Chapter 291

One must know.

One must know.

Black Dragon and his companions were not formerly anyone who could shake heaven and earth.

Meaning: "Like Heilong and others, they were not formerly anyone who shook heaven and earth." More natural: "Heilong and the like were not formerly anyone renowned." Let's translate: "Heilong and the like were not formerly anyone who shook heaven and earth."

Even as beings of the three races, they were despised by heaven and forsaken by the gods, at first only able to tuck their tails and stay hidden, never showing themselves.

Meaning: "Even, as beings of the three races, they were existences despised by heaven and abandoned by gods; initially they could only tuck their tails and hide from the world." Let's translate: "Even as beings of the three races, they were existences despised by heaven and abandoned by the gods; at first they could only tuck their tails and remain hidden."

However, since entering the West, everyone's status has soared.

Meaning: "However, since entering the West, everyone's status can be said to have skyrocketed." Translate: "However, since entering the West, everyone's status has skyrocketed."

Whenever it is mentioned, all beings must show it three parts of respect, not daring to be the slightest bit negligent.

Meaning: "Whenever mentioned, all beings must show three parts of respect, daring not to be the slightest bit negligent." Translate: "Whenever mentioned, all beings must show three parts of respect and dare not be the slightest bit negligent."

Of course, the greater reason is the awe-inspiring power of Buddhism.

Meaning: "Of course, the greater reason is that they are subdued by the might of the Buddhist gate." Translate: "Of course, the greater reason is that they are subdued by the might of the Buddhist gate."

But this already made everyone overjoyed, unable to contain their excitement.

Meaning: "But this already makes everyone extremely fortunate, excited beyond measure." Translate: "But this already makes everyone extremely fortunate, excited beyond measure."

Black Dragon and the others' gazes toward Chen Ku's Dao field grew ever more reverent.

Meaning: "Heilong and the others' gazes toward Chen Ku's dojo also grew ever more reverent." Translate: "Heilong and the others looked toward Chen Ku's dojo with ever-growing reverence."

Nothing else!

Nothing else!

All of this is what Chen Ku brought to them, or rather, the dignity he bestowed upon them.

Meaning: "All of this is what Chen Ku brought to them, or rather, bestowed upon them as dignity." Translate: "All of this is what Chen Ku brought to them, or rather, bestowed upon them as dignity."

While Black Dragon and the others secretly sighed.

Meaning: "While Heilong and the others were secretly sighing." Translate: "While Heilong and the others secretly sighed."

The myriad beings have now each found their own place.

Meaning: "The myriad beings have by now each found their own place." Translate: "The myriad beings have by now each found their own place."

The two corpse quasi-sages, and even beings of higher realms, directly entered the Mahavira Hall at the summit of Mount Sumeru.

Meaning: "Two Corpse Quasi-Sages, and even higher beings, directly entered the Mahavira Hall at the summit of Mount Sumeru." Translate: "Two Corpse Quasi-Sages, and even higher beings, directly entered the Mahavira Hall at the summit of Mount Sumeru."

The one corpse quasi-sage, however, had no such qualification and could only stand outside the Mahavira Hall.

Meaning: "One Corpse Quasi-Sage, however, fundamentally lacks this qualification, and can only stand outside the Mahavira Hall." Translate: "One Corpse Quasi-Sage, however, fundamentally lacks this qualification, and can only stand outside the Mahavira Hall."

Even a Golden Immortal of the Great Luo could only stand beneath Mount Sumeru, gazing up at the endless Buddha light above the heavens.

Meaning: "Great Luo Golden Immortals can only stand at the foot of Mount Sumeru, gazing up at the endless Buddha-light above the high heavens." Translate: "Great Luo Golden Immortals can only stand at the foot of Mount Sumeru, gazing up at the endless Buddha-light above the high heavens."

As for the weaker Taiyi Golden Immortals, Golden Immortals, and other cultivators, they were already tens of thousands of li away.

Meaning: "As for weaker cultivators such as Taiyi Golden Immortals and Golden Immortals, they have already been driven a myriad li away." Translate: "As for weaker cultivators such as Taiyi Golden Immortals and Golden Immortals, they have already been driven a myriad li away."

