Smiling Maitreya, Strife of Karma

The bustling atmosphere inside Biyou Palace's main hall, moments ago filled with lively celebration, instantly chilled as if doused with a basin of ice water. The focus of all eyes shifted from Xuanwei, who had just completed his investiture and was basking in glory, to the "Western Daoist friend" outside the hall, who hadn't shown their face but had already brought an invisible pressure.

Western Teachings? Maitreya?

The little person in Xuanwei's mind immediately sounded a Level 10 alarm! Countless Primordial World novels he'd read in his previous life flashed through his mind: Zhunti and Jieyin, the Primordial World's famous "Karma/Fate" duo, their disciples had deeply grasped the essence, and their phrase "This item has karma/fate with my West" was the ultimate manifestation of bandit logic, having tricked countless Eastern cultivators and treasures!

This Maitreya was one of the future leaders of the Western Teachings, a standard smiling tiger with Quasi-Saint cultivation! Him showing up now, specifically asking to see me, a "newly promoted direct disciple"? A weasel wishing a chicken a Happy New Year – no good intentions!

Xuanwei subconsciously tightened his grip (mentally tightened) on the Central Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner (replica) he had just obtained, and then felt the Chaos Bead and the Remnant Seed of Jianmu in his sea of consciousness, which were still silently recovering. Damn it, could it be that some bastard leaked the news, and this bald... uh, compassionate Western expert sensed it?

On the high platform cloud bed, Sect Master Tongtian's majestic divine sense seemed to have no significant ripples. He simply spoke faintly, his voice clearly reaching every corner of the hall and extending beyond the mountain gate: "Since a Western Daoist friend has come from afar, you are a guest. Please come in for a chat."

His voice was plain, yet carried an undeniable Saintly might, effortlessly dissolving any potential aggression hidden behind the word "visit."

A moment later, several streams of auspicious golden light (yet subtly exuding an unrefusable tenacity) arrived from outside the hall, landing and transforming into four monks.

The one leading them indeed had a perpetually smiling face, with broad ears and a round belly. He wore simple white monastic robes, held a string of prayer beads, and his aura was harmonious, as if he had merged with the surrounding heaven and earth. It was none other than Venerable Maitreya. Behind him followed three monks, equally impressive in their aura, at least at the Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation level. Their eyes were downcast, their expressions solemn.

"This humble monk Maitreya, along with my junior brothers Pharmacist, Sunlight, and Moonlight, pays respects to the Supreme Pure Saint! May the Saint's lifespan be boundless!" Maitreya said with a smile, bowing towards the cloud bed. His etiquette was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

"You are excused." Sect Master Tongtian's tone remained indifferent. "May I ask why you Daoist friends have traveled from afar, and for what purpose?"

Maitreya straightened up, his smile growing even brighter, as if capable of dispelling all gloom. His gaze "casually" swept over the immortals in the hall, finally landing on Xuanwei, who stood at the front in a moon-white Daoist robe (imbued with Immortal Qi). A fleeting, almost imperceptible glint flashed in his eyes.

"Replying to the Saint," Maitreya's voice boomed, carrying a peculiar infectiousness, "My junior brothers and I have been cultivating in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the West recently. We suddenly sensed auspicious energy soaring in the East, Dao Rhyme naturally formed, and even signs of great compassion and great wisdom emerging. Our Buddha is compassionate and saves all sentient beings. Such Karma/Fate aligns with our Western teachings. Therefore, we have specifically come to the East, firstly to admire the Saint's majesty, and secondly, to forge good Karma/Fate."

He paused, his smile becoming even more amiable as he looked at Xuanwei. "I just heard that your sect has a new direct disciple, whose Daoist name is Xuanwei. His origin/lineage is pure, his fortune is deep, and he possesses a benevolent heart (referring to healing the Seven Orifices Exquisite Lotus?), having Karma/Fate with all beings. I observe him with joy; this child... truly has Karma/Fate with my West."

Here it comes! The classic line, late but present!

Xuanwei's mind was screaming: "Karma/Fate my ass! The only possible Karma/Fate between us is you wanting to convert me, and me wanting to hit you with a brick!"

