The Song Dynasty was the king for thirteen years before he knew that he was Tianlong.

Chapter 309 Promotion, Second Classic

Zhao Ti walked forward, pondering that the lineage of the Eight Legions was different from that of the Great Free Heaven.

At least the lineage of the Gandharva Kings is different, because this lineage has no prerequisites.

In other words, even those whose cultivation level is below the twelfth level can directly begin practicing.

It seems my previous assumptions were slightly off; not all traditions within this Buddhist kingdom have conditions or restrictions.

As for those with preconditions, they may not necessarily be related to the level or difficulty of the inheritance; they should simply be determined by the god-king himself before his fall.

Then the lineage of Dipankara Buddha may not have any requirements. After inheriting it, one may be able to cultivate it directly. Of course, one may also need to reach the Dao Palace realm before one can begin.

Zhao Ti walked to the front of the Kinnara Temple and suddenly felt a premonition.

The Kinnara and Gandharva tribes had a close relationship, with many men and women from both tribes marrying each other. In particular, a Gandharva god-king from ancient times once married a Kinnara god-king.

The two ancient god-kings joined forces to fight against Brahma because of their clan affairs, and that battle was extremely fierce.

The two tribes, even with all their members gathered, were no match for Brahma, whose power was virtually limitless and capable of shattering the universe.

However, Brahma later fell into a deep sleep due to his own reasons, and the two god-kings escaped in a bloody battle.

Although they were defeated, this battle enhanced their reputation. It was after this battle that the two factions gradually became estranged from the Heavenly Tribe, and sometimes they even disobeyed Indra's orders.

Zhao Ti was moved at this moment, knowing that it was the bond between the two that had caused the connection between them.

He looked at the Kinnara Temple and couldn't help but smile slightly. After thinking for a moment, he walked to the temple door and pushed it open.

Normally, it would be impossible for someone inside to open the hall door if they were receiving the inheritance, but at this moment the lattice door of the main hall slowly opened.

Zhao Ti nodded. This should mean the inheritance has ended, but there is another reason why the temple door can be opened: he is the successor of the Gandharva. Otherwise, he still wouldn't be able to open it.

He entered the hall, and suddenly the singing inside became loud and clear, as if welcoming him.

He looked into the depths of the hall and saw a person sitting below the statue of Kinnara.

Zhao Ti smelled a faint, elusive fragrance, like a rare orchid in a secluded valley, and his smile deepened.

A woman sat beneath the statue, her eyes as clear as black mountains and white water, her fair nose with a beautiful, arched shape, and her stubborn, firm lips, faintly tinged with blood.

Zhao Ti showed a joyful expression, not because of the woman's beauty, but because she was familiar with him and very close to him.

The woman's eyes widened, as if she couldn't believe it. She shifted slightly, leaning back, her expression changing. Her eyes were bright and clear, but they also sparkled with great amazement.

Zhao Ti walked forward and saw the woman's black, waterfall-like hair cascade down with a whoosh. Under the lamplight, the black and white hair contrasted sharply with the woman's eyes, which were clear and bright. The woman's beauty was as pure as water.

Shui Mu Qinghua, with her graceful and elegant demeanor, is none other than Mu Wanqing.

Zhao Ti slowly walked forward and gently stretched out his arms. Mu Wanqing stood up, her face as beautiful as jade and her waist slender.

“Zhao Lang…”

Zhao Ti nodded, and Mu Wanqing's eyes immediately welled up with tears as she threw herself into his arms.

"Zhao Lang, I, I..." Mu Wanqing had a thousand words to say, but she didn't know where to begin. Zhao Ti's appearance was too sudden, leaving her completely unprepared.

"Don't say anything, I know everything," Zhao Ti said in a low voice.

So Mu Wanqing shut her mouth and hugged Zhao Ti tightly, afraid that this was an illusion and that he would disappear as soon as she let go.

