Severing Worldly Ties, the Struggle for the Northern Plains

The Six Paths of Evil and Demons in the Central Plains have always been in a marginal and weak position.

One reason is the lack of top-tier combat power at the Dharma Aspect level.

Before Xue Wuya appeared, there were only two Dharma Aspect experts belonging to the Six Paths of Evil and Demons on the Heaven Ranking.

One of them is Kou Ziling, the [Heavenly Demon] ranked third on the Heaven Ranking.

One of them is Qingxuzi, the Heavenly King of the Incense-Smelling Cult Sect, who ranks fifth on the Heaven Ranking.

Of the two, Kou Ziling disappeared for a hundred years after attaining Dharma Aspect and becoming a Dharma Image, and it was later learned that he had gone overseas.

Qingxuzi, as the Heavenly King Protector of the Incense-Smelling Cult, is both righteous and evil, and rarely intervenes in joint operations involving the Six Paths of Evil and Demons.

This resulted in the fact that the actions of the Six Paths of Evil and Demons in the Central Plains were almost entirely suppressed by Dharma Aspect- level force.

The second reason, and the most important one, is...

This is what is known as "worldly ties".

To formally join any faction of the Six Paths of Evil and Demons, one must sever all worldly ties, regardless of age.

Therefore, unless one is utterly inhuman, Six Paths of Evil and Demons.

Back then, Mo Changge single-handedly challenged the entire Six Paths of Evil and Demons, slaying countless powerful demons and forcing Kou Ziling to step down, which finally brought the storm to an end and exacerbated the talent shortage problem in the Six Paths of Evil and Demons.

Finally, they had to turn their attention to those who were young but exceptionally talented.

The Six Paths of Evil and Demons have long since developed a sophisticated method to help these "talented but unpolished gems" sever all ties with the mortal world, make them intolerant of worldly affairs, and return them to the demonic path.

The Blood River Dao contains a secret technique that can manipulate people's minds and bodies.

After selecting a candidate, they will spend months to a year controlling the people around the chosen person, constantly humiliating and beating the chosen person until they are driven to a dead end and led to their descent into evil.

"You did it yourself?"

Xue Wuya looked at the so-called unprecedented First Saintess of Incense-Smelling before him with a half-smile.

As far as he knew, this girl was only three years old when she severed her ties with the world. Under the control of others, she took a knife and stabbed her relatives who were kneeling in the courtyard and were also being controlled. In this way, she severed her ties with the world and was welcomed back to the Incense-Smelling Cult.

Does this count as doing it personally?

The reason he knew this so clearly was that the Six Paths of Evil and Demons would not personally intervene in the training of important figures, but would instead ask their fellow practitioners to do so.

It was Blood River Dao that helped the Incense-Smelling Cult back then.

The one who made the move was Xue Wuya, who had received the order from the Holy Mother of Blood Spirits.

That day, he watched with his own eyes as the small body remained strong until the very end, and he couldn't help but marvel at the wonder of the human body.

"I've heard that you've dealt with many elderly members of the church over the years, using clean and efficient methods. They were all people who welcomed you back to the church back then."

Xue Wuya looked at An Ruyu with interest. "But are they really all dead? I've heard that people who should have been dead have been found to be alive."

"An Ruyu, are these the people you need to sever your worldly ties with? Then, out of respect for the Blood Spirit Venerable Mother, I might intervene on your behalf this time."

Meeting Xue Wuya's ambiguous gaze, An Ruyu smiled more radiantly than a hundred flowers in bloom, "The worldly ties that I wish to ask the Daoist Master to sever are currently located in Xuanbei Commandery."

Xue Wuya's smile vanished instantly, and a terrifying aura engulfed the white-dressed girl before him.

He stared coldly at An Ruyu and sneered, "You wouldn't tell me that the worldly ties you want to sever are with Yu Tunzhou, would you?"

"Even a three-year-old child should have heard of the absurd stories about you and Yu Tunzhou circulating in the martial arts world."

An Ruyu tilted her head slightly, her smile undiminished, "If that weren't the case, why would we need to sever ties?"

Xue Wuya stared intently at the woman before him, a hint of doubt in his eyes, and asked, "Did you really have a romantic relationship with Yu Tunzhou?"

He suddenly looked An Ruyu up and down, frowning. "You've already External Scenery? Since you've already External Scenery, shouldn't you have finished cultivating that Divine Descent Technique of your sect as soon as possible?"

The Incense-Smelling Cult has a fundamental secret technique called the Divine Descent Technique.

