Starting with the creation of the Immortal Clan through the compilation of the family genealogy.

Chapter 130 The Debate Between Immortals and Mortals: If You Can't Win the Debate, You
The vast Yunmeng Marshland is shrouded in mist and waves.

Today, this once tranquil stretch of water has been swallowed up by an unprecedented uproar.

Since the Tianyan Sect widely distributed invitations to the Dao Discussion Ceremony, and with the Qinglan Sect's encouragement, the entire Qingzhou was in an uproar.

Looking around, boats and oars were like clouds, converging from all directions.

The magnificent ships belonging to the various immortal sects and aristocratic families each occupied a section of open water, protecting the island in the center of the lake from afar. The ships were decorated with banners and stood alone, like judges high in the clouds.

The small boats carrying tens of thousands of ordinary martial artists and low-level rogue cultivators were orderly moored at the temporary dock on the outskirts of the island, guided by the disciples of the Tianyan Sect.

Tens of thousands of visitors set foot on solid ground and were led to a vast area of ​​the island facing the high platform.

To their surprise, they discovered that this area was separated from the central platform by a faint, almost invisible, light blue curtain.

The light screen rippled gently like water, felt warm to the touch, did not obstruct the view, but clearly divided the two areas.

At the edge of the light barrier, every ten feet there was a Tianyan Sect disciple sitting cross-legged, his hands forming hand seals, clearly maintaining the defensive branch of this mountain-protecting formation.

This silent gesture warmed the hearts of all the mortals who set foot on the island. Their fear of the aftermath of the immortals' battle vanished instantly, replaced by an unprecedented sense of peace.

In the center of the island, a high platform carved from a single piece of blue rock rises abruptly. The platform base is covered with ancient and profound patterns, which are simplified diagrams of the Body Forging Chapter of the "Furnace Classic".

Behind the high platform, a large flag fluttered in the wind. On the dark black flag, a dragon and phoenix embroidered a character "天" (heaven) in gold thread, with powerful strokes that seemed to pierce the sky.

In contrast to the fervor of the crowd below the stage, the atmosphere on several magnificent ships in the distant waters was as cold as if it were another world.

Qingzhou is a vast and resource-rich land, home to numerous sects. In terms of location, it is said to be divided into four major sects: Qinglan in the south, Taiyi in the north, Zidan in the east, and Shenji in the west.

Today, these four top sects of Qingzhou have gathered here.

The Qinglan Sect's giant ship from the south was at the very front.

As the local strongmen in southern Qingzhou, the rise of the Tianyan Sect was the first thing to affect their interests.

Sect Master Chen Xuanqing stood with his hands behind his back on the deck, looking at the crowd below with a calm expression.

“Uncle-Master, why are you all just ordinary folk?” a disciple in brocade robes couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, his tone full of superiority.

An elder beside him sneered, his eyes practically overflowing with disdain: "Just watching the show. Let's see how the Heavenly Evolution Sect brings about its own destruction. A bunch of peasants, daring to dream of sitting on equal footing with us immortals? How laughable!"

Behind them, the Northern Taiyi Sword Sect's ship was entirely black, and the disciples on board all exuded a sharp aura, standing with their swords at their sides.

They merely watched coldly, like eagles observing their prey, scrutinizing this so-called path of body refinement, wanting to see just how capable this mortal's fist truly was.

The Zidan Pavilion on the coast of the East China Sea is the most luxurious of all, with a faint fragrance of cinnabar permeating the air.

The elder in the pavilion stroked his beard, looking at the disciples of the Tianyan Sect with great interest, as if he were assessing a batch of rare medicinal herbs, calculating what kind of elixir market this body-refining path could create.

As for the Shenji Gate to the west, it was the most gloomy.

The elders of the sect looked at the great banner of the Tianyan Sect with greed in their eyes, seemingly harboring ulterior motives towards the technique that could allow mortals to defy their fate.

These major sects, though with different intentions, all adopted a spectator's attitude, happy to let Qinglan Sect, the first to step forward, test the strength of Tianyan Sect.

In the shadow of these top sects, a dozen or so flying boats from second- or third-rate sects huddled together.

The sect leaders and elders forced ingratiating smiles toward the Qinglan Sect while whispering amongst themselves.

"The Heavenly Evolution Sect has some nerve! They actually dare to violate the ironclad rule of the distinction between immortals and mortals!"

"Hmph, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Just watch, today will be the day their entire family is wiped out!"

“That’s true…” a sect leader from a small sect lowered his voice, a hint of struggle flashing in his eyes, “But if the ‘Furnace Scripture’ could truly grant mortals such combat power… how many mediocre disciples do we have in our sect…”

Upon hearing this, the elder beside him changed his expression and hurriedly interrupted him: "Be careful what you say! If the Qinglan Sect hears this, we will suffer the consequences!"

The most intriguing thing is the ship that flies the government flag.

Zhou Kangnian, the governor of Qingzhou, sat calmly in his scarlet official robe, slowly sipping his fragrant tea.

His aide lowered his voice, looking worried: "My lord, public sentiment is boiling; I fear this could lead to trouble."

