Honghuang: Eat a Hunyuan Daluo

Chapter 271 Jiang Shang Joins the Chan Sect, Burning Lamp Approaches the West

As all the saints' gazes were focused on the North Sea, a weary mortal appeared at the foot of Mount Kunlun.

This man looked to be in his early thirties, yet his hair was already white, and he was carrying a backpack, about to climb Mount Kunlun.

While searching for Randeng, who possessed the appearance of a flying bear, he happened to encounter him.

Ran Deng immediately recognized the flying bear's appearance behind the mortal, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Not long ago, Randeng heard Yuanshi Tianzun say that there was more than one person carrying a flying bear, and ordered the disciples of Chan Sect to continue the search. Randeng naturally went down the mountain with him.

For hundreds of years, Randeng had been searching for him at the foot of Kunlun Mountain without success. Today, on his return to the mountain, he unexpectedly encountered this person who bore the appearance of a flying bear and was destined for the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods.

The mortal bearing the appearance of a flying bear was none other than Jiang Shang, Jiang Ziya.

In fact, Jiang Ziya's arrival at Kunlun Mountain was guided by the will of Heaven.

If we were to ask who in this primordial world could find Jiang Ziya during the Great Tribulation, it would only be the Heavenly Dao. This is because Jiang Ziya, the chosen one of the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, was born in accordance with the Heavenly Dao, and the Heavenly Dao would naturally sense it.

Through the unseen manipulations of Heaven, Jiang Ziya learned that the Jade Void Palace on Kunlun Mountain was recruiting disciples.

At this time, Jiang Ziya was experiencing discord at home, and he often quarreled with his wife. In addition, Jiang Ziya had always wanted to seek immortality and ask questions, so he decided to go to Kunlun Mountain to seek immortality and ask questions.

Afterwards, under the secret protection of Heaven, Jiang Ziya, despite the hardships he encountered, finally arrived safely at the foot of Kunlun Mountain, where he was met by Randeng.

Randeng was unaware of these matters; at this moment, all he wanted was to bring Jiang Ziya to the Jade Void Palace as soon as possible.

Then, with a thought, Randeng transformed into an old Taoist priest and called out to the man, "Fellow Taoist, please wait."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ziya stopped and turned to look at the old Taoist priest that Randeng had transformed into.

"May I ask, fellow Daoist, are you also going to Kunlun Mountain to seek a master and learn martial arts?"

A hint of surprise appeared in Jiang Ziya's eyes: "Indeed. May I ask how this fellow Daoist is addressed?"

"I am Ran Deng, and I have heard that Kunlun Mountain is opening its doors to disciples, so I have come to try my luck."

Jiang Ziya said, "I have also heard of this matter, so I came to give it a try. Since we are on the same road, it is fate that we have met. Why don't we travel together?"

Ran Deng readily agreed, and the two traveled together, exchanging many words along the way.

Along the way, Ran Deng discovered that although Jiang Ziya was a mortal, he was very knowledgeable and had his own insights into the ways of heaven and earth. He was indeed the chosen one for the Investiture of the Gods.

Jiang Ziya also deeply admired Ran Deng's extensive knowledge.

With the secret assistance of Ran Deng, Jiang Ziya quickly climbed to the top of Kunlun Mountain. Before entering Yuxu Palace, Ran Deng tentatively asked, "Ziya, why do you, a mere mortal, wish to become a disciple of Yuanshi Tianzun?"

Jiang Ziya smiled slightly: "Although I am a mortal, I yearn for the Dao. I have heard that Yuanshi Tianzun is a sage. If I can become his disciple, I will surely learn profound Daoist arts and benefit all living beings."

Upon hearing this, Ran Deng was taken aback, then sighed inwardly, "It's rare to find someone as sincere as Jiang Ziya, but Kunlun Mountain is not the place he dreams of!"

Jiang Ziya, unaware of what Randeng was thinking, called out to him to follow, then began to straighten his clothes and respectfully walked towards the palace.