As far as he knew, An Ruyu had already mastered this technique in the Chain Forming Realm, and was able to summon the projections of the Twelve Mothers to assist her.

However, the essence of this secret technique still requires reaching the External Scenery realm to truly master it.

Not only is it necessary to invite the statues of the various goddesses into one's own Inner Heaven and Earth to take place and enact the scene of the creation of heaven and earth.

Furthermore, we must invite the spirits of all the old mothers to enter our Primordial Spirit Heaven and Earth, and constantly recite their names to receive their protection.

Once you've achieved this, even if you're just starting out in the External Scenery, you can contend with Grandmaster in a short time!

Among all the holy maidens throughout history, very few have been able to summon three elderly mothers, but the woman before him has the potential to summon the complete [tribe/herself].

Twelve ancient mothers enact the scene of the Wuji of the universe!

"As I said before, my worldly ties are not yet severed, so it is difficult for you elders to descend."

An Ruyu's smile faded, her face becoming pure and holy, even conveying a sense of compassion for all humanity. "If the Dao Lord is still unwilling to believe me, you may first consult the Blood Spirit Venerable Mother."

Xue Wuya gazed intently at An Ruyu: "But why is there Yu Tunzhou in your mortal destiny?"

An Ruyu smiled shyly and said, "Just as you think, it's only that I have feelings for you, but you don't reciprocate."

Xue Wuya was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "If you truly had a romantic relationship with him, then lure him out of Xuanbei Commandery and separate him from Jiang Wenxuan. If you can do this, I will trust you and will help you kill this brat."

"The Dao Lord's requirements are quite demanding," An Ruyu said with a blink. "Then it's a deal."

After the battle of Xuanbei Commandery, Yu Tunzhou did not meet with the powerful figures who had come to his aid from all sides. However, with their return, the news quickly spread throughout the vast Northern Plains.

The once bustling Qingliao Zhang Household was suddenly deserted.

All parties, who were originally eager and ambitious, were as if doused with cold water and fell silent.

Especially after realizing that the Qingliao Zhang Household had no reaction, everyone clearly understood one thing: the reason why the Zhang Household was accused of associating with the Divine Capital Xiao Household and disrupting the situation in Northern Plains was because the Divine Capital Xiao Household had sent troops to Northern Plains, and that had been wiped out!

The Zhang Household's lack of response means that the Divine Capital Xiao Household has no plans for retaliation in the short term.

This led the various factions to choose to remain silent.

But soon, new rumors stirred up unrest among the various families who had given up hope and were ready to accept the birth of the new "Xie Household".

Following that, two other techniques, titled "Human Emperor Spark Instruction" and "Refining the True: Modification," were simultaneously transmitted from Xuanbei Commandery and delivered to various families first.

After testing the two methods, especially the latter, the major Aristocratic Clan of Northern Plains were in an uproar, realizing that the rumors were true!

That person actually intends to implement the Eastern Wilderness Reform in the Northern Plains, making it a reality for everyone to learn martial arts.

"Absurd!"

"He actually said that the Zhang Household and Xiao Household are disrupting the situation in Northern Plains?"

"Does he not know the impact this method of Refining the True essence would have on maintaining stability and rule in various regions, once it is implemented and everyone in the world can practice martial arts?"

Even though the year is drawing to a close, the garden is still lush and green, a sight to behold that soothes the soul.

The lake ripples gently, and numerous courtyards, small buildings, pavilions, and towers dot the surrounding area.

In the pavilion by the water, a middle-aged man angrily swept away the exquisite fruits on the table.

This place belongs to the Jinyang Guo Household. The Guo Household has been based in Jinyang Commandery for more than two thousand years, predating the founding of the Great Yan Kingdom. Their influence is deeply rooted in the Northern Plains, and they have many marriage alliances with the powerful clans.

Their overall strength is even greater than that of the Luo Household.

The middle-aged man was Guo Baisheng, the current head of the Guo Household family.

Sitting next to him at this moment was his uncle, Guo Shouren, the strongest member of the Guo Household in the current era, ranked fifty-third on the Earth Ranking.

Guo Baisheng looked at his uncle, his anger barely concealed, and said, "Uncle, have you seen this boy? It's only been a short time since he entered the Dragon Gate, does he really possess the legendary strength?"

At this moment, Guo Shouren sighed, "I have never met this young man, but you shouldn't dwell on that, because Jiang Wenxuan is behind him."

Not long ago, Guo Shouren personally rushed to Xuanbei Commandery to support the Luo Household, but discovered traces of the battle between the Dharma Aspect Immortals and Gods in Xuanbei Commandery.

