Chapter 292

Ren, Expounding, Cutting, Western—the four great Dao lineage disciples had all gathered.

Within the Ren Sect, Xuandu was the sole personal disciple, yet he was the head of the Mysterious Gate Dao Lineage, and nominally the eldest senior brother of all disciples of his generation.

In the Expounding Sect, there were the Twelve Golden Immortals; although Chen Ku had previously intercepted them, leading Cihang Daoist to take refuge in the Buddhist gate.

But perhaps it was Yuanshi who, in order to match the heavenly ordained number of twelve, took on another disciple to fill out the number of personal disciples.

As for this, although Chen Ku was fully aware, he didn't care.

Nowadays, with his strength, even Guang Chengzi, the leader of the Twelve Golden Immortals, need not be overly concerned.

As for the Jie Sect, Duobao, the Golden Spirit Holy Mother, the Wu Dang Holy Mother, and the Tortoise Spirit Holy Mother are the four great inner-door personal disciples.

Zhao Gongming, Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao are the outer-door elite disciples, all personal disciples of Saint Tongtian.

Everything matched exactly the information in Chen Ku's memories from his two lives.

Moreover, the disciples of the four great Dao lineages had previously had little interaction.

But after all, they were all disciples of sages, so they had long heard of each other.

Furthermore, when disciples of the Ren Sect, the Expounding Sect, and the Jie Sect exchanged courtesies, it was merely a brief formality.

When the Western disciples stepped forward, they instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"Is that the Western Sect's chief disciple, Chen Ku?!"

Hiss..... such a powerful aura, simply enough to rival the Deputy Sect Master of Ran Deng.

We don't know whether it's fortunate...... or if we should say it's unfortunate.

At this moment, the disciples of the Three Teachings whispered among themselves.

Without a doubt, Chen Ku is the focus of everyone's attention.

Among his peers, his brilliance can be said to overshadow the present age, with none able to match him.

Moreover, previously Laozi and Tongtian suppressed their sage cultivations to spar with Chen Ku.

Laozi was forced to use sage power, while Tongtian also fought Chen Ku to a draw.

It can be said that the legends about Chen Ku have long left the Three Teachings' disciples in awe.

Seeing him with their own eyes today, and at such a close distance, lets them truly feel Chen Ku's might.

Thus, they couldn't help but whisper, exclaiming repeatedly.

Facing such a reaction from the Three Teachings' disciples, Chen Ku remained calm, as if unaware.

And Jieyin and Zhunti also couldn't help but show a proud expression.

But Jieyin, however, smiled and said:

"Hehe, greetings, senior brothers and sisters!"

"These days, some of my disciples from the West are in charge of divine posts in the Underworld."

"It's a pity that I haven't had the chance to meet you all."

Jieyin wore a sighing expression.

Hearing this, the Three Pure Ones couldn't help but roll their eyes inwardly, feeling speechless.

"What the hell, are you even explaining?!"

"Clearly you're just showing off."

After all, the disciples of the Three Teachings only have the strength to walk the world under the protection of their respective masters.

Whereas most of your Buddhist disciples are already capable of standing on their own.

"This is just blatant showing off!"

Laozi, his head full of black lines, immediately spoke in a muffled voice:

"Alright!"

"The disciples from all sides have already become acquainted."

"We should also begin our discussion of the Dao."

Laozi simply ignored Jieyin's words.

Upon these words, whether inside or outside the Great Hero Hall, or at the foot of Mount Sumeru, countless beings caught their breath, their faces showing endless fervor.

They came here precisely to listen to the sages expound the wondrous meanings of the Great Dao.

Immediately afterward, the Three Pure Ones exchanged a glance and nodded.

"Eight Scenes Palace Lamp!"

"Jade Void Glazed Lamp!"

"Yin-Yang Two Forms Lamp!"

The Three Pure Ones suddenly, in unison, let out a low shout.

Immediately afterward, the three each produced a treasure lamp.

Laozi's Eight Scenes Palace Lamp contains a rising cluster of purple flame, said to have the power to burn the heavens and boil the seas.

In its light, a faint shadow seems to sit cross-legged within, identical to Laozi.

The Jade Void Glazed Lamp belongs to Yuanshi; inside it has golden flame, with the ability to investigate all spirits.

The last lamp, the Yin-Yang Two Forms Lamp, is Tongtian's spiritual treasure.

