Chapter 253: Debating the Dharma in the Western Desert, All Phenomena Impermanent, All Dharmas Selfless, Nirvana Tranquil

Debate all dharmas.

Transmit the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings.

These words are too overbearing.

The world watches, and at this moment they are curious why Gu Jin Nian suddenly descended upon the Western Desert to spread the Buddha's teachings. But soon, some voices rose, offering an answer.

"I understand. Gu Sheng now practices Confucianism, martial Dao, immortal Dao, and also the Buddha's path; the Confucian, martial, and immortal paths have all reached the Seventh Realm, and only the final Buddhist realm remains."

"He intends to use this opportunity to reach the Seventh Realm of the Buddha's path."

Someone spoke, believing that Gu Jin Nian wants to elevate his Buddhist realm, which is why he acts this way.

"Not necessarily."

"Do you remember the oath Gu Sheng made at the beginning? After the Jixia Academy, he would go to the Western Desert; this is a reaffirmation of that oath. Gu Sheng, now a saint of our age, must fulfill the words he once spoke."

"He probably came because of this."

But soon, someone shook their head and suggested another possibility.

Both explanations were widely accepted.

Only that other voices also gradually rose.

"Debating the Dharma at this critical juncture seems of little significance; whether to achieve the Seventh Buddhist realm or to keep a promise, it feels unnecessary."

"Indeed, it's of little meaning. Is it really needed?"

"I suspect it may involve the Demon Soil. Gu Sheng cannot resolve the Demon Soil, so he is in the Western Desert, contemplating the Buddha's teachings, hoping to find another solution."

"That possibility is great, even better than what was previously said."

Some voices rose.

Now Gu Jin Nian, under worldwide scrutiny, can be said to be the focus of this Great World; every move naturally draws extra attention.

His earlier arrival in the Western Desert indeed sparks curiosity; people do not understand the purpose of Gu Jin Nian's journey there.

Meanwhile.

Sea Clan.

Inside the East Sea Dragon Palace Hall.

The Dragon Palace Hall shines beyond compare, a golden expanse, every item a rare treasure.

Above the hall, four Dragon Kings sit on dragon thrones; from left to right: the East Sea Dragon King, then the South Sea Dragon King, the West Sea Dragon King, and the North Sea Dragon King.

All four Dragon Kings have dragon heads and human bodies; the space around them warps as if not in this dimension, exuding a terrifying aura.

The four Dragon Kings are the Sea Clan's strongest force, masters of the Eightfold Heavens.

Describing them as supreme would be an understatement.

Within the hall stand the Four Seas Crown Prince and the Dragon Emperor of the Four Seas.

The most dazzling is the East Sea Crown Prince; he wears golden battle armor, like a celestial deity, his flesh occasionally emits a dragon's roar, his gaze sharp and terrifying, the strongest among all dragon princes.

East Sea Crown Prince, Ao Zhen.

"Father King, three uncles."

"Gu Jin Nian has betrayed our Sea Clan; I ask the Father King and three uncles to permit me to, on behalf of the Sea Clan, shred Gu Jin Nian's body into countless pieces and blood‑sacrifice the resentful souls of our million soldiers."

Ao Zhen spoke; his voice was deafening and full of confidence, and his gaze was equally resolute.

He is confident that, once he emerges, cutting down Gu Jin Nian will be as easy as slaughtering a chicken, because he is now a master of the Sixfold Heavens, and when the Great World fully revives, he can swiftly ascend to the Seventh Heaven.

Gu Jin Nian is merely a saint of the Fifth Heaven; he is absolutely confident in slaying Gu Jin Nian.

Listening to that voice.

The East Sea Dragon King remained silent; the first to speak was the North Sea Dragon King.

"The Great World has not yet fully arrived; emerging now would be calculated by heaven and earth, and would be meaningless."

The North Sea Dragon King spoke lightly, refuting with this reason.

"It would take only the time a incense stick burns for the nephew to slay Gu Jin Nian."

"Please, Fourth Uncle, agree."

He spoke, his gaze especially steadfast.

"It's not a matter of time."

"The final brilliance is about to descend; releasing you at this critical moment would provoke the wrath of heaven and earth, and then the entire Sea Clan would have to pay the price."

"For a single Gu Jin Nian, it's simply not worth it."

The North Sea Dragon King spoke, giving an answer.

Upon hearing this, the East Sea Crown Prince couldn't help but knit his brows.

"So we let Gu Jin Nian continue to insult our Sea Clan? What is he, a mere ant? He only gained Heaven's Mandate's blessing; killing him is a snap of the fingers. Such an ant, unaware of propriety, insults our Sea Clan and brings us disgrace."