Many disciples of the Intercepting Sect in the hall looked displeased. These monks from the Western Teachings, coming to our Intercepting Sect's base, and in front of the Saint, saying our newly accepted direct disciple has Karma/Fate with you? This is too blatant a poaching!

Daoist Duobao frowned slightly, stepped forward, and said in a deep voice, "Daoist Maitreya, your words are mistaken. Junior Brother Xuanwei is a direct disciple of our Master, recorded in the Supreme Pure Treasure Register. He is a pure-blooded disciple of the Intercepting Sect, and with your sect... I fear there is little Karma/Fate."

"Ah, Daoist Duobao, your words are also mistaken." Maitreya's smile remained unchanged, and he swayed his head. "The word 'Karma/Fate' is wondrous and inexplicable. Is it not said, 'Buddha saves those with Karma/Fate'? Young friend Xuanwei possesses great wisdom and roots, naturally close to the profound methods of the West. This is shown by the Heavenly Dao, and cannot be forcefully obstructed by human power."

His words were flawless, elevating "Karma/Fate" directly to the level of "Heavenly Dao," implicitly suggesting that if the Intercepting Sect forcefully obstructed, they would be acting against heaven.

Bixiao was so angry she almost brought out the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors, but Yunxiao held her back with a stern look. Qiongxiao also frowned slightly. Zhao Gongming snorted coldly, clearly showing his disdain for this rhetoric.

Before Sect Master Tongtian could speak, Maitreya turned his gaze back to Xuanwei, his smile so kind it was unnerving. "Young friend Xuanwei, what do you think? Are you willing to accompany this humble monk to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the West? To listen to the profound teachings of our Buddha, enjoy purity and freedom, and attain supreme Bodhi soon, wouldn't that be joyous?"

The pressure instantly shifted to Xuanwei!

All eyes were focused on him. This was almost an open recruitment (or rather, a snatching) by the Western Teachings. If he handled it improperly, not only would he be in trouble, but he could also cause the Intercepting Sect to lose face!

Xuanwei cursed the smiling Maitreya a thousand times in his mind, but his brain was working at lightning speed. Confrontation was out of the question; the opponent was a Quasi-Saint, capable of killing him countless times with a single palm. Refuse directly? The opponent was using "Karma/Fate" and "Heavenly Dao" as a banner. A simple refusal would seem weak and put him at a disadvantage.

He took a deep breath (though he didn't need to), forcing a smile onto his face that was even more harmless and a bit more "naive" than Maitreya's. He stepped forward and bowed to Maitreya:

"Junior Xuanwei pays respects to Senior Maitreya. Your praise is too much; this junior is ashamed and unworthy."

He offered a polite opening, then changed tack, his tone carrying just the right amount of confusion. "Senior speaks of me having Karma/Fate with the West, as shown by the Heavenly Dao. This junior's cultivation is shallow, and his understanding is limited. Regarding such profound heavenly mysteries, it is truly difficult to comprehend. However... this junior has one matter he does not understand and hopes Senior can enlighten him."

Maitreya's smile remained unchanged. "Young friend, please speak freely."

"This junior was born in the Primordial World, grew up in Kunlun, and was fortunate enough to be taken in by Master, becoming a disciple of the Intercepting Sect, taught the Supreme Pure Great Dao, and bestowed with treasures for protection." Xuanwei's tone was sincere, his eyes (as much as he could simulate) clear (and innocent). "The teachings of the Intercepting Sect are 'teaching without discrimination, intercepting a ray of life for all beings.' This is the orthodox lineage of Pangu, the true path of Xuanmen. This junior cultivates here and deeply feels the profoundness of the Dao. In my heart, there is only boundless gratitude and loyalty to Master and the Intercepting Sect."

He paused, looked at Maitreya, and his tone became even more "confused": "I do not know, Senior, what does this 'Karma/Fate with the West' you speak of specifically refer to? Is it that this junior is destined to betray his master and switch to the West? Or perhaps, are the profound methods of the West even more superior than the orthodox lineage of Pangu, the Supreme Pure Great Dao personally taught by a Saint, and better able to guide this junior's path?"

