From the Ming Dynasty, we will conquer the world

Is this matter settled?
Upon hearing those four words again, Hong Yi clearly sensed something was amiss. Could the "here" mentioned by the patriarch be...?

In fact, they all knew that Xu Xing was a powerful figure from outside the Great Thousand World, but as Hong Yi's understanding of the cultivation system of this world increased, he realized more and more how extraordinary this patriarch was.

It seems that the martial arts he taught were not only absent from the Great Thousand World, but also from the outer world, and even from the records of a supreme powerhouse like Emperor Yuan.

Yin Yue felt this most deeply.

Because he knew very well that if there really was a source of "demonic forces" in this world, then it would have already poisoned the entire universe. Since there was no other heaven, then there really wasn't one.

Xu Xing didn't intend to keep anyone in suspense, he simply nodded and said:
“I am not from your universe, but from another universe.”

Upon hearing this expected yet still shocking news, Hong Yi, Yin Yue, and the other ghost immortals were all stunned for a moment, and then revealed an unprecedented look of ecstasy.

The higher one's level of attainment, the more this applies; there is absolutely no such thing as "avoiding worldly conventions."

The supreme realm of transcending the calamities of an era and crossing the sea of ​​suffering carries the eternal yearning of all beings. Even supreme beings of all ages, such as the Yuan Emperor and the Daoist of Creation, cannot be certain whether this realm exists.

That's why they crafted magical artifacts like the "Buddha's Robe" and the "Boat of Creation" to verify their path to the other shore. Hong Yi, now draped in the Boat of Creation, feels this even more deeply.

But now, does Xu Xing's appearance prove that the other shore is no longer a vague fantasy, but a real place?
Thinking of this, Hong Yi felt a burning sensation in his heart.

Xu Xing, of course, knew what they were thinking, and shook his head, preemptively rejecting the idea:
"Although it's not the same universe, my origin cannot be called the Other Shore either. The reason I went to the Origin Land this time was to pay my respects to Brother Changsheng. He had a very apt explanation."

Upon hearing the denial, everyone's spirits sank slightly, but when they heard the name "Emperor of Immortality," they unconsciously perked up their ears again.

The name of this powerful figure needs no further explanation. He has long been a legend, an epic, and a myth as the teacher of the Holy Emperor. Now that Xu Xing has the honor of meeting him, it is no wonder that everyone is filled with emotion.

Moreover, according to the patriarch, they did not even meet as seniors and juniors, but rather as peers discussing the Dao.
Xu Xing continued speaking.

"If we compare the world to a sea of ​​suffering, then the universe is like a series of islands floating in it. Only by being in it can all living beings be protected and not be swallowed up by the storms."

"But even so, it is not a perfect solution. The island will also have its end. That is why the gods of the past have tried to cross the sea of ​​suffering and reach the other shore. My origin is just another island."

Hong Yi frowned and couldn't help but ask:
"Master, if the world is an island, are there differences in size and distance between islands?"

Xu Xing nodded approvingly:

"That's right. I have to admit that some worlds are naturally closer to the other side. Among the many worlds I've experienced, your world is one of them."

"Based on what I've seen and heard, there must be other islands that are closer, larger, and have more powerful inhabitants."

Hong Yi understood and said:
"In that case, reaching the other shore may be more difficult and more unattainable than the Yang Gods of the past generations thought. After all, according to this view, they have only just begun to try to 'go into the water'."

Xu Xing nodded again and said:

"That makes sense, but..."

He paused here, his gaze sweeping over his disciples who were either excited, invigorated, confused, or despairing. He smiled slightly and said gently:
"Let's think about it from a different perspective. The other side may be far away, but from another angle, it also shows that the world is still very big, bigger than we can imagine."

"If the other shore is infinitely far away, then the world must also be infinitely large. With infinity facing infinity, who can say that we will definitely not be able to reach the other shore, or that we will definitely drown in the sea of ​​suffering?"

Although Xu Xing's voice was not loud, his tone was extremely firm, which naturally gave it an extraordinary appeal.

Because everything he said was not baseless speculation, but a true personal experience.

Xu Xing embarked on his cultivation journey from the world of the Ming Dynasty, and to this day, it has been less than fifty years.