Zhao Ti lowered his head, "Mmm..." Mu Wanqing opened her eyes wide, but hugged him even tighter.

After a long while, Zhao Ti suddenly raised his arm. "Zhao Lang, you..." Mu Wanqing's face was flushed, and she felt as if her body was melting, as soft as water.

After a moment, Zhao Ti said softly, "The Buddhist kingdom is serene and peaceful. I wonder how one lives in it. Wan'er hasn't lost weight, so I'm relieved."

"Ah..." Mu Wanqing was immediately overwhelmed with shyness. She hadn't expected Zhao Ti to say such a thing. She let out a soft moan and buried her body in his arms, not daring to lift her head even a little.

Zhao Ti smiled slightly, remaining still and silent, holding the other person like that for an unknown amount of time...

Tokyo, the Imperial City, the Zichen Palace.

After finishing his official duties, Zhao Xu began to discuss the changes in the world with the civil and military officials.

First, the Grand Astrologer of the Bureau of Astronomy was ordered to explain in detail the changes in celestial phenomena and the simultaneous presence of the seven luminaries. After the Yuanfeng reforms, the Directorate of Astronomy was renamed the Bureau of Astronomy, and the Director of the Directorate was renamed the Grand Astrologer.

After the Grand Astrologer finished speaking, he continued to speak about the revival of spiritual energy and cultivation, as instructed. Some of the officials were shocked, some looked serious, and some remained silent.

Those court officials who had already heard rumors of this matter remained relatively calm, while those who were unaware of it were quite panicked.

Zhao Xu then recounted the events himself, taking a full one or two hours to clarify the matter, which everyone understood thoroughly.

Then the court meeting began, and the ministers had all sorts of opinions. Because cultivation was involved, they had to talk about gods and ghosts, but not demons.

Among these, gods and demons were secondary; the main topic was monsters and spirits. Some people worried, "Your Majesty, if this is the case, won't the wild beasts in the mountains become spirits? Won't the fish and shrimp in the water become monsters?"

Zhao Xu said expressionlessly, "Probably."

Someone else asked, "Your Majesty, will strange things happen frequently in the world, and will ghosts and monsters appear?"

Zhao Xu frowned and said, "There might be."

The ministers fell silent upon hearing this. After a long while, Cai Bian stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, if this is truly the case, there will be chaos in the world, and the people will suffer calamity."

Deng Runfu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, if this is truly the case, how should the court respond?"

Li Qingchen stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we must take advantage of this moment when the changes are just beginning and have not yet been completely reversed to devise a plan to pacify the world and appease the people."

Cai Jing stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, we beg Your Majesty to grant us a foolproof plan to ensure peace and prosperity for the people."

Zhao Xu looked intently at the crowd below, remained silent for a long time, and then slowly spoke: "I believe that if the world changes drastically and demons and monsters emerge, there is only one way to deal with it."

"Your Majesty, what is the solution?" All the ministers looked at him, feeling a slight sense of relief. They thought it was good that he had a solution, but they were afraid that he would be helpless and have no way to solve the problem.

It should be understood that once a world descends into chaos and demons, the imperial court, without any countermeasures, will be rendered powerless.

What kings, generals, prime ministers, or high-ranking officials—they will all lose all dignity and even face danger. Demons and monsters don't care how high your rank; they will only cause trouble where there are benefits, and they will act recklessly and without restraint even when there are no benefits.

An official position cannot save one's life, nor can it protect one's family and property.

When that time comes, it will be a dark and chaotic period, with countless lives lost.

Zhao Xu's expression turned somewhat cold, yet solemn, as he slowly spoke: "To deal with this world, the Great Song Dynasty can only... ascend to become a Celestial Dynasty and Divine Court!"

"What? Advancement to the Immortal Dynasty?" Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned at first, but then they were all shocked. Some people were overjoyed, some were puzzled, some were confused but also worried, and some even started to dance with joy.

