Chapter 1325 - 1324: On Dao and Magical Combat
The Dao Discussion Assembly is not Lu Zheng’s first time witnessing it.
However, previously he had only experienced Buddhist sect discussions. This was his first time participating in a Daoist one.
So... although the two can’t be said to be exactly the same, they are almost similar, with the only difference being the atmosphere seeming more amiable.
But this is too normal, as everyone belongs to the Daoist sects of Yizhou Prefecture, unlike the debates with the young disciples of Guangyue and Great Glazed Temple, Rashamon Temple, Great Dragon Temple, or the competitions with Fahua Temple and Great Brahma Heaven Temple.
The Jade Sun Temple discusses the philosophy of Pure Yang Technique, Ancient Pine Temple discusses the cycle of decay and prosperity over time, Linyuan Temple uses "Supreme Yuan and Infant" as the topic for this debate, and Daoist Yuan Jing occasionally chimes in with the theme of "Formless and Shapeless," while Xuanhe Temple and Qingfeng Temple merely act as spectators.
This kind of Dao discussion involves theoretical exchanges, similar to foundational science. Although profound, it’s not secretive, so no one is afraid of others listening or worried that someone might discover their sect’s heritage or flaws from these discussions.
Or rather, if someone could discern their lineage or flaws through these theories, such a person would be a prodigy. Whether they use this knowledge against them is the same for them.
Moreover, if someone were inspired by these philosophies and made further progress, as long as they have a shred of conscience, they ought to be grateful on the grounds of Yizhou Prefecture.
Lu Zheng listened on the sidelines, finding it quite interesting, with the few engaged in mutual debates resembling a university debate event.
However, it was visibly apparent that Yuan Jing was no match for Master Danhua of Jade Sun Temple and Master Yu Zhen of Ancient Pine Temple, focusing his exchanges mainly with the Temple Master of Linyuan Temple.
...
This debate lasted a full hour before concluding in a harmonious atmosphere.
Then came the less harmonious part.
Within each Daoist temple, the disciples engaged in friendly competitions. White Cloud Temple didn’t initiate action, mainly because they had the fewest people in attendance, with Yuan Jing leading just two fellow Yuan Generation senior disciples.
Besides them, Xuanhe Temple also brought the fewest participants, six people, with the Temple Master leading Daoist Linghe and four other young Daoists.
The Dao Discussion Assembly at Jade Sun Temple is also a platform for young disciples to make a name and forge friendships.
Those with the highest magical power and skill earn great reputations and many friends.
Moreover, in Jade Sun Temple’s discussion, when it comes to young disciples exchanging blows, it’s not strictly limited to just their own temples; friends from other sects are welcome too, as long as the goodwill remains intact.
Thus, under Lu Zheng’s observation, disciples from East Mountain Sect, Qianyi Sword Sect, and Red Maple Valley joined the fray, while Guilan Temple, Lanshan Temple, and Jiming Temple refrained unless challenged directly.
Until a young monk from Guilan Temple won against a disciple from Red Maple Valley, yet instead of returning, he turned to the Primordial Saint Sect, pressing his palms together in a gesture of respect, "Guilan Temple’s Seal Ceremony, requesting instruction from Primordial Saint Sect."
Everyone turned their gaze.
In the Primordial Saint Sect, the sole young disciple furrowed his brows, intending to step forth, yet looked to Du Yueyao first.
Du Yueyao lightly furrowed her brows but nodded; anyway, this was the Primordial Saint Sect’s debut before the various forces in Yizhou, and avoiding battle was not an option.
The disciple from Primordial Saint Sect was Gao Liangyou, also a true disciple within the sect, superior in appearance, cultivation, character, and demeanor, hence chosen for tasks in the Central Plains.
Thus, though the Seal Ceremony belongs to Guilan Temple’s inner sect lineage, Gao Liangyou represents the core elite of Primordial Saint Sect.
Once engaged, the younger experts from Jade Sun Temple frowned seriously.
