The Surging Tides of the World

"... Senior brother, if I had entered Luofu back then and been able to glimpse the location of the Book of Changes, perhaps everything..."

Strictly Mo Shougui.

He once went to great lengths to enter Luofu Grotto-Heaven, all for the sake of getting a glimpse of the divine book left behind by the Dao Venerable.

This book was written by the Dao Venerable, leaving a glimmer of hope for all living beings. For those who have cultivated the Heavenly Secrets Technique, it possesses an infinite and deadly allure.

From the moment he entered the Star Palace, Mo Shougui wondered, is destiny truly inescapable?

Only now does he realize that what cannot be defied is not destiny, but those important figures who represent destiny!

"This is none of your business," Daoist Purple Mountain shook his head. "If you truly had such a predestined affinity, you wouldn't be able to join our Star Palace."

These words were so true that Mo Shougui a wry smile.

As if suddenly receiving a telepathic message, the Daoist Purple Mountain's expression hardened, his tone abruptly changed, and he shouted in a deep voice:

"Walk!"

"The Yellow Springs Daoist, ranked eleventh on the Heaven Ranking, has found his master. He has come on behalf of the Xiao Household!" Mo Shougui changed.

At his peak, this person ranked eighth on the Heaven Ranking. However, due to his disappearance for twenty years and lack of combat records, coupled with the impressive achievements of rising stars like Daoist Fuyao, he was eventually pushed down to eleventh place.

However, Mo Shougui knew that this person always liked to hide his true strength, and his real strength might not be inferior to that of the seventh-ranked Old Gang Leader Su.

Speaking of this person, he can be considered a legend in the martial arts world.

He was the only Rogue Person on the Heaven Ranking. He came from a humble background and was once a lowly laborer who collected Profound Qi for the Aristocratic Clan. He gained their favor by saving a Aristocratic Clan and later, fortuitous opportunity chance, he entered the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, attracting the attention of many powerful forces.

Although he did not completely devote himself to any particular sect, he relied on his skillful maneuvering to gain favor from all sides and climbed the ranks step by step, from Divine Ability to External Scenery, from Quasi-Grandmaster to Grandmaster, and finally to the Dharma Aspect!

This person has not yet joined any faction, yet he is regarded as a "guest minister of the world's aristocratic Aristocratic Clan" and maintains good relations with many Aristocratic Clan in the Central Plains.

His last attempt was to capture Chen Fuyou, the Daoist Fuyao, who had become Grandmaster at the time, at the request of the Divine Capital Aristocratic Clan. He failed in the end.

"This person is treacherous and not a kind soul. His act of rescuing the eldest daughter of a prominent Aristocratic Clan years ago is also highly suspicious..."

The more Mo Shougui spoke, the uglier his expression became.

After Yellow Springs Daoist became Dharma Aspect, his every word and action would be subject to the attention and investigation of sects throughout the land.

This person is also a rare case of someone from a humble background; their past has long been thoroughly investigated, revealing certain unusual aspects of their early life. Of course, even the person involved wouldn't bother with these past events anymore.

"He came at the invitation of the Xiao Household?" Mo Shougui guessed the truth.

The Xiao Household had been plotting against the Star Palace for several months, secretly colluding with an elder of the Star Palace. With their inside help, they almost succeeded.

But for some unknown reason, the Xiao Household suddenly withdrew midway, resulting in a complete loss and exposing their own weaknesses.

Before the Star Palace could investigate the root cause, the Xiao Household made a comeback, this time with even greater force and no longer concealing their intentions. Everything was laid bare, and they used their power to crush their rivals!

"He came under the pretext of observing and comprehending the Heaven Ranking."

The gaze of the Daoist Purple Mountain towards Mo Shougui was sharp as a knife.

"None of this is your concern. All you need to do is take the Human Ranking and leave safely as quickly as possible, Human Ranking remains intact!"

The three lists left behind by the Human Emperor — Three Rankings of Heaven, Earth, and Man —can monitor the flow of Qi in the Central Plains in real time, especially the breakthroughs of the strong.

As long as one breaks through to the Immortals and Gods or Dharma Aspect in the Central Plains, no matter how quietly one does it, it is impossible to hide it from the Three Rankings.

Throughout history, many of the Dharma Aspect masters Heaven Ranking have visited the Star Palace and the Jixia Academy to comprehend the mysteries of destiny within the Three Rankings.

