Chapter 218: The argument between father and son (Part 1)

At the border between the Baiyue Area and Tang Nation.

This place has been isolated by a Great Divine Ability; the outside world knows nothing about it and cannot interfere.

Fortunately, the Heavenly Dao of the world still governs this place, and Three Ranks are absolutely forbidden from fighting fiercely here.

If they want to fight, they should go to the Outer Domain; the boundless wilderness of the Outer Domain is theirs to utilize.

If six Three Ranks were truly allowed to unleash their power, the world itself might not suffer much damage, but the surface ecosystem would likely be completely reset.

The essence of the world is quite robust; even after being reset, a new ecosystem would naturally emerge after some time, and new species would be born.

But others would certainly not allow such a thing to happen.

Therefore, these six Three Ranks still maintained considerable restraint; although their moves were intricate and complex, with every action guided by Heavenly Principle and covered by endless Dao Resonance, their destructive range was kept within a thousand zhang.

Within that thousand zhang, the grand city had eight inner gates, and those inner eight gates each had eight more gates, and further inside, another eight gates, layer upon layer, endlessly, with countless heavy gates, one after another; any attack entering it would only fall into an endless cycle, utterly unable to escape.

However, Zhu Fengdan merely furrowed her brow slightly, observing the grand city for a moment.

Guarding a land of sixteen thousand feet, accumulating feet yields two thousand six hundred sixty-six steps, with four feet remaining.

Accumulating steps yields seven li, with one hundred forty-six steps and four feet remaining; multiplied by the four sides of the camp, one side yields one li, with three hundred six steps and four feet remaining, occupying eighteen qing and seventy mu, with one hundred forty-three steps, five chi, and three cun and three fen remaining.

The Rest Gate primarily governs the first residence, the Life Gate primarily governs the eighth residence.

The Injury Gate primarily governs the third residence, the Delusion Gate primarily governs the fourth residence.

The Scenery Gate primarily governs the ninth residence, the Death Gate primarily governs the second residence.

The Shock Gate primarily governs the seventh residence, the Open Gate primarily governs the sixth residence.

Setting the Eight Gates, arranging the Three Wonders and Six Rites, forming the Yin and Yang Two Escapes, totaling one thousand eight hundred formations.

Thus... it's not that much, after all.

Although it seemed like there were Life Gates and Open Gates inside, normally, only those entering through the Life and Open Gates would find good fortune, while all others would lead to misfortune; however, in this grand city, all eight gates led to misfortune.

It appeared to have no flaws, but in reality, it defied Heavenly Principle.

Heavenly Principle cycles; extreme Yin gives birth to Yang, extreme Yang gives birth to Yin; a path of absolute death must have a glimmer of life, and a flourishing era also conceals hidden gloom—this is the principle of the world's flow.

This grand city appeared to be flawless.

But its biggest flaw was that it looked 'flawless'.

Seizing this point, Zhu Fengdan lightly tapped her five fingers, and countless Dao Resonance spread out from them, collectively constructing a reverse 'grand city'.

This was not as precise as the opponent's, but in terms of Dao Resonance, it was completely opposite to theirs.

Suddenly, that grand city began to tremble violently.

Since you have no 'life', then I shall add it for you.

A city without death immediately stood tall.

Opposites attract; the Dao Resonance within the two grand cities, whose Dao Resonance were completely opposite, directly collapsed due to mutual attraction.

The Dao Resonance from both sides merged, much like Yin and Yang combining, irresistibly fusing together.

If this were a perfect city without death, then the Fusion would proceed very smoothly.

But unfortunately, this was fake, a temporarily constructed imitation.

The Dao Sect Earth Immortal frowned and immediately retreated.

But it was already too late.

The speed of the Yin and Yang Fusion was but an instant, and immediately, a conflict arose because they could not interlock.

Yin and Yang combining turned into Yin and Yang clashing.

