Chapter 608: Chapter 558: Sorcerer 19

“Indeed, trouble is coming.” A hint of murderous intent flashed in Wu Shijiu’s eyes.

Wu Shijiu was a member of a top-tier force in Sky Wasteland, the Witch Deity Teaching. Originally, as a powerful figure of the Eightfold Spirit Realm, his status within the Witch Deity Teaching was quite prominent.

However, some incidents led to a huge conflict between him and the Witch Deity Teaching, resulting in an explosive fight. Wu Shijiu fought against a cultivator of the Nine Realms of Spirit and barely escaped with his life, but was seriously injured.

If it weren’t for the resurgence of Heaven and Earth in the Ancestral Land, he would have been relentlessly pursued by numerous powerful figures of the Witch Deity Teaching within Sky Wasteland, and it’s uncertain whether he could have survived.

After all, the Witch Deity Teaching, a legacy from ancient times, existed since the tribal era. Especially their divine abilities and skills involving tracking curses were bizarre. Even Wu Shijiu, a member of Witch Deity Teaching, was unsure if he knew them all.

Ordinarily, a cultivator of Wu Shijiu’s realm would have superior self-awareness and would not put too much faith in luck. Compared to luck, they trust more in their own strength.

However, after arriving at the Ancestral Land, Wu Shijiu had to admit that his luck had indeed taken a fantastic turn; becoming acquainted with Pei Xuanjing, the rise of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, all af these events greatly benefited the severely injured Wu Shijiu.

The Witch Deity Teaching, with its ancient lineage, originally had a status within the human race akin to that of a priesthood. Being able to gain the trust of the human king and being nourished by the Qi Luck of humanity greatly aided Witch Deity Teaching. The ascension of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty undoubtedly allowed Wu Shijiu to envision this possibility.

Hence, Wu Shijiu willingly offered to assist when he learned that Pei Xuanjing planned to help the Great Ming Empire ascend to a divine dynasty. As for the deal originally proposed, Wu Shijiu didn’t take it seriously at first, using it merely as a pretext.

Only those who have truly faced cultivators of the Nine Realms of Spirit would understand just how terrifying such individuals can be. The foundation of the Witch Deity Teaching is also not something the Great Ming Divine Dynasty could oppose. Even if they possess the high-grade Golden Book and Jade Scroll, the still-growing Great Ming Divine Dynasty has no ability to counter an apex force like the Witch Deity Teaching.

Wu Shijiu’s initial plan was simple: help the Great Ming Divine Dynasty ascend successfully, then nourish his injuries with the Qi Luck and offerings from the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. As long as he recovers before the return of the Witch Deity Teaching’s people, he should be able to protect himself, even if he can’t win.

As for anyone else, Wu Shijiu simply didn’t care and wouldn’t care.

However, by this point, Wu Shijiu realized that some things had taken an entirely unexpected turn. Pei Xuanjing’s growth rate was too fast. In a few short decades, Pei Xuanjing had trodden a path that would take most cultivators hundreds of years to walk, and had truly become a mighty figure of this world.

Moreover, as someone who interacted extensively with the current Emperor of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, he could clearly sense a terrifying strength lurking beneath the frail body. Should the emperor truly unleash his power, it would surely be earth-shattering.

Consequently, Wu Shijiu changed his initial plan. If the Great Ming Divine Dynasty had potential, why then, should he discard it?

After all, regardless of the situation, having someone to face the people of the Witch Deity Teaching together was always better than facing them alone.

“Rest assured, Master, I keep my promises,” said Zhu Houji, his voice calm and collected.

Through their many years together, he had come to roughly understand Wu Shijiu’s thoughts. As for what Wu Shijiu truly intended, Zhu Houji didn’t care.

As an emperor, he naturally understood that some people didn’t need to be loyal. They merely needed to be useful.

If he intended to develop the Great Ming Divine Dynasty into an immortal dynasty, he had to be magnanimous. If he lacked this basic level of tolerance, how could he speak of the future?

“Thank you, your Majesty,” Wu Shijiu replied with a smile.

……

The Taoist Academy.

Upon hearing that his Master has left seclusion, Pang Hong immediately came to the Taoist Academy to pay respect to his master. He did this as is befitting of a disciple and also to report some matters to his master, so his master could make a decision.

Pei Xuanjing sat on the master seat, playing with the Sanbao Jade Ruyi in his hand, his expression indifferent as he listened to Pang Hong’s report, offering no opinion.

Although he physically resided in the Taoist Academy, his spiritual consciousness had already spread throughout the Great Ming territory, covering all sub-academies of the Taoist Academy. He was practically aware of the major events happening in the world, virtually knowing everything without ever leaving his residence.

Pei Xuanjing wasn’t very concerned with the occurrences in the world reported by Pang Hong. He truly wanted to understand the reactions of various forces over the past few decades, along with the attitudes of those returning from the Sky Wasteland.

If Pei Xuanjing wished to promote his ideas and set rules for all cultivators, he inevitably needed to make some preparations.

Before that, he needed to make a judgment: among the many forces returning from Sky Wasteland, which ones could be won over, which ones couldn’t be, and which ones could remain neutral…

Only after making such judgments, could he prescribe the most suitable solutions.

“You’ve worked hard over these years, not only diligently managing the affairs of the Shenxiao Sect but also keeping up with your cultivation. This makes me very gratified,” Pei Xuanjing praised Pang Hong.

For the past few decades, Pei Xuanjing concentrated on cultivation in seclusion and handed all matters to Pang Hong. Pang Hong not only handled the affairs of the Shenxiao Sect and the Taoist School, but also advanced his cultivation to the Fourth Level of the Spiritual Realm. This evidently showed his hard work.

Perhaps the Fourth Level of the Spiritual Realm might not amount to much in Pei Xuanjing’s eyes now, and compared to the cultivators from Sky Wasteland, this achievement might be insignificant, but when Pang Hong’s efforts were taken into account, it held significance.

“All this is part of a disciple’s duty. There’s no hardship involved,” Pang Hong replied, shaking his head.

From an initial nobody who relied on connections to enter the Martial Academy, to his current status – this was a result that the former Pang Hong wouldn’t have dared to dream of. Hence, he conscientiously reminded himself that everything he had was given by his Master and he was obligated to repay his Master, doing everything for him was the least he could do, without shirking his duties.

As far as Pang Hong is concerned, as long as he can do something for his Master, even if it cost him his life, he wouldn’t hesitate or retreat in the slightest.

Upon hearing his words, Pei Xuanjing sighed slightly and said, “Why should it be like this…”