"However, the Chaos Shark, the Chaos Bull... and those other demon gods..."
Cao Ya's expression was grave. With so many enemies eyeing them covetously, the development of the human race had been fraught with many setbacks.
"Hoo." He returned to Jidu Star, secluded himself to cultivate diligently, comprehend the laws of heaven and earth, and perfect the "Cosmic Elixir Scripture," allowing his cultivation to advance step by step from the seventh level of Quasi-Saint to the eighth level.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Liu Bang abdicated many years later and went to Huoyun Cave.
His strength has declined somewhat, no longer at the level of a weak Primordial Chaos cultivator, but he is still slightly stronger than a Quasi-Saint at the ninth level, probably somewhere between a Quasi-Saint and a weak Primordial Chaos cultivator.
This was only possible after entering the sacred land of humanity—Fire Cloud Cave; otherwise, it's entirely possible they would have fallen to the seventh or eighth level of Quasi-Saint realm. Such emperors and generals possess unparalleled personal abilities, but the influence of human destiny is also crucial.
Soon after, Xiao He, Zhang Liang, and others also went to Huoyun Cave. Empress Lü was still alive and began her regency.
Of course, the demons of the north, under the orders of the Chaos Demon Bull, would often also march south to slaughter.
For the time being, the Han Dynasty had to focus on defensive warfare, and this remained true even during the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing. However, the strength of the Han Dynasty was constantly accumulating, and its national power was increasing day by day.
This also surprised many forces. The Han Dynasty had produced a series of wise rulers!
Furthermore, thanks to the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, the lives of the people improved considerably. The pent-up frustrations of the early years of the founding of the dynasty needed to be released, and they longed to push back the northern demons and rescue their compatriots suffering on the border.
Ultimately, Emperor Wu ascended the throne and gained the support of renowned generals of antiquity—Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. Coupled with the national strength accumulated during the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, Emperor Wu changed his previous defensive strategy and began to take the initiative to attack!
Thus, the territory of the Han Dynasty began to expand, directly surpassing that of the Xia, Shang, Zhou, and Qin dynasties.
In the north and west, large territories were conquered by the Han army, which fought against demons and the people returned to Han rule.
Emperor Wu also followed the example of the First Emperor and Emperor Gaozu, achieving a weak Hunyuan, which dominated the north and south, and shocked the whole world!
"Buzz..." At the same time, many sages in the Fire Cloud Cave also made breakthroughs.
People like Suiren, Youchao, Emperor Ku, Zhuanxu, Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, and Yu the Great all attained enlightenment and became different kinds of sages due to the active influence of human destiny and millions of years of cultivation!
Including the abdicated Emperor Gaozu of Han and the still-reigning Emperor Wu... the number of weak Hunyuan among humans has risen to double digits! People like Laozi, who did not rely on the luck of humanity, are exceptionally outstanding!
This situation alarmed all the major powers, who raised their vigilance against the human race once again.
The Chaos Demon Bull, having returned the God-Slaying Spear and out of concern for the Martial Emperor and the two legendary generals Wei and Huo, left the north and entered the Chaos. The demise of the Demon Dragon serves as a cautionary tale; how could he not be worried?
It should be noted that in the past, he possessed the Divine Spear, but it was suppressed by Emperor Gaozu of Han, Marquis of Huaiyin, and the Han army. It was only thanks to the sneak attack of the Chaos Shark that he avoided death and followed in the footsteps of the Chaos Demon Dragon.
Now that the Fire Cloud Cave's resources have increased several times over, and it no longer has the Broken Divine Spear, there's no way he'd stay!
Immediately, the Great Han Dynasty radiated to the north and south. The vast majority of the Southern Continent came under the rule of the Han Dynasty, and the rest paid tribute. This further enhanced the humanistic and aura of the dragon, making it even more profound.
However, with the passing of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, Emperor Wu took control of the imperial power and began to suffer a backlash, bringing disaster to the Han Dynasty. Unrest continued, resentment among the people accumulated, and court struggles intensified, even leading to the witchcraft scandal. In the capital, Chang'an, two armies were locked in a standoff, one belonging to the emperor and the other to the crown prince, a truly comical situation.
The Fire Cloud Cave's philosophy was originally not to directly interfere in the governance of the dynasty, but they were almost unable to hold back any longer.
