Dao Equaling the Heavens

Cultivation World.

The Human Race has endured thirty thousand years, overcoming calamities, finally reaching its apex.

At this moment, Jianmu has collapsed, the earth has awakened, and spirit veins number in thousands.

The Devil Clan, once a formidable enemy, suffered heavy losses due to the fall of the Grotto Heaven, with less than one in ten strong figures surviving, their population dwindling sharply. They can only survive by clinging to the remnants of the Grotto Heaven. Alternatively, they could reconcile with the Human Race, submit to the Human Race's rule, and become servants of a Human sect.

The Human Race, on the other hand, after experiencing eight hundred years of Immortal rule, has developed steadily for another eight hundred years, with the number of cultivators soaring to an unprecedented peak.

With the stimulus of the earth's recovery, talents emerge endlessly, and heroes are rising.

Now, in the ninth hundred year of Daoist Sect rule, the Venerable system upheld for eight hundred years is beginning to collapse, and the unity of the world is no more.

East has a flourishing era of Sword Cultivators, West sees the reappearance of Buddha Ancestor at Spiritual Mountain, South has giants of the Demon Path, North showcases a Human-Devil alliance.

At this time, the lives of the common people are chaotic; Immortal Sects above them change frequently, and divine statues in the Heavenly Venerate Temple are replaced yearly, just like the chickens at home during New Year.

Yet, things aren't utterly chaotic; life is simply not as good as it used to be.

The Qingcang divine statues, unheard of in the past eight hundred years, instead emerge vehemently in this era.

Everyone is reminiscing about the Daoist named Qingcang, including cultivators, all yearning for the time a hundred years ago.

"...After today, all states of the Human Race will be returned to the Venerable, I will resign from the position of Sovereign,"

Yi Zong finished reading his resignation announcement, carrying his luggage down the heavenly steps of the Jade Palace alone. Along the roadside stood numerous immortals, yet their gazes quickly withdrew from him.

He had been the Sovereign for many years, accustomed to others' gazes, but today he felt exceptionally sensitive.

A vague force departed from him, transforming Yi Zong into an average cultivator, a common Golden Core cultivator.

In the Three Pure Mountain, he's only at the level of an Outer Sect disciple, fine to roam in the countryside outside, but unremarkable in a big city.

"Lord Yi."

A crisp and slightly sharp female voice echoed, Yi Zong lifted his head to see a sword-bearing Goddess descending slowly, landing ten steps away, her exquisite face filled with sternness.

The contemporary foremost Heavenly Pride, Xie Yunnan.

Due to the reform of the Daoist Sect, a mortal like himself can become the Sovereign of the world, and she, an Returning Void True Monarch, can be the next True Martial Venerable.

Yi Zong cupped his hands and said, "Fairy Xie, I have resigned from public office, I can no longer deserve the title of 'Lord'. Cultivators are ranked by cultivation, just call me Yi Zong."

"Yi Zong." Xie Yunnan straightforwardly addressed him by name, "Do you remember what Junior Master Gu promised you over a hundred years ago?"

Yi Zong's body trembled, and he said, "Has the Venerable returned?"

"Follow me."

Xie Yunnan nodded, then turned and led Yi Zong flying into the clouds, soaring away with Sword Control.

Flying out of the Three Pure Mountain, crossing through bustling cities, they stopped in front of a countryside tavern.

Inside, people came and went, coal workers ending their day's work drank within, not noticing the two intruders.

Simultaneously, Yi Zong immediately focused on the corner, where two men in Jade Robes appeared out of place in the surroundings.

One of them, Zhou Zhengping in look, turned to glance at them, showing a gentle smile, waving his hand.

Yi Zong rushed over hastily, but next second, beside him, Xie Yunnan had already teleported away, arriving in front of the Daoist.

Her originally cold and stern expression had relaxed, showing a hint of excitement and admiration with a smile, she said, "Junior Master Gu! It's been a long time, you've finally returned."

"Over a hundred years have passed," Gu Wen praised, "Your cultivation is just a step away from the Integration, very good, very good. Indeed, your Innate Sword Bone makes a difference, the day when you become an Immortal is near."

Cultivators value talent extremely, grassroots rising exist, but throughout thousands of years, it's rare.

Xie Yunnan scratched her head and laughed, "All thanks to the grace of masters and junior masters."

Beside her, Jun Yan lightly coughed, Xie Yunnan immediately reacted, hurriedly cupped her hands and bent over in salute, "Greetings, Master Junyan."

"No need, you should pay respects more to your Junior Master Gu. Your Junior Master Gu is born with unparalleled grace, a heartthrob among our generation, which Heavenly Proud Lady doesn't have some thoughts for him."

Jun Yan said somewhat sarcastically, Xie Yunnan scratched her head awkwardly.

Yet she indeed liked Elder Gu Wen, after all, she grew up hearing his rumors.

With profound cultivation, amiable temperament, easy to talk to even with juniors like her. Unlike her master, who is an old relic, completely like iron.

Yi Zong came before Gu Wen, about to kneel, but again as years ago, unable to kneel.

The Daoist in front continued smiling, saying, "These years have been tough on you, it's time to leave with me and relish your life."

Yi Zong choked, "I've failed you, unable to achieve grand unity."

"No matter."

Gu Wen waved his hand, not surprised at all.

"What can one do alone? Ultimately, all your power comes from sects and cultivators, can a wife kill her in-laws?"

Yi Zong hesitated, seemed to seek an answer but was evaded by Gu Wen.

"Don't ask me how to achieve it, I cultivate my own path, understand my heart, these things depend on descendants' wisdom, your task now is to enjoy life."

Upon speaking, Gu Wen took out a jade bead, its crystal-clear surface revealing a small Grotto Heaven.

Yi Zong felt world spinning, regaining sense he found himself before a magnificent jade stone gate, with the inscription [Qianfeng Sect].