Chapter 2578: The World-Honored One is Too Far, Sunset is Too Near

What I know is, the World Honored One teaches without categories, seeking equality for all beings.

Jiang Wang sighed and said, "What I see is, senior Guan Yan."

Jiang Wang had known senior Guan Yan's compassion for a long time. But in the Senhai Source Realm, the Senhai Holy Clan was, after all, a type of human race, which inevitably led to some transference of feelings. The beings of this world didn't even have a human form; they were all beast-like. Moreover, they were filthy, foul-smelling, muddled, and fierce. Senior Guan Yan still exerted his heart and effort, his compassion undiminished. One could see his heart was not limited to species.

"That is because you have not seen these beings in their moving moments. They also shed blood to feed their young, they also endure wind and rain together and overcome hardships together, they also have grieving wives who follow their dead husbands to the grave..." Guan Yan said warmly, "You came and passed by in a glance, seeing only them wriggling in rotten mud, seeing their greedy, ugly, and foul-smelling side, and being unable to feel anything is a common human emotion."

He shook his head. "The World Honored One is too far, this world is too near."

The World Honored One's love is impartial love. Greedy, ugly, and foul-smelling, He would still offer help and love. Guan Yan's love is seeing that the beings of this world still have moments of glory, still have the power to struggle. It is seeing that this world still has salvation, and only then is he willing to save this world. So he said he was still very far from the World Honored One, but everything in this world was very near to him. The bitterness and calamity he saw here made him unable to ignore or give up.

Jiang Wang sighed and said, "It is the so-called 'gentleman far from the kitchen'."

Guan Yan said, "And Buddha prohibits meat and blood."

"What are you two saying? Why can't I understand?" Granny Little Fan asked.

Guan Yan laughed, "Talking about cultivation."

"Alright, monk," Granny Little Fan scolded, "You say I don't understand cultivation."

Guan Yan had already returned to secular life, but in private interactions, she still habitually called him 'monk'.

"Monk does not understand hidden sarcasm, monk's heart and mouth are one," Guan Yan wore a moon-white long robe, his smile bright. "Gentleman far from the kitchen is out of pity. Cultivating Buddha and prohibiting meat and blood is deeper pity. In fact, it is all the goodness of human nature, not divided into high or low, what is divided is cultivation—"

He smiling suddenly sighed, "Little Fan, you say if Hanging Temple has difficulties, should I save them or not?"

"There is no 'should' or 'should not'," Granny Little Fan said, "If you remember someone, and have the spare power, then just go and save them. If you no longer remember anyone, or your power is insufficient, then let them bear their own karma. You have returned the monk robe, and you have sent the golden body. You owe them nothing."

Guan Yan looked at Jiang Wang again. "What do you say?"

Jiang Wang thought seriously for a moment. "Logically speaking, there is no need. Because senior, you have already returned to secular life, and the karma with Hanging Temple before has also been settled. But I think senior will still be unable to help himself."

Guan Yan sighed. "This is the human heart."

Jiang Wang was silent for a moment, then looked towards the mountain outside, his tone relaxed. "What category do the beings of this filthy world actually belong to?"

Guan Yan said, "Your Granny Little Fan calls them 'filthy spirits', but I think they will name themselves."

"Words have become extinct, but they will still be reborn. Knowledge is ignorant, but it can still be enlightened again." Jiang Wang laughed. "I look forward to the day when all things in this realm revive."

"Then you must come back as a guest," Guan Yan said.

Jiang Wang stayed for a while longer, chatting idly, then bid farewell to the two elders and returned to the present world.

"Is Little Jiang having some trouble?"

Granny Little Fan took out the Azure Sheep Heaven Contract, examining it carefully, loving it and not letting go, only feeling that it was ugly yet cute.

Guan Yan only smiled. "He is a very emotional person. He was busy before, but he also often sent letters. Now that he has proven his absolute peak, with no taboos, he came to see you. You are overthinking."

Little Fan gave him a white eye. "Aren't I just afraid that the child has grown up and has some troubles hidden in his heart that are difficult to talk about?"

"You still treat him like the little child from the Senhai Source Realm," Guan Yan laughed. "The name of Town River True Monarch is known throughout the ten thousand realms of all heavens. Did you forget the world we stayed in before? Everyone spontaneously worshipped him as a god, saying that his sword suppressed the ten thousand realms, that he was invincible, saying that the long river of time was also a river... The chart of one hundred thousand god immortals and industrial spirits listed him at the center of the worship position."

Indeed, there was nothing to worry about with the current Jiang Wang.