The Heaven Ranking is currently in the hands of his master. Therefore, the Yellow Springs Daoist's request is quite reasonable.

Its purpose is quite clear: to ensure that the Heaven Ranking remains in the Star Palace!

As Mo Shougui's heart sank, he also breathed a sigh of relief.

This means that the Xiao Household does not dare to seize it by force.

But if things continue like this, it's only a matter of time.

With the support of the Great Yuan, the Xiao Household gradually no longer had any worries.

If it weren't for the covetous eyes of the major Daoist and Buddhist sects, the Xiao Household would probably have already seized it by force.

Mo Shougui wanted to say something more, but he fell silent under the sharp gaze of the Daoist Purple Mountain.

He gave a bitter smile, took a deep breath, glanced one last time at the palace where his master was, and resolutely turned and walked into the secret passage.

The Daoist Purple Mountain watched him step into the dark passage, the sharp look in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a complex expression.

He waved his hand to close the secret passage, his eyes hardening as he activated the passage's self-destruct mechanism.

Mo Shougui, immediately sensed the anomaly. His gaze froze, but the muffled thuds of collapsing Houtu urged him forward. He could only suppress the surging emotions in his heart and speed up his advance.

The main peak of the Star Palace, the Ancestral Hall.

The current master of the Star Palace, True Person Xuanyang, sat upright before the Ancestral Hall, his aged face as calm as still water.

Behind him, Yellow Springs Daoist, dressed in a gray-white Daoist robe, stood with his hands behind his back in the hall, looking with great interest at the Star Palace Patriarch's admonitions on the wall.

"The will of Heaven cannot be defied."

"Things never end, and variables always exist!"

Yellow Springs Daoist withdrew his gaze and shook his head, saying:

"Fellow Xuanyang, is fate something that can be defied or not? You fortune tellers really all seem to be telling only half the story."

"The Daoist priest who told my fortune when I was young was the same. He only said that my future was limitless, but when I asked about the details, he stroked his goatee, closed his eyes, shook his head slightly, and said that the secrets of heaven could not be revealed."

"I couldn't resist the urge, so I sneaked into his place in the middle of the night, brandished a sharp knife, and forced him to tell me where my future lay. He stammered and cried, saying he didn't know either. From that moment on, I knew that fortune tellers were all liars."

At this point, he turned around, his smile deepening, and said, "Of course, Fellow Daoist Xuanyang, you are different. Twenty years ago, you said that my fortuitous opportunity lay overseas, so I went overseas, and it turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Therefore, I have not dared to return to the Central Plains for the past twenty years, for fear that the calamity you spoke of would come true."

True Person Xuanyang opened his eyes and calmly said, "Since you believed it, why did you return?"

The Yellow Springs Daoist sighed and said, "I am bound by worldly obligations and have no choice but to return."

True Person Xuanyang said calmly, "Could it be that person from the Great Yuan promised you some enormous benefit?"

True Person Yellow Springs laughed heartily and said, "True Person, let's not beat around the bush; we can still be fellow Daoists."

Xuanyang remained calm and said, "Don't you believe my words will continue to come true?"

Twenty years ago, he not only pointed out the direction of this fortuitous opportunity, but also gave the approximate timeframe for the impending doom.

True Person Yellow Springs laughed loudly, his voice echoing throughout the Ancestral Hall:

"I believe! Of course I believe! That's why I had to come back! After all, you can only calculate my fate, but you can't change it!"

Xuanyang sighed inwardly, already knowing the other's intentions.

One cannot change one's fate; only the Dao Lord is above the immortals Immortals and Gods, can.

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, I will not prevent your disciple from escaping the Star Palace," Yellow Springs Daoist with a smile.

"After all, the matter entrusted to me by the Xiao Household did not include him. I'm a little curious, do you think the Xiao Household also feels that it would be better for this boy to escape the Star Palace, so that it would be easier for them to make their move?"

True Person Xuanyang lowered his eyes and remained unmoved.

Seeing his expression, the Yellow Springs Daoist seemed to be thinking and said:

"In the destiny chart you saw, your disciple not only left the Star Palace, but also escaped the Xiao Household's covert encirclement?"

"Interesting."

After saying that, he suddenly laughed:

"However, this matter is no longer my concern."

"I have come here for two reasons: first, to comprehend the mysteries of the Heaven Ranking; and second, to see my former Commander Feng Xu. You must have met him not long ago, right?"

Xuanyang's brow twitched slightly. "When did that person become your enemy?"