In the primordial world, strength is supreme, and now it is displayed in full, dripping detail.

Meaning: "In the primordial world, strength is supreme; at this moment it is displayed in full measure." Translate: "In the primordial world, strength is supreme; at this moment it is displayed in full measure."

Firstly, the laws and order of the Western heavens and earth are now complete.

Meaning: "First, the laws and order of the Western world are now complete." Translate: "First, the laws and order of the Western world are now complete."

Those lacking strength, if they rashly try to seize a front position, will be suppressed by those powerful laws.

Meaning: "Those of insufficient strength, if they rashly seize a forward position, will be suppressed by those powerful laws." Translate: "Those of insufficient strength, if they rashly seize a forward position, will be suppressed by those powerful laws."

Secondly, the number of beings gathered in the West this time is indeed too great.

Meaning: "Second, the beings gathered in the West this time are indeed too many." Translate: "Second, the beings gathered in the West this time are indeed too many."

One could even say it is multitudinous to an inconceivable degree!

Meaning: "One can even say it is many to an inconceivable degree!" Translate: "One can even say it is many to an inconceivable degree!"

Therefore, there has come about such an apparently strict hierarchy.

Meaning: "Therefore, there has come about such an apparently strict hierarchy." Translate: "Therefore, there has come about such an apparently strict hierarchy."

In the face of this, countless weak beings can only feel envy, yet are powerless to change it.

Meaning: "In response, countless weak beings can only feel envy in their hearts, yet are powerless." Translate: "In response, countless weak beings can only feel envy in their hearts, yet are powerless."

Amidst a tumultuous uproar of voices.

Meaning: "Amidst a tumultuous din of voices." Translate: "Amidst a tumultuous din of voices."

At a certain moment!

Meaning: "At a certain moment!" Translate: "At a certain moment!"

Heavenly flowers wondrously fall, earth gushes auspicious light!

Meaning: "Heavenly flowers wondrously fall, earth surges auspicious light!" Translate: "Heavenly flowers wondrously fall, earth surges auspicious light!"

The sage's might descends from the nine heavens, making all beings feel it in their hearts and their scalps go numb.

Meaning: "Sage's might descends from the ninth heaven, making all beings feel it in their hearts and their scalps go numb." Translate: "Sage's might descends from the ninth heaven, making all beings feel it in their hearts and their scalps go numb."

Gazing intently, one sees a peerlessly elegant figure slowly descending, immortal robes fluttering in the vast sky, surpassing all ages in beauty, causing heaven and earth to lose their color.

Meaning: "Gazing intently, one sees a peerlessly elegant figure slowly descending, immortal robes soaring above the vast sky, gorgeous beyond all ages, causing heaven and earth to lose color." Translate: "Gazing intently, one sees a peerlessly elegant figure slowly descending, immortal robes soaring above the vast sky, gorgeous beyond all ages, causing heaven and earth to lose color."

Without a doubt, this is the descent of the sage Nüwa.

Meaning: "Without doubt, this is the Sage Nüwa descending." Translate: "Without doubt, this is the Sage Nüwa descending."

Seeing this, all beings hurriedly knelt and paid their respects.

Meaning: "Seeing this, all beings hurriedly kneel and pay respects." Translate: "Seeing this, all beings hurriedly kneel and pay respects."

"We pay our respects to the sage Nüwa!"

Meaning: "\"We pay our respects to the Sage Nüwa! \"" Translate: "\"We pay our respects to the Sage Nüwa! \""

The loud cries echoed between heaven and earth.

Meaning: "The loud shout echoes between heaven and earth." Translate: "The loud shout echoes between heaven and earth."

In response, Nüwa remained indifferent, merely uttering a few words lightly.

Meaning: "In response, Nüwa is very composed, merely lightly uttering a few words." Translate: "In response, Nüwa is very composed, merely lightly uttering a few words."

"No need for excessive courtesy!"

Meaning: "\"No need for excessive courtesy! \"" Translate: "\"No need for excessive courtesy! \""

At the same time, the beings finally saw clearly.

