Mowen Jie, Ding Qingyao, Huang Ling'er, Jiang Yurou, Xiao Yawen, Ding Yan, Tuo Baoyingying, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling, and the Jin Can Xianzi and Ling Xue are walking forward at a leisurely pace. The trees on both sides of the road are lush and green, sunlight filtering through the gaps between the leaves to create patchy light and shadows. Everyone is talking and laughing, creating a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.
However, at that very moment, a figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the road ahead. This person was tall and sturdy, dressed in a black armor, with a stern face and sharp eyes that glowed like swords. He exuded an indescribable chill that seemed to freeze everyone in their tracks. Standing there quietly, he seemed like an insurmountable mountain that blocked the path of everyone in front of him.
First to react was Ling Xue, her beautiful face instantly contorting with surprise, she couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "Weda!". This shout was like a thunderous clap in everyone's ears, everyone stopped in their tracks, their gazes converging on the mysterious man who had just appeared.
Huang Ling'er looked at Ling Xue and asked, "Who is this Wei Tuo?"
Mo Wen Jie said, "According to legend, when Guangmu Tai in the human world protected Buddhism, he once encountered a woman named Sulie. Sulie was a very beautiful and intelligent woman, but she abandoned her spiritual path because she was too fond of the worldly pleasures. Guangmu Tai felt great compassion for her, so he transformed into a wealthy son of a rich family and befriended Sulie. After spending some time together, Guangmu Tai was deeply attracted to Sulie's beauty and intelligence, but he also knew that he could not indulge in this temporary happiness for long. Therefore, he decided to leave Sulie and return to the heavens to continue protecting Buddhism."
After returning to the heavens, Guangmu Tai began to think about how to better protect Buddhism. He came up with an idea that he would find a fated person in the human world to protect Buddhism. Finally, he chose a young man named Wei Da as his successor. Wei Da was a courageous, resolute, and loyal young man who had great reverence and faith in Buddhism. Guangmu Tai entrusted Wei Da with three tasks: firstly, to guard all Buddhist temples and practices around the world; secondly, to make the true speech esoteric tradition flow through the world without extinction; and lastly, to let Buddha's Dharma be like a ring on everyone's forehead. Guangmu Tai also told Wei Da that only those who can truly protect Buddhism can fulfill these responsibilities. Later, Wei Da ascended too.
Upon hearing Mo Wen Jie's words, Wei Da couldn't help but be overwhelmed with a surge of shock in his heart, his expression filled with disbelief. He widened his eyes and fixed his gaze intently on Mo Wen Jie, as if he wanted to pierce through the surface to see the deepest secrets of the other's inner self.
"What? You...you're also from Earth and ascended here? That's impossible!" Wei Da's voice shook with extreme surprise. It was no easy feat to successfully ascend from a planet as mundane as Earth, and Wei Da had never heard of anyone else having the same experience before.
At that moment, Wei Da's mind was flooded with countless thoughts. He began to reevaluate the seemingly ordinary Mo Wen Jie before him, silently pondering: What is special about this person that allows him to complete such a difficult leap like myself? Could he be hiding an unknown power or mysterious background? A series of questions popped up in Wei Da's mind, filling him with curiosity and a desire to explore Mo Wen Jie further.
After a gaze between Mo Wen Jie and Ding Qingyao, both nodded in unison and spoke in chorus, "That's right, we both ascended from the distant Earth after enduring countless hardships along the way!" The words they spoke were filled with nostalgia for their difficult past and the preciousness of being here now. As they looked back on their time on Earth, they were just two ordinary people, but their hearts were filled with yearning for higher states and broader horizons. With firm belief and unwavering efforts, they finally stepped onto this challenging yet rewarding path of ascension. The many obstacles and tests they encountered along the way did not break them but made them stronger. And now, as they looked back at their past, those once difficult experiences had become nourishing nutrients for their growth, propelling them forward in their journey.
Upon hearing Mo Wen Jie and Ding Qingyao's words, Wei Da was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions and thoughts. He had never imagined that he would encounter them here in the vast expanse of the heavens. In such a boundless realm teeming with deities, it was indeed difficult for any two individuals to meet, let alone rekindle an old acquaintance! At this moment, Wei Da looked at the two before him with eyes sparkling with a hint of surprise, marveling, "It never occurred to me that we would meet here; it's truly not easy!" Following this, he slightly furrowed his brow and inquired out of curiosity, "I wonder what brings you two to this place?" His words were laced with deep concern.
Mo Wen Jie and Ding Qingyao also hold Wei Da in great admiration.
Mo Wen Jie looked at Wei Da and said, "I and Ding Qingyao, Huang Ling'er, Jiang Yurou, Xiao Yawen, Ding Yan, Tuo Baoyingying, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling, Jin Can Xianzi and Ling Xue have all come from the first level of heaven to the seventh level of heaven. Our goal is beyond the thirty-sixth level of heaven."
Upon hearing this, Wei Da's eyes showed more respect, "Beyond the thirty-sixth level of heaven is a place of great danger, with many chaotic forces and unknown restrictions." Mo Wen Jie smiled and said, "Exactly because of the numerous dangers, it is worth exploring even more. We want to pursue a higher path." Wei Da pondered for a moment and said, "Your courage is commendable, but this journey will be much more difficult than imagined. I have heard that there are remnants of ancient gods' souls wandering in that area, and one could easily be devoured by them." The group listened and their expressions slightly changed. But Ding Qingyao stepped forward and said, "Big Brother Wei Da, we have already overcome countless dangers on our journey." Wei Da saw that the group was determined, so he said, "In that case, I have a treasure here called 'Lingxiu Protective Charm'. It can withstand one fatal attack and may help you in your endeavor."
