Investiture of the Gods: I am Bigan, the Master of Conspiracy

Chapter 157 The Grandeur of the Jie Sect, Tongtian Weeps with Joy!

After the Hundred Schools of Thought period ended, Mahayana Buddhism emerged and quickly became the most powerful force in the Three Realms. This was followed by the Jie Sect and the Shang Dynasty also seizing the opportunity to advance their respective fortunes, resulting in a shocking overall improvement in their cultivation levels.

For a moment, all parties in the three realms were dumbfounded, and at the same time, they all understood that the general trend of the East-West conflict had thus taken shape.

The main protagonists in the future struggle between the three realms will be Mahayana Buddhism and the Jie Sect of the Shang Dynasty.

All forces in the Three Realms will begin to make choices regarding these two sides!

Once the invitations for the Ullambana Festival were sent to all parties, everyone immediately understood that this Ullambana Festival would once again be a fierce battle that would determine the fate of the nation.

While Tathagata was solemn about the overall improvement in the strength of the Jie Sect, he was not overly worried.

The Jie Sect's strength has soared to become the second most powerful force in the Three Realms. It has one mid-stage Quasi-Saint, three early-stage Quasi-Saints, and three Daluo Golden Immortals, a total of seven people, yet their strength is so formidable that it is truly astonishing.

Unexpectedly, Yin Ziyu's schemes were so elaborate that the Shang Dynasty actually benefited the most from this literary event. His method of spreading the teachings is truly astonishing.

The fact that Legalism ended its literary career in this way is truly baffling.

This time, the Heavenly Mandate descended upon the Three Realms, and various factions in the Three Realms vied for this mandate. Why did the Mind School win, and not the Legalist School?
In terms of spreading the Way, Taoism is too lofty and has few followers, while Mohism and Confucianism teach people to give. The Yang family leans towards Taoism, but is too radical and has been constantly clashing with Confucianism and Mohism.

The Book of Poetry, on the other hand, conveys its teachings in a subtle and pervasive way, not by instructing people, but by evoking the true nature of humanity.

This is naturally the fastest way to spread, and it contains no criticism, but simply uses a method similar to explaining poetry to subtly change people's hearts.

Although Legalism ushered in a new era of warring states and eliminated other schools of thought in the end, it did not gain literary fortune.

Why?

This is a case of not being able to play games anymore, resorting to violence, overturning the table, and acting like a hooligan. How can one expect to gain literary fortune through such cruel and ruthless behavior?
This is somewhat similar to the period of the Investiture of the Gods, where Xiqi had clearly lost all its righteousness, but it was forcibly pushed forward by relying on the support of a sage.

Therefore, the literary flourishing of this period of the Hundred Schools of Thought can be considered to have ended with the rise of Legalism, which initiated the struggle for supremacy among the various states.

As for Yin Ziyu, he naturally understood the situation and wouldn't care too much. This period of intellectual ferment was a time for the entire Shangjie Group to collectively enhance its strength.

This is a rare opportunity. Without it, even if it took another 100,000 or 200,000 years, I would not have been able to reach my current level of cultivation.

The cultivation system in this primordial world is different from that in other worlds. It relies on arduous cultivation, and in the end, those who cultivate so arduously may perish.

Instead, it's about observing the general trend of Heaven and planning what you need within that trend.

This period of intellectual ferment was a golden opportunity, and all parties in the Three Realms vied for it. From the time of Laozi's descent to the rise of Legalism, the more people recognized a school of thought was involved, the greater its fortune and destiny would be.
This divine creation, once obtained, brings immeasurable opportunities. In such a vast world, these opportunities are limited.

This kind of opportune moment doesn't appear out of nowhere; it's an opportunity paved by the heavens for the west's eastward expansion.

This diverse range of opinions is based on people's sentiments, just like how countless people competed for the shared bicycle boom a few years ago, and in the end, those who made money cashed out and left, and the entire market declined.

This gameplay relies on a huge population to create this trend, get what you want, and then leave gracefully, keeping your achievements and fame hidden.

