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Chapter 348: Saintly Path Embryo, Long Time No See
🕑 Added 2024-10-01 05:15:16 +0000 UTC"Unable to win, so you resort to slander—this is the 'Saintly Path' you follow?"
Li Hao's voice was cold as he spoke. Jue Ming's tactic of slandering him was clearly meant to ruin his reputation and damage his incense power.
In order to restore the reputation of the Buddhist Sect, someone's face had to be lost—just like a balance scale, when one side rises, the other must fall.
However, his attention was suddenly drawn to something peculiar.
The incense power that had been drifting toward him at every moment hadn't diminished at all. Instead, right after Jue Ming's accusations, the incense power surged rapidly, as if the amount he had lost before was now being replenished.
This unexpected change puzzled Li Hao; he couldn't quite grasp why it was happening.
Both Li Hao and Jue Ming hadn't anticipated that after Jue Ming brought up Li Hao's past, people became more focused on Li Hao's overwhelming talent, which was simply monstrous.
Whether he practiced demonic arts or not, regardless of his character, he had come from the mortal realm, and now he was standing with a foot on the Buddhist Son, looking down on an entire generation of elites. Even a semi-saint was helpless before him. It was simply too incredible to dismiss, and it commanded admiration.
"I am the Wuxiang Buddha, formless and rootless, with no desires or needs. I travel the world with the heart of the formless Buddha, suppressing the world's demons. Since you are a demon, suppressing you is my path."
Jue Ming spoke indifferently.
"If you are truly a formless Buddha, then why is there form between Buddha and demon? All living beings are formless. Demons are part of the living beings' form. Buddha's heart breeds demons, and demon hearts can also produce Buddhas. The Dao moves in opposites. If you cannot comprehend this, then your so-called Saintly Path is nothing but self-deception!"
Li Hao's words were sharp.
As soon as he finished speaking, his Scholarly Dao unexpectedly gained several thousand experience points.
Li Hao took note but didn't have the time to dwell on it.
Jue Ming was momentarily stunned by Li Hao's words. The phrase "The Dao moves in opposites" contained hidden meaning from the Great Dao, even carrying the faint aura of a Saintly Path embryo.
His heart chilled. This young man was far more monstrous than he had imagined, seemingly only a step away from entering the semi-saint realm and carving out his own path.
On the Buddhist Hall platform, the eyes of Wen Sheng (the Sage of Literature) showed a hint of surprise. He hadn't expected Li Hao to have such a profound understanding of the Dao. Facing off against a semi-saint seemed to be pushing the youth forward rapidly, forcing him to evolve and grow at a tremendous pace.
However, this might not just be growth spurred by conflict but rather a glimpse of the accumulation Li Hao had long held within him, now coming to the surface.
No matter the case, Wen Sheng could already see the potential of a saint in Li Hao, with the seed of a Saintly Path beginning to sprout.
This, after all, was the purpose of the Tianjiao (Supreme Genius) Battle. Many geniuses, when cultivating in isolation, experienced only limited growth. But in the heat of competition, they could often ignite hidden potential, growing at astonishing rates.
At that moment, as Li Hao and Jue Ming continued their exchange, a compassionate and resonant Buddhist chant suddenly echoed from above:
"Amitabha, well spoken."
One simple Buddhist chant brought silence to the murmuring crowd.
Countless people looked up, gazing toward the Buddhist Hall. There, seated on a lotus platform, draped in robes of brilliant light, surrounded by radiant Buddha light and the halo of virtue, was a towering figure. The atmosphere around him seemed to vibrate with the power of the Great Dao itself.
"Jue Ming, this young benefactor is right—you have already become attached to form."
The Buddha Lord slowly spoke, yet instead of rebuking Li Hao, he pointed out Jue Ming's flaw.
Jue Ming froze, disbelief flashing in his eyes. But soon, a trace of shame crossed his face. Lowering his head, he clasped his hands together in reverence, chanting the Buddha's name with genuine humility.
"All phenomena arise from the mind alone. The world, in its tiniest particles, is formed by the mind."
"The suffering of all living beings is due to their bondage to cause and effect. All beings have form; yet, all beings are also formless. I am all living beings, and all beings are me. I am the Tathagata, and all beings are also Tathagata!"
The Buddha Lord's voice was soft, yet it felt like a sacred discourse, resonating with all who heard it, echoing across the entire Canglan Realm through the stones of projection.
In the void above the Buddhist Hall, it seemed as if the Dao itself trembled, harmonizing with his voice.
