Chapter 666: What the Righteous Path Should Do

The Sitian Supervisorate was not, strictly speaking, a heavily guarded place. After Ji Yuan’s arrival, there were usually no dedicated guards outside the archives. Consequently, when Yan Chang arrived at the courtyard, it was empty. There was no sign of Ji Yuan, and no one around to ask about his whereabouts.

Ji Yuan didn't consider this an unannounced departure, as he had told Yan Chang he was going to Tingqiu Mountain. However, he had no immediate plans to leave. After exiting the Sitian Supervisorate, he casually strolled around the capital, curious to observe the influx of skilled individuals from Dazhen who were now beginning to arrive.

The great victory in Qizhou had occurred almost a month prior. While the Dazhen capital had only recently received the news, it had spread throughout the cultivation world in Dazhen and its surrounding regions within days. Consequently, a noticeable increase in skilled individuals had recently converged upon the capital.

As expected, the joyous news of the front-line victory had swept through the capital. In every street and alley, wherever two or more people gathered, they celebrated in their own ways. This was no mere holding of ground; it was an undeniable, resounding triumph, and the names of Yin Zhong and Mei She were now universally recognized.

Interestingly, the Grand Altar in the capital, a relatively quiet area before the war, was now the liveliest spot. Many commoners were flocking there, where Imperial Guards maintained order and royal carriages were present. It seemed that newly consecrated Celestial Masters were about to appear on the altar.

Ji Yuan joined the surging crowd, drawn by the excitement. While those around him jogged, he walked at a calm, unhurried pace.

“Heh heh, esteemed sir, if you don't hurry, you won't secure a good spot. By then, you'll only be staring at the backs of people's heads!”

“Precisely, hurry up! Today, we might even see a Celestial Master make a spectacle of themselves.”

The two individuals quickly passed Ji Yuan. Even half-grown children, carrying small benches, ran by, which greatly amused Ji Yuan.

Nearby, several scholars, identifiable by their swords, also walked at a slower pace. They appeared to be visitors to the capital, drawn by the commotion. Having overheard the remarks about Celestial Masters potentially embarrassing themselves, their curiosity was piqued.

“Why are so many people saying the Celestial Masters might make a fool of themselves?”

“I’m not sure. Shall we ask someone?”

“Yes, I’ll ask.”

After speaking, one of the scholars sought someone to ask, but unfortunately, everyone was moving quickly. By the time they drew closer to the altar, it was already encircled by a dense crowd, three layers deep. Observing the altar's height and grandeur, it seemed unlikely that those below, even when gathered around, would be able to see the top, unless they secured a vantage point from an upper floor of a nearby building.

“Excuse me, brother, why do you all say these Celestial Masters might make a fool of themselves on the altar?”

“Ah, you must be a scholar from out of town. It’s a common rumor, even among officials and the capital’s populace: those with impure intentions find it difficult to ascend this altar. Just watch.”

The two scholars exchanged glances.

“Does this altar have something special about it?”

“Oh, how would I know? All I know is I’ve seen many seemingly capable Celestial Masters whose pace slowed dramatically as they ascended the altar steps, as if they were carrying several sacks of grain. Ah, it spoils the fun to talk about it too much. You’ll see for yourself; there’s always one or two.”

“Such a thing exists?”

Filled with curiosity, the two couldn't help but stand on tiptoes to get a better view. Not far from them, Ji Yuan subtly broadened his Dharma Eye, scanning the altar. He could faintly perceive the lingering traces of his sword dance performed in the moonlight years ago. The inner brilliance remained undiminished, having, over the years, merged with the altar itself. He had, of course, known this fact for a long time, but he hadn't anticipated this spontaneous development in the altar.

“Here they come, here they come! Over a dozen new Celestial Masters! This is sure to be interesting!”

“Yes, yes, this will be good!”

A ripple of excitement surged through the crowd. Many of the Celestial Masters accompanying the Ministry of Rites officials looked toward the gathered people, simply appreciating the capital residents' enthusiasm.

The Imperial Guards nearby also observed the mostly oblivious Celestial Masters. Even if some guards vaguely heard murmurs from the crowd about watching a "good show," they didn't dwell on it.

The Ministry of Rites official reached the edge of the altar and paused, then cupped his hands and bowed to the sixteen Celestial Masters behind him.

“You are all newly consecrated Celestial Masters by His Majesty. However, Dazhen has long-established rules: all assigned Immortal Masters must ascend this altar to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. The offerings on the altar are already prepared. Please follow me.”

The Ministry of Rites official paused, then continued.

“Oh, and I should inform all Immortal Masters: this altar was constructed during the Yuande era. Both the Imperial Preceptor and the Grand Chamberlain of this dynasty have stated that after its completion, a true immortal bestowed a blessing upon it, granting it the power to discern hearts and distinguish between good and evil. Ordinary people can ascend and descend without issue, but for cultivators, this altar will manifest certain effects. Please proceed slowly and carefully. If you find yourselves unable to keep up, do inform this humble official. Regardless of any difficulties encountered along the way, simply reaching the top of the altar signifies that you are unhindered.”

The Immortal Masters below listened with amusement, as if hearing a joke. A minor official from the Ministry of Rites clearly had no idea what he was talking about; putting aside other points, the term “true immortal” was certainly not to be used so casually.

“Don't worry, Lord Lu, just lead the way.” “Indeed, Lord Lu, you simply go. Even if you run up, we shall keep pace.”

“Indeed, for us, ascending this altar requires but a single step!”

