Chapter 323: Heavenly Devil, Shijun, and Substitute Fighter

Chapter 323: Heavenly Devil, Shijun, and Substitute Fighter

"The One True Buddha of the past? Haha, who came first and who followed, it's hard to say!"

Someone in the crowd scoffed,

"What I just said were the words of the True Buddha. Moreover, we also heard a story from the past. Are you all brave enough to listen?"

His gaze swept across the hesitant crowd, and he administered a stern warning,

"You all should have heard by now. In the eyes of other powers, the One True Buddha we once believed in has always been regarded as one of the Four Devils by them!"

"How dare you!"

"Be careful with your words!"

"How can we take their words seriously? They can't provide any evidence!"

In an instant, the man faced the crowd's rebukes.

But the speaker remained unshaken, facing the countless fiery gazes that seemed to devour anyone in their path. He spoke with a heavy heart,

"You'll understand once I finish telling this story."

Out of respect for the True Buddha, the crowd slightly restrained their anger. Some continued to scold, while others intervened.

They all vaguely sensed something. At this moment, with two 'Buddhas' coexisting in the same era, a dispute was likely to arise, and it was not wise to take sides hastily. Instead, they decided to listen to what this person had to say.

The self-proclaimed listener of the Buddha's teachings began to speak—

Ten thousand years ago, Shijun shouldered the burden of the suffering sea for all beings and was about to enter Nirvana. The Heavenly Devil, whose plan for destruction had been thwarted, sought him out and said,

"The day you enter Nirvana will be the day your Buddhist teachings decay. At that time, I will steal your authority, allowing my demonic offspring to infiltrate your temples, don their robes, and corrupt your Buddhist teachings."

"They will misinterpret your scriptures, break your precepts, and achieve what I cannot achieve through force today."

Shijun listened to the Heavenly Devil's words and calmly replied,

"At that time, my true disciples will take off their robes and put on civilian clothes to enter the mortal world. The mortal world will become my new temple, and the old temple will become a prison to confine your demonic offspring."

"You practice the truth of the Buddha, but you steal the name of the Buddha."

"People are willing to take refuge in the Buddha because of the Buddha's authenticity, not a false name. The Buddha's value lies in authenticity, not an empty title."

"If you can truly embody the truth of the Buddha and practice it daily, you will become my disciple and another Buddha."

"But if you merely wish to borrow the Buddha's name and enjoy worship in the temple, seeking fame, it will only take ten or twenty years for people to see through your demonic nature. They will realize that this temple is a demonic prison, and they will abandon this false Buddhist doctrine that writes 'Buddha' but reads as 'Devil'. At that time, my disciples will have already put on civilian clothes and gone into the mortal world to practice and spread my teachings, guiding people to overthrow the false Buddhist teachings of your demonic offspring."

"Whether the teachings are called Buddhist or demonic, they cannot dampen my will."

"As long as there are those willing to practice the truth of the Buddha, my teachings will endure in the mortal world..."

This was Shijun's answer.

As the story unfolded, more and more people showed fear, while some had a sudden realization, followed by palpitations, anger, and terror...

Various expressions could not fully capture the fluctuating emotions in the room.

When this story was connected with the man's previous mention of the One True Buddha being regarded as one of the Four Devils by the powers of the Nine Palaces, a terrifying truth emerged.

The only unspoken agreement among the crowd was silence.

A deathly stillness enveloped the hall.

No one dared to speak up, as the implications were too significant. Even the most devout believers from the past trembled, their lips quivering, pointing at the speaker, unable to utter a word for a long time.

It wasn't until much later that an old monk, trembling, raised his hand and pointed at the man, shouting,

"This is... blasphemy against the Buddha!"

In the crowd, someone whispered, "But who is the real Buddha?"

Someone shouted, "Sakyamuni has protected our civilization for thousands of years. Have you all forgotten?"

"But the story also mentioned that at that time, the Heavenly Devil would steal the authority and don the robes... Moreover, judging by today's actions, the upper echelons might not have truly misinterpreted the true words. Instead, it could be Sakyamuni's original intention..."