"That means ascending to the Celestial Dynasty and Divine Court!" Zhao Xu's voice became somewhat loud, resounding throughout the palace, echoing outside the palace, reverberating throughout the imperial palace, and even lingering outside the palace city.

"Only when the Great Song Dynasty ascends to the status of a Celestial Dynasty can it cope with the great changes in the world, the changes in the world, the possible appearance of demons and monsters, maintain peace and tranquility in the world, and allow the people to live and work in peace and contentment."

"Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor!" The ministers bowed and shouted in unison, their hearts filled with excitement. But amidst their excitement, they were all thinking about one question: how to advance to the Celestial Dynasty?
This isn't something that can be achieved simply by talking. Even if the emperor's words are golden, they won't necessarily come true. If it were that easy, it would just be boasting and wouldn't be worthy of being called a celestial dynasty.

Zhao Xu then continued, "Cai Jing."

Upon hearing this, Cai Jing hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, your humble servant is here."

Zhao Xu looked at him for a moment: "I have a task for you that concerns the advancement of the Great Song Dynasty, the peace of the world, and the safety of all the people. Can you do it?"

Without hesitation, Cai Jing replied, "Your Majesty, I will certainly do it. I am willing to dedicate myself to Your Majesty, to the Song Dynasty, and to the common people, even unto death!"

Zhao Xu nodded: "From this day forward, I order you to compile a martial arts manual, collecting all the martial arts techniques in the world into one book. All departments and prefectures will be open to you, all regions and states must cooperate, and local sects and gangs must obey. Can you succeed?"

Upon hearing this, Cai Jing exclaimed, "I will succeed! No matter how many difficulties and obstacles there are, I will overcome them and forge ahead!"

"Good!" Zhao Xu's face showed some relief: "I hereby bestow upon you the titles of Grand Master of the Three Offices, Grand Academician of the Hall of Literary Brilliance, and Chief Compiler of the Military Classics!"

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor!" Cai Jing bowed again and then returned to his place in the ranks.

Everyone gasped in surprise, realizing Zhao Xu's plan: to gather the full power of the Song Dynasty, collect martial arts skills from across the land, and create a scripture to consolidate the court's power.

But is compiling military classics enough?

Then Zhao Xu spoke again: "Huang Shang".

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am here."

Zhao Xu looked at him for a moment and said, "I heard that you are quite fond of Laozi and Zhuangzi's teachings and have been practicing cultivation since childhood. Even your poems contain elements of Huang-Lao philosophy?"

Huang Shang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have indeed been fond of Taoism since childhood, and I have never stopped practicing it over the years. However, I have not gained much from it, and I can only console myself with this."

Zhao Xu said, "My dear minister, you are too modest. The Prince of Yan once told me that you have a deep understanding of Taoism. I have a task for you now. Are you able to complete it?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost and dare not slack off in the slightest. Even if it takes a lot of painstaking effort, I will not give up until I succeed."

Zhao Xu said, "Very well, since that's the case, I hereby order you to compile Taoist scriptures, collect all Taoist cultivation methods in the world into one collection, open all departments and prefectures to you, all states and regions must cooperate, blessed lands and grotto heavens, all Taoist temples must obey your command, can you succeed?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Shang's body trembled, and he bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I am willing to do this great deed for the Song Dynasty and for all the people under heaven. I will not give up until I succeed. I swear with my life that I will not fail Your Majesty's command."

Zhao Xu nodded: "Since the founding of the Song Dynasty, there have been two Daoist canons. The first one is the Baowen Tonglu, but Emperor Zhenzong felt it was incomplete. In the fifth year of Dazhong Xiangfu, he ordered Zhang Junfang to cover this canon and compile the Tiangong Baozang. Unfortunately, the original copy of the Tiangong Baozang has been lost and its whereabouts are unknown. What is circulated in the court and outside the court are all the sub-copy."

Huang Shang said, "I have heard that is also true."