Hiss--!

A collective gasp of cold air echoed through the hall!

Good heavens! This kid really dares to speak!

These words, seemingly humble inquiries, were in reality veiled with hidden barbs, sharp and ruthless!

Firstly, he emphasized his "orthodox lineage of Pangu, true path of Xuanmen" background and stance, placing himself on a moral high ground. Secondly, he highlighted his "loyalty" to the Intercepting Sect, directly leading "Karma/Fate" into the sensitive topic of "traitor." Finally, he posed a fatal question: No matter how powerful your Western Teachings are, can they be more powerful than the orthodox lineage of Pangu, the Supreme Pure Great Dao personally taught by a Saint? Are you openly questioning whether the Supreme Pure Saint's Dao is inferior to yours?

He directly kicked the ball back, even elevating the issue to the level of a dispute between Daoist lineages!

For the first time, a subtle stiffness appeared in Maitreya's smile. The three monks behind him, who had been keeping their eyes downcast, couldn't help but raise their eyelids, their gaze towards Xuanwei now carrying a hint of scrutiny.

This kid is not simple! Not only was he not intimidated by the title of Quasi-Saint, but he was also so sharp-tongued!

"Hehe, young friend misunderstands." Maitreya, after all, was Maitreya, with deep composure. He instantly recovered his smile and chuckled. "The profound methods of my West and the Great Dao of Xuanmen are both paths leading to the supreme realm. There is no distinction between high and low, only different routes, each with its own merits. The Karma/Fate this humble monk speaks of is that I perceive young friend's compassionate nature and deeply planted wisdom roots, which align with my Western aspiration to save all beings. Hence, I feel joy and wish to forge good Karma/Fate, to discuss the Great Dao together, not to force young friend to betray his master."

He lightly dismissed the accusation of "betrayal" and downgraded "Karma/Fate" to "forging good Karma/Fate" and "discussing the Great Dao."

"So that's how it is. It was this junior's foolishness that misunderstood Senior's kind intentions." Xuanwei immediately seized the opportunity, his face showing an expression of "sudden realization." "Senior's magnanimity in wishing to forge Karma/Fate and discuss Dao with this junior is overwhelming. However..."

He introduced another turn, his face appropriately showing a hint of "shyness" and "difficulty." "It's just that this junior has only recently joined the sect, and my cultivation is low. I haven't even fully grasped the Supreme Pure Great Dao yet, so I truly dare not aim too high and be distracted. Master's teachings are that cultivation should be focused and precise, a point this junior deeply agrees with. Moreover, as a direct disciple of the Intercepting Sect, if I were to associate too closely with Western Daoist friends, it might lead to gossip and harm Master's and the Intercepting Sect's reputation. This matter of 'discussing Dao'... please forgive me, Senior. Perhaps when this junior's Dao has achieved some progress in the future, it will be time to seek guidance."

Brilliant! Flawless!

He provided a reasonable excuse of "I'm too weak and need to focus on studying," used Sect Master Tongtian and the Intercepting Sect's reputation as a shield, and finally gave a blank check of "later," completely pushing away Maitreya's invitation to "discuss Dao."

Many Intercepting Sect disciples in the hall looked at Xuanwei with admiration. This kid not only had talent but also a quick mind. He could remain neither servile nor overbearing when facing a Quasi-Saint, arguing logically and defending his sect. He was a promising talent!

Daoist Duobao's eyes flashed with satisfaction. The San Xiao sisters also nodded slightly, and Bixiao even secretly gave Xuanwei a thumbs-up (mentally).

Maitreya's smile remained, but in the depths of his eyes, that almost imperceptible coldness intensified. He hadn't expected this seemingly young junior to be so difficult to deal with. He was neither yielding nor aggressive, and every word he spoke was logical.

He knew that it was impossible to "convert" this child through mere words today. To linger any longer would only make him seem petty and cause the Western Teachings to lose face.

"Haha, young friend, at such a young age, you are already so respectful of your master and diligent in your duties. This is truly rare." Maitreya chuckled, lightly dismissing the matter as if everything that had just happened was merely a friendly exchange. "Since that is the case, this humble monk will not insist. I hope young friend cultivates diligently under the Supreme Pure Saint and attains the Great Dao soon."

