Chapter 908: Fighting Spirit Lives On

In the dream world, Xu Shenghua finally completed his study of the reform's achievements. Time stretched long in the dream; he felt as though two or three years had passed, a truly arduous effort, yet in reality, they had only woken to eat two or three meals.

However, Qin Mu's dream world did not collapse.

Xu Shenghua was surprised. He saw Qin Mu take out a mirror, set it upright, and as its surface grew larger and larger, countless jade slips were projected from it.

Xu Shenghua leaned in and watched for a moment, then asked, puzzled, "Ancient God Grand Dao runes? These are... Grand Dao runes analyzed using classical mathematics! Oh, you've already re-calculated some of these runes using the Taiwei Calculation Canon!"

He tilted his head and thought, "Was the Celestial Venerable Yu who descended to the lower realm that day constructed by the Celestial Heavens using classical mathematical runes?"

Qin Mu replied, "That was the strongest divine weapon created by the Celestial Heavens, bearing Celestial Venerable Yu's appearance. However, the one wielding that weapon was a titan of the Celestial Alliance. The Celestial Alliance can create more such ultimate divine weapons at any time."

Xu Shenghua walked among the jade slips. There were simply too many of them. Qin Mu had re-calculated many using the Taiwei Calculation Canon, but the number of slips he had processed was merely a drop in the ocean!

In the dream world, countless Qin Mus were currently calculating the Grand Dao runes on the jade slips, re-structuring them with the Taiwei Calculation Canon.

The sheer scale of it astonished even Xu Shenghua, though he maintained his usual calm demeanor, as if nothing could faze him.

Xu Shenghua browsed the jade slips and said, "The Celestial Heavens are experimenting with a perfect Celestial Heavens cultivation method, one that can unify the Grand Dao of all ancient gods. Their goal isn't merely to create the strongest weapons; their true aim is to establish a unified Celestial Heavens cultivation method."

Qin Mu said, "Their Celestial Heavens cultivation method is built upon the Seven Divine Treasures. The reforms in the lower realm changed the original Seven Divine Treasures, so the reforms must be stopped at all costs. Otherwise, their millions of years of effort would become a joke."

Xu Shenghua said, "However, this weapon is too powerful. The Celestial Heavens are remarkable to conceive and create such a weapon! It's comparable to the physical body of the most powerful ancient god, and when combined with the Celestial Heavens realm's cultivation method, once completed, no power will be able to contend with the Celestial Heavens! Its only flaw is the absence of the Taiwei Calculation Canon. If the Taiwei Calculation Canon were added..."

He couldn't help but shiver.

If the Taiwei Calculation Canon were incorporated, it would become the most powerful physical body in history. Combined with the Celestial Heavens cultivation method, its wielder's power would likely be invincible throughout the world. Even if the ancient god Heavenly Emperor were resurrected, or if Heaven Duke and Earth Count joined forces, they would be no match!

"Cult Master, are you truly going to re-calculate everything with the Taiwei Calculation Canon?"

Xu Shenghua suddenly said, "I'm suddenly terrified."

Qin Mu looked at him, a puzzled expression on his face.

Xu Shenghua explained, "If this Taiwei Calculation Canon falls into the Celestial Heavens' hands, they will become truly invincible. Even if it doesn't fall into their hands but is controlled by us, I still can't help but feel afraid. I fear that in the future, we will become the very Celestial Heavens we dread today."

Qin Mu paused, then chuckled, "We can barely protect ourselves; why worry about such distant matters?"

Xu Shenghua was silent for a moment, then said, "Cult Master Qin, the Celestial Alliance in the Dragon Han era was also a main force for reform. Didn't they eventually become corrupt? If we gain power and status in the future, will we also become corrupt like them? Can you guarantee that you will retain your original aspirations in the face of power and desire? Even if you can, can you guarantee that others will be like you?"

Qin Mu looked up, thought for a long time, and shook his head, "I cannot guarantee that."

Xu Shenghua remained silent.

Qin Mu patted his shoulder and smiled, "If we become corrupt in the future, our descendants will rise to overthrow us. There's no need to overthink it."

Xu Shenghua argued, "But the Dao arts and divine powers, combining classical mathematics and Taiwei techniques, are already perfectly refined. Even if we become corrupt in the future, people won't have any chance to overthrow us! We will possess the most formidable power from ancient times to countless billions of years in the future, effortlessly destroying any who resist! We are creating an even more despairing future!"

