Chapter 342 - 303: Seeking Truth in All Directions
The Daoist Equal to Heaven returned to the Great Pure Sky, and though he returned Laojun’s magical treasure, Laojun continued to feign sleep, unrousable.
Wukong desired to comprehend the Karmic Tribulation Divine Fist as the foundation for the Primordial Great Way, believing this was his path to reaching the states of Quasi-Saint, Semi-Saint, and Saint. This was no easy feat.
The topic of karmic tribulations varied in opinions. He had to draw from the strengths of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Initially, he planned to ask for Great Emperor Zhenwu’s assistance in slaying the Medicine Buddha, but upon further reflection, dismissed the idea as unwise. As a distinguished Great Emperor of Heavenly Court, Zhenwu’s identity was too sensitive, so the invitation was not extended. He decided to hold on to this favor for a time of crisis when he could ask for Zhenwu’s help in overcoming calamity.
"The disaster originates from the Uttara Kuru Kingdom, and since Great Emperor Zhenwu governs that area, he must be deeply familiar with its tribulations. I shall seek his insight." Daoist Equal to Heaven mused internally. Ever since becoming an emperor in the Heavenly Court, Zhenwu had suppressed the demons of Uttara Kuru Kingdom with his tough approach and profound mana, leaving many demon heads reduced to dust.
Hooked Chen Great Emperor was in charge of lightning and worldly slaughter and killing, having a profound understanding of the mortal world’s karmic tribulations. Great Emperor Ziwei governed the celestial constellations, fully aware of common people’s fate and tribulations. South Pole Immortal Emperor oversaw blessings, fortune, lifespan, and was acutely aware of individual lifespan tribulations. Great Emperor Qinghua managed the Taoist Sect’s Ultimate Bliss, but cryptically seemed to propagate the Buddhist sect’s methods, having tenuous ties with Tathagata, and thus could not be trusted.
Daoist Equal to Heaven thought to himself: "I need to visit each emperor to understand the mysteries of karmic tribulations, particularly those controlled by Great Emperor Zhenwu in Uttara Kuru Kingdom. That is where the trouble begins."
He visited the North Pole True Martial Demon Dispeller Great Hall to meet Great Emperor Zhenwu and was ushered in.
"You wish to understand the karmic tribulations of the Uttara Kuru Kingdom? Since ancient times, the kingdom has been deserted, a vast expanse of wilderness and grasslands, scarcely trodden by humans. Only now, as its qi begins to shift north, has it started to grow stronger. The nomadic tribes are expanding, causing disturbance in the Southern Toad Continent. The land of Uttara Kuru Kingdom is inherently troubled, but its people are incredibly resilient, growing stronger amidst these tribulations and thus possessing great qi." Great Emperor Zhenwu explained.
The people of Uttara Kuru Kingdom faced hardships from birth, which were their tribulations. Those who did not perish from misfortune or war grew stronger, and their qi prospered. Many khans on the grasslands grew in such a way, rising amidst tribal attacks and family losses, surviving death to reclaim territory and control over many tribes.
Now, with the Kunlun Dragon Veins’ qi scattered, some has fallen upon Uttara Kuru Kingdom. The emerging Liao dynasty is the one that has seized this qi.
Daoist Equal to Heaven said, "The great calamity of heaven and earth will rise from Uttara Kuru Kingdom, as the nomadic tribes bring chaos to the Central Plains, breaking down rituals and music, scattering human path qi, subsequently affecting Heavenly Dao, and enabling otherworldly invasions. When the two realms clash, it is the tribulation of Heavenly Dao."