Mi Luo Palace
The Heavenly Emperor is preparing for the upcoming Peach Banquet.
He is being assisted by several fairies as he dons the intricate and luxurious Emperor's robe and puts on the heavy and powerful Emperor's crown.
This banquet is crucial for the future development of the Heavenly Court.
The Heavenly Court is just starting, and organizing this banquet has already drained its resources, even the Golden Mother has contributed her premium Innate Spirit Root Ren Shui Peaches.
A group of Immortal Officials and Heavenly Generals are tirelessly rotating shifts, making every effort to present a prosperous and strong Heavenly Court, in order to attract more Immortal Gods to serve in the Heavenly Court.
At this moment, the Golden Mother is also beside him, being adorned by a dozen fairies.
Suddenly, a somewhat hurried voice came from outside: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, your servant Tianpeng has an urgent matter to request an audience!"
The Heavenly Emperor slightly furrowed his brows and lightly waved his hand, immediately a Spiritual Official sang understandingly: "The Emperor decrees, summon Tianpeng Immortal for an audience!"
Soon, a majestic and robust figure hurried in.
He was clad in golden armor and wore a purple gold crown, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, looking quite heroic.
As soon as he entered the palace, he bowed and saluted: "Greetings to Your Majesty! Greetings to Your Highness!"
"Dispense with the formalities."
The Heavenly Emperor glanced at him and indifferently asked: "Is it about the Moon Palace fairy's reluctance to perform a dance at the Peach Banquet?"
Tianpeng quickly shook his head and said: "These days, I have persuaded her gently and then summoned the decree from both Your Majesty and Your Highness, and now the Moon Palace fairy has agreed to perform a dance. I have another important matter to report to Your Majesty and Your Highness."
The Heavenly Emperor, hearing that he had accomplished the task, showed a slight smile and said, "Speak, what else do you have?"
Tianpeng seriously said: "Those disciples from the Western Sect who arrived started to promote the Western Pure Land World, and I fear that if they continue, it might affect our Heavenly Court's grand plan to recruit talents!"
"Hmm?"
The Heavenly Emperor lifted his head.
His gaze had already pierced through the layers of space, focusing on the Yaochi Fairyland.
"Well, well! Those disciples from the Western Sect... really are bold in flaunting themselves!"
The Heavenly Emperor was quite annoyed in his heart.
It was like a large company spending a lot of money to attract talents, and after pulling together a group of excellent graduates from various schools to sit down for a symposium to join, the company next door sends a representative who arrived first and starts discussing their company's great prospects with these graduates...
Isn't this blatantly poaching?
Too outrageous!
It's not just because he is the Supreme of Three Realms, even a typical sect master from any cultivation sect couldn't tolerate this!
However, the Heavenly Emperor thought about it and decided to endure it for now.
He waved his hand, and looking at Tianpeng Immortal said, "I am aware of this matter, you may go now."
Tianpeng furrowed his brows slightly, seemingly not expecting such a reaction from him.
In his opinion, the Emperor of Heaven 应该应该怒火攻心, hurried to the Yaochi Fairyland.
But he knew he shouldn't ask about matters he shouldn't inquire about; he understood this principle clearly.
Thus, although he was puzzled, he suppressed it forcibly, bowed deeply, and prepared to take his leave.
At this moment, the Heavenly Emperor suddenly indifferently said: "By the way, I recently heard that you were once a disciple of the Human Sect, is this true?"
As he asked this, the Supreme of Three Realms stared intently at Tianpeng Immortal, as if trying to see through him.
Tianpeng Immortal was slightly startled, then respectfully said: "Your Majesty's insight is indeed accurate, I was indeed fortunate to have been guided by Xuan Du in my youth, but Xuan Du did not officially accept me into his lineage."
"Hmm."
The Heavenly Emperor nodded slightly and indifferently said: "I wish to appoint you as the Chief Assistant of the Beidou Nine Chenного, to take charge of the Northern Evil Expelling Court, and also to hold the position of Marshal of the Heavenly River Navy, what are your thoughts?"
