Chapter 174: Chapter 171: Demon Emperor Taiyi Meets Tathagata Chapter 174: Chapter 171: Demon Emperor Taiyi Meets Tathagata The Kunpeng’s fierce battle with Acala at Mount Meru, following a magical combat, left Acala wounded.

Acala had a long sword wound on his chest, inflicted by Kunpeng’s Fish Intestine Sword, and it was still oozing golden blood.

“This Kunpeng is truly formidable, worthy of being called the Master of Ten Thousand Demons!” Acala thought to himself, taken aback.

The Tathagata’s expression darkened as he thought, “Could it be that I must resort to using Mahavairocana Tathagata’s Dharma Body? That Dharma Body has amassed much of the Incense Power and Wishes and the Power of the Heavens, enough to battle a Saint. It was only during the last conflict at the Ming River that I had to use it.”

It turned out that Mahavairocana Tathagata’s Dharma Body was even more powerful than his true form and the Five Great Wisdom Kings. In Sanskrit, Mahavairocana is known as Vairocana, the ruler of the Esoteric Sect, to whom the Five Great Wisdom Kings submit.

Once again, Acala and Kunpeng clashed fiercely. In an instant, a Dharma Body emerged behind Kunpeng and with a roaring sound, it struck Acala. Acala’s bones shattered and his sinews snapped, as he tumbled across the ground for more than a dozen rolls, ending up in a most sorry state.

“Fine,” Tathagata thought, “let Mahavairocana take action then. With Acala’s defeat, it’s time to win back some face for the Esoteric Sect.”

With a mere thought from the Tathagata, Mahavairocana Tathagata, seated in the Vedha Continent’s Vajrayana Buddhism, suddenly opened his eyes and directly used great magical power to create a portal in the void. Stepping through, he descended upon Mount Meru in West Cow He State.

“Greetings to Vairocana Buddha!” Bodhisattvas and Buddhas present promptly bowed in reverence, filled with fear and trepidation.

Mahavairocana Tathagata!

This Mahavairocana Tathagata stood ten feet tall, holding the Wisdom Fist Seal, wearing a Golden Crown, and draped in a golden Kasaya. He emanated a majestic holy presence, with ears reaching his shoulders, and an awe-inspiring aura that made it hard for others to gaze directly at him.

Enlightened one’s heart skipped a beat as he realized that Tathagata’s strength was finally showing, and with Acala overwhelmed by Kunpeng, Mahavairocana Tathagata had to step in!

Kunpeng laughed sardonically, “I didn’t expect even Mahavairocana to arrive, good, good! Today then, let us battle to our heart’s content!”

As Mahavairocana Tathagata sent forth his Dharma Seals, he said, “Let this humble monk take Acala’s place. I, too, wish to test the Demon Teacher’s skills.”

“Hmph!”

A cold hum emanated from the sky, grand and sonorous, reverberating like the tolling of a vast bell, exuding endless majesty.

Just as Mahavairocana Tathagata made his move, a massive yellow bell descended from the sky, oozing with the aura of primordial chaos, majestic and overwhelming.

Overjoyed, Kunpeng exclaimed, “Taiyi, you’re actually still alive?”

Flashes of fire flickered in the sky as the Dharma Seals unleashed by Mahavairocana Tathagata were shattered by the Vast Bell. The flames surged towards Mahavairocana Tathagata.

Acala conjured Karmic Fire, transforming it into a barrier that blocked the flames, with the Innate Away Fire and Karmic Fire furiously burning together. Explosions rang out from the fire, shaking the entirety of Mount Meru.

Those present couldn’t help but feel a slight shock, “Taiyi?” That was the Ancient Demon Emperor, who, according to legend, perished during the catastrophic war against the Witch Clan. How was he alive again? The Great Bell was unmistakably the Eastern Emperor Bell, one of Taiyi’s Primordial Magical Treasures, its terrifying might rivaled only by the Treasures held by Saints.

A man eight feet tall appeared in the sky, clad in the Nine Suns Golden Crow Robe, a Golden Crown atop his head, exuding a majestic air like a sun.