Finally, Emperor Wu realized his mistake, issued the Luntai Edict of Self-Reproach, purged the treacherous officials, and handled the aftermath.
After entrusting his son to others, Emperor Wu soon passed away. Without the blessing of human virtue and imperial aura, he couldn't help but sigh as he reflected on his later years. Because of his great achievements, he was still able to enter the Fire Cloud Cave and meet his ancestors and many generals and ministers of the Han Dynasty. Even with Emperor Wu's temperament, he felt quite ashamed.
"Human fortune is indeed of great use, helping monarchs and key, high-ranking generals and ministers to increase their power and become stronger. It can be directly controlled, but if left unchecked, it will become a great calamity!"
"The Fire Cloud Cave is indirectly nourished by the luck, which is why disasters can be prevented."
"Otherwise, how many emperors of ancient times did not covet power and willingly abdicate?"
"You have to understand, after abdicating, our strength will decline... It's not like we're just forced into it!"
On Jidu Star, Cao Ya also learned of the changes in the Earthly Immortal Realm and couldn't help but shake his head.
It was this very trouble that prevented him from getting too deeply involved in the dynasty and tainting himself with the fate of humanity.
"Now I am at the eighth level of Quasi-Saint, and my combat power has increased slightly. To fight against a weak Mixed Yuan... if it is the kind that has just entered, it is not as difficult as before. Even if I can't beat them, I can still exchange blows."
"Of course, in the vast universe of the Primordial Era, hundreds of thousands of years have passed, and there are countless individuals who have made significant progress in their cultivation!"
"Those demons, who knows what they're plotting in secret, are sure to bring about a great calamity!"
"Hmm, the situation in the Han Dynasty, with its successive wise and powerful rulers, must have left them speechless!"
Thinking of this, Cao Ya couldn't help but laugh. During the reign of Emperor Wu, when the country was at its most prosperous and powerful, the Five Emperors and other sages in the Fire Cloud Cave attained enlightenment, and the human race's foundation became even more profound.
"Yes, the Heavenly Court, Mount Ling, and other major powers have produced a great many experts."
Cao Ya sighed, "In the [Primordial] universe, times have changed, and many powerful figures have been improving."
Goddess of Heaven such as the Queen Mother of the West, Taiyi Tianzun, and Lishan Laomu have all broken through to the weak Hunyuan realm.
The latter two were more inclined to obey orders than summons, but the Queen Mother was generally on the same side as the Jade Emperor. However, even so, the Heavenly Court was still inferior to the human race.
One of the Three Sovereigns Daoists was able to overthrow the Heavenly Court, and the number of weak Hunyuan beings was also superior to that of the human realm.
Due to the hostility of the demon gods, the Fire Cloud Cave intended to improve its relationship with the Heavenly Court. The Jade Emperor, though inwardly wary, outwardly agreed. Without achieving sainthood, even with the backing of the Dao Ancestor, one still needs to maintain a superficial relationship with the Three Sovereigns.
Those at Huoyun Cave understood the Jade Emperor's attitude, but as long as they didn't cause trouble, they could accept it.
The pressure from those weak Mixed Yuan and Saint Realm cultivators was simply too immense!
Meanwhile, besides the Heavenly Court, the Xuandu Grand Master of the Human Sect also attained a different kind of sainthood.
However, the Chan and Jie sects have many powerful figures at the ninth level of Quasi-Saint realm, such as Guang Chengzi, Yun Zhongzi, Yang Jian, as well as Duobao Daoren and Wudang Shengmu, but they are still not confident enough to take that step.
Yu Ding Zhenren, Taiyi Zhenren, Huanglong Zhenren, Nezha, as well as Guiling Shengmu, Kui Niu, etc., are at the seventh or eighth level of Quasi-Saints, which is not bad, but they have not yet reached the ultimate peak of Quasi-Saints.
Naturally, there's no question of reaching that leap forward in contemplating the weak Hunyuan.
The Daoist Ran Deng of the Chan Sect converted to Buddhism and became a disciple of Mount Ling. He combined the sacred secrets of Buddhism and Taoism, forging his own path and surpassing Guang Chengzi and Daoist Duobao. He achieved the level of a weak Hunyuan and was bestowed the title of "Ancient Buddha Ran Deng" by the Buddha Tathagata.