Zhou Kangnian didn't even lift his eyelids, only saying indifferently, "Watch."

Two words, yet they convey a calm and indifferent understanding of everything.

Amidst this strange atmosphere of tension and anticipation, a disciple of the Tianyan Sect, standing on the high platform, focused his energy and uttered a long, drawn-out chant, instantly silencing all the noise.

"The auspicious time has arrived! We respectfully invite the Sect Master to ascend the stage!"

With a loud shout, Meng Xihong, dressed in a simple black robe, slowly ascended the high platform, surrounded by Yun Songzi, Ji Beichuan, and others.

He didn't unleash any pressure, but his deep eyes swept across the entire arena, and his unwavering composure instantly quelled the clamor of tens of thousands of people. Meng Xihong stood firm, his booming voice resounding throughout the hall:
"Heaven shows no favoritism, but always sides with the virtuous. Why must there be a distinction between immortals and mortals on the path of cultivation?"

"Today, my Heavenly Evolution Sect will ask the heavens, and all the immortals and Buddhas in the sky, why a mortal body cannot forge a path to heaven!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a cold snort, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, rang out.

With a flicker, Chen Xuanqing, the sect leader of Qinglan Sect, gracefully landed on the high platform.

He smiled, but his words were as sharp as a knife: "Sect Leader Meng, you have quite the arrogance."

"You, a mere mortal, have stumbled upon a wondrous encounter, yet you dare to speak recklessly of the Heavenly Way, attempting to overturn the order between immortals and mortals. How are you any different from demons and evil spirits?"

"I have also heard of your 'The Classic of the Furnace'."

It may seem to strengthen the body, but in reality, it goes against nature, recklessly depleting the body's vital energy—nothing more than a poisoned remedy!

Chen Xuanqing quoted extensively from classical texts and spoke eloquently, belittling the path of body refinement to nothing. The immortal cultivators on the surrounding ships nodded repeatedly in agreement.

The ordinary people in the audience looked worried, their hearts filled with unease by his words.

Upon hearing this, Meng Xihong did not get angry but laughed instead.

He didn't bother to explain the technique itself; instead, he stepped forward, looked directly at Chen Xuanqing, and asked loudly:

"Then may I ask Sect Master Chen, the immortal sect is high above, possessing thousands of miles of spiritual mountains, but has it ever protected the people of this region from the invasion of demonic beasts?"

Chen Xuanqing choked.

Meng Xihong raised his voice again: "May I ask Sect Master Chen, since spiritual roots are predetermined, are those hundreds of millions of people who are destined to be enslaved for eternity, trampled underfoot, and subject to the life and death of cultivators?"

Chen Xuanqing's expression changed slightly.

Meng Xihong suddenly pointed to the thousands of people below the stage, his voice booming:

"May I ask Sect Leader Chen! Our Tianyan Sect spreads its teachings to the people, ensuring that the elderly are cared for and the able-bodied are employed, enabling them to raise their fists and personally protect their homes, wives, and children! What evil is there in that?"

These three questions are more piercing than the last!
Meng Xihong fully unleashed his "Literary Spirit and Integrity," his voice brimming with a powerful and righteous energy that struck straight to the heart.

He didn't spout any profound or mysterious principles; what he said were the most simple and down-to-earth appeals that all ordinary people could understand.

"They are the answer!" Meng Xihong surveyed the entire room. "The will of the people is the will of Heaven!"

Going against the will of the people, even if you possess countless spiritual veins and wield immense magical power, is still defying the will of Heaven!

After a brief silence, tens of thousands of ordinary people in the audience erupted in thunderous shouts!

"Sect Leader Meng is right!"

"We do not seek immortality, we only ask to protect our families!"

"We are willing to follow the Heavenly Evolution Sect!"

The roar was deafening, forming a powerful momentum that shattered the arrogance of the immortal cultivators on the ship!

Chen Xuanqing's face turned completely ashen.

He never dreamed that Meng Xihong would not debate with him about profound mysteries, but instead use this most direct and brutal method to incite the people's hearts, instantly putting him in a morally passive position.

Reasoning with ordinary people? When has Chen Xuanqing ever needed to reason with ants?
"What a silver tongue!"

Chen Xuanqing's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Since fallacies and heresies can't be explained, then let's settle this with our skills."

He stopped arguing, simply flicked his sleeve, and his icy voice echoed throughout the room:

"In the cultivation world, strength ultimately reigns supreme! Today, I will see if your so-called 'Great Path to Heaven' can withstand a single strike from the immortal techniques of my Qinglan Sect!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a young disciple with an arrogant expression stepped forward from behind him.

This person has striking features and an extraordinary bearing. He has already reached the Great Perfection of Qi Refining and is a standout among the younger generation of the Qinglan Sect.

He was the senior brother of the disciple whose flying sword had been crippled by Ji Beichuan's punch. He came here today to avenge his junior brother.

He bowed deeply to Chen Xuanqing and said loudly, "Sect Master, why should you be angry? This disciple alone is enough to deal with such a pretentious clown."

His gaze was like lightning, fixed on Ji Beichuan on the high platform, his killing intent undisguised.

"Tianyan Sect, who will die here!"

(End of this chapter)