Chapter 272 Reinforcements
“Then…what should we do now?” Taiyi Zhenren couldn’t help but ask, his voice filled with a bit of anxiety and uneasiness.

Taoist Burning Lamp pondered for a moment, and slowly said: “Now, our only way is to seek help from external forces. Zhao Gongming and Sanxiao are very powerful, and they need someone to teach Yang Ling to help, but we can also go find helpers.”

At this time, Taoist Lu Ya, holding a whisk, slowly walked into the hall.

He had a gaunt face and deep eyes, as if he could see through all the mysteries of the world. In the main hall, the Taoist priest Ran Deng was sitting on a high platform, closing his eyes and resting his mind. A faint golden light surrounded him, making him look sacred and inviolable.

“Brother Randeng, I have something to discuss with you.” Taoist Lu Ya said softly. Although his voice was soft, it was clearly heard in every corner of the hall.

Taoist Master Ran Deng slowly opened his eyes, looked at Taoist Master Lu Ya with a sharp gaze, and said with a smile: “Junior Brother Lu Ya, what can I do for you?”

Taoist Lu Ya looked solemn and said in a deep voice: “In recent days, I have thought about it and I feel that only by seeking help from the great virtues of the Western religion can we resolve this disaster.”

Upon hearing this, the Taoist Master Ran Deng frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he nodded and said, “Junior brother, what you said is absolutely right. There are many masters in the Western Sect. If we can get their help, we will definitely be able to annihilate the demons and bring peace to the world. I wonder what your plans are?”

Taoist Lu Ya smiled slightly and said, “I want to go to the Pure Land of Bliss on Mount Xumi to meet the leader of the Western Sect and ask him to send a monk to help me. What do you think, Senior Brother?”

After hearing this, the Taoist Master Ran Deng laughed and said, “Great! Junior Brother, this is a great idea. I will immediately send the four Golden Immortals, Ju Liusun, Wenshu, Puxian, and Cihang, to go with you. The four of them have profound cultivation and deep roots in our Chan Sect. They will definitely be able to lend you a helping hand.”

Upon hearing this, Taoist Lu Ya was delighted and quickly thanked him: “Thank you for your help, Senior Brother. With the help of four Golden Immortals, this trip will surely be a success.”

Taoist Master Ran Deng waved his hand and said with a smile: “You don’t have to be polite, Junior Brother. Please go and come back quickly. Everyone in our Chan Sect is looking forward to your triumphant return.”

After saying this, the Taoist priest Ran Deng waved his hand, a golden light flashed, and the four golden immortals, Ju Liusun, Wenshu, Puxian, and Cihang, appeared in the hall. All four of them had solemn faces, extraordinary demeanor, and a faint immortal aura around them. It was obvious that they were all people with profound cultivation.

“Juliusun, Manjusri, Samantabhadra, and Cihang, the four of you must quickly go with Junior Brother Lu Ya to the Pure Land of Bliss on Mount Xumi to meet the leader of the Western Religion and ask him to send experts to help. This trip is related to the rise and fall of our Chan Religion, so you must act carefully and not make any mistakes.” Taoist Master Ran Deng ordered in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, the four people responded in unison: “As you command!”

Taoist Lu Ya was overjoyed when he saw this, and he immediately bowed to the four people and said, “Thank you for your help, brothers. I have been indebted to you all for this journey.”

Ju Liusun and the others all smiled slightly and returned the greeting, “Brother Dao, you don’t have to be polite. As members of the Chan Sect, we should do our best for the sect. We will definitely go all out on this trip and live up to your trust.”

After that, the five of them walked out of the hall together and came to the top of Yuxu Peak. They each made hand gestures and chanted spells, and suddenly auspicious clouds appeared under their feet, carrying them into the air and rushing towards the west.

Along the way, the five people rode the wind, passed through layers of clouds and mist, and crossed mountain peaks. They saw the mountains and rivers below slowly unfolding before their eyes like a scroll.

The five people were all secretly amazed in their hearts. The vastness of this fairyland was indeed extraordinary.