His counterpart is Maitreya, the "Future Buddha," who also attained the weak Hunyuan state during this period.
In Buddhism, there are more than just these two. Medicine Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Peacock King Bodhisattva are also powerful figures who have reached a different level of sainthood.
Because of the Investiture of the Gods, the Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti, who intervened in the expansion of Buddhism, were suppressed by Dao Ancestor Hongjun and forced to leave the Earthly Immortal Realm, arriving in the Heavenly Realm to establish the Paradise World.
Among them, there are quite a few Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Dharma Kings and others who have come to practice.
Those with higher aspirations stayed behind to hone their skills and refine themselves through trials in the Three Realms.
The Great Thunderclap Temple of Mount Ling was moved from the Heavenly Realm to Xiniu Hezhou in the Earthly Immortal Realm. As a result, Medicine Buddha, Peacock King Bodhisattva, and others naturally joined Mount Ling.
You must learn the techniques of the three Buddhist saints: the Guide, the Cundi, and the Buddha.
It can be said that in the long years following the Investiture of the Gods, the most significant progress was made by the human race, the Heavenly Court, and Buddhism. The three religions of the Three Pure Ones had to take a backseat.
After all, the Bodhisattvas Guanyin, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Lingji in Buddhism are all at the ninth level of Quasi-Sainthood, while Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta and others are at the seventh level of Quasi-Sainthood or higher, representing great powers in the primordial world.
As for the Demonic Sect, since it exists independently in the Demon Realm established by Rahu, aside from a few demons who frequently appear in the Immortal Realm to slaughter all living beings and refine spiritual treasures, little is known about them. However, it's safe to assume that there must be extraordinary saints within the Demon Realm!
Similarly, the demon race, under the covert influence of Donghuang Taiyi, also showed signs of rising again.
Even so, many great demons were subdued by immortals, Buddhas, gods, and demons, and became their mounts.
The underworld is mysterious, and it is very difficult for outsiders to know about the situation there. It is unclear whether there are any weak Hunyuan.
There was also Lu Ya Daojun, and Hongyun Daoren, who had reincarnated countless times, who finally recognized their true nature and attained enlightenment on the spot. The myriad phenomena and the grand commotion attracted the attention and envy of all parties.
Zhen Yuanzi, Styx Daoist, Demon Master Kunpeng, the Jade Emperor, and others represent the pinnacle of the Weak Hunyuan realm and have touched the threshold of the Saint realm. However, crossing this threshold is harder than ascending to heaven! There's no use in being anxious!
"Besides the Primordial Saints, there are still only the Three Sovereigns Daoists and one newly promoted one. As for the weaker Primordial Saints, as well as the Quasi-Saints at the high, middle, and low levels... there are simply countless experts who have broken through!"
Cao Ya sighed. His title of "Lord Jidu" gradually faded into obscurity amidst such dramatic changes in the times, and was no longer frequently mentioned.
The Queen Mother of the West, Taiyi Tianzun, Lishan Laomu, Lu Ya Daojun, Hongyun Daoren, Xuandu Dafashi, Randeng Gufo, Yaoshi Wangfo, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and other great figures who have advanced to the peak of the sixth star are the trendsetters of this world of the [Primordial World], attracting the attention of all.
"It's not bad to avoid the eyes of the experts. It's good to make a fortune in silence," Cao Ya muttered. He was still confident that he could have a go at those weak Mixed Yuan cultivators who had just entered the peak of the sixth star.
In a one-on-one situation, even if one is outmatched, being able to survive is not a big problem and can hold out for a while.
"If one is at the ninth level of Quasi-Saint, then there is a high probability that one is not inferior to a beginner at the peak of the sixth star."
"Breaking through the barrier of the Weak Primordial Chaos is extremely difficult, but the journey from the eighth to the ninth level of Quasi-Saint, though also challenging, is undoubtedly a thousand times less difficult!"
Cao Ya still felt a sense of urgency. There were a lot of people who had been promoted to the Quasi-Saint level, that is, those above the seventh level of Heaven. There were also a dozen or twenty people who had jumped out of the Quasi-Saint level and were at the weak Mixed Origin level. Even so, his overall combat strength was indeed still respectable and could compete with the heroes!
However, those targeting humans are at least alternative saints, and among the best of them!