Countless individuals felt their minds quake, at once overwhelmed and enlightened, as if they were grasping some profound wisdom.
"The Buddha Lord is spreading the Dharma, teaching the principles of Buddhism!"
"All beings are me? Does that mean that all things in the world are a projection of my heart? And if the heart dies, the world ceases to exist?"
"If the world is me, then all competition, all jealousy, is meaningless. Gains and losses are merely part of the self."
Many began to reflect, attempting to absorb and comprehend the wisdom revealed by the Buddha Lord.
Jue Ming's eyes had turned hazy. Earlier, Li Hao's words had nearly planted a splinter of doubt in his Saintly Path, but now, the Buddha Lord's gentle discourse had soothed that fissure.
He realized that indeed, he had become attached to form.
The Twin Buddha Child, the Buddha and Demon shared one body—whether suppressing or merging, they were one and the same. Where, then, was the distinction?
"One flower, one world. One Buddha, one Tathagata."
"All beings are equal; good and evil are but a single thought apart."
The Buddha Lord's gaze settled on Li Hao, and he said softly, "Young benefactor, though you are young and your talent is extraordinary, you have strayed from the path. I will permit you to join our Buddhist Sect. I will personally help you dispel your demonic nature, guiding you to reach the other shore and attain enlightenment."
Li Hao raised an eyebrow, unmoved by the Buddha Lord's discourse.
Indeed, when he spoke, the principles of the Great Dao echoed through the world, causing heaven and earth to resonate. Many would have been swayed by such a display unless they had already walked the Saintly Path themselves.
Though Li Hao had not yet attained sainthood, he had severed his bloodline in the Abyss and forged his will with supreme resolve, knowing his true self. Therefore, even as the Buddha Lord spoke, Li Hao's thoughts remained his own.
"And who decides what is Buddha and what is demon?"
Li Hao raised his head, locking eyes with the Buddha Lord as he spoke.
The crowd was stunned, unable to comprehend the audacity of Li Hao's words.
Many had been so immersed in the Buddha Lord's sermon that they felt a profound sense of reverence. Yet here stood this young man, questioning the Buddha Lord with such defiance. This kind of challenge was only seen during debates between saints, where the very foundations of their paths could be called into question.
Debating the roots of another saint's path was no small matter. Losing such a debate could shatter one's Saintly Path entirely, resulting in the collapse of one's cultivation and the loss of all their incense power.
The Buddha Lord remained calm, his face still radiating kindness, as if Li Hao's words hadn't stirred him:
"The Yogacara-bhumi sutra states: There are four kinds of demons. First, the demon of the aggregates. Second, the demon of affliction. Third, the demon of death. And fourth, the demon of the heavens."
"The demon of the aggregates arises from our bodies and minds—our form, feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness."
"The demon of affliction is born from the desires, lusts, and aversions of the world, all rooted in craving."
The Buddha Lord continued gently, "Demons exist within the hearts of all beings. Once they take root, they drive actions that harm others, making no distinction from external demons that slaughter and wreak havoc. The demonic path is the same—seeking power without restraint, its followers are ultimately consumed by their own ambition."
"Only by severing all desires and discerning the truth of the suffering of this world can one transcend and achieve Buddhahood. That is the difference between Buddha and demon."
His answer was not only for Li Hao but also for the enlightenment of the entire Canglan Realm.
Li Hao's thoughts surged, but he remained unperturbed that the Buddha Lord was using this opportunity to further his teaching. He responded:
"If that's the case, then all beings are demons. Even within the hearts of all Buddhas, there must be uncut demons. I suppose your million disciples are still on their path to slaying their inner demons as well."
The Buddha Lord smiled and replied, "Slaying one's inner demon is a lifelong journey. But while the disciples battle their demons internally, you have been completely overtaken by the demonic path."
Li Hao's heart filled with disdain. He knew well that the Buddha Lord was fully aware of the killing intent and resentment he had absorbed. Yet, the Buddha Lord chose to frame the situation this way. Any trace of respect Li Hao had for him was gone.
Knowing this was all a fabrication, Li Hao was even more determined not to be swayed by the sermon.
"The Buddha often speaks of equality, but in my eyes, there has never been equality in this world!"
Li Hao's eyes flashed coldly as he continued, "You speak of the equality of all beings, but tell me: are kings, generals, and nobles truly equal to beggars and common folk?"
"Are scholars and top imperial candidates equal?"
"Can flower spirits and tree demons ever match the might of dragons and monsters?"
"Is the radiance of the moon equal to that of the sun?"
