Chapter 796: Two Emperor Buddhas

"..."

Shen Yi had once seen two first-rank experts; one resided in the Imperial City, his entire being steeped in the gloom of twilight, posing as a mortal of the mundane world. Had the other not admitted it himself, no one would have ever guessed the truth.

The other, the Eastern Pole Emperor, had appeared in the form of a clay statue; while his oppressive pressure was immense, it still fell far short of the Great Buddha before them, who had revealed his true form to the world.

What does it matter if seventy-two caves of Jin Xian emerge together? They still have to bow their heads in respect.

This is the giant at the very peak; every word and deed represents the order of heaven and earth.

At this moment, Shen Yi lowered his gaze slightly, and his expression finally showed some turmoil.

He had risked so much to ensure fewer deaths in this world, and now that his efforts were bearing fruit, was it really to be lightly settled by the mere appearance of a true Buddha and a few words?

All that effort would not only become useless, but might even backfire.

After all, even a first-rank giant had descended; how could they possibly stand by and watch the two sects fight each other to the point of heavy casualties? The situation the Human Emperor anticipated would be difficult to arrive early... and might never arrive at all.

Thinking of this, a fleeting chill surged in Shen Yi's eyes.

He indeed did not approve of the Human Emperor sacrificing the common people to fight for a path forward, but he absolutely did not wish to see the myriad gods and Buddhas living in harmony, turning the mundane world into a prison, and mortals into blood food with no hope left.

Just imagining such a scene made one feel powerless.

Especially since it was due to his own reasons.

Shen Yi closed his eyes, striving to adjust his breathing, sensing beneath the surface of respectful silence around him, the greed and rage that were difficult to suppress between the disciples of both sides.

He opened his eyes again, and his gaze gradually returned to calm.

The fire I lit with my own hands; even if you are a true Buddha, can you extinguish it?

"The Human Emperor has no way, which is why this calamity has befallen the world."

The Joyous True Buddha, draped in a cassock and seated high upon a lotus throne, let his gaze, carrying a hint of warmth, sweep over the faces below, from the Vow Bodhisattva and the Oath Jin Xian down to ordinary third-rank disciples, and even the novice monks responsible for serving tea and water, missing no one.

"The two sects ordered you to enter this calamity to enlighten the world and save the suffering, yet how has it turned into the current fighting and brawling, your hearts and minds clouded by the incense smoke?"

"Foolish." The Joyous True Buddha shook his head lightly.

Hearing this mild admonition, the Snow Mountain Bodhisattva led the monks in a serious response: "Disciples know their error."

Xuan Weizi and the other immortals quietly raised their eyebrows.

Relying solely on such empty words clearly cannot solve the matter; after all, if the great calamity is to continue, an Immortal Emperor must eventually be chosen. What is this saving the suffering about? If we are to compare, shouldn't we see who saves more sentient beings? In the end, that is just comparing whose dojo is larger; what is the difference?

"..."

The Joyous True Buddha slowly withdrew his gaze; to be honest, as one of the two closest to the Present Buddha, he had not expected the great calamity to progress to such a degree.

According to the original intent, even those third-rank disciples need not have gone all out; they only needed to subtly push the waves from the shadows. If the Divine Dynasty had not suddenly produced a batch of Demon-Slaying Orders, those disciples alone could have traveled all across the Four Continents.

But since matters have come to this, a method must be found.

The reason for replacing the Human Emperor with an Immortal Emperor is that the two sects will no longer be bound by human constraints and can stably enjoy the incense smoke of the mundane world.

If things continue to develop this way, just fighting over the position of Immortal Emperor will likely drag both sects into the water, with no end to the strife.

"Very well, then let us have a contest."

The Joyous Buddha sighed with emotion: "Coincidentally, the disciples of the three Great Nan Xumi Mountains, along with the juniors of your sect, have all gathered in the Eastern Continent, wishing to save the common people. Besides a good heart, one truly needs extraordinary skills... However, harmony is precious."

Hearing this, the Bodhisattvas and immortals of both sides were stunned for a moment, then all nodded.

Since they must fight regardless, it is better to keep the situation within an acceptable range.

The Divine Dynasty has only its last breath left; it is time to choose this Immortal Emperor to replace the Human Emperor.

Use this opportunity to dissolve the resentment in the hearts of the Puti Sect disciples, and also suppress the fierce momentum of the Sanxian Sect disciples, letting them know that under the combined power of the three Nan Xumi Mountains, those dojos are not so easily seized.

"We have no objection, but we need to wait a few more days." Xuan Weizi stepped forward and bowed with clasped hands.

"..." The Joyous True Buddha gave him a meaningful glance, then smiled and did not refuse.

These Jin Xian were clearly wary due to what happened to the juniors; they had lost trust in the Puti Sect and feared the True Buddha would bully the small with the big, and thus wished to call for backup.

"Go."

This True Buddha waved his hand, and in an instant, the group of Jin Xian along with their disciples were sent out of the Eastern Nan Xumi.

