73: Chapter 73 The Conference Opens

Tiandu Mountain, Dao Discussion Peak.

This Peak was not one of the "Five Tiandu Peaks" but was located in the central area surrounded by the five Peaks, a massive platform that had been artificially leveled, spanning nearly a hundred miles, resembling an overturned jade bowl.

The surface of the platform was paved with "Asking Dao Jade," smooth as a mirror and carved with intricate Dao patterns, capable of automatically absorbing and dissipating the aftermath of battles, making it incredibly sturdy.

Surrounding it were tiered spectator seats built along the mountain slopes, capable of accommodating hundreds of thousands of people.

At this moment, the seats were already packed with people; representatives from tens of thousands of Sects, clans, and Loose Cultivators from the Five Regions had gathered together, the noise deafening, as various powerful Auras intertwined and collided, forming an invisible, suffocating pressure.

Directly to the north of the platform, elevated high above, were five of the most luxurious and spacious main seats, shrouded in misty spiritual fog and auspicious colorful rays of light, reserved for the Sect Masters, Palace Masters, and Pavilion Masters of the five top forces of the Central Plains—the Da Yan Heaven Sect, Wuji Sword Sect, Yaochi Immortal Palace, Taishang Alchemy Sect, and Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

However, at this moment, all five seats were empty; the leaders had yet to appear.

Below the main seats, divided into eastern and western wings, were dozens of seats each. Though not as grand as the main seats, they were still spacious and imposing, reserved for other first-rate forces from the Five Regions, Soul Transformation Stage True Monarchs, and those with special statuses like Lin Wan, the "Alliance Master" or "Overlord."

Further below were even denser rows of seats for second-tier forces and numerous Cultivators to observe the proceedings.

At this moment, in one of the forward positions of the eastern wing, Lin Wan sat calmly with Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun.

Their arrival naturally attracted countless gazes.

There was reverence, curiosity, inquiry, as well as undisguised hostility and coldness.

Especially from the seats of the Eastern Wasteland and Northern Plains regions, those cold, venomous gazes almost seemed capable of piercing through Lin Wan.

Saint Son Yan Wuji did not appear beside the Flame Emperor, clearly because his injuries had not yet healed, or perhaps he was too ashamed to show himself.

But the Flame Emperor himself sat high at the very front of the Eastern Wasteland region, his body shrouded in a faint crimson-gold flame halo, making his features indistinct; yet, the undisguised rage and killing intent, like a volcano about to erupt, were clearly transmitted, causing many Cultivators around him to feel palpitations and subconsciously move away.

In the Western Desert region, Master Liaoyin sat upright at the front, followed by several Buddhist high monks with deep, composed Auras.

Master Liaoyin nodded slightly to Lin Wan, his gaze peaceful.

Lin Wan also nodded in return.

In the Southern Region, apart from Lin Wan, there were no other representatives from first-rate forces (True Monarch Xiaoyun and the others were stationed at the Two Worlds City), making it appear somewhat desolate, yet no one dared to underestimate it.

Because everyone knew that the figure in green robes sitting alone in the corner represented the entire Southern Region.

The major forces of the Central Plains had also all arrived.

Sect Master Yantian of the Da Yan Heaven Sect, Sword Master Jian Wuming of the Wuji Sword Sect, Fairy Yaoguang of the Yaochi Immortal Palace, Great Elder Danchenzi of the Taishang Alchemy Sect, and Elder Xingyan of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, though not appearing in the highest main seats, were each seated in front of their respective regions, their demeanor composed and unfathomable.

The gazes they cast occasionally also carried scrutiny and inquiry.

Time flowed slowly in a weird atmosphere that was slightly oppressive yet exciting.

When the sun reached its zenith, the moment when the daylight was most intense.

"Clang—!" "Clang—!" "Clang—!"

Three grand, distant bell tolls, which seemed capable of cleansing the Divine Soul and resonating throughout Tiandu Mountain, rang out from a primitive bronze bell located behind the five empty main seats at the highest point of the Dao Discussion Peak.

The bell toll echoed, instantly suppressing all the clamor and noise.

