle seven days were dedicated to explaining the outline of the Spirit Transformation Realm in the Yellow Court Scripture, mainly focusing on the essential principle of the Three Methods Unite as One."
The disciples in the mid-to-late Nascent Soul were the ones who were happy.
"These last seven days are for us to exchange ideas." Zheng Fa's gaze swept across everyone's faces. "If you have any questions or opinions, please speak freely. There's no need to get up."
The disciples below the stage all bowed slightly, as if in respect.
Zheng Fa pressed his thumbs together at the base of his ring fingers, forming a Daoist seal, and said:
The general outline of the * Yellow Court Scripture * states. "When form and spirit are both perfectly integrated into one true unity, the cultivation of both nature and life permeates the Yellow Court..."
As he began to explain the general principles, streams of purple qi flowed from his Auspicious Cloud and landed around the high platform.
The sermon's voice, as clear as a bell, echoed throughout the auditorium.
As if drawn by the sermon, streaks of colorful clouds sneaked into the room, filling it with a dazzling array of colors.
The disciples below the stage, those with high comprehension, were already completely absorbed, and some even began to dance with abandon.
Even if they didn't fully understand it at first, they listened intently, unwilling to miss a single word.
Yan Wushuang sat on the futon, not fully understanding what was being said. He had sufficient comprehension and cultivation, and even practiced the Yellow Court Scripture, but having cultivated for a long time in the Tianhe Sect in his early years, many of his ideas differed from those of the Nine Mountains Sect. As a result, he found some contradictions in what he heard.
Therefore, he listened very attentively.
Which disciple of the school is unaware of the unique nature of the * Yellow Court Scripture *?
This kind of Cultivation Method, if placed among the Four Sects, would undoubtedly be their most prized secret. How could anyone be as generous as their sect Sect Leader?
But what they never expected was that Zheng Fa, halfway through his explanation, seemed to sense their doubts, paused, and then turned back to discuss some of the more difficult points he had just mentioned.
This time, he didn't just talk:
Zheng Fa pointed forward with his right index finger, and a light screen appeared.
In the light screen, besides some texts of the Yellow Court Scripture, there was also a three-dimensional human figure.
As the scripture changed, corresponding parts of the human body lit up with a red glow, which was then magnified so that everyone could see it clearly.
Although Yan Wushuang was already accustomed to the Nine Mountains Sect's multimedia teaching methods, she still felt somewhat emotional at this moment:
This shows that the Sect Leader had truly prepared before giving his sermon.
It wasn't just about preparing these "course materials"; more importantly, Zheng Fa seemed to have long understood the difficulties in the * Yellow Court Scripture * and deliberately explained them repeatedly, striving to make people understand them.
As I said before, in other sects, disciples would be afraid that their sect wouldn't teach such profound Method Formula.
However, in the Nine Mountains Sect, Zheng Fa seemed afraid that they wouldn't be able to learn the Yellow Court Scripture Jing, a Daoist scripture considered the most Xuanwei.
Fourteen days passed in a flash.
As the sermons subsided, the crowd remained captivated by the profound mysteries of the * Yellow Court Scripture *, unable to tear themselves away.
It wasn't until two incense sticks had burned that everyone gradually came to their senses.
Many disciples looked at Zheng Fa with somewhat resentful expressions—one could even say they were unsatisfied.
Zheng Fa chuckled inwardly and asked the crowd:
Do you have any questions?
One of the disciples immediately shouted, "Sect Leader, please continue for two more days!"
Upon hearing this, the other disciples immediately nodded in agreement, and voices of support arose from all sides.
"This time it only lasts twenty-one days."
The audience immediately sighed in dismay.
But I didn't say it would only be this once.
"Sect Leader?"
"I've discussed it with the elders of the sect, and for the next few years, I will give a lecture on the Yellow Court Scripture every three months," Zheng Fa said with a smile.
"The intervals in the middle of March allow you to study the * Yellow Court Scripture *, accumulating insights and resolving your doubts."
Upon hearing this, the disciples beamed with joy.
"Besides myself, the elders and elite disciples will also give lectures regularly in the auditorium," Zheng Fa added, bringing more exciting news. "Or rather, any disciple can apply to the sect to give a lecture on this platform. The specific schedule will be announced by Nine Mountains University."
This is equivalent to a regular public lecture or an academic seminar.
The difference between this seminar and the regular teaching at Nine Mountains University is that it does not restrict the identity or topic of the preacher, allowing them to speak freely. There are also fewer restrictions on the listeners; anyone who is interested can come, making it more flexible.
In Zheng Fa's view, the Daoist studies of the Nine Mountains Sect have now reached a point where there are no predecessors whose methods can be learned from.
Only by leveraging internal brainstorming can we hope to innovate and bring forth new ideas.
He had no better solution than to loosen the academic restrictions within the school.
Upon hearing this, the disciples below the stage showed little dissatisfaction; instead, they were filled with anticipation.
