This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 316 An Unparalleled Merit
The path envisioned and planned by Zhuang Lin, in terms of its conception, is not particularly difficult for those in later generations who have some understanding of the underworld, but it is by no means as simple as ordinary people think.

Drawing upon collective wisdom and understanding the current state of order between Yin and Yang in the local world, Zhuang Lin's description of the future before Master Wang and his followers is enough to shock these ageless cultivators.

If the initial feeling upon hearing the news was like seeing the sun after the clouds had parted, then as Zhuang Lin's description became more and more detailed, the composure on the faces of the ghosts and gods, including Master Wang, was long replaced by horror.

"Therefore, the natural order of heaven and earth, the flow of yin and yang, the crisscrossing paths of the netherworld, and the ultimate destination for all things in the world—this is the order of life and death, and the balance of yin and yang."

Zhuang Lin continued speaking, and all the ghosts and spirits listened intently.

Watching this scene, Xi Miao had a strange feeling, as if she were seeing the students in the Hidden Immortal Valley Academy, having a class with their teacher, Zhuang Lin.

At least in terms of expression, they do have a somewhat similar feel.

I thought there would be at least a heated discussion, but ever since Zhuang Lin began to describe that blueprint of ideas, all the ghosts and gods, and even the Ghost Emperor and the True Man, just listened without saying a word.

Xi Miao shook her head, dismissing that fleeting thought, and a smile curved her lips.

Although the gentleman had always been confident, Xi Miao still had some worries, but now it seems that she had worried too much.

For Master Wang and his fellow ghosts and gods, the shock they felt far exceeded Xi Miao's imagination.

I originally thought that even though the Confucian scholar was full of wisdom and strategy, his ideas still needed to be perfected. Just like the debate at the Ghost Festival, there was a process of discussion and argument, but here it was destined to be more amicable.

Who would have thought that the path to the underworld, as described by Zhuang Lin, was no longer just a concept, but a road described in great detail.

Leaving aside generalities like the paths to various places and the final resting place of spirits, and the inevitable problems of dealing with ghostly realms in different places, what is truly terrifying are some details.

From the construction of the true path to the underworld, from the establishment of various towns and underworld offices, from the City God to the various deities and spirits, from the underworld officials to the paths for all kinds of affairs.
It's no exaggeration to say that he attends to every detail, and it's absolutely true that he's thorough in every aspect.
It took Zhuang Lin three whole days to describe all the details clearly and answer some questions from the ghosts and spirits of the underworld.

On the third day, at the crack of dawn, Zhuang Lin slowly stopped describing the many ghosts and gods present in this underworld palace.

From the very beginning until now, the number of ghosts and gods has increased many times over. Although there are only the original group of ghosts and gods from Mount Baizhong inside the ceremony, the outer perimeter has been completely surrounded by a dense crowd, filled with eerie and ghostly energy, all of them crammed together to listen.

Hmm, it feels a lot like the old days outside the Hidden Immortal Valley Academy.

Zhuang Lin spoke for three days straight, his mouth never dry, his voice calm and composed.

"In this way, Yin and Yang will be clearly distinguished, order can be maintained, and the destiny of heaven and earth will gradually return to stability. What do you fellow Daoists think?"

With these words from Zhuang Lin, he had revealed his entire plan. However, there was no response at this moment, as all the ghosts and gods, including the Western Ghost Emperor, were still reeling from the shock.

After a long while, Wang Zhenren finally exhaled a breath of yin energy and gently stroked his beard.

"So vast, so exquisite, so comprehensive and meticulous, so perfect and flawless. Who in the world could possess such wisdom? No one but you, sir!"

As he spoke, Master Wang actually stood up and bowed deeply to Zhuang Lin.

Just as Zhuang Lin instinctively reached out to help, Wang Zhenren's Ghost Emperor form vanished from within Zhuang Lin's reach, reappearing a few steps away while his body remained bowing in reverence.

Since it wasn't a contest of magical powers, Zhuang Lin wouldn't need to unleash his full magical strength to fight against his opponent, so he truly received a salute from the Western Ghost Emperor.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, why bother?"

Master Wang looked up at Zhuang Lin.

“Sir, you deserve this respect from me. This is not to show respect for your Taoist cultivation, nor to show respect for your status as a Confucian immortal, but to show respect for your sincere concern for the common people, and to show respect for your painstaking efforts!”

As Master Wang bowed in this manner, none of the surrounding ghosts and spirits felt anything was amiss; instead, they all rose to their feet.

"You deserve it, sir!"

"Please accept our bow!"

Those outside the hall were alright; some were astonished, others hadn't quite recovered, and it was also too crowded. But those inside the hall all bowed to Zhuang Lin without prior arrangement.

Zhuang Lin couldn't help but stand up, unable to accept the bow while seated. His expression was inscrutable, and he felt a surge of emotion, gaining new insights into the state of the cultivation world.

Despite the chaos, there are still those who possess genuine sincerity.

Of course, Zhuang Lin understood that the sincerity of these people varied, but he could sense that, at least at this moment, perhaps due to his influence and the influence of the Western Ghost Emperor, the sincere hearts of the ghosts and gods present for the sake of all living beings were also manifested.

