Xiuxian: Start with the medicine boy

If that's really the case...
The Forbidden Sea is now an absolute death trap, a place where even the true self must tread carefully.

"You, a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, without extremely powerful protection, would face certain death the moment you step inside."

"senior!"

Mingxiang Zhenjun suddenly looked up, tears glistening in her eyes, yet burning with an unyielding flame.
"My Master's kindness to me is like giving me a second life, even greater than that of my own parents!"

Now that my master's whereabouts are unknown and his fate is uncertain, I am uneasy about my cultivation and can hardly make any progress!

Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire, or the deepest hells ahead, I am determined to go!

I only ask that you... grant my request, senior!

She bowed deeply again, though she was held up by an invisible force and unable to kneel, but her posture said it all.

Cheng Buzheng watched her stubborn figure and remained silent for a moment.

The atmosphere inside the hall was heavy, and no one dared to utter a sound.

At last!
He sighed softly, a sigh that seemed to contain some complex emotions.

"That's fine."

Cheng Buzheng's voice returned to its usual calm tone, yet carried a weight of approval.

"In any case, since I wish to ascend to the Spirit Realm, I must eventually return to the Forbidden Sea."

By then..."

He looked at True Monarch Mingxiang
"I can also inquire about Fellow Daoist Zongbao for you."

He did not agree to take her along, only promising to "find out some information while he was at it."

Upon hearing this, Mingxiang Zhenjun's delicate body trembled, and her eyes instantly burst forth with an incomparably bright light, a mixture of gratitude, hope, and tears.

She knew that this was the best outcome she could achieve.

Having a Nascent Soul cultivator promise to investigate is ten thousand times better than her searching blindly on her own!
"Thank you so much, senior! Thank you so much for your great kindness!"

She bowed repeatedly, her voice choked with emotion.

Cheng Buzheng nodded slightly and said no more.

Yet, my heart was filled with clarity and indifference.

He could certainly gather information, but the outcome... he already knew.

Some truths may be better left buried forever in the depths of the forbidden sea, which is perhaps better for those who are alive.

The cultivators of the Zhenhai Alliance inside the main hall breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

At the same time, my goodwill towards this "warm-hearted" and "sentimental" senior god increased even more.

however!
Cheng Buzheng's next words seemed to ignite the air in the entire hall.

His gaze was calm, yet like a stone thrown into a deep pool, slowly sweeping across the faces of each cultivator below...

At last!
Cheng Buzheng's gaze was fixed on the Nascent Soul True Monarch who was "Mingfu".

"I am very concerned about the current situation in the cultivation world, especially..."

He spoke slowly, each word like a jade stone gently tapping on ice—clear, calm, yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"I am particularly interested in the current situation of the Zhenhai Alliance."

You can hear a needle drop in the hall.

All the cultivators held their breath, and even the flow of their magical power seemed to slow down a beat.

Cheng Buzheng leaned forward slightly, his gaze still calm, yet Mingfu Zhenjun felt an invisible pressure gathering from all directions.

He continued, asking a seemingly simple question:

“Young friend Mingfu, you just mentioned that there seems to be some unrest within the alliance?”
"Perhaps...you can tell me more about it."

--boom!

These words sent a jolt through all the cultivators of the Zhenhai Alliance.

How could they not hear the underlying meaning in those words?
This is not an inquiry, it is clearly... the prelude to reaching out and seizing power!
If this Nascent Soul stage expert, whose lifespan is nearing its end but whose power still remains, is willing to take over the Zhenhai Alliance, then all the current problems—surrounded by external enemies, internal divisions, dwindling offerings, and disunity among the people—will be resolved.

Wouldn't all of these problems be easily solved?

In an instant, countless gazes became fervent.

The black-robed half-respected figure seated at the head of the table—Chiyang—was the first to move.

He suddenly stood up, his black robe billowing like ink, took a step forward, bowed and clasped his hands, his voice steady yet unable to conceal a trace of tremor:
"Since you have inquired, senior, I dare to recount the whole story in detail."

Cheng Buzheng simply nodded slightly, without saying a word.

Without further hesitation, the Blazing Sun Half-Venerable revealed the story of how the Zhenhai Alliance's greatest asset, "Zongbao Venerable," had disintegrated decades ago after losing contact with him, and how various Nascent Soul Immortal Clans had seized the opportunity to expand their influence.

Even the vassal forces that used to have to look up to the Zhenhai Alliance now outwardly comply but inwardly defy them, and their tributes are being reduced again and again...

All the circumstances are analyzed in detail and explained in detail.

With each recounted event, the atmosphere in the hall grew heavier;
With each new topic, the anticipation in the eyes of the crowd grew stronger.

Mingfu Zhenjun and others would occasionally add to the details, making them even more comprehensive.

Half an hour later...

Cheng Buzheng was fully aware of the turbulent situation within the Zhenhai Alliance and even the entire cultivation world.