This directly caused that grand city to begin backlashing.

If this continued, he wouldn't be seriously injured, but being disheveled and suffering a minor loss was inevitable.

"Enough, stop," a Utmost Person nearby suddenly spoke.

A Utmost Person, one who uses his heart as Heavenly Will, his mouth as Heavenly Word, his hands as Heavenly Work, and his body as Heavenly Affairs.

His mouth as Heavenly Word, his words becoming Law.

The Law of Yin and Yang entanglement immediately failed.

With the absence of this Law, those Dao Resonance naturally recovered, transforming back into the previous grand city, but without any mutual influence.

Another Utmost Person took two steps forward, separating the battlefield: "Since we are here to discuss matters, why be so aggressive? Zhu Fengdan, you are indeed a prodigy; I didn't expect you to also have some understanding of Dao Sect methods, but no matter how strong you are, it's impossible for you to fight four at once. You should stop."

However, at this moment, the old Grand Shaman named Yun Fang spoke.

He spoke gently to the four Utmost Persons: "Third Zhu is more than capable of fighting three of you, and while this old bone of mine isn't skilled in combat, holding back one isn't a difficult task."

He appeared gentle and refined, but at this moment, he showed great firmness.

After all, Grand Shamanes are not foolish people.

Their personal character doesn't matter; that's for private moments.

When matters are brought to the table, the larger picture must take precedence; even someone as arrogant as Zhu Fengdan must follow this, otherwise, no matter how much the Shaman Gods dote on him, he would inevitably spend hundreds of millions of years in Gui Xu.

Facing opponents of the same rank, twice their number, Zhu Fengdan and Yun Fang actually subtly suppressed them.

The leading Utmost Person on the opposite side sighed.

No wonder the Shaman God in charge of this area only sent these two people.

He had long heard of Zhu Fengdan's reputation, and seeing her today, it was well-deserved.

However, as the saying goes, Director of the Secretariat adult sent them here not for fighting.

The Utmost Person shook his head, then took out a silver-white scroll from his怀 and unrolled it, beginning to read aloud.

Yun Fang and Zhu Fengdan were simultaneously awe-struck.

After the scroll was opened, it was a long scroll, exuding magnificent Dao Resonance and an incredibly oppressive force that neither of them could resist!

Second Rank, this was a Second Rank's personal letter!?

Tang Nation dispatched a Second Rank for this matter?!

The Grand Shamanes' observational skills were quite meticulous; they quickly recognized the 'Seal Qi' emanating from the long scroll.

This was an unforgeable seal, representing a personal document from a Second Rank high official of the Tang Nation court, backed by the Tang Nation court itself, making it one of the most credible things in the world.

Tang Nation was founded on Laws and regulations, which permeated every aspect, including filial piety between father and son, and everyone's belief in the Dao; thus, any document personally written and sealed by a Tang Nation official, as long as it was within their scope of authority, would certainly not be reneged upon.

Therefore, when a personal letter from a Second Rank high official arrived, even the two Third Rank Grand Shamanes maintained the most basic respect and reverence.

The Utmost Person then began to read the text on it:

"The Heavenly Fate cycles, the Central Plains' Origin Qi flourishes, and among billions, a Sage descends, initiating the beginning of the human Dao; thus, since ancient times, emperors ruling the world have always resided in the Central Plains to control the barbarians, and the barbarians resided outside to serve the Central Plains. Never has it been heard of barbarians residing in the Central Plains to rule the world; it has never existed in ancient times, nor does it exist now, and it shall not exist until the final tribulation!"

"The Sun-Moon Orbit is the beginning of the Heavenly Dao's rules; yesterday was as usual, today is as usual, and hereafter shall also be as usual!"

"The Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron concerns the Sun-Moon Orbit. Shaman God Mountain is located in the wilderness and should naturally be subject to the Central Plains. The only reason for its independence is that Yu Gong considered it a desolate region, so the Central Plains abandoned it and did not treat it as a subject, instead showing it a loose rein, spreading its teachings, and seeking to love people, not to expand territory."

