When one person attains the Way, the world trembles. This saying seems most fitting for the current times.
Most apparent was the loss of the initial vigor and spirit in many immortals upon their ascension. Some were indifferent, lacking ambition, while others felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, lacking confidence to overcome the tribulation of ten thousand virtues.
Yet, there were also those whose spirits remained high, displaying an almost feverish excitement at the arrival of this new immortal tribulation, viewing it as a personal challenge.
"Ten thousand virtues are nothing, even a hundred thousand virtues are nothing."
Bi Xia Yuan Jun and Kai Tian Hong Sheng Di faced this with the most ease. The former had guarded Mount Tai for many years, imprisoning wicked spirits and sending countless fox spirits to serve as city gods and land deities, performing good deeds. Mount Tai, in particular, enjoyed flourishing incense offerings year after year, and the Yuan Jun often manifested, accumulating virtue merit far exceeding a hundred thousand.
Although Kai Tian Hong Sheng Di of Changbai Mountain could not compare to Mount Tai in virtue merit, and even possessed a significant amount of wicked merit, he commanded numerous immortal followers. He dispatched his spirit-possessing immortals to perform good deeds everywhere. At the end, a mere invocation of Kai Tian Sheng Di's divine title, provided the deed was done correctly, would bring virtue merit.
The terror of this tribulation lay in its difficulty for those who acted on their whims and whose disciples were of mixed quality. For immortals who already prioritized virtue merit, it was hardly a significant matter.
It was merely a bit more troublesome than the previous tribulation of one thousand three hundred virtues.
And these people…
Were precisely the cultivators of the South Sea.
Lei Wang's brow was deeply furrowed, as were those of the two other Dharma sect immortals who had ascended with him. Their brows remained tightly knit, unmoving for a long time.
The Dharma sect was indeed characterized by a multitude of individuals of mixed quality, and their actions were not always benevolent. Their dominance over the South Sea, their division of Guangzhou into a kingdom, and even their further connections with Western cultivators – these achievements, these territories, this development – were not attained solely through good deeds.
"I believe this tribulation of ten thousand virtues is targeting us! In worldly affairs, there is good and evil. Among ten thousand virtues, one single evil act negates all previous efforts. What kind of logic is this?"
Lei Wang looked at the other two immortals. At this moment, Fo Gui spoke softly:
"Don't say it, but there might be historical precedent."
"It is said that during the Wei-Jin period, when the Golden Core Grand Dao was initially debated without the concept of demonic trials, there was a period where a test of ten thousand virtues and one evil existed. However, this only appeared in the classic legends of the Lingbao School. I was not alive during that era, so it is difficult to verify."
Lei Wang chuckled, "That means the ancients were not foolish. Ten thousand virtuous deeds, followed by one evil act that negates everything, requiring another ten thousand and five hundred virtues. A slight misstep leads to a fall into the abyss. If another evil act occurs within those hundred and five thousand virtues, wouldn't it require another hundred and five thousand virtues?
"Such a cycle would make the path to becoming an immortal infinitely long. Who would cultivate then? Everyone would become lazy, losing all drive for progress."
"The Lingbao School is the leader of Taoism, one of the Three Mountains. They possessed this wisdom. However, according to your explanation, Master, does that mean the 'Demon King' who tested the world in this manner back then has been released by someone?"
Fo Gui chuckled, "Not necessarily released."
"Perhaps, this Demon King is already on his way to the South Sea."
Upon hearing this, Lei Wang contemplated for a moment, his expression changing drastically.
...
Dong Hua Xian Nu had witnessed all of this. She marveled that Ji Xiang had indeed cultivated the Yu Qing Yin Shu to its sixteenth lesson. From a mere Heavenly Demon, he had ascended to the rank of Demon King. The scriptures, which should not have appeared in this era, were now having an immeasurable impact on the human world.
During the recent demonic trial, she even felt a subtle surge of demonic energy within herself. After a moment of thought, she recalled that her spirit had once been absorbed into Ji Xiang's body, tainted by the demonic energy of the Yu Qing Yin Shu. This might have opened a path for her as a Demon King as well. With study, perhaps one day she too could attain such a rank.