"Should we just ignore it? Turn a blind eye?"

The East Sea Crown Prince was somewhat dissatisfied.

He does not lack sense of retreat nor of gain and loss; the core issue is that, in their eyes, Gu Jin Nian is just an ant, and such an insult to the Sea Clan concerns the clan's honor.

"It's merely an ant's clamor; does it require such elaborate measures?"

"Moreover, the upcoming great upheaval concerns the Sea Clan's destiny; we sealed an era for this very moment. Now, risking everything for a single Gu Jin Nian—what's the meaning?"

"A reckless impulse."

The North Sea Dragon King spoke coldly, and as the last four words left his mouth, a terrifying force slammed down.

In an instant, the East Sea Crown Prince realized his misstep, felt the terrifying force, and bowed his head.

"The lesson from Fourth Uncle is the nephew's fault."

He bowed, daring not to continue his outcry.

It was at that very moment that the voice of the South Sea Dragon King sounded.

"I understand Ao Zhen's nephew's feelings; the Sea Clan's reputation is indeed important."

"However, you must grasp a principle: haste makes waste."

"In a few more days, the ultimate splendor will descend; Eastern Wilderness, Southern Barbarians, Western Desert, Northern River, Central Continent will all undergo massive changes."

"Some ancient relics from legend will gradually emerge."

"True destiny lies within these ancient relics, sealing an era; they exist precisely for the ancient relics."

"Therefore, there's no need for this trivial matter to affect oneself."

The South Sea Dragon King, being a harmonizer, did not let the situation worsen nor desire internal strife, so he spoke up and explained these matters.

Hearing this, the crowd nodded, though some voices of doubt arose.

"May I ask, Dragon King, the ancient relics—what relics are they?"

A Dragon Emperor spoke, asking the South Sea Dragon King.

"Ancestor Dragon Land, Old Kirin Land, Phoenix Nest, Tongtian Sword Mountain, Senluo Hell, Ancient Heavenly Court, Great Thunder Sound Temple, Primordial Mountain, and some others are unknown."

"These are all destiny sites recorded in ancient myths."

"Ancestor Dragon Land, according to legend, is the birthplace of our Dragon Clan's ancestor and also a coveted site of the Sea Clan; it contains the Ancestor Dragon Treasure. If the Sea Clan obtains it, they will surpass all, achieve the final metamorphosis, give rise to an Eight Realm Strongman, and then the four clans will have to prostrate beneath the Sea Clan."

"Thus, the world can be settled."

The South Sea Dragon King recounted some ancient mythic sites; each exists only in myth, being the most terrifying places throughout history, and have once birthed mythic figures.

"Ancestor Dragon Land."

Everyone's eyes flared instantly; upon hearing "Ancestor Dragon", their gazes were both burning and reverent.

But at that moment, the East Sea Dragon King's voice sounded coldly.

"Do not rejoice too early."

"Each emergence of an ancient site signifies an unprecedented crisis."

"In a few days, the Senluo Hell of the Southern Barbarian Realm will appear; then you will know how terrifying these ancient relics are."

"After Senluo Hell ends, heaven and earth will be completely transformed."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke.

No one dared disobey his words, and for the East Sea Dragon King to utter the word "terrifying" carried great significance.

"Senluo Hell?"

"Gu Jin Nian is in the Western Desert, seeking to comprehend some Buddhist teaching; is it related to Senluo Hell?"

A strongman of the Dragon Emperor, curious, asked the four Dragon Kings.

"He has authored a True Buddha Ancient Scripture."

"It can indeed suppress Senluo Hell, but unfortunately, he wasted the first opportunity; if Senluo Hell truly manifests, even if he writes a second True Buddha Ancient Scripture or a third, even ten, none will have any effect."

"Senluo Hell targets the Buddhist Sect."

"The Buddhist Sect as a whole is failing; the Buddhas of this era are all false, the true Buddha was lost in ancient times."

"Therefore, Senluo Hell cannot be resolved; this is the fundamental reason for not emerging, and it is very possible that the entire Western Desert will turn into Demon Soil. If the Sea Clan emerges, they will be forcibly drawn into this cataclysm, which is entirely unnecessary."

The North Sea Dragon King spoke, offering an explanation.

He likewise explained the terror of Senluo Hell.

"The entire Western Desert turning into Demon Soil?"

"Is it that terrifying?"

"This"

The crowd was astonished, finding it unbelievable—a whole Western Desert turning into Demon Soil sounded too shocking.

"This is nothing."

"The most terrifying is yet to come."

"Yet within the crisis lies true destiny and opportunity."

