In the void, amid flashes of lightning and rumbling thunder, Tripitaka sped through the storm. His figure flickered unpredictably—no matter how densely the lightning barred his path, it could not catch the slightest trace of his motion.
In just a moment, the blood sphere formed by the fusion of Monkey and the Six-Eared Macaque appeared ahead.
Without a word, Tripitaka adjusted his direction and raced toward the blood sphere.
“This has nothing to do with you!”
A thunderous shout echoed through the void, like a peal of thunder. In the next instant, a massive tentacle swept down from above, striking toward Tripitaka.
Without a hint of panic, not even slowing to dodge, Tripitaka simply turned his body slightly and pointed across the void, then swept his finger. The enormous tentacle instantly froze as if encased in ice, then burst apart in a brilliant flash of light.
A flash of white light illuminated his jade-like face—neither sorrowful nor joyful.
“All things under Heaven and Earth concern this poor monk.”
With a sweep of his sleeve, Tripitaka continued charging toward the blood sphere.
Suddenly, a deafening roar erupted in the void, like a ferocious beast howling in the darkness.
The howling wind gathered; Lord Buddha's true form quietly appeared, his face deathly pale as if gravely wounded, eyes hollow and empty.
...
Lord Genesis furrowed his brow and muttered, "I still don't understand..."
Lord Lao asked softly, "Do you know what Universal Salvation truly means?"
Looking at Lord Lao with a hint of confusion, Lord Genesis gently shook his head.
Taking a deep breath, Lord Lao explained quietly, "When people turn to goodness, when all beings hold compassion in their hearts, bliss becomes possible—that is Universal Salvation."
"But he clearly hasn't achieved that." Pointing at the ruined world before them, Lord Genesis said, "Is this what you call bliss? In this world—can bliss truly be possible?"
"The world can be repaired. The dead can reincarnate. None of that is the real problem. The key is... he has broken through the most crucial barrier." Lord Lao continued after a brief pause.
"Which barrier?" Lord Genesis asked urgently.
Glancing at Lord Genesis, Lord Lao spoke softly, "Within the scope of the Heavenly Dao, there is no beauty or ugliness, no good or evil, and no karma born of such distinctions. Therefore, a flower of goodness can still bear evil fruit. Isn't there a saying among mortals? 'Those who kill and burn wear golden belts; those who build bridges and repair roads leave no corpse behind.' That is why, in the past, even Nuwa was powerless to turn the tide."
Upon hearing this, Lord Genesis's eyes flickered with realization.
"To achieve Universal Salvation is actually very simple. As long as people turn to goodness, Universal Salvation will naturally follow. But why should people turn to goodness?" After a slight pause, Lord Lao continued, "Because there exists a powerful Heavenly Dao cultivator who desires to save all beings. He uses his strength to set new rules for the Heavenly Dao. If good is rewarded and evil is punished, then..."
"I understand," Lord Genesis said quietly.
Lord Lao nodded slightly and sighed deeply, "So, Golden Cicada has already won."
...
Supporting himself on his shoulder, Lord Buddha limped heavily toward the door, looking up at the lingering trace of Heavenly Tribulation in the sky.
...
Lord Lao sighed softly, shaking his head again and again.
...
It was as if Tripitaka had awakened the entire void; countless attacks of every form howled forth, illuminating the emptiness as if the whole sky had come alive.
Upon hearing this, Lord Genesis's eyes flickered with realization.
"To achieve Universal Salvation is actually very simple. As long as people turn to goodness, Universal Salvation will naturally follow. But why should people turn to goodness?" After a slight pause, Lord Lao continued, "Because there exists a powerful Heavenly Dao cultivator who desires to save all beings. He uses his strength to set new rules for the Heavenly Dao. If good is rewarded and evil is punished, then..."
"I understand," Lord Genesis said quietly.
Lord Lao nodded slightly and sighed deeply, "So, Golden Cicada has already won."
...
Supporting himself on his shoulder, Lord Buddha limped heavily toward the door, looking up at the lingering trace of Heavenly Tribulation in the sky.
...
Lord Lao sighed softly, shaking his head again and again.
...
It was as if Tripitaka had awakened the entire void; countless attacks of every form howled forth, illuminating the emptiness as if the whole sky had come alive.