Upon hearing Qin Ze's words, Shen Gongbao asked in bewilderment, "What do you mean by a great change in the world?" Her voice was filled with doubt and confusion; she had no idea what Qin Ze meant by such a change.
Qin Ze smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a wisdom beyond mortals: "Heaven and earth must reopen the Investiture of the Gods and re-establish the divine realm!"
Shen Gongbao was utterly shocked by Qin Ze's words. Her voice trembled slightly as she murmured in disbelief, "How is this possible?! In the era of the end of the Dharma, how could the Investiture of the Gods be reopened?" A great deal of doubt and unease welled up within her; she could hardly accept Qin Ze's description of the drastic changes in the world.
Qin Ze smiled gently, his eyes revealing a profound insight beyond ordinary people: "Where there is an end, there will naturally be a rise. A prosperous age is coming soon. When that time comes, the world will change drastically. This is the opportunity of heaven and earth!" His words carried a deep wisdom, as if he had seen through the cycle of time and fate.
Upon hearing Qin Ze's explanation, Shen Gongbao was deeply shocked: "You mean, spiritual energy is about to revive!" Her eyes widened; this concept almost overturned her previous understanding. Qin Ze nodded and replied affirmatively: "Yes, this is also the scene I saw when I advanced to the Annihilation Realm."
Shen Gongbao's voice was almost a soliloquy as she murmured, "If spiritual energy revives, then the world will be plunged into another bloodbath, wouldn't that be another catastrophe!" Her tone was full of worry and concern; she dared not be overly optimistic about the revival of spiritual energy.
Qin Ze nodded, replying thoughtfully, "Unlike the Investiture of the Gods, this calamity will involve everyone, and anyone could be reduced to ashes and their soul scattered. But as long as one is listed on the Investiture of the Gods, one will be recognized by Heaven and Earth, and will be immortal. So I say, staying on the Investiture of the Gods might be an opportunity!"
Shen Gongbao was caught in a dilemma. On one hand, there was her millennia-long wish to break free from the shackles of the Investiture of the Gods, regain her freedom, and pursue a higher path of cultivation. On the other hand, there was the threat of the great calamity that was about to strike, a disaster that filled her with immense anxiety. It was an extremely difficult decision, and after much deliberation, she fell silent for a time.
However, after deep contemplation, Shen Gongbao ultimately made her decision: she would remain on the Investiture of the Gods, relinquishing her temporary freedom to face the impending cataclysm. She understood that this choice was fraught with hardship and uncertainty, but she firmly believed that a miserable life was better than a glorious death!
Shen Gongbao finally spoke, saying, "I am willing to remain on the Investiture of the Gods!"
Qin Ze smiled.
Qin Ze's gaze shifted from Shen Gongbao to Chu Muran. As an ancient god, Chu Muran also possessed powerful divine strength and, theoretically, was qualified to be listed on the Investiture of the Gods.
Then, Qin Ze said to Chu Muran, "Muran, drip a drop of your blood onto the Investiture of the Gods." This request was unambiguous; Chu Muran understood that it was a ritual, representing her decision and promise. Without hesitation, she bit her finger, and a drop of blood fell onto the surface of the Investiture of the Gods.
At that moment, a holy light rose from the drop of blood, like a divine blessing, and Chu Muran's name appeared on the Investiture of the Gods.
Qin Ze, Shen Gongbao, and Chu Muran returned home together. Upon entering, Chu Muran eagerly rushed to her room, intending to enjoy a rare moment of peace. Shen Gongbao also appeared somewhat tired, indicating he needed to rest, and went straight to his room to rest.
Qin Ze, however, did not remain idle. He swiftly headed to Longhu Mountain. His purpose was clear: he was searching for Zhang Yuechen, the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden. As the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden, Zhang Yuechen possessed sufficient strength to ascend to the Investiture of the Gods and become one of the righteous gods. Qin Ze's plan was to fill all 365 righteous gods on the Investiture of the Gods—an extremely ambitious goal.
However, the requirements for those listed on the Investiture of the Gods are extremely stringent, and ordinary people are unlikely to qualify. This is why Qin Ze needed to personally visit each deity who was qualified to be listed, ensuring that they met the requirements and became members of the righteous gods.
Qin Ze stood on Longhu Mountain, closing his eyes to sense Zhang Yuechen's location. A slight thought struck him, and his brows furrowed slightly. Sure enough, she was still on the back mountain, and this time she was taking a bath.
A sense of realization dawned on him. Every time he came to see Zhang Yuechen, it seemed to be while she was bathing. Perhaps this was not a coincidence, but some kind of mysterious cause and effect.
Without further hesitation, Qin Ze flicked his sleeve, tearing through the void and instantly arriving near the Dragon-Tiger Pool at the back of the mountain. Not far away, a refreshing mist hung in the air, and Zhang Yuechen could be faintly seen bathing by the Dragon-Tiger Pool.
Her figure was like a water sprite, beautiful and pure, surrounded by a light mist, as if a fairy had descended to earth.
Qin Ze stood quietly in place, not disturbing Zhang Yuechen's bath, but hiding himself in a secluded corner. A slight smile played on his lips, as if admiring a work of art, his eyes fixed on the scene before him.
At this moment, he felt the harmony of nature. Zhang Yuechen, bathing, was like a part of nature, blending into the morning mountains, the trees in the dawn light, and the grass rustling in the breeze. Her skin shimmered with a crystal-clear luster under the mist, like a blooming flower, breathtakingly beautiful.
Zhang Yuechen continued to enjoy her bath, her voice slowly rising: "Young Master Qin, do you really enjoy peeping at other people bathing?"
Qin Ze raised an eyebrow slightly. He didn't avoid the question or feel embarrassed. Instead, he replied frankly, "Master Zhang knows I'm here!"
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