Meaning: "At the same time, beings finally see clearly." Translate: "At the same time, beings finally see clearly."

Behind Nüwa, there were two more figures.

Meaning: "Behind Nüwa, there are two more figures." Translate: "Behind Nüwa, there are two more figures."

One of them is naturally Fuxi.

Meaning: "One is naturally Fuxi." Translate: "One is naturally Fuxi."

The other, clad in Buddhist robes, with a solemn and dignified appearance, is none other than Lu Ya, whom Nüwa once took away.

Meaning: "The other, clad in Buddhist robes, with a solemn and dignified appearance, is none other than Lu Ya, whom Nüwa once took away." Translate: "The other, clad in Buddhist robes, with a solemn and dignified appearance, is none other than Lu Ya, whom Nüwa once took away."

With the sage's descent, the welcoming bodhisattvas, Red Cloud, and Chen Ku, etc., naturally also instantly felt it in their hearts.

Meaning: "With the Sage's descent, Jieyin, Zhunti, Hong Yun, and Chen Ku, etc., naturally also instantly feel it." Translate: "With the Sage's descent, Jieyin, Zhunti, Hong Yun, and Chen Ku, etc., naturally also instantly feel it."

Several people also finally manifested themselves.

Meaning: "Those few also finally manifest." Translate: "Those few also finally manifest."

"Hehe, I have greeted Senior Sister Nüwa!"

Meaning: "\"Hehe, I have paid respects to Senior Sister Nüwa! \"" Translate: "\"Hehe, I have paid respects to Senior Sister Nüwa! \""

The welcoming bodhisattva said thus.

Meaning: "Jieyin Zhunti said thus." Translate: "Jieyin Zhunti said thus."

Chen Ku and Red Yun also followed suit, paying their respects and greeting Nüwa.

Meaning: "Chen Ku and Hong Yun also followed suit, paying respects, having seen Nüwa." Translate: "Chen Ku and Hong Yun also followed suit, paying respects, having seen Nüwa."

In response, Nüwa gave a light smile and did not say much more.

Meaning: "In response, Nüwa gave a light smile, and did not say much more." Translate: "In response, Nüwa gave a light smile, and did not say much more."

But at that very moment, behind her, Lu Ya's formerly calm and still eyes suddenly brightened the instant he saw Chen Ku.

Meaning: "But at this moment, behind her, Lu Ya's originally calm and still eyes, upon seeing Chen Ku for an instant, suddenly brightened greatly." Translate: "But at this moment, behind her, Lu Ya's originally calm and still eyes, upon seeing Chen Ku for an instant, suddenly brightened greatly."

He even disregarded the sage's presence, walking reverently up to Chen Ku.

Meaning: "He also didn't bother with the Sage's presence, walking reverently up to Chen Ku." Translate: "He also didn't bother with the Sage's presence, walking reverently up to Chen Ku."

"Lu Ya pays respects to Senior Chen Ku!"

Meaning: "\"Lu Ya pays respects to Senior Chen Ku! \"" Translate: "\"Lu Ya pays respects to Senior Chen Ku! \""

"After countless ages, I am fortunate to see my senior again and hear the Buddhist teachings."

Meaning: "\"After countless ages, I am fortunate to see the senior again and listen to the Dharma. \"" Translate: "\"After countless ages, I am fortunate to see the senior again and listen to the Dharma. \""

"This is truly a great fortune!"

Meaning: "\"This is truly a great fortune! \"" Translate: "\"This is truly a great fortune! \""

It is evident that Lu Ya has long awaited this sage's discourse today.

Meaning: "It can be seen that Lu Ya has also long awaited this Sage's discourse today." Translate: "It can be seen that Lu Ya has also long awaited this Sage's discourse today."

But what he cares about is not what the Three Pure Ones, Nüwa, etc., speak of, but rather he wishes to hear more of the Buddhist marvelous teachings.

Meaning: "But what he cares about is not what the Three Pure Ones, Nüwa, etc., speak, but rather he only wishes to hear more of the Buddhist gate's wondrous Dharma." Translate: "But what he cares about is not what the Three Pure Ones, Nüwa, etc., speak, but rather he only wishes to hear more of the Buddhist gate's wondrous Dharma."