"It won't be more despairing than today."

Qin Mu said earnestly and solemnly, "Brother Xu, the current Celestial Heavens also believe they've forged the strongest divine artifacts and found the strongest cultivation methods, ensuring their eternal rule, and that no one can overthrow them. Yet we discovered the Taiwei Calculation Canon, and through the Eternal Peace Reform, their strongest divine artifacts and cultivation methods are no longer invincible; we now have hope of overthrowing them. How can you know that future generations won't find another path, making our seemingly perfect cultivation methods and divine powers riddled with flaws?"

Full of confidence, he laughed heartily, "From ancient times to the present, Dao arts and divine powers have always been progressing, each generation surpassing the last, growing stronger. What once seemed perfect is full of flaws to later generations, and what was once the strongest might not be in the future. Isn't this precisely progress?"

"What we need to do is realize our ideals and aspirations. The path of a sage lies in serving the daily needs of the people. Gods should no longer be aloof, controlling the lives and deaths of mortals. Instead, they should be used by people and benefit the populace!"

Qin Mu clenched his fist, "I firmly believe that one day, gods will serve and work for the people. If they don't, reformers will overthrow them! Brother Xu, my fellow Daoist, my dear friend! If we truly become corrupt, someone will certainly overthrow us!"

Xu Shenghua calmed down, thought carefully, and found great sense in Qin Mu's words. He said, "I don't know why, but when you're around, I'm always filled with energy and hope for the future, no longer pessimistic. Cult Master Qin, you are too skilled at swaying people's hearts!"

Qin Mu chuckled, "Isn't it precisely because we share common aspirations that we call each other fellow Daoists? When you occasionally feel lost, I merely help you find your way out of that confusion."

Xu Shenghua was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

He usually remained impassive, so his hearty laughter today was remarkably rare.

Qin Mu imparted his insights to him, saying, "Emperor Yanfeng and the Imperial Preceptor are also studying Ancient God Grand Dao runes. Dao Master Lin Xuan has gone even further in this regard. They might all come to seek you out."

Xu Shenghua nodded slightly.

Qin Mu then recounted how Celestial Venerable Yu opened the Spirit Embryo Divine Treasure and Star River Divine Treasure. He also told Xu Shenghua about his own spirit embryo creating its own soul and opening the world. Xu Shenghua was both impressed and somewhat concerned.

Qin Mu meticulously explained everything: the achievements of the Eternal Peace Reform, the Ancient God Grand Dao runes, and even Celestial Venerable Yu's and his own divine treasures. He left no detail unmentioned, as if settling his affairs before his demise.

Xu Shenghua studied even more diligently. Although he couldn't cultivate Qin Mu's method of re-creating a soul, rendering it useless to him, he still learned it earnestly.

Qin Mu also wanted to impart the Limitless Calamity Scripture of Great Brahma Heavenly King Buddha to him. However, this Emperor's Throne cultivation method was extremely peculiar. Great Brahma Heavenly King Buddha had not taught him any scriptures when he passed it on; Qin Mu had simply mastered the technique naturally after a nap.

When it came to teaching it to Xu Shenghua, he found himself unable to.

Qin Mu had no choice but to give up. He dismissed the dream, and the two walked out of the hall. Only six days had passed in the outside world.

"This journey to the Celestial Heavens is truly perilous, and we don't even know where the danger originates. Cult Master's fate upon going there is unknown."

Xu Shenghua said, "I know many people don't understand you. They think you're arrogant, audacious, and reckless, but I understand you. They only see your glory and assume you like to show off and cause trouble, unaware of the immense dangers you face or how much you've sacrificed. You are risking your life to fight for Eternal Peace's future."

Qin Mu chuckled, "Going to the Celestial Heavens is dangerous, but it's not entirely without hope. Precisely because there's that tiny glimmer of hope, I must go. If I don't go to the Celestial Heavens, Eternal Peace, and indeed all living beings, will truly have no hope left."

His eyes clear, he said, "Don't worry too much about me. If I die, the Hegemon Body's destiny will transfer to you. Once you gain my destiny, you won't be a false Hegemon Body, but a true one."

Xu Shenghua snorted.

Qin Mu continued, "If you also fail, there will be a new Hegemon Body to receive your destiny and carry on. Eventually, there will be a Hegemon Body smarter and stronger than both you and me, who will achieve what we cannot. Stay here, my fellow Daoist."

