Longzang

Chapter 1035 It’s a worthwhile trip
Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng stood by his side, while Yan Shi and Bai Kai Shui sat at the head of the table, with Xuan Yue Zhenjun seated beside them. A female sword cultivator from the Sword Palace was not present, and Xuan Yue Zhenjun seemed somewhat disappointed.

Wei Yuan spoke first: "Why are the immortals acting this way? Are they really unable to intervene?"

Yan Shi sneered: "If it's not this attitude, then what kind of attitude is it? You are all fighting for the Great Dao. Zhang Sheng is fighting for the Dao of the Sword. This has existed since ancient times, but in the end, it only affects one's personal status."

Your conflict is a clash between Buddhist and Taoist doctrines, much like the ancient debate between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism. The outcome directly impacts the rise and fall of a religion. If you win, how many spiritual attainments will be shattered? This attack today is aimed at you.

Do you think those self-serving sages would intervene at this time? They'll only add to the glory after the outcome is clear; they'd never risk their lives like this.

Bai Kaishui said, "Even sword cultivators are afraid of death, let alone those aristocratic immortals. But since their safety is tied to the safety of their entire clan, they will naturally choose to protect themselves. If I had a family to support, I would not risk my life for a mere squabble."

Wei Yuan nodded: "Disciple understands. Please rest assured, Ancestor, it doesn't matter if there are no immortals to help me. Disciple will definitely strive to be strong and will pick up trash to eat on my own."

Yan Shi was stunned, as was Bai Kai Shui. Even with Xuan Yue Zhenjun's thick skin, they both covered their faces and turned away. Zhang Sheng gently tugged at Wei Yuan's sleeve.

Wei Yuan remained calm, his eyes shining brightly, showing no embarrassment whatsoever. He even intended to unleash the sword energy of the Fourth Cave Heaven, but after several attempts, there was no response. Clearly, Xi He couldn't stand it and suppressed it directly.

Seeing Wei Yuan's expression, Bai Kai Shui suddenly realized that he was being targeted!
He then smiled slightly and said, "The Taichu Palace is the wealthiest in the world; what can't it have? But I can't bear to see the younger generation struggling. How about this? I originally prepared two gifts, but since only one disciple from my Sword Palace was selected this time, I'll remove one gift. What do you think?"

These words were a mix of offense and defense, and also a sharp dig at Yan Shi. However, Bai Kai Shui was not actually very familiar with the people in front of him, and had truly underestimated the thick skin of the cultivators from Tai Chu Palace.

As soon as he said it, he saw everyone looking at him expectantly, as if they would accept any gift. Even Yan Shi showed no shame, but Bai Kai Shui's heart sank, and he knew something was wrong.

Before he could speak, Wei Yuan asked, "Can we choose a gift?"

Bai Kaishui already disliked Wei Yuan, and now his impression of him was even worse. However, considering that Xihe had finally found a suitable mount with a wisp of divine thought, the old rich man reluctantly put up with it.

But the word "mount"... perhaps because he'd read too many stories, the word "mount" always felt jarring to him, so he silently changed it to Xihe's cave in his mind. But upon further reflection, it made him even more uncomfortable.

At this moment, Zhang Sheng rebuked Wei Yuan, "How can you be so disrespectful to your senior? If you want something, just say it out loud. If your senior has it, would he refuse to give it to you?"

Bai Kaishui felt a lump in his throat again, but Zhang Sheng wasn't Wei Yuan, and he couldn't harden his heart no matter what. In Zhang Sheng, he vaguely saw a bit of Xi He's younger self, except that Xi He was sharp and shrewd back then, while Zhang Sheng had a more composed and dignified air.

Seeing that Bai Kaishui remained silent, Wei Yuan knew that the time had come and immediately said, "This junior dares to ask for the supreme sword intent."

Bai Kaishui's lips twitched slightly, he nodded slowly, then flicked his finger, sending a glittering point of light flying toward Wei Yuan.

The Sword Palace's supreme sword intent is unparalleled in the world; only sword immortals can condense it, and each strand requires hundreds of years to form. This sword intent has endless uses; if used on a Heavenly Phase sword cultivator, it can directly elevate them to the Heavenly Phase! This alone is a priceless treasure.

