Cultivation: When you take things to the extreme

Chapter 557: Chapter 339: Pill Origin

“A Sixth Rank Spiritual Root…”

Although there had been preparations for a “stab in the back,” the move by the Peony Fairy still went beyond the expectations of the Cloth Sack Arhat and the Pagoda-carrying Arhat.

A Sixth Rank Spiritual Root, though only of the sixth tier, was invaluable. Even True Person Ziyang’s Golden Jade Coiled Dragon Ganoderma couldn’t compare, and the Flood Dragon Inner Pill offered by Pure Jun Sword Lord and the Great Roc King was far inferior.

Because it was a Spiritual Root, not a mere Spiritual Object.

The difference between a Spiritual Object and a Spiritual Root was like that between an egg and a hen. If the egg doesn’t hatch, it’s a one-time consumable, gone once used.

But as long as the hen doesn’t die, it can continue producing endlessly. Thus, its value is indubitable, even if Golden Jade Coiled Dragon Ganoderma, a Seventh-Rank exquisite Spiritual Object, falls short by comparison.

Not to mention…

“This Immortal Evergreen Tree is not only a Sixth Rank Spiritual Root but also the longevity heart among the Sixth Rank Spiritual Roots.”

“As long as there are no accidents, this tree can live for a million years. It never ages or dies and can even produce Immortal Evergreen Fruit, an innate object that extends life. Even for Mahayana True Immortals, it can prolong life by a thousand years. One can consume up to ten fruits, amounting to a lifespan of ten thousand years.”

“All of the cultivators from the Hundred Flowers Valley are plant-based immortals, with lifespans far exceeding those of human cultivators. The Peony Fairy sought this Evergreen Tree clearly for the Great Immortal Zhen Yuan, afraid that his vast array of pursuits might distract him from his fundamental cultivation. Hence, she made every effort to extend his life.”

“Such deep favor from a beauty, such profound grace!”

“…”

Down the mountain, the crowd buzzed with discussion. The Cloth Sack Arhat and the Pagoda-carrying Arhat could only ignore them and step back into the temple.

The Peony Fairy’s generosity was to be expected since Zhen Yuanzi had revived the Fountain of Life and Transformation, which the Hundred Flowers Valley cherished as life itself. It was only right to offer a treasure in thanks, and one would assume the following individuals wouldn’t always…

“Lord Chu Shan of Chu Mountain presents a Fifth Rank Spiritual Root, one Mirage Dragon Vine!”

“Lord Lutu of Lutu offers a Fifth Rank Spirit Beast, one Earth Dragon Earthworm!”

“True Person Huang Yarong presents a Fifth Rank Spiritual Root…”

“Fairy Qin of Snow Ridge offers a Fifth Rank Spiritual Root…”

The voices of the ceremonial announcers caused the two of them to stop in their tracks, eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.

What was going on?

It was one thing for True Person Ziyang to bring out a Seventh-Rank Spiritual Object and a Sixth-Rank Spiritual Root. After all, as a Mahayana True Immortal, he had deep resources. But what was this with the others? How come even Integrating cultivators were presenting Fifth Rank Spiritual Roots as gifts? Were the cultivators of the State of South Observance so affluent?

In the West Bovine He Continent, ordinary small Buddhist sects and Integrating forces would only have a few Fifth Rank Spiritual Roots as the foundation of their livelihood and heritage. They would not think of giving them away; they would barely be enough to care for.

Wasn’t it just a Pill Origin Gathering? To listen to the scriptures, discuss the law, and perhaps be treated to some pills. Was there really a need for these Fifth Rank Spiritual Root gifts?

More importantly, with such gifts, how could the two of them face themselves? If Integrating forces were giving away Fifth Rank Spiritual Roots, Mahayana… could only offer a Fifth Rank Buddhist treasure, and that too a joint gift from both of them…

Even though they were honored as Arhats, possessing profound Buddhist Law and extraordinary cultivation, at this moment, they felt their faces growing hot.

Comparing oneself to others will only lead to frustration, and comparing goods can devalue one’s own. Some things are best left without comparison!Nôv(el)B\\jnn

But what’s done is done, and regretting was futile. They couldn’t turn back and up the stakes, so they had to firmly proceed forward.

Inside the temple, the scene was as before, yet with some changes. Beside the Spiritual Root tree, tables and chairs were arranged, some seats stood alone, others circled around round tables, and the array was mysteriously aligned, providing a space where every spot seemed central, all appearing close by. The main seats in the center were particularly visible.

There were seven seats in total. One central seat was the main, with three on each side, seemingly corresponding to the number of Mahayana.

True Person Ziyang was standing in the forefront and had yet to be seated. Seeing this, the Cloth Sack Arhat and the Pagoda-carrying Arhat also slowed their pace to wait.

After a moment, someone approached, wearing the Supreme Pure Crown and the Neon Robe, holding a horsetail whisk, walking in all directions.

“Congratulations, friend, for refining the Immortal Spirit; eternal life is within reach!”

Seeing the guest of honor arrive, True Person Ziyang and others all came forward to greet him with laughter and congratulations.

Behind them, the Peony Fairy also gracefully moved forward, surpassing the cloth Sack Arhat and the Pagoda-carrying Arhat to arrive in front of Xu Yang, “Congratulations to you, elder brother, for advancing into the Mahayana realm. May you enjoy immortal blessings and a life as enduring as the heavens.”

“Ha!”

Xu Yang laughed in response, continuing the pleasantries with the others, “My friends’ presence brings glory to my temple.”

“You jest, Zhen Yuan,” they replied. “Today’s experience has been truly eye-opening for us.”

“The number ninety-nine, the ordeal of Heavenly Punishment, was effortlessly overcome with a wave of your hand, light as a breeze, easy as the clouds.”

“Those old crows and a few old ghosts waiting outside, I wonder what their faces look like now?”

“Back when he forcefully attacked Mount Longevity, he was grievously wounded and repelled by you, my friend. This time, he intended to seize an opportunity by rallying demons and evil cultivators. Little did he know you wouldn’t give them the slightest chance, forcing them to scatter like birds and beasts, slinking away. Truly a joy to behold.”

“We’ll put today’s incident aside for now and seek retribution from them another day!”

After exchanging brief pleasantries and warming up the atmosphere, they turned their attention to the somewhat embarrassed Buddhist pair.

Upon seeing this, the Cloth Sack Arhat and the Pagoda-carrying Arhat also stepped forward in a timely manner, “Amitabha, Sufenda and Kasaya congratulate you, friend, on your advancement into the Mahayana.”

“Ah, it’s the Honorable Cloth Sack and Honorable Pagoda-Carrier from the West.”

Xu Yang smiled without displaying superiority. Instead, he greeted them graciously, “The presence of both venerable ones adds luster to my humble place. Please take your seats at the head of the table.”

“This…”

Upon hearing this, both became hesitant, feeling the offered seats too hot to handle. Yet without choice, they modestly replied, “We of little virtue do not dare to occupy such honored positions. It would already be an honor for us to accompany from the end of the table.”

“The two venerables jest,” Xu Yang said with a shake of his head, not dwelling too much on the matter, and turned towards True Person Ziyang and others, “Then I shall invite my friends to take your seats.”