Chapter 967: KarmicBattle!At this moment, Lu Yang's thoughts continued to race.
He didn't swiftly leave the spot like he had previously when arriving at five thousand years ago, nor did he display the slightest trace of his aura. He simply quietly surveyed his surroundings.
'Right now, I am a young novice monk.'
Unlike before, upon entering the karmic scene this time, even his appearance and identity had changed. This anomaly immediately put Lu Yang on high alert.
'Why is this happening?'
'Is this the World Honored One's arrangement? At this point in time, the World Honored One shouldn't be trying to harm me... So, disguising me as a young novice monk is a way to protect me?'
Lu Yang wasn't surprised that he appeared in the Pure Land. After all, he had arrived riding the World Honored One's torrent of time. Just like when he arrived at five thousand years ago, his first stop was the Saint Sect. This time arriving at seventy thousand years ago, his first stop should naturally fall within the Pure Land, which was related to the World Honored One...
'Hm? Not good!'
Lu Yang instantly experienced a sudden realization. This sort of thing wasn't considered profound; even with his level of Dao comprehension, he could deduce it. Could the Ancestor of the Saint Sect fail to deduce it?
'The Ancestor of the Saint Sect is currently staring at the Pure Land.'
Not just the Pure Land from seventy thousand years ago. Centered around this point in time seventy thousand years ago, the Pure Land from all surrounding time periods were likely all under his gaze!
The encirclement had shrunk further!
From seventy thousand years ago, it had narrowed down to the Pure Land of seventy thousand years ago... How much time had passed? With just one move, he had practically forced himself into a desperate situation!
If his previous self in the great karmic net was like a single spray of surf in the ocean, completely untraceable, then his current self was equivalent to a fish swimming in a pond. His level of concealment had drastically decreased. With the slightest abnormal movement, he would likely be discovered immediately, grabbed, and refined in an instant!
'That's why I am a young novice monk.'
'If I manifested my true body, it would be equivalent to a goldfish popping out of thin air in a pond full of red fish. It couldn't be more conspicuous, and there would be nowhere to run.'
'The World Honored One has already saved me.'
'At least turning me into this appearance of a young novice monk is equivalent to turning me into a red fish as well, allowing me to perfectly blend into this pond...'
Hm?
No! It still wasn't perfect!
In an instant, despite Lu Yang's steadfastness, a sliver of irrepressible shock and anger surfaced in his eyes: '[One Mind], I don't have [One Mind]!'
[One Mind]—this was the true underlying color of the Pure Land!
Without this, no matter how much his disguise resembled them, flaws would be seen through.
Using the same analogy: in this Pure Land pond full of red fish, his current self only looked like a red fish. Upon closer inspection, there were still differences.
'This difference isn't small, but it's not that big either. At least the Ancestor of the Saint Sect won't be able to see it that easily. However, given my current situation, as long as the Ancestor of the Saint Sect continues to investigate, he'll discover it sooner or later. Unless I join [One Mind], only then can I smoothly blend in...'
But joining [One Mind]?
What difference was there between that and fucking dying? It might even be worse than dying... World Honored One! Was this also within your expectations? You're taking advantage of my misfortune?
'World Honored One! World Honored One!!!'
Lu Yang instantly cursed loudly in his heart.
However, cursing was one thing; the problem still needed to be solved—with the Ancestor of the Saint Sect glaring like a tiger watching its prey in front, and the World Honored One taking advantage of his misfortune from behind, what should he do?
Right at this moment.
Clang—!
Another clear bell toll rang out. Following that, a voice drifted over from afar: "Master of Beast Taming Peak from the Saint Sect, come to the Pure Land to seek a friend and discuss the Dao."
"Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, are you still not coming down to see me?"
The voice carried a smile, even holding a hint of relaxed cheerfulness.
But on the other side, Lu Yang's blood ran cold: 'How could this happen? The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak. The World Honored One said that old immortal is constantly watching this person...'
Him coming here meant the Ancestor of the Saint Sect was also looking over!
What was this?
'...Bait.'
