The meaning behind the Emperor's intentions was clear.
The Holy Dynasty and the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals were on the brink of war, and it was time for the Taiyan Sect to make its final stand.
When Sun Erlang found Yishu in the Sacred Capital City, he had already been prepared, waiting with a smile.
"Let's go, young man."
Sun Erlang wasn't coy; he clasped his hands in greeting, and the two headed straight for the Taiyan Sect.
"Senior, during your time in our Holy Dynasty, have you made any other gains?" asked Sun Erlang on the way back, probing.
Yishu smiled, "The scenery of the Holy Dynasty is different from the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals, and even more so from the countless nuances of the Xuanhuang World. We have gained much too. The sect has reached a consensus and has even received the approval of the Stone Mother. You'll know in time."
"By the way, you might even get the chance to meet the Stone Mother this time."
Those words stirred something in Sun Erlang's heart.
Attempting to learn more hidden information from Yishu, the latter changed topics, speaking of recent experiences in Da Qi.
"The people of the Holy Dynasty are well-fed and clothed, hence they pursue higher spiritual aspirations. Although their realm strength is average, certain ideas they possess are indeed fascinating. During this trip, I met a scholar who wrote a novel of strange tales. It describes what would happen in the Xuanhuang World if there were no Celestial Dharma Bearer..."
Sun Erlang was slightly taken aback, only to hear Yishu continue, "Unlike the simulated world you have experienced, in this novel, even though the Law Transmission is not prominent, disasters still descend, and it wreaks havoc throughout Xuanhuang."
"There are three Sovereigns who rise from obscurity, seizing power over the world, vying with each other. One educates and nurtures the people as the [Teacher of Heaven and Earth]. One uses a Saint's pure and noble character to win hearts, forming an unshakeable alliance. This is the [Supreme Saint of Humanity]. One with infinite might builds an Immortal Dynasty on Earth. Wherever the army points, all submit. This is the [Great Xuan Immortal Emperor]..."
As Yishu spoke, Sun Erlang's expression became quite nuanced.
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"The three Sovereigns' fierce struggle spanning hundreds of years finds no victor, the details, derived by individual effort, are rather rough and cannot withstand scrutiny. But they are indeed rather novel and refreshing..."
Sun Erlang couldn't help but ask, "So in the end, who won?"
"This [Tale of Xuanhuang Divided into Three] hasn't been finished yet. People were already blocking the scholar's doorstep, claiming his work was greatly disrespectful to the Emperor, and that they should teach him a lesson. Although the official stance of the Holy Dynasty did not weigh in, as mistakes appeared in the depiction of the Emperor Tai Xuan within the 'Romance,' the controversy only grew, even coming close to costing lives."
"Being terrified, the scholar dared not continue writing. With the story at a standstill, I also do not know who the ultimate winner is," Yishu said with a half-smile.
Sun Erlang cleared his throat, "When I return, I will send those people away so he can write in peace. It's just a novel of strange tales; would our Master really not tolerate such things?"
Yishu's words seemed to have an underlying meaning, "Although the Emperor indeed wouldn't care, it's not certain that the people of the Holy Dynasty would think the same."
Sun Erlang wanted to argue further, but they had already arrived within the realm of the Taiyan Sect.
Stepping once more into the floating city in the sky within the Crystal Wall, Sun Erlang was greeted differently than before; every Cultivator he met along the way greeted him with a smiling face.
As if they were all very familiar with him.
Sun Erlang knew that within the Taiyan Sect, information was shared collectively, essentially functioning as a single entity. But the feeling that others knew about him, while he didn't know their details, still made him uncomfortable.
Fortunately, the journey was short, and before long, Sun Erlang arrived at the core of the Taiyan Sect and met with Chen Tianhai.
Chen Tianhai was engrossed in a scroll, reading intently.
Yishu did not enter.
"Greetings, Senior."
Sun Erlang paid his respects, but Chen Tianhai was unmoved, as if he hadn't heard.
After a lengthy silence, Chen Tianhai finally spoke, cutting to the chase, "Regarding the imminent conflict between the Holy Dynasty and the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals, our Taiyan Sect has decided to..."
"Not side with either party."
This response was quite unexpected for Sun Erlang, who was stunned on the spot.
Even if just appearing supportive, being a fence-sitter and watching the battle from the sidelines might safeguard temporary peace. But once everything settled, there would undoubtedly be a severe reckoning.
Logically, the Taiyan Sect shouldn't be making such an unwise decision.
Sun Erlang looked at Chen Tianhai, full of doubt.
"In addition to the Stone Mother's tens of thousands of predictions, all of which concluded with almost an equilibrium of winners..."
