Heaven-Defying Rebel Sage
Chapter 258 - 247: Disciples from Three Religions Jointly Achieve Deification

Chapter 258: Chapter 247: Disciples from Three Religions Jointly Achieve Deification

As the Supreme Holy Mother descended from the Jade Purity Heaven, she made her way toward Kongtong Mountain in search of the Chan Taoist Sect Founder Guang Chengzi.

Guang Chengzi was an extraordinary figure. Lord of Primordial Beginning had created the Sky-Overturning Seal inspired by Mount Buzhou to bestow upon him. A single stamp on the crown of the head, even Sect Founders would be annihilated into dust, meeting an end as futile as drawing a cake on the ground. Guang Chengzi’s fame was built upon this Sky-Overturning Seal, which was nearly invincible during the battle of Investiture of the Gods, and there were hardly any foes he could not overcome. But in the end, he was no match for the Primordial Golden Dou, which stripped him of his Three Flowers and Five Qi. Now, he had once again cultivated back to the rank of a Primordial Golden Immortal.

The Supreme Holy Mother had come at the behest of the Tong Tian Sect Master, and she faintly sensed that this trip to seek out Guang Chengzi and meet with the Lord of Primordial Beginning might involve sealing gods at Mount Qi.

To seal gods was indeed a desirable task, as it could add much merit. Back in the days, Jiang Ziya performed the Investiture of the Gods, but due to insufficient cultivation level, he ended up like a drawn cake, wasting all his merit in vain.

Since both the Supreme Holy Mother and Guang Chengzi were at the realm of Primordial Golden Immortals, they naturally welcomed as much merit as possible. Perhaps this could elevate their cultivation to a level where they might touch upon the Heavenly Dao Laws — a state akin to Tathagata before he became the Victorious Fighting Buddha. One more step, and they could reach the pinnacle battle power of Sect Founders like those from the Nether River!

"Brother Guang Cheng, the Supreme Mother has come to visit under the decree of our teacher," called the Supreme Holy Mother softly at the entrance of the Kongtong Immortal Cave.

One voice carries for three friends, while the two teachings, Chan and Jie, divide.

As the eldest disciple of the Chan Taoists, Guang Chengzi was of the same rank as the Jie Taoist Tong Tian, and since they shared the same revered master, it was only natural for the Supreme Holy Mother to address Guang Chengzi as her elder brother. Many disciples of the Jie Taoists had perished at Guang Chengzi’s hands, but all past events had become like smoke in the wind, with no need for further disputes. The Supreme Holy Mother would not be petty over such issues, as those were merely times when each was serving their own master.

Hearing the voice of the Supreme Holy Mother, Guang Chengzi replied, "Sister Wudang, please come in."

The Supreme Holy Mother then entered Guang Chengzi’s Cave Abode, finding him sitting cross-legged on a mat.

Guang Chengzi said, "Sister Wudang, please sit. Let’s have a cup of tea before we talk."

As the eldest disciple of the Chan Taoist sect, Guang Chengzi naturally had to maintain the proprieties to avoid losing face. Although the relationships between the Chan and Jie Taoist sects seemed harmonious, there were underlying currents, as they were once mortal enemies, and such old grudges were not so easily dissolved. Thus, with a heavy heart, he instructed his apprentice to bring the Mystical Cloud Mist Tea as a courteous offering to the Supreme Holy Mother, to demonstrate proper etiquette.

The Supreme Holy Mother noted the quality of tea and appreciated it, for she seldom had the chance to drink such Mystical Cloud Mist Tea more than a few times a year. Only when the Tong Tian Sect Master whimsically called her for a chat could she savor a few cups. Seeing Guang Chengzi’s generosity, she didn’t hold back, lifted the cup, and drank. The tea moistened her mouth and provided untold comfort.

Guang Chengzi then took his seat, lifting the tea cup for a sip. He didn’t have much of the Mystical Cloud Mist Tea in his possession, only bringing it out to serve his guests, thus evidently treating the Supreme Holy Mother as an esteemed visitor.

The two savored their tea, sitting in silence for a moment.

Guang Chengzi finally spoke, "Sister Wudang, have you come under the decree of Uncle Tong Tian?"

Putting down her tea cup, the Supreme Holy Mother savored the sweet aftertaste of the tea and replied, "Indeed. The Jade Emperor has been executed by the hands of the Victorious Fighting Buddha, and upon reporting to our teacher, I was instructed to seek you out."

Guang Chengzi understood most of the situation in his heart. It seemed the Saints had already calculated that the task of sealing gods would fall to the Supreme Holy Mother and himself. However, there was still no movement from Laojun’s side, and he guessed it would involve either the Green Ox under Laojun’s tutelage or the Mage Lingbao — definitely not Golden Horn and Silver Horn, who were of much lower status.

If Tong Tian had not perished, the task of sealing gods would not have fallen into the hands of the Supreme Holy Mother. Such a task was an opportunity to accumulate great merit — who wouldn’t want a share? As the eldest disciple of the Chan Taoist sect, and with Supreme Holy Mother being a capable disciple under the Tong Tian Sect Master, although Golden Spirit Holy Mother had returned and ranked second among disciples, the Supreme Holy Mother had indeed exerted more effort and earned more merit, hence the opportunity was given to her. On this matter, the Golden Spirit Holy Mother could not object, for escaping such a great calamity was already fortunate enough.

Guang Chengzi asked, "Is it regarding the matter of sealing gods?"

The Supreme Holy Mother replied, "I do not know, we shall find out after meeting with Elder Lord of Primordial Beginning."

Guang Chengzi suggested, "Let’s go after finishing this cup of tea."

