Chapter 4

"Show your Vajra Body once more for your master to see."

Lu Tian's body rapidly expanded, and in an instant, he transformed into the form of a wrathful Vajra.

Zhunti watched the entire process intently, then suddenly broke into a smile.

"Your spirit transformation method is still rather crude. Its conversion efficiency is far too slow."

"Why not draw Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into your body during the transformation? It would both accelerate the conversion and enhance the power of your Vajra Body."

"Remember, the transformation process must be as swift as possible..."

Before he had even finished speaking, Zhunti simply entered meditation to seek enlightenment.

Lu Tian, his fellow disciples, and Jieyin all stood guard.

The ages of the primordial world drifted by, and ten years passed in the blink of an eye.

To cultivators, it was no more than the time it took to snap one's fingers.

Ten years later, vast purple qi suddenly appeared across the skies above the Western Teachings, while boundless rosy clouds dyed the nine heavens.

Two dazzling golden streaks separated from the purple clouds and respectively entered Zhunti's and Lu Tian's crowns!

Lu Tian's body shook violently, and an uncontrollable expression of joy immediately appeared on his face!

Those brilliant golden streaks were actually Heavenly Dao Merit!

Heavenly Dao Merit!

As Lu Tian sensed the golden light merging into his body, irrepressible joy surged within him.

Though the merit he had received was only one-tenth or one-fifth of Zhunti's, it was already an immense opportunity for him!

This was the power of merit!

So-called merit was, in truth, the recognition of the primordial world's Heavenly Dao. Any deed beneficial to the evolution of heaven and earth could be rewarded by the Heavenly Dao.

Merit could dispel karmic burdens, increase cultivation, break through bottlenecks, temper magical treasures, and aid in comprehending the Great Dao...

It could be called a supreme treasure of the primordial world. Calling it the Power of Origin of heaven and earth would not be an exaggeration!

Look at the current Six Sages—the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti. Which of them had not relied on merit to attain enlightenment? That alone showed its profundity!

Even Saints could hardly resist merit.

Lu Tian had never imagined that he would receive such a gift from the Heavenly Dao!

Thinking it over carefully, he did not seem to have accomplished any great deed.

But when he felt the golden merit light circulating through his body, he immediately understood the cause and effect.

It was all because of the method of transforming physical body and spiritual power.

This technique had triggered Zhunti's sudden enlightenment and made the Western Teachings' cultivation system more complete.

As a visitor from another world, Lu Tian saw the matter more clearly.

The west had originally been a land blessed by nature, and it should have stood alongside the east in equal splendor.

Since the east could give birth to extraordinary figures such as the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the two races of witches and demons, along with the Ten Spiritual Roots and countless Innate Supreme Treasures, the west should not have been inferior.

In the primordial world's earliest state, east and west should have been evenly matched.

Unfortunately, the Dao-Demon Conflict shattered the western mountains and rivers, sending countless fortunes down the drain. The spiritual treasures, rare wonders, and peerless talents that should have been born there all vanished like bubbles.

The west's unique cultivation system had perished along with them.

As the leaders of the west, Jieyin and Zhunti ultimately had no choice but to join the Mystical Sect.

After the War of Dao and Demon ended, the Karma of the west's decline naturally fell upon Hongjun's shoulders.

Now that Hongjun had merged with the Dao, he was doing all he could to restore the west's fortune.

Otherwise, the future would never have seen the flourishing rise of Buddhism during Journey to the West.

The present Western Teachings still belonged to a branch of the Mystical Sect, while the Buddhist system was only beginning to take shape.

By improving the Western Teachings' cultivation methods, Lu Tian was acting in accordance with the Heavenly Dao, so he received merit as a reward.

This truly was an unexpected opportunity bestowed by heaven!

No wonder the great figures of the future Buddhist school all had Golden Wheels of Merit above their heads. So that was why!

Lu Tian suddenly saw the light!

Those Buddhas and Bodhisattvas almost all had dazzling Golden Wheels of Merit hanging behind their heads, lavish beyond belief!

One had to know that even among the Chan Sect disciples honored as True Immortals of Fortune and Virtue, not everyone possessed merit.

Looking across the Eastern Three Sects, those with truly immense merit were even fewer.

Indeed, the eastern lands had long since been divided up. How could they compare to the west, where starting from nothing brought such abundant rewards?