But in these short fifty years, he has accumulated knowledge and skills across several worlds, reaching a level where he can compete with powerful figures like the Longevity Emperor and the Creation Daoist, who possess tens of thousands of years of cultivation.

That's enough to explain the problem.

After speaking, Xu Xing did not explain further, but simply waved his right hand and took the ring from Hong Yi's hand.

He incorporated the "Ark of Creation," the future master, and numerous seeds of origin into it, then handed it to Hong Yi, instructing him:
"On this trip to the Origin Land, I also killed the Creation Daoist. From now on, Yang Pan and the others will have no backing, so you can do whatever you want."

"However, the outer world has now gathered a considerable number of powerful individuals, including Yang Pan, Hong Xuanji, and Meng Shenji."

"This is also a test for you. If you can subdue it, you will be able to enter the Yang God realm."

Although Xu Xing only mentioned it casually, Hong Yi's face turned solemn, realizing just how arduous the future would be.

But he showed no sign of backing down, simply nodding and saying in a deep voice:
"I will respectfully follow the instructions of the patriarch."

Seeing his overly respectful demeanor, Xu Xing sighed and gave up trying to correct him, then said:

“I have already sent Xu Wuyi to be reborn. Five years later, I will be held back and unable to return as promised. Then you will go and find him and bring him into our sect.”

After speaking, Xu Xing gave a few more instructions to Yin Yue, Tai Shi, and the group of ghost immortals, all of which were to guide their cultivation progress.

Having reached Xu Xing's level, even a few words were enough to benefit them greatly. Therefore, even though they all knew that parting was imminent, they couldn't help but smile with joy.

After a while, most of them dispersed, seeking seclusion to cultivate and convert all their gains into cultivation, so as to survive the next tribulation or reach a higher realm.

Hong Yi felt the earnest hope that his ancestor had placed in him. He was both excited and somewhat anxious, so he returned to his place of cultivation and began to study the Taoist teachings that Xu Xing had passed down this time.

In an instant, only Tu Shan Sang remained on the spot.

This little fox, who was transformed from a pure fox, was the most talented member of the West Mountain Fox Clan. He was also fortunate to receive personal instruction from Xu Xing, who often gave him his advice. Yet, he remained calm and unassuming, with little ambition. He could be considered a great anomaly in the Demon God Cave.

Xu Xing looked at Tu Shan Sang, who seemed hesitant and at a loss for words, pointed in the direction Hong Yi had gone, suddenly smiled, and asked:

"Seeing how much your master values ​​this junior brother, do you feel a little uncomfortable?"

Tu Shan Sang paused for a moment, then counted on his fingers, thought carefully for a while, before shaking his head and saying with sincere admiration:

“Although my junior brother is young and started cultivating late, he is a true scholar with such talent. It is only natural that the patriarch values ​​him.”

At this point, Tu Shan Sang began to speak at length.

Although she joined the sect before Hong Yi, she learned a lot from this junior brother during their time together and had accumulated a lot of things she wanted to share with someone.

However, since arriving at Cloud Mist Mountain, the members of the West Mountain Fox Clan have been holding their breath, wanting to prove their status as "personally taught by the patriarch," and have been working hard to cultivate, so no one listens to her.

Tu Shan Sang wasn't very familiar with the others, so when Xu Xing brought up the topic, she naturally couldn't hold back.

Although Xu Xing didn't have much time, he wasn't impatient at all. Instead, he sat down next to Tu Shan Sang, squinted his eyes, looked at the earnest little girl, and smiled gently.

After Tu Shan Sang finished listing Hong Yi's poetic talent, literary theories, insights, martial arts aptitude, cultivation endowment, and all his merits, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, held his head in his hands, a worried look on his face, and let out a long sigh.

She was a little embarrassed, but couldn't help saying:

"Master, I'm really feeling a bit unwell right now."

Although Tu Shan Sang knew that Hong Yi was very outstanding, she had never listed his merits in such detail as she had today, so she couldn't help but feel a little dejected after arriving at the answer.

Tu Shan Sang was never one to be jealous of talent, and he was happy to see his junior brother achieve great things. But wasn't your talent a little too good, and your development a little too good...?

Tu Shan Sang sadly discovered that, when facing Hong Yi, she, as his senior sister, couldn't even muster the will to catch up.

