In Zheng Fa's view, the Nine Nether Emperor's mentality is now like that of someone looking for a job.
Delivering food? That's impossible. You said if I don't deliver food I'll have to work in the factory... So I choose to deliver food.
He would rather not bow down to Lu Mo than be a tool of the Nine Mountains Sect.
In short, it all depends on the Lu Mo.
However, the Nine Nether Emperor still seemed to have doubts, frowning as he said, " Lu Mo is not to be underestimated. He went to great lengths to send you to the Great Luo Dharma Assembly; he must be no simple man... You're lucky you were able to protect yourself."
It was clear that he was quite wary of Lu Mo.
Zheng Fa smiled, and although he didn't say anything, there was a hint of confidence on his face.
The Nine Nether Emperor narrowed his eyes, pondered for a long time, and then suddenly took out a bronze mirror.
The back of this bronze mirror is carved with a pair of mandarin ducks, flying together across the lake and sand in the afterglow of the setting sun.
"This is..."
"This is Lingxi's True Spirit."
Lingxi?
The name sounded somewhat familiar... After a moment's thought, Zheng Fa finally remembered who it was— the dao companion of Venerable Tianhe, who later betrayed Venerable Tianhe and was considered one of the instigators of the Tianhe Upheaval.
" True Spirit?"
"She's dead." The Nine Nether Emperor's voice was muffled as he looked at the precious mirror, his expression a mixture of pain and regret. "Back then, my heart was filled with hatred; I only thought she had betrayed us, and I didn't even want to mention her name."
"..."
But she's dead.
Zheng Fa silent.
Although he didn't know what exactly happened back then, now, this Fairy Xi had died quietly.
Things, naturally, didn't turn out the way everyone had imagined.
"Then the Fairy Xi who returned to Jade Pool..." Zheng Fa was puzzled at first, then suddenly realized, " The White Bone Devil Ancestor?"
"Perhaps it's him. This Mandarin Duck Treasure Mirror belonged to Tianhe back then, their token of love. I found it at the Tianhe Sect." The Nine Nether Emperor lowered his head. "Later, when I entered the Reincarnation, I discovered that Lingxi's True Spirit was about to dissipate..."
"I placed her True Spirit within this Mandarin Duck Treasure Mirror."
Zheng Fa nodded slightly and also looked at the Mandarin Duck Treasure Mirror.
Unexpectedly, the Nine Nether Emperor reached out and handed the Mandarin Duck Treasure Mirror to him.
"Your Majesty?"
"Take this mirror," the Nine Nether Emperor said. "The situation at Jade Pool is not that simple."
Zheng Fa listened, increasingly puzzled.
" The Jade Pool Water Mother has long since attained enlightenment, and its strength is unfathomable," the Nine Nether Emperor said softly. "In this world, the strongest Golden Immortal is probably not Lu Mo, but the Water Mother."
That makes a lot of sense.
Zheng Fa had been somewhat overlooking Water Mother, but the problem was that Water Mother's background was in no way weaker than Lu Mo's, and might even be stronger.
After all, she wasn't killed by Venerable Tianhe.
He used to think that Jade Pool was less talented than Lu Mo, which was why she didn't show off. But now, after hearing what the Nine Nether Emperor said, it seems that's not the case.
"It's really strange that the Blissful Heavenly Maiden of Jade Pool has now submitted to the Lu Mo." The Nine Nether Emperor continued, "If the Water Mother were here, this wouldn't be the case."
That's certainly true.
Water Mother isn't Grand Unity Golden Immortal. Golden Immortal are currently quite free to move around in Xuanwei. If they were in normal condition, they wouldn't need to let the Blissful Heavenly Maiden make decisions for them.
Given its status and seniority, Water Mother would never directly humble itself.
"Your Majesty, are you saying that there might still be a chance at Jade Pool?"
"I don't know." The Nine Nether Emperor glanced at the Mandarin Duck Treasure Mirror and shook his head, "But if you want to disrupt the Great Luo Dharma Assembly, this is one way."
"Yes."
" Lingxi was the most promising junior of the Water Mother back then, and she was well-versed in the secrets of Jade Pool." Nine Nether sighed as she said this, "Back then, the relationship between the Tianhe Sect and Jade Pool was always quite good."
The Tianhe Sect and the Four Sects were likely in a cooperative relationship in their early years.
