Upon hearing this, Si Li’Er’s eyes shifted slightly.
Innate True Water is a manifestation of the Water Attribute Dao Laws between heaven and earth, inherently close to the Dao, so naturally, she wanted to try and see if she could comprehend part of its mysteries.
If she could comprehend some of the secrets of Innate True Water, it would be beneficial for her in spellcasting and even when facing formidable enemies.
After this, Zhang Zhao and Si Li’Er also visited the Xuande Palace, where the Supreme Emperor and Empress Dowager resided, to pay their respects.
Only after this did they complete various procedures.
...
On the other hand, Zhang Xian, and Zhang Chang’an were preparing to leave with their sect elders.
Their Daoist techniques were not yet accomplished, so they couldn’t travel independently. In contrast, Zhang Yi had recently completed his Dao Practice, and with True Monarch Zhanmo assisting within the Great Xia Dynasty, he could accompany Empress of the Western Palace Bai Liying, frequently entering the Imperial Palace to pay respects.
Zhang Jian also took advantage of this opportunity to teach and clarify doubts for Zhang Yi, Zhang Zhao, and Si Li’Er once again.
As a cultivator with ’countless experiences,’ Zhang Jian was undoubtedly very professional in this regard, having created countless secret techniques himself.
Even though most of them weren’t of significant use.
But ever since ancient times, there have been no useless secret techniques, only misapplied ones.
Therefore, after the Zhang siblings, Si Li’Er, and some of the consorts and officials pursued the Dao, they could quickly receive Zhang Jian’s precise answers.
...
Compared to the joyous atmosphere within the Great Xia Dynasty, some powers from the Immortal Sect Dao Lineage were restless.
Especially as the outcome of the ’bridal theft’ became known to many powers from the Immortal Sect Dao Lineage.
In Qian Continent, at Chizhang Mountain, one of the famed Three Hundred Spirit Mountain Blessed Lands of the Southeastern Continents.
The mountains were beautiful and quaint.
The mountain also featured forty-eight scenic spots and twenty-four hot springs, seventy-two spiritual cliffs, making it seem like it was forever at the turn of spring and summer.
At this time, in the Zhengyuan Hall in the mountains, many cultivators from the Shangqing Sword Sect gathered in one place.
A dozen or so Primordial Spirit Level powerhouses focused their eyes on the four Daoists at the forefront.
Each of the four Daoists had an immortal demeanor.
True Monarch Qinghe, whom Zhang Jian had met before, was among them, standing in the third position.
Behind him was True Monarch Yu Hai.
In the center was the ancestor of the Shangqing Sword Sect, True Monarch Lishan.
On the leftmost position was the Sect Leader of the Shangqing Sword Sect, True Monarch Guihong.
The four True Monarchs were the Celestial Pillars of the Shangqing Sword Sect, as well as the Purple Gold Beams over the sea.
Yet, in facing the storms outside, the four True Monarchs felt helpless.
"To think that the Dao Practice of this Eastern Continent Emperor has reached this level, even the Ji Family’s Four Symbols True Immortal made a failed attempt!"
True Monarch Guihong’s expression carried much worry.
"This is merely a Fourth Generation Disciple of the Tongshan Dao Lineage. If the Third Generation disciples were to act, how could anyone else stand a chance?!"
That ’anyone else’ naturally included the Shangqing Sword Sect!
His gaze fell on True Monarch Lishan with a contemplative look and said.
"Uncle Master, in your opinion, what should we do?"
Among everyone, True Monarch Lishan was the oldest and had the highest Dao Practice.
His accumulation was already perfect, but he feared the tribulation of becoming an immortal and dared not break through.
True Monarch Lishan glanced at True Monarch Guihong; even the Ji Family’s Four Great True Immortals had suffered a setback, let alone him.
What could he do now?
At present, he could only say, "The power of the Tongshan Dao Lineage far exceeds that of ordinary Immortal Sect Dao Lineages and cannot be opposed by typical Dao Lineages and Immortal Sects. But I have also researched the history of the Tongshan Dao Lineage!"
"The Tongshan Dao Lineage once ruled over most of the Two Realms Region, but they have never left no sign of life. Even if one submits to the Tongshan Dao Lineage, it’s merely as a subordinate, only missing a bit of freedom!"
True Monarch Qinghe said.
"Senior Brother Guihong, Uncle Master Lishan, I’m afraid this situation is different this time!"
True Monarch Lishan and True Monarch Guihong exchanged a glance, having vaguely guessed True Monarch Qinghe’s thoughts, and a hint of helplessness appeared in their eyes.
True Monarch Guihong sighed.
"Junior Brother Qinghe, if you have something to say, just say it, everyone is here, and this matter ultimately requires a decision!"
True Monarch Guihong knew well that fence-sitters have never had good outcomes.
