The Witch Deity Teaching sought to regain their ritual authority and asked the Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty to restore their status as the main sacrificers of the witch sacrifice lineage.
This news spread in an instant throughout the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, the entire Daming World, and even the Sky Wasteland, following the moment Zhu Houji raised the topic during a morning meeting of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty.
After all, there is no wall under heaven that doesn't leak wind, and this time Zhu Houji did not even bother to keep it a secret; by directly addressing the matter at the Court, he indicated that there was no chance of it being concealed or stopped.
Wow! The crowd was instantly in turmoil.
Setting aside the Sky Wasteland and the various forces of the Daming World, just within the Great Ming Divine Dynasty itself, or rather on that day at the Court, officials, Council Elders, Civil Officials and military officers, and royals all reacted differently, each with their own stance.
Nonetheless, this matter undoubtedly cast a huge stone upon the previously tranquil Court, immediately stirring up a great wave.
Over countless years of development, the Confucian Gate had grown immensely powerful, to an inconceivable extent. Even after the Divine Dynasty's ascension and these individuals were ordained and stepped onto the Divine Tao, they still regarded themselves as disciples of the Confucian Gate, holding fast to rites and laws.
Just as Zhu Houji and Wu Shijiu had anticipated, once this issue was raised, countless officials objected, especially those Civil Officials who had risen through the imperial examination. They saw this as the Witch Deity Teaching encroaching on their rights. They hysterically presented their case to Zhu Houji, claiming it posed a danger to the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, that the Witch Deity Teaching had ulterior motives. At that moment, they seemed to have forgotten how, at first, they had vigorously promoted the assistance and role of the Witch Deity Teaching in supporting the Great Ming Divine Dynasty when it was fostered by them.
The saying goes that times change, and when they found their own interests threatened, they naturally shifted their stance, no longer adhering to that of the past.
However, it was regrettable that over the years, the investments of the Witch Deity Teaching had not been entirely in vain. Aside from those Civil Officials who were of Confucian origin and considered themselves Confucian disciples, there were many military officers who had no such reservations.
For these people, they had their own understanding. They did not need to care about what the Confucian Gate thought, nor about any dogmatic right to interpret rites and laws. What mattered to them was strengthening themselves and then helping the Great Ming Divine Dynasty grow stronger to confront more challenges.
Therefore, since the existence of the Witch Deity Teaching was beneficial to them and could help them grow stronger, these people naturally would not refuse. Moreover, with the longstanding antagonism between the civil and military sides, they saw many contradictions between them and the Civil Officials; now, seeing these officials in distress also presented a chance to repay favors to the Witch Deity Teaching. Thus, these military officers were more than happy to oblige.
And for the royals, they shared similar thoughts. Being part of the Royal Family, they couldn't avoid criticism from the Civil Officials on normal days. Now, with a chance to repay past grievances, they would certainly not miss it.
Consequently, the Confucian faction, which should have been powerful at the Court, found themselves suddenly at a disadvantage, a situation that was simply unimaginable. Of course, this temporary setback did not affect the overall situation. Although they could not dismiss the matter on the spot, they managed to put it aside at the Court temporarily with enough power.
However, putting the issue aside at the Court did not mean it was truly set aside. Instead, the matter continued to ferment and brew, attracting an increasing storm.
It is necessary to know that the Confucian Gate exists not just in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, but also in some ancient countries within the Sky Wasteland. Although the power of these branches is not strong, it undoubtedly provided many with an excuse, an opportunity to meddle in the affairs of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty.
It indeed was a time rife with affairs; originally, since the initiation of the World Merging Project, the most important and eye-catching matter in Between Heaven and Earth should have been the project. It was supposed to be the precise focus of countless cultivators' attention with every step of its progression.
But over the years, one significant event after another has arisen in Between Heaven and Earth, attracting the eyes of countless powers and cultivators, making the World Merging seem almost trivial in comparison.
