After setting the agreent, Song Lin let the man leave.
Though Sahpohe was a Core Formation expert.
Although the Coiled Dragon Jade Armor was impervious in defense, if soone was determined to leave, Song Lin couldn’t stop them from escaping.
After Sahpohe departed, Song Lin gazed at his retreating figure and murmured, "It’s ti to end this."
"What do you plan to do next?" the Fusang Jade Chicken asked.
"First, call everyone over. I have a few instructions to give," Song Lin replied.
Relying on himself alone wasn’t enough; he needed the support of a team.
"True," the Fusang Golden Chicken replied, lying on the ground like a mother hen brooding over eggs, its golden beak occasionally pecking at its shimring feathers.
Song Lin sent ssages to the others and, taking advantage of the free ti, began chatting idly with the Fusang Golden Chicken.
"Were King Wu and the Muu Emperor Immortals?" Song Lin asked.
"You could say that. Kings are the sons of heaven and earth, the children of the Great Dao. As children of heaven and earth, virtuous rulers naturally ascend to immortality. The Zhou dynasty was this way, and so were the Xia and Shang dynasties. There isn’t much difference."
As for the idea that Xia and Shang were equal to heaven and earth, while Zhou humbled itself to beco the Son of Heaven—it was utter nonsense.
The "Tangg’s Oath" declares, "The Xia committed many cris; thus, heaven decreed their destruction."
The Yin Shang, too, operated on the mandate of heaven, fighting wars by the will of the heavens. After death, they ascended to the skies as "emperors." Though the title "emperor" might sound grander than "child of heaven," the essence is the sa—they are products of the Great Dao’s mandate.
"If they beca immortals, does that an they went to another world?"
"I’m not sure. Such matters lie beyond my comprehension. The only one I’ve ever seen co and go freely was the Muu Emperor."
The Muu Emperor, riding the Eight Horses, journeyed across the world, leaving wheel tracks everywhere.
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"The world comprises Thirty-Six Heavens, each heaven containing countless sub-worlds, with different tis and places. Only by standing on a higher vantage point can one glimpse the universe in its entirety."
The Fusang Jade Chicken spoke earnestly.
The myriad things of the universe resemble a long river, with worlds as tiny waves upon it.
Ti flows downstream; the sa ripple reappears in different currents, manifesting different effects.
Because the flow of ti differs across worlds, and their dinsions differ.
Their developnt defies common understanding—moving neither from past to future, nor old to new, nor ancient to present. Just as fish exist because of water, so do children exist because of parents.
For those at lower levels, even brushing against such concepts might cause their minds to explode.
Only the Great Powers who reverse the flow of this cosmic river can seek the truth of the universe.
"I advise you to be more pragmatic—start by understanding your current cultivation before concerning yourself with these matters," the Fusang Golden Chicken said with the tone of soone who had been through it all.
"Duly noted!"
Song Lin nodded.
He firmly believed this world wasn’t an illusion. If his guess was correct, it was likely a real, existing realm.
The "Monster Chronicles" resembled a Great Power, capable of reversing the flow of the cosmic river, reaching truly existing worlds or those long vanished.
Before long, everyone had arrived.
Song Lin produced the Azure Dragon Hook, the Demon-Suppressing Sword, the Demon-Suppressing Vajra Pestle, the Vajra’s Majesty, the red umbrella, the Nine Yang Sword Talisman, and other weapons.
"Who wants them?"
"Not ; my Cicada Sword is enough," Zhengyang declined.
The Cicada Sword was a growth-type magical treasure. Though it appeared unremarkable now, in ti, it could beco powerful enough to rend heaven and earth.
Song Lin distributed the treasures among the others.
"By the way, I’ll teach you all the Innate Eight Diagram Array and the Rampant Soldier Refining Technique," Song Lin announced.
Initially, he’d hoped they could develop independently.
But it now seed pointless. Twenty years had passed without any progress. It was better to train them in the Rampant Soldier Technique for the Innate Eight Diagram Array.
These seven individuals, all in the Divine Establishnt Period, could each command ten thousand troops.
The sixty-four thousand-strong Innate Eight Diagram Array was even more fearso.
In the following days, Song Lin taught everyone the Innate Eight Diagram Array and the Rampant Soldier Technique. anwhile, he imrsed himself in Spirit Refining in reality.