From this perspective, Yin Ziyu was not simply cashing out and leaving, but rather acting according to the prevailing trend. With the support of the Heavenly Court's immense fortune, it was impossible for the other side to completely integrate the human race through cultural infiltration without resorting to force.

In such an impossible situation, cashing out and leaving the market to give everyone a glimmer of hope is the best course of action.

At least the Shang Dynasty still had a realm of the mind, a place where all living beings could find a glimmer of hope after breaking free from the physical shackles of Legalism and the psychological shackles of Confucianism.

Amidst the great upheaval of the Hundred Schools of Thought, Yin Ziyu also discovered that although there were some differences from the history of his previous life, the differences were not significant.

The people who are meant to appear will still appear; however, these people are simply born out of necessity.

As for the history of Earth, this is a scaled-down replica.

Whether or not a person should appear depends on the needs of the situation. Yin Ziyu needs a way of spreading his teachings that resonates with people's hearts, and the Book of Songs is the best way. Making it like the Tao Te Ching would make it too highbrow and unpopular.

Other schools of thought could not replicate the way the Book of Songs spread its teachings, because Confucianism and Mohism both taught people to give and to put themselves in shackles.

When one's own path is predetermined, it becomes impossible to resonate with the masses and unite the hearts of all beings in a way that evokes the true nature of the heart, as the Book of Songs does.

The situation is already in this state, so laws arise accordingly. As for what they are called, it doesn't matter. Names like Han Fei and Shang Yang are names that fit the situation. When the sage has a feeling, he lets them arise accordingly, using strict laws to solve the problem of people's minds gradually becoming more complicated and out of control.

When problems arise that must be solved immediately, when there are people and methods to solve them, Legalism emerged as a response to these needs.

The core of what emerged was the brutal use of force to solve problems.

When a problem arises and no one can solve it, and the Heavenly Court lacks sufficient fortune to resolve it, this is the inevitable course of events.

"Hahahaha, Laozi, Yuanshi, you never expected this day, did you? Back then, you were determined to destroy my lineage, but you never imagined that under the Great Dao, there was a glimmer of hope. Not only did the Jie Sect not perish, but it has also managed to reach the point where four quasi-saints have surpassed the three sects!"

At this moment, Tongtian felt an indescribable surge of excitement.

Tongtian, imprisoned in Zixiao Palace, was naturally able to witness these tremendous changes in the Three Realms and the rise of both the East and West.

Although they are confined, it doesn't mean they can't see what's happening in the Three Realms; it just means they can't instruct their disciples on what to do.

While other sages can no longer enter the Three Realms, they can still instruct their disciples, bestow spiritual treasures, and even devise plans by descending to the mortal realm in the form of avatars—things that Tongtian cannot do at all.

One can only be a spectator, watching the evolution of the Three Realms, powerless to do anything about it.

After the Investiture of the Gods, Tongtian was both shocked and overjoyed to see Yin Ziyu calmly deal with the Chan Sect's plot to destroy the East Sea.

Seeing the prohibition of laws by the People's Sect, Yin Ziyu plotted to undermine the sect's foundation and force it to admit defeat.

This allowed Tongtian to breathe a sigh of relief. In the Three Realms without a sage, Yin Ziyu's plan was enough to deal with the situation calmly!

Seeing Duobao become the leader of Mahayana Buddhism, integrate the West, and achieve perfect fortune, Tongtian frowned, feeling somewhat unfamiliar with this disciple.

In this scheme to revive the literary fortunes of the Three Realms, the Shang Dynasty unexpectedly emerged as the biggest winner. Because the Jie Sect was connected to the Shang Dynasty's fortunes, all of its disciples ultimately experienced a comprehensive improvement in their cultivation.

"A sliver of hope amidst the Investiture of the Gods allowed the Jie Sect to be reborn. Yin Ziyu's contribution is immeasurable! Even I could not foresee the upheavals in the primordial world. Even if I were to act on my own, I could not surpass him. His strategies are divine, his understanding of people's hearts is profound, and his actions are as swift as the wind and clouds. He not only preserved the lineage of our sect but also propelled the Jie Sect to its peak. Now, with four Quasi-Saints, their power surpasses that of the Human Sect and the Chan Sect. Such achievements are truly the work of a genius born of heaven!"