"Alright, after Senluo Hell manifests, the Sea Clan will revive; descend now."

The North Sea Dragon King's temperament seemed unkind; after saying this, he let them all depart.

At that moment, the Crown Princes and the Dragon Emperor took their leave.

Soon, in the great hall, only the Four Sea Dragon Kings remained.

"Elder Brother, Senluo Hell—may we steal its destiny?"

The North Sea Dragon King's voice rang out directly.

He asked the East Sea Dragon King.

"Let's see what the Buddhist Sect does."

"If the Buddhist Sect can suppress Senluo Hell, it can indeed be stolen."

"Senluo Hell is a mythic relic; it must contain mythic items, and obtaining even one would be extraordinary."

"However, it is risky; involving it would be beyond the Sea Clan's capacity."

The East Sea Dragon King nodded.

"Understood."

"But Elder Brother, are these mythic relics truly that terrifying?"

The North Sea Dragon King nodded, yet at the same time he was filled with curiosity about these mythic relics.

"Throughout history, there have always been some astonishing existences that dominate an era."

"But ultimately they all fade into the long river."

"The Great Way of Heaven and Earth, with immortal might, revives mythic sites; do you know what that means?"

When the East Sea Dragon King said this, his voice gradually deepened.

The remaining three Dragon Kings could not help but be curious.

"Figures from ancient mythology."

"It is very likely they will revive in this era."

He spoke, and a single sentence made the three great Dragon Kings fall completely silent.

"Ancient mythic figures reviving in this era?"

"So you mean the true saints of humanity will also revive?"

The three great Dragon Kings were at a loss for words.

"Perhaps. No one knows what the ultimate brilliance will bring."

"This is merely a rumor, and even if they revive, they are unconscious and will not aid any side."

"Even if the four great Heaven's Mandate saints revive, they will not choose to help humanity."

"In short, the real great war is about to begin."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke; he knew little, only scattered bits.

"How many can truly explain the affairs of heaven and earth?" Hearing this, the three great Dragon Kings fell silent.

"In short, after the great calamity of Senluo Hell ends, we can emerge, and at the crucial moment, still snatch some fate opportunities."

"As for Gu Jin Nian, he is very likely to perish in this great calamity; beneath the eighteenth‑layer Hell, who can resist?"

The East Sea Dragon King spoke again, his tone unwavering.

At the same time.

Within the Divine Race.

Several voices of will sounded, fierce and intense.

"A mere ant dares to slaughter our Divine Race soldiers? And you compensate him? Divine Lady, your actions disgrace our race; if the Divine Son appears, he will hold you accountable. Can you bear that responsibility?"

"Just an ant. Do you truly think he dares to gather a heavenly tribulation?"

"He cut down thirty of our Divine Race; this is a blood feud."

"I truly do not understand the meaning behind the Divine Lady's behavior."

A terrifying voice rang out, filled with unparalleled anger, directing its fury at the Divine Lady.

"When Gu Jin Nian first appeared in the Great Dragon Mountain Range, why did you not intervene? Directly fight Gu Jin Nian?"

"Why not emerge earlier and slay Gu Jin Nian outright?"

"Now the matter is settled, yet you still blame this palace; the elders truly are clever."

The Divine Lady's cold voice sounded, showing no fear, only indifference and anger.

"Senluo Hell is about to manifest; if we emerge, we will be easily drawn in. You could have activated the Divine Grand Formation to eliminate Gu Jin Nian, yet you hesitate."

The voice sounded again, accusing the Divine Lady of not using the Grand Formation.

"Using the Grand Formation?"

"You speak lightly. Gu Jin Nian has already entered half a step into the Seventh Realm of the Art Dao. He returned from the Taihao Immortal Realm; who knows what hidden cards he holds? He easily destroyed the Twelve Immortal Spirit Formation."

"If we truly used the Grand Formation, and Gu Jin Nian countered, provoking him, would both of you rejoice at a mutual destruction?"

"Moreover, if the Divine Son is dissatisfied, he can go trouble Gu Jin Nian."

The Divine Lady's reply was straightforward; the meaning was clear—solve it yourself, do not expect her help.

At this point, both sides were somewhat heated.

At that moment, a voice slowly began to rise.

"Everyone, cease internal strife."

"Actually, what the Divine Lady did is reasonable, and she has set a move that perhaps none of you noticed."

As this voice sounded, all the wills were startled, even the Divine Lady was puzzled; she had not set any move.

"What does that mean?"

The Divine Elders asked curiously.

"Senluo Hell is about to manifest; the ancient races dare not emerge, solely because of this Senluo Hell."