A vivid analogy instantly flashed through Lu Yang's mind. That's right. This was the bait the Ancestor of the Saint Sect threw into the Pure Land to search for him!
'In this time period, it's the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak; in other time periods, it might be someone else. Anyone who visited the Pure Land seventy thousand years ago would become the Ancestor of the Saint Sect's bait. I can even consider myself lucky. The bait is the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak, and I know there's a problem with him...'
No, it wasn't luck.
'It's the World Honored One.'
Lu Yang lowered his eyelids. How could Dao Lords rely on luck? The only one capable of creating an "accident" in front of a Dao Lord was another Dao Lord!
'The World Honored One interfered with the great karmic net.'
'The issue with the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak was something the World Honored One personally told me. Therefore, me landing now is highly likely the World Honored One's deliberate action as well.'
'This is to protect me.'
Because he had received a hint beforehand, he could realize the bait set by the Ancestor of the Saint Sect. Otherwise, he might have taken the hook without even knowing it.
However, at the same time—
'This is also screwing me over!'
With the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak right before his eyes, rashly trying to evade would only lead to him being discovered faster. There was simply nowhere to run. The only method remaining was:
'One Mind!'
'This is forcing me. Making me accept [One Mind], otherwise I'll be discovered by the Ancestor of the Saint Sect. And the worst part is, I can only grit my teeth and swallow this loss...'
What a bastard!
Lu Yang once again couldn't help but curse loudly in his heart. But as the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak's aura drew closer, he didn't dare to hesitate any longer. He immediately began silently reciting the [Mahayana True Enlightenment Fundamental Sutra]. Gradually, the [One Mind] he had experienced before merged into his thoughts, causing his emotions to be reined in.
"Alas..."
In an instant, a compassionate smile hung upon Lu Yang's face. Only the slight stiffness at the corners of his mouth and a hint of abnormality deep in his eyes indicated his state.
In this regard, he had experience.
'During the lifetime at the Celestial Court, I was possessed by the World Honored One. The so-called [One Mind] is not achieved overnight, especially for someone like me with a perfected Dao heart.'
Although after joining [One Mind], Lu Yang could clearly sense his perfected Dao heart being worn away bit by bit, this still required a certain amount of time. As long as he withdrew before his Dao heart collapsed, he could still preserve his sense of self, at most leaving behind the sequel of occasionally uttering "Alas..." from time to time.
However, Lu Yang didn't dare to relax in the slightest in his heart.
The reason was very simple: Heaven knew how long the Ancestor of the Saint Sect would search. For every day the Ancestor of the Saint Sect didn't give up, he couldn't break away from [One Mind] for a day.
Given enough time, he would eventually collapse!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang's mood grew increasingly heavy: 'This is boiling a frog in warm water... The Ancestor of the Saint Sect is ruthless, but the World Honored One is no saint either.'
This was a karmic battle!
The Ancestor of the Saint Sect was narrowing the encirclement step by step, while the World Honored One was helping him hide under the Ancestor of the Saint Sect's search, but also wanted to enlighten him.
His situation, experiences, and actions within the great karmic net—were all the result of the battle between both sides.
Formless, intangible, and indescribable, yet more terrifying than any battle he had ever witnessed. The chill in Lu Yang's heart grew deeper, as if he had plunged into an abyss.
'Treading on thin ice...'
Right at this moment, Lu Yang suddenly felt a stir in his heart.
He saw the temple doors before him pushed open. A handsome, heroic young man wearing a feather cloak strode in. Great Dao marks seemed to be born and destroyed within his eyes.
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak had arrived.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 968: I'm Fucking Late!?What kind of person was the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak?
Lu Yang had never actually met him in person. The black-robed man he had seen previously within [Responding to Emperors] had no face, so this was their very first meeting.
He had to admit; he was very surprised.
Because the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak was too young. He had the appearance of a youth, brimming with vigorous vitality. His eyes seemed to encompass all the myriad things of heaven and earth, inspiring awe and reverence.
More importantly—that streak of "Light of Wisdom."
The so-called Light of Wisdom, to put it plainly, was a person's comprehension ability. The more intelligent a person was, the more massive their Light of Wisdom would be, even manifesting various anomalous phenomena.