However, she had no such thoughts at present.
"Collect!"
She beckoned, and the True Spirit Rank Chart automatically wrapped itself up. When Ji Xiang emerged from the bloody sky, Dong Hua Xian Nu pointed with a finger, and a spiritual light flew out, landing before Ji Xiang.
Half of the control over the True Spirit Rank Chart was transferred. Ji Xiang nodded to her, "Before heading north, I would trouble the Xian Nu to accompany me south."
He then looked at the True Spirit Rank Chart in his hand, thinking that if he encountered a cultivator from the Biyou Palace next time and they presented the Qing Ping Sword, he would throw out the True Spirit Rank Chart. He wondered if Lingbao Tianzun could seize objects across time and space…
"No trouble. Since I have already agreed to become a contemporary national immortal, if chaos erupts in the south, it will not be good for me either."
Dong Hua Xian Nu thought that even if she reneged on her promise later, having pacified the South Sea would at least leave her a fallback in the current dynasty. Building good karma was the way to conduct oneself. Helping me today, you help me tomorrow, just like this time. If she hadn't helped Ji Xiang back then, she wouldn't have seen the light of day again.
"You… who are you!"
The two immortals turned their heads simultaneously. Outside the Great Yuan Bao Hall, the cultivators who had dared not approach due to the celestial phenomena and the immortal's tribulation now cautiously approached after the bloody celestial curtain dispersed. They recognized Ji Xiang, but before they could offer congratulations, they saw Dong Hua Xian Nu and their expressions turned to shock.
They were shocked by how she entered Shang Qing, and trembled at her aura, which was clearly that of an immortal!
"Ah, a descendant of Shang Qing."
Dong Hua Xian Nu, seeing the Green Robe Sect Master, was not stingy. She was certain that the person before her was indeed a cultivator of the Shang Qing School, so she drew a talisman in the air. A thunder talisman flew from her fingertips, transforming into a scripture that landed in the Green Robe Sect Master's hand.
The Green Robe Sect Master was still stunned on the spot when Dong Hua Xian Nu said, "The 'Void Scripture' left by the ninth ancestor of Shang Qing, Tao Hongjing. You need not take any elixirs; simply recite it ten thousand times daily to increase your cultivation, communicate with all celestial beings for blessings, and eventually ascend."
"Speaking of which, I have some connection with your Shang Qing. It has fallen into such decline. Let me foster good karma."
She casually bestowed an immortal scripture, and Ji Xiang also casually gifted an immortal scripture, which caught Dong Hua Xian Nu's eye. Then, they transformed into two streams of immortal light and ascended, leaving the Green Robe Sect Master standing there, holding two precious scriptures, stunned for a long time.
Ji Xiang, however, did not notice Dong Hua Xian Nu's unusual gaze. Instead, the words of the Inner Scene Divine Tablet appeared in his eyes.
The innate essence of heaven and earth had begun to take effect!
After entering the immortal realm, this primordial power derived from the fusion of myriad energies was completely refined, allowing him to wield three types of power:
[Heavenly Spirit Inhalation and Exhalation: Those who possess the innate essence of heaven and earth, upon reaching the immortal level, can transform all useless energies in the world into spiritual energy that can be cultivated!]
[Qi Origin Commencement: Manipulate the energies of heaven and earth, separating their form and substance, using the innate essence of heaven and earth as a guide to transform worldly phenomena with a single breath.]
[Essence Manifestation Profoundly Written: Gather the energies of heaven and earth, combine their essence, use the innate essence of heaven and earth as a guide, and wield a single breath to forge worldly phenomena.]
In the sky, a storm began to brew, and the clouds started to churn, surging like ocean waves. This caused Dong Hua Xian Nu to look around in surprise:
"What did you do?"
The energies of heaven and earth moved with your body?
Is this a Penglai immortal art?