This wasn't just because of her temperament, but also because the gap between them was simply too vast. Tu Shan Sang even couldn't help but wonder if the ancestor had valued her back then because the Xishan Fox Clan was so small that they could only choose the tallest among the short?
Xu Xing looked at Tu Shan Sang, who was dejected and looking utterly dejected, and couldn't help but burst into laughter:
"It is only natural that Hong Yi is destined to become the last of the many sons and become a Yang God. His talent is so great that not only can you not compare to him, but no one in the world can match him either."

Although Tu Shan Sang had already realized the truth of the matter, hearing Xu Xing say this still made her feel a pang of sadness, and she said sourly:
"Master, please stop, please stop."

Seeing her wrinkle her nose and furrow her brows, Xu Xing burst into laughter again before speaking seriously:

"Actually, in my opinion, you are no different from each other."

"The world I seek is one where all things flourish, so that all beings can have choices, whether they like to cultivate or do whatever they like."

"I teach you Taoist arts and martial arts not so that you will all pursue greater power, or even regard power as the only standard for measuring the value of others."

After listening, Tu Shan Sang thought for a moment and then said seriously:

"It sounds like it's very difficult."

Xu Xing's smile remained unchanged.

"If it's not difficult, what's the point?"
"If the world had become like that, it would have been far too boring and monotonous, and it would not have been able to give rise to such a vast and complex system for future generations to learn from and study."

After speaking, Xu Xing stood up again, looked towards the Western Hills, sighed softly, and said with emotion:
"Actually, those twenty years in Xishan were probably the most leisurely twenty years of my life."

Although it hasn't been that long ago, Xu Xing feels as if it were a lifetime ago when he talks about it now.

Only after being forcibly removed from his previous fast-paced life of martial arts was Xu Xing able to examine his own character from a completely new perspective, and to more deeply understand the changes in movement and stillness, the way of tension and relaxation, thereby mastering the principles of Yin and Yang.

In other words, if it weren't for that period of his life, he would never have been able to resonate with the "Shangqing Great Cave True Scripture," let alone cultivate the Five Primordial Spirits of the Innate Realm, form an inner universe, and reach a level that rivals the Supreme Dao Venerable.

Compared to those supernatural powers and spells, this subtle and gradual change in mindset was Xu Xing's greatest gain.

For a period of time, he even forgot to consciously practice martial arts and Taoist arts. He simply chatted with Tu Shan Sang and the other fox clan members, teaching them the principles of cultivation, accompanying them as they grew, and spending one sunny and vibrant day after another with them.

During this period, Xu Xing did these things without any purpose, or even with any condescending subjective guidance; everything happened naturally and spontaneously.

By the time Xu Xing came to his senses, his Taoist skills had unknowingly broken through and advanced to a completely new level. This was the essence of being carefree and forgetting worldly concerns.

Recalling that time, Xu Xing's gaze softened. He looked towards the Western Hills over the sea, passing by familiar faces before finally settling on Tu Shan Sang. He smiled and said:
"If it weren't for your companionship, I might not be able to live such a leisurely life, and my mind wouldn't be as natural as it is now. In that respect, I should thank you. Thank you all."

Tu Shan Sang sincerely said:

"Our ancestor opened the spiritual gates and bestowed the Dharma upon our clan, which is of immeasurable merit. What we have done is just a few insignificant little things. In any case, we are not worthy of this word of thanks."

Xu Xing shook his head and said:
"For me, this is by no means a small matter. You may not understand it now, and you may never understand it in the future, but that is the truth."

Xu Xing stepped forward, holding Tu Shan Sang's hand, and with one step, they arrived at the top of West Mountain.

Since Xu Xing took over the Demon God Cave, Xishan has moved to the Cloud Mist Mountain Secret Realm, living next to a group of powerful Vajra Divine Apes.

Nowadays, the vast majority of foxes are scattered throughout the Cloud Mist Mountains, picking peaches and spiritual roots to cultivate diligently. Only a few old foxes remain in the Cloud Mist Mountains to guard the area, gazing into the distance with wistful eyes.

Although the Pure Fox Clan has always considered themselves to be directly descended from their ancestor, they have to admit that compared to these exceptionally talented and divine beast-blooded mighty Vajra Divine Apes, their only notable quality is the spirituality enlightened by Xu Xing.

