Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 431 - 37: Entering Buddha State, Acquiring Postnatal_2

Chapter 431: Chapter 37: Entering Buddha State, Acquiring Postnatal_2

The two spoke almost in unison, but Chi Yu Zi misunderstood the intention. Upon hearing the words, Gu Wen’s face showed disdain as he said, "You may not mind, but this Daoist abhors your stature of barely five and a half feet. Let’s just be fellow martial siblings instead."

He sized up the girl’s figure, which could only be considered shapely.

Not even one-tenth as exquisite as Yu Hua.

Chi Yu Zi came back to her senses, already flush with embarrassment and as furious as a forest fire, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Ah, Grandma’s going to kill you!"

After some commotion, Chi Yu Zi got upset and cried again, transforming her sorrow and indignation into an appetite and downed three large jars of wine.

Gu Wen spoke, "Huayang is also a formidable leader, exceptionally proficient in the art of governance. I was initially concerned that causing a scene would tarnish the reputation of the Daoist Sect, but it turns out it helped boost our fame instead."

"Flaunting two Venerables eloping—what kind of boost to reputation is that."

Chi Yu Zi was utterly perplexed.

Gu Wen said, "It makes the Daoist Sect seem disciplined and tempers its imposing reputation. What the Daoist Sect needs now is not authority but a softer image."

In times of chaos, strict laws are necessary; in times of peace, compassion is preferred.

Chi Yu Zi shook her head honestly: "I don’t understand any of this; let’s just drink instead. I’ve heard that in Buddha State, where Sumeru Mountain is located, there are two types of alcohol known as ’Immortal Intoxication’ and ’Heavenly Immortal Fall,’ which are considered the pinnacle of wine."

When the topic of wine came up, her eyes shone and she became excited.

The liquor of the Cultivation World is not like ordinary spirits; it leans more towards beverages and medicinal cuisine, with excellent taste, considered a luxury.

Gu Wen wore a somewhat odd expression, "A Buddhist Saint Land selling fine wine?"

"Bald Donkeys do just that," said Chi Yu Zi. "Great kindness appears evil. The more a sect emphasizes asceticism, the more susceptible it becomes to deviation; hence most sects claiming ascetic practice fall short of their reputation."

True asceticism is about testing one’s limits; too much repression can warp one’s true nature.

Some sects preach asceticism while turning a blind eye to the dregs within their own ranks.

"By the way, you’re here to help that nun, do you know where she is? And do you know how to solve the issue?"

Chi Yu Zi suddenly asked; this was the reason they had fled to Buddha State.

Gu Wen answered, "First, we need to find Jade Sword Buddha’s master, who possesses the Cutting Buddha Sword Skill, and then I’ll learn it to cut down Buddha."

"Just like that?"

"Just that simple."

"You’re completely unprepared, having no idea how to resolve it," Chi Yu Zi said, clearly enjoying herself: "Really, I’m the number one Battle Venerable, and I’m accompanying you on this aimless journey—what a waste."

[I’m glad to be causing trouble for Bald Donkeys with Gu Wen]

Holding a white jade bottle, Gu Wen still faced Chi Yu Zi’s disdain.

"What are you smiling about?"

"I’ve just realized something delightful."

"What’s that?"

"The Daoist robe of the Daoist Sect is very revealing of one’s figure. You look just like Yu Hua in it, but in reality, there’s more than meets the eye."

"There’s more than meets the eye."

"Much more."

-----------------

Three days later, the Immortal Boat touched down.

The boatman declared, "Below Mount Sumeru lies Unclean City, the epitome of indulgence in wine and meat; a supreme place in the world where all guests can safely enjoy the Buddhist light of universal salvation, a blessing that monks can never partake in."

Gu Wen looked at the city, towering hundreds of feet tall, and then gazed back at the Buddha Mountain outside the city, where intermittent Buddha light tinted half of the western sky with gold.

Unclean City, a name with a derogatory undertone, contained too much greed and worldly desire, scorned by the Buddhist monks.

Yet, for the sake of trade, a mega-city was necessary to act as a hub.

Commerce was essential, whether for mortals or cultivators; trading activities could not be completely cut off. Even the most powerful would often need to engage in bartering to obtain the spiritual objects they required.

Many bald heads could be seen on the streets, looking like glowing light bulbs under the scorching midday sun.

Gu Wen and Chi Yu Zi, both dressed in Daoist robes, stood out sharply among the crowds, attracting frequent glances from passers-by.

"Buddha State is somewhat unique; in order to prevent cultivators from other sects from displaying their Daoist Skills and stealing their incense offerings, they had a long period of time when entry of cultivators from non-Buddhist sects was prohibited."

Chi Yu Zi explained to Gu Wen, who found it peculiar, "With frequent comings and goings of cultivators, can the Buddhist Sect really isolate itself from the outside world?"