"Some are born beautiful, beloved by all, while others are born hideous, scorned and reviled. Where is the equality?"
The Buddha Lord chuckled lightly. Questions such as these could be easily answered by even a semi-saint of the Buddhist Sect.
"These are illusions of the heart, born of inner demons," the Buddha Lord said. "Kings and beggars both face death, just as all living beings do. Scholars and imperial candidates are both merely men of learning. Dragons and plants, though different in form, are all spiritual beings capable of cultivation."
"The sun and moon are both part of the same celestial harmony. Without the moon, who would appreciate the sun's brilliance?"
"Physical beauty is but a transient shell—your question itself shows attachment to form."
Li Hao smiled and replied, "You evade the core issue. If beauty and ugliness are irrelevant, then why do your temples gild their statues?"
"Kings and beggars may both face death, but their lives are worlds apart!"
"Some are born strong, while others are born weak and sickly. You call this equality—where is the equality?"
The Buddha Lord responded calmly, "These are illusions, born of greed, anger, and delusion. When one lets go of all attachments, they see the truth that all beings are the same. The strong may be cowardly; the weak may be resilient."
Li Hao retorted, "If that's true, then isn't there still a distinction between cowardice and resilience? How, then, can there be equality?"
"You claim that everything is due to inner demons, but the world itself is filled with differences. There are millions of kinds of flowers, each with its own beauty. You cannot see the plum blossoms in spring, nor the bamboo shoots in winter snow."
"If nothing is the same, how can there be equality?"
The Buddha Lord's brow furrowed slightly. Li Hao's earlier arguments had been typical of common frustrations, but now his words contained traces of truth.
Especially the phrase "If nothing is the same, how can there be equality?" This cut past the superficial layers of greed and desire and touched on the very heart of the matter.
"The world is a sea of suffering. All beings are trapped by the waves of karma, struggling in the water. You are standing in the sea, so naturally, you believe life is suffering. But once you reach the shore, you will see that the sea's ebb and flow is the nature of all beings," the Buddha Lord said.
Li Hao shook his head and responded:
"If the world is a sea of suffering, then some are drowning while others build great ships to sail in leisure. The flowers on the other shore may be beautiful, but those sailing on the sea may not even care to step ashore to pick them."
"There is no equality in this world. The eagle and the sparrow are born into roles of predator and prey."
"The wealthy landlords feast on the suffering of the common folk, and yet that is the way of things."
"But the eagle has its talons, the landlord his wealth, and the king his power."
"If you seek equality, you would have to tear out the eagle's claws and break the fangs of the hunting dog. Otherwise, how can they be made docile like rabbits? It's like how you wish to strip away people's inner demons and make the wealthy lower themselves to act like commoners, while peasants bow before the Buddha. In the Buddha's world, there may be no power or class distinctions, yet even in your sect, there are distinctions between Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Buddhas."
"Do your disciples not bow before you?"
Hearing this back-and-forth exchange, countless people were dumbfounded, feeling as if their minds were spinning.
The Buddha Lord's words, filled with the resonance of the Dao, were easy to grasp. But Li Hao's words seemed more elusive, leaving many feeling confused, yet they sensed that his words carried a certain profound truth as well.
Wen Sheng smiled, his eyes filled with admiration.
As a scholar and sage, he did not subscribe to Buddhism. To all saints, their own path was the highest truth, and their life's work was to complete it.
In more common terms, it meant that to each saint, all other paths were inferior.
The problem was that every saint felt this way.
Li Hao's rejection of Buddhist principles echoed Wen Sheng's own beliefs, so he nodded approvingly.
"The past and the present are all predetermined by fate. Young benefactor, you only see this life, unaware that all things are bound by cause and effect. The eagle of today may have been a sparrow in a past life, now repaying its karmic debt. The king of this life may have been a beggar in a past life. Gains and losses are all part of destiny."
The Buddha Lord replied.
This was another facet of Buddhism's teaching, completing the Saintly Path by incorporating the doctrines of karma and reincarnation.
Only by understanding these could the idea of equality for all beings be reconciled.
Hearing this, Li Hao smiled softly. He knew that Buddhism taught of past lives, present lives, and future lives.
"I only cultivate this life. I don't dwell on the past, nor do I worry about the future. I live in the present, and the present is all that matters to me!"
Li Hao said. "Moreover, if you claim that everything is predestined by karma, then karma is inherently unequal. You've just admitted that the eagle and sparrow are not equal, only that they will swap roles in the future. But if we look at just this life, everything has form!"
