Chapter 1088: Five Virtues, Five Manifestations

Mount Dayang.

The rolling mountains were adorned in blue and gold. The blue came from the lush, diverse foliage of the trees, while the gold was from the dazzling, infinitely glorious golden halls. Colossal statues stood tall among the peaks, completing a truly magnificent scene.

“The nation of Great Zhao is plagued by courtly chaos and a breakdown of internal and external order. Its rulers no longer rule, and its ministers no longer serve. Its territories are ravaged. It cannot pacify the Yanliao region, nor can it stabilize Monan or reclaim Longliang. Various princes contend for power. Even the recently recovered Jiangbei is merely a bargaining chip for the Immortals and Buddhists.”

“Across several generations of the Northern Dynasties, the Zhou dynasty, led by its kings, established the Chinese nation and revitalized the descendants of Xia; the Wei dynasty established an imperial lineage, pacified the east and west, and founded an Immortal Dynasty; while the Liang dynasty expanded its territory, controlled Monan and Mobai, and marched its armies to the North Sea. It is truly difficult to say who was superior. However, if one were to choose the most incompetent, then today's Great Zhao is undoubtedly number one.”

“Yet, here in the heartland of Great Zhao, the seat of this ancient state, there exists a land of peace and prosperity: my Great Mufa Realm!”

Inside the main hall, the black-robed monk held his palms together in a gesture of reverence, his expression serene. He performed a ritual gesture and took his seat. The monks below whispered among themselves in admiration. The black-robed monk simply kept his palms together, raised an eyebrow, and smiled.

“What the Immortals cannot govern, cannot comprehend, and cannot express—that is where our Buddhist path lies!”

All the Buddhist cultivators appeared to be deep in thought, when one person stepped forward from his seat. He had a benevolent face, wore a verdant monastic robe, and his expression was solemn as he asked:

“This humble cultivator has harbored a doubt for many years, one that I have never been able to resolve or dared to voice. Now that I have witnessed your esteemed virtue in expounding the Way, my heart is filled with respect, and I humbly dare to ask!”

Seeing the black-robed monk above nod, he continued:

“Esteemed Master, I dare to ask! There are heretics who slander our path, claiming the fundamental principles of the Buddhist Way lie in ‘receiving,’ ‘essence,’ and ‘position.’ They define ‘receiving’ as accumulation, ‘essence’ as splendor, and ‘position’ as the physical body, thus asserting that Buddhism is, in fact, merely a form of Immortality! How should we refute this?”

No sooner had these words been uttered than the mountains and forests trembled, tigers and leopards roared, and sounds of shattering fire prisons and clashing staffs echoed around them. The assembled cultivators erupted in an uproar, terrified by the rebellious nature of his question. The monk at the head of the hall, however, merely clapped his hands and sighed, saying:

“To conceive meaning from position is profoundly mistaken. What Immortals gain, we lose, and vice-versa; they are merely two sides of the same coin. Only the ignorant would debate Immortals versus Buddhists.”

He rose to his feet, speaking with composure:

“In ancient times, during the Daoist debates at Kongtong Sea, Immortals spoke of the Five Virtues and the Five Manifestations. The Five Virtues were horizontal, and the Five Manifestations were vertical. Their interweaving formed the warp and weft of Heaven and Earth—that is the Great Dao.”

His words were imbued with a powerful dharma spell, intended to enlighten the assembly. Indeed, they crashed into the courtyard like thunder and fire, seemingly triggering a shift in the cosmos. Continuous hail began to pelt the ground outside the hall, drawing the attention of all the Buddhist cultivators.

“Tianjue then said: ‘The Five Virtues are substance, and the Five Manifestations are void. Though the Five Virtues are lofty, they cannot transcend the Five Manifestations; one must conform to them, follow them, and integrate them. Thus, the Five Manifestations are the root of the Five Virtues, and the Five Virtues are the outer expression of the Five Manifestations. At their ultimate, the Five Virtues are reality and existence, while the Five Manifestations are void and emptiness. Our path lies within the Five Manifestations.’”

“This is the meaning of inner and outer!”

As he finished speaking, jade beads softly chimed, white deer galloped by, and snow fell across the four cardinal directions, revealing golden jade treasures beneath it, manifesting boundless splendor. The monk then continued:

“Thus, all thoughts and forms are ultimately empty. However, ordinary Buddhist cultivators cannot realize emptiness through emptiness. Therefore, deviant paths teach them to rely on offerings. To offer material forms to the aggregates of feeling, perception, volition, and consciousness—this is akin to using one emptiness to support four emptinesses, one nothingness to support four nothingnesses—in pursuit of ultimate emptiness, they seek a single point of truth, to be realized in the Sandalwood Grove. Yet this Sandalwood Grove is also emptiness!”

