I changed the world.

Page 313

"Who is it?" Zhang Jing on the other end of the phone sounded curious.

"Sister Huiling! It's Sister Huiling I saw at your house last time!"

"Oh, Huiling came to your place. So, she recognized you?" Zhang Jing's voice was extremely calm. Contrary to Qian Ju's expectations, he did not show the slightest surprise, as if he were talking about something trivial like "the weather today, hahaha..."

"No, brother, listen to me. Sister Huiling isn't some kind of attendant. I heard that she's the daughter of Chairman An of the Qianluo Group, the eldest daughter of the Qianluo Group!"

"Yes, I know." Zhang Jing still didn't show any surprise, simply saying calmly, "Just keep this to yourself. Don't tell anyone. Don't worry, just continue as usual and perform well at the company..."

........................

After hanging up the phone, Qian Ju was somewhat stunned as he processed the news. Contrary to his expectations, his cousin actually knew about it!

Qian Ju suddenly felt a sense of unfathomable mystery about his cousin, who had often taken him out to play since childhood!

Chapter 614 The Floating Pagoda Lineage: Where Should It Go From Here?

承和三十七年西历2016年3月31日15:31临州云山坊张宅

"Today, several deep space concept stocks experienced unusual price movements. I believe this is a slight pullback after an excessive rise, which is a normal phenomenon. As we all know, even the best stocks in the stock market won't rise indefinitely. They usually move like ripples on water, with peaks and troughs. Often, after a significant rise, stocks need to pull back to continue their upward momentum."

"Does Professor Wang think that the current situation is a period of consolidation and pullback?"

"Yes, I think that after the sharp rise, some profit-taking will definitely lead to a similar pullback. However, the overall outlook for the deep space concept is positive. I have always believed that the age of human interstellar exploration has only just begun. This is a major bull market that will last for fifty years. Looking back from fifty years from now, we will find that these stocks are incredibly cheap now!"

"Professor Wang's views have been repeatedly mentioned in our previous programs, and I personally believe them quite a bit. After all, the advancement of aerospace technology has opened the door to a new world for us. Although we ordinary people cannot directly participate in this magnificent interstellar exploration, we can share the dividends brought to us by technology through the stock market as a financial tool!"

"Yes, my view has always been very straightforward. I believe that at this point in time, any pullback is a rare opportunity to get on board! I think that as deep space exploration continues, a significant portion of these deep space concept stocks will face valuation restructuring, and at that time, a new round of substantial increases is inevitable."

"Alright, viewers at home, did you hear Mr. Wang's advice? Whether or not you can seize this important wealth opportunity is up to you to decide..."

Taking the remote control and turning down the TV volume, Zhang Jing turned to an old monk sitting beside him and asked, "Master, how was your trip?"

“From south to north, there are twenty-three ancient temples and monasteries, and their incense is indeed thriving. However… what this old monk has seen is that few people help the poor and save others, while the trend of accumulating wealth and indulging in extravagance is spreading…” The old monk had a bitter look on his face; he was Faji.

"Is the master's statement too pessimistic?" Zhang Jing asked with a smile.

"This old monk still remembers the Kaiyuan Temple in Zhongzhou, which divided incense into five grades. The top grade of incense was as thick as a person could hug and as tall as a three-story building. Burning one stick would cost 100,000 yuan!"

Faji sighed as he spoke, “There is a couplet posted in front of the temple: “Repentance can lead to rebirth, people’s sincerity in worshipping the gods will be appreciated; money can communicate with the underworld, and the gods will grant people endless blessings.”

Zhang Jing laughed loudly upon hearing this: "If money can communicate with the underworld, then isn't the Buddha just a corrupt official?"

"What you say is very true, young master. The Buddhist sect is now riddled with problems. Nowadays, there are few who study the scriptures, few who help and save people, and many who curry favor with the powerful and wealthy, and many who amass wealth and seek profit..."

"In that case, Master, have you thought about what to do next?" Zhang Jing could tell that this Master Faji was actually quite idealistic, which was something he was happy to see. What he really wanted were not puppets who only knew how to obey orders, but those who could fill in the gaps for him, especially those who had their own thoughts on certain aspects.

