Longevity Mountain, Five Villages Monastery

Nüwa was straightforward and generous. She immediately accepted the Chaos Star Fruit and offered her sincere thanks.

"Many thanks, Senior Brother, for granting me this opportunity!"

Taiqing smiled and waved his hand. "As allies, there is no need for thanks. Junior Sister may cultivate in peace."

Nüwa was genuinely impressed—not only by Taiqing's immense power and mystery, but also by his breadth of vision and magnanimity.

Without further hesitation, Nüwa swiftly returned to Wa Huang Palace and began refining the Chaos Star Fruit.

As the spiritual root was refined, an endless surge of Dao aura emerged—vast and overwhelming. These currents washed over Nüwa's soul, filling her with profound and unfathomable rhythms of Creation Dao.

The Dao of Creation was none other than Nüwa's Dao!

Nüwa felt her understanding of the Dao of Creation become clearer and more penetrating than ever before!

Her eyes sparkled with brilliance, radiant and spirited!

She knew—she had broken through her bottleneck!

Nüwa's cultivation was rapidly ascending!

Her heart was filled with joy and excitement!

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

Western Paradise.

Mount Sumeru, Thunderclap Ancient Temple.

Golden light blazed, dazzling and brilliant, suffused with the Dao rhythm of sages above.

After a moment, the light gradually faded.

Two sacred figures were revealed.

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

At this moment, Receiver put away his Merit Golden Lotus, his face showing signs of worry as he sighed:

"Junior Brother, do you know how Duobao comprehended Mahayana Buddhism? Why is it that even with the power of the Merit Golden Lotus, we cannot deduce his cultivation realm?"

Cundi was equally baffled, his brows tightly knit.

"This matter is truly bizarre. Could some sage be scheming against our Buddhist Sect?"

Receiver shook his head.

"This Mahayana Buddhism was deduced and perfected by us over countless ages. It has only just been completed—how could any other sage know of it? Moreover, Duobao's Mahayana Buddhism is even more complete than the version we deduced! If this is true, wouldn't his understanding of Buddhist doctrine surpass even ours?"

Receiver's words shocked Cundi as well.

They were the founders of Buddhism—the source of all Buddhist teachings!

Even Hongjun of the Heavenly Dao could not have reached such a level in the profundity of Buddhist doctrine!

Thus, when Receiver and Cundi received the news from Tathagata, they were utterly dumbfounded.

You must be joking!

We two sages have only just thoroughly grasped the essence of Mahayana Buddhism, and you already have a complete version and have begun establishing a sect!

This is simply inconceivable!

The Two Sages of the West unanimously agreed that Duobao must be problematic.

Yet no matter how they deduced, they could not find an answer.

In the end, they could only reach one conclusion:

Duobao was born with a Buddha nature, exceptionally gifted, and had comprehended Mahayana Buddhism through his own enlightenment!

Though this conclusion was also baffling, there was no other explanation!

Could you imagine the Three Pure Ones creating Mahayana Buddhism?

Don't be ridiculous! Why would the Three Pure Ones study Buddhist teachings? Even if Taiqing had created Mahayana Buddhism, why wouldn't he directly establish a new sect to seize the Buddhist Sect's fortune, instead letting Duobao establish Mahayana Buddhism within the Buddhist Sect? Wouldn't that mean Mahayana Buddhism was helping to strengthen the Buddhist Sect's fortune? Was Taiqing muddle-headed? Wasn't that like trying to steal a chicken only to lose the bait—shooting himself in the foot?

Receiver and Cundi were projecting their own mindset onto others.

After all, if they could create new teachings for the Three Pure Ones, they would certainly try every means to use the Three Teachings for their own benefit. How could they possibly give back instead? That was utterly impossible!

Just then, the two sages suddenly felt a stir in their hearts, sensing a change in the Buddhist Sect's karmic ties.

Receiver and Cundi exchanged glances, both looking toward the Primordial Wilderness.

In an instant, Cundi's face lit up with surprise as he spoke:

"Elder Brother, my Good Corpse Bodhi just sent word—Sun Wukong has appeared!"

It turned out that Sun Wukong had returned to Flower Fruit Mountain, and a few years later, as expected, he formally became a disciple under Bodhi's tutelage.

Patriarch Bodhi promptly accepted Sun Wukong and relayed this news to his Original Body, Cundi.

Upon hearing this, Receiver was also overjoyed:

"Excellent. Truly, destiny belongs to the Buddhist Sect!"

Cundi nodded in agreement:

"Indeed, Heaven's will decrees that the West shall flourish."

Receiver clasped his hands together and spoke slowly:

"In any case, we need not trouble ourselves further over Duobao's establishment of Mahayana Buddhism. After all, it benefits the Buddhist Sect and saves us considerable effort."