Upon its appearance, five-colored rays burst forth, as if the yin-yang twin fish slowly turn, an indescribable might.

All three treasure lamps are top-grade innate spiritual treasures.

Of course, at this moment the Three Pure Ones offering these three lamps is not for attack.

But rather to illuminate the trajectory of their own Great Dao's flow, so that when expounding the Dao, all beings may more easily comprehend it.

Likewise, this is also a symbol and manifestation of the Three Pure Ones' overwhelming Great Dao.

After the Three Pure Ones, Nüwa likewise offered a precious lotus lamp.

This lamp was formed from a half-mature lotus seed that came from the shattered azure lotus of creation in ages past; its entire body is pure white, like snow and ice.

Within it also shines the Great Dao of Creation controlled by Nüwa, rising and intertwining, profoundly mysterious and ineffable.

In a moment, the Dao of each of the Four Saints was illuminated by their respective treasure lamps, filling the sky with miraculous signs, dazzling and brilliant.

Seeing this scene, Jieyin, Zhunti, Hong Yun, and Chen Ku all had their expressions shift.

"Hehe, are you trying to overwhelm my Western Buddhist Sect?!"

"Truly fanciful."

Chen Ku thought to himself.

Afterwards, his expression unchanged, he chuckled and said:

"Honored uncles, each offer your treasure lamps."

"I, the junior, also happen to have one; I hope you seniors will not laugh at me."

Chen Ku spoke these words politely.

But as his words fell, his mind stirred.

In an instant, seven-colored divine light burst forth, hanging high in the heavens.

Where the light converged, there was a seven-colored scarlet-flame lamp, likewise an top-grade innate spiritual treasure.

Seeing this, the Three Pure Ones' expressions froze for a moment.

You must know that today only saints are qualified to offer treasure lamps to illuminate their own Dao.

But Chen Ku's casual move also produced a top-grade innate spiritual treasure?

Compared to the Eight Scenes Palace Lamp and the Jade Void Glazed Lamp, it is not lacking in the slightest?!

In a moment, the Three Pure Ones were again shown up by Chen Ku.

Moreover, there is still more.

Jieyin, Zhunti, and Hong Yun also then each took action.

"Prajna Heart Lamp!"

"Reincarnation Guide Lamp!"

"Immaculate Compassion Lamp!"

The Three Saints also each possess a treasure lamp accompanying them, embodying their own Dao.

These, too, are spiritual treasures that the Western sect has nurtured over the years and finally brought forth.

In an instant, on the Buddhist side, four treasure lamps shone together.

Vast sacred Buddhist light spread forth, sketching out vast expanses of the swastika symbol.

Without a doubt, the Buddhist side's might is even greater.

The Three Pure Ones' secret desire to suppress the Buddhist Sect also came to nothing.

Laozi's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom.

But he immediately reacted.

The struggle over the treasure lamps was ultimately just an appetizer.

"In the past, I was the chief disciple under the Dao Ancestor."

"Today, I shall precede my junior sisters and brothers in expounding the teachings of the Ren Sect."

Laozi spoke bluntly, saying just that.

Immediately afterward, he said no more and began to leisurely lecture the Ren Sect's teachings.

In a moment, on the vast Mount Sumeru, heavenly blossoms fell and golden lotuses sprang from the earth.

Above the Nine Heavens, endless divine radiance poured down, auspicious colors bursting forth.

Laws and order intertwined, presenting an ineffable profound mystery, obscure and hard to comprehend.

What Laozi lectured on was the Dao of non-action, following fate and the trend of the Heavenly Dao, etc.

All things in the world, the fates of myriad beings, etc., are born with a fixed number.

Acting through non-action is precisely this principle!

As Laozi lectured, countless beings also became immersed in it.

In the dark, their understanding of heavenly and earthly laws also deepened somewhat.

Two thousand years passed; on this day, Laozi leisurely ended his lecture.

Watching the laws pour down and order explode, with beings looking dazed and intoxicated, Laozi also smiled satisfied, feeling that this lecture had already manifested the Ren Sect's authority.

After Laozi, naturally it was Yuanshi and Tongtian's turn.

As fellow saints, when they lectured the Dao, the auspicious signs were likewise grand and dazzling.

However, it ought to have been a scene of peace, purity, and tranquility.

Yet between them, some contradiction and conflict erupted.

Nothing else!

