The mortal realm, vast and boundless!
Once again, he returned!
Breathing in the air of the mortal world, Zhao Feng's face showed a trace of intoxication.
Though only a few years had passed in the Immortal Realm, centuries had already gone by in the mortal world.
Even though the spiritual energy in the mortal realm was thousands or even tens of thousands of times weaker than that of the Earthly Immortal Realm, Zhao Feng still found it particularly refreshing.
"This is… the mortal realm?"
Golden Cicada felt the flow of spiritual energy in the air and sensed the void around him, his face filled with astonishment.
"Yes."
Zhao Feng smiled faintly.
"You can directly enter the mortal realm from the Earthly Immortal Realm?"
"It's said that the mortal world holds great karmic fortune, and even my master is unable to descend here."
Golden Cicada looked at Zhao Feng in shock.
In response, Zhao Feng simply smiled without saying a word.
The karmic fortune of the mortal realm was under his control. While it rejected immortals and Buddhas, it did not reject him.
"Tell me, where does the true Dharma, the true path of Buddhism, reside?"
"Could it truly exist in the mortal realm?"
Golden Cicada gazed at Zhao Feng with doubt.
"Come with me."
Zhao Feng chuckled and descended toward the ground.
Golden Cicada followed closely behind.
At this moment, they arrived at a city in the western region.
It was once a place where Buddhism flourished.
And now
Buddhism still thrived and had grown even more prosperous under the rule of the Qin Empire.
Before they even entered the city, the official road was bustling with shepherds and farmers coming and going.
Some herded sheep, while others carried hoes on their backs.
Every one of them was full of vigor and spirit.
What was even more surprising
Many of them were martial artists, and not a single one was below the Grandmaster level.
This was a testament to how flourishing the martial arts in the mortal realm had become.
At that moment!
A group of monks wearing tattered robes walked in a single file toward the city.
With every few steps they took, they would kneel and bow to the heavens and the earth in reverence.
Upon seeing these monks
All the people along the road immediately showed deep respect.
They clasped their hands together, bowing toward the monks with heartfelt reverence.
"What… are they doing?"
Golden Cicada asked in confusion as he watched the monks.
"They are ascetic monks," Zhao Feng explained.
"What are ascetic monks?" Golden Cicada asked, puzzled.
Such monks did not exist in Spirit Mountain.
"Buddhism teaches that all beings in the world suffer. These ascetic monks willingly endure suffering upon themselves, believing that the amount of suffering in the world is finite. If they bear more of it, then the common people will bear less."
Zhao Feng spoke slowly.
Hearing this
Golden Cicada was stunned, gazing at the monks in disbelief.
This kind of Buddhism he had never heard of before.
"Folks!"
"Did you bring food? Give it to the esteemed monks!"
A herdsman shouted.
Immediately, many villagers took out dry rations from their pockets and walked toward the monks.
"Accepting alms."
The leading ascetic monk called out.
The monks took out their alms bowls, holding them with both hands.
The villagers placed dry food and rice into the bowls.
The atmosphere was one of harmony and respect.
"In the Earthly Immortal Realm, are the Buddhist disciples treated with such love?"
"In the Earthly Immortal Realm, are humans not either terrified of Buddhists, treating them like ferocious tigers, or fully converted into fanatics, mindlessly devoted to them?" Zhao Feng asked Golden Cicada.
To this question
Golden Cicada remained silent, not answering.
"Honored monks, where do you come from, and where are you headed?" An elderly man stepped forward and asked with a smile.
"Respected elder,"
"We come from Duolu City in the far west and are traveling to Xianyang to pay homage to the Buddha." The leading ascetic monk replied with a smile.
"Duolu City? That's over a million miles away! Your journey must have taken years!" The old man was astonished.
"Amitabha."
"To spread the Dharma and alleviate suffering, this is the duty of us Buddhist cultivators." The leading ascetic monk pressed his hands together in prayer.
"Esteemed monks!"
"Please enter the city and rest for a while."
"There is a temple in the city."
"I won't delay you further."
The old man quickly stepped aside to clear the way.
"Thank you, benefactors, for your alms."
"May all of you be free from suffering."
The monks bowed respectfully to the villagers.
The villagers also returned the bow in kind.
Then
The ascetic monks resumed their journey.
With every few steps, they knelt and bowed, making their way toward the city.
"Ascetic monks, taking suffering upon themselves to lessen the suffering of others."
Golden Cicada silently contemplated these words.
Without a doubt, this shook him to the core.
This was a form of Buddhism and a path he had never encountered before.
In the Earthly Immortal Realm, Buddhist teachings guided people toward kindness, but more than that, they instilled blind faith in the Buddha, urging believers to accept their fate.
People were taught that, no matter how lowly they were in this life, as long as they devoted themselves to the Dharma, they would be reborn into a better family in their next life, rising to a higher status.
"How could there be such a form of Buddhism?"
Golden Cicada's Heart Pounded Wildly.
If such a Buddhist doctrine were to spread to the Western Continent of the Earthly Immortal Realm, it would be an act of outright defiance.
