Everyone knew that the Buddhist sect and the Daoist sect were not on good terms. Generally, Daoist True Lords would never invite anyone from the Buddhist sect to their Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony. The previous invitation extended by Daoist Longshan to the Ascetic Sect was a rare exception.
But now, the Great Awakening Temple had come uninvited.
Some people looked strange.
They all knew at least a little about the old affairs of the Zhenxuan Sect and understood that the True Immortal of Zhenxuan had once had a conflict with a certain Buddha. It was even more impossible for them to have any connection with the Buddhist sect. The Great Awakening Temple was vaguely considered the head of the Buddhist sect.
What kind of play was this?
Everyone's gaze followed the grand voice, Ning Qi included. His eyes flickered slightly, knowing that today's matters would not be simple. This was because the usually careless Daoist Baishan was unusually serious for once.
"Amitabha, greetings to all fellow practitioners. This old monk has come uninvited. Please forgive me!"
In sight was a group of monks clad in golden-red kasaya robes, barefoot. Each kept their eyes downcast, quietly chanting Buddha's name. Their solemn and majestic presence made hearts tighten.
The one speaking was the leading elder monk.
Some had already recognized him—Master Miaokong, abbot of the Great Awakening Temple. His strength was extraordinary, even surpassing Daoist Baixiang.
Daoist Baixiang smiled, but his eyes showed no fluctuation:
"So it is Master Miaokong. I wonder why the Master has descended upon our humble land?"
Master Miaokong's face was kind and smiling:
"Naturally, it is to celebrate the ascent of your Daoist Baishan to the Heaven-Man Realm!"
Daoist Baixiang laughed heartily.
"A guest is always welcome. Since that is the case, please be seated, Masters. May I ask what gifts you have brought? We would be honored to see them."
The two exchanged smiles, but everyone could sense the latent tension beneath their words.
The host was unlike a host; the guest was unlike a guest.
Master Miaokong still smiled.
"That is exactly the intent."
He chanted Buddha's name aloud. Immediately, two young monks carried over a tall object covered with a red cloth. No one could see what it was, but curiosity began to stir.
With a swoosh, the red cloth was lifted.
Low murmurs spread.
Master Miaokong's voice remained grand:
"By chance, we obtained a Heavenly Crane rare tree. We humbly present it to the True Lords of the Zhenxuan Sect for appraisal."
Originally, each Zhenxuan Sect disciple was as steady as a mountain, but their expressions soured, and several True Lords' eyes flashed with anger.
Ning Qi raised his brow and instantly understood why.
In the past two days, following Daoist Baishan, he had gained considerable insight and learned some secrets of the Zhenxuan Sect. The True Immortal of Zhenxuan had once fought fiercely with that Buddha over the Heavenly Crane tree. This tree was named for its resemblance to a heavenly crane, bore fruit once every hundred years, and had a significant effect on Martial Sages.
It had been stolen by spies during a certain generation of the Zhenxuan Sect and had since been lost. Unexpectedly, it had now appeared in the hands of the monks from the Great Awakening Temple.
However, this Heavenly Crane tree was completely lifeless, shriveled beyond recognition.
This was undoubtedly a direct slap in the face to the Zhenxuan Sect.
It was like humiliating your wife and then publicly displaying her broken body.
Daoist Baixiang and the other two True Lords were furious. They glared coldly at Master Miaokong. Daoist Baiye sneered:
"In the past, our Zhenxuan Sect was infiltrated by spies who stole this sect treasure, the Heavenly Crane tree. It disappeared without a trace. We never thought it was done by your Buddhist sect. Such blatant theft! Your Buddhist sect punishes others harshly but treats itself leniently!"
Daoist Baihe was even more blunt and rude:
"I wondered why you bald monks came uninvited. So you had ill intentions all along. If you don't give us an explanation today, don't even think about leaving this mountain!"
He spoke without concern for the sect leader's dignity, expressing his feelings directly.
As his words fell, each Zhenxuan Sect disciple grew solemn, their aura surging as they surrounded the Great Awakening Temple monks.
But the monks remained unmoved. Master Miaokong lowered his hands and said:
"I'm afraid the True Lords misunderstand. This Heavenly Crane tree was also a chance acquisition for our Great Awakening Temple. It was already in this condition when we obtained it. Considering the tree seems to have a connection with your sect, we brought it here as a gift."
"If the True Lords dislike it, this poor monk will destroy the tree now as compensation."