After walking for half a day, the five people finally arrived at the foot of Mount Sumeru.

The mountain was soaring into the clouds, majestic and spectacular, with clouds and mist lingering in the mountains, and the air was ethereal, as if it was a holy mountain. The five people were all in awe, knowing that this was the holy land of Western Buddhism – Mount Xumi.

The five of them slowly descended from the auspicious clouds and landed at the foot of the mountain.

The five people came to the foot of Mount Xumi and looked up at the towering peak. On the top of the mountain, they saw a world spread out like a scroll, like a fairyland. They were filled with awe and curiosity, and couldn’t wait to find out.

As they climbed step by step, the surrounding scenery gradually became more wonderful. When they finally stood on the top of Mount Xumi, the view in front of them suddenly opened up and a vast and boundless paradise appeared before them.

The world has a mild climate, without the change of seasons, cold and heat, cloudy and rainy, always keeping cool and comfortable, making people feel relaxed and happy. The land is flat, paved with gold, shining with dazzling light.

Palaces and pavilions are scattered in an orderly manner on this golden land. They are not only of strange shapes, but also can be enlarged or reduced at will, and can even float freely on the ground or in the air. These palaces and pavilions are all made of one, two, or even seven treasures. Their magnificence is hundreds of thousands of times greater than the palaces of the six desire gods.

In the open space outside the pavilion, rows of neatly arranged colorful trees come into view. These colorful trees are made of one or even seven treasures, and are colorful and dazzling. Whenever the breeze blows, the leaves sway gently, as if whispering, adding a bit of vitality and vigor to this paradise.

In addition, there are countless pools made of seven treasures, the water is clear and the waves are sparkling. The Eight Merits Water flows in it, exuding a faint fragrance that makes people intoxicated. The ceiling is colorful, falling from the sky, like the elves in the fairyland dancing.

Everything in the Pure Land is so beautiful. From the ground to the sky, everything radiates a soft and bright light. Not only do people have light, but also the seven treasures, palaces, pavilions, treasure pools, colorful trees, lotus flowers, etc. all emit charming brilliance. Therefore, in this Pure Land, there is no need for sun and moon to illuminate, and natural light is everywhere.

The five people were deeply attracted by the beautiful scenery before their eyes, as if they were in a dreamlike world. They were filled with amazement and awe, and they were in awe of the holy land of Western religion.

The place is shrouded in clouds and mist, and the air is ethereal, like a fairyland on earth.

In the center of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, there is an Eight Treasures Merit Pond, the water is crystal clear, the waves are sparkling, and it emits a faint golden light. Beside the pond, golden lotuses of merit bloom one after another, which are not only a symbol of beauty, but also contain endless magic power and wisdom.

On this day, Taoist Lu Ya led the four golden immortals, Ju Liusun, Wenshu, Puxian, and Cihang, through the thick clouds and mist and came to the Eight Treasures Merit Pond. The five of them were all outstanding in the Chan Sect, with profound cultivation and extraordinary bearing. However, at this time, their faces were full of worry and anxiety, as if they were carrying a heavy mission.

By the Eight Treasures Merit Pond, a kind-faced monk wearing a golden cassock is sitting in the Merit Golden Lotus with his eyes closed. He is the leader of the Western religion, the Guide Saint. The Guide Saint is surrounded by a faint Buddha light, as if he has merged with the world, which makes people feel awe.

Upon seeing this, the five Taoist priests Lu Ya hurried forward to pay their respects and said, “Greetings to the Saint Jie Yin. We are disciples of the Chan Sect and have come to see the Saint to discuss important matters.”

The Saint Jie Yin slowly opened his eyes, his gaze was as sharp as torches. He glanced at the five people and said with a smile: “So you are the top disciples of the Chan Sect. I wonder what important matter is there that requires my help?” His voice was gentle and deep, as if he could see through all the mysteries of the world.

Ju Liusun stepped forward and replied respectfully: “Sage, please understand clearly that our Chan Sect followed the will of heaven and assisted Xiqi in conquering the Shang Dynasty. However, the disciples of Jie Sect and Ren Sect repeatedly wreaked havoc, causing great suffering to the people.

