"Nonsense!" Buddha said with a smile, "Jin Chanzi, your practice of Buddhism is not yet complete, and you cannot comprehend its true meaning."
Jin Chanzi was silent for a moment, and in that chilling silence, he spoke again:
“Master, the scriptures say that Buddha is the ‘Perfectly Enlightened One’ who has thoroughly understood the rules. It is a title for a practitioner who has achieved Great Perfection. There is no flattery or compliment involved. So why are there different levels such as ‘Buddha,’ ‘Bodhisattva,’ ‘Arhat,’ etc?”
At this moment, all the immortals and demons were completely absorbed in their own thoughts, as if they hadn't heard a thing.
In their hearts, they praised Jin Chanzi, thinking how incredibly brave he was!
How dare they question the Buddha in this way... Do they really think this Venerable One of Mount Ling has no temper?
The fact that he was able to rise all the way to the Saint Realm speaks volumes about the terrifying power of the Buddha. On his path to enlightenment, countless bones were left behind as he defeated numerous masters and reached the pinnacle.
"This is bad..." Cao Ya and a few others were very worried. They praised Jin Chanzi's ideas, but with the Buddha Tathagata present, he made such a statement... Who can withstand the power of the Holy Realm!
If Jin Chanzi truly has doubts about Buddhism, he can suppress them for now and wait until he reaches the ninth level of Quasi-Saint, or even the weak Primordial Realm, before leaving Mount Ling, establishing his own school, and spreading his ideas.
His current strength is not enough.
In fact, even if all the weak Hunyuan present united, they would still be no match for the Buddha!
Guanyin Bodhisattva murmured "Amitabha," glancing at Jin Chanzi out of the corner of her eye, and sighed.
Of course, some experts also showed their disdain.
Their growing strength is for the purpose of dominating the primordial world, looking down upon all living beings, and standing high above.
If there were no hierarchical division, why would they work so hard?
Even a quasi-saint like him has such weakness... Jin Chanzi, you are unworthy to be a disciple of the Buddha!
They were disdainful, but being in the sacred mountain and in an inappropriate setting, they didn't show it.
“Jin Chanzi has disrespected the Buddha’s teachings and deserves a great sin. However, considering his many years of arduous cultivation, he can be punished leniently and banished to the mortal realm. In the future, he will return to Mount Ling.”
The Buddha did not answer Jin Chanzi's question, but simply extended a palm and gently patted in Jin Chanzi's direction.
In an instant, endless shimmering Buddhist light burst forth, enveloping Mount Ling and exuding a profound and mysterious aura.
"Amitabha." Jin Chanzi clasped his hands together, without struggling or showing any anger.
His face and eyes were still filled with confusion.
With a soft "pop," Jin Chanzi vanished into the ancient temple like a bubble.
"Hoo." Only a wisp of true spirit drifted away from the six realms of reincarnation, and the Buddha Tathagata also gave instructions. Immediately, a Buddha got up and left to pay homage in the underworld.
I believe that Houtu Pingxin Niangniang, who opened up reincarnation and established the underworld, will grant this request.
"Alas." Zhen Yuanzi, Hongyun Daoren, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Lingji Bodhisattva, Emperor Ku, Zhuanxu, the Great Emperor of the North Pole Ziwei, and others remained silent, but secretly felt sorry for Jin Chanzi.
"Foolish." Some, like the Jade Emperor, remained unmoved, thinking that Jin Chanzi was asking for trouble, and even expressed their disdain with mockery.
"Interesting." Only a very few people, such as Daoist Styx, thought it was an interesting thing.
Even his disciples questioned the views of the World Honored One of Mount Ling...
It seems that even the most powerful beings are not without flaws, and there are always times when mistakes occur.
"Fellow Daoist Jin Chanzi..." Cao Ya sighed. He had met Jin Chanzi several times and they got along quite well, maintaining a decent relationship. At the same time, he also greatly admired Jin Chanzi's ideas. Whether it was Mahayana or Hinayana Buddhism, both were extremely powerful in cultivation, producing three Saint-level masters. However, in terms of benefiting all living beings, they could not be said to have made no achievements, but their contributions were indeed only average.
