Chapter 514: The First Yuan Shen Conference

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang pondered. He realized that ever since Qin Mu coerced him into becoming a Heavenly King of the Heavenly Saint Cult, he had done very little for them. Instead, it was Qin Mu and the cult who had helped him unreservedly. The Heavenly Saint Cult's principles didn't conflict with his own, and since he had received their kindness, he naturally felt obligated to repay it.

"Very well," he agreed. "I shall go to the Western Land with a few elders, Heavenly Kings, and Hall Masters to recruit talent for the sacred cult."

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang escorted Qin Mu out of the Imperial Preceptor's mansion and stopped at the gate. "Cult Master Qin," he said, "as the Cult Master and Saint Teacher, you don't seem to spend much time within the sacred cult. You're constantly out and about, barely even having time for cultivation. Be careful not to impede your progress. In this era of profound change, Dao arts and divine abilities are evolving rapidly, day by day. Even I, after recently returning to Yan Kang, have been studying the new Dao arts and divine abilities emerging in the country. Cultivation is like sailing against the current; if you don't learn, you fall behind. Please keep this in mind, Cult Master."

Qin Mu's heart stirred. "You are already a deity," he said, "and even you need to learn the newly emerging Dao arts and divine abilities in the country?"

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang nodded. "Among the young masters of your generation, Cult Master, quite a few possess innovative ideas. Regarding sword arts, I have already disseminated the three new basic sword forms, and your Sword Eighteen Forms have also been widely spread by me. Simply these four new basic sword forms are enough to generate countless new sword techniques within the world's sword Dao divine abilities. Moreover, since the cultivation method for the primordial spirit was introduced, the changes to Dao arts and divine abilities have been even more profound. While the new basic sword forms only altered sword arts, a change in the cultivation system itself brings about much greater transformations."

Qin Mu profoundly agreed. Creating sword arts was difficult, but altering their very foundation was even harder. When the foundation changed, it presented countless individuals with opportunities for reform and innovation, essentially offering a wealth of new possibilities.

Qin Mu and Ling Yuxiu's creation of the Primordial Spirit Art was precisely about altering the very foundation of cultivation. With this foundational change, countless new possibilities arose, inspiring more people to leverage their intelligence, causing Dao arts and divine abilities to advance by leaps and bounds, and consequently giving rise to a multitude of Grandmasters!

However, even he, as a reformer, needed to learn and adapt to these new Dao arts and divine abilities.

"I suggest you visit the Imperial College and the four great academies," Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang continued. "Spend some time at each, and exchange ideas with the young talents there."

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang sighed deeply. "Dao arts and divine abilities are evolving daily, and the ideas of the younger generation are endless. In just a few months, I've felt myself grow old and fall behind the times, realizing I need to learn from these young people. In the future, the number of young cultivators reaching the divine realm will undoubtedly be immense! Two days before you arrived in the capital, Dao Master Lin Xuan led the younger generation of the Dao sect to the Imperial College to exchange insights on divine abilities and Dao arts. I also studied the Dao arts and divine abilities created by the younger generation at the Imperial College and had a very insightful discussion with him. Yesterday, Ma Rulai also arrived with many monks and demons to debate the Dao at the Imperial College, but I had no time to attend."

"Grandpa Ma is also in the capital?" Qin Mu exclaimed.

Qin Mu's heart brightened, and he suddenly asked, "Imperial Preceptor, how many gods and devils are currently within Yan Kang's borders?"

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang was slightly taken aback. "Why do you ask?"

Qin Mu recounted what he had witnessed in the darkness of the Great Ruins and Emperor Tun's speculation. "A collision with another world could occur tens of thousands of years from now, or it could happen tomorrow," he explained. "Therefore, we must prepare early. The more gods and devils Yan Kang has, the better, otherwise, we will be utterly unable to resist them!"

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang pondered for a moment, then asked suspiciously, "You can enter the darkness?"

Qin Mu hesitated, then revealed the truth: "I was born in Youdu. King Yama told me I could enter the darkness of the Great Ruins without being harmed by it. I believe he meant that I might be half a Youdu demon."

Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang didn't dwell on that revelation. "If Heaven intends to destroy Yan Kang, then there is nothing we can do," he said. "Currently, the Emperor has already crossed the Divine Bridge, and there are over ten other deities in the country. I instructed the Emperor that all gods and devils must be recorded, and he has already done so. However, to resist such a perilous demon world, Yan Kang simply won't possess the necessary strength for several decades. If that day truly comes..."

He smiled, stating calmly, "I will entrust my affairs after death to you."

Qin Mu's heart trembled. He knew the Imperial Preceptor possessed the resolve to sacrifice his life for the country. "The demon race has been attacking that alien world in the darkness for twenty thousand years without breaching it," he said. "There's no reason it would suddenly be conquered tomorrow. Imperial Preceptor, please don't let it weigh on your mind; the road construction is more pressing."

The two then bade farewell.