That was something they simply couldn't handle!

Guo Baisheng angrily said, "Our clan's strongest members have died in battle, yet the Xiao Household has shown absolutely no reaction. With such lack of resolve, how dare they call themselves a ten-thousand-year-old Aristocratic Clan!"

Guo Shouren shook his head and said, "The Xiao Household couldn't possibly traverse tens of thousands of miles to be enemies with at least one Dharma Aspect Avatar in the Northern Plains. At least until the turmoil in the Divine Capital subsides, they can no longer get involved."

Guo Baisheng suddenly fell into a long silence, and after a long while he sighed, looking utterly desolate.

He was not a reckless or foolish person; he was just emotionally agitated and needed to vent.

Now, upon reflection, in such a vast Northern Plains, who could possibly be an enemy of Yu Tunzhou?

This young man's own strength is a mystery, and he has also reached an agreement with the Northern Dark Sea and received Jiang Wenxuan's assistance.

"Are the great Aristocratic Clan of Northern Plains destined to slowly wait for their demise?"

Guo Baisheng said unwillingly.

Promoting New Martial Arts and breaking the monopoly of the major sects on Martial Dao will inevitably have a significant impact on their rule.

What they feared even more was that after this "Yu Tunzhou, other methods would be used to weaken them.

After all, this person is Lu Huaiqing's disciple!

Back then, Lu Huaiqing offered the Great Yan Imperial Family many strategies to weaken the major aristocratic Aristocratic Clan. If it weren't for the Divine Capital Aristocratic Clan ' efforts to purge the court of corrupt officials and drive him to the Northern Dark Sea, who knows what might have happened.

At that time, all the major clans, including Guo Baisheng, applauded and cheered.

But no one could have imagined that decades later, Lu Huaiqing's disciple would actually appear in the Northern Plains!

Lu Huaiqing, who was once banished to the Northern Dark Sea, laid a considerable foundation before his death, enough to suppress the current Northern Plains.

This series of interconnected events, seemingly a predetermined ending, truly chilled Guo Baisheng to the bone.

"Father is overthinking it!"

Just as Guo Baisheng fell silent, a young figure strode into the pavilion, dressed in pure white, his brows brimming with the pride and arrogance typical of scions of the Aristocratic Clan.

It was his eldest son, Guo Feibai.

Guo Feibai proudly declared, "My Northern Plains is so vast! There are nearly fifty major cities at the prefectural level alone, and hundreds of county towns."

Count!"

"Without the powerful Aristocratic Clan, who will govern these prefectures and maintain order? Who will collect taxes and suppress bandits and outlaws?"

Even if Yu Tunzhou possessed Tongtian abilities, he couldn't possibly govern the entire vast land!

"He was well aware of this, which is why he said early on that he would not interfere with the rule of our aristocratic families."

"Furthermore, Guo Feibai sneered, "If Yu Tunzhou wants to promote the New Martial Arts, can he really go to every county town to keep an eye on it?"

"In my opinion, our aristocratic families have no need to openly oppose him. A simple word is 'delay.' If we just go through the motions and don't put in any real effort, how can he possibly investigate every single city?"

"If Father is worried, he could create some chaos, such as spreading the news that a martial arts practitioner, having just learned martial arts, harbored ill intentions and launched a night raid on a neighbor's house."

Guo Feibai's eyes flashed coldly. "I'd like to see how public opinion will spread then!"

"As for the Northern Dark Sea, there's no need to worry. On the contrary, it's our opportunity—the battle with the Northern Dark Sea is far from over. The longer Jiang Wenxuan stays in Northern Plains, the greater the pressure on the Northern Dark Sea will be, and the more discontent will arise among the various forces in the Northern Dark Sea!"

"Once he returns to the Northern Dark Sea, Yu Tunzhou will be all alone. We can then try to contact the Xiao Household and use them to replace the Qingliao Zhang Household."

Beside him, Guo Baisheng glanced at his eldest son with slight surprise, then smiled with satisfaction, "It seems our family also has a prodigy."

Guo Feibai and said, "The Great Yan is about to fall into chaos. If we just wait a few years, who knows if Yu Tunzhou will become the next Xie Household?"

Throughout history, dynasties have come and gone, but our clan has remained Indestructible.

Guo Shouren frowned, but ultimately remained silent.

The rise of Martial Dao has always been a double-edged sword.

Guo Baisheng's eyes gleamed as he said, "In this vast Northern Plains, I'm afraid there are more than just one or two people harboring the same thoughts as Feibai."

