Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2308: 170: Debating the Dao (Part 2)

“Conversely, if he truly possesses the sincerity, he will eventually find his way back to us. There is no need for impatience... Furthermore, within the Dao of Cultivation, those who achieve greatness first are the ones who take precedence. His current standing already surpasses both mine and my senior brother’s. While it is right for him to honor his teachers, I must avoid acting in a loathsome manner by relying on my seniority. Treating him with the respect of a peer would not be an error.”

Hui Yunzi was momentarily taken aback by these words, but he quickly signaled his agreement with a nod:

“The Patriarch’s insight is profound.”

Though the Qitian Patriarch spent most of his time focused on Cultivation, he truly proved his worth as a Sect founder through his perceptiveness. In contrast, Hui Yunzi realized his own mind had been so unsettled that he failed to grasp even this simple truth.

Nevertheless, a sense of surreality still lingered in his heart.

Unlike Hui Yunzi’s lingering disbelief, the seasoned Qitian Patriarch adapted to the reality much faster. He sent a message:

“It is possible he is like my master—the reincarnation of a Great Power who is simply reclaiming his former glory. Quickly, have your Sect Master relay this intelligence... Actually, never mind. Since my senior brother has finished his secluded meditation, I shall deliver the message to him personally.”

With that, he performed a hand seal to transmit the report.

Hui Yunzi couldn't resist stealing another glance at the figures seated in the distance. Wang Ba was remarkably positioned in the primary guest seat, clad in a purple robe and conversing warmly with the Sect Leader of the Cloud Sky Sect. The overwhelming pressure emanating from the cultivators on either side made the Qitian Patriarch beside him seem ordinary by comparison; they were clearly all powerful figures of the Tribulation-Transcending Realm.

A different thought suddenly crossed his mind:

“I wonder how the Wanxiang Sect back in the Little Cang World is doing these days.”

Hui Yunzi soon found his thoughts interrupted as he was directed to sit with the Wanxiang Sect Master. Following a few opening remarks from the Cloud Sky Sect Leader regarding great deeds and virtues, the grand celebratory banquet officially commenced.

...

As the feast progressed, the air was filled with the clinking of cups and a constant stream of praise from the gathered cultivators—some heartfelt, others merely polite. Cultivators frequently approached to offer toasts.

Wang Ba accepted every drink offered to him.

For those on the path of Cultivation, spirit wine rarely clouds the mind unless they allow it to. Thus, everyone became a master of the bottle, though the true purpose of these exchanges was never the alcohol itself.

Through these toasts, they built acquaintances and forged minor connections that might prove useful in the future.

As the wine continued to flow freely.

A cultivator suddenly stood up and suggested that since such a rare gathering had occurred, they should take the opportunity to sit and Debate the Dao, sharing their theories and hidden mysteries.

The proposal was met with immediate and widespread enthusiasm.

This was especially true for the Cloud Sky Realm cultivators, many of whom were Sect Masters, Elders, or talented disciples. Though their levels of Cultivation varied, even those of lower status hoped that hearing profound truths at such a gathering would bring them immense benefits.

Sect Leader Bai of the Cloud Sky Sect voiced his approval but added with a slight frown:

“The assembly is too large and diverse. If everyone debates in pairs, it will descend into chaos... It would be better to select two individuals to debate from a high vantage point, allowing everyone to seek guidance on the Dao. What do you think?”

This suggestion from Sect Leader Bai was instantly backed by the crowd.

Two cultivators at the late-stage Unification Realm from the Cloud Sky Sect took the lead, ascending to discuss the techniques for progressing a Dao Domain from Class V to Class VII.

At once, the Void Refining and Unification cultivators from the various sects focused their full attention.

However, the cultivators below the Void Refining stage found themselves utterly confused despite their best efforts to listen.

Upon the main peak, as the two Unification cultivators shared their experiences regarding the Dao Domain, the Tribulation-Transcending experts watched with smiles. One remarked to the young man in the purple robe:

“Sect Leader Bai possesses a generous spirit. His kindness toward the other sects in this Domain is truly commendable.”

The purple-robed youth remained composed, showing no desire to boast. He simply shook his head slightly:

“This is not merely benevolence.”

He then smoothly shifted the conversation, offering a light smile to the guests:

“It is rare for so many Tribulation-Transcending cultivators to be in one place. If we can engage in a sincere Debate the Dao, it would be a magnificent blessing!”

Hearing this, the experts looked at one another, unable to hide their excitement.

Tribulation-Transcending cultivators were usually isolated within their own realms and sects, forced to rely on the records of their ancestors. They rarely had the chance to speak with those at their own level.

Although the Supreme True Buddha’s assault on the Cloud Sky Realm had been a disaster, it had brought together many elusive Tribulation-Transcending peers. With the Cloud Sky Sect acting as a neutral host, this was a golden opportunity for honest exchange.

Several of the high-level experts began to feel eager.

Once the two Unification cultivators finished, two early-stage Tribulation-Transcending cultivators stepped forward to debate the understanding and use of 'Fire' rules.

Fire is a component of the Five Elements, and such rules are among the most common in the Realm Sea. Because they are the easiest to grasp within a Domain, many Tribulation-Transcending cultivators focus their power within the Five Elements.

As a result, while their debate left those below the Tribulation-Transcending stage baffled, many of their peers nodded frequently in realization, as if a veil had been lifted from their eyes.

Wang Ba, watching from his seat, felt a spark of interest and listened closely to their words... yet he found nothing of value.

The reason was simple: the concepts the two were discussing were basic rule fundamentals to him—as obvious as two plus three. They provided him with no new enlightenment whatsoever.

A faint sense of disappointment washed over him.