Qin Mu, accompanied by the dragon qilin and his box, arrived at the Imperial College. He found it even more bustling than before, filled with practitioners of divine abilities from all corners of the land, including the grasslands and icy plains. Emperor Yanfeng had ordered the establishment of four great academies—Jiangling Academy, Yongjiang Academy, Lijiang Academy, and Heavenly Saint Academy—to alleviate the pressure on the Imperial College. While these four academies were now prosperous and teeming with scholars, they still lacked some of the Imperial College's long-standing prestige and depth.

"Cult Master Qin!""Arch-Libationer Qin!"

News of Qin Mu's arrival quickly spread throughout the Imperial College. Soon, Dao Master Lin Xuan, leading many Daoists, Ma Rulai, leading many monks, and Gu Lihuan, leading many Imperial College scholars, came to greet him. Old friends from the Imperial College also rushed to welcome him. Qin Mu quickly exchanged greetings, and the Imperial College became a scene of bustling excitement.

"Arch-Libationer Qin was originally a scholar residing here at the Imperial College," Gu Lihuan announced, beaming with pride. "Even then, I could tell he was no ordinary person, destined to ascend and transform into a true dragon sooner or later!"

Gu Lihuan, beaming with pride, laughed, "Who would have thought that the scholar Qin from back then would become the Arch-Libationer of Heavenly Saint Academy, one of the four great academies? Honestly, I feel a sense of shared honor!"

Qin Mu burst out laughing. "Lord Gu, I'm here for a second round of studies, still your little scholar!"

Gu Lihuan was deeply moved. "Lord Qin, please don't say that; I am truly humbled. We have been old acquaintances for many years. The first time I saw you at Yongjiang Dragon Palace, I knew you were extraordinary, otherwise, I wouldn't have gifted you the Shaobao Sword. As the saying goes, 'a discerning eye recognizes talent,' and 'a precious sword is given to a hero.' My connection with Lord Qin indeed began at Yongjiang Dragon Palace! Hahahaha!"

After the lively greetings, Qin Mu met Ma Rulai, Lin Xuan, and the others. He also exchanged pleasantries with old friends like Wei Yong, Yun Que, Shen Wanyun, and Yue Qinghong. The Demon Ape was also present, making the gathering exceptionally lively. Over the past two years, old friends like Wei Yong and Shen Wanyun had gained significant experience in the military, and their cultivation had progressed rapidly. They had now matured into capable individuals, ready to handle affairs independently, and Qin Mu was genuinely happy for them. The Imperial College also housed other masters who had long achieved fame and success, most of whom had already gone on to serve as local officials.

The Demon Ape's presence at the Imperial College, however, was a surprise to Qin Mu. Ever since Xing An wreaked havoc at Little Thunderclap Temple, causing Little Rulai's soul to scatter from inability to withstand a single bow from Kui Witch God, the Demon Ape Zhan Kong had followed Little Rulai's instructions, leading the monks of Little Thunderclap Temple to Great Thunderclap Temple, enduring many hardships along the way. Upon reaching Great Thunderclap Temple, the arrival of numerous demon monks and monster monks naturally caused an uproar throughout the temple.

The Demon Ape Zhan Kong, as Little Rulai's disciple and an equal in seniority to Grandpa Ma, debated Buddhism with him on the golden peak of Mount Sumeru, with countless monks observing below. The Demon Ape spoke little, but his words were like pearls, each sentence consisting of only three to five characters, yet every single one was profoundly impactful and thought-provoking, leaving the eminent monks of Mount Sumeru speechless and unable to offer a rebuttal. This debate lasted for three days, and the monks were defeated. Fortunately, a Yan Kang general with a full beard arrived from the foot of the mountain. He ascended to the golden peak, shed his armor, and introduced himself as Monk Mingxin. He then debated with the Demon Ape for several days, finally salvaging a measure of dignity for the temple. Monk Mingxin also spoke little, focusing his discussions on people's livelihoods and customs, without quoting scriptures or referencing any Buddhist teachings from Great Thunderclap Temple. Yet, his words were profoundly meaningful, making people feel as if what he spoke was indeed Buddhist dharma, truly splendid and captivating. This series of debates captivated the world.

Grandpa Ma praised their unobstructed eloquence. He then accepted the demon race Buddhist scriptures offered by the Demon Ape, recognized the demon monks and monster monks of Little Thunderclap Temple, and merged the two temples into one. This event was a significant affair in Yan Kang, spreading throughout the major sacred lands and academies. Known as the "Golden Peak Debate," it became quite famous and was considered a celebrated anecdote of the time. Of course, Qin Mu was at the time fleeing Xing An's pursuit and could not make it to Mount Sumeru to witness the event. Whether it transpired exactly as the legends described remained unknown to him.

This time, Grandpa Ma's arrival with the Demon Ape, Monk Mingxin, and a host of other monks was also a sensational event. Coupled with Dao Master Lin Xuan leading numerous Daoists for exchange, it was truly a grand occasion!

