Chongming Xianzong

Chapter 621 Hou Jingxin's defenses crumbled as the spirit of Lingguang shattered, and a mournful bell tolled.

—A few days later
"Damn it, I've never heard of Yunfu being able to run like this before!" Fei Tianqin transformed his body into a ten-foot-long shape, and only when he landed back beside Zen Master Huiming did the old bird's chatter subside a bit.

The latter showed no regret, after all, only a Nascent Soul cultivator truly knew the extent of a Nascent Soul cultivator's power.

If it weren't for his many years of lying low in the three southwestern regions, it would have been incredibly difficult for Zen Master Huiming, who was also a newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator, to scheme against someone like True Man Yunfu.

"Kang's location was quite accurate, but it's also impressive that Yunfu had so many methods at hand. But this little bit of credit should be enough to satisfy the two senior brothers in the sect."

Zen Master Huiming silently murmured to himself, feeling quite content.

However, seeing that the old monk remained silent for a long time, Fei Tianqin became somewhat anxious, and he would frequently look towards Yuejian Mountain, his eagerness undisguised.

Zen Master Huiming naturally understood what this old bird was thinking, but ultimately, considering the latter's status and seniority, he didn't look down on him, a Zen master, and thus spoke gently:
“Lord Fengcheng, since we have already sent a letter to the northern camp, and Master Yunfu is still missing, we might as well return to Yuejian Mountain and wait for the imperial edict.”

“What the Zen Master says is very true,” Fei Tianqin replied carefully, without trying to hide the underlying meaning.

After all, this old bird doesn't remember whether the sarcastic tone it used when Master Huiming was using the pseudonym Buse was directed at this former Buddhist elder. At this moment, it is best to be careful.

However, Zen Master Huiming remained as warm and gentle as ever. His large ears and bare chest would not have stood out much on Master Yijia, but on Zen Master Yi, it looked perfectly natural.

As soon as the old monk finished speaking, lotus flowers bloomed beneath his feet, carrying him into the void. Fei Tianqin, though not exactly following in his footsteps, did also flap his wings.

As soon as they started their return journey, Zen Master Huiming's lotus flower slowed down for a moment. Only after Fei Tianqin walked up to his side did he speak up and ask, "Lord Fengcheng, do you know where Headmaster Kang has gone?"

“His previous letter said that his injuries were quite serious and that he had already gone to Yuejian Mountain. If you and I travel quickly, we might be able to meet him on the way.” Fei Tianqin was also filled with lingering fear when he heard Zen Master Huiming mention Kang Dabao.

One fear is that if the most capable son-in-law of the Fei family in Yingzhou had died at the hands of Master Yunfu, then Fei Nanying would lose a powerful ally after he takes office.

The second fear was that if Fei Donggu had been brought along during the selection process, Fei Tianqin didn't think this young man would have been able to survive the heavily injured Master Yunfu.

Fei Tianqin's idea may be a bit conventional, but to be honest, no matter how close or intimate a son-in-law is, he can never be as trustworthy and reliable as one's own son.

Although this old bird is not human, it has served as the clan's guardian spirit beast for thousands of years and the family head, Brother, for hundreds of years.

His thoughts and ideas were no different from those of ordinary human ancestors, so it was normal for him to have such thoughts.

However, after traveling for a while longer, its interest was completely dispelled.

Once he thought about Yuejian Mountain, which he was about to truly take over, a sense of eagerness arose in his eyes. After all, although Yuejian Mountain had fallen into disrepair and was far inferior to what it used to be, even a broken ship still had three thousand nails.

With a Nascent Soul cultivator by his side, Fei Tianqin couldn't stop them from opening the Yuejian Mountain Treasury.

As for the rules established hastily by the dragon prince in the past, they are obviously invalid now that a Nascent Soul cultivator has personally arrived.

Even if Zen Master Huiming were ruthless, the Fei family of Yingzhou would still gain a great deal. Perhaps even his younger brother's resources for achieving Buddhahood would be obtained from it.

Of course, if the Tiger Spring Master, whose fate is currently unknown, were to suddenly reappear, it would be appropriate to do him a favor.

