"What people seek is nothing more than fame and fortune. If you want fame, give you fame; if you want fortune, you can accomplish eight or nine out of ten things in this world."
In a side hall of the Heavenly Pivot Hall, Zhou Wuji was explaining the principles of conduct to his apprentice, Yang Tie Ying. Yang Tie Ying nodded vigorously, but despite his clear eyes, it was unclear how much he truly understood.
Zhou Wuji didn't care much about this. Although his disciple was only a few years younger than him, the difference in their mental ages was too great.
It's perfectly normal that Yang Tie Ying either didn't understand or didn't want to understand.
Young people have their own understanding of the world. By the time they mature and become worldly, they'll be old.
That's why he said he still had to fulfill his responsibilities as a teacher.
"Master, then why do you hold Dharma assemblies?" Yang Tie Ying felt that this had nothing to do with fame and fortune, but he couldn't help asking.
Zhou Wuji took out a jade ruyi and tapped Yang Tie Ying on the head. Yang Tie Ying was startled. He covered his head, took two steps back, and asked with a wronged expression, "Why did you hit me, Master?"
"Let me enlighten you."
Zhou Wuji was exasperated by his apprentice's blockheadedness, "Giving fame and fortune is meant to win people's hearts, but being too generous..."
Kindness is often mistaken by many as weakness.
"The purpose of holding this Dharma assembly is to let everyone know that our sect is the orthodox lineage of Daoism, protected by the Northern Emperor, and to display our vast divine power to enlighten all beings."
Crowd!
"To influence people with virtue and to teach them with authority, to combine virtue and authority, is the way to lasting success."
Yang Tie Ying listened, seemingly understanding but not quite, but that didn't stop him from nodding repeatedly, "Master is wise and mighty, farsighted, resourceful, and knowledgeable in all things—"
As the boy's words became increasingly outrageous, Zhou Wuji raised the white jade ruyi. Yang Tie Ying leaped outside and said, "Master, I'm going to practice my skills now."
Daoist Yixing had just arrived at the door, was also startled, but he quickly realized that it was just the master and disciple joking around, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Daoist Yixing bowed to Yang Tie Ying and said, "Young brother, we meet again."
According to the rules of the Daoist sect, he was far superior to Yang Tie Ying in terms of seniority, status, and age, so this was the only way he could get close to him.
Yang Tie Ying had a good impression of the chubby Daoist priest, thinking he was a good person.
He greeted Daoist Yixing with a grin, "Senior, you've arrived! My master is here. Please come in, please come in."
Daoist Yixing did not dare to enter directly. He bowed and greeted the person outside the door, saying, " True Person, Yixing requests an audience."
"We've taken care of everything, please come in."
Zhou Wuji remained seated in the main seat without getting up, and directly beckoned Yixing to come in.
He knew that the fat man was cunning and treacherous, nothing more than a selfish and self-serving person.
There are many people like this in the world, and it's hard to say whether they are good or bad.
After entering Daoist Yixing bowed again in greeting. Zhou Wuji nodded slightly in acknowledgment and pointed to the chair below him, saying, "Sit."
The Daoist Yixing looked flattered and said humbly, "In front of True Person, there is no place for me."
Zhou Wuji didn't press the matter. He asked with a smile, "What brings you here, Steward?"
"I was deeply moved and ashamed to hear that True Person was helping the poor and laborers."
"I am willing to participate in this grand undertaking and contribute my modest efforts."
Daoist Yixing took out a stack of silver notes from his sleeve and respectfully placed them on the table. "This is fifty thousand taels of silver. Please don't find it too much, True Person."
Zhou Wuji tapped the silver note lightly with his finger. "Since Steward is compassionate and merciful to all living beings, and is willing to perform this good deed, I thank Steward on behalf of everyone."
Fifty thousand taels of silver was a large sum of money for Daoist Yixing.
Zhou Wuji hadn't originally planned to do anything to this person. The Lower Court was in some chaos, and it was a time to seek stability. Since the other party was offering money, he wouldn't be polite.
When Daoist Yizhen takes over the Lower Court, he will deal with these people.
This has nothing to do with good or bad, right or wrong; it's simply a normal change of power.
He said to Yixing, "I'm going to hold a Dharma assembly outside the West City Wharf. You take people to set up the altar, make a good plan, and don't let too many believers cause trouble—"
With a large number of believers gathering, a major incident could easily occur if things went wrong. Zhou Wuji took this very seriously and demanded that plans be made in advance.