Take Patriarch Nether Whisper, for example.
Lu Yang had seen it once. Patriarch Nether Whisper's Light of Wisdom spouted from his crown, shooting straight into the clouds, surrounded by anomalies like sweet dew and white lotuses.
He originally thought this was already the absolute pinnacle of Light of Wisdom in the present world.
However, the moment he saw the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak, Lu Yang almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him—because he couldn't even see a human figure!
What met his eyes was that within a hundred-zhang radius of the area where the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak stood, it was filled with boiling, swirling Light of Wisdom.
Myriad streaks of auspicious clouds and brilliant immortal light shone brightly. Ultimately, it even condensed into the forms of a dragon and a phoenix, harmonizing and whistling clearly. And every fluctuation of the Light of Wisdom was resonating with heaven and earth, comprehending the supreme principles of the Great Dao.
This was an epiphany.
A state that ordinary people could only encounter by chance and never seek out, yet the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak was experiencing it every minute and every second. It reached the point where his Light of Wisdom made it impossible for people to even look directly at him.
'I'm... I'm going blind!'
Lu Yang forcefully shifted his gaze, not daring to show the slightest abnormality before the eyes of the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak—fortunately, he was still in the [One Mind] state.
This was his death warrant, but also his protective umbrella.
'The Ancestor of the Saint Sect, he should be watching right now. And since he hasn't struck me dead yet, it means my disguise successfully slipped past his line of sight.'
Lu Yang let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
Meanwhile, he saw the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak walk into the temple and chuckle lightly, "Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, I came all this way. You wouldn't be unwelcoming, would you?"
Lu Yang didn't speak.
However, beside him, another young novice monk suddenly smiled: "How could I be unwelcoming? For you, Beast Taming, to willingly come looking for me, I am naturally happy to see you."
It wasn't just the young novice monk.
Almost simultaneously, all the monks within the temple, whether stopping their morning lessons or pausing their cultivation, all turned to look at the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak one after another.
Lu Yang also blended in among them.
Seeing this, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak raised an eyebrow slightly, then shook his head: "Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, I still have to say, this method of yours truly harms heavenly harmony."
"Those on different paths cannot make plans together."
The young novice monk, or rather the World Honored One possessing the young novice monk, smiled, then spread his hands: "If you're here to discuss the Dao, then I won't welcome you."
"Alright, alright, alright, then let's not talk about that matter... To tell you the truth, Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, I came this time regarding matters related to the Netherworld, hoping to ask for your guidance."
"Oh?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the World Honored One instantly raised an eyebrow: "You learned all of my methods long ago. The student has surpassed the master. What guidance could you possibly need from me?"
Hearing this, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak shook his head:
"Senior Brother's words are incorrect."
"When three people walk together, there must be one who can be my teacher. I am not omniscient and omnipotent either, not even a Dao Lord. How could I dare to make the wild claim that the student has surpassed the master?"
"Alright."
The World Honored One shook his head and smiled: "Then come with me. Let me hear exactly what difficult problem our favored son of heaven, the variable of the light sea, has encountered."
"Hehe, who told you to be my senior brother?" The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak laughed heartily.
The two walked into the temple shoulder to shoulder just like that.
Lu Yang was dumbfounded watching this.
'This is fucking the World Honored One? This amiable guy who looks like a good senior brother no matter how you look at him, is the fucking World Honored One? Did I enter the wrong false history?'
'Or was it that in the distant past, the atmosphere hadn't become as bad as it is now? Impossible, seventy thousand years isn't exactly short, nor is it long. Does this mean they are acting? Everyone is acting along with the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak? Deliberately putting on a facade of "I am a good person"?'
Lu Yang immediately made a connection:
'Paramita was tilting, and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak forged the Netherworld to save it. At the very beginning, the Dao Lords must have supported this, perhaps even supporting it without holding back any effort.'
In other words:
A honeymoon period existed between the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak and the Four Dogs of the Immortal Nexus—until a certain point in time when the two sides turned hostile over interests.