"Why does the One True Buddha want to open the barrier between Jambudvipa and the Nine Palaces?"

"Sakyamuni's existence is profound, and his actions have deep meanings! Do not attempt to fathom the divine mind!"

"But on second thought, in these thousands of years, when has Sakyamuni ever revealed his true form in the world? No one can provide evidence that Sakyamuni is one of the Four Devils, and we..."

"You are blaspheming the Buddha! The Buddha will abandon those who are not devout, and you will fall into the Sea of Ghosts, along with your civilization and power!"

"Not devout? But Shijun said that the Buddha would not abandon anyone, even if they don't believe in the Buddha. He is the teacher of all realms and the compassionate father of the six paths and four births. Haven't you heard the Great Aspiration?"

"If we do not save sentient beings and the world, we do not seek the future! If this is not the True Buddha, then who is?"

"Absurd, absurd..."

An old monk looked at the increasingly fervent and polarized crowd in disbelief, slowly backing away, muttering,

"You've all gone mad, doubting the One True Buddha. You will go to hell and suffer the torments of Avici..."

For those with wavering faith, once doubt is planted, it is difficult to suppress.

Not to mention the current situation in the Buddha's homeland.

Even the believers in the Buddha's homeland struggled to fully explain some issues in the past, but at that time, it was enough to cover it with devotion.

It was these very issues that caused the Buddha's homeland to be antagonized by the powers of the Nine Palaces. However, due to the lack of concrete evidence and the fact that the Buddha's homeland had indeed solved the survival problems of most of the lower civilizations in Jambudvipa, it was tolerated until recently.

But when another True Buddha appeared, their faith began to waver.

The most critical point was not that they were giving up their faith but 'returning to the correct path' and taking refuge under the true Buddha!

...

...

A young monk with a cold expression, clad in a pure white robe, entered a void cave heaven.

The first sight that greeted him was a deep, bottomless pool of dark green.

Ahead stood a Buddhist monastery.

He did not stop but walked into the long corridor of the treasure hall, ascending step by step, and looking down at the grounds below.

This was the place where, thousands of years ago, Sakyamuni preached the Dharma, and the Brahma flowers bloomed. At that time, representatives of numerous civilizations wept with joy, kneeling and pleading with Sakyamuni to bestow the Buddhist teachings and save the people of Jambudvipa from their dire situation.

Afterwards, various civilizations protected themselves with Sakyamuni's teachings. Indeed, they alleviated the invasion of the strange mists of Jambudvipa, and it was because of this that the Buddha's homeland was able to gradually develop to its current state, almost reaching the top of Jambudvipa.

Several years ago, a sudden divine decree was issued, causing the Buddhist homeland to fall from grace and become an object of disdain and abandonment by the Nine Provinces.

The young monk paused briefly and continued his ascent, reaching a small pagoda at the very top named "Xiangji."

He entered and saw a man sitting with his back to him, meditating in the center of the pagoda, with a Buddha statue in front of him.

"Still praying to the Buddha?" The young monk scoffed, "Haven't you heard what's going on below? You're worshipping a false Buddha."

"Regardless of whether it's true or not, as long as it can protect us, it's a true Buddha," the man said, slowly opening his eyes without turning around, speaking calmly.

"You're talking about protection for thousands of years, and then letting us become the common enemy of the Nine Provinces. You're not paying attention or responding, and only when the true Buddha appears will you issue a new divine decree. Is that true Buddha?" The young monk asked mockingly.

The man remained silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Why the rush to take sides? That Buddha may have made a great vow, but judging by his realm, he seems to be only at the seventh realm. How can he protect us?"

The young monk spoke with resentment:

"It was you who insisted on opening the channel, and in the end, it was us who suffered the most significant losses. And now you're telling us not to rush to take sides?"

"The seventh realm? So what? Even if the Heavenly Devil surpasses the True Holy, how much power can he manifest in the world to help the Buddhist homeland out of its current predicament?"

"The vast Buddhist homeland has almost laid the foundation for the unification of Jambudvipa, but within a few short years, it has collapsed, and we've lost countless believers. How many civilizations have been completely wiped out?"