After all, the Fei family of Yingzhou will be in dire need of real-person support in the future.

Master Huquan and Fei Tianqin had a personal relationship in the past. Although it wasn't entirely reliable, it was still much more trustworthy than those whose backgrounds were unknown.

Fei Tianqin's expression could not be hidden from Zen Master Huiming, nor did he intend to. The latter, however, did not care what the old bird was thinking, but saw much further ahead than Fei Tianqin.

This time, at the behest of Zen Master Huihai, he removed the covering from his body, causing True Man Yunfu to be seriously injured and leave. This was also to make it clear to the various families of the Immortal Dynasty that the original Buddhist sect, like the Zangchun Tomb and Hehuan sects, had placed a heavy bet on the clan member Zhilan of Kuangliuting.

The original Buddhist sect was the ancestral temple of the Buddhist and Taoist sects within the territory of David. Even though the Buddhist and Taoist sects were weak and far from being able to compete with the Taoist sects, the sensation it brought to the entire Immortal Dynasty was still considerable.

At least tens of thousands of monks who uphold the precepts may not be too disgusted with the people around them who are wearing official robes. Although the struggle between Buddhism and Taoism has never stopped, just like Taoism, the two schools of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism have never reached the point of being irreconcilable enemies throughout history.

Most of the time, however, they still choose to stay in one place.

Therefore, the actions of Abbot Gele Zen Master of Benying Temple at these times are particularly noteworthy.

"I suppose the Jade Immortals will be gathering at Taiyi Temple again to discuss important matters," Zen Master Huiming chuckled, then temporarily suppressed the thought.

Regardless of how things develop in the future, at least the original Buddhist sect made a significant investment, being willing to bury a Zen master here for a hundred years.

The stalemate between the Star-Picking Tower and the Duke of Qin's Mansion was thus resolved, and the three southwestern routes, and even the Ancient Mysterious Path, may be returned to the direct control of the David royal family.

For many who admire Emuro, this is a very encouraging thing.

For Zen Master Huiming, this was far better than the Yuejianshan Treasury that was about to be opened.

One was extremely excited, and the other was deep in thought. When the man and the bird returned to Yuejian Mountain, they didn't say much along the way.

Standing atop the mountain peak, Fei Tianqin looked down and saw that the cultivators of Yuejian Mountain and the Fei family's allied forces were now clearly separated.

This is understandable. Given the lustful eyes still lingering in the Fei family's formation, it would be strange if those from Yuejian Mountain, from the Dragon Prince down, weren't on guard.

However, to Fei Tianqin's slight surprise, apart from the Fei family soldiers, the only ones who could still maintain some semblance of clarity were the Chongming Sect members under Yuan Jin's command.

"It is rare that these cultivators from remote border regions, who have fallen into the treasure mountain of a Nascent Soul sect, can still keep the morale of the army and maintain the clarity of their minds."

Fei Tianqin, unusually, inwardly praised the short, stocky Foundation Establishment cultivator, but afterwards he didn't look at him much, nor did he greet the Fei family cultivators, nor did he have time to ask Kang Dabao whether he had returned. He simply flew towards the person below.

After the old bird landed in the mountains, it led Zen Master Huiming behind it to the side of the dragon prince, who was half hopeful and half horrified, and whispered:
“Nephew, Zen Master Huiming comes from the ancestral temple of the Immortal Dynasty and is a great master of the Manifest School of Buddhism with profound knowledge of Buddhism. This time, at your request, I have invited him here to inquire about that fellow Hou Jin, so that we can find out the whereabouts of Master Huquan as soon as possible.”

"Thank you, Uncle." You Longzi received the letter from Zen Master Huiming and learned that there was a Nascent Soul cultivator hidden in the Fei family's formation much earlier than Fei Tianqin. During this time, he also received various promises from Huiming in the letter. Otherwise, even if he was eager to save his master, he would really find it difficult to make up his mind to fight against his own family.

However, seeing that the man and the bird had indeed kept their promise, Long Zicai finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The two people and the bird abandoned the cultivator in front of them and headed towards the Tianxing Cliff of Yuejian Mountain, which had been handed over to the Fei family cultivators for guard.

