Chapter 4073: Traces of the Painting
Upon arriving at Purple Lord Star, Zhang Ruochen activated the No-Self Lamp, enveloping the entire planet in its light.
Only then did he dare to release his perception.
Without the lamp’s light covering him, wherever his perception reached, it would inevitably be detected by truly fearsome existences in the universe, like a wild goose leaving traces in its wake.
“He is not on this planet!”
The light rapidly contracted.
Zhang Ruochen, lamp in hand, turned around and re-boarded the deer carriage.
Wen Qingxiu’s face changed drastically as he hurried after him, saying, “My lord, Qingxiu has absolutely not deceived you! When I sent Mingjing away from Purple Lord Star, I told him to take temporary refuge on this planet. Something must have happened to him on the way.”
From inside the carriage: “Get on. We’re going to the Confucian Realm.”
Wen Qingxiu and Liao Kuo exchanged a glance before boarding the deer carriage one after another.
The deer carriage traced a streak of light, breaking through the faint purple atmosphere of Purple Lord Star and entering the pitch-black, boundless void of space.
Wen Qingxiu sat upright across from Zhang Ruochen, his delicate, fair face filled with worry. “Does Lord Imperial Dust believe he has gone to the Confucian Realm?”
Zhang Ruochen said, “Besides the Confucian Realm, does he have anywhere else to go?”
Going to the Confucian Realm naturally meant seeking out the Fourth Confucian Ancestor to reveal the secret of the painting.
“The Book Realm has always been a branch of the Kunlun Realm’s Confucian path. To the cultivators of the Book Realm, the Confucian Ancestor is akin to a faith, a great power worthy of respect and trust. Since he chose not to hide, this was the only path left for him!”
Seeing Zhang Ruochen’s brow deeply furrowed, Wen Qingxiu tentatively asked, “The Confucian Ancestor should be trustworthy, right?”
“Yes, that’s what everyone under heaven believes.” Zhang Ruochen let out a light laugh.
Wen Qingxiu caught the fleeting sharpness in Zhang Ruochen’s eyes and realized that the situation might be heading in the worst possible direction.
If the Confucian Ancestor were truly trustworthy, why would Lord Imperial Dust risk coming personally?
Wen Qingxiu, after all, was calm and intelligent. He said, “The Confucian Ancestor’s reputation resounds throughout the world, and countless gods come to pay their respects. Every day, at least several thousand pieces of information about that painting are sent in, making it hard to distinguish truth from falsehood. With Mingjing’s Great Saint cultivation, it will be no easy task to see the Confucian Ancestor. Perhaps there is still time.”
…
Liao Kuo used his divine qi to drive the deer carriage at full speed.
Arriving outside the Confucian Realm, they split into two groups. Zhang Ruochen and Liao Kuo headed to the Doctrine of the Mean Pavilion.
Wen Qingxiu entered the Confucian Realm a step later to search for Xu Mingjing.
The Doctrine of the Mean Pavilion was the foremost pavilion in the Confucian Realm and also the Fourth Confucian Ancestor’s residence for preaching. Outside the pavilion, the clamor of voices was immense, with cultivators from all realms of the universe gathering, while inside, it was serene and quiet.
Zhang Ruochen, hidden within Liao Kuo’s divine realm world, arrived outside the Doctrine of the Mean Pavilion.
“Confucian Ancestor, Liao Kuo, a Confucian path god of the Kunlun Realm, holds a personal letter from Lord Imperial Dust and seeks an audience.”
Zhu Gong, the Realm Lord of the Confucian Realm, clasped his hands and bowed, reporting to those inside.
“Let him in.”
An aged yet vigorous voice came from within.
The vermilion doors of the Doctrine of the Mean Pavilion swung open, and a blinding white divine radiance burst forth.
A tall, upright figure walked out from inside. His white hair was neatly combed, and he did not appear old, looking to be around forty years of age, exuding an aura of sacred inviolability.
Pairs of white wings adorned his back, proclaiming the noble identity of the Angel Clan.
His presence was so overwhelming that Liao Kuo could only stare at the ground, unable to count the number of wings on the man’s back, making it hard to guess his identity.
To have a private meeting with the Fourth Confucian Ancestor, his status was certainly not low.