"One grain of sand contains a world. You see only the flower, unaware of the entire tree."
The Buddha Lord said calmly.
"I only know this: the world may not be equal, but I love it nonetheless."
Li Hao's eyes locked onto the Buddha Lord as he spoke with firm resolve:
"All things are imperfect, yet who needs perfection?"
"I know that flowers and trees cannot compare to dragons and birds, but I still love them."
"I know that beggars cannot compare to the wealthy, yet I still enjoy talking with them, sharing wine and painting together."
"I know that moonlight can never match the brilliance of the sun, but I still admire its purity."
"Everything in this world has its strengths and weaknesses, and that is precisely what makes it beautiful. I admire the power of dragons and demons, the grace of flowers, the serenity of flowing water, and the majesty of mountains!"
"All things have their differences, and that is why I cherish them!"
His words rang out clearly, and as they echoed through the air, it seemed that even the Great Dao itself rumbled in response.
Around Li Hao, there was a faint resonance, like the distant thunder of the Dao.
Countless people heard Li Hao's words and were filled with a sense of awe and shock.
On the platform, the young man stood tall, his foot still on the Buddha Son, engaged in a debate with the Buddha Lord, radiating an overwhelming, righteous aura.
This scene was deeply engraved in the hearts of countless onlookers.
Moreover, with the subtle rumbling of the Dao, they seemed to grasp a portion of Li Hao's philosophical stance.
The sun and moon, bright and dark, all things have their imperfections, yet each has its unique merit.
Those born with great strength are naturally superior to ordinary people. That is their advantage.
If everything were equal, it would be the same as tearing out their claws. If everyone were made equal, then the world would become dull and mediocre.
This philosophy was in direct contrast to the teachings of Buddhism, which spoke of the formlessness of all beings, the oneness of all things.
But Li Hao's Dao was different. He believed that while all beings were part of the world, each existed in its own unique way. All had their own brilliance, and none needed to compete for dominance.
Compared to the Buddhist doctrine, many in the crowd suddenly found themselves drawn to Li Hao's perspective.
The Buddha Lord heard the rumbling of the Dao around Li Hao and, for the first time, his smile faltered slightly. This meant that Li Hao's words were not just baseless ramblings—they had been acknowledged by heaven and earth, forming the beginnings of a Saintly Path.
In the Buddhist Sect's sacred land stood the Thunder Sound Tower, its name derived from the thunderous sounds of the Dao. It was a crucial step on the journey to becoming a semi-saint.
"He's already formed his own Dao, and it's on the verge of solidifying into a Saintly Path embryo!"
"Within the Buddhist doctrine, all is one. But his path is that of the individual. What kind of Saintly Path will this form?"
"He's debating with a saint and causing the Dao to resonate. This is unprecedented—what kind of monstrous genius is he?"
Countless people were left speechless with shock.
This scene surpassed anything they had ever imagined. Even the grandest moments of the Tianjiao Battles among the heavens seemed pale in comparison.
No one could fathom what this young man would achieve if he were to participate in the battles against the heavens.
On the Buddhist Hall platform, the Sword Saint's eyes grew serious. He cultivated the Way of All Beings, but Li Hao's words, which caused the Dao to resonate, had sparked a new insight into his own swordsmanship.
Far away, at the Sword Cliff behind the Sword Tower in the Sword Ancestral Holy Land, the Sword Master sat cross-legged, his silver robes fluttering. He was not fishing today.
At that moment, his lips curved into a slight smile, as if hearing something in the distance.
The Sacred Land of the Buddhist Sect had relaxed its restrictions due to the ongoing battle for the Canglan Realm's quota, so his eavesdropping was not considered an offense.
"This kid truly surprises me."
The Sword Master smiled, recalling the time spent with that little fellow. When Qiu Wuhen had come to learn swordsmanship, this kid had stayed by his side all day, perhaps learning something of the Saintly Path by accident.
But thinking of the boy's excitement whenever a fish took the bait, he shook his head, dismissing the thought.
Still, the boy's temperament had evidently led him to this understanding of the Saintly Path.
"Junior Brother, this boy's words should help you advance your own swordsmanship..."
The Sword Master gazed off into the distance, his eyes narrowing as a sharp sword intent flashed across them.
Unlike the Sword Saint, who practiced the Sword of All Beings, the Sword Master's path was the Sword of Heaven and Earth.
His sword was independent of the world, unaffected by all things.
"No wonder the Void Saint tried to have him killed. With talent like his, it's terrifying to think of him as an enemy..."
