The Eternal Way-Chapter 217: The Debate Between Father and Son (Part 1)

The border region between the Baiyue lands and the Tang Dynasty.

This place had already been isolated by great divine powers. The outside world knew nothing of it and could not interfere.

Fortunately, the Heavenly Dao of Tianxia still governed this place, and Third-Rank experts could not unleash their full power here.

If they wanted to fight, they could go to the Outer Domain—its boundless wilderness would allow them to unleash their full potential.

If six Third-Rank experts were to freely wield their strength, while Tianxia itself might not suffer any damage, the surface ecosystem would likely be wiped clean.

The essence of Tianxia was quite resilient. Even after being cleansed, a new ecosystem would naturally emerge over time, with entirely new species being born.

But others would never allow such a thing to happen.

Thus, these six Third-Rank experts still exercised considerable restraint. Their movements, though intricate and complex, flowed with the principles of Heaven, covered by an infinite Dao Resonance. However, the range of destruction was kept within a thousand zhang.

Within that thousand zhang(3.33km) stood a mighty city. Eight gates opened inward, each leading to another eight gates, which in turn led to yet another eight gates, layer upon layer, endlessly nested. No matter what attack entered, it would only fall into an infinite loop, unable to escape.

However, Zhu Fengdan merely frowned slightly and observed the mighty city for a moment.

*1 chi (尺) ≈ 0.333 meter, 1 bu (步) = 6 chi, 1 li (里) = 1,800 chi, Fen (分) = 1/10 chi ≈ 3.33 cm; 1 qing (頃) = 100 mu; 1 mu (畝) ≈ 666.67 square meters.*

It guards a terrain of 16,000 chi, with an accumulated measurement of 2,666 bu and a remainder of 4 chi.

Converted into steps, it amounts to 7 li, with a remainder of 146 bu and 4 chi. Multiplying this by the four sides of the encampment, each side measures 1 li with a remainder of 306 bu and 4 chi. The total occupied area is 18 qing and 70 mu, with a remainder of 143 bu, 5 chi, and 3 fen.

The Rest Gate governs the first position at Zi, the Life Gate governs the eighth position at Gen.

The Injury Gate governs the third position at Mao, the Block Gate governs the fourth position at Xun.

The Scene Gate governs the ninth position at Wu, the Death Gate governs the second position at Kun.

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The Alarm Gate governs the seventh position at You, the Open Gate governs the sixth position at Qian.

The eight gates are arranged, incorporating the Three Marvels and Six Instruments, forming the Yin and Yang dual escapes, totaling 1,800 configurations.

In this way... it doesn't seem like much, does it?

Although it appears to include the Life Gate and Open Gate—where, under normal circumstances, entering through the Life or Open Gates would be auspicious, and all others ominous—this majestic city renders all eight gates inauspicious.

It seems flawless on the surface, yet it defies the principles of Heaven.

The cycle of heavenly principles dictates that extreme yin gives birth to yang, and extreme yang gives birth to yin. On a path of certain death, there must be a thread of life; in an era of great prosperity, there lurks hidden gloom. This is the truth of the world's eternal flow.

It seems flawless, but in reality, it defies the principles of Heaven.

The cycle of Heavenly Dao dictates that extreme Yin gives birth to Yang, and extreme Yang gives birth to Yin. A road of certain death must have a sliver of life, and even in times of great prosperity, hidden shadows lurk. This is the principle of the world's circulation.

This mighty city appears flawless.

But its greatest flaw is that it appears 'flawless.'

Seizing upon this point, Zhu Fengdan lightly tapped his five fingers, and countless Dao Resonances spread out, collectively constructing a reverse 'mighty city.'

It wasn't as intricate as the original, but in terms of resonance, it was completely opposite.

Suddenly, the mighty city began to tremble violently.

Since you lack 'life,' I will add it for you.

An indestructible city instantly rose.

Opposites attract. The Dao Resonances of the two completely opposite mighty cities directly collapsed due to mutual attraction.

The Dao Resonances from both sides merged, akin to Yin and Yang uniting, uncontrollably fusing together.

If this were a perfect indestructible city, the fusion would have proceeded smoothly.

But unfortunately, it was fake—a hastily constructed imitation.

The Earth Immortal of the Daoism frowned and immediately retreated.

But it was already too late.

The speed of Yin-Yang fusion took only a moment, and because they couldn't integrate properly, conflict arose.

Yin-Yang union turned into Yin-Yang collision.

This directly caused the mighty city to begin to backlash.

If it continued, injury wouldn't necessarily occur, but looking disheveled and suffering a minor loss was inevitable.

"Enough, stop," one of the Zhiren(The Perfect Person) suddenly spoke up.

A Zhiren acts as the heart of Heaven's will, speaks as Heaven's voice, acts as Heaven's hand, and embodies Heaven's work.

Speaking as Heaven's voice, words become law.

The intertwined laws of Yin and Yang immediately ceased.

Without this law, the Dao Resonances naturally recovered, reforming into the previous mighty city, but no longer influencing each other.

