Inside the main hall of Biyou Palace, the jubilant atmosphere from moments ago was like a basin of cold water had been thrown over it, instantly cooling down. The focus of the ten thousand immortals shifted from Xuanwei, who had just received the register and was basking in glory, to the unseen "Western fellow Daoist" outside the hall, who had already brought an invisible pressure with him.
Western Teachings? Maitreya?
The little man in Xuanwei's heart immediately sounded a level-ten alarm! Countless plots from Primordial World novels he had read in his previous life flashed wildly through his mind: Zhunti and Jieyin, the Primordial World's famous "karma" duo. Their disciples had inherited the essence perfectly; a single line of "this object has karma with my West" was the ultimate embodiment of bandit logic, and who knew how many eastern cultivators and treasures they had swindled!
This Maitreya was one of the future Western Teachings' leading figures, a textbook smiling tiger with Quasi-Saint cultivation! He had come at this time and specifically requested to see him, a "newly promoted direct disciple"? A weasel paying respects to a chicken—he was up to no good!
Xuanwei subconsciously tightened his mental grip on the Central Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner imitation he had just acquired, then sensed the Chaos Bead and Remnant Seed of Jianmu in his sea of consciousness, which were still silently recovering. Damn it, did some bastard leak the news and let this bald... uh, compassionate Western master sense them?
Upon the cloud couch atop the high platform, Sect Master Tongtian's vast consciousness did not seem greatly disturbed. He merely spoke calmly, his voice clearly spreading through the hall and beyond the mountain gate. "Since Western fellow Daoists have come from afar, they are guests. Invite them inside for a conversation."
His voice was mild, yet it bore an unquestionable saintly majesty, effortlessly dissolving any possible aggression concealed behind the word "visit."
A moment later, several streams of peaceful golden light—though they faintly carried an unyielding toughness—flew in from outside the hall and landed, transforming into four monks.
The leader indeed wore a perpetually smiling expression. He had a broad face, large ears, and a round belly, dressed in plain white monastic robes and holding a string of prayer beads. His aura was perfectly harmonious, as though he had merged with heaven and earth around him. He was none other than Venerable Maitreya. Three monks followed behind him, their auras equally extraordinary. They were at least Grand Unity Golden Immortals, with lowered eyes and solemn, treasure-like visages.
"This humble monk Maitreya, along with my junior brothers Medicine Master, Sunlight, and Moonlight, pays respects to the Supreme Pure Saint! May the Saint's lifespan know no bounds!" Maitreya smiled warmly and bowed toward the cloud couch with flawless etiquette.
"Rise." Sect Master Tongtian's tone remained calm. "What brings you fellow Daoists here from such a distance?"
Maitreya straightened, the smile on his face becoming even brighter, as if it could dispel all gloom. His gaze casually swept across the immortals in the hall before finally settling on Xuanwei, who stood at the front in moon-white Daoist robes formed from immortal energy. A faint gleam flashed through his eyes.
"In response to the Saint," Maitreya said in a resounding voice with a strangely infectious quality, "this humble monk and my junior brothers were recently meditating in the Western Paradise when we suddenly sensed auspicious light soaring into the sky in the East, natural Dao Rhyme, and a hint of great compassion and great wisdom. My Buddha is compassionate and saves all living beings. Such karma aligns with the teachings of our Western Teachings. Thus, we have come eastward: first, to behold the Saint's majesty, and second, to form a good connection."
He paused, smiling even more gently at Xuanwei. "We just heard that your sect has accepted a new direct disciple, Daoist Xuanwei. His origins are pure, his fortune profound, and he possesses a benevolent heart—perhaps referring to his treatment of the Seven Orifices Exquisite Lotus—and karma with all beings. Upon seeing him, this humble monk felt great joy. This child... truly has karma with our West."
Here it comes! The classic line might be late, but it had finally arrived!
Xuanwei cursed madly to himself. Karma, my ass! The only karma between us is that you want to convert me, and I want to smash you with a brick!
