A pointed critique of current failings
Master Jinlian sent a message saying:
[Nine: I don't understand matters of leading troops into battle, but there's something you all seem to have overlooked. That is the Black Lotus!]
Upon seeing Jinlian's message, the members of the Heaven and Earth Society felt a chill run down their spines.
[One: Master, what do you mean?]
[Nine: Yes, the existence of the Heaven and Earth Society members has long been exposed. There will definitely be a result between Black Lotus and me. Now Xu Qi'an has entered the Transcendent Realm, and you are all fourth-rank, with considerable combat power.]
[Put yourself in their shoes: If you were the Black Lotus, what would you do?]
The thought of joining forces with the rebels in Yunzhou to attack the members of the Great Feng and Earth Society of Dafeng flashed through her mind. As for Lina, she suddenly remembered that when she joined the Heaven and Earth Society, she had indeed promised to help Master Jinlian clean up the sect when she achieved great success in her cultivation.
So much time has passed that she's almost forgotten about the promise.
Furthermore, she absolutely did not mean to oppose Master Jinlian just now; she genuinely couldn't understand where Master Jinlian had gone wrong.
[Two: But the Black Lotus did not appear.]
[One: Could it be that Black Lotus is in seclusion and has no time to attend to external affairs, just like Golden Lotus Daoist's previous state?]
When it comes to important matters, Huaiqing always speaks up actively and doesn't hesitate to express his opinions.
[Nine: That's unlikely. Although Black Lotus spends most of his time asleep, he always leaves a clone outside, so he won't completely isolate himself from the outside world.]
Chu Yuanzhen sent a letter saying:
[This matter is indeed unusual. Hei Lian once allied with Joan of Arc to deal with Xu Ningyan. So he will inevitably ally with the rebels in Yunzhou as well. Even if Hei Lian is unwilling, Xu Pingfeng will persuade him.]
[But the rebels and the Qingzhou army have been locked in a stalemate for so long, and Black Lotus has still not appeared. What is he plotting?]
Analysis of the letter from Master Jinlian:
[Black Lotus is cunning and treacherous. If she were to conspire with a second-rank Warlock, combining their schemes, no one would be able to guess what they were plotting.]
The members of the Heaven and Earth Society immediately became secretly on guard.
However, he wasn't too worried, because with Xu Qi'an's current status, he wouldn't have too much difficulty dealing with Black Lotus alone if he went all out.
Although that kid is only a third-rank martial artist, he has many tricks up his sleeve and many hidden cards, so the combat power he can unleash is far beyond that of an ordinary third-rank martial artist. Besides, the Black Lotus Daoist is not in good condition; he is crippled.
In the second rank realm, he should be considered to be in the upper-middle level, but not as good as a peak expert like Luo Yuheng who has one foot in the first rank.
Jinlian relayed the message: [Regarding Xu Pingfeng, which was mentioned by Number Four earlier]
Chu Yuanzhen replied via letter: [Xu Pingfeng is that second-rank Warlock.]
[Nine: This name is a bit strange.]
Master Jinlian subtly expressed her doubts: if she remembered correctly, Xu Qi'an's second uncle was named Xu Pingzhi.
Ah, the members of the Heaven and Earth Society were at a loss for words.
The family drama between the Xu Household father and son is far too complex to describe. You could say it's heartbreaking and tear-jerking, and you'd be right. You could also say it reflects the decline of morality and the degeneration of society, and you'd be right too.
[Three: He is my father and my second uncle's elder brother.]
At this moment, Xu Qi'an jumped out.
He had actually been spying on the screen the whole time. Now he was lying on the small boat, basking in the sun and enjoying the sea breeze, while a flock of seagulls circled and landed in the distance.
The group leader is finally online. If you hadn't come out of seclusion for another year or two, the Central Plains might have already changed dynasties. Xu Qi'an felt inexplicably at ease.
It's not that Jinlian is particularly strong, but when he was still weak, Daoist Jinlian always acted as a reliable senior. Even now that he has become a peak expert, he still feels a sense of security like "a child seeing his parents".
Within the Heaven and Earth Society, Huaiqing and Chu Yuanzhen were indeed intelligent, and the other members were certainly reliable, but none could compare to the group leader.
In Xu Qi'an's view, Master Jinlian was a rare old silver coin who could compete with big shots like the Supervisor and Xu Pingfeng.
With his help in devising strategies and analyzing the pros and cons, coupled with Master Jinlian's profound experience in the martial arts world, Xu Qi'an would have a much easier time.
That second-rank Warlock in Yunzhou is Xu Qi'an's father?!
Master Jinlian's head was buzzing, and she was stunned for a long time, never expecting that Xu Ningyan had such a bizarre and complicated background.