Seeing this, Nüwa couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Meaning: "Seeing him like this, Nüwa couldn't help but roll her eyes widely." Translate: "Seeing him like this, Nüwa couldn't help but roll her eyes widely."

Alright!

Meaning: "Alright!" or "Fine!" Translate: "Alright!"

This guy is beyond help!

Meaning: "This guy is beyond saving!" Translate: "This guy is beyond saving!"

However, today being a discussion among all sages, Nüwa also did not bother to quibble further.

Meaning: "However, today is a discussion among all the Sages, so Nüwa also does not bother to quibble further." Translate: "However, today is a discussion among all the Sages, so Nüwa also does not bother to quibble further."

And behind Nüwa, Fuxi at this moment appears calm-faced.

Meaning: "And behind Nüwa, Fuxi at this moment appears calm in countenance." Translate: "And behind Nüwa, Fuxi at this moment appears calm in countenance."

But in his heart, a tremendous upheaval has already arisen.

Meaning: "But his heart has already been stirred by huge waves and shocking tides." Translate: "But his heart has already been stirred by huge waves and shocking tides."

This is the first time he has witnessed the current state of the West.

Meaning: "This is still the first time he has witnessed the current scene of the West." Translate: "This is still the first time he has witnessed the current scene of the West."

Countless spiritual roots and immortal fruits, wondrous herbs and immortal blossoms cover the ground.

Meaning: "Spiritual roots and immortal fruits are countless; jade grasses and immortal flowers spread everywhere." Translate: "Spiritual roots and immortal fruits are countless; jade grasses and immortal flowers spread everywhere."

Spiritual qi like a waterfall, rich and vast, permeating heaven and earth.

Such a flourishing scene, compared to the demon court, exceeds it in every way.

Everything he saw and heard left Fuxi's heart shocked without cease.

No wonder... even the Three Pure Ones have agreed to discuss the Dao in the West.

At this moment, Fuxi seemed to have understood much.

At the same time, he also etched everything into his heart.

He had not forgotten that, besides listening to the Dao, he also bore the responsibility of gathering intelligence for the demon court.

And it was right after Nüwa's descent.

Soon after, an even more astonishing phenomenon appeared.

The Three Pure Ones also came following.

Three figures, towering and peerless, their holy might reinforcing each other, even more awe-inspiring than Nüwa.

And after the Three Pure Ones came, there were literally several thousand figures.

That was precisely the disciples of the Human, Orthodox, and Severed teachings—the Three Teachings.

Although it was the second time they had witnessed the Western scene, the Three Pure Ones still couldn't help but feel greatly moved.

In a hazy way, each of the Three Pure Ones felt a sense of unreality.

This damn... how come it feels even more prosperous than last time we came to the West?!

In fact, this is not an illusion.

The West today is truly a place of constant renewal.

Leaving aside other matters, even just some spiritual roots and immortal fruits with short maturation periods have already matured again one or two times.

Thus, the changes throughout the Western heaven and earth are easy to imagine.

Although their hearts were filled with astonishment, the Three Pure Ones strove to suppress it, showing no sign on their faces.

However, the Three Pure Ones could still feign composure.

But at this moment, the disciples of the Three Teachings behind them were already shocked beyond comparison, unable to hide it.

How... the Western heaven and earth actually looks like this?!

Didn't the master say the West was barren and frigid, a desolate land?!

Among the Twelve Golden Immortals, the Jade Cauldron True Person stared agape, almost dropping his jaw, unable to stop muttering to himself.

Numbed!

Totally numbed!

You know, the Primordial had said more than once that the West's qi fortune was poor and its blessings meager, in order to set off the majesty of the Three Pure Ones' Dao lineage.

This almost formed an inherent notion in the disciples' minds.

But what they saw today completely overturned that notion.

Or rather, it overturned what the Primordial had said.

The Jade Cauldron True Person could not believe it, even suspecting that his own master might have deliberately deceived him and his fellow disciples.

Even Guang Chengzi, at the forefront of the Twelve Golden Immortals, was no longer composed.