Although we have tried our best to suppress them, the Jiejiao and Renjiao are so powerful, and they have the help of evil masters, so it is difficult to completely eradicate them. Therefore, I have come to seek help from the saint, and I beg you to lend a hand, so that we can jointly suppress the demons and bring peace to the world. “

Upon hearing this, the Saint Jieyin frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, “The rampant demons are indeed a great threat to the world. Although my Western Sect and the Chan Sect are both ways of cultivating immortals, their doctrines and methods of practice are different. If you want my sect to help, I need to discuss this with the senior monks in the sect.”

When Lu Ya and the other five heard this, they were all secretly anxious. They knew that the success or failure of this trip was related to the rise and fall of the Chan Sect, and even more so to the safety of countless lives. However, they also knew that they could not force the Saint Jie Yin to agree immediately, and could only wait patiently.

At this moment, a pale and thin Taoist suddenly appeared under the ancient Bodhi tree. He was wearing a tattered Taoist robe and holding a dead wooden cane. He looked ordinary, but his eyes sparkled with wisdom. He was another saint of Western Buddhism – Zhunti Saint.

The Saint Zhunti slowly walked to the side of the Saint Jieyin and looked at him, as if he had understood his intention. He looked at the four Taoists Lu Ya and smiled, “Although I have lived in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss for a long time, I have also heard of the name of the Chan Sect. After seeing it today, I find that it is indeed worthy of its reputation. You have come here from afar to seek help for the sake of world peace, which is indeed a noble act.”

When Lu Ya and the other five heard this, they were secretly grateful. They knew that the words of the Saint Zhunti contained recognition and praise for them, which made them more determined to seek help.

Saint Jie Yin looked at Saint Zhunti and said in a deep voice: “Junior brother, how do you think we should deal with this matter?” There was a hint of hesitation and helplessness in his voice, as if he was also troubled by this problem.

The Saint Zhunti smiled and said, “Brother, the Buddha is merciful and is willing to do his part for world peace. Although the teachings of the Chan Sect and our sect are different, they both aim to cultivate immortality and attain enlightenment. Now that the Chan Sect is in trouble, how can we just sit back and watch? Why not agree to their request and send the senior monks of our sect to help them and together we can defeat the demons.”

Upon hearing this, the Saint Jie Yin’s brows relaxed, as if he had found a way to solve the problem. He looked at the four Taoists Lu Ya and smiled, “I have discussed with Junior Brother Zhunti and have decided to agree to your request. Our sect will send a senior monk to the Chan Sect to help you wipe out the demons. However, this matter concerns the reputation and safety of our sect, so I also need to discuss the specific details with the senior monks in the sect. Please wait here for a moment, I will be back soon.”

Upon hearing this, the five Taoist priests Lu Ya were overjoyed and quickly thanked them: “Thank you for your help, Saint! We are willing to wait here and await good news.”

The Saint Jie Yin nodded slightly, then turned into a ray of golden light and disappeared beside the Eight Treasures Merit Pond.

The Saint Zhunti stayed where he was and started chatting with the five Taoist priests Lu Ya. He asked about the current situation of the Chan Sect, the power of the demons, and the details of the request for help, and the five Taoist priests Lu Ya answered his questions one by one.

During the conversation, the five Taoists Lu Ya gradually felt the wisdom and compassion of the Saint Zhunti. They knew that this seemingly ordinary Taoist was actually a great monk in the Western religion, with unfathomable cultivation and magical powers. They were full of respect and gratitude for the Saint Zhunti, and they were more determined to form an alliance with the Western religion.

Soon, the Saint Jie Yin brought several eminent monks from the Western religion back to the Eight Treasures Merit Pond.

They all wore cassocks, held magical instruments, had solemn faces, and extraordinary bearings. Lu Ya and the other five Taoists knew that these were the top disciples of the Western Religion, the main force that came to help this time.

