"So that's it!"
The ancient ancestor of the Buddha Clan looked at the two Jiang Yun with a sudden realization. "So you're planning this. The method of creating a clone has existed since ancient times. I believe you are not the only one who thought of this method, but to this day, there have been no successful stories."
"The technique of transforming Qi into three pure ones is mysterious and unpredictable; perhaps you might indeed succeed!"
"Does this mean the ancestor has agreed?" Jiang Yun asked, looking at the ancient ancestor.
"Of course."
"No!!!"
An urgent shout interrupted the ancient ancestor. Both turned their gaze to see Bu Tu Xuan looking anxious.
"Ancestor, the Endless Radiant Body is a heritage avatar of our clan; how can it be easily passed to an outsider!" Seeing their gaze, Bu Tu Xuan spoke sternly.
"Humph!" The ancient ancestor snorted coldly. "What a die-hard traditionalist. Apart from the ancestor in the past, who else has successfully cultivated this Endless Radiant Body?"
"This heritage avatar has been here for tens of thousands of years without anyone in our clan being recognized by it. It shows that it has no affinity with us."
"The original avatar was condensed from the world's origin, created to combat the alien evil clans. Now, with the final Great Thousand Alliance about to commence, this is an unprecedentedly important event for our world. Any increase in our strength should override such trivialities."
Seeing the ancient ancestor's righteous demeanor, Bu Tu Xuan showed a look of shame, and hesitation appeared in his eyes. Although the ancient ancestor's reasoning was sound, traditional beliefs still troubled him.
"Rules are dead, but people are alive. A person is always more important than rules." Seeing Bu Tu Xuan's conflict, the ancient ancestor shook his head in disappointment.
He had long sensed that Bu Tu Xuan was the only remaining sacred Supreme of the ancient Buddha Clan, the cornerstone and guide of the clan.
However, to be honest, he was not satisfied with Bu Tu Xuan. His thinking was too rigid, which partly explained why the Buddha Clan had been declining over the years.
Staring at Jiang Yun, the ancient ancestor solemnly said, "Jiang Yun, you may attempt to subdue the Endless Radiant Body, but I ask you to promise me one thing. If you ever come into conflict with our clan in the future, please show us mercy for my sake!"
"I will act according to my conscience," Jiang Yun also solemnly responded, word by word.
"Good, I trust your heart!" With these words, a comforting smile spread across the ancient ancestor's face.
"Go ahead, the Endless Radiant Body is inside the tower." With a flick of his sleeve, the stone tower in front slowly opened, and at the same time, a profound light entered Jiang Yun's forehead.
"This is the method to cultivate our clan's Great Buddha Body, which is the precursor to the Endless Radiant Body. Whether you can succeed or not depends on yourself!"
The surrounding scenery changed, and in the blink of an eye, Jiang Yun found himself in an ancient world. In the vast space, an old stone tower stood quietly.
Ancient light flickered in the void, and the entire space was filled with a sense of timelessness.
"Unexpectedly, after endless years, our clan's Endless Radiant Body is being attempted by an outsider."
As soon as Jiang Yun stepped into this space, a vast voice came from the void, and he knew that it was the consciousness of the Buddha Tower.
"Senior does not agree?" Jiang Yun asked calmly as he looked at the stone tower emanating an ancient aura. The Endless Radiant Body was crucial to his future path. If obstructed, he wouldn't hesitate to react.
"No, if you can gain the recognition of the Endless Radiant Body, it's your capability. I am not so rigid; it is much more useful on you than staying here with me."
The Buddha Tower's consciousness spoke calmly. The next moment, a rift appeared at the top of the tower.
A stone lotus emerged, with a light shadow on it, radiating ancient waves of energy.
This light shadow also emitted a sacred radiance, enveloped in holy light, giving off an indestructible, endless light, and unyielding defense.
"The Endless Radiant Body!"
Seeing this avatar, Jiang Yun's eyes flickered with brilliance. This was the first original avatar he had ever seen. While its sheer power wasn't overwhelming, its ancient, vast origin was truly awe-inspiring.
The original avatars were condensed from the origin of the Great Thousand World to resist alien evil clans, representing the most primordial power of the Great Thousand World. Cultivating an original avatar meant gaining the recognition of the world's consciousness.
In the future, one's name would inevitably be inscribed on the Skyrank, achieving dominion.
Unfortunately, during the ancient war, only the Immortal Emperor thrived, while the other nine original avatar seekers perished, and five original avatars were destroyed.
The Great Thousand World suffered heavily.
"This is the Endless Radiant Body. It has been with our clan for countless ages, yet no one has ever been recognized by it. I wonder if you are the one it has been waiting for?" The Buddha Tower's consciousness spoke with a sense of melancholy.
"Let me give it a try!"
Jiang Yun said seriously. Although confident in his talent, which was not inferior to those who had cultivated original avatars, one couldn't know if these entities had secretly predetermined by the world's consciousness for the future chosen one, Mu Chen.
This endeavor was crucial; success would pave a smooth path ahead. Failure might lead to him becoming a peerless Shura, using endless lives as fuel to forcefully break through to the dominion realm.
Feeling the intense murderous aura erupting from Jiang Yun, the Buddha Tower was momentarily dazed, but the aura vanished quickly, as if it were an illusion.
Curiously watching Jiang Yun step forward and touch the Endless Radiant Body, with a gentle expression, the Buddha Tower's consciousness felt relieved and focused back.
As time passed, while the clone hadn't awakened, both Jiang Yun and the Buddha Tower clearly sensed a bridge forming between him and the Endless Radiant Body.
