Chapter 221: Debating the Chan and Jie Sect Doctrines, Burning Lamp Crosses the Calamity to Discuss the Dao!

Although we are prepared to take on disciples, we cannot allow just anyone to become our disciples.

As the lineage of sages, we ought to possess the dignity of the sage's path.

Yuanshi spoke, saying:

Even though the Three Pure Ones are eager to enhance their reputation, Yuanshi has always held himself in high esteem.

In his opinion, taking on disciples naturally cannot mean accepting every living being under heaven.

Otherwise, anyone could join the Three Pure Ones' sect—wouldn't that diminish their standing?!

Laozi merely smiled faintly in response and said:

Hehe, when I take on disciples, I value the word 'fate'.

Sentient beings in the world are innumerable; follow fate.

He, however, appeared quite relieved, without giving it much thought.

Upon hearing this, Yuanshi's face slightly stiffened, yet he didn't say anything further.

Although Yuanshi didn't fully agree with Laozi's notion of accepting disciples, he has long revered this elder brother over the endless ages, so he naturally refrained from objecting.

After a moment's contemplation, Yuanshi made a decision.

He gazed upon Kunlun Mountain, then suddenly spoke in a loud voice:

I will set up an unsurpassed formation here.

To test the aptitude, fortune, and destiny of those who come to become disciples, and so on.

Only those who excel in all respects may be admitted into my Chan Sect.

Yuanshi's words were arrogantly unmatched.

Laozi and Yuanshi have both made their decisions.

The two then turned their gaze to the silent Tongtian.

Third Brother, what are you planning?!

Laozi asked:

Upon hearing this, Tongtian did not immediately reply, but instead fell into contemplation.

After a long while, he then said:

My Jie Sect teaches without discrimination!

Any sentient being in the world may join our sect.

After all, the doctrine of my Jie Sect lies in the character 'cut'—to seek a sliver of hope for all beings.

Under such doctrine, aptitude and the like are not important.

Obviously, Tongtian also fully grasped the fundamental doctrine of the Jie Sect he founded.

Upon hearing this, Laozi seemed thoughtful, his expression calm, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

However, Yuanshi furrowed his brow.

Third Brother, doing this seems somewhat improper, doesn't it?!

This remark left Tongtian startled; he looked at Yuanshi with some confusion, as if not understanding the meaning.

Only hearing Yuanshi continue to say:

We, the Three Pure Ones, were formerly the direct disciples of the Patriarch.

Now, having become sages, we are also supreme.

If we were to follow the so-called 'teach without discrimination,' wouldn't it cause our disciples to be of mixed quality, truly disgracing the prestige of the Three Pure Ones?

What Yuanshi said is naturally reasonable.

Nowadays, the Three Pure Ones remain united, as close as brothers.

Moreover, they cultivate together on Kunlun Mountain; one could say the lineage of the Three Pure Ones is regarded as a single entity.

Therefore, in Yuanshi's view, although the three have each established their own lineages,

but if the disciples of the Jie Sect are too inadequate, they will also bring shame upon the name of the Three Pure Ones.

Upon hearing Yuanshi's words, Tongtian's brow slightly furrowed, as if somewhat displeased.

We, as sages, naturally bear the responsibility of educating all beings.

Could it be that only those with excellent aptitude and extraordinary talent are qualified to cultivate the Great Dao?

All beings under heaven are inherently equal; how could that disgrace our prestige?

Tongtian stood by his view, using it to rebut Yuanshi.

But regarding this, Yuanshi snorted without hesitation.

Equality of all beings? Third Brother, you're being too naive.

Some beings are born destined to be mediocre and accomplish nothing, living mundane lives.

Moreover, the notion of 'seizing a sliver of hope' is likewise a fantasy.

Little do they know, the Heavenly Dao is supreme; we need only follow the will of heaven, and that is enough.

Facing this Third Brother Tongtian, Yuanshi evidently has no reservations.

The two exchanged words back and forth; from the idea of taking disciples, it has already turned into a debate over doctrine.

Even so, the two have become somewhat flushed, neither yielding.

Tongtian still wanted to speak, to argue further.

But just then, Laozi's face darkened, full of reproach, and he said:

Enough!

We each created our own lineages; we only need to follow our own inner thoughts.

If we continue arguing, we'll just waste time.

It would be better to swiftly announce to all beings of heaven and earth and begin accepting disciples.

Translation: "Still, it's best to swiftly announce to all beings of heaven and earth, to open the matter of accepting disciples."

We need to identify any names: none.

