Don't let Yu Ding take on any more disciples.

Chapter 319 I'm determined to keep my grand-disciple; even if you, Randeng, come, you can't take him away.
"Slander? You... Taixu, you evil Taoist, you dare to rely on your silver tongue to argue your way out of this, you shameless scoundrel."

Puxian Zhenren was both shocked and furious. He raised his finger and pointed at the jade cauldron below, trembling with rage.

Honestly, this guy is too good at making excuses. The same thing sounds completely different coming from him compared to what his senior brother said.

The logic of the matter was quite clear: the two had a conflict over taking on disciples, which escalated into a fight, and his senior brother suffered a great loss.

But this guy glossed over these things lightly, instead portraying them as injuries his senior brother had sustained outside...

Previously, he was wondering why his senior brother, who hadn't made a move in so many years, would suddenly start fighting with someone. Now, he also felt an urge to smash the guy below him to death.

In the courtyard of the General's Mansion, Li Jing and Xiao Bai, the two fellow disciples, exchanged a surprised glance. They had not witnessed that battle firsthand.

So, Master was really wronged?

The two of them wondered to themselves.

“Brother Puxian, such words…are hardly befitting of a righteous sect!”

Yu Ding glanced at Pu Xian and smiled, saying, "Besides, haven't you heard that whether it's the Heavenly Law or the King's Law, there's a fundamental logic in their application: 'Whoever makes the claim bears the burden of proof.'"
This is a turtle's buttocks—a rule (regulation). You say I injured Brother Manjushri Guangfa, do you have any evidence?

Do you really think that the heavenly laws and earthly rules he studied were for nothing?
He even participated in the last revision of the Heavenly Laws, and his opinions were consulted in some parts. He can recite the latest revised version of the Heavenly Laws from memory...

Hmm... Thinking of this, Yu Ding suddenly paused. These disciples are too troublesome. How about we start with a legal education class as the first lesson for all disciples from now on?
"Heavenly laws...heavenly rules, royal laws, whoever asserts...whoever provides evidence..."

Upon hearing these words, the enraged Master Puxian froze, clearly indicating that these words had touched upon a blind spot in his knowledge.

"Exactly!" Yu Ding nodded slightly.

Judging by the looks of it, I'm pretty sure I can handle this!

As immortals of the Chan Sect who are neither under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court nor the rule of the human king, they usually live a life of freedom, ignoring even the Heavenly Court. Naturally, the Heavenly Law and the King's Law have no binding force on them.

Normally, one could be a reclusive immortal, cultivating in their cave, refining pills and treasures, reading Daoist scriptures, and cultivating their character. When they have free time, they could go out for a stroll, visit friends, or have afternoon tea. Who would be so bored as to... cough cough, who would bother to look through things they don't even need?

He probably wouldn't have touched this thing if he hadn't been teaching his apprentices to use it.

"cunning……"

Master Puxian was somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. He wanted to argue, but since the other party had even brought up the Heavenly Laws, he naturally couldn't call it arguing. In the end, he couldn't help but grit his teeth and say, "Do you dare to wait for my senior brother to arrive and confront him face to face?"

"Why wouldn't I dare? Even if Brother Manjushri were here today, I would still use the same excuse."

Yu Ding said calmly, "Today, this humble Taoist will wait here for Brother Manjushri to come and confront me."

He was certain that Manjushri Bodhisattva would rather swallow his pride than admit to being severely injured by a mere celestial being like him.

After all, he has said many times that this primordial world is not just about fighting and killing, but also about human relationships and worldly wisdom.

Here, one's reputation is extremely important when going out; some people would rather die than face social humiliation.

Even saints and celestial beings find it difficult to remain calm when it comes to matters of face, let alone other immortals.

After Fu Yuan Xianweng was defeated by Long Ji, who was at the Golden Immortal Realm, he became a laughing stock in the Three Realms and has been unable to hold his head up since. If this matter gets out, he, Manjushri Guangfa Tianzun, will be the second Fu Yuan. Will he still be able to live in the prehistoric world then?

Furthermore, this matter involves not only Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma, but also one of the Twelve Immortals of Jade Void, who is a true disciple of the Primordial Sage!

Therefore, even if Manjushri Bodhisattva can afford to lose face, his master and the Chan Sect cannot. So, Manjushri will most likely use the excuse he left to prove his innocence and then say that he encountered some enemy while traveling...

In short, this senior brother has been completely under his control this time.

He took the beating whether he wanted to or not, and he had to swallow this bitter pill.

"You... I have never seen such a shameless person!"

Master Puxian gritted his teeth and stared at the jade cauldron, angrily flicking his sleeves and saying, "You wait, when my senior brother arrives, let's see what you have to say then."

"This humble Taoist priest awaits you here!" Yu Ding said with a smile.

These fellow disciples weren't too stupid; they'd just been away from the world for too long, to the point that they'd forgotten human relationships and social customs.

