Chapter 1614. The ruler of Chu, Chu Guochu, had his hands and eyes in the heavens, utterly determined to give no face

Guangming Temple and the Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata are both the strongest Daoist lineages of the Xiyuan civilization—powerful and ancient, enduring even as thunder and lightning wither but do not perish. Compared to other forces, these two Daoist lineages are more low-key and mysterious.

The Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata has always promoted Buddhism within its own domain, accumulating followers and devotion, rarely intervening in the affairs of the outside world. Guangming Temple follows a similar existence, adhering to the doctrine of Yin and Yang, with the Lord of Light and the Lord of Darkness jointly governing the temple.

The majestic, luminous Buddhist sounds came from afar, like waves, accompanied by one golden lotus after another. It was enough to calm the minds of the listeners. Many people involuntarily folded their hands in prayer, as if they were about to become devout followers.

“Master Kuciji’s Buddhist teachings are becoming more and more profound and unfathomable.”

Chu Guochu set off to welcome him, his hearty laughter echoing from afar.

In the midst of that vast Buddhist light, a young monk dressed in moon-white robes, looking somewhat youthful, walked forward with his hands clasped in prayer, a serene smile on his face. He was followed by many Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and young monks, clearly the leader among them.

“Amitabha, I am Kuciji. I greet Lord Chu.”

The young monk, named Kuciji, bowed slightly to Chu Guochu, his face as gentle as an ancient Buddha, exuding an extremely strong aura of meditation.

Many of the guests subtly changed their expressions. Numerous people secretly activated their cultivation to resist this layer of Buddhist teachings. Perhaps for ordinary people, they could not sense the abnormality, but for those at their level, the peculiarities of Buddhist teachings were no less than the Daoist “duo ren jing” (teachings to guide people), subtly and imperceptibly transforming practitioners into believers.

Many of the guests had heard of the young monk’s name. Though he appeared young, his lineage was ancient, and he was one of the most favored disciples of the current Buddha Lord of the Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata. As for his cultivation, ordinary Daoist ancestors might not even be his match.

For the birthday of Chu Guochu, the Buddha Lord had sent this disciple in person, showing how much importance he placed on this event. This made the guests even more shaken and filled with speculation.

“It is truly an honor for me that Master Kuciji can attend. Please, come this way.”

Chu Guochu smiled, gesturing to invite him in. He and the Buddha Lord of Tathagata had made several deals in the past. Before establishing the Immortal Chu Hongtu, Chu Guochu had, by luck, found several ancient Buddhist treasures in a shattered relic, one of which was a dusty relic.

Later, the Buddha Lord noticed the relic and tried to exchange it with him. Chu Guochu, without hesitation, gave it to him. Because of this, the Buddha Lord owed him a favor.

Therefore, it was not surprising that Kuciji had come personally to celebrate his birthday. After welcoming the group from the Buddha Kingdom of Tathagata, Chu Guochu set off to greet the people from Guangming Temple.His interactions with Guangming Temple had been few, but they still showed him respect by sending high-ranking figures to present gifts, which made Chu Guochu feel quite pleased.

The birthday banquet had yet to begin, but how many influential people had already arrived?

Setting aside the Xiyuan civilization, several ancient existences from other civilizations had already come. Even incredibly distant places like the Ancient Tibetan Civilization, the True Realm of Yan Yang, and the True Realm of Shang Yin had sent powerful figures to congratulate him. Not to mention the old monsters living in seclusion in the vast wilderness—former disciples of his teacher, the Dharma Saint. There was also the mysterious Star Ying Old Matron from the Yin Ru Cave.

Who in the Xiyuan civilization could have such a face, to invite so many people?

“Hmph, but it’s already this late, and the Xiyuan Saintess still hasn’t arrived. Looks like she has made up her mind not to give me a face.”

“This is fine too, since Old Jin is here. I suspect Old Jin will no longer say anything after seeing this. The Xiyuan Saintess has humiliated me multiple times and refuses to give me a face. If I take action against the Xiyuan Holy Hall later, don’t blame me.”

Chu Guochu stood with his hands behind his back on the city wall of the capital, gazing into the distance with deep, profound eyes. Previously, he had personally gone three times to request the Reincarnation Mirror from the Xiyuan Saintess, but each time she had refused to meet him with various excuses. Later, even with Old Jin accompanying him, the Xiyuan Saintess still turned him down with the same excuses.