"Elder, how should we handle this matter?" In the residence of the Secretary of the Ministry of War, Wang Qiong, officials asked Wang Qiong.
Having risen from the imperial examinations, Wang Qiong had started his career in this way, and his numerous supporters were all from Confucian Gate.
To them, high-ranking as they were, Confucian Gate couldn't actually constrain them; rather, the power of Confucian Gate was at their disposal. Often, holding the authority to interpret the teachings of Confucian Gate, their actions and behaviors naturally assumed an air of rightful justice.
One might say that the current demand from the Witch Deity Teaching, wishing to reinstate the Witch Sacrifice line to their former role as chief officiants, was tantamount to snatching away their power and weakening their force, something they couldn't tolerate.
However, the shrewd and experienced Wang Qiong would naturally not make a hasty decision, as his successful cultivation over the years had garnered considerable support from the Witch Deity Teaching. For such a major figure, a direct confrontation would spoil his reputation, and with the disparity in strength between them, he wouldn't choose to break relations unless absolutely necessary.
He turned his gaze to Gu Ji: "Seeing you so confident, you must have a plan in mind!"
Gu Ji smiled: "Our wariness of the power of the Witch Deity Teaching stems from the existence and threat of supreme strong ones, but that doesn't mean we truly have no means to contend with them."
He looked around and said: "In my view, there is one person capable enough to stand against the Witch Deity Teaching."
"Oh?"
"Who might that be?"
"The Witch Deity Teaching has several supreme strong ones, but could it be that our Confucian Gate also harbors a supreme strong one?"
"With the current chaotic situation within the Divine Dynasty, introducing another force might only complicate matters further."
"…"
The crowd began to discuss fervently, sharing their perspectives and apprehensions.
Wang Qiong frowned slightly, signaling them to quiet down, then with narrowed eyes, he said: "Are you planning to have Wang Boan return to Tiandu?"
Gu Ji's words made it clear to Wang Qiong whom the other party was referring to, as in these years, the one true great sage within Confucian Gate was none other than Wang Boan. Having made a shocking move at the Shenxiao Debate Conference, it was unknown how profound his strength had become over the years.
"Indeed, Wang Brother's return to Tiandu at this time will not only serve as our support in the struggle against the Witch Deity Teaching but also presents an opportunity for Bo'an Brother's Heart Teachings to shine." Gu Ji said earnestly.
With his unique Heart Teachings and profound strength, Wang Boan's many disciples over the years had nearly turned it into one of the prominent schools of Confucian Gate. However, this situation also faced covert suppression by some bigwigs within Confucian Gate, as no one was willing to concede interests, which was why Wang Boan had been kept outside the border, unable to return to Tiandu.
If Wang Boan could resist the Witch Deity Teaching, then relying on this momentum, he would inevitably be able to use it to suppress other branches of the Confucian Gate and confirm his leadership in the Heart Teachings of the age. Even if the power of the Confucian Gate collectively could not contend with the Witch Deity Teaching, the presence of Wang Boan alone was enough to ensure that these people kept their interests intact.
One could say that this opportunity, in Gu Ji's view, was killing two birds with one stone. Not only could they oppose the Witch Deity Teaching, but they could also bring Wang Boan back to the capital city Tiandu to firmly establish the status of the Heart Teachings within the Confucian Gate. For them, it was also a tremendous opportunity that might allow for a reintegration of the Confucian Gate, making their forces even stronger.
"Has his power already broken through?" Wang Qiong asked, frowning.
At first, when he sent Gu Ji to the border to find Wang Boan, he had asked the latter the reason for his rapid progress in cultivation. According to what Wang Boan had said then, once his Heart Teachings were accomplished, his own path was established, and all he needed to do was to keep perfecting and completing it; so fundamentally, he would face no obstructive tranquility.
Now, after so many years had passed, even Wang Qiong was not clear how far Wang Boan's power had progressed, but Gu Ji, who had been on the border for a long time, must know better than himself.
