The Yuqing and Shangqing remained at Huaguo Mountain.

They took over the task of enlightenment while occasionally bringing Immortal Wine to discuss the Heavenly Dao with Sun Wukong.

That day, they brought Immortal Wine to visit Shuilian Cave once again.

"Great King is not here today."

The four aged monkeys informed them.

"Not here?"

It was the first time the Yuqing encountered Wukong's absence: "Where did he go?"

"Star City."

The aged monkeys spoke of this Floating City, piquing the Yuqing's interest.

Star City was the best showcase of Dao Skill technology from Huaguo Mountain, and they hadn't had the chance to visit since arriving at Huaguo Mountain a month ago.

The Yuqing arrived at Star City with great excitement.

Huge ports, with Floating Ships sailing out from Star City and flying towards the Four Great Continents.

"It is said that these Floating Ships are produced by the Immortal Device Workshop, let's go have a look."

Shangqing suddenly spoke: "We might also find some talented individuals from Lord Lao Zi."

Yuqing nodded: "Good idea."

They were in charge of enlightenment and short on talent; recruiting some would be ideal.

The two entered Star City and found the Immortal Device Workshop.

This was a major industrial hub of Star City. Its members were mostly Immortals. With the full force of Wanling Heavenly Dao activated, Floating Ships were being produced in quick succession like dumplings being boiled.

But the workshop studied not only Floating Ships, but all kinds of things.

The Yuqing found Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad.

"Lord, we've come to request some talents."

As soon as they made their request, Lord Lao Zi immediately shook his head.

"No way, no way."

Holding a Fire-tipped Spear that was being modified, he said, "I'm short of hands too, look elsewhere if you need to find people."

The Yuqing frowned slightly: "Where else can we find talents now?"

"You know there aren't any."

Lord Lao Zi snorted coldly: "I heard that the Heavenly Emperor has handed over nine hundred thousand Wanling people to you for enlightenment."

"No."

Yuqing shook his head: "It's over a million."

"Isn't that enough?"

Lord Lao Zi was shocked by the number.

"We need even more."

The Yuqing spoke.

Enlightening beings was a priority task set by Sun Wukong for the Four Great Continents; it was a work of supreme merit. Over a million might seem numerous, but once distributed to towns across the Four Great Continents for preaching and education, they were still insufficient.

And among those millions of Wanling people who had regained their memories, the vast majority could only teach basic knowledge.

For higher-level educational initiatives, the Yuqing needed more specialized individuals.

"The talents of the Immortal Device Workshop would be most suitable."

The Yuqing said.

Lord Lao Zi repeatedly shook his head: "No, we cannot spare anyone, you should train your own!"

Changing tactics, the Yuqing were willing to exchange merit for the talents, but Lord Lao Zi remained unmoved.

Talent was a competitive commodity in Huaguo Mountain, and the Yuqing could not persuade Lord Lao Zi, eventually taking their leave.

"He is truly obstinate."

On the way out, Yuqing expressed.

Shangqing nodded.

"By the way."

He asked: "Was Lord Lao Zi modifying Nezha's Fire-tipped Spear?"

"Seems so."

Yuqing responded: "But why is he modifying the Fire-tipped Spear?"

Shangqing didn't understand either.

They arrived at the inner circle of Star City, where a wall of fire stood before them.

"Welcome to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion."

Sensing their presence, a charming voice arose.

The wall of fire split open of its own accord.

The Yuqing walked in but saw no one.

However, they beheld the distant, magnificent Wanling Tree.

Beneath the Wanling Tree, a monk was gazing up intently.

"Lingji Bodhisattva."

The Yuqing approached.

"Yuanshi Tianzun, World Venerable."

Hearing the voice, Lingji turned and bowed to the Yuqing.

"Did it open the way for us?"

Yuqing looked at the Wanling Tree.

"It was Sister Heavenly Dao."

Lingji Bodhisattva answered.

That voice just now belonged to the young Phoenix.

"Where is the Heavenly Dao?"

Yuqing inquired further.

"I'm right here."

A laugh sounded: "Hello."

The image of a young girl appeared on the Wanling Tree.

The Yuqing looked at her: "What should we call you now?"

"Heavenly Dao."

The young Phoenix replied: "You can call me Heavenly Dao now."

The Yuqing nodded: "We need to see the Heavenly Emperor, can you let us out?"

They had realized upon entering that this was an illusion, a mirage specifically created to entertain guests.

"The Heavenly Emperor is presently receiving other guests, please wait for a moment," the young Phoenix said, summoning a stone table complete with tea and pastries under the tree.

The Yuqing took a seat: "Lingji, what brings you here?"

"I accompanied World Venerable, he needs to discuss matters of the Asura Realm with the Heavenly Emperor."

While pouring tea for the Yuqing, Lingji answered.

"That means the Heavenly Emperor's guest is World Venerable?"

Yuqing realized.

"The Asura Realm?"

Shangqing focused on the key part: "Is the Asura Realm the impending catastrophe of the Three Realms?"

"It appears so."

Lingji Bodhisattva nodded.

"Not necessarily."

The young Phoenix disagreed.

Yuqing and Shangqing looked towards the young Phoenix: "As a former Heavenly Emperor, how much do you know about the Asura Realm?"

"A thing or two."

The young Phoenix replied: "Not as much as both of you."

She knew the names of the four great Asura Kings of the Asura Realm, each possessing distinct powers, ruling countless Asuras, forming an independent realm, known as the Asura Clan or Asura's Kin.

"This is information passed down from ancient times."

The young Phoenix continued: "The Asuras were already beyond the Three Realms when I was the Emperor."

Yuqing and Shangqing nodded; they, like the young Phoenix, had some knowledge about the Asura Realm but not in great detail.

"I've heard that the Asura Realm was one of the Six Paths."

Lingji Bodhisattva asked: "Are the current Six Paths different from the original ones?"

"Yes, indeed."

Yuqing affirmed.

"Oh."

Lingji grew concerned: "Is what Qing Yuanzi said true?"

"Qing Yuanzi?"

Shangqing frowned: "What did he say?"

"He's written a new book recently."

Lingji answered: "He said every one of the countless Asura Clan members is a warrior, a potential threat looming over the Three Realms."

Yuqing laughed: "The Asuras follow the Good Path; despite their love for conflict and being different from beings, they wouldn't turn hostile towards the Three Realms."

"But Qing Yuanzi said it's the Three Realms that have cut themselves off, abandoning the Asura Realm."

Lingji spoke: "The Asura people fight incessantly every day, pausing just once every 129,600 years to raise a toast together—a celebration coinciding exactly with the day of the Three Realms' destruction."

"They harbor resentment towards the beings of the Three Realms. Once the Three Realms are open, they will launch an invasion."

Lingji's face was filled with concern: "Perhaps the Asura Realm will be the great catastrophe two hundred years hence."

Shangqing and Yuqing exchanged surprised glances.

They were unaware how the Asura Realm had broken away from the Three Realms, but some clues suggested that the Three Realms had indeed isolated them.

But how could Qing Yuanzi, a mere mortal, be aware of this?

Moreover, how could he speak so convincingly on every topic?

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