A surge of heroic spirit surged within Xu Shenghua's chest, making him wish to let out a long cry and unleash his fervent emotions. However, the education he received from childhood taught him not to easily release his emotions or be swayed by them.

He suppressed this heroic urge, stopped walking, and did not see Qin Mu off, fearing he might succumb to the unrestrained spirit and nonchalance that Qin Mu exuded.

The longer he spent with Qin Mu, the more easily he was influenced by him.

"Husband," Jing Yan approached and asked, "he said he's going to the Celestial Heavens. Does he know how to get there?"

"Qi Jiuyi knows. He's going to find Qi Jiuyi."

Xu Shenghua put his arm around her waist, looked up at the Red Emperor's Traveling Palace, and slowly said, "Cult Master Qin carries a far heavier burden than I do. I never truly realized it before, but this time, as he imparted his knowledge to me, saying that if he dies in the Celestial Heavens, the burden of reform would fall to me, I finally felt how incredibly heavy the load he bore truly was."

Jing Yan leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "Cult Master Qin works tirelessly; I've never seen him have any leisure time. Compared to him, we are far happier."

"Indeed."

Xu Shenghua sighed deeply, "But who knows how long these happy days will last. I only hope Cult Master Qin returns alive. Only if he returns alive can I continue to live with ease."

He paused, then said, "In the dream world, Cult Master Qin called me a fellow Daoist. When I was lost and confused, he guided me out of it. But I could sense that he also has his own uncertainties and perplexities, yet I am unable to show him a path. He regards me as a fellow Daoist, but I cannot do the same for him."

Jing Yan watched him silently.

Xu Shenghua gave a bitter smile, "I was once merely a guest from the High Heavens, devoted to the Dao. It was he who ignited my competitive spirit, my determination to surpass him, which is why I participated in the Eternal Peace Reform. All this time, I've been chasing him. If not for his encouragement, I would probably still be a false god in the High Heavens, with perhaps little achievement. It is because of his inspiration that I am who I am today. I feel truly unworthy of being called a fellow Daoist."

Jing Yan held his hand and smiled, "Husband, do you think Cult Master Qin is smarter, or are you?"

"Me!"

Xu Shenghua declared without hesitation, "Although Cult Master Qin is very intelligent, he's still a notch below me!"

Jing Yan chuckled, "Since my husband is smarter than him, what's wrong with being his fellow Daoist? I believe you are in no way inferior to Cult Master Qin. What you lack is merely his sharpness and edge. You don't possess his fearless spirit, his courage to challenge the heavens, and his unyielding will to never admit defeat!"

Xu Shenghua paused, then embraced her, "The luckiest thing in my life wasn't meeting Cult Master Qin, but meeting you."

Red Emperor's Traveling Palace.

Qi Jiuyi waved his hand, dismissing the Southern Heavens' gods in the palace. He said, "Second Brother has already told me that Cult Master Qin wants to go to the Celestial Heavens and intends to ask me for a path. Very well, I will accompany you all to the Celestial Heavens."

Qin Mu raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when Qi Jiuyi sneered, "I'm not concerned about you, but about Second Brother's safety! Second Brother and I became sworn brothers and made a pact with Earth Count. If he dies going to the Celestial Heavens with you, I die with him!"

He was indignant, recalling how he had gotten drunk and sworn brotherhood with the Dragon Qilin in the Emperor's Sword. He had a belly full of suppressed anger with nowhere to vent it.

Qin Mu glanced at the Dragon Qilin and thought, "Strange, how is Dragon Fatty becoming smarter and more sensible? He used to be intelligent but terrifyingly lazy, yet now he even knows to proactively help me solve problems. Could it be..."

He glanced at Yan'er, who was meticulously feeding the Dragon Qilin.

Qin Mu smiled and said, "Brother Qi, how do you plan to get to the Celestial Heavens?"

Qi Jiuyi said, "If it were only divine arts practitioners, we could just have a deity send us through the world barrier. But this Yan'er..."

The Dragon Qilin coughed, "Third Brother, call her 'Sister'."

Qi Jiuyi's eye twitched, and he patiently said, "However, Sister Yan'er is a demigod of the Numinous Sky realm. To go to the Celestial Heavens, there are only two paths: either the Emperors blast through the world barrier, or we borrow a ship from the Red Emperor. Since we are not Emperor's Throne realm experts, borrowing a ship from my master is our only option."