The Daode Lineage: A Word Can Become Law for All Under Heaven

Three days later.

Inside the Daoist temple, Yu Tunzhou's eyes were closed, his aura as deep as an ancient abyss, and his mind was immersed in the Inner Scenery Heaven and Earth.

At this moment, the four scenes within the Inner Heaven and Earth have been formed.

With Kunlun Mountain as its bones, the vast ocean as its blood, mist and clouds as its breath, and the moon and sun as its spirit, these four elements complement and reinforce each other, forming the nascent form of a new world.

His mind was as if he were sitting atop Mount Kunlun, sensing every breath of this Inner Heaven and Earth, which at this moment propelled the birth of the fifth wonder.

Breaking through to the Middle Divine Ability Stage, the vigorous growth of the Dao Sprout Immortal Embryo, along with the synchronous expansion of his Inner Heaven and Earth, enabled him to create two more wondrous landscapes.

A few days ago, he opened up the fourth wonder. Now that the Devil Lord has been subdued and the affairs of the Eastern Wilderness have temporarily come to an end, he has set about opening up and refining the fifth wonder.

He hesitated slightly when choosing the fifth wonder, but after much deliberation, he ultimately considered the River Diagram and prioritized [Star River Descending into the World].

Today, the general outline of this spectacular sight has emerged.

Above Mount Kunlun, on the shores of the vast ocean, amidst the mist and clouds, countless tiny specks of light appear and disappear.

Yu Tunzhou's mind connected with his Primordial Spirit Heaven and Earth, and the River Diagram suddenly lit up. A celestial river phantom seemed to fall from the Primordial Spirit's heavens, penetrating straight into his Inner Heaven and Earth, and finally bursting into countless tiny starlight fragments.

Starlight scatters across the land, settling on the undulating ridges of Kunlun Mountain, merging into the vast ocean waves, meandering and flowing along with the mist and clouds, weaving through the light and shadow of the sun and moon.

As more and more stars fell, these scattered star trails gradually converged into a "Star River Descending into the World" that stretched across the heavens and earth.

It descends from the sky, flows over mountain ridges, crosses the vast ocean, passes through the mist and clouds, and finally sinks into the depths of the "earth" of the Inner Heaven and Earth, evolving into the magnificent spectacle of [the Star River Hanging over the Wilds].

In an instant, he felt his body and mind become completely clear, and the River Diagram in his Primordial Spirit Heaven and Earth resonated faintly with the Star River Descending into the World in his Inner Heaven and Earth.

This wondrous manifestation and aura dissipated into the External Scenery, where it was noticed by the spirit of the Immortal Cauldron nearby.

The clear light flickered, but the spirit of the Immortal Cauldron remained silent, observing quietly.

Gradually.

When Yu Tunzhou finished his cultivation and opened his eyes, it seemed as if the starlight still lingered in them.

The fifth wonder has been formed.

He looked up, and his connection with the the Unseen Xuandu Heaven intensified once more.

However, to truly open the gate and master the ability of [Nether Passage], he still needs to create three wondrous landscapes and complete the connection and unification of the eight realms.

After briefly examining the Inner View, Yu Tunzhou finished his cultivation, glanced at the Immortal Cauldron beside him, and fell into thought.

A few days ago, after he expressed his aspirations to the Daoist Shouzheng, the Immortal Cauldron had shared an interesting anecdote with him—

[Redefining Dao and Virtue]

As a symbol of existence, the Daode Lineage that forms the foundation of the world skips over the origin, the unborn, and the beginning, and transcends the end, annihilation, and the glimmer of hope. It represents the flourishing, the peak, and the decline of the development of heaven and earth.

Furthermore, the Supreme Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue is regarded as the embodiment of the "Great Way".

Therefore, the phrase "[Redefining Dao and Virtue]" literally means that the Daode Lineage redefines the way "Tao" and "De" are presented in the world, and confirms the continuation of the position of the Great Tao in the world.

In layman's terms...