"Very well, let's fight that Yu Tunzhou!"

"I want to see who truly 'represents the people's hearts'!"

Xuanbei Commandery.

"Brother Luo, you are also from aristocratic families, can't you see the drawbacks of promoting the New Martial Arts?"

In the Luo Household hall, a man said in a deep voice, "There are few truly honest and simple people in the countryside. Most are opportunistic and cunning individuals who take advantage of others. If such people learn martial arts and lose their sense of respect, they will only continue to bully the villagers and rebel against their clans. When the region becomes unstable, it is the common people who will suffer!"

"Brother Luo, please persuade Great Hero Yu! We are deeply grateful to Great Hero Yu for driving away the Xie Household for us, and we are willing to pay taxes to him every year. However, this New Martial Arts transmission concerns the very foundation of our clans, so we must think it over carefully!"

Luo Xuanyue sat in the main seat, picked up her teacup, and took a sip.

In recent days, at least eight or ten people have come to say the same thing.

He could understand these people's concerns.

What makes Aristocratic Clan Aristocratic Clan is, firstly, the land wealth accumulated over many years, and secondly, the Martial Dao tradition passed down through generations.

For thousands of years, top-tier techniques and profound Divine Ability have been passed down only within the clan. Even collateral branches rarely possess them, let alone outsiders.

After the rise of Martial Dao, the rule of different regions became even more fragmented.

Because of insufficient resources, the foundation laid by martial artists in the common folk is limited to breaking through to supernatural Divine Ability.

It's extremely rare to find a top-tier External Scenery shooter who comes from a humble background.

The method that Yu Tunzhou is now offering points directly to the outer path of the External Scenery.

Everyone can cultivate themselves; everyone can establish Higher Vehicle Dao Foundation!

This means that as long as there is a sufficient population, even the lowest-ranking people may be able to produce those who lay the foundation for Higher Vehicle Dao Foundation within one or two generations.

At that time, the absolute advantage held by the Aristocratic Clan will be completely severed, leaving only the advantage of some resources.

only----

Luo Xuanyue said slowly, "Brother Qin, rest assured, I will convey your message to Great Hero Yu."

After seeing this person off, Luo Xuanyue shook her head, showing that she had no intention of visiting Yu Tunzhou at all.

He went straight to the ancestral home.

With guidance from Jiang Wenxuan, Luo Yundong has been attempting to refine the Fang Household's immortal sword, transforming it into a heirloom for the Luo Household.

"Ancestor, I am worried that the spread of Great Hero Yu's New Martial Arts will be obstructed by various parties, both openly and covertly."

Luo Xuanyue frowned and said, "It's alright on the surface, but I'm afraid that each family will delay behind the scenes and not actually put in the effort."

The biggest difference between Northern Plains and Eastern Wilderness is that Beiyuan lacks a power like Floating Hill Mountain, which controls almost the entire land from top to bottom.

Although the Northern Dark Sea Faction wields considerable power, they are struggling to protect themselves and have little spare capacity to intervene in the affairs of Northern Plains.

Luo Yundong did not respond to Luo Xuanyue immediately, but his gaze faltered slightly as he recalled his conversation with Yu Tunzhou not long ago.

As the head of the Aristocratic Clan, how could she not see the fierce conflict that the implementation of the New Martial Arts might cause? She had already discussed countermeasures with Yu Tunzhou in private.

"Don't worry."

"Yu Tunzhou" was prepared.

Luo Yundong looked outside, his eyes filled with profound meaning, and said, "History has proven countless times that when the torrent of the times sweeps in, those who insist on staying in one place, unwilling to leave, will ultimately be swallowed up by the torrent."

This day.

Li Yuanming of the Zhaoyang Li Household came to visit Yu Tunzhou.

"Great Hero Yu, we have recently discovered some anomalies in the Northern Plains; perhaps you would be interested."

In the courtyard, Yu Tunzhou turned around with interest. "Brother Li, please speak freely."

Li Yuanming said in a deep voice, "We have discovered traces of the Blood River Dao in many places. They seem to be recruiting disciples, which has led to many murders."

"Blood River Dao is recruiting disciples?" Yu Tunzhou frowned. "I remember— the Six Paths of Evil and Demons, they seem to have a concept of severing worldly ties?"

"Good!"

Li Yuanming said in a deep voice, "All relatives of those who are taken into the family will be killed."

"Generally speaking, they don't target scions of the Aristocratic Clan; they mostly target children from poor families because it's easier to handle their future and sever ties with worldly affairs."