In the following days, Zheng Fa answered some of his disciples' questions—although he had prepared lessons, individual talents and backgrounds differed, and there were some questions he couldn't even think of.
Many disciples still have difficulties with the * Yellow Court Scripture *.
Until the twenty-first day.
With no more questions from the disciples, Zheng Fa was about to announce the end of his sermon when his expression suddenly changed. He reached out and lightly tapped the air, and a portal the size of a head appeared at his fingertips.
A golden invitation flew in through the gate.
The gold plaque depicts five dragons, radiating a precious glow; it is clearly a rare and magical Law Treasure.
What is this?
"I'm puzzled," said Senior Sister Zhang.
Zheng Fa took the gold letter in his hand and looked at it. He was somewhat surprised, then laughed, "This is a visiting card from the Dragon Lord Shuyu."
"A visiting card?"
Senior Sister Zhang, Uncle-Master Pang, and the others sat on the prayer mats, looking at each other with some confusion, just like Zheng Fa.
The Dragon Lord Shuyu has visited the Nine Mountains Realm countless times, but has he ever been this formal before?
It's truly puzzling that they even sent a visiting card that looks valuable at first glance.
"Dragon Lord Shuyu will visit in three days, so this sermon will conclude here."
Upon hearing this, all the disciples and elders below the stage spontaneously rose from their prayer cushions and bowed deeply to him. "Thank you for imparting your teachings, Sect Leader."
Zheng Fa also rose from the platform, cupped his hands in greeting to the four directions, and replied, "We await you all to come up to this platform."
The Dragon Lord Shuyu stood on the seabed, frowning, and shouted at the empty waters, "This is my territory. The Dragon King has gone too far."
No one responded.
"The mighty Azure Abyss Dragon King of the Azure Sea is actually hiding his true nature, a coward who dares to do something but not to take responsibility?"
A laugh rang out.
A whirlpool rose from the seabed, and the figure of the Azure Abyss Dragon King stepped out of it, showing no shame and exuding an even more imposing aura.
The Dragon Lord Shuyu's expression grew even colder as she demanded, "Dragon King, you have used your Law Power to invade my Xuanwei Sea. Do you intend to become my enemy?"
"It was you who chose to be my enemy, refusing to marry my son, Shuyu. Did you really think you could bully my Azure Abyss Dragon Palace like this?"
Dragon Lord Shuyu laughed in anger, "You think I can't utter a single word of dissent?"
"Of course you can refuse a marriage alliance," the Azure Abyss Dragon King shook his head, "But you have to give me the Xuanwei Sea."
"Xuanwei Sea, why do you think I refused the marriage alliance? So that's what it was all about."
The Dragon Lord Shuyu's expression grew increasingly cold.
The reason she chose the Nine Mountains Sect over the Azure Abyss Dragon King was not only because of the three dragon eggs within the Nine Mountains Realm and the grandeur of the Nine Mountains Sect, but also because she had seen through the Azure Abyss Dragon King's intentions.
The Xuanwei Sea is the original Sea Region of the Xuanwei Realm. Not only is it vast in area, but it is also the current center of the ocean. The newly formed North Sea and the yet-to-be-existed South Sea are located to the north and south of the Xuanwei Sea.
Whether it's communication between Sea Region or the desire to unify the oceans, the Xuanwei Sea is of paramount importance.
"You understand? You don't understand!" The Azure Abyss Dragon King seemed even angrier than her. "The Xuanwei Upheaval is imminent. Golden Immortal may emerge at any time. You, a mere True Immortal, do you think you can hide in the sea and ignore worldly affairs?"
These words left the Dragon Lord Shuyu speechless.
"If our two families were to unite in marriage, I would unify the Sea Region and have a chance to attain the Golden Immortal. At that time, my Dragon Clan would naturally become a powerful force, while you could sleep at the bottom of the sea for your entire life without anyone caring!"
The Azure Abyss Dragon King's aura grew even stronger, and he was utterly heartbroken. "Who knew you would be so ignorant of the bigger picture? You are truly a sinner against my Dragon Clan for all eternity!"
The Dragon Lord Shuyu spoke up, "Since the Dragon King understands the bigger picture and is wholeheartedly devoted to the Dragon Clan, why don't I just become Golden Immortal?"
The Azure Abyss Dragon King was speechless.
"The Dragon King cares so much for my Dragon Clan, so why are you unwilling to protect my three children?"
Seeing the speechless face of the Azure Abyss Dragon King, the Dragon Lord Shuyu sneered inwardly.
Do you really think she's stupid?
She had long been aware of the Azure Abyss Dragon King's character, and now, setting aside their kinship, she saw him even more clearly—it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this man would prosper if he obeyed and perish if he defied.
Looking at the face of the Azure Abyss Dragon King, the Dragon Lord Shuyu knew that further words would be of no use.
