Chapter 2144: Beneath All Beings

To clarify the importance of the Taixu Pavilion, one must first understand its rights and responsibilities.

As the Taixu Illusion Realm is fully open and has spread throughout the entire present world, its significance is so great that it is already known to all. This is like a boat for the era, a surging flood.

Virtual Abyss becoming the Taixu Dao Master is a kind of forcibly pushed inevitability. But besides this outcome, no single person or force could reassure all the people of the present world and properly manage everything within the Taixu Illusion Realm.

And just as Wu Bing already said in Poison Water, absolute ideals do not mean absolute correctness.

Take the Opening Pulse Pill as an example. It is not absolutely correct, and even after generations of innovation by the human race, it still has a bloody color that cannot be erased. But if this "not correct" Opening Pulse Pill were erased, the entire powerful foundation of the human race would also be drawn out. Then, all the morality, law, and etiquette built upon this would be meaningless.

Sages say, when the granary is full, one knows etiquette.

If one cannot eat their fill and cannot live, there is no need to say anything.

The Taixu Dao Master is an absolutely idealized existence, but it cannot necessarily perfectly fit all the conditions for the human race to move forward. Therefore, even if Taixu disciples turn into Virtual Spirits and Virtual Abyss turns into the Taixu Dao Master, participating in the various sides of the Taixu Alliance, they still retain some power over the Taixu Illusion Realm. They can adjust the direction of the Taixu Illusion Realm at key moments.

Under such a premise, the Taixu Dao Master can fully dispose of everything within the Taixu Illusion Realm.

The Taixu Dao Master is an existence that seems to transcend but does not transcend, possessing power almost equal to transcendence. Not only is it omnipotent in the Taixu Illusion Realm, but it can also easily interfere with reality one by one – this is, of course, not allowed.

The first principle established by the Taixu Alliance that year was not to allow the Taixu Dao Master to interfere with reality.

And the resulting problem is that the part of the Taixu Illusion Realm that involves reality cannot be properly managed. For example, someone violates the Taixu Iron Rule and commits a crime severe enough for execution. The Taixu Dao Master is bound by restrictions and cannot truly exterminate them. At this time, reality's forces need to interfere.

The Taixu Pavilion came into being.

Regarding the rights and responsibilities of the Taixu Pavilion, the Taixu Alliance Agreement states:

The Taixu Pavilion is responsible for monitoring the violation behavior of Taixu Practitioners in the Taixu Illusion Realm. The Taixu Pavilion is responsible for handling matters related to the Taixu Illusion Realm but outside the illusion.

In a sense, the Taixu Pavilion can be regarded as the embodiment of the Taixu Dao Master in reality.

Its authority is so heavy that it can almost be parallel to the great sects of the world.

It can even be said that from the day it was formally established, the Taixu Pavilion can be regarded as a force at the level of a world great sect, and in terms of status, it is more transcendent, and in terms of rights and responsibilities, it is more extensive.

Of course, the constraints it receives are also the most in the world. It is supported by all sides of the world and must also simultaneously accept monitoring from all sides of the world.

Having clarified the importance of the Taixu Pavilion, one can also understand the weight of the only nine quotas for Taixu Pavilion members. One can also feel how hard-won Jiang Wang's step of entering the cabinet was.

Today, many people supported him. Today, all the Alliance True Monarchs gave him that one vote to enter the cabinet. But these did not come from nothing, not something he was born with. It was exchanged with his life risked time and time again in the demon world, in the maze world, in the border wilderness, and in Poison Water. It is the experiences of his journey and past choices that have achieved today's result.

Wu Bing already said that at his young age, he surpassed too many high position holders who occupy positions without merit. How is this not empty words?

And there was no section for Taixu Pavilion members to speak. In front of the various True Monarchs, the young True Persons were all still too young.

After the thunder-like applause stopped, Ying Jianghong directly said, "Next, let's discuss the matter of Taiyu True Person, Li Yi, entering the cabinet."

"Wait," Tu Hu spoke out. "Before the Southern Heavenly Master so formally discusses this matter, I want to ask one sentence – where is Li Yi himself?"

Jiang Wang only discovered at this time that Li Yi was actually not present!

He originally thought the Eight Trigrams Platform was so vast that Li Yi might be somewhere alone, not expecting him not to come here at all.

At this Taixu Alliance, various sides gathered. Other people all came to the Taixu Mountain Gate on the day leave of absence was announced. He, True Person Jiang, also came over on time, while Li Yi directly did not come.