Which of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats doesn't yearn for higher attainments and greater power to gain greater fame, more resources, and more followers? As for their so-called "saving all sentient beings," how many of them truly care? They lack the courage and ability to save all living beings, but they not only have the courage, but also a great deal of courage, to use this name to amass wealth!
Those who truly show concern are only a very small minority, such as Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.
"Most of the characters are there for the Buddhist techniques and supernatural powers; who cares about the essence?"
"From top to bottom, everything is completely skewed on this point."
Cao Ya couldn't help but shake his head, feeling a sense of oppression.
Such is the atmosphere of the primordial universe: the law of the jungle. The weak seem to deserve to be bullied to death by the strong! Even the souls of the dead, and the resentment and hatred in their dying moments, are turned into resources for refining spells and spiritual treasures!
Cao Ya was sullen. In this world, to achieve this, even a seven-star level was just the foundation!
The Dao Ancestor, the Demon Ancestor, and others were all supreme beings in the Seven Stars!
And many orders were promoted by them, spreading throughout the Three Realms and all the myriad worlds.
Although this wish exists to change the law of the jungle, making it less cruel and cold, and allowing the light of humanity to shine throughout the world, the power required is unimaginable.
Cao Yadu felt that even the initial level of the Seven Stars was not particularly qualified.
Only the highest level of the Seven Stars is basically satisfied.
Unfortunately, his overall combat strength was only at the peak of the six-star high level, barely touching the six-star peak.
The difference between these two is immeasurable.
“You still need to practice diligently…” Cao Ya said solemnly.
"The only consolation is that Jin Chanzi did not perish, his true spirit still exists, and he has gone to reincarnation. After many lifetimes of being a virtuous person, he will become the Tripitaka Master, travel westward, and attain enlightenment."
Cao Ya pondered, also curious: how would Jin Chanzi perish after his reincarnation? Or would he, like in the original book, be killed and eaten by Sha Wujing in the Flowing Sand River?
"However, I haven't heard that General Curtain-Rolling has been banished to the mortal realm. It seems that he did not accidentally break the glass lamp, but there has been some deviation."
Cao Ya was not surprised by this. He had traversed the [Primordial] universe for millions of years. During this long period, he had witnessed various calamities. While the general trend remained unchanged, the specific circumstances were vastly different.
"If that's really the case, I have to take action. Sha Wujing not only kills people, but he also eats them..."
A cold glint flashed in Cao Ya's eyes. The Curtain-Raising General was most likely part of the Journey to the West plot. After appearing, he was arranged by the Jade Emperor to go to the Earthly Immortal Realm as a member of the Journey to the West pilgrimage team. But this didn't mean that Sha Wujing could act recklessly.
Now, within the Fire Cloud Cave, the human race's camp has the Three Sovereigns Daoist of the Saint Realm, so the actions of human heroes are no longer so constrained.
So what if it's the Heavenly Court? So what if it's Mount Ling? Fire Cloud Cave is fully qualified to stand on equal footing with them!
In this Journey to the West, Mount Ling was involved, the Heavenly Court actively cooperated, and the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss was also watching but unable to stop it. Moreover, the introduction of Buddhism could also provide some assistance in dealing with demons.
However, no matter what, one should not act recklessly and harm the people. If one insists on ignoring the consequences and acting willfully, then one should not complain. The human race is ruthless and will kill them directly!
"Buzz..." Just then, the Buddha's expression returned to calm, as if nothing had happened. With a whoosh, he flipped his palm, and the laws surged, manifesting some kind of great divine power.
The immortals and demons from all directions stared intently, and no one dared to mention Jin Chanzi.
Even if you have ideas, keep them to yourself; if you lack the strength, you shouldn't act rashly.
As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn.
