The Human race, and indeed all beings of the Primordial Era, listened to Tai Shang’s words and observed his solemn demeanor, their hearts filled with uncertainty.
They now understood Tai Shang’s intention: to achieve sainthood through merit, just like Nuwa. However, the idea that simply shouting a few words to the Human race could lead to sainthood seemed almost unbelievable.
Yet, soon after Tai Shang finished speaking and released his restrictions, all beings in the Primordial Era were shocked.
“Merit and Fortune!”
Looking up, they saw that within the immense celestial projection, Tai Shang’s aura erupted, bathed in an boundless sea of merit. From above the heads of the Human race below, wisps of fortune ascended, quickly converging into an immense torrent that landed upon Tai Shang. Aided by merit and fortune, Tai Shang’s power reached its zenith.
Boom!
With a world-shattering roar, Tai Shang’s aura exploded outwards, a colossal pressure instantly sweeping across the Primordial Era, causing all beings to tremble. Sensing this unparalleled power, the beings of the Primordial Era were utterly astonished. Could it be? Had Tai Shang truly achieved sainthood this way?
As the beings of the Primordial Era remained in bewildered doubt, a majestic voice echoed throughout the heavens and earth, reaching every ear.
“Tai Shang establishes a sect to teach and guide the Human race, accumulating immeasurable merit. Heaven’s will permits it, and the path to sainthood is achieved!”
Upon hearing this, the beings of the Primordial Era understood. This was the voice of Heaven’s Will! When Nuwa had achieved sainthood, this very voice had rung out, acknowledging her status. Now, it sounded again, confirming Tai Shang’s sainthood!
Tai Shang, hearing the voice of Heaven’s Will, felt a flicker of displeasure, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. With a smile, he bowed to the heavens and earth, expressing his gratitude.
Never mind, he thought. Might as well play the part to the end. Even though he had secretly switched to achieving sainthood through the Dao Seed, since it wasn’t exposed, he would obediently remain a puppet Heavenly Dao Saint.
Witnessing this, the beings of the Primordial Era, though finding it incredible, had no choice but to accept the reality. Tai Shang had truly established a sect among the Human race and attained the Dao, achieving sainthood! From this moment on, he was a Saint, immortal and eternal, existing with the heavens and earth, a supreme being in the Primordial Era!
However, the top-tier great cultivators of the Primordial Era were still filled with confusion. From across the vast expanse, they voiced their questions.
“This is acceptable? The merit and fortune rose directly from Tai Shang’s person?”
“Indeed, when Saint Nuwa achieved sainthood, didn’t the merit descend from the horizon?”
“What is this? I’ve never seen anything like it!”
The great cultivators of the Primordial Era expressed their perplexity. They had only ever seen merit originate from the distant horizon, never welling up from within a person.
Tai Shang heard the words of these great cultivators, and his heart tightened. Could it be? Had these fellows already sensed something amiss? If this matter were to be exposed, where would he hide his face? He should have asked fellow Daoist Xu Fang to conceal it and create the illusion of merit descending from the horizon!
However, soon after, the great cultivators spoke again.
“This is truly bizarre, but Heaven’s Will has spoken, proving that Tai Shang truly established a sect to teach and guide, invoking merit and fortune, and gaining Heaven’s acknowledgment.”
“Yes, Heaven’s Will itself has confirmed it. This merit arose from Tai Shang’s establishment of the sect and his act of teaching. Why doubt it?”
“Wait, it seems there’s still some merit and fortune remaining!”
The great cultivators of the Primordial Era discussed amongst themselves, quickly finding their explanations. At the same time, they noticed that after Tai Shang achieved sainthood, a considerable amount of merit and fortune still swirled around him, igniting their covetousness. While this might not be enough to make them Saints, it could certainly help them improve their cultivation. If only it were theirs!
Tai Shang listened to their words and felt a sense of relief that they had found their own explanations and attributed the borrowing of merit to himself, thus preventing his scheme from being exposed. Taking their cue, Tai Shang looked at the merit and fortune that remained after his ascension and, without hesitation, waved his hand.
“Fellow Daoist Xu Fang, my achievement of sainthood this time is thanks to your assistance and witness. This merit and fortune is for you!”
The merit and fortune surged like a tide, engulfing Xu Fang.
“Xu Fang!”
Through the celestial projection, the beings of the Primordial Era finally caught sight of Xu Fang, who stood beside Tai Shang. It was not entirely their fault; their attention had been solely on Tai Shang, and they had truly not noticed Xu Fang. Now, hearing Tai Shang’s words and seeing him casually bestow the remaining merit and fortune upon Xu Fang, they were utterly astonished.
“Why is Xu Fang here? What is going on?”
“Wait, didn’t Tai Shang just announce to the heavens and earth that he invited Xu Fang to witness?”
“How did Xu Fang help Tai Shang? Did he just stand by and watch?”
The great cultivators of the Primordial Era were incredulous. Seeing Tai Shang bestow the remaining merit and fortune upon Xu Fang without the slightest hesitation, they were filled with a pang of regret. This was merit and fortune! Tai Shang gave it away so readily, without a second thought?
They did not understand Tai Shang’s thinking. Since the merit was borrowed from Xu Fang, what was borrowed must be returned. Since he didn’t need so much, he might as well return some to Xu Fang and reduce his debt. As for the great cultivators, even though they had found their own explanations, to completely quell any suspicion, why not publicly present a portion of merit before the beings of the Primordial Era to solidify his claim of earning merit through his own strength? As for the fortune of the Human race, consider it interest for Xu Fang.
Xu Fang, enveloped by the merit and fortune, felt a wave of helplessness. Tai Shang had made it seem as though he was genuinely accepting a gift. He thought to himself, the merit for Tai Shang’s sainthood was borrowed from him in the first place! However, Xu Fang also knew Tai Shang’s pride, and this matter of borrowing merit certainly needed to be concealed. Thus, despite his frustration, Xu Fang had no choice but to silently accept the merit and fortune. After all, if one were to be precise, he had gotten there first and intercepted Tai Shang. This could be considered making amends and allowing him to save face.
Xu Fang had no idea what expression the beings of the Primordial Era wore as they watched him accept this merit without any obstruction.
At this moment, the Primordial Era was in an uproar.
“No way, can this Xu Fang really help Tai Shang achieve sainthood?”
“He himself is not a Saint, how is that possible!”
“How is it not possible! Have you forgotten Nuwa’s past, or Houtu’s situation? Can you not see Tai Shang’s current situation?”
“What should we say? The sainthood of these three Saints is all related to him. Could Xu Fang be their mentor for achieving sainthood? Their witness?”
“Could this be Dao Ancestor Hongjun’s arrangement? Dao Ancestor Hongjun is truly far-sighted!”
The beings of the Primordial Era discussed endlessly, and Xu Fang’s popularity instantly surpassed that of the newly-ascended Tai Shang, becoming the subject of intense discussion. Meanwhile, the great cultivators of the Primordial Era felt their hearts stir. Xu Fang had guided two Saints to achieve sainthood consecutively. How unfathomable was that? If they could befriend him, perhaps they might receive his guidance. Even if they couldn’t achieve sainthood, improving their cultivation by one or two realms should be possible! And among them, those who were destined to become future Saints felt even more profound and unrestrained emotions!