The fact that Randeng brought a mortal up the mountain could not be kept from Yuanshi Tianzun.

Yuanshi Tianzun immediately recognized Jiang Ziya as the chosen one for the Investiture of the Gods, and he was very satisfied that Randeng had found Jiang Ziya.

After Jiang Ziya entered the Jade Void Palace, Yuanshi Tianzun flicked his finger, and a drop of Three Lights Divine Water appeared in front of Randeng as a reward.

Ran Deng was overjoyed. The Three Lights Divine Water was a rare treasure to him; obtaining even a single drop was like gaining an extra life.

When Jiang Ziya entered the palace, he saw that the hall was filled with immortal energy, and a Taoist priest sat on the throne. This Taoist priest had a dignified face and a deep aura. He was Yuanshi Tianzun, the Jade Purity Saint of the Chan Sect.

Standing beside the fellow Daoist were twelve disciples of different statures and appearances.

The lamp-bearer stood at the back.

Upon seeing the sage, Jiang Ziya immediately knelt down and respectfully greeted him, saying, "Disciple Jiang Ziya pays respects to the Sage Yuqing."

Yuanshi Tianzun slightly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning, scrutinizing the two of them.

Not long after, Yuanshi frowned slightly on his majestic face. The chosen one of the Investiture of the Gods had the appearance of a flying bear. If he was not a person of unparalleled talent and great fortune, he should at least be a person of the highest caliber.
But Jiang Ziya was a human born after birth, just an ordinary mortal, with a mixed aura and no cultivation whatsoever. He had nothing outstanding about him, and even his cultivation aptitude was extremely poor.

"Could it be an imposter?" With this thought, Yuanshi activated his supreme sage power and quietly observed Jiang Ziya again.

It has been confirmed that Jiang Ziya has wings growing from his sides, which are blessed by the mysterious power of the Heavenly Dao. He is indeed a flying bear without a doubt, and there is absolutely no possibility of mistaken identity.

After pondering for a moment, Yuanshi Tianzun asked, "Jiang Ziya, why do you want to become my disciple?"

Jiang Ziya replied without hesitation, “Sage, although I am a mortal, I have the well-being of all people in my heart and hope to learn profound Taoist arts to benefit the people of the world.”

Yuanshi pondered for a moment and then said, "Since that's the case, are you willing to join my Chan Sect?"

Jiang Ziya said excitedly, "This disciple is willing."

Yuanshi Tianzun really didn't want to teach Jiang Ziya, whose aptitude and background were so poor. So after a moment's consideration, he slowly said, "I have been trying to comprehend the Dao of Heaven recently, so Guangchengzi will teach Ziya instead!"

Guang Chengzi's lips curled up slightly. His master still loved him the most, even entrusting Fei Xiong to his teaching. This wave of deification was just a piece of cake for him.

The Golden Immortals showed no surprise on their faces, but they were somewhat envious in their hearts. Their master had always favored their eldest brother, and they were already used to it.

Upon hearing this, Ran Deng raised his head in disbelief. Wasn't Jiang Ziya the one he brought to Kunlun Mountain? Why was Guang Chengzi teaching him?
He has worked tirelessly and devotedly to the Chan Sect for so many years, like a beast of burden. Why can't he be given a chance?

Overwhelmed with boundless resentment, he stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Reporting to the Master, I have something to say."

Yuanshi frowned slightly, glanced at the lamp, and coldly uttered a single word: "Speak!"

Despite the immense pressure from the sage, Ran Deng said with difficulty, "I have made some contribution in finding the Flying Bear this time. I hope to be able to teach the Flying Bear."

Looking at Randeng struggling to speak on the white jade floor, Yuanshi did not refuse. Instead, he turned to the Golden Immortals of Kunlun and asked, "What do you think of the Vice Master's request?"

