Chapter 2741: Invitation for Miaode to Take Action (No More for Today)

Xuanguang Continent was the territory of foreign races, and the human race only had a few Integration cultivators residing there. Ye Xuanji had stated that a fortuitous encounter awaited her on Xuanguang Continent, and she had already obtained it. Yet, she remained there, which left Shangguan Tianhong utterly perplexed.

In the past, Shangguan Tianhong would not have dared to ask such a question. However, after many years of interaction, he had come to understand Ye Xuanji's temperament. When Ye Xuanji was in a good mood, he could speak freely, but if she was in a bad mood, he would absolutely not utter a sound. Now that Ye Xuanji was in good spirits, Shangguan Tianhong ventured to ask his question.

"I need to collect materials to refine some treasures," Ye Xuanji explained. "These materials are more abundant on Xuanguang Continent and scarce elsewhere. Don't ask about this again in the future. You know how I treat you; with your aptitude, I can easily help you advance to the Integration stage."

Ye Xuanji's tone was flat, as if she were discussing a trivial matter.

"My Lady is like a parent reborn to your subordinate," Shangguan Tianhong immediately declared his loyalty. "I would gladly sacrifice my life and limb." Working for Ye Xuanji meant he never had to worry about cultivation resources; he had access to techniques, treasures, and elixirs whenever he needed them. Even if besieged by Integration cultivators, Ye Xuanji could lead him to break through the encirclement. If he were to leave Ye Xuanji, where would he find such a powerful patron?

A yellow light flew in, landing on the ground and revealing a burly young man in yellow robes. A pair of yellow dragon horns protruded from his head. This was Ye Jiao. Ye Xuanji had subdued a sixth-tier flood dragon and acquired a 50,000-year-old Nine-Radiance Glazed Ganoderma. After consuming it, the sixth-tier flood dragon was able to transform into human form. Ye Jiao's ability to transform into human form was largely due to the purity of its own bloodline. The Nine-Radiance Glazed Ganoderma merely accelerated the process; it wasn't the case that any sixth-tier spirit beast could achieve human form simply by consuming a 50,000-year-old Nine-Radiance Glazed Ganoderma. The outcome depended on the spirit beast's bloodline purity.

"My Lady," Ye Jiao reported truthfully, "the materials you requested have been found, but they are guarded by two seventh-tier Golden-winged Wind Rocs."

"Just two seventh-tier Golden-winged Wind Rocs," Ye Xuanji commanded. "Lead the way! If they're sensible, they'll acknowledge me as their master; otherwise, kill them."

Ye Xuanji ordered, then summoned a shimmering golden flying boat. They stepped onto the golden flying boat. With a hand seal from Ye Xuanji, the boat glowed brightly, flew out of the cave, and vanished into the horizon.

***

The Heavenly Buddha Mountain Range, located in the central part of Xuanyuan Continent, was home to the Heavenly Buddha Sect. The Heavenly Buddha Sect was one of the few Buddhist sects on Xuanyuan Continent. Deep within the Heavenly Buddha Mountain Range, a majestic peak rose towering into the clouds, seeming to connect heaven and earth. On the mountain stood a magnificent golden temple. Above its entrance, a plaque bore the three large silver characters "Heavenly Buddha Temple," and solemn chants drifted from within.

Inside the Heavenly Buddha Temple, Master Miaode was conversing with an elderly monk in green robes, whose complexion was slightly pale. The Heavenly Buddha Sect and the Heavenly Buddha Gate actually originated from the same lineage. Years ago, due to certain incidents, several Integration elders from the Heavenly Buddha Gate left Xuanguang Continent, traveled to Xuanyuan Continent to propagate Buddhist teachings, and established the Heavenly Buddha Temple. However, few outsiders were aware of this history. After years of development, the Heavenly Buddha Temple flourished, boasting tens of thousands of disciples.

"Martial Uncle Miaode," the green-robed monk said gratefully, "thanks to the formation talisman you bestowed, otherwise this disciple would have perished under the Great Heavenly Tribulation." This was Zen Master Bensen, also an Integration cultivator. However, according to the Buddhist lineage's seniority, Master Miaode was one generation senior to him, so Bensen had to address him as Martial Uncle.