Little Fan then lightly let it go, sighing. "Time passes so fast, ah. In the blink of an eye, he is already at the absolute peak."

Guan Yan, at this moment, did not laugh, but lifted his eyes and gazed far into the sky outside. "Time does not pass fast; it is that he is hurrying on his way, walking very fast."

Guan Yan was the latest to enter the sect among the disciples of the 'Guan' generation, the youngest, but the one with the highest comprehension. His master was Zhi Xiang—the same Zhi Xiang whose golden body he asked Jiang Wang to return to Hanging Temple, leaving five hundred years of merit for Hanging Temple.

Zhi Xiang unfortunately died in his body that year, and before his death, he entrusted his fellow disciple Zhi Xiu to look after this disciple. But Zhi Xiu also died not long after. It was then Zhi Nian, the abbot of Hanging Temple, who personally looked after him. Guan Yan's status in Hanging Temple was no different from the abbot's direct disciple. He was originally cultivated to be the abbot. It was just that he was lost in a secret realm later and never returned. The greatly renowned Fierce Bodhisattva Zhi E was precisely his master uncle. The two differed by only one generation, both were important figures in the temple, and their lives had many intersections. When Guan Yan returned to secular life, it was also the day Zhi E formally exited. The word "exit" was just for him.

This time, Jiang Wang went far to the sky outside, actually also wanting to ask senior Guan Yan if his master uncle, the fierce Bodhisattva of Hanging Temple, had any suspicious points, whether it was possible that he was a divine hero of the Equality Country. Although Guan Yan's insight into the heart would not be used against him, one Azure Sheep Heaven Contract was enough to explain too much. It was just that Guan Yan was unwilling to speak. Unwilling to speak of any matters concerning Hanging Temple. Because he was very far from the World Honored One, but very near to Hanging Temple.

Senior Guan Yan was correct, people must have private matters. Jiang Wang then said nothing more. Dealing with the Seven Hates, searching for White Bone, and rooting out the divine hero were all not things that could be done in one go. Just as he said to Chong Xuan Sheng, Jiang Wang maintained patience. He slowly moved forward, advancing a little is a little, not bothering himself with useless hardships and worries. If this path doesn't work, it means the path is elsewhere. Eliminating wrong answers is also approaching the correct path.

Now, it was the words of that Immortal Emperor's teacher that concerned him. The forgetting of a contemporary absolute peak was a quite serious problem. But no matter what important matters he had forgotten, since it was related to immortals, the first step would always be to cultivate the Immortal Dragon Dharma Form back to its peak. Even, cultivate it to the Dharma Body. Many times, one cannot see the road ahead clearly, simply because one does not stand high enough. If he reaches the absolute peak of the Immortal Body, the secrets about immortals should always be nowhere to hide.

However, in the mortal world, worldly affairs entangle, making it difficult to fulfill one's wishes. Just having finished visiting various parties on the Cloud Upper Road and returned to the White Jade Capital Wine House, the Immortal Dragon Dharma Form was just preparing to go into seclusion when he received an invitation from the Netherworld. The invitation card was completely black, and within that pitch black, intertwined with dim light, were three beautiful Dao characters. A glance at them made them manifest. The characters read—

Mu Fu Yao.

Once a deity of the Netherworld, now one of the strongest Yang Gods in the Netherworld! Even including the heaven ghosts of Arani Ghost Cave and the Yang Gods of the Demon Realm's Seal God Platform, Mu Fu Yao's name is still on the list of the strongest. He can even discard the prefix "god ghost" and directly contend for the strongest at the Derivation Dao level. It's just that in the past years, due to the painful lesson of the Extinguish Buddha Calamity, he spent years in seclusion, hence his fame was not prominent. Now that the Yin and Yang realms are merging, these former deities of the Netherworld are all becoming active.

"What does He come for?" the Immortal Dragon asked.

White Jade Xia leaned against the door frame, cracking melon seeds, looking very casual. Hearing the words, he only smiled and looked downstairs. In the private room downstairs, guests who were drunk and talkative were just discussing the Netherworld!

"The Netherworld will merge with the present world, the Netherworld has great prospects, ah! I want to go explore, brothers, who is willing to go with me?"

"What prospects? Don't you see many gods and ghosts all running towards the present world? To me, the Yang world always suppresses the Yin world by a notch."

"The Yang world is naturally the main, but may not be without positions for us, eh? One radish, one pit, the positions worth occupying have long been occupied. Even this White Jade Capital Wine House raises an idle man who cracks melon seeds all day—better go to the Yin world to explore!"

