Chapter 675: Three Treasures

As Fu Xia spoke, golden light radiated brilliantly in the sky. Peacock-like clouds danced, golden pools gushed, and colorful rain fell. A Pure Land appeared in the northern sky.

This northern Pure Land was veiled behind an expanse of clouds and mist. Faintly, a massive golden gate could be seen, beside which a colossal, mountain-sized unicorn tiger, its body adorned with black patterns, lay soundly asleep. Countless golden Dharma protectors stood boundlessly on the clouds. Millions of figures looked up, some prostrating, some bowing, all eagerly awaiting.

The Six-Armed Vajra, whose six heads had remained impassive while suppressing Huangyuan Pass, paused slightly for the first time. As the peacock's cry echoed from the northern sky, its eternally furious yet serene head lifted. Its golden lips parted slightly, and a melodious chanting resonated forth.

"Boom!"

The cultivators on the lake all lowered their gazes and covered their eyes, not daring to look.

The appearance of this vision was like a shot of adrenaline to Fu Xia's heart. He abruptly looked up, no longer caring about his diminishing magical power or the burning Li Fire. The entire Huangyuan Pass rumbled with his movement, as if on the verge of collapse.

"They are saved... Good... Good..."

The old monk was ecstatic, tears of joy streaming down his face. He gazed imploringly at Kong Heng, pleading earnestly:

"My lord, the Pure Land has appeared. Please manifest the Di Cha child for my path, return to the north to subdue demons, sit amidst the raining Mandarava flowers, and after immeasurable kalpas, become the powerful Di Cha Maha."

As if in response to his voice, and as Fu Xia's request was uttered, a melodious bell rang nine times from within the golden light in the north.

"Dong... Dong..."

The light on Kong Heng's face remained. The surrounding Li Fire gradually faded, and iridescent colors flew from Fu Xia's Dharmakaya. The old monk supported Mingguang with one hand, his magical power flowing, his eyes filled with iridescent light, and he walked directly out of the Li Fire.

Once one attained the Non-Retrogression stage, unless someone could invade the Pure Land and erase a sliver of their true spirit, they would undergo hundreds of reincarnations without their consciousness diminishing, eternally enjoying the position of Maha.

Yet, he continued to watch calmly.

Fu Xia, as if struck by lightning, withered like a deflated balloon. As his concentration wavered, the brilliance on his Compassionate Dharmakaya dimmed even further. His back suddenly stooped, becoming even more firmly pressed down.

A profound silence fell over the lake. Fearful eyes watched the Compassionate one. Only Kong Heng spoke softly:

Fu Xia's wide, angry eyes faded, replaced by a dejected anguish on his face. The old monk whispered:

Kong Heng gazed into the distance, his pupils reflecting the image of a Pure Land.

Fu Xia, being a Compassionate Dharmakaya, his tears turned into iridescent glass in the Li Fire, then shattered by the heavenly light, casting fragmented light and shadow across the old monk's face as he stared blankly at him.

The old monk looked up motionless at the sky, the scorching Li Fire swirling around his body. Fu Xia only murmured scriptures, watching as the golden light gradually vanished, the colossal tiger disappearing into the clouds and mist, all hope dissolving.

"Old Senior, the manifestation of wrath is not my path."

"Cultivators must not believe in me, nor must the common people worship me. My path seeks liberation alone, not by drawing people into the Pure Land."

Kong Heng quietly looked at Fu Xia. The narrow-eyed monk, already possessing white teeth and red lips, now had boundless light on his face as he spoke:

He understood that if he merely nodded and harbored a thought of purifying the world, the position of Di Cha Maha in the sky would immediately respond to him. He would become a cultivator like Murong Xia, attaining the Non-Retrogression stage.

Furthermore, he would not need to cultivate further in this life, having already perfected his cultivation as a Dharma Master. Kong Heng was an ancient cultivator, and his next step was not Compassion, but Maha. He simply needed to journey northward, reascend the Maha position, become one of the peaks of this realm, with even the Dharmakaya fruition seemingly within reach.

