“Alright, I understand.”
After a brief pause, Shui Miao stepped forward, glanced at everyone, and clasped his fists together. “Esteemed seniors, I have no desire for rewards or titles. I only wish to stick to my chosen path and do my best to achieve it. As for any misunderstandings between Daoism and Buddhism, I’m sure you all possess the wisdom to figure out a solution.”
“There’s another thing. When the Buddha asked me how to resolve the Buddhist reform, I must say I don’t know enough about the Buddhist realm to offer an opinion. The current issue lies with Heaven, not the Buddhist realm, so Heaven shouldn’t complicate matters further but instead focus on solving its own problems first. Of course, I also don’t believe the Buddha would take this opportunity to attack Heaven.”
“But what if they do?” Yuan Shi Tianzun stroked his beard and casually asked.
Shui Miao frowned and looked at the Buddha. “Senior Buddha, how would you respond?”
A matter previously fought in secret was now brought into the open.
The Buddha’s response would directly impact the development of the situation.
After a pause, the Tathagata spoke calmly, “In the beginning, when the universe was still chaotic, the venerable Hongjun Daoist, who cultivated the Primordial Purity Qi, brought the egg of Pangu and created the world. Later, Hun Kun Master, who cultivated Primordial Turbidity Qi, the goddess Nuwa, who cultivated Primordial Clarity Qi, and Lord Luyao, who cultivated Primordial Brightness Qi, all arrived and together they created the Three Realms, giving birth to all living beings and making the Three Realms flourish as they do today. However, in recent years, Heaven has become complacent, indulging in pleasure and glory, resulting in the decline of morality and the loss of traditional values. As a disciple of Hun Kun Master, I care deeply about the rise and fall of the Three Realms. Witnessing the suffering of the celestial beings, I cannot help but feel compassion. Today, even if I were to seize control of the Three Realms, spreading the light of Buddhism and restoring order and harmony, what would be wrong with that?”
The Tathagata expressed his intentions clearly—he would fight for the sake of all beings in the Three Realms.
Indeed, with the Tathagata’s immense power, aside from the goddess Nuwa, no one else present could rival him.
Hearing the Tathagata mention her, the goddess Nuwa stepped forward and said, “Buddha, how about this? For my sake, please give Heaven ten more years. If Heaven fails to reform and restore the prosperity of the Three Realms within ten years, then you may take control of the Three Realms. Anyone who dares to oppose you, I will be the first to stand against them.”
“I will also guarantee it. Ten years, no breaking of the promise.”
Jiu Tian Xuan Nu added.
The Tathagata gently shook his head. “Ten years is too long. Three years will suffice.”
…
The Buddha had given Nuwa face but pressed hard.
Everyone turned their eyes to Nuwa and Jiu Tian Xuan Nu, who in turn looked at the Jade Emperor, Tai Shang Lao Jun, and Yuan Shi Tianzun.
Shui Miao sensed through his divine perception that Tai Shang Lao Jun, Yuan Shi Tianzun, Tong Tian Jiao Zhu, and the Jade Emperor were communicating mentally.
In Shui Miao’s view, under the current circumstances, three years would be enough.
With the right order and direction in place, if Heaven focused wholeheartedly, it could show improvement in half a year and fully recover within two years. There would be a dramatic transformation in the celestial realm before three years had passed.
Shui Miao’s mind stirred, and he began communicating with everyone in the realm of his consciousness.
“Everyone, what do you think about the current situation?”
In the grand hall of the Tianji Sect within his consciousness realm, Shui Miao projected a phantom image and transmitted all the events as information, speaking first.
“The Buddha is aggressive, and the Heaven’s leaders each harbor their own motives. The situation is very complicated. But if I were the Jade Emperor, I would accept the three-year period. It’s enough time to accomplish many things,” Tian Yi De Jun said gravely, looking at everyone.
“Sigh!” Wen Chang Di Jun lightly sighed before speaking, “Heaven is plagued by internal conflicts and no one trusts each other. It’s a difficult decision to make. But I think the Jade Emperor will eventually speak up and step forward. He must confront those powerful figures. If he fails to resolve Heaven’s internal conflicts, Heaven will indeed be illuminated by the light of Buddhism.”
Shui Tian Yi Sheng Mu furrowed her brow. “I find it strange. Isn’t the Jade Emperor supposed to be very powerful? Why is he acting so ineffectively this time?”
“Hehe…” Xuan Kong Er lightly smiled and explained, “The Jade Emperor is indeed extremely powerful. His cultivation is actually much deeper than Tai Shang Lao Jun’s. He has been cultivating since childhood, enduring 1,750 major tribulations, each lasting 129,600 years. You can calculate how old he is and how profound his cultivation must be. However, in the last celestial and demonic war, he fought fiercely against the Demon Emperor Wu Ye Zi, and both suffered severe injuries. That’s why he’s now weak and has to listen to the three major powers. It’s not surprising.”