Only the monks of the Three Continents Nan Xumi Mountain remained within the mountain.

He silently looked down upon the monks.

One side harbored greed, the other shared a common hatred; the outcome of this duel was decided long ago.

"Master."

Finally, the Great Self-Liberation Lotus Pearl Bodhisattva rose and walked out of the crowd. He reached out to summon a yellow cloud, holding it in his arms. As the mist cleared, the Master Miaoyin Monk, whose breath was faint, was revealed.

He lowered his head, lifting his disciple, his voice hoarse: "A few days are not enough. Please give this child a chance; wait at least three more months."

The moment Master Miaoyin appeared, many Bodhisattvas immediately showed guilt and hatred on their faces.

They had clamored for him to descend the mountain and speak up for the Eastern Nan Xumi, yet he was struck down like this by the old man of the Sanxian Sect. If they followed the True Buddha's wishes, Master Miaoyin would undoubtedly miss this great calamity.

At this moment, even the monks who had come from the other two continents looked at the True Buddha with some empathy.

"..."

The Great Self-Liberation Lotus Pearl Bodhisattva stared at his master with apparent sincerity, but what he wanted was not months of time; he wanted his master's stance.

The other was one of the nine Buddhas of the world; his grand-disciple was nearly killed by a single palm strike from Xuan Weizi. Did this matter not require an explanation?

Moreover, the contest is set in the Eastern Continent, and Master Miaoyin is one of the most prestigious disciples of the Eastern Continent; how could he be allowed to lose?

Not only must the disciple's injuries heal, but he must also be given enough foundation to surpass the juniors of the Sanxian Sect's Grand Void. Only by publicly and righteously breaking this immortal's backbone in front of everyone would it be fair!

"Why wait three months?"

The Joyous True Buddha slightly extended his palm. Jin Guang, like a cocoon, wrapped Master Miaoyin completely.

When the golden radiance dissipated, Master Miaoyin, who had previously been on his last breath, suddenly stood up full of life. His originally shattered fruit position became even more stable. Overcome with emotion, he knelt on the ground with a thud and bowed his head forcefully against the ground several times: "This disciple will surely not fail the True Buddha's high expectations."

The Joyous Buddha did not respond, merely smiling faintly.

But this act itself gave many hints to the monks. Even if it is just a debate on the Dharma, it is on the Eastern Continent's territory; this is the Puti Sect's base. With the Present Buddha as their backing, it would be hard for them to lose!

Master Miaoyin looked up, only to see that the True Buddha had already vanished from the sky.

After a long while, he gritted his teeth in hatred.

That Taixu Zhenjun, relying on the seventy-two cave Jin Xian backing him up, now that the true Buddhas are debating the Dharma and elders may not take part, he would certainly find a way to vent this spite, humiliate Taixu thoroughly, and make that Xuan Weizi swallow his broken teeth.

Just wait and see!

……

Several days passed in the blink of an eye.

The seventy-two cave Jin Xian gathered at Songfeng Fucheng, paying homage to the statues of the Three Pure Ones within the great hall.

"Zhu Shixiong Xuanwei, how much longer exactly?"

Lingxuzi was undoubtedly the most panicked among the Jin Xian. Now that the matter of the two sects debating the Dharma was settled, anyone with half a brain could imagine how the Lingxiu branch would be targeted during the debate, given Shen Yi's conduct.

Though fury burned in his heart, he knew this was not the time to settle accounts with Shen Yi. The most important thing was to find someone of sufficient standing to back them, lest they be ambushed by the Puti Sect.

"It should be soon."

Xuanweizi slowly straightened his body and inserted the slender incense stick into the incense burner.

As if in response, beneath the statues of the Three Pure Ones, threads of flowing light suddenly gathered from all directions. Within the once-silent great hall, celestial music sounded, and the phantom images of a hundred beasts and birds appeared in succession.

The heavenly light shifted slightly, and the vast Songfeng Fucheng flickered between bright and dark.

Until the flowing light fully coalesced into a human form, a robe of blue-and-gold splendor swayed atop the altar. A lean-faced middle-aged man, full of dignity, wore a flat-topped ceremonial crown with hanging beads.

He sat cross-legged, positioned only beneath the Three Pure Ones.

At his sides stood two child-attendants, holding treasure-fans larger than their own bodies, expressionlessly gazing down at the gathered immortals below.

When the lean-faced middle-aged man slowly opened his eyes, the many Jin Xian had already performed a unified kowtow: "We pay respects to the Dongji Emperor."

"……"

The Dongji Emperor swept his gaze leisurely over the gathered immortals, his eyes finally settling on Shen Yi.

He cast one more meaningful glance.

He was very curious—when that once-high-spirited young man now saw the true Buddha, understood his own insignificance, and still had to seek the aid of a first-rank Emperor, would a trace of regret for his former arrogance stir in his heart?

"This one is my sect's chief disciple."

Xuanweizi noticed the Emperor's gaze and introduced him softly.