"It's also because we have decided to temporarily leave the Xuanhuang World," announced Chen Tianhai, shocking the audience.
"WHAT?!" Sun Erlang was stunned.
"Is it because of the recent uproar about the Radiant Rainbow Light?" Sun Erlang asked.
"Yes, and no. In fact, our Taiyan Sect has long had plans to journey far into the Starry Sky. But due to the dangers of the Star Sea, it has always been postponed indefinitely. However, the sword message that crossed the Star Sea here recently has changed our minds," Chen Tianhai said with a slight smile.
"The sword message illuminated the Sky Dome of Xuanhuang for seven days. During this period, we conducted a detailed analysis. We made some gains. Since the sword message could cross the Star Sea to reach here, our Taiyan Sect can track it back to its origin, following its trail all the way to where the message was sent from," declared Chen Tianhai with full confidence.
"Beyond the Star Sea, beneath the High Wall, it truly is a place to long for," Chen Tianhai remarked.
Sun Erlang too felt as if he had grasped the same will as the entire Taiyan Sect.
Knowing that this matter could no longer be stopped, Sun Erlang's thoughts hurriedly turned, wanting to return as quickly as possible and inform his Master.
"Young Man, there's no need to rush. Once we part this time, who knows when we will meet again. Why not meet the Stone Mother?" Chen Tianhai suggested to Sun Erlang, looking his way.
Sun Erlang hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded.
The moment he agreed, the scenery of the surrounding room disappeared with it, as if he were in the midst of the Star Sea, surrounded by pitch darkness.
Only a brilliant blue light came from the depths of darkness. It turned into a thin line and sped through the Star Sea.
The moment he saw the blue thin line, a realization dawned upon Sun Erlang.
This was the Transformation Stone Mother.
The very first Stone of Transformation.
"I am not originally from Xuanhuang. However, by a quirk of fate, I came to this world while traveling through the Star Sea."
A voice emerged in Sun Erlang's Spirit Consciousness.
It wasn't through the five senses or divine sense communication but directly through the resonance between the Transformation Crystal Bodies within Sun Erlang's Spirit Consciousness.
Sun Erlang adopted a solemn expression to show respect.
The Stone Mother narrated of its own accord: "Where I come from is no longer traceable. However, where I am destined to go does have an answer."
These words from the Transformation Stone Mother sent shockwaves through Sun Erlang's mind.
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"Where are you going? What do you mean by that, Stone Mother?"
"Beyond the Star Sea, it is not the end. It is but a corner. If it weren't for the High Wall blocking the way, I should have fled far away ten thousand years ago. Moreover, having been cut and differentiated, I also lost the ability to traverse the starry sky. Left with no choice, in the blink of an eye, so many years have passed."
The scenery in front of Sun Erlang changed abruptly.
The blue thin line that had been flying straight through the Star Sea suddenly changed direction and crashed toward Xuanhuang.
In the Xuanhuang World, it was discovered by cultivators, and with its aid, the Taiyan Sect leaped to fame as a renowned sect.
The originally divided entity no longer had the principle of return.
Unexpectedly, there were cataclysmic changes in Xuanhuang World Heaven and Earth, and a catastrophe descended. In order to resist the Tribulation of Incompatible Cultivation, the Monks of Tai Yan Sect decided to merge with the Stone of Transformation.
Information immortal, Creation reemerged.
After tens of thousands of years of division and union, the Stone of Transformation returned to its original state when it first came to the Xuanhuang World.
...
Scene after scene changed rapidly, shaking Sun Erlang's spirit.
He couldn't help but ask, "Having spent so much time in the Xuanhuang World, nearly omniscient, 'unchanged by ten thousand tribulations' while staying in Xuanhuang is not an empty phrase. Why, then, are you so intent on leaving? Beyond the Star Sea, the variables and unknowns are too numerous, even for you, there must be no absolute certainty of survival, right?"
"Why must I leave? The answer to this question is the same as why you cultivators must pursue cultivation."
The words transmitted by the Stone Mother left Sun Erlang at a loss for words.
"The High Wall blocks the Star Sea. But there are some things it cannot stop." The tone of the Transformation Stone Mother was enigmatic.
A mixture of bewilderment and some inexplicable confidence.
"You don't need to worry too much, Young Man. I'm just planning to take a look first; if truly we can't cross the High Wall, we may very likely come back again. As for the reason why I wanted to see you this time..."
Before Sun Erlang, the illusory blue line suddenly became as solid as reality, and fiercely shot toward Sun Erlang's head.
Without any time to react, Sun Erlang was struck by the blue ray.