Li Jing and Xiao Bai: "(⊙v⊙)"

As they exclaimed in amazement, the eyes of the two people standing behind the jade cauldron seemed to light up.

I never imagined their master had this ability; he couldn't beat them in battle, let alone win arguments with them. It's just too...

The two brothers exchanged a glance, a resolute look flashing in their eyes.

They've decided; they want to learn this too!
"Samantabhadra, step back!"

At this moment, Dipankara, who was riding a deer, cried out. Samantabhadra quickly turned around and stepped back to Dipankara's side, saying, "Master, this fellow..."

Randeng remained silent, only raising his hand to stop Puxian from speaking. Then he looked down, his deep gaze landing on Yuding: "Taoist Taixu?"

In an instant, Yu Ding's expression changed slightly, and his deep gaze seemed to try to penetrate into his body.

He tensed up involuntarily, activated the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique, and let immortal power flow through his body. A faint golden light emanated from his body, while a cloud of auspicious clouds appeared in his celestial spirit.

Hmm, his profound skill isn't from the three major schools of Taoism, but it seems to have some resemblance to them. Just who is he...? Ran Deng stared at the jade cauldron, his brows furrowing more and more, and asked suspiciously, "Are you an ancient fellow Daoist reincarnated and cultivating again?"

Why was the registration time for this alternate account brought forward again...? Yu Ding coughed lightly, and after hearing Randeng's words, he thought for a moment and recited:
"In the beginning of chaos, Pangu was the first, and Taiji, Yin and Yang, and the Four Symbols were established. He understood the principles of life and death, and let others look on with longing... Fellow Daoist Ran Deng, don't you recognize me?"

He remembered that in the Investiture of the Gods, the characters with a grand presence were introduced before they were seen, with their voices chanting poems and accompanied by special effects of flowers falling from the sky and golden lotuses springing up from the ground...

Since his master is going to finish things up today, what is he afraid of? Why not just let loose and brag a little today?

"you……"

Upon hearing the poem's title, Ran Deng was suddenly startled, for this was indeed how people introduced themselves when they met a long, long time ago.

The appearance of this poem at this moment made him believe even more in his identity as a reincarnation.

But after carefully examining the jade cauldron, he frowned and said, "Fellow Daoist, please forgive my poor eyesight for not recognizing you..."

Countless ancient gods and demons have perished since the beginning of time, but no one can be certain whether all those fallen primordial deities are truly dead.

Instead of leaving behind the option of reincarnation, since such beings are truly too difficult to kill.

Putting aside other matters, Yun Zhongzi, who was praised as a "Golden Immortal of Fortune and Virtue" by Yuanshi Tianzun within the Chan Sect, seems to be a reincarnation of a primordial deity.

"Heh, since you've forgotten, why bring up the past?" Yu Ding waved his hand dismissively and smiled faintly. "Fellow Daoist Randeng, there's no need to worry too much. In this life, I am here for the sake of Taixu, while you are here today for the sake of Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma."

Randeng was made more cautious by Yu Ding's words, but still said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist, are you aware that a great calamity for the immortals is about to occur in the Three Realms?"

"I've heard a little about it!" Yu Ding said softly.

Ran Deng said, "To be honest, besides this great calamity of the immortals, my twelve disciples of Jade Void have also broken the precept against killing, and we need to finish the calamity by killing..."

Yu Ding smiled and said, "And then?"

Burning Lamp stared at the jade cauldron and said in a deep voice, "With your cultivation level, you should be able to see that your grand-disciple is destined by heaven and happens to have a master-disciple relationship with my student Manjushri, right?"
"To be frank, fellow Daoist, my sect leader has ordered twelve of his personal disciples to descend the mountain to seek out talented individuals to take as their apprentices, train them, and then descend to fulfill their destiny. I hope you can help me achieve this master-disciple bond."

“Fellow Daoist Ran Deng, as the saying goes, we don’t beat around the bush with honest people.”

Yu Ding sneered, "The Twelve Golden Immortals are bound by the killing precepts. Let them go through the tribulations themselves. Why should a group of juniors go down the mountain to be cannon fodder and complete their tribulations for you?"
"They might even send their juniors to their deaths if necessary, without any shame."

“You…” Master Puxian was furious, indicating that he felt he had been subtly insulted.

Ran Deng frowned slightly, but still said, "What if I promise you, fellow Daoist, that once the tribulation is over, I will return to you an excellent grand-disciple who is completely unharmed?"

Yu Ding laughed and said, "Fellow Daoist Ran Deng, the great calamity is ever-changing and full of dangers and surprises. Your words have no effect whatsoever unless you make a Heavenly Dao oath."

Randeng frowned, somewhat displeased, and said, "Fellow Daoist, the opportunity to join the Chan Sect is not something everyone gets. This is an immense opportunity for that child. Are you really not going to consider it?"

Yu Ding asked, "Am I considered that child's advisor?"

