Above the Great Dao

Chapter 1281 602: Saving a Life Indirectly

Chen Shi let out a sigh of relief, looked up, and saw the East King examining the geographical map. His expression was calm and unreadable, making it hard to gauge his thoughts.

"This first immortal has a mind as deep as an abyss, unfathomable."

He thought silently, "But this outer path can indeed move him."

A Great Dao never seen before holds immense allure for immortals pursuing the true meaning of the Dao.

The East King looked for a moment and returned the geographical map to Chen Shi, saying, "Perform that outer path again."

Chen Shi obeyed, performed it again, and then explained Chu Xiangxiu's cultivation technique philosophy, saying, "This person was raised by the Earth Deity. No one taught him the method of cultivating immortality, so he realized the path of immortal cultivation from the Earth Deity's divine Dao, skipping Golden Core and Nascent Soul, directly cultivating divine power to achieve Immortal Dao."

"A great talent, a great talent indeed. A genius is somewhat constrained, but great talent is boundless, truly worth saving."

The East King pondered for a moment and said, "Your outer path has form but lacks substance. Even if it's directly taught by Chu Xiangxiu, without Harmonization at the Dark Sea, it's impossible to master this Great Dao. To master this Great Dao, one indeed requires this geographical map, to journey to the Dark Sea, harmonizing with heaven and earth to grasp its true essence."

Chen Shi did not speak, but felt delighted inside.

"So you went to the Heavenly Prison to learn this Great Dao from Chu Xiangxiu and had him draw this geographical map to entice me."

The East King looked at him, his phoenix eyes seemingly amused, "You wish to preserve his life. Chen Shi, do you know why I saved you?"

This question had already been asked once, bringing it up again made Chen Shi a bit perplexed.

The East King raised a hand, pointing at his heart, said meaningfully, "Because within you, there is also an outer path that has piqued my interest."

Chen Shi's mind was greatly shaken.

Chu Xiangxiu had also once mentioned that Chen Shi too came from the Dark Sea, having an outer path within him!

And the East King's words confirmed this fact!

Could it be, there truly is an outer path within him, one that he hadn't even realized himself?

Could it be that when he harmonized with the Outer Heaven True God years ago, this outer path influenced him, lurking within him?

Why, then, is the East King interested in the outer path within him?

The East King said, "During the battle at the Heavenly Soldier Camp, when you killed the general, I saw the outer path within you. Hence, I stepped in to protect you."

He clasped his hands behind his back, gazing outside the palace, his eyes profound, "Our Immortal Dao values longevity, but longevity is also a trial; every so often there is a great calamity, called Opening Tribulation. One cycle lasts eighteen thousand years, an Opening Tribulation happens each cycle. If you pass it, you can roam freely for another eighteen thousand years. Twelve cycles form one Yuan, one Yuan sees one great Opening Tribulation. During the Primordial Meeting Tribulation, countless immortals die. Though immortals seem to have eternal life, how many can surpass the Primordial Meeting Tribulation? The Immortal Dao has remained stagnant for too long; it requires an outer path for adjustment. Maybe, when facing the Primordial Meeting Tribulation, there's still a slim chance."

Upon hearing this, Chen Shi couldn't help but feel admiration.

Indeed, the first immortal, such magnanimity and breadth is incomparable to others.

The East King said, "If one does not cultivate the outer path, they may not survive the Primordial Meeting Tribulation, and how then can they speak of overthrowing the Heavenly Court? Isn't that right, Chen Tianbing?"

Chen Shi dared not speak; he didn't know which words of the East King were true, which were false, which were a trap.

The East King could speak wrongly, but if he spoke wrongly just once, he might lose his life!

"Throughout the East Heavenly Palace, there are deities monitoring the East King, yet he remains so unconstrained. Isn't he afraid of being suspected by the Great Heavenly Venerate, losing his life?" He thought in his heart.

The East King laughed, "Your courage is insufficient, truly boring. Take the geographical map and give it to King Li. Many in the Heavenly Court are interested in the outer path of the Dark Sea; it won't be long before your Heavenly Soldier Camp can set out for the Dark Sea."

Chen Shi was slightly stunned, "King Li dispatching troops to the Dark Sea?"

The East King said leisurely, "Ah, the Dark Sea indeed, dispatching troops to the Dark Sea. To immortals, the Dark Sea is too vast, too dangerous; if rashly entering, one might never return. But the Dark Sea is filled with enticement: broader Harmonization lands, more Earth Treasure Spirit Roots, more resources, all ownerless. Every discovery of a world in the Dark Sea is an opportunity to gain substantial wealth."

He smiled slightly, saying, "Moreover, the deities of the Heavenly Court need to spread their incense further, letting the Heavenly Court's new territories have their own believers, enhancing their divine power. Thus, the worlds within the Dark Sea are a great temptation for both immortals and gods alike."

Chen Shi's mind went cold, suddenly recalling the West Bull New Continent.

If the Heavenly Court sets its sights on Chu Xiangxiu's Harmonization land, would it also target the West Bull New Continent due to the outer path within him?

If they targeted the West Bull New Continent, what would happen?

He felt a bit anxious.

"The Dark Sea is very dangerous, with so many perilous places marked on Chu Xiangxiu's geographical map, showing it's even more dangerous."