These words, like iron and stone, battered the golden stone floor, leaving it riddled with indentations. As they echoed, explicitly stating that even the Sandalwood Grove was empty, they caused all the cultivators to bleed from their ears and noses. The monk in the verdant monastic robe recoiled nine steps before collapsing to the ground!

A thunderous rumble! Immediately, thick black clouds appeared above the golden hall. A radiant auspicious light sought a path everywhere but was obstructed by the golden hall, unable to descend. It quickly turned away in disappointment, dissipating like the wind.

The Buddhist cultivator in verdant robes silently picked himself up, his heart filled with dread, thinking:

“What kind of being is this?!”

After a long while, the monks, who had been staggering, finally managed to stand, still feeling as if their bodies were weighed down by iron and stone, unable to move. Then, a long sigh was heard:

“Patriarch Kongshu… he is truly… a scholar of heaven and man! So generous and selfless!”

The one who sighed was none other than Maha Fachang of the Great Mufa Realm!

This individual had once maintained peace in Jiangbei for many years, but as conflicts between the north and south intensified, he was sent back to the Realm. Now cultivating within the Realm, his status was exceptionally high.

Yet even for someone of such exalted origin, upon hearing such a profound discourse, he couldn't help but feel a solemn awe. His mind seemed to be infinitely enlightened yet also clouded, rendering him speechless.

He stepped forward, the worry that had previously weighed on his brow now forgotten as his mind was filled with contemplation. He saw the black-robed monk above raise an eyebrow and smile:

“Fachang, what is it?”

This single question dispersed his mental block, bringing him back to the present reality and reminding him of his worries. Maha Fachang lowered his gaze and replied:

“Reporting, Patriarch… it’s news from the Great Desire Dao. Maha Liangli, Tian Langzhi, intends to recall Yaosa Chengmi!”

The black-robed monk clasped his hands together and smiled:

“That is to be expected… isn’t it?”

Fachang remained silent.

The matter was not complicated. Years ago, Chief Jiang was ordered south to Mount Dayuanguangyin, where he joined forces with Maha Liangli, Tian Langzhi, of the Great Desire Dao. The two reached a consensus: the Great Desire Dao would release Yaosa Chengmi to participate in the 'Wrath' affair.

However, this was not beneficial for the Great Desire Dao. Mount Dayang was deeply interested in the resurgence of 'Wrath' and was spearheading the effort. The person they were supporting was from Mount Dayang. If Yaosa Chengmi attained the Way, he would undoubtedly seek to break free from control and align with Mount Dayang. Why would he still obey the Great Desire Dao?

Tian Langzhi had feigned agreement, but at the crucial moment, he secretly sabotaged Chief Jiang, causing him to lose Mount Dayuanguangyin and, consequently, Mount Dayang to suffer a significant loss of prestige…

Chief Jiang and the others, burning with rage, would never let Yaosa Chengmi return!

‘It's likely another internal struggle… The Great Desire Dao is becoming increasingly powerful. That esteemed figure is also growing increasingly distressed when facing that Peacock… ceding much power to the Great Desire Dao…’

Fachang looked troubled. The black-robed monk did not press the issue:

“Fachang, you returned quite swiftly—have you seen the cultivator from Jielin Ancient Path break through?”

Fachang respectfully approached him, joining his hands in a bow:

“Reporting, Patriarch, I have already seen it.”

“How was it?”

At Kongshu’s question, Fachang sighed with emotion:

“Remarkably powerful… Even Banished Immortal Resentful Abode held him off for quite some time. If he were given more time to consolidate, he might not lose to Guanyu Li Yuanwei…”

Kongshu merely shook his head:

“Although I have not personally witnessed ancient events, judging by your words, this matter is causing quite a stir even now.”

“Naturally!”

Fachang’s expression was complex as he replied:

“After witnessing his breakthrough, I journeyed directly back to the Realm. I had debated the Dao with Grand Tushou for three years before departing and returning. I recently received new information: it is said that he consumed a powerful pill before his death… a very formidable pill.”

“For some reason, Banished Immortal Resentful Abode did not sever his connection to the mortal realm, seemingly using him for some purpose. As a result, all his words were leaked completely—he even explicitly stated that 'Pure Unity' was innocent… Who knows what that means?”