'However,... why look for the World Honored One?'
Doubts sprang up in Lu Yang's heart once more: 'Among the Four Dogs of the Immortal Nexus, the World Honored One is undeniably the weakest. Why didn't the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak look for the others?'
And the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak's attitude.
Even if it was a honeymoon period, it was still a bit too intimate... It could be seen that the image the World Honored One maintained in the eyes of the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak was likely managed extremely well.
'Interesting.'
Watching the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak and the young novice monk possessed by the World Honored One vanish from sight together, Lu Yang immediately began planning how to leave the Pure Land.
'First leave the Pure Land, escape the Ancestor of the Saint Sect's line of sight, and then figure out a way...'
However, right at this moment.
Suddenly, the [One Mind] connection Lu Yang had established abruptly transmitted voices and images, causing Lu Yang, who was originally planning to find a chance to leave, to abruptly halt his steps.
That was—the conversation between the World Honored One and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak!
This was something only [One Mind] could do. What one monk knew could be transmitted to all other monks through [One Mind].
'Is this... the World Honored One's hint?'
Lu Yang swallowed hard, unable to stop a sense of thrill from welling up.
One must know, this was right under the Ancestor of the Saint Sect's nose. For the World Honored One to be so audacious as to secretly contact him at this time.
Soon, he heard the content of the conversation:
"Speak, what problem do you have?"
Inside the monk's quarters, the World Honored One and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak sat facing each other. Yet, faintly visible behind the latter was that even more terrifying, even more massive shadow.
Wherever karma reached, this shadow was omnipresent.
Even though he had already ascended to Paramita, able to review the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak's karma with a single thought, he was powerless to change it. He couldn't even say an extra word.
Everything could only follow the original course of history.
However, he wasn't entirely powerless to resist. Ascending to Paramita had its benefits after all. At the very least, right now, he could do some small tricks in private.
Thinking of this, the World Honored One continued to maintain [One Mind] while smiling:
"But a problem even you can't solve, I might not necessarily have a way to handle."
"Senior Brother Myriad Treasures jests. You are the number one artifact refinement grandmaster in the present world. If even you can't solve it, then this problem truly is unsolvable."
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak seemed completely unaware of any anomaly, smiling and shaking his head.
"Alright, stop flattering me." The World Honored One shook his head: "Let's talk business. What problem exactly did you encounter?"
"It's the [Bridge of Helplessness]."
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak sighed and said, "Although the [Yellow Springs Road] has already taken shape, I've hit a bottleneck with the [Bridge of Helplessness]."
"Because the true spirits gathered by the [Yellow Springs Road] are too fragile. Trying to use the [Bridge of Helplessness] to plant the mark of the Netherworld into them is simply too difficult. One careless move and the true spirit will shatter, beyond any hope of salvation. But if I don't do this, I can't re-gather their souls for them..."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yang, observing from the shadows, was instantly stunned.
The [Yellow Springs Road] has already been built? He's building the [Bridge of Helplessness] now?
'Not good!'
The timing was wrong after all... Being stirred by the giant hand of the Ancestor of the Saint Sect just now caused the great karmic net to plunge into chaos, making him arrive a period late!
I'm fucking late!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 969: Deceiving the Heavens to Cross the Sea, The World Honored One's Scheme!Although bewildered for an instant, Lu Yang quickly regained his calm. At the same time, he smoothly shifted his thinking and began considering coping strategies.
There was no other reason—he was numb to it.
Plans failing to keep up with changes had long been a common occurrence in his life. In his eyes, the present upheaval was nothing out of the ordinary—merely another turn in an all-too-familiar cycle.
Moreover, as things stood now, whether it was the [Yellow Springs Road] or the [Bridge of Helplessness], it didn't really matter anymore. The Ancestor of the Saint Sect had shot the arrow first and drawn the bullseye later, making it clear he had his eyes fixed on the Netherworld. Under these circumstances, no matter what methods Lu Yang employed, it was nearly impossible to escape his eyes.
What should he do?
Giving up wasn't in Lu Yang's nature. Unless his Dao heart collapsed due to [One Mind], or he was caught by the Ancestor of the Saint Sect, he would continue to struggle.
