Chapter 279
The State Clan's Scheme, the Bodhisattva's Resurrection, the Last Celestial Ma
A short while later.
When strange phenomena began to occur one after another in the 'Prince's Mansion,' they could no longer be concealed and inevitably came to the attention of those with ulterior motives.
The state lords, who had just suffered a setback and left, were preoccupied with their own worries.
Suddenly, from within the imposing government office located at the end of the street, dragons and snakes hissed, spewed clouds and mist, appearing and disappearing, illuminating the entire capital.
The state lords who had just left suddenly turned back, their expressions all grim:
"Driven by fate, it can even influence weather changes."
Beneath the wide sleeves of his robe, Qin Baisheng, the head of the Qin clan, clenched his fists and then relaxed them repeatedly before finally muttering:
"That kid's journey from concealment to prominence, and the 'destiny' he forged, was actually a path to the highest three destinies."
"I've traveled all over Cangdu, how many years has it been since I last saw it?"
The last dragon-snake descendant to emerge from Beicang was two hundred years ago, who once subdued the entire prefecture, conquered the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River, and established a legitimate dynasty.
In his lifetime, he was a giant at the pinnacle, single-handedly suppressing powerful clans who dared not raise their heads.
And this boy's demeanor and presence today are even more impressive than those recorded in the past!
Such a rare and precious sight has been witnessed by them today.
Normally, this would be fine; one might even praise the young hero and try to win him over.
But today, this batch has passed.
Qin Baisheng was well aware that the momentum of the Dragon Elephant lineage was already unstoppable.
Especially that kid, who was determined to use the reputation and prestige of their state clique as a stepping stone to his rise to power.
"Among the Young Dragon Stele, the thirty-sixth is the contest for first place among the Xuan Officials."
Muttering to himself about this order, Dugu Cheng, the head of the Dugu clan who had just attacked, revealed a chilling glint in his eyes:
"After returning, I gave my son a profound enlightenment, imbuing him with the aura of a dragon and a tiger."
"Seven days will pass in no time. Isn't this boy going to 'distinguish between the superior and the inferior, and decide life and death'?"
"I admit that this child's future is limitless. The fact that he was able to rank thirty-sixth on the Dragon Infant Stele with his third transformation is enough to show that the Great Profound Qi recognizes his potential. Even the many martial artists on the stele with profound foundations and who have long been dragons and tigers have been surpassed by him."
“If we let things run wild, given the past events involving Ip Man and Jiang, in thirty or fifty years, our various clans will definitely have no place to stand in Cangdu.”
"Since that's the case..."
"If we're going to do it, we might as well go all the way!"
The master himself took action, using his own martial arts essence to cultivate the 'Dragon and Tiger Aura' for the sect's top-tier disciples without any omissions.
This will not only cause one to exhaust oneself mentally and physically, but also damage one's true intentions.
At the same time, there is a very high probability that one's offspring will live in one's shadow for their entire lives, failing to develop an invincible mindset, thus making it difficult for them to break through barriers.
In the end, he could only follow the path of his predecessors and reach the title through the pseudo-Martial Saint method.
Although there are many hidden dangers
But it is undoubtedly a method that can make Dugu Qi leap into the Dragon and Tiger realm in a short period of time.
In addition to his background as a state tycoon
Even if that kid is a prodigy and has great potential, he's only at the third stage of transformation. So what?
Moreover, his enemies are not limited to his own family!
"This time, apart from the 'Heavenly Blade Mansion' which is still in the wilderness and was dragged back from the Central Yellow Heaven, there are still dozens of people from six other mansions who have been registered as Xuan officials."
"Among them, those who have intricate connections with our various clans account for seventy to eighty percent, and this generation is of extremely high quality, almost all of them are flawless and are at the level of sect leaders!"
"At that time, we can use the non-clan Xuan Guan to test that kid's abilities with the 'Wheel Method' and deplete his vital energy."
"Finally, you can call upon your esteemed sons to be the grand finale, and at worst, you'll be bestowed with a Martial Saint artifact! I refuse to believe it!"
"Our heir, whom we have nurtured with all our heart and soul and cultivated with such methods, will be no match for a mere child who has just emerged!"
Cangdu, Mahayana Wuliang Temple.
This temple, established by the ancient Buddhist lineage of Dejieyintian, is complete with lecture halls, scripture rooms, meditation halls, pavilions, and all other Buddhist temples. It is located north of Cangdu, outside the city of the prefecture.
