Dao Equaling the Heavens

Above the sky dome, a majestic figure gazed down upon the grotto heaven, with ethereal sounds drifting through the air.

"Take good care of yourself, be wary of falling into the honey trap. The ladies of the Qianfeng Sect are skilled in illusion techniques, most would not give themselves away."

Within the mountain gate, Qianfeng women who had been waiting for a long time stepped out, each as beautiful as a blossom, akin to heavenly immortals.

The leader among them was especially beautiful; she was the current Daoist Sect Leader, and a direct disciple of Heavenly Venerate Yujin.

She was acquainted with the Sovereign of Yi Zong and had worked together for some time. Although their feelings didn't perfectly align, they got along passably and remained friends.

She smiled warmly and said, "It's been a long time, Yi Zong Sovereign. It seems we will still have millennia to share together."

Yi Zong ignored the 'heavenly immortal', his gaze sparing not a glance for beauty. He looked up and shouted, "Venerable, I still wish to ask, can this world truly achieve universal unity!"

"The Human Race has left Jianmu for thirty thousand years, Qingcang Immortal taught virtue for eight hundred years, six times of this unity, millions of our compatriots worked together, is that still not enough? Even as cultivators, not all are evil, why does it fail? Why can it not succeed?"

The majestic figure above the sky dome gradually dissolved into the clouds, his serene voice descending like a gentle breeze.

"There is no feast in the world that will not disperse, nor an eternal dynasty. The ebb and flow are all predetermined."

"This universal unity is neither an eternal art nor an impossible event, it will certainly be achieved one day."

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Buddha State, Spiritual Mountain.

In the majestic Buddha Hall, a nun clad in a platinum kasaya sat cross-legged, looking like a Bodhisattva, sitting like a Buddha.

Outside the door, a paper crane flew in and spread open a scroll.

Jade Sword Buddha glanced at it, a hint of loneliness flashed in her beautiful eyes, and she sighed softly before slowly closing her eyes again.

With the trend of the times, even with Qingcang Immortal's presence, it would be difficult to maintain. Absolute power can eliminate all opposition, but not everyone is an opponent, and not everyone daring to oppose.

Most people know how to adapt, how to take advantage, they hide within the unity, nibbling away at the "Dao Fruit" little by little.

Even in the Buddhist Sect managed by Jade Sword Buddha, among the many eminent monks, who can say they are completely selfless?

An eminent monk's misguided protection of a disciple might lead to corruption in thousands of temples.

Jade Sword Buddha also has her self-interest, she has a close friend named Yu Hua, and if ever the friend encountered difficulties, she would abandon her responsibilities as the Buddha Sect Venerable and do everything to help.

She also has a friend named Gu Wen, and had he been willing back then, they might have become a Daoist couple.

If comparing the Buddhist Sect to Gu Wen and Yu Hua, Jade Sword Buddha would choose the latter without any need for reason.

This is her selfishness, her greed, anger, and ignorance.

Universal unity is born of human desires, and obstructed by them.

This current era is a grand one for cultivators, opportunities abound, and opportunities for immortal ascension emerge like bamboo shoots after rain.

The world is vast, division arises when there are too many strong individuals.

Suddenly, Jade Sword Buddha felt a heat in her head, and she quickly opened her eyes to see a familiar face, with that familiar shameless smile.

Back at Luo River, he spent half the day every day following her, wanting to learn the sword.

"Benefactor..."

"Long time no see, you've gained quite some weight."

Jade Sword Buddha's demeanor of a high monk shifted, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, "Where?"

"Your face is rounder, and the head feels even nicer to touch."

Gu Wen rubbed her bald head, and Jade Sword Buddha slapped away his hand. Realizing her own loss of composure, she tried to regain her calmness.

She asked, "How dare Benefactor Gu return to the cultivation world, aren't you afraid of the Two Saints' consequences?"

Even with the distant address, she couldn't help but show her concern.

"Why wouldn't I dare?" Gu Wen slightly raised his head and said, "I just run after getting hit. After all, they can't kill me in one strike."

"..."

Jade Sword Buddha's lips curved into a slight smile, which she quickly suppressed, saying with a hint of rebuke, "You are at least a Saint, can't you be a bit proper with your words?"

"If I don't run, should I stand still and get hit?"

Gu Wen's hand went back to Jade Sword Buddha's head, to which she glared and said, "What have you come back for this time?"

"To take you away, and also to give Chi Ling some trouble."

"I still have grand vows unfulfilled, I cannot leave with you."

Jade Sword Buddha softly recited 'Amitabha', and the Buddha's light shone behind her, as if transcending into sainthood in that moment.

Gu Wen said, "The Daoist Sect has already stepped aside, the world has long since fallen apart. You pursuing the eradication of obscene sacrifices doesn't require you, the heavenly court and underworld will have their own restraints."

Jade Sword Buddha said, "I am the Houtu, someone will inevitably do it, why can't it be me?"

The two locked eyes, holding the stalemate for a long time.

For those with great power to hide their emotions is as easy as breathing, at least Gu Wen couldn't tell if Jade Sword Buddha truly didn't want to leave, or if her words were contrary to her heart.

But knowing her character, she probably truly did not want to leave.

Gu Wen sighed, "Really, the sky wants to rain, and a mother wants to marry. You all just won't give me peace of mind."

Seeing this, Jade Sword Buddha's expression softened and she said, "I know Benefactor Gu means well, but some things cannot be forced..."

Before the current Buddha Sect Venerable could impart her teachings and resolve confusion, Gu Wen lightly tapped her smooth head, and Jade Sword Buddha fell into his arms.

"I was just one step away, just one step..."

Jade Sword Buddha's voice wavered, on the verge of sleep, as she clutched Gu Wen's collar tightly.

"Gu Wen, if you break my grand vows, I will hate you forever."

"Originally, I was still considering whether to follow Yu Hua's advice and forcibly take you away. Now I see there's no need to consider."

Gu Wen patted her back, and a Dao Fruit, infused with the scent of incense, slowly emerged from Jade Sword Buddha's body, gradually being separated.

Then, under the watchful eyes of numerous Buddha statues, Gu Wen carried Jade Sword Buddha and swaggered out of the Buddha Hall.