The Fate of Eternal Life

Chapter 99 The Banquet Awakens Sentiment

The opening of Qishi Mansion is undoubtedly a grand event for Beidou.

Over the next two weeks, many immortal holy lands and ancient families sent their most outstanding young talents to the Qishi Mansion, resulting in many familiar faces in the mansion.

Ji Haoyue, Golden-Winged Roc King, Yao Guang Saint Son, Hua Yunfei, Xia Yiming... many talented people gathered together, and the Qishi Mansion gradually became full and lively.

On this day, Xia Yiming, the prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, sent invitations to Ning Qingyi and Ye Fan, inviting them to a gathering. The two gladly accepted the invitation.

As for the big black dog, Black Emperor, who was nocturnal, the two of them tacitly refrained from mentioning it.

Denglong Peak is a unique peak within the Qishi Mansion of Xia Yiming. It is said that after the founding of the Great Xia Dynasty, this peak has always belonged to him.

This place boasts beautiful mountains and stunning scenery. A thin mist hangs like smoke around the mountaintops, while at the foot of the mountains, streams murmur and ancient trees and vines create a tranquil atmosphere. Yet, from a distance, the mountains resemble a dragon's head prostrate, a sight that is truly awe-inspiring.

Ahead, on the grassy field, some young men and women sat on the ground, each with a wooden table in front of them, laden with fruit and fine wine.

The Holy Son of Yaoguang, the Ji siblings, Xia Yiming and Xia Yilin, and many other familiar faces from the Northern Holy City were all present. If the organizer hadn't been a prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, it would have been a gathering of the East Wilderness's geniuses.

"Ding ding... Dong dong..."

One of the men, dressed in blue, was playing the zither. His hands moved gracefully, like butterflies, giving a feeling of lightness and agility. His fingers glided across the strings, producing beautiful and melodious music that brought peace to the soul.

Upon seeing Ning Qingyi and Ye Fan arrive, the man in blue stopped playing the zither, stood up, and the others also looked over.

"Brother Ye, Brother Ning, you've arrived!" Xia Yiming rose from the main seat.

"Brother Xia!" Ye Fan laughed heartily and went to greet him.

Not long ago, Ye Fan stirred up quite a storm in the Divine City in order to gather the tens of millions of catties of divine source needed for his breakthrough to the Holy Body. He suddenly became deeply entangled with the young prodigies of many forces. As for whether it was good or bad, just look at the complicated eyes and resentful expressions of the Holy Son and Holy Daughter, and you'll know that this Source Master has made each stone workshop bleed a lot.

Ning Qing nodded and looked around.

Several people caught his attention, the first of whom was naturally Hua Yunfei, the blue-clad man playing the zither.

Compared to the last conference, his demeanor became even more ethereal, like flowing clouds or a gentle breeze, giving people a sense of mystery and tranquility.

But Ning Qingyi felt a deep sense of "demonic power".

Similarly, the Holy Son of Yaoguang, with 108 divine halos shining behind him and a vast divine nature emanating from his body, still couldn't escape that "demonic" quality.

Besides these two, there were two more people that Ning Qingyi noticed.

One is Ji Zi, sitting between Ji Haoyue and his sister, and the other is the woman sitting with Xia Yilin.

This is a woman of pure and ethereal beauty, dressed in white, with extraordinary beauty, a dignified appearance, and surrounded by a halo of Buddha.

She possessed an aura that transcended the three realms, even the gods and Buddhas who smiled while holding a flower were no more like her, as if she did not exist in this mortal world, ethereal yet vivid.

A golden lotus flower adorned her brow, its brilliance complementing her jade-like skin. She possessed a slender figure and cloud-like black hair, exuding a refined and captivating beauty.

Most importantly, aside from Ji Zi and Ning Qingyi, he is the only expert at the Sendai realm in the arena.

“This is Jue Youqing from the Western Desert, who was once acquainted with Yi Lin.” The Great Xia prince noticed Ning Qingyi’s confusion and introduced her identity while leading the two to sit down. He then solemnly said, “She is the strongest among the younger generation in the Western Desert. It has long been rumored that she will attain enlightenment and become a Bodhisattva. She is one of the few people in the history of the Western Desert who is close to Buddha and will achieve the Great Dao.”

"At the Great Perfection of the First Heaven of the Sendai Realm, one could take that step at any time. Truly extraordinary!" Ning Qingyi said calmly.

Ye Fan was startled and gave the other person a deep look, but he didn't notice the expression on Ji Family Little Moon's face as she ground her tiger teeth.

When he turned around as if sensing something, he found that Ji Ziyue snorted coldly and turned her head away, leaving him somewhat at a loss.

Xia Yiming raised his glass and said, "It's a rare privilege to gather here together. Please raise your glasses!"

Everyone raised their glasses and began to chat about recent events.

"Brother Ning has done a great thing, actually killing an ancient king of the Primordial Clan!" Xia Yiming exclaimed.

In fact, when this news spread, the human race and all the ancient races were shaken, fearing it would become the fuse for a great war, and were tense for several days. But in the end, the ancient races chose to settle things peacefully.

