114: Chapter 114 All Sects Pay Homage, the Daoist Lineage is Initially Established

The lingering echoes of the celebration banquet had not yet faded when the morning light of Black Stone City awakened the vitality of the entire city.

Bai Yunzhou, dressed in the azure-gold Dharma robe of a Domain Protector, stood atop the highest Star-Gazing Platform of the City Lord's Mansion, overlooking the city that had returned to peace.

The chaos domain-protecting seal in his hand grew slightly warm, resonating with the perfected Chaos Green Lotus Body within him, taking in the perception of the Northern Region's mountains and Spiritual Veins entirely.

Zhou Zhiting and Ling Shuang stood side by side, one clad in a crimson battle skirt and the other draped in an ice-blue sword cloak, both exuding the majestic aura of Deputy Domain Protectors.

"Domain Protector, representatives from various Sects have gathered in the Alliance Grand Hall. Alliance Leader Tianxing invites you to head over immediately to preside over the Myriad Sects Assembly," Song Xinghe's voice came from below the platform.

Bai Yunzhou nodded, gathered his perception, and turned to walk with the two women toward the Alliance Grand Hall. Along the way, Cultivators and commoners bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with awe.

The Alliance Grand Hall had long been expanded. The hall was towering and majestic, its carved beams and painted pillars covered with Righteous Path runes. The square in front of the hall could accommodate tens of thousands of Cultivators, and at this moment, it was packed with people.

The seven core Sects, such as the Taixuan Holy Land and Qingyun Sect, occupied the main seats, while the representatives of the four major Sects were seated in the side seats. The remaining medium and small Sects, along with the Loose Cultivator Alliance, were arranged separately by region.

Seeing the arrival of Bai Yunzhou and the other two, True Monarch Tianxing stood up and laughed, "Since the Domain Protector has arrived, the Myriad Sects Assembly can now begin."

Bai Yunzhou walked to the Domain Protector's seat in the center of the grand hall, raised his hand to signal everyone to take their seats, and said in a deep voice, "There are three matters to discuss at today's assembly, which concern the future of the Northern Region."

"First, we discuss merits and bestow rewards, honoring those who made contributions in this battle to Seal the domain gate; second, we reorganize the Alliance, establishing a system for long-term stability and peace in the Northern Region; third, we jointly discuss the Daoist lineage, passing down the responsibility of protection."

As his voice fell, Su Wanqing, holding a ledger of merits, slowly stepped onto the high platform and clearly read out the deeds and achievements of each meritorious person.

Zhou Zhiting resisted the two devils and protected the Seal; Ling Shuang destroyed the demon tower and beheaded a demon general; the representatives of the four major Sects each had battle achievements, and a hundred elite Cultivators all received awards.

Because the Yao Race guide rendered meritorious service by leading the way, True Monarch Tianxing personally bestowed upon him the position of "Northern Region Guest Elder", granting his clan permission to settle down in Qingmang Mountain in the southern part of the Northern Region.

All rewards were honored one by one, and those with merits all received distinct honors. The Cultivators below thunderously applauded, without a single half-word of dissent, fully displaying the fairness of the Alliance.

"Clearly distinguishing between rewards and punishments is the true Righteous Path," Bai Yunzhou took over the conversation, his gaze sweeping across the audience. "Although the demonic affliction has been eradicated, the Alliance must not disperse; on the contrary, it needs to be even more solid."

"Starting today, the Northern Region Righteous Path Alliance is renamed the 'Guardian Alliance', with the Domain Protector as the supreme commander and the Alliance Leader as the head of the Alliance Elders Council."

"The Elders Council is composed of representatives from the seven core Sects, the four major Sects, and ten seats of medium and small Sects, to jointly discuss major Alliance matters, balance power, and avoid arbitrary rule."

As soon as this proposal came out, whispers immediately sounded below the platform. The representatives of the medium and small Sects were filled with pleasant surprise in their eyes, evidently never having expected to enter the core decision-making layer.

True Monarch Tianxing nodded first, "The Domain Protector's proposal balances checks and balances with efficiency. This old man agrees."