"Now, Gu Jin Nian has gained heaven and earth's fortune; in other words, there is a definite chance he can suppress Senluo Hell. If he can suppress Senluo Hell, the supreme fate will appear."

"Then we could send the Divine Lady forward to demand benefits, even arrange a profit exchange, thereby obtaining the fate."

The latter spoke, revealing the core.

Upon hearing this, the Divine Lady on the Divine Mountain slightly frowned, feeling the method was despicable.

"But what if Gu Jin Nian cannot obtain it?"

The cold voice sounded again.

"Then he is bound to die; a destined death, why should we be angry because of him?"

The latter replied; indeed, flawless.

Everyone fell silent.

Immediately, the voice sounded again.

"Then on what basis do you think Gu Jin Nian can suppress Senluo Hell? Even in the mythic era's eighteenth‑layer Hell, even if our Divine Race intervenes, we might not resolve this crisis, right?"

He asked.

"Gu Jin Nian has heaven and earth's recognition; he belongs to this era, perhaps with heaven's aid, there is a great chance of successful suppression."

"Of course, this is only my speculation."

"Moreover, for us, success brings benefit, failure also brings benefit, and we need not act at all."

The latter's answer left the Divine Elders speechless.

Only after a moment did the question arise again.

But what if, by any chance, he refuses to hand it over?

A questioning voice sounded.

The latter then spoke calmly.

"First, Gu Jin Nian certainly doesn't know what the treasures of Senluo Hell mean; second, even if he knows they're valuable, the Divine Race could ally with him. Gu Jin Nian is the present saint; offending the Five Great Clans is not his intention. If the Divine Race allies with him to aid the present human race, he will weigh the pros and cons."

"Of course, if none of these methods work, after Senluo Hell ends we will happen to be born then; at that time, would we still fear Gu Jin Nian's failure?"

These answers are logical and well‑founded.

In the end, the Divine Race elder stopped further blaming the Divine Maiden.

"Since that's the case, let's proceed according to this plan."

"However, if Gu Jin Nian truly cannot discern right from wrong, after the Divine Son is born, everything will be decided by the Divine Son."

He said no more, left that harsh remark, and then fell completely silent.

Until the will disappears.

On Divine Mountain, the Divine Maiden stood atop a cliff, gazing at the Western Desert Realm.

"I don't wish to be an enemy of Gu Jin Nian."

The Divine Maiden spoke lightly, expressing her thoughts.

"Divine Maiden, sometimes it's not hostility but a matter of stance; the ultimate splendor is about to commence, and many matters have no right or wrong, nor should or shouldn't, but simply can or cannot be done."

"For the sake of the Divine Race's interests, please set aside any other feelings, Divine Maiden."

An elder appeared behind her and spoke calmly.

"I have no feelings toward him; I just think he is different. With him present, our ideas may not necessarily be realized."

The Divine Maiden understood his misunderstanding, gave a brief explanation, and said no more.

"The path has already been chosen; the Divine Race has no retreat, nor does retreat exist. Even if this road is destined to be wrong, the Divine Race cannot change anything; this era cannot accommodate us."

"Without breaking, there is no standing."

The latter, expressionless, still spoke calmly, explaining everything.

Having received this answer, the Divine Maiden said nothing further.

At the same moment.

Inside the Abyss.

Some wills were also communicating with each other.

"When Senluo Hell manifests, we will spare no cost, enter it to become demons, and then the old grudges must be avenged."

"Kill Gu Jin Nian."

"Slaughter all living beings in the Eastern Wilderness."

"Women to be kept, men to be slaughtered, as food for our Demon Tribe."

An angry low growl sounded.

The Demon Tribe's anger was the greatest; Gu Jin Nian's provocation was one thing, but what enraged them most was that Gu Jin Nian had slain many strong demons. The Demon Tribe had already suffered great calamities in ancient times, and now they were being suppressed by a later‑era human.

How could they not be angry? Yet they are now waiting for this final chance, the once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years opportunity.

The descent of Senluo Hell is a momentous joy for the Demon Tribe.

"Obey the command."

At that moment, countless voices responded, exuding murderous aura.

And in the far north.

The Demon Tribe's will, however, seemed somewhat odd.

"Except for the Human Race and our Demon Tribe, which were unharmed, the other three great clans have been suppressed; fortunately we sealed them in time, otherwise we would also suffer."

This is the will of a Demon Great Being; he feels somewhat relieved, for otherwise, given Gu Jin Nian's previous actions, the Demon Tribe would also have been harmed.

"Demon God Sovereign, this time we self‑appoint again; will it affect our emergence?"

Another Demon Great Being spoke, asking the Demon God with great curiosity.