Especially having heard that the Five Elements Immortal Sect sent their true seed into the Great Xia Dynasty’s Imperial court as a consort and accepting the foreign envoy from the Great Xia Dynasty, even establishing a special institution, made him even more worried.
Indeed, True Monarch Qinghe then said.
"Uncle Master Lishan, Sect Leader Senior Brother, Brothers, should we directly join the Tongshan Dao Lineage, it might not be the worst situation. Currently, we are more likely to be subject to the control of the Great Xia Dynasty. The Tongshan Dao Lineage clearly intends for the King of Great Xia to lead the Southeastern Continents, and has possibly reached a consensus with the Great Xia Dynasty!"
"What we should urgently understand is the style of the Great Xia Dynasty. If this Great Xia Emperor is a ’tyrant,’ then we may need to find a way to relocate the sect!"
Hearing this, the other Primordial Spirit Masters of the Shangqing Sword Sect began to discuss among themselves.
Each Primordial Spirit Powerhouse, before the mighty waves, looked as mundane as ordinary people, showing concern.
True Monarch Guihong remained expressionless.
Moving the sect was not an easy task at all!
The sect was rooted locally, with all its foundations there, like a big tree; it couldn’t be moved easily.
If one moves, one thrives; if a tree moves, it dies!
If the sect were relocated, not only would they have to find new Spirit Mountain Blessed Lands, but also re-establish various cultivation secret sites, search for resources, and possibly confront unknown enemies in new territories.
If not careful, they would become the prey in the eyes of surrounding major powers.
If that were all, so be it, but it would also severely impact the interests of the Four Great True Monarchs.
Their aspirations of becoming immortal would become extremely dim.
Without a stable source of wealth, and the necessary Heavenly and Earthly Treasures, as well as foundational destiny, their desire to become immortal would take countless years of cultivation, and one misstep in a conflict could harm their foundation, forever severing any chance of attaining immortality.
True Monarch Lishan’s gaze flickered, and he smiled.
"During this time, I paid particular attention to the Great Xia Emperor. Even though he hasn’t been cultivating for long, he is recognized by the many citizens of the Eastern Continent as a ’Holy Monarch of an era!’"
Seeing True Monarch Qinghe about to speak, True Monarch Lishan waved his hand and continued.
"Of course, you may believe that the Great Xia Emperor is trying to cover up and win over people’s hearts, but one thing you might not know: after establishing his nation, the Great Xia Emperor did not massacre the Daqian Royal Family like Grand Ancestor of Daqian Wei Yuanyang. Even the posthumous child of the Empress of the Central Palace, Wei Xian, survived and was granted a title. Such conduct shows he is a sage king of the era!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of many Primordial Spirit Masters changed slightly.
True Monarch Lishan continued.
"But the only concern is that the Great Xia Dynasty has set strict hierarchies for the sects, noble families, and independent Daoist temples under its rule. Within the Great Xia Dynasty, many cultivation secret sites, or Immortal Cities, markets, and some Immortal Sect Dao Lineages, do not qualify for access without reaching a certain rank. This stringent restriction further stipulates that each sect must send a portion of its disciples to participate in patrolling the various lords at regular intervals!"
"These strict rules may not be friendly to our Immortal Sect Dao Lineages?"
His expression was solemn, but listening to his words, many Primordial Spirit Masters felt slightly relieved, with a trace of peculiar intent in their eyes.
True Monarch Qinghe hesitated to speak, merely glancing at True Monarch Lishan and True Monarch Guihong.
These two seemed to already lean toward the Great Xia Dynasty, so he was cautious about some remarks.
At this time, he didn’t want to gamble with his life, potentially becoming a stepping stone for others’ merits.
...
At that moment, not long after True Monarch Wanyang left Chizhang Mountain, he gently stroked his sparse mustache, with a hint of a proud smile on his face, believing that after his words, those True Monarchs of the Shangqing Sword Sect should understand the stakes clearly.
His gaze then turned toward the direction of the Profound Extreme Sect.
He sighed slightly in his eyes, then it turned sharp.
In the Five Elements Mountain, he had completely offended his sect brothers, and even the sect ancestor. Now, to establish himself, he could only rely on the Great Xia Emperor.
This time, he was active everywhere for the Great Xia Dynasty, hoping to gain the trust of the Great Xia Emperor.
If he could gain the trust of the Great Xia Emperor, he believed that even if other brothers in the Five Elements Immortal Sect and even De Yang Ancestor held hostility or murderous intent toward him, they could only watch helplessly.
In this world, low personal morals weren’t much of a concern; as long as he was capable, he could still climb over those brothers’ heads.
De Yang Ancestor’s group, in the end, was too short-sighted, having Dao Practice but unable to seize opportunities.