Chapter 177: The Saints’ Agreement
Everyone knew that the Buddhist Sect and the Daoist Sect were not on good terms. Generally, a Heavenly Human Ceremony for a Daoist True Person would absolutely not invite people from the Buddhist Sect. Back then, Dragon Mountain Daoist’s invitation to someone from the Ascetic Sect was an exception.
But now.
Great Awakening Temple had come uninvited.
Some people had strange expressions.
They all knew more or less some old stories of True Profound Sect, understanding that True Profound Daoist Lord had once had a conflict with a Buddha, and it was even more impossible for him to have any ties with the Buddhist Sect. Great Awakening Temple was vaguely the head of the Buddhist Sect.
What play was being acted out right now?
One gaze after another followed that majestic voice. Ning Qi was no exception. His eyes flickered slightly, knowing that today’s events were probably not simple, because the usually sloppy White Mountain Old Daoist actually showed a rare trace of seriousness.
“Amitabha, greetings to fellow Daoists. This old monk came uninvited, please forgive me!”
What came into view.
A group of monks wearing golden-red kasaya and barefooted approached. Each one stared straight ahead, head lowered reciting Buddhist Chants. Their sacred appearance aura made people’s hearts shudder.
The one who spoke was the leading old monk.
Some had already recognized his identity: the abbot of Great Awakening Temple, Master Miaokong. This person’s strength was extremely impressive, even stronger than White Elephant True Person by a notch.
White Elephant True Person smiled on his face, but his eyes showed no fluctuation:
“It turns out to be Master Miaokong. I wonder what matter brings Master to this humble place?”
Master Miaokong had kind eyebrows and benevolent eyes, smiling as he said:
“Naturally, to celebrate your sect’s White Mountain True Person ascending to the Heavenly Human Realm!”
White Elephant True Person burst into laughter.
“Guests are to be welcomed. Since that’s the case, please take seats, Masters. I wonder what congratulatory gift you have brought. Please let fellow Daoists have a look.”
The two exchanged smiling words, but everyone heard the hidden gunpowder taste.
The host didn’t act like a host, the guests didn’t act like guests.
Master Miaokong still smiled.
“That’s exactly my intention.”
He chanted a Buddhist Chant, and immediately two young monks carried a ten-foot-tall object over. The object was covered with red cloth, making it unclear what was inside. The congregation’s gazes gradually turned curious.
With a swish, the red cloth was lifted.
Low exclamations of surprise immediately arose everywhere.
Master Miaokong’s voice remained majestic:
“By chance obtained a Heavenly Crane Tree, please have True Profound Sect’s True Persons appraise it.”
The True Profound Sect disciples, who had been steady as Mount Tai, now had ugly expressions. Several True Persons’ eyes showed hidden anger.
Ning Qi’s brows twitched, instantly understanding the reason.
In these two days following White Mountain Old Daoist, he had gained much knowledge and learned some secrets of True Profound Sect. The reason True Profound True Monarch had a big fight with that Buddha back then was the Heavenly Crane Tree. This Heavenly Crane Tree was named for its crane-like shape, bore one fruit every hundred years, and had considerable effects even on Martial Saints.
Later, during a certain generation of True Profound Sect, it was stolen by a traitor. Unexpectedly, it now appeared in the hands of Great Awakening Temple’s monks.
However.
This Heavenly Crane Tree was now completely withered of vitality, shriveled beyond recognition.
This was undoubtedly slapping True Profound Sect in the face left and right.
It was just like insulting your wife and then displaying her broken body to the public.
White Elephant and the other three True Persons were all angry. They coldly stared at Master Miaokong. White Leaf True Person sneered:
“Back then, a traitor infiltrated our True Profound Sect and stole this sect-suppressing treasure, the Heavenly Crane Tree, after which it disappeared without a trace. Yet I never expected it was done by your Buddhist Sect people. Stealing is a great precept violation, yet your Buddhist Sect is strict with others but lenient with yourselves!”
White River True Person was even more direct and impolite in scolding:
“I was wondering why you bald donkeys came uninvited. Sure enough, no good intentions. If you don’t give an explanation for today’s matter, don’t think about going down the mountain!”
He didn’t need to consider the Sect Leader’s demeanor, so he spoke his mind directly.
Words just fallen.
True Profound Sect disciples one by one had stern expressions, auras surging, surrounding the Great Awakening Temple group.
But the many monks remained unruffled. Master Miaokong clasped his hands and said:
“Fellow True Persons are probably misunderstanding. This Heavenly Crane Tree was also obtained by chance by our Great Awakening Temple. It was already in this state when we just got it. Thinking that this Heavenly Crane Tree seems to have origins with your sect, we delivered it right to the door.”
“If True Persons dislike it, this poor monk can destroy the tree right now as atonement.”
He said so.
Without the slightest hesitation, he raised his palm to strike. Golden Light bloomed in his palm, and faintly, the sound of Vedic chants could be heard.
