Chapter 157

This was the deterrent power Duobao had once wielded.

To some extent, it proved Duobao's immense strength.

Although currently, Daoist Duobao appears to be on the same Jin Xian Realm as the Twelve Golden Immortals, the difference seems negligible.

But in the future, the gap between them will grow ever larger.

It could almost be said that among the direct disciples, Daoist Duobao is unquestionably the foremost—there's nothing wrong with that.

Otherwise, how could Duobao possibly qualify to become the future Buddha and lead the Fomen?

Becoming a Buddha also proves, to some extent, Duobao's innate talent.

The era of the Journey to the West.

In an age when the Saints do not emerge, the Buddha Tathagata would almost certainly be the supreme one.

Of course, Duobao has not yet reached this level, and he does not know what path his future will take.

The current strength of disciples from all sects has only just begun to develop.

The Twelve Golden Immortals may seem to be making slow progress now, but over time, they will gradually fall behind.

After the Jin Xian Realm, each subsequent realm becomes increasingly difficult to cultivate.

Taiyi Jin Xian might still be attainable through perseverance, but becoming a Daluo Jin Xian requires far more time and experience.

Clearly, as strength increases, the rate at which the Twelve Golden Immortals improve will slow down ever more.

Set that aside for now.

Duobao naturally saw the flicker of fate's light on Chi Jingzi's hand and smiled, "Brother Chi Jingzi, since fate has chosen you to fight me, I, your senior, will guide you well."

"Then I thank you, Senior Brother Duobao," Chi Jingzi said, drawing a deep breath and speaking solemnly.

The fact of their duel was already decided; Chi Jingzi could not resist.

Not only was this fate's decree, but the Saints were watching nearby—if Chi Jingzi showed excessive defiance and angered Master Yuanshi, his fate as a direct disciple would be dire.

As a disciple of Yuanshi Tianzun, Chi Jingzi knew well that his master was a Saint who cherished face above all.

"Boom…"

Duobao and Chi Jingzi transformed into two beams of light and entered the trial world created by Laozi.

Outside.

As Duobao and Chi Jingzi fought, all beings outside could see the battle within.

The three sects' trial was not merely a contest—it was also meant to help the disciples grow; observing battles between masters was a valuable opportunity.

This was why Laozi created the independent battle realm.

Clearly, this battle was entirely one-sided: Duobao crushed Chi Jingzi, who could not even resist.

Seeing this, Tongtian Jiaozhu smiled and said, "Senior Brother, it seems my disciple has won the first round."

"Hmph…" Yuanshi Tianzun snorted, "The battle has only just begun, and Duobao is your eldest disciple—defeating Chi Jingzi is only natural."

"Is that so? Then let us continue watching," Tongtian Jiaozhu said with a smile, not pressing further on Yuanshi Tianzun's stubbornness.

Just as Yuanshi Tianzun had said.

The battle between the two sects had only just begun.

Among the Three Pure Ones, Laozi regarded the battle with a detached glance, his eyes showing no ripple.

After all, no disciple from the Jiaozhu Sect was participating in this trial—he had come only to support his two junior brothers.

Soon, Duobao and Chi Jingzi's battle ended, and both emerged from the trial realm.

Duobao returned to the Jie Sect disciples with a full smile, while Chi Jingzi returned to the Chan Sect disciples with a grim face.

Yet the other Chan Sect disciples said nothing about the battle.

After all, Duobao was the eldest disciple of the Jie Sect, renowned far and wide; it was only natural that Chi Jingzi was no match for him.

"Hummm…" The light on Qiongxiao's hand spread outward.

At the same time.

The light of Yuanding True Person from the Chan Sect also expanded.

The next duel: Qiongxiao versus Yuanding True Person.