As soon as these words were spoken,

"This statement spoken."

No names.

Yuanshi and Tongtian immediately fell silent, not daring to argue further.

"Yuanshi and Tongtian immediately fell silent, daring not to continue arguing."

Note: Yuanshi and Tongtian are personal names, so they should be written in pinyin according to the rules.

Among the Three Pure Ones, Laozi takes the lead, and his prestige still commands the utmost respect from Yuanshi and Tongtian.

"Among the Three Pure Ones, Laozi takes the lead; his prestige still makes Yuanshi and Tongtian hold him in utmost respect."

Note: Three Pure Ones is a sect and should be translated by meaning.

Note: Laozi is a personal name and should be rendered in pinyin.

Note: Yuanshi and Tongtian are personal names and should be rendered in pinyin.

Once his words were spoken, Laozi hesitated no longer and spoke first.

"When the words fell, Laozi no longer hesitated, speaking first."

Names: Laozi (already).

I am the Supreme Elder Laozi, now announcing in the name of the Ren Sect leader to all beings of heaven and earth.

"I am the Supreme Elder Laozi; now in the name of the Ren Sect's sect leader, I announce to all beings of heaven and earth."

Note: The honorific 'Supreme Elder' applies to Laozi; the Ren Sect should be rendered as 'the Ren Sect'.

From today onward, I will start taking on disciples.

"From today onward, I shall begin accepting disciples."

No names.

Those who are fated with my Ren Sect may enter it.

"Those who have affinity with my Ren Sect may enter the Ren Sect."

Again Ren Sect.

Laozi's words rolled like thunder, sweeping across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths and reaching the ears of countless beings throughout heaven and earth.

"Laozi's words rolled like thunder, sweeping across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, falling into the ears of countless myriad beings in the world."

Note: Nine Heavens and Ten Earths is a cosmological term and should be translated by meaning.

Right after, Yuanshi and Tongtian also spoke without hesitation.

"Immediately thereafter, Yuanshi and Tongtian also spoke without hesitation."

Names: Yuanshi, Tongtian (already).

I am Yuanshi, and I have set up a supreme formation; those who pass its trial can become disciples of the Chan Sect.

"I am Yuanshi; I have established a supreme formation. Those who pass the formation's test may become disciples of the Chan Sect."

Note: Yuanshi is a personal name; Supreme Formation and Chan Sect should be translated by meaning.

I am Tongtian, and I will accept disciples widely, teaching without distinction—all beings of heaven and earth may come to become my disciples.

"I am Tongtian; I widely accept disciples, teaching without distinction; all beings of heaven and earth may come to pay respects as teacher."

Note: Tongtian is a personal name.

The three's words reverberated outward.

"The words of the three echoed backward."

Note: 'the three' refers to Laozi, Yuanshi, and Tongtian.

In an instant, a tremendous surge rippled through heaven and earth.

"For a moment, a great upheaval arose again between heaven and earth."

No names.

Countless beings gazed in awe, and countless mighty figures were filled with astonishment.

"Countless myriad beings looked askance; innumerable mighty giants were shocked and astonished."

No names.

Hiss... The Three Pure Ones sages have also started transmitting the Great Dao and accepting disciples?!

"Hiss... The Three Pure Ones' sages' Great Dao transmission also began accepting disciples?!"

Note: Three Pure Ones Sages refers to the Three Pure Ones; Great Dao Transmission should be translated by meaning.

Heavens, what day is this? First came Jieyin and Zhunti, then the Three Pure Ones.

"Heavens, what day is today? First Jieyin Zhunti, then the Three Pure Ones."

Note: Jieyin and Zhunti are personal names; Three Pure Ones is a sect.

Holy beings from all directions are widely accepting disciples—this is a great opportunity for us cultivators.

"All the sages widely accept disciples; this is a great opportunity for us cultivators."

No specific names.

However, the Dao lineage of the Three Pure Ones and the Western Buddhist Sect... which should we follow?

"However, the Dao lineage of the Three Pure Ones and the Western Buddhist gate.... which lineage should we actually join?"

Note: The Dao lineage of the Three Pure Ones can be rendered as 'Three Pure Ones' Dao Lineage'; Western Buddhist Sect should be translated by meaning.

All beings gasped in amazement.

"All beings gasped."

No names.

Sages one after another began accepting disciples, as if a tremendous blessing had fallen from heaven, leaving all beings unsettled.

"The sages all opened their mouths to accept disciples, no different from a heavenly bestowal of great blessing, making all beings unsettled."

