Meanwhile, deep within the Spirit Bamboo Sacred Realm and the Pengxuan Grotto-Heaven.
Spirit Gourd Daoist sat cross-legged in the primordial Bamboo Sea, his consciousness deeply integrated into the Primordial Desolation Earth beneath his feet.
As Incarnation of Jiang Yun, refined from the Innate Spiritual Root the Gourd Vine, he possesses an almost instinctive and keen perception of the Earth Origin and the changes in the Earth Qi.
Suddenly, Spirit Gourd Daoist's mind was shaken.
In his Primordial Spirit's vision, the entire Primordial Desolation World seemed to be shrouded in an invisible but exceptionally thick veil.
The spiritual energy flowing between heaven and earth is still abundant, but on a macro scale, it has lost that natural "tidal feeling" and become stagnant.
The Karmic Retribution of karma and Karma entanglements emanating from countless living beings are like being contained in an invisible bag, continuously settling and accumulating at the bottom of the entire universe's rules.
This pent-up, unvented power caused the very fundamental Laws of the Primordial Desolation World to emit extremely subtle yet unsettling cries.
"The Calamity Qi is blocked! The balance of heaven and earth is disrupted!" Spirit Gourd Daoist's expression finally changed. "If the Witch-Demon do not fight, they cannot wage war. The Karma Karmic Retribution Inherited Burden heaven and earth can only accumulate and cannot be resolved or released."
Like a raging flood constantly accumulating before a sheer cliff!
The workings of Heavenly Dao have become sluggish. Although Earthly Dao is being nourished and expanding, Heaven and Earth are one, and Earth will also be affected, like carrying a heavy load while climbing a mountain!
He immediately realized the key point. "The Three Pure Ones collectively ignored this situation, there must be something they planned in this matter."
Otherwise, given Yuanshi's nature, he would never have sat idly by and allowed such a situation to occur, one that could trigger the collapse of the self-regulating mechanism of heaven and earth!
What are they plotting? Perhaps the shadow of Hongjun Dao Ancestor is behind this!
An ominous premonition instantly gripped Spirit Gourd Daoist.
Without further hesitation, Spirit Gourd Daoist focused his mind, Dao Charm Divine Sense message containing all his analysis, worries and warnings about the current strange situation in the prehistoric Primordial World instantly followed the mysterious connection with Jiang Yun's true body in the Depths of Chaos, transforming into an invisible blue light, preparing to penetrate the barrier of the Primordial Desolation World and reach Jiang Yun's Dao Field in the Depths of Chaos!
"Buzz--!"
The moment the azure light touched the invisible boundary barrier on the outer edge of the Primordial Desolation World, a sudden change occurred!
An invisible network, shimmering with mysterious star trail runes and interwoven with thick, earthy-yellow Origin of the Way of Earth power, suddenly appeared!
"Damn it!" Even with his calm and resilient nature, Spirit Gourd couldn't help but let out a low, angry roar, his fist clenched tightly in his sleeve, his knuckles turning white.
I tried many times, but the result was the same!
His power seemed so insignificant compared to the collective will of this complete world!
This net, seemingly woven from the pure Heavenly Dao Laws and the Origin of the Way of Earth, is indestructible and completely envelops the entire Primordial Desolation World.
The azure light of Divine Sense emitted by the Spirit Gourd Daoist struck this network, but it vanished without a trace.
It wasn't blocked and bounced back, but rather it was instantly broken down and absorbed by that net!
It was as if the information itself had never existed.
"The shackles of Heavenly Dao and the barrier of Earthly Dao!" The Spirit Gourd Daoist's eyes flashed with emerald light as he instantly discerned the true nature of this blockade. "Heavenly Dao and Earthly Dao joining forces to seal off the Primordial World, isolating the transmission of information between the inside and outside?"
A terrifying thought instantly exploded in his mind:
"They're after me!"
The Heavenly Dao and the Earthly Dao joined forces to seal off the Chaos Passage. Such a grand undertaking was certainly not aimed at isolating ordinary Chaos Aura or any extraterrestrial demons that might accidentally intrude.
The only possibility is to isolate Jiang Yun's true form, who is currently in seclusion Depths of Chaos, merging with the Willow World and seeking a breakthrough in his own Great Dao, so that he cannot perceive the Primordial World changes in the primordial world and cannot intervene in time.
The unusual silence of the Three Pure Ones, the Third Lecture of Houtu on Houtu sainthood that sparked a frenzy among the masses while ignoring the imbalance of heaven and earth, and this sudden blockade... all the clues connected in an instant!