Regardless of Yixing's character, he is capable enough. Yixing spent several years in the Lower Court, he also has connections in Yunyang, making things even easier for him.
Zhou Wuji also drew a rough diagram, marking the location and specifications of the altar, as well as how the surrounding area of the venue should be arranged.
The dock was some distance from the city gate. The area was open and flat, and as long as it was a little far from the city wall, it was enough to accommodate the entire city.
Yixing was a smart man; he understood as soon as he saw the diagram. He just felt that Zhou Wuji was exaggerating a bit. Preparing such a huge venue—could there really be hundreds of thousands of people attending the Dharma assembly?!
He didn't dare say anything, and just kept agreeing.
Daoist Yixing was actually pleased to be at Zhou Wuji's beck and call, which at least showed that Zhou Wuji still trusted him and was willing to use him.
The news that True Person Hongde was going to hold a Dharma assembly to pray for all sentient beings quickly spread throughout Yunyang.
Two days ago, True Person Hongde spent a fortune to help many poor laborers, which caused a sensation in Yunyang.
Many people are curious about the upcoming Dharma True Person Hongde and want to see this legendary True Person for themselves.
"So many people!" Zhang Yun, wearing a veil, looked around curiously, but all she could see was a sea of heads.
As night fell, the twinkling lights of the moored ships could still be seen on the dock, blending with the distant starlight to create a unique and charming scene.
The open plain was teeming with people, men, women, and children, some of whom were carrying lanterns for the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth of the lunar calendar.
After all, the lantern festival had only lasted a few days, and these lanterns were still preserved. The flickering lanterns among the crowd, along with the noisy chatter, suddenly made the place lively.
The only downside is that this place is too open, with the river wind blowing in your face and the chill penetrating your clothes.
Zhang Yun took a few steps and hid behind her brother Zhang Yunming. Zhang Yunming was Seventh-Rank Martial Artist with strong Qi and Blood, and he could also block the wind, which made her feel much warmer immediately.
"Sister Yun----" A voice called out from behind. Zhang Yun turned around and saw Jin Ying arriving, wearing a cloak embroidered with gold chrysanthemums.
Jin Ying wore a hood, covering most of her face, but Zhang Yun knew her too well and recognized her as soon as she heard her voice.
Zhang Yun hurriedly waved, "Yingying, come quickly!"
The two women huddled together, and their maids and attendants tactfully kept a distance, keeping outsiders out as well.
Jin Ying greeted Zhang Yunming with a smile, then pulled Zhang Yun aside to whisper something to her.
"It's so cold, I thought you wouldn't come—" Jin Ying teased.
"After all, it's Dharma Master Hongde assembly. It's said that his Dharma assemblies are incredibly wondrous and extraordinary, so I had to come and broaden my horizons."
Zhang Yun sighed again, "Two years ago, this was just Seventh Rank Daoist priest, and now he's Third Rank True Person. Even if it weren't for the ceremony, I'd still like to see him—"
Jin Ying nodded vigorously. "That's amazing! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that such a person existed in the world!"
She had more contact with Zhou Wuji, and they could even be considered friends. She also liked Zhou Wuji very much and wanted to take their relationship further.
Unexpectedly, Zhou Wuji went to Yunze and then transferred to the Upper Court. In just two years, their status and position had become worlds apart.
Don't.
Two days ago, Zhou Wuji came to Hengfeng Bank, and Jin Ying still seized the opportunity to go up and say a few words. Zhou Wuji's attitude was as gentle and friendly as ever, but Jin Ying knew very well that there was no longer any possibility between the two of them.
Pei Mingxiu, on the other hand, hasn't changed much, except that she's become even more beautiful.
Zhang Yun felt a pang of emotion about this, since she had never actually had any contact with Zhou Wuji.
Seeing Jin Ying's serious expression, she could only change the subject. "The monks from Golden Leaf Temple have also arrived. It's quite strange that they've come to participate in the Lower Court's Dharma assembly."
"They're old acquaintances of the True Person, so it's normal for them to come and see for themselves." Jin Ying also saw the monks of Golden Leaf Temple from afar.
After all, these bald men are tall and have shiny bald heads, making them easy to identify.
Shinjue, the Xinjue of Golden Leaf Temple, had arrived. He felt the gazes around him but didn't care.