"Once they entered, they’d be captured, so naturally, fewer people came. This is actually my second time in Buddha State; before this, I had no idea what it looked like."

"What did you do the last time you came?"

"Demolished mountains and temples, exterminated Buddha and slaughtered monks. Among the Three Religions and all other sects, the Buddhist Sect is the most rebellious. The Daoist Sect’s policy direction also does not support the cultivation of incense and theopathic Dao. Qingcang Immortal believes that the pursuit of incense does not lead to striving for the path of Dao but rather makes people think of the next life, which is harmful to the morale of the human race."

"Do you not have many enemies here then?"

"No matter, they don’t know what I look like."

Gu Wen’s Divine Thought spread through the city like silk threads, extending even beyond to Sumeru Mountain.

He saw countless Buddhas, their Golden Bodies as vast as mountains, a million monks, but not the little nun he knew.

’Hidden away? It seems she indeed possesses the strength of a Little Saint.’

Gu Wen grew more cautious. He had never fought with a Little Saint and knew not the depths of a Buddha Ancestor’s capabilities.

The two of them wandered until they finally found a Qianfeng Tower with its signboard bearing large gilded characters, all the coming and going guests possessed Golden Cores.

As they entered, they presented the special token given by Lu Chan, immediately receiving the highest level of hospitality.

Taken to the most superior Superior Room, they were treated to Qianfeng Tower’s complimentary delicacies and saw the unique features of Buddha State.

One by one, the nuns with sheer kasayas and shaven heads entered, both Chi Yu Zi and Gu Wen were stunned, then they shared a laugh.

"Wonderful! Truly wonderful, no wonder it’s called Unclean City."

"Haha, quack quack quack... these Bald Donkeys..." Chi Yu Zi laughed like a goose, "I thought having a brothel was already deviant enough, but to play it like this."

Some places’ brothels also had Daoist nuns, but Daoism is more worldly with less strict rules than the Buddhist Sect, hence the contrast with dancing nuns is not as stark.

After a satisfying meal and drink, Chi Yu Zi felt it was time for serious matters and summoned the Steward of Qianfeng Tower.

"We want to inquire about the previous Sword Buddha, do you know anything?"

The Qianfeng Tower Steward bowed and said, "The last generation’s Sword Buddha has not appeared for over three hundred years, vanishing after the great battle between humans and demons ended. Qianfeng Tower can find no trace, perhaps she’s in seclusion somewhere."

"If even you don’t know, that complicates things."

Chi Yu Zi scratched his head, knowing that aside from running brothels, Qianfeng Sect’s biggest business was information.

Often their news is even faster than that of the Daoist Sect.

Noticing the issue, the Qianfeng Tower Steward asked, "Has something happened? If it’s urgent, I can use some connections to inquire."

He didn’t recognize Gu Wen and Chi Yu Zi, but the token they held was of the highest level, akin to a sect leader’s special envoy.

"What can you find out?"

"It wouldn’t be a problem to take out several sutras from Sumeru Mountain."

"That impressive?"

Chi Yu Zi showed surprise then requested, "Then could you please help us find out where the previous Sword Buddha is and all information related to her?"

"As you command."

After the Qianfeng Tower Steward left, Chi Yu Zi turned to Gu Wen and asked, "Can’t you just flip Sumeru Mountain upside down in a swoosh?"

Hearing this, Gu Wen replied without words, "Do you think I’m like the Heavenly Dao? I can see people, but not into their hearts."

He had already scoured Sumeru Mountain, only bypassing all the prohibitions unseen, searching for the shadow of the Jade Sword Buddha.

The Jade Purifying Bottle indeed had the power to read minds, but only within a hundred zhang radius.

Of course, if Gu Wen were to refine it, he should be able to increase its power a hundredfold.

Suddenly, the Jade Purifying Bottle conveyed strands of Daoist charm.

[Buddhist Sect returns to the underworld, True Buddha should be one of the two emperors. If you wish to save the body of the Buddha Demon and have her preside over the Four Imperial, you can break from the Buddha Demon’s hold.]

Gu Wen’s thought arose, using the bottle’s power to reach the Nine Heavens.

’Where are the Four Imperial?’

With the thought, a grain of golden sand fell between the hairs on the top of Gu Wen’s head.

[One of the Four Imperial follows the Heavenly Dao and mirrors the Earthly Nature.]

’So readily given?’

Gu Wen, who merely acted on a whim, didn’t expect the Heavenly Saint to be so forthright.

[If you join the Heavenly Court, all The Three Pure Ones are possible.]

’My conditions remain the same.’

[Heavenly Rules and Earthly Laws, cannot be overstepped.]

Gu Wen put away the golden sand and began to deeply study the contained Laws, cautiously tasting without overindulging.

A strand of hair regrew on the Qi Sea’s small personage, named [Acquired].

Earth governs all things, hence it is called Acquired as well.

Skimming merely one percent, he grasped the Acquired nature of all living beings.