Chapter 26

What left them feeling disheartened was that Lu Tian had caught up from behind and even surpassed them across the board.

"There is an order to hearing the Dao. Junior Brother merely took a step ahead. In the end, it will still depend on who laughs last."

"When we reach the end of cultivation, I believe all of you Senior Brothers will surely walk alongside me."

Lu Tian opened his eyes and smiled, his tone gentle.

These Direct Disciples of Western Teachings ** might have had poor origins, ordinary comprehension, and scarce resources...

Yet in the future, all of them would ascend to the pinnacle of cultivation.

It sounded simple, but for those who could become disciples of Jieyin and Zhunti, one thing was beyond doubt—

The path of cultivation valued perseverance and the will to seek the Dao above all else.

So what if the ** under the Three Pure Ones had already reached the Quasi-Saint realm before the Investiture of the Gods calamity?

We only needed to advance steadily. One day, during the Journey to the West era, we would shake the universe and make Western Teachings flourish throughout the world.

At Lu Tian's words, the five Senior Brothers all responded with kind laughter.

As the six chatted, they suddenly sensed something unusual—

The two Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, had simultaneously entered a mysterious state. They seemed to be communicating telepathically with some existence, their saintly faces displaying both surprise and gravity.

Only after the incense burned out and the smoke dispersed did the two Saints return to themselves and proclaim: Chan and Jie Sects would hold a Mystic Gate Grand Gathering, inviting Western Teachings to Kunlun Mountain in three thousand years to discuss the Dao and verify the true meanings of the two teachings.

Were they willing to compete with the outstanding disciples of the two teachings?

The elites of the two teachings discussing the Dao?

Lu Tian and his Senior Brothers exchanged stunned looks.

Though Western Teachings appeared powerful with two Saints presiding over it,

In terms of ** cultivation, Duobao of the Jie Sect and Guangchengzi of the Chan Sect had already attained the Taiyi Dao Fruit,

They stood as far above the Western Teachings disciples, who were still in the Golden Immortal realm, as clouds above mud.

These were not worthless Taiyi like the Asura of the Blood Sea.

The true disciples of the two teachings were no inferior to Western Teachings in either origins or foundations,

And their realms utterly crushed them—

How could they fight this battle?

The hall fell silent for a time.

If they accepted, defeat was certain;

If they declined, it would damage the Saints' dignity.

It was not that they feared battle,

But the gap of an entire major realm was a chasm too difficult to cross.

Even Lu Tian, who could kill enemies above his realm,

Had no chance of victory against Daoist Duobao, who had attained the Dao Fruit long ago.

That existence who would one day become the present Buddha Venerable

Already possessed cultivation several Kalpas beyond his.

Seeing the group remain silent, Jieyin lowered his eyes without speaking, while Zhunti sighed softly.

They both knew full well that such a demand was truly harsh on their **.

Whether in origins, comprehension, resources, or magic treasures, the ** of Western Teachings lagged behind Chan and Jie Sects. Only their hearts that sought the Dao could still be praised. Asking them to compete with the elites of the two teachings was indeed forcing the impossible.

Jieyin shook his head with a bitter smile.

The Dao was long and arduous.

The day of Western Teachings' prosperity was still far away.

Just as he was about to decline the Three Pure Ones and state that Western Teachings would not take part in this discussion of the Dao, Lu Tian's clear voice suddenly rang out:

"Master, ** is willing to represent Western Teachings in battle."

"I will certainly not disgrace our teaching's name."

Jieyin raised his eyes to look at him.

Lu Tian stood there with respectful bearing, his expression resolute.

Jieyin hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Although you slaughtered Taiyi in the Blood Sea as easily as taking something from your pocket, you must understand that ordinary Taiyi and the true disciples of the two teachings cannot be mentioned in the same breath."

"** understands. Please rest assured, Master."

"To win, you must break through to the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm before the discussion of the Dao."

"With your aptitude, once you enter the Taiyi realm, you should be no weaker than Duobao, Guangchengzi, or Xuandu."

Lu Tian solemnly agreed. "Within three thousand years, ** will certainly break through to Taiyi. Master need not worry."

His certainty inspired his fellow disciples.

Pharmacist also stepped forward and bowed. "Master, ** is also willing to spar with the Mystic Gate fellow Daoists."

