It would be a disgrace if Buddha noticed any discord here. Lao Tzu swiftly waved his feather fan, gently brushing it over the hands of the Jade Emperor and Shui Miao. Both felt an immediate sense of calm and quickly withdrew their powers. This was a clash among three major forces, and in Lao Tzu’s eyes, the Buddhist realm was an exceptionally formidable opponent.
“Buddha has arrived…”
The Jade Emperor chuckled, pretending nothing had happened, and went forward to greet Buddha.
“Shui Miao, don’t rush into battle. There’ll be plenty of opportunities later. Let’s first observe the situation clearly.”
Nuwa silently transmitted her thoughts into Shui Miao’s mind. Soon after, everyone exchanged greetings and together entered the celestial city.
The major powers took their seats, and the three factions were now formally established.
However, Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian Patriarch had yet to appear.
Leaders and elders from various sects, along with experts at the Xian Emperor level, had all arrived. Everyone waited on the viewing platforms surrounding the celestial city.
As agreed beforehand, each side—the Buddhist realm and the Heavenly Court—would send three representatives to compete.
But now, Shui Miao’s faction had emerged.
After some casual greetings, Lao Tzu stepped forward and got straight to the point: “Esteemed ones, today’s competition has seen a slight change. Lady Nuwa, Lady Jiutian Xuan Nu, and I have unanimously recommended Shui Miao’s faction to participate in the contest, for the benefit of all beings. What do you all think?”
Initially, Shui Miao had been full of confidence, but after clashing with the Jade Emperor, doubts had crept into his mind.
The Jade Emperor smiled faintly and spoke first, “The Heavenly Court has always valued talent. Since two great sages and Lao Tzu have recommended this, I naturally have no objections.”
“The Buddha Land has no objections either.”
Buddha sat high on his golden dais, smiling gently as he slightly shook his head.
“Excellent then. Please submit your lists of participants now. Only three competitors per side.” Lao Tzu, presiding over the proceedings, turned first to the Jade Emperor.
The Jade Emperor continued smiling faintly, “First match: Tongtian Patriarch; second match: Yuanshi Tianzun; third match: I shall take the stage myself.”
Such a lineup from the Ancient Immortal faction was truly shocking.
Lao Tzu showed no surprise and turned his gaze toward Buddha.
Buddha spoke calmly, “First match: the ancient Buddha Vaisshika; second match: Maitreya; third match: Buddha himself.”
This lineup from the Buddhist realm was equally earth-shaking.
Lao Tzu couldn’t help but exhale in relief and turned to look at Shui Miao.
Before Shui Miao could speak, Nuwa interjected, “First match: Jiutian Xuan Nu; second match: I shall fight; third match: Shui Miao will take the stage.”
Unexpectedly, Xuankong chimed in, “That won’t do, Lady Nuwa. I’d like to participate too. Let’s leave the decision to Shui Miao. I’ll only follow Shui Miao’s orders.”
Xuankong’s sudden volunteering left everyone puzzled.
Lao Tzu nodded slightly, “Lady Nuwa, I also believe young matters should be decided by the young themselves. They are the fresh forces. If we elders interfere, it wouldn’t be fair.”
“…”
Nuwa suddenly felt perplexed, unsure why Lao Tzu had spoken thus.
She immediately sent a mental message to Lao Tzu: “Lao Tzu, their lineup is so powerful while ours is so weak. Do you think this will work?”
“Lady, we are not weak. I’ve been preparing for this day for a very long time. Please trust me—and trust Shui Miao.” After sending this thought, Lao Tzu gestured toward Shui Miao, “Shui Miao, you may choose the competitors. You may pick Lady Nuwa, Lady Xuan Nu, or even me—or not at all. Whatever decision you make, we will all respect it.”
“…”
Everyone was puzzled. What exactly was Lao Tzu’s hidden plan?
Could Lao Tzu have some secret strategy? Even Shui Miao was confused.
How could this be happening!
Shui Miao had already felt down after realizing how powerful the Jade Emperor was. Upon hearing the lineups from the Ancient Immortals and the Buddhist realm, his confidence sank even further.
Oh well, might as well just play along…
After a pause, Shui Miao said, “First match: Xuankong. Second match…”
“I’ll go! Let me fight!” Yucu suddenly volunteered.
Shui Miao was taken aback but thought, since it was all over anyway, he might as well go along, “Second match: Yucu. Third match: I’ll fight myself.”
“…”
Such a lineup was met with disdain from both the Ancient Immortal and Buddhist factions.
Even Lady Nuwa and Jiutian Xuan Nu shook their heads. With such a weak lineup, what was there even to fight for?
“Very well then. Let me and the two ladies bear witness,” Lao Tzu nodded at Shui Miao, looking surprisingly relaxed. “Alright, the lineups are set. Let the three faction representatives discuss the battle arrangements.”
“No need to discuss. We’ll also show some mercy to the newcomers. Let’s fight directly against Shui Miao’s faction. Whoever wins will then face the others for the final victory.” With a wave of his hand, Buddha gestured, and a deity stepped forward from behind him.
This deity had a kind and serene expression, radiating peace and tranquility. It was none other than Vaisshika, the ancient Buddha for the first match.
Without a word, Vaisshika stepped onto the arena. With a slight wave of his hand, a wooden clog appeared before him, upon which sat a lit oil lamp. He then sat cross-legged in calm silence.
Lao Tzu glanced around and turned to the Jade Emperor, “Your Majesty, why hasn’t Tongtian Patriarch appeared yet?”
“He’s already here…”
The Jade Emperor pointed toward the distant sky. A streak of red light shot forth and landed directly before Vaisshika.
Tongtian Patriarch wore a deep red embroidered robe, with a golden gourd atop his head. His hair and beard were jet black. He bowed slightly to Vaisshika, “Holy one, let us each do our best for this challenge. To avoid unnecessary conflict, please set the terms for a contest of wisdom. The outcome shall be decided by fate.”
Vaisshika raised his hand toward the oil lamp before him, “If the Saint of Dao can extinguish this lamp, you shall be declared the winner.”
“Haha…”
Upon hearing this, Tongtian Patriarch shook his head and laughed, “Holy one, must you take this so seriously? I know this lamp is a manifestation of your soul. To extinguish it would require killing you. Otherwise, it’s simply impossible.”
“I shall not resist. If the Saint of Dao wishes to kill me, I shall accept my fate.” Vaisshika closed his eyes and began chanting sutras, as if ready to sacrifice himself.
“What…”
Upon hearing this, Tongtian Patriarch was stunned.
He simply couldn’t bring himself to kill a holy being who refused to fight back. After all, they were friends. Who could possibly make such a ruthless move?
“Since the holy one is willing to stake his life, I cannot bring myself to strike. Fine, I concede!”
Tongtian Patriarch shook his head and, in a flash, vanished from the arena.
The first match ended just like that. Shui Miao’s faction watched in shock, while the Jade Emperor’s side was equally astonished.
“Well then, the first match goes to the Buddhist realm!”
Without hesitation, Lao Tzu announced the result. “Now, the second match begins. All divine beings and Dao cultivators, please step forward…”
“Whoosh!”
This time, Yuanshi Tianzun suddenly appeared on the arena from somewhere unknown. He conjured a wooden clog as well, but atop it sat a teapot and two teacups…
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