Yu Hai, known as “Little Jiangdong”, boasts architectural styles and city layouts similar to those of Jiangdong. Streams run through the city, white walls and black tiles stand tall, and green trees provide shade, giving it a poetic, misty charm.
At this moment, as distant Buddhist light rose into the sky, rays of light shot up from the white walls, black tiles, green trees, and flowing water, making the night sky as bright as day.
Near the City Lord’s Mansion, black flames twisted and swirled, revealing a pitch-black Asura standing within. It had a fearsome appearance, a dragon’s head and human body, eyes under its armpits, and four arms each wielding a different treasure weapon: a blade, a sword, a bracelet, and a bottle. With a single step, it vanished from Yu Hai.
Approaching Guangling Street, a dazzling beam of light shot into the sky, unveiling a golden Vajra statue standing nearly ten feet tall. Its entire form appeared as if cast from ancient bronze, emanating an aura of sacred solemnity. Gripping two precept blades in its hands, it stood immovable as a mountain. With a flash of radiance, it too vanished into the city.
Other lights appeared as well—some resembling withering trees, others flourishing greenery, flashing swords, and dazzling beams from the farthest north. At the same time, ancient “Huang” trees exuding chilling yin energy emerged. In an instant, the hidden supreme experts of Yu Hai revealed their dharma forms, rushing toward the rising Buddhist light with all their might.
Following them were streaks of light in various colors. Within just a few breaths, after Yu Hai had sent off its ordinary citizens during the day, it now bid farewell to all its external experts. The entire city became empty and silent, as if dead.
Jiang Zhiwei floated midair, gazing at the dazzling, breathtaking scene. She sensed streams of external experts rushing toward the distant light, breathing in the cool, crisp night air. She felt detached, as if watching a farce, with no desire whatsoever to join the commotion.
Without desire, one is strong; without seeking, one finds peace.
As she calmly observed, Jiang Zhiwei suddenly allowed herself a faint, bitter smile, inwardly mocking:
“Luckily this time it’s the essence of the ‘Buddha Palm Scripture.’ Only because of that can I remain unaffected, watching calmly without being blinded by greed…”
“If it were the essence of ‘Heaven-Cutting Seven Swords,’ perhaps my sword light would have been among those just now…”
Observing the swords of a hundred schools and pursuing her own sword path—this was Jiang Zhiwei’s aspiration. Therefore, if the ‘Heaven-Cutting Seven Swords’ had appeared, she couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t have entertained a sliver of hope to obtain it.
In many past instances of treasure appearances, there were always those of lesser strength who managed to obtain them. Some even sat far away, begging with their alms bowls, only to have the treasure fly and hide itself directly into their bowls.
The distant Buddhist light rose and fell like a giant tree reaching the heavens, while the other rays of light were like fireflies circling it—sparkling, brilliant, and breathtaking.
Jiang Zhiwei gazed at this “scenic beauty,” her heart calm, her robe fluttering in the wind.
At this moment, a calm female voice sounded: “Why aren’t you going?”
Jiang Zhiwei didn’t turn her head. She had already sensed the floating woman nearby. The woman was strikingly beautiful, with an alluring figure, dressed in pale purple robes, and had icy blue crystals on the back of her hands. She was Xue Lengzhao, an external expert from the Snow Mountain Sect.
“You didn’t go either,” Jiang Zhiwei replied, her gaze still fixed on the distance.
Xue Lengzhao held a strange short sword in her left hand. Her tone was cold, yet carried an indescribable undertone: “I’ve suffered a disaster before. Since then, I’ve learned not to aim too high. One must assess the situation and know oneself.”
Even if one is the destined person to obtain a treasure and it flies directly into your arms, you must still survive the combined attacks of many powerful experts!
Jiang Zhiwei paused, recalling intelligence about Xue Lengzhao from the Sword-Washing Pavilion. She was an outstanding disciple of the previous generation of the Snow Mountain Sect, once ranked within the top ten of the Human List. However, one day she unknowingly fell into a trap and was captured by the “Ten-Hearted Sage,” a half-perfected expert from the Temple of Joy at that time. It was said that when she was rescued by elders of the Snow Mountain Sect, she had been so drained that she could barely walk. Otherwise, with her talent, cultivation, and the sect’s favor, how could she have remained at the External Scene level for ten years after achieving it?
However, Xue Lengzhao was a person of great perseverance. Even though she had been reduced to a mere furnace vessel, completely drained and with her foundation nearly destroyed, she still managed to recover step by step, eventually progressing from the ordinary Half-Step to the External Scene.
…
Inside the Myriad Phenomena Gate, magma churned and hot air currents swirled, warping the surrounding scenery.