"No."

"After Senluo Hell ends, we can emerge; at that time, corpses will litter the fields, and our Demon Tribe can seize the opportunity to plunder the Creation Land, as Demon Land cannot affect us."

"Gu Jin Nian has been a great help to our Demon Tribe."

The Demon God's will gave a response, causing the entire ancient Demon Tribe to rejoice greatly.

"However, the ancient Human Race has not yet emerged at this time; this is indeed odd, and Gu Jin Nian has not even noticed the traces of the ancient Human Race, not knowing what they are doing."

The Demon God was full of doubt.

"Perhaps they are hidden deeper."

A Demon Great Being made a judgment.

"Not necessarily; it's quite possible they have already found the Creation Land."

The Demon God spoke, presenting a possibility.

Just by saying that, it caused a collective shock throughout the Demon Tribe.

"Creation Land?"

"They have found another Creation Land?"

"We are all sealed; why can they find the Creation Land?"

"Demon God Sovereign, this cannot be possible, can it?"

Some voices rose, full of disbelief.

"Perhaps."

"This is merely my speculation."

The Demon God did not explain anything, but his tone actually revealed a great deal.

In an instant, the entire demon race felt a sense of despondency.

"No need to worry; the old Kirin grounds and the Phoenix Nest are our fated lands."

"Even if the human clan obtains a fated land, what can they do? They still need time."

The Demon God's will spoke.

And the demon race nodded in turn.

Indeed.

The Demon God's worry came true.

Above the firmament, within a small world.

Here lie endless palaces, one after another, towering above the firmament.

Only, this place has become ruins, as if a cataclysmic war had passed, looking especially terrifying. Eye‑catching sword scars, black blood dried for countless years, and some broken remnants of soldiers.

Even within some shattered alchemical furnaces, fragments of divine pills still remain.

At the southern entrance, the portal bears the bold characters "Southern Heaven Gate."

Thousands of figures appear here—Confucians, Buddhists, Taoists, martial artists, and mystics.

Each one's aura is dreadfully overwhelming, like a great sun, all being Seventh Realm masters.

"So this truly is the Ancient Heavenly Court, hahahaha, we have finally found this fated land."

"Indeed it is the Ancient Heavenly Court, the realm of the mythic age, where the strongest beings dwelt; everywhere here is a divine treasure."

"If we occupy this place, our human clan will be invincible."

Some laughter rang out; they were ecstatic.

"All thanks to Jiang King; had Jiang King not sought the sealed lands for us, we would never have found the Ancient Heavenly Court. Moreover, although our Ancient Human Clan was sealed, over countless years we have continuously strengthened through the sealed lands."

"The other four clans probably still think our human clan lacks strength, unaware that this era has passed and our humans have undergone a true metamorphosis, already surpassing them."

A voice sounded; he wore battle armor, like an emperor.

The Ancient Heavenly Court possesses an inexplicable power that suppresses their anomalies; otherwise the phenomena around him would blaze dazzlingly.

He is one of the Ancient Nine Kings, called the Wind King.

The Ancient Human Clan has a Nine Kings lineage.

Xuan Yuan King, Swallow Heaven King, Punish God King, Thunder King, Wind King, Jiang King, Ancient King, Ji King, Fire King.

The nine great king lineages, in the ancient age, governed the ten desolate realms and held authority over the human clan.

The Wind King spoke, mentioning matters of the ancient age.

In the ancient age, the five great races were sealed, but the human clan discovered a divinely created land; for the other four races, merely maintaining their cultivation was a blessing, whereas the place the humans found not only prevented their realm from declining but continuously enhanced them.

Thus, within an era, the Ancient Human Clan secretly increased its strength.

Not only that, they also uncovered the ruins of the Ancient Heavenly Court—a double gain.

"Indeed, thanks to Jiang King."

"But recreating the Ancient Heavenly Court remains difficult; we must wait for the final brilliance to descend."

"For now we can only repair part of it."

A royal strongman spoke, echoing the sentiment while also pointing out some issues of this region.

"Even repairing only a portion is sufficient."

"At least it will allow our human clan to reap great benefits within the Great World."

The Wind King spoke, correcting some details.

"Indeed."

The latter dared not speak further and nodded.

Then the Wind King led everyone deeper, holding an ancient divine map, which he slowly placed at the center of the Heavenly Court.

In an instant.

Endless divine light blossomed; the dilapidated ruins were instantly renewed, as if time rewound, and the once‑glorious structures reappeared in the world.

Even more terrifying, palace after palace radiated light, each housing dreadful alchemical furnaces capable of forging supreme elixirs.

Countless dragon veins also revived.