Having said this, he did not hesitate. He raised his palm, golden light blossomed between his hands, and faint Buddhist chanting was heard.
"You bald monk, how dare you!"
Daoist Baixiang's eyes blazed angrily. The old Daoist had been trying to maintain decorum, but seeing Master Miaokong about to destroy the Heavenly Crane tree, he could no longer hold back. Although the tree was lifeless, with the True Immortal's return, there might be a miraculous way to restore it. How could he allow Master Miaokong to destroy it?
He flicked his duster like an elephant's trunk charging skyward and swept toward Master Miaokong.
Boom!
With a roar, Daoist Baixiang and Master Miaokong began their contest of strength.
The power of heaven and earth erupted.
They faced each other, competing in foundation and inner strength. The Heavenly Crane tree became the battleground's centerpiece. One misstep could reduce it to dust.
But it was obvious.
Daoist Baixiang was still a step behind Master Miaokong, who still had reserves of power. Daoist Baixiang's robe billowed like a drum, his white hair and beard flying.
Seeing this, Daoist Baihe and Daoist Baiye stepped forward together to stabilize the situation.
Everyone was shocked.
They did not expect tensions to escalate so quickly. The originally smooth Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony was about to enter the most anticipated lecture segment but had now taken such a turn.
Those invited were mostly close associates of the Zhenxuan Sect, so many hesitated upon seeing this.
Daoist Longshan immediately stood. He instinctively wanted to intervene but felt it inappropriate.
After all, this was the Zhenxuan Sect's main stage. If outside help was needed to suppress this provocation from the Great Awakening Temple, it would, in a sense, tarnish their prestige.
Others shared this consideration to some extent.
The Zhenxuan Sect still had a newly ascended Heaven-Man who had not yet acted.
Some looked toward Daoist Baishan, but he did not notice them at all. Instead, he looked at the other monks, as if searching for something.
At this moment, Daoist Baishan was completely different from usual. His eyes shone with divine light, full of majesty.
Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a seemingly ordinary young monk among the Great Awakening Temple's monks. A cold smile curled on his lips:
"Baoshu, after so many years, you still like playing little tricks."
Everyone was puzzled.
The monks did not respond.
Ning Qi raised his brows and carefully followed Daoist Baishan's gaze. He realized that among them was someone he could not see through. His heart trembled, and piecing together the clues, he vaguely understood something. He looked at Daoist Baishan again and even began to speculate about his identity.
His heart shook, his eyes filled with disbelief, then gradually grew excited.
If his guess was correct, this trip might truly have been worth it!
The originally lazy Ning Qi had now become fully focused.
Seeing no response, Daoist Baishan slowly floated up, then slowly raised his right hand. In an instant, the wind and clouds changed. All Heaven-Man Realm cultivators present felt immense pressure, even the several strongest among them. They looked at Daoist Baishan in shock, unable to believe it.
In Daoist Baishan's palm appeared a floating celestial palace.
Just pressing down on Master Miaokong, the Buddhist golden light was compressed to its limit. In front of Daoist Baishan, Master Miaokong looked like a mere child, powerless to resist.
Daoist Baixiang and the other two stopped fighting and respectfully fell behind Daoist Baishan, their eyes full of admiration and excitement.
Everyone was stunned.
The newly ascended Daoist Baishan was actually the strongest person in the Zhenxuan Sect?
Master Miaokong's expression changed drastically, full of panic. He wanted to speak but could not.
At this moment, a Buddha chant seemed to naturally resound in everyone's hearts, as if all beings could hear it. The voice was grand but carried no oppression, instead inspiring reverence.
"Amitabha. Zhenxuan, bullying the weak, only you would do such a thing."
The plain-looking young monk opened his eyes, and his entire demeanor changed.
In those eyes was the weariness of the world, witnessing millennia of change, with no external force able to shake his will.
He walked forward slowly. Master Miaokong suddenly had a chance to breathe, hastily retreating behind the young monk, repeatedly chanting Buddha's name.
Hearing "Zhenxuan," Ning Qi's eyes flashed brightly, his certainty deepening.
Daoist Baishan slowly withdrew his hand, chuckling:
"I bully the weak? Baoshu, you old bald monk, after all these years, you're still so shameless! Always hiding things, so petty. Looks like you haven't improved at all."
He relaxed and summoned the Heavenly Crane tree, examining it carefully, then mocked:
"You petty bald monk, wasn't it just a tree you stole back then? Was it worth holding a grudge for so long? And now you bring it back just to disgust me, this Daoist. You probably don't know that I placed a restriction on the Heavenly Crane tree back then. Even if you took it, it was all in vain, a happy delusion."
