The Black-and-White Diagram

"He actually broke through at the last moment?"

The Slovenly True Person looked at Zhou Hao on the opposite stone pillar, shook his head and sighed, "I lost."

In a true battle, relying on the Xuanwu Great Divine Ability, as well as the profound mysteries of the three Water Paths and the Yin-Yang Great Dao that he had comprehended, even if Zhou Hao's Lightning Great Dao True Meaning was powerful and extremely destructive, it would not be able to harm him.

However, this is a discussion using puppets, so all the God-Devil Body Refining abilities are useless, and since both sides are in the same situation, there's not much to complain about.

"First, Junior Brother Ji Ning broke through during a sparring session and stepped into the realm of Sword Immortals; then Zhou Hao comprehended the Lightning Great Dao." The Slovenly True Person felt a trace of helplessness in his heart, "Why can't I encounter such good fortune?"

Enlightenment and breakthroughs also depend on opportunity and luck.

When the opportunity arises, even a small flower or blade of grass seen on the road might inspire you, propelling you forward in your spiritual realm. But if the opportunity doesn't arrive, you might be trapped in a bottleneck for millennia, unable to overcome it, and haste will be futile.

After Zhou Hao manipulated a thousand flying swords into a torrent of lightning to destroy the Slovenly True Person's Constellation Puppet, he closed his eyes and savored the newly comprehended essence of the Great Dao.

Opening his eyes, he saw the Slovenly True Person shaking his head and sighing, and couldn't help but laugh, "I was lucky. If it weren't for the immense pressure you put on me, San Pang, I wouldn't have made any further progress. Thanks!"

This time it was truly a fluke.

His strongest Tai Chi Great Dao technique almost entirely relies on close-quarters combat and God-Devil Body Refining methods, offering little boost to his strength when controlling puppets.

The Heaven and Earth Great Dao mystery of the ' Heaven Escape Needle Art ' mainly lies in traversing the void to achieve victory by surprise, which was completely countered by the Slovenly True Person's defensive methods.

Even if one fully comprehends and controls the raging fire and purple lightning, it is merely a minor path. Relying solely on the Droplet Great Dao will inevitably lead to defeat.

Even when the Second Primordial Spirit took a crucial step at the last moment, comprehending the true meaning of the Lightning Great Dao, and the power of ' Yin-Yang Thunder Astral Force ' and ' Thunder Astral Net ' increased dozens of times, and it also erupted with a powerful divine soul will, it still could not defeat the Slovenly True Person.

"Even if I obtain Second Primordial Spirit and a natal magic weapon, the seventy-year gap won't be considered a waste, but compared to someone like San Pang who has cultivated for nearly two hundred years, my cultivation time is still far behind," Zhou Hao thought to himself.

How long has he been cultivating since he transmigrated?

In just about two years, he has reached his current level, surpassing the cultivation of others by hundreds or even thousands of years.

That's already extremely rare.

Without time for reflection and accumulation, even if one comprehends the great principles, one still needs the skills to apply them.

On the other side, upon hearing Zhou Hao say that he had gotten lucky, the Slovenly True Person laughed.

"The purpose of this discussion is to help each other improve, regardless of winning or losing. This has been the most enjoyable exchange I've had in all these years."

"Although I didn't take a giant leap like you, I've still gained quite a bit. In fact, I should thank you!"

The two let the puppet return to the side hall on its own, and then emerged from the sealing formation together, chatting and laughing.

The Primordial Spirit Daoist, who had been waiting nearby, came forward under the leadership of their sect leader, Azure Sea Daoist.

The Dao realms he and the Slovenly True Person have reached are beyond the reach of most Primordial Spirit Daoist. Naturally, they greet each other politely, exchange names, and treat each other as equals.

Those Primordial Spirit Daoist had already learned of Zhou Hao's identity as the 'Special Envoy of the Inspectorate' from Bloodshadow.

With such extraordinary Myriad Phenomena True Person, and the illustrious status of being the third-in-command of the An'Tan Branch Yinglong Guard, he is bound to become a prominent figure in the entire Anchan Prefecture.

