Longevity Mountain, Five Villages Monastery

Nüwa was forthright and generous. She immediately accepted the Chaos Star Fruit and sincerely thanked him.

"Thank you, Senior Brother, for granting me this opportunity!"

Taiqing waved with a smile. "We are allies; there is no need for thanks.

"You may cultivate without worry, Junior Sister."

Nüwa was completely convinced. It was not only because of Taiqing's strength and mystery, but also because she admired his broad-mindedness and bearing.

Nüwa hesitated no longer and swiftly returned to Wa Huang Palace.

She began refining the Chaos Star Fruit.

As the spiritual root was refined, an endless, vast, and majestic aura of the Great Dao emerged.

These auras washed over Nüwa's soul, filling her with profound and unfathomable Dao Rhythms of Creation.

The Dao of Creation was Nüwa's Dao!

Nüwa felt that her understanding of the Dao of Creation had never been so clear and thorough!

Her eyes shone brilliantly, and she was full of spirit!

She understood that she had broken through her bottleneck!

Nüwa's cultivation was rapidly rising!

Joy and excitement filled her heart!

She had already broken through to the Sixth Heaven Dao Realm!

Western Paradise.

Mount Sumeru, Thunderclap Ancient Temple.

Golden light flashed with incomparable brilliance, permeated by a Sage's Dao Rhythm.

A moment later, the radiance gradually faded.

It revealed two sacred figures.

They were the Two Sages of the West—Receiver and Cundi.

At this moment, Receiver put away the Merit Golden Lotus. A worried look appeared on his face as he sighed.

"Junior Brother, do you know how Duobao comprehended Mahayana Buddhism?"

"Why can't even the power of the Merit Golden Lotus deduce his cultivation?"

Cundi was equally baffled, his brow tightly furrowed.

"This is truly strange. Could a Sage be plotting against our Buddhist Sect?"

Receiver shook his head.

"We spent countless years deducing and perfecting this Mahayana Buddhism. It has only just been completed—how could any other Sage know of it?"

"Moreover, Duobao's Mahayana Buddhism is even more complete than what we deduced!"

"If that is true, wouldn't his understanding of Buddhist teachings surpass yours and mine?"

Receiver's words left Cundi stunned as well.

The two of them were the founders of Buddhism. Every Buddhist teaching originated from them!

Even Hongjun could not possibly have reached such a realm in the mysteries of Buddhist Dharma!

Therefore, when Receiver and Cundi learned the news from Tathagata, they were both utterly dumbfounded.

You've got to be kidding!

The two of us had just thoroughly grasped the essence of Mahayana Buddhism, and you already had a complete version over there and had begun establishing a sect!

This was utterly unbelievable!

The Two Sages of the West unanimously concluded that there had to be something wrong with Duobao.

Yet no matter how they deduced, they could find no answer.

In the end, they could only arrive at one conclusion:

Duobao had been born with Buddha-nature and extraordinary talent, comprehending Mahayana Buddhism through his own insights!

Although this conclusion was equally absurd, there was no other explanation!

Could you imagine the Three Pure Ones creating Mahayana Buddhism?

Don't joke around! Why would the Three Pure Ones study Buddhist Dharma? Even if the Three Pure Ones had created Mahayana Buddhism, why would they not directly establish a new sect and seize the Buddhist Sect's fortune, instead allowing Duobao to establish Mahayana Buddhism within the Buddhist Sect? Would that not mean Mahayana Buddhism was helping the Buddhist Sect increase its fortune? Was Taiqing confused? Wouldn't that be trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice, harming himself in the process?

Receiver and Cundi judged others through their own way of thinking.

After all, if they could create new teachings for the Three Pure Ones, they would certainly do everything possible to exploit the Three Teachings for their own benefit. How could they possibly give benefits away instead? That was simply impossible!

At that moment, the two Sages suddenly felt something stir in their hearts and sensed a change in the Buddhist Sect's karma.

Receiver and Cundi exchanged a glance, then both looked toward the Primordial Land.

In an instant, delight appeared on Cundi's face as he said,

"Senior Brother, my Good Corpse, Bodhi, has just sent word. Sun Wukong has appeared!"

It turned out that Sun Wukong had returned to Flower Fruit Mountain once again. Several years later, he naturally became Bodhi's disciple.

Patriarch Bodhi hurriedly accepted Sun Wukong and passed the news on to his true self, Cundi.

Receiver was overjoyed upon hearing this.

"Excellent. As expected, destiny belongs to the Buddhist Sect!"

Cundi nodded in agreement.

"That is right. Heaven's will has decreed that the West shall flourish."

Receiver pressed his palms together and said slowly,

"No matter what, there is no need to concern ourselves further with Duobao establishing Mahayana Buddhism.

"After all, it benefits the Buddhist Sect, and it saves us considerable trouble."

"The key matter now is the Journey to the West Calamity. Bodhi must carefully instruct Sun Wukong, while Golden Cicada may also prepare for reincarnation."

Cundi nodded repeatedly, his face full of joy.

"Senior Brother is absolutely right. The fortune of Mahayana Buddhism remains entirely under our Buddhist Sect's control."