Ran Deng paused for a moment, then said, "It is."

"When Manjushri Bodhisattva and my disciple are of the same generation, how will you address me then?" Yu Ding asked.

The Taoist Ran Deng was suddenly stunned.

Yu Ding raised his hand and pointed at Li Jing again, saying, "Fellow Daoist, what do you think of my disciple?"

Ran Deng glanced at it and then looked away: "His innate talent is a bit lacking, so his achievements in this life are limited. The path to immortality is difficult... Hmm? He's almost a human immortal. It's quite amazing that someone with such innate talent could achieve this."

"That's right, even such a terrible disciple could be trained into a human immortal by me."

Yu Ding smiled meaningfully and said, "How can you be so sure, fellow Daoist, that I cannot train my exceptionally talented grand-disciple into a Golden Immortal, or even a great power like Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma?"

Behind him, Li Jing's expression darkened slightly...

Ran Deng gazed at the jade cauldron and sighed, "So, fellow Daoist, there's no room for discussion on this matter?"

"Not negotiable!"

Yu Ding stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, "If they really have the ability, let them go through the tribulation themselves, or find other disciples."

"I'm determined to keep my grand-disciple here. Even if you, Randeng, come, you can't take him away. I'm telling you!"

Master, if you don't come soon, your disciple is about to unleash the Chaos Sword Qi...

“You…” Ran Deng’s eyes blazed with intensity.

At the same time, an incomparably terrifying tremor erupted with the roar of heaven and earth, its overwhelming power sweeping across the world and shaking all directions.

"That wretched lamp..."

Yu Ding cursed inwardly, this was forcing him to use his trump card. At this moment, Randeng's Great Luo Golden Immortal cultivation was unleashed without reservation.

“Since there are some reasons we can’t understand, then we can only…” Ran Deng stared at the jade cauldron.

“There’s no other way.” Yu Ding’s eyes flashed and he immediately summoned the Heavenly Celebration Cloud, which flashed past the Niwan Palace.

"Wait, those are the heavens..."

Just as he was about to make a move, Ran Deng's pupils suddenly contracted, his expression changed, and he stood frozen in place.

The terrifying aura arrived quickly and dissipated even faster, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

"Was I seeing things just now...?" Ran Deng kept asking himself. How did he see that thing?

When he looked at Yu Ding again, he saw the other person standing with his hands behind his back, smiling faintly at him.

But that smile was so unfathomable that it sent chills down his spine...

Looking at the Taoist priest's appearance again, hmm, the more I look at him, the more he resembles the one in the Jade Void Palace... a little bit?

Ran Deng was a little confused. To be honest, the more he looked at it, the more it resembled the person, especially when he wasn't smiling.

No way, no way, could it really be that person?

Dipankara was stunned on the spot. No wonder Samantabhadra said that Manjushri once felt that his opponent knew everything about him. If it were that person, wouldn't everything match up?

A master beating his apprentice... isn't that just like a father beating his son?

But that shouldn't be the case. Why would that person stop his apprentice from accepting another apprentice and then beat him up?

Ran Deng gazed at the jade cauldron with a flickering look in his eyes, when suddenly, a flash of inspiration appeared in his eyes.

He remembered; the method just revealed seemed to combine the cultivation of the primordial spirit and the physical body, and was remarkably similar to the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts created by the former sect leader.
However, it is clear that the cultivation method and aura of this person are much stronger at this moment.

So, it seems there's only one truth to the matter... A confident glint flashed in Ran Deng's eyes.

If he wasn't mistaken, it must be that person who created a more powerful and effective method for achieving physical sainthood, but because no one in the sect was willing to try it, he had no choice but to create an avatar to cultivate the new technique.

As for beating Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma, who has achieved great success in cultivation, using his own disciple to test his cultivation results and check his disciple's cultivation progress... that's quite reasonable!
Thinking about it this way... it all seems to make sense now.

He was right, apart from that sect leader, where else could there be a brave Golden Immortal who dared to face him, the vice sect leader of the Chan Sect, directly...

And that last sentence, "He's determined to keep his grand-disciple, and I can't take him with me," he said... Heh, that's really the same domineering style that cult leader always has!
"It seems to have succeeded..."

Seeing that the Daoist Randeng had suddenly dissipated his aura and stopped making a move, Yu Ding breathed a sigh of relief. It must be that the Heavenly Auspicious Clouds had successfully made this fellow Randeng discover that he had a relationship with Father Yuanshi.

Although he knew this guy was going to the West in the future, before he went to the West, Randeng was still the vice leader of their Chan Sect, so he really couldn't seriously injure him.

He didn't know exactly when Randeng's rebellious intentions arose, but he certainly didn't want it to be because of him that Randeng developed these rebellious intentions.

Anyway, the drama of the Investiture of the Gods is far from over. The stage is huge, so everyone can take their time and act it out. There's no rush!
(End of this chapter)