Infinite Professions

The two shared a carriage, engaging in spirited discussions and pointing out the country’s state of affairs.

This person was named Song Que, also a member of the Song Clan. Although not from the direct lineage, he was steady and efficient, possessing the airs of a great figure, and was also highly regarded. Song Yu was willing to associate with him.

Thus, the two rising stars of the Song Clan traveled together to Huangshan Academy and began their peaceful and fulfilling daily lives.

On the other side...

Jinyang Prefecture, City God Temple.

Inside the hall, Shen Hex sat alone, immersed in his cultivation.

In a hundred years, the North and South developed independently, each with their progress.

He held a considerable advantage, having firmly grasped the situation. Whether to advance or retreat, attack or defend, was entirely up to him.

There was no choice; the power of "cheating" was overwhelmingly strong.

With the profession’s support, he had an unparalleled advantage in this cold war-like development race.

Despite the Northern Deities, led by King of Zhaoren, investing significant Divine Power, they still couldn’t compete with him. The strength gap was apparent, whether in Yin or Yang.

At this time, if he were to attack, unifying the entire land wouldn’t be a matter of if but when.

But he didn’t do that.

Because there was no need.

Now, the Northern Lands had been dragged into a "military buildup" race by him.

The Northern Deities, under his pressure, had to heavily invest in development, increasing the Northern population and production. Some even became so entrenched in toxicity that they had to reincarnate and cultivate anew.

In other words, he was using the Divine Power of the Northern Deities to increase the future population under his rule.

The longer the delay, the weaker the Northern Deities, yet the world’s population and production power increased.

Why would he break such a favorable situation where he gained all benefits and no harm?

Thus, Shen Hex didn’t advance but endured!

After all, he didn’t fear the toxicity of incense offerings, had no need for competing in divine ascension, and didn’t care about lifespan. Enduring to the end would undoubtedly mean his triumph; there was no suspense.

Unless... there were unexpected variables!

But the variables were few, with only three possible occurrences.

One was an enemy from above, descending as a First or Second Grade, even a Super Grade being, to thwart his extraordinary plan.

This would be an irresistible force. If it happened, Shen Hex would have no choice but to lead his subordinates into reincarnation and retreat.

Excluding this, the remaining two variables could be resisted or even suppressed.

These two variables lie in the Underworld and the Mortal World.

The Underworld held ancient powers. Although Third Grade was the pinnacle of this world, numerous relics from the Ancient Great Powers remained, with hidden followers’ schemes, making Shen Hex unsure if there would be something beyond the norm.

But this extraordinariness is limited by heaven and earth, at most reaching Second Grade, difficult even at that. The Drought Demon King that once plagued the Northern Lands was just a peak Third Grade. The Xiao Chen Court, allied with various forces, suppressed him after bearing certain costs.

Thus, this ancient power, while strong, posed similar threats to Shen Hex and was not an overwhelming strike like enemies from above. Shen Hex could handle it with his strength.

The same goes for the Mortal World, where the opponent relied merely on Dragon Qi.

After years of development, the Northern Wei Dynasty’s power was far less than the Southern Zhou Dynasty. The Dragon Qi was similarly affected, declining as the other rose, making it impractical to use the Northern Dragon to suppress him.

The only chance for the opponent was to sow discord, causing a rift between him and the Southern Dragon.

Yet, this too was difficult.

First, Shen Hex would undoubtedly be on guard against this.

After all, as ancient foxes, who are you going to play tricks with?

Unless there was a disparity in information, there was practically no chance for intrigue among such beings. Every move, development, and possibility was predicted, with countermeasures prepared.

Even now, both Shen Hex himself and King of Zhaoren in the Northern Lands, along with the Three Religions and Hundred Schools, were well aware that breaking the Mortal World’s stalemate required inciting disorder in the Southern Lands.

Yet, how could such disorder be instigated on command?

Shen Hex had already established a great momentum with deep-rooted faith. In recent years, the Zhou Dynasty adopted a Zen inheritance system. Even if the Southern Dragon contested him, it would end in tragic defeat, let alone the impossibility of the Southern Dragon vying against him. Under the unstoppable momentum, even Dragon Qi must suppress its nature and bow in submission.

Thus, to incite Southern Dragon disorder, mere Dragon Qi wasn’t sufficient.

The Celestial Destiny from the Upper Realm must also be involved, at least a Second Grade Celestial Destiny.

With Celestial Destiny from the Upper Realm, combined with Dragon Qi’s nature, only then could it oppose him, using Human Dao’s Dragon Qi against the Divine Dao’s great power.

Simply put, it requires a Second Grade Heavenly God to descend, reincarnate on Shen Hex’s side as a Southern Hidden Dragon, then gradually gain momentum, seize power and throne, ultimately rebelling against him, creating opportunities for the Northern Dragon and the Deities like King of Zhaoren and others.

This is the only method.

Considering various conditions, although stringent, it’s not impossible.

First is the descent of Celestial Destiny. With the growing competition and development between the North and South, the population surged, and the volume soared, leading Dragon Qi to rise accordingly. At this time, if one were to fight for becoming a True Dragon, the benefits are self-evident, at least gaining a First-Grade Venerable Position.

Such temptation might provoke Celestial Destiny’s descent, which isn’t impossible.

Furthermore, Celestial Destiny is like a dragon, capable of expansion or concealment, rise or fall. Before its rise, even a Third-Rank Great God finds it challenging to discern any traces.

Therefore, Shen Hex cannot preemptively kill it in its cradle. Acting against such a thing, with his reputation for Orthodox Techniques, would inevitably harm his popularity.