"There is no enmity between us," Yellow Springs Daoist said calmly. "However, I suspect that the things left behind by the Old Wang have all fallen into this person's hands. How can a junior who is not even Dharma Aspect protect the Old Wang's relics?"

Xuanyang raised an eyebrow and sneered, "You are as shameless as ever, able to covet others' possessions with such high-sounding words. If I'm not mistaken, the Anguo Ji Clan should have already had their property confiscated by you, right?" "Unfortunately, that Old Wang didn't leave anything for the Lineage."

The Yellow Springs Daoist looked regretful.

"The only thing left was a single sentence, instructing them to migrate their entire clan to the Eastern Wilderness. Unfortunately, the current head of the Anguo Ji Clan lacked any courage, and in the end, the entire clan became a victim of the power struggle between the Great Yuan and Ji Yaoyang."

"In addition..."

He paused, then smiled.

"Fellow Daoist, it would be best if you did not provoke this humble Daoist."

"Heavenly materials and earthly treasures have belonged to the capable. Compared to Feng Xu, I am still far superior."

Xuanyang sneered, "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Feng Xu has many friends and is on good terms with all of you Dharma Aspect. If you make a move against him, those people won't just sit idly by."

"Wouldn't that be double the joy?" Yellow Springs Daoist. "That one from the Great Yuan is just wondering which of the Dharma Aspect in the world can be used by him, and which cannot."

Daoist Xuanyang felt a chill run down his spine.

After joining forces with those behind the scenes of the Great Yuan, how much of his power has the emperor recovered, and how much of his strength can he exert in the Central Plains?

Yellow Springs Daoist said with great interest, "Fellow Daoist, why don't you cast a divination for me again, and see where my calamity lies?" "No need," Xuanyang said expressionlessly, "The answer is the same as before. Your calamity is imminent. If you leave the Central Plains as soon as possible, there may be a glimmer of hope!"

The Yellow Springs Daoist looked regretful. "It seems your Heavenly Secrets Technique are far inferior to the Dao Lord's."

"If you wish to comprehend the mysteries of the Heaven Ranking, you may go to the Observatory of Heavenly Observation. This place is the ancestral hall of my Star Palace, and we do not welcome outsiders," Xuanyang said calmly, issuing an order to leave.

The Yellow Springs Daoist narrowed his eyes, exuding a dangerous and chilling aura. Finally, he chuckled softly and turned to leave.

Compared to Feng Xu, this reckless old Daoist is the one who truly has good relations with the Dharma Aspect of the world. If I were to make a move against him now, it would only give those others a reason to interfere.

"Fellow Daoist, after some time has passed and your disciple has been captured by the Xiao Household, I will, out of consideration for our past friendship, persuade the Xiao Household to spare his life."

"You'd better not leave this Ancestral Hall during this time, or even I, this humble Daoist, cannot guarantee your safety."

The Yellow Springs Daoist laughed loudly and strode away, speaking in a leisurely and carefree manner.

After the person left, the room returned to silence.

True Person Xuanyang gazed at the two lines of large characters left by his ancestor, a heavy weight settled in his heart, as if a mountain were pressing down on it.

A thousand years ago, the Star Palace offended that Martial Ancestor, yet it was not destroyed because of it.

But this time... he saw the future destruction of the Star Palace within his limited lifespan.

He closed his eyes and murmured:

"... variables still exist..."

Yellow Springs Daoist left the Ancestral Hall of the Star Palace alone.

An elder from the Star Palace hurried forward, his smile carrying a hint of obsequiousness and ingratiation.

"True Lord, has my senior brother still not figured it out?"

Yellow Springs Daoist said with a half-smile, "If he were half as open-minded as Fellow Xuanli, the Star Palace would not only be spared from destruction, but it wouldn't be impossible for it to advance further."

Xuanli suddenly looked worried. "True Lord, Mo Shougui has already entered the eighth level of Purple Star Astrology. Are we really going to let him escape the Star Palace?"

"The eighth level?" Yellow Springs Daoist laughed heartily. "It seems Fellow Xuanli Li hasn't glimpsed the workings of fate for quite some time."

"Let alone him, even your senior brother can't glimpse the future! The one behind the Great Yuan has already cut off all your Star Palace's chances of survival!"

Xuanli's face showed astonishment, which quickly turned into deep fear and heartfelt relief. Even before that person returned, they had managed to sever the Star Palace's greatest reliance, rendering everyone in the Star Palace blind!