In Chu Guochu’s eyes, she was clearly determined to oppose him. Although the Xiyuan Holy Hall held a transcendent status and was revered by all the clans and spiritual beings, the premise was that she should not interfere in the disputes of different clans and Daoist sects.

The refusal of the Reincarnation Mirror now clearly showed her intention to distance herself from the Immortal Chu Hongtu. She could not have been unaware that a great calamity was about to descend on the Immortal Chu Hongtu.

“The Xiyuan Saintess holds the Reincarnation Mirror, which can easily calculate the heavenly mechanisms and fate. Even my teacher could see that. How could the Xiyuan Saintess not know?”

“Hmph, does she really think I’m foolish and ignorant?”

Chu Guochu’s eyes flashed with coldness. Having reached this point, he was by no means someone simple or easily manipulated. However, just as Chu Guochu was lost in his complicated thoughts, a slender, graceful figure suddenly appeared on the horizon.

She appeared like a wisp of green smoke, ethereal and hard to trace, her face covered by a thin veil, only her sharp autumn eyes visible. Her long black hair fluttered in the wind, and her bare feet seemed to be lighter than snow. At her delicate ankles, she wore a pale silk ribbon, fluttering with each step in the wind, creating an exquisite blend of purity and charm.

It was the Xiyuan Saintess.

Without needing anyone to announce her arrival, Chu Guochu could already see the Xiyuan Saintess approaching. Regardless of their relationship, the Xiyuan Saintess could be said to be the most stunning woman he had ever seen. Just a single glance was enough to leave a lasting impression.

“It’s the Xiyuan Saintess…”

“I didn’t expect the Xiyuan Saintess to come as well. It’s been such a long time since she last appeared in the world after her emergence.”

“Lord Chu really has his hands and eyes in the heavens, even the Xiyuan Saintess came personally to celebrate his birthday. I heard that the two of them once worked together to eliminate the remnants of the Black Calamity. It seems they share quite a deep bond.”

Many guests also witnessed this scene, deeply shaken. Many of them looked on with a strong sense of awe. This was the first time they had seen the true face of the Xiyuan Saintess, though, of course, this wasn’t entirely her true appearance, as she still wore a veil.The veil she wore was specially crafted, and even an existence at the Dao Ancestor level could not peer into her true face with divine senses.

But even so, one could imagine just how breathtakingly beautiful the face beneath the veil must be—so exquisite it could bring down a nation, so stunning it could shame the flowers and moon.

Guests from other civilizations and true realms, observing from a distant place, were naturally very curious about the Xiyuan Saintess of the Xiyuan Holy Hall. The Xiyuan civilization was named after the Xiyuan Holy Hall, so the status of the Xiyuan Saintess in the Xiyuan civilization was undoubtedly extraordinary.

“Not to mention anything else, just her looks alone could certainly make her the most beautiful woman in the Xiyuan civilization,” said a man from the Shang Yin True Realm, his eyes flashing with admiration as he opened his folding fan with a snap and praise.

“Young master, please be cautious with your words. The Xiyuan Saintess holds a high position in the Xiyuan civilization, and is not to be insulted. If others hear your words, they may misunderstand…” an old servant, whose face changed, quickly whispered.

The young man, somewhat impatient, responded, “I know, there’s no need for you to lecture me about this.”

Just like how the Immortal Chu Hongtu sought alliances with various forces to establish external aid, forces from other true realms and civilizations also harbored similar thoughts.

The master and servant before him came from a powerful faction in the Shang Yin True Realm. Factions like theirs were not uncommon in this place, and Chu Guochu, in his search for external aid, would welcome anyone.

The arrival of the Xiyuan Saintess caused quite a stir. At first, Chu Guochu was somewhat surprised, but he quickly recovered, wearing a smile and going to greet her personally, as if welcoming an old friend. However, the Xiyuan Saintess merely nodded slightly, with no intention of engaging in a prolonged conversation. Her figure flickered and disappeared into the capital city of the Immortal Chu Hongtu.

Chu Guochu lost some face in front of the crowd, and his emotions became once again uncertain, as he couldn’t fathom the true purpose of the Xiyuan Saintess’ visit. However, the guests did not share his thoughts. They believed the two must have a deep friendship and that they were beyond the need for formalities.

“The rumors are circulating that the Xiyuan Holy Hall intends to distance itself from the Immortal Chu Hongtu…”

“With the arrival of the Xiyuan Saintess today, those rumors have been dispelled. I knew it—after all, they had teamed up to eliminate the remnants of the Black Calamity, so their bond must run deep. There’s no way they would act like that.”

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