"The Yuanshi and their followers were not inactive!"
They are advancing their plans in a more covert and disruptive way!
They want to first resolve the biggest variable in the Primordial Desolation World —the original self!
Having grasped this point, the Spirit Gourd Daoist abruptly stood up, his body radiating a powerful aura befitting Quasi-Saint Mighty Being, the vine patterns shimmering as if alive.
Since we cannot send messages, we must seek a way to break the deadlock!
Spirit Gourd instantly thought of two Saints from the Western Teachings — Jieyin and Zhunti.
They are Heavenly Dao Saint, and have a close relationship with him. Their actions against Jiang Yun are undoubtedly a weakening of the Western Teachings.
"I must see the Two Religious Leaders immediately and seek their help!"
The situation was urgent, Spirit Gourd Daoist had no time to think further.
He stepped out of Spirit Bamboo Mountain, his figure merging into the void, using the technique of spatial teleportation to head straight for the Western World's Mount Sumeru Sacred Realm, where Buddha Light shone everywhere.
Mount Sumeru, a sacred site.
Ripples spread across the Star Gate inside the mountain gate, and the figure of the Spirit Gourd Daoist appeared.
Without lingering, his figure vanished the next moment, and he arrived outside the main hall of the Main Peak.
"Two Religious Leaders, Spirit Gourd, have come without warning, for this matter concerns the safety of Jiang Yun himself. I humbly request Two Religious Leaders assistance!"
Jieyin and Zhunti a glance, their eyes understanding, yet their hearts filled with a sense of helplessness.
Jieyin his eyes slightly. "We the Two understand what you are worried about, fellow Daoist. It must be because of the barrier between heaven and earth and the obstruction of the Primordial World Calamity Qi."
Spirit Gourd said urgently:
That is exactly what happened.
This time, the Heavenly Dao and the Earthly Dao have joined forces to seal off the world, which is unprecedented. It is clearly to isolate the Chaos and is obviously aimed at the main body!
The Calamity Qi becomes increasingly stagnant, hindering the operation of the Heavenly Dao, making the world feel like a mountain to climb.
This situation could not have been orchestrated by the Three Pure Ones; it must have been the will of the Hongjun Dao Ancestor, with the Empress Houtu also involved!
The Two Religious Leaders are Heavenly Dao Saint; do they have any strategies to deal with the current situation?
At the very least, we should try to warn the true nature within the Chaos!
Zhunti smiled wryly.
Fellow Daoist Spirit Gourd, it is not that my senior brother and I are unwilling to lend a helping hand.
The Saint's position of honor arises from the Heavenly Dao, and all our thoughts and actions are subject to its restrictions; we must not go against the Heavenly Dao Will.
"Our attempt to force our way through the blockade at this moment is tantamount to defying the heavens and rebelling against the Dao. Not only is the chance of success slim, but the jeopardy of our own Sainthood is secondary; the greater danger lies in triggering Heavenly Dao backlash, unnecessarily increasing the variables in the Primordial World."
The Jieyin's voice was low and deep, carrying a profound sense of powerlessness. "The Dao Ancestor's will is unfathomable, and now he has reached a cooperation agreement with the Empress Houtu. Since the Two them have taken action to seal off heaven and earth, they must have a complete plan."
Our forceful intervention may lead to a dead end due to other variables.
Moreover, we have established a great sect, perhaps for the sake of our disciples and followers, yet we are now caught in its trap... we have no choice in our fate!
Every sentence is sincere, yet every word reveals the constraints imposed upon those under the Saint.
They possess the wisdom to perceive the crisis and the heart to protect the Western Region, but the chess game set up by the combined efforts of Heavenly Dao Hongjun and Earthly Dao Houtu is not something they can easily overturn.
Looking at the helplessness and sorrow on the faces of the two saints, the Spirit Gourd Daoist's hopes quickly cooled, replaced by a deep sense of regret.
In the past, the Western Region was impoverished, and the two saints, all alone, dared to make Great Vow and rise against the tide.
Although the Sainthood is now highly respected, it seems that, as some people say, having accumulated wealth has made one more cautious and less of the pioneering spirit and decisiveness to overcome obstacles.
He ultimately bowed respectfully:
If that's the case, then the Spirit Gourd... I understand.
"I'm disturbing your meditation."
He was filled with undisguised disappointment, yet he had no one to blame but himself.