Dong Hua Xian Nu's mind conjured images of the ancient techniques of the ancient true immortals of the five immortal mountains. Hearing Ji Xiang's simple explanation:
"It's merely a method of using energies. I'm not yet very proficient."
"Using energies… you still have techniques from ancient Qi Refiners."
"It's not quite the same… but I also know divine immortal techniques. There are indeed many good things from the Pre-Qin era, but it's a pity the path is difficult to cultivate, and the inheritances are broken everywhere."
"After all, not everyone in the world possesses such cultivation talent."
Two streams of immortal light cut through the sky, approaching the South Sea region within almost an hour. The flight speed of immortals was incomparable to that of mortal cultivators. Hundreds of miles of mountain and river scenery changed, but as they neared the South Sea, a vast incense barrier appeared, stretching across the sky.
"Hold back your immortal light, conceal your aura, and go to Sheng Bao Lu Academy."
Ji Xiang's sudden request surprised Dong Hua Xian Nu, who chuckled, "Where the Western cultivators are? Interesting. Aren't we going to the Dharma sect first? I thought you asked me to come along to directly confront them."
"How can we be so impolite? They have already submitted. Forcibly tearing down the facade would be going against the will of the people. Destroying the entire South Sea Dharma sect might not be difficult for me now, but then, winning over the hearts of the people would be difficult. We can't have the people of Guangzhou view us all as enemies."
Ji Xiang smiled calmly, "The Dharma sect is not the trouble."
"Christ is the trouble."
Dong Hua Xian Nu's delicate brows quivered, "These Westerners, are they so formidable? You dare not confront them directly?"
"Caution is the mother of safety. No one understands Christ better than I do. Besides, this method is backed by the Heavenly Heart."
Ji Xiang indeed had some concerns. The main focus of the South Sea trip was to guard against Christ. During the recent ascension event, Christ was able to facilitate inter-world connections, proving he was quite capable.
Coupled with the divine ability of Miracles, which can turn the non-existent into the existent and the false into the true, Ji Xiang himself often used Miracles to turn the tide. This Miracle seemed to be usable as long as one reached the level of a missionary and accumulated sufficient virtue merit. Therefore, one could easily falter.
Furthermore…
"If we go to the Dharma sect first, they will entertain us with good food and drink, and then send us away. We won't gain much intelligence. Although some people have ascended in the South Sea, and there is a thing called Fo Gui, I am certain he would not dare to call for help carelessly, especially since I have a great helper here."
As Ji Xiang spoke, the卍 symbol on his brow seemed to flicker.
"If we go to Sheng Bao Lu Academy, it's different. My objective has always been Christ. I am very much looking forward to the growth of my demonic path. This is called 'learning from the barbarians to control the barbarians'."
Dong Hua Xian Nu seemed to understand what Ji Xiang intended to do, and a strange smile appeared on her face.
The two streams of immortal light disappeared in an instant. They transformed, descending unnoticed into a bustling marketplace, becoming two ordinary mortals.
As soon as they landed in the bustling market, Ji Xiang saw missionaries in Western attire speaking with elegantly dressed individuals, and they were gradually heading towards a certain building.
"Selling children?" Dong Hua Xian Nu transformed into a burly, ordinary woman, while Ji Xiang transformed into a common porter. Their appearances were unremarkable, blending into the market unnoticed.
The two of them stayed near the building, able to hear the voices inside and see the situation within.
"Of course. If you have many children, selling them to the church can earn a considerable sum of money."
"Especially girls and good-looking young boys. However, boys fetch a higher price, as men can work for the family when they grow up, while daughters are a drain on resources, so we must earn more from them."
"The way to make money."
Ji Xiang explained calmly. This was the result of investigations by the Embroidered Uniform Guard near the cannon foundry. Such child-selling, though strictly prohibited with severe penalties in every dynasty, persisted because of the significant profits involved.
Now, with the high prices offered by Westerners, it alleviated the economic burden for families and allowed them to earn money and improve their living conditions. Thus, from having children to selling children, it had become an entire industry.