Another Zhiren stepped forward, separating the battlefield: "If you want to talk, why be so aggressive? Zhu Fengdan, you truly are a prodigy. I didn't expect you to understand some methods of the Daoism, but no matter how strong you are, you can't take on four opponents alone. It's best to stop."

However, at this moment, the elder Great Shaman named Yun Fang spoke up.

With a gentle expression, he addressed the four individuals: "Zhu Fengdan alone can handle the three of you with ease. As for me, though my old bones aren't suited for combat, holding back one of you wouldn't be difficult."

Though appearing mild-mannered, he displayed considerable firmness at this moment.

After all, Great Shamans weren't fools.

Their personalities didn't matter; that was all private. When matters were brought to the forefront, the bigger picture had to take precedence—even someone as arrogant as Zhu Fengdan understood this. Otherwise, no matter how indulgent the Shaman Gods were, he'd still end up spending hundreds of millions of years in the Abyss.

Facing twice their number of opponents of the same rank, Zhu Fengdan and Yun Fang subtly held the upper hand.

The leading Zhiren on the opposing side sighed.

No wonder the Shaman God in charge of this area only sent these two.

He had long heard of Zhu Fengdan's reputation, and now seeing him in person, it lived up to the hype.

However, the same applied—Lord Chancellor sent them here, not to fight.

The Zhiren shook his head, then pulled out a silver-white scroll from his sleeve and unrolled it, beginning to read aloud.

Both Yun Fang and Zhu Fengdan tensed.

Once the scroll was opened, it revealed a long parchment exuding immense Dao Resonance and an unbelievable suppressive force, leaving the two unable to resist its brilliance!

Second-Rank... was this written by a Second-Rank expert?

The Tang Dynasty had mobilized a Second-Rank expert for this matter?!

The Great Shamans' observational skills were meticulous. They quickly recognized the 'Imperial Seal Qi' emanating from the scroll.

This seal could not be forged. It represented the personal document of a Second-Rank official of the Tang Dynasty court, backed by the Tang court's authority—one of the most trustworthy things under Heaven.

The Tang Dynasty was founded on laws and regulations, with rules permeating every aspect, including filial piety and belief in the Dao. Any official document bearing a seal within their jurisdiction would never break a promise.

Thus, when a handwritten decree from a Second-Rank official descended here, even two Third-Rank Great Shamans maintained basic respect and reverence.

The Zhiren began reading the text:

"The celestial destiny circulates, and the Central Plains prosper. Among billions, sages are born, initiating the start of Humanism. Thus, since ancient times, emperors ruling over Tianxia have always placed the Central Plains at the center to govern the barbarians, who reside outside to serve the Central Plains. Never has it been heard that barbarians residing in the Central Plains govern Tianxia—never in the past, never now, and never until the end of time!"

"The movement of the sun and moon marks the beginning of Heavenly Dao's rules—consistent in the past, present, and future!"

"The Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron concerns the movement of the sun and moon. The Wu deity Mountain lies in the wilderness and should align with the Central Plains. Its independence stems from the ancient tribute system, where the Central Plains abandoned it but acknowledged its local status, using a loose control policy to spread its teachings. If they wish to show benevolence, it is not to expand territory."

"A barren field gained is useless, and chewing on chicken bones serves no purpose. Yet the barbarians do not see this as benevolence but instead rely on their own strength, rejecting enlightenment, focusing on military aggression, harboring defiant hearts without long-term strategies—like playing with fire that will eventually consume them!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two Great Shamans differed.

They understood the meaning of this preamble.

It essentially boasted about the Tang Dynasty's situation, declaring that Tianxia should revere the Central Plains and that they were mere barbarians.

Now, the Tang Dynasty had intervened to stabilize the celestial movements of the sun and moon. What intentions did the Wu deity Mountain have in obstructing this?

The classic *Yu Gong* stated that the Wu Deity Mountain was a wilderness abandoned by the ancient Central Plains, governed only through a loose control policy. Local natives were acknowledged, and teachings were spread to make them obedient to the Central Plains' civilization—not to incorporate the land into the Central Plains' territory.

Because this place was essentially "a barren field gained is useless, and chewing on chicken bones serves no purpose." The Tang Dynasty of the Central Plains didn't care for this place.

But this remote and impoverished land dared to challenge the Central Plains with its brute strength? Were they insane? Did they want to play with fire and burn themselves?

Yun Fang wore a bitter smile, shaking his head. His eyes reflected resignation and a "still the same" expression, but he didn't take it to heart.

The Tang Dynasty had always been like this.

They considered themselves the Celestial Empire, viewing the rest of the world as barbarians. They never referred to their own dynasty name—that was what others called them. Their self-reference was always "Central Plains" or "Middle Kingdom."

Yun Fang was used to this, so he didn't react particularly.

However, Zhu Fengdan sneered audibly, his eyes filled with disdain.

Still, it was a Second-Rank handwritten decree, so he didn't dare interrupt lightly, waiting for the other to finish reading.