Everyone's gaze involuntarily turned toward the northern main seats.

They saw that behind the main seats, on the high platform that had originally been empty, five figures appeared quietly, as if stepping out from the Void Realm.

The person in the center wore a black imperial robe embroidered with patterns of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, and rivers, and wore a flat imperial crown. Their face was blurred, shrouded in endless Dao Rhyme and Imperial Dragon Qi. Just standing there, they seemed to be the center of the entire world, the source of all Laws and all Dao.

This was none other than the nominal co-ruler of the Central Plains, and the true Grand Elder of the "Da Yan Heaven Sect," a legendary existence—Emperor Yan!

His cultivation was unfathomable; it was rumored that he had long surpassed the Soul Transformation Stage and reached the Peak of this Realm—the Void Refining Stage!

To his left was an old Daoist wearing simple Daoist robes, holding a whisk, with white hair and beard, and a kindly face; his Aura was ethereal, as if he had merged with the Great Dao of heaven and earth.

He was the Grand Elder of the "Taishang Alchemy Sect," Venerable Dan! He was equally unfathomable.

To the right was a woman wearing palace attire, her face covered by a light veil, revealing only a pair of deep, beautiful eyes that seemed to contain the birth and death of stars. Her temperament was cold and otherworldly, as if a Nine Heavens Goddess had descended to the mortal world.

She was the Grand Elder of the "Yaochi Immortal Palace," Fairy Yaoxi! Her cultivation was equally unfathomable.

Further to the sides were a stern man in hemp robes, standing with his hands behind his back, resembling a peerless divine sword ready to pierce the firmament at any moment—the Grand Elder of the Wuji Sword Sect, Jian Wuya! And an old man wearing star-patterned robes, holding a star chart, with the rotations of the heavens seemingly visible in his eyes—the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, Elder Xingshu!

The Grand Elders of the five major forces, existences at the Void Refining Stage, had appeared together!

These were the titans who truly stood at the pinnacle of the Tiannan Continent!

Usually, they were as elusive as dragons, yet today they had appeared simultaneously for the "Five Regions Dao Discussion Conference"!

This showed that the scale of this conference was unprecedentedly high!

The entire Dao Discussion Peak, with its hundreds of thousands of Cultivators, instantly held their breath; one could hear a pin drop.

Everyone's eyes were filled with reverence, excitement, and even fanaticism.

Being able to see these five legendary existences with their own eyes was, for many Cultivators, the greatest fortune of their lives.

"Respectfully welcoming Emperor Yan, Venerable Dan, Fairy Yaoxi, Senior Jian Wuya, and Senior Xingshu!"

Below, the Sect Masters, Palace Masters, Pavilion Masters, and others of the five major forces stood up first and bowed in salute.

Immediately, like a tidal wave, all the Cultivators, regardless of their cultivation level or where they came from, stood up in unison and bowed, their voices like a roaring mountain and a crashing sea, resounding through the heavens:

"Respectfully welcoming all Seniors!"

The sound wave rolled, soaring into the sky.

The five figures nodded slightly.

Emperor Yan, who was in the center and shrouded in Imperial Dragon Qi, spoke slowly. His voice was calm but sounded like a heavenly decree, clearly entering everyone's ears, carrying a strange power that soothed the mind and made one involuntarily convinced:

"Fellow Daoists, please rise."

Only then did everyone straighten up, but they still maintained a respectful posture.

"The Five Regions Dao Discussion Conference, occurring once in a millennium, is a grand event for our Tiannan Continent." Emperor Yan's voice continued, unhurried, "The purpose of this conference is to exchange Dao techniques, spar in skills, share resources, and jointly contemplate the Great Dao. It is also to mediate disputes among the Five Regions, divide interests, and maintain the long-term peace of our Tiannan Continent. I hope that all Fellow Daoists can speak freely, display your strengths, make friends through the Dao, and convince others with virtue."

"However," he shifted his tone slightly; it remained calm but carried a trace of unquestionable majesty, "Tiandu Mountain is a place for quiet Dao discussion. Private fighting is strictly prohibited, as is the use of any underhanded means to disrupt the order of the conference. Violators will be punished by the Five Regions together. Do you all understand?"

