Chapter 567: Lan Ke Temple

Bang!

Although Meng Qi twisted mid-air to dissipate most of the force from his fall, he then used the Thousand Catties Falling technique to accelerate, causing the ground to tremble as if shaken, scattering gravel and leaving two craters burying half of his calves.

Nonetheless, Meng Qi remained unharmed, without even a hint of internal turmoil, clearly showing his formidable physical prowess.

At this moment, his eyes reflected the image of a handsome monk in his early twenties, wearing a white robe as pure as snow and straw sandals, giving an impression of immaculate cleanliness from head to toe.

Wasn’t this exactly the image of the ideal monk he had always admired?

No, Little Junior Brother!

Instantly, Meng Qi felt as though struck by lightning, as if he were dreaming. Wasn’t he supposed to be competing for the general outline of the “Buddha Palm”? How did he end up seeing Little Junior Brother?

“Little Junior Brother, what a coincidence…” Meng Qi instinctively smiled.

Suddenly, he sensed the “Withering Bodhi” in his hand and saw Hong Neng nearby, and everything that had just happened flashed through his mind.

The benevolent and pristine power that altered the laws to prohibit flight, distinct from the previous Crown Prince Zhao Qian’s majestic aura—was it yet another formidable Buddhist entity stepping in?

Was it the one from Lankavati Temple?

Supporting the former Crown Prince?

Before he had time to ponder the other’s intentions, Meng Qi decisively activated the “Cycle Talisman” in his left hand!

“Judging the current situation as unsuitable, to ensure the secrecy of the cycle, the Cycle Talisman will be temporarily suspended until the situation is resolved.” A cold, indifferent voice echoed in Meng Qi’s mind from the Six Realms of Rebirth.

Damn, this talisman is too shoddy! Although Meng Qi had anticipated such a scenario, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger, cursing the ancestors of the Cycle’s ruler through eighteen generations.

If Yun He had no other options, he could only act according to circumstances and throw the “Withering Bodhi” out, then use Senior Brother Hong Neng’s “Inch and Mile” to withstand the aftermath… In the blink of an eye, Meng Qi decisively made his choice without hesitation.

“Senior Brother…” Zhen Hui regained his composure, eyes gleaming with surprise and a radiant smile, not sensing anything amiss.

Could stories really come true!

At that very moment, the roaring winds of the vast desert softened, the black gravel around gradually turned translucent, taking on a glazed appearance, while wild grass sprouted from the earth and trees grew rapidly.

In an instant, the area transformed into a vibrant green expanse. Before Meng Qi appeared a lush mountain covered in vegetation, where people could be seen leisurely gathering herbs, all with rosy complexions and agile figures, free from illness.

A path began at the foot of the mountain, winding upward into the hills, evoking a sense of venturing deep into the clouds with no clear destination.

At the end of the path, deep within the mountains, appeared to be an ancient, weathered gray-green temple, with an Eight-Treasure Pool of Merit in front and Bodhi trees growing inside.

The temple gate was half open, bearing a plaque hanging above it with three characters. Although the inscription was unclear, Meng Qi clearly recognized the three words in his heart:

“Lankavati Temple”!

The Lankavati Temple of “Inch and Mile” and “Mile and Inch”?

A legendary Pure Land of a Bodhisattva or even a Buddha?

For reasons unknown, Master Yun He retracted the “Primordial Purity Shangqing Divine Talisman,” floated down beside Meng Qi, slightly furrowing his white eyebrows, and using secret techniques to transmit his voice: “The Eastern Lapis Lazuli World? No, it’s only a fragment, and even the described aura in the scriptures seems somewhat different, as if it had changed hands, but not quite…”

As Master Yun He expressed his confusion seeking answers, Meng Qi’s expression subtly changed, his heart filled with shock.

The Eastern Lapis Pure Land?

Wasn’t that the Pure Land of the Medicine Master Tathagata?

Legend says the Medicine Master Tathagata is the Buddha’s manifestation of the Azure Emperor! One of the Three World Buddhas!

Azure Emperor Dong Wanggong, the Venerable Taiyi Saviour of Suffering, the Medicine Master King Tathagata… these three names all belonged to mighty beings who once shone brightly in ancient times, undoubtedly existing at the legendary realm or above, each unique in their own right, yet seemingly sharing some inexplicable connection, leading to much speculation and rumors…

Most importantly, the Medicine Master Tathagata was one of the rare great beings active from ancient times to the middle ages, only fading away as numerous sages emerged during the middle ages, seemingly having passed into Nirvana.

Was Lankavati Temple a fragment of the Eastern Lapis Pure Land? Or was there another form of inheritance?

