Yefutidaolu

Chapter 384 Selflessness
There was no aftershock of the energy impact, and no smoke or dust from the explosion.

The area that was "erased" left behind only an absolute void, as if a piece had been gouged out. The boundary between the solidified seawater and this area presented an extremely strange, smooth, mirror-like fault!

Just a raised palm, a loose grasp!
Heaven and earth have changed! All three dragons have perished!
The site has been destroyed; it's as if a large chunk of the ocean has been scooped out, leaving an empty space.

The surrounding water quickly swelled back, filling the void. The swirling water stirred up powerful waves, as if the ocean were raging and rolling, and the continent was sliding into the deep sea.

Gao Jian stood on the beach, the wind whipping his soaked clothes, the icy rain lashing his face. He stared at the abrupt, all-consuming "void," at the place where the three true dragons had left not a trace. His heart pounded in his chest, not from fear, but from sheer shock.

Even in death, those three true dragons had their enormous dragon eyes frozen with extreme horror and incomprehensible bewilderment.

They never understood until their deaths—why? Why did Senior Yuan Lu obey that human's orders so readily? Why was he so indifferent to them, to the Yuan family, and to the affections he held for the East Sea?
Gao Jian slowly turned his head, his gaze falling on Yuan Lu beside him.

Yuan Lu had already withdrawn his hand, which disappeared back into the wide sleeves of his black robe. He still stood there quietly, his black robe fluttering slightly in the wind and rain that had frozen and then returned to normal, his face hidden in shadow beneath his hood, his expression unreadable.

That elusive, seemingly existent quality remained, his eyes peering through the gap in his hood at the "nothingness" he had personally created, still with that blank, dreamlike expression.

It was as if the terrifying blow that had just struck, enough to silence the heavens and earth and bring down a true dragon, was merely a speck of dust brushed off his sleeve.

As Gao Jian looked at Yuan Lu's appearance, the calm smile on his lips gradually deepened, eventually turning into a clear yet complex arc.

"The perfect person has no self..."

He murmured to himself, his voice so soft it was almost swallowed by the wind and rain.

Yes, a true "perfect person" has no concept of "self" in their heart. They are not bound by grudges or affections, nor do they consider gains or losses, nor are they attached to the past or the future.

His state of being had already aligned with a grander, more essential "Tao." Gao Jian's command, imbued with the "Taoist spirit," was not an order to a person with an independent will, but rather more like triggering a mechanism that resonated with the "Tao."

Yuan Lu's actions were unrelated to stance, sentiment, or even good and evil. He was simply carrying out an "action" that aligned with the current trajectory of the "Dao," like leaves falling in the wind or water flowing downhill—pure and natural.

Therefore, the affection of the Yuan family? The favor of the East Sea? My personal Dharma name? These ties belonging to "self" have long been as insignificant as dust in this state of "selflessness," unable to stir even the slightest ripple in that empty sea of ​​consciousness.

Gao Jian stood on the beach where the storm was subsiding, his gaze calmly fixed on Yuan Lu beside him.

He remained in his black robes, hood pulled low, his aura ethereal as smoke. His blank gaze pierced the shadows, fixed on the distance, as if the terrifying scene of him effortlessly wiping out three dragons and freezing a corner of the world had never happened. He was still that empty "nature," devoid of sorrow or joy, without thought or desire.

That's right.

Takashi was completely certain of it.

With his "help," Yuan Lu did indeed break through to the Earth Immortal realm, a goal coveted by countless cultivators. However, this breakthrough came at the cost of completely losing his "self."

The "taking nature as the principle, forgetting oneself as the greatest goal, and being without desire as the ultimate goal" that Yuan Lu comprehended during his breakthrough, seemingly a smooth path to the Great Dao, ultimately turned into this—an incomparably powerful yet utterly empty container.

He abandoned his "self," merged with "heaven," and ultimately transformed into an existence in the universe akin to a "natural phenomenon." Like a hurricane sweeping across the heavens and earth, like a ceaselessly flowing river, like heavenly fire that burns all things.

They exist, they possess destructive power, but they have no will, no likes or dislikes, no purpose.

Gao Jian, however, has mastered the knack of "driving" this "natural phenomenon"—that specific "spirit." Just as humans use waterwheels to guide the flow of water to grind grain, use sails to harness the wind to propel ships, and use stoves to gather the power of flames to smelt metals and stones, he doesn't need to understand the vast, ocean-like power of the earth immortals. He only needs to find that compatible "frequency," that "fulcrum" that can leverage this power, and then, with a gentle nudge.

