Xu Qi An smiled and said:

“Your Majesty, your subject has not failed your command!”

“After numerous trials, countless hardships, and nine deaths with one life remaining, I’ve finally advanced to Half-Step Warrior God.”

“Lei Province is temporarily secure. The Buddha has retreated to the Western Regions.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox rolled her eyes beside him.

Half-Step Warrior God, he advanced to Half-Step Warrior God… Having received the answer she wanted, Huai Qing’s heart finally settled from where it had been stuck in her throat. But her joy and excitement didn’t diminish – instead, they surged up even stronger.

Her cheeks flushed red, her eyes sparkled with delight, and she couldn’t control the smile at the corners of her mouth no matter how she tried.

Indeed, he had never disappointed her, from when he was just a Bronze Bell to now as the renowned Xu Silver Bell.

Huai Qing had always held the highest expectations for him, but he continued to exceed her expectations time and time again, bringing pleasant surprises.

Ningyan advancing to Half-Step Warrior God, plus Shen Shu, the veteran Half-Step Warrior God – we finally have the confidence to stand against either the Witch God Church or the Buddhist faction. This game is still playable. Ah, that former hothead is now a Half-Step Warrior God, it feels like another lifetime… While Wei Yuan felt relieved, his emotions were complex – there was sighing, satisfaction, contentment, and pride.

Considering his position and the gathering of experts in the Imperial Study, Wei Yuan maintained a calmness and composure befitting his status, saying unhurriedly:

“Well done.”

Half-Step Warrior God, if I’m not mistaken, should be the Central Plains’ first human Half-Step Warrior God, unique like the Confucian Saint. This must be recorded in the history books: Xu Silver Bell studied at Cloud Deer Academy from their youth, taking Academy Chancellor Zhao Shou as his master… Thinking of this, Zhao Shou felt excited. As the one planning to compile the history books, he was about to step forward with congratulations when he glimpsed Wei Yuan’s composed and unperturbed manner. So he had to maintain a calmness fitting his status, slowly saying:

“Very good!”

Great Feng is saved, another “escape from death,” Xu Qi An successfully becomes a Half-Step Warrior God – this old man’s judgment wasn’t wrong. Eh, these two old fellows are very calm… Wang Zhenwen felt like he was back in the year he achieved the highest imperial examination rank, wanting to sing and drink all night.

But seeing Zhao Shou and Wei Yuan’s calm faces, he also maintained composure fitting his status, slowly nodding:

“Congratulations on your advancement!”

These are truly veterans of officialdom, showing neither joy nor anger… Xu Qi An secretly admired, then said:

“Unfortunately, I have no clues about how to advance to Warrior God.”

Take it one step at a time! Wei Yuan almost spoke up to teach him, but remembering his former subordinate was now truly a great figure who didn’t need his guidance, he held back.

Instead, he asked:

“How is the situation in Lei Province? How many died?”

As the transcendents pondered, Arhat Du E said:

“Only one large town was destroyed, over two thousand people.”

Daoist Jin Lian and Heng Yuan opened their mouths but were half a beat too slow.

From this detail, one could see that Arhat Du E cared most about the common people – he was truly brainwashed, not, baptized by Mahayana Buddhism… Xu Qi An evaluated internally.

Huai Qing nodded with a rather heavy expression, looked at Xu Qi An, and said:

“During the time you were overseas, the Buddhist church held a Buddhist dharma assembly. According to Arhat Du E, the Buddha used this assembly to undergo a terrible transformation.”

“We don’t know the specific reasons, but you must know the result – He became a monster that devours everything.”

She took the initiative to explain the beginning and end of this “disaster” to Xu Qi An.

Daoist Jin Lian continued:

“When Arhat Du E left the Western Regions, the Buddha didn’t harm him. But after the Mahayana Buddhist Church was established and the Buddhist church’s fate flowed away, the Buddha became desperate to devour him.”

“The Buddha’s transformation is related to fate. This might be the so-called great catastrophe.”

Wei Yuan sighed:

“From the Buddha’s behavior, we can deduce what will happen when the Gu God and Witch God break their seals.”

“However, we still don’t know the significance or purpose of what the Beyond-Rank experts are doing.”

The transcendents frowned in silence. They vaguely felt they were close to the truth but couldn’t accurately pierce through it or explain it in detail.

Yet that final layer remained frustratingly impenetrable.

Isn’t it just to replace the Way of Heaven… The Nine-Tailed Fox was about to speak when she heard Xu Qi An beat her to it, sighing deeply:

“I already know the truth of the great catastrophe.”

