Daojun, start from Penglai foundation building

Clouds and mist shroud a thousand mountains, where the Bodhi platform shines with crystal-clear wisdom.
Amidst the vast desert and flying sands, long bridges and winding corridors stand amidst palaces.

Within the Four Saints Pass, four lines of golden and black ink characters hung in the sky, visible to all the geniuses of the myriad races.

Ying Tian Demon Lord memorized the four lines of verse above his head. These four lines must represent the four trials of the Four Saints Gate. The so-called Four Saints Test the Fundamentals should refer to the basic skills tested in these four trials.

Within the Four Sacred Pass, four vortex gates lie across the vast expanse of clouds, and the geniuses of all races gaze at the four gates, eager to make their move.

As Ying Tian, ​​the demon lord, was pondering the meaning of these four lines of verse, he suddenly heard a slight commotion to his side. Looking up, he saw a wandering immortal from another sect.

The immortal said, "In my humble opinion, the Four Sages are testing the fundamentals, not the methods and supernatural powers of the Dao, but the Dao mind and understanding."

"This barrier cannot be overcome by brute force, otherwise they would not have forbidden our supernatural abilities and techniques."

"Fellow Daoists, the Four Sacred Passes do not require individuals to pass them alone. Given our current state, it would be difficult for us to pass them alone. Why not join forces and pool our wisdom and efforts to create a better future together?"

After the immortal finished speaking, someone chimed in, "Yes, yes, this trial of the Fruit Rank Feast is divided into nine stages, and it will inevitably become more and more difficult as we go on. If we cannot work together, I'm afraid we will not be able to make it to the end even if we use up all our skills. Among the geniuses of all races, there are very few who are confident that they can make it to the end by their own strength."

"Now that we've come all this way to the Southern Heavenly Gate, wouldn't it be a pity if we couldn't make it to the end?"

As the two talked back and forth, it was clear that someone was already tempted: Yes, it's always easier to save effort and hide some tricks if a group of people work together in front, otherwise it would be a pity to use all their tricks but not make it to the end.

Yingtian Demon Lord coldly observed the restlessness of those people, and looking at those who were tempted, he could already see their fate.

This is a Dharma assembly for vying for the highest positions, a battlefield where the geniuses of all races compete on the same stage. How can there be any talk of working together or wishing each other well?
Is the idea of ​​everyone pooling their wisdom and efforts together?
If everyone could actually make it to the end, what was the purpose of the Heavenly Court setting up these nine barriers?
What is the purpose of having a group of immortals, Buddhas, and saints set questions and tests?

Ultimately, the goal is to filter out those who lack ability, have bad luck, and are short of blessings. If these people truly believe that the two are working together, they will inevitably become their shields.

Having roamed the myriad realms, Lord Yingtian understood this clearly. Among the scattered immortals, heretics, and wandering gods surrounding the two, there must have been many who had risen from humble beginnings. They understood it too, but remained silent.

As for his purpose, Ying Tian Yaojun could guess it: he just wanted to trick a few inexperienced fools into going through the trouble.

Just as Ying Tian Demon Lord was about to watch the show, a fiery red figure strode forward.

"A few cunning fools are trying to deceive others, while a group of people who know it's a trap are trying to get away with it. With such wicked intentions, how dare they compete for the position of the Heavenly Lord of Justice?"

"You can all linger here, I'm going to challenge the next level!"

Upon hearing this, the two who had been singing in unison immediately turned pale, and those around who were trying to find someone to take the fall also felt somewhat embarrassed.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Who is that person, so arrogant? Can she really get through this all by herself?"

One of the demons couldn't help but sneer, "You don't even recognize that person? Where did you come from?"

“That’s the Crimson Ibis Demon Lord of the Southern Fire God Palace in the Zhu Ming Realm. He survived the Xuanmen Calamity. His Southern Ming Fire has already reached the eighth level. Even if he burned you all to ashes, it wouldn’t take much of his effort.”

Zhu Mingjie South Fire God Palace!
Upon hearing this, the rogue immortal who had tried to incite the crowd to attack fell silent. The Southern Fire Divine Palace was not to be trifled with. The Vermilion Bird Great Sage of the Zhu Ming Realm was known as the Supreme Being of Fire. Most of the fire practitioners in the heavens had worshipped his Dharma Image. The Southern Ming Fire could truly burn away the entire universe and scorch the void.