“Reporting to Master, the Vice Leader oversees all the trivial matters of our Chan Sect, and he probably doesn’t have much time on weekdays. In my opinion, it would be more suitable for Senior Brother Guangchengzi to teach him.” Chijingzi was the first to speak. “Yes, the Vice Leader manages Kunlun, how could he have time to teach the Flying Bears? Senior Brother Guangchengzi is the best choice.” Qingxu Daode Zhenjun echoed.

"This disciple also feels that Senior Brother Guangchengzi is more suitable to teach the Flying Bear," Taiyi Zhenren added.

After that, apart from Cihang, Puxian, and Wenshu, all the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect sided with Guangchengzi.

Randeng's face turned deathly pale. He lowered his head and stopped speaking. His fists clenched tightly, his nails digging deep into his flesh, but Randeng felt no pain at all.

Compared to the physical pain, the frustration in Ran Deng's heart was the hardest thing to let go of.

Yuanshi Tianzun ignored him and made the final decision, deciding Jiang Ziya's ultimate fate.

After leaving Yuxu Palace, Randeng had lost all hope in the Chan Sect. There is no greater sorrow than a broken heart. Since the Chan Sect could not tolerate him, why should he risk his life for the Chan Sect?
Thinking of this, Randeng gritted his teeth and flew away from Kunlun Mountain, arriving in the sphere of influence of the Shang Dynasty.

With the advent of the Shang Dynasty, the celestial order was in disarray, and human fortune was also disrupted, so Yuanshi would certainly not have discovered his actions.

With a thought, Randeng broke the layers of seals in his sea of ​​consciousness, and a Bodhi seed immediately emitted a dazzling golden light.

Before the Heavenly Saints attained sainthood, Dipankara was cultivating in the West. The two Western Saints naturally tried to win him over, but Dipankara refused. This Bodhi seed was obtained during that time.

Later, the Heavenly Saints all attained enlightenment, and Randeng went to the Chan Sect and became its vice leader. If it weren't for the Yuanshi Tianzun ignoring him time and time again, Randeng felt that he would never have been able to break the seal in his entire life.

As the Bodhi seed was unsealed, the two Western Saints naturally sensed it immediately.

However, the two Western Saints could not leave Mount Ling due to the suppression of the primordial world. Moreover, if a Saint made a move, the other Saints would definitely turn their attention to him.

So Maitreya, representing the two saints, came to find Dipankara.

"Greetings, Senior Randeng." Maitreya, a quasi-saint, bowed respectfully to Randeng, a peak Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Seeing this, Ran Deng quickly waved his hand and said, "In the path of cultivation, those who have reached the highest level are given priority. Fellow Daoist is a Quasi-Saint, while I am only a peak Great Luo Golden Immortal. How can I be worthy of the title of Senior?"

Maitreya smiled and said, "When I came here, my master said that Senior Randeng had listened to the Dao with my master in Zixiao Palace, so we should treat him with respect."

Upon hearing this, Randeng felt a tremor in his heart. Compared to the arrogance and disdain of the Primordial Celestial Venerable, the attitude of the two Western Saints made Randeng feel exceptionally comfortable.

Randeng stopped hiding anything and directly told Maitreya about the second person destined to have the appearance of a flying bear, and about how Yuanshi Tianzun had taken this person under his wing.

Maitreya's expression changed drastically upon hearing this; such a thing was unbelievable!
After the Western Sect acquired Shen Gongbao, they already considered the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip to be theirs for the taking. Unexpectedly, another person of destiny appeared.

"Thank you for informing me, Senior Randeng. This matter is too great for me to decide alone. I must return to the Western Sect to report. Senior Randeng has shown great kindness to the Western Sect, and we will repay you in the future." After saying this, Maitreya transformed into a streak of light and flew away.

Maitreya returned to the Western Religion and informed the two Western Saints of this matter.

Zhunti was also shocked: "I didn't expect that there would be more than one chosen one in this great calamity of gods. Senior brother, what should we do?"