After the cultivators in the hall finished speaking, the gazes they cast towards the high platform were no longer merely fervent.

It was like watching a rising sun that could dispel the long night.

Cheng Buzheng took in all of this.

He did not respond immediately, but instead slowly leaned back into his throne, his eyes slightly closed, as if deep in thought.

The knuckles tapped lightly on the armrest, one tap after another, striking the heartbeats of everyone present.

a long time.

He suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze clear and cold, like snow water washed over a frozen pool:
"So... apart from the Zhenhai Alliance, the current situation of the Immortal Alliance and the Demonic Path is roughly the same?"

A seemingly casual remark struck everyone like a thunderclap!

What do you mean?
This senior... does he not only want to take over the Zhenhai Alliance, but also suppress the immortal and demonic paths and completely unify this world?
He is indeed a Nascent Soul cultivator, but his lifespan is also running out!
Suppressing one alliance might be enough, but to sweep across the world...

How much effort and time would that take?
For a Nascent Soul cultivator who is about to ascend and whose days are numbered, isn't this like exchanging his remaining lifespan for a fleeting and illusory hegemony?

Is it worth it?

Picture what?
The hall was eerily quiet, the air so thick it seemed to solidify into a gel.

Excitement flashed in some eyes, hesitation appeared on some faces, and a chill rose in the hearts of others.

If that's the case, the Zhenhai Alliance's ten-thousand-year-old lineage will probably have to change hands.

Just as the silence was about to turn into an awkward moment—

The Blazing Sun Half-Venerable took another step forward.

He was more clear-headed than anyone else:

The person before me has a clear mind, and no one can sway him.

At this moment, any hesitation or refusal could anger this seemingly calm but actually powerful old monster who could decide life and death with a single thought.

"Senior Mingjian."

He bowed even deeper, but his voice remained steady and powerful.
"The cultivation world is indeed in turmoil now."

The internal strife within the Demonic Alliance is particularly fierce, with sects collapsing and bloodlines being severed every day.

If you, sir, are willing to intervene and quell the chaos, it would be a great blessing for all living beings, and your merit would be immeasurable.

He changed the subject, his posture becoming even more respectful:

"However... I have something to say, but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Cheng Buzheng's gaze fell on him, and he suddenly smiled softly:
"speak."

"Yes."

The Half-Saint of Blazing Sun raised his head, his expression solemn, and said, word by word.

"Our seniors had the world in their hearts and wished to save the world from collapse. We juniors are deeply moved and admire them greatly."

However... to completely suppress the forces of immortals and demons and pacify the entire cultivation world, it will be a long and arduous task.

"This junior is only worried that this might shorten your lifespan, senior."

Before the words were fully spoken, the meaning was already clear.

Everyone looked towards the high platform.

In this regard.

He had been preparing for this for a long time.

Cheng Buzheng seemed to have heard something interesting. He first shook his head and chuckled, then his laughter grew louder and echoed in the empty hall.

Stop laughing!

His expression turned serious, and his gaze swept across the entire room like lightning:

"Are you worried that I won't live to see the day when the world is at peace?"

He didn't mince words at all and pointed it out directly.

The people inside the hall held their breath.

"Logically speaking, this is indeed not possible."

Cheng Buzheng slowly stood up. He wasn't tall, but he seemed to be supporting the entire palace's sky.

"But I had already figured it out before I descended to this place—"

Even if my lifespan is exhausted, so what?

He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant horizon beyond the hall, his voice like the clash of metal and stone:

"Ascending to the Spirit Realm is nothing more than taking a few more glimpses of the scenery in the Upper Realm."

With my current cultivation level, it would be extremely difficult for me to break through to another realm and extend my lifespan before my lifespan ends.

That's it!

Why not use this remaining time on our homeland?

He turned around, and in his eyes was a clarity and boldness born from having seen through life and death:

"To die in the spirit world is death, and to die in one's homeland is also death."

"I...would rather return to my roots."

"By the way, let's sweep away the dust and restore order to this cultivation world that gave me birth and nurtured me."

"certainly!
If I can quell this turbulent world before my lifespan runs out, I am willing to ascend to the upper realm and see the scenery of the spirit world.

After he finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

But within that silence, it seemed as if molten lava was silently surging.

The initial hesitation and calculation in the eyes of many monks were gradually replaced by a burning admiration and awe.

Cheng Buzheng no longer gave them time to think.

He stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell, striking straight to the heart:
"My mind is made up—"

This world has been in turmoil for too long; it's time to stabilize it.

"Now, I only have one question..."

His gaze was piercing, sweeping across every face:
"Are you all willing to join me... in establishing the world's dominion?"

The first of the Blazing Sun Half-Venerables knelt on one knee, clasping his hands above his head:

"Junior Chiyang is willing to follow Senior, even unto death!"

Mingfu Zhenjun followed closely behind, and Mingxiang Zhenjun also bowed down, one after another, their voices merging into a wave:

"I am willing to follow my predecessors in establishing our dynasty!"