Mo Wen Jie gratefully took the item, "Thank you, Brother Wei Da for your kindness. If we are fortunate enough to return, we will certainly repay you." With that said, the group bid farewell to Wei Da and continued on their journey. They were well aware of the uncertainty ahead, but their yearning for what lay beyond the thirty-sixth level of heaven grew stronger, and their steps became more resolute as they moved forward towards their goal one step at a time.
After several days of traveling, the surroundings became increasingly strange. Colored lights occasionally flashed in the sky, and occasionally, a ghostly blue flame would emerge from the ground. Suddenly, a melodious pipa sound echoed through the air, with a tune that was graceful and ethereal, making people involuntarily intoxicated by it. However, everyone was on guard, as the pipa sound appeared too suddenly. As the pipa sound grew closer, a huge white deer appeared in their sight, carrying a white-clad youth on its back. The youth had a jade-like face and cold eyes.
"How dare you outsiders trespass in this place," the youth coldly said. Mo Wen Jie approached and bowed respectfully, explaining their intentions. The youth sneered coldly, "This is the seventh level of heaven where outsiders should not venture. You should turn back now." The group shook their heads decisively. Upon seeing this, the youth, with a slight furrowing of his brow, waved his pipa in his hand. Many mist-like creatures surged around them from all sides. Mo Wen Jie and the others quickly formed an array to resist them, with a burst of magical light flashing all around. Mo Wen Jie unleashed a powerful incantation towards the monster group, temporarily dispersing them. The white-clad youth seemed surprised by their strength and didn't expect them to have such abilities. Both sides remained at an impasse with an atmosphere thick with tension.
The white-clad youth huffed coldly, his hands weaving incantations. The mist-like creatures merged together into a massive cloud dragon. The dragon, with its gaping jaws and clawing paws, lunged at the group from above with an overwhelming aura. Mo Wen Jie took a deep breath and, with Ding Qingyao's aid, unleashed a powerful technique. A dazzling shield of light appeared in front of the group. The cloud dragon collided with the shield, sending out a deafening roar.
At this moment, the Golden Silk Fairy, who had remained silent until now, shouted forcefully, and countless golden silk threads shot out from her sleeves to wrap around the cloud dragon. Seeing this, the white-clad youth quickened the rhythm of his pipa playing, causing the cloud dragon to violently break free of the silk bonds and turn its attack towards the Golden Silk Fairy. Just as it was about to strike, Ling Xue threw out a dart of ice essence, slowing down the cloud dragon's speed.
Mo Wen Jie took the opportunity to fly up to the sky and shout at the youth, "We have no ill intentions, we are just passing through. Why do you have to bully us?" However, the youth remained unmoved. Suddenly, a series of harmonious bell sounds echoed from afar, causing the youth's expression to change. The misty monsters disappeared instantly. He looked at the group with a glance and said, "Today, I will let you pass. But if you continue to move forward, don't blame me for being ruthless." With that, he mounted his white deer and galloped away quickly.
Mo Wen Jie, Ding Qingyao, Huang Ling'er, Jiang Yurou, Xiao Yawen, Ding Yan, Tuo Baoyingying, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling and the others such as Jin Can Xianzi and Ling Xue breathed a sigh of relief. Although they knew nothing about the sudden bell sound that had just appeared, they still privately felt grateful to have been so lucky to avoid this disaster.
After a brief rest and adjustment, the group began to repack their belongings, checking for any lost or damaged items. After confirming everything was in order, they set off again, stepping forward with resolute strides, continuing on their journey along the unknown path ahead.
Although each of their faces still had a trace of a lingering nervous expression, there was also a growing sense of expectation and bravery as they faced the future.
The group continued their journey, and soon, a lake shimmering with odd light appeared in front of them. The water was sparkling, yet it carried an indescribable sense of mystery. Mo Wen Jie picked up a stone and threw it into the lake. The stone turned into powder instantly.
"It seems there's something peculiar about this lake," Ding Qingyao frowned. Just as the group was feeling at a loss, a stone bridge slowly rose from the center of the lake, its body covered in ancient runes.
"Well, we have no choice but to cross the bridge," Mo Wen Jie stepped onto the stone bridge first. As soon as he reached the middle of the bridge, the surrounding space suddenly distorted, and various illusions appeared. There were terrifying demons roaring, as well as tempting treasures piled up like mountains.
Everyone closed their eyes and clung to their true self. Mo Wen Jie silently recited the "Clear Mind Sutra" to stabilize his mind, while also reminding his companions. Suddenly, an invisible giant hand reached out to grasp Huang Ling'er. Mo Wen Jie acted quickly, using his power to repel the giant hand.
After barely making it across the stone bridge, the group was exhausted. However, ahead lay another foggy forest, with eerie howls echoing faintly. Mo Wen Jie clenched his fists, "No matter how many dangers and obstacles we face, we must reach beyond the thirty-sixth level of heaven." The group encouraged each other and stepped into the foggy forest, ready to face new challenges.