"My form is not the form of sentient beings. I do not establish boundless Pure Lands, nor fearful images, nor incense-filled temples, nor monastic offerings. All such things are karmic transgressions."

"Throughout, my words have been sharp and aggressive, constantly pressing you, angering you, and rebuking you with fierce, prejudiced doctrines. Yet, you have shown not the slightest anger. If resentment had arisen in your heart, the manifestation of the Di Cha child would surely have descended upon you."

Fu Xia whispered:

"But you did not waver."

"Since you showed neither anger nor fear, I then wept bitterly, with sorrowful expressions to move you, pleading with you to spread the teachings to all under heaven, to sit amidst the raining Mandarava flowers and enlighten all cultivators. Had you harbored even a slight intention, the manifestation of the Di Cha child would surely have descended upon you."

Kong Heng's own spiritual lineage had reached its limit, with only the path of enlightenment remaining. Ancient cultivators had not produced a Maha for countless years. Missing this opportunity would mean no lineage, no Maha, and no Pure Land personally guiding outsiders again.

The Compassionate Dharmakaya was truly operating. At this moment, Fu Xia didn't even need a single finger to push down Huangyuan Pass. The endless Li Fire acted as his sustenance; the more it burned, the more resplendent and multicolored his body became.

"Therefore, I pressured you with my power, coerced you with my might, and intimidated you with the brilliance of the Compassionate Dharmakaya. Had you harbored even a hint of fear, without needing to nod or follow me, the manifestation of the Di Cha child would surely have descended upon you."

"All the Mahas have already tried."

Kong Heng smiled as he looked at him. The old monk then took off his deep yellow kasaya, folded it neatly, and placed it in his palm. With his other hand, he laid a pure white long staff upon the kasaya.

After tidying these two items, he suspended them in mid-air, pressed his palms together, and respectfully said:

"Since this old monk came to this demonic land, I never intended to return. I have three treasures to gift to the Dharma Master."

"The first is the Mysterious Casket Tiger-Stripe Kasaya, transformed from a horned tiger. Its mysteries are unfathomable; it can transform into a fierce tiger to be driven, and it can devour all things, making it invincible to ordinary cultivators."

"The second is the Marvelous White True Jade Demon-Subduing Staff, a treasure artifact that has subdued countless demons and monsters. Its profound evil aura reaches the sky; a single strike can cleave mountains and sever rivers. The evil beings it slays dare not complain of injustice."

Kong Heng frowned, the five-colored brilliance on his face constantly shifting. He softly said:

"This belongs to the Northern Demon Subduing lineage. Kong Heng cannot accept it."

The old monk was incredibly stubborn and did not respond to him at all. With his palms pressed together against his chest, his naked upper body gleaming, he first prostrated himself towards the north, then closed his eyes tightly and said in a deep voice:

"The third is the Iridescent Relic of the Northern Demon Subduing Temple's Protector."

These words finally moved Kong Heng. He took a step forward, about to speak and dissuade him, but no matter how fast he was, he could not be faster than Compassion.

As soon as Fu Xia finished speaking, an awe-inspiring iridescent light ascended, piercing the sky. Countless lotus flowers bloomed on the lake surface, and pink petals mixed with various iridescent fragments rained down, covering everything. Brilliance and boundless colored mists filled the surroundings.

Kong Heng was instantly submerged in this myriad of lights. Fu Xia, a Compassionate one of many years, upon attaining self-nirvana, immediately caused the sound of scriptures to reverberate. The fiery prison shattered, and the ground was covered in gold and crimson.

"Buzz... Buzz... Buzz... Buzz..."

However, the Pure Land that was supposed to come and receive him had long since vanished. All the brilliance and colors converged and condensed, settling entirely upon that one iridescent relic.