As Western Teachings' only Taiyi Golden Immortal, he indeed had some confidence. In terms of Dao attainment and cultivation, he could rank around the middle among the ** of the two teachings. Only his magic treasures were somewhat inferior, as he still used two Houtian Spiritual Treasures.

"Master, ** also wish to give it a try..."

Maitreya, Mahasthamaprapta, Sunlight, and Moonlight stepped forward one after another.

Though they knew their chances of victory were slim, they only wished to clearly see the gap and temper themselves as they advanced.

Jieyin finally smiled. "Since that is the case, your Master and Martial Uncle will naturally do everything in our power to help you all enter Taiyi within three thousand years."

It was clear that they intended to exhaust their entire foundation.

Then his tone suddenly changed. "However..."

"It is not that your Master is being harsh, but the East is blessed with abundant treasures, far surpassing the West."

"The ** of the two teachings are all exceptional figures. They possess orthodox inheritances, can spar and improve with one another, and enjoy plentiful resources and fine magic treasures..."

He listed all manner of advantages enjoyed by Eastern cultivators.

Even if they broke through to Taiyi, their chances of winning would still be slim.

This was the cold reality.

Jieyin mercilessly tore apart their naive fantasies.

"When the time comes, the foremost experts of the entire prehistoric world will gather to watch. You are very likely to suffer crushing defeats before countless great powers."

"Some will disdain you and mock you, while your opponents will tread upon your failures and receive the cheers and praise of all."

His words were cruel, yet true.

This was not deliberate discouragement, but the reality that was about to unfold.

Jieyin was not worried that these words would break them—if they did not even have the courage to imagine it, how would they face true failure?

How could they speak of seeking the Dao, let alone revitalizing the West?!

"Since you insist on going, I will grant your wish."

"Your Master and Martial Uncle have long grown accustomed to being condemned by thousands. However those great powers slander us behind our backs, we have endured it all."

"Over the years, our conduct has indeed not always been entirely honorable. It is only right that we be cursed for it."

His tone was calm, yet carried a trace of desolation.

His gaze slowly swept over the group.

Jieyin suddenly raised his voice. "But I want you to—"

"Win openly and honorably!"

He abruptly turned to Lu Tian.

"Especially you."

"Strike back at every one of those who once humiliated you."

"Kill those who deserve killing, curse those who deserve cursing."

"Remember, if the sky falls, your Master will hold it up."

Zhunti smiled and nodded from the side.

These two fellow disciples had accompanied one another through countless years, and their bond ran even deeper than that of the Three Pure Ones.

Jieyin's will was Zhunti's will.

Warmth surged through Lu Tian's heart.

"** will certainly not disappoint Master's high expectations."

He could not help looking toward the East.

This journey eastward was precisely the time to settle Karma.

"Set out."

With a sweep of his great sleeve, Jieyin swept up the six ** and vanished together with Zhunti.

In the blink of an eye, the eight stood atop a lofty mountain range.

The mountain range stretched endlessly, as though it could split Heaven and Earth apart—

One side was lush with vegetation and brimming with life;

The other was shattered earth and crumbling sky, a scene of utter devastation.

It was none other than the famed Two Realms Mountain of the prehistoric world.

The Five Finger Mountain of the Earth Immortal Realm that would divide East and West during the future Journey to the West calamity was, at this moment, still an intact boundary marker of the prehistoric world.

Why had they stopped here?

Jieyin looked doubtfully at Lu Tian and the others, who had suddenly appeared.

Choosing to pause here had been Lu Tian's idea.

Lu Tian's lips curled slightly. "There are still three thousand years before the Mystic Gate Grand Gathering. ** wishes to travel east alone in search of opportunities."

Before his words had even faded, the clear voice of the system suddenly sounded in the depths of his Spiritual Sense.

[Sign-in successful at Two Realms Mountain Blessed Land. Reward granted...]

[Sign-in successful at Two Realms Mountain Blessed Land. Reward granted: Twelve-Grade Void Clarity Spiritual Lotus]

Void Clarity Spiritual Lotus?

Lu Tian's gaze trembled slightly.

This item was actually another Innate Supreme Treasure!

Looking across the prehistoric world, every Twelve-Grade Lotus Platform was extraordinary—Creation of Heaven and Earth cleansed the cosmos, the World Purifying White Lotus illuminated the eight directions, the World Destroying Black Lotus devoured souls and seized spirits, the Karma Fire Red Lotus burned away Karma, and the Merit Golden Lotus ** fortune.