“Speaking of the celestial and demonic war, it reminds me of the Heaven Gate in the celestial-demonic realm. Do you know where that Heaven Gate leads?” Shui Tian Yi Sheng Mu was very curious about mysterious things: “It’s said that the Heaven Gate leads to a new universe beyond the Three Realms. But legend says the Three Realms were created by Hongjun Daoist with Pangu’s egg. If that’s true, why couldn’t even the goddess Nuwa enter that Heaven Gate? Why did they create that Heaven Gate?”
“Legends are just legends, a mix of truth and falsehood, who can tell the difference…” Wen Chang Di Jun couldn’t help but shake his head. “I’ve been thinking about this issue for a very long time. Maybe Hongjun Daoist and the others were lying. Pangu might not even exist. Those legends might just be stories created by some people to better control the Three Realms.”
“Alright, I understand.”
After a brief pause, Shui Miao stepped forward, looked around at everyone, and clasped his fists in a respectful gesture. “Esteemed seniors, I have no desire for any rewards or titles. I am merely committed to my path and strive to achieve it. As for any misunderstandings between Taoism and Buddhism, I believe with your wisdom, you will find a way to resolve them.”
“Moreover, regarding the Buddha’s question about how to address the reforms in the Buddhist realm, I must admit that I am not familiar enough with the Buddhist realm to offer a proper response. The current issue lies within the Heavenly Court, not the Buddhist realm. Therefore, the Heavenly Court should not complicate matters further and should focus on resolving its own problems first. Of course, I do not believe that the Buddha would take advantage of this situation to confront the Heavenly Court.”
“But what if they do?” the Primordial Lord of Heaven asked casually, stroking his beard.
Shui Miao frowned and turned to the Buddha. “Buddha, how would you respond?”
The long-standing hidden conflict was now laid bare on the table.
The Buddha’s stance would directly influence the course of events.
After a moment of silence, the Buddha spoke calmly, “In the beginning, when chaos reigned, the Taoist Hongjun, who cultivated the Primordial Qi, arrived with the Egg of Pangu and created the heavens and the earth. Later, the Ancestor of Chaos, who cultivated the Primordial Spirit, the Goddess Nüwa, who cultivated the Primordial Air, and the Taoist Luya, who cultivated the Primordial Light, all arrived. Together, they established the Three Realms, nurturing life and bringing about the glory we see today. However, in recent years, the Heavenly Court has been idle, indulging in luxury and vanity, leading to a decline in morals and a loss of ancient virtues. As a disciple of the Ancestor of Chaos, I am deeply concerned about the fate of the Three Realms. Seeing the suffering of the immortal realm, I cannot bear it. Today, even if I were to take control of the Three Realms, spreading the light of Buddhism and restoring order, what would be wrong with that?”
The Buddha expressed his intention to fight for the well-being of all beings in the Three Realms.
Indeed, with the Buddha’s immense power, only the Goddess Nüwa could rival him among those present.
When the Buddha mentioned her, the Goddess Nüwa stepped forward and said, “Buddha, how about this? For my sake, give the Heavenly Court ten more years. If, after ten years, the Heavenly Court has not reformed and restored prosperity to the Three Realms, then you may take control, and I will be the first to support you.”
“I also guarantee it, ten years, no less,” the Nine Heavens Mystic Lady added.
The Buddha shook his head gently. “Ten years is too long. Three years will suffice.”
“…”
The Buddha had given the Goddess Nüwa face, but the pressure was still intense.
Everyone turned to the Goddess Nüwa and the Nine Heavens Mystic Lady, who in turn looked at the Jade Emperor, the Supreme Lord Laozi, and the Primordial Lord of Heaven.
Shui Miao sensed that the Supreme Lord Laozi, the Primordial Lord of Heaven, the Lord of the Heavens, and the Jade Emperor were communicating telepathically.
In Shui Miao’s view, three years were more than enough.
With good order and direction in place, focused efforts could yield results in half a year, and the immortal realm could be adjusted within two years. In less than three years, the immortal realm would undergo a tremendous transformation.
Shui Miao’s heart stirred, and he communicated with everyone in the realm of consciousness.
“Everyone, what do you think of the current situation?”
Shui Miao projected a phantom in the grand hall of the Tianji Sect within the realm of consciousness, conveying all that had happened and opening the discussion.
“The Buddha is aggressive, and the Heavenly Court’s leaders are all scheming. The situation is very complex. But if I were the Jade Emperor, I would agree. Three years is enough to accomplish a lot,” Tianyi Dejun said gravely, looking around.
