Chapter 23
Fate is rare and should be cherished.
Freed from the myriad torments and suffering, the female immortals present were no ordinary people. They simply circulated their profound energy for a few cycles and immediately recovered.
But their legs went weak and their eyes were filled with fear. Even the Holy Mother Guiling, who was so angry that she almost went mad, did not dare to look at Guang Chengzi again.
The state of being subjected to countless hellish torments was so terrifying that even the demons themselves dared not appear again, for fear of suffering such torment once more. This was a punishment that even demons feared!
Although Guang Chengzi had withdrawn the Heart of Hell's Projection, the Immortal Suppression Tower above his head still radiated countless brilliant immortal lights, dazzling and colorful, with tassels hanging down, and in a trance, it supported a vast immortal realm, enveloping all the immortals present.
This celestial realm is filled with drifting clouds, golden and red rosy clouds that illuminate the sky and the earth, and auspicious purple and blue auras rising and falling. Treasures are everywhere, and trees are made of beautiful jade. Countless immortals come and go within it.
Clearly formed from spiritual light, these celestial figures chatted and laughed as freely as real people, drinking tea and expounding the Dao. Each one was as unrestrained as the clouds in the sky and as ethereal as the wind on the ground, truly displaying the demeanor of immortals, carefree and unrestrained.
Yet, even within this celestial realm, these female immortals all appeared pale and suffered from an indescribable stinging sensation throughout their bodies.
It was as if a flower or plant had been placed by a fire, where the intense heat and sparks flew everywhere. Naturally, the flower stamens withered, the petals shrank, and the branches and leaves fell away. It was as if if they stayed there too long, their lives would also be lost.
Even the two female immortals of the Shangqing lineage gritted their teeth and pursed their lips, with their magical treasures automatically protecting them and casting waves of cool energy, barely managing to shield themselves. However, they could do nothing to help their many fellow disciples.
It is likely that among all the immortals present, only Guang Chengzi can still freely enter and exit, completely ignoring the suppression of this immortal realm.
Seeing the struggling Holy Mother Wudang and Holy Mother Guiling, Guang Chengzi coldly shouted, "Stop immediately! Killing fellow disciples is an unforgivable crime, second only to betraying one's master and ancestors!"
I have received the command of the Supreme Pure Lingbao Heavenly Venerable and have been instructed to supervise the immortals of Biyou Palace. I must not stand idly by and watch such a human tragedy unfold before my eyes. If I do, would I not be failing the Heavenly Venerable's expectations?
Furthermore, you have failed the Immortal Suppression Tower. However, you were merely fighting out of pride and did not intend to kill your fellow disciples. Therefore, I am unwilling to punish you excessively or use severe punishment to suppress you.
"But while you may escape death, you cannot escape punishment. Without suffering, you will never learn your lesson. Holy Mother Tortoise Spirit, I punish you by making you copy the 'Mirror of Retribution' ten thousand times. If there is even one incorrect, crooked, or missing word, you will immediately have to rewrite it a hundred more times. Are you willing to endure this?"
Guang Chengzi spoke in a loud and fast voice, extremely stern, leaving no room for negotiation. He said it was a matter of willingness, but in reality, it was a matter of acceptance.
In the past, the Holy Mother of the Tortoise Spirit would have been furious and would have taken out the Sun and Moon Pearl to fight Guang Chengzi to the death. What qualifications or ability does a disciple of the Jade Void Palace have to order us around?
Having been subjected to countless hells and then suppressed by this fairyland, the Turtle Spirit Mother's arrogance had long been extinguished, so she could only obediently bow her head and agree. But whether she was willing to do so was unknown.
Even if you force a cow to drink water, it won't drink even if you stick out its tongue.
Guang Chengzi didn't care whether Guiling Shengmu was willing or not. After punishing her, he looked at Wudang Shengmu and pondered for a moment before saying, "Junior Sister Wudang was also protecting Master. She is sincere and eager to help others."
Although it was wrong to draw her sword against her fellow disciple, her intentions were clear. If she were punished for this, wouldn't that discourage the many immortals of Shangqing from respecting their teacher? However, as the senior sister, it would be a sin not to advise her junior sister.
Since that's the case, Junior Sister Wudang, you should return to quiet your mind for ten thousand years, forbidding cultivation and enlightenment, and instead repent. Junior Sister, are you willing to accept this precept?
The punishment was neither too severe nor too lenient; it was a case of raising the issue high and then lowering it gently, leaving no room for criticism.
If one can cultivate and comprehend the Dao, let alone ten thousand years, even a million, ten million, or a hundred million years would be but a fleeting moment for the Holy Mother of Wudang.
But if one just sits quietly, let alone for ten thousand years, even a few years would be boring enough, which could be considered a punishment for restless people.
The original form of the Holy Mother Wudang was the first ape in the primordial world, so she was naturally the most active. However, the Holy Mother Wudang first lived as a wild beast for countless years before becoming an immortal and cultivating for many years. Naturally, she was not as lively as an ordinary monkey. She was willing to accept the punishment, knowing that Guang Chengzi had already taken care of her intentionally.
Seeing that the two women had obediently accepted their punishment, Guang Chengzi finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Punishment is not torture, but to make you understand right and wrong. Since you are fellow disciples, it is a fate that has been cultivated for countless lifetimes. There is no next life."
Instead of cherishing this bond, you've turned on each other, betraying the destiny bestowed upon you by Heaven. I hope you will take good care of yourselves, understand the value of this relationship, and not let Uncle Tongtian shed blood and tears.
Mentioning other people is one thing, as these Shangqing immortals might not even pay attention, but mentioning Tongtian happens to hit their weak spot.
Especially the Holy Mother Guiling, whose face was filled with shame. Of all evils, lust is the worst. Judging by actions, not intentions, there have never been perfect people since ancient times.
When Guang Chengzi exposed her sordid thoughts, no one was more anxious or eager to prove herself than the Holy Mother of the Tortoise Spirit, yet she didn't know how to express it.
You say that's not what you really think, but who can dig your heart out and see it?
Especially now that she has suffered repeated blows, she is already physically and mentally exhausted, but she can only force herself to persevere with anger. However, even her anger has dissipated, and the Holy Mother of the Tortoise Spirit is already feeling tired.
The Holy Mother of Wudang said softly, "Our benevolent teacher is willing to spread his teachings throughout the world and bestow grace upon all living beings. He is a worthy teacher of enlightenment. Even his enemies admire this act. We who have benefited from this should serve him wholeheartedly."
She spoke softly and slowly, as if she were saying something, yet as if she were saying nothing at all, but this only made the Holy Mother of the Tortoise Spirit feel even more ashamed, bowing her head in speechless contemplation, only thinking of going to the Langhuan Library to copy the "Mirror of Karma".
Guang Chengzi nodded slightly, but did not punish the other female immortals. After all, they were just bystanders. Although Caiyun Xian interrupted others, it was just rudeness and not a crime.
With a wave of its hand, the Immortal Suppressing Pagoda trembled violently, its bottom suction force expanding dramatically, directly drawing in the surrounding ethereal fairyland. Finally, with a powerful shake, it flung the two immortals out.
Without the suppression of the fairy realm, the immortals present regained their magical power, feeling light all over. They unconsciously wore smiles, which made the place bloom with a hundred flowers and full of fairy energy.
On the contrary, Jin Guangxian and Yu Yixian, who had just escaped their predicament, were initially dizzy and filthy, but upon seeing the two women, the Holy Mother Wudang, they immediately perked up. Jin Guangxian even shouted, "Senior sisters, please save us!"