Liao Kuo felt the man’s gaze sweep over him for an instant, and in that moment, his divine body nearly caught fire, an extremely uncomfortable sensation.
Only after that person left did Liao Kuo step into the Doctrine of the Mean Pavilion.
Inside the hall, two rows of bronze chime bells, large and small, were arranged, exuding an ancient charm as if containing terrifying deathly power. Before even approaching, one could feel their soul trembling.
Beside the chime bells stood an old man in a blue robe, wearing a square scarf, with white hair and a hoary head, his eyes bright and spirited.
Liao Kuo was captivated by the intangible bearing of the Fourth Confucian Ancestor and couldn’t help but bow. His heart was filled with mixed emotions—he was merely a mid-level god, yet he had become entangled in the struggles of universe-level figures. His horizons had expanded, but he also felt utterly insignificant.
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor, with kind brows and a benevolent smile, said, “The one who wants to see me is not you, is it?”
A question that struck at the soul, and Liao Kuo couldn’t resist blurting out, “It is…”
“Whoosh!”
Zhang Ruochen emerged from Liao Kuo’s divine realm world, waving his hand. “You go wait outside.”
Liao Kuo, as if granted a pardon, quickly retreated.
As the doors of the Doctrine of the Mean Pavilion slammed shut, the space inside turned pitch black, with only the bronze chime bells emitting a faint glow.
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor was clearly surprised. “I never imagined we would meet again in such a manner. For Ruochen to visit so cautiously and secretly, what is the matter?”
Zhang Ruochen, of course, had come to occupy the Fourth Confucian Ancestor’s attention, preventing him from noticing Wen Qingxiu. “Was that person just now Koro from the Radiant Divine Temple?”
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor nodded. “He was very anxious and came specially to confess his guilt, hoping to gain my forgiveness and that of the gods of the Kunlun Realm.”
Zhang Ruochen said, “Did the Confucian Ancestor forgive him?”
“I cannot make a decision on behalf of the entire Kunlun Realm! However, on behalf of the Paradise Realm, he is willing to offer all possible compensation to the beings of the Kunlun Realm. I believe this is an acceptable option.”
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor continued, “The current universe faces multiple dangers and challenges. We must unite all forces we can to cope. For instance, back when the Hell Realm clans attacked the Kunlun Realm, didn’t you also adopt an attitude of tolerance toward them?”
Zhang Ruochen looked at the Fourth Confucian Ancestor with an incredulous expression. “That’s different, isn’t it?”
“How is it different?”
“My grandmaster said that each generation has its own grievances, and that generation will settle them themselves. The calamity of the Kunlun Realm back then—we were not witnesses, but you were! The betrayal and scheming of allies are often more hateful than those of enemies, aren’t they?” Zhang Ruochen said.
“What do you suggest we do, then? Destroy the Paradise Realm to vent our anger? Doing so would mean opposing the entire Heavenly Court. The Hell Realm participants from back then would also be thrown into panic, the universe would be torn apart, and war would reignite. Isn’t that exactly what Corpse Nightmare and Hongmeng Black Dragon want to see?”
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor continued, “Ruochen! You know very well that the ones who incited the war between the Heavenly Court Universe and the Hell Realm back then were the Quantity Organization and the Nether Ancestor Faction. They were the instigators. That’s why you destroyed the entire Quantity Organization! These words were spoken to me by Koro. He, too, is a victim, used by the Quantity Organization! How many innocent people would die if the Paradise Realm were destroyed?”
“I never said I wanted to destroy the Paradise Realm.”
Seeing the Fourth Confucian Ancestor remain silent, Zhang Ruochen added, “Was Koro merely used by the Quantity Organization? For the position of the ruling world of the Western Universe, did he truly not take the initiative to strike from the shadows? I don’t believe it.”
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor let out a long sigh. “Perhaps you are right. I will not meddle in this matter. I believe that Wen Tianjun, Yunshen Daozhu, Jiwang, and the others will give the departed of the Kunlun Realm a proper account.”
Zhang Ruochen’s disappointment in the Fourth Confucian Ancestor before him deepened by another degree.
He might truly be considering the greater picture, or he might be broad-minded, but his emotional connection to the Kunlun Realm and the countless beings who had perished there was nowhere near as deep as that of Tai Shang and the others.
