CULTIVATION: WHEN YOU TAKE THINGS TO THE EXTREME

Chapter 834: Chapter 519: Going to the Banquet_2

Over the years, Xu Yang diligently collected all Five Elements Mana Points and, together with the Immortal Treasures and Spirit Materials garnered at the recent Pill Origin Gathering, he had high hopes of successfully forging five top quality Five Elements Immortal Banners.

Once the Five Directions Immortal Flags were achieved, and the Five Elements Immortal Venerable was established, his journey to the Heaven Reaching Secret Realm would be greatly secured.

…

Time flies swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, six hundred years have passed.

Eastern Victory Heavenly Court, Jade Pond Immortal Palace!

There lay the Immortal Palace, shrouded in fragrant mists, festooned with auspicious clouds, the Jade Terrace adorned with colors, treasure pavilions bathed in a hazy gleam, and phoenixes and kirin danced in a cloudy haze. Golden lotuses and jade calyces cast floating shadows as they bobbed up and down. With the Nine Phoenixes Danxia screen and the Eight Treasures Purple Rainbow terrace, the tables were crafted of engraved gold, and laden with a thousand flowers and jade vases. They bore dragon liver and phoenix marrow, bear’s paws and gibbon’s lips, a hundred delicacies each more sumptuous than the last—all a visual feast of exotic fruits and fine dishes, each new in color and flavor.

…

It was indeed the grand gathering of the Jade Pool, the time of the Flat Peach Feast.

Beams of celestial light from the Lower Realm, aiming straight for the Ninth Heaven, descended into the Immortal Palace, revealing the shapes of True Immortals and Gods.

“The Longevity Star Palace Master has arrived!”

“The Ancestral Master of Obscurity and Clarity has arrived!”

“The Wuqu Star Lord has arrived!”

“The Defence Heavenly King has arrived!”

“The Lord of the White Tiger Star has arrived!”

“…”

Masters of various palaces and teachers of numerous paths, along with a host of immortals and gods from the Tribulation Realm, entered the midst of the Jade Pond assembly.

Next, they saw a myriad of golden lights and thousands of auspicious colors swirling, with rainbows rolling and purple mist billowing.

Amidst all the propitious signs, the golden imperial carriage was set forth, and the Heavenly Venerable and his Empress came hand in hand, taking their places in the seats of honor.

As the Heavenly Venerable and Empress settled into their seats, from the West came a splendid Buddhist radiance within which one could see a figure seated upon a lotus.

It was indeed…

“The Great Mercy Bodhisattva!”

The Jade Emperor rose to greet with a smile, “Bodhisattva’s visit graces the Heavenly Court greatly!”

“Amitabha!”

The Great Mercy descended from the lotus throne, leading golden boys and jade maidens, bowing all together: “This humble monk pays respects to the Heavenly Venerable. The two Buddha Ancestors are entangled in pressing matters and cannot come in person, so please forgive their absence.”

“Not at all!”

The Jade Emperor gestured invitingly, helping the three to rise: “Three hundred years ago, during the Ullambana Meeting in the Pure Land, I also could not attend in person, and the Buddhas did not take offense. How could I possibly speak of any wrongdoing? Bodhisattva, please, rise and take your seat at the table.”

Having said so, he invited the three to sit amongst them.

As the Immortals and Buddhas took their seats, the hall below burst into singing and dancing, with goblets and platters passing to and fro. Soon after, a strange phenomenon appeared outside of Heaven.

A waft of exotic fragrance teased the nose, startling the entire assembly of stars and constellations. Heavenly Immortals and Buddha Ancestors paused their cups, all looking up to meet the gaze.

An old man appeared amid the Milky Way, bearing Lingzhi mushrooms, flying amidst glorious embroidery. His gourd concealed pills of a thousand years, his precious scroll listed a millennium of life.

Within the cave, Qiankun obeyed his will, and in the pot, sun and moon found their fulfilment. Roaming leisurely over the Four Seas, wandering freely through the Ten Continents.

He had been drunk at the Flat Peach meetings several times, and upon awakening, found the bright moon still as before. With a long head, large ears, and short stature, he was known as the Southern Pole Elder of longevity.

It was indeed…

“The Great Emperor of the Southern Pole of Longevity!”

All the immortals respectfully rose to greet and received the Emperor with honor. The Jade Emperor and Empress also rose: “Has the Emperor arrived?”

“This old subject is a step late, please forgive me, Divine Venerable!”

“The Emperor speaks too gravely, please take your seat.”

“…”

After warmly greeting the Southern Pole Emperor, they were greeted by a grand purple light from the north, as another Emperor Venerable made his entrance.

“The Emperor of the North Pole, Lord Ziwei!”

Once more, the immortals rose to their feet to welcome this Emperor of the North Pole.

With the Emperors of the South and North both present, two True Immortals took their seats.

Once all the immortals had settled down, it wasn’t long before a multicolored rainbow arched through the sky, and one immortal escorted by three clouds ascended to Heaven.

It was indeed…

“The Honored Wandao has arrived!”

At the announcement, all immortals stood up once again, some with a hint of reluctance.

Yet, reluctant as they might have been, none dared to show disrespect, and they all courteously did what was appropriate.

They saw one immortal leading the way, followed by three clouds, and together, they entered the Jade Pond, facing the Heavenly Venerable and saluting him with a bow.

“Zhen Yuanzi pays respects to the Great Heaven Honored!”

“Emperor of Ten Thousand Paths, no need for such courtesy!”

The Jade Emperor smiled and beckoned, “Please take a seat.”

Xu Yang nodded his head and sat to one side, also paying his respects to the Emperors of the South and North, and the two ladies of the Jade Pool.

