Chapter 385: Going to the Netherworld to Comprehend the Dao? Everyone Has Been Tricked Again!

A hundred years' time, on Mount Sumeru, is but a snap of the fingers.

The boundless Dao resonance that enveloped the entire divine mountain shifted from tumult to calm, finally settling deep into the spirit platform of every living being.

Dead silence.

An absolute deathly silence after comprehending the Dao.

Just as this silence was stretched to its limit, a voice descended from the nine heavens.

"A hundred years have passed!"

Boom!

That voice was not loud, yet it carried an irresistible will, heavily striking each person's soul.

"What have you all gained in your hearts?!"

The moment the words fell, light and Dao began to intertwine and condense above the high heavens.

A figure gradually manifested, with countless strands of immortal light flowing around its body, each strand seeming like a complete law of the Great Dao.

His visage was shrouded in radiance, impossible to discern, yet naturally exuding a sacred and solemn aura, as if he were the embodiment of all principles in heaven and earth; any disrespectful thought before him would spontaneously dissolve.

Young Chen Ku.

He merely stood there, and countless beings awakened from a hundred years of seated meditation below felt an awe springing from the very source of life.

After a brief dazed moment, came a response like mountains shouting and seas roaring.

The looks on everyone's faces were ignited by a frenzied exhilaration.

"Reporting to Senior Chen Ku! A hundred years of listening to the Dao surpasses my solitary bitter cultivation for five thousand years!"

A great adept trembled all over with excitement; the spiritual energy behind him faintly condensed into a dharma manifestation, its aura having surged far more than merely severalfold compared to a hundred years ago.

"Exactly! Exactly! I have now seen the path ahead; thank you, senior, for your guidance!"

"I have followed your words, made my choice, and will henceforth cultivate the Nine Revolutions Mystic Art, treading a path without precedent!"

A burly man's voice rang like a great bell; with each utterance, his qi and blood surged, emitting a dull thunder.

"Hehe, I choose to cultivate Buddhist teachings, spreading wondrous Dharma throughout heaven and earth, teaching all beings, accumulating merit!"

A compassionate cultivator pressed his palms together; behind him, Buddha light blossomed, dispelling the surrounding killing intent.

"Me too, me too..."

Voices rose and fell in succession, vying to be heard, echoing throughout Mount Sumeru.

Each of their eyes shone with a clarity devoid of any impurity; their former confusion and doubt were utterly severed, replaced by a steadfastness as firm as bedrock.

This was not merely an increase in cultivation, but the establishment of the Dao.

To them, Young Chen Ku was nothing less than a rebirth.

In a corner of the crowd, Ksitigarbha and Maitreya, among others, were also present.

They needed not make a choice like other beings, yet the hundred years of instruction and insight likewise allowed them to undergo a complete transformation.

Especially Ksitigarbha.

He sat quietly upon a blue stone, his aura unified and harmonious, yet clearly distinct.

One side was the vast, boundless power of Buddhist vows, rising upward and condensing into an illusory golden lotus pedestal.

The other side was the profound, dark resonance of reincarnation, sinking downward, as if connecting to the Netherworld.

Buddha light and Nether light intertwined upon him, not only showing no conflict but giving rise to a wondrous, ineffable unique aura that captivates the heart and spirit.

After a long while.

Ksitigarbha's tightly shut eyes slowly opened.

In an instant, two blazing divine beams shot forth; within those beams, faint images of the sixfold reincarnation seemed to arise and fade, while the suffering of countless beings rose and fell.

Any being who met his gaze would instantly feel that their past and present lives were laid bare by him, with no secret remaining.

He slowly rose to his feet, his robes moving without wind.

Gazing up at the figure shrouded in endless immortal light above the high heavens, Ksitigarbha pressed his palms together and gave a deep bow.

"This time, thank you, senior brother, for the teachings; we have gained much insight!"

His voice was calm and weighty, carrying reverence from the heart.

"However, I must also guard the Netherworld, so I cannot stay long in the sect."

"Thus I bid farewell to senior brother, as well as to master, grand-master, and others."

"I hope senior brother will consent!"

Upon these words, many beings in the crowd who knew Ksitigarbha's identity felt a jolt in their hearts.

Ksitigarbha guarding the Netherworld is sanctioned by the Heavenly Dao and is the place of his own Great Dao.

Returning to the Netherworld is only natural; a farewell suffices.