Sun Erlang checked his body but didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. Only the Transformation Crystal Body in his Spirit Consciousness seemed to have changed somewhat.
"Young Man, there's no need to be nervous. It's just a mark left behind to ensure, in case we decide to return in the future, that we can find the way back."
"Of course, we won't treat you unfairly. Focus your mind..."
As the Transformation Stone Mother spoke, synchronized with the flashing of the Stone of Transformation, countless images cascaded down upon Sun Erlang's Spirit Consciousness, nearly submerging it completely.
He quickly focused his spirit and slowed down the influx of images.
These numerous scenes included the Holy Dynasty embroiled in bitter battles, suffering heavy casualties, and others depicting the Holy Dynasty achieving consecutive victories while the Alliance of Thousands of Immortals could only struggle to survive in the Central Four States. But without exception, all of them were things from the real world that had yet to occur.
"These are all the products of my deductions; I give them to you as a reference."
Sun Erlang felt a sense of relief and quickly expressed his gratitude to the Stone Mother.
```
"However, what I must warn you about is, don't put too much faith in these divinations," the voice cautioned.
"The Xuanhuang World is like a deep pond whose bottom cannot be seen. If the surface is calm, every ripple can be predicted. But if the fierce creatures from the depths all emerge, causing unrest…"
"The prediction of the ripples will inevitably be vastly different from reality. Your Master most certainly understands this principle."
"So, in truth, having our Taiyan Sect or not won't make much difference."
The voice of the Transformation Stone Mother still echoed in his ears, but Sun Erlang found himself already standing outside the Taiyan Sect.
That layer of Crystal Wall, which wasn't very distinct before, was now enshrouded in a layer of mysterious blue light.
The entire Taiyan Sect was becoming increasingly transparent, as if it might disappear from the world completely at any moment.
"Young Man, you must survive."
"Otherwise, our Taiyan Sect really won't be able to find the way home," came Yishu's words, tinged with a smile that was not quite a smile.
It was as if an illusion had taken place.
In his daze, the Floating Sky City had already completely vanished from Sun Erlang's perception.
"To leave just like that, it's too sudden."
Sun Erlang muttered under his breath, yet a sense of loss welled up in his heart.
He stood idly for a long while before returning, reporting the incident in detail to his Master.
Gazing up at the silent, seated Faceless Saint Emperor, Sun Erlang could not help but feel nervous.
But the Emperor's subsequent words left him somewhat stunned.
"What markings, they're nothing but the Stone Mother's jest. The Stone of Transformation is an extraordinary object of this age. That Rainbow Sword Letter, even your teacher could not decipher it at first, yet She managed to unravel it in such short time…"
"Being able to trace back to the source, crossing the Starry Sky, how could She possibly not find the way."
"Master, what exactly…" Sun Erlang was puzzled, "The blue thread's collision with the Stone of Transformation in my Spirit Consciousness and the profound feeling it gave are indeed real."
The Emperor, however, showed a rare smile.
"It's your Creation."
"All the Stones of Transformation in the world, strictly speaking, are but fragments separated from the Stone Mother. Although a cultivator can use the law of the Taoist Divine One to claim them, fragments are still fragments, and even the High Grade Stone of Transformation cannot surpass the Stone Mother. However, the blue radiation the Stone Mother used on you is like Turning Stone into Gold…"
The Emperor's tone was somewhat peculiar, "Although currently only High Grade, it has been imbued with potential, limitless possibilities for the future."
"Given time, it might even become a second Stone Mother."
"This…" Unprepared for such an inheritance, Sun Erlang was astounded.
"No need to worry. Everyone has their own Creation; perhaps the Stone Mother simply found you pleasing to the eye," the Emperor stated indifferently.
"Yes…" Although Sun Erlang responded as such, his expression clearly showed that he had not yet adapted to the news.
"By the way. Master, about those predictions the Stone Mother made…"
"Analyze them and report back after you have calmed down."
"I shall follow your command."
Sun Erlang was somewhat dazed as he left the Saint Emperor Seat.
Unknowingly, he arrived at the residence of the literary man who wrote [Tale of Xuanhuang Divided into Three], as mentioned by Yishu.
He saw that the doorway was still crowded with masses.
They did not make any excessive moves, but their gaze was intense, firmly fixed on the exit.
It was as if the literary man inside was their sworn enemy.
Upon seeing Sun Erlang, their faces brightened immediately, eagerly moving forward, wishing to report on the writer's evils.
But Sun Erlang's slight frown halted them.
The crowd dispersed wisely.
Sun Erlang strode into the house.
The literary man was drunk, and Sun Erlang picked up the manuscript from the table and began to read.
```