Mang Shusheng's Ink Painting Practice

Chapter 227 Everyone is Wise

The news Zhao Yifu released at the cultivator conference was like a nuclear bomb, shocking everyone.

Cultivators disdain to be land gods or city gods...well, that's the attitude they want to show.

But when this opportunity really came to them, they wanted to kneel down in front of Zhao Yifu and stab themselves.

In spiritual practice, how many people truly seek freedom and ease?

What more people pursue is the illusory immortality!

As for the lowest beings in the system of gods, such as land gods and city gods, they are still gods no matter how big or small, and at least have a much longer lifespan than ordinary people.

For many self-aware cultivators, especially independent cultivators, this is simply a step to heaven!
So the question is, how many opportunities are there to achieve success overnight?

Well, Zhao Yifu has already said it clearly just now, there are nineteen city gods at the provincial capital level, two hundred city gods at the prefecture level, and more than a thousand city gods at the county level.

This, these are all 'transcendent' positions!
That’s right, for ordinary monks, this is already transcendence.

People's hearts were in chaos, and even the three Yang Gods were no exception.

They themselves certainly don't need it, but who doesn't have a useless disciple whom they can't let go of? Who doesn't have an elder whom they love deeply but can only watch him grow old?

These were all matters, now these are all ‘favors’.

Zhao Yifu looked at everyone's expressions and said frankly, "In fact, with the number of vacancies in this City God, even if all of my southern cultivation world were to fill them, it wouldn't be enough. We would also need to add the northern cultivation world."

"So everyone doesn't have to worry. At least for our generation, this position is enough."

"If that's not enough, why not conquer further territories and open up more counties?"

"However, our path is to 'ennoble the Human Emperor,' so we need to hand over the name and resume of the person of your choice to Danqing Sect for processing. Otherwise, wouldn't it be ridiculous if we can't explain the reasoning during the ennoblement ceremony?"

It made sense, but a few sober experts felt a chill down their spines.

This means that the entire cultivation world is going to be incorporated!

Taoist Hongmei sighed softly and said, "My friend, can you reverse the disaster brought about by this natural disaster by taking such measures?"

Zhao Yifu said, "It's not a reversal, it's just a way of surviving in this world of change."

"The Heavenly Court established the Land God and the City God to protect the survival and reproduction of the living beings on earth."

"Now that the City Gods of the South are all here, they protect densely populated cities, and the land protects villages and towns. This is the best solution at the moment."

"So you are here to discuss how to deal with the natural disaster?"

"In fact, God has already left the solution in the human world."

"I think that instead of discussing what should happen to the world, we should discuss what should happen to ourselves... Do you think so, seniors?"

Taoist Hongmei sighed and said nothing.

The Stringless Lute Player said quietly, "If this continues, the path of cultivation in this world will probably come to an end."

He didn't say what he meant explicitly, but everyone actually understood: everyone is pursuing to become a minor god like the City God or the Land God, so who would truly pursue the great path of spiritual practice?

Zhao Yifu said jokingly, "Those who can hold on to the Dao with unwavering determination are actually those who remain the same. They won't change their direction due to changes in the environment or opportunities."

"Seniors, I wonder if this is the correct understanding for me?"

Monk Puji chanted a Buddhist name and said, "That's true, but I'd like to know your plan for this world."

Zhao Yifu looked at Puji Monk in surprise and said, "What does the planning of this world have to do with me?"

Monk Puji said, "If this method is truly implemented, the power of this world will inevitably fall into the hands of Danqing Sect, or in other words, you. How will you prepare to deal with it?"

Zhao Yifu was stunned for a moment, and then many thoughts flashed through his mind, including many theories and "what ifs" from his previous life when he was on the forum.

He actually felt an urgency to try...

At this moment, a look of fear appeared in Pu Ji monk's eyes.

Because he saw the feeling of being superior to everything that suddenly emerged from Zhao Yifu, "using the world as a chessboard and all living beings as chess pieces."

That's what he feared.

If there really is a being that transcends everything that appears in this world, then...

