Cultivation Starts from Killing Pigs-Chapter 242 - 240: Central State Unified, Fishing in the East Sea

Dianzhou, Fu City, Chu Family Castle.

By now, it was already early winter, and even the usually warm Dianzhou carried a hint of chill. After several consecutive rains, the ancient castle's moss-covered blue bricks exuded a damp cold.

A man with a delicate face walked swiftly through the ancient castle, dressed like a scholar, with a hint of joy in his eyes.

His name was Chu Huan, the young master of Chu Family Castle. Zhang Kui had seen him once when sneaking in using the Nether Soil stone coffin. Unlike his father, he harbored a great sense of justice for the human race and secretly led people to worship the Divine Court Bell.

After arriving at the backyard, Chu Huan glanced at the eerie hall, took a deep breath, and a flash of determination appeared in his eyes as he strode inside.

The room was dimly lit. On a soft couch sat an old man in coarse clothes, frowning, holding a long tobacco pipe, the glow of the tobacco flickering in the darkness.

It was none other than Chu Pengshan, the National Guardian of Dianzhou.

"Father..."

Chu Huan respectfully bowed and cupped his hands, then lifted his head, unable to suppress the joy in his eyes.

"Father, have you heard about the East Sea matter?"

"Hmph!"

Chu Pengshan snorted coldly, taking a drag from his pipe, "Minding other's business. Have you mastered the Poison Heart Curse? Have you raised the Seven-Colored Gu to any results?"

"Father..."

Chu Huan felt a headache coming, "I will practice all of those. Can we talk about serious matters?"

"True Man Zhang has intimidated the demons at the East Sea, the Spiritual Sect has been destroyed, the Lanjiang Water Mansion has assisted, and over a dozen Mahayana realm beings in the sea have surrendered. Our human race's grand momentum is established; no longer do we need to look at others' faces."

"Father, I advised you to join the Kaiyuan Sect when it was established, but you said it wouldn't succeed. When the Lanjiang Water Mansion proposed an alliance, you asked to wait."

"Our Chu Family only appears prosperous on the surface. If an army arrives one day, we'd be wiped out in an instant, Father, we can't wait any longer!"

"You..."

Chu Pengshan's expression shifted unpredictably, then he sighed deeply.

He wasn't a fool; how could he be unaware of the current situation? Countless folks in Dianzhou secretly worshiped the Divine Court Bell. Even many Curse Witches and Insect Masters, seeing the power of the Divine Talisman, began to secretly worship the Divine Court Bell and registered their households.

He dared not intervene, turning a blind eye. The Yang Family of Lanzhou once sent people to contact them, only to be driven away by him, resulting in their immediate destruction.

Thinking of this, Chu Pengshan sighed again, "How could I not know, but... alas..."

Chu Huan's eyes flickered, "Father, are you worried about the Chai Kingdom? Actually, there's no need to be. Once we join the Kaiyuan Sect, someone will naturally handle it."

"Fool!"

Chu Pengshan snorted, "That's not what I'm worried about. Do you know the merit system of the Kaiyuan Sect? It disrupts the order, causing many noble families to lose power. If we join, our Chu Family's thousand-year legacy will be cut off!"

Chu Huan lowered his head in silence, then raised it again, his face full of sorrow, "Ha, a thousand years of legacy, yet a thousand years of servitude. Even if I die, I, Chu Huan, refuse to continue being so!"

"You unfilial son!"

Chu Pengshan raged, black qi surging around him, with tiny, insect-like shadows faintly flitting within.

His hands had turned black, but when he raised them, he was faced with his son's fearless expression.

Chu Pengshan gasped with anger, and after a while, his hand slowly dropped, and his face appeared much older.

"So be it, if you don't want the family legacy, then what use is keeping it? However, it's already too late; the Kaiyuan Sect's grand momentum is established, and our Chu Family might be used as an example."

"Father, don't worry. As long as we cooperate fully, our Chu Family won't be purged. We might even retain some wealth..."

Chu Huan spoke eloquently, while Chu Pengshan's eyes grew increasingly suspicious.

"How do you know all this?"

Chu Huan waved his sleeves and proudly bowed, "Chu Huan, undercover agent of the Kaiyuan Sect's Earth Pavilion in Dianzhou, pays respects to Father!"