"If things truly unfold as the Three Pure Ones calculated, then they will only reap what they have sown!"

"They will instead increase the strength of our West. How foolish!"

"Ha ha ha!"

Receiver also revealed a smug smile.

Clearly, the two Sages believed the West had not suffered any loss. On the contrary, they had gained every advantage, so they had no worries at all.

Just as Taiqing had expected, not the slightest bit off.

Given the temperament and vision of the Two Sages of the West, it was difficult for them to imagine the far-reaching grandeur of Taiqing's scheme.

Western Sacred Mountain.

Tathagata received the Sage's decree and no longer restricted Duobao.

Duobao was thus able to vigorously promote the development of Mahayana Buddhism. Even Sage disciples such as Kashyapa and Golden Cicada often came to discuss the Dao.

Mahayana Buddhism rapidly grew stronger, and the fortune of the Western Buddhist Sect rose along with it.

Duobao's status and influence within the Buddhist Sect rose steadily. Taking advantage of the situation, he absorbed many Interception Sect Disciples converted by the West.

Yet Duobao knew well that he was merely sheltering the Interception Sect for now. Only Senior Grand Uncle could truly save the Interception Sect.

Duobao inwardly marveled at the far-reaching depth of Uncle Taiqing's plans.

The Two Sages of the West truly had not interfered. Every step had been precisely anticipated by Uncle Taiqing.

Recalling Taiqing's words that Master Tongtian would leave Purple Cloud Palace and the Interception Sect would reappear between Heaven and Earth, Duobao's heart filled with even greater fervor and determination.

He would certainly develop Mahayana Buddhism with utmost care and fully tap the Buddhist Sect's potential.

He would complete Senior Grand Uncle's task!

He would contribute to Senior Grand Uncle's eternal plan!

Yet Duobao wanted to weaken the Buddhist Sect.

The Western Saint Buddha Ancestor, however, was complacent, believing the West's fortune to be flourishing.

Taiqing Realm, Daluo Heaven.

With the Celestial Compass, Taiqing learned of the Two Sages of the West's intentions, and the corners of his lips curled upward slightly.

Sure enough, Receiver and Cundi cared only for immediate gains.

Although the Western Buddhist Sect's fortune was growing rapidly, in Taiqing's eyes, it remained insignificant.

As for having Golden Cicada reincarnate and promoting Buddhist Dharma Eastward Transmission?

How laughable. The Heavenly Court and the Buddhist Sect each had their own plans now.

The Human Race, the Underworld, Nüwa, Zhen Yuanzi—every faction had its own schemes!

The Buddhist Sect still wanted to rise?

That was nothing but wishful thinking!

Taiqing examined the System Panel and discovered that the Primordial World's Fortune Value was rapidly soaring!

This was because the Human Race's fortune was growing stronger!

The Great Qin Empire of the Human Race was now rapidly expanding its territory under the leadership of First Emperor Ying Zheng.

It opened new lands and developed at a tremendous pace!

Great Qin had the pills and magical treasures provided by Taiqing as powerful backing!

It could be said that so long as they did not provoke ancient great powers, the Human Race could sweep through every race of the Primordial Wilderness!

They had no opponents left in the Primordial Wilderness!

Thus, the Human Race's fortune grew ever more powerful!

The divine light of the Ziwei Emperor Star became even more dazzling!

As the Human Race's fortune increased, the Grand Void God Sealing Art cultivated by Ying Zheng progressed rapidly!

He had already reached the peak of the Heaven-Earth Longevity realm!

Taiqing's strength had reached the Grand Yi Golden Immortal realm. Although Ying Zheng was not a Human Emperor, he displayed the bearing of a true Human Emperor, leaving Taiqing greatly satisfied.

Seeing the rapidly rising Fortune Value on the System Panel, he felt even more gratified.

At the current rate, the world would rise once more before long.

When that time came, the Primordial World might return to the ranks of advanced Greater Chiliocosms.

This glorious sight might soon reappear, filling Taiqing with anticipation.

However, he was even more interested in how Hongjun would respond.

As the Human Race rapidly rose, reclaiming its bearing as the World Protagonist, it drew the attention of many powerful figures throughout the Primordial Wilderness.

Within Fire Cloud Cave, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were all delighted, especially Shennong, who was overjoyed.

Shennong praised, "Ying Zheng has truly lived up to the title of First Emperor."

Fuxi looked toward the Heavenly Court and pondered. "I fear the Heavenly Emperor will find it difficult to remain calm." Xuanyuan, meanwhile, held his sword and said coldly, "If the Heavenly Court acts unjustly, then it will be time for us to restore the Human Emperor's majesty."

Within Five Villages Monastery on Longevity Mountain, Zhen Yuanzi also sighed at the prosperity of the Human Race. Yet when he looked toward the Heavenly Court, concern flickered in his eyes. "The Heavenly Emperor will likely find it difficult to tolerate the Human Race's strength."

Within the Hall of Celestial Supremacy in the Heavenly Court, Haotian could no longer remain seated.

Was this Human Race truly going to become the World Protagonist once more?

Haotian suddenly slammed his imperial throne and barked coldly,

"Could it be that Ying Zheng intends to restore the glory of the Human Emperor?"