But the word he used was "request consent".

A single word's difference makes a world of difference.

This is enough to prove how exalted the position of Senior Brother Chen Ku is in Ksitigarbha's heart.

Above the high heavens, Young Chen Ku's figure did not immediately respond.

That immortal light flickered slightly, as if his gaze swept over Ksitigarbha and then slowly fell upon the excited, expectant faces below.

A silence that quickened the heartbeat.

After a moment, Young Chen Ku's soft laugh rang out, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Hehe."

"Within the eighteen layers of hell, countless resentful spirits can reveal the evil of the six paths."

His voice was plain, yet it seemed to contain some strange magic that irresistibly drew in everyone's hearts and minds.

"Observing the sights of evil spirits and tortures can also aid in contemplating the character 'good,' aligning with my Buddhist sect's great mission to save all beings."

Having spoken to this point, he paused slightly, as if giving everyone room to think.

Afterward, his voice, carrying a smile, sounded once again.

"This time, our Buddhist sect's disciples can actually follow the Earth Store junior disciple and go together to the Underworld to gain insight."

"Is anyone willing to go?!"

Boom—

Xiao Chen Ku's words fell, like a spark thrown into a calm oil pan.

At the foot of Mount Sumeru, it instantly boiled over.

What?!

Go to the Underworld?!

To that which governs samsara, the mysterious and unfathomable Netherworld that has existed since the creation of heaven and earth?!

To observe the evil spirits and cruel punishments of the eighteen layers of hell, and from there comprehend the true meaning of 'good'?!

This…

What a tremendous opportunity!

The Underworld, for the vast majority of beings in the primordial wilderness, is a forbidden place known only by name, never seen in form.

Now, they actually have the chance to personally enter it and carry out such a special "awakening to the Dao"?

Moreover, they are extremely curious, wanting to see with their own eyes how awe-inspiring and sacred their own Earth Store senior brother is in the legendary netherworld.

After a brief silence, it became utter uncontrollable frenzy.

Countless people had bloodshot eyes, ragged breathing, almost shouting hoarsely at the top of their lungs.

"I am willing to go!"

"Disciple is willing to go!"

"I earnestly request the senior's permission; I wish to go to the netherworld to contemplate!"

The crowd spoke all at once, their voices merging into a heaven-shaking, earth-moving sound wave, unable to wait.

Hearing the crowd's response like a mountain's roar and a sea's surge, on Xiao Chen Ku's calm, still face, not a ripple of emotion could be seen.

"Since that is the case, those who wish to go to the netherworld, please first gather in the Mahavira Hall."

His voice was not loud, yet it clearly penetrated every being's ears, as if carrying some indisputable power.

The instant his words fell.

Boom!

Originally somewhat orderly Mount Sumeru instantly boiled over.

Countless figures turned into streams of light, shooting up from every part of the mountains, from beneath the bodhi tree, from before the scripture lecture platform.

Those rays of light converged into a brilliant torrent, carrying scorching desire and expectation, madly surging toward the supremely magnificent hall at the summit of Mount Sumeru.

In the crowd, excited discussion rose and fell, impossible to suppress.

"The netherworld! It is the heavy place of rebirth, the most mysterious spot between heaven and earth!"

"Senior Brother Chen Ku will personally guide us; this is a tremendous opportunity!"

"If we can grasp even a hint of the profound meaning of rebirth from there, it surpasses a hundred years of bitter cultivation!"

The frenzied emotion spread and fermented.

But none of them, standing at the source of this frenzied wave, noticed it.

When they turned around, presenting their backs fully to Xiao Chen Ku, a flash of extremely strange expression appeared in his deep pupils, like lightning, and vanished instantly.

In that expression lay pity, mockery, and moreover a complex feeling of resentment at inability to make steel from iron.

The human tide surged, its speed astonishing.

In a short moment, the mountain gate, previously crowded with heads, was already empty of anyone.

Only the mountain wind remained, lifting dust, carrying a hint of desolation.

All figures had completely entered the Mahavira Hall through its open doors.

Even beings as mighty as Maitreya and Mahasthamaprapta were swept up in the crowd, without a moment's hesitation.

Inside the Mahavira Hall.

The high dome hung above, Buddha-light shone everywhere, and the golden glazed tiles refracted a sacred, solemn radiance.