This place was originally the site where Yuejian Mountain suppressed evil spirits and demons. At its peak, it was said that even several ancient demons were housed within it.

However, by this time, it had already fallen into ruin along with Yuejian Mountain, and many of its divine restrictions had been rendered useless, now only used to punish disciples. Even so, it was still enough to make many high-ranking cultivators in Yuejian Mountain turn pale at the mere mention of it.

When Zen Master Huiming first arrived at Tianxing Cliff, he could even suppress the Dao heart of a Nascent Soul cultivator, yet he was still somewhat impressed by the remaining starlight power here.

Fei Tianqin's eyes were filled with solemnity, and a hint of caution arose as he looked at You Longzi's back.

Hou Jin was bound to the center of the stone wall by the Spirit-Locking Chains. Bloodstains on his black Taoist robe were covered with frost flowers, and his spiritual power was locked and lifeless. However, the arrogance in his eyes was like an inextinguishable flame. When he saw the two people and the bird enter, he sneered with his cracked lips: "You Longzi, you traitor, you actually brought the bald monk of the Buddhist sect and the evil demon to defile my forbidden land of Yuejian Mountain!"

Upon hearing this, Longzi's face turned ashen, but he offered no explanation. He simply bowed deeply to Zen Master Huiming and asked for his instructions.

The old monk slowly walked to the side of the stone pillar, without approaching Hou Jin. He simply raised his hand and formed a "Zen Mind Illumination Seal," from which a wisp of pale golden Buddhist light emanated.

It contained no sharpness, but rather a gentle, Zen-like spiritual charm that flowed slowly along the Xuan Yuan Zhen Xin patterns on the four walls, subtly resonating with the spiritual energy of Yuejian Mountain's earth veins, and finally condensing into a thin thread of light, as fine as a hair, gently hovering three inches between Hou Jin's eyebrows.

"Fellow Daoist Hou, this humble monk will not argue with you about your treasonous views, nor will I force you to speak." Zen Master Huiming's voice was not loud, yet it seemed to be wrapped in the spiritual essence of the mountain wind, seeping into Hou Jin's ears along the earth's veins.

"Fellow Daoist surely knows the whereabouts of Master Huquan. This humble monk's method of 'Zen Mind Clarity' will not seize your sea of ​​consciousness, but only reveal your true nature. If you can truly guard it, this humble monk will depart here."

A fierce glint flashed in Hou Jin's eyes. He suddenly channeled the remaining power of his Dao Heart to protect his sea of ​​consciousness.

As a Nascent Soul disciple, Hou Jin, the upper cultivator, naturally heard about his many extraordinary abilities.

He had long since learned the "Heart-Locking Secret Technique" from Yunfu, and he was confident that even if a True Person used brutal methods to search his soul, he would hardly notice. However, veins bulged on his forehead, and a trickle of black blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. He was actually using self-harm to strengthen his mental defenses, attempting to throw his consciousness into chaos and conceal his secret.

"Stubborn fool!" Fei Tianqin watched impatiently from the side, his feathers trembling slightly as if he were about to take action, but was stopped again by Zen Master Huiming.

The old monk's fingertips shimmered with Buddhist light, and the wisp of light hanging between Hou Jin's eyebrows suddenly transformed into countless finer points of light, seeping into Hou Jin's sea of ​​consciousness like spring rain.

Unlike ordinary soul-searching techniques, this "Zen Mind Clarity" method does not damage the sea of ​​consciousness, but rather reflects the hidden true meaning like a clear mirror. Even if Hou Jin deliberately confuses his memories, the information deep within his heart will still appear in the Buddha's light.

After a while, Hou Jin felt a warm sensation in his mind, not pain, but something that terrified him even more than pain.

The Buddha's light, like an all-pervasive stream, bypassed the layers of barriers he had deliberately set up and reached the deepest part of his Dao heart.

He could clearly feel that the memories within were being "illuminated," and no matter how he activated the Heart-Sealing Secret Technique, he could not stop the penetration of that Buddhist light.