Even if you only know the name of such a person beforehand and have met them once, it's easy to find opportunities to develop a deeper relationship with them in the future.

"We've long heard of the Jade Dragon Sect of the East Sea, even here in the far north. Seeing you, Zhou Hao, exchanging sparring and discussing the Dao with San Pang today, you truly are extraordinary."

Azure Sea Daoist smiled and said, "Since you and San Pang are close friends, you can have him take you and your two junior sisters to observe and comprehend the ' Black-White Diagram ' later. It will make your trip to the Black-White Academy worthwhile."

"Headmaster Bihai." Zhou Hao's eyes lit up.

Besides the familiar characters from his previous life reading the original work, Zhou Hao also desperately wanted to see and appreciate the Black-White Academy's treasure, the "Black-White Diagram."

Before Zhou Hao could even open his mouth, the sect leader, Azure Sea Daoist, brought it up first, which pleased Zhou Hao greatly.

Azure Sea Daoist nodded slightly.

The Black-White Diagram is the most prized treasure of the Black-White Academy, frequently attracting powerful experts from outside the academy to come and observe and study it.

Even in the Great Xia Royal Capital, tribes and sects sent people to request to study the Black-White Diagram.

It is common for the top clans and sects in the surrounding counties to exchange other cultivation resources for their disciples' opportunities to comprehend the arts.

This is also a common method used by their Black-White Academy to establish connections with other forces.

Zhou Hao possessed extraordinary strength and background, and had an exceptional relationship with the most outstanding third-generation disciple Slovenly True Person. Naturally, Azure Sea Daoist was willing to go along with it and do him a favor.

At this time, many of the third-generation disciples of the Black-White Academy also wanted to communicate with Zhou Hao.

But seeing this setup, surrounded by his slovenly senior brother and Zhou Hao were none other than his master, senior uncles, and even the sect leader. There was no way he could squeeze in.

"Zhou Hao, the Immortal of Changsheng..."

Huo Sheng gave Zhou Hao a deep look, then said to the elegantly dressed young man Chen Jin and Nine Lotus beside him, "Let's go."

"Senior Brother Huo Sheng, you go ahead," Nine Lotus said softly. "I haven't seen Senior Brother Lazy for a long time. It's so rare to see him now, I want to say hello before I leave."

"Junior Sister Nine Lotus, I'll go with you," Chen Jin said immediately.

"No need." Nine Lotus shook her head, nodded slightly to her Huo Sheng, and walked towards the Slovenly True Person.

She and the Slovenly True Person were both disciples of the ' Five Mad Immortal,' so their relationship was naturally closer than that of their fellow disciples.

The junior sister wanted to see her senior brother, but she wouldn't let him go with her. Even if Chen Jin was unwilling, he had no reason to stop her, so he could only leave with his senior brother, the Huo Sheng, feeling resentful.

On Zhou Hao's side, Slovenly True Person Azure Sea Daoist and the other Primordial Spirit Daoist chatted with Zhou Hao for a few words, agreed to meet again at their respective caves for a banquet, and then gradually dispersed.

After all, there are many third-generation disciples in the Dao Debate Hall, so it's not a good place for in-depth conversations.

"You slovenly senior brother."

A clear female voice suddenly rang out, and Zhou Hao and the Slovenly True Person turned to look.

Then a woman with long black hair walked over.

She wore a simple, casual light blue Daoist robe, and her extraordinary temperament, like that of a celestial lotus, made it easy to overlook her appearance at first glance.

"Junior Sister Nine Lotus"

Seeing Zhou Hao looking at Nine Lotus, the Slovenly True Person smiled and said, "Zhou Hao, this is Nine Lotus. She and I are both disciples of the Five Mad Immortal. She is my true junior sister. You can call her junior sister just like me."

"Junior Sister Nine Lotus." Zhou Hao nodded gently.

His attention to Nine Lotus was solely due to the fact that, according to the later plot of the original work, this "Junior Sister Nine Lotus" was the original owner Ji Ning's first Daoist partner.

According to his past life on Earth, this should be considered Ji Ning's first love.

Nine Lotus could naturally sense Zhou Hao's attention.

She, who was usually good at dealing with outsiders, inexplicably blushed and her heart beat faster.