Countless Buddhist disciples were now sitting upright with hands clasped on their mats, yet they could not hide the agitation in their brows.

Although the hall's interior was obviously vast, it now felt somewhat stuffy due to the crowd.

The air slightly warped.

A figure appeared out of thin air upon the lotus platform above the hall.

It was Xiao Chen Ku.

As soon as he appeared, all clamor in the hall vanished instantly, so quiet that a falling pin could be heard.

Everyone's gaze gathered on him, burning hot as if it would melt him.

The crowd was full of anticipation, thinking that next would come a heaven-shaking, earth-moving action.

Perhaps it was the supreme method directly pointing to the Great Dao of rebirth, or perhaps it was the profound subtleties of dissecting the mysteries of the netherworld.

However, Xiao Chen Ku did not open his mouth to expound the Dharma.

His meaningful gaze once again slowly swept over every face in the hall, unhurried yet carrying a scrutiny that penetrated hearts.

Wherever his gaze fell, no one dared to meet it, all unconsciously lowering their eyes.

After a long while, his indifferent yet gentle voice sounded in the hall.

"You all, are you all intending to go into the netherworld?!"

It's still that problem.

But this time, asked from him in such a solemn and reverent environment, it added endless pressure.

His words fell.

Eight or nine out of ten beings, still without any hesitation, nodded repeatedly.

That uniform motion stirred a gentle breeze, swaying the incense candles inside the hall.

However, there are always exceptions.

Among the crowd, two figures did not move.

On Mile's face, which always bore a compassionate smile, a hint of thought now appeared.

He rose to his feet, offered the eleven-fold salute to Xiao Chen Ku on the lotus platform, and said:

"Senior Brother, I do not intend to go to the underworld."

His voice was warm and mellow, especially clear in this silent hall.

"Reincarnation is not my path, and the underworld is not my dwelling."

"I wish to emerge into the world, to enter the three thousand realms of mortal dust, to see countless beings, to experience the eight sufferings of the world, and amidst suffering, to seek the true Dharma by which I can save all beings."

Mile's gaze was clear and resolute.

His Dao had long been understood; there was no need to seek validation from reincarnation.

On the other side, a figure with sharp, soaring qi also rose.

Jinchi Dapeng!

His stature was tall and straight, his qi and blood surging, faint sounds of wind and thunder surrounding him, his fighting spirit high.

Unlike Mile's gentle elegance, he clasped his fist toward Xiao Chen Ku, his voice loud as a bell, shaking people's ears with a hum.

"Reporting to Senior Chen Ku, I too will not go to the underworld!"

"I have heard that on the Primordial Wilderness, the Wu Clan's bodies are mighty, they fight heaven and earth, their attacks unmatched!"

Light of yearning for battle burst from his eyes, his fists unconsciously clenched, his knuckles cracking.

"My Nine Revolutions Profound Art has reached a bottleneck; I desperately need a fierce battle to break through! Therefore, I wish to go to the Wu Clan's ancestral land to experience the legendary Primordial Wu's flesh, to see whether their Pangu true form is formidable or my Profound Art superior."

Their answers were like two boulders dropped into a calm lake.

Everyone in the hall was first stunned, then that stupor turned to understanding.

Indeed, this is only reasonable!

Mile's Way lies in salvation and in grand vows; though connected to the law of reincarnation, it is not fundamental. Walking the Primordial Wilderness, accumulating merit, is his proper path.

Jinchi Dapeng is more combative, a born war god.

To him, any opportunity is less important than a battle that makes his blood boil.

Going to the underworld to seek the Dao is far less effective at boosting his power than challenging the Wu Clan.

In other words, even if these two went to the underworld, they would not obtain what suits them best.

Making such a decision is only natural.

After hearing their words, Xiao Chen Ku's expression grew even stranger.

It was a mix of approval, helplessness, and a hint of an indescribable complex emotion.

Just as everyone, including Mile and Jinchi Dapeng, thought he would nod in agreement and let everyone go their own way.

Without any warning.

All expressions on Xiao Chen Ku's face completely receded.

In their place came a dignity and killing intent as overwhelming as a collapsing mountain!

He suddenly straightened his countenance, eyes like lightning, a terrifying aura erupting from his body, instantly enveloping the entire Great Heroic Treasure Hall.

"Hmph!"

A single cold snort, like heavenly thunder from the nine heavens, exploded in everyone's hearts!

"Everyone, stretch out your hands!"