It was precisely for this reason that Zheng Fa never truly trusted Jade Pool and Supreme Dao.
The lesson of Venerable Tianhe was too tragic.
"Although she has lost her mind, she still has some instinctive reactions, which might be helpful."
Zheng Fa nodded slowly, knowing that this was the Nine Nether Emperor's good intention. He put away the Mandarin Duck Treasure Mirror and then asked the question he was more concerned about, "Your Majesty, is there a faster way to advance to the True Immortal realm?"
"Faster?" The Nine Nether Emperor glanced at him, his face twitching slightly. "Aren't you faster?"
Yan Changge, standing to the side, couldn't help but express his ample emotions upon realizing that Zheng Fa's age was less than a fraction of his own.
"That's simply not enough; ten thousand years is far too long."
Zheng Fa also asked the Dragon Lord Shuyu and Yun Wuji this matter. According to the two of them, there are nine tribulations from the Loose Immortal is to the time it takes to become True Immortal.
The first five paths will occur five thousand years after one achieves the status of Loose Immortal.
The last four will arrive in the ninth millennium.
Finally, after another thousand years of nurturing, it will be able to advance to the level of True Immortal.
Of course, no one usually thinks this time is short. On the contrary, most Loose Immortal will cultivate methods to avoid and evade calamities, extending the calamity indefinitely, wishing they could prepare again and again.
Do you know what the Loose Immortal Nine Tribulations are?
"The first five kalpas are the Five Decays of Heaven and Man, Immortal Body Tribulation; the latter four kalpas are the Four Dharma Kalpas of True Emptiness Tribulation, Dao Silence Tribulation, Law Disorder Tribulation, and Scarlet Brightness Four Law Tribulation."
Zheng Fa also found out quite clearly.
" The Five Decays of Heaven and Man is a test of your Immortal Body. Only when your Immortal Body matures will this tribulation be triggered... Five thousand years is the time required for your Immortal Body to mature. I don't know anyone who has a way to shorten this time."
"But I have indeed heard of a method for the last four tribulations."
Zheng Fa was greatly encouraged.
"The last four tribulations are known as Dharma tribulations, which are the process of finding your true Dharma when the Daoist Dharma is about to perish. As the saying goes, Yin gives rise to Yang, and Yang gives rise to Yin. To trigger the tribulations, you need rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures that are incompatible with your path of Daoist Dharma, which will wear away your Daoist Dharma and artificially trigger the tribulations."
"But such treasures are extremely difficult to find."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa fell into deep thought. heavenly materials and earthly treasures was incompatible with his own?
His own words, and his mastery of Daoist magic, all actually originated from... the Fusang Wood?
I wouldn't say 100%, but it's about 60% or 70%.
That incompatible thing is...
Zheng Fa suddenly looked up, glanced at the Nine Nether Emperor, and chuckled, "It seems you'd better make a trip to the Jade Pool."
After saying this, the Nine Nether Emperor's expression suddenly turned serious. He stared at Zheng Fa and said, "I know you're only seeking speed because of Lu Mo, but the Loose Immortal Tribulation should not be underestimated."
Zheng Fa knew this was a good intention, so he cupped his hands in agreement and asked, "May I ask Your Majesty, how can one overcome the Loose Immortal Nine Tribulations?"
" The Five Decays of Heaven and Man are testing your Immortal Body. In fact, you can resist this with the help of others, or at least weaken it," the Nine Nether Emperor explained carefully. "Only the Four Tribulations, when one is without knowledge or consciousness, without self or things, and no one can help, are extremely dangerous."
He had heard similar descriptions from both Dragon Lord Shuyu Dragon Lord Shuyu. They couldn't even explain what the Four Tribulations would entail, as if they had lost their memories and were only vaguely aware of it.
Zheng Fa previously understood the Loose Immortal Tribulation as Heavenly Tribulation to check for duplicates, which occurred within this tribulation.
However, the Nine Nether Emperor was Grand Unity Golden Immortal, so he naturally expected that the Emperor would have different opinions.
"These four tribulations are extremely strange. If I say too much, it will only harm you." Unexpectedly, the Nine Nether Emperor was in a difficult position.
"Saying too much will only hurt me..."
The Nine Nether Emperor nodded solemnly, his expression growing increasingly serious:
Regarding this ordeal, I only have eight words to give you...