A straw mat floated above the lava, upon which were placed a low table, a bronze brazier, a kettle, and tea utensils. Yun He Zhenren sat cross-legged behind the table, leisurely brewing tea. Ming Xu and Ming Guang stood on either side, completely unaffected by the intense heat deep within the volcano.
A massive door, engraved with countless intricate patterns, opened at a specific rhythm. Yun He Zhenren smiled and looked over: “Master Su, I must say, I didn’t expect things to turn out this way. It feels as if a great calamity is approaching. I’m afraid I’ve made you come all this way unnecessarily.”
“It’s nothing,” Meng Qi took a step forward, shrinking the distance in an instant, appearing directly on the straw mat opposite Yun He Zhenren. He sat down and recounted the emergence of the ‘Buddha Palm Scripture’ in full detail, speaking at length to ensure accuracy, so that Yun He Zhenren would believe him.
Yun He Zhenren had already heard the basic account from Ming Xu and Ming Guang. As Meng Qi spoke, he quietly calculated using his fingers, interpreting signs through the nine joints of his ring finger, middle finger, and index finger.
After Meng Qi finished, Yun He Zhenren stretched out his right hand and smiled: “The signs are clear. The emergence of the Palm Scripture seems certain. If not for being inside a cave heaven, isolated from the outside world, I would have sensed it much earlier.”
He paused and continued: “However, the actions of the Wang Clan of Jiangdong are quite puzzling.”
Meng Qi nodded: “That’s why the Dharma Bodies and Zongshi-level experts from various sects have not moved yet. They fear the Wang Clan might be deliberately misleading us, using a feint to draw our attention elsewhere.”
“Judging from the rising Buddhist light, even if the emergence of the Palm isn’t exactly in Yuhai or Tanshan, it can’t be far. The Wang Clan might have other intentions…” Yun He Zhenren mused, “But they are acting openly and righteously. Who could ignore the Buddha Palm? In the end, everyone will come…”
“May I ask what Master Yun intends to do?” Meng Qi got straight to the point.
Yun He Zhenren hesitated: “The ‘Buddha Palm Scripture’ contains the path of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Even though I won’t switch to Chan cultivation, reflecting on it and comparing it with my own path can still benefit my progress. To say I’m not tempted would be a lie.”
“But ultimately, it’s a Buddhist method, different from Daoist principles. We walk different paths and shouldn’t interfere with each other. Even if it can serve as a stone to sharpen another, it’s not worth risking my life for it.”
“Therefore, I will first observe from the sidelines. If the opportunity arises, I will act, but I won’t forcefully compete for it.”
Meng Qi smiled: “Master, please rest assured. My current cultivation level is still low, but I have great potential and no urgent need for new techniques. Therefore, I won’t take excessive risks for the Buddha Palm. When I ask for your help, I will have a certain degree of confidence.”
As he spoke of his great potential, he showed no sign of modesty, his face completely unashamed.
It was the truth, after all. If he could find the rare and precious herbs he needed and cultivate step by step, given time, he would surely become a Zongshi.
Of course, if the Immortal Relic or Yun He Zhenren obtained the ‘Buddha Palm Scripture,’ he would soon be able to resolve his shortage of rare herbs!
Yun He Zhenren nodded slightly: “I’m not worried about that. If I obtain the Palm, as long as it isn’t completely ruined in one go, I will let you experience it.”
The two discussed cooperation, finalizing the details, including having Yun He Zhenren come out for a few days to get accustomed to the area, to avoid any discomfort.
As they talked, Meng Qi smiled and said: “Master, the emergence of the Buddha Palm might still take some time. If I encounter a powerful enemy these days and cannot match them, I might have to trouble you for help.”
Yun He Zhenren smiled faintly: “Helping you isn’t a problem, but how should we divide the spoils from the enemy?”
Oh no, Master! Please mind your image! You’re a Daoist immortal, lofty and detached, drinking the wind and sipping dew. Don’t be so greedy! As a senior cultivator, helping juniors is only natural. Why talk about dividing spoils? Meng Qi’s expression turned odd as he inwardly grumbled, “Master, how about a three-seven split? I take seven, you take three?”
“If you can handle it yourself, you can have it all. But if you end up needing my help, hehe, I take seven and you take three.” Yun He Zhenren chuckled.
Meng Qi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said solemnly: “Then it’s settled!”
Huh? Yun He Zhenren was taken aback.
Ha ha, how could I not agree? Exchanging a portion of the spoils for a powerful ally is always a good deal! If I haggled over the division, I might end up losing my life!