Within this, there also existed an "infant black market," consisting of rogue organizations like the "Flower Beggar Sect" that specialized in kidnapping and mutilation.
Speaking of which, these people dared to kidnap the children of Ming Dynasty officials. There was nothing they wouldn't do. In comparison, the White Lotus Society were truly pure and benevolent.
"Well, it's not that I want to rob the White Lotus Society. At least they have kindness in their hearts when it comes to children. It's just a pity that these Flower Beggar Sects and similar rogues don't produce scriptures…"
"What are you mumbling about the White Lotus Society?" Dong Hua Xian Nu glanced at Ji Xiang, finding it extremely strange.
These people would abduct young girls and children. Young boys who were too young to understand would be sold to childless wealthy families in other regions. Such boys were the most profitable, some fetching thousands of taels. Girls with beautiful appearances would be sold to brothels in areas like Northern Zhili and Suzhou-Hangzhou.
As for children who were truly disobedient, they would be beaten to death. Some died from fright, while others succumbed to illness. After death, pits would be dug, and two or three, or three to five bodies would be buried together, allowing their bones to rot in the earth or be dug up and gnawed by wild dogs.
As for their outward appearance, they often presented themselves as some kind of "charitable organization," making it difficult to discern whether they were good or evil.
As for the composition of the more idle "human traffickers," it was truly diverse, involving people from all walks of life. Some would even reverse-engineer the wealth of their foster families. Of course, they encouraged childbirth; if you stopped having children, where would their money come from?
The two immortals heard clearly that the people discussing matters were regarding the prices of children. Among them, it was mentioned that some promising young individuals needed to be handed over to the Dharma sect, but the Western missionary did not agree. They also wanted those promising young individuals and were willing to offer higher prices.
As for what they would do with them.
Some would be converted to Christianity, others sold to prominent figures both within and outside the country. As for the inferior ones, the heavy labor within the academy, such as laundry, vegetable gardening, pig raising, and caring for infants, would be assigned to these children.
In short, people, as a commodity, had a market everywhere.
And Sheng Bao Lu Academy was merely an "export point" for these people's sales.
However, Christianity had just entered China, and the time was not long. Therefore, they dared not "wholesale" these children too ostentatiously. Especially after the incident of missionaries being massacred in Japan, many missionaries had become vigilant, which was why they were developing in places like the South Sea where the court's control was weak.
"How does your dynasty handle this matter?"
Dong Hua Xian Nu suddenly asked this question, also to gauge the current state of the dynasty. During the Qin Dynasty, it was a direct death penalty. During the Han Dynasty, it was branding and exile to hard labor, with the seller, buyer, and their entire families facing collective punishment. In severe cases, it was dismemberment – first chopping off all four limbs, then beheading, followed by bone extraction, and finally public display with no allowance for burial.
Ji Xiang replied, "The Great Ming Laws have some specific provisions."
"Kidnapping and selling people before any action is taken: one hundred strokes of the cane, a month of public parading, and descendants exiled three thousand li; selling them to become wives or concubines, seller and buyer both receive one hundred strokes and three years of imprisonment; those who engage in mutilation for profit will be subjected to Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), descendants exiled two thousand li, property confiscated and given to the victim's family."
Dong Hua Xian Nu shook her head.
"Not as good as the Pre-Qin era, not as good as the Pre-Qin era."
In her opinion, although the laws of the Qin Dynasty were violent, they were satisfying. Confiscating property, Lingchi, caning, and exile were too troublesome. It was better to just chop them all up and be done with it, closing the case on the spot.
Ji Xiang looked inside and then blew out two breaths. One breath transformed into a simple and honest porter standing on the ground, while the other breath transformed into three small demonic gods, holding fire flags and遁 into this merchant guild.
Following this, Ji Xiang transformed into a handsome young man with rosy lips and white teeth, while Dong Hua Xian Nu frowned and also transformed into a slightly older young girl.
Ji Xiang said to the transformed breath:
"Let's go, take us inside. We need to sell for a good price."