The Sword Master muttered to himself, slowly rising to his feet. He lifted his hand, and from the Sword Tower, a phantom resembling the tower itself flew toward him.
This phantom condensed into the form of a sword, hovering before him.
At the same time…
Back at the Sacred Land of the Buddhist Sect, Li Hao could hear the faint rumbling of the Dao around him, and for a moment, he was taken aback. Then, within the thunderous resonance, he seemed to feel the vastness of a certain Dao, giving him a sense of unwavering faith.
"Could my idle thoughts truly form a Saintly Path?"
Li Hao was momentarily stunned, his heart murmuring to itself.
It wasn't that he was underestimating himself, but the Saintly Path was something reserved for those who had shaken the ages. While he had no particular love for the Buddhist Sect, he understood that for countless lost souls, it had provided salvation.
Every Saintly Path had a far-reaching impact on the world. For example, the Sword Saint's mastery of swordsmanship had become an insurmountable peak for all sword cultivators.
The Wen Sheng's mastery of literature had elevated the cultivation of scholars to new heights. Buddhism was no different.
Though these paths varied in power, they each formed their own unique legacy.
As for himself, he had always lived with a carefree heart, never taking himself too seriously. He had never imagined that, aside from the improvements brought by his system, his own insights would be acknowledged by the heavens.
There were countless ways to cultivate the Dao, and each had its own mysteries.
Li Hao felt as if he had gained sudden enlightenment, a sense of realization sweeping over him.
At that moment, he felt a power beginning to condense within him—the nascent form of his Saintly Path.
Once it fully formed, he would be able to step into the semi-saint realm, transcending the limitations of the Dao Realm, using the Saintly Path to build a bridge to the heavens, drawing upon the power of the world.
This felt similar to the path of Immortal Ascension, but there was a difference. Immortal Ascension involved merging with the world, whereas the Saintly Path involved building a connection to it.
Li Hao suddenly felt as though certain realms and stages were interconnected. If he could master one extreme realm, he could preemptively gain some abilities of higher realms.
For example, the realm of Guixu Instant Movement was limited to fifteen miles. But if one mastered it in that realm, it far surpassed the Dao Charm Instant Movement of the Four Establishments Realm.
Similarly, the Immortal Ascension Path's connection to the power of heaven and earth seemed akin to the bridge built by the Saintly Path, allowing saints to borrow strength from the heavens.
The difference was that Immortal Ascension limited one's ability to borrow power from the heavens unless they fully achieved the final stage, the Heavenly Sovereign Realm.
Only then could one command the heavens and earth, wielding unimaginable power over all things.
On the other hand, with the Saintly Path, once the bridge was complete, power would flow continuously, allowing saints to project themselves across the heavens at will, manifesting their presence wherever they wished.
Li Hao's gaze grew distant as countless thoughts swirled through his mind, stretching in every direction. But before he could fully process them, a low Buddhist chant resounded in his mind, scattering his thoughts and pulling him back to reality.
He raised his head and saw the Buddha Lord, whose face radiated compassion. The Buddha Lord softly recited a Buddhist mantra:
"Young benefactor, the demonic thoughts within you have grown deep. You have triggered the resonance of the Dao, forming your own Dao. If you continue down this path, the world will gain another demon lord!"
The Buddha Lord's entire being radiated with Buddha light, and the virtue wheel behind his head shone even brighter:
"I have a Buddhist method known as the Eight Heavenly Dragons. If you can subdue them all, you will be able to eliminate your karmic debts, achieve righteous fruition, and elevate your cultivation to even greater heights."
As he spoke, he raised his hand, and from the sleeve of his monk's robe flew eight dazzling lights, each exuding pure Buddha light in different forms.
"By manifesting the heart, young benefactor, you will reveal the nature of your Dao."
The Buddha Lord smiled kindly as he spoke, his words seemingly meant to assist Li Hao.
But Li Hao sensed a terrifying threat from those eight lights, and his expression changed instantly. He shouted:
"You, a Buddha Lord and saint, are actually going to make a move against me?"
"Young benefactor, this method only tests the Dao, not power. You need not worry. Even if you fail, I will use the Great Vehicle of Buddhism to purify you and eliminate your karmic debts."
The Buddha Lord smiled as he replied.
His words left many people confused. But seeing the Buddha Lord's benevolent expression, coupled with the widely known stories of his compassion, such as offering his body to feed eagles or demons, many believed that the Buddha Lord truly intended to help Li Hao.
Li Hao, however, was furious. He knew this was an attempt to destroy his Dao heart and crush his nascent Saintly Path!