It really makes people's mood complex, not knowing how to describe it.

Ying Jianghong smiled, "Before the Taixu Pavilion selection opened, Taiyu True Person asked me a question. He asked whether the Taixu Pavilion members were the result of discussions among the various sides or if they needed to discuss swords again to divide high and low?"

The answer, of course, was that the result was already decided, but Tu Hu asked, "How about discussing swords? How about not discussing swords?"

Ying Jianghong leisurely said, "Taiyu True Person said, if we discuss swords, everyone in the field is the future of the human race, seeds of True Monarchs. The Divine Firmament Great War is imminent. He does not want to kill people and harm the human race. It is fine if he does not want this quota."

"If there is no need to discuss swords?" Tu Hu asked.

Ying Jianghong said, "Then he also does not need to come personally. Why should Li Yi, with such good time, tire himself in the bustling?"

And he added, "The first half of the sentence is Li Yi's original words. The latter half is added by that old peach tree."

This Southern Heavenly Master of Jing Country stirred his hand, and there was a kind of helplessness, even as a Southern Heavenly Master, being unable to manage this matter.

Of course, this helplessness was biased towards pampering and pride for his own heavenly pride – among the contemporary young heavenly pride, besides Li Yi, who has the qualification to say something like this?

On the mountain peak on this side, Dou Zhao raised his eyebrows and said, "He has been so arrogant since he was young?"

Chongxuan Zun smiled, "Ice freezes three feet, not in a day."

"But he indeed has the qualification to be arrogant," Jiang Wang said.

"What few meanings?" Dou Zhao immediately slanted an eye at him. "You just entered the cabinet with your front foot. Your shoe soles are not even wiped clean, and you are already starting to pretend to be the old big mediating disputes?"

How is this boy like a hedgehog, full of thorns, stabbing whoever he catches?

Member Jiang of the Taixu Pavilion did not argue with the reserve selection members. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I just said he has the qualification to be arrogant, but I did not say he is not arrogant. You should scold as you should. No need to give me face."

Ying Jianghong, of course, did not care about what the young people said, only shouting, "Wang Kun, where are you?"

Wang Kun, the Jing heavenly pride who had just detached from the Mirror World Platform yesterday, with ordinary features and an honest temperament, flew out from the crowd and respectfully said, "Wang Kun is here."

Ying Jianghong said, "After Li Yi enters the cabinet, Wang Kun will be his deputy and assist in handling matters related to the Taixu Pavilion. This time, he will also be the representative--"

"I do not agree," Tu Hu directly interrupted. His voice was flat but very clear.

"Qi Country also cannot agree to let him enter the cabinet," Jiang Mengxiong said. "If Li Yi does not understand respect for this position, then Jing Country should just change to someone who understands respect."

"Good." Ying Jianghong raised one hand, stopping the other True Monarchs who were about to state their opinions. "According to the Taixu Alliance Agreement, Jing Country exercises its own power and will hand over the quota for our monitored Taixu Pavilion member to Taiyu True Person, Li Yi."

He looked at Jiang Mengxiong. "Jing Country's own retained quota is for Jing Country to decide. Your suggestion is very good, but this Heavenly Master will not adopt it."

Jiang Mengxiong's eyelids did not even lift. "He can enter the cabinet, but Qi Country opposes it. Remember this – Qi Country opposed your Jing Country True Person entering the cabinet!"

This voice was truly like a heavenly drum, booming and causing clouds to move in all directions.

The people on the Eight Trigrams Platform were all deterred for a moment.

Tu Hu said faintly, "Clearly I opposed first. How did you steal all the limelight?"

"Ah, this matter is making noise!" Qu Jinkui sighed. "I originally did not want to oppose it. I very much recognize Taiyu True Person's strength. But you Jing Country people, how can you both want and want? Entering the cabinet is not a small matter. Not even going through the process, this is really something that cannot be explained. Here, I cast one opposing vote to express my attitude of doubt."

Great Qin Prime Minister Fan Siyuan smiled, "As the Song said, 'throw me with a wooden peach, repay with jade.' Earlier, I supported Jiang Wang's entry into the cabinet. Duke Yu supported my support. Now I also have to support his opposition – I oppose Li Yi entering the cabinet like this."

Qu Jinkui had an expression like he had eaten a fly.

After "repay with jade" comes "even if not repay, forever be good!"

Let those who do not know hear it, and they would still think Qin and Chu were as intimate as family.