Yuanshi lectured the Dao, namely to expound to all beings the supreme principle of heaven and earth, the subtlety of the Heavenly Dao, and to make them also follow heaven's will in their conduct.

In short, his and Laozi's ideas are not greatly different; both take the Dao and law as their foundation.

Conversely, Tongtian's lecture was "to seize a sliver of life for the beings of heaven and earth."

Its subtlety lies in breaking fixed notions, shattering the bonds of heaven and earth, and treading a path uniquely his own, never before taken.

Upon hearing this, Yuanshi immediately became somewhat displeased and spoke up to interrupt.

"Is this not just fighting oneself?!"

In a moment, the beings clamored and whispered privately.

No one expected that, among the Three Pure Ones, the two brothers would, under the gaze of the multitude, actually give rise to a doctrinal dispute.

Upon seeing this, Chen Ku's expression shifted.

Names: Chen Ku. Also, "seeing the situation" is not a name.

"Hehe, since neither of the two senior uncles can persuade the other."

No specific names.

"Why not both expound the Dao together and see whose Dao resonance is grander, whose miraculous phenomena are more astonishing?"

No names.

"Then the difference will be immediately clear!"

No names.

Chen Ku's words carried a hint of fanning the flames.

Names: Chen Ku.

After all, Chen Ku was well aware of the doctrinal dispute between the Sects of Enlightenment and Cutting.

Names: Chen Ku. Also, the term "Enlightenment and Cutting teachings" refers to the two teachings of Enlightenment and Cutting (Jie and Chan), i. e., the two sects: the Enlightenment Sect and the Cutting Sect. It may be considered a sect name, but as a phrase it likely does not need to be listed separately.

Even later, during the outbreak of the Great Calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, Laozi and Yuanshi teamed up to deal with Tongtian, and this also had such a cause.

Names: Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian. Also, the Great Calamity is a term (provided). Investiture of the Gods is not a name.

Chen Ku was also curious: one side reveres the Heavenly Dao, the other side 'defies' the Heavenly Dao—just which is stronger or weaker?

Names: Chen Ku. Also, the Heavenly Dao is as provided.

However, under the gaze of countless myriad eyes today, Yuanshi and Tongtian both feel somewhat unwilling to back down.

Names: Yuanshi, Tongtian.

Therefore, there was really no need to delve into Chen Ku's intentions.

Names: Chen Ku.

Upon hearing this, the two immediately nodded.

No names.

Thus, a strange scene unfolded.

No names.

Yuanshi and Tongtian spoke at the same time, expounding their respective profound doctrines.

Names: Yuanshi, Tongtian.

And thus, above the high heavens, the miraculous phenomena became clearly distinct, completely splitting into two kinds.

No names.

Above Yuanshi's head, the miraculous phenomena were grand and expansive, displaying the supreme majesty of the Heavenly Dao.

Names: Yuanshi, Heavenly Dao.

Above Tongtian's head, however, it was overwhelming and unmatched through the ages, fierce and peerless, revealing its invincible, forward‑charging momentum.

Names: Tongtian.

The difference between them is obvious at a glance!

No names.

All beings were completely stunned.

No names.

What a good partner!

No names.

Is this a duel between Yuanshi and Tongtian?!

Names: Yuanshi, Tongtian.

However, they did not wait for the two to truly determine superiority.

No names.

At a certain moment, Laozi suddenly spoke:

Names: Laozi.

"Nonsense!"

No names.

"We sages discuss the Dao to benefit all beings; how can you be here competing for superiority?!"

No names.

"Hurry up and be silent, and let Sister Nüwa and the Buddhist sages expound the Dao."

Names: Nüwa, Buddhist Sect. Also, "Sister" is not a name.

Laozi, with the stern dignity of an elder brother, loudly shouted to stop the debate between Yuanshi and Tongtian over their doctrines.

Names: Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian.

The onlooker sees clearly.

No names.

Laozi clearly understood that if this continued, whichever of Yuanshi and Tongtian fell into the disadvantaged position would inevitably breed resentment, harming the fraternal bond among the Three Pure Ones.

Names: Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian, Three Pure Ones.

Moreover, doing so under the gaze of countless onlookers would hardly fail to expose the problems among the Three Pure Ones completely!

Names: Three Pure Ones.

Upon hearing this, Yuanshi and Tongtian dared not defy it; they immediately fell silent and said no more.

Names: Yuanshi, Tongtian.

Watching this, Chen Ku secretly sighed.