At this point, the young monk seemed to recall the countless corpses, his face twitching, gradually turning hideous. His veins bulged with rage, and his eyes filled with the blood-red color that covered the ground.

"All of this is thanks to you! Even the Mother Goddess Church of the past, the Dream Devil among the Four Devils, has never issued such a decree that treats believers like grass! Even when she fell from her divine seat, she merely let her followers fend for themselves with indifference!"

The man remained silent, eventually sighing, "What do you want to do?"

"I heard that he issued a new divine decree yesterday?" The young monk's rapid breathing gradually calmed, and he said coldly, "I'm here to inform you on behalf of them. In the future, when the true Buddha descends, it's best if you stay out of it and don't rush to take sides!"

After saying this, he looked at the Buddha on the high platform with an emotionless expression, brushed his sleeves, and left, leaving the man to continue meditating in the pagoda.

The man looked up at the statue of the One True Buddha, remaining silent for a long time.

...

In the vast universe, at the border of Yanhuang.

"The Deity Lord has issued a new divine decree!" The elder, full of vitality, looked around at the several Tianren Yuwan in front of him and said in a low voice, "Let's think of a way to get rid of Ji Jingqiu from the Yanhuang Federation!"

As soon as these words came out, the Tianren from different Four Devil's realms showed discomfort.

This was a task that was almost impossible to accomplish.

As long as Ji Jingqiu stayed on Dong 3 Huang Xing, who in the current universe could do anything to him?

"Just find a way to lure him out." Someone said in a low voice.

"Easier said than done. How to lure him, where to lure him to, and who to send?" Someone asked coldly.

"This is the will of the Deity Lord." The elder emphasized.

The atmosphere instantly became silent, and the Tianren who had spoken earlier fell silent.

Suddenly, someone said, "Not long ago, the Wan Wu League invited us, and they plan to attack Si Shou Star to liberate Hela. Perhaps we can cooperate with them."

The elder's eyes lit up. "Contact them as soon as possible. If we can lure him near Si Shou Star, once Hela is liberated, the Hela who has been suppressed by the Federation for tens of thousands of years will definitely not let go of their descendants!"

"Kill with Hela's help?" Someone asked in surprise. "Exactly. At present, only such an extraordinary existence can kill Ji Jingqiu!"

"I'll follow up on this matter and make the arrangements as soon as possible. Although we can't infiltrate the Federation, we still have some spare resources that we can use. Hopefully, we can successfully lure Ji Jingqiu over."

...

...

Dong 3 Huang Xing.

"In seven days, someone will take advantage of the weak defense at Si Shou Star and infiltrate to liberate Hela?"

Ji Jingqiu finished browsing the terminal, shook his head, and called Ji Anquan to investigate the source of this email.

Soon, Ji Anquan said, "The account owner died several years ago, and the other party did a clean job, leaving no traces. But it's not hard to speculate."

"This email has only one real purpose, and that is to lure you out of Dong 3 Huang Xing and set up an ambush near Si Shou Star."

Ji Jingqiu nodded slightly, his expression doubtful.

Who sent this email?

"The person who sent the email is quite interesting." Ji Anquan smiled, "Most likely, it's one of the members who will attack Si Shou Star. Their goals are not aligned, and some believe that your life is more important than the secrets of Si Shou Star."

Ji Jingqiu didn't say anything.

So they think they can lure me out of Dong 3 Huang Xing?

"Considering your current strength, these guys still have the confidence to take you out at Si Shou Star..." Ji Anquan thought for a moment, "It seems their goal this time is to liberate Hela and kill you with her help."

Ji Jingqiu raised his eyebrows and looked at Lajiang in the inner realm.

The latter coldly snorted, "What do you want me to do? Once my main body appears, the first one I'll kill is you."

Ji Jingqiu chuckled.

"What's the benefit of releasing Hela? Creating a crisis and chaos, forcing the Deity Lords to return to defense, and testing the Federation's backup plan?" Ji Anquan continued to ask and answer himself, analyzing the pros and cons.