Each word was like a heavy hammer, ruthlessly smashing onto everyone's souls.

For a moment, the air of the Great Heroic Treasure Hall solidified.

The pressure emanating from Xiao Chen Ku made everyone's hearts and spirits tremble violently; a chill rose from the soles of their feet to the crowns of their heads, making all their hairs stand on end.

This is suppression stemming from the level of life, a reverence that penetrates to the marrow.

It is almost an instinctive bodily reaction.

Inside the hall, thousands of figures, regardless of cultivation level or what they felt in their hearts, at the same moment stiffened, trembled, and extended a single palm.

The next moment!

Buzz——!

In the void, a flash of purple-gold light suddenly appeared.

Primordial Chaos Heaven-measuring Ruler!

Clap!

An extremely crisp bursting sound suddenly rang out!

The ruler's shadow tore the air, leaving in midair countless afterimages hard to discern with the naked eye.

Clap!

Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The ruler fell like rain, unceasing!

That sound was so dense it seemed like a violent piece of music, echoing in the silent great hall.

One foot after another, precise and flawless, and incredibly heavy, they landed in the palms of every disciple who had reached out.

Ah—!

Hiss!

My hand!

Instantly, shrill wails, painful groans, and terrified shouts rose and fell, completely shattering the solemnity inside the hall, making it noisy and clamorous.

What came from the palms was a piercing, bone‑deep agony.

That pain not only afflicted the flesh but also carried a hint of lawful power, piercing straight to their souls, making them involuntarily grit their teeth and break out in cold sweat.

But worse than the pain was the doubt and incomprehension that seeped deep into their bones.

Everyone shook their suddenly red and swollen palms while lifting their heads, looking at Xiao Chen Ku on the lotus pedestal with a ghost‑seen expression, utterly bewildered.

Why?!

What on earth is this for?!

We clearly gathered in the Mahavira Hall only because we strictly followed his orders.

We waited with great joy for a tremendous opportunity.

As a result, before we could say or do anything, we got hit with another ruler strike?!

Is there anywhere left in this world to reason?!

Before anyone could muster the courage to speak, Xiao Chen Ku's icy voice from the lotus pedestal rang out across the hall, giving them an explanation.

"Have you completely forgotten the teachings from a hundred years ago?"

His voice was thick with disappointment.

"We all set out from Mount Sumeru, heading together to the Underworld, mighty and grand, afraid others wouldn't know where our Buddhist teaching was headed."

"If a scheming person—for example, the Demon Race's Heavenly Court—set an ambush midway and wiped you all out, wouldn't the orthodox Buddhist teaching be doomed at the hands of you idiots?!"

"A single word awakens the dreamer!"

Every word from Xiao Chen Ku struck like a morning bell and evening drum, hammering hard into everyone's hearts.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall—including the few who had been struck first—had their pain and bewilderment freeze instantly, replaced by endless shock and dread.

Cold sweat trickled down.

So… Senior Brother Chen Ku (the senior) never really intended to send them to the Underworld from the start?

Fine!

We had thought it was a heaven‑sent opportunity, that Senior Brother would give us private lessons in the supreme Great Dao.

After all this, it turned out to be yet another test of them from beginning to end!

A deadly test aimed at their minds and the bigger picture!

Impossible to guard against!

Truly impossible to guard against!

A silent sense of grievance spread among them, almost suffocating.

Every face was filled with unwillingness, yet they could find no words to rebut.

They had to admit that every word Senior Brother Chen Ku spoke was reality.

The Buddhist crowd marched out in full force, their power appearing as a single united strand.

But this strength, before a true supreme existence, is as fragile as a sheet of paper.

It takes only a single saint to descend and press down with one palm to utterly erase their foundation, destroying both body and spirit, leaving not a trace.

In the heavy silence, Mile's face, usually smiling, now held only bitterness.

He lifted his head, gazing at that figure, as if wanting to engrave this teaching into his marrow.

"Senior Brother is enlightening us."

His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly into everyone's ears.

"Before undertaking any great deed, one must first weigh pros and cons, consider everything thoroughly, then act."

"This is the vigilant heart Senior Brother wishes to teach us."

Mile bowed deeply, this time sincerely convinced.

As his words fell, the oppressive atmosphere around them eased at once, and the confusion and grievance in everyone's eyes gradually turned into understanding.