The temple is solemn and dignified, overflowing with Buddhist spirit. The Buddha halls, Bodhisattva shrines, pagodas and Buddhist temples are everywhere, and it looks as if countless Mahayana monks are worshipping and listening to the sutras. It is truly magnificent and a righteous holy site.
Upon returning from Jiangyin Prefecture, he was originally responsible for spreading the 'Pure Land Bliss Ointment' to help the immeasurable Bodhisattvas of Mahayana absorb the thoughts of sentient beings and repeat the peak of the Golden Kui Master and Dan Yuan Master.
At this moment, they were in the main hall of a Buddhist temple, where prayer curtains fluttered and sandalwood incense filled the air, waiting patiently and respectfully.
In no time at all.
The "Guanhai Luohan," who had just appeared at the Cangdu Prince's Mansion as the legitimate head of the Mahayana Wuliang Temple, was now dressed in a monastic robe, his body lean and wiry, and had arrived in front of the hall.
Even though he was short and looked like a skinny monkey, he was still short and stocky.
However, these two great masters, who had been like dragons crossing the river in Jiangyin Prefecture, cooperating with Jiang Nian, a direct descendant of the Qishan Jiang clan, and fearing no one, dared not be negligent in the slightest. They immediately bowed respectfully and paid their respects.
"Jin Kui and Dan Yuan greet the Head Arhat!"
Arhat.
It is a term used in the Buddhist and Taoist cosmologies to refer to merit and achievement.
Above that is the 'Bodhisattva' fruit, which is the pinnacle that can be attained in the human world.
Just like the titles "True Lord" and "True Venerable" bestowed upon great cultivators who have attained supernatural powers and are making further progress, these titles are bestowed upon them for their achievements.
In the realm of human immortal martial arts, this would be comparable to a 'giant' who supports the heavens.
Moreover, in terms of profound knowledge and experience, even the most powerful figures cannot compare.
Because every Arhat, upon achieving perfect merit, must pay homage to Vulture Peak and receive guidance from the incarnation of the World-Honored One seated on the Buddha's throne before they can sit on the lotus throne, don the kasaya, and attain Arhatship.
It is not easy for anyone who is not a supreme being who has transcended the eight limits, broken through the barrier between life and death, and opened the door to the difference between heaven and man to suppress an Arhat.
Even if a high-ranking monk under the temple's jurisdiction has a promising future, he is still only at the level of a "gateway between masters, a realm of dragons and tigers," facing an audience with a living Arhat.
How could I not be excited?
The Arhat Guanhai, who had returned from the Cangdu Princes' Mansion, nodded and then spoke:
“I have heard about everything that happened to you in Jiangyin Prefecture.”
"Tell me the whole story, especially the Vajra that appeared in the 'Primordial Palace of Impermanence of All Things'."
Upon hearing this, the Great Master Jin Kui steadied himself, knowing that the matter was of utmost importance, and hurriedly began to speak, addressing every detail.
He recounted in detail how the Vajra Pestle manifested its divine power, striking down the ancient demon of Brahma, and the origins of the Corpse Puppet Master's divine might.
Especially the ancient Buddhist script on the vajra, originating from the 'Cundi Heaven', was spoken of with absolute certainty by Master Jin Kui, a monk in the temple who had extensive exposure to Buddhist scriptures and ancient texts, comparable to the true inheritors of martial arts and immortal sects:
“That must be an ancient Buddhist script from the Zhunti Heaven. I can see it clearly, there’s no mistake. I’m willing to stake my future on it!”
The Arhat who watches over the sea stood with his hands behind his back, listening quietly.
After thoroughly understanding the entire sequence of events and leaving no detail overlooked, he hummed in agreement.
"You two did a good job on this matter. It is of great importance and you should have reported it to us promptly."
"Compared to that, even if we obtain the authority to educate the 'Heavenly Blade Palace,' spread the Pure Land Bliss Ointment, and gather incense offerings from all beings to restore the great cause of the Mahayana Immeasurable Bodhisattva, we can put it aside for the time being."
"This journey has been arduous, and you two have made contributions. Yun Danyuan will be promoted to 'Scripture Monk,' enjoying the privileges of a true disciple, able to peruse Buddhist scriptures and ancient texts, and receive a legitimate lineage and the true skills of an Arhat."
"I will also give you ten lotus fruits and a golden cassock as a reward."
As for Kim Kyu…
“You have been lingering at the Great Bodhisattva Pass for a long time, and your nature is perfected. Therefore, I will allow you to enter the inner realm of the ‘Great Vehicle Immeasurable Bodhisattva’ and receive the Bodhisattva’s guidance and sudden enlightenment.”