Besides, he still had an angel investor.
That was the World Honored One!
'Forcing me to accept [One Mind] is certainly him wanting to take advantage of my misfortune. But the execution of my plan itself is the key reason he invested in me.'
'Therefore, [One Mind] is definitely useful.'
'The World Honored One cannot be the kind of short-sighted person who forsakes the root to pursue the branches. Compared to enlightening me, the realization of the [Project: Collapse Paramita] is far more important.'
In this regard, Lu Yang trusted the World Honored One.
'From this perspective, the hope of breaking the deadlock might lie within this conversation between him and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak, which he shared with me through [One Mind].'
Thinking of this, Lu Yang immediately focused his mind and calmed his breath, continuing to eavesdrop on the conversation.
Meanwhile, inside the monk's quarters, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak took out a jade slip. With a flick of his finger, he projected an image into the void.
Lu Yang recognized this thing.
'The Netherworld blueprint... but compared to the one in the [Mark of Fulfilling Virtue], it's still far from complete. There are even errors and omissions in some details.'
Following that, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak said:
"Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, what do you think?"
Hearing this, the World Honored One fell silent for a moment before saying faintly: "The design of the [Bridge of Helplessness] itself has no issues. The problem lies in the integration."
"You haven't integrated the [Yellow Springs Road] and the [Bridge of Helplessness]. The two don't interact with each other and haven't formed a unified whole, which is why problems arise. As for the method of integration... it's actually quite simple. It merely requires a piece of Forbidden Knowledge—Forbidden Knowledge related to [Paramita]..."
The voice came to an abrupt halt.
Because the image and sound of the conversation had been cut off. Lu Yang's vision suddenly plunged into pitch black, only recovering a moment later.
'Fuck me!' Lu Yang cursed angrily in his heart.
Stingy World Honored One!
Lu Yang, who originally thought he could get a piece of Forbidden Knowledge for free, instantly grumbled inwardly. Although he understood that the World Honored One doing this wasn't truly because he was stingy.
It was because if this Forbidden Knowledge were transmitted outward and he heard it, he would inevitably expose a flaw. This would allow the Ancestor of the Saint Sect, who was constantly watching this place, to detect the anomaly, so the transmission had to be cut off. However, understanding was one thing; it didn't stop Lu Yang from cursing the World Honored One in his heart.
After all, this was a helpless move.
If he didn't curse a few more times in his heart, he was worried he might utter an "Alas..." In fact, he was even starting to feel that the World Honored One had delicate features and was a very kind person.
'The illness is worsening...'
Although his perfected Dao heart was still operating, maintaining the [One Mind] state for a prolonged period meant the high concentration of the World Honored One's pollution was still affecting Lu Yang somewhat.
Lu Yang roused his spirit and continued eavesdropping.
"I see, I understand now. Many thanks, Senior Brother Myriad Treasures!"
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak had an excited expression. Clapping his hands, he laughed: "With this Forbidden Knowledge, I can fuse all the components of the Netherworld into one entity!"
"Ah, but..."
Speaking up to this point, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak suddenly changed the topic: "Besides the [Bridge of Helplessness], there is one other matter I wish to consult with you about, Senior Brother."
"Speak your mind," the World Honored One smiled.
"Actually, the suggestion previously proposed by the Dao Lords—to overlay the Netherworld upon the present world to temporarily mitigate Paramita's tilting—is a good method."
"But I have a new plan."
Saying this, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak's expression grew incredibly excited: "I feel that overlaying it upon the present world can only temporarily mitigate Paramita's tilting."
"This won't solve the problem; it only delays it. But I have a method... If the Netherworld is built beneath the present world, creating a reverse stature, and combined with my design, I believe I might be able to completely eradicate Paramita's problem!"
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak explained excitedly.
Before him, the World Honored One listened with a smile. However, beneath that compassionate face, deep within those eyes overflowing with Buddhist light, lay endless coldness.
'You shouldn't have said that.'
