This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 464 Without worldly ties, a clear mirror cannot shine; without mud, a lotus cannot be pure.
South China Sea.

Purple bamboo sways gently, and the fragrance of lotus is delicate and serene.

Before the Tide Sound Cave, the blue waves rippled gently. Two figures in white robes stood in mid-air, each stepping on a nine-tiered lotus platform. Behind them, golden wheels spun, and Buddha's light shone everywhere.

Apart from the different candidates, the True Martial Emperors of the Celestial Realm and the Divine Firmament Realm are almost identical, especially in their Dharma forms: the Tortoise-Snake Xuanwu and the Great Emperor Mo Xuan are exactly the same.

Their magical artifacts were exactly the same, including the same Demon-Slaying Sword and the Soap Carved Flag. If Xiang Yuan hadn't broken through his limitations and stepped out of the original framework of the True Martial Emperor, his strength would have been slightly stronger than that of the Demon-Slaying Ancestor on the other side. They would still be evenly matched at this point and could have fought for a whole day.

No, it should be that the Demon-Slaying Ancestor has the advantage!

The Demon-Slaying Ancestor had thirty-six divine generals under his saddle, and was further strengthened by the three great formations of Tiangang, Xuanwu, and Tianluo, making him far stronger than Xiang Yuan, the True Martial Emperor, who lacked soldiers and generals.

However, the two Guanyin Bodhisattvas from the Heavenly Realm and the Divine Firmament Realm have obvious differences in appearance.

The Bodhisattva Guanyin, manifested by Layman Baiyue, leans against her arm with a jade vase, willow branches drooping with drops of nectar, her eyes lowered, her compassion as gentle as a spring breeze and nourishing rain. Auspicious clouds swirl around her, golden light dances in the light gauze, and she stands on a white lotus platform, its petals as pure and flawless as snow.

Guanyin of the Divine Firmament Realm holds a Prajna Sutra scroll in her right hand and forms the Abhaya Mudra with her left. A vermilion dot is between her brows, and her eyes contain immeasurable wisdom and light. Behind her is a golden wheel like the sun, with Buddhist light condensing into mantras. The lotus platform beneath her feet is azure-gold, signifying enlightenment and boundless wisdom.

Willow Guanyin.

Guanyin holding the sutra.

Both of the two different forms of Guanyin can be found among the thirty-three forms of Guanyin.

Two figures in white stood facing each other across the void. Their confrontation was neither as intense as that between the gods of the Nine Heavens nor as taciturn as that between the Golden Venerable Buddha of the Western Paradise, who directly clashed with Buddhist teachings.

They're currently in the middle of casual conversation about everyday matters, addressing each other as "Master," and the atmosphere is quite harmonious.

The onlookers didn't see it that way. In their eyes, the seemingly ordinary exchange between the real and fake Guanyin Bodhisattvas contained hidden Zen wisdom and had already entered a debate mode.

At least that's what Hou thinks.

After transforming into human form, Hou wore a wide monk's hat, with a black coarse cloth partially covering his dark hair, and a few strands of hair falling down his forehead. His bronze skin was like a bronze bell that had been forged by the scorching sun. Underneath his sleeveless monk's robe were two strong and powerful arms. He was about the same height as Xiang Yuan. He was a kind nun who possessed both Buddhist compassion and an untamed wildness.

Having been incorporated into the Purple Bamboo Grove, Hou was given the Dharma name 'Bamboo Dew' by the Hermit of White Moon, meaning the clear dew among the bamboo, untouched by dust.

It's a very elegant Buddhist name, which is the complete opposite of her strong and powerful physique.

Fortunately, she has delicate features; judging by her face alone, Zhujian Qinglu is not a bad choice.

As the mount of Guanyin Bodhisattva, Hou has no divine position, but because of its master's extraordinary status, it is blessed with divine power. Among the seven SSS-level demons, its fist strength is enough to rank among the top three.

The blessing from Guanyin Bodhisattva is too strong. Hou's strength is even greater than Ji Muqing's Huian Xingzhe. He is the number one fighter in the Purple Bamboo Forest.

The Nine-Headed Serpent, who followed Xiang Yuan, was inferior. The True Martial Emperor was a step below Guanyin Bodhisattva. Both were mounts and were blessed by their masters. The Hou had no rivals in the Purple Bamboo Forest, while the Nine-Headed Serpent could only rank below the Turtle and Snake Generals.

