Chapter 8, The Great Way of the Saints

Achoo

Enviously looking at the Kui Niu, he said: "I truly envy you beings of the primordial wilderness!"

The Supreme One smiled slightly and said: "The way of Heaven is beneficial yet does not harm; the way of the sage is to act yet does not contend"

What is science

... ...

Zhun Ti said solemnly: "The way of the sage!"

On a small island in the East China Sea, Kui Niu is lying on the mountaintop, while Bai Jin is resting beside him, with her upper body resting on Kui Niu's belly

The way of Heaven is characterized by a clear distinction between purity and turbidity; the way of the sage is to follow Heaven and respond to its mandate

Is it impossible to escape?

With an air of pride, Tongtian declared: "Holding a three-foot green peak, I question the heavens and the earth, using the sword in my hand to cut through the sky and forge a path."

The two of us have come today for the purpose of seeking knowledge

Tongtian let out a cold snort, remaining silent.

Jieyin shook his head and sighed, saying: "The three senior brothers have already understood the path to enlightenment, and the day of their attainment is not far off. We cannot wait any longer."

Bai Jin patted Kui Niu's belly and said, "Then come back with me"

Very well! Since junior sister has spoken, I shall say a word

Jieyin said with a苦脸: "The three senior brothers have misunderstood; the communication among disciples has its own ways and is not directed by us"

two petals

Bai Jin sneezed twice in succession, touched his nose, and muttered to himself: "Who is thinking of me again? Is it my master or my senior sister? Could it be my two uncles?"

Then run

What is the way?

I know! I have also traveled through the vast wilderness.

Jieyin and Zhunti both looked towards Taishang, their hearts filled with a hint of concern. Could it be that he has truly gained some insight? The previous words were not mere pleasantries; the two had contemplated in the Western Pure Land for hundreds of years, yet they had truly gained nothing, having no clue whatsoever about becoming saints

Achoo

Then it seems one can only wait for death, right? However, if you were the mount of a sage, it would be entirely different. You would merely need to glance disdainfully at the fierce gods around you and proudly declare: 'I am the mount of the sage.' They would surely be frightened and scatter in all directions. At that time, where in the vast wilderness could you not go? Why would you need to hide on this small island

Bai Jin happily said, "Let's go! Are you familiar with the way to Kunlun Mountain?"

The Kui Niu remains silent and does not speak

The teacher bestows upon us the primordial purple energy, stating that we can achieve sanctity through this

Bai Jin gracefully mounted the back of the Kui Niu and patted its neck, saying: "From now on, as the mount of a sage, your status is of great significance. Your words and actions will be subject to scrutiny from all sides, so you must be mindful of your conduct. Even if you harbor negative feelings towards the Dragon Clan of the East Sea, you must not express them. We must be aware of our own status."

However, over the years, I have been in seclusion with my senior brother to contemplate, yet I have gained nothing. Therefore, I have come to seek guidance from the three senior brothers.

He reached out and patted the big belly of the nearby Kui Niu, producing a sound like a drumbeat, and said: "Hey, old cow, have you made up your mind? Once we pass this village, there won't be another shop. But being a mount for a sage, can it really tarnish your identity? Do you know what a sage is?"

The Supreme One shook his head and said: "The way of the sage is profound and difficult to articulate; we do not know it either"

How many lobes does your hoof have

Bai Jin continued to entice, saying: "If you were the mount of the Hongjun Saint, going to the Heavenly Court, the Demon Emperor would welcome you, and in the Witch Clan, the Twelve Ancestors of the Witch would accompany you. Wherever you go, everyone would show respect, and with a single command, all beings would exist. I ask you, is that not impressive?"

The sound of thunder, akin to that of a mighty beast, resounded: "Indeed, Hongjun Daozu is a sage, the teacher of heaven and earth, who imparts the Dao to the three thousand."

Science is a discipline that explains phenomena, but you wouldn't understand it even if I told you

Do you want to?

The Kui Niu turned over and stood up, buzzing as it said: "It seems there is none!"

Bai Jin sighed and said: "It is not that the East Sea Dragon Clan is despicable, but rather that the identity of a sage's mount is too precious. I have chosen you because I see a connection; if you are unwilling, I will have no choice but to select the East Sea Dragon Clan instead"

I understand! It must be the great path of the saints

Bai Jin's mind flashed with inspiration, and she immediately asked: "By the way, does your Niu clan have any other exotic breeds? For example, powerful green cattle or five-colored divine cattle?"

A look of triumph flashed in Kui Niu's eyes as he said in a low voice: "Alright, I will go with you! Just make sure not to choose that group of dragon clans from the East Sea; they are all too wicked, daring to tempt you and ruin our chances."

Want!

The Kui Niu, bearing the white brocade, swiftly traversed the tumultuous sea towards the mainland

What if we cannot win

Bai Jin turned over and said: "Hongjun Daoist is a Sage, and my master will also achieve Sagehood in the future. What difference does it make if they are all Sages?"

Overbearing

The sound of thunder, akin to that of a mighty beast, resounded: "Fight them."

The Kui Niu raised its head and said proudly: "I understand now, I will be a Kui Niu of status from now on"

That is it. When the Dragon Clan of the East Sea learned that I was coming to find a mount, they all gathered in front of me, and even a dragon maiden offered herself as a bedfellow, eager to become a mount for the future Saint Lord, who is my master

A glimmer of joy flashed in Bai Jin's eyes, it was not easy! I have finally managed to persuade my master's steed to come into my possession, and thus the fate of my own mount has come to an end

With great regret and unwillingness, he said: "How infuriating that my true form is not suitable for being a mount; otherwise, how could such an opportunity have fallen into your hands?"

The Kui Niu nodded repeatedly and said: "Impressive!"

But who am I? I am a dignified disciple of the future sage, how could I be swayed by such trivial temptations? I sternly reprimanded them, leaving them feeling deeply ashamed. It was only then that I chose among the beings of the East Sea, vowing to provide a fair opportunity to the many creatures of the East Sea

Nüwa chuckled and said, "Among brothers, why must the elder brother be so secretive?"

The original speaker subtly expressed dissatisfaction, saying: "Are you two junior brothers here to pick a fight?"

Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa simultaneously experienced a moment of clarity - a fleeting vision - as the three great paths became clear in their hearts: the Middle Way of the Supreme, the Original Way of Following Heaven, and the Heavenly Reversal Path.

Kui Niu nodded and said in a low voice: "You are a good person, the Dragon Clan of the East Sea is too despicable"

Kui Niu said in a low voice: "I, Kui Niu, am a primordial beast, not a member of the cattle clan. I have no connection with such a lowly race"

The Supreme Master said calmly: "What the junior brother of the guiding teacher said is reasonable. The matters between them should be handled by themselves. If they are defeated in the discussion of the Dao, it is merely a reflection of their own inadequacies, and it does not harm them in any way"

Indeed! How noble is the sage. Just think about it: when you are leisurely strolling through the vast wilderness, suddenly a few fierce and menacing figures rush out and surround you. What should you do at that moment?

However, the Tongtian Daoist you mentioned is not Hongjun Daozu

The breathing of the Kui Niu gradually became heavy

The Supreme, the Primordial, and the Celestial exchanged glances, and simultaneously, the image of a little creature emerged in their minds, causing the three to effortlessly turn their heads away.

In the pavilion, Tongtian let out a laugh and said with great displeasure, "The disciples of my two junior brothers truly possess remarkable skills!"

From a scientific classification perspective, you all belong to the order Artiodactyla and the family Bovidae, and you are all the same

Is it domineering