Fortunately, I had already seen through the situation!

The Star Palace will not perish; it will only flourish again under its own leadership!

"Fellow Xuanli made the right choice."

The Yellow Springs Daoist walked forward with his hands behind his back, speaking slowly.

"If you haven't even chosen the right path, how far can you go if you just blindly keep moving forward? Even decades or centuries of diligent practice are ultimately no match for a single word from someone in a high position."

"Fellow Xuanyang still doesn't understand; that person never actually intended to deal with the Star Palace."

"Because the Star Palace have never caught His eye."

The roar of the landslide grew closer and closer.

Mo Shougui, his robes fluttering, leaped out of the dust and landed on a pine branch. Leaving the secret passage meant leaving the area where the Star Palace was located.

Mo Shougui took out the clothes and disguise items his senior brother had prepared for him, and found a wig among them.

He touched his bald head, his heart still heavy.

After quickly changing his clothes and disguising himself, he looked up to determine his location and had already decided where to go.

Before setting off, he tried to have his fortune told, only to find that danger and safety still coexisted, and he couldn't help but sigh.

This is the power of the Dao Lord.

Not long ago, even though he and his master had reached the eighth level of Purple Star Astrology, they still couldn't see any clues about destiny or fate, as if they were looking at flowers through fog or the moon in the water.

Only by relying on the Heaven Ranking and the Human Ranking can one see part of one's destiny.

The only one capable of possessing such Tongtian abilities is the Dao Lord behind the Great Yuan.

"Go to Northern Plains!"

With Mo Shougui gaze, he set off for the north.

He cultivated the Heavenly Secrets Technique, but his cultivation level was only at the Early External Scenery. His combat strength was weak, and only his Movement Method was worth mentioning. However, after only traveling more than ten miles, he was forced to stop on the way.

Atop the mountain ahead stood a figure, blocking the road to the north.

The man looked to be no more than thirty or forty years old, dressed in a black robe, his expression indifferent yet hinting at madness.

Mo Shougui's heart sank. How could it be this person?!

[Soul-Severing Hand] Shen Jie, this person is Quasi-Grandmaster of the Blood River Dao, a great master ranked forty-ninth on the Earth Ranking!

Why would he be waiting here?

Even if the person blocking his way was from the Xiao Household, he wouldn't be so surprised!

Suddenly.

Shen Jie, atop the mountain, swept his gaze coldly across the dense forest, meeting Shen Jie's eyes.

Mo Shougui pale, as if an overwhelming sense of oppression was descending from the sky, a storm brewing before the storm even began!

This is the suppression of those ranked high on the Earth Ranking!

In an instant, the area within a radius of several miles was filled with murderous intent, leaving Mo Shougui nowhere to escape. Was it really over just after leaving the mountain gate?

The thought had just arisen.

The murderous aura in the world had been calmed down.

Instead, the sound of the surging river echoed between heaven and earth.

The sword's momentum flowed like a river, covering an area of dozens of miles, leaving the figure on the mountaintop unable to dodge and forcing him to retreat in an instant.

"Sect Leader Zhao!"

Seeing the middle-aged figure coming into view, Mo Shougui's expression was filled with surprise and delight.

The newcomer was none other than Zhao Jiangxue, ranked ninth on the Earth Ranking and the current sect leader of the Cross-River Sword Sect!

The middle-aged man glanced in the direction where Shen Jie had disappeared, his brows furrowing slightly. He also didn't understand why someone from the Six Paths of Evil and Demons would appear here.

Especially since Blood River Dao had recently suffered a severe blow, it should have been completely weakened and retreated to the heart of the mountain gate.

Seeing that Shen Jie had disappeared, Zhao Jiangxue withdrew her gaze and nodded, saying:

"It's been a long time, Brother Mo. I'm not the only one here to meet you; the rest are on their way." Mo Shougui's heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out, "Were they invited by Commander Feng Xu?"

Zhao Jiangxue nodded. "Brother Feng has told us the inside story; both Daoism and Buddhism were involved this time."

Mo Shougui swept away the pent-up frustration in his heart. Putting everything else aside, with this top expert, ranked ninth on the Earth Ranking, by his side, who could stop him?!

Suddenly, Zhao Jiangxue looked in another direction, and after a moment, squinted and said, "Fellow Daoist Mo can head south. As long as you enter the territory of the Nanhua Sect, you will be safe."

Nanhua Sect?

This goes against my original destination...