This... this... so many spiritual roots!

Heavens, I dare not imagine how happy it must be to be a Buddhist disciple!

Guang Chengzi said thus.

Envious!

Truly envious!

You must know that in Kunlun Mountain, only a single Yellow Mid-Plum tree can be called a top-grade spiritual root.

And such immortal fruits are exceedingly precious, not something these disciples can just eat whenever they want.

But as far as the eye can see, the spiritual roots among the Buddhist sect are practically endless.

Moreover, with few sentient beings, isn't it just a matter of eating whenever they want?!

This damn... it's literally infuriating to compare people to people!

Even the Twelve Golden Immortals are like this.

Behind Laozi, Xuandu remained silent.

But deep down, as he looked toward the human race beneath Mount Sumeru, he too felt envy and shock.

He originally thought that being able to become a disciple under the sage Laozi was already a great fortune.

But at this moment, Xuandu personally saw that the countless humans of the West each had an extraordinary aura, bathed in Buddhist light.

Even among them, some top experts had cultivation that was not inferior to his.

This... the great opportunity he had thought himself fortunate to obtain is actually commonplace in the Western heaven and earth, taken for granted?!

Could it be... that the West is where the Mandate of Heaven belongs?!

Xuandu subconsciously opened his mouth, murmuring softly to himself.

In short, the disciples of the Three Teachings at this moment were all dumbstruck, unable to move a step.

The disciples' state also fell into the eyes of the Three Pure Ones.

For a moment, the Three Pure Ones felt even more choked with resentment.

Losing face!

Truly, it's too embarrassing!

Hmph, you are disciples of sages; don't make such a disgraceful appearance!

Laozi snorted coldly in displeasure and rebuked them.

Upon hearing this, the disciples of the Three Teachings finally startled awake, their faces full of shame.

Correct!

Being like this, I truly am a laughingstock among all beings.

At the side, Yuanshi also spoke in a deep voice:

"No need for nonsense!"

"Hurry and enter the Mahavira Hall!"

The Three Pure Ones, as proper saints, are supreme and unmatched.

Therefore, they naturally can enter the Mahavira Hall with proper justification.

And their direct disciples, regardless of cultivation level, also possess this qualification.

Immediately, the Three Pure Ones, Nüwa, and others entered the Mahavira Hall and took their seats upon the saints' thrones.

That is a position exclusive to saints, transcendent and supreme, overlooking countless beings.

Little did they know, from beginning to end, Chen Ku took in all of this.

"Ah... it seems the disciples of the Three Teachings also lead a bitter life."

This time, Chen Ku did not lament his own suffering, but lamented the suffering of the Three Teachings' disciples.

However, though he said that, deep in Chen Ku's eyes lay a rather pleased feeling.

This is exactly the effect he wanted.

After all, among the Twelve Golden Immortals, figures like Puxian Daoist and Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun will later have great connections with the Buddhist Gate.

Thus, in the future, seeking to convert them might perhaps achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Thinking of this, Chen Ku's heart stirred, as if another idea had arisen.

He then turned his gaze to the True Person Du'e beside him.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Du'e, today Daoist Ran Deng has come."

"You two can also be considered old friends reuniting."

"Since the doctrinal discussion hasn't begun yet, why not go and catch up on old times?!"

Chen Ku said thus.

Hearing this, True Person Du'e startled, then immediately understood Chen Ku's meaning.

He gave a knowing smile, then immediately went to find Ran Deng to catch up, as Chen Ku had said.

In fact, there's no need for Chen Ku to say more; such situations are not uncommon.

For example, Du'e and Ran Deng, Cihang Zhenren with Puxian and Wenshu, etc., were once close friends.

Everyone had already gathered in one place, talking and laughing.

But in the conversation, Ran Deng, Puxian, and others had strange expressions and complex feelings.

Du'e and Ran Deng sat facing each other.

Ran Deng opened his mouth:

"Fellow Daoist Du'e, you now reside in the West and seem quite pleased with yourself!"

Ran Deng's eyes held some inexplicable meaning.

Unlike his position as Vice Sect Master of the Sect of the Unfolding.