Master Cangwu Zi and other Sect Heads successively seconded the motion, and sounds of "Agreement" quickly rang out across the square. The new system of the Guardian Alliance was thus settled.

"Since the second matter is settled, we now discuss the third matter," Bai Yunzhou's voice suddenly turned solemn. "For thousands of years in the Northern Region, due to frequent wars, the Daoist lineages have been scattered, and Cultivators have relied solely on their own opportunities."

"Today, we shall establish the 'Guardian Daoist Lineage', integrate the Northern Region's cultivation resources, open the Guardian Academy, widely recruit Disciples, regardless of Sect status, and select people solely on the basis of talent."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience was in an uproar. Some Sect Heads showed hesitation on their faces, obviously worried that their own Legacy would be impacted.

Bai Yunzhou had anticipated this long ago and said slowly, "The Guardian Academy does not replace the legacies of various Sects, but rather supplements their shortcomings."

"All Cultivators of the Northern Region can be sent into the Guardian Academy for advanced studies, learning Formations, alchemy, swordsmanship, and talismans. Various Sects can also dispatch Elders to teach and share resources."

"An additional 'Hall of Heroes' shall be established within the Guardian Academy to enshrine the martyrs of the Northern Region. Descendants of all martyrs can enroll exempt from examinations, supported by the Alliance, to pass down the will of protection."

These words instantly dispelled the thoughts of the crowd, especially those medium and small Sects which inherently lacked resources. The establishment of the Guardian Academy was a supreme Opportunity for them.

"The Domain Protector's strategy benefits generations for millennia!" a Loose Cultivator leader shouted loudly, taking the lead to stand up and salute.

Following closely, countless leaders of medium and small Sects and Loose Cultivator representatives stood up one after another, bowing in agreement. The atmosphere in the square reached the absolute extreme of enthusiasm.

"The main branch of the Guardian Academy will be established in Black Stone City, and branch academies will be set up in the eastern, southern, western, northern, and central five domains," Bai Yunzhou struck while the iron was hot, announcing the specific plan. "I will concurrently serve as the Dean of the main branch, and Ling Shuang will serve as the Vice Dean, in charge of academic affairs."

"The five branch academies will be respectively governed by representatives of the four major Sects and Song Xinghe. Site selection and construction preparation shall begin immediately, with the Alliance allocating half of the resources and the various Sects jointly providing the rest."

Ling Shuang, Song Xinghe, and others stood up to accept the order, and the representatives of the four major Sects also showed joy on their faces. Being able to govern a branch academy was the greatest recognition of their strength by the Alliance.

The Myriad Sects Assembly lasted for a full day. From institutional reorganization to the establishment of the Daoist lineage, from resource allocation to academy site planning, every single resolution was passed unanimously.

As the sun set, the assembly came to a close. True Monarch Tianxing stepped onto the high platform and loudly proclaimed, "Today, the Northern Region Guardian Alliance is officially established! Protect the Daoist lineage, establish the Guardian Academy, all Sects share the same heart, and together protect the Northern Region!"

"All Sects share the same heart, protecting the Northern Region together!" tens of thousands of Cultivators shouted in unison, their voices shaking the firmament and spreading to every inch of land in the Northern Region.

After the assembly ended, Bai Yunzhou did not rest. He immediately summoned the Guardian Academy preparation group, demarcating a thousand mu of land outside the west gate of Black Stone City as the site for the main branch.

Zhou Zhiting led Body Cultivator Disciples to clear the broken walls and ruins on the land, solidifying the Foundation with the power of battle blood. The efficiency far exceeded that of ordinary Cultivators.

Meanwhile, Ling Shuang personally designed the layout of the courtyard quarters, setting up Sword Hall, Pill Hall, Array Hall, Talisman Hall, and Hall of Heroes in five directions, surrounded by a Guardian Formation, making it both orderly and secure.

The representatives of the four major Sects and Song Xinghe brought manpower to select sites in the five domains, and soon word came back that the locations for the branch academies in each domain had been determined, with commoners enthusiastically volunteering to help clean up the grounds.

The commoners of the Northern Region had long regarded the Guardian Alliance as their Guardian deity. Hearing that the Guardian Academy was to be built to pass down the responsibility of protection, they all actively participated, either donating timber or lending a hand with physical labor.