So this can be affected!
"Alright, I have felt your sincerity. Such dedication has not been in vain!"

Master Wang nodded slightly, and with a sway of his body, he was already near Zhuang Lin again.

Such a grand and detailed plan is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people, let alone its detailed formulation. Even the incense and magic treasures that influence the fate of the local beings and can sense changes in their fate have detailed nurturing ideas. These are things that ordinary people and gods could never have imagined.

What wisdom and effort it would take to achieve this?

It's likely that ever since the Ullambana Festival, Confucian scholars have been pondering this plan day and night—no, even earlier, for many years before that. Only great wisdom can accomplish such a feat!

Even the Venerable Master Wang, the supreme ruler of the Western Ghost Emperor, felt somewhat ashamed of himself. He could only say that those who achieve the status of Confucian immortals are truly deserving of the title of being on par with Heaven and Earth!
"With you here, sir, it is truly a blessing for all people!"

Wang Zhenren couldn't help but grab Zhuang Lin's arm, and the latter smiled. Only then did Zhuang Lin finally understand that the plan could succeed.

"Hearing these words and seeing your current emotions, it is my honor, and the honor of all living beings, to be able to participate in this great undertaking with you all. The fate of heaven and earth is already showing signs of decline, and time waits for no one."

The concept of the destiny of heaven and earth has a long history. Since the separation of heaven and earth, some people have felt it, but they did not want to point it out. However, Zhuang Lin is here today and has touched on it. Of course, the understanding of the listeners will be different. Many may just understand it as an imbalance of yin and yang. However, it is enough to serve as a warning.

"Indeed, time is of the essence!"

Master Wang surveyed the situation inside and outside the hall, then turned his gaze back to Zhuang Lin.

"By the way, does that mean the number one candidate for City God is Master Xi Zaochi of Xiangyang? Oh, please have a seat, sir!"

As they were talking, Master Wang led Zhuang Lin to sit down again. This time, however, he was sitting with Zhuang Lin instead of at a separate table. Xi Miao, on the other hand, was pushed to a slightly farther spot, but she covered her mouth and chuckled, not minding at all, and was actually quite pleased with the scene.

Zhuang Lin nodded and sat down as he answered.

"Indeed, it is Xi Gong. Although the matter was brought up suddenly, with Xi Gong's character, he is more than capable of undertaking this great responsibility. Moreover, he made a vow on that day, which is recognized by Heaven and Earth!"

Master Wang nodded repeatedly in amazement.

"Extraordinary people do extraordinary things. To become the City God, one must be an extraordinary person. To gain the approval of Heaven and Earth with a frail body is something that those who are destined to meet will see!"

The surrounding spirits and deities nodded in agreement, some whispering and echoing the sentiment.

"Indeed, then Master Xi must be no ordinary person!" "Yes, to receive such praise from a Confucian scholar, he must be so!"

"It's not that he received such praise from Confucian scholars; it's that his character is such that he deserves such praise!"

"I really want to meet this person."

"There's a chance!"

The atmosphere inside the hall was different; it had become somewhat fervent.

Just now, Zhuang Lin gave a detailed account, explaining Xi Zaochi's current situation and life story, and making many ghosts and gods understand the key aspects of this person.

Zhuang Lin then took the opportunity to speak.

"Even with Xi Jinping's support, one tree cannot make a forest, and one hand cannot clap. The original City God needed strong and powerful support."

The meaning was quite clear, and Master Wang immediately looked around, as did many other ghosts and spirits.

"We have chosen capable assistants to help the world's first City God to assume his position and accomplish his duties!"

"Excellent, we can finally help with this matter!"

"Yes, this is the first and crucial step in your grand plan!"

"Yes, yes, yes, the best person to design a place that reflects the destiny and the hearts of the people is someone from the Xiangyang region!"

"Excellent, excellent. Moreover, one must possess the character to shoulder great responsibilities. The City God's Office is a place that values ​​virtue!"

"rational!"

The heated discussion inside the hall also stirred up the many spirits outside.

Today's discussion wasn't kept entirely secret from the outside world, because we'd all find out sooner or later anyway. Besides, those deep within this Bazhong Mountain are all trustworthy, and we'll be relying on these spirits in our future endeavors, so we didn't try to hide it.

Emotions are interconnected, and now the atmosphere inside the hall is affecting the outside, with many spirits discussing it enthusiastically.

"Xiangyang, I was a native of Xiangyang when I was alive!"

"Although I'm not from Xiangyang, I'm from Jingzhou, not far away!"

"My home is near Jingzhou, and I'm highly skilled in Taoism!"

Zhuang Lin and Master Wang exchanged a glance, looked around, and then looked outside the hall. They both felt similarly that, even though they hadn't started doing anything yet, they had a feeling that something big was about to be accomplished!

Compared to Zhuang Lin, Master Wang, who hadn't witnessed any major events in the underworld for a long time, felt the impact even more deeply, and he also held an extremely firm belief in one other thing.

This should be considered an achievement that will last for a thousand years!
(End of this chapter)