The Ministry of Rites official dared not speak further. He bowed once more, uttered, “All Immortal Masters, follow me,” and then ascended the altar first. Regardless of any potential issues the Celestial Masters might face, they were, at least, not mere mortals.

Observing the Ministry of Rites official ascend with ease, the multitude of Immortal Masters immediately followed suit. Most walked up with relaxed expressions; their first few steps felt as light as a swallow. While some maintained this lightness throughout, others found their steps growing progressively heavier as they climbed, as if their bodies were becoming increasingly weighty.

Roughly half of the Immortal Masters felt no effect at all. Among the remaining half, some found their steps heavy, while others were already panting from exertion.

“Lord Lu, please, please slow down!”

An older Immortal Master felt immense pressure assailing him from all directions, making every step arduous. The already substantial altar now appeared like a towering mountain with no discernible peak. Not only were his legs difficult to lift, but even his arms were hard to move.

The crowd watching the spectacle immediately grew excited.

“Look, look! He’s sweating, he’s sweating!” “I see it too; that Immortal Master’s face has turned pale.”

“That one, over there, he’s stopped moving! His body has stiffened, the third one!”

“I see it too.”

“Oh, oh, that person is rolling down, rolling down!” “Ouch, that looks so painful!”

In stark contrast to the commoners' excitement, the affected Immortal Masters felt utterly miserable. Even the unaffected ones were inwardly surprised, though they remained silent, continuing their ascent with the Ministry of Rites official alongside those who could still persevere.

Looking down from the altar, several individuals were still struggling upwards, panting and covered in sweat. A few others were completely unable to move. Ultimately, thirteen out of the sixteen reached the top of the altar. Two remained frozen on the middle steps, unable to budge, simply standing appearing to exhaust them. The most embarrassing outcome was one individual who lost his footing and tumbled directly down the steps.

“Mountain Suppressing Technique! This is the Mountain Suppressing Technique!”

Finally, an Immortal Master exclaimed, revealing the secret: the altar truly contained hidden powers. No one had detected this before, and even at that moment, people merely guessed based on the reactions of a few individuals, as it was unlikely anyone would be feigning discomfort in such a public setting.

The Ministry of Rites official on the side immediately waved to the Imperial Guards. Armored soldiers promptly stepped forward, assisting the two Immortal Masters who were unable to leave the altar on their own, escorting them away.

“Immortal Masters, please. After performing the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and paying respects to the past emperors, you shall all be officials of our Dazhen court.”

No one now dismissed the words of the Ministry of Rites official. At the altar, an official from the Sitian Supervisorate presided over the ceremony. The entire process was solemn and dignified; even Ji Yuan found it quite substantial, though beyond the initial ascent of the steps, the rest held only symbolic significance.

After witnessing the entire ceremony, Ji Yuan felt a greater sense of reassurance. Even the Immortal Masters who had embarrassed themselves possessed genuine abilities; otherwise, mere charlatans would have felt nothing at all. Similarly, those who didn't stumble were certainly not imposters, because their path after this ceremony led not to comfort in the capital, but directly to the battlefield. For a charlatan, such a choice would be suicidal, leading to certain death in combat.

The following morning, on a peak of Tingqiu Mountain, Ji Yuan descended from the clouds. He stood at the summit, surveying the landscape stretching out before him. Not long after, a small, mud-and-stone spire began to emerge from the ground not far behind him, growing progressively thicker and taller. When it reached human height, its form shifted and its colors deepened, finally resolving into a figure dressed in a gray, stone-colored robe.

Ji Yuan turned around just as the newcomer cupped his hands and bowed to him.

“I, Hong Shengting, Mountain God of Tingqiu Mountain, greet Master Ji!”

“I greet Mountain God Hong!”

After returning the bow, Ji Yuan smiled and directly inquired.

“Mountain God Hong, your cultivation is profound, and you never meddle in human affairs. Even when temples are built for you, you rarely accept incense offerings. Why then have you now directly acted against Zuyue on behalf of Dazhen?”

Hong Shengting walked closer to Ji Yuan and also looked out at the Tingqiu Mountain scenery.

“I, Hong, have slain only those villains who acted presumptuously within my Tingqiu Mountain; it hardly counts as taking sides. Furthermore, to speak plainly, while I, Hong, dislike involvement in human changes, everything has a limit.”

“Demons and evil spirits have all pledged allegiance to Emperor Song and are jointly attacking Dazhen. This hardly suggests that great order will follow great chaos. I, Hong, also detest such turmoil, and using this opportunity to gain favor with Master Ji is well worth it.”

Hong Shengting had spoken very plainly, so Ji Yuan saw no need to feign ignorance and directly acknowledged.

“Indeed, I will not permit Dazhen to fall. And I shall not conceal this from the Mountain God: the destiny of humanity in Yunzhou hinges entirely on the battle in the Southern Frontier. Dazhen must not fail.”

“Oh?”

Hong Shengting seemed slightly surprised, as the situation appeared more complex than he had imagined. Ji Yuan then looked at him and said,

“While it is not convenient for me to directly interfere in human affairs, I can act outside of that realm. An increasing number of powerful demons are heading to Zuyue to aid the Song clan; they are overstepping their boundaries too much.”

“What will Master do?”

Ji Yuan shook his head, looking towards the northeast.

“Those who have already been consecrated are beyond my reach. But those who are stirring are certainly ripe for intervention. Heaven possesses the virtue of cherishing life, and seekers of the Dao are not judged by their origins. Those who diligently cultivate in seclusion may be spared. However, for mischievous spirits and monsters that openly emerge, it is only natural to purge evil and cleanse corruption, fulfilling the duties of the righteous path.”