Treasure Springs Eruption

By convention, once the Sages' contest had ended, it was the younger generation's turn. However, because of Meng Chen's presence, the Sages tacitly canceled the convention.

Among the four teachings, Meng Chen was the only Grand Golden Immortal, and he was a Grand Golden Immortal who had cultivated the Primordial Nine Seals to the realm of Fusion of Dharma and Self.

Not to mention that no one in the Human, Intercepting, and Western Teachings could contend with Meng Chen—even if the disciples of all three teachings joined forces, Meng Chen would still beat them single-handedly.

Such a contest would serve no purpose other than crushing the confidence of the three teachings' disciples.

However, the Sages had other methods.

"Back then, we received our teacher's guidance in the Purple Cloud Palace. Today, we have taught and guided all living beings, achieving modest success. Why not see just how much of our abilities these juniors have learned?"

As Xuanmen's Eldest Senior Brother, Sage Laozi held the greatest authority among the Sages. Thus, he was the first to make a proposal.

Yuanshi Tianzun and Master Tongtian agreed unconditionally with Sage Laozi's proposal. On occasions like this, they needed to demonstrate the unity of the Three Pure Ones all the more.

Even to enlighten all living beings, one needed strength. Kunlun Wonderland had remained far from the flames of war thanks to the prestige of the Three Pure Ones.

Upon hearing this, the Two Sages of the West exchanged smiles. In the end, Sage Zhunti was the one who spoke up.

"Senior Brother Laozi, forgive me for speaking frankly, but Junior Nephew Meng Chen's cultivation is simply too high. If he is included in the assessment, I fear the other juniors will find it difficult to distinguish themselves."

Sage Laozi smiled faintly, clearly pleased. The Three Pure Ones shared honor and disgrace; Yuanshi Tianzun's glory was also his and Master Tongtian's glory.

"Junior Nephew Meng Chen is indeed extraordinarily gifted, but this assessment is not for the disciples to fight one another. It is for them to compete in Calamity Fate."

"A competition of Calamity Fate?"

Sage Jieyin paused slightly. "How will it be conducted?"

"Back in the Purple Cloud Palace, our teacher set out six cushions, and only people like us could take seats upon them. Although Fellow Daoist Hongyun and Fellow Daoist Kunpeng sat down, their shallow destiny caused them to lose their Sage Positions. Now, we might as well imitate our teacher and have the disciples compete in fortune."

"Beneath Sacred Spring Peak lies a treasure vein containing countless treasures. Every ten million years, the treasures within the vein erupt through the three hundred and sixty-five Treasure Springs atop Sacred Spring Peak."

"My suggestion is that the disciples each choose an area as their preferred spot for receiving treasures. When the treasures erupt, they may not use any Daoist arts or magical power, and must let the treasures fall as they will. Whoever obtains the most treasures, and the most precious ones, possesses the strongest Calamity Fate."

The Two Sages of the West's eyes lit up at once upon hearing the suggestion. There were treasures to be had without even needing to fight—wasn't that like pie falling from the sky? As for winning or losing, did it matter?

After Sage Jieyin nodded slightly, Sage Zhunti laughed heartily. "In that case, we shall proceed as Senior Brother Laozi says."

Very soon, the Sages conveyed the competition rules to their respective disciples.

The Western Church disciples acted as though facing a formidable enemy. Gathering together, they studied the terrain and the flow of feng shui, quickly finding what they considered the ideal treasure-fall locations.

The Disciples of Intercepting Teaching, meanwhile, chose positions most favorable to themselves based on the formations of heaven and earth.

With five Sages watching, the disciples of the two teachings naturally did not dare start a large-scale fight at such a time. Taking action now would be tantamount to offending the Sages' majesty.

After the Western Church disciples and the Disciples of Intercepting Teaching had selected their treasure-fall spots, very few locations remained for the Human and Illustrious Teachings.

"Eldest Senior Brother, how should we choose?"

Seeing that all the favorable feng shui sites had been claimed by the Intercepting Teaching and Western Church, Guang Chengzi could not help but feel troubled. The Chan Sect already had few disciples, and now they could not even claim good positions. How could they compete with the Intercepting Teaching and the Western Church?

Meng Chen was not flustered in the slightest. He waved his hand.

"Heavenly treasures belong to the virtuous. Occupying a good location does not mean treasures will follow you. Go. Follow your hearts and let nature take its course."

After comprehending his own Dao, Meng Chen's state of mind had grown ever more profound.

In truth, he did not wish to compare himself with others. Their strength or weakness could not affect his own.

What he truly cared about was his own progress. As long as he became stronger each day than he had been the day before, that was a kind of success.

This kind of contest suited Meng Chen perfectly. He also wanted to know just how strong his Calamity Fate truly was.

Perhaps the Sages had acted to control the timing of the Treasure Springs' eruption. After the disciples of the Human and Illustrious Teachings chose their treasure-fall sites, three hundred and sixty-five pillars of light rose from Sacred Spring Peak. The mountain trembled, and waves of celestial music rang through the void.

Rumble!

Endless treasure aura burst into the Primordial Wilderness from another spacetime, filling all of Sacred Spring Peak. Within the three hundred and sixty-five pillars of light, innumerable treasures manifested.

Yuanchen Gold Crystal Stone, Yin-Yang Qiankun Jade, Ten Yuan Heavy Water, Taiji Golden Flower, Tianyuan Divine Stone, Azure Lotus Earthcore Flame, Raging Lion Fiery Astral Qi... all were exceptionally precious materials.

The Western Church disciples' eyes were dazzled by the sheer number of heavenly treasures.

The Western Church was not so poor that it could barely keep food on the table. Whenever the Two Sages of the West held some gathering and sent the West Sea Dragon King an invitation, the West Sea Dragon King would eagerly deliver resources to the Western Church.

However, the Western Church had too many disciples. The resources were already limited, and once divided among every Western Church disciple, each received very little.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Treasures fell like raindrops, pattering against the ground and striking deep into every Western Church disciple's heart.

Daoist Maitreya raised both hands and shouted inwardly at the heavenly treasures, Come to me, come to me!

Daoist Bhaisajyaguru rubbed his hands fiercely, then breathed into them, seemingly hoping to improve his luck through that gesture.

Bilanpo appeared calm, maintaining her image as the Western Church's foremost beauty, but in truth, her heart had risen into her throat.

Whoosh!

The treasures descended from the sky, scattering evenly across every inch of land and ensuring that every junior gained much.

"What do you two junior brothers think of this method of competition for the younger generation?"

Seeing the Two Sages of the West grinning from ear to ear, Sage Laozi spoke.

"Haha."

Sage Zhunti laughed heartily. "It is all thanks to the three senior brothers' generosity that our disciples have received such an opportunity."

However, as the Sages conversed, a crystalline pill erupted from a Treasure Spring and flew straight toward Meng Chen. Rich innate Dao rhythm coiled around the pill, radiating outward in rings as though a star had fallen into the mortal world.

"An Innate Spirit Pill!"

At the sight, Sage Zhunti's heart leaped into his throat.

An Innate Spirit Pill was no ordinary medicinal pill. They were usually divine pills formed after a Primordial Saint fell, its origin dispersing into heaven and earth and being refined by the Heaven and Earth Furnace.

In other words, an Innate Spirit Pill contained the origin of a Primordial Saint. Any living being who consumed one could transform into a Primordial Saint!

"Come!"

Meng Chen knew his treasures as well. Seeing the Innate Spirit Pill fly toward him, he reached out with a great hand and seized it.

"Hahahaha!"

Yuanshi Tianzun laughed as well, far more joyfully than Sage Zhunti had moments before.