Xiuxian: I studied abroad in modern times

Chapter 622 All beings are equal, and calamity befalls us.

In the main hall of Leiyin Temple, the Golden Immortals looked at Zheng Fa and remained silent for a moment.

They finally understood why Zheng Fa proposed the concept of emergence—emergence is essentially a phenomenon where the whole is greater than the parts.

This greater than is not even a distinction of strength. In fact, it is because the collective possesses certain qualities that individuals do not have, enabling it to create miracles that individuals cannot accomplish.

From this perspective, no cultivator, Golden Immortal, or even Taiyi Golden Immortal, no matter how strong their cultivation, can be greater than the collective.

What Lu Yao said about Golden Immortals discussing matters and controlling all the heavens was actually going against the workings of the Heavenly Dao.

Having grasped this point, the Golden Immortals and even all the Dao Fruits in the hall felt an involuntary aversion to what Zheng Fa had just said—essentially, this was a denial of the status of all Dao Fruits.

"What Sect Leader Zheng said is of the highest, greatest, most refined, and most subtle nature." Lu Yao was actually praising Zheng Fa. "Even I gained a lot from listening to him."

Zheng Fa looked at Lu Yao and saw him clapping his hands and laughing, his expression surprisingly sincere.

"There's just one thing," Lu Yao said with a smile, glancing around at the Dao Fruits around him. "What you call this emergence has nothing to do with Dao techniques, so what does it have to do with what we're discussing today?"

Xuan Chengzi and the others were stunned. They were shocked by Zheng Fa's theory and had never thought of this. What Zheng Fa talked about was not only unrelated to the Dao, but also lacked spiritual energy. How could it be forcibly connected?

"Unrelated to Taoist magic?" Zheng Fa chuckled lightly, not refuting, but instead asking a question, "Do you know when I first saw a similar demonstration?"

As he spoke, algae, various creatures, humans, and villages and cities appeared in the image on his palm.

Lu Yao and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

“It was when I first met Hongjun.” Zheng Fa paused, then added, “Oh, Hongjun, he’s the Dao Ancestor of the First Era… You’re saying it has nothing to do with Daoist magic?”

"..."

Xuan Chengzi secretly grinned. Of course he knew who Hongjun was—this great figure had been mentioned in the internal traditions of the Supreme Dao.

Zheng Fa felt a pang of emotion. When Hongjun first entered the modern world, he demonstrated the ability to create a universe from the palm of his hand and did something similar to what he was doing today.

At that time, he only thought that Hongjun was deducing the origins of modern times.

But when he truly began to comprehend his own path to immortality, looking back on this scene, he felt that Hongjun had already said many things to him.

"Only later did I understand its true meaning," Zheng Fa said, shaking his head. "The Dao is where the most emergent phenomena occur."

"..."

The image in Zheng Fa's hand suddenly changed, revealing an extremely short scripture that many people couldn't even understand.

"This was deciphered from some tortoise shells collected by Fairy Xiao Yuying of my sect," Zheng Fa explained.

After deciphering the First Era script, Xiao Yuying and her team sorted through the previous tortoise shells and made some minor discoveries.

“One of these passages is actually about…” Zheng Fa pointed his finger, and the passage transformed into the profound language of later generations, “Recognizing Talismans and Swallowing Qi.”

Xuan Chengzi and the others were all at the Dao Fruit stage, so this amount of cultivation knowledge was too simple for them. They could tell at a glance that what Zheng Fa said was true.

"As you can see, this is actually a basic, crude, and rudimentary method of cultivating fire qi."

Zheng Fa shifted his gaze from Xuan Chengzi and the others to the believers, and explained:
"This is the earliest Taoist method. Judging from the writing style and carving technique, it should actually be a remnant of the first era, and then someone in the second era deciphered a part of it."

"Then, time moved forward... to the early Second Era." Zheng Fa displayed one incantation after another before everyone, "The Foundation Establishment Technique appeared, followed by the Golden Core Technique, and then the Nascent Soul Technique..."

"What can be seen is that each Taoist technique is actually built on the foundation of previous Taoist techniques."

"Even at that time, there were other methods, some of which have been passed down and have become the minor arts and techniques we know today."

"Until finally, one person integrated several methods, linked them together, and created... the Yang Shen Method!"

Xuan Chengzi murmured, "Daoist Venerable..."

The Supreme Dao was originally a successor of the Dao Venerable, but at this moment, the people of the Supreme Dao suddenly felt as if they were getting to know the Dao Venerable all over again.

"The emergence of the Yangshen Method is a typical example of this emergence." Zheng Fa looked at the Dao Fruit of the Supreme Dao and said slowly and deliberately, "None of the cultivators who created the Qi Refining Method, the Foundation Building Method, or the Golden Core Method knew that one day their techniques would become part of the Yangshen Method and bring immortality to the human race. They were just learning, creating, and exchanging ideas."

"I ask you, without these cultivation methods as prerequisites," Zheng Fachao asked Xuan Chengzi, "even if a Daoist Venerable possesses exceptional talent, could he create the Yang Shen Method in such a short time?"