"Come."
"Let's see what kind of Buddha my Great Qin people worship."
Zhao Feng smiled and continued leading the way. With a single step, he moved toward the city.
Golden Cicada hesitated no longer and followed Zhao Feng, flying alongside him.
Both of them concealed their presence, rendering themselves invisible to mortals. Upon reaching the city, where the destiny of Great Qin resided, the presence of Zhao Feng ensured that even the heavenly fortune did not reject Golden Cicada.
Before long, they arrived at a bustling Buddhist temple, filled with the scent of burning incense.
Unlike the golden splendor of ordinary temples, the plaque above the entrance was simple and unadorned, bearing just two characters:
"Buddhist Temple."
At the entrance, a few monks stood with their hands pressed together in greeting, welcoming the faithful. Each of them possessed a natural spiritual wisdom, radiating a soft, golden Buddhist glow.
Worshippers came and went, making their way toward the temple's Mahavira Hall.
"Why is there no Buddha enshrined in the hall?"
Golden Cicada was stunned upon seeing the interior.
In his vision
At the very center of the Mahavira Hall, there was neither a golden Buddha statue nor any Bodhisattvas or Arhats. Instead, there was only a massive, golden "Buddha" character.
This single word seemed to contain endless faith, profound Buddhist principles, and dazzling Buddhist light.
"Golden Cicada."
"You are clinging to mere appearances."
"In the Buddhism of my Great Qin Buddha is formless!"
"As long as Buddha resides in one's heart, there is no need for a golden statue for Buddha exists naturally!"
"This is the Buddhism of my Great Qin!" Zhao Feng spoke slowly.
Yet these few words struck Golden Cicada's soul like thunder.
"Buddha is formless!"
"As long as Buddha is in one's heart, there is no need for a golden statue for Buddha exists naturally!"
"Is... this truly Buddhism?"
"Why does the Buddhism of the mortal world feel more like true Buddhism than that of Spirit Mountain?"
Golden Cicada murmured to himself, completely lost in contemplation.
Everything he had seen and heard here was utterly different from the Buddhist teachings he had practiced. Yet, precisely because of this, he felt that the Buddhism of the mortal world had ascended to a higher level, closer to the essence of all beings.
This seemed to be true Buddhism!
Upon seeing this, Zhao Feng smiled in satisfaction.
"If the tale of Journey to the West and the transmission of Buddhism to the East is indeed destined to happen"
"Then I shall first enlighten this Golden Cicada. If he becomes Tang Sanzang in the future, and these memories awaken within him... will Buddhism still spread eastward?"
"And if Great Qin's Buddhist doctrine spreads to Spirit Mountain in the West what kind of situation would that create?"
"Would the fortune they seek to seize instead fall into the hands of Great Qin?"
This was Zhao Feng's true intention.
Golden Cicada.
Though he appeared to be a six-winged golden cicada, a being of ominous fate, he carried not a trace of malice. He was, in essence, a true and devout monk.
Precisely because he understood Golden Cicada and his future Zhao Feng saw an opportunity.
At this moment
Golden Cicada was utterly lost in deep contemplation, doubting even himself.
Zhao Feng did not disturb him.
Instead, with a wave of his hand
He transported Golden Cicada away from the Buddhist temple.
They arrived in Xianyang, standing atop the Imperial Assembly Square.
Suddenly
The entire Imperial Palace was engulfed in an atmosphere of lethal intent.
Countless killing intents locked onto them instantly.
"Who dares trespass into the palace?"
A thunderous voice roared.
A mighty warrior, possessing the strength of a grandmaster of martial arts, unleashed an overwhelming aura.
Following this, waves of martial energy surged forth.
Above the palace, thousands of imperial guards materialized, their weapons drawn.
"The mortal world truly has changed."
Zhao Feng glanced around, then spoke in a commanding tone:
"It is I."
Upon hearing this
The leader of the imperial guards focused his gaze, and immediately, a look of awe spread across his face.
"Your servant greets the Crown Prince!"
With this proclamation
All the imperial guards descended to the ground and knelt in unison.
"Greetings to the Crown Prince!"
"Ren Chuan."
"So you've become the Commander of the Imperial Guards now?"
Zhao Feng smiled as he addressed the guard leader.
Ren Chuan.
Son of Ren Xiao.
"Your Highness!"
"My father followed the First Emperor into the Immortal Realm. I remained in the mortal world to take on the role of Imperial Guard Commander." Ren Chuan spoke with excitement.
The gathered imperial guards all stood in fervent anticipation.
Of course
Most of these guards were new faces, warriors of Great Qin's new generation.
Not only were there martial artists, but also immortal cultivators, their swords hovering in the air.
"Father!"
"You've returned from the Immortal Realm?"
Inside the palace
Hearing the commotion, Zhao Qi rushed out, his face filled with joy.
Upon seeing his eldest son, Zhao Feng's face softened into a gentle smile.
"I returned briefly to take a look."
"Ren Chuan."
"Do not disturb this esteemed monk let him contemplate in peace."
