Becoming a Deity from Planting the Bodhi Tree-Chapter 989 - 358: The World Venerable and Shi Zun Discuss the Tao (Part 3)

"No problem," Wuzhou said with a smile, "Brother Yan has long been accustomed to being 'sold' by us. After all, Brother Yan's skills are high and his courage is great, with astonishing killing power; how could he mind this? Even in the past, when surrounded by the Five Pillars, Brother Yan was confident enough to carve a bloody path."

Mu Shitian calmly said:

"Today's matter ends here. Consider it a mutual victory between us. Can we skip the additional probing?"

"I wish to engage with Taoist Friend in another Dao discourse, to see whether 'One' or 'Many' comes out on top."

"Oh?"

Wuzhou's voice echoed languidly, yet compared to earlier, now involving Dao struggle, it carried a distinctly solemn tone,

"Last time, we discussed Dao in the Time River for a hundred thousand years, ultimately neither besting the other. But now, after merely ten thousand years in the present world, are you confident to outshine me?"

"Not outshine you," Mu Shitian responded flatly, "but ferry you across the Bitter Sea."

After a brief silence, Wuzhou chuckled lightly: "With Taoist Friend's tone like this, it seems you are either fully certain of victory or prepared to crash and burn with me. How shall I agree to that?"

"Indeed." Mu Shitian seemed quite "honest" as he spoke, "I am indeed confident of victory. Our last battle ended with neither loss nor win, wasn't it laughable? Clearly it was just Daoist Friend cheating."

Wuzhou smiled: "Cheating is also a skill, proving Daoist Friend's words have their flaws. Despite repeatedly wanting to engage in a Dao discourse, you still haven't revealed your true self?"

In the void, countless Brahma Flowers bloomed undying, each flower's heart housing a Pure Land, a layer of the universe.

Following that, a Withered and Flourishing Bodhi rooted itself in the Nether Sea, spreading endless Pure Glaze light, illuminating the many Pure Lands and the deep dark waters of the Nether Sea.

In countless layers of Pure Lands, a Golden Body Buddha sat cross-legged, raising its eyes with a smile that hinted at understanding the ultimate truth of the world.

Every sentient being who saw this smile felt as if they received enlightenment, a mysterious feeling of having comprehended the true essence of Zen.

As if All Four Greats are Emptiness, worldly matters are illusory; only by breaking through can one let go, thus transcend the Bitter Sea.

Upon first seeing Mu Shitian, all Supreme Creatures below True Saint, whether Heavenly Venerable or Dao Ancestor, felt a calling, cleansing their dusty hearts, with a sudden urge to escape into the Buddhist Sect.

And all beings, across the Great Universe and realms, upon witnessing this scene, found their spirit at peace, free from distractions, soothing the shock from earlier witnessing the true form of the Heavenly Demon.

"Taoist Friend Shitian possesses remarkable skills," Wuzhou suddenly praised sincerely, "The most correct decision I made in these ten thousand years was to risk everything, colluding with All Real Saints to sabotage your Federation's foundation ten thousand years ago, severing your Federation's Dao."

With these words spoken.

Among the Supreme Creatures of various realms, those who were previously opposed to the Federation had noticeably more profound gazes.

Ten thousand years ago, He Donghuang attempted to prove Dao and breakthrough, only to be obstructed by strong figures from various realms.

Changing his tone, Wuzhou spoke casually:

"Four Pseudo-Saints, having only Fruit Position without matching Dao Power, yet capable of battling Brother Yan to this extent, this speaks volumes about the high Dao of these four."

"To be candid with Taoist Friend Shitian, Brother Yan crafted the Three Thousand Dao Kill Map this time, originally prepared to wash the map with the blood of at least ten True Saints of this realm, in an attempt to further advance, subsequently leading this realm towards demise, enacting Killing Tribulation, proving transcendence."

Upon hearing these words, the atmosphere among the strong figures of various realms obviously turned icy, with killing intent rising.

Wuzhou, however, remained as indifferent as ever, sighing with relief: "Luckily, I acted decisively, otherwise allowing your Yanhuang Federation to gather six saints, and even seven saints, who in this realm could stand in your way?"

"I wonder how Taoist Friend Shitian plans to conduct this Dao discourse with me?"

Mu Shitian's mood didn't stir in the slightest in response to Wuzhou's provocative words.

Just some psychological tricks.

He raised his hand to his chin, breathed out gently, and instantly, a vast and splendid star river appeared.

Mu Shitian took his seat within it, calmly saying:

"Past actions are dead and gone, future events are all illusion; only Self is indelible."

"Today, I will discuss 'Self' with Taoist Friend."