No matter how dazzling the illusory colors or how magnificent the heavenly light, it lasted only an instant. Before fully blooming, it all converged into the relic like a long whale drawing in water, leaving no trace behind.

The colors of heaven and earth receded, leaving only a single relic suspended before Kong Heng.

The lake grew even quieter.

This relic, about the size of a fingertip, hovered in mid-air, pure white and crystalline. Several rings of colorful light encircled it, forming various illusions, while lotus flowers on either side emitted bursts of fragrant aroma.

Kong Heng quietly looked at the relic before him, then took it into his palm and put it away. Black and crimson evening clouds draped over him, and the light on the lake was strangely dim.

Fu Xia's death was like that of the twelve Dharma Masters shot dead by Li Xuanfeng on the great river; apart from the relic, it merely resulted in a shower of petals, iridescent fragments, and the blooming of a few lotus flowers.

The Pure Land, which was supposed to appear to receive Kong Heng, showed no reaction whatsoever upon Fu Xia's death. There wasn't even a glimmer of golden light or a single bell chime; only the hazy red setting sun remained on the horizon.

It was not until Li Ximing arrived on a beam of light that a faint heavenly glow fell upon Kong Heng. The narrow-eyed monk awoke as if from a dream, the five-colored brilliance flowing on his face receded, and the boundless light dimmed.

He reverted to his original gentle and courteous demeanor, his expression somewhat subdued. He said softly:

"I've caused Ximing trouble."

"What do you mean by that!"

Heavenly light converged around Huangyuan Pass, obscuring the view for surrounding cultivators. Only Li Ximing, standing nearby, could see clearly. His expression was complex, and he was filled with emotion as he whispered:

"How is the Dharma Master now?"

"I am fine."

Kong Heng answered earnestly, holding the kasaya and the long staff in his hands. He said softly:

"However, my connection with your esteemed clan has now come to an end."

Li Ximing had anticipated this. He closed his eyes, gritted his teeth. Kong Heng bowed to him and said remorsefully:

"I should have left when Xijun had his accident, but I felt remorse and wanted to offer more protection. I never imagined I would almost harm your esteemed clan. This is truly my fault! Now I must leave; I need to travel the world to prove my path."

"Senior Kong Heng..."

Before Li Ximing could say more, his throat was choked with unspoken words by Kong Heng's smile. He whispered:

"Dharma Master, please see my grandfather before you leave; it won't be too late... You have been in my family for so many years... The elders greatly respect you... Zhou Wei is still outside... You haven't seen him..."

Kong Heng nodded gently. Li Ximing's rambling voice was somewhat reminiscent of Li Xuanxuan, blurring the monk's vision.

As he descended towards Qingdu Mountain, he looked back at the north, where Fu Xia had prostrated himself before his demise. The relic in his hand grew increasingly hot.

The brilliant golden light had long vanished, and the flying peacocks were nowhere to be seen. Everything the old monk valued more than life itself—including the golden pools and his followers—had disappeared as if blown away by a gust of wind.

The lake was shrouded in gloom. Iridescent fragments scattered across the water, leaving behind only a somber sky and a half-dead sun sinking into the clouds.

The East Sea.

Night was deep. On a sea reef stood a palace built of dark black profound stone. The palace itself was not large; its dark body was indistinguishable from the reef, and it faced directly north.

Waves splashed, engulfing the steps in front of the palace. A pair of exquisite, shimmering blue boots stepped onto the stairs. Their owner's hair was like fiery red thatch, his golden robe gleaming like scales, and his emerald eyes gazed into the distance.

Behind this man followed a youth, impeccably dressed, standing slightly to his side. The man in golden robes whispered:

"Heyun, that is the Furious Four Demon Di Cha..."

Dongfang Heyun raised an eyebrow, his eyes also looking towards the distant north. Peacocks flew in the sky, golden pools gushed, and the Pure Land emerged on the horizon. Dongfang Heyun bowed and replied:

"Great King, Buddhist cultivators achieve enlightenment by gathering the masses. The position of Maha is an evolution of the Dharmakaya fruition, and it cannot be deceived by non-immortals."

