txolops Chapter 173 Manjushri Accepts Disciples at Chentang Pass
Chapter 173 Manjushri Accepts Disciples at Chentang Pass
After deducing that the Shang dynasty would surely win, Taibai did not linger and flew straight towards the Shang direction.
However, as he passed over Chentang Pass, two familiar auras made him suddenly stop his flight.
"Manjushri is actually with Huanglong. It seems that the Western Sect has already reached out."
Although Huanglong Zhenren is one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of Yuxu Palace, his position in the sect is rather awkward due to his background, and he is often looked down upon by his fellow disciples.
Manjushri and Samantabhadra, being proud and arrogant, rarely associate with Huanglong, yet they have come together now, the meaning of which is self-evident.
What other reason could there be besides the Western religion secretly trying to win over and undermine the foundation of the Chan religion?
The original trajectory of the Investiture of the Gods had long been disrupted and unclear, and this incident is clear proof of that.
Thinking of the decline of the Chan Sect and the scattering of its disciples after the Investiture of the Gods, Taibai's gaze darkened slightly.
If we can nip the seeds of betrayal in the hearts of these individuals in the bud, we might be able to salvage a lot of fortune for the Chan Sect.
Regardless of the means used, whether coercion or bribery, it's worth a try at this moment.
As for going to Chaoge to gather information, sending one clone is enough.
Taibai immediately formed a hand seal, and a clear light flowed around him. An avatar exactly like him condensed, nodded slightly to him, and then transformed into a stream of light and flew towards Chaoge City.
Meanwhile, Taibai himself concealed all his aura, hiding in the clouds, quietly observing the movements of the Chen Tang Pass General's Mansion below.
Just then, a dazzling golden light suddenly burst forth from the General's Mansion, followed by a loud and clear cry of a baby, breaking the tranquility of the pass.
"Junior brother, the time has come. Come with me to take on a disciple!"
The voice of Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma, was urgent. Before he finished speaking, he descended from the clouds, and Huanglong Zhenren followed closely behind. The two landed directly in the courtyard of the General's Mansion.
Almost simultaneously, a midwife carrying a baby came running out of the inner room, beaming with joy, and called out to General Li Jing, who was waiting in the courtyard:
"Congratulations, sir! Your wife has given birth to a baby boy!"
Li Jingfang's face lit up with joy, but before he could even take his son for a closer look, he sensed two extraordinary Daoist auras descending upon him.
He looked up and saw two Taoist priests with an air of otherworldly wisdom standing in the courtyard. He immediately became alert and protected his wife and children behind him.
"Haha! General Li, there's no need to panic."
Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma, stepped forward with a faint smile, gently waving his whisk, displaying the grandeur of a celestial being.
"I am Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Extensive Dharma, a cultivator of Qi in the Cloud Cave of Five Dragon Mountain."
Today, passing by this auspicious place, I saw the birth of your son, whose radiant light pierced the sky. Only then did I realize that this child has a great affinity with my Jade Void Sect.
Therefore, I have come specifically to take this young man as my disciple and guide him onto the path of immortality. I wonder what the General thinks?
In his early years, Li Jing studied under the master Xikunlun Du'e. Although he failed to achieve immortality and instead learned about human arts, he witnessed the methods of alchemists and knew how precious the opportunity to be under the tutelage of a sage was.
However, looking at the newborn child in the midwife's arms, the joy of becoming a father for the first time and the deep affection for his flesh and blood instantly welled up in his heart, making him hesitate and unable to make a decision for a moment.
Manjushri took in Li Jing's inner turmoil, his smile unchanged, but his tone turned slightly somber.
"General Li, you should know that my Chan Sect is the lineage of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, the orthodox sect of the Xuanmen."
To be accepted as my disciple is a blessing many would rather die for. Do not let a moment of weakness jeopardize my child's bright future and chance for immortality.
After speaking, he slightly raised the whisk in his hand, and a wisp of energy had already subtly locked onto the swaddling clothes.
Judging from his posture, if Li Jing hesitated any longer, he would take the child away first.
Taibai, who was hiding in the shadows, could not stand it any longer. He raised his hand and grabbed, and Manjushri and Huanglong disappeared from the spot.
After regaining their senses, the two immediately unleashed their supernatural powers to bombard Taibai.
"Before you make your move, why don't you take a good look at who's in front of you?"
"Disciple Manjushri (Huanglong) greets Senior Brother, and begs for forgiveness!"