Zheng Fa listened intently, and only then did the Nine Nether Emperor speak, word by word:
"My path arises spontaneously, and will never perish through countless eons."
Watching Zheng Fa's departing figure, seemingly enlightened, Yan Changge pondered for a long time before turning back to ask the Nine Nether Emperor, "Does Your Majesty truly believe he can disrupt the Great Luo Dharma Assembly?"
Whether I believe it or not is unimportant.
The Nine Nether Emperor gazed down at the foot of Yin Mountain.
"Unimportant?"
Is this bet something he's making a plea for, or something we're asking him to give us hope?
Yan Changge was stunned for a moment, then suddenly understood what the Nine Nether Emperor meant, and unconsciously began to look forward to it as well.
Zheng Fa was unaware of the emotional support Yan Changge had given him. After leaving the Underworld, he did not return to the Nine Mountains Realm, but went straight to the Modern World.
After the Creation Daoist died, half of the Nine Luminaries Heaven was destroyed. The cave in the Modern World is actually connected to the Xuanwei.
It's just that it's concealed by the Primordial Purple Qi, so others can't perceive it.
The Modern World was placed by Zheng Fa near the Underworld, not far from the Nine Mountains Realm, just in case.
What is Zheng Fa doing?
In the Nursing Home, Tang Lingwu looked at Zheng Fa with some worry.
Since returning to the Modern World, Zheng Fa hasn't uttered more than a few words, keeping the Creation Jade Disc in his hand as if he were trying to comprehend the Daoist teachings recorded within.
Later, he went to the newly built library in Rainbow Mountain, brought back a bunch of books, and flipped through them one by one.
Tang Lingwu studied the books Zheng Fa had borrowed and found that he read a wide variety of books, including a lot of Mathematics, a lot of computer science, as well as Physics, motion, systems, and even a few books on biology, neurology, or genes.
Sometimes, Zheng Fa seems unable to find certain references, requiring someone to specifically search for them.
She had never seen Zheng Fa like this before, so she was naturally a little worried.
Old Man Bai was initially quite worried, but after observing for a few days, he found that the boy was eating and drinking normally, and didn't seem to care at all.
Seeing that Tang Lingwu was genuinely worried, he comforted her, "It's a good thing."
"What good news?"
"I've seen this kind of thing many times," the Old Man Bai said with a smile. "A theorem proof reaches its final stage, a new theory is about to emerge, an experiment is about to conclude..."
"At this moment, he feels a sense of urgency, a yearning to break free from his cocoon, and he becomes oblivious to others, focusing solely on his thesis."
Old Man Bai looked at Zheng Fa with a somewhat gratified expression. " Zheng Fa is just like that."
Tang Lingwu turned to look at Tang Mudao and the others, and seeing that they were all nodding, she felt slightly relieved.
Tang Mudao gave an analogy. "This is somewhat similar to the enlightenment spoken of in the Xuanwei Immortal Realm."
Tang Lingwu nodded slightly, finally feeling somewhat relieved.
Several months later, Zheng Fa finally emerged from this state.
Tang Lingwu and the others then went to greet them. The Old Man Bai asked, "Have you figured it out?"
"Just a little bit more, just a tiny bit more." Though he said this, a glint flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating that he had gained a great deal of insight.
Seeing this, Old Man Bai became anxious and asked, "Do you have a paper? Let me see it!"
Zheng Fa was about to speak when a thought suddenly struck him, and he took out Lu Mo's gold invitation.
A few more words were added to it, indicating the time and place of the Great Luo Dharma Assembly—six months later, at Thunderclap Temple.
At Thunderclap Temple, the Glazed Buddha Ancestor, enraged, ascended a pagoda.
"World Honored One!" He ascended to the highest level, looked at Lu Mo, and asked in bewilderment, "Why are you so tolerant of Zheng Fa? My nephew White Lotus, he..."
Lu Mo put down the prayer beads in his hand, slowly opened his eyes, looked at the Glazed Buddha Ancestor, and shook his head, saying, "You don't understand?"
"... yes!"
"If Thunderclap Temple wishes to unify Xuanwei, it must embrace all rivers."
"But if we don't avenge White Lotus, how can outsiders respect Lei Yin?"
Lu Mo laughed, his tone exceptionally gentle, "Liuli..."
Seeing Lu Mo's smile, the Glazed Buddha Ancestor hurriedly lowered his head, as if he dared not look directly at him.