"Now the Maha position has responded, indicating the impending manifestation of the Di Cha child. Even if Wrath possessed a thousand abilities and feigned death, it could not achieve this. It must be truly dead."

If Li Xizhi were here, he would surely recognize the man in golden robes as the former Dragon King Mu Hai, Dongfang Changmu, a son of the Dragon Sovereign, whose status was beyond words.

The Purple Mansion demon dragon nodded upon hearing this.

Dongfang Heyun then continued:

"Jingzhan was once restrained by the Golden Bridge and then killed by True Monarch Shangyuan, making his chances of survival minuscule. Whether the Furious Four Demon Di Cha is truly dead is merely incidental... The Six Phases still want to test the condition of the Dharmakaya behind the Wrath lineage."

"However, judging by the current situation, not even meat delivered to its mouth would make it stir, allowing that ancient Buddhist cultivator to escape. It seems this Dharmakaya's condition is truly poor."

"Not quite."

Dongfang Changmu said softly:

"Neither Luoxia nor Youming responded, and Jiangnan showed little interest. They probably already knew the Dharmakaya wouldn't respond. The real reason for this incident is that the higher that ancient cultivator's cultivation became, the more some people didn't want him to remain in Jiangnan."

"And those who manifested wrath calculated an opportunity, swarming in like flies drawn to blood, making another futile attempt to awaken the Dharmakaya and persuade a Maha to descend."

Dongfang Heyun bowed slightly, expressing admiration, and said softly:

"What the Great King says is very true."

Dongfang Changmu said softly:

"After all... the times have long changed. Buddhist cultivators now have their own place in the world, and other cultivators are quite wary of them. How could they casually allow an ancient Buddhist cultivator to practice in Jiangnan? If he were to achieve sudden enlightenment overnight and spontaneously create a Pure Land covering the entire Jiangbei region, wouldn't that necessitate another war?"

Dongfang Changmu chuckled, then whispered:

"In the past, the immortal path was complacent, allowing Buddhist cultivators to seek enlightenment in various sects. As a result, the Huajun fruition was secretly attained by Su Sixi Kong, one of the twelve 'qi' was lost, causing several immortals to change their expressions... This is a lesson from the past!"

"Indeed..."

Dongfang Heyun answered respectfully. Dongfang Changmu then quietly asked:

"What was the response from the fox clan?"

Dongfang Heyun cupped his hands and replied:

"Dali Mountain sent Su Xin Fox, who has already contacted His Highness Ding Jiao. There is no major issue."

"Oh, White Dragon's Heir!"

A playful smile appeared on Dongfang Changmu's face. He took a step in front of the dark palace, and faint thunder rumbled from within the clouds. This mighty Purple Mansion demon gently shook his head:

"It's understandable. After all, Zipai gave the item to King Beihai Dragon..."

Dongfang Changmu waited for a moment until a streak of light finally burst through the air, materializing in mid-air as a narrow-eyed woman. She glanced around and said in a deep voice:

"Changmu, it's time to go."

Dongfang Changmu chuckled heartily and waved his hand gently. The void before them instantly tore open, revealing an expanse of sky-reaching purple, enveloping the boundless Emptiness.

The void in this place pulsed with countless lightning bolts, as if coalescing into a sea. Dongfang Changmu, while employing his divine power to resist the lightning, gazed down at the distant light-purple grotto-heaven.

Dongfang Changmu asked:

"Are all the people gathered?"

"Naturally."

The dragon woman nodded and said:

"Our actions are not as convoluted as those of humans, with their divine power manipulation and grand strategic layouts. Regardless of those who cultivate lightning magic, a few Purple Mansion demon kings sent out will suffice to capture them."

She added casually:

"In merely a quarter of an hour, they were all rounded up and thrown into the grotto-heaven."