“You bald donkey, you dare!”
White Elephant True Person glared furiously. The old Daoist had always tried to maintain demeanor, but seeing Master Miaokong about to destroy the Heavenly Crane Tree, he could no longer hold back. The Heavenly Crane Tree was withered of vitality, but now with the True Monarch’s return, perhaps there were heaven-shaking methods to restore it. How could he allow Master Miaokong to damage it.
He flung his fly whisk, like an elephant trunk rushing to the sky, rolling toward Master Miaokong.
Boom!
With a booming sound, White Elephant True Person had already begun clashing with Master Miaokong.
Heaven and Earth Power erupted.
White Elephant True Person and Master Miaokong stood opposite, competing in foundation, while that Heavenly Crane Tree became the medium of their clash. If not careful, the Heavenly Crane Tree would end up as powder.
But it was clearly visible.
White Elephant True Person was still a notch below Master Miaokong. Master Miaokong still had spare energy, but White Elephant True Person’s Daoist Robe was billowing like a drum, white hair and beard flying.
Seeing this.
White River True Person and White Leaf True Person both stepped forward, finally stabilizing the situation.
The congregation was all shocked.
Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, it had become tense with swords drawn. The originally fine Heavenly Human Ceremony was about to reach the most anticipated sermon segment, yet such a change occurred.
The invited people present were basically close to True Profound Sect. Seeing this situation, they hesitated somewhat.
Dragon Mountain Daoist immediately stood up. He instinctively wanted to help, but felt it somewhat inappropriate.
After all, this was True Profound Sect’s home ground now. Being provoked like this by Great Awakening Temple, if they needed outsiders’ assistance to suppress it, in some sense, it would damage their prestige.
The others more or less had this consideration too.
After all, True Profound Sect still had a newly advanced Heavenly Human who hadn’t acted.
Some looked toward White Mountain Old Daoist, only to see him not paying attention here at all, instead looking at the other monks, as if searching for something.
At this time, White Mountain Old Daoist was completely different from usual, divine light seeming to bloom in his eyes, filled with majesty.
Suddenly.
His gaze fell on a seemingly ordinary young monk among the Great Awakening Temple monks, a cold smile lifting at the corner of his mouth:
“Treasure Tree, after so many years, you still like playing these little tricks.”
The congregation was all baffled.
No monk responded.
Ning Qi’s brows twitched. Following White Mountain Old Daoist’s gaze, he carefully explored and discovered there was actually one person among them he couldn’t see through. His heart shook. Connecting before and after, he vaguely understood something. Looking at White Mountain Old Daoist again, he even had a guess about White Mountain Old Daoist’s identity.
His heart trembled, a trace of incredulity in his eyes, then gradually excitement.
If the guess was true, then this trip was truly worthwhile!
The originally somewhat lazy Ning Qi now focused completely.
Seeing no response, White Mountain Old Daoist slowly rose into the air, then slowly lifted his right hand. In an instant, wind and clouds changed. All Heavenly Human Realm experts present felt immense pressure, not excepting even the several Heavenly Human Realm Experts. They looked at White Mountain Old Daoist in shock, somewhat incredulous.
Only to see White Mountain Old Daoist’s palm seeming to have an Immortal Palace floating and sinking.
Just slowly pressing toward Master Miaokong already compressed that Buddhist golden light to the extreme. Before White Mountain Old Daoist, he was like a child, without any power to resist.
White Elephant True Person and the other three all consciously stopped, respectfully landing behind White Mountain Old Daoist, eyes full of thick admiration and excitement.
The congregation was dumbfounded.
The newly advanced White Mountain True Person was actually True Profound Sect’s strongest?
Master Miaokong’s expression changed drastically, panicked and uneasy. He wanted to speak but couldn’t.
At this moment.
A Buddhist Chant voice that seemed to ring in everyone’s heart arose naturally, as if all beings could hear it. The voice was majestic yet without any sense of oppression, instead involuntarily arousing respect.
“Amitabha, True Profound, bullying the weak with strength, only you could do such a thing.”
After that ordinary young monk opened his eyes, his entire demeanor changed.
Those eyes seemed to hold the vicissitudes of the world, having witnessed changes over millennia. No external thing could shake his will anymore.
He walked slowly forward. Master Miaokong immediately had a chance to breathe, hurriedly retreating behind the young monk in shock, incessantly chanting Buddhist Chants.
Hearing the two words “True Profound,” a sharp glint flashed in Ning Qi’s eyes, increasingly certain.
White Mountain Old Daoist slowly stopped his hand. He chuckled:
“Me bullying the weak with strength? Treasure Tree, you old bald donkey, after so many years, you’re still so shameless! Like hiding your head but showing your tail, very petty. Looks like after so many years, you haven’t improved at all.”