If a Dao and Virtue teacher were alive, a single sentence could determine whether the world should prioritize the path of Immortal Dao or the path of Martial Dao, clearly distinguishing their superiority and inferiority, and their primary and secondary roles.

After that, the Heavenly Dao rose and fell, supporting the main trunk of the Great Dao and suppressing the side branches.

A single word can become the law of the world!

The Immortal Cauldron was so shaken and out of control before was probably because it mistakenly thought that he wanted to establish Martial Dao as the foundation of the world, so it tentatively asked whether this was his personal idea or the will of the Daode Lineage.

Yu Tunzhou had wanted to pass on martial arts skills before, but he had never thought of it in this direction.

There are several reasons why he decided to pass on martial arts.

Firstly, all that I have learned and explored has benefited from the Buddha the Dao Venerable and Buddhist masters. The two volumes of the Book of Changes were left to the world by the Dao Venerable and Buddha, and the karmic consequences are immense, so I will have to repay them sooner or later.

Secondly, having personally sought the Dao and practiced martial arts in the past, I have experienced the bitterness of having no sect or school to follow and no way to learn the Dao. I know that having or not having a path to cultivation is as different as heaven and earth. In addition, given the current dire situation in the Eastern Wilderness and the imminent great changes in the world, if I can spread the Dao in the Eastern Wilderness, it can be considered as doing my part.

Thirdly, it is the Dao Path are destined to follow! The path of teaching and guiding is the foundation of their Daode Lineage and the key to their future journey from Wuji to Taiji, which requires advance planning.

In addition, he also wanted to see if the Qi of Dao and Virtue he was cultivating would also grow stronger as a result.

This wisp of Qi of Dao and Virtue is incredibly profound; even today, he has not been able to fully comprehend and master it.

now

With the reminder from the Immortal Cauldron, Yu Tunzhou gradually realized that his future path of Taiji edification might be linked to the [Redefining Dao and Virtue] of the Daode Lineage.

However, the weight of those four words was almost unbearable for him at that moment.

But it gave him more hope for the Dao Path.

Once one has walked the path of Taiji evolution, or as this wisp of black and white Qi of Dao and Virtue continues to grow stronger, one may also be able to master the Divine Ability of "a single word can become the law of the world".

Of course, given the path of Wuji he is currently taking, it is more likely that he can "ruin the world's order with a single word."

Yu Tunzhou's mind went blank.

I wonder how things have progressed in the Eastern Wilderness these past few days, and whether Floating Hill Mountain has come to a general conclusion.

He slowly got up, preparing to go see the mountain lord again.

In addition, Young Hero Lin and his group should have arrived by now.

The main mountain of Fuqiu.

Although Yu Tunzhou successfully invoked the Devil Lord Immortal Cauldron and cut off the passage for the Nine Netherworlds to invade the Eastern Wilderness, the aftermath is still complex and far from settled.

For example, the remnants of the Nan and Yao families need to be hunted down.

In this respect, the Nan Household died even more thoroughly than the Yao Household. Apart from their ancestor who was overseas, all the members of the Nan Household External Scenery city perished. None of the clansmen who remained in Cangling survived. Even those clansmen who remained outside the city were no longer a threat.

There are still one or two External Scenery the Yao Household who are on the run, but it is no longer of any importance. Floating Hill Mountain has already recalled the External Scenery who left the mountain gate to be responsible for the follow-up pursuit.

In addition, the most important thing is the rebellion of the Three Corpses, but this can only be suppressed. They have consulted the Immortal Cauldron, which says that the Three Corpses breaking free of their seal is "predestined". Floating Hill Mountain cannot stop it, and can only try to delay it.

After temporarily putting aside the Three Corpses Uprising, Floating Hill Mountain had to face an unavoidable problem: what to do with the [Heavenly Origin Pill].

Even though the initial intention was to resist evil and protect all living beings, the way of Heavenly Dao always clearly distinguishes between merit and demerit; merit is merit, and demerit is demerit.

According to An Ruyu's instructions that day, when the world undergoes a great change, all the karmic punishments that are due will come without fail, which was something that the Zhenyan had foreseen.