This is still not enough. His top priority is to reach the ninth level of Quasi-Saint.
"By the way, Emperor Wu of Han has already abdicated, so why hasn't Sun Wukong been born yet?"
Cao Ya was also somewhat puzzled. In Dongsheng Shenzhou, Aolai Kingdom, and Huaguo Mountain, that immortal stone was still being nurtured.
"Well, the timeline in this world is vastly different. The Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods lasted for millions of years! The Han Dynasty to the present day has been hundreds of thousands of years. At this rate, the birth of Sun Wukong is probably still a long way off."
Cao Ya had an idea. He thought of Sun Wukong's first master—the Bodhi Patriarch of Lingtai Fangcun Mountain and Xieyue Sanxing Cave. He was a mysterious and unpredictable Hunyuan, whose strength was beyond comprehension.
It is in no way inferior to the Three Pure Ones and the Two Elders.
"Huh?" Suddenly, Cao Ya's eyes lit up as he looked towards the Heavenly Realm, not the Heavenly Palace or Divine Temple, but the Heaven of Separation and Hatred where Laozi resided!
"Today, I, the Daoist Taixu, will establish my Daoist temple in the Heaven of Separation from Hatred—the Illusionary Realm of Taixu!"
A magnificent voice resounded in all directions, radiating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere.
This Taoist priest, Taixu, seemed to have made proper arrangements. As soon as the commotion was made, the Jade Emperor, the Queen Mother, and others in the Heavenly Court not only did not stop it, but also openly showed up to offer their congratulations.
However, Laozi, the Supreme Lord, inside the Tushita Palace, seemed not to hear anything and showed no reaction.
They neither drove them away nor offered any congratulations.
Out of courtesy, Taiyi Tianzun, Lishan Laomu, Jinling Shengmu, and others still sent their subordinates to deliver a gift.
That Daoist Taixu is a genuine weak Hunyuan cultivator; he must be respected and not treated with disrespect.
In the northern starry sky, the Great Emperor of the North Pole, Ziwei, also instructed his subordinates in the Great Luo Realm to send gifts.
On Ketu Star, Cao Ya did not make such a move. As a minor "Ketu Star Lord", he was insignificant in the Heavenly Court's divine hierarchy. What gift would he give?
On the contrary, it was Taixu Daoist's actions that surprised him.
"Taoist Taixu? The Illusionary Realm of Taixu?" Cao Ya couldn't help but rub his temples.
If he remembered correctly, the Land of Illusion should have departments such as the Department of Ill-fated Women, the Department of Springtime Sentiments, and the Department of Autumn Sorrows.
He was unaware of how other departments shaped the destinies of beings in the lower realms.
But the Department of Ill-fated Women... how could one not know the story of Dream of the Red Chamber?
"But I've never heard of a Crimson Pearl Fairy in the Heaven of Separation from Sorrow? She wasn't even born yet, just like Sun Wukong?"
Cao Ya was puzzled. Characters from Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, and Water Margin, such as Buddha, Jin Chanzi, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Jade Emperor, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, Nezha, and Yang Jian, had appeared in the world, but Sun Wukong, Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai, Jia Baoyu, Wu Song, Lu Zhishen, and Song Jiang were nowhere to be found.
However, within that Heaven of Separation from Hatred, a crimson divine light spread across the nine heavens and ten earths.
"I, Daoist Chixia, founded the Daoist temple—Chixia Palace—in the Heaven of Separation and Hatred!"
Two unconventional saints entered the Heaven of Separation and established their own dojos, announcing this to the masters of the eight wastelands.
This scene surprised even the immortals, Buddhas, gods, and demons.
The weak primordial chaos possesses a profound and powerful Dao, making it easy for it to create a new world. Why then would it choose to go to Laozi's Heaven of Separation and Hatred?
The Supreme Lord Laozi did not expel them, and allowed them to enter.
Other major powers may simply be observing out of curiosity, instructing their subordinates to carefully gather intelligence.
Taixu Daoist and Chixia Daoist are both weak Hunyuan cultivators, and are no ordinary people.
However, the gods in Heaven, especially those of high rank and great power, could not be ignored and had to be given two gifts.
"Congratulations, fellow Daoists." The Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, beaming with smiles, personally attended the banquet.
"Well, after the Illusionary Realm, we now have the Crimson Palace too."
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