“Ah!” the Emperor of Culture sighed softly and added, “The Heavenly Court is plagued by internal strife, with no one willing to submit to anyone else. This decision is difficult. But I believe the Jade Emperor will eventually speak up and take a stand. He must face those leaders. If he cannot resolve the internal conflicts, the Heavenly Court may indeed be bathed in the light of Buddhism.”
The Holy Mother of Water frowned, “I find it strange. Isn’t the Jade Emperor supposed to be very powerful? Why does he seem so incompetent this time?”
“Heh…” Xuankong’er chuckled lightly and explained, “The Jade Emperor is indeed very, very powerful. His cultivation is actually far deeper than that of the Supreme Lord Laozi. He has practiced since childhood, enduring 1,750 calamities, each lasting 129,600 years. You can calculate how long he has lived and how profound his cultivation must be. However, during the last great war between immortals and demons, he clashed with the Demon Emperor Wuyezi, and both were severely injured. Now, he has become weak and must defer to the three great leaders. This is not surprising.”
“Speaking of the war between immortals and demons, it reminds me of the Celestial Gate in the immortal and demon realms. Do you know where that gate leads?” The Holy Mother of Water was very curious about mysterious things. “I heard that the Celestial Gate leads beyond the Three Realms, to a new universe. But legend has it that the Three Realms were created by Hongjun with the Egg of Pangu. If that’s true, why can’t even the Goddess Nüwa enter that gate? Why did they create it?”
“Legends are just legends, true or false, who can tell?” The Emperor of Culture shook his head. “I’ve pondered this question for a long, long time. Perhaps Hongjun and the others were lying, and Pangu never existed. Those legends might just be stories concocted by certain people to better control the Three Realms.”
“Indeed, I don’t trust the Three Pure Ones either. They sit high above, spinning these tales to make us afraid to challenge their authority. No matter how idle or corrupt they are, we dare not speak out because they claim to be the incarnations of Pangu’s primordial spirit. Anyone who doubts them commits a grave offense.” Tianyi Dejun sighed deeply, having experienced the harm caused by these arrogant leaders.
Xuankong’er nodded and murmured to himself, “If I get the chance, I must explore it…”
While discussions continued in the realm of consciousness, the immortals outside were not idle.
The Primordial Lord of Heaven suddenly stepped forward and shouted, “Buddha, stop pretending to be compassionate. We all know you have ulterior motives. You just want to seize control of the Three Realms. You think you’re so powerful? Fine! Today, the Heavenly Court challenges the Buddhist realm to a duel three years from now. Three against three, no harm to the masses. Best of three. If you win, the Three Realms will be under your control. If we win, you will forever remain in the Western Paradise, serving the Heavenly Court.”
“Very well, we shall meet here three years from today.”
The Buddha nodded with a faint smile, then turned and disappeared with his countless divine beings.
The Primordial Lord of Heaven’s declaration was the result of their collective decision.
The die was cast, and the matter was settled. The Goddess Nüwa and the Nine Heavens Mystic Lady were helpless.
At that moment, the Goddess Nüwa used her powers to bring the Nine Heavens Mystic Lady and Shui Miao to her palace beyond the heavens.
The Goddess Nüwa’s palace was located on a planet unfamiliar to Shui Miao, a place of lush mountains, clear waters, and enchanting scenery.
The Goddess Nüwa gazed into the deep cosmos, then turned to Shui Miao and said, “Shui Miao, you must leave the Three Realms far behind. Both the Heavenly Court and the Buddhist realm will try to recruit you to their side. If they cannot, they will destroy you. So, you must go.”
“Yes, I’ve thought of that. They will surely spare no effort to prepare for the great battle three years from now.” The Nine Heavens Mystic Lady, who had always cared deeply for Shui Miao, treating him as one of her own, pondered and then looked at the Goddess Nüwa. “Goddess, the universe is vast, but where can we go to escape their pursuit?”
“There’s no choice. I must send them to the alien world!” The Goddess Nüwa sighed softly. “However, the alien world is an extremely dangerous place, but compared to the Three Realms, there are fewer super-powerful beings to trouble you. As long as you are cautious, you should be fine.”
The Goddess Nüwa looked at Shui Miao and gave him two talismans: one to travel to the alien world and one to return.
Shui Miao accepted the talismans and bowed in gratitude to the Goddess Nüwa and the Nine Heavens Mystic Lady.
Holding the talismans, Shui Miao did not leave immediately. Instead, he thought for a moment and said, “Goddess Nüwa, Nine Heavens Mystic Lady, I will return three years from today. At that time, I wish to stand as a third force and challenge them for control of the Three Realms. Will you stand by my side?”
“You want to vie for control of the Three Realms? Why?”
The Goddess Nüwa was shocked.