"If one can break free from the shackles of the physical body and instantly attain the 'Vajra' Dharma position, one can become the head of the outer branch of my Mahayana Wuliang Temple, spread the Buddhist lineage, establish three hundred Zen monasteries, and become the founder of the teachings."
The two men received different results.
But these were exactly what he needed most at that moment, so he was overjoyed and thanked them repeatedly before eagerly going to receive the opportunity.
As the incense smoke grew stronger and stronger, almost obscuring the view with clouds of mist, the sutra curtains danced on their own without any wind.
Amidst the sea of clouds and mist, a young bodhisattva, with red lips and white teeth, wearing a lotus crown and monk's robes, seemed to emerge from the clouds:
"His majestic form is as enduring as the heavens, and he is revered as Mount Sumeru beneath the swaying tree."
"It can't be wrong, Guanhai."
"No one else in the world would dare to inscribe this line of 'Buddha's inscription'."
"If there are no surprises, that vajra should be the Buddhist treasure that the missing World Honored One of the Cundi Heaven once carried with him—the 'Vajra Vajra.'"
"Such a precious Buddhist treasure, now that we've seen it, how could we possibly let it slip by?" The Arhat Guanhai, no longer as composed as before, looked at the young lotus-loving monk before him with a sigh:
"Bodhisattva, you have finally recovered."
The Great Vehicle Bodhisattva, with boundless compassion, smiled gently as he held up a flower.
“At my level of attainment, although I have not yet become a ‘Buddha,’ I can still protect the true spirit and prevent it from being completely killed.”
“You have done a good job over the years. Although you have not completely restored me, you have given me the ability to act.”
"But as the saying goes, the physical body is a raft, and the spirit is a guiding light. If either is missing, it is difficult to reach the other shore of the sea of suffering and attain the position of 'Buddha'."
"Even if I obtain the Pure Land Bliss Ointment and continuously draw upon the 'incense and thoughts of all sentient beings' until my spirit and soul are fully developed and I return to my peak."
"But without a physical body, one is nothing more than a rootless duckweed, at most able to attain the highest level of ghost immortal or spirit, but unlikely to achieve true enlightenment."
"The best course of action now is to find a 'body dwelling' to live in, so that I can build a hermitage for cultivation and completely reverse my past lives!"
"At that time."
"This Bodhisattva will personally dispatch Daoist soldiers to storm the Heaven of Righteous Law, to avenge the wrath of Zhang Xuanye for using the 'Azure Heaven Dao Register' to kill me!"
As the young bodhisattva spoke, his eyes blazed with murderous intent, filled with a chilling aura.
Having finished speaking, he looked again at the Arhat Watching the Sea, and after pondering for a moment, said:
"Guanhai, please take good care of this matter."
"If this Bodhisattva can make further progress in the future..."
"Upon the lotus throne, among the merits and achievements of the Bodhisattva, you will surely have a place!"
Upon hearing this, the Arhat who watches over the sea bowed deeply.
“Bodhisattva, I was enlightened by you when I was young, which enabled me to form a connection with Buddhism and embark on the path of cultivation. Without your guidance, becoming a great Bodhisattva, attaining Vajra, or becoming an Arhat would all be empty talk.”
"After a century of painstaking efforts, your old home is finally reviving; only this final step remains."
"No matter what, Guan Hai will rise above the ranks of immortals, Buddhas, and other deities when all the heavens unite and all beings are revealed. He will be able to claim the title of 'Great Vehicle Immeasurable Bodhisattva' and once again spread his fame throughout the world!"
"So that you may have a chance to compete, and this commemoration of 'Buddha' will be made!"
“I have seen the Great Mysterious Child who obtained the Vajra Pestle today, and he is indeed a promising talent.”
"However, since he received the infusion of the Great Profound Qi and became a descendant of the Dragon and Serpent, his spirit cannot be arbitrarily seized; otherwise..."
"Before tonight, I will be able to manipulate the spirit, causing it to leave its body and enter my temple, where it will reveal all its secrets."
The Great Vehicle Bodhisattva nodded:
"Those who can obtain Buddhist artifacts and treasures naturally have a profound affinity with the Dharma and a strong destiny."
"The dragon-snake descendants of the Human Immortal Martial Path, in terms of conversion, should also be 'naturally gifted with wisdom and a heart with seven orifices,' which is rarely seen in ordinary times."
"Guanhai, find an opportunity to bring it here. I will examine its quality and see if it is suitable. If its foundation is good, then plant the seed of Buddhism in it. When the flower blooms in the future, we will use it as a 'mummified body'!"