Tianpeng Immortal's eyes brightened, and he quickly bowed deeply and said, "I am willing to serve Your Majesty with utmost dedication!"
"Very good."
The Heavenly Emperor nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, "After the Peach Banquet, you may assume your duties."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Tianpeng Immortal saluted again and took his leave.
After he left, the Golden Mother, curious, said: "Those disciples from the Western Sect are competing with our Heavenly Court for people, yet Your Majesty does not seem panicked; could it be that you already have a strategy?"
The Heavenly Emperor shook his head and laughingly said: "The disciples of the Chan and Human Sects have already taken action, why should I need to intervene personally?"
Saying this, he could not help but feel emotional: "Only at such times, can the disciples of these great teachings be of use to me."
…
Yaochi Fairyland, Floating Immortal Island.
The Pharmacist's proposal for a debate immediately caught the attention of the immortals present.
Debating is a common form of interaction in Primordial times, used for the mutual analysis and discussion of profound Heavenly Dao truths.
Derived from this are also defending the dao and other forms.
Simply put, it is using words to articulate one's understanding to convince the listeners.
Debating can also inspire each other, leading to mutual achievements; thus, some highly experienced practitioners often invite a few friends to sit and debate.
Faced with the Pharmacist's invitation, Zhao Gongming did not hesitate to smile and say: "As the saying goes, the ultimate truth is unclear without discussion; I shall sit and discuss with you."
Nanji Immortal also did not hold back and directly stepped into the center, faintly saying: "The doctrine of Chan Sect is to clarify the Heavenly Dao and elucidate Heavenly principles. Since the fellow Daoist has the intention to debate with me, how could I refuse?"
"This is good."
The Pharmacist looked serious, lightly swept his hand, and immediately three meditation cushions appeared in the center.
He then made a gesture of invitation and said indifferently, "Two senior brothers, please have a seat."
Nanji Immortal and Zhao Gongming took their seats without hesitation.
At this point, all the immortal gods on the Immortal Island had been drawn over, watching the three intently.
Pharmacist was the first to speak, "Just now, the two senior brothers seemed to have some misunderstandings about our Western Pure Land. Perhaps I should clarify. May I know what are your thoughts on this, senior brothers?"
Nanji Immortal nodded slightly and said, "Good."
Zhao Gongming appeared indifferent.
Pharmacist smiled slightly, his voice resonant and loud: "The two Sect Hierarchs of our Western Sect harbor a great compassionate heart and have created the Pure Land in the Saha World.
Anyone who ascends to the Pure Land will find that if they think of clothing, they receive clothing; if they think of food, they receive food; all is naturally provided, without greed!
All who ascend to the Pure Land are kind-hearted, caring for one another, hence there is no anger!
Anyone who ascends to the Pure Land continuously listens to our master's wonderful Dharma day and night; their minds open, thus there is no folly!
Therefore, I say the Pure Land is without the three poisons of greed, folly, and anger!
Moreover, all who ascend to the Pure Land are regarded as the same, hence there are no romantic affairs, no grievances, or resentments!
Thus, I say the Pure Land is an absolutely pure and equal world!"
The peaceful scene he depicted intrigued the surrounding immortals, who could not help but nod repeatedly, whispering to their friends by their side.
Unperturbed, Pharmacist smiled and looked towards Nanji Immortal and Zhao Gongming, saying lightly: "Senior brothers, do you now understand the marvel of our Western Pure Land?"
Zhao Gongming chuckled and said, "If the Pure Land is truly as you describe, then why would your disciples ever leave it?"
Nanji Immortal nodded in agreement and said, "I also have this doubt. If the Pure Land is indeed so wonderful, and you have entered it, surely you should have no more worldly desires. Why then would you leave?"
Hearing the words of the two Daluo Golden Immortals, the surrounding immortals suddenly realized.
Indeed, these Western Sect disciples must have entered the Pure Land; if it was really that good, why would they leave?