According to the “Medicine Master Tathagata Vow and Merit Sutra” and his “Twelve Great Vows,” the Eastern Lapis World was highly likely a Reward Body Pure Land, matching well with Lankavati Temple. As for whether it was a complete Reward Body Pure Land or not, Meng Qi had no idea.

Where had the Eastern Lapis Pure Land gone? Looking at the ancient gray-green temple before him, Meng Qi’s mind swirled with countless thoughts. Whose lineage of a Bodhisattva or Buddha from the Medicine Master tradition lay within?

Was it the Bodhisattva of Solar Light, the Bodhisattva of Lunar Light, or perhaps the legendary Medicine Master Tathagata’s manifestation, such as the Dharma Sea Thunder Sound Tathagata?

Or could it even be the Medicine Master Tathagata himself, or perhaps his relics were enshrined there?

No, if the Medicine Master Tathagata were still in the world, when Abbot Kong Wen offered guidance and assistance, he should have named him directly. From his words, the figure at Lankavati Temple was at most a level above senior scholars like Master Lu, not a mighty being like the Medicine Master Tathagata!

The mysterious Lankavati Temple revealed itself without any direct attempt to seize anything, leaving Meng Qi puzzled, and for the moment, he dared not rashly urge Master Yun He to use aggressive methods or throw the “Withering Bodhi” out. He calmed his emotions and chose to observe developments.

At this time, the Dharma Bodies of He Qi, the Great Asura King, and others arrived one after another, with Kong Wen and Senior Master Lu coming last, as they had crossed paths with the “Withering Bodhi” while breaking through the void, effectively adding an extra trip.

Seeing Kong Wen’s appearance, except for Taoist Chong He, the other Dharma Bodies instinctively kept their distance; the previous Kong Wen had been an illusion created by the Demon Master, and whether the current one was genuine remained uncertain!

A sapphire-like azure enveloped the surroundings, rendering the Lankavati Temple, Meng Qi, Zhen Hui, and the others as if they existed both here and elsewhere—ethereal and profoundly enigmatic.

The Dharma Bodies seemed to have some understanding of the figure at Lankavati Temple, initially dismissing the possibility of him seizing the Buddha Palm. Now that Lankavati Temple had emerged, they approached the situation with caution, avoiding reckless actions. They all halted outside the sapphire-like aura, waiting to see what would happen next.

Zhen Hui gazed at Lankavati Temple, resembling an ancient monastery deep in the mountains, feeling its emergence was peculiar and wondrous, living up to its reputation as the most mysterious sect in the martial arts world.

“In the past, hearing of Lankavati Temple felt like a story; today, I am within that story.” Zhen Hui’s eyes gleamed with intensity, speaking to Meng Qi as usual without turning his head.

Why does my junior brother speak more and more like a Chan master… Holding the Withering Bodhi, Meng Qi felt streams of gazes directed at him, palpable and formidable, making his spine tingle with unease.

He was being scrutinized by the Dharma Body experts… In this situation, even if he managed to take the Withering Bodhi with help from the master of Lankavati Temple, he would likely become a target for the Dharma Bodies’ pursuit, as the exalted figures like Lord Lingbao Tianzun could not protect him forever!

Furrowing his brows, Meng Qi began to seriously consider whether he should seize the moment to experience an insight and then throw away the “Withering Bodhi.”

Deep within the cloud-covered path, the ancient temple remained serene, when suddenly a clear and compassionate voice emerged from within, indistinguishable between male and female:

“Esteemed patrons, I have something to say; please hear me out.”

The climax is coming… Meng Qi focused his thoughts, his expression turning serious. What scheme did the master of Lankavati Temple have in mind?

“Amitabha, please speak, Venerable.” Abbot Kong Wen clasped his hands solemnly.

Was it a Bodhisattva? Was it an ordinary Bodhisattva or a great Bodhisattva? Meng Qi speculated.

Solar Light Bodhisattva and Lunar Light Bodhisattva, attendants of the Medicine Master Tathagata, were both great Bodhisattvas, ranking alongside Guanyin, Manjusri, Ksitigarbha, and Mahasthamaprapta.

Other Dharma Bodies either spoke or remained silent, none opposing.

The compassionate and serene voice rising from within Lankavati Temple said: “The matter of the Buddha Palm’s outline has caused great upheaval in the Yuhai Tahan region. Although there is no concern of mass destruction, it has indeed caused much bloodshed. Bound by my Reward Body, I do not violate my vows, nor do I intend to seize treasures. However, since the ‘Withering Bodhi’ has arrived here, it is considered a connection with me. This matter must be resolved to prevent prolonged battles and countless innocent lives lost.”