The thods of Spirit Refining were already familiar to him; now, it was simply a matter of investing ti and honing them.
As days passed, another ten days slipped by.
News ca from Chi Hai in reality. Master Huoyun from i Mountain Jungle was organizing a magic eting, preparing for liturgy and awarding contributions.
Returning to reality, Song Lin instructed everyone to focus on reconstruction, preparing to rebuild Shanyin County’s town. He planned to move the mountain dwellers to the lowlands, reclaim farmland, and restore the Taoist Temples.
He then flew to the i Mountain Jungle.
Along the way, he witnessed countless horrific scenes—bodies strewn everywhere, nine out of ten houses abandoned, refugees wandering the land.
The devastation here was even worse than in Shanyin County.
Luckily, i City’s condition seed relatively stable. With Huoyun guarding it, the situation was indeed better.
Arriving at the gates of i Mountain Jungle, Song Lin handed over his token and was led by a Taoist into the White Tiger Hall.
The White Tiger Hall was a solemn and majestic grand hall, enshrining the ancestral deity of the Southern Sect of the Sacred Might Dao from Yin Mountain—Three Elents God.
The deity exuded divine authority, his gaze sharp as though alive.
Beneath the Three Elents God of Heaven, Earth, and Water were rows of rosewood seats.
Seated within were temple masters and leaders of the Three Capitals and Five Masters, roughly estimated to be over thirty people.
Led by the Taoist, Song Lin took his seat.
To his left sat a Taoist of otherworldly grace, whose deanor was the most "immortal-like" Song Lin had ever seen.
With white hair and brows, skin like fine jade, and eyes like lacquer dots, he held a horsetail whisk in his hand, exuding unparalleled poise.
The other individual was harder to discern—white-haired, sallow-faced, lips tightly shut, and with vertical pupils.
When Song Lin’s gaze shifted to him, the yellow-faced man grinned, revealing a startling insect-like mouth—an abyssal black cavity, its sides lined with rows of barbs, with sharp venomous fangs in the center.
"Taoist, my respects. I am Tianwu, Master of the True Demon Temple!"
"Tianwu Daoist, your Taoist energy endures. I am Song Lin, Master of Xuanke Temple."
"I know of you. I’ve heard of your deeds—vanquishing the horned giant fish. Truly, each generation brings forth its talented figures."
The others turned their attention toward Song Lin, having clearly been briefed about him in advance.
The new temple master of one of the three major temples—though judging by appearances, he didn’t seem particularly impressive.
The white-haired, immortal-like elderly Taoist beside him chuckled, "Master Chaozhen of Chaozhen Temple! I appear to share a connection with you, Taoist."
"Oh? What connection might that be?" Song Lin asked, puzzled.
"You killed my disciple! Hahaha!" The others burst into laughter.
"I see. It really is rather amusing," Song Lin remarked, finding himself unable to keep up with their strange humor.
To them, it seed, disciples were re playthings for entertainnt.
"Ahem, silence!"
Master Huoyun spoke, and the crowd imdiately fell quiet.
"This Extermination Festival saw five temples obliterated, leaving only twenty-three. Out of ilin County’s population of just over ten million, over two million perished in this war. Overall... it was better than the last session..."
Master Huoyun sighed.
"Now we shall announce the appointnt of new temple masters. The situation is dire, so let us forgo any unnecessary ceremonies." Master Huoyun spoke as he produced the Taoist Scripture Master Treasure Seal from the jungle.
"Zhang Xian of Mountain River Temple! Sixth-generation Ming Generation. Granted the Supre Three Five Red Official Evil-Cutting Talisman. Appointed Secondary Sixth-rank Heavenly Spirit Red Official Evil Capturing General, overseeing Yellow Stream Mountain’s Earth Energy!"
"Disciple accepts the talisman!"
A middle-aged man in his thirties rose, exchanging his old treasure talisman for the new one.
The talisman and seal were personally bestowed by Huoyun Taoist.
"Dao Ming of Shuiyin Temple! Third-generation Tai Generation of Shuiyin Temple. Granted the Supre Three Five Red Official Evil-Cutting Talisman. Appointed Secondary Sixth-rank Heavenly Spirit Red Official Evil Slayer Imperial Censor, overseeing Shuiyin River!"