"A rocky field is gained but useless; what good is eating chicken ribs? Yet the people of the wilderness do not consider this a grace, but rather rely on their own strength, disregard enlightenment, engage in military aggression, and only resist, having no long-term strategy, like a fire about to consume itself!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two Grand Shamanes differed.

They both clearly understood the meaning of these introductory remarks.

This was to say that the text first boasted about the situation in Tang Nation, declaring that the world should respect the Central Plains, and that they were merely barbarians.

And now, Tang Nation was taking action to stabilize the movement of heaven, earth, Sun, and Moon; what were Shaman God Mountain's intentions in trying to obstruct this matter?

The classic text "Yu Gong" states that Shaman God Mountain is a wild and desolate land, which was abandoned by the Central Plains in ancient times. Only a loose rein policy was adopted, acknowledging the status of the local natives, then spreading ideas and allowing the locals to submit to the enlightenment of the Central Plains Dynasty, to treat the Central Plains Dynasty with benevolence. This was sufficient; there was no demand for this place to be included within the Central Plains' territory.

Because this place was actually a place where 'a rocky field is gained but useless; what good is eating chicken ribs?' Tang Nation, as the Central Plains, simply looked down on it.

But this mere backwater dared to be so bold as to challenge the Central Plains with a bit of brute force? Are you foolish? Do you want to play with fire and burn yourselves?

Yun Fang wore a wry smile, shaking his head, his eyes subtly revealing helplessness and a 'still the same' expression, but he didn't take it to heart.

Tang Nation had always been like this.

They considered themselves the Celestial Empire, viewing all other eight directions of the world outside the Central Plains as barbarians; they even never referred to themselves by their own country's name, that was what others called them; their self-designation was always only 'Central Plains' and 'China'.

Yun Fang was already accustomed to this, so he didn't have any particular reaction.

However, Zhu Fengdan clearly sneered, her eyes full of disdain.

But, after all, it was a Second Rank's personal letter, and she dared not interrupt easily, only waiting for the other party to finish reading.

Afterward, the Utmost Person continued to read:

"The barbarians have been acting on their own for a long time without being punished; do not presume upon the Celestial Empire's leniency. If there is another offense, heavenly troops will descend. Do not say that we did not warn you beforehand."

"However, the Supreme's heart is concerned, and the matter of the Sun-Moon Orbit is of great importance, so one cannot be careless. A wise person once said: 'Cultivating oneself is a symbol of wisdom; showing love is the beginning of benevolence; giving and taking is a measure of righteousness; reacting to shame is a decision of courage.' Although the Central Plains is strong and great, it cultivates itself with rules, possessing both wisdom, benevolence, righteousness, and courage. It is not a tyrannical Dao, but truly a kingly Dao, and therefore does not act with violence. It is willing to listen to advice and discuss the journey together."

"Pfft..." Zhu Fengdan couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing when she heard this.

Because the meaning of this passage was: You barbarians have been causing trouble for a long time, and we haven't disciplined you for a long time, but don't take our leniency as a reason for your arrogance. If you cause such trouble again, I will send people to fight you, and don't say I didn't warn you then.

After the warning, this Second Rank immediately changed his tone and said in a different voice:

"However, the Supreme is concerned about this matter, and the Sun-Moon Orbit is especially important, so one must be careful."

The Supreme is the Human Emperor.

Throughout the world, only the current Emperor Your Majesty is referred to as the Supreme by his subordinates; anyone else daring to use this title would be an extreme transgression, and Heavenly Thunder would surely strike their head while they slept.

This means that since the Supreme is concerned about this matter, I will not dwell on previous issues with you. After all, a wise person once said:

Cultivating one's character is a sign of wisdom.

Being able to love others is the beginning of benevolence.

