Chapter 695
If Lu Zhenxian were to achieve the status of a Golden Immortal, it would spell trouble for both sides. As the saying goes, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," thus both parties indeed had the willingness to cooperate.
However, since ancient times, cooperation has always raised the question of who takes the lead.
In Li Shangxian's view, Taishang was strong while Jiushan was weak, so it was only right for Zheng Fa to seek out Taishang Dao.
His purpose in coming here was naturally to win over Zheng Fa, but Taishang Dao was not a charitable organization; while trying to win him over, they also wanted to exert a degree of control over him.
For this reason, he initially attempted to convey to Zheng Fa that if he did not cooperate with Taishang Dao, Jiushan would inevitably be unable to withstand the threat from Haorishan in the future.
Yet Zheng Fa's response pointed out a significant issue:
"I can throw my lot in with Leiyin Temple!"
Li Shangxian knew full well that Zheng Fa was unlikely to ally with Leiyin Temple. Lu Zhenxian had a close relationship with Leiyin Temple, and given Haorishan's hostility towards Jiushan, that choice was far too risky.
But the most crucial point was that Zheng Fa had options, while Taishang Dao did not!
Not to mention Zheng Fa's astonishing talent, just the potential obstacles he could pose to Lu Zhenxian's path to enlightenment were unparalleled in the Xuanwei Realm!
Seeing Zheng Fa's fearless demeanor, Li Shangxian fell silent, shaking his head as he slowly returned to his chair, a bitter smile replacing his earlier confidence.
"You, Alliance Leader, have indeed chosen a good time."
Though his tone was filled with resignation, it concealed a deadly intent.
In truth, both of them understood:
Another option for Taishang Dao was to directly capture Zheng Fa and bring him back, whether for protection or control. In any case, they needed to prevent Lu Zhenxian from obtaining the Fusang Tree and obstructing his path to enlightenment.
Taishang Dao did not choose this option—not because they didn't want to, but because they couldn't.
Golden Immortals could not enter the Xuanwei Realm, and Zheng Fa's current ability to slay Luo Sanxian made him one of the top powers in this realm.
This was what Li Shangxian referred to as the opportune moment.
"But the Alliance Leader should also understand that cooperation between Taishang Dao and Jiushan Sect would benefit both parties."
Zheng Fa finally spoke up: "I have always been on good terms with the head of Mingde, and Haorishan sees my Jiushan Sect as a thorn in its side..."
He looked at Li Shangxian, emphasizing each word:
"You may think I am arrogant, but the main reason I won't ally with Leiyin Temple is not out of fear of Lu Zhenxian."
"Haorishan has repeatedly attacked our Hundred Immortals Alliance, and it must have the tacit approval or even encouragement from Leiyin Temple. How can I just let that go?"
Li Shangxian was taken aback, feeling that this statement was somewhat disingenuous. But looking at Zheng Fa's earnest expression, he found it surprisingly sincere.
It was important to note that after confirming Lu Zhenxian's identity, he felt a sense of unease, even initially reluctant to believe it.
Yet the implication of Zheng Fa's words was not that he feared being harmed by Lu Zhenxian at Leiyin Temple, but rather that he was unwilling to reconcile with Lu Zhenxian, even if it were only a superficial reconciliation.
He understood that this Zheng Alliance Leader would never willingly be manipulated by Taishang Dao.
Li Shangxian nodded slowly, speaking softly: "I understand your point, Alliance Leader. In fact, Taishang Dao has only two requirements for cooperating with Jiushan Sect."
"Really?"
"The most important one actually concerns you personally." Li Shangxian was quite straightforward, "As long as you are alive, you will be the greatest obstacle to Lu Zhenxian's path to enlightenment."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Fa furrowed his brow and asked, "What exactly is Lu Zhenxian up to? Why is he both the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor, and now he’s practicing the Yang God Technique?"
Li Shangxian remained silent for a long time, his expression growing more troubled: "To be honest, I find this matter quite perplexing."
"Hmm?"
"According to the edicts of the Dao Sovereign, Lu Zhenxian's original name was Lu Yao, and he was the previous Demon Emperor, active during the Era of Chaotic Laws."
"Era of Chaotic Laws?"
Hearing the confusion in Zheng Fa's tone, Li Shangxian explained further:
"In the last era, the Demon Ancestor was in power."
"In the era before that, the Divine Path was in the spotlight."
"And before that, we had the Era of Chaotic Laws."
Zheng Fa nodded slowly as he listened. His previous understanding of the history of Xuanwei only extended to the Divine Path era; today, he learned that before the Divine Path era, it was called the Era of Chaotic Laws.
"The so-called Era of Chaotic Laws was characterized by the absence of a complete and unified cultivation method, leading to chaos in the world. The Dao Sovereign was born during this era, creating the Yang God Technique and establishing the path of cultivation in Xuanwei."
Li Shangxian's face bore a hint of reverence.
Zheng Fa's expression shifted slightly, as if he had realized something.
"Leiyin Temple also originated from the Era of Chaotic Laws, and the Demon Emperor Lu Yao was born during this time."
Zheng Fa frowned, surprised to learn that Lu Yao had such an ancient background.