Are other creatures in this world still qualified to have their own will?
Zhao Yifu also saw the fear in Puji monk's eyes, and he suddenly understood something.

He understood why the Heaven was hidden high above in the clouds, and why the gods and Buddhas in the sky lived in seclusion instead of walking on earth.

Because people need their own will and their own thoughts!

At this moment, Zhao Yifu suddenly felt that his previous thoughts were ridiculous.

Because he now understood that no matter which "if" from his past life experience he tried, he would only get a temporary answer, and there would be no permanent "solution" at all.

So he paused in his questioning of Pu Ji Seng. He knew that he had the authority, but he didn't know what to do with it.

His hesitation was frightening, because the power that Danqingmen actually possessed was so terrifying that it moved everyone.

Seeing everyone's hesitation, Zhao Yifu habitually looked for answers from his past life experiences.

He thought about the days when he and his friends chatted on the keyboard. Everyone had their own ideas, as if he would be able to accomplish such and such things if he could go back to ancient times.

No one could convince anyone else, and it ended up turning into an online war of words, which was quite lively.

Now that I think about it, those people who engage in online verbal battles were actually just ordinary people in their previous lives.

In that era, it seemed that one could hear comments on international current affairs on every street corner, as if everyone was a great sage in the opposition.

Especially during family dinners, the kids at the children's table were forced to listen to the old men's comments on world affairs.

Is that a good world?
Zhao Yifu was unable to comment because there were always people complaining about the hardship, injustice and unfairness of life.

However, when Zhao Yifu arrived at this era, he discovered that for the vast majority of ordinary people, they did not even have the qualifications to complain!

His expression suddenly softened, and there was a hint of a happy and cunning smile on his face.

He figured it out.

He laughed out loud, his spirit clear and transparent, as if washed away of all worldly desires.

There was a faint fragrance wafting from his body, and the back of his head seemed to be crowned by a round sun, emitting a warm glow.

There was a faint sound of celestial music in the sky, and a ray of light descended from the sky... Zhao Yifu's body felt lighter, as if he was about to float away.

Everyone was stunned. Is this... the guidance from heaven?
Zhao Yifu was also quite surprised. He didn't expect this to happen.

He just figured out what he can do and realized what he can't do, and now you come to guide him?
No matter how you look at it, it seems to be expressing the same meaning: I know you are capable, so stop wasting time and come up quickly!
At this moment, Zhao Yifu completely understood Qiu Yuzi's feelings back then.

Perhaps if I miss this opportunity, it will be impossible to ascend again.

However, his work is not yet finished, how can he ascend?

In his opinion, this guiding light from heaven was not expressing his perfection, but was preventing him from achieving true perfection!
So at this moment, he decisively swung his hand and chopped off the top of his head...

The gentle red sunlight behind his head was suddenly cut off and transformed into a majestic and pure spiritual energy that spread around.

The guiding light from the sky thus lost its target, and the ethereal fairy music quickly faded away, as if disappearing into another world.

Zhao Yifu's spirit was weakened for a moment, but then he was enriched by his firm inner belief and became complete again.

It was as if what he had previously cut off was a false perfection, and now he was about to reap true inner perfection.

"Goodness is goodness."

Monk Puji praised sincerely, "You are willing to sacrifice your own cultivation to stay in the mortal world... You are truly a remarkable person in this world."

Zhao Yifu said, "My leader Qiu Yuzi did the same thing. He didn't finish his work, and I haven't finished mine either!"

At this moment, everyone's perception of Danqingmen completely changed.

No matter what the Danqing Sect planned to do, if a Danqing Sect member really cut off his cultivation and refused to become an immortal in front of them, the shock to them would undoubtedly be huge. This would also make the story of Qiu Yuzi, as told by Zhao Yifu, true. After all, if there is one, there will be two.

Now everyone thinks that what Danqingmen is going to do makes sense... Of course, they originally thought it made sense, after all, the benefits have been clearly presented to them.

It just makes me more convinced.