"Do you think the Yin world has no radishes, no occupied pits?"

"You want to go down, others want to come up. You must know which side is honored! Why are those degraded Yang Gods from the Netherworld actively visiting the present world? It's nothing more than recognizing fathers and selling backsides!"

The Immortal Dragon Dharma Form immediately pressed the invitation card on the table, but it was already too late. A male with cold and stern features and somewhat pale skin had already sat opposite the desk. White Jade Xia's melon seeds were cracked halfway, fixed there. He used his eyes to inquire—"Just invited people in? Didn't even prepare in advance?"

The Immortal Dragon used his eyes to ask him to leave. Then, casually waved, isolating all the sounds from downstairs. He picked up the teapot and very particularly poured the tea. "This shop is small, has few rules, and many people with mixed mouths. The wine guests are happy eating and drinking, just speaking randomly... Letting Your Excellency see this is a laugh."

Mu Fu Yao's body was extremely tall and thin, sitting there like a sharp tower. There were extremely faint mysterious fine lines on his forehead, not obvious if one did not pay attention. If one paid attention, one could feel their profundity. Especially eye-catching were His eyes, pure black, without whites, like two embedded black gems. There were no emotions within, only solidified nights. His voice, however, was gentle.

"Words are rough, but the reasoning is not," He smiled and cupped his hands. "Below is Mu Fu Yao, today's impudent visit is indeed to seek a backer."

"You truly love to joke!" The Immortal Dragon shook his head indifferently. "What virtue or ability does Jiang have that I can be your backer?"

Mu Fu Yao quietly looked at Jiang Wang, seeming to smile but not smiling. "Town River True Monarch also deserves a backer on one side. It's a pity that you don't build forces or weave factions. I have no door to rely on, ah." He gave Jiang Wang a step, then said, "I want to have an opportunity to participate in the construction of the Taixu Illusion Realm. I wonder if True Monarch Jiang can think of a way?"

So he wanted to rely on the Taixu Dao Master! The Immortal Dragon Dharma Form was indifferent after all. Misunderstanding was not too awkward. He only said, "The Taixu Dao Master seems to be the true Ksitigarbha in the Netherworld. It is not difficult to return under him, just follow the rules. But like Virtual Spirit, how are you willing?" For an existence like Mu Fu Yao, further, the only thing to seek is transcendence. Although Virtual Spirit is eternal, it is forever impossible to escape the Taixu Illusion Realm, let alone transcend the present world. That is still not as good as when he was a deity of the Netherworld!

"The Netherworld is on the verge of a storm, with no pure land. The present world is again intertwined, and there are not many remaining positions. I neither want to join the Yanluo Treasure Hall nor any hegemonic country." Mu Fu Yao said extremely seriously, "Thinking about it, the freedom and ease of Town River True Monarch is what I envy the most."

Saying that, He took out a small piece of dark square wood, placed it on the desk, pressed it with his index finger, and gently pushed it forward. "Of course, I will not let Your Excellency be busy for nothing. It is a small intention, not yet a sign of respect."

This piece of square wood had profound inscriptions, deep quality and heavy qi, moving slightly forward along with Mu Fu Yao's fingertip, faintly like a shifting mountain. What Mu Fu Yao sent was not some heavenly materials or earthly treasures that could be bought, but His Dao quality, His Yang God path, the authority of sunset! What a big gift! If one must make an analogy, its use is similar to Jiang Wang's Azure Sheep Heaven Contract, but its value is difficult to compare. Because the essence of the Heaven Contract is a lease, borrowing power. The essence of this piece of Dao quality square wood is a grant, granting authority. This honor paid so heavily, what was sought was of course not simple.

"It is absolutely impossible for you to enter the cabinet."

The Immortal Dragon moved his gaze away from this piece of sunset square wood and said directly, "The other positions in the cabinet are all fixed, led by various forces, not completely belonging to the current cabinet members. My position is also not something I can grant privately. If I withdraw now, the high probability is that someone from Li Country or the Buddha Sect will come. Although you have achieved creation and your divine powers are vast, there is no seat for you in the Taixu Cabinet. Just the age alone is enough to reject you."

"Age is not necessarily a rule. According to what I know, Zhong Xuan and Ju Kui are also not young." Mu Fu Yao smiled. "Although I am much older, after entering the cabinet, I am also willing to pay more."

The Immortal Dragon frowned slightly. What he said about age was about the surface rules—the members of the Taixu Cabinet should be selected from among young prodigies. Mu Fu Yao should understand the substantial reasons. He wasn't even a human of the present world. How could it be possible to give Him a position in the Taixu Cabinet, which was the key to the torrent of the human path?

