Deep in the Taihang Mountains, between the towering mountains.
"Brother, we found it!"
A strong man in a yellow Taoist robe panted and pointed to the front and said, "The God... God monument is right here"
As soon as the voice fell the eyes of the people in front of him all lit up. The original fatigue was swept away in an instant.
"Quick, take me there."
The leading yellow-robed Taoist priest said anxiously with a nine-section staff. The strong man nodded and immediately led the group forward.
After a while, everyone passed through the dense jungle and came to a... open space. This open space is about several hundred square meters. There are no big trees around at all, only smooth tree stumps filled the place.
The ground is not flat and was filled with potholes everywhere. It seems to be smashed by something falling from a high place. Of course, what attracts everyone's attention the most is the tall stone monument at the edge of the open space.
Yes, it is a stone monument. A huge stone tablet made of light red granite more than ten feet high. You can't see the top at a glance. Everyone stood at the foot of the stone tablet and looked up desperately.
You can vaguely see two balls of light on it.
It is daytime right now and it's hard to see clearly but just looking at the scale of this stone tablet, you can already tell that this was not something that anyone can build.
The leading yellow-robed Taoist priest walked forward slowly with a nine-section staff and arrived in front of the stone tablet. He reached out and touched the cold stone tablet.
After a long time, he sighed:
"This tablet is really a miracle. It's not an exaggeration to claim that it is a divine tablet."
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Taoist priests, yellow robes, and nine-section staff. The name of the yellow-robed Taoist priest is actually about to come out. That's right, he is the great virtuous teacher who shouted "The Azure Sky is dead; the Yellow Sky will soon rise. When the year is Jiazi (184 AD), there will be prosperity under Heaven!" The great Zhang Jiao!
The group of people around him were his two younger brothers Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang, as well as his disciples Ma Yuanyi, Tang Zhou, Zhang Mancheng and others.
Of course, he hadn't said his slogan yet. It would be the Jiazi year in a year and a half.
Zhang Jiao was from Julu County, Jizhou.
It was only a hundred miles away from Changshan County and Taihang Mountain where Zhao Yun was.
This time he came to preach in the Taihang Mountain area. Someone happened to encounter this stone monument which got him curious. So he brought his younger brothers and disciples to investigate. But they didn't expect that the rumor about the divine stele was true.
Taiping Dao was co-founded by the three brothers Zhang Jiao. So his two younger brothers also wore yellow Taoist robes like him.
At this time, Zhang Bao stepped forward and said: "I heard from the people here that this monument was not built but suddenly appeared some time ago"
"No signs, no sound, no trace."
"It suddenly appeared overnight."
"More importantly, they would see divine light flashing on the top of the monument, and it can be clearly seen from dozens of miles away"
"Everyone says... this monument fell from the heavens."
Logically speaking, with the guidance of the divine light, it should be easy to find but in reality it is not the case. This is deep in the Taihang Mountains, with towering mountains and lush trees everywhere.
In the distance, you can see the divine light on the top of the monument directly over the ancient trees but once you enter the Taihang Mountains, countless trees block the view, let alone the divine light, even the sunlight becomes extremely dim soIt took a lot of effort to find the monument.
At this time, the disciple Tang Zhou beside him suddenly asked: "Master, are there really gods in this world?"
Are there really gods? Zhang Jue fell into deep thought. There is a saying that goes. The closer you are to gods, the clearer you know the truth about gods. The same is true for Zhang Jue.
Don't look at what he told his younger brother and disciples that he met Nanhua Laoxian when he went into the mountains to collect herbs, and then was taught the "Taiping Yaoshu".
But his family knows his own business.
The "Taiping Yaoshu" was written by himself.
Nanhua Laoxian does not exist. All this was done by him in the name of a god to spread the gospel.
It's just that he said it too much, not only did the people around him believe it, but he himself began to believe it. As for those immortal arts. They are basically some tricks he learned so they are not real immortal arts.
They can at most be regarded as some magic trick. Talisman water can cure all diseases, which is even simpler. You only need to add red dates, corn and other ingredients to the water, and then boil it into porridge then extract the essence from it.
Although the talisman paper is fake, if people are well fed and well-drinked, most diseases can be cured without treatment. Of course, many people who came here also knew this. But they could not help but follow him to survive.
Over time, more and more believers were willing to follow him. His influence also spread to most of the states and counties in the Han Dynasty. As for whether there are real gods in this world. He tends to believe that there are. It's just that mortals can't see them.