"The key now lies in the Journey to the West Calamity. We must have Bodhi diligently instruct Sun Wukong, and Golden Cicada may also prepare for reincarnation."

Cundi listened and nodded repeatedly, his delight plain to see.

"Elder Brother speaks truly. The fortune of Mahayana Buddhism is entirely within our Buddhist Sect's grasp."

"If the Three Pure Ones truly calculated as such, they will reap what they sow!"

"Instead, they bolster the power of the West—how foolish!"

"Ha ha ha!"

Receiver also wore a smug expression.

Clearly, both Sages believed the West had not suffered a loss but had instead gained the upper hand, leaving them utterly carefree.

Just as Taiqing had foreseen, without a single misstep.

Given the temperament and vision of the Two Sages of the West, they could hardly fathom the vast and profound scope of Taiqing's scheme.

Western Sacred Mountain.

Tathagata received the Sages' decree and no longer restrained Duobao.

Thus, Duobao was able to vigorously promote the development of Mahayana Buddhism, with even Sage disciples like Kashyapa and Golden Cicada frequently coming to discuss the Dharma.

Mahayana Buddhism grew rapidly, and the fortune of the Western Buddhist Sect rose in tandem.

Duobao's status and influence within the Buddhist Sect climbed steadily, and he took the opportunity to absorb many Jie Sect Disciples who had been converted by the West.

But Duobao knew well that he was merely sheltering the Jie Sect for now—only Senior Grand Uncle could truly save it.

In his heart, Duobao marveled at the depth of Senior Grand Uncle Taiqing's scheme.

The Two Sages of the West had indeed refrained from interfering, every step precisely anticipated by Senior Grand Uncle Taiqing.

Recalling Taiqing's mention that Master Tongtian would emerge from Purple Cloud Palace and the Jie Sect would reappear in the world, Duobao's resolve and fervor only grew stronger.

He was determined to meticulously develop Mahayana Buddhism, draining the Buddhist Sect's potential to its limits.

To complete Senior Grand Uncle's mission!

To contribute to Senior Grand Uncle's eternal plan!

Yet Duobao's aim was to weaken the Buddhist Sect.

The Western Sage and Buddha Ancestor, however, preened themselves, believing the West's fortune was thriving.

Taiqing Realm, Daluo Heaven.

Taiqing, using the Celestial Compass, discerned the intentions of the Two Sages of the West and curled his lips slightly.

As expected, Receiver and Cundi only saw the immediate gains.

Though the Western Buddhist Sect's fortune was rising swiftly, in Taiqing's eyes, it remained negligible.

As for sending Golden Cicada into reincarnation to promote the Buddhist Dharma Eastward Transmission?

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

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

The Buddhist Sect thought it could rise?

Utter delusion!

Taiqing checked the System Panel and found that the fortune value of the Primordial World was climbing rapidly!

This was because the fortune of the Human Race was strengthening!

Now, the Great Qin Empire of the Human Race, under the leadership of First Emperor Ying Zheng, was swiftly expanding its territory.

Conquering lands and developing at a breakneck pace!

Great Qin had the elixirs and magical artifacts provided by Taiqing as its formidable backbone!

It could be said that as long as they didn't provoke the ancient great powers, the Human Race could sweep through all the myriad races of the Primordial World!

There was no longer any opponent in the Primordial World!

Thus, the Human Race's fortune grew ever stronger!

The divine light of the Ziwei Emperor Star also blazed even more brilliantly!

With the rise of Human Race fortune, Ying Zheng's cultivation of the Grand Void God Sealing Art advanced rapidly!

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

Taiqing's strength had reached the Primordial Unity Golden Immortal realm, and though Ying Zheng was not the Human Emperor, he displayed a profound Human Emperor bearing that left Taiqing thoroughly satisfied.

Watching the rapidly rising fortune value on the System Panel, he felt even more gratified.

At the current pace, the world would soon elevate once more.

When that time came, the Primordial World might return to the ranks of a high-level Greater Chiliocosm.

This grand scene could reappear soon, filling Taiqing with anticipation.

Still, he was more curious about how Hongjun would respond.

With the Human Race's swift rise, they had reclaimed their glory as the World Protagonist, drawing the attention of many mighty beings in the Primordial World.

Inside Fire Cloud Cave, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors all felt joy, especially Shennong, whose heart brimmed with delight.

Shennong praised, "Ying Zheng truly lives up to the name of First Emperor."

Fuxi gazed toward the Heavenly Court and mused, "I fear the Heavenly Emperor will not remain calm." Xuanyuan, gripping his sword, said coldly, "If the Heavenly Court acts unjustly, then it will be time for us to reassert the majesty of the Human Emperor."