The Zhiren continued:

"The barbarians have acted independently for a long time without punishment. Do not mistake the Celestial Empire's tolerance for arrogance. If you offend again, heavenly troops will descend. Do not say you were not warned."

"However, the Supreme One's concern is significant. The matter of the sun and moon's path cannot be taken lightly. A wise man once said: cultivating oneself is the mark of wisdom; practicing love and charity is the beginning of benevolence; giving and taking appropriately is the hallmark of righteousness; facing shame determines courage. Though the Central Plains are strong and vast, they cultivate themselves according to rules, embodying wisdom, benevolence, righteousness, and courage—not tyranny but the Way of the King. Thus, we do not resort to violence but are willing to listen to advice and discuss the matter together."

"Pfft..." Zhu Fengdan couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing.

Because this passage meant: you barbarians have been causing trouble for a long time, and we haven't disciplined you in a while. Don't mistake our leniency for your arrogance. If you continue this behavior, we'll send people to punish you. Don't say we didn't warn you.

After issuing the warning, this Second-Rank official immediately softened his tone, saying:

"However, the Supreme One is deeply concerned about this matter, as the sun and moon's path is extremely significant. We cannot be careless."

The Supreme One referred to the Emperor.

In all of Tianxia, only the emperor was addressed as the Supreme One. Anyone else daring to use this title would face catastrophic consequences, with heavenly thunder striking them in their sleep.

Here, it meant that the Supreme One was concerned about this matter, so we won't dwell on past grievances. After all, a wise person once said:

Cultivating oneself is proof of wisdom.

Being compassionate is the beginning of benevolence.

Giving and taking appropriately measures righteousness.

How one faces shame determines courage.

Our Tang Dynasty possesses wisdom, benevolence, righteousness, and courage. We are not tyrants who resort to violence. Regarding this matter, we won't blindly use force. As the land of wisdom and benevolence, we are willing to hear opinions from the Wu Deity Mountain and see what you have to say.

Zhu Fengdan wore a mocking expression, but Yun Fang wasn't particularly surprised.

For the Tang Dynasty, this was all normal.

Face was what they valued most.

Outside the Central Plains, there were small factions or minor nations paying tribute to the Tang Dynasty, sending envoys periodically.

Typically, these envoys received gifts worth ten times their tributes.

The tributes they offered were insignificant to the Tang Dynasty, while the casually given gifts were treasures they could hardly obtain.

All they wanted was face.

For the Tang Dynasty, it made no difference.

So, having this attitude, in Yun Fang's view, was already a sign of their softening.

To make the Tang Dynasty formally admit fault or bow their heads in public...

Impossible.

Such a thing had never occurred in history.

Throughout the dynasties, only one emperor had issued a "Self-Reproach Edict," and that was centuries ago, directed at his own subjects—an apology to the entire nation.

As for outsiders...

Even in their most dire times, when rebel armies allied with external forces launched surprise attacks all the way to Chang'an, they never once yielded or bowed their heads.

In the final battle, the emperor shattered the dragon veins to cut off retreat, leading six million elite cavalry against enemies a thousand times their number, forcibly reversing the situation.

At that time, everyone thought Humanism would never recover, as the dragon veins—the foundation of their fortune—were shattered. For humans, this meant their Dao path was severed. How could they recover?

Yet, the very emperor who sparked the rebellion issued a Self-Reproach Edict to the entire nation afterward. He then worked diligently, and within two centuries, the Central Plains flourished with talent, quickly regaining vitality and terrifyingly reclaiming their position atop Tianxia.

Later, he died from exhaustion, passing the throne to the Crown Prince, the current emperor.

The Tang Dynasty had thrived ever since.

However, for the Wu Deity Mountain, this was not good news.

The Third-Rank Zhiren finished reading and rolled up the scroll: "The Lord Chancellor's personal decree cannot be forged, so you may trust the sincerity of the Celestial Empire."

The two Great Shamans exchanged glances.

Seeing Zhu Fengdan showed no desire to communicate, Elder Yun Fang stepped forward.

He trusted the Tang Dynasty's credibility. Though they were domineering, they had never broken a promise. Their word was as good as law, making them moral exemplars in terms of integrity.

Even the Wu deity Mountain often resorted to cunning tactics, but the Tang Dynasty never did.

"Sincerity, we naturally believe. However... regarding some content in the document, Yun has some doubts."

"Humanism originated from Wu Dao. The two share the same roots, their relationship akin to father and son."

"The Tang Dynasty values filial piety. Is this how you honor your father—by calling him a 'barbarian'?"

When Yun Fang said this, Zhu Fengdan immediately covered his mouth to stifle laughter.

On the other side, the three Zhiren glared furiously at Yun Fang!

However, they couldn't retort.

Because, in a sense, Yun Fang wasn't wrong.

Humanism indeed developed from Wu Dao.

Tracing back to the primordial chaos, in the era of vast wilderness, Humanism had not yet been born.

At that time, the profession protecting the newborn race of humans was the "Wu."

During that primitive and desolate age, the Shaman guarded humanity, serving as its protector.