Taoist Hongmei took a deep breath and said, "Young friend, your ambition is admirable. However, you are willing to sacrifice your own cultivation to stay. What is your reason?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone became serious.

They already knew Zhao Yifu's determination, and now they naturally wanted to know what he wanted to do.

It's no exaggeration to say that Zhao Yifu's will had already become something that could determine the entire world's cultivation landscape. Seeing their nervousness, Zhao Yifu suddenly laughed and said, "What I'm about to do actually has very little to do with you all."

"Even Da Xu has tried it, but my unfortunate master suffered a backlash before he could succeed."

Suddenly someone realized: "The treacherous minister Jin Hui!"

Everyone's heart tightened. After all, the reputation of the most treacherous prime minister in the world a hundred years ago was too big, and people had to be careful.

This is also very alarming.

Zhao Yifu smiled and said jokingly, "Don't be so nervous, everyone. I just want to make 'Billions of Divine States All Saints'."

Is everyone as wise and benevolent as the ancient kings?

These are such bold words that they leave people speechless and they dare not even think about it.

But Zhao Yifu could imagine it.

Because he had lived in that world before, he knew what to do.

Taoist Hongmei pondered for a moment and said, "Like Taoist Yuanxiu did, let's build schools in the countryside so that more people can go there and study the Four Books and Five Classics?"

Zhao Yifu shook his head and said, "How can that be possible? The principles of the Four Books and Five Classics are still too profound for ordinary people."

"They just need to be able to read and write, and have some knowledge of history, so they know the origin of our land of China."

"You also need to learn some moral etiquette, know how to respect the elderly and care for the young, and know right from wrong, good from evil."

"Finally, they can learn some basic skills that can help them survive better. That's enough."

Taoist Hongmei felt strange and muttered to himself, "Is this enough?"

Monk Puji's eyes suddenly widened. He said, "If everyone can learn to read and study history, it will allow people to think about gains and losses and give them the opportunity to understand the affairs of the world."

"If we continue to learn moral etiquette, then everyone in the world will be able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, and everyone will be kind and benevolent."

"Also, everyone has a skill, which allows them to support their families and ensure everyone has enough to eat!"

"My Dharma name is Puji, which means I have made a bodhisattva vow to help the world. But this aspiration pales in comparison to your ambition."

The Stringless Lute Player was in disbelief: "Can the world really become like that?"

Zhao Yifu laughed heartily. "Who knows? I can try to give everyone the opportunity to attend the school, and then see what happens in thirty, fifty, or even a hundred years."

Zhao Yifu laughed. He felt that he had the patience to wait and see this scene happen.

All the cultivators bowed in greeting, some for their own benefit, some for the sake of the sect, and some simply for this great ambition.

Zhao Yian looked at Zhao Yifu with admiration. He was happy for his brother and admired him sincerely.

But Liu Ying felt amazed and even a little frightened.

She didn't expect Zhao Yi Fu to be so powerful... It was clearly a meeting of cultivators targeting Danqing Sect, but after Zhao Yi Fu came, it became a meeting where everyone submitted to him.

She was particularly shocked by Zhao Yifu's previous act of cutting off his own path to immortality in public.

Even the enemy would not have the slightest thought of disrespect towards such a person.

This cultivator conference ended in such an unexpected way.

The Danqing Sect will become the true leader of the righteous path. Later, all the righteous sects in the entire Tiannan and even well-known independent cultivators will go to Moshan to greet him and give him business cards... It is like 'taking a number and queuing up'.

From then on, there would be another group of people in the world urging the Great Xu to launch a northern expedition.

The Northern Expedition of the Great Xu is now what everyone wants.

After the meeting, Zhao Yifu waved his sleeves and disappeared with his brother and Liu Ying.

The realm breakthrough in that moment did bring him some changes. That is, in the future, when he wanted to be teleported to a certain place, he would no longer need to send his yang spirit there first and then pull his physical body over.

As long as you use your spiritual thoughts to sense a place, you can directly twist the space and cross it.

Well, this feels more and more powerful.

"This is where?"

Zhao Yian looked around in confusion.