"I am willing to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors and bring peace to the world!"

"it is good!"

Cheng Buzheng stood up, clapped his hands, and laughed loudly, his voice shaking the heavens and earth.

When the laughter subsided, his eyes were filled with resolute determination.

"Young friend Chiyang."

"Junior is here."

"You shall carry out the decree of this deity and personally go to the [Rongshen Immortal Sect]."

Tell them—

Within a month, all half-Venerable and late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators within their sect must come here to see me.

He paused, his tone calm, yet chillingly cold.
"If anyone fails to come... I will personally visit them."

"This junior obeys!"
"I will convey your instructions in detail, Senior."

"Hmm!" Cheng Buzheng nodded slightly.
"Then I'll have to trouble you to make the trip, young friend."

"Senior, then this junior will take his leave."

The Half-Venerable Blazing Sun bowed deeply and transformed into a black rainbow, darting out of the main hall.

Followed by.

Cheng Buzheng, standing before the high platform throne, fixed his gaze on another half-venerable of the Zhenhai Alliance.

"Young friend, I'm leaving the Guiyuan Immortal Sect to you."

Upon hearing this, the half-saint immediately bowed and clasped his hands in greeting:

"Senior, don't worry!
"This junior will depart immediately and will deliver your decree to the Guiyuan Immortal Sect as quickly as possible."

After saying this, he bowed and left the palace.

···
“My dear friend Mingfu.”

"I'll leave the [Primordial Soul Palace] to you, young friend."

"Yes!" Mingfu Zhenjun bowed and clasped his hands in greeting.

"This junior will certainly not fail in my mission!"

"···"

As time goes by...

One by one, the cultivators received the order and stepped out of the palace gate like shooting stars.

Inside the magnificent hall, the number of people quickly dwindled until only Cheng Buzheng remained, standing alone on the high platform.

Not long!
The entire magnificent hall fell completely silent.

As the last cultivator who received the order transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon, the heavy palace doors slowly closed, emitting a muffled rumble that ultimately shut out all the noise from the outside world.

Cheng Buzheng stood alone on the high platform, hands behind his back, looking down.

Just moments ago, the vast space was teeming with people and their breaths mingled...
At this moment, only the cold jade pillars and the swaying, clear light of the pearls remain.

As Cheng Buzheng sat down again, he looked at the empty hall. A deep, thoughtful look gradually emerged in the depths of his eyes, replacing the decisiveness and authority he had displayed when issuing orders.

"It's estimated that it won't be long before news of my rebirth, intending to restore order to the world..."

It will surely sweep across the entire cultivation world like a storm.

His fingertips unconsciously tapped lightly on the dragon relief on the armrest of the throne, producing a rhythmic, soft sound that echoed in the silence.

"The top sects of both the immortal and demonic paths, such as the Fusion Immortal Sect and the Returning Origin Immortal Sect,
And what about those late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators who occupy various regions? How will these usually arrogant and self-sufficient forces choose to act?

He closed his eyes slightly, his divine sense seemingly traversing countless layers of void, witnessing the turmoil that had engulfed those sects as a result—

Some people were shocked.

Some people are afraid,

Someone is secretly conspiring,

Some people might sneer and dismiss it.

"Surely... no one would be foolish enough to refuse to give a Nascent Soul cultivator like me any face, right?"

The thought flashed through my mind, tinged with a subtle, almost imperceptible, sense of amusement.

But more than anything, it's an unquestionable certainty.

The power of a Nascent Soul cultivator is beyond comprehension; it represents a completely different level of life.

"Hope not."

He murmured to himself, but then a chilling coldness crept into his heart.
"otherwise.

This deity has been silent for too long; the cultivation world has probably forgotten what the wrath of a Nascent Soul cultivator is.

"Perfect, I don't mind using a few heads that don't know what's good for them to announce the arrival of a new era."

Think of this.

Seated regally on the high throne, Cheng Buzheng's calm eyes suddenly flashed with a chilling light capable of freezing the soul.

Like a death signal reflected from ancient ice.

However, this murderous intent, capable of unleashing a bloodbath, existed for only a moment before being completely suppressed and vanished without a trace by his powerful mental cultivation.

His expression returned to its usual calm and serene state.

Then,

Cheng Buzheng's thoughts quickly shifted, and a more complex problem emerged before him.

"Establishing a superpower that unifies the human race is by no means an easy task."

Especially considering the vast organization that needs to cover all cultivators today, it is incredibly complex.
Moreover, the scope involved is far too vast, far exceeding the former Zhenhai Alliance.

He frowned slightly, lost in deeper scheming.

"First of all, the structure of this new force needs to be carefully designed."

It cannot be structured as rigidly as ancient sects, with overly strict hierarchies, as that would hinder rapid integration and initial stability.

"···"

...(End of this chapter)