Having enjoyed their cups of Mystical Cloud Mist Tea, they mounted the clouds and headed toward the Jade Purity Heaven beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

Upon reaching the Jade Purity Heaven, they happened upon Mage Lingbao, a disciple of Laojun.

"Brother Lingbao," the Supreme Holy Mother greeted with a bow.

"Master Lingbao." Guang Chengzi likewise performed a respectful salutation.

Great Mage Lingbao naturally reciprocated the gesture. As the foremost among the Three Pure Ones and the only disciple of the Old Master, Guang Chengzi needed to demonstrate respect first, to avoid any cause for censure. After exchanging greetings, the three of them headed together towards the Jade Void Palace.

"Have you come here by the order of Uncle-Master Tong Tian and Uncle-Master Lord of Primordial Beginning?" asked Great Mage Lingbao.

"Yes, we are here by the decree of our teacher," replied the Supreme Holy Mother.

Great Mage Lingbao, also a person of great insight, said, "With the Jade Emperor vanquished and the Heavenly Court fallen, the Gods must indeed be sealed. My teacher sent me to the Jade Purity Heaven’s Jade Void Palace to find Uncle-Master Lord of Primordial Beginning, probably because he wants me to be involved in the Investiture of the Gods."

Guang Chengzi said, "After consulting with Sister Supreme Holy Mother, we too believe that our teacher has summoned us here to take charge of the Investiture of the Gods."

"There’s no use in further discussion, let’s go and see Elder Uncle-Master Lord of Primordial Beginning," said Great Mage Lingbao.

Outisde the Jade Void Palace, there were always Taoist adherents to greet the three visitors, and then they led them into the Jade Void Palace.

Lord of Primordial Beginning sat loftily in the great hall, seated upon an innate cushion. As the three approached, Lord of Primordial Beginning opened his eyes and said, "The Jade Emperor’s tyranny rightfully brought about his doom; such was the decree of fate. I commanded Guang Cheng and Yun Zhong to construct the Deification Platform, and now it has come into use. You three are to communicate with Sun Wukong and lead Ying Zheng, the First Emperor, to Mount Qi for the Investiture. The Investiture is a matter of completing the circle of Merit, and you shall gain no small part in Creation. Be sure not to bungle this."

"As your disciples, we obey your command!" the three said, bowing to the Lord of Primordial Beginning.

The Lord of Primordial Beginning commanded, "Upon reaching the God-Sealing Platform of Mount Qi, recite ’Boundless aeons,’ then offer my talisman; only then shall you be spared from the great karmic entanglements of the Investiture of the Gods. After that, take down the list and carry out the Investiture according to the instructions given therein."

Guang Chengzi nodded and responded, "We shall follow the decree of the laws!"

The Lord of Primordial Beginning flicked his sleeve and cast out a Spirit Talisman, which landed in the hands of Guang Chengzi.

Investiture of the Gods should only be invoked at times of great karmic significance, and only then can the God-Sealing Platform be erected. Immortals prefer not to lightly touch upon the Investiture of the Gods list, so as to avoid the great karmic entanglements that come with it, which may ultimately result in nothing but a mirage.

The Lord of Primordial Beginning said, "There are no more obstacles in this matter; it is your opportunity. Go forth."

Having received their charge and the talisman from the Lord of Primordial Beginning, the three understood what needed to be done. Without further words, they paid their respects to the Lord of Primordial Beginning and then each bowed and left the Jade Void Palace. Although they had suspected that they might be tasked with carrying out the Investiture, it had only been conjecture. Now confirmed by the Lord of Primordial Beginning, they were naturally overjoyed, their eyes brimming with unparalleled excitement.

The matter of the Investiture was not only a chance to acquire great merit and opportunity, but it was also an opportunity to be remembered in history forever.

Jiang Ziya became eternally renowned because of the Investiture, and his name has been resounding loudly for tens of thousands of years after his death. Whenever he is mentioned, one cannot help but offer him praise. He was a remarkable figure who ennobled three hundred and sixty-five Righteous Gods!

Having received the command and talisman of the Lord of Primordial Beginning, the group dared not delay and descended from the Jade Purity Heaven, heading towards the Heavenly Court to discuss the Investiture with Wukong, as this was no trifling matter.

"From our teacher’s tone, it seems that he intends to establish the First Emperor Ying Zheng as the Lord of Ten Thousand Heavens, the Supreme Haotian, the High God of the Mysterious Heavens?" Guang Chengzi couldn’t help but ask.

"It seems so. With the Green Emperor of the Demon Tribe instigating a revolution in the world, naturally, an age’s hero is needed to take command of the Three Realms. The First Emperor Ying Zheng’s merits cover eternity, and his ambitious spirit is vast. On top of that, he cultivates the Path of Emperors, so it is most fitting for him to sit in the position of the Supreme Lord of Ten Thousand Heavens. Moreover, the Victorious Fighting Buddha has established a Mirror of Retribution above the Lingxiao Treasure Hall with the will of all beings. From now on, the atmosphere in the Heavenly Court will surely be a thousand, no, ten thousand times better than the miasma created by the Jade Emperor," said the Supreme Holy Mother, who was very close to Wukong and naturally spoke a few good words on his behalf.

"What Sister Supreme Holy Mother says is true," Great Mage Lingbao also commented. "With the First Emperor Ying Zheng as the Lord of Ten Thousand Heavens, it is most appropriate. And the Mirror of Retribution established by the Victorious Fighting Buddha is indeed brilliant!"

The three descended from the Jade Purity Heaven, entered the Southern Heavenly Gate, and proceeded towards the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

To find out what happens next, please tune in to the following Chapter. (To Be Continued. If you like this piece, you are welcome to vote for it with recommendations and monthly tickets at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)