The Saint Jie Yin looked at the four people including Lu Ya Taoist and said with a smile, “I have discussed with the senior monks in the sect and decided to send my disciples to the Southern Continent to help you wipe out the demons. What do you think?”

Upon hearing this, Taoist Lu Ya and his four companions were overjoyed and hurriedly expressed their gratitude: “Thank you, Saint, for your help! With the help of the eminent monks of your noble religion, this trip will surely be a success.” Their hearts were filled with gratitude and anticipation, as if they had already seen the hope of victory.

The Saint Jie Yin nodded slightly and said, “You guys go back and prepare first. My disciples will arrive soon. Before that, you need to be well prepared for the battle and make sure that nothing goes wrong.”

Taoist Lu Ya and his four companions quickly agreed, bowed to Saint Jie Yin and Saint Zhunti again to express their gratitude, then turned into five rays of light, soared into the sky, and sped away towards the direction of Southern Continent.

After returning to the Chan Sect’s base camp, Lu Ya and his five companions immediately told the good news that the Western Sect agreed to help the Randeng Taoist. Upon hearing this, the Randeng Taoist was overjoyed and quickly summoned all the Chan Sect disciples to prepare for the arrival of the Western Sect monks.

A few days later, the disciples of the Western Sect arrived as promised. They were wearing robes, holding instruments, with solemn faces and extraordinary demeanor. Seeing this, the disciples of the Chan Sect came forward to greet them, expressing their warm welcome and gratitude.

……

On the other side, Master Tongtian led Zhao Gongming and the three Yunxiao sisters back to the Penglai Island.

“How could you act so rashly! If I hadn’t discovered it in time, you would have died outside!” The voice of Master Tongtian was like thunder in the sky, shaking the entire Penglai Island. Even the flowers, plants and trees around seemed to tremble in this roar.

Just at this time, Taoist Duobao and Holy Mother Jinling came quietly like two light breezes.

Taoist Duobao stepped forward with a smile and said, “Master, please calm down. The Chan and Jie sects are now at loggerheads. Junior Brother Gongming and the others were acting impulsively out of consideration for the reputation of the Jie sect.”

Seeing the two people coming, Tongtian’s frown gradually relaxed, and his anger dissipated. He knew that Duobao Taoist’s words made sense, and he shouldn’t blame them too much.

At this time, the Golden Spirit Holy Mother said in a deep voice: “Master, now our Jie Sect and Chan Sect are irreconcilable. They support Xiqi and intend to overthrow the Shang Dynasty. The two sects have reached the point where they must determine who is superior.

We cannot stand idly by this time, we must go to Dashang and lend them a helping hand.”

Tongtian heard this, and his deep eyes flashed with determination. He knew that what the Golden Spirit Mother said was absolutely right, and Jiejiao must not sit idly by and allow the Chanjiao to be arrogant and domineering. So, he solemnly instructed Duobao Taoist: “Duobao, take my Zhuxian formation map, lead a group of fellow disciples, and set off to Jiepai Pass immediately.”

After receiving the order, Taoist Duobao bowed respectfully and then turned and left.

Behind him followed a group of Jiejiao masters, all of them were in high spirits and full of fighting spirit, ready to fight a decisive battle with Chenjiao at the Jiepai Pass.

Taoist Duobao, Mother Jinling, Zhao Gongming and other masters of the Jiejiao came to Jiepai Pass in a mighty manner like bright meteors across the sky.

This historic pass looks even more majestic in the afterglow of the setting sun.

On the city walls, flags fluttered, as if cheering for the heroes who were about to arrive. Inside the pass, soldiers were busy shuttling back and forth, preparing for this grand meeting.

When the figures of Duobao Taoist, Jinling Holy Mother and others appeared on the horizon, Wen Zhong, a senior official of the Shang Dynasty, hurried out from the interior, his face filled with joy and excitement that were difficult to conceal.

He walked quickly to the front of the crowd and respectfully bowed to his master, the Golden Spirit Holy Mother, and his respected uncle, Taoist Duobao.