In the Imperial Study, everyone looked at him in surprise.

“You know?”

Asura scrutinized the Half-Step Warrior God, finding it hard to believe how someone who had been at sea for months could know the secret of the great catastrophe.

Daoist Jin Lian and Wei Yuan’s hearts stirred.

Seeing Xu Qi An nod, Yang Gong, Sun Xuanji, and others were slightly moved.

This story starts from the beginning of heaven and earth… Under everyone’s eager and expectant gazes, Xu Qi An said:

“I know everything, including the first great catastrophe and the fall of gods and demons.”

Finally, the truth about the fall of gods and demons will be revealed… Everyone’s spirits lifted as they listened intently.

Xu Qi An slowly said:

“This goes back to the beginning of heaven and earth, the birth of gods and demons. How much do you know about gods and demons?”

Asura answered first:

“Gods and demons were born from heaven and earth, naturally powerful. They didn’t need to cultivate to command the mighty power to move mountains and fill seas. Each god and demon had a core spiritual essence bestowed by heaven and earth.”

No one added anything – what Asura said was probably all they knew about gods and demons.

Xu Qi An sighed:

“Born from heaven and earth, dying to heaven and earth – this is inevitable cause and effect.”

Inevitable cause and effect… Everyone frowned, somehow feeling these words held great mystical significance.

Xu Qi An didn’t keep them in suspense, continuing:

“During my sea journey, I passed an island. That island was boundlessly vast. According to the descendants of gods and demons living there, it was an island formed from an ancient god or demon’s death.”

“Gods and demons were born from heaven and earth’s nurturing, themselves being part of heaven and earth, thus having such transformations after death.”

Du E’s eyes lit up as he blurted out:

“The Buddha!”

“The Buddha can also transform into Alanda, and now He’s even become the entire Western Region. There must be a connection.”

After speaking, the old monk stared at Xu Qi An with an expression seeking confirmation.

Ancient gods and demons became islands after death, and the Buddha had similar characteristics – did this mean the Buddha and ancient gods and demons were the same in some sense?

Various thoughts arose as inspiration struck.

Xu Qi An made a “heh” sound, clasping his hands behind his back:

“The first and second great catastrophes have the same purpose.”

“What purpose?” Huai Qing immediately asked.

Others also wanted to know this answer.

Xu Qi An didn’t answer immediately, choosing his words for several seconds before slowly saying:

“To replace the Way of Heaven and become the will of the Nine Provinces world.”

Like thunder from clear skies, this stunned the transcendent experts in the Imperial Study.

Daoist Jin Lian took a deep breath. This deeply shrewd Earth Sect leader couldn’t maintain his calm, asking in confusion:

“What… what did you say?”

Xu Qi An swept his gaze over everyone, finding their expressions not much different from Daoist Jin Lian’s. Even Wei Yuan and Zhao Shou looked dumbfounded.

“When heaven and earth first opened, the Nine Provinces were in darkness. Many years later, gods and demons were born, and life began. In this stage, the order was chaotic – no division between day and night, no seasons, yin-yang, and the five elements in complete disorder. There was no spiritual power in heaven and earth for humans and demons to cultivate.”

“Many more years passed. As heaven and earth evolved, the five elements should have separated and the four poles should have been established. But why couldn’t this realm continue its evolution? Do you know why?”

No one answered him – they were still digesting this earth-shattering news.

So Xu Qi An looked at the Monarch of Ten Thousand Demons. The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox reluctantly played along to save face for the annoying man, saying:

“I can guess – because heaven and earth were deficient, the gods and demons had taken the power of heaven and earth.”

“Clever!”

Xu Qi An praised her, then continued:

“So, in ancient times, a light gate appeared – a door to the ‘Way of Heaven.’ Gods and demons were manifestations of heaven and earth’s rules, meaning they could pass through this door. If they successfully opened it, gods and demons could advance to become the Way of Heaven.”

Luo Yuheng suddenly realized:

“Is this why gods and demons killed each other? But all gods and demons eventually fell. Or is today’s Way of Heaven one of the gods or demons from back then?”

She asked what everyone was wondering.

Under everyone’s gaze, Xu Qi An shook his head:

“Gods and demons killed each other, and their spiritual essences returned to heaven and earth. The final result was that the Nine Provinces gained enough spiritual essence and closed the heavenly door.”

So that’s how it was – no wonder the Buddha underwent such a transformation.

The transcendents present were all intelligent people. Thinking of the Buddha’s transformation into the Western Regions, which they had witnessed themselves, they no longer doubted Xu Qi An’s words.