At this moment, Tongtian saw boundless hope amidst the despair of the Investiture of the Gods.

This dramatic rise and fall, followed by another rise, filled Tongtian with emotion, causing him to chuckle softly, though his laughter was tinged with tears. The once-powerful Jie Sect, which had attracted countless immortals to its fold, had nearly perished. Despite his severe injuries, he conspired with Yin Ziyu to sink the ship, hoping to seize a sliver of hope.

Looking back now, it seems so right to have listened to Yin Ziyu's advice. And now, looking at the Investiture of the Gods, sinking the ship was indeed the wisest decision.

Even though he was badly beaten by the Four Saints, his injuries have not yet fully healed.

In this literary upheaval, all parties schemed to determine the course of fate. Yin Ziyu used the Book of Songs to unite people's hearts and used the imperial examinations to gather fortune, carving out a bloody path between the Western Sect and the Chan Sect, and shattering the fate of the Jie Sect's decline.

At this moment, Tongtian could only sigh: "Jinling has already reached the mid-stage of Quasi-Saint, and Yunxiao has been at the early stage of Quasi-Saint for a long time, and his advancement to the mid-stage is not far off. Guiling and Wudang have also entered the early stage of Quasi-Saint, and Qiongxiao, Bixiao, and Wuyunxian are all Great Luo Golden Immortals. Although our Jie Sect only has seven people, in terms of strength, it is already unparalleled in the prehistoric world. Seeing this magnificent scene, I can only admire it. It is truly a blessing for our sect!"

Tongtian's emotions calmed down slightly, and he muttered to himself, "The Ullambana Festival is approaching. I wonder how Ziyu will deal with it. Now that the situation in the Three Realms is settled, Duobao may plot against the East during the festival. I never expected that my eldest disciple would lead countless former disciples of the Jie Sect to oppose Jinling. If their power overwhelms the East, how will Ziyu handle it?"

Tongtian looked down at the mortal realm, his expression slightly solemn, filled with both emotion and helplessness. Who could have imagined that the current situation in the Three Realms would be that the chief disciple of the Jie Sect was leading some of his former disciples to become enemies of the Jie Sect?

At this time, the other sages naturally discussed and planned about this, and the Ullambana Festival began.

The Buddhist community widely distributed golden invitations, inviting immortals and deities from the three realms to a gathering at Leiyin Temple on Mount Ling during the Ghost Festival in July.

All those with a name in the primordial world are invited.

This Ullambana Festival, held just after the Hundred Schools of Thought debate, has made it clear to all parties in the Three Realms that its origins are shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

The Buddhist community celebrated the Ullambana Festival in the grandest way possible, inviting all the most revered deities in the world, a spectacle unprecedented in the Three Realms.

As Yin Ziyu predicted, the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism was a show of force, a way to determine the future trend.

Ten thousand years pass in the blink of an eye, and by mid-July, it's gone in the blink of an eye.

This time, both the East and West sides of the Three Realms have gained momentum due to the contention of a hundred schools of thought, and Mahayana Buddhism has also invited the Jie Sect. The cause and effect of the entire Ullambana Festival can be described as enormous.

Such a massive cause and effect will inevitably lead to major events, perhaps even determining the future格局 (geju, a concept encompassing the structure, pattern, and overall structure) of the Three Realms.

Therefore, all the invited immortals and saints were preparing their carriages and heading to the Spirit Mountain in Xiniu Hezhou.

Lingshan had already made preparations, and the entire Buddhist community mobilized. At the summit of Lingshan, banners and flags stood tall, and within Leiyin Temple, monks and Buddhist soldiers moved about in great numbers.

Maitreya Buddha, as the future Buddha, stands outside the temple as the head of the welcoming party, while the four great Bodhisattvas—Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Avalokiteshvara, and Ksitigarbha—are respectfully welcoming guests at the entrance to the Saha world.

