Chapter 348: Elucidating the Two Teachings in the Central Continent, Ling Mountain Sits Alone with Hidden Worries

"Senior Brother~"

White clouds slowly dissipated as a young woman in a light green silk dress floated through the forest breeze, landing gracefully before the alchemy room door.

Li Changshou was lying on a rocking chair, leisurely fanning himself with a cattail fan, his eyes slightly narrowed in serene contentment.

Ling'e blinked, about to ask her Senior Brother if he had received good news, when a voice transmission entered her mind:

"Just in case, from now on, don't even think about anything I do outside the sect's gate. Our current adversaries are quite shameless and possess the ability to read minds. Your cultivation is too low, so any stray thought might be overheard. Although our true identities haven't been exposed yet, the risk of exposure is now at three to four per thousand, so we must be extremely cautious."

Not even think about it? That seems incredibly difficult to do.

Hmm, so Senior Brother means... the Heavenly Immortal realm is considered 'too low a cultivation'?

"Oh," Ling'e obediently replied, then walked a few steps with her hands clasped behind her back, asking via voice transmission, "Then, Senior Brother, what if I can't help but think about these things?"

"Then go to the secret chamber beneath the alchemy room," Li Changshou instructed via voice transmission. "I've just set up an array around it to conceal heavenly secrets."

Ling'e asked in surprise, "Can I just enter it freely?"

Li Changshou smiled, saying nothing, his eyes narrowed as he slowly fanned himself.

Ling'e secretly made a face, then fetched a cushion from inside the alchemy room. She sat cross-legged, meditating just beyond the doorway, a slight separation from her Senior Brother. Her blue and white skirt fanned around her, like a lotus flower slowly unfurling. Her beautiful hair fell both in front and behind her, the ends gently swaying with the breeze.

A few moments later...

Ling'e, employing a technique passed down through generations, transmitted her voice directly to him: "Senior Brother, are you suddenly free today?"

"Free?"

Li Changshou gestured with his left hand, and a purple clay teapot flew from the alchemy room to his lips, where he took two sips. "If I were truly free, why would I be sunbathing here? I'd be refining elixirs already. This is merely the calm before the storm. I must remain still and await further developments. Do you realize my mind is currently overseeing Kunlun's Jade Void Palace from afar, then observing the Heavenly Court's Lingxiao Palace, not forgetting Golden Ao Island in the South Sea, and occasionally diving underground to visit the Netherworld? I'm quite busy."

Ling'e exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Brother, you can even compose poetry now!"

Li Changshou was speechless.

"Hush, your Senior Brother is occupied with important matters."

"Hmph!"

Ling'e secretly made a face beside him. Li Changshou turned his head and gave her a look, and Ling'e instantly resumed her upright posture, swiftly entering meditation.

Li Changshou smiled. Just as he was about to project his mind to Yellow Dragon Daoist's sleeve within Kunlun Mountain's Jade Void Palace, his immortal sense suddenly detected two familiar graceful figures flying from Potian Peak, rushing towards the sect's gate. Yuqin Xuanya, who had just departed from Little Qiong Peak, appeared to have an urgent matter, as she flew out of the sect's gate alongside her master, Jiang Jingshan. Immediately afterward, two elders and three sect stewards also flew from Potian Peak, joining Yuqin Xuanya and her master outside the sect's gate before collectively riding clouds southwards.

Li Changshou was also somewhat perplexed, unsure of what exactly had transpired. However, at that moment, he was preoccupied with the four-way struggle involving the Chan, Jie, Western, and Heavenly teachings, leaving him unable to devote much attention to his fellow disciples and friends. He would inquire about it later.

Li Changshou calmed his mind and focused, his consciousness returning to the paper effigy hidden in Yellow Dragon True Person's sleeve.

Yellow Dragon True Person had been back in the Jade Void Palace for several hours. He was restless, pacing back and forth within his meditation hall and even knocking over two cherished vases. This earnest dragon of the Chan Teaching had grumbled six times, gritted his teeth repeatedly, and stomped his foot countless times, vividly demonstrating the adage: 'the more you endure, the angrier you become; the more you concede, the more you feel wronged.'

Meanwhile, Li Changshou continuously transmitted instructions:

"You need to attract attention, convey that feeling of desperately wanting to confide, yet being too reserved to initiate it. That's the most authentic approach..."

"Emotional expression typically involves revealing one part and concealing nine. That one revealed part shouldn't aim to move others; it should stem from your inner self, your true self... simply shouting loudly is ineffective; eye contact is crucial."

