At the foot of Buzhou Mountain, within that Innate Restrictions space, the Five-Colored Divine Light gradually withdrew. The boundless Dao resonance of the Five Elements, like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, was wholly absorbed into Ming Xin's body.
He slowly opened his eyes. The phenomena within them, like Chaos at the dawn of creation, gradually faded away, leaving behind only unfathomable calm and perfect harmony.
The aura of a perfected Grand Unity Golden Immortal was as steady as a mountain. Dao resonance circulated around him, as though he had achieved flawless harmony with the surrounding heavens and earth.
He counted on his fingers, and his heart stirred slightly. "The time for the Purple Cloud Palace's third sermon is drawing near." Time had passed swiftly amid his profound enlightenment. The Dao Ancestor's final lecture on the Primordial Dao was no longer far away.
This listening session concerned the secrets of becoming a Sage, the future structure of the Primordial World, and was an excellent opportunity for him to verify his own Great Dao and seek the path of Proving the Dao through Laws. He absolutely could not miss it.
Without further delay, Ming Xin rose to his full height. He did not use Shrink Ground to Inch or tear through space. Instead, with a thought, crimson light flowed around him, faintly carrying the image of dancing Li Fire—
This was the preliminary mastery of the Five Elements, an application of the swift path of the fire element. His figure transformed into a scorching yet restrained crimson streak, instantly shooting out of this hidden space.
Ignoring Pangu's remaining pressure upon Buzhou Mountain, he sped toward Mount Sumeru in The West! His speed far surpassed that of his journey here!
Eager to return, he also wished to test his newly acquired power. The red light swept over the scarred earth, tearing through the lingering Calamity Qi, and soon reached the Earth Realm of The West.
Looking at the land below, still barren yet somehow giving him a faint sense of belonging, Ming Xin slowed slightly and descended directly into Mount Sumeru's cultivation grounds.
The Stone Hall at the mountaintop remained ancient and cold. Ming Xin restrained his aura and stepped inside, prepared to report the gains and breakthrough from this journey to his masters.
The moment he entered, he saw his two masters, Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti, seated upon meditation cushions. Amid their usual sorrow and compassion, there was an unusually obvious trace of gratification and smiles.
Below the two masters stood two respectful figures, one to the left and one to the right.
The one on the left was a plump young man with a round face, who seemed to carry three parts of a smile even before speaking.
He wore a loose bright-yellow robe. His belly protruded slightly, his eyes were narrowed into slits, and the corners of his mouth naturally curved upward, making him appear especially amiable and festive.
A tolerant, optimistic, reassuring aura faintly circulated around him.
The one on the right was the exact opposite. He was lean, with a sorrowful face and brows that seemed naturally knotted.
His eyes carried a melancholy compassion for all living beings, as though he bore every suffering in the world.
He wore a simple grayish-brown monk's robe, his hands pressed together in respect. His aura was tranquil, yet carried the bitter and healing quality of medicinal herbs.
Ming Xin swept his gaze over them and immediately understood. These two were surely the famed pillars of the Western Teachings in later generations—Maitreya Buddha and Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.
At this moment, however, they were merely disciples who had recently been enlightened and brought into the sect.
Seeing Ming Xin enter, the smile on Daoist Jieyin's gaunt face became more genuine. He said, "My disciple Ming Xin, you have returned at just the right time."
Daoist Zhunti lightly swished his whisk and smiled as he pointed at the two below. "Beloved disciple, your martial uncle and I recently traveled through The West and found that these two possessed temperament and aptitude fated with our Western Teachings.
"We deliberately enlightened them and accepted them into our sect. From this day onward, they shall be your second junior disciple brother and third junior disciple brother."
He first pointed at the plump, smiling youth. "This child was born at the edge of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in The West.
"He is naturally optimistic and always smiling. He can ease the troubles of living beings and bring joy to others. He is granted the name Maitreya."
He then pointed at the lean youth with the sorrowful face. "This child was born in the medicinal garden of Western Spirit Mountain and feels compassion for the suffering of all living beings.
"He possesses considerable talent in medicine and pharmacology, and his disposition is steadfast. He is granted the name Medicine Master."
Upon hearing this, the two below hurriedly stepped forward. They respectfully bowed to Ming Xin and spoke in unison:
"Maitreya (Medicine Master) pays respects to Senior Disciple Brother!"
Their attitudes were extremely respectful, even carrying a hint of restraint and curiosity.
Clearly, they had long heard from their masters of the many legends surrounding this mysterious and powerful founding Senior Disciple Brother—
An Innate Spiritual Treasure of the highest grade that underwent Form Transformation, personally judged by the Dao Ancestor to possess Sage's Demeanor, Twelve-Petal Bloom, and a single glance at the East Sea Immortal Gathering that intimidated the assembled immortals... Today, upon seeing him, they found only that this Senior Disciple Brother's aura was as deep as the sea.