The construction of the main branch in Black Stone City received even more support from the city's commoners. In a mere ten days, the Foundation was completed, and the outlines of dozens of courtyard quarters had already emerged.

During these ten days, Bai Yunzhou would set aside time every day to go to the construction site of the Hall of Heroes to personally supervise the carving of the steles.

In the center of the Hall of Heroes, a Monument of Heroes identical to the one at the border would stand. Inscribed on the monument were not only the martyrs from the battle to Seal the domain gate, but also the additionally engraved names of all Cultivators who had protected the Northern Region over the past thousand years.

He personally picked up the brush, using his vital blood as ink, and inscribed the five characters "Northern Region Hall of Heroes" above the hall gate. The brushstrokes were vigorous and powerful, carrying endless remembrance and respect.

On this day, Bai Yunzhou was inspecting the steles at the Hall of Heroes construction site when Zhou Zhiting hurriedly rushed over, holding a communication talisman from Qingmang Mountain in her hand.

"Senior Brother, news has come from the Yao Race that an ancient Secret Realm has been discovered in Qingmang Mountain. Inside, there is dense Chaos Qi, suspected to be of the same origin as the Chaos Green Lotus Body."

A trace of surprise flashed through Bai Yunzhou's eyes. Although his Chaos Green Lotus Body was already perfected, if he could obtain a treasure of the same origin, perhaps he could further perfect his Chaos Swordsmanship, and even comprehend higher-level Laws.

"When will the Secret Realm open?" he asked in a deep voice. The communication talisman in his hand emitted a faint fluctuation of Chaos, which was by no means comparable to ordinary Secret Realms.

"According to the Yao Race Clan Chief, three days from now is the opening date of the Secret Realm. There is an ancient Restriction at the entrance of the Secret Realm, which can only be unlocked with the Power of Chaos," Zhou Zhiting replied.

Bai Yunzhou pondered for a moment and said, "The construction of the Guardian Academy already has some direction; Ling Shuang and Song Xinghe are sufficient to preside over it. You and I will head to Qingmang Mountain to investigate."

"This trip serves two purposes: first, to obtain the Opportunity of the Secret Realm; second, to appease the Yao Race. After all, they have just arrived in the Northern Region, and we Domain Protectors need to go personally to show our importance."

Zhou Zhiting nodded in agreement. The two immediately headed to the City Lord's Mansion to brief True Monarch Tianxing on subsequent matters, then transformed into a stream of azure and red interwoven light, galloping rapidly toward Qingmang Mountain.

Qingmang Mountain was located in the southern part of the Northern Region. The mountains and forests were dense, and Spiritual Qi was rich. It was completely different from the desolation of the Outer Realm Demonic Realm, exuding exuberant vitality.

The Yao Race clans had long built villages here. Demonic wolves, demonic tigers, spiritual deer, and other Yao Race members lived together in harmony. Seeing Bai Yunzhou and the other, they bowed and saluted one another, calling out "Domain Protector".

The Yao Race Clan Chief was a white-haired old ape whose cultivation had reached the Nascent Soul Late Stage. Seeing Bai Yunzhou, he hurried forward to pay his respects, "Greetings, Domain Protector, greetings, Deputy Domain Protector."

"Old Clan Chief, there is no need for such formalities," Bai Yunzhou raised his hand to support the old ape. "Regarding the Secret Realm, please tell me the details."

The old ape led the two toward the depths of Qingmang Mountain, speaking as they walked, "This Secret Realm is named the 'Chaos Green Lotus Secret Realm'. It was accidentally discovered by our Yao Race ancestors and has been guarded for generations."

"The ancestors left a dying injunction: only those possessing the power of the chaos green lotus can open the Secret Realm, obtain the opportunities within, and protect our Yao Race and the Northern Region."

Walking to a secluded valley on the main peak of Qingmang Mountain, Bai Yunzhou indeed sensed the dense Chaos Qi. In the center of the secluded valley, a huge phantom of a green lotus was suspended—it was precisely the entrance to the Secret Realm.

Upon the phantom, complex Chaos runes were carved, completely matching the aura of the Chaos Green Lotus Body within his body. Clearly, what the old ape said was not false.