"Those who have gone too far will be put in charge of guarding the Immortals and Gods Portal in the future."

At this moment, the Zhenyan priest spoke slowly, his tone calm and steady, clearly having already planned everything.

"If they die before the great karmic calamity, that is their fate, and they have long been prepared for it. On the contrary, how long can you hold out under the Three Corpses Suppression?"

"Grandmaster Uncle, there's no need to worry," Shouzheng said. "The Ancestral Artifact has temporarily abandoned the idea of leaving the sect and has agreed to intervene in this matter, trying to hold out until the Great Calamity begins."

"I've heard that Young Hero Yu possesses a method to counter the Immortals and Gods Portal?" Zhenyan pondered for a moment, then solemnly said, "I hope you can represent Floating Hill Mountain and exchange this method with Young Hero Yu."

At this point, Shouzheng fell silent.

Seeing Zhenyan, Zhenyan looked puzzled and said, "Young Hero Yu's magnanimity, he shouldn't be stingy. Could it be that you are unwilling to visit? Or does this method involve the fundamental principles of his Dao, making it truly inconvenient to reveal?"

"If that's the case, then that's good." Shouzheng gave a wry smile and sighed, "Two days ago, Young Hero Yu told me that he intends to re-establish the foundation of Martial Dao in the Eastern Wilderness and promote the Human Emperor's Secret Method, which includes the Secret Method for suppressing the Immortals and Gods Portal. These past few days, I've been weighing the pros and cons of this matter."

"To promote the Human Emperor's Secret Method in the Eastern Wilderness? Is this going to be made public?" Zhenyan exclaimed, moved. "This person's magnanimity is truly worthy of our Human Emperor's lineage!"

Having said that, he glanced sideways at Shouzheng: "They've voluntarily revealed their Secret Method, what are you still hesitating for?"

Shouzheng said helplessly, "Grandmaster Uncle-Master leaked crucial information; that person intends to re-establish the foundation of Martial Dao in the Eastern Wilderness."

The Zhenyan priest frowned, about to ask what this meant, when he suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "He has the idea of reopening a new path and establishing a new Martial Dao?"

Shouzheng pondered for a moment and said, "It's not that simple. Rather, Young Hero Yu possesses a Secret Method that can significantly lower the threshold for Martial Dao cultivation, reduce the need for Profound Qi, and even eliminate the need for external sources."

Seeing that his grandmaster uncle was puzzled, Shouzheng explained in general terms:

"Martial Dao cultivation is something everyone can do; there's no such thing as Spirit Root or talent."

"However, in order to forge a Higher Vehicle foundation, in addition to Higher Vehicle Qi Ingestion Method, one must also Foundation Establishment with Profound Qi. For any major sect or Aristocratic Clan family, the depletion of Profound Qi is a huge burden, even for my Floating Hill Mountain."

"Our Floating Hill Mountain recruits disciples every three years. Leaving aside family resources and support, it's already quite good if we can support ten disciples to forge a Higher Vehicle martial foundation among martial artists of the same age over the past three years."

"As for Immortal Foundation, it's considered good if one out of ten students has one. Ordinary Aristocratic Clan would devote all their efforts to nurturing someone with an Immortal Foundation, regarding them as a future pillar of the External Scenery."

"Therefore, while Martial Dao may seem to have no entry barrier, the actual barrier to advancement is extremely high, and the channels for advancement are all controlled by the Aristocratic Clan, sects, and the imperial court."

"For mortal martial artists, cultivating Higher Vehicle martial foundation is already a luxury, let alone Immortal Foundation is even more unattainable."

"The method that Young Hero Yu wishes to impart can significantly lower the threshold, allowing a young man from the countryside to forge a Higher Vehicle martial foundation without needing to join a sect or Aristocratic Clan, relying solely on his own talent."

Shouzheng sighed softly, "The Martial Dao world will be divided at this point, entering an era where [everyone can learn martial arts]."

