The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings

Chapter 834: 784

If Wang Boan could resist the Witch Deity Teaching, then relying on this momentum, he would inevitably be able to use it to suppress other branches of the Confucian Gate and confirm his leadership in the Heart Teachings of the age. Even if the power of the Confucian Gate collectively could not contend with the Witch Deity Teaching, the presence of Wang Boan alone was enough to ensure that these people kept their interests intact.

One could say that this opportunity, in Gu Ji’s view, was killing two birds with one stone. Not only could they oppose the Witch Deity Teaching, but they could also bring Wang Boan back to the capital city Tiandu to firmly establish the status of the Heart Teachings within the Confucian Gate. For them, it was also a tremendous opportunity that might allow for a reintegration of the Confucian Gate, making their forces even stronger.

“Has his power already broken through?” Wang Qiong asked, frowning.@@novelbin@@

At first, when he sent Gu Ji to the border to find Wang Boan, he had asked the latter the reason for his rapid progress in cultivation. According to what Wang Boan had said then, once his Heart Teachings were accomplished, his own path was established, and all he needed to do was to keep perfecting and completing it; so fundamentally, he would face no obstructive tranquility.

Now, after so many years had passed, even Wang Qiong was not clear how far Wang Boan’s power had progressed, but Gu Ji, who had been on the border for a long time, must know better than himself.

Upon hearing this, Gu Ji chuckled and said, “Before heading to Tiandu, I too had asked Brother Wang. According to him, although he has not stepped into the Strongest Realm, he would not be at a disadvantage against an ordinary Supreme Strong.”

To not be at a disadvantage against an ordinary Supreme Strong was a statement that sent shockwaves through the minds of those present upon hearing it.

The previously noisy and bustling court suddenly fell silent, as quiet as if a pin dropping to the floor could be heard distinctly.

“Really?”

“In that case, our Divine Dynasty has produced another peerless powerhouse!”

“Without Bo’an, eternity would be as a long night.”

“Wang Boan should be the Divine Dynasty’s Pillar of Heaven and the Sea-propping Purple-gold Beam.”

“In times of dire crisis, a saint emerges.”

“…”

In just a moment, these people had responded, with various words of praise flowing from their mouths as if they cost nothing.

These people seemed to have forgotten that aside from the wariness of other factions, one reason for Wang Boan’s years-long stay at the border and inability to return to Tiandu was the covert suppression from these very people, who feared his potential threat to their status.

Sometimes, if the gap is not too wide, it may prompt envy and dissatisfaction from those who are behind. However, if the difference is vast, as vast as the gap between the clouds and the mud, then, the latter would not feel the slightest jealousy but rather transform it into a heart full of admiration.

Just like now, when these people realized that Wang Boan already possessed the power to contend with a Supreme Strong, the jealousy and wariness that had once filled their hearts immediately dissipated completely, transforming instead into admiration and reverence.

“Heh heh…” Gu Ji chuckled lightly, but his expression held a profound meaning.

Wang Boan’s merits at first were not small, and coupled with the establishment of the Heart Teachings, being one of the rare powers of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, he should have enjoyed an incomparably venerated status.

But what was the reality? Not only did he fail to return to Tiandu to take up a high position, but he was also left out in the cold frontier, nominally to deter border threats and guard against the Demon Race. However, it was clear to anyone with a brain that this was suppression.

Wang Boan’s merits were too significant, and he rose too swiftly. To avoid an impossible situation with nothing left to confer, even if Emperor Zhu Houji acknowledged his considerable contributions, he could only intentionally or unintentionally leave him at the frontier, unable to recall him to the Court.

And Wang Qiong, who had supported and employed Wang Boan in the beginning, had seen their relationship cool over the years. Initially, Wang Qiong had promoted Wang Boan and recommended him because he knew his life was nearing its end. He wanted to select Wang Boan as his successor to inherit his aspirations and complete his ideals, ensuring his governance philosophy did not perish with him.

But now, things were different. Ascending through cultivation, after being elevated in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty and holding a high position granted by Divine Investiture, he had a long life ahead and ample time to accomplish his goals. Naturally, he was not inclined to relinquish his power at this time, preferring to fulfill his ideals personally over letting a successor take over.

Unfortunately, at this juncture, Wang Boan kept achieving merits, growing at a pace far beyond Wang Qiong’s expectations, to the point where the once potential successor now showed signs of replacing him. This was Wang Qiong’s wariness towards Wang Boan and also why he allowed others to suppress Wang Boan.

Close comrades-in-arms, now slowly drifting apart—this was a change that no one could prevent. Even if Wang Boan himself was reluctant, he was helpless, as, during his rise, many had gathered around him, and for their sake, he could not shrink back.

Over the years, even though suppressed by Wang Qiong, enduring hardship at the border was, in fact, Wang Boan’s patience and concession out of the old friendship. Otherwise, with his power, if he were not willing, Wang Qiong wouldn’t have been able to press him down.

“Brother Bo’an, you might be unwilling, but those of us by your side are also not willing to waste our years dutifully guarding the border!” Gu Ji thought in his heart.

He too was promoted by Wang Qiong, but let’s not forget that he was recommended by Wang Boan. Fundamentally, they were allies. This time, Gu Ji’s return to Tiandu was to declare their existence to the people of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, to tell them they were no longer willing to step back.

A figure who had not yet entered the Nine Realms of Spirit but was capable of contending with supreme powerhouses, nearly another Pei Xuanjing. Even if there was a gap, it couldn’t be too wide.

Such a powerhouse should have their own place in Heaven and Earth and must have a fitting position in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty—no one could afford to overlook this.

“Wang Boan also needs to make his voice heard. At this point, surrounded by countless people, even if he isn’t willing to openly confront, he cannot ignore those behind him,” Pei Xuanjing’s face revealed an inexplicable expression.

Upon learning of the events in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty from atop Shenxiao Mountain, Pei Xuanjing was not the least bit surprised. The Witch Deity Teaching had lain dormant for countless years, and this time, in cooperating with the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, they naturally had their own objectives. So, the current situation was to be expected—it was not an accident, but an inevitability.

Caught in the rivers and lakes without control over one’s life, Wang Boan was deeply loyal to the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. He did not wish to stir ripples in the Divine Dynasty, but having come so far, he could not let down those who followed him—that would be against his Tao and contradict his heart.

However, all of this had nothing to do with Pei Xuanjing. He would not meddle in these affairs, having already withdrawn his influence from the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Getting involved would only bring disadvantages without any benefits.