Thus, a puppet of the Earth Immortal level, who was completely obedient to his orders, was placed in his palm!

This was the core of his plan from the very beginning! That's why he told the Dragon King to "return to Yuezhou," and that's why he waited quietly along the coastline within the Yuan family's sphere of influence, like a patient fisherman casting his bait and waiting for the big fish to take the bait.

Now, the three true dragons of the Yuan family, arriving with boundless rage, have become the best touchstone to verify the power of this "puppet," and also a gift he has given to Lord Jingjiang—at least in the short term, the Yuan family's power in this sea area will be greatly weakened by the fall of these three dragons.

"call……"

Gao Jian let out a long, silent sigh, as if he had unloaded some invisible burden, or as if he had achieved a brilliant plan. The sea breeze carried the dampness of the rain and a faint smell of blood.

Although Yuan Lu had wiped the scene clean, the lingering aftertaste seemed to still remain in the air, brushing against his slightly damp temples.

He focused his mind again, activated his divine sense, and used his divine will rather than his words to precisely strike out that specific "divine essence," like plucking an invisible string to transmit a command:
"Then... let's go."

As the command was given, Yuan Lu's empty, dull gaze remained fixed on the distance, but his body moved with perfect naturalness, as if guided by invisible threads, and he began to take steps.

His movements were fluid and without hesitation, following closely behind Gao Jian by half a step, before transforming back into that silent, elusive shadow.

Water and fire are merciless. At this moment, Yuan Lu is just like water and fire. He will not feel joy if he helps you burn mountains and boil seas; he will not feel remorse if he wipes out your entire family. All his actions depend solely on where the "divine charm" that drives him points, just as water only follows the guidance of gravity, and fire only pursues the essence of burning.

The heavens are round and the earth is square, based on yin and yang. Once yin and yang are formed, going against them leads to failure, while following them leads to success.

Gao Jian silently recited those divine essences in his heart.

Footsteps trod on the soft, damp sand, leaving shallow footprints. Yuan Lu, like the most faithful shadow, followed in his footsteps, silently and without a trace. Gao Jian was "following" the natural order; he conformed to the "Dao" that Yuan Lu was in at that moment, like rowing a boat with the current—naturally less effort and more efficient. But the three true dragons were "going against the tide"; they attempted to use their own will to resist and awaken Yuan Lu's "self," like rowing against the current, naturally resulting in their destruction.

Heaven and earth do not belong to all things; all things exist because of heaven and earth. Yin and Yang do not give birth to all things; all things are born because of Yin and Yang.

The universe operates on the same principle; has it ever changed because of the joys and sorrows of all living things?
The cycle of Yin and Yang never ceases because of the flourishing or withering of plants. Heaven and Earth regard all things as straw dogs, treating them equally and indifferently; Yin and Yang have never shown favoritism or affection towards all things.
The nature of fire is to burn, but it does not burn to scorch all things; the nature of water is to moisten, but it does not moisten to wash away all things. Water and fire share the same nature, yet all things encountering them exhibit different characteristics; yin and yang share the same nature, yet all things encountering them experience flourishing and withering—that is all. The essence of fire is to burn, but it does not burn to scorch all things; the essence of water is to flow and moisten, but it flows not to destroy banks.

Water and fire have their inherent properties. When all things encounter water and fire, some are burned and some are nourished; this is simply due to the different fates of all things. Yin and Yang are the same. They operate according to their inherent laws. When all things encounter Yin and Yang, some flourish and some wither and decay; that's all.

As Gao Jian walked, he glanced sideways at the powerful "natural phenomenon" beside him—Yuan Lu.

His eyes held a hint of joy.

Back then, Li Zoufang was Minister Li...

“Minister Li,” Gao Jian murmured to himself, only he could hear, “Your six million taels of gold really… weren’t wasted a single penny.”

Gao Jian's lips curled into a smile. That Minister Li, who held a high position of power and influence in the capital and was known for his deep cunning, had generously spent a full six million gold coins to support Gao Jian's stirring up trouble in the underworld! This astronomical sum of money was enough to cripple a powerful family, yet Minister Li had poured it into Gao Jian without batting an eye.