Upon hearing this, Gu Ji chuckled and said, "Before heading to Tiandu, I too had asked Brother Wang. According to him, although he has not stepped into the Strongest Realm, he would not be at a disadvantage against an ordinary Supreme Strong."
To not be at a disadvantage against an ordinary Supreme Strong was a statement that sent shockwaves through the minds of those present upon hearing it.
The previously noisy and bustling court suddenly fell silent, as quiet as if a pin dropping to the floor could be heard distinctly.
"Really?"
"In that case, our Divine Dynasty has produced another peerless powerhouse!"
"Without Bo'an, eternity would be as a long night."
"Wang Boan should be the Divine Dynasty's Pillar of Heaven and the Sea-propping Purple-gold Beam."
"In times of dire crisis, a saint emerges."
"…"
In just a moment, these people had responded, with various words of praise flowing from their mouths as if they cost nothing.
These people seemed to have forgotten that aside from the wariness of other factions, one reason for Wang Boan's years-long stay at the border and inability to return to Tiandu was the covert suppression from these very people, who feared his potential threat to their status.
Sometimes, if the gap is not too wide, it may prompt envy and dissatisfaction from those who are behind. However, if the difference is vast, as vast as the gap between the clouds and the mud, then, the latter would not feel the slightest jealousy but rather transform it into a heart full of admiration.
Just like now, when these people realized that Wang Boan already possessed the power to contend with a Supreme Strong, the jealousy and wariness that had once filled their hearts immediately dissipated completely, transforming instead into admiration and reverence.
"Heh heh…" Gu Ji chuckled lightly, but his expression held a profound meaning.
Wang Boan's merits at first were not small, and coupled with the establishment of the Heart Teachings, being one of the rare powers of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, he should have enjoyed an incomparably venerated status.
But what was the reality? Not only did he fail to return to Tiandu to take up a high position, but he was also left out in the cold frontier, nominally to deter border threats and guard against the Demon Race. However, it was clear to anyone with a brain that this was suppression.
Wang Boan's merits were too significant, and he rose too swiftly. To avoid an impossible situation with nothing left to confer, even if Emperor Zhu Houji acknowledged his considerable contributions, he could only intentionally or unintentionally leave him at the frontier, unable to recall him to the Court.
And Wang Qiong, who had supported and employed Wang Boan in the beginning, had seen their relationship cool over the years. Initially, Wang Qiong had promoted Wang Boan and recommended him because he knew his life was nearing its end. He wanted to select Wang Boan as his successor to inherit his aspirations and complete his ideals, ensuring his governance philosophy did not perish with him.
But now, things were different. Ascending through cultivation, after being elevated in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty and holding a high position granted by Divine Investiture, he had a long life ahead and ample time to accomplish his goals. Naturally, he was not inclined to relinquish his power at this time, preferring to fulfill his ideals personally over letting a successor take over.
Unfortunately, at this juncture, Wang Boan kept achieving merits, growing at a pace far beyond Wang Qiong's expectations, to the point where the once potential successor now showed signs of replacing him. This was Wang Qiong's wariness towards Wang Boan and also why he allowed others to suppress Wang Boan.
Close comrades-in-arms, now slowly drifting apart—this was a change that no one could prevent. Even if Wang Boan himself was reluctant, he was helpless, as, during his rise, many had gathered around him, and for their sake, he could not shrink back.
Over the years, even though suppressed by Wang Qiong, enduring hardship at the border was, in fact, Wang Boan's patience and concession out of the old friendship. Otherwise, with his power, if he were not willing, Wang Qiong wouldn't have been able to press him down.
"Brother Bo'an, you might be unwilling, but those of us by your side are also not willing to waste our years dutifully guarding the border!" Gu Ji thought in his heart.
He too was promoted by Wang Qiong, but let's not forget that he was recommended by Wang Boan. Fundamentally, they were allies. This time, Gu Ji's return to Tiandu was to declare their existence to the people of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, to tell them they were no longer willing to step back.