Three days later, the first ray of morning sunlight spilled onto the green lotus phantom. The phantom's light surged greatly, and the ancient Restriction slowly opened, revealing an entrance just wide enough for one person to pass through.

"Domain Protector, there are dangers lurking all around inside the Secret Realm. Our ancestors once said that only those with the will to protect in their hearts can safely obtain the opportunities," the old ape urged.

Bai Yunzhou nodded and said to Zhou Zhiting, "Zhiting, you stay outside to provide support. I will enter the Secret Realm to investigate. If there are any abnormalities, send word immediately."

Although Zhou Zhiting felt worried, she also knew that the Secret Realm Restriction only allowed the Chaos Green Lotus Body to enter, so she had no choice but to nod, "Senior Brother, be careful. I will wait for you right here."

Bai Yunzhou took a deep breath, circulating his Chaos Green Lotus Body, surrounded by a cyan-gray halo of Chaos, and stepped into the Green Lotus Secret Realm.

As soon as he stepped into the Secret Realm, a wave of ultimate Chaos Qi hit him face-first, causing his Chaos Green Lotus Body to circulate involuntarily.

Before his eyes was a chaotic space; between heaven and earth, there were no sun, moon, or stars, only countless floating phantoms of green lotuses, as large as mountains and as small as fingertips.

In the center of the space stood a chaos green lotus standing ten thousand zhang tall, its petals stacked layer upon layer, radiating a terrifying Power of Chaos. Atop the lotus pedestal were three treasures.

A rustic longsword carved with qinglian sword patterns, a smooth chaos lotus seed, and a yellowed bamboo slip—these were precisely the core Opportunity of the Secret Realm.

Bai Yunzhou walked slowly toward the chaos green lotus. After taking just a few steps, an illusory figure emerged from the lotus, wearing an ancient magical robe with an ethereal aura.

"Junior Bai Yunzhou greets Senior." Bai Yunzhou bowed in salute. He could feel that this figure was the artifact spirit of the chaos green lotus, and its cultivation far surpassed the Void Refining stage.

The artifact spirit looked at Bai Yunzhou, a trace of approval flashing in its eyes: "For a thousand years, you are the first intruder possessing the Perfection Chaos Green Lotus Body and harboring the ambition of protection."

"This Secret Realm was transformed from the ancient chaos green lotus, concealing the qinglian sword, chaos lotus seed, and the "Chaos Guardian Scripture", all of which are opportunities prepared for Guardians."

"However, if you want to take away the treasures, you must pass my test and answer me a question: What do you seek by protecting the Northern Territory?"

Bai Yunzhou's heart tightened slightly. The artifact spirit's question seemed simple, but it concerned the Dao Heart. He pondered for a moment and said solemnly: "What this Junior seeks is neither fame nor fortune, neither power nor influence."

"I only ask that the people of the Northern Territory live and work in peace, that the Cultivator lineages continue endlessly, that the names of the martyrs are not forgotten, and that there are no longer any demonic calamities running rampant in the world. That is all."

The approval in the artifact spirit's eyes intensified, and it laughed aloud: "Good! What a 'that is all'! This heart is worthy of this Opportunity!"

As the words fell, the figure of the artifact spirit slowly dissipated, the Restriction on the chaos green lotus instantly unsealed, and the three treasures flew toward Bai Yunzhou.

The qinglian sword merged into the liefeng sword, transforming the liefeng sword into the chaos green lotus sword. The sword body was wreathed in green lotus phantoms, its power soaring explosively, capable of severing the Magic Treasures of Late Stage Cultivators.

The chaos lotus seed flew into his Dantian, fusing with the original chaos lotus seed, making his Power of Chaos even purer, and once again enhancing the purification and suppression characteristics of his Domain.

The "Chaos Guardian Scripture" turned into a stream of light, pouring into his Sea of Consciousness. The scriptures were ancient and profound, not only perfecting his Chaos Swordsmanship, but also recording the methods of a Guardian.

Among them were strategies for forming the Guardian army, methods for educating the people, and ways to integrate resources, which coincided seamlessly with his idea of establishing the Guardian Academy.

