It is said that Subhuti dismissed his disciples and returned to his own room, where he lit an incense stick. Shortly thereafter, his disciple Zhen Yuan came to pay his respects.
Prostrating himself before Subhuti, Zhen Yuan said, "Leader Teacher, disciple Zhen Yuan has now perfected his Taoist teachings, and has come to pay his respects."
Subhuti nodded slightly and smiled, asking, "Zhen Yuan, how long have you followed your teacher?"
Zhen Yuan then bowed deeply and said, "To report to the Leader Teacher, Zhen Yuan has been following the teacher and learning the Dao since the Era of the Heavenly Emperor, dedicating myself to deep cultivation, and it has now been hundreds of thousands of years."
Subhuti then said, "You are talented and clever. Since the Era of the Heavenly Emperor, I have taken you as a disciple, but kept it secret, knowing that there would be times when you were needed. Now, the Buddhist sect is powerful, competing with the Daoist sect. The Three Pure signed an agreement with the Buddhist sect, engaging in the 'Journey to the West' game of strategy to vie for the global fortune of the Daoist Way."
Zhen Yuan said, "I will follow the Leader Teacher's arrangements entirely, I am utterly devoted, even unto death."
Subhuti stood up, took Zhen Yuan to the rear hall, where there was a treasure tree in the center bearing thirty fruits, shaped like infants, verdant and dripping, crystal clear, emitting a peculiar fragrance. It was one of a kind treasure in heaven and earth, known as the pepino fruit tree. Such treasures naturally made countless people drool with desire, but given Subhuti's deep understanding of the Taoist teachings, few could rival him. Even if one knew that he possessed this treasure tree, none would dare to seize it.
"This pepino fruit tree originated from the essence of the belly button and placenta of Pangu the Great God when heaven and earth were opened, and the filth turned into the Netherworld Blood Sea. Pepino fruits are extraordinary heavenly treasures, taking three thousand years to bloom, another three thousand years to bear fruit, and yet another three thousand years to ripen, producing only thirty fruits at a time. Zhen Yuan, I hereby bestow upon you this pepino fruit tree, along with an innate spiritual treasure, a Book of Earth, as famous as the Investiture of the Gods and the Book of Life and Death," Subhuti gently nodded as he spoke.
With a wave of the horsetail whisk in Subhuti's hand, the pepino fruit tree uprooted, shrunk to the size of a fingertip, and landed in the palm of his hand. Then, flipping his palm, he produced a yellow-skinned Book of Earth and handed both to Zhen Yuan.
"Teacher has bestowed such treasures upon me, I dare not refuse, however, one should not accept rewards without merit..." Zhen Yuan hurriedly said.
"Hmm, from today, you will call yourself Ancestral Earth Immortal Zhen Yuanzi, relying on these two treasures gained in the Era of the Heavenly Emperor, go to Ten Thousand Year Mountain in West Cow He State, build a Daoist temple, and spread your own Daoist lineage without mentioning your sect," Subhuti said solemnly, "With this departure, you must demonstrate your strength, with the Book of Earth and pepino fruit tree at your aid, even if Tathagata himself arrives, you will not be at a disadvantage. This way, you can also establish your own place in West Cow He State."
Zhen Yuan, with tears, said, "Teacher, do not drive your disciple away."
Subhuti laughed and said, "Who said your teacher is driving you away? It's just that you must not mention your sect. The time is not yet ripe, so just be a free and easy scattered immortal for now, and when the time comes, your fellow disciples will need your care. Go now, once you arrive in West Cow He State, be cautious, but also do not tarnish the prestige of our Daoist sect!"
Zhen Yuan knelt down, bowed three times and prostrated nine times, took the pepino fruit tree and Book of Earth, and rode away on a cloud.
Upon arriving at Ten Thousand Year Mountain in West Cow He State, Zhen Yuan used the Divine Skill of Five Ghosts Carry, summoned incredibly strong evil spirits to move stones and open mountains to build the Daoist temple. The five evil spirits under Zhen Yuanzi's command were exceptionally obedient, showing no hint of ferocity but instead exhibited extraordinary strength. In a short time, the prototype of the Daoist temple was already established.