No names.

But soon after, countless beings fell into indecision again.

"But soon after, countless beings fell into hesitation again."

No names.

Even those who had originally rushed toward the Western Heaven and Earth now halted and turned their gaze toward Kunlun Mountain.

"Even some beings who originally hurriedly rushed to the Western heavens and earth now stopped their steps and turned to look toward Kunlun Mountain."

Note: Western Heaven and Earth should be translated by meaning; Kunlun Mountain is a place name rendered in pinyin.

The Three Pure Ones' words actually gave beings more options.

"When the Three Pure Ones spoke, it gave beings yet more choices."

Note: Three Pure Ones is a sect.

Moreover, taking a master is of great significance; once done, it binds one completely.

"Moreover, the matter of taking a teacher is of great significance; once one truly takes a teacher, it becomes a complete binding."

No names.

Later regretting it would be considered apostasy.

"Later, if one wishes to regret, that would be the sin of apostasy."

No names.

Naturally, beings must think it over carefully.

"Beings naturally need to consider carefully."

No names.

Voices of discussion arose in all directions throughout heaven and earth.

"Voices of discussion also arose in all directions between heaven and earth."

No names.

In my view, it's still best to become a disciple of the Three Pure Ones sages.

"In my view, it's still best to take the Three Pure Ones' sages as teachers."

Note: Three Pure Ones Sages refers to the Three Pure Ones.

Those three are ultimately the orthodox lineage of Pangu, direct disciples of the Dao Ancestor, and cannot be compared to the two saints Jieyin and Zhunti.

"Those three are after all the Orthodox Lineage of Pangu, and are direct disciples transmitted by the Dao Ancestor, not comparable to the two sages Jieyin Zhunti."

Note: Pangu Orthodox Lineage and Dao Ancestor should be translated by meaning; Jieyin and Zhunti are personal names.

Furthermore, the West has been impoverished for ages; even if it recovers somewhat, it will remain extremely limited.

"Furthermore, the West has been barren for myriad ages; even if there is some recovery, it must be extremely limited."

Note: 'the West' is a generic term.

Still, becoming a disciple of the Three Pure Ones sages to enjoy boundless innate spiritual energy is more beneficial for one's cultivation.

"Still, taking the Three Pure Ones' sages as teachers to enjoy boundless innate spiritual energy is more beneficial for one's cultivation."

Note: Three Pure Ones Sages refers to the Three Pure Ones; innate spiritual energy is a concept.

Some strong ones said this.

"A strong one said thus."

No names.

But some mighty beings objected.

"But also a mighty one refuted."

No names.

Hehe, that's not necessarily the case.

"Hehe, that's not necessarily so."

No names.

Although the Western Jieyin and Zhunti did not personally receive transmission from the Dao Ancestor, they attained the Dao earlier, which suffices to show their extraordinariness.

"The Western Jieyin Zhunti, although not personally transmitted by the Dao Ancestor, has attained the Dao earlier, enough to show its extraordinariness."

Note: Western Jieyin and Zhunti are personal names with a directional modifier; Dao Ancestor is a title.

Moreover, Red Yun has now entered the Buddhist Sect and will surely become a sage.

"Moreover, Red Yun has now entered the Buddhist gate; in the future he will surely become a sage."

Note: Red Yun is a personal name rendered in pinyin; Buddhist Sect should be translated by meaning.

In that case, one day the Buddhist Sect will surely be presided over by the Three Saints and will not be inferior to the Three Pure Ones.

"Thus, one day the Buddhist Sect will surely have the Three Saints presiding, and will not be inferior to the Three Pure Ones."

Note: Buddhist Sect already noted; Three Saints likely refers to the Three Pure Ones.

Not bad, not bad—don't forget, the West still has that stunningly talented disciple Chen Ku.

"Not bad, not bad, everyone don't forget, the West also has that astonishingly talented disciple Chen Ku."

Note: 'the West' is generic; Chen Ku is the protagonist's name rendered in pinyin.

If disciples can attain such profound Dao, doesn't that further show that the two saints Jieyin and Zhunti have excellent teaching methods?

"Disciples can cultivate to such profound Dao; isn't that further proof that the two saints Jieyin Zhunti are adept at teaching disciples?"

Note: Jieyin and Zhunti are the two saints.

Moreover, compared to the Eastern Heaven and Earth, the West also has no strife and is even more peaceful and harmonious.

"Furthermore, compared to the Eastern Heaven and Earth, the West also has no strife, being even more peaceful and harmonious."