Although Du'e holds no such title of Vice Sect Master, earlier he stood in for the saints, receiving various great powers, and thus he bears a matchless bearing and awe-inspiring dignity.

Hearing his words, Du'e glanced at Chen Ku, Jieyin, Zhunti, and others, then smiled knowingly:

"Hehe, since I entered the Buddhist Gate, I have received treasures bestowed by the saints and Fellow Daoist Chen Ku."

"Now I also possess two top-grade innate numinous treasures, and numerous wonderful Buddhist dharma and supernatural abilities have been added to me."

"Moreover, the saints and Fellow Daoist Chen Ku are generous, allowing us to enjoy various spiritual roots and immortal fruits."

"Therefore, the time since I entered the Buddhist Gate truly equals the hundreds of thousands of years of arduous cultivation I once endured."

Du'e concealed nothing, speaking leisurely.

Upon hearing this, Ran Deng's face froze, and he suddenly felt dazed.

Numinous Treasure?!

Cultivation methods and supernatural abilities?!

Spiritual roots and immortal fruits?!

This... this treatment is far too generous.

Although I knew Du'e was doing well in the Buddhist Gate.

but what he said still exceeded my expectations.

Looking back at myself, although I bear the nominal title of Vice Sect Master of the Sect of the Unfolding.

but Ran Deng knows all too well that, in the Sect of the Unfolding, Yuanshi has always been a hands-off manager.

Whether handling sect affairs or transmitting cultivation methods and supernatural abilities to disciples, it is all done by him in his role as Vice Sect Master.

Rather than being a Vice Sect Master, he is more like an errand runner for Saint Yuanshi.

As for spiritual roots and immortal fruits, there's no need to say more.

Being able to obtain one after tens of thousands of years is already a good treatment.

Comparing the two, it's literally heaven versus earth.

At this moment, Ran Deng truly couldn't help feeling sour.

"Could it be that our different choices back then meant Fellow Daoist Du'e was right, while my choice was wrong......"

Ran Deng gave rise to such a thought in his heart.

Thinking thus, he glanced at the satisfied Du'e, and his heart grew heavier.

The other side!

Cihang Daoist, Puxian Daoist, and Manjusri Vast Dharma Heavenly Venerable sat facing each other.

During their conversation, the two from the Salvation Sect were also no different.

"What? Cihang Dao friend now actually has accumulations of four innate spiritual treasures?!"

Puxian couldn't help but let out a low exclamation.

Four innate spiritual treasures!

Such foundation from Cihang Daoist truly shocked him.

Although they are nominally the personal disciples of the Primordial Sage, having one or two innate spiritual treasures in hand is already not bad.

The rest are merely insignificant acquired spiritual treasures.

Beside them, Manjusri was also filled with doubt.

"Uh... Cihang Dao friend's cultivation realm seems to have already reached the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal?!"

He said so.

Manjusri clearly remembered that, when the three of them first became close and cultivated together in the same place, Cihang's cultivation was not yet up to theirs.

But now, Manjusri and Puxian are at the late stage of Taiyi Golden Immortal.

Yet Cihang Daoist has already surpassed them.

Hearing this, Cihang Daoist smiled and nodded.

"Hehe, not bad!"

"Fortunately, Senior Chen Ku imparted various top-tier Buddhist cultivation methods and divine abilities, etc."

"This is what enabled my rapid progress and successive breakthroughs."

Such a response left Puxian and Manjusri even more dazed.

Numbed!

Completely numbed!

This is the huge difference brought by different choices.

Cihang Daoist entered the Buddhist Sect, and now he has overwhelmed them.

Doesn't this mean that the Dao tradition we chose is inferior to Cihang's?!

Exchanging a glance, Puxian and Manjusri felt extremely anguished, unable to respond.

Just then.

In the vast Mahavira Hall, the sage's immortal voice resounded, grand and mighty.

"Now our four great Dao traditions have gathered together."

"Disciples from all sides, hurry over; it's time we got to know each other."

The sage summoned an audience.

This only temporarily interrupted their conversation.

In a moment, the disciples of the four great sage Dao traditions also gathered together in one place.