Lord of the Earth

"Fellow Daoists, now that everyone who is to participate in the banquet has arrived, let's... begin the feast!"

Then, he looked at everyone present and spoke.

"Hmm, so it's starting already? It seems... the legendary Jade Emperor, as well as the Bodhisattvas and Arhats from the Western Paradise, haven't come?"

Xia Tian was slightly surprised.

Logically speaking, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the Three Realms, should be present at this grand Peach Banquet, along with the Western Buddhist Kingdom, the Buddha, and other deities. Why is it starting now?

Does this also imply some kind of message?

At this moment, the Seven Fairy Maidens and many fairy maidens held jade pots and fine wines and began to pour wine into the jade cups in front of the gods and immortals. The one serving Xia Tian's meal was actually a "Bluebird"!
"This is the 'Hundred Flowers Immortal Wine' specially brewed by Yaochi. Please, Your Majesty, taste it."

The bluebird's voice is very beautiful.

But Xia Tian dared not be negligent and personally stood up to greet him.

This is because this "Azure Bird" is also at the quasi-god level, no less powerful than any "ruler of an imperial dynasty"!

"Fine wine! Its aroma is intoxicating even before you've tasted it."

Looking into the glass in the summer, one sees that the liquid is crystal clear, not the usual color of wine, but rather a dreamlike seven-colored shimmer. Upon closer inspection, it seems as if countless tiny petals are floating and swirling in the liquid, and the aroma is intoxicating. Just smelling it makes one feel refreshed and invigorated, and even the spiritual energy within the body becomes more active.

"Your Majesty has excellent eyesight. This wine is made from the essence of ten thousand kinds of divine flowers in the Jade Pool, supplemented with the morning dew from the peach branches and leaves, and has been aged for a thousand years. It has the miraculous effect of cleansing the immortal body and refining the soul."

The bluebird's smile was clear, and its eyes were as transparent as a spring pool.

"This is brewed from the holy water of the Jade Pool... Its miraculous effects are enough to make mortals ascend to immortality on the spot, and to advance the cultivation of gods..."

Strictly speaking, this is not simply "wine"; its essence is actually the water of the Jade Pool.

Yaochi is a place of outstanding natural beauty and spiritual energy, the sacred site of the Queen Mother of the West, and the true abode of a supreme deity.

It cultivates not only innate spiritual roots like peaches of immortality, but also countless rare flowers and herbs, lingzhi mushrooms and ginseng at the divine, top-level divine, and even quasi-true god levels!
The petals, fruits, and even leaves of these spiritual plants contain immense spiritual power and Daoist charm. Even a single leaf falling into the mortal world is enough to revive the dead and heal the wounded. As they naturally fall and wither, their essence is absorbed into the waters of the "Jade Pool," where it is naturally brewed over the years.

Just like the legendary "monkey wine", it has formed the unique "Hundred Flowers Immortal Wine" in this world!
"Haha, this Jade Pool Immortal Wine is truly extraordinary. Every time I drink it, I am completely intoxicated, as if my Dao realm has been loosened."

The three gods of fortune, prosperity, and longevity raised their glasses in celebration, their faces beaming with satisfaction and joy.

The forthright Han Zhongli and the seemingly unruly Tieguai Li couldn't wait any longer and directly picked up the wine cups that the Seven Fairies had just filled and drank them all in one gulp!

Immediately, their auras surged, and Daoist principles flowed, seemingly indicating that they had touched the bottleneck of the "Peak of Peerless Gods" and were showing signs of breaking through to the next level...

If the wine brewed by Du Kang before was already praised by many gods, then the effects of this Jade Pool Immortal Wine can be described as heaven-defying!
This is truly capable of cleansing the "soul" of deities, removing inner demons and impurities, and increasing one's understanding of the "rules" of heaven and earth by ten, dozens, or even a hundred times in a short period of time...

"Besides enjoying the celestial wine, one can't miss the peaches of immortality..."

The Queen Mother of the West smiled and spoke.
At her signal, celestial maidens brought out jade platters, on which were placed the famous peaches of immortality, renowned throughout the Three Realms!
But Xia Tian noticed that these peaches were different from the ordinary ones that ripen once every nine thousand years. They were larger, had a deeper color, and the natural flow of the Dao patterns on their bodies was more complex and mysterious. The spiritual energy and Dao charm they emitted were almost tangible.

The Old Mother of Lishan picked up one, examined it for a moment, and then smiled at the Queen Mother of the West.
"The fruit on the mother tree, sister, is becoming increasingly extraordinary; we are truly benefiting from it this time."

Zhenyuan Daxian stroked his beard and nodded: "Indeed, this fruit contains such rich vitality that it is close to the Dao."