"We are one family, no need for formalities," Master Miaode replied. "I could only help you this far. For your next Great Heavenly Tribulation, I will be powerless to assist." Master Miaode clasped his hands together.

Just then, Monk Yuankong entered, clasped his hands together, and said, "Master, True Monarch Taihao and his wife are visiting. They have come specifically to see you." After Wang Changsheng advanced to the Integration stage, his reputation spread. However, the title "Azure Lotus Immortals" was known only to a select few cultivators.

"True Monarch Taihao!" Master Miaode exclaimed. "Please escort them to the main hall; I will be there shortly." Monk Yuankong acknowledged and turned to leave.

"Nephew Bensen, please rest and recover well," Master Miaode instructed, then rose to leave. "I am going to meet two acquaintances."

In a magnificent palace, a golden Buddha statue, over ten zhang tall, stood inside the hall. Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, and Monk Yuanxiao were conversing. Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan had rushed over immediately upon learning that Master Miaode was still at the Heavenly Buddha Sect.

"Senior Wang, rest assured," Monk Yuanxiao said sincerely. "Monks do not lie. This humble monk has not mentioned a single word of what I promised you to anyone else, including my master."

Wang Changsheng nodded. In the past, he might not have fully believed it, but having witnessed Master Miaode's character, he now believed it, embodying the saying, "Like master, like disciple."

Master Miaode walked in, his face calm and placid. "Fellow Daoist Wang, long time no see," Master Miaode said, clasping his hands together. "Amitabha."

"Master Miaode," Wang Changsheng said sincerely, "we've received news that an Integration-stage ghostly entity in the Myriad Spirit Abyss has harmed many human cultivators. I would like to invite you to join me in eliminating it. This is a small token of my sincerity. Afterward, the ghostly entity's Yin Pearl will be mine. How does that sound?"

Wang Ruyan took out an exquisite red jade box. She opened the lid, revealing a pair of brightly colored agate stones and a pair of red corals. These agate stones and fire corals were excellent materials for refining Buddhist treasures, brought out by Wang Chuanming from the Mystic Spirit Grotto-heaven. As Master Miaode was a Buddhist cultivator, ordinary items might not impress him.

"Eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path is the responsibility of cultivators of our generation," Master Miaode replied. "Even if Fellow Daoist Wang didn't offer anything, this humble monk would still be willing to make the trip with you. As for the agate stones and fire corals, I will exchange them for a Yin Pearl left behind by an Integration-stage ghostly entity." Master Miaode took out a palm-sized golden jade box and handed it to Wang Changsheng.

"The Yin Pearl from that Integration-stage ghostly entity?" Wang Changsheng asked, looking hesitant.

"It can be given to Fellow Daoist Wang," Master Miaode said kindly, "but how about Fellow Daoist Wang offers something in exchange?" Master Miaode spoke kindly. If, according to Wang Changsheng's original suggestion, he had acted to eliminate the Integration-stage ghostly entity solely for the agate stones and fire corals, it would have constituted a transgression of the precept against greed. While others might not see an issue, Master Miaode would not accept such a premise, as it was a matter of principle for him. Put another way, Master Miaode could both obtain the agate stones and fire corals and eliminate the ghostly entity without violating his precepts.

Of course, whether something violated a precept depended on the individual; there was no standard measuring stick. Some Buddhist cultivators might not consider this a transgression, while others might. Ultimately, it depended on one's personal standards. Those with high standards would be stricter with themselves, while those with lower standards would be more lenient. Demonic cultivators who considered killing and seizing treasures to be natural would not develop inner demons. However, if a demonic cultivator believed that such actions were wrong, inner demons would naturally arise.

Wang Changsheng was slightly taken aback. Master Miaode's phrasing didn't prevent him from obtaining the Integration-stage ghostly cultivator's Yin Pearl; perhaps speaking this way allowed Master Miaode to feel more at peace. "No problem, it's settled then," Wang Changsheng agreed.

Master Miaode nodded, gave a few instructions, then followed Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan out of the Heavenly Buddha Temple.