"In this old monk's view, the world today is a supernatural place, with demons appearing frequently in the human world. Great changes are imminent. Young master, you have great ambitions and want to reform all religions. What should the Buddhist lineage do? This old monk has also pondered this repeatedly."

“In the present day, there are no fewer than ten thousand temples and palaces in the Great Zhao. Wherever there are people, there are temples and palaces. In the old monk’s opinion, if they can be used properly, this should be a great help to you, young master.”

"Please explain in detail, Master," Zhang Jing asked with great interest.

"To have someone like this old monk under your command, young master, would require a considerable price, and their numbers would certainly be limited in the short term. Am I right?"

“Just as the master said,” Zhang Jing nodded.

"This old monk understands. Young master intends to emulate the myths and legends by establishing numerous secluded sects, recruiting disciples as reclusive masters, expanding the sects, and using this to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path."

"However, as things stand, it would take decades to cultivate a seed and form a sect. But now that the extraordinary has appeared in the world, we hear about supernatural events from time to time. In the future, all kinds of abnormal events will inevitably emerge one after another in the world. This is something that dozens or even hundreds of disciples cannot handle."

"Your idea is to establish a system hidden behind society, so as not to interfere with the normal operation of society. However, times change and the existence of the supernatural and demons is something that you cannot hide. Even if the governments of various countries can hide it for a while, they cannot hide it forever. As time goes by, these things will eventually be known to the world."

"Of course, this will take time, maybe decades, maybe only a decade or so."

“What the master said is correct. What I initially wanted to do was simply to build a transcendent world hidden outside of society, and to interfere with the operation of society as little as possible. However, as time went on, I did find that many times we had to deal with the secular government officials. After all, the world today is an information society, and it is difficult for us to avoid being detected by the government.”

“And when the leaders of various countries become aware of our existence, they will instinctively seek our help when faced with some major issues involving the extraordinary. In this way, what is called detachment from the world becomes an inevitability to engage with the world for power,” Zhang Jing sighed, picking up the teacup in front of him and taking a sip.

"Taking the Beacon Tower incident as a starting point, all nations will realize the harsh realities of interstellar exploration. Human technological civilization is insufficient to guarantee the safe passage of human starships through the unknown interstellar oceans. However, even someone as ignorant as this old monk occasionally hears propaganda about 'interstellar navigation,' so this matter is probably already on the verge of being launched..."

"Unless they can tolerate a massive economic crisis and the ensuing involution of human civilization," Zhang Jing said calmly.

“An economic crisis is tolerable; temporary pain is not unacceptable for all nations,” Faji said. “What truly worries all nations, as you have said, is the involution of civilizations that will follow the crisis.”

"The human world has experienced a long period of peace. However, this peace is actually based on the expectation of danger from the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations and the enormous benefits that deep space exploration can bring."

"Once the vast world brought about by massive interstellar exploration is sealed off, humanity will once again be trapped in a resource-limited Earth. At that time, in order to compete for resources, countries will be forced to shift from their original unity against external forces to internal scramble for resources based on their own interests. This will be catastrophic for civilization."

Chapter 615 The Art of Protecting the Dharma

“The nations will surely understand these things and will find a way to break the deadlock.” Faji looked at Zhang Jing: “And the power that you represent, sir, will inevitably attract the attention of all parties due to your performance at Fengsui Fort.”

"In my humble opinion, His Majesty's imperial decree will likely soon reach Yunxiao Mountain and Danding Mountain..."

"This imperial decree might not be easy to accept..." Zhang Jing shook his head. He had also thought of this problem, but there was no hint of pride on his face.

"When one shows courtesy to another, there is always an ulterior motive." Faji lowered his eyes and said, "His Majesty is no weak or incompetent ruler. Now that he has discovered the Xuanmen (Taoist sect) connection, he will surely seek a solution to the problem through it. But how will you, my lord, respond?"

Zhang Jing was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "Let's put it off for now. To be honest, I haven't really thought about this yet."

As he spoke, he looked at Faji: "Master, do you have any suggestions? Please feel free to speak."