Xuan Chengzi wanted to say yes, but in reality, everyone knew no.

The cultivation of immortality in the Xuanwei realm has a time limit, especially before the Nascent Soul stage, where lifespan is extremely limited. If a Dao Venerable were to start from scratch to create methods for Qi Refining, Core Formation, and even Nascent Soul Condensation, he would have long since turned into a handful of dust.

"The Daoist Master himself is proof of the emergence of the Dao, and even his attainment of the Dao is the result of the emergence of the Dao."

"...Then there's the Dharma Body Technique." Zheng Fa looked at Lu Yao again and asked, "The Demonic Sect's techniques appeared before the Dharma Body Technique, didn't they?"

The items collected by Xiao Yuying clearly demonstrate the development of the Dharmakaya Dharma.

The so-called Demonic Sect has actually existed for a long time. They are skilled in bewitching, and in refining blood, bones, and souls.

Then, Lu Yao must have combined these techniques to create the Dharma Body Technique.

Lu Yao's expression changed repeatedly, as if he wanted to deny it, but when he created the Dharma Body Technique, the four sects had already appeared, so this matter was not a secret, and in the end he had nothing to say.

“The same goes for Venerable Tianhe. The methods of refining artifacts and creating artifact spirits actually predate the methods of creating natal magic treasures.” Seeing that he was speechless, Zheng Fa continued, “He also seems to have referenced divine magic treasures.”

Zheng Fa had discovered this early on. He shook his head and said, "The development of the immortal path is the result of successive emergences."

Lu Yao could only remain silent.

Leiyin Temple has plenty of talented people who can argue and debate, but the way Zheng Fa presents the principles of the world's operation and the history of the development of immortality to you is something they have never seen before.

With scriptures slapping us in the face one after another, how can we even argue?
Zheng Fa looked at the silent Xuan Chengzi and the others, and chuckled: "Tell me, if the Dao Venerable rules Xuanwei and cuts off the path of mortal cultivation, will there still be the Dharma Body Method and the Heavenly River Method in the future?"

"..."

Seeing that the Golden Immortal in the hall was speechless and unable to refute, Zheng Fa turned his attention to the believers.

"The most important aspect of emergence is... quantity."

"A sufficient number of atoms is needed to create all things in the world; a sufficient number of molecules is needed to create the environment for life to be born; and a sufficient number of cells is needed to give birth to consciousness."

"Therefore, the first principle of Mahayana Buddhism is that all beings are equal, and everyone can cultivate the Way! All knowledge of the Way should belong to everyone."

"...If that's the case, and the spiritual energy is declining, how will you resolve it?"

Lu Yao's cold voice rang in everyone's ears.

"The lineages are chaotic, and people's hearts are confused. If things go as you think, then the spiritual energy will decline again and again until finally, Xuanwei will have no spiritual energy left!"

Lu Yao's voice echoed across Xizhou.

“Equality among all beings does not mean the absence of order.” Zheng Fa said confidently, as if he had already prepared his statement. “But this order does not lie in restrictions, but in rewards.”

"award……"

"Reward those who are innovative and can promote the development of humanity and the advancement of Taoist practices," Zheng Fa said. "Aren't we the result of Heaven's reward?"

Xuan Chengzi and the others nodded in agreement upon hearing this—what is a calamity that poses a great threat to cultivators is actually a gift from the Heavenly Dao.

Speaking of this, Zheng Fa couldn't help but think of Tongtian and Yuanshi. Tongtian represents absolute equality.

The Primordial Order is probably an absolute order that doesn't even allow for any surprises.

In Zheng Fa's view, he accepts the unexpected, for the unexpected is the nourishment for the evolution of immortality.

However, he did not completely agree with Tongtian. He believed that good accidents must be rewarded in order to distinguish between good and evil, and good and bad.

"This is the second principle of Mahayana Buddhism: to achieve survival of the fittest and continuous evolution through certain reward rules."

Seeing that everyone remained silent, Zheng Fa then explained in detail the third principle of Mahayana Buddhism:

"The Tao is open source, and you are free to choose."

“Freedom of choice…” Xuan Chengzi repeated Zheng Fa’s thoughts in a low voice, “Different schools of cultivation have different methods, how can one choose freely?”

Zheng Fa smiled slightly, and the Yellow Court Classic within his body changed shape.

First was the "Immortal Trapping Sword Manual." When he circulated this technique, sword energy surged everywhere, sending chills down one's spine.

Then came the "Crimson Jade Scroll," and Xuan Chengzi and the others couldn't help but turn around and look at Lu Yao.

Lu Yao twitched his face.

Then came the "True Secret of Great Freedom".

The pure aura of the demonic sect's techniques left Xuan Chengzi and the others speechless with astonishment.

"I possess the Huangting Jing, which can encompass all laws."

"The Yellow Court Classic... The Yellow Court Classic..."

Li Sanxian whispered, "I told you his 'Huang Ting Jing' was extraordinary!"