"We respectfully obey Emperor Yan's decree!" everyone responded in unison.

Those with ulterior motives, such as the Flame Emperor, had to temporarily suppress their thoughts, not daring to act presumptuously at this time.

"Very well." Emperor Yan nodded slightly, "In that case, this 'Five Regions Dao Discussion Conference' officially begins."

As his voice fell, the primitive bronze bell emitted another clear "Clang."

The bell toll was melodious, seemingly containing a certain rhythm of the Great Dao, cleansing people's hearts and officially drawing back the curtain on this conference.

"The Dao Discussion Conference is divided into three stages." Fairy Yaoxi's cold and pleasant voice rang out, taking over, "The first stage is 'Demonstrating Law and Discussing Dao.' Fellow Daoists from each region will take the stage to demonstrate their own Dao techniques and Divine Abilities, expound on their insights into the Great Dao, and can also verify and exchange ideas with each other. In this stage, regardless of cultivation level, anyone can take the stage. The aim is to showcase the demeanor of our Tiannan Cultivators, exchange and verify ideas, and make progress together."

"The second stage is 'Dao Questioning Contest.' Cultivators from each region below the Soul Transformation Stage will take the stage to compete, using actual combat to discuss the Dao and spar in skills, determining the top ten experts in the Nascent Soul and Golden Core Realms. Each will receive generous rewards, and it will also affect the distribution of quotas for certain subsequent Secret Realms."

"The third stage is 'Soul Transformation Dao Discussion.' Fellow Daoists at the Soul Transformation Stage and above will sit and discuss the Dao in the core area of the 'Asking Dao Platform,' clashing with Dao Rhyme and Law, deciding the distribution of top-tier resources related to the Luck of the Five Regions, and... addressing major issues that may arise in the future concerning the safety of the Five Regions."

Fairy Yaoxi's voice clearly spread throughout the venue: "Today, we will begin with the first stage, 'Demonstrating Law and Discussing Dao.' Which Fellow Daoist is willing to take the stage first and cast a brick to attract jade?"

As her voice fell, the entire venue was silent for a moment.

Although "Demonstrating Law and Discussing Dao" was meant for exchange and verification, the first person to take the stage often faced significant pressure.

If they performed well, they could naturally become famous in one fell swoop and win applause from the whole hall; if they performed poorly, they might become a laughingstock, or even affect the subsequent "Dao Questioning Contest."

After a brief silence.

"Amitabha, since that is the case, this monk will first come to show his clumsiness, just to cast a brick to attract jade."

A gentle, mellow Buddhist chant, filled with compassion, rang out.

In the Western Desert region, Master Liaoyin slowly stood up, pressed his palms together in a salute to the four directions, and then took a step forward; lotuses bloomed beneath his feet, and every step shone with brilliance, as he had already arrived at the center of that huge Asking Dao Jade platform.

"It is Master Liaoyin of the Western Desert's Vajra Temple!"

"Master Liaoyin's Buddhist Dharma is profound; he is already at the Middle Stage of the Soul Transformation Stage. Having him open the event could not be better!"

"I wonder what kind of Buddhist Dharma Master Liaoyin will demonstrate?"

Everyone's spirits lifted, and they discussed it among themselves.

Master Liaoyin stood still in the center of the platform, his expression peaceful. He pressed his palms together and chanted a Buddhist name. There was no dazzling Buddha light around him, nor any shocking Aura, only a peaceful, compassionate Zen intent that seemed to be able to contain all things and deliver all living beings, slowly spreading out.

"The Buddha says: All living beings suffer. There are eight sufferings: birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, meeting with those one hates, not getting what one seeks, and the five aggregates of clinging. However, the sea of suffering is boundless, and turning back is the shore. Our Buddhist practice aims to clarify the mind and see one's nature, escape the sea of suffering, attain great freedom, and prove great Nirvana."

Master Liaoyin's voice was not loud, but it clearly entered everyone's ears, like the evening drum and morning bell, striking deep within their hearts.