First, naturally, the lesser immortals from all corners of the Three Realms arrived one after another. Although their cultivation levels varied, they were still forces in their own right.

It should be noted that in the Three Realms at this time, a Golden Immortal can rule over a celestial domain, and a Great Luo Golden Immortal is the master of a great celestial domain, but they are not enough to be considered among the major powers in the Three Realms.

The competition in the overall prehistoric world has nothing to do with these minor immortals.

The Buddhist community, on the other hand, sought to win over the hearts of these individuals, so they sent invitations to renowned independent practitioners.

Maitreya Buddha, accompanied by four great bodhisattvas, humbly welcomed them. The bodhisattvas took turns guiding them into the temple, and the wandering immortals all showed joy on their faces, naturally feeling deeply grateful for the grand reception from the Buddhist community.

The great masters usually arrive last, and during this period of the Hundred Schools of Thought, Mozi, Confucius, and others all came.

They all gained merit during this period of intellectual ferment, and their cultivation advanced rapidly.

Even though they have all declined now that Legalism is flourishing, it does not prevent them from cashing in their merits and fortune.

The first great deity to arrive was Zhen Yuanzi, who arrived first with Qingfeng and Mingyue.

Maitreya Buddha hurriedly put his hands together in prayer: "Amitabha, this humble monk pays respects to the ancestor of the Earth Immortals!"

Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard and smiled, "Future Buddha, why be so polite?"

"Great Immortal, please!"

After Zhen Yuanzi entered, the four great bodhisattvas quickly led him to the place in the Saha world where they discussed the Dao.

Soon after, the Styx Ancestor arrived cross-legged atop the Karmic Fire Red Lotus. The twelve-petaled Karmic Fire Red Lotus held up the boundless karmic power, while the Four Asura Kings stood behind him.

These are all top-tier experts, so naturally they are treated with utmost respect.

Soon the Queen Mother of the West arrived from Kunlun in a nine-phoenix chariot, surrounded by nine-colored shimmering waves, with the Kunlun jade on her golden hairpin shining brightly.

After these powerful figures arrived one by one, various major forces began to enter the scene.

Suddenly, celestial music filled the sky, and auspicious clouds piled up to form a bridge. The Jade Emperor and the Great Heavenly Venerable of Yaochi arrived in a grand procession, riding on nine dragons and nine phoenixes, leading thirty-six heavenly generals and seventy-two celestial officials.

Regardless, Haotian Yaochi is the nominal supreme ruler of the Three Realms, representing the Heavenly Dao's control over the Three Realms.

The Buddha himself led a group of Buddhas to greet them with the utmost respect.

After the Heavenly Court arrived, the members of the Human Sect and the Chan Sect also followed.

When the welcoming party saw the arrival of the immortals from the Human and Chan sects, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra looked rather grim, since everyone knew that they had been chased into reincarnation by Guang Chengzi with the Fan Tian Seal.

Maitreya Buddha, of course, noticed this and understood why the three great beings had been forced into reincarnation. He immediately asked, "Would the three venerable ones wish to temporarily evacuate?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva calmly replied, "It's alright; this cause and effect must ultimately be faced."

Manjushri and Samantabhadra nodded in agreement.

It must be said that these three people have an extremely strong mental state.

Soon, Grand Master Xuandu held the Hunyuan whisk, and a mysterious and exquisite pagoda appeared above his head, immediately causing a stir among all parties.

The Human Teachings possess a great many treasures, including several supreme treasures. The Taiji Diagram is a supreme innate treasure, and there are also supreme acquired treasures such as the Linglong Pagoda and the Vajra Bracelet. There are also several top-grade innate spiritual treasures.

The fact that Guangchengzi of the Chan Sect held the Fantian Seal and the Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner also made the scattered cultivators sigh, which is the foundation of a great sect.

Upon seeing Guanyin and the other two in front of them, the members of the Chan Sect immediately began to waver in their resolve.

(End of this chapter)