Chapter 571: Seven-Day Ultimatum, Time for the Alliance to Choose

"Abbot, your idea is very interesting," Xiao Yuan said thoughtfully, "but how exactly should we merge them? Although the three schools share similar philosophies, their cultivation methods differ greatly."

Huiming Fangzhang smiled and said, "The benefactor is right; this is indeed a difficult problem. But this poor monk believes we can start with the heart cultivation methods. The compassion of the Buddha Sect, the tranquility of the Daoist school, and the inclusiveness of the Reform Alliance—if these three states of mind can be merged, they will surely produce extraordinary results."

"Furthermore," he continued, "regarding specific cultivation methods, we can also learn from one another. For instance, the Chan meditation of the Buddha Sect can help practitioners maintain inner peace, the Daoist breathing techniques can harmonize Yin and Yang, and the Reform Alliance's 'Imperfect Cultivation Method' can teach students according to their aptitude."

The more Xiao Yuan listened, the more she felt it made sense. She stood up and began to pace the room, thinking: "If we can truly create such a cultivation system, it will be a revolutionary change for the entire Cultivation World."

"However," she stopped and looked at Huiming Fangzhang, "would this kind of fusion cause us to lose the unique characteristics of each school?"

"The benefactor worries too much," Huiming Fangzhang shook his head and said, "True fusion is not a simple mixture, but taking the strengths of each to compensate for their weaknesses. Just like cooking, when different seasonings are blended together, they do not lose their individual flavors, but rather create a more wonderful taste."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan suddenly remembered something: "Right, I recall what Senior Yunyou Zhenren once said. He said the highest realm of cultivation is not pursuing the extreme of any single technique, but mastering them all to form one's own school."

"Senior Yunyou was indeed a master," Huiming Fangzhang sighed, "it is a pity we can no longer hear his teachings. However, we can inherit his legacy and carry forward this philosophy of fusion."

Just then, Muerxiu suddenly spoke: "Two seniors, I have an idea. The Void Path I practice is itself a form of fusion; it integrates the laws of space and the concept of time. Perhaps we can think about a new cultivation system from this perspective."

"Oh? Can Fellow Daoist Muerxiu explain in detail?" Xiao Yuan asked curiously.

Muerxiu organized his thoughts: "The Void Path taught me that all things in the world are interconnected. Space and time appear different, but in reality, they are different expressions of the same whole. Likewise, although the Buddha, Dao, and Confucian schools have different cultivation methods, the goals they pursue are the same."

"Well said!" Huiming Fangzhang clapped in admiration, "Benefactor Muerxiu's analogy is very apt. What we must do is find the essence of this 'same whole'."

Excitement flickered in Xiao Yuan's eyes: "Then let us begin our research now! I can provide the heart method of the 'Harmony Dao', the Abbot can contribute the compassionate philosophy of the Buddha Sect, and Brother Lin Xuan can share the wisdom of Taiji."

"Good!" Huiming Fangzhang agreed without hesitation, "This poor monk will now impart the essence of the *Great Compassion Heart Sutra* to you all. This heart sutra is the treasure of Leiyin Temple and has never been passed on to outsiders, but for the future of the Cultivation World, I am willing to make an exception."

In the following few hours, the sound of reading filled the Scripture Repository as three different cultivation philosophies converged and merged. Xiao Yuan elaborated on the core of the "Harmony Dao"—resolving conflicts through inclusiveness and understanding; Huiming Fangzhang taught the essence of the Buddha Sect's compassionate heart method—unconditional love and mercy; Lin Xuan shared the wisdom of Taiji philosophy—seeking unity within opposition.

"I understand!" Xiao Yuan suddenly stood up excitedly, "The common point of the three schools is 'balance'! The Buddha Sect seeks the balance of the soul, the Daoist school seeks the balance of Yin and Yang, and we seek the balance of society!"

"The benefactor has deep roots of wisdom," Huiming Fangzhang said approvingly, "this 'balance' is the essence of the 'same whole' we were looking for."

Lin Xuan also grew excited: "If we take 'balance' as the core, we can create a brand-new cultivation method. Practitioners will not only pursue the improvement of strength but also focus on the peace of the mind and the harmony of the world."

Just as everyone was immersed in the joy of theoretical research, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside. Shuiyun Xianzi ran into the Scripture Repository, her expression tense.

"Master, Junior Sister Xiao Yuan, we just received news that Ancestor Taixuan has issued a manifesto!" she said, panting.

"What manifesto?" Xingchenzi asked urgently.

"Ancestor Taixuan announced that Leiyin Temple has betrayed the traditions of the righteous path and has been expelled from the Righteous Alliance. He also warned other sects not to have any contact with the Reform Alliance; those who violate this will be treated as traitors, and the Righteous Alliance will purge them from its ranks!" Shuiyun Xianzi said in one breath.

Upon hearing this news, the expressions of everyone present became grave. This move by Ancestor Taixuan was equivalent to drawing a clear line in the Cultivation World—either support the traditional forces or support the Reform Alliance; there was no longer a middle path to take.

"It seems our actions have touched their bottom line," Huiming Fangzhang said calmly, "but this poor monk had long expected this day. Since we have chosen this path, we must bear the corresponding consequences."

"Abbot, do you have any regrets?" Xiao Yuan asked worriedly.

"Regrets?" Huiming Fangzhang shook his head and smiled, "To be able to participate in such a great cause, this poor monk feels incomparably honored. Moreover, if the theory we just discussed can succeed, it will change the landscape of the entire Cultivation World. This is far more meaningful than maintaining the so-called traditional order."

Lin Xuan clenched his fists: "Since they want to purge us, then we will accompany them to the end! Our philosophy is correct, and one day it will be recognized by everyone."

"Indeed," Xiao Yuan nodded firmly, "now we must accelerate the pace of researching the new cultivation system. Only by producing actual results can we prove that our path is correct."

Huiming Fangzhang pressed his palms together: "Amitabha, excellent, excellent. Since that is the case, let us take this as an opportunity to officially begin the research on the 'Buddha-Dao Convergence' cultivation system."

Inside the council hall of the Taixuan Sect, Ancestor Taixuan sat in the main seat, his face as gloomy as water. The "betrayal" of Leiyin Temple yesterday had kept him awake all night; as the leader of the traditional forces, he felt his authority had been challenged as never before.

"Fellow Daoists," Ancestor Taixuan scanned the few remaining Nascent Soul Ancestors in the hall, his voice carrying suppressed anger, "The betrayal of Leiyin Temple has already brought our prestige to the ground. If we do not take strong measures now, I fear other sects will follow suit."

Ancestor Jianchi of Wanjian Valley nodded in agreement: "Ancestor Taixuan is right. The influence of the Reform Alliance is growing larger; if we continue to hesitate, the situation will be completely out of control."