Then, Pharmacist smiled and said: "Our Saint established the Pure Land to transform all beings. The myriad beings in this Saha world are far from being fully transformed, how then can we alone revel in bliss?"
Zhao Gongming mocked with a smile, "I am also among the beings; can you transform me?"
Pharmacist smiled and shook his head, "Our Western Sect emphasizes karmic law; only those with destiny can be transformed."
"So, you mean to say I have no destiny with the Pure Land?"
Zhao Gongming glanced around and with a gesture, a butterfly dancing among the distant flowers magically landed in his hand.
"Can you transform this butterfly then?"
Pharmacist nodded but then shook his head.
Zhao Gongming puzzled, "What do you mean by nodding and then shaking your head?"
Pharmacist said lightly, "I nod because I can lead this butterfly into the Pure Land, but thinking that with a casual wave of senior brother's hand you can turn it to dust, I shook my head because at least this way, the butterfly's life is preserved."
Zhao Gongming's expression changed slightly, his thoughts exposed, and he was momentarily at a loss for words.
At this moment, Nanji Immortal spoke, "As for the various claims about the Pure Land, all came from you Western disciples, no one can verify it, how can we believe it?"
Pharmacist smiled, "If there are doubters, after the Peach Banquet ends, feel free to accompany us westward and verify it yourself."
Nanji Immortal was silent, feeling that the topic would only go in circles if continued.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the venue had become somewhat solemn.
Nanji Immortal and Zhao Gongming had intended to expose the fallacy of "Pure Land", yet Pharmacist's words were too slippery, leaving no opportunity for them to exploit.
They had attempted several times from different perspectives but failed each time.
Seeing that the two Daluo Golden Immortals from Chan Sect and their sect were at an impasse, the surrounding immortals had already started discussing the Pure Land with great interest.
Looking at Pharmacist, who seemed confident of victory, Yu Yuan muttered thoughtfully to himself: "It seems these Western disciples came well prepared."
Princess Long Ji, intently watching the scene, couldn't help but feel a flicker of anxiety in her eyes.
Although she was young, she was not ignorant and understood the significant implications of the Heavenly Court hosting the Peach Banquet.
If everyone present was attracted by the so-called Pure Land, then all the efforts of the Heavenly Court would have been in vain.
Thinking this, she couldn't help but look at Yu Yuan and said, "Does Immortal have a way to expose that Pure Land?"
Yu Yuan kept "muttering" in front of her, waiting for this moment.
Immediately, he said indifferently, "There is a way indeed, but I never do anything that doesn't benefit me."
Princess Long Ji's eyes lit up, "So, Immortal truly has a way?"
Yu Yuan neither confirmed nor denied but simply picked up the cup in front of him and took a light sip.
The jade liquid entered his throat, refreshing his heart and spleen.
Amidst the flavorful aftertaste, Princess Long Ji caught on and transmitted, "What does Immortal desire? Whatever it is that the Heavenly Court possesses that catches Immortal's eye, feel free to ask."
Yu Yuan glanced at her and laughed, "I'm afraid what I want, the Emperor of Heaven might not be willing to give!"
Princess Long Ji blushed quickly, her tender face flushing as she stammered, "No... that's not possible... I'm still young..."
Yu YuanΣ(°△°|||)
"You're not so small, yet already a bag of tricks, thinking about what fortune?"
Yu Yuan said irritably, no longer stringing along, "At the Peach Banquet, let me pick one gift offered to the Emperor and Golden Mother to keep for myself."
The blush on Princess Long Ji's face faded somewhat, her gaze suspicious, "The gifts presented by the immortals are more symbolic than practical; none are truly precious treasures... oh, I understand, did you hear some rumor about the Chaos Bell Fragments and want to gamble on that?"
Yu Yuan nodded slightly, boldly admitting to this point.
Although the chances were slim, what if it was true?
His reason for coming to the Heavenly Court was precisely not to miss any possibility!
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