Doumu Yuanjun looked at Huang Rong and the others with a kind expression and said.

"Children, this item is just what you need; do not disappoint the Queen Mother's kindness."

Peaches (beared by the mother tree)

[Grade] Innate Spiritual Object - Derivative (Top True God Level)

[Description] This fruit comes from the "Peach Mother Tree," one of the five innate spiritual roots. It contains a trace of the innate Yi Wood essence and immortal divinity. After consumption, an "immortal mark" will be imprinted deep within the soul. When encountering a calamity that will surely lead to death, this mark can be consumed to preserve the true spirit and reshape the immortal body, which is equivalent to gaining a chance to be reborn!

[Note] The five innate spiritual roots (Bodhi tree, peach tree, ginseng fruit tree, yellow plum, and hibiscus wood) can be combined to form a chaotic spiritual root at the "quasi-supreme" level, and may even have the supreme potential to nurture "supreme spiritual objects"!

"Eating the peaches from this mother tree can... grant one a chance to be reborn!"

Other attributes need no further explanation; the mere mention of the "gain an extra life" effect is enough to make Xia Tian's heart flutter.

Those peaches that have been growing for nine thousand years are said to ensure that the true spirit of living beings will never perish and that they will live longer.

Now, the fruit from this mother tree, which can be described as the source of the Peach Blossom Spring, has an even more miraculous effect, directly granting the user a chance to save their life!

Since it is a spiritual object equivalent to the level of a "top-level true god", its effects will at least be effective when facing attacks from top-level true gods of the same level!
Furthermore, based on the "innate Yi wood origin and immortal divinity" contained in its description, even when facing those supreme beings who have surpassed true gods and entered the "quasi-supreme" realm, as long as the attack does not instantly annihilate all cause and effect and traces of existence, there may still be a glimmer of hope!
In this way, the peaches of immortality are undoubtedly a crucial life-saving trump card for him, as well as for Wu Song and Huang Rong, who are about to face even more challenges. Their value is immeasurable.

"By the way, I went back to Kunlun Ruins before and some apricots were ripe, so I picked some to bring back... Qing'er, please share them with all of you fellow Daoists."

At this moment, the Queen Mother of the West gave another seemingly casual instruction.

The bluebird, following orders, led several fairy maidens to distribute another type of spiritual fruit to some of the immortals and gods present.

"Hmm? This is..." It resembles an apricot, but is entirely golden yellow, with mysterious runes naturally condensed on its surface. Upon closer inspection, the runes faintly form the characters "Huang Zhong" (meaning "Yellow Center")!
The Daoist aura emanating from the fruit is not the same as the boundless vitality of the peach of immortality, but rather a mysterious aura that points directly to the origin of the Great Dao and inspires wisdom.

【Huang Zhongli】

[Grade] Innate Spiritual Root (Top-Tier True God)

[Attributes] Enlightenment, Foundation Condensation

[Description] This is the fruit of the "Yellow Plum," one of the Five Innate Spiritual Roots. This spiritual root requires a complete growth cycle of 30,000 years (10,000 years for flowering, 10,000 years for fruiting, and 10,000 years for maturation), producing only nine fruits each time. The flower resembles a lotus, and the fruit is shaped like a pearl stamen, naturally containing Dao patterns. Consuming it can greatly enhance the efficiency of enlightenment and has a very high probability of assisting in the condensation of a "prototype of Dao Fruit," laying an unparalleled foundation for stepping into the realm of "quasi-true god."

[Note] The "Prototype of Dao Fruit" is the initial form of the Dao Fruit of a True God, marking the threshold of qualitative change in the comprehension and application of rules. Although this item cannot directly create a True God, it is the most crucial and insurmountable hurdle on the path to True Godhood—the peerless treasure of the "Quasi-True God" stage.

"What?! The nascent form of a Dao Fruit has been condensed?!"

Upon seeing this attribute description, Xia Tian's heart trembled once again.

This is because the so-called "Tao Fruit" is the condensation of a true god's cultivation and rules, and is the core symbol of his existence!
The "prototype of Dao Fruit" is a key sign that one has stepped into the realm of "quasi-true god", meaning that the cultivator has begun to integrate what he has learned and has touched the edge of the exclusive rules!
In other words, this "Huangzhongli" is enough to help a being trapped at the peak of the supreme god realm greatly increase the success rate of condensing the rudimentary form of the Dao Fruit. It can even be said that it is the key to creating a "quasi-true god"!

After all, the path of the true god involves the origin and cannot be completely relied upon by external things.

However, the enlightenment opportunity and foundation-refining effect provided by Huang Zhongli for the breakthrough to the Quasi-True God realm are undoubtedly heaven-defying assistance!