"Please forgive me, Venerable One."
"You did it all for Thunderclap Temple, what crime have you committed?" Lu Mo said softly, "I am also heartbroken to lose my disciple, but resentment and separation from loved ones are ultimately just dreams and illusions."
"Yes..."
The Glazed Buddha Ancestor clasped his hands together, whether convinced or too afraid to refute.
Lu Mo ignored his thoughts and continued, "Remember this: we wish to Universal Salvation living beings. From now on, whether it's the Nine Mountains Sect or Zheng Fa, they will all be subjects of Lei Yin."
The Glazed Buddha Ancestor retorted, "I observed from the Nine Mountains that this person is not one to compromise or yield."
"He has no choice."
Lu Mo's tone was full of certainty.
The Glazed Buddha Ancestor paused for a moment, then seemed to understand, and clasped his hands together again, his face full of sincere admiration.
As the Old Man Bai looked at the words on the gold plaque, his smile gradually faded, and the people at the Nursing Home fell silent.
The wind rippled across the lake in front of the courtyard, and amidst the shimmering waves, everyone's worries and concerns mingled, leaving no one knowing what to say.
"Be extremely careful on your journey to Leiyin." Old Man Bai's usual relaxed demeanor vanished as he earnestly cautioned, "Don't be impulsive. Survival is paramount. Temporary success or failure is nothing. Fortune changes every thirty years. If all else fails, you can hide here and cultivate until you reach the Golden Immortal realm. No, wait until we both reach the Golden Immortal, then we'll go out side by side and cause trouble for Lu Mo. Just don't..."
She kept rambling on and on, without end.
Zheng Fa knew the old man was concerned for him, and feeling grateful, he smiled and said, " Teacher Bai, don't worry, I have the ability to create clones. If something really happens, I'll be able to save my life. Besides, my Creation Jade Disc and the Fusang Wood are both here, so it's very safe..."
Old Man Bai stopped talking, sighed, and said, "Of course I know you're a cautious person, but that Lu Mo shouldn't be underestimated..."
Professor Tian tugged at his sleeve, as if to stop him from continuing.
Old Man Bai turned his head and saw Professor Tian winking at him. Only then did he see Tang Lingwu gritting her teeth, her eyes wet, looking at Zheng Fa with worry and a touch of self-reproach.
Old Man Bai couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
Zheng Fa looked back at Tang Lingwu, and heard her say, "I... Teacher Bai and I are waiting for you here."
She sniffled, her small face full of stubbornness. "If you don't come back, I'll go to Thunderclap Temple and find Lu Mo."
Zheng Fa looked at her with gentle eyes. He reached out and opened his palm, where a Golden Lotus slowly rotated.
"This is..."
"This is a token of the Humanity's Dao's lineage."
In the Nine Luminaries Heaven, after the creation of humankind, Zheng Fa received a token from each of the Sage.
This token embodies the Sage's teachings, and whoever receives it is practically the successor to his lineage.
According to the Five Saints, he could only choose one token.
Zheng Fa had not made a choice because he was hesitant, especially since he was very curious about the Dao Venerable and kept thinking about what would happen if he chose the lineage of the Supreme Dao.
On the other hand, he was also afraid that there was something wrong with this thing.
But now that the Great Luo Dharma Assembly is about to convene, he has a plan in mind:
If there were no Lu Mo, he would choose to use the Golden Lotus to break the deadlock.
If not, he would choose the token of the Taishang Sage and try to see if he could change the Supreme Dao's mind—which is why he was confident in making that bet with the Nine Nether Emperor.
"You mean, this is a treasure passed Zhunти from the two Sage, Jieyin and Zhunti, that you received?"
Old Man Bai exclaimed in surprise.
Legends of the Primordial Wilderness have been passed down in modern times, not to mention that with the rise of the immortal Immortal Way, this stuff is almost becoming a popular field of study.
Old Man Bai was also a voracious reader of novels, and the names of these two Sage were widely known.
"Yes, with this treasure in my possession, I am not someone to be slaughtered at Thunderclap Temple."
Old Man Bai was stunned for a long time, then the worry on his face completely disappeared. He looked at the gold invitation in Zheng Fa's hand with a strange expression. " Lu Mo... know that he has invited the successor of Buddhist School?"
(End of this chapter)