I am a living immortal.

Chapter 529: No Guilt

The Saint Monarch didn't stray far, but entered the so-called Daochang. Just one step away, it was like two different worlds. The Daochang was filled with rich spiritual energy, and he could also sense the presence of the gods. With a little understanding, he understood the current situation.

Just as he suspected, the world's path after the mutually devastating war in this tributary was the most likely and least desirable outcome for the world. The world envisioned two paths: either all races merged into the innate gods, or the innate gods became one of the myriad races. However, the world wasn't omniscient and omnipotent, and unexpected events would always occur.

This tributary's conception was one of the unexpected. Although war was mutually devastating, the immortal gods could return, and the myriad races hadn't lost their spirits in defeat. A significant portion of the myriad races still aspired to make a comeback. Who wanted to be another's slave? Take the demons, for example. Although they had backstabbed their comrades, did they truly want to be treated like dogs, with no ulterior motives? That was absolutely impossible. After all, the demons also suffered heavy losses in that war.

The subsequent choices differed, but the goal remained the same: a comeback, another war. If one wasn't enough, two would be fought, and if two weren't enough, three would be fought. If they lost, they would accept it, no matter how unwilling they were. But the problem was, if they hadn't lost, who was superior? What right did you have to stand over me? Besides, if our ancestors could kill you, so can we. A fallen god is like a health bar. If I can kill you once, I can kill you twice.

This is the confidence forged by our ancestors with blood and fire, a confidence passed down through generations. It's not a matter of whether you want to or not, but when the time comes, you will take up the sword. If you make it impossible for me to survive, I will cry out, "Blood feud, never be a slave," and charge upon the innate gods. Just as they overthrew dynasties, so too can they overthrow theocracy.

Therefore, the innate gods, though powerful, dare not act rashly, while the myriad races, though weak, will also leap to the wall in desperation—a strange balance. This is the most likely scenario for future evolution, so this tributary is both enormous and real.

Neither the Celestial Emperor nor Di Jun could do anything about this branch. However, this branch was crucial; they needed a variable to tip the balance, and the Sage Sovereign was that variable. Di Jun dared to act, because the power of this branch's innate gods was immense, immense. And over time, this gap would only widen. Di Jun, playing with fire, wanted to see the Sage Sovereign fight back with all his might, only to be destroyed. The Celestial Emperor, on the other hand, wanted to find a glimmer of hope amidst the brink of death.

There are fifty great ways, forty-nine of which are derived from the heavens. If a person escapes one of them, there is a glimmer of hope. A confrontation between chess players, a confrontation between chess players and chess pieces.

The Saint Lord also had an idea. It was impossible for him to fight against so many innate gods on his own, and he wasn't prepared to cooperate with the people in the dojo. The situation here was too complicated. He looked outside the dojo. How many humans could the dojo shelter? One tenth, or one percent? And those outside the dojo weren't completely wiped out. Although they were in dire straits, there were still many survivors.

Although they have been harassed by monsters for many years, humans are still very adaptable to the environment. What he needs is to ignite the fire of hope in the hearts of all living beings.

......

The Sage Lord observed the dojo. Dojos, places of cultivation, were walls erected by sages, akin to enchantments. Divine power seemed to be woven into them. These dojos must be considered the power of the Celestial Emperor, referring to the union of two divine realms. The gods needed humanity's faith, and they protected humanity when necessary. It was a symbiotic relationship. No wonder humans and the gods collaborated.

This is also why the Holy Lord did not choose the Daochang, because the faith here has already been taken. Moreover, although he is reluctant to admit it, the faith gained through salvation is more pure.

The Holy Lord now looked much like the people around him. It was hard to imagine, living in peace and contentment on one side, while suffering in dire straits on the other. He walked the streets of the dojo, feeling only peace and tranquility. The dojo completely sealed off any external dangers.

He really wanted to meet the sages who had supported this Daoist temple. It must have been difficult, but now was not the time. This was somewhat similar to the cave heaven Su Mu had described, where humans and immortals coexisted. The difference was that this was a forced situation, while the cave heaven was a place of natural selection. But the core was the same: gathering those with exceptional talent.

More and more innate gods were awakening, but time was running out. After a brief visit to the temple, he departed. But before leaving, he spotted several cultivators bidding farewell. They were the same ones who had come to investigate after his sword strike. The Saint Lord didn't know why they were leaving this paradise, but he knew it had something to do with him. So he approached them and started a conversation.

"Are you all leaving?" The Holy Lord looked like a young man, dressed in black clothes, making him look somewhat noble.

The people who were saying goodbye looked over and exchanged glances, each seeing confusion in the other's eyes. Why would someone ask such a question if they didn't know each other well?

"Who are you?" asked the leading cultivator.

"Sorry to bother you. I just heard you guys are leaving here. I know if you leave the dojo, you might be in danger of death. So, I'd like to ask why."

Hearing this man's question, several people laughed and said, "Young Master, do you know that in times of peace, we should be prepared for danger? Although the Taoist temple is now peaceful and tranquil, we must always remember that this peace and tranquility is built on the bones of our ancestors. We must not sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. We must leave the Taoist temple and seek opportunities for survival. Only by tempering our blood and bones through war can we walk with our ancestors."

This cultivator had already made his decision. The Saint Sovereign's sword strike had profoundly taught him that relying on oneself was better than relying on others. He wanted to leave the academy. He wanted to follow the example of his predecessors, forging a path for humanity in this chaotic world. Hardship and suffering were far preferable to hiding in the academy, watching demonic beasts slaughter his own kind. He didn't want to live in a daze of guilt; he wanted to live an upright life.

So, he thought a lot, and came to understand a lot. He decided to leave the dojo and venture out into the world. He shared his thoughts with his fellow practitioners. Some scoffed at his naiveté, saying, "No matter, even if I die, I will live up to my ancestors and to the heavens." However, the reality was far better than he had imagined. He was not alone. This thought was not unique to him; he had found like-minded teammates. They were determined to venture out, even if they could never return.