Fortunately, she was born into the prestigious and ancient Dongyan Clan clan, and held an extraordinary position within the clan. She had received the highest level of education since childhood, and she still calmly bowed to Zhou Hao, saying softly, "Changsheng Brother Changsheng."

Just then, Lin Xia'er and Mu Zishuo ran over excitedly.

Ji Ning, Yu Wei, and Yun Yuchan followed behind.

Zhou Hao smiled upon seeing this.

Okay!

Those who were closest to the original owner of the Black-White Academy, including Ji Ning, were all present.

Mu Zishuo and Ji Ning were as close as he and his junior brother Liu Yu, like brothers.

Nine Lotus is Ji Ning's first love, and in a few years, the two will officially become Daoist partners.

Although they eventually parted ways, it was only due to differences in background, personality, and ideology, plus Ji Ning's involvement with a powerful enemy.

In terms of their past lives, it could be considered a peaceful breakup.

As for the Fire Rainbow Fairy ' Yu Wei '...

"Should we try to match them up?" Zhou Hao thought to himself as he looked at Ji Ning and Yu Wei.

They later reunited at the Immortal Fate Assembly, where Ji Ning heroically rescued Yu Wei, and they decided to endure a year of slaughter together.

Whether the two will eventually become a couple is Zhou Hao's biggest regret before his life force was exhausted in his previous life.

He was even more interested in who ultimately won first place in the Immortal Fate Assembly.

Even a homebody like me can get quite engrossed in gossiping sometimes.

"We've been through thick and thin together for almost a year, and we're both single, so it's bound to work out!" Zhou Hao thought to himself.

Ji Ning felt a chill run down his spine under the gaze of this Changsheng being.

He kept looking at himself and Senior Sister Yu Wei.

Is there some deeper meaning behind this?

A corner of the Dao Debate Hall.

The four immortals from the Black-White Academy — the Immortal Dian Cai, the Short Old Man, the Young Child, and the Tall-Crowned Old Man with a Long Beard—silently watched as Zhou Hao, the Slovenly True Person, Ji Ning, and others gathered together, chatting and laughing.

"To have reached such a level at such a young age, with so much time to strive and forge ahead in the future, is truly enviable," sighed the tall, long-bearded old man.

The other three immortals also nodded.

Seeing that Zhou Hao and the others were planning to go and examine the Black-White Diagram together, the short old man said, "Let's go too."

Even if Zhou Hao's background was extraordinary, the four immortals wouldn't have bothered to personally appear before him.

After all, he came to the Black-White Academy as a friend of the Slovenly True Person. He had been greeted by Primordial Spirit Daoist such as the Headmaster Azure Sea before, and now he had the Slovenly True Person, Nine Lotus and others to accompany him, which was more than enough.

"My three senior brothers, please go ahead. I'll go see Ji Ning," said Immortal Dian Cai to the three of them.

The three immortals nodded slightly, and then vanished into thin air.

"Ji Ning," the Immortal Dian Cai transmitted his voice to Ji Ning, who was about to leave with Zhou Hao and the others, "You stay here and come with me."

"Master?" Ji Ning looked around and soon saw the Immortal Dian Cai standing in the corner.

After saying a few words to the Slovenly True Person and Zhou Hao, he quickly walked towards the Immortal Dian Cai.

"Master," Ji Ning said respectfully.

"Did you gain anything from this discussion?" asked the Immortal Dian Cai.

"Through discussions with my three senior brothers and sisters, I have successfully grasped the first move of the ' Three-Foot Sword '," Ji Ning said. "I was also deeply impressed by watching Senior Brother Sloppy and Changsheng discuss the Dao."

"This shouldn't have been a battle that ordinary third-generation disciples could witness."

"Immortal Dian Cai sighed."

"Not only have they each comprehended several minor paths, but they have also reached a considerable level in the more sublime 'Great Dao,' surpassing most of the Primordial Spirit Daoist within the academy. It's normal for you to be shocked."

Ji Ning trembled in shock.

