The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings Chapter 2297 - Capítulo 2297: 2242–2243: Reactions from All Sides; Thunder God Splits the Heavens (Part 2)

Xuan Lingzi felt a complex mixture of emotions. He had once believed he was the one leading the charge, but Pang Hong had unexpectedly surpassed him by taking this decisive step.

Despite Pang Hong being slightly younger, the two were contemporaries from the same generation. Both originated from premier immortal Sects, served as direct disciples to Taoist Monarchs, and oversaw the administrative duties of their respective organizations. For over ten thousand years, they had been locked in a continuous cycle of overt and covert rivalry.

Throughout these long-standing struggles, they had traded victories and defeats, maintaining a tense equilibrium where neither could seize a definitive advantage over the other.

But today, the balance had shifted. With the other party moving to certify as a Taoist Monarch first, Xuan Lingzi was forced to admit he had fallen one step behind.

“Pang Hong is on the verge of certifying as a Taoist Monarch. As the new generation of masters begins to manifest their true potential, it appears we have truly become the old guard.” At Xuan Du Guan, the current Sect leader reclined peacefully upon a meditation cushion. A mystical rotation of black and white light seemed to bridge the gap between illumination and the void, while a single candle cast its glow upon the Xuandu Eight Scenic Palaces, evoking an air of profound mystery.

“To enter the chaos and temper the true body—one either succeeds or meets his end!” Within the Sword Sect, a swordsman clad in green robes snapped his eyes open, his gaze piercing into the chaotic void with a flicker of astonishment.

A vision of the Land of Chaos manifested before him. Violent currents of chaotic Qi surged through the space, capable of shredding any obstacle, yet they failed to wound or even distract Pang Hong from his path.

“Such a staggering amount of Creation fragments in Pang Hong's possession!” Inside the Buddhism School, the Medicine Master Glaze Heaven loomed high, draped in nine-colored glazed light that shielded the Pure Land. The Medicine Master Glaze Bodhisattva opened his eyes, staring into the chaos with a look of pure disbelief and envy at the sheer volume of fragments encircling the cultivator.

For any Taoist Monarch, Creation fragments are priceless treasures that offer immense benefits to one's Cultivation progress.

“It is only natural. As the disciple of that specific Taoist Monarch, it stands to reason Pang Hong would have such an abundance of fragments. Furthermore, he surely carries protective artifacts. Even if his attempt to certify as a Taoist Monarch fails, he faces no real danger of death!” Mahasthamaprapta spoke with a hint of melancholy, his eyes flickering. He knew that regardless of the outcome, Pang Hong’s life was never truly at risk.

He was also present within the Medicine Master Glaze Heaven. Although his physical form was still recovering from injuries, he remained keenly aware of the shifts occurring within the Chaos Void.

While he envied a mere True Immortal like Pang Hong for holding so many Creation fragments, he recognized the reality of the situation. As the leader of the Shenxiao Sect and the only direct disciple of the Longevity Taoist Monarch, Pang Hong possessed resources that surpassed many established Taoist Monarchs.

Even Mahasthamaprapta, despite his high standing in the Buddhism School, could not utilize its vast wealth at will. His leadership role required him to set an example, preventing him from using certain restricted resources for personal gain.

Given his own lingering wounds, he couldn't help but think how quickly those fragments could have healed his Foundation. Watching them be used by another for a tribulation filled him with bitterness.

He recalled his own ascension. Even with the protection of Buddhism School elders, the process had been a terrifying ordeal where death was a very real possibility.

In contrast, Pang Hong enjoyed the full backing of the Longevity Taoist Monarch. Provided he survived the Thunder Tribulation, he would likely have little to fear from the following human tribulation during his Dao certification.

“Currently, no one would dare move against Pang Hong’s certification. Any interference would surely trigger a lethal response from that Taoist Monarch!” Mahasthamaprapta watched the chaos, his expression shifting rapidly.