Xiao Chen Ku, seated high above, then gave a barely perceptible nod.

Of course, if one said this whole affair was merely a test from start to finish, that would not be entirely true.

What he had said earlier was entirely true.

Hell and rebirth, myriad phenomena—within them lies the supreme truth of the Great Dao, which is truly of endless use to those who cultivate the Buddhist way.

Buddhism and rebirth are inherently two sides of the same coin; the intertwining of cause and effect is so deep they can no longer be separated.

To be able to personally observe it is a supreme opportunity.

Thus, Xiao Chen Ku's gaze swept over the crowd and finally came to rest on a silent figure.

【223】 "Dizang."

"Earth Store."

He spoke, his voice flat yet carrying undeniable authority.

"How should this be handled, in your opinion?"

In an instant, everyone's gaze converged on Dizang.

The named Dizang trembled imperceptibly.

He kept his eyes lowered, as if cutting himself off from everything around him.

At this moment, his long eyelashes fluttered slightly, casting a shadow beneath his eyes.

A silence of several breaths.

This silence made the surrounding air become viscous.

Finally, Dizang lifted his head; in those deep eyes, there was not a ripple, only a sheet of clear wisdom-light.

He spoke slowly, his voice warm and firm:

"Reporting to Senior Brother, in my opinion, the various junior brothers can go in batches, taking turns to head to the Netherworld."

As soon as the words were spoken, thunder boomed on flat ground.

"Thus, the Buddhist Sect's foundation has a fellow disciple guarding it, ensuring no mistake. And those junior brothers going to the Netherworld can also focus undisturbed, quietly contemplating the myriad aspects of samsara."

"Alternating shifts, the best of both worlds."

As his words fell, he again lowered his eyes, returning to that still-as-an-ancient-well demeanor.

Little Chen Ku's lips finally curled into a satisfied arc.

He smiled.

Senior Brother, he smiled!

A huge stone in everyone's heart crashed down with a boom, followed immediately by a joy like being bathed in heavenly nectar.

Exactly!

This is truly the perfect plan!

A single word from Senior Brother Dizang untied everyone's heart-knots.

This way, everyone gets a chance, and no one needs to worry any longer.

"Good."

Little Chen Ku said only one word.

Upon hearing that, Dizang immediately bowed, accepted the order, then turned and selected a batch of disciples from the crowd.

As he stepped forward, the void tore open; a flash of the deep Netherworld's aura vanished, and he with those disciples disappeared without trace.

Those left behind followed their disappearing direction with their eyes, full of envy.

That is the Netherworld, the hub of samsara, the place they dream of for enlightenment.

However, this feeling of loss and envy hadn't even begun to ferment in their hearts before Little Chen Ku's upcoming words shattered it completely.

"You may stay here for now."

Little Chen Ku's voice rang out again, this time carrying a hint that made hearts race.

"Yet it is not without things to do."

"From this moment on, you may here mutually practice and verify."

His gaze swept over each person; that eyesight seemed able to pierce souls, seeing every detail of their cultivation.

"I, the Venerable, will personally watch the battle."

"And I will bestow appropriate divine abilities and Dharma according to each of your performances."

Boom!

Upon these words, it was as if ten thousand thunderclaps exploded simultaneously in everyone's minds.

The air inside the mountain gate instantly ignited!

Everyone's breath halted at that moment, then came an uncontrollable violent heartbeat, as if it would burst their chests.

On every face, the lost look vanished, replaced by volcanic fervor and excitement.

Transmit the Dharma!

Senior Brother Chen Ku will finally personally impart to them the true supreme divine abilities!

This is their most fundamental desire, the ultimate goal of their following here!

Compared to going to the Netherworld for observation, obtaining Chen Ku's personal guidance, personally receiving his trump-card divine abilities, this opportunity is greater by tens or even hundreds of times!

They have all personally witnessed how earth-shattering Chen Ku's methods are, how terrifying his power is!

That is truly a great art capable of shaking the nine heavens and ten earths, overwhelming the ages!

"Hahaha!"

A burst of unrestrained, extreme laughter suddenly exploded, breaking the silence of this fervor.

The Golden-winged Great Peng stepped forward, head held high, his stature tall, golden hair flying wildly, his eyes sharp as if they could pierce the heavens.

He had long been impatient; his fighting spirit almost solidified into substance!

"If so, then I'll take the lead in this vanguard battle!"