He was relaxed and at ease, beckoning the Heavenly Crane Tree over with one hand, examining it closely, then sneering:
“You petty bald donkey, back then wasn’t it just robbing one tree? Worth holding a grudge for so long? Even specially robbing it back to disgust this Daoist. You old bald donkey probably didn’t know, I placed a restriction on this Heavenly Crane Tree back then. Even if you took it, it was useless. Must have been empty joy back then.”
“However, did you think the Heavenly Crane Tree was dead? Wait for this old Daoist to casually use some methods later, and it can naturally live again. I even have to thank you for delivering it back.”
He bared his big yellow teeth, grinning very sleazily, with an infuriating look.
Treasure Tree Buddha immediately fell silent.
Originally wanting to disgust True Profound Daoist Lord, but ended up disgusted himself. He sighed and said:
“True Profound, why do you so maliciously guess my intentions? It’s just that after many years without seeing, coming to see an old friend. In these long ages, who knows how many old friends are left to meet. You and I’s past minor conflicts are but clouds among the mountains, laugh them off.”
The two conversed casually, like old friends teasing each other.
Or like reminiscing about the past.
But True Profound Mountain was already deathly silent.
Those present weren’t fools.
From White Elephant True Person and others’ attitudes, it could be seen. Combined with White Mountain Old Daoist and this Treasure Tree Master’s conversation, many had already guessed their identities.
In other words, this White Mountain True Person was actually the rumored ancestor of True Profound Sect, True Profound True Monarch!
And the one opposite was the Treasure Tree Buddha who was rumored to have conflicted with True Profound True Monarch back then!
But precisely because they guessed, it made the congregation even more at a loss, horrified in their hearts.
After all, these two were figures from who knows how many years ago. How could they reappear in the world?
Such an unbelievable event made everyone feel like they were in a dream. Even many secretly pinched their thighs, grimacing in pain but not daring to make a sound. Even True Profound Sect disciples were dumbfounded. They previously had no idea of White Mountain Daoist’s true identity.
Ning Qi’s breathing was somewhat unsteady.
These two in front of him were actually the rumored Martial Saint level experts!
The Martial Saint path he had bitterly pursued was right now with two living fossils standing before him.
“Martial Saint Realm experts can live through such long ages? Absolutely impossible! From their words, it seems both extended to now through some method, and this method even has risks. Some Martial Saint Realm experts completely perished!”
“But… what was their purpose in doing so? What relation does it have to the heaven and earth changes back then?”
Ning Qi had question after question in his heart.
He held his breath in anticipation.
Feeling that coming to True Profound Mountain after being idle truly wasn’t a loss.
The congregation all stared unblinkingly at the two peerless experts.
Treasure Tree Buddha walked slowly forward. His body was already covered in golden light. His originally ordinary face was exceptionally sacred appearance. He clasped hands as if relieved:
“I thought old friend True Profound you hadn’t awakened, so I came specially to see. Now knowing old friend is safe and sound, this poor monk is greatly comforted.”
White Mountain Daoist said indifferently:
“Now this old Daoist is named White Mountain. True Profound is already passing clouds and smoke. You and I living to now, through ups and downs, are no longer the people from back then. Must recognize reality and look forward.”
Treasure Tree Buddha was silent for a moment.
Then shook his head:
“Seeing mountain not mountain, seeing mountain still mountain. You are still you, I am still me. Old friend, why be like this? Long ages still can’t erode you and I’s resolve.”
Ning Qi pondered thoughtfully.
White Mountain Old Daoist waved casually:
“Exactly how, you know best in your heart. Wanting to evade is your business, has nothing to do with me. If you have something to say, spit it out quickly. For the sake of you returning the Heavenly Crane Tree this time, I won’t beat you. Get lost down the mountain yourself, don’t delay this Daoist’s Heavenly Human Ceremony.”
He was already somewhat impatient.
Never expected the long-awaited old friend to be this old bald donkey. Quite spoiling the mood.
Treasure Tree Buddha softly recited a Buddhist Chant. He sat cross-legged in the void, a Golden Lotus blooming beneath him, making him even more divine.
“Coming today is to deliver a great opportunity to old friend.”
White Mountain Old Daoist just sneered.
He didn’t believe a single word. Back then, even one Heavenly Crane Tree made him red-faced and furious. And now a great opportunity, for him?
Treasure Tree Buddha murmured:
“Old friend, have you forgotten the Pact of the Saints? You’ve endured through the ages, isn’t it for this matter?”
Pact of the Saints!
The congregation was all shaken by these four short words, as if seeing a majestic and grand scroll painting slowly unfolding.
White Mountain Old Daoist stared intently:
“So what?”
“Since it is, why not assist each other. With you and I’s abilities, we can surely seize the opportunity.” Treasure Tree Buddha said very seriously.
But White Mountain Old Daoist laughed, doubling over, laughing wildly, laughing so much that Treasure Tree Buddha gradually frowned.
“Old friend, why laugh?”
White Mountain Old Daoist stood with hands behind back, indescribably at ease:
“You are not worthy.”