"I walk my path, and you cultivate your Buddha. Why must we differentiate between right and wrong, Buddha and demon?"
"If you call Buddha a demon, what then would you call a demon?"
Li Hao roared toward the sky, his anger overflowing. The seed of his Saintly Path had just begun to sprout, and now they sought to sever his Dao. This was not a life-threatening blow, but it was even crueler than erasing his incense power.
"Young benefactor, if you have truly cultivated the Great Dao, this Buddhist method will not affect you in the slightest."
The Buddha Lord said calmly.
Li Hao did not believe this for a second, but it was clear that the Buddha Lord's words were meant more for the entire Canglan Realm.
Many Buddhist disciples in the audience were chanting in unison, praising the Buddha Lord's compassion.
Jue Ming watched coldly, knowing that this rising star was about to fall. Whether one's form was Buddha or demon, both were ultimately formless. Since that was the case, it was no great loss if a star were to fall.
Li Hao glared at the Buddha Lord, his teeth grinding. If it weren't for the millions of eyes watching, he knew the Buddha Lord wouldn't just be trying to destroy his Saintly Path—he would likely go even further.
Since there was no escape, Li Hao thought grimly, it was better to die standing than to live on his knees.
Besides, he still had divine blood left; even if he lost his life, it wouldn't be the end. He just needed to fight for his Dao!
Whoosh!
The eight lights streaked toward Li Hao, each radiating immense power. Buddha light formed lotus platforms and flowers in the void, as lotus flowers bloomed in the air.
Li Hao roared as he unleashed his extreme techniques, but the eight lights seemed to transcend ordinary power, embodying the very essence of the Saintly Path. Only another Saintly Path could oppose them. Such a display showed that the Buddha Lord was, indeed, playing for keeps!
Wen Sheng and the Sword Saint both frowned but said nothing. Although Li Hao was immensely talented and backed by a powerful lineage, his fall at the hands of the Buddhist Sect would only benefit them.
"A pity..."
Wen Sheng's eyes were filled with regret. Although he admired Li Hao's talent, the fate of someone not from his own holy land was not his concern. A saint does not stand beneath a crumbling wall; they do not meddle in dangerous matters, or they would never have reached sainthood in the first place.
There were too many injustices in the world, and if a saint concerned themselves with every one of them, they would have perished long ago.
"Hahahaha..."
Just as the eight lights converged into a towering Buddha palm, ready to suppress Li Hao, a loud, booming laugh suddenly echoed across the sky.
The laughter came closer and closer, until a blinding white light filled with terrifying thunder appeared, tearing apart the Buddha palm.
The sky was filled with thundering lightning, streaking like serpents through the clouds as the wind and clouds themselves shifted.
At the same time, a figure, dressed in azure robes, took leisurely steps forward from a great distance. He seemed to move slowly, but with each step, he crossed vast distances. In the blink of an eye, he stood on the Sacred Mountain of the Buddhist Sect, facing three saints.
He had long, graying hair that flowed in the wind, his azure robe fluttering. His hair was tied in a simple topknot with an ordinary wooden hairpin, and he wore a serene smile.
With his hands behind his back, he gazed calmly at the Buddha Lord, his eyes filled with a hint of mockery.
Then he looked down at the platform, where a young man's face had shifted from fury to stunned disbelief. With a bright grin, the newcomer spoke:
"Little rascal, long time no see."
The familiar voice, the familiar words—it was as if Li Hao's entire body suddenly surged with excitement.
The blood coursing through his veins seemed to boil as his heart raced with a powerful, overwhelming emotion.
That face, that voice—he knew them too well. Though the person's temperament had changed somewhat, becoming more ethereal and refined, Li Hao could never mistake him.
It was Feng Lao!
The Saint of Thieves—Feng Bo Ping!
Li Hao's heart shook. He never expected to see Feng Lao here.
He had once gone to the River of Demise to free Feng Lao's soul fragment. Though Feng Lao's lost soul had been trapped at Tianmen Pass, by the time Li Hao had returned to look for him, Qianqian had informed him that Feng Lao had already left, waiting for him in the land of the saints.
And now, before Li Hao could even go looking for him, Feng Lao had come to find him instead. They were meeting again here, in this place!
"Who is that?"
"A saint—it's a saint!"
"That auspicious aura, that resonance with the Dao—it must be a saint!"
Many were stunned by this sudden arrival, staring in shock at Feng Bo Ping.
Wen Sheng and the Sword Saint recognized him immediately—the Saint of Thieves!