Zhen Yuanzi planted the pepino fruit tree, immediately causing extraordinary phenomena, a chorus of birds singing, and dragons and phoenixes appearing auspiciously.
Buddhist masters soon noticed the disturbances caused by Zhen Yuanzi's construction, and saw a monk riding clouds and mist approaching. After glancing at the pepino fruit tree, greed flashed in his eyes as he shouted, "Slow down, Daoist! This is West Cow He State, why are you building a Daoist temple here?"
Zhen Yuanzi coldly sneered, "Your Buddhist sect builds temples in Southern Toad Continent, why can't I build a Daoist temple here?"
The monk, a senior monk from the letter "Fa", named Fayuan, was the abbot of the Pure Water Temple in West Cow He State, serving Dipankara Buddha, the Former Buddha. His mana was also among the Taiyi Golden Immortal rank. Hearing Zhen Yuanzi speak in such a manner, he righteously said, "If you want to build a Daoist temple, it's not impossible, but just pluck half of the fruits from your tree as payment for the land."
Zhen Yuanzi laughed and said, "The monk says, money is an external possession, you this monk, talk of money in every sentence, are you still a monk?"
Fayuan retorted, "If you refuse, then we must test each other's strength!
No sooner had he spoken, he made his move, raising an alms bowl towards Zhen Yuanzi's crown. However, Zhen Yuanzi did not even glance and simply waved his robe sleeve, capturing the alms bowl inside. Before Fayuan could react, the alms bowl was expelled from the sleeve, hitting him directly on the crown, and smashing him to the ground, broken and bruised. Fayuan quickly grabbed a handful of earth, threw it into the air, and fled using Earth Escape.
Zhen Yuanzi scoffed, ordered the Five Ghosts to accelerate the work. Soon, a Daoist temple was already established.
Fayuan had rushed back to Pure Water Temple severely injured. He knelt quickly before the image of Dipankara Buddha, chanting scripture. Soon, the statue spoke, "What is the matter?"
Fayuan said, "Buddha Ancestor, a sinister Taoist has come from Ten Thousand Year Mountain and injured your disciple. Please, I ask for your justice."
Upon hearing this, Dipankara Buddha became angry, saying, "Which Taoist dares to run wild within West Cow He State? Do not worry, I will go myself and seek justice for you."
Fayuan devoutly worshiped the Buddha and meticulously managed the Pure Water Temple, ensuring its prosperity and the flourish of its incense offerings. Dipankara was satisfied with this abbot. Seeing him severely injured by Zhen Yuanzi, and not knowing which divine Taoist he was, after exchanging a few words, his true form left Mount Meru, taking with him twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls toward Ten Thousand Year Mountain. Reaching the mountain on a cloud, Dipankara saw a Taoist temple already established, with a tall tree in the backyard bearing thirty pepino fruits, their fragrance immersive and tempting. He couldn't help but be moved.
"Let the master of this Taoist temple come out!" Dipankara shouted with the Buddhist Lion's Roar. His voice was resounding, startling Zhen Yuanzi inside the temple.
Zhen Yuanzi adjusted his Taoist robe leisurely and walked out from the temple, bowing to Dipankara, saying, "I've long heard the grand reputation of the Former Buddha. To see you today is indeed extraordinary."
With a face as stern as steel, Dipankara said, "You are Zhen Yuanzi? You injured my disciple Fayuan. I have come to seek an explanation from you!"
Zhen Yuanzi sneered, saying, "Your disciple did not follow the rules and sought advantages from me. I did not want to oblige, so when he struck me, I retaliated and left him severely injured. Your Western Religion has always bullied, from the old days till now, and even alone, I am more than a match for you. Better call your fellow Taoists before we speak further."
Dipankara, furious, chanted a spell without another word. The twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls, blazing with bright, multicolored lights, descended and attempted to envelop Zhen Yuanzi.