Xuan Chengzi glared at Li Sanxian, then sighed, unable to utter a rebuttal.

No one was a fool; even many believers understood Zheng Fa's teachings:
Instead of restricting ordinary people's cultivation, they are given as much freedom as possible. Under such circumstances, good cultivation methods will naturally be sought after and learned.

According to Zheng Fa's idea, the more people practice a certain skill, the more perfect and progressive it will become, naturally attracting more people.

To some extent, this ensures that the most popular method is the best one.

Everyone understood that Zheng Fa also wanted unification—but this unification was based on the Huang Ting Jing, the unification with the greatest possible possibility!

In a sense, everyone is practicing the same skill!
……

Li Sanxian listened with great excitement, and seeing Xuan Chengzi seemingly deep in thought, he couldn't help but say, "I think what Zheng Fa said..."

"That's completely wrong."

Xuan Chengzi said coldly, his earlier excitement and agreement completely gone.

Li Sanxian was stunned. He looked at the Golden Immortals present and saw that everyone's expression was cold. Suddenly, he understood.

Lu Yao and Zheng Fa had already put forward their own ideas about the human race, and even the advantages and disadvantages were already very clear.

Lu Yao's plan is simple and direct, and it is extremely beneficial to the Dao Fruit, but the development of Dao techniques may stagnate. It is called stability, but in reality, it can be called death.

In Zheng Fa's view, the Nine Mountains Plan, or the so-called Mahayana Buddhism, is in line with the beliefs of the Daoist Master and even with the development of the Heavenly Way, but it is particularly detrimental to the attainment of the Dao.

The senior disciples have already made their choices...

Or rather, most of the Dao Fruits in this Great Hall have already made their choice, even more resolute than before—no, not resolute, but fearful.

He sighed inwardly, looking at the golden bowl on Zheng Fa's head, feeling a faint sense of relief—if it weren't for this golden bowl, Zheng Fa's current situation would probably be ten times more difficult than before he started preaching.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, is there a way to break this golden bowl?"

Xuan Chengzi seemed to have the same idea as him and asked.

“The golden bowl is not unbreakable.” Lu Yao shook his head and sighed, “But the Pure Land is currently protecting Zheng Fa. If we take forceful action, it may harm the Pure Land.”

Everyone silently looked at Zheng Fa.

Zheng Fa also heard these conversations, but ignored them and continued to preach to the believers. He started by talking about the three principles of Mahayana Buddhism, and then talked about the methods of cultivating qi and building a foundation. He practiced what he preached and popularized the methods of cultivation to the believers.

As he was speaking, Zheng Fa suddenly had an idea and looked up.

In the Pure Land, the mist and haze have condensed into colorful clouds, covering the sky and the earth. The gaseous incense and faith have transformed into spiritual rain, which falls drop by drop onto the lotus platform beneath Zheng Fa's seat.

A strong warmth emanated from the lotus platform and invaded Zheng Fa's body.

Zheng Fa was stunned. He looked at the believers and saw that many of them were staring at him with eyes full of gratitude.

The power of faith...

Zheng Fa blinked gently, knowing that perhaps not every believer could understand what he was saying today, and most of them might not understand it at all. Or rather, only one percent, or even one in a thousand, of those who could truly understand some of it.

It may only be a very, very small fraction of these believers.

But these people provided him with far more offerings than ordinary believers!

A surge of warmth flowed into Zheng Fa's body, and his immortal body rapidly improved. As Zheng Fa continued to preach, the warmth grew stronger day by day.

Inside the main hall, Lu Yao and the others seemed powerless, only able to watch as Zheng Fa rapidly improved his cultivation.

Until March.

Zheng Fa paused in his sermon and suddenly looked down.

Wrinkles had appeared on the back of his hands, and his pores were large and dull.

A few strands of white hair were blown by the wind and floated past his eyes.

"The Five Tribulations of Decay of Heaven and Man!" Xuan Chengzi said in a deep voice, "He has only been preaching for a hundred days, yet he has already reached the tribulation that an ordinary rogue immortal would take five thousand years to reach?"

Upon hearing this, Li Sanxian felt a complex mix of emotions. He was somewhat happy for Zheng Fa, but he himself had not yet overcome the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man—not because he lacked time, but because he felt unprepared and hesitated in his heart.

When he first met Zheng Fa, this man seemed to be a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Now it's actually going to surpass itself...

Overall, he was mostly happy, until he saw Lu Yao and the other four Buddhas suddenly rise from the lotus platform and bow slightly towards the Pure Land, as if they were worshipping.

His heart skipped a beat. He looked up and saw all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats in the Pure Land bowing in one direction, their faces devout and expectant.

A vast expanse of golden Buddhist light slowly rose.

Li Sanxian's heart suddenly trembled.

There is only one person who can command the worship of the Five Buddhas including Lu Yao, who can inspire such faith in the people of Leiyin Temple, and who possesses such power in the Pure Land—Leiyin Buddha!
(End of this chapter)