Looking at the proud back of the Crested Ibis Demon Lord, Ying Tian thought to himself, "The Crested Ibis Demon Lord of the Southern Fire God Palace is indeed extraordinary."

Having said that, Yingtian Demon Lord quickly chased after him. Having grown accustomed to the charming concubines and delicate beauties, and seeing the heroic and spirited Crested Ibis Demon Lord who was no less than a man, Yingtian Demon Lord had to admit that he was somewhat moved.

Most importantly, the Southern Fire God Palace of the Zhu Ming Realm is the sacred land of the demon race that dominates the Zhu Ming Realm, even surpassing the Yinglong clan of the Kuocang Realm.
Just as Ying Tian Demon Lord was about to catch up and get to know him, he saw that the Crested Ibis Demon Lord walked to the side of a Taoist priest and entered a vortex door with him. This made Ying Tian Demon Lord freeze immediately.

"Oh, isn't this Ying Tian from the Kuocang Realm? What beauty has made you so distracted?"

A teasing voice came from behind. Ying Tian, ​​the demon lord, turned his head and saw that the newcomer was wearing a golden flame armor skirt and a golden hairpin with flame wings. She was bright and beautiful, and her figure was not as delicate as that of a human woman. She had a tall and gorgeous appearance. Beside the newcomer was an honest scholar who looked very simple and honest. He was dressed in white clothes and a jade crown.

As for the identity of the newcomer, Ying Tian Yaojun was also very familiar with it: "Jin Ni, you actually came too."

The Golden Lion Demon Lord is a descendant of the Crimson Flame Lion Great Sage of the Blazing Plains in the Great Wilderness Realm!

As for the seemingly honest and simple scholar next to him, he was a descendant of the Great Sage Xuanjia of Chenshapu Mountain Marsh, also from the Great Wilderness Realm, and was the White-Armored Demon Lord.

These two are no less skilled than I am.

The Golden Lion Demon Lord laughed and said, "If you can come, why can't I? By the way, you just wanted to get to know the Crested Ibis, didn't you?"

Ying Tian, ​​the Demon Lord, sneered: "So what if it is? A beautiful lady is sought after by a gentleman, what's wrong with that?"

Upon hearing this, the Golden Lion Demon Lord waved his hands repeatedly: "I didn't mean that. I'm very happy that you want to pursue the Crested Ibis Demon Lord."

Then, the Golden Lion Demon Lord asked with great interest, "Speaking of which, Ying Tian, ​​do you know the origin of the Taoist priest beside the Crested Ibis Demon Lord?"

"That is the Penglai Spiritual Abyss of the Eastern Heavenly Daoist School. The Crested Ibis Demon Lord entered the Xuanmen Tribulation with the aim of helping him break through the tribulation. The person you admire already has someone else in his heart."

With that, the Golden Lion Demon Lord passed the Ying Tian Demon Lord and walked towards the vortex gate.

The white-armored demon lord following beside the Golden Lion Demon Lord asked curiously, "Golden Lion, how did you know that the Crested Ibis Demon Lord entered the Xuanmen Tribulation to help Penglai Lingyuan break through the tribulation?"

The Golden Lion Demon Lord rolled his eyes at the White-Armored Demon Lord: "Idiot, you believe me just because I say so?"

"Ying An doesn't know the purpose of the crested ibis entering the Nine Provinces, but you don't?"

"How did that nine-headed worm from Bibo Pool die? Wasn't it because she fought with the crested ibis and died? How could she possibly fall into her own calamity by helping others break free from theirs?"

"As for Penglai Lingyuan, he is single-mindedly devoted to the Great Dao and has no interest in love. Neither of them are the kind of people who would abandon their future for love." The white-armored demon lord asked in confusion, "Then why did you lie to Ying Tian?"

The Golden Lion Demon Lord snorted coldly: "I look down on his womanizing ways, so I just want to annoy him. What else could I do?"

"Idiot, forget about him, let's get through this quickly."

The White-Armored Demon Lord followed the Golden Lion Demon Lord into the vortex gate and then disappeared without a trace. The Yingtian Demon Lord, who remained in place, was silent for a moment, then said disdainfully, "Heh, you think you can fool me with just a few words? Just how much of a philanderer do you think I am in the eyes of the Golden Lion?"

Shaking his head, Ying Tian Yaojun decided not to linger and watch the show any longer, and randomly chose a vortex door to enter.

The sky was clear and the air was fresh, with clouds and mist swirling around.