Finally, the Ullambana Festival ended, and Cao Ya exchanged a few words with Emperor Ku, Zhuanxu, and other experts from Huoyun Cave before departing.
"Holy Mother of Ghosts, if you have time, you are welcome to visit Jidu Star." Cao Ya bid farewell to the Holy Mother of Ghosts and returned to the Heavenly Realm with the Great Emperor of the North Pole and the others. Instead of going to the Heavenly Court, they flew directly to the Northern Star Sea.
"Hiss." Within the star Jidu, baleful energy surged, and Cao Ya's divine sense spread out, sensing the rhythm of the universe's rules.
His mastery of the "Cosmic Alchemy Scripture" has also improved, reaching almost the peak of the eighth level of Quasi-Saint. With just a slight touch, breaking through to the ninth level would be a natural progression.
During this period, demons emerged from Beiju Luzhou and swept across the other three continents.
Whether it's Xiniu Hezhou, Dongsheng Shenzhou, or Nanzhanbuzhou, there are powerful demons who occupy mountains and rule as kings, or evil spirits that wreak havoc on towns and villages.
Some sects and the imperial court are purging such scourges, but others are colluding with them and exploiting the common people.
The two sides frequently clashed and fought each other.
Because of that group of terrifying demons, Huoyun Cave and others were blocked, even Cao Ya and others were under scrutiny, and some outstanding individuals were even attacked!
Upon learning this, Cao Ya realized that the final step of the Quasi-Saint Realm was not easy to break through, so he decided to go out and wander around, killing many powerful demons and evil spirits and saving many lives.
He also went to the celestial realm, and in fact, the celestial beings also suffered persecution.
So many demon gods, led by the Demon Ancestor, are targeting what appears to be the human race, but in reality, they are acting in accordance with the will of Heaven!
What Heavenly Court? They don't care! If it weren't for the existence of the Dao Ancestor, they would have already razed the Heavenly Palace to the ground!
Only the Heaven of Separation from Hatred, the Heaven of Profound Ice, and the Heaven of Golden Radiance, because they have their own world barriers, are not as vast as the Heavenly Realm or the Earthly Immortal Realm. Even though they are more than trillions of miles long, it is not easy to hide them, so there are very few demons and monsters that can harm them.
Furthermore, among the many grotto-heavens, some were created by powerful beings, making entry too risky; others were naturally formed but already occupied by races. While the guarding of the entrances and exits might not have been particularly tight in the past, in the current situation, no one dares to be carefree. One must confirm their identity before entering!
Therefore, the many planes above the heavens are not subject to the calamities of the two great worlds below.
On his journey, Cao Ya visited the Heavenly Palace and drank heartily with Tian Shangxing, Tian Guxing, and Tian Kuixing. When they talked about Sun Wukong, they were all solemn. However, the Five Elements Mountain was formed by the magic of the Holy Realm, and even if they risked their lives, they could not move it an inch or half a millimeter!
During their casual conversation, Cao Ya overheard them talking about how the Curtain-Raising General was reprimanded by the Jade Emperor and banished to the mortal realm!
"Sha Wujing is going to appear too?" Cao Ya's eyes flickered slightly.
Before their departure, Cao Ya carefully instructed the assembled heroes that before reaching the Quasi-Saint level, it was best not to get involved in the factional struggles of the Heavenly Court.
"Haha, thank you." The crowd cupped their hands in gratitude. In truth, as ascendants, they were all cautious in their words and actions. Who would be so idle as to get involved in the Heavenly Court's disputes?
Unless, one faction has promised some generous reward, thus enticing the other with their own interests.
That's a different matter altogether.
Afterwards, the crowd saw him off, and Cao Ya left the Heavenly Court and went to the Heaven of Separation from Hatred.
Here, due to the presence of three weak Hunyuan beings—Taishang Laojun, Taixu Daoren, and Chixia Daoren—the overall atmosphere is not as tense as in other planes like Xuanbingtian and Jinyaotian.