Mu Fu Yao looked at his expression again and said, "And I do not want to enter the cabinet now, I only need to be listed in the pre-selection and be given a fair opportunity to compete. It is also to give me some time to prove my public heart. When Lord Jiang's term ends, I will come out and rely on my own ability."

Only then did the Immortal Dragon understand. Mu Fu Yao also didn't have to enter the cabinet, but wanted an identity in the Taixu Illusion Realm—for example, a reserve member of the Taixu Cabinet. He hoped to borrow this to get the protection of the Taixu Dao Master. Had the Netherworld already reached such a dangerous moment? Making a strong one like Mu Fu Yao so uneasy? Were there things he still didn't know had happened?

"Please drink tea." The Immortal Dragon reached out to guide. "This is Frost Descent Fog Dragon Chant, unique to Cloud City. Drinking it washes away the dust. Last year, only nine taels and three qian were picked in total. If it weren't for a distinguished guest visiting, I myself would be reluctant to drink it."

Mu Fu Yao picked up the teacup and was about to drink, but stopped when the cup reached the edge of his mouth. He gave up his leisurely posture and shook his head with a bitter smile. "True Monarch Jiang is possibly too busy with affairs to be concerned about the Netherworld—just yesterday, the Head Teacher of Penglai, without courtesy, killed the Blood Thunder Duke at Ya Spring and refined his thunder soul!"

The Immortal Dragon suddenly realized. This explained why Mu Fu Yao arrived immediately after responding to the invitation card! He was so urgent, fundamentally not in a negotiating posture. It turned out that the actions of the present world towards the Netherworld had already begun, and they were moving so fiercely, starting by killing a former deity of the Netherworld. Mu Fu Yao, this strong one who always cultivated in seclusion, finally felt the danger as well.

It's just... wasn't the Head Teacher of Penglai still debating the Dao with the God Crown Preaching Great Priest at View River Terrace some time ago? How could he have no consumption? The injury he received in the Cang Sea earlier, healed so quickly? How could he turn around and just go kill the Blood Thunder Duke?! These long-standing Derivation Dao ones are truly diligent, their striving figures are everywhere.

The Immortal Dragon was just about to speak when the Taixu Hook Jade suddenly flashed. His other Dharma Bodies were all busy cultivating, and his true body more often resided in Cloud City. The Immortal Dragon Dharma Form was currently the weakest, delaying a few days would do no harm, and he also took up the responsibility of handling miscellaneous matters. Even Mu Fu Yao, who was far away in the Netherworld, knew that the invitation card should be sent here. This movement was a message from Bai Ge Xiao and Zhong Xuan arriving at the same time. Furthermore, Yin Guan's curse thought was also jumping. What day was it today? Matters were all rushing towards one place!

The Immortal Dragon smiled apologetically at Mu Fu Yao and first responded to Yin Guan's curse thought. In the middle of the Yin Yang realm, a green light manifested itself. Yin Guan stood on the virtual sea, her words concise: "Qin Zhi Zhen has already reached the Netherworld, killed into the Yanluo Treasure Hall, claiming that the Five Hall Yanluo Kings offended his honored name, and is conducting a conquest with this. The Yanluo King is locking the hall with the ten thousand ghosts and flying souls array and seeking help from me."

It seemed that Qin Country's actions towards the Netherworld had also begun, but the method was not as fierce as Jing Country's, with Qin Zhi Zhen leading the charge.

"You want to save him?" Jiang Wang asked.

"What does that have to do with me?" Yin Guan said indifferently. "I'm just informing you. If you need a chess piece inside the Yanluo Treasure Hall, then this is an opportunity." If he chose to protect the Yanluo King, win this hall, plus the support of the Equality King, and with the operation of the sentient beings Dharma Form in the Netherworld, it was very likely to directly cooperate with Ksitigarbha and take over the Yanluo Treasure Hall.

Jiang Wang shook his head. "I have no interest in participating in their contention." He then deliberately said, "Instead, Leader, you were colleagues once, and he has already sought you out. Don't you feel even a little bit of affection?"

Yin Guan looked at him without waves. "I forgot to tell you, the true identity of the Yanluo King is Su She. Right, just that Su She from the Jubaohui, the one who played with gold ingots outside Linzi City. Chong Xuan Sheng knows about this matter... did he tell you?"

Outside Linzi City... Jiang Wang only said, "Qin Zhi Zhen is slow to respond but quick to strike. Even if I send a message, it won't be in time—" He lightly sighed. "Forget it."