Settling Karma, a Difficult Choice
With hearts full of trepidation, Jieyin and Zhunti stepped into Mount Luojia.
"It is a rare honor for two fellow Daoists to grace us with their presence at the same time; the entire Mount Luojia is made even more glorious by your presence."
Please come in, fellow Daoists!
Cihang greeted her very politely, as if the previous estrangement had never existed.
"You're too kind, fellow Daoist!"
Despite Cihang's politeness, Jieyin and Zhunti remained very reserved.
They simply couldn't see through Cihang's thoughts.
Cihang ignored these remarks and invited the two into the main hall, displaying the courtesy and hospitality befitting a host.
The more enthusiastic Cihang, the more Jieyin and Zhunti and Zhunti became.
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need to be so tense."
Although we had some disputes before, it was all for the sake of our own path.
Now that Cihang is about to leave the Primordial World, she no longer wants to dwell on those things.
On the contrary, if you two fellow Daoists ever need cultivators from the Mount Luojia lineage in the future, I hope you can take care of them!
Noticing their awkwardness, Cihang spoke first to ease the tension.
"Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on transcending the Primordial World and attaining great freedom."
I also thank you for not holding our previous offenses against us.
"We two will definitely take good care of the cultivators of the Mount Luojia lineage!"
Although he didn't completely believe Cihang's words, Jieyin still wore a sincere smile.
"Then I will trouble you two fellow Daoists!"
Cihang's smile grew even more genuine.
At that moment, Zhunti hesitated.
"Since you no longer care about past Karma, why are you still targeting the West?"
But they're still holding a grudge against us for our previous offenses!
Despite the risk of angering Cihang, Zhunti still asked the question.
Even the Jieyin watched Cihang nervously.
Cihang claims to be indifferent to past grievances, yet her incarnations are indeed constantly undermining the Western destiny and authority.
"You two have indeed misunderstood."
Cihang had no intention of making things difficult for the two fellow Daoists. As for the matter of the incarnation, it was due to a past karmic Karma.
Although a long time has passed, Cihang has not forgotten that she once vowed to spread the Way of the West.
Now that Cihang is about to leave the Primordial World, he naturally needs to understand all the Karma!
Cihang was not Jieyin and Zhunti.
Both he and Jieyin and Zhunti had their own thoughts and schemes regarding that vow they once made, but vows cannot be broken.
Now, Jieyin and Zhunti have no choice but to bear this hidden loss themselves.
Upon hearing this, the smile on Jieyin and Zhunti's face vanished.
Anger, regret, helplessness, and a host of other emotions were simultaneously revealed.
They certainly haven't forgotten their past schemes.
The Cihang of yesteryear was far less powerful than it is today. Although it possessed some strength and resources, it still had to exercise extreme caution in their presence.
They seized the opportunity, exchanging a hollow guarantee for Cihang's promise to spread the Cihang to the West.
In reality, they didn't do anything; Cihang was merely taking advantage of the West's influence.
Cihang, on the other hand, reopened the path with a benevolent body and spread the South Continent.
They were indeed overjoyed at the time, and more than once they were glad they made that decision.
They are just waiting for the right opportunity to guide Cihang and the other cultivators of this lineage to the Western Paradise.
Unfortunately, Cihang grew too fast.
By the time they wanted to turn their schemes into action, Cihang was no longer someone they could outmaneuver.
Now, Cihang is even going directly to the West to spread the gospel.
The West has indeed become stronger because of Cihang, but the West, which once had only one voice, has also been completely shattered.
The Cihang Buddhist Path established by Cihang's incarnations are even more complete than those of the Western traditions.
It has now become a threat to their power and status.
If it were anyone else, even a disciple of a sage, they could forcibly convert them, take them as disciples, and integrate the two lineages.
But the other party is Cihang.
Even if they had the strength and means to convert the other party, they could not withstand Cihang's wrath.
Having repeatedly failed to defeat Cihang had long since left an invincible mark on their hearts.
This is why they have always been in a passive state, helplessly watching a Daluo Golden Immortal rapidly develop in the West.
"Fellow Daoist, Jieyin apologize here for my previous petty-mindedness and for the disappointment I caused."
But the West is of utmost importance to us both. Please, fellow Daoist, show mercy and spare us this time!
Jieyin was also flexible and adaptable; in order to resolve the issue, he apologized again in a low voice.
"We desperately hope you'll spare us this time!"
Zhunti also stood up and apologized.
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need for this. Cihang is not deliberately targeting you two."
The oath made by Heaven has been fulfilled. Even I, if I wish to extricate myself, must thoroughly understand this Karma.
Cihang also hopes that you two fellow Daoists can understand!
Cihang did not budge.
The act of transforming into Jieyin and Zhunti and Zhunti for their previous actions.
"Fellow Daoist, is there no other solution?"
At the same time, Jieyin and Zhunti showed a sorrowful expression.
It's not that they don't believe Cihang's words, but rather that they don't want to see a future division in the West.
The fact that Cihang incarnated to spread the faith in the West has indeed led to further development in the West.
The current balance is the result of their continued concessions.
But can they really keep backing down? Even if they were willing, the disciples of the Western Teachings would still harbor resentment.
The lesson of the Sanqing is right before their eyes; they do not want to see a future where the West is constantly vying for dominance.
"I'm sorry, Cihang is not omnipotent, and is also powerless in this matter."
Now, let's just look at what these Human Dao truly want.
"Should we continue to control the Western Great Desolation, or should we make the west better and better?"
Seeing the two looking distressed, Cihang still offered a subtle reminder.
At the same time Jieyin and Zhunti's expressions changed.
Yes, what do they want?
Does it mean completely controlling the West? No, it means making the West better and better.
Having been nurtured by the origins of the West, they witnessed the West nearly crumbling, and at that time they vowed to restore the West to its former glory.
With their cultivation level and strength, they could have found a more suitable place to cultivate long ago.
But their initial obsession kept them in the West, and even after they became saints, they continued to scheme for the West.
In the past, they might have clung tightly to the power of destiny they held onto.
After all, for sages, fortune and authority are the foundation of their strength.
But now the Saint Position has become a burden they are trying their best to get rid of, and their fortune and power have become insignificant.
Moreover, that was the embodiment of Cihang; handing the West over to them might have been better than things are now.
It's definitely time to make a choice.
"Thank you for your guidance, Jieyin Daoist. Now I know how to make the right choice."
We, your dear friends, have one request: the Western Way is the culmination of our millions of years of hard work, and we hope that you will preserve this Western tradition.
"Let's not allow the West to become a second Mount Luojia. I hope you, fellow Daoist, can grant my request!"
After only a moment's hesitation, Jieyin and Zhunti made their decision.
After making the decision, the two seemed to break free of invisible shackles, feeling much lighter.
"Rest assured, both of you. When Cihang severed her karmic ties with Mount Luojia, she had already cut off her Karma."
The Western tradition will not change!
Cihang readily made the guarantee.
"Thank you, fellow Daoist!"
The Jieyin and Zhunti bowed in gratitude.