“Living beings can transform into heaven and earth, replace the Way of Heaven – it’s truly unbelievable,” Yang Gong muttered. “If Ningyan hadn’t told us, I really couldn’t have imagined this was the truth.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a clear light shot out from his sleeve, striking hard at his head.

“I am his teacher…”

Yang Gong quietly rebuked the ruler, quickly putting it away, his expression somewhat embarrassed.

It was like when a child misbehaves in public, making the adult lose face.

Fortunately, everyone was currently immersed in great shock and didn’t notice him.

Wei Yuan said gravely:

“Then is the second great catastrophe’s arrival because the heavenly door has opened again?”

Xu Qi An shook his head:

“This catastrophe is different from ancient times. This time there’s no light gate – the Beyond-Rank experts have taken another path, that of seizing fate.”

Then, he informed everyone about how consuming fate could gain “recognition” and naturally replace the Way of Heaven, including the secret that the Gatekeeper could only emerge from the martial artist system.

“So this is why Beyond-Rank experts plunder fate.” Wei Yuan pinched his brow, sighing.

Daoist Jin Lian and others remained silent, immersed in their thoughts, digesting the earth-shattering news.

At this point, Huai Qing frowned and asked:

“Is this the result of the current stage of evolution? Or has the Way of Heaven in the Nine Provinces always been replaceable?”

This point was extremely important, causing everyone to “wake up” and look toward Xu Qi An.

“I can’t give you an answer. Perhaps this realm is simply like this, or perhaps as Your Majesty suggests, it’s just the current situation,” Xu Qi An said thoughtfully.

Huai Qing nodded while thinking, then said:

“So, at this stage, a Gatekeeper is needed, and you are the Gatekeeper chosen by the Director.”

“The Dao Lord!” Orange Cat Daoist suddenly exclaimed:

“I finally understand why the Dao Lord created the Heaven, Earth, and Human Sects – it was all to replace the Way of Heaven and become the will of the Nine Provinces.”

After speaking, he looked at Xu Qi An, seemingly seeking confirmation of the correct answer.

Xu Qi An nodded:

“Consuming fate to replace the Way of Heaven was indeed the method researched by the Dao Lord – He pioneered it.”

The Dao Lord pioneered it. He truly was an unparalleled figure throughout history… Everyone sighed and marveled.

Wei Yuan asked:

“You learned these secrets from the Director?”

Xu Qi An answered frankly:

“I met the Director once overseas. He’s still sealed by Huang. By the way, I should tell everyone some bad news – Huang has fallen into slumber, and when he awakens again, he’ll likely return to his peak.”

Another Beyond-Rank expert… Huai Qing and others felt their tongues turn bitter, the joy of repelling the Buddha and securing Lei Province completely vanishing.

The Buddha, Witch God, Gu God, and Huang – if these four Beyond-Rank experts joined forces, Great Feng would have no chance of recovery, not even the slightest hope.

Master Heng Yuan, who had maintained silence throughout, spoke up with a bitter expression:

“Perhaps we could try to divide our enemies, ally with one or two Beyond-Rank experts.”

No one spoke.

Master Heng Yuan looked around, finally turning to his closest friend, Xu Silver Bell:

“What does Lord Xu think?”

Xu Qi An shook his head:

“Huang and the Gu God are divine demons – one has slumbered in the Southern Borders for endless years, and one has drifted overseas. They’re not like the Buddha and Witch God, establishing religions to gather fate.”

“Once they emerge, their priority will be gathering fate. The Southern Borders have sparse populations and weak fates. If you were the Gu God, what would you do?”

Master Heng Yuan understood:

“Attack the Central Plains, consume Great Feng’s territory.”

The Western Regions had already been replaced by the Buddha, the northeast would surely fall to the Witch God, so moving north to consume the Central Plains was the best choice.

The same went for Huang.

“What about the Witch God and Buddha?” Heng Yuan asked, unwilling to give up.

Asura sneered:

“Of course, they’d take the opportunity to divide the Central Plains. Would they help Great Feng protect it instead? Would Great Feng hand over territory in gratitude?”

“You monks are truly foolish.”

Arhat Du E’s expression was grave:

“Before Beyond-Rank experts, any scheme is laughable and pitiful.”

Xu Qi An exhaled, saying helplessly:

“That’s why I said earlier it’s regrettable I haven’t found a way to advance to Warrior God.”