"But you think the Heavenly Crane tree is dead? When I return, I'll apply some methods and bring it back to life. I even have to thank you for sending it back to me."
He showed his yellow teeth, grinning shamelessly, looking as if he delighted in provoking others to death.
Buddha Baoshu fell silent.
He had intended to disgust the True Immortal of Zhenxuan but did not expect to be disgusted in return. He sighed:
"Zhenxuan, why do you harbor such malicious suspicions about me? It is only because we haven't seen each other for many years that I came to visit an old friend. The long years, I wonder how many old friends can still meet. Our past quarrels are but mountain mist, best left with a smile."
The two conversed casually, as if old friends teasing each other, or reminiscing about the past.
But the Zhenxuan Mountain was silent.
Those present were not fools.
From the expressions of Daoist Baixiang and the others, combined with the dialogue between Daoist Baishan and Master Baoshu, many had already guessed their identities.
In other words, this Daoist Baishan was none other than the legendary founder of the Zhenxuan Sect, the True Immortal of Zhenxuan!
And the other, Master Baoshu Buddha, was the Buddha who had clashed with the True Immortal of Zhenxuan in the past!
Yet even knowing this only made everyone more bewildered and terrified.
After all, these two were figures from countless years ago—how could they have reappeared in the present world?
Such an incredible event made everyone feel like they were in a dream. Many secretly pinched their thighs in pain, gritting their teeth but afraid to speak. Even the Zhenxuan Sect disciples were stunned; they had no idea of Daoist Baishan's true identity before.
Ning Qi's breathing became unsettled.
These two were truly the legendary Martial Sage-level experts!
The Martial Sage path he had been pursuing so desperately was now represented by two living fossils standing before him.
"Martial Sage-level cultivators surviving such a long time? Absolutely impossible! From their words, it seems they used some method to extend their lives, but that method carries risks. Some Martial Sages died completely, their paths ended."
"But... what is their purpose in doing so? What connection does it have to the ancient cosmic changes?"
Questions filled Ning Qi's mind.
He held his breath, waiting.
He felt that this trip to Zhenxuan Mountain was definitely worthwhile.
Everyone stared fixedly at the two peerless masters.
Master Baoshu Buddha walked forward slowly, his body glowing golden, his originally plain face now exuding solemn majesty. His hands were clasped in a gesture of comfort:
"I thought my old friend of Zhenxuan had not awakened, so I specially came to see. Now knowing my old friend is safe, this poor monk is greatly comforted."
Daoist Baishan spoke lightly:
"Now I am called Daoist Baishan; Zhenxuan is long gone like a passing cloud. We have lived through many trials and are no longer who we once were. We must face reality and move forward."
Master Baoshu Buddha was silent for a moment, then shook his head:
"Seeing a mountain not as a mountain, seeing a mountain still as a mountain—you remain you, and I remain me. Old friend, why must you be like this? Time may be long, but it cannot erode our will."
Ning Qi pondered.
Daoist Baishan waved his hand casually:
"You know best how things really are. Whether you want to run away is your business, not mine. If you have nothing to say, say it quickly. Since you brought back the Heavenly Crane tree this time, I won't beat you. Now get off the mountain and don't delay this Daoist's Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony."
He was somewhat impatient.
He had never expected that the old friend he had waited for so long would be this old bald monk. It soured his mood.
Master Baoshu Buddha whispered Buddha's name and sat cross-legged in midair. Below him, a golden lotus bloomed, making him look even more divine.
"I have come today bearing a great opportunity for you, old friend."
Daoist Baishan sneered.
He did not believe a word. Back then, they had fought over a Heavenly Crane tree, and now he spoke of a great opportunity to give him?
Master Baoshu Buddha whispered:
"Old friend, have you forgotten the Covenant of the Saints? You have lived through the years for this very matter."
The Covenant of the Saints!
Everyone was shaken by these four words, as if a magnificent and grand painting was slowly unfolding before their eyes.
Daoist Baishan gazed intently:
"So what if it is?"
"Then why not cooperate? With our combined strength, we can surely seize the opportunity," Master Baoshu Buddha said seriously.
But Daoist Baishan laughed, leaning forward and back, laughing wildly, so outrageously that Master Baoshu Buddha's brow furrowed deeper.
"Old friend, why do you laugh?"
Daoist Baishan stood with hands behind his back, utterly relaxed:
"You are not worthy."