"No! How dare you!" Hou Jin roared, suddenly raising his head, his eyes bloodshot and filled with ferocity.

The golden core, which had been immobilized inside, seemed to disregard the threat of cracking and began to spin rapidly, a fearless act that seemed to lead to certain death.

But as soon as he moved, the Buddha's light gently enveloped his head, causing all his thoughts and actions to suddenly come to a halt.

He could only watch helplessly as the secrets in his heart were gradually revealed, like layers of a cocoon being peeled away: the whereabouts of Tiger Spring, the location of the sect's treasury, and the persuasive words of Master Qingxuan of Taiyi Temple.
All the crucial matters that Master Yunfu had reassured him about were crystal clear in the Buddha's light.

Zen Master Huiming closed his eyes and chanted a mantra. The spiritual light and energy at his fingertips gradually stabilized. Although he did not speak, You Longzi and Fei Tianqin, who were standing to the side, could sense from the spiritual aura around him that the whereabouts of True Man Huquan had been discovered.

After another cup of tea's time, Zen Master Huiming slowly opened his eyes. The Buddhist light at his fingertips dissipated, and Hou Jin collapsed onto the Soul-Locking Chain as if all his strength had been drained, his eyes filled with confusion.

Hou Jin slumped onto the spirit-locking chain, his eyes glazed over, forgetting even to wipe the black blood from the corner of his mouth.

His supposedly impregnable defenses were utterly powerless against Zen Master Huiming's supernatural powers. Not to mention secrets, even his desire to die melted away completely, like snow lying in the warm sun.

Zen Master Huiming withdrew the Buddha's light from his fingertips and spoke slowly to Fei Tianqin and You Longzi:
"The Tiger Spring Benefactor is hidden in the 'Broken Stone Valley' on the western slope. That valley is full of withered trees and snow, just like the surrounding landscape. Yun Fu has also set up a 'Mysterious Origin Concealment Array' at the entrance of the valley, so that even if ordinary cultivators pass by, they will find it difficult to detect anything unusual."

“Broken Stone Pass?” You Longzi suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with urgency: “It’s very far away. My Uncle Yunfu and I used to…” His voice suddenly stopped, remembering that things in the sect had changed, and he sighed.

Fei Tianqin spread his golden wings, the tips of which swept across the spiritual light sinking to the ground, and said softly, "There's no time to lose! I'll go with the Zen Master. You, my dear nephew, stay here and keep the Fei family cultivators in check, so that Hou Jin doesn't cause any more trouble!"

Although it was eager to take control of Yuejian Mountain as soon as possible, it also understood that rescuing Huquan was the most important thing at the moment.

With Huquan, a true master of the orthodox lineage, taking over the Yuejianshan Treasury and gathering the old Yuejianshan followers will be much smoother in the future.

Compared to the future of the Fei family in Yingzhou, and even more important than the unknown treasures for Nascent Soul cultivators in the Yuejian Mountain treasury, it is better to cultivate a fairly complete Nascent Soul sect and gain favor with a True Person.

Zen Master Huiming had the same idea. It would be a lie to say that he had no interest in the Yuejian Mountain Treasury, given his background, but he was still much less enthusiastic than Fei Tianqin.

Since the original Buddhist sect has already entered the game, it naturally hopes that the Immortal Dynasty can have more capital so that after Kuang Liuting ascends the throne, he can cleanse the world as soon as possible.

However, after the man and the bird inquired about the location of the Broken Stone Pass from the Dragon Prince, they heard the resounding tolling of a bell from Yuejian Mountain. Immediately afterward, a sorrowful hue seeped into the sky as well.

Before Zen Master Huiming and Fei Tianqin could have been filled with doubt for long, a golden pill rushed in, weeping bitterly.

Long Zi was already extremely nervous, but when he saw his junior brother enter, he mustered his courage and took a gamble: "Junior Brother Lei, is this Uncle Yun Fu?"

"Senior Brother, the soul lamp in the Lingguang Hall has been shattered. Master must have already ascended to immortality!"

"what?!"

(End of this chapter)