Even though he has preached for decades, traveled all over the country, and his footprints are almost all over the Han Dynasty, he has never seen a real god. Of course, he can't say all this. As the leader of the Taiping Dao, if he doesn't have confidence then the people below will lose their hearts.
Zhang Jue straightened his robe and said confidently: "Of course there are, but the gods are either high in the heavens or hidden in the paradise, which are not easy for mortals to see. Just like this monument, do you think it can be created by mortals?"
Others also stepped forward and touched the stone monument that was hundreds of meters long. The surface of the monument was not smooth. After all, Yun Yi did not use polished granite when making it, but ordinary granite blocks.
But the surface is still very flat. From top to bottom, it looks like it has been polished countless times. If this monument was really cast by a mortal. The manpower and material resources consumed must be extremely large.
They live around here so how come they have never heard of it? So... Did the monument really come from the sky?
At this time, Ma Yuanyi squatted on the ground and suddenly pointed to the base of the monument and said: "Look, everyone, the base of the monument is separated from the earth!"
Ah? The base is separated from the earth? What does this mean? Everyone looked at him in confusion. Ma Yuanyi did not explain but stretched out his hand and dug under the base.
A lot of soil was quickly brought out. Zhang Liang, who was standing by, recovered and stepped forward to grab Ma Yuanyi: "What are you doing? What if the monument falls down?"
Ma Yuanyi gently pulled his hand away: "Uncle Zhang Liang, tell me, what kind of posture will a heavy object appear when it is pressed on the soft soil?"
Zhang Liang had not yet reacted. Zhang Jiao, who was standing by, came over with a nine-section staff.
He stepped hard on the soil under his feet: "It will be pressed hard into the soil."
Ma Yuanyi nodded immediately: "Yes, it should be like this normally."
"And the monument is dozens of feet high and may weigh tens of thousands of pounds."
"If such a huge object falls to the ground, even if it is just lightly dropped, it will deeply embed into the ground"
Zhang Liang scratched his head:
"So you mean that part of the monument is deeply buried in the soil?"
Ma Yuanyi shook his head:
"No, in fact, what you see is the whole monument. Although the monument is heavy, it's not pressing down on the soil."
Zhang Liang was still a little confused but his two brothers Zhang Jue and Zhang Bao had understood.
Zhang Bao said:
"So you mean that the monument is not on the ground but suspended in the air?"
Ma Yuanyi's eyes lit up and he nodded heavily:
"Yes, I think so."
As soon as the voice fell. Everyone's eyes instantly turned to Zhang Jue. Zhang Jue also frowned slightly. Although Ma Yuanyi suggested that the monument might be in a "flying" state.
But this matter is somewhat risky. What if it is not flying? Then they might knock the monument down by digging like this. But, In the end, Zhang Jue took a deep breath and decided to dig it out!
Everything has risks.But after so many years of preaching in the south and north, the followers of Taiping Dao have grown to hundreds of thousands.
But he still has never seen a god. Now the divine stele has fallen from the sky. It may contain secrets about the gods. He would not sit by and do nothing about the divine stele in front of him.
"Dig it, I believe you are also curious." Zhang Jue nodded in agreement.
Then, a group of the highest level of Taiping Dao all ran to the bottom of the stele and dug the soil with their bare hands. Fortunately, this is deep in the Taihang Mountains and the soil is moist.
It is not dried and cracked like the soil outside the mountains so it didn't take much strength to dig it.
Slowly, the soil under the stele became less and less. Logically speaking, such a small amount of soil could not support the stele at all but the stele just stood like Mount Tai.
By now, everyone had already believed what Ma Yuanyi said. The divine stele might not be standing on the ground but it was suspended in the air.
The reason why they felt that the stone tablet stood on the ground before was simply because the base of the stone tablet was attached to the soil on the ground.
The group did not rest. They continued to dig.
Finally, they dug out the last handful of soil under the stone tablet. However, the stone tablet did not collapse as they thought it might. Instead, it was suspended in the air and stood unloveable.
"Miracle, this is definitely a miracle!"
"It turns out that there are gods in this world."
"This monument is more than a thousand times stronger proof than the so-called miracles we have seen before?"
Seeing this scene, everyone present was stunned in place... Even Zhang Jiao on the side, hands couldn't help but tremble slightly.
It turns out that after searching for the gods for so many years and finding nothing doesn't mean that god didn't exist but because he was not fated yet.
He reached out and touched the monument again. Everyone also looked and touched again, still in disbelief.
Finally, Zhang Jue said:
"The God's Monument is right here, it will not move, nor will it disappear"
"I assume everyone is tired after walking all the way, let's set up camp quickly."