His gaze flashed like lightning, scanning all around; finally, that scorching stare locked firmly onto Jiaye.

"Senior Brother Jiaye!"

"Do you dare to fight me and exchange pointers?!"

This challenge cry overflowed with domineering and lofty spirit, fighting intent soaring to the heavens.

The named Jiaye not only did not retreat in the slightest, but likewise burst into loud laughter.

"Haha, good!"

A single "good" word, steady as a mountain, its aura not weakened in the least.

He stepped forward, facing the Golden-winged Great Peng from afar.

No need for many words.

The surrounding crowd already understood, retreating in unison with neat, uniform movements.

In the span of a breath, a battlefield stretching tens of thousands of li across was instantly cleared.

Everyone held their breath, eyes wide, spiritual senses highly focused, unwilling to miss any upcoming moment.

In the arena.

The Golden-winged Great Peng and Jiaye took stance; between them, their qi surged wildly upward, the void groaning under the strain of their standoff.

The next instant.

Whoosh!

Not a word of nonsense.

Jia Ye struck first!

He formed a sword seal, pointed at the void, and a longsword flashing with endless wisdom treasure light suddenly appeared.

Precious Wisdom Sword!

As the sword appeared, a cold light shone, and a bone‑chilling sharp aura instantly enveloped the whole field, its aura overwhelming the mind.

The sword's glare surged, directly tearing a black rift in the void.

Within the rift, chaotic energy spilled out.

With a single sword's might, it pierced heaven and earth!

That sword glare, which tore the void, carried an unmatched killing intent and instantly thrust toward the Golden-winged Great Peng.

On the other side, within the Golden-winged Great Peng's pupils, two golden suns burned.

The fighting spirit had already boiled to its peak.

It was a desire born deep in the bloodline, the arrogance of a divine bird born to look down upon all things.

He turned his palm, lightly grasping in the air.

Hum—

Space twisted, a spear wholly dark gold appeared out of thin air, its shaft coiled with a phantom of the Primordial Phoenix.

Primordial Phoenix Spear!

The treasured heirloom of the Phoenix clan.

With the divine spear in hand, the Golden-winged Great Peng's aura surged again, its sharp killing intent shooting up to the heavens, almost tearing the sky of this small world.

Golden divine light collided with Jia Ye's heavy, mountain‑like aura.

Without actual contact, merely the collision of their auras caused the ground beneath their feet to crack inch by inch, and blinding lightning burst in the void.

The pressure was vast, the momentum magnificent.

Both were primeval extraordinary beings, innately divine; now, pitted against each other, their might was unmatched.

However, at the critical moment when the Golden-winged Great Peng thrust its spear like a dragon and Jia Ye stepped forward to meet it,

A voice, plain yet laden with irresistible authority, suddenly rang out.

"Stop!"

Little Chen Ku's voice was not loud, and it carried not a trace of power fluctuation.

But the instant those two words left his mouth, they seemed to become the sole law of this heaven and earth.

The Golden-winged Great Peng's spear tip, capable of piercing stars, froze mid‑air less than three feet from Jia Ye's brow.

The Primordial Phoenix phantom coiled on the spear let out an unwilling wail and dissipated inch by inch.

Jia Ye's forward‑charging stance suddenly stalled, as if he had struck an invisible, eternal divine wall, and the inertia made his qi and blood surge.

The mighty aura capable of collapsing divine mountains on both of them, like a punctured balloon, instantly retracted and vanished without a trace.

Astonishment.

Bewilderment.

The Golden-winged Great Peng and Jia Ye turned their heads together, gazing at the calm figure seated cross‑legged.

But they saw Little Chen Ku's face as black as a pot bottom, wearing a "hate iron for not becoming steel" expression, with veins even twitching slightly on his forehead.

"You've forgotten my original teachings again?!"

Little Chen Ku's voice was filled with suppressed anger and deep helplessness.

He slowly rose to his feet, his gaze first falling on Jia Ye.

That gaze was not harsh, yet it made Jia Ye feel worse than being cut by a divine weapon, causing him to lower his head instinctively.

"Jia Ye."

Little Chen Ku slowly spoke.

"You cultivate the Immovable Root Wisdom, seeking the unshakable Bodhi fruit that no law can invade and no calamity can destroy."

"Your Dao lies in 'guarding', in 'stillness', in meeting myriad changes with unchanging constancy, seeking a sliver of life amid raging waves."