Although Yellow Dragon True Person found the Water God's instructions a bit overly meticulous, upon careful consideration, he realized they held considerable merit.

Eventually, the restless Yellow Dragon attracted the attention of his fellow disciples. The first to arrive was Chi Jingzi, ranked second among the Twelve Golden Immortals. This elder Daoist, dressed in a brown robe, appeared even thinner than before. Entering Yellow Dragon True Person's hall, with a touch of doubt in his eyes, he asked: "Junior Brother, what troubles you?"

Yellow Dragon True Person stood with his hands behind his back, sighed deeply while looking up, his lips trembling slightly. He tried to look at Chi Jingzi but quickly averted his gaze, his eyes glistening.

Li Changshou thought: *That's too much, Master Yellow, you're overacting!*

Seeing this, Chi Jingzi quickly said, "Is this about what you heard regarding the East Sea's Sea Eye? You were in secluded cultivation, so there's no need to blame yourself or be harsh on yourself."

As soon as these words were spoken, Yellow Dragon True Person's face registered shame, his emotions flowing so naturally that they reached a state where 'truth and falsehood were indistinguishable.'

"Sigh!" Yellow Dragon True Person sighed despondently, "I couldn't help the Dragon Clan; I already feel I've betrayed my lineage. And today, I was again insulted by those Senior and Junior Brothers from the Jie Teaching. How stifled I feel!"

"What is this about?" Chi Jingzi quickly stepped forward and stated sternly, "They insulted you? What does the Dragon Clan affair have to do with the Jie Teaching!"

"It's not about the Dragon Clan... Sigh!"

"Junior Brother Yellow Dragon, please explain in detail. If the Jie Teaching has truly gone too far, we must seek an explanation from them!"

At once, Yellow Dragon True Person sighed and briefly recounted how he had gone to Luofu Cave to find Zhao Gongming, only to encounter Holy Mother Huling. He then explained how rumors about Huling and Zhao Gongming were spreading across the Five Continents, being widely discussed with relish. "They blamed me for this without distinguishing right from wrong! Since returning from Luofu Cave, I've simply been cultivating in my hall. I haven't done anything wrong! I haven't uttered a single misplaced word! I explained myself to them, but they stubbornly refused to believe me and even forced me to make a Grand Dao oath, I! I!"

Chi Jingzi glared, "Junior Brother, did you take the oath?"

"I... I did..."

"This is outrageous!" Chi Jingzi cursed, "We are all disciples of Saints, cultivating similar divine abilities and methods. Why are they so aggressive? If the Jie Teaching doesn't trust our Chan Teaching, why do they speak of the 'Three Teachings being one family'? Junior Brother, go find our Senior Grand Brother and report this matter! After I summon all our Senior and Junior Brothers who aren't in secluded cultivation, we will seek an explanation from them and ensure they apologize to you! Hmph!"

With that, Chi Jingzi turned and strode away, filled with righteous indignation.

Yellow Dragon True Person felt a pang of guilt and asked Li Changshou via voice transmission: "Is this... all right?"

Li Changshou smiled, "Follow the script. The more indignant they are now, the more moved they'll be later... Later, when you meet Senior Brother Guangchengzi, you must still report everything in detail. Securing Senior Brother Guangchengzi's cooperation is the most crucial step."

"Sigh," Yellow Dragon True Person stood up and, as advised by Chi Jingzi, headed towards the Golden Hall of the Jade Void Palace.

On the Chan Teaching's side, matters progressed quite smoothly. When Guangchengzi learned that this scheme had been formulated with the Grand Master and Daoist Duobao, and then heard Yellow Dragon Daoist elaborate on its numerous benefits, this immortal, known for striking the golden bell in the Jade Void Palace, pondered for a moment before finally nodding in agreement. After Chi Jingzi gathered many prominent figures of the Chan Teaching—True Person Yuding, True Person Taiyi, Ju Liusun, Manjusri Guangfa Heavenly Venerate, Lingbao Grand Master, and Daoxing Heavenly Venerate—Guangchengzi gave the order, and all the Chan Teaching immortals collectively departed from the Jade Void Palace.

Just as the Chan Teaching immortals were about to confront the Jie Teaching, a soft sigh came from behind them. It was Daoist Randeng, swiftly floating on a cloud, who asked them why they were venturing out. Guangchengzi initially ignored him, but one of the Twelve Golden Immortals, of short stature and honest appearance, had already stepped forward. It was Ju Liusun.