Upon hearing this, Zhenyan immediately understood the enormity this Secret Method would unleash...

This will completely overturn the pattern of Martial Dao inheritance and sever the monopoly of the Aristocratic Clan and sects on Martial Dao!

Even disregarding this point, the mere idea that "everyone can learn martial arts" would significantly increase the difficulty of governing and maintaining stability among the people, thus provoking opposition from the imperial court!

If martial artists use their skills to break the law, and if everyone can learn martial arts and everyone possesses martial power, then the number of people breaking the law with their skills will inevitably increase, and chaos will surely break out among the people.

The Zhenyan Daoist priest said in a deep voice, "You didn't refuse him immediately, probably because of the situation in the Eastern Wilderness, which is about to undergo a great change, right?"

The Daoist Shouzheng nodded and sighed softly, "If it were hundreds of years ago, if Young Hero Yu had promoted such a new method, he would have been besieged by all the powerful Aristocratic Clan and sects in the world. But the situation is different now."

Zhenyan suddenly said, "If I remember correctly, back then, that Great Hero Mo revealed the method of Refining the True essence. It was said that when practiced to its peak, Inner Qi could possess the wonders of ' Profound Qi,' which caused quite a stir. It really is a continuation of the same lineage."

After a moment of silence, Shouzheng truthfully replied, "What Young Hero Yu taught us is the method of [Refining the True]."

"Huh?" Zhenyan exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't that thing supposedly impossible for anyone to master?"

"Young Hero Yu has already passed on the method to me, and I have studied it these past few days," Shouzheng explained. "The old version of the Refining the True Method offers limited benefits and is harmful to the body and depletes vital energy. Even those with innate Dao talent would find it difficult to reach the forty-ninth stage."

"However, the method of Refining the True essence, improved by Young Hero Yu, also known as [Great Spirit Courtyard], has eliminated all its shortcomings, selecting the best of the best. As long as one's talent Root Bone are not lacking, there is a chance to cultivate to the forty-ninth level."

"At the same time, this [Great Spirit Courtyard] also has the miraculous effect of tempering Qi and Blood and nourishing the Primordial Spirit. In terms of Foundation Establishment alone, I can hardly imagine any other method that can surpass it."

After a long silence, Zhenyan said that according to Shouzheng's words... Young Hero Yu's [Great Spirit Courtyard] would probably completely overturn the traditional Martial Dao.

What are you planning to do?

Shouzheng was about to reply, he and his grandmaster simultaneously looked towards the door, their faces showing smiles:

"Young Hero Yu, please come in for a chat."

Squeak--

The palace doors were gently pushed open.

Yu Tunzhou walked in slowly, still dressed in his green robe, but his aura was more profound than before, now possessing the imposing presence of a deep pool and a towering mountain.

Even a master of Ancient Method like Zhenyan, comparable to Grandmaster, felt a sense of bewilderment at this.

It's not that Yu Tunzhou's cultivation has surpassed that of the Zhenyan, but rather that the former's aura is sometimes ethereal and uncertain, and sometimes as solid as a mountain. However, if you look closely, you will feel as if you are looking through a layer of clouds and mist, unable to see clearly, as if you are in a fog.

"Young Hero Yu, have you... broken through to a higher realm?" the Zhenyan Daoist Zhenyan asked tentatively.

He pondered whether Yu Tunzhou cultivated Ancient Method or Martial Dao. If it was Martial Dao, he should be at the Divine Ability Realm by now, so why was he so unfathomable to him?

"There's been some improvement in the Inner View design." Yu Tunzhou walked up to the two and said with a smile, "I wonder if the Mountain Lord has made a decision after considering this for the past few days?"

Shouzheng smiled and said, "I would like to ask Young Hero Yu a few questions first. Would that be convenient?"

"Please speak freely, Lord Mountain Master."

"May I ask, Young Hero Yu, what are your thoughts on the powerful clans and aristocratic families of the world? Will there come a day when these Aristocratic Clan completely disappear from the world?"