His face was youthful, yet carried ancient coldness and composure. When his gaze swept over them, it seemed capable of seeing through their hearts, causing reverence to rise within them involuntarily.
Looking at these two future pillars of Buddhism, still bearing traces of youthfulness and unease, Ming Xin could not help but feel moved. The Western Teachings would finally begin to grow stronger.
The usual coldness on his face softened slightly, revealing an exceedingly faint smile that could be considered gentle. He raised his right hand slightly, and a soft yet irresistible force lifted the two of them.
"There is no need for such courtesy, my two junior disciples."
His voice was calm, yet carried a steady force that inspired trust. "Since you have entered the Western Teachings and call me Senior Disciple Brother, we are family from this day onward.
"The West is barren, and the righteous path is fraught with hardship. In the future, we martial brothers must unite, encourage one another, advance together, and bring glory to our Western Teachings."
His words were few, yet every word was clear, carrying an unquestionable sense of acceptance and responsibility. The words "we are family" in particular—
Settled the hearts of Maitreya and Medicine Master, who had only just met him. Their sense of unfamiliar distance immediately dissolved by more than half, replaced with the warmth and reassurance of finding a home.
"We shall heed Senior Disciple Brother's teachings!" The two bowed again, their voices now noticeably more sincere and excited.
Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti watched this scene of harmonious martial brothers. The third generation of the Western Teachings had finally begun to take shape.
Moreover, they were all fine talents. The two masters were greatly comforted, and the smiles on their faces grew brighter.
In particular, seeing Ming Xin so naturally display the bearing and responsibility of a Senior Disciple Brother left them immensely satisfied.
"Good!" Daoist Jieyin nodded. "Now that you martial brothers have met, you must remember the bonds of fellowship and support one another."
Daoist Zhunti continued, "Ming Xin's return comes at the perfect time. The Purple Cloud Palace's third sermon is about to begin. This is a grand event of the Primordial World and concerns the foundation of the Great Dao."
"Ming Xin, your cultivation has reached the perfection of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm. You should listen to the Sage's sermon and seek further advancement.
"Maitreya, Medicine Master, your cultivation is still shallow. Remain at Mount Sumeru, cultivate diligently, and stabilize your realms."
"Yes, Master and Martial Uncle!" the three answered in unison.
Ming Xin looked at his two junior disciples, pondered briefly, and took out two items from his robes.
One was an Emerald Pine Branch that radiated gentle Life Force and pure wood spiritual qi. It had been taken from the Five-Needle Pine.
The other was a Gray Bodhi Seed containing a faint intent of Nirvana and purification. It had been bestowed by Zhunti long ago, and Ming Xin had not used them all.
He handed the pine branch to Medicine Master. "Junior Disciple Brother Medicine Master studies medicine and pharmacology. This item contains the Life Force of innate yi wood and may benefit you."
He then handed the Bodhi Seed to Maitreya. "Junior Disciple Brother Maitreya cultivates the heart and upholds discipline. This item can calm the mind, illuminate one's nature, and ward off external demons."
These were not earth-shaking spiritual treasures, but they were precisely what the two needed at their current stage, all the more showing their Senior Disciple Brother's care and thoughtfulness.
Maitreya and Medicine Master were both surprised and delighted. They hurriedly accepted the items with both hands, feeling that though this Senior Disciple Brother they had just met appeared cold, he was warm at heart.
He had considered everything thoroughly, and their gratitude deepened. They bowed again in thanks. "Thank you, Senior Disciple Brother, for these generous gifts!"
Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti exchanged smiles, the gratification in their eyes growing even stronger.
"There is no time to waste." Daoist Zhunti rose. "The Purple Cloud Palace's sermon is imminent. Let us depart at once."
Daoist Jieyin rose as well.
Ming Xin nodded and gave his two junior disciples a slight nod. Then, together with Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti—
They transformed into three streams of light—Desolate Golden Light, Wisdom Silver Radiance, and a restrained, harmonious Dark Gold Gray-White Light—and shot out of Mount Sumeru.
Once more, they headed toward the Purple Cloud Palace, beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens and deep within Chaos!
This time, he would face the Sage's Dao as the founding chief disciple of the Western Teachings and a perfected Grand Unity Golden Immortal!
As for his two junior disciples, Maitreya and Medicine Master, they watched their Senior Disciple Brother and masters depart.
Their hearts were filled with longing for the future and an unwavering will to cultivate. The chapter of the Western Teachings was slowly turning to a new page.
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