Ju Liusun said, "Deputy Sect Master, you may not know, but Senior Brother Duobao of the Jie Teaching has gone too far, insulting Senior Brother Yellow Dragon. We cannot tolerate this and must seek an explanation from them."

"Oh?" Randeng frowned, "Our Chan Teaching has had disputes with their Jie Teaching for several eons. The Grand Assembly of the Three Teachings felt like only yesterday, and the Jie Teaching is already so impatient! The Jie Teaching boasts ten thousand immortals, a vast and powerful multitude. Today, this humble Daoist will accompany you to see what schemes they might employ!"

The instigator had arrived. Fortunately, Randeng's appearance was already anticipated by Li Changshou. In the back hall of the Sea God Temple, Li Changshou, secretly conducting a preliminary personality analysis of the Chan Teaching's Twelve Golden Immortals, curled his lips and jotted down a small note:

'Lamp, ding ding ding ding.'

At once, the Chan Teaching mobilized most of its Twelve Golden Immortals, one Deputy Sect Master, and over a hundred cultivating immortals from the Jade Void Palace, heading grandly towards the southeast. As soon as the immortals reached the central region of the Middle Divine Continent, several of the higher-cultivation Twelve Golden Immortals frowned, exchanged voice transmissions, and collectively gazed southeastward. There, a large expanse of white clouds carrying hundreds of immortals was approaching them!

Among these hundreds of immortals, the foremost was a slightly plump Daoist in brocade robes – the one rumored to burrow through piles of treasures... *Ahem*, just rumors, rumors. It was none other than Daoist Duobao, the Jie Teaching's Senior Grand Brother and the most beloved disciple of Sect Master Tongtian! To Daoist Duobao's left, two goddesses were particularly eye-catching. One had a tall, slender figure, a pale pink bodice, and a swan-like neck, her strapless gown shimmering with golden light, and her hair ornaments equally resplendent. This was Holy Mother Jinling, one of the four core disciples. Holy Mother Jinling's power was firmly among the top five in the Jie Teaching. Aside from Daoist Duobao, who was considered the foremost immortal under Sect Master Tongtian of the Jie Teaching, the powers of the four great beings—Holy Mother Jinling, Fairy Yunxiao, Zhao Gongming, and Great Immortal Wuyun—were quite similar, making it difficult to discern any clear superiority among them. However, in actual combat, Great Immortal Wuyun would be at a disadvantage, lacking significant protective treasures. Next to Holy Mother Jinling was Holy Mother Guiling, recognizable by her green dress, green hair, and green eyes. These three core disciples, along with Zhao Gongming standing to Daoist Duobao's right, and followed by the Ten Heavenly Monarchs of Golden Ao Island, the Four Minor Sages of Nine Dragon Island, and others, truly formed a gathering of masters!

These two factions of immortals met in the clouds, facing each other from a distance, and by mutual understanding, halted their cloud-borne advance. Looking northwest, divine light shimmered and immortal aura swirled. The Chan Teaching immortals, led by Guangchengzi, wore solemn expressions, most appearing dignified and imposing. Looking southeast, brilliant light gleamed and ethereal mist coiled. The Jie Teaching immortals, with Daoist Duobao at their core, exuded a sharp aura, and the numerous female immortals among them added even more vibrancy to the scene.

The two sides met across a thousand li, and these two masses of white clouds instantly exuded intense pressure! Instantly, the wind ceased, clouds stilled, and the sun seemed to dim. Many immortals from both teachings, positioned further back and with lower cultivation, felt their primordial spirits tremble slightly and found it hard to breathe. The two sides seemed to share an unspoken understanding; neither offered greetings nor spoke a word. Daoist Duobao and Guangchengzi both displayed anger in their eyes. Immortals from both sides prepared for combat!

Meanwhile, in the hallowed land of Spirit Mountain.

Dozens of elder Daoists gathered beside a treasure pond. Two of them cast the Cloud Mirror technique, observing the unfolding scene from a distance. The Jie Teaching and Chan Teaching were on the verge of conflict, an unforeseen and delightfully surprising development for them. The relationship between the Western Sect and the Daoist sects was one of inverse proportion; for the Western Sect to prosper, the Daoist sects must decline. From ancient times until now, they had secretly orchestrated numerous events, yet such a situation had only arisen two or three times, and each time both sides had exercised restraint and retreated. Unexpectedly, now, without any intervention from them, both sides had reached the precipice of a major conflict.