It was well-known that in the Xuanwei Realm, the older one was, the more cunning they became.
"And then?"
"Then Lu Yao died."
"Died?"
Zheng Fa was taken aback, and Li Shangxian shook his head: "I don't know the specifics; perhaps only the Dao Sovereign knows the full story."
"I only know that before the Era of Chaotic Laws ended, Lu Yao perished, but Haorishan emerged, becoming the dominant force in the Divine Path era."
"Wait, isn't this Lu Zhenxian the Original Heavenly Demon?"
Zheng Fa suddenly recalled something.
The Divine Path era ended under the hands of the Demon Ancestors, and Lu Zhenxian was the first Demon Ancestor, known as the Original Heavenly Demon.
Did I just contradict myself?
Zheng Fa felt utterly confused.
Li Shangxian's tone grew even lower: "Thus, despite the many doubts surrounding Haorishan, we have never doubted that he is indeed the Original Heavenly Demon."
"Later, when we investigated the records from that time, we discovered that after the Original Heavenly Demon appeared, the founder of Haorishan had never shown himself, and the entire Haorishan remained extremely low-key."
Zheng Fa asked in puzzlement: "What was he after?"
Haorishan was already a dominant force; why would Lu Zhenxian, transformed into the Original Heavenly Demon, go to such lengths to overturn Haorishan and Yaotai's rule?
"Only recently did the Dao Sovereign notice something was off, and we finally understood the reason."
"What is it?"
"Transcending Tribulation to achieve enlightenment."
"Transcending Tribulation? Achieving enlightenment?" The more Zheng Fa listened, the more confused he became.
"This is the supreme method of Leiyin Temple. The Dao Sovereign said that although the Demon Emperor was powerful, he was merely a Golden Immortal. Lu Yao slayed the Demon Emperor, established Haorishan, and after achieving his Dharma body, he found no further path forward."
"He failed?"
"He nearly exterminated the Xuanwei human race, yet he still stopped at the Golden Immortal level."
"Is it him?"
Zheng Fa furrowed his brow, recalling that he had heard from Senior Sister Zhang about a demonic sect that slaughtered the beings of Xuanwei.
He never expected it would be this founder of Haorishan.
"No wonder he wanted to hide his identity..."
"Yes, Lu Zhenxian is extremely cautious, always keeping Haorishan as a fallback." Li Shangxian nodded, "After the Original Demon Ancestor perished, Haorishan re-emerged, becoming one of the Five Sects."
"Now he seeks to achieve the Golden Immortal status once more."
Zheng Fa was astonished: "Just a Golden Immortal..."
It wasn't that he looked down on Golden Immortals.
It was just that Lu Yao was a Golden Immortal when he was the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor.
Now, as he sought to achieve Golden Immortal status again, what was Taishang Dao so worried about?
Li Shangxian smiled slightly, gazing at the sky as he spoke: "You must understand, the Dao fruit does not die."
Zheng Fa's heart trembled, and he looked at Li Shangxian in shock.
"The body of the Demon Emperor, the body of the Demon Ancestor, and the body of the Yang God—when these three merge, it becomes Taiyi, achieving the Supreme." Li Shangxian nodded, "This is the power of Transcending Tribulation to achieve enlightenment. To be honest, I find this secret method quite terrifying."
Zheng Fa pondered over Li Shangxian's words. Besides Lu Yao's intentions, there was much information he was unaware of:
For instance, after the Golden Immortal comes Taiyi.
And Taiyi is referred to as the Supreme, suggesting that Taiyi is the strongest realm in Xuanwei.
But what Zheng Fa cared about most was another statement:
"Practicing different methods, then merging the three bodies, results in Taiyi?"
Noticing his interest in this matter, Li Shangxian was somewhat surprised and replied: "This is the supreme method of Leiyin Temple. Verified, it is indeed so."
"Transcending Tribulation three times, using three different techniques, achieving three Golden Immortal statuses, and ultimately merging into one, one can attain Taiyi."
Zheng Fa's heart skipped a beat as he asked: "Then why must one transcend tribulation? If there were a method for splitting oneself, achieving Golden Immortal status separately, and then merging back into one, wouldn't that work too?"
"Your idea has been considered by others as well." Li Shangxian interrupted him, saying, "But there is one point: a split body must devour the original."
"Huh?"
Li Shangxian sighed:
"As cultivators, we fear losing ourselves the most. The stronger the split body, the harder it is to control."
"Practicing different techniques with a split body is the most taboo thing. It can backfire and affect the original, leading to madness and the destruction of one's path."
"Therefore, Lu Yao had to let the bodies of the Demon Emperor and the Demon Ancestor perish first; otherwise, he would be influenced by his past life."
Zheng Fa understood immediately. For cultivators above the Transformation stage, techniques were not merely techniques; they could be said to be the essence of the cultivator themselves.
Practicing different techniques with a split body was almost equivalent to creating another self with a different mindset... it was no wonder it would devour the original.
Li Shangxian's face also showed a hint of longing:
"Otherwise, wouldn't one be able to achieve enlightenment in a single lifetime?"
Zheng Fa nodded repeatedly: "I think so too!"
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