The expressions of many Interception Sect disciples darkened. These Western Teachings monks had come to the Interception Sect's home ground and, right in front of the Saint, declared that their newly appointed direct disciple had karma with them? Wasn't this poaching far too blatant?
Daoist Duobao furrowed his brows slightly and stepped forward. "Fellow Daoist Maitreya, that is not quite right. Junior Brother Xuanwei is our master's direct disciple, recorded in the Supreme Pure Treasure Register. He is a proper, legitimate disciple of the Interception Sect. As for karma with your teachings... I fear there is none."
"Ah, Fellow Daoist Duobao, that is mistaken." Maitreya's smile did not change as he shook his head. "The word karma is wonderfully profound. Have you not heard that 'Buddha saves those with karma'? Little friend Xuanwei possesses great wisdom and spiritual roots, and he is naturally close to our Western wondrous teachings. This is revealed by the Heavenly Dao; it cannot be forcibly obstructed by mortal effort."
His words were watertight. He directly elevated "karma" to the level of the "Heavenly Dao," implying that if the Interception Sect tried to stop it by force, they would be going against heaven.
Bixiao was so furious that she nearly brought out the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors, only for Yunxiao to firmly restrain her with a look. Qiongxiao's delicate brows were also slightly furrowed. Zhao Gongming snorted coldly, clearly holding this line of reasoning in utter contempt.
Before Sect Master Tongtian could speak, Maitreya turned his gaze to Xuanwei again. His kindly smile was so gentle it made one's scalp tingle. "Little friend Xuanwei, what do you think? Would you be willing to accompany this humble monk to the Western Paradise? Listen to the wondrous sounds of my Buddha, enjoy purity and freedom, and attain supreme bodhi at an early date. Would that not be delightful?"
The pressure was instantly placed on Xuanwei!
Everyone's eyes focused on him. This was practically an open recruitment—or rather, seizure—by the Western Teachings. If he handled it poorly, not only would he bring trouble upon himself, he might also damage the Interception Sect's reputation!
Xuanwei cursed that smiling Maitreya eight hundred times in his heart, but his mind raced. Confronting him head-on was definitely impossible. The other party was a Quasi-Saint who could slap him to death countless times. Directly refusing him? The other party waved the banners of "karma" and the "Heavenly Dao"; a simple rejection would seem pale and weak, putting him at a disadvantage.
He took a deep breath—though he did not need to—and forced a smile even more harmless and innocent-looking than Maitreya's. Stepping forward, he bowed to Maitreya.
"Junior Xuanwei greets Senior Maitreya. Senior's praise is excessive; this junior dare not accept it."
He began with a polite remark, then shifted the subject, his tone carrying just the right amount of confusion. "Senior says that this junior has karma with the West, as shown by the Heavenly Dao. This junior's cultivation is shallow and knowledge limited; I truly find such profound heavenly secrets difficult to comprehend. However... there is one matter I do not understand, and I hope Senior can enlighten me."
Maitreya's smile remained unchanged. "Little friend, please speak freely."
"This junior was born in the Primordial World and raised in Kunlun. My master did not disdain me, but accepted me into the Interception Sect and taught me the Supreme Pure Great Dao, bestowing protective treasures upon me." Xuanwei spoke earnestly, his eyes as clear and innocent as he could manage. "The Interception Sect's doctrine is to teach without distinction and seize a thread of life for all living beings. This is Pangu's orthodox lineage and the authentic tradition of the Mystic School. Cultivating here, this junior has deeply felt the profundity of the Dao and holds only boundless gratitude and loyalty toward my master and the Interception Sect."
He paused, looking at Maitreya with even greater confusion. "Yet this junior does not know what, precisely, Senior means by 'karma with the West.' Does this karma mean that this junior is destined to betray my master and join the West? Or does it mean that Western wondrous teachings are more profound than Pangu's orthodox lineage and the Supreme Pure Great Dao personally passed down by a Saint, better able to guide this junior's path?"
Gasp—!
A chorus of sharp breaths echoed through the hall!
Good heavens! This kid really dared to say it!