Revitalizing the west would also strengthen the primordial world's foundation. The Heavenly Dao would surely be pleased to see it...

Lu Tian's thoughts surged, and in an instant, he understood many crucial points.

The east was filled with powerful cultivators, but its interests had long been fixed.

The west, on the other hand, had once seen its orthodoxy overturned. If its foundations could be rebuilt, it would naturally claim the richest share.

Lu Tian happily gathered and stored the merit within his body, then cupped his hands toward his senior brothers.

This time, he had made a fortune. His senior brothers' eyes practically spat flames of jealousy.

Hoo—

Zhunti slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and awakened from his profound enlightenment.

"This time, I have gained a little. Our Western Teachings' cultivation methods have opened up new territory. This is truly fortunate."

Though his tone was calm, the disciples were overjoyed and hurriedly offered their congratulations.

"Congratulations, Master!"

"Master's Dao attainment has advanced. This is a blessing for the west!"

"Master's divine abilities are boundless!"

Zhunti smiled and waved his hand. "It is all thanks to your junior brother. Though his innate foundation is lacking, his comprehension surpasses the present age. This method of transforming physical body and spiritual power has resolved many difficult problems."

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and several streams of spiritual light entered the disciples' bodies.

"From this day onward, the Bodhisattva Golden Body and Ancient Buddha Dharma Form can both be refined into your true forms. Your cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds."

"Furthermore, I have improved this spirit transformation method—"

"First, the transformation can be completed in an instant. If you find yourself outmatched in battle, immediately transform into spiritual power. No matter how fierce the enemy's attacks, they will become futile. It can be called an exquisite evasion technique."

"Of course, this is merely an auxiliary technique. It is not omnipotent."

Lu Tian quietly raised an eyebrow. This sounded rather like the elemental transformation setting from a comic in his previous life.

"Second, when you reshape your Dharma bodies, you may devour Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. The strength of your newly forged Dharma bodies will increase by more than threefold compared to before."

"Hah!"

Every disciple present was utterly stunned.

A threefold increase in strength, along with an invincible dodging ability—could this spirit transformation really be so terrifying?

When everyone looked at Lu Tian again, their gazes had completely changed. The prototype of such a divine technique had actually been created by this young man!

"Junior Brother's comprehension... it's practically going to pierce the heavens!"

Mahasthamaprapta cried out in shock, then immediately realized he had misspoken. Speaking recklessly of defying heaven before a Saint was truly inappropriate!

Zhunti, however, smiled leisurely. "Your junior brother's comprehension reminds me of the days when your senior uncle and I first founded the west."

Zhunti did not mind in the slightest. Instead, he let out a sigh of sentiment.

The moment those words fell, every member of the Western Teachings in the hall was dumbfounded!

"J-Junior Brother's comprehension is actually comparable to Master's?"

"Isn't that evaluation a little too high?"

"Transforming physical body and spiritual power truly is a shocking feat..."

Everyone was too stunned to speak and did not know how to respond!

Comprehension comparable to a Saint—throughout the primordial world, how many people could receive such an honor?!

Lu Tian did not say much.

He knew perfectly well that with the system's support, his comprehension had indeed reached the level of a Saint.

The reason his enlightenment was not as fast or as profound as Master Zhunti's was only because there remained a gap in realm and perspective, as well as in their understanding of the Dao.

Zhunti looked at Lu Tian and nodded in satisfaction.

"Lu Tian, by creating this method of transforming physical body and spiritual power, you have not only advanced our Western Teachings' orthodoxy, but also earned Heavenly Dao Merit for your master."

"Though the Western Teachings lack resources, your master is not a miserly man. This treasure was bestowed by the Dao Ancestor. Today, I will give it to you. Cultivate diligently and do not disappoint it."

With that, Zhunti took out a divine scepter gleaming with golden light and held it before Lu Tian.

It was precisely the High-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure—the Vajra Scepter!

Lu Tian knew there was no need to refuse at this moment, so he respectfully accepted it.

This scepter was no ordinary item. During the future Investiture of the Gods, Zhunti would use it to strike Tongtian Jiaozhu, causing him tremendous humiliation!

Zhunti nodded slightly and continued.

"Your comprehension is exceptional. You will soon master the improved method of transforming physical body and spiritual power. The Western Teachings' other secret arts will not be difficult for you either."