Kongshu’s gaze flickered slightly, as if he had perceived something.‘The Immortal cultivation path, with its Supreme Indifference, my Master once mentioned… saying that Pure Unity was a tool for probing, likely for the sake of Grand Yin. This pill was given with remarkable subtlety… If he didn’t take it, someone else would—and not necessarily a descendant of Pure Unity.’

Fachang saw him lower his gaze without speaking. Kongshu merely waved a sleeve, sending all the disciples out of the hall, then asked:

“Is anything amiss?”

The black-robed monk narrowed his eyes slightly. He was inherently handsome, but his beauty was not the delicate, statue-like refinement common among Buddhist cultivators. Instead, it was the profound elegance of a distinguished elder. With his eyes narrowed, he appeared even more imposing:

“I debated the Dharma with my Master for thirty years and once mentioned the Jielin path.”

The Master he referred to was no ordinary person! He was the current Realm Lord of the Great Mufa Realm, a figure of the Dharma Aspect level! Hearing this, Fachang stood up abruptly and bowed, saying:

“This humble cultivator humbly listens to your teachings!”

Kongshu, with his red lips and bright teeth, and luminous eyes, said:

“This is the True Dharma of Yuoxia Jielin! Tracing its origins, it can be traced back to the Grand Cultivator of the Douxuan lineage—True Monarch Yuoxia.”

“When the Three Profound Grand Daos first manifested in the world, various Immortal Monarchs accepted disciples and imparted their teachings. Three disciples attained realization in the Three Yin. The first was True Monarch Douxuan Yuoxia, the second was True Monarch Tongxuan Guanhua, and the third, also of Tongxuan, was True Monarch Shuolou.”

His tone deepened:

“True Monarch Shuolou attained realization in the aftermath of Jueyin, and True Monarch Guanhua attained realization in the aftermath of Shaoyin. The former’s disciple, Loutai Min, and the latter’s disciple, Xu Yuan, were the patriarchs of the Guanhua Tianlou Dao, the very source of Sir Wei Xuanyin’s lineage!”

“This Sir Xu Chai, whose talent is unparalleled today, was considered of the lowest caliber at the time. True Monarch Guanhua, out of affection for him, sought alternative techniques. Finally, from True Monarch Yuoxia… he obtained this True Dharma of Yuoxia Jielin! This allowed him to switch to cultivating the Shaoyin Jielin Immortal path… and thus, it became a celebrated tale.”

“The lineage in Pure Unity’s possession, suspected to be the True Dharma of Yuoxia Jielin, came from the Green Pine Temple and must have been obtained from Sir Yingze.”

Fachang’s eyebrows rose. Being inherently intelligent, he had an idea when he heard the mention of Wei Xuanyin and Guanhua Tianlou Dao. He then lowered his gaze and said earnestly:

“So this method is common to the Three Yin lineages! It truly lives up to its origin, passed down by the True Monarch of the Three Profound One Dao—it is indeed extraordinary!”

He offered a compliment, then asked with a hint of doubt:

“Patriarch, do you mean that Wei Xuanyin also possesses the True Dharma of Yuoxia Jielin?!”

Kongshu’s expression hardened as he replied:

“He must…”

Fachang clasped his hands together, sighed, and said:

“But he cultivated Jueyin, and I heard he was going to charge ahead… yet there’s no one above, how can he…”

Before he could finish his sentence, they suddenly saw the sky filled with golden aura and scattered grey flames, like birds and sparrows, all converging towards the mountaintop. This forcefully interrupted his words, causing both of them to raise their eyebrows in unison.

Then, the sky rained down flying flames, all appearing as birds and sparrows, a truly magnificent sight!

From amidst the swirling grey flames, a figure emerged. He was tall, with extremely narrow eyes and faint red pupils, and wore a blue silk sash around his waist. A golden lotus imprint was emblazoned on his brow, gleaming brightly. His mere presence caused the entire mountain range’s illusions to tremble, rendering them immobile!

Fachang was momentarily aghast:

“Que Liyu!”

This person was none other than Que Liyu, who had obtained the Guest of True Qi position!

“He emerged from seclusion so quickly!”

Years ago, Que Liyu journeyed south. Through years of meticulous planning, he managed to take control of the Guest of True Qi position, becoming the Guest position for True Qi's Reincarnation that purifies nature and curbs desires. Not only did he achieve his seventh incarnation, but his already profound destiny soared, becoming truly terrifying!