“Master, Uncle Master, you are finally here!” Wen Zhong’s voice was trembling, and he was obviously unable to suppress his inner excitement, “Da Shang is saved!”

Taoist Duobao smiled, his kind eyes seemed to be able to see through everything.

He gently waved his hand, signaling Wen Zhong not to be so polite: “Wen Zhong, please stand up. We are here to help the Shang Dynasty and jointly resist the enemy.”

Hearing this, Wen Zhong was overjoyed.

He quickly turned around and ordered the soldiers to hold a banquet and entertain these senior teachers who had come from afar with the most solemn etiquette.

The soldiers acted quickly. They brought out exquisite tables and chairs and laid them out on the open space in front of the pass.

The table was filled with all kinds of delicacies and fine wines, the aroma was overflowing, making people salivate. A grand banquet thus kicked off in front of Jiepai Pass.

Taoist Duobao, Holy Mother Jinling and others sat around the main table, while Wen Zhong sat aside, pouring wine and serving food to them from time to time, expressing his respect and gratitude.

During the banquet, everyone was chatting and laughing, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, bringing the sound of war drums and shouts from afar.

Everyone knew that the Xiqi army was approaching Jiepai Pass.

Taoist Duobao stood up, his eyes were like torches, as if they could penetrate all the fog: “My fellow disciples, the Xiqi army is approaching, and the disciples of the Chan Sect are probably already here. It’s time to show the power of our Jie Sect. Let us join hands to resist the foreign enemies and protect the peace of the Shang Dynasty!”

Hearing this, everyone stood up. They knew that this battle was not only for the victory of the Shang Dynasty, but also for the honor and dignity of Jiejiao.

Under the leadership of Wen Zhong, everyone quickly prepared their troops and prepared to fight against the army of Xiqi.

The soldiers put on armor, held weapons, and prepared to write their own glorious chapter on the battlefield.

As night falls, the lights in front of Jiepai Pass are bright.

Taoist Duobao, Holy Mother Jinling and others stood on the city wall, looking at the enemy camp in the distance.

The Xiqi army was seen approaching the Jiepai Pass in a mighty manner like a dark cloud.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, their armor shone with a cold light, and their battle flags fluttered in the wind, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.

In the army, war horses neighed, soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes flashing with desire for victory and enthusiasm for fighting.

With an order, the Xiqi army rushed towards Jiepai Pass like a tide.

The siege soldiers rushed to the city wall with ladders, battering rams and other siege equipment. Some of them wore heavy armor and held shields to block the arrows raining down on the city wall for their companions, while others climbed the ladders lightly and nimbly, trying to cross the high city wall.

However, the defenders of Jiepai Pass were no ordinary people.

They were the most elite troops of the Shang Dynasty. After countless battles, they had already forged an iron will and tenacious fighting power. When the Xiqi army approached, they were not afraid and stood firm on the city wall, fighting hard with bows and arrows, rolling stones, and wooden beams.

Among the defenders, there was a general wearing silver armor and holding a spear. He stood on the city wall, like a towering mountain, intimidating.

He was Li Jing, the general of Chentang Pass.

General Li looked at the Xiqi army below with a sharp gaze, and a cold smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He knew that this battle would be a severe test for the defenders of Dashang, but he also believed that as long as they united as one, they would be able to repel the invading enemy.

As the Xiqi army’s offensive became more and more fierce, Li Jing gave an order and the defenders took action. Some of them pulled the trigger to release dense rain of arrows; some pushed huge rolling stones and wooden beams to hit the soldiers attacking the city; others held spears and swords and fought desperately with the Xiqi soldiers climbing up the city wall.

The battle was extremely fierce and soldiers on both sides fought with all their might.

Although the Xiqi siege soldiers were extremely brave, they were unable to break through the solid city wall due to the tenacious resistance of the Dashang defenders. The defenders, relying on the cover of the city wall and excellent tactical coordination, repelled the Xiqi army’s offensive time and time again.

As time went on, the offensive of the Xiqi army gradually weakened.