Many people, especially those Cultivators whose Heart-Nature was not firm, who had deep obsessions, or who had Heart Demons, felt their minds clear up uncontrollably upon hearing these words containing Buddhist Zen principles, their distracting thoughts vanishing instantly, as if they had been cleansed.

"Today, this monk will demonstrate the wonderful use of our Buddhist 'Great Compassion Mantra.' I hope to use this mantra to cleanse the dust from the hearts of all Fellow Daoists and bring a moment of peace."

After saying this, Master Liaoyin slightly closed his eyes, formed a hand seal, and began to chant an ancient, obscure Sanskrit mantra that contained endless compassion and Power Of Will.

"Namo, Heladana, Duolayeye..."

As he chanted, a blurry, massive, and compassionate phantom of a Buddha slowly emerged behind him. The Buddha phantom formed a Dharma seal with its hands, and silent Sanskrit chanting resonated from its mouth, echoing Master Liaoyin's incantation.

In an instant, golden Sanskrit characters seemed to rain down over the entire Asking Dao Platform, while heavenly flowers fell and golden lotuses sprouted from the ground. A vast, majestic, pure, and compassionate Buddha Power, like a warm tide, slowly rippled outward, enveloping the entire Dao Discussion Peak.

Countless Cultivators, immersed in this Buddha Power, felt the negative emotions of restlessness, killing intent, greed, and fear in their hearts quietly smoothed away, leaving their minds in an unprecedented state of peace and tranquility. Some Cultivators with lower cultivation levels and impure Heart-Nature even showed expressions of obsession and intoxication, as if they were about to convert on the spot.

"What pure Buddha Power! What profound Buddhist Dharma!"

"Master Liaoyin truly lives up to his reputation! To be able to apply the Buddhist power of salvation to such a subtle and silent Realm!"

"Such Buddhist Dharma is already close to the 'Dao'!"

Even the five Void Refining giants on the northern main seats flashed a look of approval in their eyes. Emperor Yan nodded slightly: "Little Monk Liaoyin, your Buddhist Dharma has become increasingly refined; you possess the bearing of a Buddha."

Fairy Yaoxi also said softly: "The Buddhism of the Western Desert indeed has its unique aspects. This power of salvation has miraculous effects against Heart Demons and evil entities."

Master Liaoyin's "Demonstration of Dharma" lasted for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. When his last Sanskrit sound fell, the Buddha phantom behind him slowly dissipated, and the heavenly visions vanished along with it, leaving the entire Dao Discussion Peak in a strange, peaceful silence.

Many people wore expressions of satisfaction and peace on their faces, as if they had undergone a baptism of the soul.

"Amitabha, this poor monk has embarrassed himself." Master Liaoyin put his palms together in a salute once more, a golden lotus appeared beneath his feet, and it carried him back to the Western Desert seating area.

"Master Liaoyin is compassionate, and his Buddhist Dharma is boundless; you have truly opened our eyes!" Immediately, a Cultivator exclaimed loudly, and applause and cheers erupted like a tide.

"Master Liaoyin has made a great start!" Fairy Yaoxi's cool, clear voice rang out again. "Next, which Fellow Daoist is willing to take the stage?"

With Master Liaoyin's excellent performance as a precedent, the subsequent "Demonstration of Dharma" naturally could not be too lackluster. Soon, other Soul Transformation Stage Cultivators or regional leaders took the stage one after another.

There was an Elder from the Eastern Wasteland's Skyfire Sect demonstrating exquisite fire-attribute Divine Abilities, burning the sky and boiling the sea with astonishing power; a ghost path titan from the Northern Plains displaying eerie and unpredictable corpse-refining and ghost-controlling techniques, accompanied by miserable, chilly winds; a Sword Cultivator from the Central Plains practicing an unparalleled sword technique, with Sword Qi sweeping across thirty thousand miles; and a Fairy from the Southern Region's Hundred Flowers Valley demonstrating exquisite flower-path illusions, which were beautiful yet hidden with killing intent...

