Chapter 407: The End of History
After Longbrow Buddha’s death, everyone finally united under Yuan Shang’s leadership to fight against the Outer Realm Demons. The demon severely wounded by Longbrow Buddha soon perished, while another was surrounded and killed by the Tribulation Transcendence cultivators. Yuan Shang then led reinforcements to assist Immortal Elder Changcun, eliminating the final Outer Realm Demon.
With this, all three Outer Realm Demons that had descended upon the Nine Provinces were slain. During this battle, the young monk comprehended the mysteries of tribulation transcendence, advancing to the Tribulation Transcendence Stage and becoming the new master of Sumeru Mountain, now titled Xumi Buddha.
After the battle, Yuan Shang felt little joy, instead overwhelmed by melancholy. He seemed to realize that waiting indefinitely for celestial realm reinforcements or relying solely on Immortal Elder Changcun wasn’t sustainable. Discovering the embryonic Earth Vein, though prematurely matured by Longbrow Buddha, Yuan Shang recognized it still wasn’t enough.
When the next Outer Realm Demons descended, he—empowered by faith—would be the first to charge into battle. But what then? If he fell in combat, would they need to hastily select another to inherit this power? The uncertainty was too great—better to choose successors in advance.
After consulting with Immortal Elder Changcun and others, Yuan Shang began reshaping the embryonic Earth Veil. As the faith-bearer, he led the transformation while others advised.
“This river coalesces from the collective faith of all beings, flowing throughout the Nine Provinces Continent—we shall call it the Earth Vein.”
“The Earth Vein embodies the collective will. Since the people desire someone to defend the Nine Provinces against the Outer Realm Demons, the Vein shall serve this purpose.”
“As an amalgamation of mortal will, the Earth Vein can conversely perceive each individual’s intentions.”
“It can identify those willing to sacrifice for the Nine Provinces, channeling the continent’s fortune to accelerate their growth with serendipitous opportunities. I’ll guide them personally to prevent missteps.”
“Once matured, we’ll conduct a second selection—the most talented and powerful shall succeed me in guarding the Nine Provinces.”
“The celestial realm’s return remains uncertain. Immortal Elder’s power is finite—he must serve as our last defense. The immortal peach tree of Red Dust Pure Land never initiates attacks—it’s unreliable.”
“We can only depend on our Tribulation Transcendence cultivators and the next generation.”
“How I wish successors could break through to the legendary Mahayana Stage that Immortal Elder spoke of—capable of withstanding thirty strikes from a Celestial Immortal and surely able to protect our land.”
“May the Nine Provinces transcend righteous-demonic divisions, uniting against the celestial demons.”
“…My perspective seems to be shifting. Previously, I always thought from the Xuantian Sect’s standpoint—opposing demonic paths to protect the people.”
“Now, my sect identity blurs as my thinking transcends dynasties and sects, focusing solely on the Nine Provinces.”
“Is this true righteousness?”
“Did I attain enlightenment after that battle, or does the faith power alter my will as it strengthens me?”
“No—this matters not. Perfecting the Earth Vein to save the Nine Provinces is paramount.”
…
“Human Sovereign Jiang, do you wish to continue observing?” Emperor Shun emerged from the River of Time to inquire.
“Let’s return.”
Jiang Li declined to watch further. Terms like “Human Sovereign,” “Human Sovereign Hall,” and “Sovereign candidates” didn’t originate here—they emerged centuries later after several successors to Yuan Shang’s position had perished. Having witnessed 130 years of history that answered many questions, Jiang Li recognized remaining mysteries couldn’t be solved through observation alone.
“I heard that after founding Great Zhou, you ascended the Celestial Ladder to the immortal realm?” Jiang Li inquired curiously. Emperor Shun was extraordinary—he’d unusually established Great Zhou governed by laws. Witnesses saw him ascend the ladder, yet later immortals reported only sporadic legends of his appearances, never encountering him directly. Many believed his mastery of temporal dao allowed simultaneous existence in both realms.
“Upon immortality, I indeed reached the celestial realm. There, an immortal skilled in temporal dao—though inferior to me—surpassed me in cultivation level.”
“He constantly harassed me, and I had no desire to remain there. So I returned to the River of Time, only occasionally visiting to absorb immortal energy for cultivation.”
“Do you know the celestial realm’s current location?”
“Only its position nine millennia ago—before the Celestial Ladder fractured. I often visited different temporal nodes, leaving traces that baffled immortals—quite amusing.”
“But after the ladder broke, the awakened Heavenly Dao deliberately shifted coordinates like a madman. Even I cannot locate it now.”
“If you seek the celestial realm in your era, you’ll likely need to find either Celestial Immortals serving the Heavenly Dao or the Celestial Ladder itself.”
“What if I visited the past celestial realm?” Jiang Li gazed toward the Sea of Time shrouded in chaotic mist.
Emperor Shun grimaced. “Possible, but could you choose another occasion?”
“Why?”
“Those unskilled in temporal dao cannot move freely along the River of Time. Even Earthly and Celestial Immortals struggle.”
“Human Sovereign Jiang, though you’re the unprecedented Mahayana cultivator, you’re not omnipotent. You completely lack… well, let’s say you’re unskilled in temporal dao.”
Jiang Li glared—was the Ji family always going to exclude him over temporal dao?
Ignoring the stare, Emperor Shun continued, “Your freedom here stems purely from overwhelming power that defies the River’s restrictions.”
“Couldn’t I remain indefinitely then?”
“…Recall what happened when you forcibly intervened during the zombie world’s time reversal—you nearly destroyed everything.”
“The River faces similar peril. Your prolonged presence causes cracks—imperceptible to you, but evident to me. We’re nearing collapse.”
“Let me return you to restore the River’s stability before you revisit.” Emperor Shun proposed.
“Agreed.”
Jiang Li remembered the white fish—Ancient and Modern Sword’s transformed state—had seen his future self downstream, confirming he’d return.
With relief, Emperor Shun sailed Jiang Li back to the Nine Provinces nine millennia later.