Bai Yunzhou sat cross-legged, immersed in the comprehension of the "Chaos Guardian Scripture". I do not know how much time passed before he slowly opened his eyes, a chaotic light flashing and disappearing within them.

At this moment, not only had his strength improved once more, but his Dao Heart had also grown even firmer, giving him a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of the domain-protecting envoy and the Guardian.

He got up, bowed respectfully toward the chaos green lotus, and turned to walk toward the exit of the Secret Realm. The mission of the Green Lotus Secret Realm was complete, and his path as a Guardian had only just begun.

Stepping out of the Secret Realm, Zhou Zhiting immediately greeted him. Seeing that his aura had become increasingly harmonious, her eyes were filled with joy: "Senior Brother, how are the gains?"

Bai Yunzhou smiled slightly and waved his hand, making the chaos green lotus sword appear. A green lotus bloomed on the sword body, radiating a soft yet powerful aura: "The harvest is bountiful, enough to make the Northern Territory's path as a Guardian walk more steadily."

Seeing Bai Yunzhou emerge safely with his aura surging greatly, the old ape quickly stepped forward and said: "The domain-protecting envoy obtaining this Opportunity is truly the fortune of the Northern Territory. My Yao Race is willing to guard the Northern Territory for generations and never betray!"

Bai Yunzhou nodded and said: "Rest assured, Old Clan Chief, the Guardian Alliance will never mistreat the Yao Race. Once the Guardian Academy is built, Yao Race Disciples may also enroll and Cultivate alongside human Cultivators."

Hearing this, the old ape was overjoyed and quickly led the Yao Race clan to perform the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows to Bai Yunzhou and the other. From then on, the Yao Race of Qingmang Mountain completely surrendered their hearts.

The two stayed in Qingmang Mountain for a day, pacified the Yao Race, and checked on their living conditions. Confirming that everything was safe, they returned to Black Stone City.

When they returned to Black Stone City, the construction of the main branch of the Guardian Academy was nearing completion. Dozens of courtyards were arranged in an orderly fashion, the Hall of Heroes was solemn and majestic, and the Guardian Formation had already taken shape.

Ling Shuang and Song Xinghe were leading a group of Cultivators in carrying out the final finishing work. Seeing Bai Yunzhou and the other return with greatly increased strength, all of them showed joy on their faces.

"Domain-protecting envoy, the main branch of the Guardian Academy has been completed. The lecturing Elders of various Sects have arrived successively, and the announcement for Disciple recruitment has also been released. Recruitment can begin in three days," Ling Shuang reported.

Song Xinghe also said: "The construction of the five branch schools has also passed the halfway mark. Representatives from the four major Sects have sent news that the people of various domains are enthusiastically sending their children to register, and the number has already exceeded one hundred thousand."

Looking at the newly-shaped Guardian Academy, Bai Yunzhou was filled with gratification. With a wave of his hand, he organized the guardianship strategies from the "Chaos Guardian Scripture" into a volume and handed it to Ling Shuang.

"This is the "Guardian Academy Regulations", which records the methods of educational administration, assessment, reward, and punishment in detail. Execute according to this, and be sure to achieve fairness, justice, and select talents solely on merit."

"In addition, the Hall of Heroes must be opened daily. All Disciples of the Guardian Academy, on their first day of enrollment, must first go to the Hall of Heroes to pay respects, remember the martyrs, and inherit the ambition of protection."

Ling Shuang took the regulation book and bowed in command: "This Disciple obeys. I will definitely not fail the trust of the domain-protecting envoy and will forge the Guardian Academy into the premier academy of the Northern Territory."

Three days later, the main branch of the Guardian Academy officially opened recruitment. The people of Black Stone City and the surrounding areas brought their children to come forward, forming long lines in the square.

The recruitment assessment was divided into three checkpoints: the first checkpoint tested Heart-Nature, asking why one entered the Guardian Academy; the second checkpoint tested Aptitude, measuring cultivation Foundation; the third checkpoint tested perseverance, passing the test of the Guardian Formation.

Bai Yunzhou, Zhou Zhiting, and Ling Shuang personally presided over the assessment, seeing countless hot-blooded youths, among whom were many descendants of martyrs with resolute gazes.