Their soldiers were exhausted and suffered heavy casualties. However, the defenders of Jiepai Pass still held on to the city wall, and their morale remained high. Finally, under another fierce attack by the Xiqi army, the defenders launched a counterattack. They took advantage of the exhaustion of the Xiqi soldiers, rushed out of the city wall, and engaged in close combat with the enemy.

The battle was extremely brutal and soldiers on both sides paid a huge price.

But in the end, the defenders of Dashang successfully repelled the offensive of the Xiqi army with their tenacious will and excellent tactical coordination. When the battle was over, the walls of Jiepai Pass were hung with flags and armor of Xiqi soldiers, and the defenders cheered and celebrated their victory.

After the battle, the defenders of Jiepai Pass did not immediately relax their vigilance.

They knew that although they had successfully repelled the offensive of the Xiqi army, the enemy would never give up, so they quickly cleaned up the battlefield, repaired the damaged city walls and defense facilities, and prepared for the next possible battle.

Li Jing stood on the city wall and looked into the distance.

He knew very well that as the defender of Da Shang, he had a heavy responsibility.

In the process of cleaning up the battlefield, the defenders found many relics and trophies of Xiqi soldiers.

As time went by, Jiepai Pass gradually returned to its former tranquility.

However, the defenders did not relax their vigilance. They still maintained a high level of combat readiness, ready to respond to possible challenges at any time.

Under the leadership of a certain general, the defenders strengthened their daily training and drills. They not only improved their combat skills, but also strengthened teamwork and tactical coordination. They knew that only by uniting as one can they defeat a powerful enemy.

On the other side, Wen Zhong and his people gathered together to celebrate this hard-earned victory.

Taoist Duobao, Holy Mother Jinling and others sat at the main table, their faces filled with joy and pride of victory, while Wen Zhong poured wine for them to celebrate.

“Thanks to the help of Master, Uncle Master and fellow disciples, we were able to defeat the Chan Sect and protect the peace of the Shang Dynasty.” Wen Zhong’s voice was full of gratitude and respect.

Taoist Duobao smiled and nodded, his eyes revealing a deep wisdom and foresight: “Wen Zhong, the disciples of the Chan Sect didn’t come this time, and we couldn’t help much. But you have to remember that this victory is only temporary. In the future, we need to practice and fight harder to ensure the long-term stability of the Shang Dynasty.”

The Golden Spirit Holy Mother also nodded, her voice revealing a firmness and determination: “Yes, we can’t take it lightly. Although the Chan Sect has temporarily retreated, their ambitions and conspiracies will never stop. We must always remain vigilant and strengthen our cultivation to cope with greater challenges that may arise in the future.”

Zhao Gongming and others also expressed their agreement. They knew that this victory was just the beginning and there was still a long way to go.

The banquet continued with laughter and joy, and everyone talked about their future plans and aspirations. They knew that as long as they united as one and worked together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

As the night deepened, the banquet gradually dispersed.

Taoist Duobao, Holy Mother Jinling and others were also preparing to leave Jiepai Pass and look for their own places to practice nearby. Wen Zhong led the soldiers of Dashang to see them off respectfully.

“Master, uncle, please take care of yourselves. If there is a need in the future, we, the people of Dashang, will certainly do our best to help Jiejiao.” Wen Zhong’s voice was full of respect and gratitude.

Taoist Duobao smiled and nodded, his eyes revealing a kind of relief and expectation: “Wen Zhong, take care of yourself too. In the future, we, Jiejiao and Dashang, will work hand in hand to create a more glorious tomorrow.”

After saying this, Duobao Taoist, Jinling Shengmu and others turned and left, their figures gradually disappeared into the night. But their spirit and strength will always remain at Jiepai Pass and in the hearts of the people of Dashang.

The night at Jiepai Pass is still quiet and peaceful.

But beneath this tranquility, there is endless vitality and hope. The arrival of Duobao Taoist, Jinling Holy Mother and others has injected new strength and faith into this land.

They believe that in the days to come, Jiejiao and Dashan will work hand in hand to jointly write their own glorious chapters.

(End of this chapter)