As for those broken weapons and the like, they turned to mist at that moment.

However, this is not a revival but an activation; the Ancient Heavenly Court is already shattered, and with this divine map only part of its functions have been triggered—far from enough to truly restore it.

But the Wind King was right; merely this spectacle is already terrifying, and for most, this place is far more suitable for cultivation than countless locations across the Great World.

It surpasses the divine clan's sacred mountain by a hundredfold.

If used wisely, this Ancient Heavenly Court can bring enormous benefits.

"When the Senlu Hell ends, our Ancient Human Clan will revive."

"I heard that Gu Jin Nian is still shouting."

"When our Ancient Human Clan emerges, we will kill him outright."

The Wind King spoke, his tone calm yet filled with supreme arrogance.

"Just Gu Jin Nian, and when our human clan emerges, we will kill him as easily as slaying a chicken."

"It is merely following Heaven's Mandate to reach the Fifth Heaven; if we truly act, there is no need for a king—my subordinate can tear his body into eight pieces."

A voice sounded, full of contempt for Gu Jin Nian.

Meanwhile.

No one knows the changes in the Great World.

But the eyes of all under heaven are focused on the Western Desert.

The western desert border.

With Gu Jin Nian's arrival, the entire western desert boiled.

However, Gu Jin Nian did not recite any sutras; he simply walked quietly into the temple.

A group of monks followed behind, exchanging glances, not understanding what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

He stepped into the Buddhist temple.

An indescribable feeling surged, the power of the Buddha's teachings, also possessing the ability to transform.

Gu Jin Nian stood before the Buddha statue.

He said nothing.

He did not worship either.

He simply stood quietly.

After about a moment.

Gu Jin Nian then turned, looking at the temple abbot and said.

"May I ask, Abbot."

"To whom does the Buddha extend salvation?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, raising his first question.

Hearing this, the abbot did not dare to be presumptuous and hurriedly replied.

"Hui Gu Sheng."

"The Buddha saves all myriad things; it does not concern a single person or object. As long as the heart is sincere, all can be transformed."

His reply was a relatively good answer.

People knew that Gu Jin Nian was debating the Dharma.

"What if the heart is not sincere?"

Gu Jin Nian calmly spoke again, continuing to ask.

"This"—the latter was stunned, clearly not expecting Gu Jin Nian to ask that.

It gave a sense of picking a flaw.

If the heart is not sincere, how can one transform?

He did not answer, because he could not.

Seeing the other speechless, Gu Jin Nian shook his head, then left the ancient temple without another word.

Obviously, the abbot of this Buddhist temple lacked the debating power of Gu Jin Nian and could not answer the question.

Soon.

Gu Jin Nian walked across the western desert land.

He journeyed, observing everything around, and in this ancient land of the Buddha, he comprehended the supreme Buddha teachings.

"May I ask, Gu Sheng."

"If the heart is not sincere, how should one transform?"

At that moment, the abbot of the ancient temple chased after him. He could not answer, yet he inexplicably felt that Gu Jin Nian had a method to resolve it.

He heard the voice behind him.

Gu Jin Nian did not turn, but calmly spoke.

"Then it shall not be saved."

That was Gu Jin Nian's answer.

Very simple.

Yet when the words rang out, the ancient temple instantly burst with golden light, the Buddha's shadows layered.

The abbot chasing behind was stunned at that moment.

People across the world were also somewhat surprised.

Who could have imagined Gu Jin Nian's answer to be so simple.

They thought there must be Zen meaning and profundity, yet did not expect such a simple answer.

"What kind of answer is this?"

"Is this also a Zen clue?"

"Could it be that one's cultivation has reached a level where anything said is correct?"

Some voices rose; people truly could not comprehend, thinking that there seemed to be no Zen meaning at all.

But after a moment.

The abbot of the ancient temple suddenly awakened, clasped his hands, recited Amitabha Buddha, gazed at Gu Jin Nian's silhouette, wore a wry smile, then slowly spoke.

"I, the humble monk, understand now."

"Thank you, Gu Sheng, for bestowing the Dharma."

He spoke, as if he had grasped some Zen insight, leaving everyone bewildered.

"Abbot, what have you understood?"

A monk could not help but ask the abbot what he had realized.

The latter sighed, his tone calm, and said.

"Gu Sheng asked me, to whom does the Buddha extend salvation? I said it can save myriad things, as long as the heart is sincere, yet Gu Sheng also asked how to transform if the heart is not sincere."

"At this moment, I have become attached; an insincere heart means no salvation, the simplest principle, yet I argued with the Buddha's teachings, believing the Buddha to be omnipotent—this is my attachment."