Soon, he seemed to have found the answer and narrowed his eyes, "Hopefully, the Wan Wu League is not involved. If they are, these guys can go die."

"How so?" Ji Jingqiu asked curiously, wondering how this guy connected this matter to the Wan Wu League.

"The divine weapon left by He Shuai to suppress Hela."

Ji Anquan briefly explained, "I once had high hopes for Zhang Tiancheng and gifted him a heritage. After Zhang Tiancheng broke through the Great Master realm, I went to see him. Later, for some unknown reason, this divine weapon caught Zhang Tiancheng's eye, but it was only because it was needed to suppress Hela's main body that the two missed their chance."

Ji Jingqiu was speechless. This rumor was indeed outrageous.

Additionally, if it's really the Wan Wu League, do they think that after releasing Hela, Xuan Yi will actively seek out Zhang Tiancheng, who knows where he is?

At this moment, Ji Jingqiu highly suspected that Zhang Tiancheng had used some means on these people; otherwise, it wouldn't have come to this.

"There are also some other historical reasons."

"Ji Anquan pondered and said, "Actually, there's no need for you to come. Although the Si Shou Star seems to have a weak defense, Meng Jia's Xue Zu has already been invited to reside there, making it one of the most heavily guarded places in the entire Da Yu Zhou."

Indeed.

Ji Jingqiu understood that since Xue Zu was there, he wouldn't bother going.

"If you're really bored, you can come and have a look around," Ji Anquan added.

Ji Jingqiu shook his head, "It's not interesting at all. They're just small fry, not worth my trip. If they want to see me, should I let them? It's beneath me."

"Alright, then you can focus on cultivation."

"I'm planning to visit Jiu Zhou to expedite my cultivation for the Three Disasters," Ji Jingqiu said, "There are no worthy enemies for me in the Federal territory."

"Good."

...

"In the heavens, there are the sun and the moon. The first thing a Heavenly Monarch should do is to hang a 'real' sun and moon in the inner heavens. From then on, the sun and moon will alternate in their rise, intertwining Yin and Yang energies, and evolving the Five Elements."

In the highest floating island of the Jiugong Ancestral Shrine, within a luxurious and restrained hall, everyone sat facing each other, with Ji Jingqiu occupying the guest position. An elder in front of him spoke eloquently:

"Among them, the moon represents the essence of Tai Yin, and the sun represents the essence of Tai Yang. According to Jiugong's history, when the Da Yu Zhou was first opened, besides the five Great Primordial Gods, there were also some accompanying gods, two of which were the Moon God and the Yang God, respectively, the first sun and moon born in the Da Yu Zhou."

"It is said that all subsequent suns and moons, including those belonging to various realms, can be considered their 'descendants'."

Another elder clicked his tongue:

"Ji Shidi, remember this: those born early have the advantage, and without doing anything, they monopolize a great path. In the future, when you encounter those who claim to be of the 'Moon Palace' or 'Great Sun' in the Da Yu Zhou, it's best to avoid them. If you do provoke them, make sure to handle it cleanly."

"They stick together for warmth and call themselves the 'Star Spirit Race'. They are the roots of the Great Primordial Gods. If not dealt with properly, you may suffer their harm. When the rules of the Da Yu Zhou become unstable, these beings, who are almost as immortal as the heavens, will awaken one by one."

Ji Jingqiu asked curiously, "Could every sun and moon be a deity?"

The elder from the Great Mirage Palace, named Liu Xu, shook his head and said, "Rarely. Among those with spiritual awareness, one in ten thousand is chosen, and even fewer are qualified to be considered Great Primordial Gods, all possessing 'uniqueness'. However, they often start as Heavenly Monarchs, but they are born with such power.

Ji Jingqiu nodded.

"I've heard that the divine ability you've cultivated, the manifestation of the moon in the heavenly realm, is in harmony with the Great Dao. This 'Moon Essence' was taken from a Moon Palace seed, which is suitable for you to use."

After half a day of introduction, Liu Xu finally smiled and pushed forward a jade box.

After hearing Lajiang say that this was a good thing and indeed suitable for him, Ji Jingqiu smiled shyly, "Since it's a gift from my senior brother, I'll gladly accept it."