His words sounded like a humble request for guidance, but they hid needles in silk and were viciously sharp!
First, he emphasized his origins and stance as part of "Pangu's orthodox lineage and the Mystic School's authentic tradition," placing himself on moral high ground. Second, he stressed his "loyalty" to the Interception Sect, directly steering this matter of karma toward the sensitive topic of betrayal. Finally, he threw out a fatal question: no matter how impressive the Western Teachings were, could they surpass Pangu's orthodox lineage and a Saint's personal transmission? Was he openly questioning whether the Supreme Pure Saint's Dao was inferior to that of the West?
He had kicked the ball straight back at them and elevated the issue into a dispute over orthodox traditions!
For the first time, Maitreya's smile stiffened almost imperceptibly. The three monks behind him, who had kept their eyes lowered and obediently composed, could not help raising their eyelids. Their gazes at Xuanwei gained a hint of scrutiny.
This kid was not simple! Not only had he not been intimidated by a Quasi-Saint's status, he was so sharp-tongued!
"Hehe, little friend, you misunderstand." Maitreya was Maitreya after all, deeply calculating. He instantly recovered his smile and laughed lightly. "Our Western wondrous teachings and the Mystic School's Great Dao are both paths toward the supreme realm. Neither is superior or inferior; their paths merely differ, and each has its own excellence. The karma this humble monk speaks of is simply that I perceive Little Friend's compassionate nature and deeply rooted wisdom, which accord with the West's grand aspiration to save all living beings. That is why I felt joy and wished to form a good connection and discuss the Great Dao together. I have absolutely no intention of forcing Little Friend to abandon his master."
With a few light words, he dissolved the accusation of "betraying the sect" and lowered "karma" into merely "forming a good connection" and "discussing the Great Dao."
"So that is the case. This junior was foolish and misunderstood Senior's good intentions." Xuanwei immediately followed the opening, revealing an expression of sudden realization. "Senior is broad-minded and wishes to form a connection with this junior through discussion of the Dao. This junior is deeply honored. However..."
He made another turn, allowing a trace of shyness and embarrassment to appear at the proper moment. "However, this junior has only just entered the sect and possesses meager cultivation. I have not even fully comprehended the Supreme Pure Great Dao, so I truly dare not aim too high or divide my attention elsewhere. My master teaches that cultivation should be focused and refined, and this junior deeply agrees. Moreover, as a direct disciple of the Interception Sect, if I associate too closely with Western fellow Daoists, I fear it may invite gossip and damage my master's and the Interception Sect's good name. As for discussing the Dao... I hope Senior will forgive me. Once this junior achieves something in the Dao someday, I shall seek Senior's guidance then."
Beautiful! Not a single flaw!
He had offered the reasonable excuse that he was weak and needed to focus on his studies, raised Sect Master Tongtian and the Interception Sect's reputation as shields, and finally issued an empty promise of "some other day," cleanly rejecting Maitreya's invitation to discuss the Dao.
The gazes of many Interception Sect disciples toward Xuanwei now carried approval. This kid not only had excellent talent, but a quick mind. He could remain neither servile nor overbearing before a Quasi-Saint, argue with reason, and defend his sect. He was a promising talent indeed!
A trace of satisfaction flashed in Daoist Duobao's eyes. The San Xiao sisters nodded faintly as well, while Bixiao secretly gave Xuanwei a thumbs-up with her thoughts.
Maitreya still smiled, but the faint chill deep within his eyes grew stronger. He had not expected this seemingly immature junior to be so difficult. Neither soft nor hard tactics worked on him, and every word he said was justified.
He knew that using words to "convert" this child today was no longer possible. If he kept pressing the issue, he would only make himself seem petty and harm the Western Teachings' image.
"Haha, for one so young, Little Friend already respects his master and values the Dao so deeply, faithfully observing his duties. That is truly rare." Maitreya laughed, lightly setting the matter aside as though everything before had merely been a friendly exchange. "Since that is so, this humble monk shall not force the issue. I hope Little Friend cultivates well under the Supreme Pure Saint and attains the Great Dao soon."