Although I’m greedy, I’m not as bad as Aunt Jiu!
…
Hearing Xue Lengzhao mention her past, Jiang Zhiwei felt sympathy but didn’t know what to say. After a moment’s thought, she said: “Miss Xue, if a person is bitten by a stray dog, there’s no need to dwell on it forever. The world won’t say much, and besides, you’ve now achieved the External Scene and ascended to the third heaven. Many people see you as a fairy.”
“This time, with the emergence of the Buddha Palm, the Temple of Joy, as a heretical branch of Buddhism, is likely to come as well. Perhaps this will be your chance for revenge.”
The Snow Mountain Sect has many external experts along the Yuhai-Tanshan line, currently led by a Zongshi and several top experts. If they discover the “Ten-Hearted Sage,” there’s a good chance they could kill him!
At the mention of the Temple of Joy, Xue Lengzhao did not show hatred or a desire for revenge. Instead, she shivered, her expression filled with fear. Her lips trembled for a moment before she sighed: “It’s better not to encounter him.”
Her eyes carried a hint of emptiness, as if speaking to herself, pouring out her inner fear: “These past ten years, I’ve always believed my willpower was strong enough to walk out of the shadow, rebuild my foundation, and achieve something. Yet I still can’t face that version of myself from back then. You don’t understand what that felt like—from the tips of my toes to the ends of my hair, every part of my body felt indescribable pleasure, my soul seemed to soar to the clouds. Afterward, I felt so lazy and listless, unable to muster any energy, hoping to sink into that bliss forever…”
“…My spirit was utterly broken. For that kind of pleasure, I could give up everything—my face, my dignity, my family, my friends, and my future. Whatever he commanded, I obeyed…”
Jiang Zhiwei could see that Xue Lengzhao harbored deep-rooted fear and “obedience” toward the “Ten-Hearted Sage” in the very depths of her soul. If they didn’t meet, it would be fine. But if they met again, she would likely be unable to resist.
Hmph, the Temple of Joy truly deserves its reputation as one of the Nine Evil Paths. They have twisted the teachings of wisdom and emptiness, turning sex and void into something perverse… Jiang Zhiwei did not try to persuade Xue Lengzhao, merely murmuring: “Only by killing him yourself can you truly step out of the shadow…”
“Kill him?” Xue Lengzhao’s expression shifted. “He already crossed the first heavenly threshold two years ago… I hope he commits enough evil deeds to be killed by someone soon…”
At that moment, a low chuckle came from nearby: “Zhao’er, you still think of me so often. It’s not in vain that I invested so much effort in you.”
At the sound of that voice, Xue Lengzhao trembled all over, her expression changing rapidly, but all of it revealed indescribable fear, as if facing a true demon!
Approaching from the air not far away was a white-robed monk. His features were handsome, his eyebrows carrying a faint weariness and melancholy, making him extremely charming. With each step, a pink lotus bloomed beneath his feet.
He was the “Ten-Hearted Sage,” a top expert of the Temple of Joy at the fourth level of the External Scene, the uncle-disciple of the “Joyful Bhikkhu” Xing Yi, and once ranked among the top ten of the Human List!
His gaze swept over Xue Lengzhao, instantly making her feel weak in the knees, her mind flooded with lewd memories from the past: “You… why aren’t you going to where the Buddhist light is rising…”
Her voice grew softer. The “Ten-Hearted Sage” then turned his gaze toward Jiang Zhiwei and smiled: “Young lady, though you’ve changed your appearance, your natural beauty and rich yin essence cannot be hidden. You must surpass Zhao’er by far.”
Jiang Zhiwei had already gripped the hilt of her sword.
…
Inside the Sword-Washing Pavilion, an external expert entered the secluded cultivation area of Su Wuming.
“There’s rising Buddhist light near Tanshan. The Sect Leader sent me to ask for your opinion, Brother Su,” the expert said respectfully, looking at the seemingly empty space where the blue-robed man sat.
Su Wuming replied indifferently: “What does the Buddha Palm have to do with us?”
After saying that, he closed his eyes again, ignoring everything.
…
Beside an ordinary grave, a grass hut stood, surrounded by many exotic flowers.
Master Da Lu, hunched over, was diligently weeding.
“Han Bing Xian Zi” stood beside him, lips trembling slightly as she said: “Brother-in-law, there’s rising Buddhist light near Tanshan again…”
Master Da Lu stopped working and smiled: “Old man still won’t get involved. The Buddha’s path is not my path. Sometimes, it’s better not to meet.”
He added with self-mockery: “At my current cultivation level, I’d only be led astray by it…”
Then, he resumed his focused work once more.
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