"Then I will acquire this 'Vajra Pestle' and, with the aid of my divine will, repeat the peak of my spiritual power."
"I will surely return in full glory on the eve of the great upheaval of a thousand years, on the eve of the Nine Tribulations of All Ages!"
"good!"
Cangdu, Chiyuan Palace.
Wearing a golden crown and Taoist robes, Li Qianyuan, the master of the Chiyuan Palace, strode forward. Ever since he left the Cangdu Prince's Mansion, he had been lost in thought, as if preoccupied with something.
As a master of alchemy and a rare talent in the Daoist lineage, Li Qianyuan is the first disciple of Zhang Chunyang, the contemporary leader of the Zhengfa Tian, Nanming Mountain lineage.
The Crimson Origin Palace in this land of white mountains and black waters was created by the Pure Yang True Venerable before his ascension to immortality.
However, after the Daoist court that unified all the heavens and entered the last era of the Dharma-ending Heavenly Master disappeared without a trace.
The four rivers and three mountains under heaven that have been granted Taoist titles have long been in turmoil, and the Pure Yang True Venerable has no choice but to return to take charge of the overall situation.
The burden of opening up the Great Mystery and planning the great changes and unification of all heavens for the next thousand years fell on the shoulders of 'Li Qianyuan'.
He lived up to his master's expectations and turned the Chiyuan Palace into a giant in Beicang, so powerful that even the Mahayana Wuliang Temple, his sworn enemy, could not suppress him in the slightest.
However, on this day, Li Qianyuan was preoccupied, his brows furrowed, and he returned to the palace as if troubled. Upon his return, he was questioned by Wei Zhao, a true disciple of his school:
"Why has Master been so distracted ever since he returned from the Prince of Yan's residence?"
"But what happened to the Great Xuan's suppression of the White Mountains and Black Waters?"
Upon hearing the voice of the Daoist descendant before him, with his sword-like eyebrows, elegant bearing, and high regard for him, Li Qianyuan shook his head, his expression complex.
No, that's not it.
"When the Prince of Yan toured the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River, he should know the former glory of Nanming Mountain and dare not easily interfere with my Chiyuan Palace."
"I am thinking about something else."
“Outside Cangdu, someone has actually refined the ‘Divine Talisman Fire’ completely and condensed it into a Dao Seed, imprinting it on the Purple Mansion of the Great Dao.”
After listening, Wei Zhao pondered for a moment:
"The Divine Talisman Fire is the orthodox tradition of Nanming Mountain. It can be used to refine the authentic great divine power 'Nanming Divine Fire,' which was the famous divine power of the last Celestial Master!"
"However, no matter how you look at it, the Divine Talisman Fire is only a 'Dao-level' technique. Although it is precious, it may have been leaked out at some point and stolen by outsiders."
Li Qianyuan shook his head, his expression complex:
"If it were just the 'Divine Talisman Fire' itself, that would be fine."
"Can"
"Back then, before the 'Azure Heaven Dao Register' of the Righteous Law Heaven lost its master, Master went to great lengths to invite the Vast Sea Mysterious Turtle Venerable to use his tortoise divination to interpret the heavens and the earth and cast a divination."
"The divination reveals that the Celestial Master has not perished, and all signs of his survival point to the 'Great Mysterious Heaven'!"
"At this critical juncture, at this crucial point, such a remarkable talent has emerged."
"Disciple, listen to my command. Gather some Dao materials and rare treasures, and spend the next two days making some connections and chatting with Ji Xiu from Jiangyin."
"All his requests can be granted, as long as we can bring him to my Crimson Origin Hall, beneath this enshrined 'Celestial Master' statue."
"At that time, I will use my supernatural powers to trace the source and hopefully uncover some clues!"
"This matter is of great importance. The Bodhisattva of the Mahayana Wuliang Temple was killed by the Southern Ming Dynasty. Remember not to let those bald monks find out, lest they ruin my great plan!"
At this moment, Ji Xiu had no idea that his butterfly had caused such a commotion by simply flapping its wings in Cangdu.
Even if he knew, he wouldn't pay much attention to it right now.
Just because————
Did the master who bestowed the title use the 'Royal Power Blade' as a medium to pre-refine the ultimate technique of the title—the Three Tribulations of Reincarnation—and enter the dream of 'Royal Power Without Twilight'?
Last time, Ji Xiu stepped through the Ancestral Hall and became the eighth Ancestral Statue of the Blade Court.
at the moment
He will enter the dream again.
In the past, we witnessed another upheaval, to prove our unparalleled mastery of the titled martial arts, and to strive for supremacy among all masters! (End of Chapter)