"Utter nonsense!"

"Attend me! Convey my decree!"

"Order the Son of Heaven, Ying Zheng, to hold a Heaven Worship Ceremony and offer tribute to me."

Haotian dispatched Venus, the Great White to Xianyang.

He was to warn Great Qin and order Ying Zheng, in the name of the Son of Heaven, to worship the Heavenly Emperor.

However, Ying Zheng resolutely refused the demand.

"I am a descendant of the Human Emperor, not the Son of Heaven."

"I revere only Heaven, Earth, and my ancestors. I will not bow to the Heavenly Court!"

These words made Haotian furious beyond measure.

This was clearly treating him, the Heavenly Emperor, as though he did not exist!

It was simply outrageous rebellion!

"Impudence!"

"Where are the Four Heavenly Kings?!"

"Lead Fifty Thousand Heavenly Soldiers and punish Ying Zheng!"

The Heavenly Emperor gave the order.

Thus, East King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, South King Virūḍhaka, West King Virūpākṣa, and North King Vaiśravaṇa descended upon the Primordial Wilderness at the head of an army.

Leading Fifty Thousand Heavenly Soldiers, they marched straight for the Human Race.

This move shocked all races of the Primordial Wilderness.

The various factions of the Primordial Wilderness had already been stunned by the Human Race's revival.

Now Ying Zheng actually dared to challenge the Heavenly Court's authority!

Such courage inspired awe!

Could the Human Race withstand the pressure of the Heavenly Court?

For a time, the Heavenly Court and the Human Race stood opposed, and all under Heaven knew of it!

The lands of the Human Race.

Heavenly thunder boomed as Fifty Thousand Heavenly Soldiers descended!

The Four Heavenly Kings were all Grand Yi Golden Immortals. They revealed their Ten-Thousand-Zhang Golden Bodies, their expressions stern and imposing.

"Ying Zheng, surrender at once!"

Yet while the Primordial World Beings were terrified before the Heavenly Court's army, the citizens of Great Qin showed not the slightest fear.

The First Emperor Ying Zheng was even more heroic, raising his sword to meet the battle.

"Since the birth of the Human Race, we have stood tall beneath the heavens and never bowed in submission!"

"Today, the Heavenly Court is without virtue. Great Qin shall punish it!"

"Sons of the Human Race, march forth with me!"

"Kill!"

That day, the Human Race and the Heavenly Court erupted into a fierce battle.

Han Xin, Meng Tian, Xiang Yu, and other renowned generals led the charge, their momentum like a rainbow.

Han Fei, Zhang Liang, Li Si, and other strategists were not to be outdone, aiding the battle with their schemes and wisdom.

God of Slaughter Bai Qi was unstoppable, defeating the Four Heavenly Kings single-handedly.

The Great Qin Iron Cavalry swept across the battlefield, sending Fifty Thousand Heavenly Soldiers and generals fleeing in disgrace.

This battle shocked the Primordial Wilderness.

Since the Deification, there had never been a battle on such a scale.

The Human Race's victory over the Heavenly Court was an even greater miracle.

With Great Qin's initial victory, the Human Race's fortune surged, and its Fortune Dragon grew ever more majestic.

All the powerful figures of the Primordial Wilderness were shaken.

Within the Netherworld Underworld, Houtu watched the Six Paths of Reincarnation, her gaze falling upon the Human Race as she pondered deeply.

She understood that everything the Human Race possessed stemmed from Taiqing's careful arrangements.

Otherwise, they could never have become so powerful!

Houtu was filled with emotion.

She had to admit that Taiqing's arrangements for Bai Qi had been exceptionally fitting.

Ying Zheng was undoubtedly the ideal choice for Human Emperor.

"Fellow Daoist Taiqing, just how capable are you?"

"Still, it is time for me to make a breakthrough!"

After her sigh, Houtu calmed her mind and focused her spirit.

She devoted herself wholly to studying the Earth Dao Divine Seal.

This supreme treasure was exceptionally compatible with Houtu, and she had already entered a state of rapidly comprehending the Great Dao.

Before long, a deep aura of Earth Dao Origin Essence spread forth.

It gradually expanded throughout the entire Netherworld Underworld.

The beings within the Underworld looked at one another.

They seemed to sense that the Netherworld Underworld was undergoing a change.

Longevity Mountain, Five Villages Monastery.

Zhen Yuanzi was puzzled by the changes in the Human Race.

"The Human Race has displayed such a phenomenon once more. Could it be that a Human Emperor has truly descended?"

"But the Heavenly Dao does not permit it. How did Ying Zheng accomplish this?"

"Could this have been Fellow Daoist Taiqing's doing?"

This thought suddenly occurred to Zhen Yuanzi, and he could not help looking toward Taiqing's Daluo Heaven.

If anyone in the Primordial Wilderness could create a miracle, it would surely be Taiqing Saint.

Yet Zhen Yuanzi still found it somewhat hard to believe.

Even Taiqing—could he truly defy and alter the Heavenly Dao?

This was simply too inconceivable!

Daluo Heaven, Eight Sceneries Palace.