For a time, the Asking Dao Platform was filled with colorful displays, emerging Divine Abilities, and flowing Dao rhymes. Cultivation Techniques, Divine Abilities, and secret arts of various schools and attributes converged and collided here, making the watching Cultivators shout in excitement and gain profound benefits. This "Demonstration of Dharma and Dao Discussion" was indeed a rare Opportunity for exchange and learning.

Lin Wan also watched quite attentively. Although he possessed the Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed and an extraordinary Legacy, the Great Dao was vast and varied, with each having its own strengths. Observing the Dao techniques and Divine Abilities of these Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Cultivators was of great benefit for broadening his horizons and verifying his own Dao. In particular, the "Demonstration of Dharma" by several Soul Transformation True Monarchs, with their unique understanding and application of Laws, benefited him greatly; many inspirations regarding the Fusion of the "Five Elements Returning to Ruins" Dao Seed and the Law of "Ending" constantly emerged and collided in his mind.

During this period, several top Prodigies at the Nascent Soul Stage also took the stage, many of whom were stunningly talented, drawing bursts of cheers. Some young geniuses from the Eastern Wasteland and Northern Plains seemed, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to glance toward the Southern Region during their demonstrations, carrying a provocative tone. But Lin Wan kept his eyes on his nose and his heart on his heart, remaining unmoved as if he had not seen them.

Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun were also watching with fascination. Especially Lin Jingyun, whose eyes shone with light; he wished he could engrave every Senior's demonstration on the stage into his mind. For his age, such a grand event was simply a massive Opportunity.

Time flew by amidst the brilliant "Demonstration of Dharma." In the blink of an eye, it was dusk, and the first day of the "Demonstration of Dharma and Dao Discussion" was drawing to a close.

The "Demonstration of Dharma and Dao Discussion" segment had no strict order and was entirely voluntary. Seeing that the sky was getting late, today's "Demonstration of Dharma" seemed about to end.

However, just as Fairy Yaoxi was about to announce that today would end here and continue tomorrow, a cold, hoarse voice, like the cry of a night owl, abruptly rang out, breaking the increasingly peaceful atmosphere:

"Jie jie jie... I've watched for a long time, and it's all just flashy, unsubstantial tricks. Since no one is willing to take the stage again, let this old man demonstrate to you Fellow Daoists what is the true... Great Dao technique of slaughter!"

Before the words faded, a pitch-black escape light, exuding dense Death Qi, corpse Qi, and evil Qi, shot out like a ghost from somewhere in the Northern Plains area and landed in the center of the Asking Dao Platform.

The escape light dissipated, revealing a figure. It was an old man with a hunched back, wearing tattered black robes, his face withered like a skull, and two balls of ghost-green fire jumping in his eyes. Death Qi and corpse Qi swirled around him, and faint, countless phantom images of vengeful souls could be seen wailing and struggling within, emitting a nauseating, sinister Aura. He was clearly a titan of the ghost path at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection! Moreover, his Aura was even colder and more bizarre than the Yin Corpse Sect Master, True Monarch Corpse Demon, who had previously been killed by Lin Wan!

"It's Old Monster Jiuyou of the Northern Plains 'Jiuyou Sect'!"

"Why did this old Devil Head come here too? Isn't he usually hiding in the depths of the Northern Plains refining corpses?"

"The Jiuyou Sect is a newly risen major Sect of the Demonic Path in the Northern Plains. I heard they annexed part of the remnants of the Xuanming Sect, and their strength cannot be underestimated!"

"This old monster's Aura is so sinister; he is likely at the Peak of the Nascent Soul Great Perfection, only a hair's breadth away from the Soul Transformation Stage!"

Bursts of exclamations rang out from under the stage, and many Cultivators showed expressions of disgust and wariness. Ghost path and corpse path Cultivators were already despised by the Righteous Path, and especially this Old Monster Jiuyou, whose Aura was so evil, clearly practiced extremely vicious Cultivation Techniques.