His father was a second-rank Warlock, and second-rank Warlock were born into the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy. Xu Ningyan was blessed with good fortune and was a pawn valued by the head of the Observatory. At that moment, the Golden Lotus Daoist's inspiration flashed like a spark of lightning.
He figured out many of the questions that had puzzled him before.
[9: What are the specific details?]
There was no response from number three for half a day.
Xu Ningyan remained silent because he didn't want to mention his heartless and depraved father. Chu Yuanzhen understood this perfectly and sent a message:
[Part Four: This story begins after Joan of Arc was killed.]
The eloquent scholar, Chu Zhuangyuan, began his tale with Xu Pingfeng's first appearance, his attempt to reclaim his destiny, and continued rambling on until the rebellion in Yunzhou. His thoughts were clear, his word choice and sentence structure were just right, neither verbose nor lacking in detail.
It profoundly demonstrates the literary skills of a top-scoring scholar.
From Joan of Arc to Xu Pingfeng, they were all "good fathers," Master Jinlian sighed with emotion.
[Part Two: Xu Ningyan, can the Buddha's secret be told to Daoist Jinlian?]
[Four: Hmm, the Daoist priest is more knowledgeable and has encountered more high-level secrets than we have; perhaps he can offer a different perspective.]
Li Miaozhen's words were met with Chu Yuanzhen's agreement.
Li Lingsu echoed the message: [One: This matter involves the secrets of the Super Rank. We were too low-level and lacked sufficient foundation before, so we were only shocked. But as the head of the Earth Sect, the Daoist Master might be inspired by this and recall some things.]
What are you talking about? Daoist Jinlian stared blankly at the fragments of the Earth Book.
Does this involve the secrets of the Buddha? No, although I am the head of the Earthly School, I don't know the secrets of the Buddha either. No, that's not the point. The point is, how come you even know the secrets of the Buddha?
And it seems to be related to Xu Qi'an?
Master Jinlian began to doubt again that she had been in seclusion for sixty years, not six months.
[Three: Let me speak!]
Immediately, Xu Qi'an told Daoist Jinlian about the relationship between Buddha and Shenshu, the hidden story of the demon-slaying war five hundred years ago, and his two guesses.
After the message was sent, Master Jinlian remained silent for a long time without responding.
So long that the members of the Heaven and Earth Society thought that Master Jinlian had died.
[Nine: This is shocking; even I, a humble Daoist, never imagined that the Sixty-Year Demon Purge five hundred years ago had such a hidden story.]
After regaining his senses, Master Jinlian sent a letter expressing his feelings, making it clear that the level was too high for him to understand.
It seems that even Master Jinlian couldn't uncover the secrets of the Super Grade. Even though he was the leader of the Earth Sect and the members who had originally hoped to find clues in the Earth Sect's records knew the truth, they didn't pry or make any comments like "Even Master Jinlian doesn't know."
It's not that I can't say it, it's that there's no need to.
Just six months ago, the Daoist priest was the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society. He could always answer any questions people had.
Just as everyone was about to change the subject, Lina belatedly passed on a message:
[Ah, you don't even know Master Jinlian? I thought you would definitely know something; you're the head of the Earth Sect, one of the most prominent figures in the entire Nine Provinces.]
The members of the Heaven and Earth Society silently covered their faces.
[Nine: Actually, when Lina said that a half-step Martial God appeared during the Sixty-Year Demon Purge, I found it strange. As far as I know, the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox is a first-rank cultivator, and the possibility of it taking another step forward is almost zero.]
At first, I thought Lina might have misremembered, but later, in the Sangbo case, Shenshu caught my attention. He came from Buddhist School and was also sealed in Sangbo five hundred years ago. Moreover, his physical body was immortal and his Primordial Spirit was indestructible; even the Buddha could not kill him.
[Aside from the lack of evidence, I can basically conclude that he is that half-step Martial God.]
Master Jinlian was trying very hard to save face. Xu Qi'an sent a message saying:
[As expected of Daoist Jinlian, you already knew. By the way, everyone, I just returned from overseas and have a secret about Gods and Devils that I'd like to share with you.]
"How come he always has so many secrets?" The members of the Heaven and Earth Society were invigorated, but their feelings were complicated.
When did High Antiquity secrets and top-tier hidden secrets become as common as cabbages, and why did he have to come across them all?
[Part 3: Do you all know how Gods and Devils fell?]
Xu Qi'an started by speaking.
[Seven: At the end of the Age of Gods and Gods and Devils, the human and Demon Race races rose to power, and one powerful figure after another emerged. The human and demon races together destroyed the Age of Gods and Gods and Devils. This was mainly due to the contributions of the human ancestors, with the Demon Race only offering minor assistance. Our Daoist School Master, as the first transcendent-grade human, was one of the key figures in the destruction of the Age of Gods and Devils.]
Li Lingsu gave the standard answer.