If a person only focuses on the highest-level matters from an elevated perspective while neglecting basic human emotions, they are certainly not someone worthy of admiration.
Zhang Ruochen said, “I came secretly to the Confucian Realm because I have a few questions lingering in my mind, and I hope the Confucian Ancestor can enlighten me.”
“Ruochen, speak freely,” said the Fourth Confucian Ancestor.
Zhang Ruochen said, “I have heard that the Eternal True Ruler is the Second Confucian Ancestor. I hope to get a definite answer.”
“Is this answer very important to you?” asked the Fourth Confucian Ancestor.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Extremely important! Because Qingcang once told me that after the holy monk fell back then, it was the God Realm that took away the Sundial and also damaged it. If the Second Confucian Ancestor is indeed the Eternal True Ruler, why did he stand by and do nothing back then, and why did he damage the Sundial?”
The exact information, of course, was not told to Zhang Ruochen by Qingcang, but by Wuying.
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor’s face showed distress. “Ruochen, do you still remember the Xi Blood Curse? Do you remember the fall of the Holy Clan? At that time, the True Ruler was battling the Nether Ancestor Faction beyond the void. By the time he repelled them and rushed over, everything was already too late! Taking away the Sundial was to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.”
“As for stripping the Sundial of its artifact spirit and suppressing its power, it was all for you, for the Kunlun Realm. A complete Sundial is a calamity; a damaged Sundial, on the other hand, is of great use.”
“Ask yourself, without the Sundial, could you have cultivated to your current realm so quickly? Could the Kunlun Realm have recovered to its peak so rapidly?”
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor spoke earnestly, his eyes sincere. “Ruochen, you have always been the one chosen by the God Realm, the proud son of heaven we all agreed could revitalize the Kunlun Realm. Because the holy monk believed in you, we absolutely trust the holy monk’s judgment.”
“Our expectations for you go far beyond this. The Nether Ancestor and the Calamity of Quantities are the two greatest obstacles. Break through them, and the common people of the world will have a path to survival.”
“I may be called an ancestor by the world, but in truth, I have no chance to assault the Ancestor Realm. I will surely turn into a handful of dust. You are the future!”
How could Zhang Ruochen believe these words? He said, “The Eternal True Ruler has lived for so many years without falling. It seems the God Realm possesses a method of immortality. The Confucian Ancestor should have no problem living another ten eons.”
Hearing the sarcasm in Zhang Ruochen’s tone, the Fourth Confucian Ancestor smiled bitterly. “Ruochen misunderstands! The Eternal True Ruler has been able to live for millions of years without falling because the flow of time in the God Realm is completely different from that of this universe. Even so, the Eternal True Ruler’s great limit is not far off.”
“I believe that before his great limit, he will personally meet with you. The position of ruler of the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom, looking across the universe, only you can succeed to it.”
Zhang Ruochen said calmly, “I am somewhat flattered by that. I have my answer. Farewell.”
“Ruochen, beware of the Nether Ancestor. He may be lurking by your side, seeking to use you against the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom and the God Realm. Do not let your loved ones suffer and your enemies rejoice. The tragic end of the Fate Ancestor is the best example.”
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor watched Zhang Ruochen’s retreating figure and shook his head with a sigh.
Suddenly, he stroked his white beard, realizing something. He immediately released his spiritual power to probe the entire Confucian Realm, sifting through every detail, deducing cause and effect and heavenly secrets.
Soon, he discovered the traces left by Wen Qingxiu and Xu Mingjing.
But the two had already left the Confucian Realm.
The Fourth Confucian Ancestor extended his spiritual power beyond the Confucian Realm, yet he could find no trace of Zhang Ruochen, Liao Kuo, Wen Qingxiu, or Xu Mingjing. He was greatly shocked.
“Completely vanished from heaven and earth! Just an avatar—how did he manage to evade my spiritual perception?”
Though shocked, the Fourth Confucian Ancestor took no further action.
Even if Zhang Ruochen found the painting first and unlocked its inner secrets, it would only be aimed at the Nether Ancestor. Wasn’t that exactly what he wanted to see?
The Nether Ancestor was hidden too deeply; He had to be dug out.
…
Inside the deer carriage.