Heaven's blessing; the West shall prosper!

In a corner unnoticed by these elder Daoists, the divine beast Di Ting was meticulously relaying the unfolding events to the young Daoist seated cross-legged beside it. The young Daoist's expression at that moment was incredibly somber.

Why... He had deduced hundreds of possible outcomes for the rumor scheme, yet what was happening now was precisely the least probable result? The conflicts between the Jie and Chan Teachings were provoked by such a trivial matter? Through the divine beast Di Ting's ability, the young Daoist had witnessed the entire cause and effect. From the moment Yellow Dragon True Person indignantly left Luofu Palace, the young Daoist understood that his small scheme had already played a significant role. Being able to sow discord between the Jie Teaching and Chan Teaching made him satisfied, but he was not complacent. Such discord, if accumulated sufficiently, would eventually erupt. And he, having only done this small part, would not incur too much karma. He was merely a snowflake in an avalanche; while not innocent, the karmic backlash wouldn't be too severe.

However, the subsequent developments were entirely beyond his expectations. On the Jie Teaching's Golden Ao Island, Holy Mother Huling proved so resolute that she silently drew her sword, ready to end her own life, causing all the immortals on Golden Ao Island to tremble. In the Jade Void Palace, Yellow Dragon True Person grew angrier the more he dwelled on it, even smashing two precious vases!

—Di Ting couldn't directly hear Yellow Dragon True Person's thoughts, but it could hear the discussions of some lower-cultivation disciples in the Jade Void Palace.

At this point, Di Ting and its master Ksitigarbha still had no idea what was about to transpire. It wasn't until immortals from both sides set off, Randeng of the Chan Teaching appeared, and Holy Mother Jinling and Holy Mother Guiling of the Jie Teaching manifested, with both sides barely suppressing their rage, that it became clear the arrow was on the string and had to be loosed. The entire process unfolded with great speed, leaving Ksitigarbha no opportunity to intervene.

Ksitigarbha sighed inwardly, his eyes reflecting a mix of bewilderment and helplessness, which quickly transformed into unwillingness. He whispered: "I've been outmaneuvered."

"Why?" Di Ting asked via voice transmission. "Isn't this what Master intended?"

Ksitigarbha sighed via voice transmission, "No, this is not the situation I desired. What I sought was a gradual approach, a steady accumulation, not such an immediate escalation! Someone must be secretly plotting, using the rumors I spread. If the two teachings clash heavily today and even one Saint's disciple is harmed or killed, it will undoubtedly alarm the Saints. A Saint's deduction is unstoppable. I will surely be cast out to appease the Daoist sects' wrath."

Ksitigarbha's eyes narrowed as thought after thought raced through his mind. Although he was seated on Spirit Mountain, the oppressive aura of the immortals from both teachings felt like a towering mountain pressing down on his back.

Di Ting asked, "Can it not be undone?"

A trickle of cold sweat beaded on Ksitigarbha's forehead. He replied via voice transmission, "It cannot be undone. A rumor, once set loose, becomes uncontrollable. My original plan was a minor scheme, but I've been turned into a shield. I launched a covert scheme, and that person countered with an overt one. My opponent is killing three birds with one stone, and has also targeted me, the initial aggressor. The only solution is for me to rush there now and persuade the immortals of both teachings. While this would protect me, it would also incur my master's wrath... Trapped in a dilemma, it's better to remain still and observe, reserving my schemes for later developments."

The divine beast Di Ting shifted its head, "I told you earlier, don't use such low-level tactics."

"Sigh... To think there was a master behind the scenes who took over; that truly was something I hadn't foreseen."

A master?

Ksitigarbha turned his head to look at the back of Spirit Mountain, a place surrounded by golden light, a hint of surprise and doubt flashing in his eyes. To be able to influence Yellow Dragon True Person and Holy Mother Huling in such a short time and completely escalate this matter... If analyzed from the perspective of the beneficiaries, or judged by the capabilities of the one who acted...

'Master, perhaps in your eyes, I am merely a disposable pawn, just like Golden Cicada...'

The young Daoist closed his eyes and sighed softly, weighing his options, but could only remain motionless.

The divine beast Di Ting suddenly asked, "Could it be that the Daoist sects are deliberately putting on a show?"

The young Daoist frowned in thought, then quickly shook his head with a bitter smile. "So many Saint disciples... could they merely be trying to scare me? At this point, I can only quietly await what happens next, hoping they don't engage in combat. The waters of the Daoist sects are truly too perilous to navigate."