Yu Tunzhou shook his head and said, "As long as Human Race exists and human nature remains unchanged, then Aristocratic Clan will never disappear; they will simply continue in a different way."

"But they won't disappear, which doesn't mean they can't be suppressed or have their influence among the people reduced."

"In my opinion, the Martial Dao world is currently controlled by powerful clans and aristocratic Aristocratic Clan. If we want to become strong, we need to spread our martial arts throughout the world and break their monopoly first."

Shouzheng and said, "Then, Young Hero Yu, have you considered the cost of spreading martial arts throughout the world?"

"Which is more important, the Aristocratic Clan clans or the survival of the entire Human Race?" Yu Tunzhou's tone was calm, yet every word carried immense weight. "Back then, the Human Emperor rose to power in the Eastern Wilderness. At that time, the Human Race also had tribes and clans, no different from the Aristocratic Clan of today. But before immortals, gods, Immortals and Gods, and monsters, they were all mere lackeys."

"If we hide the methods of salvation because we fear that martial arts will cause chaos among the people, wouldn't that be throwing the baby out with the bathwater? Times have changed, and a cataclysmic event is imminent. If we refuse to adapt and innovate, only annihilation awaits Human Race. Do we expect a second Human Emperor to emerge then?"

"Human Race has only occupied the Central Plains for ten thousand years; it has no right to enjoy peace and merely eke out a living. And among all the powerful Aristocratic Clan in the world, not a single one possesses the ability to support the heavens."

"Yes, a great change in the world is imminent." Shouzheng. This was the main factor, the unstoppable trend!

He then changed the subject, asking, "Young Hero Yu, what are your views on official positions, titles, and even the throne?"

"All of this is fleeting."

Yu Tunzhou pondered:

"In ordinary External Scenery, even the longest lifespan is no more than three hundred years. With Dharma Aspect, they turn to carving out their own territory, establishing merit and careers, in order to ensure the prosperity and wealth of their descendants."

"But if one reaches the Dharma Aspect, their lifespan is only about six hundred years, rarely exceeding a thousand years."

"I do not aspire to the Great Dao, nor do I intend to fight and struggle with others for power and position. Rather, I would rather remain alone, explore the universe, and hone my skills on the Great Dao."

"Even if one day Mr. Yu is forced to shoulder a heavy responsibility, the burden will outweigh the honor."

Shouzheng said meaningfully, "Young Hero Yu may not know, but if one could truly sit in that position, the benefits on the path of cultivation would be considerable. Four thousand years ago, someone suppressed both Daoism and Buddhism, unified the Central Plains, silenced all dissent, and ultimately became the hegemon of his time."

This person Human Dao Fortune, becoming the last person since High Antiquity times to ascend above the level of Immortals and Gods.

Qi and luck are food...

The thought of Yu Tunzhou flashed through my mind.

Looking back at the first two realms now, especially the Qi Ingestion Realm, from his current perspective, he finds them incredibly profound.

This realm was first established by the Human Emperor, and then expanded by Martial Dao.

The essence of Qi Ingestion has evolved from ordinary natural energy to the "fundamental source of vital energy."

Since the person mentioned by the Mountain Lord Shouzheng is a figure from four thousand years ago, he must still be following the Immortal Dao.

"If I remember correctly, the Martial Ancestor also embarked on this path in the past, but the final result seems to have been unsatisfactory."

The Yu Tunzhou's opening.

According to Old Mo, that Martial Ancestor once gathered the Martial Fortune of heaven and earth, attempting to reach a higher level, but ultimately failed.

Moreover, several years ago, when this person emerged from confinement, he intentionally stripped himself of all his Martial Fortune!

This is clearly the opposite path.

Shouzheng said regretfully, "It's a pity I never had the chance to meet that person, otherwise perhaps I could have seen something. For us, once we reach the Dharma Aspect Martial Dao, there is no further path forward; we can only rely on ourselves to explore..."