According to the information he obtained from his friend ' Beishan Baiwei ' about the academy, many of the thirty-odd Primordial Spirit Daoist in the Black-White Academy were comparable to the Earth Immortal and Loose Immortal of other sects in terms of cultivation level and strength.

Master Immortal Dian Cai actually said that the Sloppy Senior Brother and the Changsheng True Man are stronger than most of the Primordial Spirit Daoist in the academy... Doesn't that mean the two of them can rival the Earth Immortal and Loose Immortal outside?

"Master," Ji Ning pressed, "That Senior Brother Sloppy and True Changsheng were so strong at the Myriad Phenomena Realm because of the 'Great Dao'?"

"That's right." Immortal Dian Cai nodded. "You have already comprehended the first move of the ' Three-Foot Sword ', ' Sword Heart Enlightened,' which means you have also comprehended the true meaning of the Great Dao and can be called a true sword immortal."

"I have also grasped the true meaning of the Great Dao," Ji Ning murmured, his eyes sparkling, "A true sword immortal..."

"There are countless 'Dao' principles in this world. The Dao of the Sword is one of those great Daos..."

The Immortal Dian Cai looked at his only disciple and slowly explained the differences between the Heavenly Dao, the Great Dao, and the Dao.

This was also the reason why he stopped Ji Ning.

A broad, dragon-headed warship swept across the sky, flying towards the center of the Black-White Academy.

On the boat, Lin Xia'er touched and explored everything, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Junior Brother Zishuo, your puppet is amazing!" Lin Xia'er exclaimed. "How can a Azure Dragon transform into such a large warship?"

Just now, after everyone came out of the Dao Debate Hall, they were going to go and see the Black-White Diagram together. Mu Zishuo volunteered to transform his Azure Dragon Puppet into a dragon-headed warship for everyone to ride on.

Lin Xia'er watched as a lifelike azure dragon puppet automatically unfolded and transformed into a wide, dragon-headed ship.

They immediately began to look at this seemingly easy-to-bully junior brother with newfound respect.

"Senior Sister Xia'er, I may not be as good as the other senior brothers and sisters in terms of martial arts discussions, but when it comes to puppetry, I fear no one." Mu Zishuo said smugly.

"Transformation is just a minor skill. After you've looked at the Black-White Diagram, I'll take you to see my collection. There are portable puppet caves, incredibly fast flying puppet mounts, and many other exquisite puppets—you name it. Whatever you like, I'll give you a few pieces."

"It's a deal then, you can't go back on your word," Lin Xia'er eyes sparkling.

"I, a future grandmaster of puppetry, will never go back on my word," Mu Zishuo said, tilting his head back.

Zhou Hao and the Slovenly True Person stood at the bow of the ship, with Nine Lotus, Yu Wei, and Yun Yuchan standing beside them.

As for Relief from Calamity and Shan Yu, upon learning that everyone was coming to the Black-White Academy, the ' Black-White Diagram ', they wisely refrained from following and instead waited with other familiar academy disciples.

Listening to his two junior brothers and sisters chatting and laughing, and seeing Yun Yuchan, Yu Wei, and Nine Lotus also exchanging words, Zhou Hao smiled.

The four of them left the Profound Heaven Realm together, and their two junior sisters followed them to Antan Commandery. They would devote more of their energy to cultivation and training. It would also be of great benefit to them to make several friends from the Black-White Academy, who were all quite important characters in the original work.

At least you have good friends to keep you company and talk to, so you won't feel lonely.

At this moment, the dragon-headed warship began to descend from the sky.

Below is a vast open space.

From afar, the massive stone walls standing tall in the field could already be seen.

"That's Black-White Diagram?" Zhou Hao exclaimed in surprise.

The enormous stone wall, made of an unknown material, emitted a black, glossy sheen.

The black and white lines on the stone wall are densely interwoven and intersecting, yet they ingeniously form a huge circular millstone.

The overwhelming aura made Zhou Hao feel dizzy even after just one glance from afar.

That's all for today.

I've been running around all day, so I need to go to bed early. More to come tomorrow.

It's almost the end of the month, so I'm shamelessly asking for monthly votes even if it's just for one chapter.

I'll give away 1,000 monthly passes in a lucky draw, please help me, my friends!