As you can see, the mountains are layered upon layered, with pine and cypress trees stretching endlessly, and paths everywhere disappearing into the mountains, making it difficult to distinguish the roads amidst the towering peaks and strange cliffs.

Looking at the scene, Ying Tian Yaojun knew that he had entered the test set by Jingxuan Daojun. The Cloud-shrouded and Mist-covered Thousand Mountains Realm was this continuous mountain range.

Without the slightest dizziness or discomfort, the world changed instantly upon stepping out. The methods of the Pure Yang were far beyond what beings of the Ninth Realm could match. Even a Pure Yang who had entered the Dao could be rendered unable to distinguish reality from illusion by a few spells.

Standing atop the rocks and gazing out, Ying Tian, ​​the Demon Lord, was momentarily puzzled as to what this trial was testing.

"The Antarctic Emperor of Immortality said that this level is a test of the Four Sages' fundamental abilities, and this realm is called the Realm of Clouds and Mist Enveloping Mountains. Could it be that it is a test of patience and comprehension, and how to get out of this maze of mountains?"

After pondering for a moment, the Demon Lord Yingtian found a mountain path and stepped onto it, disappearing into the mountain mist in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, amidst the raging sandstorm, the Golden Lion Demon Lord and the White Armor Demon Lord were trying to huddle together to avoid the sandstorm.

"This sandstorm is too fierce. It not only disrupts our divine senses but also damages our physical body and mind. We must avoid the sandstorm, otherwise, if we are buried by the yellow sand, we will probably be eliminated directly."

The Golden Lion Demon Lord spoke loudly, but even though she was pressed close to the White Armor Demon Lord, her voice was instantly blown away by the yellow sand and gale.

The white-armored demon lord saw the golden lion demon lord's lips move but couldn't hear a sound, so he could only move his body to shield the golden lion demon lord with his body. The golden lion demon lord looked at the white-armored demon lord with a helpless expression: "This idiot, he didn't hear what I said at all."

Despite saying this, the Golden Lion Demon Lord still tried his best to discern directions and find a way out in the sandstorm: "With this sandstorm raging all over the sky, is there really anyone who can guess the riddle and get out?"

What the Golden Lion Demon Lord couldn't see was that amidst the endless yellow sand and the bone-chilling storm, a figure was moving straight forward in the sandstorm.

The figure, wearing a blue crown and a black robe, could only be Jiang Sheng.
Even though the raging sand and waterfalls confused his senses and soul, and even though the storm ravaged his body and bones, it could not stop Jiang Sheng's progress. The somewhat thin Taoist disappeared step by step into the storm amidst the sandstorm. This yellow sandstorm could not hinder Jiang Sheng in the slightest, as if Jiang Sheng knew where the road ahead lay.

At this moment, in the Lingxiao Palace of the Nine Heavens, the Divine Emperor looked at the various trial scenes projected in the Heavenly Mirror with surprise and doubt. He looked around and finally looked at the Divine Wind Great Sage: "Why did Penglai Lingyuan move so fast in the Yellow Wind Domain?"

Before the Great Sage of Divine Wind could speak, a Celestial Lord from the Eastern Heaven stepped forward: "Divine Firmament Emperor, you are someone who participated in the Trial Assembly but failed to even pass the first level. What right do you have to criticize me, the True Lord of the Eastern Heaven?"

Are you questioning whether the Great Sage of Divine Wind was unfair, or are you questioning whether the Great Emperor of Longevity was biased and protective?

Upon hearing this, the Divine Emperor of Shenxiao was speechless. He was participating in the Trial Dharma Assembly, but he was, after all, the Divine Emperor of Shenxiao of the Heavenly Court, and had been in charge of the Heavenly Laws and Decrees for the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor for ten thousand years, so he naturally received some special treatment.

The Divine Emperor only needs to participate in the final three trials. There is no need for him to compete with the geniuses of all races in the earlier stages. Otherwise, it would inevitably be seen as bullying the weak. In addition, the Divine Emperor disdains to fight with those juniors in the early stages. If anyone wants to compete with him for the throne, they should pass the first six trials first.

If you can't pass the first six levels, you're not qualified to stand before him.

Faced with the arrogance of the Divine Emperor, none of the immortals, Buddhas, and saints in the hall said anything. But now that the Divine Emperor is going to stand up and question Jiang Sheng, how can the Eastern Heaven Daoist School be happy about it?