“I wouldn't be so certain. That Taoist Monarch is already terrifyingly dominant, and few wish to see his influence grow even further. Someone will almost certainly strike!” The Medicine Master Glaze Bodhisattva disagreed, shaking his head at Mahasthamaprapta’s assessment.

It was true that the Longevity Taoist Monarch’s overwhelming power inspired dread, causing many to hesitate to provoke him directly.

However, that very power was viewed as a threat. To many elite figures, Pei Xuanjing was already too powerful. If his disciple also rose to the rank of Taoist Monarch, the threat would become intolerable.

This situation was different from other Taoist Monarchs within the Taoist School. While the Taoist School was a unified front, its various Monarchs had their own agendas and would not always act in perfect unison if their interests diverged.

Pang Hong, however, was a different case. As the direct disciple of the Longevity Taoist Monarch, he followed his master’s instructions with absolute loyalty.

It was common knowledge that this man would gladly give his life for the Longevity Taoist Monarch.

If such a person became a Taoist Monarch, it would be a major problem. Even a newly ascended Monarch would be a nightmare to deal with if they were willing to hunt a veteran Monarch without any regard for their own survival.

Furthermore, Pang Hong was no ordinary candidate. He practiced the Golden Core Dao, backed by the deep legacy of the Shenxiao Sect, and carried Divine Weapons forged by a Taoist Monarch. He was a terrifying opponent in the making.

Because of this, the Medicine Master Glaze Bodhisattva was convinced that someone would intervene, likely using the excuse of the human tribulation to mask their intent.

The path to becoming a Taoist Monarch always involves both heavenly and human trials. Even if the interference was clearly malicious, it would technically fall within the natural order of the Dao.

Mahasthamaprapta fell silent, seemingly conceding the point.

Within the depths of the chaos, Pang Hong’s eyes suddenly snapped open. They shone like two massive purple suns, projecting an intimidating presence in all directions. Standing firmly in the void, he swept his hand forward, carving a path of light through the chaos. Lightning began to saturate the area until he stood at the heart of a vast Thunder Ocean.

In that moment, Pang Hong appeared to bridge the gap between the Divine Land World and the Chaos Void. He drew lightning down from the Nine Heavens, causing the Thunder Ocean to swell with massive, crashing waves. Bolts of electricity danced like wild serpents, seeking to erase all life within their reach.

Gripping the Sanbao Jade Ruyi, Pang Hong stood atop the raging tides. A heavy, crushing pressure from the chaos descended, attempting to snuff out anything that did not belong to the void.

He pointed a single finger, and a sound like clashing steel echoed through the air. A deep hum followed, and a massive thunderclap tore through the heavens, splitting the chaos apart to reveal the essence of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.

Pang Hong’s immense Mana flooded into the lightning. The Thunder Ocean expanded violently, turning the dark Chaos World into a shimmering sea of purplish-blue energy.

“Mighty Thunder Sea, refine the heavens and earth! Merge with the chaos and consume the heavens!” For the first time, Pang Hong let out a roar that shook the foundations of the world. The entire sea of lightning detonated. Wild Thunder Gods manifested, spinning through the void as each bolt of purple lightning began to absorb the chaotic Qi, attempting to refine the chaos itself and claim it as his domain.

The chaotic currents began to swirl in a frenzy, fighting back against the expanding Thunder Ocean. A Chaos Gang Wind erupted, sweeping through the Land of Chaos with the intent to reduce everything to nothingness.

Pang Hong’s eyes glowed with a golden-purple light that illuminated the surroundings, making him look like a living sun. His aura exploded with power as his hands moved in a blur, forming Dharma Seals in the air. Waves of purple-gold light surged forth, creating a barrier against the chaotic winds.

“The moment is here! Cleave the chaos, reach primordial unity, and forge my own Great Tao!” Pang Hong’s robes snapped in the wind as his stature began to grow. He expanded until he became a gargantuan Thunder Giant standing at the center of the sea. Around him, the stars of the heavens appeared in a perfect cosmic alignment.