Whether giving and taking are appropriate is a measure of righteousness or unrighteousness.

How one reacts to shame reveals whether one is brave.

Our Tang Nation possesses both wisdom, benevolence, righteousness, and courage; we are not like those constantly fighting bandits. Regarding this matter, we will not mindlessly resolve it with violence. As a place of wisdom and benevolence, we are willing to listen to Shaman God Mountain's opinions and hear what you have to say.

Zhu Fengdan wore a sneering expression, but Yun Fang was not too surprised by this.

To Tang Nation, all of this was quite normal.

Face was the thing they valued most.

In the eight directions of the world outside the Central Plains, there would be some small forces or small countries that would declare allegiance and pay tribute to Tang Nation, sending envoys to Tang Nation every so often.

Typically, these people would receive 'rewards' worth more than ten times their tributes.

The things they offered as tribute were of no interest to Tang Nation; some casual rewards they bestowed were treasures that were difficult for them to seek.

All they wanted was face.

Anyway, for Tang Nation, it made no difference.

Therefore, having this attitude, in Yun Fang's opinion, was already the result of the other party relenting.

To truly make Tang Nation admit fault or bow down in a formal setting...

Impossible.

Such a situation has never occurred in history.

Among all Human Emperors throughout history, only one issued a 'self-reproach edict' only once, and that was countless years ago. Moreover, the target was his own subjects; it was an apology to all his countrymen.

As for outsiders...

Even during their most desperate times, when rebel forces, in collusion with external powers, launched a surprise attack all the way to Chang'an through internal and external cooperation, they never showed weakness or bowed their heads once.

In that final battle, the Human Emperor at the time shattered the Dragon Vein to cut off all retreat, leading six million of the last Imperial Army cavalry, facing enemies a thousand times their number, and miraculously turned the tide.

At that time, everyone thought that humanity would never recover after this, as even the Dragon Vein, their ultimate trump card, was shattered, and their Luck was severed. If it were a person, it would mean their Dao path was cut off; what could they do afterward?

But it was still the same emperor who instigated the rebellion; after that battle, he issued a self-reproach edict to all his citizens, and subsequently worked diligently. In just two hundred years, the Central Plains produced countless talents, rapidly recovering its Origin Qi, and returned to the pinnacle of the world at an astonishing speed.

After that, he died of exhaustion and passed the throne to his Crown Prince, who is the current Human Emperor.

Tang Nation has also flourished ever since.

However, for Shaman God Mountain, this was not good news.

The Third Rank Supreme Being finished reading and put away the long scroll: "Director of the Secretariat's personal decree cannot be faked, so you can naturally believe the Celestial Empire's sincerity."

The two Grand Shamanes listened, then exchanged glances.

Seeing that Zhu Fengdan had no desire to communicate, Yun Fang, the elder, stepped forward proactively.

He did, however, greatly trust Tang Nation's credibility; after all, although the other party was domineering, they had indeed never broken their word, always keeping their promises, and in terms of credibility, they were a moral paragon.

Even Shaman God Mountain often resorted to some cunning tricks, but they truly had none.

"Sincerity, we naturally believe it, but... Yun still has some doubts about certain contents of the document."

"The human Dao was born from Shaman Dao; the two are originally from the same source, their relationship like father and son."

"Tang Nation values filial piety. Is your filial piety to call your biological father 'barbarian'?"

As soon as Yun Fang said this, Zhu Fengdan immediately covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.

Meanwhile, the three Utmost Persons on the other side immediately glared, all looking at Yun Fang!

However, they were choked up and couldn't speak.

Because, in a sense, Yun Fang was not wrong.

The human Dao, by its very nature, developed from Shaman Dao.

Tracing back to the beginning of Chaos, when it was a vast wilderness, in that primeval, primordial era, the human Dao had not yet been born.

At that time, the profession that protected the newly emerged race of 'humans' was 'Shaman'.