Master Huoyun personally bestowed the talisman.
Unlike others, these positions didn’t necessarily require commanding Taoist soldiers. Commanding troops seed uniquely tied to the Refining Soldiers lineage.
Such private appointnts and talismans seed to cover nearly all the mountains, rivers, and rites of ilin County.
During the previous Extermination Festival, Chi Hai reportedly issued temporary treasure talismans, granting assistance from the Earth Energy over a thousand li, with mana flowing endlessly.
However, such talismans quickly consud earth’s vitality and were promptly retrieved after the festival.
One successive appointnt after another, Song Lin couldn’t help but marvel at the rapid turnover. Furthermore, the Taoist School’s territorial control exceeded that of any secular regi.
Their influence extended to rain, water sources, and even soil fertility.
No wonder prolonged wars barely affected population growth.
"Song Lin! Song Lin!"
Called twice in succession, Song Lin finally snapped out of his thoughts.
He quickly rose and stepped forward.
"Song Lin! Granted the ’Upper Pure Three Cave Five Thunder Scripture!’"
This announcent imdiately drew envious glares from everyone.
It was a Core Formation-level scripture talisman! And yet, this guy stumbled upon it by sheer luck.
Song Lin presented his old talisman and received the new scripture talisman and seal of authority.
"Appointed Secondary Sixth-rank Heavenly Spirit Red Official Yin Official General. Typically, the Five Thunders Talisman aligns with ranks from Standard Sixth to Secondary Fourth. However, since your strength does not yet et expectations, you may exercise the authority but will not enjoy the corresponding official title."
"Additionally, for your leading role in vanquishing the horned giant fish, you are awarded 500 yin rits and 5,000 dharma coins. If yin rit were converted into official titles, you would additionally be appointed as a Yin Mountain Guardian. This role allows you unlimited Rampant Soldiers, removing prior troop restrictions."
In other words, Huoyun had lifted Song Lin’s private soldier limits. From now on, the size of his forces would depend solely on his own abilities, rather than external constraints.
"Thank you, Master," Song Lin said, satisfied.
This was exactly what he’d been hoping for.
In the past, Jiuyou had similarly held the private title of Yin Mountain Guardian.
At this point in the eting, proceedings were essentially wrapping up.
As the final recipient of honors, Song Lin garnered much attention.
Seeing him obtain the Five Thunder Scripture, those less fortunate internally harbored discontent.
"Now let us address the allocation of resources from the five obliterated temples."
The destroyed temples were generally located in small counties with populations around ten thousand—so even smaller. Sparse resources and fewer cultivators made them vulnerable to annihilation during the initial wave of attacks by demons.
This led to another round of heated debates.
The destroyed temples were all to the east, separated from the central region of Shanyin by several counties. Naturally, Song Lin refrained from speaking out.
He quietly observed as Master Huoyun diated the disputes over interests for others.
Even within i Mountain Jungle, tensions ran high. Grudges between temples simred beneath the surface. So even accused others of covert sabotage.
The argunts were chaotic, with tables and teacups flying everywhere.
Song Lin, however, paid little attention to the drama. His mind was preoccupied with plans for rebuilding the Taoist Temple, strengthening his power, and preparing for future conflicts.
Suddenly, soone stood up and pointed at Song Lin, saying.
"The back mountain of Xuanke Temple has a vast Gathering Yin Land. Since Jiuyou is dead, there’s no need for such a large area. I propose ceding part of it to us at White Bone Temple."
"Oh? Song Lin, what’s your view?" Master Huoyun inquired.
Seeing Song Lin’s youthful appearance, many finally revealed their true colors, baring their fangs and claws.
Should this precedent be set, countless troubles would undoubtedly follow.
Nearby, Chaozhen and Tianwu watched with interest.
Crash!
Song Lin imdiately stood, his gaze blazing, and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Tongyou Taoist, Master of White Bone Temple! How dare a re youngster act disrespectfully toward his elders?"
Without warning, Song Lin flung a teacup, nearly hitting the Tongyou Taoist. "What sort of thing are you? How dare you covet Xuanke’s land? How about a duel? Life or death resolution?"
...
(The repeated section has been removed. Subscribers who encountered overlapping Chapters can request a refund from custor service. Apologies for the inconvenience!)
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