Of course, it still falls short compared to the Great Crimson Heaven of Taiqing, the Great Luo Heaven of Yuqing, the Heaven of Shangqing Yuyu, the Western Paradise, and the Heaven of Nuwa.
The weak Hunyuan is ultimately not the true Hunyuan Holy Realm, even though Laozi is the incarnation of the Moral Celestial Venerable.
"Lord Ketu." On the shore of Guanchou Sea, only the Crimson Pearl Fairy and the Cold Fragrance Goddess were seen.
Ice Phoenix and Golden Qilin have both been summoned back to their clans. At this time of undercurrents, even Lihentian, which is not easily accessible, cannot go there.
Similarly, Cao Ya offered another reminder, and both women smiled gently, thanked Cao Ya, and said:
"We understand. Even Li Hentian doesn't go out, so what problem could there be?"
"It's impossible for the powerful demons and evil spirits outside to have attacked Lihentian, right?"
Cao Ya solemnly said, "Lihentian is so vast and has many powerful forces. Those three are the most powerful."
"We can't let our guard down since they're local."
As he spoke, Cao Ya looked toward the Guanchou Sea beside him, his gaze sharp as lightning, and saw the Fangchun Mountain deep within, the Taixu Illusionary Realm. There, a faint primordial energy still rose into the heavens.
His actions surprised both Fairy Crimson Pearl and Goddess Cold Fragrance.
Does Ketu Star Lord refer to the Land of Illusion?
However, they had excellent relationships with the fairies of the Land of Illusion and often visited each other.
However, the two perceptive women sensed that Lord Ketu meant no harm, and after some thought, they still remained cautious.
Before leaving, Cao Ya thought for a moment and took out two Heavenly Stars from the Niwan Palace World.
"This is..." The two women were stunned.
Cao Ya explained that this was a treasure he had personally crafted. It was a one-time consumable item, and when unleashed, its power was comparable to that of a top expert at the ninth level of the Quasi-Saint realm, with terrifying might!
He believed that with the help of the Heavenly Stars, if the scene in the Red Chamber still had a plan, then the Taoist Master Taixu and the Taoist Master Chixia would not be able to face the two Heavenly Stars directly without taking action themselves, relying on other fairy maidens or servants. They would be either dead or crippled!
Upon hearing this, both Fairy Crimson Pearl and Goddess Cold Fragrance were surprised and repeatedly refused.
How could they accept such a valuable item without having done anything in return?
"Even if it's just... some kind of sentiment of mine," Cao Ya sighed.
Compared to the Heavenly Wounded Star and the Heavenly Lonely Star, the previous lives of these beauties in the Dream of the Red Chamber were somewhat weaker.
The former is a quasi-saint, the latter is a great immortal.
Unable to refuse repeatedly, the two women had no choice but to accept, and were extremely grateful to Lord Jidu.
Soon after, Cao Ya also stepped out of the Heaven of Separation and Hatred. Because Ice Phoenix and Golden Qilin had their own clans to rely on, unlike Crimson Pearl Fairy and Cold Fragrance Goddess, who were flowers and plants in the Heaven of Separation and Hatred, who were influenced by the essence of the sun and moon over the years and were also influenced by the laws of the Great Dao, they gradually developed intelligence and transformed into human form.
With no one else to rely on, the Tianxing gift from Cao Ya was their only trump card.
The Ice Phoenix Clan and the Golden Kirin Clan are both powerful clans in the Xuanbing Heaven and Jinyao Heaven, respectively!
There are several individuals at the Quasi-Saint level.
Moreover, the Phoenix and Qilin clans have produced Hunyuan (Primordial Chaos) beings. Even if they were severely injured and went into slumber, they still had weak Hunyuan beings who barely maintained their foundation.
Because of their different backgrounds, Cao Ya didn't have much concern for them.
"Hoo." Cao Ya strolled through the sea of stars, observing the laws of the universe and the wonders of heaven and earth, hoping to be inspired.
However, his actions were misunderstood.
"Lord Ketu is about to attain enlightenment! We must strike first!"
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