Zhao Xu said, "But that's not important. This time, when compiling the Daoist scriptures, we should only include cultivation methods, Daoist practices, and moral principles. We will not include anything else. There are still too many side scriptures in the Heavenly Palace Treasure Trove, which are not focused and concise enough."

Huang Shang said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations and collect all the Taoist cultivation methods in the world into one collection!"

Zhao Xu nodded: "I hereby appoint you as Associate Privy Councilor and Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light, in charge of compiling Daoist scriptures. All parties in the country shall cooperate. This shall begin immediately."

Huang Shang bowed in gratitude and returned to his platoon.

Zhao Xu looked down at the assembled officials and said leisurely, "During the compilation of the two classics, and even after their completion, martial arts and Taoist techniques will be selected and passed on to the royal family, officials, generals, soldiers, and local officials, so that they may practice accordingly to cope with the great changes in the world, the resurgence of spiritual energy, and the world of demons."

Upon hearing this, the ministers understood Zhao Xu's intention and what the promotion to the Immortal Dynasty entailed. They all bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and we admire you."

Zhao Xu pressed his hand down and continued, "This is still not enough. The court will open two halls, one for martial arts and the other for law. Those who are selected will be chosen based on merit. These two halls will no longer be limited to the court or the common people. Officials and commoners alike, those with talent, can be selected to enter and learn the essence of the two classics. They will diligently practice to protect all people and the common folk."

The crowd bowed again: "Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor!"

Zhao Xu then issued three imperial edicts, explaining the matter to the world and ordering all prefectures to cooperate. Whether it was government officials, military officers, Taoist sects, martial arts practitioners, or even ordinary people, everyone was required to make the compilation of the two classics as convenient as possible.

At the same time, the matter of the two halls for teaching martial arts and teaching magic will be announced. Any talented and extraordinary people who are able to sense the changes in the world and cultivate themselves can go to the capital to serve and enter the two halls to obtain fame and cultivation methods.

As the imperial decree was sent to various regions, the Song Dynasty was elevated to a celestial dynasty, and changes began to sweep across the land, officially marking the start of a new era...

Zhao Ti and Mu Wanqing stepped out of the Kinnara Temple. It was afternoon, and the sunlight was soft and warm.

The two walked forward, passing several temples of gods and kings, and Zhao Ti's face showed deep thought.

Mu Wanqing asked, "Your Highness, what's wrong?"

Zhao Ti smiled and said, "There must be some familiar faces in these halls, but I wonder who is receiving the inheritance."

Having just heard Zhao Ti recount the journey, Mu Wanqing knew who had entered Shambhala and asked, "Wouldn't Master Kumārajīva be one of them?"

Zhao Ti said, "I don't know if Kumārajīva and Huo Linglong will be in this hall, but Xiao Feng, Duan Yu, and Xu Zhu should be there, and... Murong Fu should also be there."

As he spoke, he glanced at the Asura Temple, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Originally, the eight people in Tianlong were a metaphor for the Eight Legions, but because of his appearance, many things changed. Some people's paths changed, while others did not make a splash. It is unknown whether they will still correspond as before.

After all, it was just a metaphor, but now that the God King's legacy has descended, it may deviate slightly from the metaphor.

Normally, the characters are: Xiao Feng (Heavenly Being), Duan Yu (Dragon Being), Xu Zhu (Yaksha), A Zhu (Gandharva), Murong Fu (Asura), Kumārajīva (Garuda), A Zi (Kinnara), and Kayu Tanzhi (Mahora).

Another interpretation is that the Four Evils represent Yakshas, ​​while Xuzhu represents Mahoraga Earth Dragon.

But at this moment, Mu Wanqing has already inherited the legacy of the Kinnara God King. As for Gandharva, there is no difference between what he received and what Azhu received, so it still belongs to Azhu. It is unknown whether there are any other changes.

As Zhao Ti walked, he pondered, and before he knew it, he and Mu Wanqing had left the Great Hall of the Eight Gods and were approaching the Trial Steps...

(End of this chapter)