Everyone nodded, then decisively took out the tent from the bags and set it up. In the end, two tents were set up. One was occupied by the three brothers Zhang Jue, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang. The other was for their disciples.
Although the tent was not big, the number of disciples who filled it up quickly. There were less than ten followers and could barely accommodate them.
Inside Zhang Jue's tent, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang took out some black pills:
"Everyone, eat something."
These were not pills, but dry food pills made from various grains. Although it was small, it had a great effect in replenishing physical strength. The three of them ate the dry food pills and drank a few sips of water.
At this time, Zhang Bao suddenly spoke:
"Brother, have you really thought this through? Are we really going to do it... ..."
As soon as the voice fell, Zhang Jue fell silent. The thing Zhang Bao said was actually a rebellion. But this matter is still in the conspiracy stage. In addition to the three brothers, even the closest disciples have not been told about it.
Zhang Liang also nodded, and said: "Yes, we have to. If we don't do it well, we will lose our heads."
Because they only taught from the beginning to the end, and did not show any intention of rebellion. So the Taiping Dao at this time is considered a threat. It is a righteous way recognized by all parties not only the parents of the counties and prefectures treat them with courtesy, but even the emperor of the Han Dynasty has their believers.
It can be said that as long as they don't boldly oppose the Han Dynasty officials. They can enjoy a lifetime of wealth and glory. Wherever they go, they are a guest of honor and everyone treats you with courtesy.
The influence of the three brothers now in the Han Dynasty is so exaggerated. However, Zhang Jue sighed, looked at the distance, shook his head and asked: "Second brother, third brother, you have followed me to preach for so many years, how are the people's lives?"
Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang were silent for a while, and then said: "It's not good. "
"In the past, people could barely make ends meet, but since Emperors Huan and Ling came to power, they trusted eunuchs, distanced themselves from wise officials, sold official positions, and imposed taxes. Coupled with the successive years of floods, droughts, and locust plagues, the people in the world are barely able to live on."
Zhang Jue nodded:
"Yeah, How many massacres, deaths, famines, and epidemics have we seen along the way?"
"Do the people deserve this?"
The three brothers were actually born in humble families so when they saw the people's suffering, they could empathize with them. That's why they were already successful. Relying on hundreds of thousands of followers, they could enjoy wealth and glory.
But they still traveled all over the country and worked hard to preach because they couldn't bear to see the people suffer. Unfortunately, they had no way to solve the problem from the root so they could only turn to the gods to comfort the people's painful hearts.
Although all this was only a temporary solution. But wherever they went, the originally lifeless people would also ignite a glimmer of hope.
Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang were silent, Zhang Jue continued:
"We have always known that the root cause of all this was the Han Dynasty, and it was they who constantly oppressed the people"
"So, only by overthrowing this mountain can we truly save the people of the world"
Zhang Bao clenched his fists:
"Brother, we understand, but how can we overthrow the 400-year-old Han Dynasty?"
Zhang Jue laughed:
"Why do you want to boost others' ambitions and destroy your own prestige?"
"Since no one dares to go on the road ahead, let's go alone!"
"What's more, we have hundreds of thousands of followers all over the world? If everyone unites, it is possible to overthrow the tyranny of the Han Dynasty and rebuild a new dynasty."
"And think about the divine stele outside. If the Han Dynasty's national destiny remained the same, how could the heavens send down the divine stele? And the Han Dynasty court did not find it first, but we did?"
"It must be that the heavens can't stand what the Han Dynasty did."
"The Han Dynasty's national destiny will perish!"
Zhang Jue did not continue to speak. Instead, he left time for Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang to figure it out. But he knew, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang would definitely agree. They have been preaching together for so many years. He was too familiar with the personalities of his two younger brothers.
Although they sometimes showed weakness in words, they were all people who cared about the population. Otherwise, they would not have given up the glory and wealth and instead, they traveled around the country with him to preach.
However, the two brothers also had their own character flaws. Although the second brother Zhang Bao was steady, he was hesitant and indecisive. Although the third brother Zhang Liang was smart and had many ideas, he was careless and prone to mistakes.
Fortunately, the three brothers happened to complement each other's strengths, so they were able to develop the scale of Taiping Dao to its current size.
After a long time, Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang came over:
"Brother, if we can't persuade you, we will do this together. The people are living in misery, and the counties and land are littered with corpses. The fate of the Han Dynasty should have ended long ago."
Zhang Jue also smiled:
"Okay, then let's work together as brothers and achieve great things. It's time to change the Han Dynasty."
Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang were also full of energy.
Zhang Bao immediately asked: "Brother, when are you going to start the rebellion?"