“`

“Taoist friends come from afar, the Heavenly Court is honored by your presence!”

“I have long heard of the Taoist friend’s name, seeing you today has indeed lived up to its reputation.”

“I did not know the Emperor was coming and failed to greet you, please forgive my transgression.”

“Emperor, how have you been lately?”

The immortals above exchanged glances, greeting each other.

Below them, many of the Immortal Officials frowned.

“This Honored Wandao…”

“Has quite a good relationship with Buddhism!”

“It’s fine for the Heavenly Venerable to indulge, but even the Jade Pool Palace Master is so close to him?”

“And this Great Mercy Bodhisattva…”

“It is said that six hundred years ago, at the Pill Origin Gathering, this Great Mercy Bodhisattva put aside past grudges, paid a personal visit, and even presented significant gifts, as if to turn hostility into friendship.”

“Three hundred years ago, at the Ullambana Meeting, the Honored Wandao also personally went to the West, and after arriving at Pusuo Pure Land, he was even greeted by two Buddhas, it is said he offered three Nine-Eyed Bodhi fruits!”

“Three Nine-Eyed Bodhi fruits, back when the Taihuang Emperor visited his Ullambana Meeting, they only showed such hospitality!”

“Does Buddhism intend to sow discord?”

“Hmph, Buddhism is fearful, wary of his Wandao School, wanting to curry favor, but my Western Pole Imperial Court does not fear!”

“If it weren’t for the Emperor being engaged with demons in the Heavenly Secret Realm and needing to heal in seclusion, today he would settle the score and resolve the hatred in his heart.”

“It’s lucky the Emperor of the Western Pole is in seclusion; otherwise, today’s Flat Peach Meeting could have sparked strife among True Immortals!”

The Immortal Officials’ Divine Senses intermingled, discussing animatedly.

Xu Yang remained unconcerned above, handing out several jade cases: “I have nothing valuable to offer, only these Grass Returning Elixirs. Today, I present them to the Heavenly Venerable and fellow Taoist friends, for your consideration.”

“Ha!”

“I’ve long heard that the Wuzhuang Temple has all kinds of Spirit Returning Elixirs, seeing them today proves they’re real!”

“The Emperor is too modest, the Heavenly Court and Wuzhuang are one family, no need for such courtesies at a family feast.”

“Taoist friend, your art of the Elixir Cauldron is indeed mysterious and profound. It’s a pity that the East Pole Emperor is still in seclusion, otherwise, discussing the art of the Elixir Cauldron with you today would surely be the highlight of the event.”

Watching the elixirs before them, the immortals exchanged niceties, and though the conversations were formal, the praise was genuine.

The Jade Emperor, looking at the three top-quality Immortal Elixirs in the case, was quite pleased, waving his hand grandly: “The immortals have gathered, the Flat Peach Feast begins, my officials shall partake in the joy, ceaseless is the delight!”

“Long live Your Majesty!”

“…”

“…”

Following the protocol, the Flat Peach Feast commenced, and Xu Yang, seated alone, also enjoyed himself.

The Heaven Reaching Secret Realm opens once every ten thousand years, and once open, remains so for a thousand years.

This one-thousand-year gap is a time for all parties to prepare.

That’s why the Heavenly Court’s Flat Peach Feast, as well as the Buddhist Ullambana Meeting, are to be held during this time.

Originally his Pill Origin Gathering lasted over two hundred years, halfway through it the Heavenly Secret Realm had already opened, and immortals, buddhas, demons, and monsters returned to the world, entering into seclusion to assimilate the gains of ten thousand years.

The Western Pole Emperor Lord was no exception; it is said that after battling demons in the Heavenly Secret Realm, exhausted and bone-weary, upon exiting the realm, he retreated to his imperial palace to recuperate and has not been seen since.

Xu Yang was all too happy to relax, devoting his energy to the refinement of the Five Elements Immortal Banner, only sparing some time three hundred years ago to participate in the Buddhist Ullambana Meeting in the West.

Six hundred years have passed, and in another two or three hundred years, the Heavenly Secret Realm will close, hence the Flat Peach Feast naturally convened.

At this Flat Peach Meeting, only the Northern and Southern Pole Emperors can be seen, while the Eastern and Western Emperors are nowhere in sight.

This is due to the Heavenly Secret Realm.

When the Heaven Reaching Secret Realm opens, all major powers wish to enter to strengthen themselves with the riches of the realm.

But while seeking fortunes within, they must also attend to the outside world; otherwise, upon their return, everything may be lost, leading to inconsolable grief.

Thus, immortals, buddhas, demons, and monsters from all major Dao lineages would keep True Immortals on the outside to maintain the balance, ensuring nothing is lost.

The Heavenly Court is no exception; the last time the Eastern and Western Emperors entered, this time it had to be alternated.

The two Emperors’ presence is enough to deter the demons, ensuring tranquility in the East Victorious.

Conversely, Buddhism is somewhat stretched thin, with only two Buddha Ancestors; one remains within while the other guards the outside, slightly inadequate against the demons.

This is why Buddhism has always planned for the Southward Spread of Buddhism but has yet to execute it.

With only one Buddha Ancestor, they can only protect the West Bovine He Continent, the foundation of Buddhism, unable to safeguard South Observance.

But this time is different; Buddhism will forgo the opportunity of the Heavenly Secrets this time, with both Buddha Ancestors remaining to complete the Southward Spread of Buddhism and support the great Wisdom, Great Virtue in becoming a Ninth Calamity True Immortal.

For the sake of long-term gain at the cost of a momentary chance, this trade is by no means a loss.

It’s just that…

“Emperor, how does the taste of this Superior Grade Flat Peach compare to the Nine-Eyed Bodhi fruit?”

A voice called back to reality.

“`

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