At this point, Wei Yuan spoke up, “It’s not completely hopeless. Since you’ve advanced to Half-Step Warrior God, go to Jing Mountain City and see if you can eliminate the Witch God Church. As for the Southern Borders, move all the Gu Tribe people to the Central Plains. This will both consolidate power and indirectly weaken the Gu God.”

“After handling these two matters, Xu Ningyan, you should make another sea journey – perhaps the Director is waiting for you there.”

“Your Majesty, the arrangements for the Mahayana Buddhists need to be implemented quickly – this will better consolidate fate.”

In a few words, he arranged everything that needed to be done next.

Suddenly, Chu Yuanzhen asked:

“Where’s Miaozhen? Why didn’t she return with you?”

Oh right, Miaozhen… Everyone suddenly remembered the Flying Swallow Heroine.

Xu Qi An froze for a moment, his heart sinking:

“The situation was urgent, so I teleported back directly. Therefore I didn’t see her on the way. Surely she’s not still looking for me overseas?”

The Heaven and Earth Society members all cupped their hands toward him, indicating this was his responsibility to bear.

Daoist Jin Lian said understandingly:

“This poor Daoist will help inform her.”

Lowering his head to take out the Earth Book fragment, he privately messaged Li Miaozhen:

[Nine: Miaozhen, come back. The Buddha has retreated.]

[Two: What?]

[Nine: Xu Ningyan returned long ago, and joined forces with Shen Shu to repel the Buddha. It’s temporarily peaceful.]

There was a long silence before: [Two: Why wasn’t I notified?]

Daoist Jin Lian could almost see Li Miaozhen’s eyebrows standing on end, gritting her teeth.

[Nine: Xu Ningyan said he forgot about you.]

[Two: Oh!]

Then silence.

Daoist Jin Lian put down the Earth Book, smiling:

“Miaozhen is indeed still overseas.”

Xu Qi An coughed:

“She’s not angry, is she?”

Daoist Jin Lian shook his head:

“Very calm, not angry at all.”

The Heaven and Earth Society members again cupped their hands toward Xu Qi An – don’t trust the old silver coin.

Xu Qi An returned their gesture with a grave expression.

After discussing it in secret for a while, everyone dispersed.

“Xu Silver Bell, stay behind. I have something to ask you.”

Huai Qing specifically kept Xu Qi An back.

“I’ll stay to listen too,” the Monarch of Ten Thousand Demons said with a smile.

Huai Qing gave her an unhappy look, but the fox spirit was thick-skinned and paid no attention to social cues.

Huai Qing had no major business keeping him back – she just wanted to ask in detail about his overseas journey and learn about the world beyond the sea.

“The overseas resources are abundant, inexhaustible, but unfortunately Great Feng’s navy is limited, unable to make long voyages, and there are too many divine demon descendants making it too dangerous…” Huai Qing said regretfully.

Xu Qi An casually agreed, only wanting to return home to “tend flowers and play jade” – reunite with his long-separated beloved wife.

The Nine-Tailed Fox’s eyes rolled craftily as she smiled:

“Speaking of treasures, Xu Silver Bell did obtain a precious item for Your Majesty from Merfolk Island.”

Huai Qing immediately became interested, looking at Xu Qi An with anticipation.

Merfolk Zhenzhu… Xu Qi An glared at the Nine-Tailed Fox – stirring up trouble again.

The Nine-Tailed Fox kicked him with her foot, urging:

“Where’s the Merfolk Zhenzhu? Hurry and take it out. It’s a unique pearl in the world, priceless.”

Xu Qi An thought seriously for a long time, deciding to go along with the fox spirit’s mischief.

Because he also wanted to know Huai Qing’s true feelings toward him.

Among the women he knew, this female emperor had the deepest thoughts, along with an intense desire for power and ambitions no less than any man’s.

She was a rational career-oriented strong woman.

Completely different from the love-brained foolish princess Lin’an.

Was Huai Qing’s closeness to him based on relying on the strong, using his values?

Or did she genuinely like him, admire him from her heart?

If she liked him, how deep was it – slight affection, or love to the bone?

Let the Merfolk Zhenzhu verify this.

Xu Qi An immediately took out the Merfolk Zhenzhu, holding it in his palm, smiling:

“This is it.”

The Merfolk Zhenzhu was milky white, round, and transparent, emanating a soft light. One look showed it was priceless – any woman who loved jewelry would be delighted to see it.

Huai Qing was also a woman and took to it at first sight. “Let me see it.”

With a lift of her delicate hand, the Merfolk Zhenzhu flew from Xu Qi An’s palm toward Huai Qing.