Liu Xu smiled, "You're too kind, junior brother. A Moon Essence is nothing. I hope you can take care of some matters for our Great Mirage Palace in the Da Yu Zhou."

"Senior brother, you're too kind. Even that Mirage Dragon is under my care. How could I not take care of it?"

The Mirage Dragon, treasured by the Great Mirage Palace lineage, was the "foundation" of the Heavenly Palace in the East 3 Huang Star, spending its days in the clouds, swallowing and exhaling mist, and sleeping lazily.

Not long ago, the Mirage Dragon, with the help of the power of the East 3 Huang Star, had successfully broken free from its juvenile stage.

When the Mirage Dragon was mentioned, Liu Xu's face lit up with a smile, "Thanks to your care, this little fellow was able to grow up ahead of time."

For Jiugong, this Mirage Dragon was a strategic-level foundation. As the Jiugong army migrated, they couldn't find a suitable place to settle down for a while, and this Mirage Dragon could create a fake yet convincing realm in the void.

Lu Tong, sitting beside them, asked, "Jingqiu, what brings you to Jiu Zhou?"

"Two things."

Ji Jingqiu candidly revealed his purpose.

After listening to his explanation, the Heavenly Monarchs from the various palaces of Jiugong pondered for a moment. They needed to consult and discuss with the higher-ups before giving him an answer.

After all, there were more than just Jiugong who were taking action against the Buddha's Homeland. Ji Jingqiu wanted to gather the remaining forces of the Buddha's Homeland, and Jiugong couldn't represent all the powers. Negotiations were necessary.

"Is Shidi going to visit the Will of the Ancient Path again?" someone exclaimed, "I've never heard of anyone being able to enter the Ancient Path outside of its opening time. Is this the first-class value of all ages?"

"Hmm, the Ancient Path doesn't lack resources, especially the incomplete Dongtian and Demi-Planes. They contain the essence of the Great Dao, which is like a tonic for cultivators above the Tianren Realm. Shidi is indeed blessed."

"Exactly!"

"Does Shidi feel too bored in the current Da Yu Zhou?"

Suddenly, someone asked.

Ji Jingqiu's gaze fell.

A middle-aged man smiled and said, "With no one to compete against, Shidi must be bored, right? Why not try crossing the battlefield and meeting the Godly Prohibitions of other powers?"

"Oh? What does senior brother mean?"

The middle-aged man smiled, "Now, all the families in Jiu Zhou are busy migrating back to the Da Yu Zhou. As far as I know, more than a dozen families have joined the competition for the Feisheng Altar, opposing the True Holy Realm in the 3000 Jambudvipa. But the situation isn't favorable."

Ji Jingqiu seemed deep in thought.

There were True Holy level realms in Jiu Zhou, but it was unknown if there were Godly Prohibitions in this generation.

"If Shidi is interested in being a 'substitute fighter', you can borrow the path to other Feisheng Altars. I can help you make the arrangements."

"The cultivators of the 3000 Jambudvipa don't like Shidi, but we in Jiu Zhou have no taboos!"

Soon, the man added, "Except for the Southern Continent, where there are still followers of the Southern Emperor, but they are few. Most of them want you to eliminate them."

Upon hearing this, Ji Jingqiu's heart stirred.

Indeed, the current Federal territory was uninteresting. Either the Federation needed something, or everything was within the Federation's calculations. The four Deity Lords even asked him to remain dormant for a while...

"I'll consider it." Ji Jingqiu's thoughts raced, and he opened his mouth.

After a luxurious banquet, Ji Jingqiu contacted the Will of the Ancient Path, his senior brother.

[You're back. Huh—You've already broken through the Tianren Realm?]



A slightly surprised voice entered his ears; it was the Will of the Ancient Path.

"I was fortunate to break through and reach the Tianren Realm," Ji Jingqiu said, "I came here to ask for some cultivation resources from my senior."

[...You are the Master of the Royal Heaven. No need for formalities. I will guide you into the Ancient Path.]



(End of Chapter)

Chapter end