All present knew that the Buddhist Sect and Taoism did not get along well. Generally, it was impossible for any Taoist Real Man's Celestial Being Grand Ceremony to invite people from the Buddhist Sect. The invitation of individuals from the Ascetic Sect by Taoist Longshan back then was an exception.

But now.

Dajue Temple has come uninvited.

Some people's expressions were strange.

They more or less knew some of the old affairs of the True Profound Sect and understood that the True Profound Taoist Monarch had conflicts with a Buddha in the past, making it even more impossible for them to have any connection with the Buddhist Sect. The Dajue Temple was faintly the head of the Buddhist Sect.

What kind of play is being performed now?

One by one, gazes followed the grand sound, and Ning Qi was no exception. His eyes flickered slightly, knowing that today's events were likely not simple, as the usually carefree Taoist Baishan unexpectedly showed a rare seriousness.

"Amitabha, greetings to fellow Taoists. This humble monk comes uninvited and asks for forgiveness!"

What came into view.

A group of monks, clad in red and gold robes and barefoot, each with a focused demeanor, bowing their heads chanting the Buddha's name. The solemn aura sent a chill through people's hearts.

The speaker was the leading old monk.

Some had already recognized his identity: Abbot of Dajue Temple, Master Miaokong. His strength was extraordinarily high, even surpassing that of True Man Baixiang.

True Man Baixiang wore a smile on his face though his eyes showed not a trace of emotion:

"So it's Master Miaokong. I wonder what brings you to this humble place?"

Master Miaokong, with kindly eyes and a benevolent face, smiled and said:

"Naturally, I've come to congratulate your sect's True Man Baishan on ascending to the Celestial Being Realm!"

True Man Baixiang laughed heartily.

"Guests are guests. Since that's the case, please take a seat. I'm curious about the congratulatory gifts you've brought, perfect for fellow Taoists to take a look at."

The two exchanged smiles, yet everyone caught the undertone of gunpowder in their words.

The host did not seem like the host, nor did the guest seem like the guest.

Master Miaokong continued to smile.

"Exactly what I intended."

With a chant of the Buddha's name, two young monks immediately carried a tall object close. Covered with a red cloth, the specifics were unclear, gradually piquing everyone's curiosity.

With a swoosh, the red cloth was lifted.

There was a low bustle of astonishment instantly.

Master Miaokong's voice remained grand:

"We came across a Heavenly Crane Exotic Tree by accident. Please, Real Men of the True Profound Sect, appreciate it."

The previously unshakable disciples of the True Profound Sect now looked distressed, and the eyes of several Real Men showed a hidden anger.

Ning Qi raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding the reason.

In recent days, following Taoist Baishan, he had gained much knowledge and learned some secrets of the True Profound Sect. The reason for the fierce battle back then between the True Profound Taoist Monarch and that Buddha was the Heavenly Crane Tree, named for its resemblance to a celestial crane. This tree bears fruit every hundred years, which is also quite beneficial to a Martial Saint.

Later, it was stolen by a traitor during a past generation of the True Profound Sect and vanished without a trace—surprisingly now appearing in the hands of monks from Dajue Temple.

However.

This Heavenly Crane Tree now has completely withered away, shriveled beyond recognition.

This was no doubt a double slap in the face for the True Profound Sect.

It was akin to humiliating your wife and publicly displaying her broken body afterward.

True Man Baixiang and the other two Real Men were all furious, coldly staring at Master Miaokong. True Man Baiye sarcastically said:

"Back then, a traitor infiltrated our True Profound Sect and stole this treasure of the sect, the Heavenly Crane Tree, which then vanished. Who would have thought it was the doing of you Buddhist folks? You sure preach strict discipline for others and leniency for yourselves!"

True Man Baihe directly scolded unceremoniously:

"I said why you baldies would come uninvited, and indeed, you meant no good. If today's matter isn't explained, don't expect to leave the mountain!"

He had no need to worry about maintaining the grace of a sect leader, thus spoke freely from the heart.

With those words.

Disciples of the True Profound Sect wore grave expressions, their aura flaring up, encircling the members from Dajue Temple.

Yet countless monks remained unmoved. Master Miaokong lowered his hands and said:

"Real Men, I fear there is a misunderstanding. This Heavenly Crane Tree was obtained by our Dajue Temple by chance, and it was already in such condition when we acquired it. Considering the Heavenly Crane Tree seems to have some connection with your esteemed sect, we brought it here."

"If Real Men do not favor it, this monk shall destroy the tree right now as an apology."

Having said that.

Without the slightest hesitation, he raised his palm to strike. Between his palms, golden light blossomed, vaguely accompanied by Buddhist chants.

"Damn bald, dare you!"

True Man Baixiang's eyes glared with anger. The old Taoist had been trying to maintain his composure, but seeing Master Miaokong intent on destroying the Heavenly Crane Tree, he could no longer restrain himself. Though the Heavenly Crane Tree was withered, now that the True Monarch had returned, there might be astonishing means to restore it. How could he allow Master Miaokong to destroy it?

He swung his duster, resembling an elephant's trunk in the sky, and swept towards Master Miaokong.

Boom!

With a roar, True Man Baixiang had already started contending with Master Miaokong.

The Power of Heaven and Earth erupted.

True Man Baixiang and Master Miaokong stood opposite each other, competing in strength, with the Heavenly Crane Tree becoming the medium of the contest. A slight mishap, and the Heavenly Crane Tree would be reduced to dust.

But it was obvious.

True Man Baixiang was still at a disadvantage compared to Master Miaokong, who had spare strength, while True Man Baixiang's Taoist Robe was already billowing like drums, his white hair and beard floating.

Upon seeing this.

True Man Baihe and True Man Baiye stepped forward together to stabilize the situation.

Everyone was amazed.

No one expected the situation to escalate so rapidly. The originally prosperous Celestial Being Grand Ceremony, poised to enter the most anticipated lecture phase, unexpectedly encountered such a change.

Those present who were invited were mostly close to the True Profound Sect; seeing this situation, they hesitated.

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