Li Miaozhen added:
[Second: However, the Daoist Master was actually born after the era of Gods and Devils, although the three schools of Heaven, Earth, and Man do not have detailed records about him.]
After speaking, she and the members of the Heaven and Earth Society stared intently at the fragments of the Earth Book, awaiting Xu Qi'an's reply.
[Part 3: I am on my way back from overseas. Not long ago, I met a descendant of Gods and Devils who has survived since ancient times and witnessed that upheaval.]
[It told me that the real reason for the end of the era of Gods and Devils was that Gods and Devils went mad for no reason and began to kill each other.]
This news was like a cannonball, striking the hearts of the members of the Heaven and Earth Society and unleashing a raging storm capable of destroying reason.
For a moment, Li Miaozhen, Huaiqing, Chu Yuanzhen, and the others were speechless, and the Earth Book chat group fell silent.
The information revealed by Xu Qi'an helped them dispel the fog of history, like lightning striking their minds and bringing sparks of inspiration.
Whether it was a sudden realization, shock and confusion, disbelief, or excitement and exhilaration, no one could remain calm.
This also raises new questions.
[Part 4: Why do Gods and Devils fight each other?]
Perhaps they've all developed the bad habit of saying, "What are you looking at? What's it to you?" Xu Qi'an sighed as he delivered the message.
[It's unknown, and even that descendant of Gods and Devils doesn't know. But it says that the Daoist Master might know. Back then, the Daoist Master banished all the descendants of Gods and Devils from the Nine Provinces Continent.]
The Daoist Master even banished all the descendants of Gods and Devils from the Nine Provinces?! Daoist Jinlian was shocked again; it was yet another secret he didn't know.
The members of the Heaven and Earth Society did not express their opinions. It was obvious that this was an ancient secret on a higher level than the "Buddha's Secret," and any speculation was just pointless wild imagination.
But that doesn't mean they don't value it; they've already kept it firmly in mind.
Seeing that the topic had come to a close and no one was speaking, Master Jinlian took the initiative to pass on a message, saying:
[The Holy Son has finally regained his freedom. How was the experience of going through this love ordeal?]
"You'll have to ask him about kidneys separately," Xu Qi'an muttered, convinced that the members of the Heaven and Earth Society were thinking the same thing.
[Seven: I'm ashamed to say that experiencing the tribulations of love has not greatly helped me achieve the Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions. On the contrary, traveling the world with Brother Xu for many years almost made me realize the Supreme Forgetfulness of Emotions.]
After delivering the message, the Holy Son inwardly spat, Xu Ningyan was a heartless scoundrel.
Master Jinlian had no interest in Li Lingsu's inner journey, and sent a letter saying:
[I'm going to visit Number Eight's secluded retreat place later. Number Eight has been in seclusion for many years and has yet to awaken. I'm a little worried.]
Ah, our Heaven and Earth Society has another Number Eight? This question flashed through the minds of every member of the Heaven and Earth Society.
[Second: Daoist Master, who is this person number eight?]
Li Miaozhen voiced what everyone was thinking.
[Nine: Hehe, although you seven have all met and formed friendships, and no longer need to worry about your identities being exposed, this does not include Number Eight. Unless he himself is willing, I must abide by the rules of the Heaven and Earth Society.]
Seeing that he said that, the others stopped insisting, since it was just a casual question anyway.
When number 8 comes out, we'll all isolate him/her.
[Three: Once I return to the Southern Frontier, I will head north to participate in the Qingzhou war. You should all come to Qingzhou with me. If Black Lotus dares to show himself, we'll just have to destroy him.]
With the matters concerning the Gu Clan and the Demon Race resolved, he had no more worries and could now join the battlefield to test his skills against Xu Pingfeng.
The members of the Heaven and Earth Society readily agreed, and Li Miaozhen was even eager to return to her old ways and fight on the battlefield.
Southern Frontier, the Ligu tribe.
Lina sat on the threshold outside the courtyard, examining the book fragments over and over.
"Hey, why aren't they saying anything?"
The young man from Southern Frontier blinked in confusion, clutching the fragment of the Earth Book, and knocked on the threshold repeatedly, but still received no message.
Why are you all suddenly silent? Are you still there?
Lina, holding the book on the ground, sent a message in the group chat.
The message was sent out, but it disappeared without a trace; there was no response whatsoever.
After Lina said, "Ah, even you don't know, Master Jinlian," she turned into this.
She vaguely sensed that something was wrong.
At this moment, Xu Lingyin ran over with a group of children from the Li Gu tribe, waving her hands:
"Master, take us hunting! Take us out to play!"
Lina immediately stuffed the book into her bosom and said happily:
"Okay!"
They went to play happily with the children.
PS: Many readers have reported spoilers in previous chapters, so please refrain from posting spoilers in these chapters. If you find any spoilers, please tag the operations manager, Jiu Daye, below. We will remove or ban the user as appropriate.