Wen Qingxiu said, “With the Confucian Ancestor’s spiritual power, he won’t be fooled for long. He will definitely notice something amiss. Lord Imperial Dust, will the Book Realm become a sacrifice?”
“No.”
Zhang Ruochen gently shook his head. “First, the Book Realm is in the Wuding Divine Sea, under the protection of the Sword Realm. Second, the Fourth Confucian Ancestor actually has a fatal weakness.”
“What weakness?” Wen Qingxiu asked.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Morality! He acts from a moral high ground, and thus he is bound by morality. Go now. You and Xu Mingjing should return to the Confucian Realm immediately and publicly reveal the secret of the painting, then become his disciples. The entire world of cultivators must know of this!”
Wen Qingxiu and Xu Mingjing were both stunned.
Zhang Ruochen’s tone softened. “I am very reluctant to involve you in this, but since things have come to this, this is your best path to survival. As long as you succeed in becoming his disciples, the Fourth Confucian Ancestor will surely give you the best protection.”
Zhang Ruochen took out two divine pills and divine talismans he had prepared long ago and handed them to Wen Qingxiu and Xu Mingjing respectively. “There are too many dangers around me. This is all I can give you.”
“If the Fourth Confucian Ancestor asks about the secret of the painting, how should we respond?” Wen Qingxiu asked.
“Tell him exactly what you told me.”
Zhang Ruochen had never intended to keep this secret to himself. His strategy had always been to use the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom to counterbalance the Nether Ancestor Faction.
The reason he had to find the painting before the Fourth Confucian Ancestor was simply that he did not want to be led by the nose by the Eternal Heavenly Kingdom, nor did he want to become a tool to be used. He had to take the initiative himself!
After sending off Wen Qingxiu and Xu Mingjing, Zhang Ruochen ordered Liao Kuo, “To the Paradise Realm!”
From the information obtained from Xu Mingjing, the Xu family had been searching for that painting for generations and had indeed found some leads, nearly succeeding in seizing it.
But they were intercepted by the Radiant Divine Temple midway.
To be precise, the Radiant Divine Temple had plundered the entire Book Realm at that time.
So Xu Mingjing believed that the painting was most likely in the Paradise Realm.
A genuine work by Su Zilian, and related to Gautama Buddha—this painting would almost certainly be passed up layer by layer to Koro.
If this were the only clue, Zhang Ruochen would have been disappointed.
But the fact that Koro appeared in the Confucian Realm, visiting the Fourth Confucian Ancestor at such a sensitive time, increased the value of this clue tenfold.
It forced Zhang Ruochen to personally make a trip to the Paradise Realm.
…
Ma’er Divine Mountain stood majestic and imposing, its dark blue mountain range stretching across the plains, undulating, mysterious, and ancient.
The temple built from piled boulders at the mountain’s peak was said to be the entrance to the Ancestor Realm. In the hearts of countless Paradise Realm cultivators, its symbolic significance surpassed even that of the Radiant Divine Temple.
It was outside the Ma’er Temple that Zhang Ruochen caught up with Koro, who was about to enter.
“I have always been on alert, faintly feeling that I was being locked onto. I thought it was the Fourth Confucian Ancestor, but I never expected it to be you.”
Koro saw that Zhang Ruochen was merely an avatar, and the shock in his eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by a faint smile.
Zhang Ruochen, clad in a black robe with only half his face visible, said, “The Hall Master’s perception is so keen; it exceeds my expectations. It seems that in recent years, with the Hall Master in seclusion, your cultivation has indeed advanced greatly.”
Koro stood with his back to the Ma’er Temple, sunlight spilling over his head, his shadow on the ground very short. “Speaking of progress, who under heaven has progressed faster than you?”
“May I ask if this advancement in the Hall Master’s cultivation is thanks to the Nether Ancestor Faction? Was Afuya a person of the Nether Ancestor from the very beginning?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
Koro’s expression turned strange, and the smile on his face gradually brightened. “I knew it. The reason the secret of that painting suddenly shook the universe—so it was you behind it all!”
“Boom!”
Koro spread all the wings on his back, and the divine radiance of light blazed brilliantly, like billions of arrows shooting toward Zhang Ruochen’s avatar.
(End of this chapter)