“In a sense, the value of this Huangzhong plum for the current stage of cultivation even surpasses that of the ‘Mother Tree Peach’…” Xia Tian took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart.

He soon discovered that not every immortal or deity possessed this Huangzhong Li. It seemed that only those at the pinnacle of divine power, such as himself and Wu Song, who urgently needed a breakthrough, or those like Lü Dongbin, who were already "quasi-true gods" and needed to further solidify their foundation and clarify their path forward, had such divine objects placed before them.

"Perhaps this was done intentionally by the Queen Mother of the West? Was it because she saw the special connection between Yaochi and us, and thus gave it special treatment?"

Summer pondered to herself, casting a grateful glance at the "Queen Mother of the West" before her.

"With fine wine and spiritual fruits to enhance the festivities, we naturally need profound knowledge and wisdom to accompany the wine and cleanse our hearts... Let us proceed as usual, sitting down together to discuss the Dao and exchange our insights. What does the Queen Mother of the West think?"

At this moment, Emperor Donghua put down his wine cup and made a loud suggestion, his voice echoing throughout the Jade Pool.

"As it should be."

The Queen Mother of the West nodded with a smile, indicating her agreement.

"With so many distinguished guests gathered here, why don't we invite Fellow Daoist Ziwei to first expound on the workings of the stars and the principles of imperial rule, thus setting the stage for this grand gathering?"

The Eastern King turned his gaze to the Purple Star Emperor and spoke.

The Purple Star Emperor, surrounded by swirling starlight, nodded slightly upon hearing this. His voice was grand and majestic, as if resonating with the entire celestial sphere.

"Very well. Since Fellow Daoist Donghua has invited me, I will offer this as a starting point to discuss with you all the matters of the stellar order and the art of imperial rule..."

"What, the way of the emperor?"

Hearing their conversation, Xia Tian couldn't help but put down the "Huang Zhong Li" she was about to eat.

"So that's how it is. Listening to the teachings of these top human 'true gods' and personally experiencing their profound pronouncements is the most crucial and precious opportunity of this 'Peach Banquet'!"

It should be noted that almost everyone present was a being above the highest level of deity, and their next goal was to attempt to break through to the elusive "Path of True God".

But how easy is it to become a true god?
That is not merely the accumulation of divine power, but also the understanding and mastery of the essence of "Tao," a complete transformation at the level of life!

If supreme deities merely wield power within a certain framework of rules, then true gods are those who weave the prototype of rules themselves!

The difference between them is like the difference between clouds and mud.

Throughout the entire Qianxia era, there has not been a single true "god" to preside over it, nor even a "quasi-god" who has taken that step entirely on his own!
This also led to Xia Tian himself wondering how to condense his own "Dao Fruit".
There has never been a clue what to do.

In fact, without guidance, even with the fortunate acquisition of the "Yellow Plum" that can assist in condensing the "prototype of the Dao Fruit," one can only build a vague framework at best...

It is not much different from the "quasi-true god" who has stepped into the realm with the blessing of "imperial dynasty fortune".

To truly understand the essence of "True God's Path and Fruit" and master the methods of condensation and elevation, one must listen to the "sermons" of these pioneering beings to absorb their wisdom and experience!
Moreover, the preacher cannot be an ordinary deity.

It should be noted that the Ziwei Emperor himself followed the path of "the Way of the Stars" and "the Way of the Emperor". He regarded the stars in the sky as his subjects, divided them into the Three Enclosures, the Four Symbols, and the Twenty-Eight Mansions, and constructed a strict system of star order. This is similar in principle to how human emperors rule the world and establish a bureaucratic system to govern the people.

Xia Tian's current cultivation and mastery of various powers are based on the "Way of the Emperor," supplemented by the "Way of Thunder" for killing and judgment, and the "Way of the Five Elements" for derivation and balance...

Now, the Purple Star Emperor is about to expound the Way of "Imperial Rule" and "Order of the Stars," which are most compatible with himself. This is undoubtedly the most suitable supreme Dharma sound to "build the foundation of the Dao" and point out the way forward for him!

Emperor Ziwei sat upright on his cloud bed, not speaking immediately, but the starlight around him suddenly brightened, transforming into countless tiny star runes that began to slowly circulate in an incomparably mysterious trajectory. The entire sky above Yaochi seemed to instantly transform into an endless starry sky, with countless stars shining and the imperial star hanging high.

A grand, majestic, and orderly Daoist aura permeated the air, causing all the immortals and gods to unconsciously hold their breath and concentrate.

"The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The way of the emperor manifests in the heavens and takes shape on the earth... Observe the way of heaven and act accordingly, and you will have exhausted all..." (End of this chapter)