In truth, if those two Divine Sons had chosen to descend directly in their true bodies, the pressure on Lu Yuan would have been immense. He did indeed possess an astonishing foundation and combat power, comparable to that of a peerless chosen pride.
Yet weren't those two the same? At their level, the gap in such aspects was exceedingly small. Just as Lu Yuan had made extensive preparations before stepping onto the evolutionary path—gathering all manner of divine treasures, spiritual fruits, and rare herbs—the Eternal Divine Son and the Ji Clan Divine Son, with their status, would hardly be inferior to him in that regard. Coupled with the fact that they were an entire major realm above Lu Yuan, he would have had little to no advantage once battle was joined.
However, according to Jiang Ningxian, the Ji clan's method could only allow the two to manifest projections. They would be unable to unleash their peak strength and would be weakened considerably.
And that was precisely the key to Lu Yuan's victory.
He would use this opportunity as a catalyst to reach straight into the Immortal Realm.
What Lu Yuan contemplated was quite simple, really. Even so, he still had to treat the coming battle with the utmost caution. Even if it was merely a projection, it would never be like the last time. The power those two Divine Sons cast down would surely surpass the Great Saint Realm directly. In fact, perhaps even ordinary Immortal Realm beings would be no match for them.
Of course, he understood this well.
The news that two Divine Sons in the starry sky were seeking a way to descend and obliterate Lu Yuan spread across the entire Earth in an instant. Extraterrestrial beings and ordinary citizens alike learned of it.
Once these matters became common knowledge among the public, people were no longer as composed as before.
The native inhabitants of this world were unfazed at first. In their eyes, King Lu had undergone countless fierce battles. Every single one had appeared perilous beyond measure, yet in the end, he was always the last man standing. Although the title of "Divine Son" sounded extraordinary, everyone still believed that, just as always, King Lu would inevitably emerge victorious.
Still, even with their trust in Lu Yuan, there were simply too many rumors circulating about those two Divine Sons.
They were beings who had attained the Immortal Realm long ago. Whether in battle prowess or innate talent, both had reached a terrifying height, having slain an untold number of formidable foes. Since making their debuts, they had never once suffered defeat. They had risen through battle and achieved transcendence through battle. In the future, they were destined to become supreme figures directing the affairs of the universe. Peerless chosen prides. Renowned throughout the cosmos. It could be said that both of their names resounded under the entire starry sky.
According to the extraterrestrial beings, these descriptions only magnified the pressure tenfold. The populace and many Awakened began to grow anxious, soon realizing that this coming battle would likely be different from any they had seen before.
What was more, the extraterrestrial beings had actually started stirring. Even more alarming was the news that among those who had recently descended, many were in the Great Saint Realm. More and more Saints were descending from beyond the planet. Completely disregarding the rules previously established by the Heavenly Court, and even adopting a provocative stance, they began seizing the various fortuitous opportunities hidden across famous mountains and great rivers on a grand scale. They seemed already certain of the battle's outcome. The orders they had received were to carve up this world—Earth—the moment Lu Yuan died.
As for the Heavenly Court's subordinates, they did not fall into disarray as in the past. Although they had contracted their forces according to orders, they were also drawing upon their accumulated foundations to grow stronger. Their current retreat was merely to prepare for the even more complex situation to follow. It was by no means a bad thing.
As long as Lu Yuan willed it, or issued a single command, no one would hesitate in the slightest—his prestige was firmly established—and they chose to make their way to Mount Tai.
At this moment, at the Mount Tai Trial Academy, Lu Yuan was gathered with Zhu Qingyu and the other members of the younger generation. Beside them, Beast Kings represented by the Peacock King, the Spirit Monkey, and others were also present. The reason for their assembly was very simple: Zhu Qingyu had encountered some difficulties in her cultivation in the Saint Realm.
Upon reaching this realm, whether exotic beasts or humans, their paths shared many similarities. Since Lu Yuan happened to have the time, he gathered everyone to give them a comprehensive explanation and spare them from taking wrong turns.
His own strength was exceptional, augmented further by the talent bestowed upon him by the Ancient Bodhi Tree. The Ancient Bodhi Tree was called the Tree of Wisdom, and that title was certainly no empty honor. Imparting experience came to him naturally; if he so desired, Lu Yuan could become a master teacher at any moment.
He had done many such things during this period, all to help the Heavenly Court grow stronger.
Lu Yuan explained a great deal, incorporating the ancient records sent over by the Jiang clan. Whether it was Beast Kings like the Spirit Monkey or the younger generation of humanity like Zhu Qingyu, everyone gained tremendously from the session, gaining clarity on how to proceed.
After finishing his lecture, Lu Yuan chose to take his leave, just as he usually did.
Yet just as Lu Yuan was preparing to return to his quarters, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
At that moment, he sensed a completely unfamiliar aura, one he had never felt before.
Strong.
An extraterrestrial being was approaching, though it was impossible to tell whether they were friend or foe.
However, this quiet standoff was quickly broken.
At the same time, the sound of sutra chanting drifted from the west, reaching the ears of everyone present.
"When Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara practiced the profound Prajna Paramita, he perceived that all five aggregates are empty, overcoming all suffering and distress..."
"This is the Heart Sutra of my Buddhist lineage!" Monk Huikong exclaimed, recognizing it the instant he heard it.
The Heart Sutra was the most profound and sublime scripture of Buddhism, hailed as the Mahayana dharma.
Yet this only astonished the crowd even further. Who was chanting the Heart Sutra?
The answer came quickly.
In the western sky, dazzling rays of multicolored light surged upward in breathtaking splendor. As time passed, the radiant glow rippled and churned, transforming into blossoming golden lotuses. It was the first time anyone present had ever witnessed such a spectacle.
Not far away, Zhu Qingyu and the others also raised their heads toward the sky, looks of bewilderment on their faces.
"Could it be that the two Divine Sons have descended?" the Ice Fairy cried out in shock. Her words made everyone present feel as if facing a mortal enemy. Everyone present knew that those two Divine Sons were unlike any enemy they had faced before; the two striking this time were extraordinary figures belonging to the very peak of the cosmic starry sky.
"It won't be that fast. They'll need some time to prepare, at least," Lu Yuan said, shaking his head. Then he turned his gaze westward and narrowed his eyes slightly.
The next moment, in the western direction, a young monk clad in a white kasaya slowly walked over from the distance.
At first, he appeared far away, yet in the blink of an eye, he was right before them. He halted directly across from Lu Yuan, a faint smile on his lips, and bowed slightly.
"Amitabha. Benefactor, you are fated with our Buddha."
Chapter 338