At the Five Villages Monastery on Longevity Mountain, Zhen Yuanzi also marveled at the Human Race's prosperity, but when his eyes turned to the Heavenly Court, worry crept in: "The Heavenly Emperor will hardly tolerate the Human Race's strength."

In the Hall of Celestial Supremacy of the Heavenly Court, Haotian could no longer sit still.

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

Haotian slammed his hand on the imperial throne and growled coldly:

"Is this Ying Zheng deluded enough to try reviving the glory of the Human Emperor?"

"Preposterous!"

"Someone, deliver my decree!"

"Order the Son of Heaven, Ying Zheng, to hold a Heaven Worship Ceremony and pay tribute to my court."

Haotian dispatched Venus, the Great White, to Xianyang.

He warned Great Qin and commanded Ying Zheng to worship the Heavenly Emperor in the name of the Son of Heaven.

However, Ying Zheng flatly refused this demand.

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

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

These words sent Haotian into an uncontrollable rage.

This was clearly treating him, the Heavenly Emperor, as nothing!

Utter treason!

"Insolent!"

"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 led their forces down to the Primordial World.

Commanding fifty thousand Heavenly Soldiers, they marched straight for the Human Race.

This move shocked all the races of the Primordial World.

The various powers of the Primordial World were already stunned by the Human Race's resurgence.

Now Ying Zheng dared to challenge the authority of the Heavenly Court!

Such audacity commanded awe!

Would the Human Race be able to withstand the pressure from the Heavenly Court?

In an instant, the standoff between the Heavenly Court and the Human Race became known to all under heaven!

On the Human Race's lands.

Heavenly thunder roared as fifty thousand Heavenly Soldiers descended!

The Four Heavenly Kings, all at the Primordial Unity Golden Immortal realm, manifested their Ten-Thousand-Zhang Golden Bodies, their expressions majestic.

"Ying Zheng, surrender at once!"

Yet, facing the Heavenly Court's army, the Primordial World Beings trembled in fear, while the people of Great Qin showed not a trace of terror.

First Emperor Ying Zheng was filled with soaring ambition, raising his sword to meet the battle.

"Since the birth of the Human Race, we have stood tall between heaven and earth, never yielding!"

"Today, the Heavenly Court has lost its way—Great Qin shall march against it!"

"Sons of the Human Race, follow me into battle!"

"Kill!"

That day, the Human Race clashed fiercely with the Heavenly Court.

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

Strategists such as Han Fei, Zhang Liang, and Li Si were not to be outdone, aiding the fight with cunning schemes.

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

The iron cavalry of Great Qin swept across the battlefield, routing the Fifty Thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals in disgrace.

This battle shook the Primordial Wilderness.

Nothing on this scale had been seen since the Deification.

That the Human Race could triumph over the Heavenly Court was nothing short of a miracle.

With Great Qin's initial victory, the fortune of the Human Race surged, and the Fortune Dragon grew even mightier.

All the mighty beings of the Primordial Wilderness were stunned.

Within the Netherworld Underworld, Houtu gazed at the Six Paths of Reincarnation, her eyes lingering on the Human Race, lost in thought.

She understood that everything about the Human Race stemmed from the Taiqing Saint's meticulous design.

Otherwise, they could never be this powerful!

Houtu sighed with deep emotion.

She had to admit, Taiqing's arrangement for Bai Qi was perfectly fitting.

And Ying Zheng was unquestionably the chosen Human Emperor.

"Daoist Taiqing, just how vast are your abilities?"

"Still, it's time for me to break through!"

After her lament, Houtu calmed her mind and focused.

She threw herself entirely into studying the Earth Dao Divine Seal.

This supreme treasure resonated deeply with Houtu, and she had entered a state of rapid enlightenment of the Dao.

Soon, a profound aura of the Earth Dao's origin began to emanate.

Gradually, it spread throughout the entire Netherworld Underworld.

The beings of the underworld exchanged bewildered glances.

They felt as though the Netherworld Underworld itself was undergoing a transformation.

Longevity Mountain, Five Villages Monastery.

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

"The Human Race manifests such a sight again—could a Human Emperor truly have descended?"

"But the Heavenly Dao forbids it. How did Ying Zheng accomplish this?"

"Could it be the work of Daoist Taiqing?"

This thought struck Zhen Yuanzi, and he couldn't help but look toward Taiqing's Daluo Heaven.

If anyone in the Primordial Wilderness could work miracles, it would surely be the Taiqing Saint.

Yet Zhen Yuanzi still found it hard to believe.

Even Taiqing—could he truly defy the Heavenly Dao?

This was simply too incredible!

Daluo Heaven, Eight Sceneries Palace.