Zhen Yuanzi then raised the Book of Earth, renowned for its unparalleled defense, though it had not been seen in the world before, and many knew of its fierce reputation without knowing whose hands it was in. The power of the twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls was immense, having once even caused saints to stumble, but as they struck, one by one, they were all blocked by the Book of Earth, proving ineffective.
Zhen Yuanzi flipped the Book of Earth, causing the twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls to fall one by one. Then, employing his most potent Sleeve Universe Divine Power, he swept his large sleeve and collected the pearls into his bag, scoffing, "Dipankara Buddha, your mana is extraordinary, and these Sea-Calming Pearls are indeed powerful but ultimately belong to others. It seems they are not suitable for you to wield."
Seeing his Sea-Calming Pearls collected by Zhen Yuanzi left Dipankara both shocked and enraged. He said, "Who could have expected that the Book of Earth is in your hands? Suddenly emerging to challenge our Buddhist sect, what reason lies behind this?"
Zhen Yuanzi then chuckled, "This humble Taoist achieved enlightenment during the Era of the Heavenly Emperor and has diligently cultivated since, self-proclaimed as the Ancestral Earth Immortal. Now, with the changes in the Heavenly Dao and a forthcoming slaughter, it was necessary to leave seclusion and set up a place to preach and transform the multitudes. West Cow He State doesn't bear exclusively your Buddhist sect's name; why must you so coercively insist? Dipankara Buddha, too, is an enlightened man. Today, if I have offended you, please hold no grudge."
With that, he returned the twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls and, reaching out, took a pepino fruit in his hand, saying, "Here is a pepino fruit, Buddha Ancestor. Please take it as a token of my apology."
Dipankara's expression softened as he accepted the Sea-Calming Pearls and the pepino fruit, storing them in his bag and saying, "The Taoist indeed possesses profound mana; I greatly admire that. It seems my disciple has much to apologize for; I ask that the Taoist be magnanimous and not take offense at the younger generations."
Knowing he was not a match for Zhen Yuanzi, and since Zhen Yuanzi had also given him face, Dipankara naturally had no reason to continue causing trouble. Having gained both face and substantial benefit, he contemplated that it wouldn't matter if a Taoist temple was established here, as West Cow He State already housed numerous loose cultivators with their temples, and Buddhist temples existed in the Southern Toad Continent. If he pursued this matter further, he feared it might alarm high-ranking figures of the Daoist sect, potentially disrupting the World Honored One's grand plans.
Zhen Yuanzi bowed, saying, "Dipankara Buddha truly discerns right from wrong. Zhen Yuanzi is greatly impressed!"
Dipankara faintly smiled, replying, "Taoist, your mana is profound. In the future, let us sit together and discuss the Dao. If my disciples offend you again, please be generous and do not bear grudge against the younger ones."
Zhen Yuanzi repeatedly agreed, "Of course, of course!"
Dipankara turned and left, returning to Pure Water Temple, where he tended to Fayuan's injuries. He only mentioned that he had come to an agreement with Zhen Yuanzi, omitting the seizure of his Sea-Calming Pearls and the acquisition of the pepino fruit. Fayuan was naturally grateful to Dipankara, deeply thankful, and after consuming two Golden Cores provided by Buddha Ancestor, his injuries healed completely.
Zhen Yuanzi, not wishing to pursue the matter further, for how else could he have escaped the confrontation? Now that he had established a foothold on Ten Thousand Year Mountain, it was not the time to provoke a major conflict with the Buddhist sect. Dipankara, being a Buddha Ancestor, and the history being significant, decided to exchange hostility for friendship, begrudgingly offering out a pepino fruit.
After establishing his position on Ten Thousand Year Mountain, Zhen Yuanzi, without ostentation, merely sought a few Taoist Boys to serve him and took in two intelligent disciples. Occasionally opening the temple to preach, his reputation gradually spread.
To find out what happens next, please tune in to the following chapter.