Chapter 180: Chapter 117: Ming Yu, Answer Me

In such a manner, under the awe-filled gazes of the crowd, Chu Xuan descended the stage with the two women and returned to the platform where the Daoist Palace was situated.

Upon his return, Xu Xiaoxiao naturally showered praises on her senior brother, and even Master Su Yu nodded at him, without questioning the origin of the relic.

Qingqing and Gu Haitang still experienced some aftereffects, so they sat cross-legged to regulate their breath in order to prevent any hidden dangers from affecting their future cultivation.

Realizing this talent of his couldn’t be left alone, the concerned Master Liu took the initiative to bring the cultivators of the Purple Heaven Jade Mansion over here to make some space.

Fortunately, there weren’t many people on either side, so everyone managed to find a seat.

Originally, Pei Shurou was unwilling to interact with outsiders, but Master Liu persuaded her to come over, worried she might faint again.

After some brief exchange of pleasantries, Master Liu busied herself with administering medicinal pills to Haitang and personally sat behind her, using her own magical power to adjust her meridians, allowing her to focus on dealing with her inner demons.

Pei Shurou simply gave Su Yu a faint nod before sitting quietly with her eyes closed to rest.

Chu Xuan cast a somewhat complex look at her but ultimately refrained from greeting her, since the Celestial Evil Demon Venerable was already dead, it was best not to bring her more harm.

Following this, the Hundred Flower Banquet finally transitioned to the "Preaching" segment.

The first to ascend the stage was the nun from Shuiyue Nunnery who wished to capitalize on Chu Xuan’s earlier display of the Thousand-Handed Guanyin Dharma Aspect to further promote Buddhist teachings while the impression was still fresh.

Since Shuiyue Nunnery venerates Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and given Chu Xuan had just demonstrated the Thousand-Handed Guanyin Dharma Aspect, the nun lectured on the "Sutra of the Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes Great Compassion Heart Mantra."

The nun knew well that most present hadn’t practiced Buddhism, so she avoided rigidly reciting scriptures mechanically.

Instead, she explained the teachings in a straightforward and relatable manner, simultaneously resolving doubts and guiding the guests through cultivation challenges, which made her quite well-received.

Most of the attendees were female cultivators who freely discussed the key points of female cultivation with the nun without any embarrassment, creating an atmosphere of harmonious joy.

Lady Baihua observed this with some relief, taking a sip of her tea.

The preaching session wasn’t entirely smooth, naturally facing skepticism from other cultivators, for each individual’s comprehension of the "Dao" varies.

At this point, debates would arise, sometimes leading to onstage disputations. Whoever lost such a debate faced more than just a loss of face; even their Dao heart might waver.

Consequently, those without genuine knowledge and talent wouldn’t dare to step on stage.

During the nun’s teachings, Xi Hongzhuang from the Hehuan Sect sharply questioned some Buddhist doctrines, such as:

"Why must the Dragon Maiden transform into a male body to attain Buddhahood? Can’t a woman become a Buddha and an ancestor?"

However, the nun gently resolved each of Xi Hongzhuang’s challenges, beginning by explaining the principle "All beings possess Buddha-nature, regardless of gender," then citing Lady Srimala’s direct attainment of Buddhahood as a woman.

It was at this point that Chu Xuan heard of the "Sutra of the Victory Banner," although the story of the Dragon Maiden attaining Buddhahood from the "Lotus Scripture" was already widely known to him.

Afterwards, other senior practitioners from various sects took the stage to lecture, each receiving positive responses.

Even Master Su Yu went on stage representing the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace, offering insights into the path of talismans.

Major righteous sects like Purple Heaven, Tianxu, and Celestial Sword naturally had to set good examples and sent representatives on stage as well.

From Purple Heaven, Master Liu delivered a lecture, while Pei Shurou appeared to be merely on an outing for leisure.

While engrossed in the lectures, Chu Xuan also scoured the assembly for anyone who resembled "Bai Xiaosheng," but the person was hidden quite thoroughly, making it impossible to identify him.

It wasn’t until an elder from the Minglun Confucian Sect took the stage that a middle-aged scholarly figure persistently countered him, contradicting every direction and philosophy, debating Confucian theory with Mohist ideas.

The elder took it in stride, explaining patiently, but his pupil, the female Confucian scholar Yan Zhili, was less accommodating.

"Are you here just to cause trouble? The elder is discussing Confucian ideas; at least keep your questions within that framework."

"Oh, you just don’t get it, do you?" The middle-aged scholar snapped open a folding fan, speaking leisurely.

"I’m employing the method of ’competing diverse theories, different schools challenging each other,’ to continually refine and surpass former sages by letting various intellectual currents compete."

Yan Zhili snorted coldly, "If you know about ’competing diverse theories,’ haven’t you heard about ’foul purple usurping pure red’?"

"I disdain purple usurping pure red, I disdain the noise of vulgar music, and I disdain eloquence disrupting national order."

And so, the two engaged in a sophisticated verbal sparring, leading Chu Xuan to marvel at their cultured bickering ways.

However, he also secretly noted this middle-aged scholar, recognizing his debating prowess reminiscently akin to Bai Xiaosheng’s style seen in literature.

The preaching session continued, lasting three days and nights, with eminent figures taking turns lecturing, greatly enriching the participants.

Many hoped that the Primordial Monarch Taixu would also grace the stage to lecture, but alas, the session concluded without his appearnace.

Although there was minor disappointment, by this point, the Hundred Flower Banquet had smoothly reached its concluding phase.

At the end of the banquet, Lady Baihua clapped her hands and had numerous delicacies imbued with spiritual qi brought forth, along with an array of exquisite wines, leaving everyone thoroughly content.