Chapter 738: Take the Scriptures Seeker

Jinguang Cave on Mount Qianyuan, Taiyi's immortal dwelling.

At this moment, layers of celestial light enveloped the area. All arrays were fully activated, from the mountain-protecting formation to the cave-protecting formation, and even the sky-concealing array hidden within the secret chamber.

Taiyi Zhenren occasionally poked his head out, glancing at the anomalies in the sky. He looked as if, with even a slight oversight, the Dao Ancestor would appear directly behind them.

"This is illogical," Yuding Zhenren murmured, looking down at Nezha, who was unconscious in front of him. He gently placed a finger on Nezha's forehead.

Yuding naturally saw the fragmented images emerging from Nezha's mind. These were scenes from Chen Tang Pass, depicting little Nezha's interactions with the senior house steward, 'Wang Chang'an'. Wang Chang'an was, of course, the alias Li Changshou used back then.

Why could Nezha recall these memories? The Dao Ancestor had used the primordial power of heaven and earth to alter the memories of all beings. Only cultivators who reached a certain level of cultivation and could envelop themselves with their own Great Dao were able to resist this effect independently. Alternatively, they could resist collaboratively, like Yuding Zhenren helping Taiyi, or Duobao helping Huoling. Given that Nezha and Yang Jian served as deities in the Heavenly Courts, Yuding Zhenren had not protected these two disciples at the time, allowing their memories concerning Li Changshou to be altered by the Dao Ancestor. Nezha forgot the existence of Uncle Chang'an, and Li Jing filled that void. Yang Jian also forgot Taibai Jinxing's true origins; though his memory contained many shadows of Taibai Jinxing, his perception had shifted to believing that Taibai Jinxing was merely the Jade Emperor's messenger, and that the Jade Emperor was orchestrating everything. Yet, centuries later, Nezha had managed to break through the memories sealed by the Dao Ancestor.

Yuding Zhenren investigated carefully, then said, "This is indeed quite illogical."

"No, this is perfectly logical," Taiyi Zhenren said leisurely, standing with his hands behind his back.

"Why?"

"Just saying," Taiyi Zhenren chuckled awkwardly. "No reason, just wanted to argue a bit."

Yuding remained silent.

"I'm wondering if this might be some kind of scheme," Yuding sighed, returning to a nearby prayer mat. He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes in contemplation.

Taiyi Zhenren moved closer to his beloved disciple. Imitating Yuding, he placed a finger on Nezha's forehead and carefully investigated. After thinking deeply, the Zhenren added:

"Actually, it makes sense. In this life, Nezha's closest bond was with Uncle Chang'an; one could say Uncle Chang'an influenced him the most. From this, it seems the blue ripples didn't erase beings' memories, but rather sealed these impressions. Perhaps we can find a way to restore his complete memories of 'Uncle Chang'an'."

Yuding Zhenren said, "I fear this is another scheme. The Dao Ancestor wants to pit the Chan Sect against the Heavenly Courts, breaking our Master's eternal, undefeated fortune, and then making a move against him. In the world today, Zhunti is dead, Third Martial Uncle is imprisoned somewhere unknown, Eldest Martial Uncle is sealed in the Purple霄 Palace, Saintess Mother has long been restrained by the Heavenly Dao, and Saint Jieyin lost influence some time ago, retiring from the great stage of the Primordial World. Only our Master remains safe and sound."

Yang Jian said, "Master, I don't think there will be such a scheme."

Taiyi Zhenren laughed and sighed, "What, do you think that being above the heavens is afraid of losing face over this? *Cough*... what difference does it make if Nezha recovers his memories of Uncle Chang'an? This world has ultimately become what it is: the Saintly sects have withdrawn, and the Heavenly Courts have risen. In truth, your Uncle Chang'an merely had differing opinions from our Grandmaster; this current situation is their shared consensus. Since things are already this way, why introduce more changes?"

Yuding Zhenren glanced at Taiyi, who then winked back. Play it safe, put on a show for the Heavenly Dao. If the Dao Ancestor was indeed watching, it would increase their chances of survival. This was the way of survival in the Primordial World.

"So, how should we handle this?" Yuding asked. "Should we let Nezha recall them, or for safety's sake, seal these memories once again?"

"Seal them," Taiyi Zhenren said, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, but he quickly made up his mind. "We can only seal them."

Yuding rose and walked to Nezha's side, gently tapping Nezha's forehead a few times, softly dispelling the illusory images that had appeared in Nezha's spiritual mind.