Governor Hongwu, Gong Xiyan, said, "Gong does not oppose the person but the matter. We gather here to discuss the future of the human race together. How important this Taixu Pavilion is, I do not need to tell Jing Country. Now Li Yi himself is not coming and casually sends a crooked melon or split date as a representative. I feel it is very inappropriate."

He overlooked the Jing heavenly pride named Wang Kun, who was once on the Star Moon Plain battlefield. "Is his name Wang Kun? Otherwise, you come to enter the cabinet. At least you are present and have an attitude!"

Wang Kun's face turned pale with fear and he dared not speak.

Mu Country, Qi Country, Chu Country, Qin Country, Jing Country – all states did not support Li Yi entering the cabinet!

This in fact absolutely could not change the result of Jing Country occupying one quota.

But it seemed to declare another fact –

Jing Country is always first. Jing Country can always be special. Jing Country always formulates rules and can transcend rules at any time.

Sorry, such an era is gone forever!

The quotas of the various countries have already been decided internally. Is it really that important whether Li Yi personally comes to the Taixu Mountain Gate?

In the era when Jing Country rode its knives and pressured all directions, this was fundamentally not worth mentioning.

But now, it is important.

The True Monarchs of the various sects did not say a word. Even the most violent Stop Evil Zen Master did not have any intention of stating an opinion. They only watched the disputes between the six great hegemonic countries from the sidelines.

"Tu Hu, Jiang Mengxiong, Qu Jinkui, Fan Siyuan, Gong Xiyan!" Ying Jianghong named them one by one, stirred his hands open, and said with a laugh, "Various good friends! I have heard all your oppositions. I will also properly educate Li Yi later and ask him why he only understands cultivation and does not know how to operate human feelings, actually making so many elders not favor him – but now it is still time to assemble the Taixu Pavilion. Let's start discussing the next member!"

"What is there to discuss?" Jiang Mengxiong directly said. "Is Twenty-six-year-old Cave True Li Yi's time precious? Twenty-three-year-old Cave True Jiang Wang also came! Is the time Li Yi saves something they cannot save? Since the people of Jing Country want to muddle through, it is fine if this process is skipped! I announce – Chongxuan Zun, Cangming, Dou Zhao, Qin Zhizhen, Huang Sheri, all enter the cabinet!"

"Ah, it seems I also need to reflect," Tu Hu said. "I, the dignified Great Priest of the Cangtu God Religion, receiving the oracle of the honorable god above and bearing the heavy responsibility of the grassland below, would actually waste my good time on this kind of process. Actually, not one young person saw through it. Southern Heavenly Master, let us reflect together." Qu Jinkui waved his hand, "Just as Marshal Jiang said, I am old and too lazy to wait."

Fan Siyuan said, "Qin Country has always respected everyone. I have no opinion."

Gong Xiyan said in a faint voice, "Then let's take this as an example." Nine members of the Taixu Pavilion, seven of them are fixed by this.

"Although you have already announced, as pillars of the human race, the central Great Jing Empire still wants to state its attitude." Ying Jianghong's gaze fell like heavenly light, sweeping over several young True Persons one by one. "Chongxuan Zun, Cangming, Dou Zhao, Qin Zhizhen, Huang Sheri, you are all good children and absolute world heavenly pride of the human race. The clouds above your heads should not cover your glory. The mistakes of your elders should not bury you – Jing Country supports you entering the cabinet and expects you to make more contributions to the human race."

"Oh?" Qu Jinkui said, "Since the Southern Heavenly Master still wants to state an attitude like this, then this old man also states one – Chu Country does not support Qin Zhizhen entering the cabinet!"

Fan Siyuan laughed heartily, "Duke Yu is somewhat excessive! But the clouds above his head should not cover Dou Zhao's glory. Qin Country supports Dou Zhao entering the cabinet!"

Jiang Mengxiong was expressionless. "Then let's now announce the last two Taixu Pavilion members – Zhong Xuan and Ju Kui, please come forward!"

There was no dissenting voice on the Eight Trigrams Platform, and Jiang Wang was very confused.

Originally, it was said that the Taixu Pavilion was open to young True Persons. How could these two in front of him be considered "young"? Zhong Xuan is Sima Heng's direct disciple. He looks very scholarly, with a long gown and long beard, gentle and elegant. Calculating from Sima Heng, he is at least over a hundred years old!

There is even less need to mention Ju Kui, a True Person of the Gui Tian Palace, holder of the Iron Law Cage, and an old acquaintance of Yu Beidou. From any angle, he cannot be considered young.