A decree came from Heavenly Dragon Temple, saying that Zhou Wuji's teachings were close to sorcery, and that all monks must do their utmost to protect the believers and not let the Daoist teachings corrupt their minds.
Xinjue knew that Zhou Wuji was using the Water Mirror Technique to spread his teachings, but he was very curious about what the Water Mirror Technique could possibly be used for!
Azure Shadow flashed on the high platform; Zhou Wuji had arrived.
Xinjue carefully examined this old friend. After two years, he seemed even more handsome, with a pair of eyes that shone with a jewel-like light, exuding an extraordinary air.
Wearing a golden lotus crown, dressed in soft, flowing blue robes, and with a long sword hanging from his gold belt, he possessed an air of refined elegance, truly like an immortal.
Those with some cultivation level could see Zhou Wuji's appearance, and many people marveled at it.
Women like Zhang Yun, in particular, felt that Zhou Wuji was exactly the celestial being they had always dreamed of.
Zhou Wuji, standing on the high platform, glanced at the crowd below and spotted Golden Leaf Temple Xinjue, Yuan Yi, and others.
The two sides are now on vastly different levels, and the other party isn't even worth his attention.
In comparison, the tens of thousands of believers present were far more valuable.
Zhou Wuji announced loudly, "This time, entrusted by Prefect Wang, I am convening this Dharma assembly to pray for the well-being of Yunyang and to deliver the souls of the deceased—"
As he spoke, he activated the Water Mirror Technique. With the improvement of his cultivation and the enhancement of his Sword Intent, the water mirror became seven zhang high and fifteen zhang long. The enormous water mirror was exceptionally bright, and the light and shadow it presented became increasingly delicate and realistic.
Zhou Wuji recited the " Supreme Rebirth Incantation," a compassionate and solemn image of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor appeared on the water mirror.
At the same time, the ethereal and melodious sound of a flute filled the air, carrying a touch of coldness and remoteness, as if speaking of the unchangeable fate of life and death.
The people of Yunyang had never seen anything like it before. Even a great monk like Xinjue was Xinjue by the light and shadow, and their emotions were stirred by the melodious and ethereal flute music. They couldn't help but think of their deceased friends and relatives, and felt an empty, indescribable sorrow in their hearts.
Xinjue such profound cultivation could be like this, the other people must be even more unable to control themselves.
Everyone's emotions were stirred, Zhou Wuji's recitation of the " Supreme Rebirth Incantation " resonated deep into everyone's hearts along with the sound of the flute.
Zhou Wuji was very satisfied with the effect. The flute music was actually from the Beloved song of " Ashes of Time," and its melodious and ethereal atmosphere was very captivating.
After the recitation of the Supreme Rebirth Incantation, many people remembered their deceased relatives and friends, knelt down and wept loudly, and a sense of sadness permeated the air.
Zhou Wuji then switched to reciting the " Big Dipper Scripture," and when the flute music that heralded the Buddha's Light First Appears began to play, he activated the Big Dipper Star Eye.
Seven stars shone brightly in the sky, and countless starlight fell upon all the believers at the Dharma assembly.
The majestic image of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor on the water mirror caused tens of thousands of believers to kneel in worship.
The monks of Golden Leaf Temple certainly did not want to kneel, and even the enormous water mirror was not enough to intimidate them. However, the sight of the seven stars descending from the heavens, a divine miracle, shocked everyone's hearts.
Before they knew it, many monks had also knelt down and started to worship.
On the high platform Zhou Wuji appeared solemn and dignified, but inwardly he was laughing, thinking that subduing a few monks with his Sword Intent would be a piece of cake.
At the end of the ceremony, everyone chanted in unison. "May the Northern Emperor protect us, granting us blessings, longevity, and peace—"
Its sound soared to the heavens, covering the surging waves—
The few Devil Cultivator hidden in the crowd were also stunned, feeling that this True Person Hongde was like a god.
Fang Yunzhen, Fourth Rank Devil Cultivator from the Yin Yang Dao, was also present. She was terrified when she saw the strange phenomenon of starlight falling.
She didn't know if Zhou Wuji truly had the Northern Emperor's protection; she only saw that Zhou Wuji could manipulate things at will, controlling Yunyang in just a few days.
The next day, the Lower Court was suddenly filled with countless believers. The negative reviews of the Lower Court were completely reversed.
Throughout Yunyang, everywhere people are praising the True Person Hongde and the boundless divine power of the Northern Emperor.