Becoming a Deity from Planting the Bodhi Tree-Chapter 1209 - 429: So-Called "True Man," Those Who Betray Master for Friendship (Part 2)

However, even All Saints are helpless against the Burial Sea.

After bidding farewell to Cang You, Jing Qiu went to the Nether Ruins Lineage's station, preparing to pay a visit and probe the situation.

...

"Actually, compared to the Nether Sea, I prefer the name of this realm — Spirit Ocean."

In a temporary Void Dojo, an elder and a young-looking man sat facing each other.

The latter was Qi Tian, the Heavenly Monarch who had recently outperformed a group of Heavenly Kings in the Netherworld, having attained enlightenment less than ten thousand years ago.

At this moment, Qi Tian curiously asked his master, "Is it because of that rumor? That the Nether Sea is the confluence of countless hearts—"

"Of all things born, humans are the most spiritual. Not by themselves, but because the heart is spiritual. The heart is the master, the lord of the body. It directs the hundred bones and rules over emotions. Things have no form, forms have no shape... When this heart is lost, the body also falls."

The elder slowly recited the Lv Ancestor Heart Sutra handed down from their ancestors in front of his disciple, finally nodding and shaking his head,

"Yes, but not entirely. The mystery within cannot be spoken; you'll understand once you reach my level."

Qi Tian pondered and said, "Recently, my spiritual body has been somewhat unstable. I wonder if it has something to do with the Spirit Ocean."

The elder stroked his beard and smiled, "It's a good thing. You young fellows have such luck, but it's too good. You've never encountered the Nether Sea before. Now, suddenly meeting it is like the Dao completing itself, potentially broadening your Dao Foundation."

Qi Tian laughed, "Master, I am already a Heavenly Monarch."

"What's so special about a Heavenly Monarch?" the elder chided jokingly, "Do you really think you're invincible in the world and unmatched in your Dao Foundation? Which Transcendence Gate doesn't have a Heavenly Monarch?"

Qi Tian couldn't help but be curious, "Is there really a rank above Heavenly Monarch?"

The elder hinted, "Once the realm reaches a certain level, it becomes meaningless, merely a term for ordinary people. A Heavenly Monarch is indeed the limit of common sense, but cultivation knows no limits. It's merely forerunners blazing the trail for successors, creating waves from one generation to the next."

Qi Tian understood his master's implication. In fact, this wasn't the first time his master had said such things, though previously with an addendum

— especially in the True Saint Domain.

However, Qi Tian still smiled and said, "Are my master and I also ordinary people?"

If my master and I are ordinary people, then how many people under the heavens aren't ordinary?

"Foolish child, we are all ordinary." The elder smiled, stroking his beard, "If one cannot align with the Dao, ascend via the Dao, illuminate the vastness, and comprehend the void... talking about being 'true' and attaining true enlightenment is out of the question."

Qi Tian was dumbfounded, with a mix of bemusement, "So, Master considers everyone who hasn't transcended as ordinary, and only Transcenders are 'True Men'?"

The Transcendence Realm is termed differently in the Sea of Realms and its various realms.

Some call it the 'Source Realm,' meaning the origin of the Dao;

However, those like Qi Tian's master call it the 'True Realm,' the most genuine Dao, and the true True Self.

"To utter such words is why you're ordinary." The elder shook his head and said softly, "The heart of a True Man is like a pearl in the abyss, while the hearts of people are like gourds in water."

Qi Tian patted his head, his master was at it again.

"Master, what should I do next?" Qi Tian asked.

The elder pondered for a moment before saying:

"...This realm is very special, more so than any realm we've previously visited invaded by the Nether Sea."

"Is it because of the Five Pillars?" Qi Tian asked.

"It's not just those five pillars."

The elder shook his head and continued,

"As far as we know recently, this realm has three known as 'Pathfinders,' who attempted to break the Barrier of Transcendence in the past. Though they ultimately failed, they survived without exception."

"Attempted the Barrier of Transcendence and survived?" Qi Tian was moved, "Did they not perish on the spot? Could it be they were on the right path?!"

As Qi Tian knew, the Barrier of Transcendence is a threshold. Crossing it could mean becoming a Transcender, affirming eternal Dao, or dying with Dao extinguished. In better circumstances, there might be a chance of disintegration and reincarnation.

As for failing and retreating, trying again later...

Such fortune is unheard of.

Thusly, All Real Saints regard this threshold as Taboo, not daring to challenge it rashly.

"That remains unclear." The elder shook his head, "In any case, this realm is too special, harboring many secrets. That's why I previously reminded you to leave a little face for others, for future encounters."

Qi Tian fell into silence.

In his previous battle with the Heavenly Kings of the Netherworld, he felt none present were a match for him. It was only because of his master's instructions that he resolved the opponent after three moves, showing restraint in his actions.

"Your next task is to visit the Great Universe for me, to visit the Yanhuang Federation, approach Ji Jingqiu of the Yanhuang Federation, and find out what connection he has with the Nether Sea!"

"Additionally, there's a 'Pathfinder' residing in the Yanhuang Federation. You can visit them for me as well."

The elder said solemnly and seriously.

Qi Tian suddenly remarked, "Doesn't the Yanhuang Federation have two venerable ones deemed 'Transcendental'? Should I not attempt to approach them?"

The elder suddenly laughed, "Counting by age, those two are only a few hundred or thousand years older than you, yet in Daoist career, you might not catch up even if you pursue them your entire life. So, are you not ordinary?"

Qi Tian remained composed, "Attaining the Dao is not about speed. If I attain the Dao one day, what difference does it make whether it's a year or tens of thousands of years?"

The elder was gratified, "With such a mindset, you can give it a try. At least I don't have to worry about you being utterly devastated and with your Dao heart wilting."

"Others are others, and I am myself." Qi Tian displayed a slight smile, "Cultivation is a long and lonely road. Everyone has their own affinity, walking their own path, cultivating their own Dao; even if the heavens collapse, my heart remains undying."