Taiyi Zhenren seemed to want to speak but held back, his gaze somewhat complex. Yang Jian, standing nearby, looked a little disheartened.

"Master, Martial Uncle, I believe this memory is incredibly important to us. It's not about right or wrong, nor the cosmic order, nor the struggle between the great sects. At the very least, we should know what happened and what disputes occurred. Right and wrong, truth and falsehood, there should always be an explanation."

"What good would knowing all this do? What good would an explanation serve?" Taiyi shook his head and said solemnly, "It can't change anything, and it would only add to our troubles."

Yang Jian's eyes were clear, his expression calm. He continued, "But if we don't even know the true nature of this world, how can we claim to act on behalf of Heaven, or serve as Heavenly Immortals and gods?"

Yuding Zhenren gazed at his beloved disciple and said gently, "Very well, I will tell you some things."

Taiyi chuckled, "I'll go add a few more layers of formations." "I'll do it," Yuding said calmly. Ripples of colorful light emanated from his forehead, enveloping the entire cave dwelling in shimmering radiance. The sleeping Nezha smacked his lips, destined not to hear these words.

Yuding Zhenren said, "Yang Jian, you are much more stable than Nezha. You should not lose control if I tell you these things. What do you wish to know? Your background is deeply connected to Nezha's 'Uncle Chang'an'; your parents were considered his unofficial disciples. The reason your profound cultivation is so formidable is because 'Uncle Chang'an' bestowed many benefits upon you. A significant portion of your current memories should be untouched. It was Taibai Jinxing who gave you profound blood, guided you into the Heavenly Courts, and was commanded by Mount Spirit to protect you, but these were not the Jade Emperor's direct decrees. When he was in the Heavenly Courts, the Jade Emperor mostly listened to him. In the years that 'Uncle Chang'an' wielded divine authority in the Heavenly Courts, you, Nezha, and even the three sects of Daoism were left breathless by his arrangements. What I admire most is your Uncle Chang'an. It was he who made the variables on your person recede and granted you opportunities far exceeding your original potential."

Yuding organized his thoughts and continued, "Actually, the Saint Slayers were not Zhao Gongming and his wife. The Saint Slayers were Zhao Gongming and your Uncle Chang'an. That act of slaying a Saint fundamentally changed the destiny of the Primordial World, so much so that the Dao Ancestor later had to shed his previous pretense of hypocrisy, directly unleashing heavenly punishment to destroy the Jie Sect, and forcefully pushing for the Investiture of Gods. That scene was quite ironic. In ancient times, the Dao Ancestor repeatedly claimed that the Purple霄 Palace would not appear in the mortal world, yet in the end, he couldn't help but reveal his ferocious true face. This actually indicates that 'Uncle Chang'an' was close to achieving his goals, forcing the Dao Ancestor to abandon all decorum and directly disrupt his plans."

Taiyi Zhenren whispered nervously, "Junior Brother, is it alright to address the Dao Ancestor so directly?"

Yuding Zhenren said, "What I cultivate is the heart, a place the Heavenly Dao cannot touch. The Heavenly Dao can deduce the Three Thousand Great Daos, but it cannot deduce the hearts of all living beings. Even ordinary mortals, with their wild imaginings, can construct countless bizarre and colorful worlds. No matter how much deductive power the Heavenly Dao possesses, it cannot calculate what beings think in their hearts. It can only forcibly implant or erase thoughts, and that is all."

Taiyi and Yang Jian nodded simultaneously. At that moment, it was as if the generational gap between them had vanished. They sat in Jinguang Cave on Mount Qianyuan, listening as Yuding Zhenren recounted the story of 'Uncle Chang'an'.

"Hmm—"

Mount Spirit, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

The Lord of Buddhism sat quietly on his throne. His golden body, dozens of feet tall, radiated a gentle light, appearing particularly solemn and majestic amidst the surrounding sounds of wooden fish and chanting. At the very center of this golden body, in a space akin to a Mustard Seed Universe, was a small dwelling. Duobao Daoist was currently sitting amidst piles of treasures, calculating how many spiritual treasures he had spent to forge this great golden body, and contemplating how he would lead Buddhism to prosperity in the future. Since he was here, he would make the best of it. Although he had been the Sect Master for some years, arranging Mount Spirit in an orderly fashion, and the Buddha's reputation was growing increasingly prominent throughout the world, he still found it somewhat difficult to adapt.

