The Sermon Nears Its End, Meeting Junior Brother

At the foot of Buzhou Mountain, within that space of Innate Restrictions, the Five-Colored Divine Light gradually converged, the vast rhythm of the Five Elements flowing like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, all absorbed into Ming Xin's body.

He slowly opened his eyes, the chaotic, primordial visions within his pupils fading away, leaving only an unfathomable depth of calm and harmony.

The aura of a perfected Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal stood as steady as a mountain, the rhythm of the Dao circulating around him, as if achieving perfect resonance with the surrounding heaven and earth.

He calculated silently with his fingers, his mind stirring slightly. "The time for the third lecture at Purple Cloud Palace draws near." Time had flown in the depths of enlightenment; the final discourse on the Primordial Dao by the Dao Ancestor was not far off.

This lecture concerned the secrets of sages, the future landscape of the Primordial World, and was a perfect opportunity for him to verify his own Dao and seek the path of Proving the Dao through Laws—an opportunity not to be missed.

Without further delay, Ming Xin rose to his full height. He did not employ Shrink Ground to Inch or tear through the void; instead, with a thought, crimson light rippled across his body, faint images of Li Fire flickering within—

This was the initial mastery of the Five Elements, an application of the Fire Element's speed. His figure transformed into a scorching yet restrained red streak, instantly charging out of this hidden space.

Ignoring the lingering Pangu's Pressure of Buzhou Mountain, he sped toward Mount Sumeru in the west! His speed far surpassed that of his journey here!

His heart raced homeward, and this was also a test of his newly gained power. The red light swept over the scarred earth, tearing through the remnants of Calamity Qi, and soon reached the Western lands.

Gazing at the still-barren soil below, which inexplicably stirred a faint sense of "belonging" within him, Ming Xin slowed slightly and descended directly into the Mount Sumeru Dao Field.

The Stone Hall atop the mountain remained ancient and austere. Ming Xin restrained his aura and stepped inside, intending to report his gains and breakthrough to his masters.

As he entered the hall, he saw Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti seated on their prayer mats, their usual expressions of sorrow and compassion now tinged with rare, unmistakable relief and smiles.

Below the two masters stood two figures respectfully, one on the left and one on the right.

On the left was a plump, round-faced youth with a smile that seemed to form before he even spoke.

He wore a loose, bright yellow robe, his belly slightly protruding, his eyes narrowed into two slits, and the corners of his mouth naturally turned up, giving him an extremely amiable and auspicious air.

Around him faintly radiated an aura of tolerance, optimism, and reassurance.

On the right was the complete opposite. He was thin and gaunt, his face etched with sorrow, his brows seemingly permanently furrowed.

His eyes held a melancholy that pitied all beings, as if bearing the world's every suffering.

He wore simple, gray-brown monastic robes, his hands clasped in prayer, his posture respectful, his aura calm with a bitter, herbal quality of healing.

Ming Xin swept his gaze over them and understood at once. These two were none other than the future core figures of the Western Teachings, Maitreya Buddha and Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.

But at this moment, they were merely newly enlightened disciples, just brought into the fold.

Seeing Ming Xin enter, Daoist Jieyin's gaunt face broke into a warmer smile, and he spoke: "Ming Xin, my disciple, your return is timely."

Daoist Zhunti also lightly waved his whisk and smiled, pointing to the two below: "Beloved disciple, these two were recently encountered by your master and uncle during our travels in the West. We saw their natures and aptitudes were fated with our Western path.

We specially enlightened and brought them into the sect. From now on, they will be your Second Junior Disciple Brother and Third Junior Disciple Brother."

He first pointed to the plump, smiling youth: "This one was born at the edge of the Western Pure Land.

Naturally optimistic, ever smiling, able to resolve the afflictions of sentient beings and bring joy. He is named Maitreya."

Then he pointed to the gaunt, sorrowful youth: "This one was born in the Western Spirit Herb Garden, pitying the suffering of all beings.

He has considerable talent in medical Dao and pharmacology, with a resilient nature. He is named Medicine Master."

The two below stepped forward at once, bowed respectfully to Ming Xin, and said in unison:

"Maitreya (Medicine Master) pays respects to Senior Disciple Brother!"

Their attitudes were extremely deferential, even tinged with a hint of restraint and curiosity.