Zhao Yifu has already led them across thousands of miles.

Liu Ying looked around and said confidently, "This should be Senior Brother Zhao's current residence."

As she spoke, she pointed to the cat patrolling the wall over there.

Zhao Yifu nodded and smiled, "This is Fancheng, and I'm currently serving as the county magistrate here."

Zhao Yian was puzzled after hearing this and said, "So he's just the county magistrate."

Zhao Yifu was stunned for a moment, then he asked with a puzzled look, "Then what position do you think I should hold?"

Zhao Yian said, "I thought my second brother should be a high-ranking official in the imperial court. Otherwise, how could he realize his ambitions?"

Liu Ying agreed with this, but she didn't dare to say anything.

Zhao Yifu said, "I don't need to be a high-ranking official. After all, your master, the head of the Qiu Yuzi sect, is the prime minister of the dynasty. If you have any questions, you can go to him."

Zhao Yian suddenly realized: "So what they said is true!"

Zhao Yifu felt somewhat defeated, and at this moment he felt that Zhao Yian was really stupid.

He said, "Forget it, let's not talk about that. I have something I want to ask you."

Liu Ying thought for a moment and then understood: "Do you want to ask about the fairy world?"

Zhao Yifu nodded. "Indeed. I didn't ask before because I hadn't reached the point where I thought it was pointless to dwell on it. But now I think it's time to ask about this matter."

Liu Ying couldn't help but sigh after hearing this: "Yeah, who would have thought that in just a few years, you have grown to this point."

Zhao Yifu laughed and said, "That sounds like an old lady."

Liu Ying's eyebrows immediately stood up. She now felt that this person was very annoying.

Zhao Yian pondered for a moment and said, "Second brother, do you want to ask what the fairyland is like, or what the heaven is like?"

Zhao Yifu asked curiously, "What's the difference between the two?"

Zhao Yian said, "The difference between the two is huge. The Immortal Realm is also known as the Heaven Realm, where celestial beings reside. Although everyone has innate supernatural powers, they are also subject to lifespan limitations and will experience old age, sickness, and death."

"And above the heavens is the Heavenly Court, which governs the three realms of heaven, the human world, and the underworld."

"But in fact, the Heavenly Court originally only had the Lord of the Heavenly Realm, the Human Realm had the Human Emperor, and the Underworld had the Underworld Emperor. But later on, the three realms gradually returned to the Heavenly Realm, and later they were no longer divided."

"People only know about becoming an immortal, but they don't know that reaching the heavenly realm after becoming an immortal is just the beginning of another round of suffering."

Liu Ying then sighed and said, "Take me for example. Back then, I painstakingly overcame the old dragon to overcome the heavenly tribulation and become an immortal. I originally thought that once I reached the heavens, I would be able to live forever and live a carefree life. However, I didn't expect that once I reached the heavens, I could only serve as a soldier guarding the gates of heaven."

"After working hard all year, I can only get one day off to relax for a while."

"Ascension, in my opinion, is more like a trap. I would rather return to the human world and suffer the pain of reincarnation."

Zhao Yifu listened thoughtfully.

He asked, "How is the practice in the heavenly realm?"

Liu Ying shook his head and said, "I've been in Heaven for a hundred years, but I haven't made any progress in my cultivation."

"Although the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is extremely abundant, for some reason I still cannot refine it."

"The only thing that can improve my cultivation is the elixir bestowed by Heaven... But, that is too slow and too torturous."

Zhao Yifu listened thoughtfully and said, "Unable to refine Qi? Then what about enlightenment? Can I comprehend the universe?"

Liu Ying was stunned for a moment, then she said, "Maybe... I can't?"

A very uncertain answer.

But she didn't lie, because she had never realized it.

Zhao Yi Fu looked at Zhao Yi An again.

The lazy fellow said nonchalantly, "I can't do that anyway, otherwise I wouldn't stay in the human world and become a lake god."

Zhao Yifu nodded and said, "I understand, but I will still go and take a look after the matter on the ground is over. If you don't check it yourself, you will never give up."

(End of this chapter)