A figure who had not yet entered the Nine Realms of Spirit but was capable of contending with supreme powerhouses, nearly another Pei Xuanjing. Even if there was a gap, it couldn't be too wide.
Such a powerhouse should have their own place in Heaven and Earth and must have a fitting position in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty—no one could afford to overlook this.
"Wang Boan also needs to make his voice heard. At this point, surrounded by countless people, even if he isn't willing to openly confront, he cannot ignore those behind him," Pei Xuanjing's face revealed an inexplicable expression.
Upon learning of the events in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty from atop Shenxiao Mountain, Pei Xuanjing was not the least bit surprised. The Witch Deity Teaching had lain dormant for countless years, and this time, in cooperating with the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, they naturally had their own objectives. So, the current situation was to be expected—it was not an accident, but an inevitability.
Caught in the rivers and lakes without control over one's life, Wang Boan was deeply loyal to the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. He did not wish to stir ripples in the Divine Dynasty, but having come so far, he could not let down those who followed him—that would be against his Tao and contradict his heart.
However, all of this had nothing to do with Pei Xuanjing. He would not meddle in these affairs, having already withdrawn his influence from the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Getting involved would only bring disadvantages without any benefits.
Atop Shenxiao Mountain, Pei Xuanjing quietly practiced his spells, observing all the events unfolding in the world beneath him. However, he let everything take its course, not showing the slightest intention to interfere.
Pei Xuanjing's attitude naturally influenced many people. At least while Pei Xuanjing remained noncommittal, those from the Taoist Academy, as well as the Shenxiao Sect and various forces from the Taoist Schools, contained themselves, observing the situation with detached interest, even though they were qualified and had the opportunity to intervene.
The Witch Deity Teaching sought to restore its position as the chief ritual in the human race. The issue was indeed serious, yet, to the Confucian Gate, it meant the weakening of their authority, while for other forces, it seemed to have little impact. In fact, some were even pleased to see it happen.
It's important to remember that, although the Witch Sacrifice lineage was rather overbearing when they held control of ritual ceremonies, they weren't particularly opposed to the various forces teaching and recruiting disciples. But after the Confucian Gate replaced the Witch Sacrifice, they were even more domineering. They expelled forces from other factions, barring them from entering the Court, putting Confucianism on a pedestal, abolishing all other lineages, and even eroding the authority and reputation of other parties, causing great dissatisfaction.
Now that the Witch Sacrifice lineage had initiated the challenge, it was actually what the other factions were hoping for—they wanted the two to fight. At least under such circumstances, with a conflict at hand, the other parties would have the opportunity to place their bets and pick sides, which could help them seize more interests.
Of course, a struggle over ritual ceremonies could not be resolved overnight—it would take time to determine the ultimate victor since both sides possessed sufficient power and strength.
For the various forces between Heaven and Earth, the most pressing matter was to initiate the plan to merge the worlds; this was of the utmost importance.
Finally, after nearly a hundred years of preparation, the base points of the Formation Techniques necessary for merging the two worlds had been readied. The plan to merge the worlds was about to begin.
Pei Xuanjing, who had originally been in seclusion on Shenxiao Mountain, received a message just as he was preparing to leave and encountered an old acquaintance—an individual who had long been absent, almost leaving no traces, now appeared on Shenxiao Mountain.
"It has been a long time, Brother Bai. You once united various parties and asked me to agree to the requests from Sky Wasteland's factions to promote the merging of the worlds. Unfortunately, you were not present at the Shenxiao Debate Conference, to my great surprise," Pei Xuanjing said, looking at the person before him.
The man he was addressing was none other than Bai Xiaosheng, who had vanished for a long time. Before the Shenxiao Debate Conference, Bai Xiaosheng had visited Shenxiao Mountain and expressed his desire for Pei Xuanjing to agree to the plans for merging the worlds devised by many supreme powers from Tianhuang.