And now, what has this six million gold coins bought?
In return, they gained a super puppet that was completely obedient, could attack wherever it was directed, and possessed the power of an earth immortal!
This deal... is outrageously lucrative! If Minister Li knew the details, he'd probably be laughing in his sleep.

Gao Jian's smile grew even wider, a mixture of triumph and smugness. He had accomplished all his goals on this trip, even making contact with news from beyond the heavens, and he had also broken through to the seventh realm!
cool!

In this way, once I return to the Imperial Academy, I will have no worries whatsoever!

The capital city of Yangjing, seemingly prosperous and solemn, is actually the center of a turbulent power vortex.

With Yuan Lu as his trump card, those demons and monsters, those open and covert attacks, those high-ranking officials... he could finally stand tall and truly make some changes!

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a few days later.

The largest port in Yuezhou is filled with thousands of sails. A medium-sized flying boat, crafted entirely from sturdy yet lightweight "floating wood," with an elegant design and inscribed with complex runes, is quietly moored at the dock.

Gao Jian changed into a clean blue robe and stood with his hands behind his back on the bow deck of the flying boat. The sea breeze blew, causing his robe to flutter, giving him an air of otherworldly refinement.

Half a step behind him, Yuan Lu was still dressed in a wide black robe, his hood pulled low, like a taciturn guard, or an ever-present shadow.

The airship slowly ascended, the various runes of the formation shimmering and counteracting gravity. The harbor, docks, and bustling crowds gradually faded, eventually becoming blurry patches of color below. Suddenly, the view opened up, the azure sky like a giant dome, and white clouds drifted gently beneath our feet.

The airship adjusted its direction, its massive mainsail billowing with an invisible force. The auxiliary magic arrays on both sides of the hull glowed softly, propelling the airship towards the inland, smoothly and swiftly breaking through the clouds and speeding away.

Starting from the roundabout in Yuezhou, then the straight road, and finally speeding all the way, you will reach your destination.

Our target: the heart of the Divine Dynasty—the Divine Capital, Yangjing!

Gao Jian stood by the railing, gazing at the mountains, rivers, towns, and villages rushing past below.

Sunlight streamed down, casting a soft golden hue over him and illuminating the ever-present, confident smile on his lips, a smile that spoke of absolute control.

I can't help it, I just can't stop laughing just thinking about it.

The flying boat streaked across the sky, leaving a long trail of clouds, carrying the two of them towards the capital city where the world's fortunes converged.

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The flying boat broke through the misty clouds surrounding the capital, and the magnificent scenery below gradually became clear.

The capital city of Yangjing is not located on the earth, but is a magnificent city that floats in the clouds above the nine heavens!
Looking out, countless floating islands of varying sizes, like stars carefully arranged by an invisible giant hand, float in the vast sky following some profound trajectory.

The large floating islands resemble land, with palaces and pavilions rising and falling on them, creating a magnificent spectacle; the smaller ones are exquisite and unique, adorning the landscape.

It was dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun painted the sky golden and red. The myriad lights of the capital city had been lit one after another, and the various floating islands emitted different lights.

Countless flying boats of various shapes and sizes, like busy shooting stars, shuttled tirelessly among the crisscrossing floating islands, leaving long trails of light.

The flying boat that Takashi was riding smoothly glided into one of the busier ports and finally landed slowly on the edge of a brightly lit floating island where the sounds of string and wind instruments could be faintly heard.

This is the Vermilion Bird District, Wing Constellation.

The twenty-two stars of the Wings are the Heavenly Music Bureau, in charge of actors, singers, and theatrical performances.

Stepping off the flying boat and onto the land of this floating island, Takashi was immediately enveloped by a noisy and decadent atmosphere. The air was filled with the sweet scent of cosmetics, the aroma of food, and the melodies of various musical instruments.

The streets were lined with luxuriously decorated pavilions. Brightly lit, the streets were filled with elegantly dressed singers and courtesans performing on stages, surrounded by cheering audiences. The exquisitely crafted stages depicted tales of talented scholars and beautiful women, or fantastical legends. And then there were the graceful women leaning against the railings, their smiles alluring, their eyes sparkling. This was the decadent pleasure quarters of the capital, a place of unforgettable pleasure, a "musical palace" that made people linger.

While the flying boat was on its way, Gao Jian had already communicated with Shen Du, so after landing, he rushed here immediately, where Shu Shu was also waiting.

"Brilliant!" A familiar, sharp voice rang out, and a golden hamster stood not far away.

(End of this chapter)