“All conditioned phenomena are in constant flux, and will inevitably change; they are all impermanent.” Faji put his hands together and said, “Does the young master feel that the changes in the world are too unpredictable, causing some plans to be changed before they are even completed due to unforeseen events?”

“That’s definitely the feeling.” Zhang Jing nodded. “If we had another year or two to deal with this kind of situation, we would have much more room to maneuver.”

"Disappointments are common in the world, seven or eight out of ten times. In fact, from another perspective, this is a reminder to you, young master, that you should leave room for maneuver in your plans. Just like the Tai Chi diagram, Yin and Yang should complement each other and neither should be neglected."

"Your previous plan focused on remaining out of the public eye. Starting from this point is certainly a brilliant move. It can make some changes happen without the governments of the various countries being aware of them. Even if they become aware of it later, most of the time it will not cause much resistance because your plan originally coincided with the myths, legends and anecdotes that have been circulating in the countries for a long time. They will only think that their previous understanding of the world was biased. In this way, it is easy to change the overall understanding of the world without them realizing it."

“However, the affairs of the world are like a wheel of birth and death, so even if we count the dust and sand and count the grass and trees, nothing is overlooked.” Faji sighed, “Times have changed and the unfavorable situation of deep space exploration has unexpectedly disrupted your plans, so you not only have to speed up your plans, but also need to come up with a solution.”

"Does the master think I should change the current layout?" Zhang Jing asked.

"No, this old monk believes that the previous plan should continue. Young Master's wings are not yet fully grown. Compared with the human nations, in terms of hard power, we cannot compare. Therefore, we must not easily show our faces to others."

"Human nature is perilous, the Daoist mind is subtle; only by being refined and single-minded, and holding fast to the mean, can one achieve true enlightenment." Faji picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then put it down again: "Otherwise, one will only invite unwanted covetousness."

"What the so-called major sects and hidden worlds reveal to the nations can only ever be the tip of the iceberg, while the majority of the iceberg will remain hidden beneath the surface."

"Maintaining mystery is the prerequisite for everything and the guarantee for smooth cooperation with other countries. As the saying goes, the Buddha is compassionate and saves all sentient beings, but he also needs the wrath of the Vajra to subdue the four demons. If we cannot make other countries wary and dare not act rashly, then any cooperation is like a rootless duckweed, only benefiting others."

"Therefore, your plan does not need to be changed, only accelerated appropriately. To use the analogy of an iceberg in the sea, the part of the iceberg hidden underwater is large, while the part above the surface is small. This is exactly the way of planning. If it is completely submerged, it will be a hidden reef, invisible and uncontrollable to other countries, which will only increase their fear and eventually lead to disaster. If it is completely floating on the surface, it will be a rootless duckweed, easily destroyed, and there will be no possibility of success."

Faji paused, and seeing Zhang Jing listening attentively, continued, "This brings us back to the old monk's initial suggestion. I observe that the temples and monasteries in various places, as well as the religions overseas, are deeply rooted and have a wide following. Their manpower, material resources, financial resources, and even personal connections are not to be underestimated. If they can be used properly, they can serve as a supplement to your secret system and be a great help."

"At the same time, it can also serve as a disguise for the prince, allowing him to communicate with the high-ranking officials of various countries."

"Young Master must have considered this aspect beforehand, which is why he planned the layout of Yunxiao Mountain and Danding Mountain, right?"

“Indeed, I did consider this aspect in my previous planning. However, I originally intended to proceed gradually, but I did not expect the situation to change so quickly.” Zhang Jing did not mince words.

"In fact, in this respect, in my opinion, since you have already laid out your plans here, young master, you might as well continue to do so."

"Oh? Master, how do you think we should arrange the pieces?"

"The old monk just mentioned that the layout is like the Tai Chi diagram. Young Master, you previously focused on making moves that were detached from the world, integrating reclusive sects with myths and legends from various countries to present yourself as mysterious and unpredictable, which is like the Yin Fish; while if you can gradually exert your influence on palaces, temples and other forces in various places, this is entering the world. Not only can you further strengthen your control over the religions of this world, but you can also enhance humanity's ability to cope with various extraordinary disasters."