He turned toward Sect Master Tongtian and bowed again. "We have disturbed the Saint's peaceful cultivation. This humble monk and his companions shall take our leave."
Sect Master Tongtian had not spoken a word from beginning to end. At this moment, he merely nodded slightly.
Maitreya and the other three transformed into golden light once more and departed Biyou Palace, arriving abruptly and leaving just as decisively.
The tense atmosphere in the hall finally relaxed with the departure of the Western Teachings group. Many disciples let out long sighs of relief.
"Hmph, the Western Teachings people are as annoying as ever!" Bixiao curled her lips.
"Junior Brother Xuanwei handled it well," Yunxiao praised coolly.
Daoist Duobao also walked over and patted Xuanwei's immortal-energy form. "Not bad. You did not disgrace the Interception Sect."
Xuanwei hurriedly replied modestly, "It was entirely due to Master's majesty intimidating them and the support of my senior brothers and sisters. This disciple merely argued according to reason."
In truth, he had been sweating inwardly as well. That exchange had seemed calm on the surface, but it was fraught with danger. If he had said one wrong word and the other side seized upon it, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
After this incident, his standing among the Interception Sect immortals undoubtedly became even more secure. He had strength, brains, and loyalty to defend the sect. What senior or junior brother would not like such a disciple?
Yet Xuanwei was not completely at ease. The seemingly peaceful yet unfathomable look in Maitreya's eyes as he departed gave him the faint feeling that this matter... was probably not over.
The Western Teachings had set their sights on him! Though they had been sent away for the moment, who knew what little tricks they might pull behind the scenes? After all, that talk of "karma" was simply too shameless—impossible to guard against.
He had to increase his strength as quickly as possible! Only by becoming powerful enough himself could he fear no schemes from such demons and monsters!
The interlude at the register-bestowal ceremony came to an end, and Xuanwei officially began his life as a direct disciple cultivating within the Interception Sect.
With his official status and his master's favor, the resources he could command were far beyond what they had once been. Not only could he freely browse divine abilities and secret arts on the upper floors of the Myriad Laws Tower, he could also apply to cultivate in certain secret realms and grotto-heavens. Even an occasional casual piece of guidance from Sect Master Tongtian benefited him immensely.
While consolidating his Heavenly Immortal cultivation and practicing the newly acquired advanced divine abilities, Supreme Pure Divine Thunder and Five Elements Evasion Technique, he continued tending the Medicine Garden. He fed Chaos Spiritual Energy to the mysterious Light Cocoon underground in exchange for the occasional return of Chaos Source Gel, slowly improving both his own innate foundation and the Chaos Bead's restoration.
The days seemed to return to a peaceful yet fulfilling rhythm.
However, half a month later, news from the East Sea shattered that peace.
Senior Brother Luo Xuan, who was responsible for patrolling the East Sea, sent back an urgent report: signs of unidentified forces had been discovered near Liubo Immortal Island, apparently searching for something! Their methods were strange, neither those of the Mystic School's orthodox path nor those of ordinary members of the Demon Race. Instead, they bore a trace of... Western Teachings spells! Moreover, the area they were focusing on was precisely the sea region where the secret realm had erupted last time, where Xuanwei had obtained the Remnant Seed of Jianmu!
When the news reached Golden Ao Island, Xuanwei was feeding the Light Cocoon. Upon hearing it, his hand trembled, and he nearly sent a stream of Chaos Spiritual Energy straight into the rock wall.
He abruptly raised his head, a cold gleam flashing through his eyes.
Maitreya... Western Teachings... you really refuse to give up!
Was it because of the Remnant Seed of Jianmu? Or had they... detected traces of the Chaos Bead?
Was that sea region truly their target? Or was it... merely a decoy?
Xuanwei looked at the faintly pulsing Light Cocoon before him, which emitted chaotic Dao Rhyme, then sensed the Chaos Bead in his sea of consciousness faintly resonating with it. A thought flashed through his mind like lightning:
Could it be... their real target was this?!
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