Celestial Fire Divine Monarch's eyes were shadowed, his gaze fell upon Lady Honghua, yet he remained motionless.
He could not be certain, if he was already under the watchful eyes of True Monarch Zhanmo.
Should he make a move, it might lead to his demise instantly.
A sinister light flickered in his eyes.
"Zhanmo Lineage! And those old fools of the Sect, if this Kitchen God Divine Position falls into my hands, the Sect could gain another Primordial Spirit Master, or even a Great True Master, but they insist on granting such a position to a Wild God, treating their own powerhouse so coldly, this Dao Lineage will surely fail one day!"
His heart was filled with resentment.
He could sense the importance of the Kitchen God Divine Position to him, yet he couldn't claim it, which made jealousy burn within him like claws scratching his heart.
Beside him, a Fire God glanced at the Celestial Fire Divine Monarch with some surprise, having heard his words, his grievances against the Sect were apparent.
...
Tongshan Dao Lineage, Demon-slaying Peak
At this time, Tie Xin Daoist received many messages from Haojing City.
Though the Tongshan Dao Lineage was a Hidden Dao Lineage, its influence was strong, with disciples managing affairs everywhere, gathering reports from various places.
Some had become Cultivation Clans, others turned into local deities.
"Junior Zhang's Vast Righteous Qi is distinctly visible; won't those Ghost Gods possibly have other thoughts?"
Upon the bluestone, Tie Xin Daoist's brow slightly furrowed.
Vast Righteous Qi is bold and vast, and while it doesn't significantly affect those with pure hearts among cultivators, its impact is merely a shade stronger than common soul Mysterious Techniques.
But for those impure in heart like Ghost Gods and Demon Fiends, it is highly restrictive.
A thousand years ago, after the departure of Yu Saint, rebellious Ghost Gods destroyed many Classics of Saints and Sages. Now with Zhang Jian, bearing Vast Righteous Qi, emerging, those strong among Ghost Gods and Demon Fiends might again harbor thoughts.
Regarding this, Tie Xin Daoist had asked True Monarch Zhanmo multiple times, yet True Monarch Zhanmo always replied to pay no heed.
Within the Ancestral Hall
At that moment, a stream of light descended, transforming into a figure surrounded by a myriad Divine Light, its presence dazzling in various hues, summoning another figure with a thought.
Another figure flew out from the third row Divine Master Tablet in the Ancestral Hall.
It was True Monarch Zhanmo!
"Zhanmo, do you not intend to send a Guardian to Haojing City? If my grand-disciple, bearing a Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart, suffers loss, you'll regret it too late!"
At this moment, this figure projected Divine Thought downward; the Second Generation Ancestor Master's True Body wasn't in the realm but was traveling beyond.
True Monarch Zhanmo's eyes flickered.
Sincerely, she smiled.
"Master, I thought you would descend your Divine Thought for a millennium plan concerning my Zhanmo Lineage. Turns out it was merely for such a minor matter?"
"Humph, minor matter? Isn't this our disciple's millennium plan, having established the Sect not just to train more young talents to strengthen the Dao Lineage but to seek fellow companions? One person's idea is short; two people's idea is long. A genius with a Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart is rare even beyond worlds; losing one would leave you with nowhere to weep?"
This Ancestor scolded True Monarch Zhanmo simultaneously.
"You truly won't send Guardians over?"
Upon hearing this, True Monarch Zhanmo shook her head and said.
"Master once sent Guardians for my protection, initially beneficial, but subsequently all calamities clashed against my cultivation, hindering my path. Just let him handle it himself; I believe even without Guardians, he can grow!"
Upon hearing this, the figure gave True Monarch Zhanmo a glance!
"You girl are still so unforgiving!"
"Fine, since you are prepared, I shall no longer interfere!"
Feeling embarrassed, he vanished instantly.
True Monarch Zhanmo glanced in the direction of Haojing City.
Haojing can go without Guardians, but sending a Guardian to Fengyang County can be considered.
The candidate happens to be ready!
Recently, someone approached voluntarily, willing to act as a Guardian for Zhanmo Lineage…
...