Indeed, the three Heavenly Venerables looked down on the struggle for the Mahayana fruit position. Not to mention the three Heavenly Venerables, even the Dao Lords of the Eastern Heaven did not attend, but all the Immortal Lords of the Eastern Heaven were present.

Therefore, looking at the angry Xuanji Dongyang Emperor, and facing the questioning from Xiangyu Immortal Lord, who had shared life and death with Jiang Sheng, Shenxiao Emperor naturally did not want to have any conflict with him. Seeing the anger on the faces of the immortal lords of the Eastern Heaven, while the gods of the Heavenly Court turned a blind eye, Shenxiao Emperor did not have the confidence to continue to argue with the immortal lords of the Eastern Heaven.

Seeing that Emperor Shenxiao no longer questioned him, Immortal Lord Xiangyu snorted and sat down again: "To actually question Lingyuan, this Emperor Shenxiao must have been in the imperial palace for too long, and his mind has become dull."

At this moment, Huaguang Immortal Lord, who was standing next to Xiangyu Immortal Lord, also said: "That's right, he just can't stand Lingyuan competing with him, but doesn't he think that without my Eastern Heaven Daoist family, where would the position of Judicial Heavenly Lord come from?"

The two immortal lords who were closely related to Jiang Sheng were naturally united in their hatred of the enemy, while the Great Sage of Divine Wind calmly sipped his wine, seemingly not caring at all.

But in reality, Shenfeng Dasheng did indeed treat Jiang Sheng well.

The Great Sage of Divine Wind, along with the Great Sage of Five Elements Kong Xuan, assisted the Eastern Heaven Daoist School and contributed to the Xuanmen Great Calamity. Therefore, he deserves a share of the Eastern Heaven's fortune and merit.

Although the Great Sage of Divine Wind did not receive an imperial decree from the Heavenly Court, he still received tangible benefits.

Moreover, the Demon Emperor Palace originally came from the Mountain and River Realm and had close ties with the Eastern Heaven Daoist Family, which was originally the Mountain and River Daoist Sect. It would be very easy for the Great Sage of Divine Wind to give Jiang Sheng some guidance in secret.

Not to mention that the Great Sage Shenfeng secretly intervened, Daoist Jingxuan also provided guidance in secret. Once Jiang Sheng enters the Thousand Mountains Maze, he will pass through it quickly.

As for fairness, the Eastern Heavenly Daoist School has made great efforts to ensure the prosperity of the Three Realms and the Great Thousand Worlds. Not only has it incorporated all the Xuanmen into the Three Realms and absorbed the fortune of all the Xuanmen in the heavens, but it has also brought a huge foundation to the Three Realms and the Great Thousand Worlds, enabling the Three Realms and the Great Thousand Worlds to give birth to one after another of the highest positions.

To put it bluntly, the position of the Heavenly Ruler of Justice was originally created by the Eastern Heavenly Daoist school. Others have no right to compete for it. What's wrong with giving them some preferential treatment?
Don't you see that the Divine Emperor of the Dark Firmament doesn't even need to participate in the first six trials?
Therefore, both Daoist Jingxuan and Great Sage Shenfeng secretly intervened, and Jiang Sheng was the only one who helped. The other True Lords of the Eastern Heaven and the Demon Lords of the Demon Emperor's Palace would not show too much favoritism, so there was no need to worry about others noticing anything.

As for the immortals, Buddhas, and deities filling the hall?
The favoritism shown by Daoist Jingxuan and Great Sage Shenfeng could not be hidden from Daoist Qiongyun. After all, Daoist Qiongyun had personally combined the four trials into one, but Daoist Qiongyun did not say anything.
Otherwise, with Qiongyun Daojun's cultivation, he could easily send Jiang Sheng into a test set by Zhenque Bodhisattva or the Supreme Emperor, making Jiang Sheng waste a lot of effort.

To some extent, the behind-the-scenes manipulation that helped Jiang Sheng included not only Shenfeng Dasheng, an "outsider" from the Demon Emperor's Palace, but also Qiongyun Daojun, an "enemy" who held the position of the Heavenly Emperor of Longevity.

The Divine Emperor Shenxiao noticed some problems with this trial, but he couldn't see them clearly. He didn't see the smiling face of the Eastern King Duke, nor the mocking eyes of the Western Queen Mother; he didn't see the three Buddhas chatting and laughing, nor did he see the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor, who clearly saw all the heavens, yet remained silent.

So, everything happened so naturally. (End of Chapter)