Duobao wasn't sure if it was Eldest Martial Uncle's magic power or the power of the Heavenly Dao that was constantly affecting his Dao heart, sometimes making him almost devoid of emotion and desire, retaining only his Dao nature. It was likely the power of the Heavenly Dao. To put it plainly, Duobao was essentially just a 'spiritual treasure human'; if someone else occupied this position, the effect might be slightly less, but he wasn't irreplaceable.

Duobao gave a wry smile, conjuring a 'Water Condensation Immortal Orchid Mirror' and looking at his reflection. His visage was dignified and solemn, with curly hair, a slightly plump physique, and enlarged earlobes. "Alas," Duobao sighed. He was truly no longer as unconstrained as he once was.

He wondered about his Master's current situation and if his surviving junior brothers and sisters had suffered calamities in the Three Thousand Worlds. His willingness to cooperate and agree to seize power in the Western Sect was actually due to Laozi's promise to look after Huoling and the others.

For years, Duobao had pondered that if he possessed even half of Junior Brother Chang'an's strategic insight and half of his understanding of the Great Dao, perhaps he could have become another Saint Slayer, instead of just the 'family thief' of the Western Sect. How boring.

Here he was, his Dharma body unable to move, his true body even more so. He was like the facade of Buddhism, and also its current cornerstone. With no Saints active, and Human Sect's Senior Brother Xuandu and Junior Brother Chang'an having left the world, Duobao was indeed considered one of the strongest masters, his strength surpassing many old powerful figures. Having him stabilize the Buddhist sect was indeed a good arrangement. In the end, perhaps the Dao Ancestor simply didn't take him, a rebel against Heaven, seriously.

'Alas, Chang'an.' Duobao sighed softly, just as he was about to doze off, when he saw two figures approaching together from outside the great hall. It was Manjushri and Cihang, his two 'junior brothers and sisters'. They were now Bodhisattvas responsible for monastic affairs, and notable figures whose reputations were gradually rising in the Primordial World.

Duobao roused himself and activated his Dharma body. The dozens-of-feet-tall golden body shone with light, and its eyes slowly opened halfway.

Manjushri and Cihang entered the hall, slightly disrupting the rhythm of the monks beating their wooden fish on the side. Manjushri bowed his head in obeisance and said, "Greetings, Buddha." Duobao slowly asked, "What is the matter?"

"Buddha," Manjushri said, "there are now many temples throughout the Five Continents, and West Niuhe Continent is especially teeming with them. Countless beings have converted to our Buddhist faith. However, the current Buddhist precepts, inherited from the Western Sect, though supplemented, are quite inadequate. We have drafted a new set of Buddhist precepts and respectfully ask for your review, Buddha." With that, Manjushri slowly pushed a scroll towards Duobao, placing it in the palm of his Dharma body.

Duobao Daoist glanced at it a few times and felt that although these precepts were numerous, they weren't necessarily bad; if they could restrain Buddhist disciples, there would be less turmoil in the world in the future. He said, "Promote them according to the Bodhisattva's methods." Manjushri smiled, "As the Buddha commands."

Cihang, at his side, then added, "Buddha, while there are many Buddhist temples in the Nanzhan Buzhou continent, these temples cannot enter the prosperous regions of the Southern Continent. Furthermore, Buddhist teachings, when spread among mortals, often become biased or distorted. It would be better to select one or two eminent monks to spread Mahayana Buddhism in the Southern Continent. This would safeguard the sect's fortunes and also deliver salvation to all beings."

"This is an excellent idea," Duobao said gently. "Then Bodhisattva Guanyin shall be responsible for it." Cihang immediately looked as if he wanted to speak but held back. *Whoever proposes the problem solves the problem? What a hands-off approach.*

Duobao also felt a little embarrassed. A faint stream of light condensed in the palm of his Dharma body, transforming into several emerald green willow branches, which landed in the Jade Purifying Vase Cihang held. These were Post-Heaven Spiritual Roots, willow branches. Giving some benefits before assigning tasks at least provided a bit of justification.

Cihang couldn't say much, so he bowed and accepted the order. Suddenly remembering something Saint Jieyin had previously instructed him through a voice message, he said, "Buddha, perhaps you could grant this humble monk one or two assistants?"

Duobao asked, "What kind of assistance does the Bodhisattva wish for?" "Recently, it has been widely rumored on Mount Spirit that the Golden Lotus Treasure Pond often emits brilliant light..." Before Cihang could finish speaking, a golden light shot out from the Buddha statue's brow. The Dharma body instantly transformed to a size of ten feet, sitting on a golden lotus platform, appearing before Cihang. A wave of majesty spread forth, only to be immediately concealed by Duobao.