The East King said meaningfully, "If King Li's offensive is hindered, and the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals suffer heavy casualties, what do you think will happen?"

Chen Shi suddenly realized, said, "At that time, the Heavenly Court would need a guide familiar with that area, perhaps even requiring that guide to have a foothold in that Dark Sea world!"

He bowed deeply to the East King, "Only with your guidance, have I cleared the fog and seen the moon!"

The East King laughed and said, "What have I done? I have not helped you with anything. You caused trouble, don't blame it on me."

Chen Shi thanked him repeatedly before leaving the East Heavenly Palace.

The East King watched him leave, a smile hanging on his face: "He is indeed a good person. He would go to great lengths to rescue an offender for the sake of a brief acquaintance. No wonder the Great Heavenly Venerate placed the Heavenly Mechanism Strategy on him."

Everyone thought Chen Shi's backing was only the East King, but little did they know the Great Heavenly Venerate was also his supporter!

Others could not see the Heavenly Mechanism Strategy on Chen Shi, but as someone who experienced firsthand the refining of the Heavenly Dao Treasure, the East King was very familiar with it. Others could not sense the Heavenly Dao aura on Chen Shi, but he could clearly perceive it.

"But this, the little rebel does not yet know."

The East King showed a look of anticipation, eager to see the day when Chen Shi joined the rebels, realizing his support was the Jade Emperor. What an expression that would be.

Chen Shi came joyfully to meet King Li, presenting the Geographical Map, saying, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Chu Xiangxiu has confessed!"

King Li was puzzled, not understanding why he said this, asking, "What did he confess?"

He remembered he had not instructed Chen Shi to interrogate Chu Xiangxiu. Moreover, the Ministry of Justice had already tried him, and the death penalty was given.

"Please look, Your Majesty, this is the Harmonization Land of Chu Xiangxiu!"

Chen Shi unfolded the Geographical Map rapidly, saying, "This place is called the Mud犁 World, in the Dark Sea. The Outer Dao flourishes, and Chu Xiangxiu's strength is so astonishing because it originates from here! Under my coercion and inducement, Chu Xiangxiu drew this map, marking the various dangers of this place!"

Seeing the Geographical Map, King Li's Heart Spirit was slightly shocked, saying, "The flourishing Outer Dao of the Mud犁 World? This should be a Great World!"

His heartbeat sped up uncontrollably.

Great Worlds are quite rare.

The four Great Continents of the Earth Immortal Realm are all Great Worlds, capable of sustaining many Immortals.

And the Great Worlds in the Dark Sea are ownerless lands filled with many precious Earth Treasure Spirit Roots and various Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, rare mutant beasts!

More importantly, establishing a Great World can produce more incense, greatly tempting King Li.

Chen Shi nodded, saying, "Precisely the Mud犁 Great World."

King Li suppressed his excitement and carefully examined the Geographical Map, which marked the route from the Earth Immortal Realm, crossing the Xuanhuang Sea, entering the Dark Sea, seeking the Mud犁 World.

At the same time, the various perilous areas within the Mud犁 World were marked.

King Li rolled up the Geographical Map, intending to walk outside.

Chen Shi quickly said, "Your Majesty, Chu Xiangxiu is about to be executed soon!"

King Li paused, hesitating, saying, "The carefully chosen auspicious day... Well then, I will order someone to postpone Chu Xiangxiu's execution date a bit! Mr. Chen, there's nothing more for you here, return to the Heavenly Dao Residence first."

Chen Shi agreed, returning to the Heavenly Dao Residence.

King Li, with the Geographical Map, hurriedly left.

Not long after, King Li mobilized troops at Western Heaven Swing, leading a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, ordered to conquer the Dark Sea, the army set out, boarded the Star Shuttle, departing from the Star Gate Ferry, leaving the Heavenly Court.

——The troops mobilized by King Li were all elite, and Chen Shi's Fire Camp was not among the elite, hence it did not go.

"Just as the East King predicted, the Heavenly Court is eager to obtain the Mud犁 World!"

Chen Shi's admiration for the East King grew a bit more.

For the Heavenly Court to dispatch troops so quickly, it was likely not just King Li's decision, probably other major figures in the Heavenly Court also facilitated the action.

"If it follows as the East King speculated, King Li will suffer greatly in the Mud犁 World, and then will have no choice but to release Chu Xiangxiu and the Feng'an County Land, their master-disciple's lives will be saved," Chen Shi thought to himself.

Sure enough, after two months, the news of King Li's great defeat in the Mud犁 World spread, causing an uproar in the court. Soon, a Divine Envoy arrived at the Heavenly Prison, instructing the Prison Guard: "Chu Xiangxiu and the Feng'an County Land's crimes do not warrant death, Your Majesty's decree, release them immediately!"

The Prison Guards dared not neglect, hastily releasing them.

Chu Xiangxiu and Feng'an Land walked out of the Heavenly Prison, still somewhat dazed, feeling as if they were dreaming.

Outside the Heavenly Prison, Chen Shi had been waiting for a long time.

Behind him, Black Pot held a Jade Plate, and on the Jade Plate was a jug of wine.

Chen Shi looked at the approaching Chu Xiangxiu, smiling, saying, "Mr. Chu, I am fortunate not to have failed, finally rescuing you and your disciple. Today, I am specially waiting here to see you off."