Although no one had expected the great tribulation to end up as such a crude and simple magical contest, the Taixu Zhenjun who had once defeated the three of Youyao single-handedly had undoubtedly become the Sanxian Sect's greatest hope of suppressing the Puti Sect going forward.

"Since the Emperor has come in person, we can set our minds at ease."

Lingxuzi hurriedly forced a smile and cut in: "He is my Lingxiu branch's sole disciple. He has caused great trouble on this journey; we hope the Emperor will look after him well."

"Heh."

Watching Lingxuzi—wanting to use Shen Yi's achievements to boost his own face, yet unwilling to bear any responsibility, and thus utterly hypocritical—Chiyunzi could not hold back a cold laugh.

"I have not come alone."

The Dongji Emperor raised his palm to signal the others to rise, then looked toward the outside of the hall.

Though he was an Emperor, this was after all East Nan Xumi. For caution's sake, he had still invited another colleague to accompany him.

"There is another Emperor here?"

Xuanweizi's expression shifted slightly; even he had sensed nothing at all.

Everyone turned in unison to look outside the hall.

Outside the great gate, a woman in ordinary dress was half-crouched below the stone steps, her attire no different from any common housewife's, with no imposing presence to speak of. Yet beneath her cascading black hair, half a clean, fair profile was enough to dazzle the world.

She gently stroked a stray dog, teasing it with her fingertip.

Only upon noticing the many gazes turning toward her did she calmly glance back, her eyes showing not the slightest ripple.

"We pay respects to the Empress Hou Tu Emperor Qi!"

The gathered immortals had not expected at all that the one who came would be this Emperor, who had not the slightest interest in the great tribulation.

For a moment, their expressions all turned somewhat awkward.

Fortunately, this Lady Empress Hou Tu merely perfunctorily nodded, then cast her gaze back onto the big yellow dog before her, a touch of tenderness returning to her eyes.

As if this gathering of proud, heaven-standing Slain Hunyuan Daluo Jin Xian, together with the so-called Sanxian Sect chief disciple so highly praised by Xuanweizi, all bound together, could not compare to that stray dog.

"Ahem."

Xuanweizi laughed rather stiffly.

He could roughly guess why the Dongji Emperor had invited this Lady. After all, the other party wished to meddle in this matter, yet was unwilling to let other Emperors share the credit. On reflection, only Lady Empress Hou Tu was the most suitable choice.

But upon thinking that what they now intended to divide up was the divine dynasty she herself had once single-handedly assisted in founding, the strange feeling in his heart deepened considerably.

"Since both Emperors have arrived, this junior shall send word to East Nan Xumi."

Xuanweizi, unwilling to linger, led the host of immortals straight out of the great hall.

Just then, the Dongji Emperor calmly called out: "You, stay a moment."

The immortals' footsteps faltered slightly; they exchanged glances, only to realize the Emperor had called for a junior.

"……"

Shen Yi slowly turned around and looked toward the Emperor on the altar.

Lingxuzi was stunned for a moment, then his face lit up with joy.

Was this the Emperor intending to lend a hand, adding a few layers of foundation to that wretched boy?

Were anyone else to make such a move, Lingxuzi would naturally be displeased. After all, now anyone who treated Shen Yi slightly well, he felt, must be trying to snatch this disciple away, forcibly stealing the incense-offerings of the Lingxiu branch.

And that ungrateful Bai Yanlang look that could never be tamed also left Lingxuzi with little confidence.

He did not wish Shen Yi ill, but neither did he want to see him fare too well... Yet if it were an Emperor, that was different. After all, he was only a junior; even if the Emperor took a liking to Shen Yi, out of face, no matter what, he would not shortchange his own benefits.

Xuanweizi pondered for an instant, then swept his sleeve and led the gathered immortals away.

Such matters were better kept from others; after all, if spoken of, it would amount to an Emperor meddling in the two sects' Dharma debate, damaging his reputation.

Soon, the once-crowded great hall stood empty.

However, things did not unfold as the gathered immortals had imagined.

The Sovereign of the Eastern Extreme watched Shen Yi below with a calm gaze: "Immortals have gathered from across the Eastern Continent, and upon careful inspection, I notice quite a few are missing. Most of them lacked the ability and so perished, but the one who serves as my attendant should not fall into that category."

"Do you have any thoughts on why Qixian is not here?"

Under the scrutiny of a Sovereign, Shen Yi's expression remained unchanged. He shook his head and said bluntly: "This junior does not know."

Upon hearing this, the Sovereign of the Eastern Extreme's eyes shifted slightly. After a long pause, he gave a faint smile and did not press further: "The words I spoke last time still stand. The gates of the Sovereign's residence remain open to you at any time."

As his voice fell, that lean figure slowly dissipated from the altar.

Shen Yi turned to leave the great hall.

Just then, a gentle female voice rose from behind him.

"Why is it that, even though you are clearly lying and you know he knows you are lying, you show not the slightest hint of guilt?"

(End of chapter)