Just as the Spirit Gourd turned to leave, another unexpected event occurred!
Inside the main hall, time and space suddenly froze!
Three Paths immeasurable Saintly Might pressed down like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down, while the dazzling Yuqing Immortal Light tore through the void. A giant hand, flowing with Laws, attacked, its target directly aimed at the Spirit Gourd Daoist!
The cold voice of the Yuanshi Tianzun resounded throughout the hall. "Disrespecting the will of Heaven and defying the Heavenly Dao, you shall be suppressed!"
It turned out that the Three Pure Ones had noticed that the Spirit Gourd Daoist's attempt to transmit a message to Chaos was being blocked, and that he had come to Mount Sumeru for help. Fearing that something might go wrong, they rushed over and, with their Saint dignity, sealed off the space-time of this place, preparing to suppress the Spirit Gourd.
At the very instant that Yuanshi made his move, the void beneath Spirit Gourd Daoist's feet suddenly solidified like divine metal and thick earth, Towering Ancient Tree Phantom appeared, creating a Protective Barrier!
At the same time, a mysterious Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation Diagram depicting mountains, rivers, and the birth and death of all things unfolded above his head, with thick, dark yellow energy hanging down, the Earth Scroll turning behind him, and ten thousand peaks guarding him!
Zhenyuanzi's voice followed:
Fellow Daoist Spirit Gourd, observing the heavens and earth, issued a warning to all races of the Primordial World. What crime have you committed?
Yuanshi Daoist Yuanshi, your act of suppression is a bit too much!
The Daoist aura of the Ancestor of Earth Immortals surged forth in full force, and the three Earthly Dao treasures shone brightly together, taking full advantage of their location and easily blocking the Yuqing Immortal Light of the Yuanshi.
The next moment, the Twelve-grade Merit Golden Lotus beneath the seat of the Jieyin rose into the air, and endless Buddha Light transformed into countless golden lotuses, blooming one after another, layer upon layer, gently yet incomparably resilient, permeating between the Yuanshi Saintly Might and the Spirit Gourd.
Zhunti vigorously swung the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree in his hand, and the seven-colored rays of light surged like a reversed Heavenly River, directly brushing against the raging Yuqing Immortal Light!
"Brother Yuanshi, your actions are inappropriate. The three of you have arrived without prior notice and are displaying your power within my sect. This is far too arrogant!"
The Jieyin voice was deep and resonant, carrying a hidden strength:
The Spirit Gourd is located in the Western Region, and its essence is the Primordial World. Even if it does something inappropriate, it is a matter within our sect and there is no need for outsiders to interfere!
Without the decree of the Dao Ancestor and without clear evidence, forcibly suppressing fellow practitioners is unreasonable and may damage the reputation of the Three Pure Ones!
These words clearly state his position: anyone who tries to cause trouble for Western Teachings on Western Teachings territory should think twice!
The Two Sages of the West and Earthly Dao new Saint Zhenyuanzi joined forces to stop it. Even though Yuanshi was the head of the Three Pure Ones and his Yuqing Immortal Light was incomparably domineering, the giant palm was forcibly blocked in the void outside Mount Sumeru. The energy clashed violently, the space shattered and then healed, and fragments of the Laws scattered everywhere.
Laozi sat upright in the void, Taiqing Immortal Light as smoke and mist, his gaze deep as he looked at the stalemate before him.
He did not intervene to help Yuanshi, preventing the situation from escalating; he simply spoke, his voice calm and even:
Fellow Daoists, you should know that all our actions are driven by the grand trend of the Primordial World Great Trend of the Heavenly Dao, which cannot be reversed by any individual.
Spirit Gourd Daoist has repeatedly obstructed the Heavenly Dao order, which is extremely unwise and he should be punished.
I believe it is best to Sealing Restriction within the Dao Field to prevent them from interfering with the workings of Heavenly Dao once more.
He offered a compromise solution.
After exchanging glances, Zhenyuanzi and the two Two Sages of the West nodded in agreement.
After all, it was something that both the Heavenly Dao and the Earthly Dao were jointly promoting, and this was all they could do.
The Jade Ruyi of the Yuanshi Tianzun Jade Ruyi shimmered with an uncertain light. Looking at the Two Sages of the West and Zhenyuanzi blocking his way, he snorted coldly, "Hmph!"
Since that's the case, then you are confined to Spirit Bamboo Mountain!
You must not again entertain Divine Sense that would disturb the will of Heaven!