Seeing that Wei Yuan had grasped the sword intent, Zhang Sheng finally revealed a rare smile, bowed to Bai Kaishui, and said, "Thank you, Ancestor Bai."

Suddenly, the plain-faced boy had an idea and beamed with joy. This child had finally agreed to call him "Grandmaster"! Although this Grandmaster was probably not the same Grandmaster as before, he couldn't care less.

At this moment, Xihe faintly appeared behind Wei Yuan, nodded to Bai Kaishui, and disappeared without saying a word.

Bai Kaishui's expression changed instantly, and he almost burst into tears. But since he was an immortal, he managed to control his emotions and didn't let others notice anything amiss.

After everyone dispersed, Wei Yuan arrived at a courtyard in the Immortal City that was reserved for distinguished guests and gently knocked on the gate. The gate opened, revealing a peacock behind it.

Wei Yuan had a fairly good impression of the peacock and said, "Long time no see!"

"It has indeed been a very long time. Your heroic bearing is truly admirable. Well, that was just polite talk. What I really want to say is that you are really shameless. Is it fun to bully Faxiang?"

Wei Yuan said sincerely, "It's really fun! Would you like to come and try it next time?"

Seeing that Wei Yuan was not ashamed but rather proud, Kong Que also gave in and said, "No!"

Wei Yuan laughed and said, "By the way, since you're already here, why don't you sign up for the Immortal Appearance selection? If you did, I still have a Great Wilderness Spear Saint clone that I haven't moved yet, and I can give you a beating."

The peacock smiled and said, "I'm sorry, this humble monk has done a good job in guiding you. My cultivation has been perfected, and I have now passed that hurdle."

Wei Yuan was taken aback and said, "From now on, we'll have to call him Peacock Arhat?"

"Titles are nothing but empty words, mere honorifics bestowed upon ignorant believers. Besides, I have no attainment, so how dare I call myself an Arhat? I will come to congratulate you when I ascend to the Pure Land in the future. Oh, the merit of guiding others can last a long time, so if you work hard, I can ascend faster."

Wei Yuan felt increasingly uneasy as he listened, and finally realized, "You're guiding me?" "Who else could it be? You alone are worth a million demons. I've cultivated in the underworld for a thousand years, but I'm still no match for you alone."

Wei Yuan was both angry and indignant. This bald thief had given him a huge benefit, yet he wasn't even getting a kickback?
Peacock stepped aside and said, "Go in, Bodhisattva Baosheng has been waiting for a long time."

Wei Yuan entered the main hall and saw a portrait of Vairocana Buddha hanging there, along with an offering table—that was the makeshift setup. Ratnasambhava Bodhisattva sat cross-legged on a monk's couch, his eyes lowered.

Ratnasambhava Bodhisattva had a full face, a golden body, and held a wish-fulfilling jewel. Wei Yuan was quite knowledgeable about Buddhism at this time and knew that Ratnasambhava Bodhisattva's corresponding attainment was the Southern Ratnasambhava Buddha, who presided over blessings, wishes, and wealth. However, at this moment, she appeared completely devoid of divine power, showing no sign of being a great Bodhisattva close to attaining enlightenment.

Upon seeing Wei Yuan arrive, Bodhisattva Baosheng turned one of the wish-fulfilling jewels in his hand, and the surroundings instantly transformed into a Pure Land of Virtue, filled with coral trees and precious jewels.

Bodhisattva Baosheng said, “Benefactor, you possess innate enlightenment and Buddha-nature, and have made a great vow, which is unparalleled in the world. All these qualities truly make you a born Buddha. On behalf of Vairocana Buddha, I would like to ask if you would be willing to go to the depths of the Pure Land and visit Mount Ling. If you are willing, then the cause and effect of today’s events will be taken over by the Pure Land, and Zhang Sheng will be safe.”

Wei Yuan said solemnly, "Can the Pure Land of Baohua accept this karma?"

Bodhisattva Baosheng said, “Others may not be able to accept it, but the Pure Land can. It is only because the Pure Land has other karmic connections with those people that it can use this as a guide to accept this karmic connection as well. Moreover, it is not just a simple matter of accepting the karmic connection. With the help of my Pure Land and the blessing of the Sword Palace and the Primordial Palace, Zhang Sheng will be the only choice after the sword path appears in the world.”