The newcomer was none other than the Ancient Demon Emperor Taiyi, the Three-legged Golden Crow born from the Divine Tree of Fusang Valley in Yingzhou. Eastern Emperor Taiyi fought against the Twelve Witch Gods at Kunlun, ultimately perishing. Everyone thought him dead, but now he had suddenly emerged, much to everyone’s astonishment.

The shock was palpable among the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas at Mount Meru. Eastern Emperor Taiyi was alive and chose this crucial moment to appear, wielding the Eastern Emperor Bell, repelling Mahavairocana Tathagata with one strike. Had his magic reached the state of Primordial Limitless? It was known that Mahavairocana Tathagata could reach tens of thousands of miles through space and injure Ming River with a single palm. Of course, that was also because Ming River had let his guard down when he was hit by the Sea-Calming Pearl.

“Indeed, it is Taiyi!” Kunpeng said joyfully, “I thought you had turned to ashes in the calamity of ancient times.”

Taiyi sighed, “We’ll discuss that matter later. Those who are not Saints ultimately turn to ash; although I am the Demon Emperor, I nearly fell victim to that calamity.”

The Tathagata’s expression darkened, “So, it’s the Demon Emperor. Unexpectedly, you survived and have come to Mount Meru to create havoc?”

The Tathagata’s heart sank. If Eastern Emperor Taiyi was alive, what of the Twelve Witch Gods? Surely they couldn’t all be alive. It was unlikely, for they had completely turned to ash in the battle at the South Sea Ruins. The abrupt appearance of Taiyi brought forth many new worries for the Tathagata.

Eastern Emperor Taiyi’s arrival made the Buddhists present tense. If Kunpeng assumed his true form, swallowing the heavens and earth, he could inflict massive damage upon the Buddhist sect, but Kunpeng would surely turn to ash under the onslaught of the Buddhas. Now, with Taiyi present, another existence comparable to a Saint had emerged, his magic probably superior to that of Mahavairocana Tathagata, only a step away from understanding the Primordial Dao Fruit and achieving the state of Primordial Limitless Indestructible Great Luo Golden Immortal.

These two mighty beings from ancient times, with no Saints to oppose them, could only be matched by the Twelve Witch Gods. And now, they had gathered again, an astonishing fact.

Taiyi smiled faintly, “I just couldn’t stand watching you bully an old friend. How can you say I’m creating havoc? The youngsters know no better, but Tathagata, must you be so persistent in your efforts? Does it not embarrass you?”

Tathagata couldn’t help but get annoyed and said, “The Demon Emperor speaks like this, but you should keep your mouth shut! Mount Meru is the very foundation of our Buddhist sect, and yet this Gold-Winged Great Peng King had the audacity to forcefully break through and kill the Mountain-guarding Arhat—how can this be tolerated?”

Taiyi then clasped his hands together and said, “Oh! So that’s how it is! Then I, Your Majesty, shall apologize here to Tathagata and ask for your forgiveness. Please allow them to leave, and let us establish a goodwill connection.”

Everyone present couldn’t help but roll their eyes, not expecting that Taiyi would say such a thing, making an apology to Tathagata, which put Tathagata in an awkward position.

Kunpeng secretly chuckled to himself, thinking that after undergoing a great life-and-death experience, it seemed that Taiyi had become more restrained. If this were the past, he would probably have already started a fight! The title of the Ancient Demon Emperor, unrivaled throughout the ages, was not just for show—it was earned through every punch and kick. Members of the demon race were all free-spirited and untamed. To have established the Ancient Heavenly Court and commanded the demons of the world is not something an ordinary person could achieve. During ancient times, creatures like Baize, the Transforming Serpent, and Nine Phoenixes, each of whom was a giant demon fiend, were not easily subdued by anyone.

Mahavairocana Tathagata said, “The Demon Emperor really is straightforward and candid. Please come forward to the hall and offer two sticks of incense. With that, this matter shall be laid to rest.”

Taiyi said with a smile, “That’s fair, that’s fair! Please bring out Amitabha and Zhun Ti Buddha Ancestor, and I will then offer incense and worship.”

This statement made Tathagata’s face flush with embarrassment! In a moment, he was enraged as never before, wanting to tear this Demon Emperor to shreds.

Tathagata managed a forced smile and said, “Amitabha and Zhun Ti Buddha Ancestor are currently in seclusion and do not see visitors. You, the Demon Emperor, may just offer the incense directly!”