Note: Eastern Heaven and Earth should be translated by meaning; 'the West' is generic.

In a short moment, two utterly different viewpoints arose in the hearts of beings.

"In a short moment, two utterly different viewpoints arose in the hearts of beings."

No names.

Between the two sides, each has its own considerations, making it hard to convince the other.

"Between the two sides, each has its own considerations, hard to convince each other."

No names.

Thus, streams of figures went their separate ways.

"Thus, figures also went their separate ways."

No names.

Someone went to Kunlun Mountain.

Someone went to Kunlun Mountain.

Note: Kunlun Mountain is a place name rendered in pinyin.

Also beings continue to persist, heading toward the Western Heaven and Earth.

Some beings continued to persist, heading toward the Western Heaven and Earth.

Note: Western Heaven and Earth should be translated by meaning.

In short, on this day the primordial heaven and earth utterly broke the former tranquility.

In short, the primordial heaven and earth of that day had its ancient tranquility completely shattered.

Note: Primordial Heaven and Earth should be translated by meaning.

Western Kunlun!

"Western Kunlun!"

Note: Western Kunlun is a place name rendered in pinyin.

This is a boundless divine peak immortal vein stretching millions of li, with countless towering peaks, majestic and grand, its light from endless stars shining upon it, making it wondrous and extraordinary.

"This is a divine peak immortal vein stretching millions of li, countless great peaks, towering and majestic, illuminated by endless starlight, making it appear divine and extraordinary."

Note: Divine Peak Immortal Vein should be translated by meaning; great peaks is generic.

Nine Cauldron Iron Fork Mountain is indeed one such divine peak, abounding in spiritual energy and resplendent with immortal light.

"Nine Cauldron Iron Fork Mountain is precisely one such spirit-abundant, immortal-light-radiant divine peak among them."

Note: Nine Cauldron Iron Fork Mountain should be translated by meaning; divine peak is generic.

At that moment, on the mountain, two figures sat facing each other in the posture of discussing the Dao.

"At this moment, on the mountain, two silhouettes sit opposite each other, in the posture of discussing the Dao."

No names.

These two are none other than Daoist Randeng and True Person Du E.

"These two are none other than one is the Daoist Ran Deng, the other is the True Person Du E."

Note: Randeng and Du E are personal names rendered in pinyin; Daoist and True Person are titles.

Both are top-tier innate mighty beings, peers of the Three Pure Ones and others.

"Both are top-tier innate mighty beings, of the same generation as the Three Pure Ones etc."

Note: top-tier innate mighty beings is generic; Three Pure Ones etc. refers to the Three Pure Ones and similar beings.

In the past, they lectured at the Purple Aurora Palace, and they were two of the three thousand guests there.

"Formerly, they lectured at the Purple Aurora Palace; they were also two of the three thousand guests of the Purple Aurora Palace."

Note: Purple Aurora Palace should be translated by meaning; three thousand guests is generic.

They heard the Great Dao Transmission from Jieyin and Zhunti, followed by the Three Pure Ones.

"Having heard the successive Great Dao sound transmissions of Jieyin Zhunti and the Three Pure Ones."

Note: Jieyin and Zhunti are personal names; Three Pure Ones is a sect; Great Dao Transmission should be translated by meaning.

The two also temporarily ceased their discussion of the Dao.

"The two also temporarily ceased their discussion of the Dao."

No names.

Randeng's figure was stooped, appearing extremely thin.

"Randeng's form is stooped, appearing extremely emaciated."

Note: Randeng is a personal name rendered in pinyin.

His eye sockets were sunken, his whole body surrounded by an inescapable aura of death.

"His eye sockets are sunken, his whole body surrounded by an inescapable deathly aura."

No names.

At this moment, Randeng gazed deeply toward the direction of Kunlun Mountain.

"At this moment, Randeng gazes deeply toward the direction of Kunlun Mountain."

Note: Randeng is a personal name rendered in pinyin; Kunlun Mountain is a place name rendered in pinyin.

The sage begins to accept disciples; this is where our opportunity lies.

We too should consider which doctrine to take refuge under.

Ran Deng said in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Du E Zhenren beside him was instantly startled, his face full of astonishment.

Take a master?!

What nonsense are you speaking, Fellow Daoist Ran Deng?!

We were once among the three thousand guests of the Purple Azure Palace, listening to the Great Dao together with the Three Pure Ones.

If we were to take those few as masters, wouldn't that be lowering our status and inviting ridicule from all beings?