Only Lu Zheng chuckled, telepathically speaking to Yuan Jing and Guangyue, "Far inferior to us back in the day."
Yuan Jing and Guangyue chuckled, recalling the days when they jointly faced a Jiming Temple demon, truly comparing, even the weakest Yuan Jing could handle both Seal Ceremony and Gao Liangyou alone.
On the field, Seal Ceremony and Gao Liangyou were equally matched, encountering worthy rivals.
One refined the body, using open and forceful techniques along with Arhat’s Wave-Viewing Palm, its edge gleaming with gold, hinting at hidden Buddha Light.
The other cultivated techniques, body gracefully nimble, conjuring spells to provoke the opponent’s Qi and blood, shaking their divine soul.
Seal Ceremony struggled to advance unimpeded, whilst Gao Liangyou was similarly unable to gain the upper hand.
From the viewing platform, Zen Master Dengjing’s face slightly darkened, clearly unsatisfied, while Fan Boyu of Primordial Saint Sect was even less pleased.
The renown of their Primordial Saint Sect was vast, yet their younger disciples could only draw even with Guilan Temple? Where was their dignity?
Fan Boyu didn’t consider Gao Liangyou’s overall strength over pure cultivation – losing to a rival sect was failing!
Below, discerning experts understood the two wouldn’t produce a clear winner.
"Amitabha!"
Zen Master Dengjing invoked the Buddha’s name, the sound reverberating, separating the two.
"The deep foundation of Primordial Saint Sect commands respect from this old monk."
Fan Boyu gestured for Gao Liangyou to return behind him, whilst Du Yueyao graciously replied, "Guilan Temple’s famed reputation evidently holds true."
Zen Master Dengjing’s expression remained gentle, replying faintly, "Sect Leader Du was too kind; my Guilan Temple can’t claim such fame."
Meanwhile, Seal Ceremony and Gao Liangyou represented the pinnacle of disciple sparring, returning to their ranks, none daring to surpass them, hence none volunteered to enter the arena.
Consequently, the disciple sparring portion of the Dao Discussion Assembly concluded naturally.
"Infinite Celestial Venerable!"
"Thanks to everyone for observing!"
"We have prepared vegetarian meals, please proceed to the rear hall."
Beyond offering meals, Jade Sun Temple provided modest gifts to all guests.
Though not excessively valuable, including a scroll of Dao Scripture, a talisman, and an enchanted Jade Sun wooden token, it demonstrated care.
Subsequently, the host of Jade Sun Temple accompanied the guests for tea within the temple, while various Daoist priests went to the front hall to assist worshippers with divining and fortune-telling.
Nearby Primordial Saint Sect was Daoist Xingzhen, who had previously greeted them at the gate.
"Sect Leader Du!"
Master Danhua of Jade Sun Temple, accompanied by two young disciples, approached slowly.
"Daoist Yuan Jing, Zen Master Guangyue."
After greeting the two, Master Danhua smiled and remarked, "I didn’t anticipate such familiarity between the two of you and Sect Leader Du."
Only then did Yuan Jing introduce to Master Danhua, "This is my junior brother, Yuan Zheng. Though merely an outer disciple of White Cloud Temple, he is highly regarded by our founder."
Master Danhua’s pupils narrowed.
Yuan Zheng, he’d heard of, known as White Cloud Temple’s top prodigy among the Yuan Generation, on par with the sect’s core direct heir, Yuanlin!
Unexpectedly, he was so closely affiliated with Primordial Saint Sect.
He had observed earlier how Lu Zheng arrived alongside Primordial Saint Sect!
Subsequently, Lu Zheng performed a greeting and introduced Liu Qingyan and Shen Ying to Master Danhua.
One serving as the benevolent Lady Qingyi, the other celebrated as Peach Blossom Fairy.
Facing Du Yueyao, Master Danhua’s smile brightened further.
Yet, beside him, Zen Master Dengjing’s countenance was less than pleased.