"Attacking is not your forte."

Little Chen Ku's tone grew heavier, carrying a reproachful tone.

"Facing a Golden-winged Great Peng, a natural-born master of slaughter, his sharpness is ten, a hundred times yours. To clash head‑on with him is to use your weakness against his strength."

"At the first moment, you should distance yourself, hold fast to your original heart, defend first, and place yourself in an invincible position."

"Then, with your wisdom, seek his flaw and find the way to defeat him."

"You recklessly charge like this—what difference is there between you and a vulgar brute of the mundane world?!"

Those words, every sentence piercing the heart.

Jia Ye lowered his head further, his face burning hot, shame overwhelming him.

He was indeed eager for quick success.

He wanted to prove before his master that he was not merely capable of defense.

Little Chen Ku's gaze turned again to the Golden-winged Great Peng; the latter's heart jolted, his golden pupils involuntarily contracting.

"Golden-winged Great Peng, though you cultivate the Nine Revolutions Mystic Art and follow the path of attack,"

His gaze fell on the Golden-winged Great Peng's slightly trembling right wing, where a stream of golden blood was slowly seeping out, dyeing the brilliant feathers red.

"But the premise of a powerful assault is to keep oneself unharmed."

"I once bestowed upon you the Yin Yang Diagram precisely to let you emphasize defense."

Why aren't you using it?!!

The last sentence, though his tone did not rise, carried an aura capable of freezing one's soul.

The Golden-winged Great Peng's proud head finally drooped completely.

The Yin-Yang Diagram.

That was the supreme treasure Chen Ku once personally bestowed, containing the sublime principle of yin-yang cycles and invulnerability to all laws.

He knew.

He remembered everything.

But when he clashed with Jia Ye, his Nine Turn Mystic Art operating at its limit, that world-destroying power filled his limbs and bones, his entire mind reduced to a single thought—

Tear apart everything before him!

Attack!

Attack again!

With the utmost sharpness, crush all obstacles!

This is the Dao of his Golden-winged Great Peng Bird Clan!

Defense? That is the choice of the weak.

To entrust one's back to a magic treasure is to lack confidence in one's own strength!

However, reality gave him a resounding slap.

He injured Jia Ye, yet he himself was also wounded.

It seemed they both suffered losses, but in fact it was a complete defeat.

Because they were facing only each other.

If they were truly mortal enemies, that moment's flaw would have been enough to kill him a hundred times over.

Little Chen Ku's scolding left the two Golden-winged Great Pengs with bowed heads, speechless.

Chen Ku's teachings from the past, they had indeed kept in mind.

But when they actually fought, they overlooked it.

Evidently, Chen Ku had anticipated this.

He knew these two disciples' natures all too well.

One is innately proud, believing in extreme offense; the other appears honest but harbors a stubborn streak.

These traits are advantages, yet also fatal flaws.

Therefore, he had everyone spar and compete in his presence.

Verbal instruction is ultimately empty.

Only by letting them personally experience a failure, then, at their most miserable moment, laying bare that bloody lesson before them, can it truly be etched into their hearts.

Thus, one can see the weaknesses in everyone's actions, or rather where the flaws lie, and then correct them.

Both the Golden-winged Great Peng and Jia Ye wore faces of shame.

That was not simple shame, but a disturbance and lingering fear rising from the depths of their Dao-heart.

They finally realized that the fighting style they took pride in appeared, in the eyes of true masters, utterly childish and laughable.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master!"

Their voices were hoarse, yet conveyed an unprecedented solemnity.

They bowed, performed a standard great salute, their demeanor reverent to the utmost.

When they rose again, their gazes had changed.

Gone was their former arrogance and rashness, replaced by a settled composure and inward focus.

Immediately, they assumed their stances once more.

This time, Jia Ye was no longer the reckless bully's stance.

He placed his palms together, his bearing solemn and dignified.

Hum!

A soft resonance.

The purple gold bowl atop his head shot up into the heavens, hovering above the Nine Heavens, instantly expanding.

The bowl hung inverted, its mouth downward, pouring down countless strands of purple-gold immortal light.

That immortal light was no longer scattered as before, but condensed into a massive curtain of light like a waterfall, completely enveloping Jia Ye's form.

Upon the light curtain, countless ancient Buddhist symbols flowed and faded; faintly, a grand chant resonated in the void, cleansing the spirit.

