NOVPUBThe meaning behind the Emperor’s intentions was clear.
The Holy Dynasty and the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals were on the brink of war, and it was time for the Taiyan Sect to make its final stand.
When Sun Erlang found Yishu in the Sacred Capital City, he had already been prepared, waiting with a smile.
"Let’s go, young man."
Sun Erlang wasn’t coy; he clasped his hands in greeting, and the two headed straight for the Taiyan Sect.
"Senior, during your time in our Holy Dynasty, have you made any other gains?" asked Sun Erlang on the way back, probing.
Yishu smiled, "The scenery of the Holy Dynasty is different from the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals, and even more so from the countless nuances of the Xuanhuang World. We have gained much too. The sect has reached a consensus and has even received the approval of the Stone Mother. You’ll know in time."
"By the way, you might even get the chance to meet the Stone Mother this time."
Those words stirred something in Sun Erlang’s heart.
Attempting to learn more hidden information from Yishu, the latter changed topics, speaking of recent experiences in Da Qi.
"The people of the Holy Dynasty are well-fed and clothed, hence they pursue higher spiritual aspirations. Although their realm strength is average, certain ideas they possess are indeed fascinating. During this trip, I met a scholar who wrote a novel of strange tales. It describes what would happen in the Xuanhuang World if there were no Celestial Dharma Bearer..."
Sun Erlang was slightly taken aback, only to hear Yishu continue, "Unlike the simulated world you have experienced, in this novel, even though the Law Transmission is not prominent, disasters still descend, and it wreaks havoc throughout Xuanhuang."
"There are three Sovereigns who rise from obscurity, seizing power over the world, vying with each other. One educates and nurtures the people as the [Teacher of Heaven and Earth]. One uses a Saint’s pure and noble character to win hearts, forming an unshakeable alliance. This is the [Supreme Saint of Humanity]. One with infinite might builds an Immortal Dynasty on Earth. Wherever the army points, all submit. This is the [Great Xuan Immortal Emperor]..."
As Yishu spoke, Sun Erlang’s expression became quite nuanced.
"The three Sovereigns’ fierce struggle spanning hundreds of years finds no victor, the details, derived by individual effort, are rather rough and cannot withstand scrutiny. But they are indeed rather novel and refreshing..."
Sun Erlang couldn’t help but ask, "So in the end, who won?"
"This [Tale of Xuanhuang Divided into Three] hasn’t been finished yet. People were already blocking the scholar’s doorstep, claiming his work was greatly disrespectful to the Emperor, and that they should teach him a lesson. Although the official stance of the Holy Dynasty did not weigh in, as mistakes appeared in the depiction of the Emperor Tai Xuan within the ’Romance,’ the controversy only grew, even coming close to costing lives."
"Being terrified, the scholar dared not continue writing. With the story at a standstill, I also do not know who the ultimate winner is," Yishu said with a half-smile.
Sun Erlang cleared his throat, "When I return, I will send those people away so he can write in peace. It’s just a novel of strange tales; would our Master really not tolerate such things?"
Yishu’s words seemed to have an underlying meaning, "Although the Emperor indeed wouldn’t care, it’s not certain that the people of the Holy Dynasty would think the same."
Sun Erlang wanted to argue further, but they had already arrived within the realm of the Taiyan Sect.
Stepping once more into the floating city in the sky within the Crystal Wall, Sun Erlang was greeted differently than before; every Cultivator he met along the way greeted him with a smiling face.
As if they were all very familiar with him.
Sun Erlang knew that within the Taiyan Sect, information was shared collectively, essentially functioning as a single entity. But the feeling that others knew about him, while he didn’t know their details, still made him uncomfortable.
Fortunately, the journey was short, and before long, Sun Erlang arrived at the core of the Taiyan Sect and met with Chen Tianhai.
Chen Tianhai was engrossed in a scroll, reading intently.
Yishu did not enter.
"Greetings, Senior."
Sun Erlang paid his respects, but Chen Tianhai was unmoved, as if he hadn’t heard.
After a lengthy silence, Chen Tianhai finally spoke, cutting to the chase, "Regarding the imminent conflict between the Holy Dynasty and the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals, our Taiyan Sect has decided to..."
"Not side with either party."
This response was quite unexpected for Sun Erlang, who was stunned on the spot.
Even if just appearing supportive, being a fence-sitter and watching the battle from the sidelines might safeguard temporary peace. But once everything settled, there would undoubtedly be a severe reckoning.
Logically, the Taiyan Sect shouldn’t be making such an unwise decision.
Sun Erlang looked at Chen Tianhai, full of doubt.
"In addition to the Stone Mother’s tens of thousands of predictions, all of which concluded with almost an equilibrium of winners..."
"It’s also because we have decided to temporarily leave the Xuanhuang World," announced Chen Tianhai, shocking the audience.
"WHAT?!" Sun Erlang was stunned.
"Is it because of the recent uproar about the Radiant Rainbow Light?" Sun Erlang asked.
"Yes, and no. In fact, our Taiyan Sect has long had plans to journey far into the Starry Sky. But due to the dangers of the Star Sea, it has always been postponed indefinitely. However, the sword message that crossed the Star Sea here recently has changed our minds," Chen Tianhai said with a slight smile.
"The sword message illuminated the Sky Dome of Xuanhuang for seven days. During this period, we conducted a detailed analysis. We made some gains. Since the sword message could cross the Star Sea to reach here, our Taiyan Sect can track it back to its origin, following its trail all the way to where the message was sent from," declared Chen Tianhai with full confidence.
"Beyond the Star Sea, beneath the High Wall, it truly is a place to long for," Chen Tianhai remarked.
Sun Erlang too felt as if he had grasped the same will as the entire Taiyan Sect.