"Northern Plains Jiuyou Sect, Jiuyou, greets you Fellow Daoists." Old Monster Jiuyou gave a perfunctory salute toward the northern main seats, his voice sounding like sandpaper rubbing, making one's teeth ache. Immediately, his eye sockets, where ghost fires were jumping, turned sharply and fixed firmly on the Eastern Wing Southern Region area, the location of Lin Wan, and he let out a weird, cackling laugh:

"I have long heard that Fellow Daoist Lin Wan, the 'True Monarch Guixu' of the Southern Region, has a 'guixu sword' technique that is masterful, earning him the title of 'unrivaled at the Nascent Soul Stage.' Today is a rare Opportunity; I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lin Wan would do me the honor of sparring with this 'heterodox path' of mine, so that all Fellow Daoists can witness what is the true... Great Dao of slaughter?"

As soon as his voice fell, the whole audience was in an uproar! This Old Monster Jiuyou was actually publicly challenging Lin Wan at the end of the "Demonstration of Dharma and Dao Discussion"! Moreover, his words were full of provocation and disdain, even belittling Lin Wan's specialty, the "guixu sword," as inferior to his own "Great Dao of slaughter"!

Anyone could see that this was by no means a simple "sparring" or "Demonstration of Dharma"; it was clearly aimed at Lin Wan! It was another probing, or even... a long-planned attack by the Eastern Wasteland and Northern Plains forces against Lin Wan!

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Lin Wan. The flames around Emperor Yan flickered slightly; although his expression could not be seen, the schadenfreude and expectation of seeing Lin Wan make a fool of himself were clearly palpable. In the Northern Plains area, several cold gazes also locked tightly onto Lin Wan.

Master Liaoyin frowned slightly and wanted to speak, but was stopped by a look from an old monk beside him. The giants of the five major forces of the Central Plains were also expressionless, as if watching a farce.

Fairy Yaoxi's cool, clear voice rang out: "Fellow Daoist Jiuyou, the Demonstration of Dharma and Dao Discussion is intended for exchange, not fighting. If you are interested in sparring with Fellow Daoist Lin Wan, you can wait for the 'Dao Questioning Contest' segment."

"Hehe, Fairy Yaoxi, your words are mistaken." Old Monster Jiuyou let out a weird laugh. "Demonstration of Dharma, Demonstration of Dharma—since one must 'demonstrate,' one naturally needs a suitable opponent to show the subtlety of the 'Dharma.' I have long admired Fellow Daoist Lin Wan's 'guixu sword,' and today, by chance, my skills are itching; I hope Fellow Daoist Lin Wan will not hesitate to enlighten me! Could it be... Fellow Daoist Lin Wan is afraid of my 'heterodox path' and dare not accept the challenge? Or is it that the so-called 'unrivaled at the Nascent Soul Stage' of the Southern Region is just an empty name, and he dares not face the real thing?"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was a naked provocation and humiliation. Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun all changed expressions, anger appearing in their eyes. Many Cultivators around also looked at Lin Wan one after another, waiting to see how he would respond. Would he swallow his pride, or would he fiercely accept the challenge?

Under the gaze of countless eyes, Lin Wan finally slowly opened his slightly closed eyes. He looked at Old Monster Jiuyou in the arena, who had a sinister Aura and a provocative face, his expression still calm and waveless.

"You want to... spar with me?" Lin Wan's voice rang out calmly, with no joy or anger detectable.

"Exactly!" The ghost fire in Old Monster Jiuyou's eyes flared up, and the Death Qi and corpse Qi around him churned, with faint, countless phantom images of skeletons and vengeful souls appearing and letting out shrill wails. "What, Fellow Daoist Lin Wan, are you afraid?"

Lin Wan shook his head lightly, as if sighing.

"Fine then." He stood up slowly and adjusted the hem of his green robe, his movements unhurried.

"Since you insist on seeking guidance..." He took a step, his figure moving like a teleportation, and he had already appeared ten zhang away opposite Old Monster Jiuyou, standing with his hands behind his back, his green robes fluttering.

"...then this Seat will teach you. What is the true... Great Dao."

The moment the words fell, an invisible, terrifying will that seemed capable of ending everything and returning all things to ruins descended with a boom, with Lin Wan at its center!