Du E Zhenren was greatly shocked.

The Three Pure Ones, Jieyin, Zhunti, and others who have proved the Dao and become sages are indeed immensely powerful, beyond measure.

But our seniority stands here.

In his view, we are peers; why should we lower ourselves to become disciples of the Three Pure Ones?

If this were to spread, what face would the ancient mighty have? Wouldn't it make all beings laugh till their teeth fall out?

However, Ran Deng seems to have already considered this.

Hearing Du E Zhenren's words, he said softly without turning his head:

Fellow Daoist Du E, the situation of heaven and earth has changed nowadays.

Times shift, the era of sages has arrived; the so-called primordial mighty are no longer anything.

Even those like Dong Wanggong, though formidable, have not they perished and their Dao vanished?

In the present age, even if we are primordial mighty, we are still a lone tree unable to stand.

Only by joining the sages' doctrine, taking the great teaching as our backing, can we continue to stand in this world.

Ran Deng's words left Du E stunned.

Upon careful thought, it truly is as Ran Deng said.

Even the three thousand mighty of old, there are not many left now.

Existences like Dong Wanggong, who once dominated a region, have fallen one after another.

Many more strong ones have chosen to join the sages' doctrine, such as Ancestor Hongyun.

This......

Du E Zhenren had nothing to say, and had to agree with Ran Deng's consideration.

If so, Fellow Daoist Ran Deng, which sage are you preparing to take as master?

No need for many words; Ran Deng's speech has already moved Du E, causing him to also conceive the idea of taking a sage as master.

As for which sage to take as master, that naturally still needs weighing.

Hearing Du E's words, Ran Deng glanced toward Kunlun Mountain.

The Sage Yuan Shi accepts disciples with strictness and high demands; such a doctrine surely has limitless potential.

I favor the lineage of the Chan Sect.

Ran Deng voiced the thought in his heart.

However, Du E Zhenren does not appear to agree with this.

Shaking his head, Du E Zhenren said in a deep voice:

In my view, the Three Pure Ones' doctrine is not to be entered.

Laozi practices non-action, Yuan Shi is arrogant and ruthless, and Tong Tian acts recklessly.

These three teachings each have flaws; they are not good places to go.

These words can be called shocking to the world and outrageous to customs.

To rashly speak of sages, if known, could possibly invite calamity.

However, Du E and Ran Deng have been close friends for endless ages, trusting each other deeply.

Therefore, Du E Zhenren could speak these words frankly, without any worry.

From another angle, this also shows the depth of their friendship.

Hearing Du E's words, Ran Deng raised his eyebrows.

So you're saying you favor the Buddhist sect of Jieyin and Zhunti?!

This time, Du E Zhenren nodded.

Not bad!

The Western Buddhist doctrine is magnificent, spread throughout the nine heavens and ten earths.

Moreover, there are talents like Chen Ku, with limitless potential.

I faintly feel that, given time, the achievements of the Buddhist sect will be unsurpassable.

Ran Deng was even more surprised, seemingly not expecting Du E to hold such high regard—or expectation—for the Western Buddhist sect.

However, Ran Deng still continued to speak in rebuttal:

In my view, it is not so.

The people of the West act shamelessly; how could their reputation compare to that of the Three Pure Ones?

It is obvious that Ran Deng does not have much fondness for the West.

Hearing this, Du E was not surprised either; he had anticipated it.

Hehe, it seems we two will find it hard to convince each other.

Since that's the case, why don't we each choose the doctrine we favor?!

Given time, the outcome will become clear.

Although Ran Deng somewhat belittles the Western Buddhist sect, Du E Zhenren is not annoyed.

Each person's karmic conditions differ; debate is naturally within reason.

This is also the meaning of discussing the Dao.

On the other side, Ran Deng likewise showed a smile.

"Hehe, exactly so."

"Although we each enter different sage lineages, we will still be close friends in the future."

"If there is an opportunity, we should again sit and discuss the Dao."

"This is what is meant by: a gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity!"

"At this moment, this saying is vividly manifested in Ran Deng and Du E, appearing quite moving."

"As the words fell, the two looked at each other and burst into hearty laughter toward the sky."

"By this point, the two have in fact already made a decision."

"Without further words, after a fond farewell, the two each set out, departing from West Kunlun."

"Ran Deng set off, heading toward Kunlun Mountain; the two were extremely close."

"In just a moment, Ran Deng entered Kunlun Mountain."

"While Du E Zhenren gave a relieved smile, he likewise traversed the universe, flying westward at great speed."