Clearly, they had long heard from their masters of the legends surrounding this mysterious and powerful founding Senior Disciple Brother—

an incarnation of a top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, personally praised by the Dao Ancestor as having a Sage's Demeanor, a Twelve-Petal Bloom, and at the East Sea Immortal Gathering, a single glance that awed the assembled immortals... Today, they saw that this Senior Disciple Brother's aura was as deep as the ocean.

His face was youthful yet bore an ancient coldness and steadiness; his gaze seemed to pierce the heart, inspiring involuntary awe.

Ming Xin looked at these two future pillars of Buddhism, still carrying a hint of rawness and unease, and felt inwardly that the Western Teachings were finally beginning to grow.

The usual ice on his face softened slightly, revealing a faint, almost gentle smile. He raised his right hand, and a gentle yet irresistible force lifted the two.

"Second and Third Junior Brothers need not stand on ceremony."

His voice was calm, yet carried a steady, convincing power: "Since you have entered the Western gate, calling me Senior Brother means we are one family from now on.

The West is barren, the true path is arduous; in days to come, we brothers must work together, encourage each other, and glorify our Western lineage."

His words were few but clear, carrying an unshakable recognition and responsibility. The phrase "one family"

made Maitreya and Medicine Master's hearts settle at this first meeting. The strangeness and distance melted away, replaced by a warm, grounded sense of belonging.

"We shall heed Senior Disciple Brother's teachings!" The two bowed again, their voices now noticeably more sincere and moved.

Jieyin and Zhunti watched this scene—the harmony between senior and junior brothers, the third generation of the Western Teachings finally taking shape, and all were fine talents—their hearts filled with great comfort, their smiles growing even brighter.

Seeing Ming Xin naturally display the bearing and responsibility of a Senior Disciple Brother filled them with utmost satisfaction.

"Good!" Daoist Jieyin nodded. "Now that you brothers have met, remember the bond of the same sect, support and help each other."

Daoist Zhunti added: "Ming Xin's return is timely. The third lecture at Purple Cloud Palace is about to begin. This is a grand event of the Primordial World, concerning the very root of the Dao.

Ming Xin, your cultivation has reached the perfection of Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal; it is fitting that you listen to a sage's discourse to seek further progress.

Maitreya, Medicine Master, your cultivation is still shallow; you will remain at Mount Sumeru, cultivate diligently, and stabilize your realms."

"Yes, Master (Uncle)!" The three replied in unison.

Ming Xin looked at his two junior brothers, pondered briefly, and took out two items from his bosom.

One was an emerald pine branch (taken from a Five-Needle Pine) radiating gentle Life Force and pure wood spirit energy.

The other was a gray Bodhi seed (bestowed by Daoist Zhunti in his early years, not yet fully used) containing a faint sense of desolate purification.

He handed the pine branch to Medicine Master: "Junior Brother Medicine Master delves deeply into pharmacology. This item contains innate Yi Wood Life Force and may benefit your studies."

He then gave the Bodhi seed to Maitreya: "Junior Brother Maitreya cultivates the mind and upholds precepts. This item can calm the heart, clarify nature, and ward off external demons."

These were not earth-shattering spiritual treasures, but they were precisely what the two needed at their current stage, further showcasing the Senior Disciple Brother's care and thoughtfulness.

Maitreya and Medicine Master were both surprised and delighted, quickly accepting with both hands. They felt that this Senior Disciple Brother, though seemingly cold at first glance, was actually warm beneath the exterior.

His consideration was thorough, deepening their gratitude. They bowed again in thanks: "Many thanks for the generous gifts, Senior Disciple Brother!"

Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti exchanged a glance at this, their eyes filled with even greater satisfaction.

"There is no time to waste." Daoist Zhunti rose. "The lecture at Purple Cloud Palace is about to begin. Let us set off now."

Daoist Jieyin also stood.

Ming Xin nodded, giving a slight gesture to his two junior brothers, then together with Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti, they transformed into three streaks of light—Desolate Golden Light, Wisdom Silver Radiance, and a restrained, harmonious Dark Gold Gray-White Light—and shot out of Mount Sumeru.

Once again, they headed toward the Purple Cloud Palace, beyond the thirty-three heavens, deep within the chaos!

This time, he would face the path of sainthood with the bearing of the Western Teachings' founding senior disciple, a perfected Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal!

Meanwhile, his two junior brothers, Maitreya and Medicine Master, watched their senior brother and masters depart.

Their hearts were filled with longing for the future and a steadfast will to cultivate. The chapter of the Western Teachings was slowly turning to a new page.