Taiyi laughed heartily and said, “If the two Saints are not present, then to whom should I offer incense? To you, Tathagata? Can your statue withstand a worship from me?”

Tathagata snorted coldly and said, “Offer incense to the Buddhas from Mount Meru. It is right for these demons to offer an apology after disturbing the Buddhas.”

Taiyi said, “So there’s nothing to discuss, is there?”

Tathagata replied, “What do you propose?”

Taiyi smiled and said, “I have long heard the great name of Mahavairocana Tathagata, and now that I’ve seen you today, I too am eager to test my skills. Why don’t we have a duel to see who is superior? If I win, may I then take them and leave?”

Mahavairocana Tathagata and Tathagata exchanged a glance, gave a slight nod, and took a step forward, saying, “Good, I too have long heard of the illustrious name of the Demon Emperor that shone throughout the past and present! But I wonder if the Demon Emperor still possesses his former prestige after reincarnation?”

Taiyi, holding the Eastern Emperor Bell in his hand, stepped forward and said, “Well then, I will spar with Mahavairocana Tathagata. All Buddhas bear witness; Tathagata, do not play foul.”

Tathagata snorted coldly and responded, “I do not speak deceitfully; how could I play foul? Please proceed, Your Imperial Highness!”

The immovable Vidyaraja sat down cross-legged, clenched his hands in the Wisdom Fist Seal, and the other four Vidyarajas from the Vedha Continent correspondingly formed the Wisdom Fist Seal. Behind the head of Mahavairocana Tathagata immediately appeared five luminous rings, and his mana seemed to rise sharply!

Taiyi was unfazed and stood resolutely, clasping his hands together, saying, “I am enlightened!”

Kunpeng asked, “Does Taiyi have a weapon?”

Taiyi replied, “There’s no need for you to worry, old friend, I have weapons!”

The use of “I” here refers to the ancient usage of “myself” which, after Emperor Qin unified the Six States, was decreed to be used only by the emperor. Outsiders would use other terms for themselves, such as “mine,” “our,” and “I.” Taiyi’s use of “I” was not out of arrogance or disrespect; it was simply because he had been out of the public eye for so long and had become accustomed to referring to himself as such.

Taiyi manifested a divine sword in his hand. What made this sword remarkable? It was over three feet long, wrapped with beautiful colorful patterns, and slightly wider than a typical blade, showing a red hue. It was forged from Ancient Divine Copper and named the Red Twilight Sword.

This sword once appeared in the mortal world, obtained by Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, who then rose up against the White Snake Rebellion, laying the foundation for four hundred years of the Great Han Dynasty.

The Red Twilight Sword is the Emperor’s Sword, forged by Donghuang Taiyi during his reign in ancient times. Afterwards, it was believed that he had perished, and the sword vanished until Liu Bang, blessed with great destiny, briefly brought this sword into the mortal realm, helping him slay the White Snake, amass Dragon Qi, and oppose Xiang Yu.

Upon seeing the Red Twilight Sword in Taiyi’s hands, Enlightenment Dao couldn’t help but think: “Could it be that the strife between Chu and Han was also influenced by People of the Immortal Path? The Red Twilight Sword, obtained by Liu Bang to slay the White Snake and rise in rebellion, leading to his rule over the world. Perhaps it was Taiyi accumulating merit for the Human Path!”

Just then, Taiyi lightly flicked his finger on the sword, producing an immediate clear ring. The sword hummed as if a divine dragon were roaring.

“Boom, rumble!”

Sounds of thunder rolled in the sky, accompanied by the cry of dragons. From above descended an opulent and finely-decorated chariot, drawn by nine divine dragons!

This was Taiyi’s Nine Dragons War Chariot. The Ancient Demon Emperor, riding the Nine Dragons War Chariot, looked down upon the world, inspecting the Four Great Continents. All who beheld it knelt and pledged allegiance.

As for the outcome, please listen to the next part.

PS: I have ideas but struggle to write. Can you believe it took me from 8 AM to 11:30 AM to write this chapter? Maybe it’s the cold that hasn’t resolved, or maybe it’s just a lack of feeling. Additionally, I’m asking for two Monthly Tickets to make a good impression. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and Monthly Tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)