"I previously said that I would teach you the Western Teachings' foremost secret art once your Vajra Body reached completion or you cultivated to the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm."

"At the time, I feared you would be too eager for quick success. But now that you have improved the Vajra Body, it is entirely different from before."

"With your comprehension, you are qualified to cultivate this technique. I may as well teach it to you now."

These words immediately lifted Lu Tian's spirits.

The Western Teachings' foremost secret art!

For Jieyin and Zhunti to praise it so highly, it had to be extraordinary!

He could not help wondering what this foremost secret art of the Western Teachings truly was.

At the mention of the Western Teachings' foremost secret art, a trace of pride flashed through Zhunti's eyes.

"Among the inheritances of all the Sages, the Western Teachings' secret arts can be called unparalleled!"

"This technique is known as... the Dream Path Enlightenment Method!"

The Dream Path Enlightenment Method!

At the sound of that name, longing appeared in all the disciples' eyes.

Their masters had not yet taught them this technique!

Lu Tian also suddenly understood. So it was this divine ability.

This method would surely become famous throughout the primordial world in the future!

"This technique allows cultivators to experience reincarnation within dreams, fully experiencing the entire process of cultivation and enlightenment, and gaining advance insight into the mysteries of higher realms."

"Whether comprehending the laws of heaven and earth, cultivating and seeking enlightenment, or creating secret arts, all may be deduced and tested through this method. It is the sacred art that safeguards our Western Teachings."

Hearing Zhunti's explanation, Lu Tian's mind shook violently!

If it was truly as he described, this divine ability would be practically stealing the creations of heaven and earth. Enlightenment in dreams was only the foundation; its true mystery lay in simulating breakthroughs in one's realm and experiencing higher levels in advance.

Even more astonishingly, the cultivation and creation of secret arts could be completed in dreams. In ordinary cultivation, whether one was training in secret arts, creating techniques, or breaking through realms, the risks were immense. A single mistake could destroy one's Dao foundation or even obliterate body and soul.

But with deductions in dreams, even failure meant no more than waking from a great dream. One could try repeatedly until success, then carry it out in reality exactly as practiced. The same was true for breakthroughs in realm—real tribulations were unpredictable in fortune and misfortune, but in dreams, one could rehearse them repeatedly before making the breakthrough only when fully confident.

No wonder the Western Teachings, though they had few disciples and poor natural talent, could surpass eastern cultivators in the future. They had the aid of such a heaven-defying secret art!

"Can this dream realm completely reproduce the primordial world?" Lu Tian could not help asking aloud. The profundity of this technique had already surpassed his imagination. Though it could not directly increase combat power, its assistance to cultivation could be called the greatest in the primordial world.

"Complete reproduction is naturally impossible." Zhunti shook his head. "My senior brother and I obtained this technique by chance. Even if your comprehension is extraordinary, your current realm is insufficient. Explaining its deeper mysteries would be futile."

Lu Tian nodded in understanding. Even someone with the potential of a Saint could be harmed rather than helped by knowing too much before their cultivation was sufficient.

"This technique relies entirely on comprehension. Otherwise, one can only compensate with cultivation." Jieyin solemnly instructed, "You are the first disciple of our teachings to receive this method. Do not disappoint our expectations."

Lu Tian respectfully saluted. "This disciple will not disappoint the expectations of my two masters."

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged glances and nodded, satisfaction flashing through their eyes.

They had created this secret art by a fortunate coincidence, yet had never found a suitable inheritor. Now that they had finally encountered a successor to carry on their legacy, both were greatly delighted.

"Lu Tian, enter the dream."

Jieyin and Zhunti spoke softly in unison. The two Saints worked together to activate an enigmatic technique, and a stream of light entered Lu Tian's brow.

In an instant, the world spun around him. Lu Tian felt his True Spirit leave his body, pass through the Realm of Illusion and Reality, and fall into a hazy realm of chaos. In but a moment, he sank into dreamless sleep.

He did not know how much time passed before Lu Tian suddenly felt his mind clear.

"Disciple, you are awake?"

"You woke earlier than expected."

The voices of the two Saints sounded one after another beside his ears. Lu Tian opened his eyes and found that he was still within the pure land of Spirit Mountain, yet Pharmacist, Maitreya, and the other disciples were nowhere to be seen.

"Senior Brothers..." Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly became alert.