"It's just because I'm relying on my sect's protection..." Ning Qingyi's expression remained unchanged.

Everyone felt a chill. In fact, many people had doubted Ning Qingyi's background, believing that he had no power behind him and was simply blessed by the ancient sages. However, with the appearance of the quasi-emperor artifact and the saint talisman, many immortal holy lands and ancient families no longer had any doubts.

After all, if we continue to have doubts, who knows if the other party will come knocking on our door?

"Let's raise a big toast to Brother Ning!"

Xia Yiming drank heartily, and everyone else raised their glasses to drink as well. Ning Qing raised her glass and drank heartily.

As if sensing the increasingly heated atmosphere, Hua Yunfei's fingers moved nimbly, playing a very pleasant melody on the piano.

Threads of ethereal music flowed, brushing past a hundred flowers, causing them to bloom in an instant; they flowed across clear springs, rising in a misty vapor that dissipated into the sky, attracting all kinds of birds to begin dancing.

Everyone was shocked. There was no fluctuation of Dao power, only a clear and ethereal melody from the zither, yet it could create such a scene.

"Brother Hua, your zither playing is superb. A single piece, 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' can cleanse one of worldly dust."

"I didn't play well, please excuse my poor performance," Hua Yunfei said after finishing the piece.

"Brother Ling is too modest. The music of your zither caused a hundred flowers to bloom and ten thousand birds to come to pay homage. Few people can compare to such extraordinary phenomena."

"A beautiful sound that moves heaven and earth, how often can one hear it in this world?"

Everyone sincerely praised it.

Ning Qingyi also glanced sideways. He keenly noticed that Hua Yunfei could only let go of everything when playing the zither, becoming otherworldly, ethereal, and like a celestial being.

Unfortunately, such people ultimately cannot escape the fate of becoming pawns, having strayed too far from the right path.

The banquet continued, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively. Many people left their seats and began drinking contests.

Ning Qingyi's face also showed signs of alcohol. He got up from his seat and came to Ji Zi's side.

"Ji Zi, how is the world?" Ning Qingyi clinked glasses with him.

"What a golden age!" Himeko sighed.

Ning Qingyi understood the meaning behind his words. A golden age is often a sign of a dark calamity, and the world needs a supreme being to stand up and protect all living beings in the universe. "Just wipe them out one by one." Ning Qingyi said seriously, "This era is different from others. Like the end of the mythological era and the end of the primordial era, the ancient era will also come to an end. At that time, someone will definitely stand up."

Himeko shuddered, a look of shock in her eyes. At that moment, she thought of many things, but in the end, she said nothing and simply clinked glasses with him in silence.

Just then, Jue Youqing walked over.

It's a very strange name, but it's quite significant in Western Buddhism, and few people have dared to use such a name since ancient times.

It is simply because it is another meaning of Bodhisattva, which includes self-awakening and awakening others. It refers to an enlightened person who takes it upon themselves to awaken others, and is an enlightened being with all sentient beings.

"Brother Ning, greetings." Jue Youqing, dressed in white, spoke with a slight smile.

Ning Qingyi also stood up and returned the greeting.

"It is rumored that you, fellow Daoist, come from an ancient star in the primordial era, is that true?" Jue Youqing asked.

Ning Qingyi, however, understood her subtext and said directly, "Are you trying to ask me about Shakyamuni Buddha?"

Jue Youqing's expression changed, and he almost lost his composure.

The meaning of the six characters "Shakyamuni Buddha" is only known to a handful of people on Mount Sumeru. Even Jue Youqing, the number one expert in the Western Desert, only has a vague understanding of this matter.

However, there is one thing that everyone knows: Shakyamuni came from an ancient, primordial star.

"Brother Ning is a straightforward person, and I just wanted to ask about this matter." Jue Youqing's expression was somewhat solemn.

"I've heard that Shakyamuni Buddha has become a taboo in the Western Desert. Aren't you afraid of causing trouble by coming here to inquire about him?" Ning Qingyi asked with some curiosity.

Upon hearing this, not only Ji Zi, but also Ye Fan who came to find Ning Qingyi, and the Ji siblings all showed surprised expressions, especially Ji Ziyue, whose big eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Jue Youqing sighed, but a resolute glint flashed in his eyes: "In the past, Shakyamuni once stayed at the Great Thunderclap Temple on Mount Sumeru, where he displayed profound power that impressed many eminent monks in the Western Desert. But to become a demon overnight? I don't believe it..."

Upon hearing this, Ning Qing's heart stirred. She recalled that Jue Youqing had ultimately followed Jin Chanzi, a disciple of Shakyamuni. Now, seeing her persistent demeanor, could it be that her ancient temple sect had some connection with Shakyamuni?

"To become a demon overnight? That's the Buddha himself! How could he become a demon?!" Ye Fan exclaimed in disbelief.