Furthermore, this person doesn't seem to be planning to travel with me?

Is it because of Shen Jie?

But how could Shen Jie stop him...?

Amidst a flurry of thoughts, Mo Shougui suddenly spotted an old man not far away. The man, who looked like a wealthy gentleman, had thinning hair and was smiling at him.

"Little Mo, would you like to come back to the Dan Household with me?"

Mo Shougui's face turned ugly as he said, "Senior Dan, the Xiao Household can even get you to come?" This is Dan Yinghu, who ranks third on the Earth Ranking!

What this person is most famous for is that he also has an elder brother who is of the Dharma Aspect level!

"I have no choice," sighed Dan Yinghu. "Even when I'm old, I still have to work for the Lineage."

"Little Mo, stop struggling. You have no idea how many people are surrounding you this time."

Dan Yinghu's gaze toward Mo Shougui was filled with regret:

"If you hand over the Human Ranking, I might try to protect you. After all, I've always admired you."

Mo Shougui suddenly felt a chill in his heart, realizing something.

This encirclement and suppression...

It's no longer just about the Human Ranking he's on!

It is also a power struggle between the Great Yuan, the Divine Capital, and the Daoist and Buddhist factions throughout the world!

And Star Palace and he found themselves right in the middle of the clash between the two sides!

"Brother Mo, it's time for you to go." Zhao Jiangxue placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, blocking Mo Shougui, her tone remaining calm.

Mo Shougui his mouth as if to say something, but only managed a bitter smile.

And who I am now, and Star Palace I am now...

There was simply no other choice.

He didn't even have the option to choose where to escape to!

Realizing this, and remembering his senior brother's instructions, Mo Shougui gritted his teeth, turned around, and fled south.

We must not allow all Three Rankings to fall into the hands of the Great Yuan, otherwise the ruler of the Great Yuan will surely discover the secret!

Watching Mo Shougui's departing figure, Dan Yinghu shook his head:

"You shouldn't have advised him to escape; you have no idea how many people wanted to kill him and steal the rankings."

Zhao Jiangxue asked bluntly, "When did you align yourselves with the Six Paths of Evil and Demons? Did you win over Kou Ziling?"

Dan Yinghu smiled and said, "Little Zhao, do you really want to fight me?"

Zhao Jiangxue didn't speak, but slowly drew her sword from its sheath. The sword's momentum and Sword Intent surged like a raging river, stretching endlessly for tens or even hundreds of miles in an instant. Mo Shougui, who was fleeing south, immediately received a mysterious protection from the the Unseen's Sword Qi.

"I'm just about to learn from you!"

Dan Yinghu's smile remained unchanged, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his body motionless.

"You are a promising young man. It's a pity you still drew your sword. If you hadn't, I might have had some concerns."

He was greeted by Zhao Jiangxue taking a step forward.

After this step was taken, the Sword Intent in the world changed drastically, transforming into thousands of fine, dark currents that surged towards Dan Yinghu from all directions, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion, and impossible to defend against.

[A Thousand Rivers Converge in the Sea]!

Dan Yinghu raised his hand, spread his five fingers, and seemingly pushed forward in an ordinary manner. Zhao Jiangxue's sword momentum, which had spread for hundreds of miles and surged forward, suddenly stopped as if it had hit an invisible mountain.

Dan Yinghu, Earth Ranking, was famous throughout the world for his "immovable as a mountain" and had resisted the attacks of the Dharma Aspect Master on several occasions.

It is universally acknowledged that each of the top five on the current Earth Ranking is qualified to fight against Dharma Aspect powerhouse at the bottom of the Heaven Ranking.

"Fine, I'll see how capable these young people are."

"It's a pity about Little Mo. Those who captured him in the south won't show him the same mercy as I have." Dan Yinghu sighed, his tone suddenly turning cold.

You killed him.

It's about three hundred miles from the Star Palace.

An Ruyu stood against the wind, her white dress fluttering, like a fairy in a painting, with a little girl in a blood-red robe standing beside her.

The latter was shrouded in a blood-red robe, revealing only a pair of bright red, indifferent eyes, within which countless blood-red lotuses seemed to bloom and fade.

"It's finally starting..."

An Ruyu said softly.

From today onwards.

The Daoist and Buddhist sects of the world have finally begun a formal war with the current dynasty.

The day of upheaval and upheaval is today. The Great Yan Tianshun will not last three years; how many more years can the Great Yuan endure?