Inside the Sports and Arts College, Zhang Jian continued his daily routine, spending most of his time reading extensively, enhancing his knowledge and perfecting the Path of Saints and Sages.
With the Jade Saint Scroll as his foundation, Zhang Jian gradually reached the threshold of the Path of Saints and Sages.
He also had some realization on why the Path of Saints and Sages lacks specific cultivation techniques.
The reason is that Ancient Saints perceived the ultimate truth of heaven and earth, understanding the essence of all things, and could create cultivation methods themselves.
There's no need for cultivation techniques from others.
As for how to further elevate his Kind Heart and Bones to the next level, Zhang Jian already knew the path forward.
Simply establish words, establish morality, establish deeds—these three paths.
Given his deep foundations, accomplishing these Three Immortalities is not overly demanding.
Moreover, Zhang Jian now practices these actions.
The compilation of the Daqian Complete Book is his first practice.
Besides, after advancing the Nine Heavens Wind-Riding Thunder-Controlling Technique to the Yin Spirit Level, Zhang Jian's cultivation within the Five-Formed Sheji King Tripod in his Sea of Knowledge was proceeding smoothly.
The Five-Formed Sheji King Tripod corresponds to Yin Spirit Level Techniques.
The successful cultivation of the Four-Formed Sheji King Tripod requires the life plate, Asking for the Mountains and Rivers.
However, forming the Five-Formed Sheji King Tripod does not need additional life plates as a foundation; it is merely necessary to understand the two Divine Techniques carried by the King's Tripod Demon-Vanquishing Record within the Sheji King Tripod, the three Magics, seamlessly inscribed within the Five-Formed Sheji King Tripod, thus advancing to the Yin Spirit Level.
Yet those two Divine Techniques also are Yin Spirit Level Techniques; successfully cultivating them consumes Pill Qi, Divine Thought greatly.
But for Zhang Jian, it wasn't an issue.
Just when Zhang Jian was comprehending the Five-Formed Sheji King Tripod, he received a summon from Emperor Jingwu.
Emperor Jingwu invited him to deliver lectures.
This was Zhang Jian's first lecture for Emperor Jingwu.
Also, his first private summons by Emperor Jingwu.
Truth be told, Emperor Jingwu's patience exceeded Zhang Jian's expectation.
Amidst the bustling atmosphere surrounding the Sports and Arts College these days, Emperor Jingwu couldn't have been unaware, yet he remained silent.
He waited until now!
Emperor Jingwu summoned Zhang Jian to Jingtai Hall, which was also where Emperor Jingwu reviewed official documents.
When Zhang Jian entered Jingtai Hall with the jade tablet, he noticed the hall lacked other ministers, aside from Emperor Jingwu and Chao Mu, the Palace Chief Steward.
"Mr. Zhang has arrived!" Emperor Jingwu lifted his head, seeing Zhang Jian stepping in from outside the hall.
The slender Emperor put down his vermillion brush and stood up from behind the Imperial Desk.
Hearing this, Zhang Jian was slightly surprised, saluting, "Your Majesty, I dare not accept the title of Mr.…"
At this, Emperor Jingwu stretched his waist, approached Zhang Jian, and said with a smile, "No need for formality, Mr. Zhang. Many Masters in the Capital claim your talents aren't inferior to those scholars who've studied exhaustively for decades, and you are the scholar most likely to achieve the Path of Saints and Sages among the nation over a millennium, more than competent to be my teacher. I invited you today because I have doubts and sincerely request your guidance!"
Emperor Jingwu's eyes sparkled.
Actually, Zhang Jian participated in the Ministry of Rites Examination, even taking part in the Palace Examination of Chengtian Hall, considered as his personally chosen student.
Zhang Jian should be his disciple.
But Zhang Jian's excellence was so prominent; the saying goes, a disciple need not be inferior to the teacher; the teacher need not be more virtuous than the disciple.
Given Zhang Jian's demonstrated knowledge and insight during this period, becoming his teacher was more than suitable.
Feigned hesitancy from Zhang Jian, a moment passed before he replied, "Well... in that case, please speak plainly, Your Majesty?"