"But all things in heaven and earth have yin and yang aspects; nothing is absolute. A sincere heart can be saved; an insincere heart cannot be saved."

"The great Way is simple; the Buddha's teachings are natural—that is its meaning."

The abbot spoke, revealing Gu Jin Nian's state of mind.

After he finished speaking, the people fell silent; without his explanation the world truly would not understand, yet with this explanation they inexplicably sensed a hint of Zen insight.

In the middle of the Western Desert.

Gu Jin Nian bathed in golden sunlight; when he saw a temple he entered, and each time he would pose a question, letting the monks inside answer.

But each time, Gu Jin Nian's words were incomparably profound, and ultimately he himself gave the answer.

He was debating.

The Great Sun over the Western Desert, for some reason, shone far more brilliantly than usual, its golden rays illuminating Gu Jin Nian.

Just so.

Gu Jin Nian's speed was indescribable, sometimes fast, sometimes slow; after three days he arrived at the Great Treasure Glass Temple.

Inside the Glass Temple.

Utterly quiet.

Since the last great battle, all seven‑realm strongmen of the Buddhist sect have vanished; they are still alive but fear Gu Jin Nian's retaliation, so they have not returned.

Now, when Gu Jin Nian appears at the Great Treasure Glass Temple.

The entire Glass Temple seems inexplicably peaceful.

This is the ultimate land of Buddhist soil in the Western Desert, and also the holy site of countless Buddhist disciples there.

The temple is magnificent.

And layers upon layers of Buddha Light.

Golden Buddha Light ripples outward from the temple like concentric waves.

"I am Gu Jin Nian; today in the Western Desert I debate not to kill, but to convey the true essence of the Buddhist sect, not to kill."

"All monks of the Buddhist sect may go to the Glass Temple to debate; if they surpass Gu, they shall return all spiritual fortune to the sect."

Outside the Great Treasure Glass Temple.

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang across the Shenzhou Continent.

He knows that Guang Yuan Buddha and Shang Xing True Buddha are still alive.

He needs a debate to verify the heart of the Dharma and to comprehend the final layer of the Heart Sutra.

When the voice sounded.

In an instant, a wave of boiling excitement arose.

No one would have thought that at this crucial moment Gu Jin Nian would stake the sect's spiritual fortune as a wager to debate the highest of the Buddhist sect.

Indeed.

The temptation is overwhelming.

Within the small world.

Guang Yuan Buddha and Shang Xing True Buddha opened their eyes; they had long known Gu Jin Nian was coming to the Western Desert, so they dared not act rashly.

Now, Gu Jin Nian uses this as a wager; how could it not stir the two of them?

It should be known that winning the debate and obtaining the sect's spiritual fortune would mean a great deal to them, especially when, after a while, Senluo Hell emerges and they will need the sect's spiritual fortune even more.

The two exchanged a glance, instantly understanding each other's intent.

And at that moment.

Above the Great Treasure Glass Temple.

Light surged skyward.

The Demon‑Subduing Pestle shot out from the small world, ten‑thousand‑foot Buddha Light shot upward, and within that light sat two figures in meditation.

"Amitabha Buddha."

They are Shang Xing True Buddha and Guang Yuan Buddha.

However they are not the whole beings, only parts of their primordial spirits, so even if they fall there is little loss.

After all it is a debate, not a duel, so their action poses little problem.

"Gu, benefactor."

"How shall we debate?"

Guang Yuan Buddha's voice rang out, directly asking how to debate.

Clearly he was somewhat impatient; he knew Gu Jin Nian must be confident, yet as a seven‑realm strongman of the Buddhist sect his grasp of the Dharma is even deeper.

"Three questions, three answers."

"One hour shall be the limit."

Gu Jin Nian calmly spoke, stating the debate rules.

"Very well."

"Then, Gu benefactor, please swear an oath: if the debate fails, you must return my sect's spiritual fortune; should you break it, heaven's punishment and earth's destruction shall follow."

Guang Yuan Buddha agreed outright.

"If you lose, give me the sect's supreme ultimate artifact."

Gu Jin Nian did not refuse, but he made this request.

"Agreed."

Unexpectedly, Shang Xing True Buddha agreed immediately, without considering Guang Yuan Buddha's opinion.

After receiving this answer.

Gu Jin Nian did not dawdle; with a wave of his hand a great oath seal appeared, the three infused their respective primordial spirits, and the heavens and earth responded.

Upon swearing, Shang Xing True Buddha was serene, yet the confidence in his brows could not be hidden.

The world watches with some anticipation; for this debate they are not worried for Gu Jin Nian, yet they do not assume he will certainly win, for Gu Jin Nian has authored the True Buddha Classics and his mastery of the Dharma is unquestionably solid.