Taibai slowly turned around, his gaze first falling on Manjushri, but there was little warmth in it:
"Fellow Daoist Manjushri, what a display of power! Other families are unwilling to part with their loved ones, yet you attempt to forcibly take them away? When did my Jade Void Palace acquire such domineering rules?"
"Senior Brother, you are wise. I had no intention of forcibly taking it. It was just that I was a little too hasty just now."
Taibai listened quietly to Manjushri's explanation, and his opinion of the man dropped even further.
This statement, though seemingly sincere, is actually evasive and extremely hypocritical.
He stopped looking at Manjushri and turned his gaze to the now calm Chen Tang Pass below, and slowly said:
"The bond between father and son is innate. His parents should decide his fate after he turns six. If I ever see you behave like this again..."
His tone wasn't harsher, but the coldness in it sent a chill down the spines of both Manjushri and Huanglong.
"This disciple would not dare! I will heed your teachings, Senior Brother! I will certainly not repeat this mistake!"
The Chan Sect has strict rules and a clear hierarchy of seniority. The disciples all hold this senior brother in high esteem, which is quite different from the arrogant style of the Jie Sect disciples.
Moreover, if it weren't for the intervention of the eldest brother during the Battle of Zhuolu in the past, the twelve Golden Immortals would probably have been burdened with karmic debts and their paths to immortality would have been severed.
Moreover, if it weren't for the intervention of the eldest brother during the Battle of Zhuolu in the past, the twelve Golden Immortals would probably have been burdened with karmic debts and their paths to immortality would have been severed.
Manjushri was naturally aware of this cause and effect.
However, Taibai's intention today was not merely to stop him from forcibly taking Jinzha.
"Forcibly taking in disciples is a trivial matter. Do you know what the usual fate is for those who betray their sect and join another, especially those who become too involved with the Western Sect, in this primordial world?"
Upon hearing the words "abdication" and "Western religion," Manjushri outwardly feigned composure, but inwardly he was in turmoil and speechless for a moment.
Huanglong, standing to the side, pondered for a moment, then bowed deeply to Taibai and said:
"Brother Qibing, you are a traitor to the sect. You should be cast into the Netherworld and suffer the eternal torment of karmic fire, making your life worse than death."
Taibai nodded, turned his gaze to Manjushri, and asked:
"Brother Manjushri, what do you think should be done?"
"Brother Qi, what Junior Brother Huanglong said is absolutely right. Such behavior deserves to be worse than death."
"Well said. I hope you will remember what I said today."
Before the words were finished, a powerful aura of an early-stage Primordial Golden Immortal slowly unfolded.
Huanglong's eyes immediately revealed envy and awe, while Manjushri secretly groaned in his heart.
"After this great calamity ends, I am confident that I will advance to the early stage of the Primordial Golden Immortal realm."
At that time, with the magical treasure in my hand, I will have no fear of attacking any sect to cleanse its members.
Even if a sage were to personally intervene, I would have three sage teachers behind me to rely on.
"Senior brother, your abilities are so great that the traitor has nowhere to escape. If there is truly any betrayal of the sect, I am willing to follow you in punishing him."
At this moment, Manjushri understood. Taibai already knew everything, and all that happened today was a warning to him.
Huang Long's unwavering agreement made him feel even more powerless.
The fact that Taibai did not act on the spot after the matter was exposed indicates that there is still a chance to turn things around.
Manjushri secretly resolved that upon returning, he would immediately inform Cihang and Puxian to completely sever ties with the Western Religion.
Just then, Taibai suddenly raised his hand, and a wisp of magical power flowing with five-colored light gathered in his palm.
He stepped forward and gently patted Manjushri on the shoulder.
"Junior brother, this magical power contains the laws of the five elements. It is not very useful, but it can let me know your whereabouts or let you suffer a little."
Do not expect a saint to undo this for you. This method is connected to the very source of my laws; once it dissipates, I will know immediately.
Manjushri's forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his back was soaked under his clothes.
At this point, even Huang Long, who was a little slow to react, finally had a vague idea of what was going on.
"Senior Brother..."
"If there's nothing else, you may leave."
"Yes... this disciple takes his leave."
Manjushri staggered as he bowed, then almost hastily turned around and transformed into a beam of light, flying directly towards the sacred site.
Only Huanglong remained standing in place, watching the light of Manjushri fade into the distance, and then quietly glancing at the calm-looking Taibai, without moving for a long time.