Clang...

Chu Pengshan's pipe fell to the ground.

...

The battle at the East Sea quickly spread across the world. With the ongoing publicity by the Kaiyuan Sect, the people of the Central State were already aware of the significance of terms like Mahayana and Forbidden Land. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Zhang Kui once said that humanity's fear over thousands of years stemmed from the unknown. Yet, after enlightenment, many people grew even more anxious.

In the contest among the Ten Thousand Races, humans were like ants, protected only by Zhang Kui, with a winding and daunting road ahead.

But this battle proved otherwise, a step towards dignity!

The Forbidden Land was indeed terrifying, but even the Spirit Sect Leader was slain by True Man Zhang at the East Sea.

No Mahayana realm suppressing us?

Ha, currently humans are not fewer in number, though they may be Demon Marshals for now, but in the future, human Mahayana will surely rise!

Everywhere was filled with jubilation. The storytellers in pubs had endless tales, and the vicinity of the Human Race Holy Temple was as lively as a festival every day...

Lai State, headquarters of the Kaiyuan Sect.

"The matter in Dianzhou is settled!"

News arrived, and Elder Huayan stroked his beard with a smile, while others clapped and sighed.

Helian Boxiong squinted, "The Chu Family indeed escaped a calamity, Chu Pengshan should be glad to have such a good son."

Huo Yu with Double Pupils laughed, "The Chu Family has entrenched itself in Dianzhou for a thousand years, overseeing the Insect Masters and Curse Witches, intertwined deeply with the people. Preventing bloodshed is a merit in itself. Under the Human Race Divine Path, every citizen is of great importance."

Gu Ziqing's eyes were indifferent, "How should we handle the Chai Kingdom? After all, their princess is following Taoist Friend Zhang like a maid."

Everyone turned their heads, and Helian Boxiong coughed, "Well... True Man Zhang has already said we don't need to worry. We should just focus on managing Dianzhou. The issues of the Chai Kingdom, which could lead to a great disaster, will be handled cautiously by him."

At this moment, Helian Wei walked into the hall quickly, her face solemn as she clasped her hands in greeting, "All the True Men, a monk has come outside requesting a visit. He is a Mahayana Realm demon cultivator..."

Everyone exchanged glances, their expressions changing, "Invite him in!"

Since he is from the Mahayana Realm, he must be from the Forbidden Land. Although two Mahayana Realm Sea Eye Flood Dragons are stationed at the Kaiyuan Sect by Zhang Kui's order, it is crucial for any household to treat this with seriousness.

Shortly after, Helian Wei escorted a monk into the hall. Everyone saw that he was a Four-Eyed Monk dressed in a bright red kasaya. Although his aura was as vast as the sea, his demeanor was calm and without a trace of vengeful qi.

The Four-Eyed Monk glanced around at everyone, formed a hand seal, and smiled serenely, "Please do not worry, esteemed ones. I am Bonaluo, the Altar Master of the Dragon Flower Altar from the Celestial River Water Mansion, and I share a deep friendship with True Man Zhang."

"I am here to represent our Celestial River Water Mansion in signing a treaty with the human race."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a jade disk inscribed with words floated slowly before everyone.

"Master, please wait..."

Elder Huayan quickly caught it and examined it with the others. The treaty was simple: the Celestial River Water Mansion would become secluded for cultivation, and all relevant forces from the Northern Border State would withdraw, ensuring mutual non-aggression from then on.

This treaty was particularly cautious, its words filled with equality and respect. It also indicated that an envoy would be stationed permanently with the human race for communication, and reasonable transactions would be conducted as needed.

The Four-Eyed Monk Bonaluo smiled faintly, "Please inform True Man Zhang that I do not have the methods of Taoist Friend Yuanhuang. This is all I can do, but it will ensure peace and stability in the Northern Border State."

"Thank you, Master."

Everyone smiled in return. This treaty was rightly expected. If it were like the sudden alliance with Lanjiang Water Mansion, it would arouse suspicion.

Importantly, after the battle in the East Sea, none of the Forbidden Lands had reacted, perhaps all just watching. The Celestial River Water Mansion offering a treaty at this time set a good precedent.