And if age is not the limit, Zhong Xuan and Ju Kui might be difficult to convince the public.

Aside from those belonging to the hegemonic countries, the current world's True Persons with the highest killing power, Lu Shuanghe, the current world's True Persons with the highest calculation power, Ren Qiuli, the world heroes with very good reputations and not belonging to any force, and Gu Shiyi, who had not yet derived his Dao that year, are all more persuasive, right?

But the matter was just decided like that, not transferring based on the doubts of True Person Jiang, a member of the Taixu Pavilion.

The eight True Persons who entered the cabinet stood together, each with an extraordinary temperament. Zhong Xuan was deep and scholarly, Ju Kui was rule-like and lawful, and the six young True Persons were high-spirited.

Wang Kun, representing Li Yi, was also a talented character, but when squeezed to the side, he seemed very small.

In fact, when the Taixu Alliance was first formed, the various sides indeed discussed letting all young True Persons become members of the Taixu Pavilion as a screening threshold.

But besides the six great hegemonic countries, where are there so many such young True Persons?

If the Taixu Pavilion were all controlled by the hegemonic countries, then fairness would not be mentioned.

Moreover, these people were indeed too young, especially besides Cangming and Qin Zhizhen, all having very willful experiences. Just like this, releasing all power and letting them control the Taixu Pavilion is somewhat unreliable.

Finally, the various sides jointly discussed that two experienced, steady True Persons were still needed as anchors and ballasts.

So, these two were decided. Zhong Xuan, representing Confucianism, and Ju Kui, representing Legalism.

One records the changes of ancient and modern times, and one fixes the current rules.

Of course, these did not need to be informed to Jiang Wang in advance.

With the current prominent learning situation, the last three quotas of the Taixu Pavilion should come from "Confucianism, Legalism, Buddhism."

Mohism, which has been in decline for a long time, cannot compete with these three families.

But Jiang Wang again had an unquestionable seat, so the final pattern was that the three families contended for two quotas.

Under Ying Jianghong's instruction, the nine people walked together to the very center of the Eight Trigrams Platform.

That is a concave square area, like a gladiator arena, the lowest place on the entire Eight Trigrams Platform.

Ninety-nine layers of stone stairs, step by step down.

The crowd walked this section of the road in silence, without a sound. These stone stairs were simple, and this square was ordinary, but the further down they walked, the more solemn the atmosphere became.

Walking on such stone stairs, Jiang Wang did not know why he thought of Xu Zefu – later, in the Taixu Illusion Realm, he specifically went to find Xu Zefu, who had already become a Virtual Spirit. The other party was still as peaceful as ever, lecturing on Dao arts, cultivation, and illusion life. From beginning to end, there was only one sentence of complaint. He said that after eternal life, Dao arts experiments lack a bit of real sense. Now those people in the sect are all blindly pondering, having all sorts of strange ideas, and exploding fireworks at the drop of a hat.

"No longer fearing life and death, it is also very difficult to capture inspiration," Xu Zefu said like this.

Great thousand world, ten thousand phenomena.

Chen Pu said, people always want to walk forward, and the power to walk forward is unstoppable.

People also all want to walk upward.

Some people are born in high places, some people are unyielding, some people strive bravely, some people take one step a thousand miles, some people take a thousand steps one inch, some people occupy the key path – not allowing latecomers, some people push others down, some people pave stones as stairs, allowing more people to walk upward together.

Exactly which kind of people pushed the era?

The nine people walked down the last level of stone stairs, each with their own feelings. But until this time, they could only see that the last level of stone stairs had words. Written above it was – Under all living beings.

"Before achieving Dao, the Taixu Dao Master once said – 'Our generation of cultivators should be under the people.' This does not mean that cultivators should be content with being under, but that those who transcend have transcendent responsibility, content to be stairs for the human race, to contribute themselves to the progress of the human race." Ying Jianghong's voice rang out from a high place, also seeming to echo through the layers of stone stairs in the hearts of the crowd. "This is the purpose of the Taixu Pavilion. Now you are under all living beings. From today onwards, everything restarts. May the various gentlemen strive!"

At this time, a clear light fell from the high sky. In the hazy clear light, an ancient pavilion faintly appeared. Twelve venerable True Monarch Dharma images seemed like protectors, surrounding and protecting this pavilion.

The high, vast, emotionless voice of the Taixu Dao Master rang out, resonating in the illusion and the present world.

"Please enter the cabinet!"

People looked down again, and the nine people representing the first generation of Taixu Pavilion members had already disappeared from sight.