*Ahem*, it wasn't because of some instinctive reaction at all.

Bodhisattvas Cihang and Manjushri exchanged glances, then gestured for Duobao to follow, leading the way to the Lotus Treasure Pond in the back of Mount Spirit. As it was relatively close to Saint Jieyin's reclusive dwelling, it was usually deserted, and over time, it had become somewhat desolate.

It was rare for Duobao to leave the great hall, and he was in high spirits. Mount Spirit had undergone tremendous changes over the years; palaces had sprung up everywhere, the entire mountain had been thoroughly rebuilt, and the very mass of the mountain had expanded slightly. Ju Liusun Buddha, who was in charge of this project, aimed to transform the entire Mount Spirit into a grand temple, establishing it as the Buddha's cultivation ground and a sacred place in the hearts of countless Buddhist disciples.

Before long, Duobao, Manjushri, and Cihang arrived at the side of the treasure pond. Duobao observed from a distance, his nose twitching. With just one sniff... he realized he'd been tricked; there was no treasure.

"Is this the place?" "Indeed, this is it." Cihang flicked his finger, and a shimmering light flowed, instantly making the treasure pond transparent. At the bottom of the pond, a golden cicada, sealed by layers of restrictions, lay in a corner, its wings trembling slightly.

Duobao naturally recognized the golden cicada's origins; it was the Primordial Ferocious Beast, the Six-winged Golden Cicada, Jin Chanzi, who had been taken as a disciple by the Saint. He had nearly been blasted to death by Junior Brother Chang'an back then, but was saved by the Western Sect Saint. —Although Duobao had not appeared in person, he had witnessed this scene from a small window created by the Four Swords of Zhuxian, next to his own Master.

Cihang said, "This golden cicada could be of great use." Manjushri, however, countered, "The golden cicada is violent and bloodthirsty. Our Buddhist sect has many capable individuals; why bother with it?" Cihang rarely argued with others, but this time he firmly stated, "We just need to reshape its soul."

Duobao perceived something and slowly said, "The golden cicada is practically dead; it's currently sustaining its life solely by its innate divine abilities. Why not reshape its soul with Buddhist Dharma and teach it carefully? Since it is here, it has a connection with our Buddhist sect. It can certainly be used by Buddhism and can also serve as proof that the sea of suffering is boundless, but salvation is found by turning back."

Manjushri mused for a few moments, "The Buddha's words are very wise." Cihang, however, inadvertently glanced at Saint Jieyin's dwelling, sighed softly in his heart, and continued discussing how to deal with the golden cicada and how to make it useful later on. Sometimes, indeed, due to his compassionate nature, he would do things that made things difficult for himself.

Soon, the three of them decided the golden cicada's future fate. In truth, Cihang did most of the talking, while Duobao and Manjushri listened. Cihang's plan was as follows: First, let the golden cicada recuperate, help it restore its origin, and reshape its human form, a process that would likely take several centuries. After several centuries, the golden cicada would appear on Mount Spirit, be taken as a disciple by the Buddha, and be given an origin. Then, an excuse would be found to send him into reincarnation, to be reborn in a prosperous region of Nanzhan Buzhou. The golden cicada would travel from east to west, voluntarily retrieving the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures for Nanzhan Buzhou, thereby propagating Buddhism in a place where human destiny converged.

Once this matter was settled, Duobao scrutinized Cihang for a few moments and asked with a smile, "Bodhisattva, do these words come from the Buddha of Ten Thousand Ages, or from the Heavenly Dao?" Cihang paused, then replied with a smile, "Is there a difference?" Duobao chuckled, "Indeed, they're quite similar. Let's proceed as planned, and the Bodhisattva will oversee the entire process." "Yes," Cihang replied, his expression showing no discernible emotion, though in his heart, he couldn't help but sigh a few times. Thus, the future destiny of Jin Chanzi was arranged, with him having no say in the matter whatsoever.

Meanwhile, in the northwest of Nanzhan Buzhou, on Spirit Platform Square Inch Mountain.

Li Changshou felt something, and cautiously performed a divination, then couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Jin Chanzi would emerge in three hundred years? *The scripture journeyer is already being arranged?* Wouldn't that be precisely when the monkey returns after completing his studies, interacting wildly with the Heavenly Courts? Right, Jin Chanzi seemed to reincarnate more than once, going through reincarnation nine or ten times. Jin Chanzi... Li Changshou maintained his meditative posture on the surface, while secretly beginning to ponder. He wondered if the rumors he had spread about Jin Chanzi a long time ago still had any effect.