'Why did you have to say it? Beast Taming, do you really think Primordial Saint, do you really think our Saint Sect is some faction filled with great love, considering the myriad living beings of the light sea?'
'Simply foolish.'
'Beyond saving.'
He stared straight at the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak, until finally speaking a single sentence: "A good idea. But what does this have to do with me?"
"Of course it does!"
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak said forcefully, "Although I want to build the Netherworld beneath the present world, my capabilities are limited. I truly lack the method to implement it."
"But you are different, Senior Brother."
At this point, a look of reverence even surfaced on the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak's face: "Back then, wasn't it you, Senior Brother, who created the Foundation Establishment realm?"
It struck like a thunderbolt.
Just this single sentence almost made Lu Yang, who was secretly eavesdropping, lose his composure: 'The Foundation Establishment realm, the dimension above the present world, was actually created by the World Honored One!?'
Meanwhile, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak was still sighing with emotion: "Once the Foundation Establishment realm was established, cultivators of the world no longer needed to step directly from the present world into the [Sea of Bitterness] to enter the Dao. Instead, they could first head to the Foundation Establishment realm, then go to the [Sea of Bitterness]. The difficulty of sensing Dao Fruits and Great Daos was drastically reduced."
"Besides that, the Foundation Establishment realm also fortified the present world, preventing Paramita from tilting. It's been a full sixty thousand years now, right? Senior Brother Myriad Treasures' merits can be said to be immeasurable."
"It's simply a great undertaking!"
In the end, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak smiled: "When you achieved such a feat back then, Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, it even took the Dao Lords by great surprise."
"...It's nothing strange."
The World Honored One's tone was indifferent: "Given time, you could comprehend it yourself."
"But isn't it because I lack time?"
The first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak shook his head: "In short, I wish to ask Senior Brother Myriad Treasures to impart the method of creating the Foundation Establishment realm, the [Method of Planar Creation], to me."
Saying this, he stood up and bowed solemnly.
Meanwhile, outside the monk's quarters.
Lu Yang, who had heard the entire contents through [One Mind], fell into a long period of deep thought. He knew the outcome very well: the World Honored One definitely gave it to him in the end.
Because the Netherworld was successfully established.
'[Method of Planar Creation]... Plane? A plane of stature? The Foundation Establishment realm... I didn't expect such a thing. Is it also used to fortify the present world?'
In an instant, Lu Yang experienced a sudden realization:
'The Netherworld is just one option. The Foundation Establishment realm is also a cornerstone stabilizing the present world. Dismantling it would have the exact same effect as dismantling the Netherworld!'
Deceiving the heavens to cross the sea!
Thinking of this, Lu Yang finally unraveled the World Honored One's scheme: 'The Netherworld is just a decoy, meant to mislead the Ancestor of the Saint Sect into drawing the wrong conclusion!'
Feign one thing in the open while striking elsewhere in secret.
'Telling me not to approach the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak earlier was also a subtle hint. A hint that the Netherworld is unfeasible, and I should discard it and find another path!'
While the Ancestor of the Saint Sect focuses his attention on the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak and the Netherworld, tampering with the Foundation Establishment realm—this was the hope to break the deadlock!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 970: Three Birds with One StoneThe more Lu Yang thought about it, the more he felt the World Honored One's plan was simply perfect, even worthy of being called killing three birds with one stone.
First of all, the Foundation Establishment realm was created by the World Honored One. Since that was the case, even if it collapsed, the World Honored One had a way to repair it. This was a bargaining chip.
'Thinking about it carefully, why did the Ancestor of the Saint Sect support the World Honored One back then?'
'The four first-generation Peak Masters were all outstanding individuals. Why specifically support the World Honored One... Perhaps the Foundation Establishment realm was one of the reasons he gained favor!'
After all, if the Foundation Establishment realm truly functioned somewhat like the Netherworld—stabilizing the present world and preventing Paramita from tilting—then its collapse would not be a good thing for the Ancestor of the Saint Sect. And the World Honored One's opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul realm was, likely, schemed out relying on this very fact.
Secondly, the result of the Foundation Establishment realm collapsing.
