1046 The Two Years Where He Left His Dharmakaya (1/2)
In previous years, the Dou family's shop in Shen Du had customers from all walks of life. News buzzed all over the walkways. Many warriors visited the shop. Some came to have some tea, whilst some came for a drink. The place was buzzing with life. However, for the past six months, the business became really slow. There would still be many empty seats even if it was the day where the new Ground List or Man List was announced.
”It is dying, it is dying. It cannot be compared to the past,” the manager of the Dou family's shop placed both of his hands in his sleeves. White smoke rose from his mouth as he stood at the corner of the stairs. He kept shaking his head as he sighed deeply.
The new waiter looked at the manager in a daze. He asked in confusion, ”How did the business deteriorate?”
The manager had a heavy load on his mind. The moment he was triggered, he started chattering non-stop, ”You are from the village and have just recently became a waiter here. You hardly engage with the circle of martial artists, so naturally, you are unaware of certain things.”
”Manager, what sort of things?” the waiter was filled with curiosity.
”It is a long story. I have to start from the emergence of Donghai's Golden Turtle Island from the water, when the Delivery Transcendent Messenger come forth to send the invitations,” the manager looked outside of the window as he immersed himself in past memories. It was as if he had also been through the ground-breaking event in the circle, ”Oh, the Transcendent Messenger. Golden Turtle Island actually used a Celestial Being as a Messenger! Do you know what a Celestial Being is? Their bodies could create caves, open up heaven and earth in a leaf. Their powers are as formidable as the moon and stars to the point that it cannot be imagined by ordinary people like us. Even a god-like figure like that can only wind up as a Messenger.”
”What is a Messenger needed for?” the waiter's eyes sparkled as he listened to the story.
The manager kept quiet for a short while before uttering, ”They invited the Dharmakaya supremes from the Heavenly List to attend an event. Facing a Celestial Being, no one dared to reject the invitation. Every single one of the Dharmakaya supremes went to the event; but they never returned ever again. Rumors said that they were held as captives on Golden Turtle Island. Some said that they were murdered as they were unwilling to submit to Golden Turtle Island. Meanwhile, Golden Turtle Island had since vanished. The event that happened during that very year would become the biggest mystery in the circle of the martial arts.”
The waiter shivered upon hearing it. He felt that this story was scarier than the horror stories which were narrated by the witch from his village.
”After the numerous disappearances of the Dharmakaya supremes, all that was left on the highest tier of the circle are the Great Gurus, top-notch powers like the Mountain Guarding Formation and the Heavenly Troops that were sent from various towns. The impact was not too severe. The rest of the existing forces have re-adapted. On the other hand, there is still another Fairyland following the emergence of Golden Turtle Island. Their god-like figures have also disappeared after attending the event on Golden Turtle Island. The leaders, the Heavenly Way Alliance, and the Three Demons and Four Oddities have powers which are not inferior to the Dharmakayas of Half-Step. They are highly aggressive.”
The manager's thoughts had gone wild. He started reminiscing about the great battle in the past, ”At that moment, both parties agreed to battle at Donghai. The righteous sent their cream of the crop. Taishang Supreme Sword Qiang Zhi Wei defeated the opponent by Seven Great Half-step. Ice Fairy Ye Yuqi single handedly fought against two opponents and managed to defeat a pair of Great Gurus who were partners in combat. The two of them were enough to make the Fairyland realize that they should cut their losses and run. As such, the central mainland was finally able to interact with the Fairyland as usual.”
”So exciting!” the waiter was thrilled. However, he immediately fell back into confusion again, ”But what does this have to do with our failing business?”
The manager snickered, ”After this battle, everyone around the world recognizes the importance of having a Dharmakaya. Fellow Great Gurus meditate in isolation; some even start to train themselves as they all compete to achieve the first breakthrough so they are able to look down upon the other warriors. They hardly interfere in the affairs of human life. It is difficult to form an effective connection with the Demon Emperor. Meanwhile, under the Demon Emperor's consolidation, the Southern Wasteland…”
His voice suddenly became softer, ”...became more prosperous everyday. There, everyone is able to obtain a ticket to the Peerless Divine Skill as long as you are a warrior. So long as you are willing to work hard and persevere no matter how long it takes, you will be able to inherit an even more powerful Peerless Divine Skill once you have passed both the tests of body and mind. Hey, numerous clans and aristocratic families have done all they can but they are still unable to snatch a single piece of the Peerless Divine Art. Meanwhile, everyone in the Southern Wasteland can practice it. Previously, there are still Great Gurus to keep things in control. Presently, I wonder how many brilliant youngsters, children from poor families, and old slickers who have accomplished nothing even after years of hustling have decided to conceal their true identities, and quietly sneak to the Southern Wasteland. So, do you think our business will get any better?”
”I see…” the waiter licked his lips, a fire of passion was suddenly ignited in his heart.
”If it weren't for my old age which had completely banished all existing hopes that I got, perhaps, perhaps…” the manager did not speak any further. He suddenly changed the topic of conversation, ”Besides, the conflicts between the central mainland and the various martial arts sect from Fairyland has further heated up the situation. Currently, Jiangdong and Shen Du are no longer the first choice for one to further sharpen their skills, everyone prefers to go to Fairyland.”
He lowered his voice once again, ”Besides, too many Dharmakayas disappeared at Donghai's Golden Turtle Island. If they are really dead, so long as we find their sloughs, wouldn't it mean that we might be able to also discover the Heavenly Troops, Martial Arts, and secret treasures?”
”There might be a groundbreaking treasure at the end of Donghai. Although the disciples and acquaintances of the Dharmakayas are still seeking it, it cannot prevent the people from the circle to flock there to look for it as well. The number of ship passengers are increasing at a shocking speed. More than ten of our regular customers have left to Donghai.”
”Presently, there is a viral saying: go ahead, go to the seas, go for an adventure, go seek the treasures which are left behind by the Dharmakaya. Do not miss this opportunity!”
The waiter was lost in reverie. He desperately yearned for it. He intended to look for a ship on the spot and become a sailor himself.
...
In the imperial palace, the emperor of the Dajin Dynasty, Zhao Heng had developed a deeper majestic presence.
Sima Shi paced back and forth before him. He seemed a little anxious, ”The King of Qin is at stake?”
Zhao Heng nodded his head lightly. Although he seemed calm and composed, both of his hands were clenched on the handles of his throne, ”Ever since the disappearance of the Dharmakayas who attended the event on Golden Turtle Island, the dark clouds above the heads of the Zhao Family from Shen Du disappeared without a trace. Things suddenly looked more promising. The hole in our uncle's heart which was caused by the numerous setbacks could finally be redeemed. He regained his confidence in a short span of time. Coupled with the fact that he had refined the majestic Forces of Living Things; his foundation was further solidified. He could not be replaced by anyone. Hence, he worked hard for two years to strive to be the first person to breakthrough so he can suppress and draw other forces in.”
”This is a blessing from the Heavens; giving us, the Dajin Dynasty life and hope,” lamented Sima Shi. If the Dharmakaya were still there to rule the world; regardless of whether the King of Qin or Zhao Jingshi's spirits had been fulfilled, a struggle might ensue just to achieve a breakthrough. This resonated with the grandiose event before.
Who could have expected that the sudden emergence of Golden Turtle Island would lead to the disappearance of the Dharmakayas all over the world. An opportunity like never before was placed right before the Zhao Family of Shen Du.
If they failed to take this opportunity, their days would be numbered! Sima Shi took one glance at Zhao Heng. He realized that his eyes were filled with anxiousness and hope, just like himself.
...
Xi Jian Pavillion, Jiang Zhi Wei's home.