In the pavilion, Tongtian laughed bitterly and said discontentedly, "The disciples of the two junior brothers are truly adept!"
Primordial also expressed dissatisfaction subtly, "Are the two junior brothers here to pick a quarrel?"
Jieyin said with a pained expression, "The three senior brothers misunderstood; the communication among the disciples is their own method, not directed by us.
Today, we have come to inquire about the Tao."
Taishang spoke indifferently, "What Jieyin junior brother said is reasonable. Let them handle their own affairs. If they are defeated in discussing the Tao, it's because their Tao is inferior, and it does no harm to them."
Tongtian snorted coldly and remained silent.
Primordial asked, "Inquire about what Tao?"
Zhunti spoke solemnly, "The Saint's Dao!
Our teacher bestowed upon us the Hongmeng Purple Qi, saying that we could use it to become saints.
However, over the years, my fellow senior brother and I have been meditating behind closed doors but have achieved nothing. Therefore, we've come to seek guidance from the three senior brothers."
Taishang shook his head and said, "The Saint's Dao is mysterious and ineffable, we also do not know."
Nuwa chuckled lightly and said, "As brothers and sisters, why hide and hesitate to discuss openly?"
"Very well! Since junior sister has spoken, I shall speak a word."
Jieyin and Zhunti both looked towards Taishang, carrying a slight worries in their hearts. Could it be that he truly had some enlightenment? Their previous words weren't just polite remarks; both had pondered in the Western Pure Land for hundreds of years without gaining anything and had not a single clue about becoming saints.
Taishang revealed a slight smile and said, "The Heavenly Dao brings benefit without harm; the Saint's Dao acts without contention."
Primordial stated, "The Heavenly Dao, clear and turbid in order; the Saint's Dao, conforms to Heaven and heeds the command."
Tongtian said proudly, "Holding a three-foot green peak, I seek the Dao of Heaven and Earth, and with the sword in my hand, I cut through Heaven to seize the Dao."
Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa were momentarily dumbfounded, the three great Daos clear in their hearts: Taishang's Doctrine of Moderation, Primordial's Conformity to Heaven, and Tongtian's Defiance of Heaven.
Jieyin shook his head and sighed, "The three senior brothers have understood the path, the day of becoming Taoists is not far. We are incomparable."
Taishang, Primordial, and Tongtian, their gazes meeting, the image of a young one simultaneously appeared in their minds, the three turned their heads away comfortably.
…
On a small island in the East Sea, Kui Niu was lying on the mountain top, Bai Jin lying beside, resting his upper body on Kui Niu's belly.
"Achoo～"
"Achoo～"
Bai Jin sneezed twice in succession, and rubbing his nose, he muttered to himself, "Who is thinking of me again? Master or junior sister? Or could it be the two Masters?"
He stretched out his hand and patted the big belly of Kui Niu beside him, creating a drumming sound, and said, "Hey, Old Niu, have you decided? Once this opportunity is passed, there won't be another; but is becoming a mount for a saint really beneath your dignity? Do you know what a Saint is?"
Kui Niu's voice thundered, "I know, Taoist Hongjun is a Saint, teaching three thousand disciples as the teacher of Heaven and Earth."
"Right! How prestigious the Saints are. Think about it, while you stroll leisurely through the Primordial World, and suddenly several fierce and evil spirits rush out and surround you, what would you do then?"
Kui Niu's voice thundered, "Fight them."
"What if you cannot defeat them?"
"Then run!"
"What if you can't escape?"
Kui Niu fell silent.
"So, the only option would be waiting for death, right? But if you were the mount of a Saint, it'd be completely different. You'd just need to disdainfully look around at the fierce gods and then proudly declare, 'I am the mount of the Saint Lord.' They'd definitely all be scared off, scattering in all directions. Then, where in the vast Primordial World couldn't you go? Why hide away on this small island?"
Kui Niu's breathing gradually became heavier.
Bai Jin continued to tempt, saying, "If you were the mount of Saint Hong Jun, going to the Heavenly Court, the Demon Emperor would welcome you, visiting the Witch Clan, the Twelve Ancestor Witches would accompany you. Everywhere you went no one would fail to show respect, with a single command Ten Thousand Spirits would live; tell me, isn't that prestigious?"
Kui Niu repeatedly nodded, saying, "Prestigious!"
"Domineering, isn't it?"
"Domineering!"
"Do you want it?"
"I do!"
Bai Jin patted Kui Niu's belly, saying, "Then follow me back."
"But the Tongtian Taoist you mentioned, he's not Taoist Hong Jun."
Bai Jin stood up, replying, "Master Hong Jun is a Saint, my master will also become a Saint in the future, they're both Saints, what's the difference?"
Kui Niu stood up too, buzzing, "Seems like there isn't!"
"That's right. When the East Sea Dragon Clan heard I was looking for a mount, they all flocked in front of me, even a Dragon Girl offered herself to be a pillow, eager to serve my future Saint master as a mount.
But who am I? I am the future Saint Disciple, how could I be swayed by such small temptations?! I fiercely scolded them, making them unbearably ashamed, thus I chose from the East Sea creatures, swearing to give a fair chance."
Kui Niu nodded, muttering, "You are a good person; the East Sea Dragon Clan is too despicable."
Bai Jin sighed, "It's not that the East Sea Dragon Clan is despicable, but rather the identity of a Saint's mount is too precious, I saw you had a connection, so I decided to choose you. If you're not willing, I can only select from the East Sea Dragon Clan."
Pang of regret, speaking resentfully, "It's a shame my body isn't suited to be a mount, otherwise how could this opportunity have fallen to you all?!"
Enviously looking at Kui Niu, "I'm really envying you Primordial Strange Species!"
A glint of pride flashed in Kui Niu's eyes, muttering, "Done, I'm going with you! Don't ever choose those East Sea dragons, they're all too vile, daring to tempt you, ruining our opportunity."
A glint of joy flashed in Bai Jin's eyes, 'It's not easy! Finally managed to swindle the master's mount, and my destiny as a mount has also come to an end.'
Bai Jin lightly hopped onto Kui Niu's back, patting Kui Niu's neck, saying, "As a mount of a Saint, your status is extraordinary, your conduct and behavior will draw attention from various sides, so in the future mind your words and actions. Even if you hold grievances against the East Sea Dragon Clan, don't express it, we need to bear our identity in mind."
Kui Niu raised its head, puffing out its chest, "I understand, I will be Kui Niu with a status henceforth."
Bai Jin excitedly said, "Let's go! We're heading back to Kunlun Mountain, do you know the way to Kunlun Mountain?"
"I know! I've also traveled across the Primordial Land."
Kui Niu, carrying Bai Jin, began to tread across the turbulent seas, swiftly heading towards the mainland.
A spark of inspiration flashed in Bai Jin's heart, immediately asking, "By the way, does your Bull Clan have any other exotic species? Like any powerful Green Bull or Five-colored Divine Bull?"
Kui Niu said in a low voice, "Kui Niu here is one of the Primordial Strange Beasts, I'm not part of the Bull Clan. I have no connection with such an inferior species."
"What's the split of your hooves?"
"Two pieces."
"Biologically, you are classified under the order Artiodactyla and bovine mammals; it's all the same."
"What's science?"
"Science is a discipline that explains things; you wouldn't understand it."
"I understand! It must be akin to the Saint's Dao."