This time, the Supreme Creatures of various realms were the first to change color, to engage in a discourse on Self with this Heavenly Demon who transforms One into countless?!

Wuzhou, however, did not doubt Mu Shitian's qualification for such a discourse, only pondering: "Is this all?"

Indeed, Mu Shitian possessed such qualification.

In Wuzhou's view, Mu Shitian was akin to another version of himself, treading an entirely different path journey.

"Does Taoist Friend Wuzhou find it insufficient?"

Mu Shitian smiled,

"Then let's add another, previously you implied you foresaw the Reversed Ten Thousand Spirits Array of my Federation? Then I shall wager with you on Defending Array and Breaking Array."

"Today, whatever means Taoist Friend employs, whether tantrum or cunning, as long as you break the array, it's your skill."

"As for the stakes..."

"I will wager 'true names' with Taoist Friend."

As those last two words were spoken.

Wuzhou's voice suddenly deepened, "Taoist Friend, are you forcing my true self to enter the stage?"

For them, what does true name mean?

World Venerable.

Shi Zun.

"Taoist Friend Wuzhou jests, without your true self in the ring, how could you qualify to engage in a Dao discourse with me? Planning to concede directly?" Mu Shitian said calmly.

"Haha... Seems my words provoke laughter." Wuzhou chuckled quietly, "A fine Mu Shitian, not even He Donghuang compares to your arrogance."

In the heaven and earth, a silhouette donned in Kasaya, crowned with the Mystic Sky Dao Crown slowly emerged.

Witnessing this silhouette, the strong figures of various realms deepened their gazes, given recent precedents, who could say this was Wuzhou's true self?

"The means of the Four Demons are indeed unpredictable." Someone exclaimed in admiration, "This Yanhuang Federation, without even discussing other aspects, just its audacity to set an array to ambush the Four Demons, is far above us."

Others either remained silent or wore indifferent expressions.

Yet no longer possessed the previous disdain and contempt.

Even the true form of the Heavenly Demon was merely a facet of this overarching game, the struggle between these two already surpassed the scope of most present. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Even figures like Xuan Chongyang were mentally stirred for a long while.

"Though the stakes still seem too small." Wuzhou smiled, "Why doesn't Taoist Friend add a bit more?"

Mu Shitian nodded, pointing a finger, suddenly, in the original position of the Four Guardian Stars, a star quietly hung in the universe.

"Taoist Friend Wuzhou, if you can break the Reversed Ten Thousand Spirits Array, you can enter it and explore further."

Wuzhou squinted and observed for a long time, discovering Mu Shitian actually placed the Four Guardian Stars before him.

The most uncanny aspect, undoubtedly, was Hel's aura.

Hel was suppressed within the Four Guardian Stars for ten thousand years, her aura constantly soaked into the star body, creating a special area, providing convenience for the Federation's younger generations to form their Cultivation Body.

In a way, this star could almost be seen as half of Hel's dojo.

Provided Hel could shatter the seal.

Having captured Hel's Divine Throne, Wuzhou was naturally extremely familiar with her Qi and Divine Authority, and could discern the true from false.

Precisely for this reason, his doubts only grew.

What strategy was Mu Shitian plotting?

Could there be another layer of traps waiting for him within the Four Guardian Stars?

Is it Hel herself who reached an agreement with the Federation, or the possible remnants of He Donghuang?

If it's just these two points, there's no need to worry, he could safely gamble.

Wuzhou turned his thoughts but still hadn't made up his mind.

Fearing there might be unforeseeable backup within the Federation.

In the Dao struggle, a slight mistake could lead to grave consequences.

No room for any carelessness.

In the final moment before entering the game, Wuzhou suddenly asked:

"What is it that Taoist Friend seeks this time?"

"Wuzhou seeks my life, I seek Wuzhou's death," Mu Shitian replied.

[Shi Zun] Wuzhou laughed heartily again: "The one who knows me is Yanhuang Shitian!"

Following this.

In the eyes of the world, millions of identical... Wuzhou emerged!

All the undifferentiated Wuzhou walked into the Pure Land World among countless blooming Brahma Flowers, sitting face to face in a Dao discourse with the Golden Body Buddha inside.

Before every Dark Gold Buddha, one could find a Wuzhou.

In an instant.

Many Brahma Flowers withered away, and as they fell, all things declined together, from the wilted places slowly bloomed a black lotus!

At the same time, more golden Brahma Flowers bloomed in the void.

Before initiating the Dao discourse, Mu Shitian suddenly asked:

"Rumor has it that before, Taoist Friend lost twice to my unimpressive disciple?"

"As they say, third time's a charm. Hopefully Taoist Friend won't yet again stumble on my disciple."

Another psychological attack.