With the present world missing a major pillar, Paramita would tilt—and to avoid this, it would be very difficult for the Ancestor of the Saint Sect to continue his interception of the Netherworld.
The situation would completely reverse.
'Without the Foundation Establishment realm, we absolutely cannot afford to also lose the Netherworld. Not only can the Dao Lords no longer strike at the Netherworld, but it might even become necessary to support it instead.'
When that time came, even if the Ancestor of the Saint Sect still had methods, the Dao Lord of the Sword Pavilion and the Dao Lord of the Dao Court might not necessarily share his mindset anymore. Under the general trend, the Ancestor of the Saint Sect would only be able to choose the lesser of two evils—was it better for the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak to resurrect, or for [Sky-shrouding] to attain the Netherworld?
The answer was unquestionable.
'Therefore, once the Foundation Establishment realm collapses, [Sky-shrouding]'s chances of successfully claiming the Netherworld will vastly increase. The Ancestor of the Saint Sect will very likely turn a blind eye!'
Finally, the third bird of the three birds with one stone.
'It's me! He's still thinking about enlightening me!'
Thinking of this, Lu Yang's expression grew increasingly ugly. Right now, he was still connected to [One Mind], while the World Honored One was discussing profound Dao mysteries with the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak.
The content of the discussion was precisely the [Method of Planar Creation].
This portion of knowledge concerned the specific method to destroy the Foundation Establishment realm; Lu Yang couldn't afford not to listen—but the problem was, there was just too much content!
'The World Honored One is doing this on purpose! Making me listen here, forcing me to immerse myself in [One Mind] for a prolonged period, slowly boiling me like a frog to enlighten me... Too wicked! Alas... But looking at it from another angle, for the World Honored One to be willing to impart such a wondrous method to me, he's actually quite a nice person...'
Smack!
Lu Yang ruthlessly slapped himself in his mind, making his chaotic thoughts slightly clearer: 'My Dao heart is getting closer and closer to collapsing.'
With this entire sequence, the World Honored One had simply won big time!
Following that, Lu Yang thought of something else: 'Knowledge regarding the Foundation Establishment realm, as well as the [Method of Planar Creation]—these should all actually be Forbidden Knowledge.'
'Yet I heard them, and without any abnormality.'
'Clearly, this Forbidden Knowledge was processed by the World Honored One...'
At this thought, Lu Yang instantly gritted his teeth: 'So that piece of Forbidden Knowledge that could fuse the Netherworld into one entity earlier, the World Honored One actually could have told me!'
But he just didn't say it! He really is a stingy ghost!
'A bald donkey who won't release his eagle until he sees the rabbit. When there are benefits to take, he rushes forward desperately. When giving out benefits, he's like a Pixiu—only taking in, never letting out. No wonder you could become a Dao Lord...'
While continuously cursing the World Honored One angrily in his heart and arduously resisting the World Honored One's infection, Lu Yang carefully listened to the conversation between the World Honored One and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak.
As things stood, he only had two choices.
Either restart, or risk being enlightened by the World Honored One and continue—regarding this, Lu Yang didn't hesitate for long. He wasn't going to restart now.
This wasn't greed, nor was it unwillingness to accept defeat.
It was a rational analysis:
'The World Honored One's attitude towards me is boiling a frog in warm water. In other words, he will not push me to a dead end. He's also afraid I might choose mutual destruction!'
Therefore, Lu Yang was fully confident that the World Honored One would definitely end this Dao discussion at a very delicate critical point—right when he was about to be enlightened but hadn't quite been enlightened yet. Of course, if the World Honored One didn't do so, then Lu Yang wouldn't be polite with him and would decisively choose to restart.
Time ticked by.
After a long while passed like this, the World Honored One and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak inside the monk's quarters finally stopped their conversation, and Lu Yang memorized all the contents of their talk.
Of course, as for listening—he didn't understand a single word.
There was no helping it; the [Method of Planar Creation] was too complex. If it were broken down and explained to Lu Yang piece by piece, he might be able to slowly learn and grasp it.