However, it was strange that Bai Xiaosheng, the person who had persuaded Pei Xuanjing, did not show up at the conference afterward and had been missing for decades, almost a century with no news from him.
Were it not for his confidence in this individual, Pei Xuanjing would have almost believed that Bai Xiaosheng had been killed by an emissary of Master Tianji.
"Indeed, it has been over a hundred years," Bai Xiaosheng also remarked with emotion. "I did not dare to come back then because I had a premonition that if I came to Shenxiao Mountain, I would surely die."
As a cultivator who practiced the Heavenly Mystery Divination, Bai Xiaosheng was highly sensitive to matters of his own safety. After coordinating with various parties, he had planned to come to Shenxiao Mountain with them, but suddenly felt an urge to calculate his chances and discovered that if he had gone to Shenxiao Mountain, he would have been assuredly doomed to death.
Shocked by such a divination, Bai Xiaosheng knew that with Pei Xuanjing's protection, no one should have been able to harm him on Shenxiao Mountain. Yet, after performing nine successive divinations, the results were all the same—inevitable death if he went to Shenxiao Mountain, and even remaining in the Daming World posed the risk of death.
Under these circumstances, he dared not tell anyone and resorted to his contingency plans, not only abstaining from visiting Shenxiao Mountain but also leaving the Daming World for Tianhuang to lay low for a while.
But life is full of uncertainties; he originally intended to stay away only briefly, but that departure turned into nearly a century, until he recently returned to the Daming World.
"It seems, Brother Bai, that your fortunes have run deep this time, otherwise your cultivation wouldn't show such progress," Pei Xuanjing said with a smile.
Pei Xuanjing didn't mind Bai Xiaosheng's breach of the agreement and now congratulated him upon seeing that he had reached the Seventh Level of the Spiritual Realm.
He was well aware that Bai Xiaosheng had significant conflicts with the Sky Mechanism Pavilion. Regardless, reaching the Seventh Level of the Spiritual Realm meant, at least relatively, that Bai Xiaosheng had achieved a great capacity for self-protection.
"It was just good luck," Bai Xiaosheng humbly replied.
His cultivation method was actually different from ordinary cultivators. In addition to drawing upon the Heaven and Earth Essence Qi like other cultivators, his main focus was the Heavenly Mystery Dao and divination. If he could manage to guide many major events to unfold as he had planned, he could nourish his own realm and raise his level of cultivation.
If Pei Xuanjing were to understand it, the Heavenly Mystery Dao would be akin to a director or screenwriter setting a script for everyone to follow and enact; once completed, it would bring extraordinary gains.
For Bai Xiaosheng, his greatest aid in cultivation was actually Pei Xuanjing. Persuading Pei Xuanjing was part of the grand plans he wove. As long as events progressed as he had deduced, he could gain and improve his power.
The reason why Bai Xiaosheng and Master Tianji were so incompatible stemmed precisely from this—they both walked the path of the Heavenly Mystery Dao, which led to a Dao Contest.
Perhaps for Master Tianji, who stood at the Pinnacle of the Universe, Bai Xiaosheng seemed too insignificant to be considered a rival, but Bai Xiaosheng couldn't afford to disregard it, especially against a contender in a Dao Contest. Even if weak, Master Tianji wouldn't hesitate to erase him, and this was precisely why Bai Xiaosheng continually avoided the Sky Mechanism Pavilion.
At present, Bai Xiaosheng, regardless of his realm or techniques, wasn't yet at the level of treating all beings as chess pieces. Persuading Pei Xuanjing wasn't a manipulation but a mutually beneficial act. Otherwise, with Pei Xuanjing's power, the backlash from mere manipulation would be unbearable for Bai Xiaosheng.
Although Bai Xiaosheng had not fully disclosed this to Pei Xuanjing initially, he had still given away enough hints, otherwise, Pei Xuanjing would not have genuinely listened to him.
At least with shared interests, Pei Xuanjing was actually not averse to cooperation.