Jieyin sighed and said, "Junior brother, I'm afraid we won't gain anything from this matter!"

"Why?"

“We had previously asked our teacher for the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip, but he said the time was not right and the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip were not yet ready to be created.”

Now that I think about it, the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip were probably prepared for Jiang Ziya, and these two treasures were destined to fall into the hands of the Chan Sect.

"How can the teacher be so biased!" Zhunti said, barely suppressing his anger.

"Junior brother, we are only the teacher's nominal disciples."

After hearing what Jieyin said, Zhunti fell silent.

After a long while, Zhunti said with a reluctant expression, "Even so, we still have a person with the destiny of the Flying Bear in our hands. Teacher can't deny it, can he? Teacher will definitely invite us to Zixiao Palace to discuss this matter later. At that time, we will have a good debate with Yuanshi Tianzun."

"That's all it can do."

At this time, in the Kunlun Mountains, at Guangchengzi's Daoist temple, after Jiang Ziya had performed the apprenticeship ceremony to Yuanshi Tianzun, he was taken to Guangchengzi's Daoist temple.

"Junior brother, this is the immortal technique of our Yuqing lineage. Today, I will pass this technique on to you on behalf of our master. You must cultivate it diligently." After saying this, Guang Chengzi touched Jiang Ziya's forehead.

Jiang Ziya felt a surge of information flooding into his mind.

After digesting this information, Jiang Ziya's eyes flashed with excitement. After seeking immortality for so many years, he had finally obtained the method of cultivating immortality, and it was the Jade Purity Immortal Method, which led directly to the Great Dao in the primordial world.

Seeing Jiang Ziya's expression, Guang Chengzi nodded in satisfaction: "Come, let me teach you cultivation and guide you through the basics."

Then Guang Chengzi was dumbfounded. He remembered that when he became a disciple of his master and started practicing the Jade Purity Immortal Technique, it only took him a little over an hour to master the basics.

In contrast, Jiang Ziya had carefully explained the Jade Purity Immortal Technique dozens of times, to the point that even a pig could grasp the basics, yet Jiang Ziya still looked completely bewildered.

Guang Chengzi wondered if there was something wrong with his teaching methods, so he called over a group of his fellow disciples to explain the Jade Purity Immortal Technique to Jiang Ziya.

Three years passed just like that.

Over the past three years, the Twelve Golden Immortals have explained the Jade Purity Immortal Techniques countless times, and Jiang Ziya has been given golden pills and immortal medicines as if they were free. Yet, Jiang Ziya has only just barely reached the stage of Refining Emptiness and Integrating with the Dao.

His understanding of the Jade Purity Immortal Technique was barely at the beginner level.

You must know this is Kunlun Mountain! It is one of the top three famous mountains and rivers in the primordial world, rich in spiritual energy. Immortal medicines and spiritual roots grow everywhere. Ordinary beings with low-grade aptitude who cultivate in Kunlun Mountain and consume so many spiritual medicines should at least have entered the Celestial Immortal Realm. But Jiang Ziya is still stuck in the fourth realm of mortals.

A useless body, truly the most useless of useless bodies, the most stubborn of stubborn rocks, utterly ignorant.

Guang Chengzi angrily waved his sleeve and walked out of the temple.

Jiang Ziya watched Guang Chengzi's retreating figure, feeling like crying but unable to. His eyes were full of helplessness. It wasn't that he didn't want to learn; he had been working hard to cultivate, but he simply couldn't learn it!
Guang Chengzi could no longer bear teaching Jiang Ziya cultivation, but he could not disobey his master's orders, so he simply began to use the same methods he had used to teach Xuanyuan to teach Jiang Ziya.

How to train new recruits, how to deploy troops, how to improve people's livelihoods, and how to rectify official corruption—Guang Chengzi taught Jiang Ziya everything that the Yellow Emperor had taught him.

As it turned out, Jiang Ziya learned these things very quickly; he grasped them almost instantly.

(End of this chapter)