Over a decade ago, this Saint of Thieves had ascended to the realm of the Three Calamities of Sainthood, surviving the heavenly tribulation in a most unusual manner. While most saints resisted the tribulation, Feng Bo Ping had stolen its power, using one part of the tribulation to overcome the rest!
The dazzling power of the tribulation lightning just now was evidence of his mastery of this technique.
Could it be… his lineage? Wen Sheng's mind raced, his eyes gleaming. He had long suspected that such a powerful genius must have a formidable backer. But he hadn't anticipated that it would be this saint.
Far away, back at the Sword Ancestral Holy Land, the figure standing at the Sword Cliff, holding the sword phantom from the Sword Tower, narrowed his eyes slightly. Then, with a calm smile, he let the sword phantom dissipate, sending it back into the Sword Tower.
He said nothing, simply returning to his peaceful seat and taking another sip from his wine gourd.
Meanwhile, the Sacred Land of the Buddhist Sect was in chaos. No one had expected a saint to appear and, even more so, to intervene on Li Hao's behalf by shattering the Buddha's light.
The Buddha Lord's smile faded as he fixed his gaze on Feng Bo Ping.
Beside the Sword Saint, Bian Ruxue's mind was buzzing. Ever since she had shattered her heart of emotion, the events unfolding before her had far surpassed her expectations.
The figure from her childhood memories, the one she had thought was long gone, was standing right there.
Not long ago, that same figure had even visited her peak at the Holy Mountain of the Sword Ancestor, delivering elixirs to her.
Was he truly Li Hao?
But if so, why had he not recognized her?
Had he truly failed to recognize her, or had he simply… chosen not to?
She could feel her own Dao heart trembling, despite her attempts to sever all attachments. He had appeared before her once again, even more dazzling than she remembered.
He had trampled the Buddha Son beneath his foot, defeated a semi-saint with a single sword stroke, and in him, she could see the very outline of the ultimate sword strike she had been pursuing.
He didn't even practice the sword—he had never liked it, hadn't he? How could this be…
Could it be that he had come all this way, just to pursue her?
Her mind was spinning, her ice-sealed Dao heart starting to crack.
The Sword Saint seemed to notice the violent ripples in the Dao around Bian Ruxue, and he cast her a deep, thoughtful look.
Bian Ruxue, sensing the fracture in her Dao heart, quickly turned her head, her expression changing. She fixed her gaze on Li Hao in silence.
"Feng Lao!"
Meanwhile, Li Hao was too overwhelmed to contain his emotions as he called out.
Feng Bo Ping chuckled, though his eyes also gleamed with excitement. For a saint to display such outward joy was rare indeed.
He laughed heartily and said, "I knew with your talent, you'd come to the land of the saints. I was planning to send someone to meet you after passing my tribulation, but ten years ago, I heard that you had died! That despicable Void Saint—attacking a Dao Realm cultivator with the power of a saint, he's unworthy of the title!"
As he spoke, he turned back to Li Hao with a smile and added, "But I'm glad to see you're still alive. I knew you wouldn't die so easily. You, little rascal—no one loves you, but you were born with an indestructible fate!"
Li Hao, both elated and exasperated by Feng Lao's words, didn't want to dwell on the past. Instead, he asked curiously:
"How did you find me?"
"I thought you were dead, and I tracked down the place where the Void Saint supposedly killed you. But that Void Saint is skilled in the ways of the void, and he covered up all traces, so I couldn't find anything. I ended up here because of an unresolved matter from the mortal world—there's still a score to settle!"
As Feng Bo Ping mentioned the mortal realm, his eyes flashed with a hint of coldness.
While it was true that the Buddha Lord had inadvertently allowed Feng Bo Ping to escape into the River of Demise, giving him the opportunity to steal a true heart and transcend his tribulation, Feng Bo Ping had no intention of thanking him for that.
How could he ever be grateful to the man responsible for Li Hao's near-death experience?
Li Hao, hearing mention of the mortal realm, suddenly remembered that he was still standing on top of the Twin Buddha Son. He quickly grasped the situation.
Feng Lao was still the same old Feng Lao—holding a grudge and always ready for revenge.
The Buddha Lord had captured Feng Lao and attempted to humiliate him at Wuliang Mountain, and now, as Feng Lao had risen to power in the land of the saints, he had come to repay that humiliation.
Everything seemed like fate—cause and effect playing out in a perfect circle.
Just moments ago, the Buddha Lord had been preaching about karma, and now the consequences had arrived. It was ironic, in a way, that his words had come true in such a fashion, though surely not in the way he had hoped.