After the bustling greetings subsided, everyone took their seats in front of the Imperial College Hall. When Qin Mu mentioned his intention to seek further education, everyone was surprised. Gu Lihuan had initially assumed he was merely being polite, but he hadn't expected Qin Mu to genuinely intend to study. Gu Lihuan immediately invited practitioners of divine abilities from various halls of the Imperial College to expound on their insights in front of the hall. Daoists from the Dao sect and monks from Great Thunderclap Temple also stepped forward to share their achievements. For a time, all sorts of previously unseen divine abilities and Dao arts emerged, leaving even Qin Mu utterly astounded and full of praise for the ingenious ideas of these practitioners.

Two days later, Ling Yuxiu and Ling Yushu arrived in the capital for their official duties. Hearing of the ongoing discussions, they also came to the Imperial College to participate in the reform and Dao debate. A few more days passed, and the younger generations from the other four great academies also arrived. The scholars of Heavenly Saint Academy were led by Si Yunxiang. Those from Jiangling Academy came with Qin Feiyue, a disciple of Imperial Preceptor Yan Kang, who served as the Chancellor of Jiangling Academy. Yu Yuan Chuyu brought the scholars of Yongjiang Academy. As for Lijiang Academy, its Arch-Libationer was Ba Shan. Lijiang was the most distant, requiring a person of great talent and virtue to establish its academy, hence the Emperor appointed Ba Shan to the position.

The gathering of young masters from the four great academies at the Imperial College naturally made the atmosphere even more vibrant. Unexpectedly, a few more days later, Wang Muran, Mu Qingdai, and Long Yu from Little Jade Capital also rushed over. Before Wang Muran and the others had even managed to sit down, they heard a voice laughing, "Hearing that the Cult Master arrived at the Imperial College, I hurried here, but alas, I'm still late!"

Qin Mu quickly rose to greet him, laughing, "Brother Xu, since we parted at Little Thunderclap Temple, have you been well?"

Xu Shenghua, who had arrived with Jing Yan, replied, "I haven't received news of the Cult Master for a long time. Seeing that you are well, I can finally rest assured."

Everyone took their seats, and the Imperial College became extraordinarily lively. Practitioners of divine abilities from various schools lectured on Dao, cultivation, and primordial spirits, presenting all sorts of ingenious ideas. Even Emperor Yanfeng and his court officials were alerted and came to listen. Qin Mu, Ling Yuxiu, Si Yunxiang, Dao Master Lin Xuan, the Demon Ape, Monk Mingxin, Xu Shenghua, Wang Muran, and others were also invited onto the stage, each expounding on their own Dao arts and divine abilities. Various different thoughts and ideas collided, utterly captivating the audience. Each of them possessed unique attainments in primordial spirit cultivation, and by integrating the ingenious ideas presented by others, they sparked many new creative insights.

"I have an idea!" Qin Mu suddenly exclaimed. He laughed, "Yan Kang is growing larger and larger, stretching from south to north, making communication difficult. However, the primordial spirit is swift, capable of traveling thousands of miles in an instant. If we could connect primordial spirits, wouldn't that save a tremendous amount of travel time?"

His proposal immediately garnered approval from many young people. They each activated their intelligence, attempting to connect the primordial spirits of different individuals and putting forth various ideas. Emperor Yanfeng and Duke Wei exchanged bewildered glances. Duke Wei remarked, "They were making such good sense earlier, and now they've started spouting nonsense. Primordial spirits travel too fast, covering tens of thousands of miles in an instant. It's difficult for them to gather, and primordial spirits are also hard to control, not knowing where they've gone. How can these problems possibly be solved?"

Emperor Yanfeng simply smiled. "Let's wait and see," he said.

A moment later, Duke Wei and the others stared wide-eyed, utterly dumbfounded. In front of the Imperial College Hall, everyone was indeed discussing how to solve the issue of uncontrollable primordial spirits. They casually created various cultivation methods on the spot, leaving older generations like Duke Wei and Emperor Yanfeng utterly astonished.

Qin Mu, meanwhile, was diligently organizing everyone's various ideas. After a long time, he finally created a new cultivation method based on the foundation of the Primordial Spirit Art. He transmitted the cultivation method to everyone. With great enthusiasm, they immediately began to modify the Imperial College Hall, arranging various runes and mystical symbols within it.

"Gentlemen," Qin Mu exclaimed excitedly, "each of you go a thousand miles in any direction—east, south, west, or north! Let's hold a primordial spirit conference!"

Thousands of scholars in the Imperial College erupted in cheers and swiftly dispersed to distant locations. The entire Imperial College instantly became more than half empty, leaving only the Emperor and his civil and military officials standing in front of the Imperial College Hall, continuously peering into the now-empty interior.

An hour later, Qin Mu's primordial spirit suddenly appeared within the Imperial College, his form vast and his divine sense vibrating with power: "The first Primordial Spirit Conference, begin!"

*Buzzing* —

One after another, primordial spirits instantly appeared within the Imperial College Hall, filling it to capacity! Thousands of primordial spirits each took their places, sitting suspended in the void.

Outside, Emperor Yanfeng and the others remained silent for a long time, staring blankly at this extraordinary sight.