"I have a general understanding of Young Hero Yu's attitude." Shouzheng steered the conversation back on track, his expression becoming more solemn. "Our Floating Hill Mountain is willing to assist Young Hero Yu in spreading his martial arts in the Eastern Wilderness and re-establishing the Martial Dao."

Yu Tunzhou in a respectful bow, his expression sincere, and said, "Thank you, Mountain Lord."

Shouzheng shook his head. "Why thank me? You are the one who transmitted the Dharma, you are the one who bears the karmic consequences, and you are the one who faces the clamor of the world. My Floating Hill Mountain is merely lending a place of practice and contributing our share. If we are to express gratitude, it should be the Eastern Wilderness that thanks you."

He paused, his tone suddenly becoming more serious:

"However, there is one thing I urge you to be aware of Young Hero Yu. Once your [Great Spirit Courtyard] is publicly implemented in the Eastern Wilderness, it will be manageable within the Eastern Wilderness itself, as my Floating Hill Mountain can suppress it. But this method will inevitably spread to the Central Plains, and at that time, no one can say for sure how many powerful Aristocratic Clan and clans will openly or covertly oppose you."

Your enemy may not be in the Nine Netherworlds or overseas.

"It's alright," Yu Tunzhou said calmly. "Those who cannot see the grand sweep of history will inevitably be crushed by it."

These words, neither too harsh nor too mild, sent a chill down Zhenyan's spine, while Shouzheng admired the man before him even more, and sighed deeply:

"We martial artists should be like this!"

Not long after, Yu Tunzhou took his leave, preparing to visit Young Hero Lin and the others who had been brought back to Floating Hill Mountain in the past few days.

There are some things he also needs to discuss in advance through representatives like Daoist Xuanfa and forces like the True Martial Sect that might be able to help him in the future.

On his way there, he couldn't help but think of An Ruyu.

This witch disappeared a few days ago; no one knows where she went.

Nine times out of ten, they have already achieved their goal and are leaving to plan for the divine artifacts of destiny left behind by the Human Emperor, the Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man.

As soon as Yu Tunzhou finished thinking about it, he had already arrived outside a courtyard.

Ancient pines stand outside the courtyard, their branches twisting and turning, rustling in the wind. Inside the courtyard are stone tables and benches, spotless and immaculate.

"Tunzhou?"

A familiar, smiling voice came from the courtyard.

"Come in quickly and let's chat!"

Before Yu Tunzhou even got close, he sensed two auras. One was sharp like a drawn sword, clear and awe-inspiring, and belonged to Lin Yueheng. The other was peaceful and gentle, with a touch of Zen.

He pushed open the door and entered. A gray-robed monk stood up from beside the table, put his hands together in prayer. It turned out to be Dharma Master Jiese.

Only now did he realize that the Dharma Master Jiese had also arrived in the Eastern Wilderness.

Yu Tunzhou hurriedly greeted him with a smile.

Before Yu Tunzhou could speak, Dharma Master Jiese said seriously, "Benefactor Yu, I have heard that you have some connection with the Buddhist disciples of Vajra Chan Temple?"

"The Buddhist disciple of Vajra Chan Temple..." Yu Tunzhou suddenly realized, "You Dingguang?"

Thinking about it, it's been more than two years since I last saw the little monk.

"It is indeed the disciple of Dingguang Buddha," Dharma Master Jiese solemnly replied. "To be honest, Benefactor Yu, I came to the Eastern Wilderness to lend you a hand, but on the way, I unexpectedly received a request from the Venerable Master Xuanku of the Vajra Chan Temple to deliver a message to you."

"Is it related to Dingguang?" Yu Tunzhou frowned.

"Indeed," Dharma Master Jiese. "Rumor has it that the Buddhist disciple encountered some misfortune in Luofu Grotto-Heaven, which is suspected to be related to other sects."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of the pine trees in the courtyard suddenly fell silent.

Yu Tunzhou stood rooted to the spot, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he smiled and said:

"It seems that after the Eastern Wilderness, I, Yu, will have to return to Luofu Grotto-Heaven ahead of schedule."

I wonder how many old friends I'll meet on this return trip.