Jue Youqing glanced at Ning Qingyi, who also showed curiosity, thought for a moment, and said, "Shakyamuni came to the Western Desert about two thousand years ago. He had immeasurable magical power. Back then, he entered Mount Sumeru by his own strength and revived Buddhism. However, his good fortune did not last long. Later, Shakyamuni had a conflict with the monks and bodhisattvas and eventually left alone."

"As for the conflict, there are no detailed records, only that it was a conflict of doctrines, and that from now on, Shakyamuni will no longer be seen on Mount Sumeru. I wonder if you could clear up my doubts?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Qingyi said, "After Shakyamuni Buddha entered the starry sky two thousand years ago, he never returned. I only know that he possessed the strength of a quasi-emperor."

"A quasi-emperor!" Ye Fan gasped.

Jue Youqing's eyes lit up; the title "Quasi-Emperor" alone was enough to explain a lot.

"That's all I can answer regarding the question from Bodhisattva Jue."

"Thank you, fellow Daoist. I heard that you also practice the Golden Body Technique of our Buddhist sect. Could it be that our Buddhist sect is also flourishing on the ancient star of the primordial world?" Jue Youqing was satisfied with the partial answer and then inquired about another matter.

“No, on the ancient star of the primordial world, although Buddhism flourished, there were fewer and fewer cultivators.” Ning Qingyi shook his head and then said, “As for my Golden Body Technique, it is a technique passed down only by me, so it is normal that it is not well-known in the world.”

"Then, fellow Daoist, could you let me witness your Golden Body Technique?"

Jue Youqing looked over; he was dressed in white like a god, and his voice was magnetic, like a bodhisattva walking in the human world.

Ning Qingyi naturally wouldn't back down. In fact, he was also very curious about how powerful the achievements of Buddhism in the Golden Body Technique were.

"In that case, let me see your Buddhist secret techniques!"

Ning Qing stepped into the void, a halo of light hovering behind his head. His whole body began to shine brightly, his muscles, bones, and skin trembled, and melodious sounds resonated between the golden and jade-like sounds. Points of golden light overflowed from his skin, flesh, and bones, constantly converging, and finally gathered into a pillar of golden light that shot straight into the heavens and the earth!

The golden pillar shone brightly, bursts of strange fragrance came from the void, auspicious clouds appeared in the sky, and eight heavenly dragons surrounded it.

A strange light flashed in Jue Youqing's eyes. She had cultivated the highest secrets of Buddhism and her Golden Body Technique was also top-notch, but now it seemed that she was inferior.

With light, graceful steps, a lotus platform flew out from her mind, resembling a Bodhisattva, holding a Bodhi plant in her hand, her expression serene.

Ning Qingyi showed no hesitation because the other party was a woman. He threw a punch with the Namo Fist, accompanied by chanting of the Heavenly Dragon, the angry roar of the Ming King, and the jade voice of the Bodhisattva. All sorts of strange phenomena stirred ripples in people's hearts.

"Amitabha……"

The Buddha's name resounded like thunder, and instantly the whole body became a golden world, with various kinds of Buddha light flowing and engulfing the void.

With a wave of her hand, a Buddhist kingdom appeared in her palm, magnificent and awe-inspiring. Three thousand ancient Buddhas chanted in the sky, shaking the earth.

"A Buddhist kingdom in the palm of your hand!" Xia Yiming was deeply moved.

This is one of the highest secret methods of Buddhism, and I never expected that it would be put into practice by a sentient being.

Within the Buddhist realm, ancient Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, transformed into golden figures, emerged and surrounded Ning Qingyi, revolving around him in a mysterious and grand manner.

"Namo Namo, the Buddha's wrathful chant!"

Ning Qing unleashed a punch, his body radiating Buddhist light that coalesced into a golden Arhat, glaring angrily and roaring like thunder!
Instantly, the three thousand ancient Buddha phantoms around them vanished, and even the void began to become unstable.

"Such powerful supernatural abilities! Is this your Vajra Dharma?" Jue Youqing was moved: "However, my Buddha Kingdom in the palm of my hand has not been broken yet, fellow Daoist, be careful."

She threw the Buddhist kingdom from her hand, and it looked like a piece of the sky crashing down, making everyone who saw it tremble with fear.

Ning Qingyi then unleashed another fist technique: "Namo Namo! I alone am supreme!"

In an instant, a colossal Buddha appeared behind him, pointing to the sky and touching the earth, filling the entire Buddhist kingdom and even growing larger and larger until the Buddhist kingdom began to crack!
"boom!"

The Buddhist kingdom was instantly shattered into pieces, and Jue Youqing also showed an injured expression, her breathing becoming unstable. But after only a few breaths, she recovered to her peak condition, and then flicked the Bodhi green branch in her hand, and a cool sensation emerged, completely healing her injuries.

"Come again!"

Ning Qingyi unleashed another Nanwu Fist, shouting, "I am the only one who reigns supreme!"

Behind him, the phantom of the Buddha merged with him, and an overwhelming aura of supreme majesty descended upon him.

Ning Qingyi threw another punch, this time the force of which blotted out the sky, obscured the clouds, and was omnipresent.

(End of this chapter)