“He” used the pronoun “I” without any embellishment.

“Could the Bodhisattva be planning to keep it for himself?” Transparent undulations in the void mocked, as the Dharma King of Salvation spoke.

The figure within Lankavati Temple did not grow angry or retort, but compassionately and peacefully replied: “Junior Su, even if the ‘Withering Bodhi’ is in your hands and you can safely leave this place, the future consequences must not be ignored. Do not let greed cloud your mind.”

“Young one, I understand. May I ask what the Bodhisattva’s plan is?” Meng Qi did not argue, as this statement directly addressed his concerns.

The figure from Lankavati Temple responded: “How about entrusting the ‘Withering Bodhi’ to our temple for safekeeping? Any of you esteemed patrons who wish to gain insight may enter the temple to do so.”

This, wouldn’t this be too much to ask without guarantees? Meng Qi instinctively thought.

Yet, surprisingly, no one, not even “Great Asura” Meng Nan, objected, as if the figure from Lankavati Temple was indeed a monk who spoke truthfully without deception!

“Junior Su, what do you think?” The figure within Lankavati Temple asked Meng Qi.

Meng Qi furrowed his brow, analyzing the pros and cons.

At this moment, the Dharma King of Salvation spoke again: “Is it about accepting the inheritance or gaining insight into the true meaning?”

“Definitely gaining insight into the true meaning. Given the condition of the ‘Withering Bodhi,’ if one directly receives the inheritance, it cannot last for three times. It would be difficult for all patrons to share equally. As long as one can constantly gain insight into the true meaning, what difference is there from receiving the inheritance?” The figure from Lankavati Temple explained in detail.

Under normal circumstances, Meng Qi had always casually used terms like gaining insight into the true meaning, but there was indeed a distinction. For example, when he obtained the Breaking Precepts Blade Method from Ananda, the first move of the Buddha Palm, and the Divine Destruction of the Nine Heavens, it was referred to as receiving the inheritance of true meaning. That was different from gaining insight. In those situations, the true meaning directly entered the spirit, allowing constant reflection.

Whereas Jiang Zhiwei, Zhang Yuanshan, and Zhen Hui, who observed the inheritance of true meaning from their respective sects, were truly gaining insight. How much they understood depended on themselves, but they could not constantly gain insight.

It was like having a book. Meng Qi’s previous experiences were akin to imprinting the book’s content into his mind, allowing him to read and reflect on it anytime. Jiang Zhiwei and others read it normally, remembering and appreciating as much as their abilities allowed.

Due to the limitations of the items carrying the inheritance of true meaning, directly obtaining the true meaning was limited in frequency. If everyone did so, the item would soon be destroyed. Therefore, sects changed to the method of gaining insight. Although there was still some consumption, it could sustain the sect for a long time.

Attaining enlightenment in the Six Realms is akin to gaining insight. Even if one fails to achieve realization, the accumulated merits and virtues will not be forfeited.

After hearing the explanation, Meng Qi made up his mind. In the current situation, he probably had no choice but to follow the suggestion of the figure from Lankavati Temple. With its ability to be everywhere, like being close yet far, if he could constantly gain insight, what difference would it make compared to keeping it himself?

At most, he wouldn’t be able to exchange it for merits of virtue.

“Bodhisattva, this junior has no objections.” Meng Qi suddenly spoke up.

The figure from Lankavati Temple exuded a sense of joy: “That’s great. How about Junior Su goes first and gains insight?”

Abbot Kong Wen, Chong He, Cui Qinghe, He Qi, the abbess of Shuiyue Nunnery, Taoist Master Shoujing, the Grand Master of the Vajra Temple, the expert from Xueshan Sect, and Master Yun He nodded slightly, indicating their approval.

The former Crown Prince Zhao Qian and the nine Buddhist patriarchs were still deceived by Master Yun and had not yet pursued them.

At this moment, the Dharma King of Salvation sinisterly said: “Can we also gain insight?”

“If you can lay down your butcher’s knife, of course you can.” The figure from Lankavati Temple compassionately replied.

Hmph! The Dharma King of Salvation vanished into the void, disappearing without a trace.

With the righteous side having the advantage and reaching a consensus, and the figure from Lankavati Temple intervening, if he didn’t leave now, he might not get another chance!

“Meng Nan, the ‘Great Asura,’ coldly glanced at the people from the Vajra Temple and Xueshan Sect, then took the monster and quickly retreated, along with the contemporary Joyful Bodhisattva and other evil sect experts.