However, seeing the younger generation's behavior, these elders were quite gratified. Whether or not they could surpass them, having such drive was a good thing.

Although the Pure Fox lineage is naturally averse to fighting, under Xu Xing's influence over the years, they have naturally changed somewhat, both the elders and the younger generation.

Suddenly, the elders were startled to see Xu Xing leading Tu Shan Sang to the summit of West Mountain. They all bowed in respect, but Xu Xing lifted her up with a flick of his sleeve and shook his head with a smile.

He sat cross-legged, and with another flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a stream of light. The light transformed into thousands of meteors that shot into the sky and quietly fell into the bodies of each fox clan disciple, cleansing their bones and opening their acupoints.

From now on, these fox clan disciples who cultivate the Transformation Technique will have no flaws in their physical bodies, becoming no different from humans, or even stronger, and their path to becoming immortals will be unobstructed.

However, only Tu Shan Sang and the elders here could see this scene; everyone else was completely unaware.

Tu Shan Sang blinked.

"Master, isn't this... a bit of preferential treatment?"

Xu Xing waved his hand and said naturally:
"Before I leave, please allow this leader to be willful one last time."

Tu Shan Sang clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice:
"Disciple respectfully bids farewell to the Ancestral Master."

Behind her, a group of fox clan elders did the same.

Xu Xing returned the greeting, then his figure rose from the ground like a brilliant rainbow, soaring straight up into the sky, breaking through the boundary of the Cloud Mist Mountain, and rushing into the boundless void, disappearing without a trace, leaving only lingering echoes.

"See you later, everyone!"

In the misty mountains, Hong Yi sat cross-legged in a bamboo forest. He had not yet integrated the newly formed ring into his body; instead, the future master stood behind him as he continuously studied what he had recently gained.

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. Even the commotion caused by Xu Xing's departure did not wake him up. This Yi Zi was completely immersed in his own world.

During these two weeks, Hong Yi was completely relaxed, breathing deeply, without eating or resting, immersing himself in an indescribable state of mind and understanding.

Occasionally, birds and beasts would pass by or even roost here. These creatures, who had lived in the Cloud Mist Mountain for a long time and had been immersed in spiritual energy, were only one step away from truly awakening their spiritual power. Yet, they did not notice Hong Yi, whose face was rosy and whose breathing was easy.

During this time, a little white fox sneaked in; it was a descendant of the Xishan fox clan.

She didn't find Hong Yi, but she did see the ring on the ground.

Although the little fox has not yet taken human form, it has already begun to cultivate Taoist arts and condense its divine soul, so it is naturally clear that this is a divine object.

But she had no possessive thoughts whatsoever. Her pair of bright, dark eyes kept turning, as if she had some interesting idea, and she couldn't help but grin, extremely happy.

Before long, the little fox had gathered many herbs from all around and was weaving them little by little into the ring with its tiny paws.

After the sun rose in the east and set in the west, repeating this cycle several times, the outer ring was now entwined with many grass stems, fragrant leaves, and flower stamens, resembling a small crown.

The little fox looked at its creation and smiled with satisfaction, but instead of taking the ring with it, it turned around and ran towards the west mountain, as if it had already put the matter out of its mind and no longer cared about it.

Behind her, Hong Yi had opened his eyes at some point, looking at her back with a warm smile on his lips.

Having not groomed his hair for half a month, the young man had grown a short beard on his chin, making him, who was already mature, look even more composed.

Tu Shan Sang had appeared behind him without him noticing, and looking at the ring, she couldn't help but purse her lips.

Hong Yi, however, paid no attention. He simply picked it up, held it above his head, and then used his supernatural powers to conjure a bright mirror. After looking at it, he said with satisfaction:
"That is quite fitting."

Tu Shan Sang asked again:

"The reason why the patriarch never named this thing must be because he wanted you to name it. So, what do you want to call it?"

Hong Yi had clearly thought about this question, and now he answered it very readily.

He wore a laurel wreath adorned with fragrant herbs, his arms outstretched, his chest bare, his sleeves billowing, and he proclaimed in a loud voice:
"This object should be named 'Zhouyi' (周易). 'Zhou' refers to the six realms of existence, encompassing everything; 'Yi' refers to the changing of the sun and moon, the renewal of time and the transformation of the world!" (End of Chapter)