After the departure of the Four-Eyed Monk Bonaluo, Helian Boxiong held the Jade Book Treaty, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"This is timely indeed!"

"Indeed..."

Elder Huayan laughed warmly, "Immediately communicate this treaty to the entire world. With this model, other Forbidden Lands will naturally understand the bottom line of our human race, making it clear who is a friend or foe!"

With a plan in place, the massive machinery of the Kaiyuan Sect began to operate. Relying on the Divine Path network, this message spread almost instantly across the entire Central State.

The populace was naturally delighted, as another large state would return to human control since the chaos.

The news of the battle in the East Sea and this treaty also reached various Forbidden Lands.

In White State, Black River Water Mansion, this Forbidden Land that occupied the ancient river in the deep mountains was originally filled with giant clams exhaling spiritual mist, creating a region replete with bizarre scenery and illusions.

Especially after the great chaos, many Water Ghosts and Fish Demons occupied the rivers, and strange women entered civilian homes, leaving multiple men in each village drained of vitality.

However, now they suddenly withdrew their forces, clearing the waterways instantly, and even the misty illusions reduced their range to merely cover the ancient river in the deep mountains.

That day, elders of the National Guardian Clan, faces pale, held an identical Jade Book Treaty from the Celestial River Water Mansion, going collectively to Fu City to beg forgiveness...

In Zezhou, although no Jade Book was submitted, Water Spirits playing over the vast marshes vanished without a trace. The ancestor of the Liu Family, a National Guardian Clan, died abruptly, leaving the remaining family members in constant fear, prompting them to voluntarily offer the Divine Court Bell...

In Shazhou, Golden Light Cave, already in an uninhabited area, showed no signs of movement. However, the National Guardian Clan there retreated from the oasis overnight, venturing into the boundless desert, attempting to migrate to the Peacock Buddha Country...

Only the movements at the General's Tomb were strange. Jiangzhou, nominally under Zhang Kui's guard, had seen no Shadow Soldiers move for a long time, but reports from scouts suggested internal conflicts there, with vast tracts of land cracking open above the eastern barren hills and plains...

Based on various reactions, the Kaiyuan Sect's top brass quickly understood and devised corresponding plans, dispatching personnel to each state to take over and re-establish order, setting up the Divine Path network.

Thus, although dangers remained, at least nominally, Central State was unified, with all thirteen provinces included under the Kaiyuan Sect.

"Everyone..."

Within the headquarters of the Kaiyuan Sect, Taoist Puyang's face was rosy, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Without a proper name, words lack authority. The Kaiyuan Sect is only a transitional entity. The grand inauguration of the Divine Dynasty can now be planned."

"No need to rush it."

Elder Huayan gently shook his head, "The National Guardian Clans that have surrendered need to be thoroughly dismantled. The Merit System may provoke resistance from many noble families, so we must act cautiously and prepare thoroughly."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Huo Yu with Double Pupils laughed, "What about Taoist Friend Zhang? It's been a while without any news."

Helian Boxiong smiled and shook his head slightly, "According to Taoist Friend Zhu, he spends his days fishing over the East Sea..."

......

East Sea.

Waves surging, bright moon hanging high.

The Dragonbone Ship shrouded in clouds and mist hovered steadily hundreds of meters above the sea.

Fatty Tiger snored loudly inside the cabin, while Zhang Kui sat beside the Dragon Ship, his bare feet dangling among the clouds, drinking and swaying his head.

"I am but a carefree person at Reclining Dragon Ridge, wanderer on the waves... mastering yin and yang to stabilize the world... wanderer on the waves..."

In terms of leisure, he had ignored all sorts of trivial matters lately, drunkenly lounging on clouds, resting amid mountains and seas, living freely and leisurely.

A long fishing line hung down from the ship's bow, with the Bright Moon Pearl seized from Mansion Master You tied to its end, glowing faintly as it swayed over the sea.

Suddenly, the ears of the sleeping Fatty Tiger twitched, and he sprang up. Zhang Kui also laughed heartily and leapt up.

"Gotcha at last!"

Under the bright moon, the sea suddenly surged violently, and a gigantic Dragon Turtle, towering like a mountain, churned up waves tens of thousands of feet high, breaking through the water to bite at the Bright Moon Pearl...