Buddhist cultivators venturing south were as numerous as carp crossing a river, countless in number, all striving to seize a share in the great tide and elevate themselves to positions of supreme power. Yet most met with failure, their ambitions shattered. To this day, he alone is the one who has reaped benefits, and indeed, the greatest benefits!

Now, he appeared like a supreme high cultivator, his face as white as jade, with a lotus imprint on his brow. Clearly, he had attained an extremely exalted Dharma Body. Around him, conch shells sounded in unison, as if ready to compel all present to prostrate themselves in worship, causing the peaks around to gaze sideways and whisper!

How could Fachang not recognize his current appearance:

‘He is likely comparable to the renowned Vimalakirti of yesteryear! As long as there's a position for him in the Great Desire Dao's Buddhist land, he will, in all likelihood, become a new Dharma Aspect in the future!’

‘In the current Buddhist land, who beneath the Dharma Aspect level dares to contend with him?!’

Even Fachang, with his excellent composure, couldn't help but feel a tremor of shock at this moment. The entire Mount Dayang erupted as if boiling over, filled with sounds of bowing and saluting:

“Greetings, Honored One!”

Que Liyu’s gaze calmly swept across Mount Dayang. His expression was placid, though he gave a slight nod when his eyes met Kongshu’s, acknowledging him.

He descended step by step from the sky, entering the main hall. With a casual gesture, he drew a person from among the mountains—it was none other than Yaosa Chengmi, the disciple in the verdant monastic robe who had asked the question earlier, his appearance fresh and transcendent.

As he moved, all the Buddhist cultivators of Mount Dayang lowered their heads; astonishingly, no one dared to speak!

The young man with the golden lotus imprint on his brow stood with his hands behind his back, towering above them, his gaze cold, and said casually:

“My Great Desire Dao has repeatedly summoned a disciple back, yet I wonder who has been obstructing this?”

He glanced around, seeing Kongshu, the only one who might obstruct him, staring fixedly with a strange look, yet not speaking. He then sneered, understanding:

‘Since that esteemed figure has advanced further, these elders of Mount Dayang would naturally not cause trouble over a minor compassion. And Kongshu is a Dao-obsessed ascetic; why would he bother with such matters?’

With a flick of his sleeve, he stepped into the Great Void. Behind him, Yaosa Chengmi looked extremely respectful, bowing and saying:

“Honored One, you have delivered me from the sea of suffering!”

Que Liyu turned to look at him, his expression playful, and replied:

“Delivered? Not necessarily! This time, I’m taking you back to enter the belly of the Honored One!”

Yaosa Chengmi was originally a figure obtained through the 'Evening Glow Grazing Bright Yang' affair, possessing an extraordinary destiny that many had long coveted. Yet, upon hearing this, he remained unfazed, smiling as he said:

“This humble cultivator humbly accepts!”

Que Liyu smiled with narrowed eyes, raised his hand as if performing calculations, and when golden lotuses began to appear all over the ground beneath his feet, he chuckled and said:

“My Honored One has a great joyous event today. It is calculated that he will conceive three children. I trouble you to enter the Honored One’s belly, wait for a six-year gestation, and then be born from the Conjoined Fire!”

Sun and moon shone together, illuminating Heaven and Earth.

Colors abounded, and mists swirled. Within the courtyard, the light was bright and pure, and the jade well in the center shimmered with radiance. Before the gate stood a jade box, holding three or five letters, mixed together, of varying ages, seemingly untouched for a very long time.

Yet, the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth circulated freely, and intensely fluctuating auras poured forth from within the gate, only to be swiftly calmed by the balanced Yin and Yang energies of the cosmos. The continuously emanating blood-red light passed through the gate, transforming into streaks of sunset-like brilliance that were quickly neutralized and vanished.

The gate itself trembled slightly, and faintly, the sounds of battle cries and galloping horses could be heard, intermingling harmoniously!

“Creak.”

As the courtyard gate was gently pushed open, all sounds and lights ceased abruptly. Moonlight flickered, the brickwork was pristine, and the green gauze on the couch swayed gently in the breeze, turning the small courtyard into a cool, tranquil night scene.

The hand resting on the side door pressed slightly, and a man stepped out. Reflected in his golden eyes were shattered swords and broken weapons, mountains of corpses and seas of malevolence, an endless crimson desert where a celestial sun had set, and light emerging from a sea of blood!

“Crimson Arrowhead!”

He exhaled softly, his eyes withdrawing from the strange visions.

“...Mid-stage Purple Mansion… accomplished today!”