We'll deal with this after the Primordial World subsides!
He knew that forcibly suppressing the rebellion at this moment would face too much resistance, so he had no choice but to settle for second best.
As soon as he finished speaking, the Yuqing Holy Light that had locked onto the Spirit Gourd suddenly transformed into a profound and complex mark, ignoring spatial distance and instantly imprinting itself on the sky above Spirit Bamboo Mountain!
At the same time, a transparent light barrier, woven from countless mysterious earth-yellow lotus patterns, rose from the depths of Spirit Bamboo Mountain's Earth Veins, faintly merging with the Origin of the Way of Earth. It was also clearly supported by Houtu's Reincarnation will, completely enveloping the entire Spirit Bamboo Mountain!
Spirit Gourd Daoist gave the Two Sages of the West and Zhenyuanzi a deep look, everything was understood without words.
With a flash, enveloped by the immense power of the Sage Dao, he instantly returned to the Spirit Bamboo Mountain, which was already shrouded in the Saintly Might Restriction and filled with flowing runes.
The moment the sacred barrier descended and the lotus-patterned light barrier rose, the mountain Ling Xi, Gao Shou, and many plant spirits were all startled. However, they only saw that Master Spirit Gourd Daoist landed safely in the Pengxuan Grotto-Heaven, his Daoist aura subdued, and he sat down cross-legged without any abnormality.
Lingxi asked in confusion, "Gao Shou, is this master reinforcing the mountain defense formation? Why does the aura feel different..."
Gao Shou his head. "The master has his reasons for doing things. We should just keep an eye on the mountain gate."
The entire mountain area remained calm, assuming that the Spirit Gourd was comprehending some kind of large-scale protective Secret Technique.
However, a few days later, a Quasi-Saint hermit who came to Spirit Bamboo Mountain seeking guidance from the Spirit Gourd came to visit. He received no response outside the mountain gate. When he used his spiritual sense to investigate, he was horrified to discover that the light barrier separating the inside and outside of the mountain was flowing with an unshakable Saintly Might!
In this way, the news spread like wildfire.
"Spirit Bamboo Mountain has been Sealing Restriction! It has been forcibly sealed off by the Power of Saints! The Saintly Might of Yuqing is clearly discernible!"
"What?! Spirit Gourd Dao Venerable has been placed under house arrest?!"
"Was it the Yuanshi Saint who made the move?!"
The Primordial World was in an uproar!
Western Teachings followers were even more outraged.
The core disciples, including the Yaoshi, Ksitigarbha, Maitreya, Zhao Gongming, and the Three Xiao, were all furious.
Kong Xuan also found it difficult to control his anger.
"Outrageous! Senior Spirit Gourd is the Incarnation the Third Cult Master of our Western Teachings, why is he subject to such a ban?"
"It must be the Karma formed between the Human Clan and the Three Pure Ones during the past calamities!"
"We must immediately inform the Two Religious Leaders! This act is a blatant insult to our Western Teachings!"
The entire Mount Sumeru was filled with an atmosphere of impending conflict.
Amidst the swirling discussions and undercurrents, from the depths of the Youming, the majestic Dao Sound of the Empress Houtu once again proclaimed to the Primordial World: "The Reincarnation Three Lectures, begin! Expound the foundation of the Sage Dao, clarify the responsibilities of the Sainthood!"
The gates of the Hall of Reincarnation swung open with a roar, and the three thousand destined individuals who had passed through the Myriad Worlds Reincarnation Array and listened to the two Great Dao fled from all corners of the Primordial World into the Nine Netherworlds.
The Daoist aura within the hall was even more profound and vast, Dharma Form the Empress Houtu was solemn, residing at the core of the Wheel of Reincarnation.
"The first lecture recounts the Origin of Earth, how the earth, with its profound virtue, sustains all things; the second lecture elucidates the Truth of Reincarnation, the differentiation of the Six Paths, and the self-repayment of Karmic Retribution." Houtu's voice flowed like a clear spring, looking back on the path ahead, "Today's Third Lecture will focus on the two words 'the Sage Dao'!"
What is a saint?
In the eyes of Heavenly Dao, those who transcend the mundane are called 'Saints', and those who attain the supreme Dao are called 'Saints'!
However, in my Earthly Dao, a saint is not someone high above, looking down upon all living beings; much less someone who uses their saintly name to seize power and satisfy their own selfish desires!
The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn; you could hear a pin drop.