Names: Chen Ku.

"Ah, how bitter!"

No names.

"After all, I still can't see the moment when superiority is decided."

No names.

He sighed to himself in that way, then immediately straightened his expression.

No names.

Nothing else!

No names.

Nüwa also began to expound her own Grand Dao of Creation.

Names: Nüwa, the Great Dao.

Following that, ethereal music resounded once more throughout the Western realms.

No names.

Previously, Chen Ku had already grasped part of the principles of creation.

Names: Chen Ku.

Today, listening again to Nüwa's discourse, he likewise benefited greatly, and his understanding deepened further.

Names: Nüwa.

Time flies!

No names.

Since the start of the Dao discussion, countless thousands of years have passed.

No names.

Finally, Nüwa ceased speaking.

Names: Nüwa.

Next, it was the Buddhist side's turn to expound its wonderful principles.

Names: Buddhist Sect.

Although they truly deserve the title of Headmaster, Jieyin and Zhunti did not at this moment immediately begin to expound the Dao.

Names: Jieyin, Zhunti, Headmaster.

On the contrary, Jieyin's gaze shifted, turning toward Chen Ku.

Names: Jieyin, Chen Ku.

"Although this is a discussion among the sages, my disciple's Buddhist Dharma is profound, his attainment extraordinary."

No names.

"Therefore, my disciple, please expound a bit of the wonderful principles of the Buddhist Dharma."

Names: Buddhist Sect.

Jieyin's words were not a consultation with the Three Pure Ones and others.

Names: Jieyin, Three Pure Ones.

After all, everyone is now in the Buddhist Ancestral Seat.

Names: Buddhist Sect, Buddhist Ancestral Seat.

Moreover, countless myriad beings have gathered.

No names.

Such a fine opportunity, letting one's own disciple expound the Dao will surely make his name resound throughout the world and earn the admiration and reverence of countless cultivators.

No names.

Of course, this also requires that one possesses sufficient strength.

No names.

Otherwise, even if such an opportunity lay before them, figures like Guang Chengzi and others would still lack the qualifications to contend for it.

Names: Guang Chengzi.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ku did not waste words.

Names: Chen Ku.

He nodded and immediately began to expound.

No names.

"The Buddhist Dao embraces all rivers and encompasses all phenomena!"

Names: Buddhist Sect.

"All beings and myriad spirits, whoever wholeheartedly cultivates this Dao can attain the status of Arhat, Bodhisattva, Buddha......"

Names: Buddhist Sect. Also, Arhat, Bodhisattva, Buddha are generic terms (not names).

As soon as Chen Ku spoke, his grand and mighty spirit and bearing stirred the nine heavens and ten earths, moving all beings and causing their expressions to turn solemn.

Names: Chen Ku.

In an instant, the Buddhist Dharma spread throughout heaven and earth.

No names.

Compared to when the Three Pure Ones and others previously lectured on the Dao, the phenomena were even more astonishing.

The murmuring voices of myriad Buddhist disciples rang out, shaking the deaf and awakening the dull, vast and unparalleled.

The light of the Buddhist Pure Land rose, shining upon the heavens, cleansing and purifying all sacred harmony.

At some point, Jieyin, Zhunti, and the other Three Saints had already spoken in the void, as if supplementing Chen Ku, and as if expounding the even more profound and exquisite Buddhist path.

And under such teachings of the myriad saints, the Western heavens and earth also underwent tremendous changes!

Countless beings' faces burned with fervor, their eyes shining brightly, full of awe as they gazed up at the summit of Mount Sumeru.

The sublime principles of the Buddha-Dharma poured down, like the power of the Great Dao being poured forth, causing all beings to receive blessings in heart and spirit, and their cultivation to suddenly begin leaping forward.

Boom!

Boom!

One after another, the heavenly sounds of breaking through shackles and breaking through realms rang out.

One after another, Western beings all broke through their original realms and advanced further.

And above the Western high heavens, the seven saints' immortal light gathered, covering the sky and obscuring the sun, endless and boundless.

The qi fortune surged like a dragon, rumbling loudly, pouring down over the entire Western territory.

Even the originally extraordinary spiritual roots, immortal fruits, and jade grasses, immortal blossoms, all became more radiant and dazzling, refreshing the heart and spleen.

This time, the myriad saints' discussion of the Dao, although held in the West,

but such a tremendous qi influence can be said to have already affected the entire primordial heaven and earth.