Chapter 463: For the Sake of Ranking
After driving away Buddha Tathāgata, Ye Tian felt that the other had truly overestimated himself. He actually thought he had a chance of surpassing Ye Tian—that was absolutely impossible.
"Tang Sanzang, let me tell you this: if you want to become stronger, only then will you be free from the constraints of that Tathāgata Buddha. If you're willing to join my faction, I believe your strength will grow at an astonishing pace. By then, you won't ever have to be bound by him again."
Ye Tian's words cut deeply into Tang Sanzang. He knew that his decision at this moment was extremely important. After a moment of silence, he said to Ye Tian, "Thank you for offering me the opportunity, but right now, my most important mission is to travel to the West to retrieve the scriptures. I cannot betray the Buddha."
"Why? Is obtaining the scriptures really that important?"
"This is a great undertaking that brings happiness and salvation to all living beings. To me, it is of the utmost importance—and for the entire world as well."
After hearing Tang Sanzang's response, Ye Tian couldn't help but feel that Tang Sanzang was somewhat inflexible. In his view, Tang Sanzang believed that only Buddhism could benefit all beings—and that Ye Tian couldn't accomplish the same.
But in reality, a person's fate is entirely the result of their own choices. To benefit all living beings, one didn't necessarily have to stand with Tathāgata. Ye Tian believed he was just as capable.
Seeing that Ye Tian seemed somewhat displeased, Tang Sanzang asked, "Do you disagree with my decision? Or are you disappointed in me?"
"Disappointed? Not really. It's just that the world is too complicated—not everything and everyone can be controlled. Since you're unwilling to join my side, I won't force you. Go on with your mission. If you ever need my help, just let me know."
"Thank you again."
After Ye Tian finished speaking, he left. Upon returning, Di Jun asked about what had happened. When he learned that Tang Sanzang had refused Ye Tian's invitation, he said angrily, "Hmph, that Tang Sanzang is seriously disrespectful. You were offering him a place in your faction—he should've felt honored! And he had the audacity to refuse you? Want me to go teach him a lesson?"
"Don't do that. I can't force others to do anything. But you—have you been cultivating seriously lately?"
"Of course I have! Ever since I taught that Jade Emperor a lesson last time, I've been training non-stop. I want to become so strong that I'll never have to fear him again."
"Good. Just focus on your own cultivation. As for Tang Sanzang, stay out of it. Understood?"
"Got it. I'll do whatever you say. If you say don't touch Tang Sanzang, then I absolutely won't touch him!"
"Right, that's the attitude. Oh, and by the way, the Golden List Livestream is starting up again soon. Are you feeling confident?"
It wasn't that Di Jun had no confidence—it's just that he had no talent in that area. He said, "I think I'll sit this one out. Even if I participate, I won't make it far. This time, the Golden List Livestream is centered around things I'm not good at!"
"What are you talking about? Just participating will guarantee a ranking. That's why I already signed you up earlier. You're not backing out now!"
"What? You signed me up already?"
"Yup. So don't slack off. You've got to follow the cultivation method I give you!"
Di Jun instantly felt the pressure. If it were something else, he might've had confidence, but this? He truly didn't believe in himself.
He couldn't understand why Ye Tian wanted him to participate in this Golden List Livestream. So he asked, "But what am I even supposed to do? You know I've always focused on cultivation—I barely have time to meditate on the Dao! Isn't that the specialty of Tang Sanzang and Tathāgata? I really can't compare to them!"
"You couldn't before—but now you've got time, don't you? Let's take advantage of this period and train properly. I think even if you don't win the top spot, at the very least, you'll make it onto the rankings."
"Really?"
Seeing his utterly unconfident expression, Ye Tian felt genuinely speechless. One should always have confidence—without it, how could anyone hope to accomplish their goals?
No matter the situation, people have to seize their opportunities. If you let a chance slip by without trying, then of course you gain nothing.
That's exactly why Ye Tian signed him up when he passed by the Golden List Livestream site earlier. No matter what, Di Jun was now his friend—and practically half a disciple. Naturally, Ye Tian hoped he would do well.
Now that he had the chance to participate in the Golden List Livestream, there was no way he could miss it.
"So what exactly should I do to train?"
Di Jun had no idea how to proceed with his cultivation now. He knew that the methods he'd used before were outdated and no longer suitable. If he really wanted to meditate on the Dao, he needed a better method.
"You're right. Your old techniques are outdated. So now I'm going to take you to a new place. As long as you come with me, you won't have to worry about earning a spot on the list."
"Alright then, take me there now!"
Di Jun felt truly excited. In the past, he never would've dared imagine something like this.
But now, not only did he have the opportunity, he also felt confident in it—because he had Ye Tian. That alone gave him a sense of certainty. When he finally participated in the Golden List Livestream, he believed he would definitely rank.
Once he made it onto the rankings, his power would surely surge. When he went to face the Jade Emperor again, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage!
Last time they fought, he hadn't lost—but he could tell how powerful the Jade Emperor was. If he wanted to truly defeat him, he'd have to become even stronger.
In Di Jun's heart, the Jade Emperor had always been his rival. No matter what, he had to surpass him!
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