Li Hao couldn't help but laugh as he said, "Feng Lao, you couldn't have timed it better. If it weren't for you, I'd have suffered a major setback today!"
Feng Bo Ping grinned and said, "You're the same little rascal who was never afraid of anything, and now you're worried about suffering?"
Despite the mock scolding in his tone, there was an unmistakable affection in his words.
Then he added, "But don't get the wrong idea—I didn't just show up at the perfect time. I've had a clone here, waiting for the right moment. It's just that during the Tianjiao Battle in the Canglan Realm, the Buddhist Sect's laws were temporarily suspended, so my consciousness was able to detect what was happening. I wasn't interested in watching a bunch of kids fight, and I nearly fell asleep. Luckily, that fat monk mentioned your name and story, which woke me up."
Hearing this, Li Hao finally understood. It wasn't a coincidence—it was fate.
The Twin Buddha Son, being the Buddha Lord's clone, had no doubt already drawn Feng Lao's attention. A figure as prominent as a Twin Buddha Child was hard to miss.
Once Feng Lao had figured out the situation, he had stationed himself nearby, waiting for an opportunity. And when Li Hao's name had been mentioned, Feng Lao had sprung into action.
Feng Lao's words might have sounded casual, but Li Hao could sense the deep affection behind them. He had no interest in watching a battle between juniors, but as soon as he heard Li Hao's name in the midst of the crowd, he had rushed to intervene.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as the two conversed. It was clear to everyone that these two were not master and disciple—they were closer to lifelong friends.
But how could a Dao Realm cultivator be on such friendly terms with a saint?
As the two exchanged words, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. But Feng Bo Ping's words made the Buddha Lord's expression darken.
He hadn't expected Feng Bo Ping to have a clone stationed here the entire time. Thankfully, the Twin Buddha Child had remained within the sacred mountain, meditating in seclusion, or he might have fallen right into Feng Bo Ping's hands.
It wasn't just the Buddha Lord who was shaken—every disciple of the Buddhist Sect felt a chill run down their spines. The thought that a saint had been lurking nearby, waiting for an opportunity to strike, was enough to make anyone's skin crawl.
"Enough reminiscing. I didn't expect this bald old fool to try to bully you again today. It seems this grudge of ours isn't going to be easily resolved!"
Feng Bo Ping gave Li Hao a bold smile, then turned to face the Buddha Lord. His expression turned cold as he stared the Buddha Lord down.
The Buddha Lord's face remained impassive as he met Feng Bo Ping's gaze. Both of them had transcended the Three Calamities of Sainthood. If they were to truly battle, the outcome would be hard to predict.
"'The Buddha said—'"
The Buddha Lord began to speak, but Feng Bo Ping cut him off with a loud, booming voice:
"Shut up!"
Wen Sheng was known for his elegant and poetic speech. Feng Bo Ping, however, was not so refined—he was more than willing to curse like a commoner.
His outburst left many in the audience completely dumbfounded. No one had expected a saint to curse so crudely.
At the same time, Feng Bo Ping raised his hand. In his palm, the powerful lightning of heaven's tribulation appeared, transforming into a spear of thunder that he hurled toward the Buddha Lord.
The Buddha Lord's expression changed as he quickly raised his own hand. A radiant Buddha light shone from his palm, manifesting a sacred incantation. He cultivated the path of universal equality, and even when faced with the strongest attacks, he could greatly diminish their power by imposing "equality."
Within this Saintly Path of equality, all things were leveled. Then, using Buddhist techniques, he could weigh their relative strengths and suppress them. It was a top-tier power among saints of the same rank.
As the incantation manifested, the law of equality turned and the thunderous tribulation spear began to dissipate. He had overcome a tribulation of the same kind before, and if he had survived it once, he could survive it again now.
Feng Bo Ping, however, did not stop. More tribulation lightning erupted from his palm, and with a sudden motion, he activated his "Celestial Thievery" technique, allowing him to steal any power in the world. He even seized the Buddha Lord's Saintly Path of equality, reversing it and using it against him.
In an instant, the void trembled as golden wheels of the Great Dao appeared around the Buddha Lord's lotus platform, scattering his Saintly Path as the two saints clashed.
The sight left the onlookers in shock and awe.
What had begun as an intense battle for the Canglan Realm's quota had now escalated into a battle between saints.
Thanks to the projection stones, the entire Canglan Realm was witnessing this incredibly rare, once-in-a-lifetime clash of saints.
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