He turned to Sect Master Tongtian and bowed again, "We have disturbed the Saint's quiet cultivation. We shall take our leave."

Sect Master Tongtian, who had not spoken from beginning to end, merely nodded slightly at this moment.

Maitreya and the other three transformed into golden light once more and left Biyou Palace. Their arrival was sudden, and their departure was just as swift.

The stagnant atmosphere in the hall finally relaxed with the departure of the Western Teachings' disciples. Many disciples let out a sigh of relief.

"Hmph, those people from the Western Teachings are still so annoying!" Bixiao pouted.

"Junior Disciple Xuanwei, your response was appropriate," Yunxiao praised coolly.

Daoist Duobao also walked over and patted Xuanwei (Immortal Qi), "Not bad, you didn't disgrace the prestige of our Intercepting Sect."

Xuanwei quickly replied humbly, "It was all thanks to Master's majestic presence and the support of my senior brothers and sisters. I was merely arguing based on reason."

He himself had been sweating bullets. The confrontation just now, though seemingly calm, was actually perilous. If he had said the wrong thing and been caught by the other party, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

After this incident, his position in the hearts of the Intercepting Sect's immortals had undoubtedly solidified further. Someone with strength, intelligence, and loyalty to protect the sect – who wouldn't like such a junior brother (senior brother)?

However, Xuanwei's heart had not completely relaxed. Maitreya's seemingly benevolent yet unfathomably deep gaze as he left made him vaguely feel that this matter... was probably not over.

The Western Teachings had set their sights on him! Although they had been sent away for now, who knew if they would play any dirty tricks behind his back? After all, the concept of "Karma/Fate" was truly insidious and impossible to guard against.

He had to increase his strength as soon as possible! Only by becoming strong enough could he fear no schemes from these demons and monsters!

The interlude of the Ordination Ceremony came to an end, and Xuanwei officially began his cultivation life as a personal disciple of the Intercepting Sect.

With a formal title and his Master's favor, the resources he could access were far beyond what he could have in the past. Not only could he freely browse spiritual powers and secret techniques in the upper levels of the Myriad Laws Tower, but he could also apply to enter certain specific secret realms and blessed lands for cultivation. He could even occasionally receive a casual piece of advice from Sect Master Tongtian, which benefited him greatly.

He consolidated his Heavenly Immortal cultivation, practiced the newly acquired high-level spiritual powers "Supreme Pure Divine Thunder" and "Five Elements Evasion Technique," while continuing to manage his Medicine Garden. He fed the mysterious glowing cocoon underground with Chaos Spiritual Energy, exchanging it for the occasionally returned "Chaos Source Gel," slowly improving his own origin/lineage and the repair progress of the Chaos Bead.

Life seemed to have returned to a peaceful and fulfilling rhythm.

However, half a month later, a piece of news from the East Sea shattered this peace.

Senior Disciple Luo Xuan, who was responsible for patrolling the East Sea, sent an urgent report: near Liubo Immortal Island, traces of unidentified forces were found, suspected to be searching for something! Their methods were strange, not like the orthodox paths of Xuanmen, nor like ordinary demons. They bore some resemblance to... the magic of the Western Teachings! Furthermore, the area they were searching was precisely the sea region where the secret realm had erupted last time, and Xuanwei had obtained the Remnant Seed of Jianmu!

When the news reached Golden Ao Island, Xuanwei was feeding the glowing cocoon. Upon hearing it, his hand trembled, and he almost channeled a stream of Chaos Spiritual Energy into the rock wall.

He suddenly looked up, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Maitreya... Western Teachings... you really haven't given up!

Was it because of the Remnant Seed of Jianmu? Or... had they sensed some trace of the Chaos Bead?

Were their targets really that sea region? Or was this just a diversion?

Xuanwei looked at the faintly pulsating cocoon in front of him, radiating Chaos Dao Rhyme, and then felt the Chaos Bead in his sea of consciousness, which was subtly resonating with the cocoon. A thought flashed through his mind like lightning:

"Could it be... their true target is this?!"