The matter of refusing the marriage is really a minor issue, Azure Abyss Dragon King probably doesn't care much about this insult.
But he was determined to get Xuanwei Sea.
In the Dragon King's eyes, he was probably blocking his path to becoming Golden Immortal, making him a mortal enemy.
In this matter, right and wrong are as insignificant as a feather.
Her unwillingness to relinquish the Xuanwei Sea means... it's a fight to the death.
Just as the two were silent, the expression of the Dragon Lord Shuyu suddenly changed, and he looked at the Azure Abyss Dragon King.
She could sense that other areas of the Xuanwei Sea were being harassed by others.
The seawater that was originally under her control was being refined by others; the aquatic creatures loyal to her were either killed or defected to others.
Seeing her unpleasant expression, the Azure Abyss Dragon King smiled smugly, "Dragon Lord, you really are going to refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. Do you think you can stand against my Azure Abyss Dragon Palace all by yourself?"
The Dragon Lord Shuyu pursed his lips, but had to admit that the Azure Abyss Dragon King was right.
Her control over the Sea Region gave her complete peace of mind in dealing with others.
But Heaven and Earth are impartial, and this talent is not unique to her; it is similar to that of any Ancient Dragon Clan.
In this way, in the struggle against the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace, she would no longer have the advantage of terrain, and might even be at a disadvantage.
When other families pitch in together, she's all alone; she's destined to suffer.
She ignored the Azure Abyss Dragon King, her figure flickered twice, and she fled towards an unusual place.
Thanks to the Dragon Clan Divine Ability, she arrived at an underwater canyon more than 20,000 miles away in almost an instant.
This canyon is also the border between the territories of the Dragon Lord Shuyu and the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace.
Above the canyon, the second prince of the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace stood in the water, gathering spiritual energy into a golden ball of light in his hand to cleanse the seawater, hoping to encroach on the territory of the Dragon Lord Shuyu.
Upon seeing her chasing after him, the Second Prince immediately showed a hint of nervousness on his face.
Just as the Dragon Lord Shuyu was about to make a move, he felt the water around him surge, and the Azure Abyss Dragon King arrived in the blink of an eye.
This Dragon King was like a leech, sticking to her relentlessly!
But she also understood that in this way, she really couldn't do anything to the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace!
Both are True Immortal, and their Divine Ability are equally matched. It's hard to say who will win, but it's unlikely that either of them can kill the other.
The Azure Abyss Dragon King likely understood this, which is why he only used the method of gradual encroachment.
He let the other four dragons refine the Sea Region, while he kept a close eye on the Dragon Lord Shuyu, preventing her from making a move.
Seeing her in a dilemma, the Azure Abyss Dragon King stroked his long beard, while the second prince grinned and increased his Law Power. In front of the Dragon Lord Shuyu, he seemed even more excited.
"Does the Dragon King truly disregard kinship?"
"It's too late to talk about kinship now!"
Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord Shuyu gave the two of them a deep look, then left without saying a word.
Seeing her like this, the second prince seemed uneasy and asked, "Father, does this woman have some other tricks up her sleeve?"
"Methods? It's nothing more than finding Zheng Fa..." the Azure Abyss Dragon King said confidently, "If we were on land, I would naturally give Zheng Fa some leeway, but in the sea, what do we have to fear?"
Hearing this, the second prince gained more confidence and nodded repeatedly.
Dragon Lord Shuyu returned to his dragon palace and looked at the dragons carved on the stone walls. His expression changed from hesitation to determination.
She slowly walked into the hall, set up an incense table, and placed an Seal in the center of the table.
After lighting three incense sticks and bowing nine times to the Seal, Dragon Lord Shuyu solemnly put the seal away and headed towards the Nine Mountains Realm.
As they flew to the border between land and sea, a loud shout came from the air:
"Is it the Dragon Lord Shuyu?"
Following the sound, she saw Master Pang of the Nine Mountains Sect standing on the shore, seemingly having been waiting for her for a long time.
"Were you waiting for me?"
"We are waiting for the Dragon Lord."
Dragon Lord Shuyu looked at Uncle-Master Pang, puzzled.
"The Dragon Lord first sent a formal letter of greeting, Sect Leader the utmost courtesy. The Sect Leader was deeply impressed and therefore ordered me to come and welcome him."
Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord Shuyu's expression softened considerably, and his bad mood of the past few days improved significantly.
"Furthermore, my Nine Mountains Realm has recently moved to a different location."
"Changed location?"
Uncle-Master Pang didn't answer, but simply waved his hand, and his Life-bound Dharma Treasure, the Five-Dragon Heavenly Palace, stood in mid-air. He laughed and said, "You'll know once the Dragon Lord arrives."
But the Dragon Lord didn't move. Uncle-Master Pang turned his head and broke out in a cold sweat—the Dragon Lord was staring at the five Flood Dragon.
(End of this chapter)