"I wonder if you, sir, have ever heard of the art of protecting the Dharma?"

"As far as I know, each path has its own so-called protective techniques, but their core principles are quite different. I wonder which one you are referring to, Master?" Zhang Jing thought for a moment and then said. As he collected more and more magical artifacts, the secret techniques he knew were also increasing. In general, he did know several different kinds of such techniques. Strictly speaking, the method of creating figurines was also a kind of protective technique.

"The Path of the Heavenly Demon, the Great Mandala Protector Technique."

“I haven’t explored this technique before.” Zhang Jing wasn’t particularly puzzled. Currently, he was collecting a large number of items related to supernatural powers from all over the world through the foundation, a significant portion of which were Dharma treasures. As a result, the speed at which he collected them far exceeded the speed at which he could read them.

"It's quite a coincidence. I recently came across this technique in the Dharma collection that you needed to categorize, young master. I noticed that it belonged to the Heavenly Demon Path and took it to heart. Later, I discovered that although it was originally a minor, unorthodox technique, it had some subtle aspects. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck that I connected it with some of the methods of the Vajra Path and figured out some key points."

Upon hearing its origins, Zhang Jing couldn't help but become quite interested.

Of all the information about power that Zhang Jing has collected so far, the Heavenly Demon Path is the one with the fewest circulated details and is also the most mysterious.

Even some other Buddhist scriptures that Zhang Jing collected vaguely mentioned that this path seemed to have ultimately caused some major event, leading to its closure and prohibition from further dissemination. Therefore, Zhang Jing speculated that something must have happened at the time that led to the deliberate closure of this path.

Chapter 616 The Strange Path

As Zhang Jing collected more and more information about the ancient era, he was able to gain a deeper understanding of this world. At this point, he understood that the five paths of power that humans had taken in ancient times were not as distinct as the settings in some novels he had read in his previous life, but rather five powers that were "set up" to have a certain "balance".

To put it more vividly, these should be described as five attempts to explore forces in different directions. Some of these explorations are in similar directions, some even borrow from each other, while others are in completely different directions, or even have different starting points.

Some of these explorations can be considered successful, while others seem to have had less than smooth progress, and the ultimate success of some remains unknown—at least Zhang Jing is currently unsure…

Among them, the most unique is the Heavenly Demon.

Because although most explorations of extraordinary power originated from human sages observing the powers of extraordinary beings, demons, and even gods in the world, they developed various methods to strengthen themselves, thus gradually forming a sequence and path...

However, such enhancement is generally based on the premise of being "essentially human." Only the Heavenly Demons represent the most radical attempt; from the very beginning, they merged with "alien species"!

The attempt itself involves using the flesh and blood of high-ranking demons or even evil gods as "seeds," implanting them into oneself, and through various "secret rituals," "magical potions," and "techniques," abandoning the human body in an attempt to transform it.

It is conceivable that while such direct conversion can quickly grant immense power, it also carries enormous risks. Therefore, this conversion is not something that can be completed in one go, but rather has gradually evolved into a complex system of potion recipes and rituals.

This transformation is known as "Heavenly Demon Rebirth".

Even so, as time went on, some side effects began to emerge. Despite using layers of secret rituals and magical potions to weaken and counteract the side effects, cultivators undergoing the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation would still gradually experience a loss of human emotions, empathy, and even their very essence. Some of these effects were extremely obvious, while others were well concealed…

This is all the information Zhang Jing has learned about the Heavenly Demon Path so far. As for Zhang Jing, he naturally has no intention of cultivating the Heavenly Demon Path, and after learning about its huge side effects, he has no intention of restoring it to the current world.

However, it is undeniable that this path, along with the many magical potions, rituals, spells, and even the lessons learned from its failures, can serve as a reference and guide. After all, countless people have devoted their efforts and even their lives to its exploration.

This is also an advantage of Zhang Jing's era. In ancient times, it would have been much more difficult to obtain such information. Although Zhang Jing's current situation is more random, he is still able to collect a considerable amount of information from various sources as he continues to collect.