Which one was not an Innate Supreme Treasure coveted by great powers?

"Two Realms Mountain truly deserves to be a place where the essence of Heaven and Earth gathers."

Lu Tian rejoiced inwardly.

Through this opportunity, he had already grasped the system's mystery: the rank of a blessed land determined the rank of its reward.

Spirit Mountain had granted saint-level comprehension, while the Dream Realm had bestowed Illusionary and Real Divine Abilities. Both were Foundations for Becoming a Sage. The Blood Sea and Two Realms Mountain, meanwhile, granted Innate Supreme Treasures treasured even by Saints.

As for ordinary blessed lands like Phoenix Forest, they merely produced items of the Golden Immortal level.

Though Two Realms Mountain possessed sparse spiritual energy, its towering range spanned the prehistoric world and alone claimed the Creation of Heaven and Earth.

As thoughts raced through his mind, Lu Tian cupped his hands and said, "Master, please permit ** to traverse the sacred mountains of the East. ** will arrive at Kunlun when the time comes."

—He was clearly planning to gather opportunities scattered throughout the East.

With his current evasion speed, three thousand years was enough for him to visit many blessed lands. Even ordinary spiritual treasures could help his Senior Brothers improve their cultivation.

Jieyin nodded. "Go as you please. Should you encounter calamity, simply recite my name."

Lu Tian's strength was now vastly different from before. As long as he did not actively provoke trouble, traveling across the prehistoric land would no longer be difficult. If he truly encountered something troublesome, someone would naturally step forward to resolve it for him.

"** understands. ** will set out for Kunlun Mountain at once."

Before his words had faded, Pharmacist beside him suddenly spoke. "Junior Brother, would you be willing to travel with Senior Brother?" He gazed at the magnificent scenery of Two Realms Mountain, excitement shining in his eyes. Having cultivated in the West since childhood, when had he ever seen such majestic scenery? For a moment, he was utterly absorbed.

Lu Tian was slightly surprised, then smiled. "If Senior Brother is willing to accompany me, I could not ask for more." There was nothing wrong with bringing Pharmacist along. This saint's direct ** possessed considerable strength; even if he was not among the very best cultivators of his realm, he was not far from it.

Seeing the two decide to travel together, the other Senior Brothers could no longer contain themselves and all requested to join the eastern journey. In the blink of an eye, their party had grown to six.

Zhunti stroked his beard and smiled. "Since you are all so eager, travel through the East together. However..." His tone shifted. "This is your first time venturing out, so in all matters you must follow Lu Tian's arrangements. After all, this little ** once traveled alone through the eastern and western realms with True Immortal cultivation. Leaving things to him is the safest choice."

"We obey Master's command." Pharmacist and the others answered in unison. They gazed across the mountain range, their eyes filled with novelty and longing. Since taking human form, they had heard that the East was vast and rich in resources. Today, they finally beheld its true appearance.

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged smiles before vanishing in an instant, leaving this land to the young ** for free exploration.

"Junior Brother, what are your plans next?" Pharmacist asked eagerly. Without their Master present, he seemed much livelier.

"How about we first explore Two Realms Mountain? Perhaps we may encounter an opportunity." Lu Tian offered the suggestion casually, while inwardly considering how to reasonably explain the Twelve-Grade Void Clarity Spiritual Lotus he was about to take out. Besides, all of his Senior Brothers had recently learned secret arts and needed opponents to spar with, verify their gains, and strengthen their foundations.

These words perfectly suited everyone's wishes and immediately received unanimous agreement. Before long, these Western Teachings **, away from home for the first time, scattered like birds and beasts, each streaking off in a different direction.

"Senior Brothers, remember not to go too far! If you encounter powerful cultivators, be sure to avoid them! Use the secret art to contact me anytime something happens!" Lu Tian shouted at their retreating figures.

He hurriedly chased after them a few steps, repeatedly reminding them.

The hearty laughter of several Senior Brothers drifted back on the wind.

"Hahaha, Little Junior Brother, stop worrying. We're clever enough!"

Lu Tian could not help smiling.

He casually found a secluded place, carved out a temporary cave dwelling, and took out the Twelve-Grade Void Clarity Spiritual Lotus.

Its petals rippled like water, so light and ethereal that they seemed to possess no substance.

The instant his fingertips touched the lotus, it was as though he had touched a vast **.