"No one is allowed to approach."
Zhao Feng gestured toward the lost-in-thought Golden Cicada.
Even after being brought to this place, Golden Cicada showed no sign of awakening from his trance.
"Understood, Your Highness."
Ren Chuan immediately responded.
Then, with a wave of his hand, he ordered the Imperial Guards to disperse.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng made his way toward the long-missed Grand Assembly Hall.
Now, only Golden Cicada remained on the plaza.
"Qi'er, how is the mortal realm?"
Zhao Feng sat down on the steps, smiling as he asked.
"Father,"
"The mortal realm is doing well there are no external threats, no internal strife."
"The laws of our Great Qin have been implemented across the entire world, and now, all citizens live well. The population has surpassed thirty billion."
"Furthermore, everyone cultivates every person is a cultivator now."
Zhao Qi spoke with excitement.
For years, he had been managing the mortal realm alone.
Everything was under his control, but the teachings of his grandfather and father were something he never dared to forget. Every day, he ruled with diligence.
"You have done well." Zhao Feng smiled, nodding in satisfaction.
"Father,"
"When will I be able to ascend to the celestial realm?" Zhao Qi looked at Zhao Feng with longing.
After all, among all of Zhao Feng's children, only Zhao Qi remained in the mortal realm.
All of his siblings had already ascended to the celestial realm to join the conquest.
Though Zhao Qi held absolute power in the mortal world, that was not what he truly desired.
He wanted to aid his father.
"Oh?"
"You don't want to stay in the mortal realm anymore?"
"If you follow me, what about your mother and the concubines?" Zhao Feng chuckled.
"This..." Zhao Qi's expression shifted.
Indeed.
His mother and the concubines all missed Zhao Feng dearly.
"Don't worry,"
"Soon, the mortal realm will merge with the Earthly Immortal Realm."
"Just wait here."
"With you guarding the mortal realm, both I and your grandfather can rest easier." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Understood."
Zhao Qi could only nod in agreement.
At that moment
A voice rang out from outside the hall.
"Your humble subject pays respects to Your Highness."
Hearing the voice, Zhao Feng turned his head and smiled slightly.
"Grand Advisor, you have now reached the eighth level of the Taiyi realm there is hope for you to attain Da Luo!"
"It is all thanks to Your Highness's blessings."
"Years ago, I was merely a minor Heavenly Immortal. Now, I have reached the Taiyi realm and even have a chance at Da Luo."
"Your Highness's kindness I will never forget it!"
Guiguzi spoke with deep gratitude, bowing to Zhao Feng.
"You have worked hard managing the mortal realm all these years." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Your Highness flatters me."
"The mortal realm has seen no war."
"I have had it easy."
Guiguzi immediately responded.
Leaving Guiguzi in the mortal realm was a strategic decision he had once been the strongest cultivator in Great Qin besides Zhao Feng himself.
With Taiyi Golden Immortal-level power, he could guard the mortal realm. Even if the Heavenly Court sent their strongest deities, at best they would also be at the Taiyi level.
They would be no match for Guiguzi.
"Very soon."
"Grand Advisor, you will return to the Earthly Immortal Realm as well."
"The Heavenly Court and the Buddhist sects will not allow the mortal realm to remain independent forever."
"When the time comes, you will fight alongside me." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"I have long awaited that day," Guiguzi responded solemnly.
"Alright then."
"Grand Advisor,"
"Keep an eye on that monk in the plaza for me he will need some time."
"No one is to disturb him."
"I will return home first." Zhao Feng said with a grin.
It had been so long since he last returned.
His wives and concubines must have missed him dearly.
With that, Zhao Feng left for his residence.
To reunite and share warmth with his loved ones.
Inside the hall.
Zhao Qi and Guiguzi walked outside, gazing at Golden Cicada, who stood motionless in the plaza.
"This man must have descended from the celestial realm his Buddhist aura is incredibly strong, which means he is likely a great divine being."
"I believe he is from the Buddhist sects of the Earthly Immortal Realm. I wonder why Father brought him to the mortal realm."
Zhao Qi curiously observed Golden Cicada.
"His Highness must have his reasons," Guiguzi said in a deep tone.
At Guankou Pass
Above the clouds.
Accompanied by a host of heavenly officials, Tai Bai Jin Xing arrived at the Yang Estate.
"Second Master,"
"The Heavenly Court has sent an envoy."
"Shall we go out to receive them?"
Kang Anyu, the leader of the Six Monsters of Plum Mountain, asked.
"No need."
Yang Jian didn't even look up, still focused on the chessboard in front of him.
Tai Bai Jin Xing, holding an imperial decree, led a group of celestial officials and descended.
When he saw Yang Jian playing chess with Kang Anyu, he smiled and spoke:
"True Lord Erlang, the Heavenly Emperor has issued a decree."
"Speak if you must."
Yang Jian didn't even raise his head, his tone cold.
Faced with such an attitude, Tai Bai Jin Xing was not angered.
He simply maintained his usual gentle smile, then unfurled the imperial decree.
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