He moved about, treading the mysterious profound steps, his whole body merging with the descending immortal light, his breath deep and unfathomable.

He did not take the initiative to attack, only waiting for the Golden-winged Great Peng to strike, then seeking its opening.

Like a mountain, unmoving.

Like the sea, unfathomable.

On the other side, the Golden-winged Great Peng also took heed of the lesson.

He drew a deep breath; that soaring sharpness did not wane but instead grew more refined, drawing entirely inward.

Although his momentum was mighty and his sharpness fully exposed.

But he also produced the Yin-Yang Diagram.

An ancient-looking scroll flew from his palm, unfurling in the wind.

The scroll unfolded, half black as ink, deep enough to seem to swallow all light; half white as jade, exuding a gentle aura of creation.

Black and white energies circulated, the two yin-yang fish in the diagram chasing each other's tails, slowly swimming.

The Yin-Yang Diagram encircled his body, conveying a sense of impregnable solidity.

As the diagram scroll rotated, it formed a perfect force field.

Black and white qi intertwined, turning the void around him into a sheet of Chaos; any law or power entering it would be ground and dissolved by the rotating taiji force.

Steady and solid!

Protect oneself first, then respond to the enemy!

The claws of attack lie hidden behind the sturdy shield, waiting for the moment of a killing strike.

"Come!"

The Golden-winged Great Peng let out a long cry.

This time, he did not turn into a streak of light; instead, his body flickered and he thrust out a punch.

Upon the fist's front, golden divine light condensed into the phantom of a peng bird, its cry shaking the heavens as it lunged straight at Jia Ye.

However, just as the fist's tip was about to touch the purple-gold light curtain.

Jia Ye moved.

His foot merely shifted slightly, and his whole body drifted apart like willow fluff, narrowly avoiding the front of the fist.

At the same time, he made a one-handed seal, and the purple-gold light curtain moved with it, like a supple giant net, gently swaying the peng bird's phantom.

"Bang!"

There was no earth-shattering roar.

That violent punch force was actually deflected to the side by the light curtain in a four-ounce deflection of a thousand catties manner, slamming hard into empty space, making the earth tremble.

And the Golden-winged Great Peng's yin-yang diagram, at the moment the punch force was deflected, the black and white qi surged, completely swallowing the rebound force and dissipating it invisibly.

Attack and defense swapped in an instant.

Jia Ye seized the opportunity, his fingers like swords, and a condensed beam of Buddhist light shot from his fingertips, straight for the opening beneath the Golden-winged Great Peng's ribs.

The Golden-winged Great Peng, however, did not dodge or evade.

With a thought, the yin-yang diagram encircling his body instantly rotated, its black yin aspect rising to meet that beam of Buddhist light.

"Hiss—"

The Buddhist light sank into the black light curtain, like a mud ox entering the sea, not even a ripple arising before it was completely assimilated and consumed.

Thus, between their exchanges, there was now a bit more method, orderly and steady, showing no trace of chaos.

Each of the Golden-winged Great Peng's attacks retained a third of its strength to drive the yin-yang diagram in protecting himself.

Each of Jia Ye's defenses was no longer a hard block; instead, he used the might of the purple-gold bowl to guide and dissolve the force, while seeking an opportunity to counterattack.

Their battle was no longer a mere clash of raw power, but a contest of the Dao and principle.

It was the ultimate offense of the Nine Revolutions Mystic Art pitted against the supreme defense of the Buddhist Golden Body.

Moreover, it was the way of the turning yin and yang pitted against the Dharma of the Immovable Wisdom King.

This time, a faint hint of satisfaction appeared on Young Chen Ku's calm, ancient-well-like face as he gave a slight nod.

This is not making a fuss over nothing.

This is what a true duel of methods is.

Integrating what they have learned, perfectly combining magical treasures and divine abilities, with offense containing defense and defense containing offense, advance and retreat having basis, and discipline strict.

If they faced a truly powerful opponent, this would give the Golden-winged Great Peng duo more life-saving trump cards.

A single flaw could mean the difference between life and death.

In the Primordial Wasteland, there is no chance for a do-over.

The tranquility of the West seems as if it has always been so.

Chen Ku's dojo also seems like a corner forgotten by time.

But during the hundred years of Chen Ku's teaching.

Outside, tremendous changes were taking place in the world!