A twelve-year-old boy, whose father was a Cultivator who sacrificed himself in the battle to Seal the domain gate, held his head high during the first checkpoint and said: "I want to enter the Guardian Academy and, like my father, protect the Northern Territory!"

Looking at the boy, Bai Yunzhou's eyes were filled with warmth. He personally passed him through the assessment, enrolled him into the Guardian Academy, and arranged for a specialist to teach him meticulously.

The recruitment lasted for ten days. The main branch of the Guardian Academy recruited a total of three thousand Disciples, and the five branch schools each recruited two thousand Disciples, totaling thirteen thousand Disciples.

These Disciples included Sect Disciples, Loose Cultivator youths, Yao Race descendants, and descendants of martyrs. Although their backgrounds were different, they all shared the original intention of protecting the Northern Territory.

On this day, the main branch of the Guardian Academy held its opening ceremony. Representatives of myriads of Sects gathered, and the people of the Northern Territory came to watch the ceremony, creating a sea of people in the square.

Bai Yunzhou wore the domain-protecting envoy magic robe, standing on the high platform of the opening ceremony, flanked by True Monarch Tianxing, Ling Shuang, and a group of lecturing Elders.

Looking at the three thousand Disciples in the audience wearing uniform cyan shirts, his eyes filled with expectations, he said loudly: "Today, the Northern Territory Guardian Academy officially opens!"

"Once you step through this door, you are no longer ordinary Cultivators, but Guardians of the Northern Territory, protectors of the people, and inheritors of the martyrs!"

"I do not demand that each of you become a peerless expert, but I demand that you always remember your original intention, hold protection in your hearts, uphold the Righteous Path, and never betray!"

"The first lesson of the Guardian Academy is not cultivation, nor is it spells, but going to the Hall of Heroes to pay respects to the martyrs, remember their names, and remember their sacrifices!"

The three thousand Disciples responded in unison, their voices resonant and carrying the hot-blooded determination of youth. Afterward, led by the Elders, they proceeded orderly to the Hall of Heroes.

True Monarch Tianxing walked up to Bai Yunzhou and emotionally said: "Yunzhou, you did it. The Dao lineage of the Northern Territory finally has an inheritance, and the peace of the Northern Territory finally has a guarantee."

Watching the figures of the Disciples heading toward the Hall of Heroes and then looking at the distant azure sky, Bai Yunzhou softly said: "This is only the beginning, True Monarch."

"The path of a Guardian is long and arduous, requiring generation after generation of Guardians to hold fast. What I can do is pave the road ahead for them and guard our original intention."

Zhou Zhiting and Ling Shuang walked to his side, the three of them standing shoulder to shoulder, looking at every blade of grass and tree in the Guardian Academy, looking at the cheering people in the square, their eyes filled with determination.

The setting sun spilled over the courtyard walls of the Guardian Academy, reflecting the eight large characters "Guard the Dao and keep the heart, save the world and bring peace to the nation", shining brilliantly.

The wind of the Northern Territory no longer carried yellow sand and Devilish Qi, but instead carried the fresh fragrance of vegetation, blowing through every corner of the Guardian Academy and every city in the Northern Territory.

Inside the Hall of Heroes, Disciples bowed respectfully toward the Monument of Heroes, their eyes filled with awe; in the dormitories, lecturing Elders were explaining the methods of cultivation; in the square, the people were singing and dancing to celebrate the establishment of the Guardian Academy.

Bai Yunzhou knew that the story of the Northern Territory had already turned a new page.

From turmoil to peace, from fragmentation to unity, from sacrifice to inheritance, everyone on this land was striving to protect their homeland.

As the Northern Territory domain-protecting envoy, his mission had never ended; he would lead the Guardian Alliance and the Disciples of the Guardian Academy to protect the peace of this land.

Even if there were still unknown challenges in the future, even if time flowed and the world changed drastically, the Northern Territory's ambition of guardianship would be passed down forever and never be obliterated.

The bell of the Guardian Academy rang through Black Stone City for the first time, echoing across the vast land of the Northern Territory, carrying hope and persistence, reverberating between heaven and earth for a long time without fading.