Chapter 49

Hearing Chen Ku's sigh, Jieyin and Zhunti also had their expressions stiffen, inevitably feeling embarrassed.

After all, the Western world is like Jieyin and Zhunti's home; if their home is in such ruin, how could they look good on their faces?

"Hmph, all of this is to blame for that damned Mozu Luohou from the start."

"If it weren't for his violent and tyrannical nature causing him to explode our Western spiritual veins, how could we have come to this?!"

Zhunti said indignantly.

He naturally dare not say half a word against Hongjun Daozu, so he could only speak of "whipping the corpse" Luohou.

Moreover, it was indeed Luohou who, in a fit of rage, completely detonated the spiritual veins of the Western world, leading to this situation.

Meanwhile, Jieyin beside him also had his brow filled with a sorrowful expression once again.

Since returning to this Western territory, Jieyin's face has been heavy, and he has remained silent.

He looked at Chen Ku as if deep in thought, then suddenly spoke:

"Disciple, you also see that the Western world is indeed like this."

"If you truly cannot accept this, then... as your master I permit you freedom; you may also return to the Eastern world."

Upon hearing this, Zhunti was greatly shocked, looking at Jieyin in disbelief.

What does this mean?!

Could it be that Jieyin wants to sever the master-disciple bond with Chen Ku and let him go cultivate in the Eastern world?

"Senior brother, this..."

Zhunti subconsciously opened his mouth, wanting to ask something.

But before he could continue, Jieyin solemnly continued speaking:

"Chen Ku's disciple possesses heavenly talent, astonishing and unparalleled!"

"If we forcibly keep him in the Western world, we would only be misleading the youth."

After a pause in his speech, Jieyin looked at Zhunti with utmost seriousness.

"We two have no choice; this Western world is our eternal home."

"But Chen Ku... does not need to be involved, sharing this burden with us."

In fact, before returning to the Western world, Jieyin had already harbored such worries in his heart.

For endless ages, Eastern beings have utterly disdained setting foot in the Western territory, which already explains everything.

Moreover, the more outstanding a being's talent and extraordinary its foundation, the greater the restrictions and shackles it suffers when placed in the Western world.

Furthermore, although the time Chen Ku has spent as an apprentice is not particularly long,

yet in their interaction, Jieyin can already be regarded as both teacher and father.

He cannot, for the sake of his own selfish desire, abduct Chen Ku to the Western world.

On the contrary, if it benefits Chen Ku's cultivation, Jieyin would not hesitate to endure the pain and sever this master-disciple karma.

As Jieyin said, he and Zhunti have no choice.

From the moment they were born, the two have belonged to the Western world.

Moreover, now that they hold the Primordial Chaos purple qi, they are even less able to sever all ties with the Western world.

But Chen Ku is different; as long as he chooses to stay away from the Western world, his future prospects remain immeasurable.

Fortunately, there are no other powerful beings present at this time.

Otherwise, witnessing this scene would surely have dropped their jaws in shock.

After all, in the past, Jieyin and Zhunti, relying on the phrase "You have affinity with our Western world," would forcibly convert other beings.

Who would have thought that one day, Jieyin would actually experience such a "conscience awakening"?

From this, it can also be seen that Jieyin's concern and affection for Chen Ku are genuine.

Jieyin's words left Zhunti speechless!

Undoubtedly, Jieyin is truly considering for Chen Ku's sake.

Unlike the two of them, he has not been completely bound to the Western world, and his potential is limitless, with great hope.

Moreover, Zhunti, asking himself, if he were to take Chen Ku's place, he probably would not choose to stay either.

This is only natural human sentiment, nothing to blame.

For a moment, the two were silent, speechless.

It must be said that since Chen Ku became their disciple, Jieyin and Zhunti have also felt immense comfort and joy.

But now, in considering Chen Ku's future, they must proactively grant him freedom.

In the hearts of Jieyin and Zhunti, it is also not pleasant.

As his words fell, Jieyin gazed darkly at Chen Ku, awaiting his response.

However, Chen Ku remained silent.

Jieyin's words caused a warm current to surge in his heart.

He did not heed Jieyin and Zhunti's expressions and proposal.

At that moment, merely with a thought, the Eight Treasures Merit Pool he had obtained earlier at the Dividing Treasure Rock immediately surfaced.

Then, with a wave of his hand, the Eight Treasures Merit Pool immediately hovered high in the heavens.

Whoosh…

Whoosh…

Streams of merit pool water vaporized forth, like sweet rain falling upon the earth.

For a moment, specks of spiritual light suddenly appeared in the void, mysterious and profound, inexplicably miraculous.

And where the merit pool water fell upon the ground, the effect was even more astonishing.

In just an instant, a rich and mighty aura spread outward.

Within a territory of millions of miles, vitality surged forth at a speed visible to the naked eye, spreading without cease.

Under such nourishment, the long‑withered spiritual roots, immortal fruits, jeweled grasses and immortal blossoms, etc., once again regained their dazzling spiritual light, swaying in the breeze.

Moreover, faintly before the three of them, strands of black killing intent rose up and vanished into nothingness, leaving nothing behind.

The merit pool's water can not only restore vitality but also nourish spiritual roots and the like.

Even karmic obstacles and the killing intent of great calamities can be purged in one fell swoop.

As for Jieyin and the three others, they now felt a sense of bodily ease and mental clarity.

The nourishing effect of the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, however, is limited.

But the West is so barren and desolate that even this nourishment still appears remarkably impressive.

It is as if starving beings had suddenly obtained food.

In any case, it can at least be called a good start.

Seeing this, Chen Ku secretly let out a sigh of relief.

This merit spiritual treasure truly has astonishing effects.

To the side, observing Chen Ku's actions, Jieyin and Zhunti showed a look of doubt.

Only then did Chen Ku give a faint smile and, without turning back, say:

"Heh, the Western realms are now bleak and desolate!"

"But that is only temporary."

"One day, our West will surely flourish, making all beings look upon it anew."

Chen Ku's words were not merely meant to comfort Jieyin and Zhunti.

Rather, having memories of two lives, he clearly knows that everything he says will come to pass.

Even this is a rather restrained statement.

Given enough time, after the two great calamities of the Investiture of the Gods and Journey to the West, the Western Buddhist Sect will undoubtedly become the supreme Great Dao under heaven.

By then, even the Three Pure Ones Dao Tradition will have utterly declined, fallen to the lowest depths.

After a pause in his speech, Chen Ku turned to look at Jieyin and Zhunti.

"Moreover, who made me already take a master and become a disciple of the West?"

"If I were to leave the West, wouldn't it make people think I had been expelled from my master's door?"

"I am someone who cares deeply about face, so… for my master to want me to leave is utterly impossible."

While speaking, Chen Ku deliberately put on a smug, self‑satisfied expression.

Of course, Chen Ku's response was not merely because he was certain the West would flourish, in order to curry favor with Jieyin and Zhunti.

"Who, being human, can be devoid of feeling?!"

Over these thousands of years, Chen Ku has personally experienced Jieyin and Zhunti's esteem and protection.

Even without the advantage of foreknowledge, he would not have been so heartless as to abandon Jieyin and Zhunti.

Such a response also eased the previously oppressive atmosphere somewhat.

Jieyin and Zhunti couldn't help but shake their heads and laugh.

"Caring about face?!"

"You little brat, you really have the nerve to say that."

But immediately, Jieyin and Zhunti's hearts filled with emotion.

Chen Ku's response clearly far exceeded their expectations.