Zhang Jue said: "The time has not been determined yet, we need to prepare."
Zhang Bao nodded: "Indeed, this matter concerns life and death, and we must plan before we act. By the way, should we tell our disciples about this matter?"
Zhang Jue frowned, thought for a moment, and then said:
"Although the disciples have been following us to preach for so many years, their hearts and minds have long been clear, but rebellion is not a trivial matter, and not everyone will be willing to do it."
"Let's keep it to ourselves first. "
"After testing and questioning them, and confirming that they are really willing to rebel against the Han Dynasty with us, it won't be too late for us to tell them about the rebellion."
Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang nodded in agreement. People's hearts are hidden. Even if the relationship is good, you still have to be careful about losing our heads.
At this time, Zhang Liang suddenly stepped forward and said:
"Brother, this sacred monument is so magical, aren't we going to do something?"
"What are we going to do?" Zhang Bao asked in confusion.
Zhang Jue glanced at Zhang Liang and had roughly guessed his thoughts.
"Tell me what your thinking"
Zhang Liang smiled and said in a low voice:
"In the past, Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, killed a white snake before the uprising, and Xiang Yu also had the prophecy that 'Even if there are only three households in Chu, the Qin will be destroyed by Chu'. '
"Even before Chen Sheng and Wu Guang started the uprising, they stuffed silk books into fish bellies and imitated foxes shouting 'Great Chu will rise, Chen Sheng will be king"
"Now that we are going to rebel, shouldn't we do something too?"
Zhang Jue nodded in approval. They have been traveling around for so many years, and they are also dedicated to preaching. So they know too well the public's perception towards the theory of gods and ghost, It's almost superstitious.
"Just say what you think, don't keep us in suspense."
Zhang Liang grinned:
"The divine tablet fell from the sky, we don't know who threw it from heaven to the human world, and no one else can know."
"But the divine tablet has no words, and we are the first to arrive, which gives us a great opportunity..."
Zhang Bao said with wide eyes:
"Do you want to... carve words on the divine tablet?"
Zhang Liang nodded heavily:
"Yes, this will not only promote our Taiping Dao, but also write the prophecy of the demise of the Han Dynasty on the tablet."
"With the help of this prophecy, our rebellion will surely be twice as successful with half the effort"
The Han Dynasty lasted for 400 years.
Its prestige has penetrated almost everyone's heart. Especially the deeds of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu, who can be called a great magician.
Almost the whole world believes that the Liu family is destined by heaven. So if there is a prophecy to help and the prophecy is engraved on a huge stone tablet that can be suspended in the air. That will definitely hit the prestige of the Han Dynasty hard.
It can even call for a hundred responses, leading the forces of the world to tear apart the Han Dynasty that is about to collapse.
Hiss! Hearing this, Zhang Bao took a breath.
I can't help but be shocked by Zhang Liang's boldness. If it is just engraved on an ordinary stone tablet, it will be fine. But this is a divine tablet that fell from the sky! Not only is it huge, it can float in the air without any support.
What does this mean? It means that there is probably a real gods behind this divine tablet.
Such action may offend the real god.
"Won't we anger the gods by doing this?"
Zhang Liang was silent for a long time and then said: "Maybe the monument was placed here for that purpose?"
"And we are not doing this for our own selfish interests, but for the people. I believe that the gods in heaven will not blame us for this."
As soon as the voice fell. Zhang Bao was still a little hesitant and Zhang Liang did not dare to make a decision on his own. In the end, the two could only look at Zhang Jue.
"Brother, you make the decision."
Zhang Jue held the nine-section staff and closed his eyes slightly.
In his mind. Scenes of people dying tragically, starving to death, dying of thirst, dying of drought, freezing to death, humiliating to death... flooded into his mind.
The people of the world have suffered from the Han for a long time. If this move can save the people. It doesn't matter if he gets punished by the gods!
"It's decided, let's do it, second brother, I'll leave this matter to you."
"This matter is of great importance, the sooner you finish it, the better."
Zhang Bao nodded immediately: "Brother, leave everything to me, I will definitely handle this matter properly. "
Yun Yi didn't know yet that the monument of time travel he left in the depths of Taihang Mountain was being desecrated by these mortals!
But he doesn't care if he knows, and he is even happy for them to do so. It's just an ordinary granite monument, he can easily rebuild countless more.
It can even be bigger and more luxurious. But looking at the past and present, the opportunity to leave a prophecy is only once. Perhaps with the transformation of Zhang Jiao and others, this ordinary monument of time travel can also be passed down through history.