novelapdf Chapter 175 Hongjun's Deal
Chapter 175 Hongjun's Deal
Chapter 175 Hongjun's Deal
The debate among the five great masters lasted for countless years.
The moonlight under the banana tree flickered countless times, and the spiritual tea in the pot cooled and was replaced, only to cool again.
There is no contest of magical power, no conflict of principles, only the purest clash of the Great Dao concepts and the collision of sparks of wisdom.
The entire Wuzhuang Temple was immersed in this unprecedented ocean of Taoist charm, with spiritual energy becoming increasingly abundant and plants becoming more and more beautiful. It was as if this discussion of Taoism itself was the best baptism and sublimation for this blessed land.
As the last voice of the Daoist priest, Yang Mei, slowly faded away, a long silence fell beneath the banana tree.
All five of them closed their eyes in deep thought, digesting the endless gains from this discussion.
In the air, the five distinct yet mutually inspiring and corroborating Daoist principles continued to slowly blend and resonate, lingering for a long time.
The profound significance of this discourse will likely become increasingly apparent over the long course of time.
As the sounds of the Great Dao gradually subsided, the five distinct Daoist energies that permeated the area beneath the banana tree receded slowly like the tide, leaving behind countless sparks of wisdom and profound insights at the point of convergence, nourishing the minds of every great being present.
Although this discussion lacked the clash of swords and the bloodshed of warriors, its danger and gains were no less than a life-or-death struggle. It was a clash of ideas and understandings, a mutual verification and enlightenment of the path.
After a long while, the Yin-Yang Taoist was the first to awaken from his deep state of enlightenment. The Yin and Yang energies flowing around him seemed to be more harmonious and restrained, and his eyes shone with the light of enlightenment.
He rose and bowed respectfully to Zhen Yuanzi, Hongyun, and especially Hongjun and Yangmei: "Hearing your words is better than cultivating merit for ten thousand years. Today, I have benefited greatly from discussing the Dao with you four fellow Daoists, and many obstacles in my heart have begun to loosen."
He needed to return to his cave immediately to cultivate in seclusion and fully digest what he had gained. He then took his leave.
His words were sincere, and this discussion on the Dao was indeed of great benefit to his understanding of the balance of Yin and Yang. In particular, Hongjun's concept of order and inclusiveness and Yangmei's concept of spatial transcendence provided him with a completely new perspective.
Yang Mei's illusory figure also solidified slightly, his ethereal eyes carrying a hint of satisfaction and contemplation. He also stood up and said, "What Fellow Daoist Yin Yang said is very true. Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi's grand vision of the Dao, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun's return to the origin and carefree life, and Fellow Daoist Hong Jun's orderly lineage have all broadened my horizons."
My heart also feels a need to find a quiet place to experience a deeper connection between this space and all things. I, too, take my leave.
He always acted freely and unrestrainedly. After speaking, his figure, like a reflection in water, began to slowly fade, as if to merge into the endless dimensions.
Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun rose to see them off. Zhen Yuanzi cupped his hands and said, "Please take your time, fellow Daoists. You are welcome to visit Wanshou Mountain anytime in the future to discuss Dao and enjoy tea."
Yin Yang and Yang Mei nodded with smiles, their figures transforming into streaks of light and ripples in space, quietly disappearing into the Wuzhuang Temple and returning to their respective caves to consolidate their hard-won gains.
However, Master Hongjun remained seated on the futon, his face ancient and unassuming, showing no intention of leaving. He gently stroked the whisk in his hand, his gaze calm, as if still savoring the aftertaste of their recent discussion, or perhaps waiting for something.
Hongyun Patriarch was originally a free spirit, but he was able to cultivate to the level of a Hunyuan Golden Immortal, and his mind was also exquisite.
Seeing that Hongjun did not leave with Yin Yang and Yangmei, he immediately understood that this unfathomable master of Yujing Mountain was probably not just here to discuss the Dao and make friends, but must have something important to discuss with Zhen Yuanzi in private.
Being here myself is actually inconvenient.
So Hongyun laughed, patted his sleeves, stood up, and winked at Zhen Yuanzi: "Brother Daoist, Fellow Daoist Hongjun must have important matters to discuss with you. I'm afraid my presence here would be in the way."
Perfect timing! Having listened to Fellow Daoist Hongjun's Dao of Order and Yangmei's Wonders of Space, I also have some new ideas about the Four Symbols Returning to Origin. I need to return to the Fire Cloud Cave to ponder them carefully.
"You two can chat for a while, I'm going back to my seclusion!" He said frankly and openly, avoiding embarrassment for himself while also giving Hongjun and Zhenyuanzi a way out.
Zhen Yuanzi understood immediately and nodded, saying, "Fellow Daoist, please go ahead. If you have any questions, you may come at any time."
Hongyun cupped his hands in greeting to Hongjun again, then transformed into a streak of crimson cloud light, leisurely heading towards the outer perimeter of Longevity Mountain, towards the Fire Cloud Cave, which he had already refined and moved there.
In the blink of an eye, only Zhen Yuanzi and Hongjun remained under the bustling banana tree.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, making the surrounding silence even more palpable. The lingering fragrance of the spiritual tea wafted between the two of them.
Seeing that all the bystanders had left, Hongjun finally focused his gaze entirely on Zhen Yuanzi, into his deep, star-like eyes.
The peaceful sharing of ideas that once characterized discussions is gone, replaced by a sense of solemnity and reverence.
He didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable weight: "Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, besides discussing the Dao, I have indeed come here to ask you for something."
This matter—concerns my future spiritual path, and is of paramount importance.
Zhen Yuanzi remained outwardly calm, but his mind was perfectly clear. He had long anticipated that Hongjun's lingering presence must be for some purpose.
Considering his identity, needs, and the treasures he possessed, his goal was obvious. He calmly replied, "Oh? What could possibly make Fellow Daoist Hongjun so serious? Please speak freely."
Hongjun's gaze narrowed slightly as he looked directly at Zhen Yuanzi and said, word by word, "This humble Daoist wishes to borrow the Qiankun Cauldron from you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
The Qiankun Cauldron is a supreme innate treasure. Although its origin was damaged, it was repaired by Zhen Yuanzi.
However, its profound functions of "reversing the innate" and "returning to the origin" are invaluable treasures for any cultivator, and are one of Zhen Yuanzi's important foundations.
To borrow such a precious treasure so readily is something only Hongjun could do; anyone else would likely be seen as a provocation.
Upon hearing this, Zhen Yuanzi did not show much surprise on his face. He remained silent, his fingertips lightly tapping the jade tabletop, producing a rhythmic sound, as if he were pondering or waiting for the other party to offer their terms.
In the fragments of his past life's memories, Hongjun was indeed related to the Qiankun Cauldron, although he later obtained it from the place where the Qiankun Daoist fell after the conflict between Dao and Demon.
However, its purpose is mostly to use its ability to "return to the origin" to try to repair the incomplete Jade Disc of Creation, making it more complete, thereby paving the way for it to unite with the Heavenly Dao.
This treasure is indeed a crucial link in Hongjun's path to enlightenment.
Seeing Zhen Yuanzi's silence, Hongjun knew that he must be weighing his options.
Borrowing from others the key to their enlightenment is a major taboo in the cultivation world, tantamount to obstructing their path and creating an irreconcilable karmic debt.
Since he had spoken up, he was naturally prepared with a sufficient price to pay, and he adopted an extremely humble attitude.