Obviously, it had been activated by Jiang Yun, and if sustained, he would be recognized and become the next master of the Endless Radiant Body.
"Didn't expect you to truly succeed. The technique of transforming Qi into three pure ones is indeed extraordinary!" The Buddha Tower said emotionally, looking at Jiang Yun.
"Hehe, just a stroke of luck!" Jiang Yun chuckled, his tone filled with slight joy.
Seeing the increasingly close connection as time passed, Jiang Yun relaxed. Having achieved his goal at the Buddha Clan, it was time for the next plan.
Meanwhile, while Jiang Yun was inside the Buddha Tower, gaining recognition from the Endless Radiant Body, outside, Bu Tu Xuan and the ancient ancestor were having a conversation.
"Ancestor, why did you agree to Jiang Yun's request? That is the Endless Radiant Body!" Bu Tu Xuan was still heartbroken. Even if the original avatar couldn't be used now, a future descendant might succeed!
In his mind, good things must belong to him, regardless of whether he could use them or not.
"Foolish!!!"
Seeing through Bu Tu Xuan's thoughts, the ancient ancestor scolded, frustrated. "How do I have such rigid descendants? Times are changing. The Great Thousand World's heroes are countless. If you cling to this mindset, our clan's decline is imminent."
"Once, our clan was powerful. Now only you remain as a supreme saint. Among our clan members, there's not a single one with the potential of a saint. After you, who will bear the future of our clan?"
Bu Tu Xuan was speechless, his eyes filled with confusion. Could he have been wrong?
"Learn well." The ancient ancestor glanced at Bu Tu Xuan and casually asked, "Regarding your worry over non-clan lineage, it can be solved. Do we have an outstanding pearl in this generation?"
"In the Qing lineage, there is an eight-god meridian pearl, the most talented of this generation, but." Bu Tu Xuan answered truthfully, understanding the ancient ancestor's intentions—a capable son-in-law is practically half a clan member, not exactly breaking the rules.
However, he hesitated to continue.
"An eight-god meridian, that's promising for sainthood. But what do you mean? Why do you hesitate?" The ancient ancestor's eyes shone as he praised, but seeing Bu Tu Xuan's hesitancy, he asked impatiently.
"Ancestor, she is a member of the Qing lineage, named Qing Yan Jing. Recently, the elders intended to betroth her to the Maha Ancient Clan's leader, Maha Tian. A few days ago, she fled the marriage and left the Buddha Continent!" Bu Tu Xuan spoke slowly.
"Utter foolishness!!!" The ancient ancestor scolded. With his insight, he quickly sensed the underlying issues. "You even push away an eight-god meridian prodigy! Claiming to ally with the Maha Ancient Clan, when in reality, you know the truth. When did we need to rely on others' prestige to stand in the Great Thousand World?"
"Conduct like this will make us a vassal of the Maha Ancient Clan. How are you doing your job as the elder?"
Bu Tu Xuan remained silent, only able to endure the scolding.
"Buddha Ancestor, harshly scolding the elder, considering his age, might not be appropriate!"
As Bu Tu Xuan was being continuously reprimanded, Jiang Yun emerged from the Buddha Tower, looking curiously at the two.
"It's Jiang Yun. You've come out, how was it? Did you succeed?" The ancient ancestor's demeanor changed immediately, kindly asking Jiang Yun.
Bu Tu Xuan also perked up, curiously watching Jiang Yun.
"Hehe, I have initially gained the recognition of the Endless Radiant Body. If all goes well, I will have results in five years!" Jiang Yun smiled, visibly pleased with the recognition achieved.
"Truly successful?" The ancient ancestor and Bu Tu Xuan were both shocked, their faces showing complex expressions. The Endless Radiant Body had been both loved and resented by their clan.
"Buddha Ancestor, with the matter of returning you to your clan completed, I have pressing obligations at the Ancient Heavenly Palace and the Red Flame God Temple. I must bid farewell." Prepared for their shock, Jiang Yun calmly took his leave.
"Ah, leaving already? Can't you stay a few more days?" The ancient ancestor asked regretfully, though he already knew the answer, sighing with a sense of loss. "Sigh... witnessing a great talent of the Great Thousand in my final days, I can die without regrets!"
"Jiang Yun, use your unparalleled talent wisely and cherish the Endless Radiant Body!"
"I will."
"Let me see you off!"
In a space vessel, a palace-dressed beauty curiously watched Jiang Yun steering the ship.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, her gaze filled with curiosity toward Jiang Yun, mingled with a touch of bewilderment.
Observing the gaze from behind, Jiang Yun's eye twitched. He had been played by the ancient ancestor.
Moments ago, a grand farewell ceremony was forced upon him by the Buddha Clan, followed by the ancient ancestor's request to bring a member to his Ancient Heavenly Palace for training.
That member was Qing Xuan!
Though he didn't fully trust the ancient ancestor's words, he had no choice but to agree to the minor request after taking the Endless Radiant Body.
Moreover, he had also agreed to help find Qing Yan Jing.
Though Jiang Yun didn't know her whereabouts, nor had he promised success, he would simply give instructions upon returning to the palace.
Yet, unexpectedly, Qing Xuan awaited him.
Understanding the ancient ancestor's intentions, Jiang Yun knew, except for his early companion Zi Yan, all relationships were carefully cultivated. Besides aiding his pursuits, he opted not to get involved further.
The world had countless beauties; unless beneficial, Jiang Yun wouldn't get close.
Thus, addressing the ancient ancestor's task, he calmly agreed. Still, being caught off guard by Qing Xuan, he reflected on the elder's cunning moves once more. (Chapter ends)