"Is Mount Ling the Mount Ling that has attained the state of enlightenment?"

Bodhisattva Baosheng said, “Mount Ling is not a mountain in itself; it is the manifestation of one’s fruition. When you arrive at Mount Ling, you will see your corresponding fruition.”

Wei Yuan asked again, "Is there any higher position in the Vulture Peak than that of the Great Sun Tathagata?"

Ratnasambhava smiled slightly and said, “There is none now, but there will be in the future. If you are not satisfied, you can move forward, and there will be a place of enlightenment waiting for you ahead.”

Wei Yuan nodded and asked, "What is the relationship between the Great Joyful Buddha and Mount Ling? Is the Buddha's status above that of Mount Ling?"

Bodhisattva Baosheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "It is not on Mount Ling. The teachings of the King Buddha are slightly different from those of Mount Ling. In the Pure Land, it is called Tantra. The attainments of Tantra are different from those of Mount Ling. They are scattered and cannot be gathered together like Mount Ling to cross the sea of ​​suffering."

Wei Yuan said, "I have no further questions. As for whether or not to go to Mount Ling, I still need to think about it. I cannot agree to your request now."

Bodhisattva Baosheng nodded, seemingly unsurprised, and said, "A great calamity is approaching; you should make preparations as soon as possible."

"A great calamity? What kind of great calamity? Why didn't the other immortals warn us?"

Bodhisattva Baosheng said, “Immortals and Buddhas follow different paths. We are reincarnated generation after generation. When we return to the Pure Land and see Mount Ling, we will naturally understand the cause and effect of our past lives. Therefore, in our eyes, the next 100,000 years is approaching. The next 10,000 years is imminent.”

"Thank you for your understanding, Bodhisattva." Wei Yuan bowed and then asked, "The Immortal Banquet is about to begin. Will you be attending, Bodhisattva?"

Bodhisattva Baosheng smiled and said, "I am already a person outside the secular world, so I will not participate. Today, I have been able to see the Buddha's intention and hear the great vow of transformation, which is already enough."

Knowing that he could not persuade him to stay, Wei Yuan bowed and left.

This grand gathering of the world's first Dharma Image was a great event, and it also involved a battle with the celestial Buddhist path. After witnessing that earth-shattering blow that represented the true nature of the Great Dao, everyone felt that the trip was worthwhile.

After the conference concluded, a banquet was naturally held to celebrate the success.

In an instant, all the restaurants in Qingming were packed. Wei Yuan, as the host, hosted a banquet for all the high-ranking cultivators who had been granted the title of Immortal Minister, and also held a separate banquet for all the immortals present.

Tai Chu Palace was naturally the biggest winner, and the Four Saints Academy also had a triumphant year, not only winning first place in the Immortal Appearance category but also having two disciples selected, surpassing Sword Palace and Great Treasure Flower Pure Land. Bodhisattva Baosheng did not attend the banquet, which was expected, while the other immortals chatted and laughed merrily.

Everyone knows that from now on, we will all be on the same side. Although the immortals from the Xu and Xiao families did not appear, Xu Henshui and Xiao Yu's status in the clan will surely rise, which will bring them closer to the Taichu Palace. However, the attitude of Xu Youyi, the immortal ancestor of the Xu family, is somewhat strange. For some reason, she has always kept her distance from the Taichu Palace.

Among the assembled scholars, it was mentioned that Bao Yun, Xiao Yu, and Li Zhi were not only candidates from the same cohort, but also all from Feng Yuan County, and had even fought each other during that year's unified examination. Feng Chutang, Xu Henshui, and Ji Liuli were their teachers afterward, indicating an extraordinary relationship between them.

As everyone reminisced about the past, it all felt like a lifetime had passed. Cui Yu, who was also present, casually mentioned Wei Yuan, and suddenly everyone fell silent.

Xu Henshui's eyes darted around, and he said, "It's funny to think back to that time. Back then, Bao'er was in a great position, but that little barbarian turned it upside down. After he seriously injured Bao'er, he even came over to finish her off with a shot."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became somewhat subtle.

(End of this chapter)