"And as long as things don't escalate, local Aristocratic Clan usually turn a blind eye."

"Besides the fact that the Six Paths of Evil and Demons have always been weak, there are also instances where Aristocratic Clan have been secretly exchanging goods with the Six Paths of Evil and Demons."

"After all, for the Aristocratic Clan, no matter how talented a child from a poor family may be, due to the limitations of Martial Dao, they lack the Profound Qi to support such a child, and it's not even enough to nurture their own offspring."

"However, such incidents were rare in previous years; in the entire Northern Plains, it might not happen even once every few years. But recently, they have become extremely frequent, exceeding ten cases already."

The Yu Tunzhou, seemingly lost in thought.

It seems that Xue Wuya wasn't solely motivated by the sect's disciples.

He also set his sights on this vast land.

Now that the Xie Household has been defeated and there are no Immortals and Gods to guard the Northern Plains, coupled with the impending chaos in the Central Plains, it is indeed the best time for these Six Paths of Evil and Demons to regroup.

Not long after breaking through to the Dharma Aspect, this person went to seek out Yan Huifeng to ask about swordsmanship.

His appearances in recent years have surpassed the cumulative appearances of Kou Ziling and Qingxuzi over many years.

It seems this person's ambitions are far greater than anticipated.

Li Yuanming carefully observed Yu Tunzhou's expression, his heart heavy.

As one of the few people outside the Luo Household qualified to visit Yu Tunzhou, Li Yuanming has recently been visited by various families hoping that he can dissuade Yu Tunzhou on behalf of the entire Northern Plains.

As the methods of Refining the True and the Human Emperor Qi Ingestion Method spread, he truly realized that this transformation would be far more drastic than he had originally anticipated!

Xiao Hong, who was in the same situation as him, didn't care about these things because he came from the Chixia Sect.

Those who achieve success in Martial Dao despite being from humble backgrounds are mostly disciples of sects.

Although Yu Tunzhou's public disclosure of his cultivation method would gradually cause other sects to lose their competitiveness, Xiao Hong was more optimistic about this.

He believes that in Martial Dao cultivation, the method is only the foundation; the key is after entering the path. Martial arts, the Dao Foundation, and even Divine Ability cannot be cultivated by a single school or individual.

The difference between having a teacher or mentor is like night and day.

Therefore, in his view, this could actually significantly increase the number of experts in their Chixia Sect.

After all, the main factor limiting the number of disciples in the Chixia Sect over the years has been the insufficient production of Profound Qi, requiring careful planning every year.

But powerful Aristocratic Clan like Li Yuanming did not think so.

Besides the news of Blood River Dao's appearance, he also had other important business to discuss during his visit.

Brother Li.

Yu Tunzhou suddenly spoke up, "In terms of territorial area, is the Northern Plains more expansive, or is the Northern Dark Sea more vast?"

"Naturally, the Northern Dark Sea is much more vast."

Li Yuanming was puzzled as to why the topic shifted to the territories of the Northern Dark Sea and Northern Plains, but he still replied, "Northern Dark Sea is already outside the Central Plains. In terms of territory alone, it far exceeds Northern Plains. However, conditions in most areas are harsh, and there are even many extremely cold regions where even Form Refinement martial artists with abundant Qi and Blood cannot stay for long."

"A thousand years ago, things were better. There were Immortal Dao protecting the world, and various immortal masters could use their magic to protect the people within their borders. But now—"

Li Yuanming seized the opportunity to speak, "Great Hero Yu, I suggest you first promote the New Martial Arts in the Northern Dark Sea. The people there need the inheritance of Martial Dao more, which will also give Northern Plains some buffer time."

Yu Tunzhou smiled, handed over a list, and remarked, "So the environment in the Northern Dark Sea is this harsh. No wonder so many of the Northern Dark Sea's native forces want to relocate to Northern Plains."

"Brother Li, if you have the time, could you take a look at these lists for me, and while you're at it, select some suitable lands throughout the Northern Plains to accommodate the migration of these forces?"

"The Northern Plains are vast and should be able to support their migration."

The Yu Tunzhou, speaking of it lightly.

Li Yuanming was taken aback at first, but after picking up the list, he felt a deep chill spread throughout his body.

On this relocation list----

It encompasses over 80% of the power in the Northern Dark Sea!

If these forces want to move to the Northern Plains ----

Where should the local forces of Northern Plains go?!

He suddenly looked up at Yu Tunzhou.

How could anyone not guess that this was a warning from this person!