However, Guangyuan Buddha and Shangxing True Buddha, having been versed in Buddhist scriptures since birth, are no ordinary folks; this Dharma debate can be considered a clash of dragons and tigers.

"Please, Saint Gu, ask first."

At this moment, Shangxing True Buddha spoke up, taking the initiative, letting Gu Jin Nian ask first.

"How to become a Buddha?"

However, Gu Jin Nian hesitated not at all; he spoke directly, posing his first question.

"By acting with sincerity, delivering karmic force, and clearly comprehending the principle, one can become a Buddha."

Guangyuan Buddha spoke lightly; for such a question, he handled it with ease.

"Then why haven't I become a Buddha?"

But as soon as Guangyuan Buddha's voice fell, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded immediately.

"You have karmic force, making it difficult to become a Buddha."

Guangyuan Buddha spoke directly.

"Where is the karmic force?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Your hands are stained with fresh blood, you act impulsively, disregarding the bigger picture; half of the turmoil in Eastern Wilderness and Central Province arose because of you—is this not karmic force?"

Guangyuan Buddha spoke, saying thus.

"I have already laid down the butcher's knife; where does the blood come from?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly.

"When did you lay it down?"

Guangyuan Buddha furrowed his brows and said.

"During the Dharma debate, I have already laid it down."

Gu Jin Nian answered directly.

"No, no, what you laid down was merely the murderous knife; the karmic sword remains in your hand."

"You simply haven't seen it."

Guangyuan Buddha shook his head.

"How to lay it down?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Sincerely admitting fault, one can lay it down."

Guangyuan Buddha answered.

"Good, I admit my fault."

"I have already laid down the karmic sword; why then have I not become a Buddha?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, directly admitting his mistake.

Upon saying this,

the crowd fell silent.

Guangyuan Buddha also fell silent.

He stared blankly at Gu Jin Nian.

He never expected that Gu Jin Nian would play this trick.

He had thought Gu Jin Nian would make excuses, or argue that his past actions were not wrong.

But he did not expect Gu Jin Nian to openly and frankly admit his mistake.

At this moment, Guangyuan Buddha truly did not know what to say.

Gu Jin Nian clearly was not falling for the trap.

Especially the line "I have laid it down."

It left Guangyuan Buddha truly not knowing what to say.

He could have said he hadn't laid it down, then quoted a Buddhist scripture; but that would not be Zen, just nitpicking.

The sword is in Gu Jin Nian's hand.

Indeed, it's as simple as wanting to lay it down and laying it down.

It depends on Gu Jin Nian.

"Amitabha Buddha."

"Saint Gu, good Zen opportunity."

"Poor Monk admits defeat."

Guangyuan Buddha drew a deep breath, knowing he had lost, for the initiative lay in Gu Jin Nian's hands.

He had fallen into Gu Jin Nian's rhetorical trap.

Gu Jin Nian asked how to become a Buddha; this was a question, but it quickly turned into a test—Gu Jin Nian kept verifying: if verification succeeded, he would be a Buddha; if not, he could not answer.

The essence of this Dharma debate is question and answer.

Being unable to answer means defeat.

But acknowledging Gu Jin Nian as a Buddha would be an even worse loss.

Therefore, Guangyuan Buddha chose the best way: even if he lost, he would not acknowledge Gu Jin Nian as a Buddha, otherwise the subsequent Q&A would be unnecessary.

Moreover, losing one round is nothing.

But soon after, Guangyuan Buddha spoke up as well.

"If so, then it's the Poor Monk's turn to set the question."

"How to become a Buddha?"

Guangyuan Buddha spoke up, being very direct, and re-asked the question about Gu Jin Nian.

He wanted to see how Gu Jin Nian would answer.

However, upon hearing these words.

Gu Jin Nian, however, showed a calm smile, as if guessing what Guangyuan Buddha intended to do.

"The Three Seals of Bright Dharma."

"Can become Buddha."

A faint voice sounded; this was Gu Jin Nian's answer.

"The Three Seals? At this moment, countless monks in the Western Desert were all curious; they had never even heard this term."

"What are the Three Seals?"

Guangyuan Buddha was full of curiosity.

But Gu Jin Nian said nothing, instead slowly extending his hand.

He formed an inscrutable seal.

And at this moment.

The Western Desert was utterly tranquil.

Suddenly a gentle breeze blew.

Immediately thereafter, a grand sound resonated from heaven and earth.

"All conditioned things are impermanent, all dharmas are without self, Nirvana is tranquil!"

(End of chapter)