But unfortunately, both the World Honored One and the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak were absolute geniuses with absurdly high comprehension abilities. Therefore, their conversation was an exchange between geniuses. Often, one would say a single sentence, and the rest didn't need to be said; everything was understood without words... The result was that Lu Yang, who was eavesdropping, was completely bewildered.
'It doesn't matter!' Lu Yang consoled himself.
'Anyway, I've maintained a soul connection with the Patriarch all along. Whatever I heard, the Patriarch also heard. My talent has already begun working hard to comprehend it...'
Thinking of this, Lu Yang frowned again.
It was undeniable that the [Method of Planar Creation] was very profound and formidable, but the World Honored One only talked about [Creation]; there was no method on how to [Destroy] it.
Right at this moment.
"Senior Brother Myriad Treasures, something doesn't seem right."
Suddenly, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak frowned deeply, revealing a puzzled expression: "I once observed the Foundation Establishment realm, and it doesn't match what you just said."
"Oh? What doesn't match?" the World Honored One smiled.
"Within the Foundation Establishment realm, at a very deep location, there is a massive rift—but I can't find a corresponding design for it on your blueprints, Senior Brother."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yang's spirit instantly roused.
A massive rift?
At the same time, the World Honored One also smiled and said: "Indeed, that is the sole flaw of the Foundation Establishment realm. If something happens to it, it is highly likely to trigger a chain reaction."
"What would happen?" the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak asked solemnly.
The World Honored One frankly gave an answer that jolted Lu Yang's spirit: "Of course the Foundation Establishment realm would collapse, and the Foundation Establishment Perfected Ones of the world would fall in stature and perish like falling rain..."
Hearing this, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak grew even more solemn: "Previously, I didn't understand why that massive rift appeared within the Foundation Establishment realm. But after hearing your [Method of Planar Creation] just now, Senior Brother, I seem to have gained some understanding... That massive rift appeared because of an imbalance in the five elements!"
Imbalance in the five elements?
Hearing this, Lu Yang was stunned for a moment. Meanwhile, inside the monk's quarters, the World Honored One sighed after hearing it: "Beast Taming... you are truly smart, too smart, absurdly smart."
Following that, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak abruptly stood up.
"Senior Brother... was it your doing?"
"The Water element shifted its position. [Heavenly River Water] usurped the Supreme position, unable to match its status. [Vast Ocean Water] further lost its profound wonder. Therefore, the five elements have been imbalanced for many years."
"I was wondering why you specifically changed the Supreme position of [Heavenly River Water] back then. I originally thought it was because [Heavenly River Water] was the Dao Fruit you affiliated with when seeking the Nascent Soul realm, so out of love, you gave it special care. Looking at it now, you had another plan all along?"
Speaking up to this point, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak had a look of deep sorrow:
"To think it was like this... I was saying that Paramita tilting shouldn't have happened so early, yet it was brought forward anyway. So this is why!"
"The five elements of the Foundation Establishment realm are imbalanced, possessing innate deficiencies..."
"Senior Brother, why must you do this?"
Faced with the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak's puzzled inquiry, the World Honored One didn't answer. Instead, he gradually put away his compassionate smile; deep in his eyes lay only heavy, chilling indifference.
'Why?'
He didn't answer this question back then. In the end, the first-generation Master of Beast Taming Peak, failing to get an answer, left in disappointment. This Dao discussion ultimately ended on a sour note.
He didn't answer, and he couldn't answer.
'The old Dragon Lord was too troublesome. Striking down the Supreme position of [Vast Ocean Water] was exactly what the Primordial Saint hoped for in the first place.'
'As for the Foundation Establishment realm... Hmph. Without creating a flaw and letting Paramita tilt once more, why would the Dao Lords fully support you in forging the Netherworld?'
'Unfortunately, you are a fool.'
'I originally thought you could use this to step onto Paramita, become a Dao Lord, and look out for each other with me. Yet the result turned out like this, half-dead and half-alive...'
Thinking of the Netherworld in the present world, the World Honored One shook his head again, sighing inwardly—
'Truly beyond saving.'
Forget it... at the very least, I will personally send you on your way.
(End of Chapter)