Shui Miao smiled faintly and shook his head. “Goddess, you’ve seen it yourself. They are not truly concerned for the well-being of the Three Realms. They are only fighting for power. I want to fundamentally change this situation.”
“…”
Though Shui Miao’s words were spoken lightly, they carried an unyielding determination.
The Nine Heavens Mystic Lady paused, then nodded. “Shui Miao, if three years from now you still hold this belief and possess the strength to back it, I believe I will stand by your side for the sake of the Three Realms.”
“Good, very good! Shui Miao, young people like you are rare indeed. On your journey to the alien world, I will lend you a primordial treasure to help you achieve and transcend yourself.” Deeply moved, the Goddess Nüwa immediately conjured a palm-sized, rainbow-colored mirror and handed it to Shui Miao.
“Thank you, Goddess. I will rely on my own efforts.”
Shui Miao activated the talisman and instantly teleported to the alien world.
“He didn’t even take the primordial treasure?”
The Goddess Nüwa was profoundly impressed by Shui Miao’s integrity.
Xuan Kong Er nodded and murmured to himself, “If I have the chance, I must go in and find out the truth…”
Inside the consciousness realm, discussions were heated, while outside, the immortals were also busy.
Yuan Shi Tianzun suddenly stood up and shouted, “Tathagata, stop pretending to be compassionate. We all know you are two-faced. You just want to seize control of the Three Realms. You think you’re so powerful? Fine, today Heaven declares war on your Buddhist realm. Three years from today, we will have a three-on-three duel, without involving the innocent. Best of three. If you win, the Three Realms will be under your Buddhist rule. If we win, you must stay in the Western Paradise forever, obey Heaven, and be at Heaven’s command.”
“Very well, we’ll meet here again three years from today.”
The Buddha nodded with a half-smile, then turned and disappeared with countless deities.
Yuan Shi Tianzun’s sudden declaration had been decided after thorough discussion among them.
The decision had been made, and the matter settled. Nuwa and Jiu Tian Xuan Nu felt helpless.
At that moment, Nuwa activated her divine power, taking Jiu Tian Xuan Nu and Shui Miao with her to the Nuwa Palace in the highest heaven.
Nuwa’s palace was built on a planet unfamiliar to Shui Miao. This planet was also picturesque, with lush mountains and green trees.
Looking at the vast cosmic stars, Nuwa suddenly turned around and said to Shui Miao, “Shui Miao, you must leave the Three Realms far behind. Both Heaven and the Buddhist realm now want to recruit you to their side. If they can’t, they will kill you. Therefore, you must leave.”
“Yes, I have also thought of this. They will definitely go to any lengths to prepare for the battle three years from now.” Jiu Tian Xuan Nu had always cared for Shui Miao deeply, treating him as one of her own. She thought for a moment and looked at Nuwa. “Your Majesty, the universe is vast, but where can we go to avoid their pursuit?”
“There’s no way. I can only send them to a foreign world!” Nuwa sighed softly. “However, the foreign world is an extremely dangerous place. But compared to the Three Realms, at least there won’t be so many supreme experts troubling you. As long as you are cautious, you should be safe.”
Nuwa looked at Shui Miao and gave him two talismans, one for going to the foreign world and one for returning.
Shui Miao accepted the talismans and thanked Nuwa and Jiu Tian Xuan Nu.
Holding the talismans, Shui Miao did not leave immediately. He thought for a moment and said, “Your Majesty Nuwa, Your Majesty Jiu Tian Xuan Nu, I will return three years from today. At that time, I would like to stand as a third force and fight for control of the Three Realms. I wonder if Your Majesty Nuwa and Your Majesty Jiu Tian Xuan Nu will stand by my side?”
“You want to fight for control of the Three Realms? Why?”
Nuwa was greatly surprised.
Shui Miao smiled faintly and shook his head gently. “Your Majesty, you have seen it yourself. None of them truly care for the people of the Three Realms. They are only fighting for power. I want to completely change this situation.”
…
Although Shui Miao spoke lightly, his words carried an unyielding determination.
Jiu Tian Xuan Nu paused and then nodded. “Shui Miao, if you still feel this way in three years and have sufficient strength, I think I will stand by your side for the sake of all beings in the Three Realms.”
“Good, good! Shui Miao, young people like you are rare these days. This time you’re going to the foreign world, I’ll lend you a Primordial Treasure to help you achieve and transcend yourself.” Nuwa was deeply moved and immediately summoned a mirror the size of a palm, covered in seven-colored scales, and handed it to Shui Miao.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will rely on my own efforts.”
Shui Miao activated the talisman and vanished into the foreign world.
“He didn’t even take the Primordial Treasure?”
Nuwa was profoundly moved by Shui Miao’s integrity.
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