This is also why Moqilin has fared the worst.

A streak of black light sped by like lightning, landing in front of the Tide Sound Cave. It forcefully squeezed into the crowd of young ladies, took out a bottle of "happy water," and looked at the two Guanyin sisters.

Just in time, I wasn't late!
Speaking of which, the Purple Bamboo Grove is not only home to Bai Yue Jushi and Ji Muqing, master and disciple. Thanks to Xiang Yuan's actions, the entire Jingyue Chanxin Academy in the Dragon Subduing Realm ascended to immortality, and their daily life is joyful and quite lively.

Today was no different. Just as Xiang Yuan was taking a couple of sips of his soda, a small, clean, white hand reached out from somewhere and snatched the soda from his hand.

An indirect kiss; another day of my uncle being teased in the Purple Bamboo Forest.

Xiang Yuan doted on these junior disciples and didn't mind them suffering a little grievance. But upon closer inspection, he was surprised to find that the two Guanyin sisters looked somewhat alike.

Their faces were whiter than the autumn moon, their eyes clearer than autumn water, their jade-like dimples radiant, and their eyebrows like ink paintings. Against the backdrop of golden light and auspicious clouds, their white robes bloomed like white peonies, their temperament ethereal and otherworldly, their holy appearance almost unreal.

They are not exactly the same. Perhaps the scenery of Emei Mountain is too nourishing, and the Guanyin sister in that place is plump and slender, while the Guanyin sister opposite is elegant and moderate. To make a similar comparison, it is equivalent to the White Palace Master and the Door Fence Sword Master facing each other.

Putting aside the differences in body shape, the similarities in appearance...

There must be an explanation!
Xiang Yuan narrowed his eyes, recalling the broken sampan and the similar face of Senior Jiang.

A reincarnated being!

Not only does the Heavenly Emperor have reincarnations, but Guanyin Bodhisattva does too!

The Heavenly Realm and the Divine Firmament Realm clashed, and the already irreconcilable conflict between the two Guanyin sisters became even more untenable.

"Uncle Master."

Ji Muqing moved closer to Xiang Yuan, tugged at his sleeve, and looked extremely solemn.

I still have a glass of soda in my hand, which I don't know I snatched back from one of my junior sisters.

Ji Muqing's expression was solemn, not because Xiang Yuan's silence had emboldened her junior sisters to tease their master, but because Guanyin from the Divine Firmament Realm was coming in a fierce manner, urging Xiang Yuan to stop watching the show and quickly lend a hand to her sister.

Bah, I'm just helping my master out.

Xiang Yuan nodded. There was no need for Ji Muqing to say anything more. Now that he had come to the Purple Bamboo Forest, he would not allow this battle to be fair and just.

"Senior sister, this scoundrel is impersonating Guanyin Bodhisattva, and he's so convincingly faked that he's guilty of heinous crimes that he deserves to die!"

Xiang Yuan transmitted his voice, saying, "We don't need to talk about chivalry when it comes to this kind of evil and heretical sect. Let's go side by side, take down this scoundrel, restore a bright and clear world to the Purple Bamboo Forest, and restore justice and fairness to the South China Sea."

They started by assuming the moral high ground, acting like a reputable and righteous family.

Layman Baiyue shook his head slightly: "There is neither true nor false. What all beings see is Guanyin. Junior brother, you must know that the Buddha's teachings are boundless. Appearances arise from the mind. The debate between true and false is simply the attachment of all beings."

I understand the logic, but logic is determined by the victor. Let's join forces and kill her first, then we can talk about these things.

Xiang Yuan is a pragmatic person. He advised Bai Yue Jushi to talk less about philosophy and Zen. As a great Bodhisattva Guanyin, you are a leader in Buddhism. How could you not know that these motivational speeches are just for your subordinates?

Just like bosses always tell their employees, don't feel tired or wronged, and don't feel like you're making money for the boss. The boss is giving you an opportunity to accumulate experience, you are improving yourself, and you are working hard for yourself.

You can fool college students, but you can't fool yourself!
Xiang Yuan thought to herself, then suddenly remembered something, her brows furrowed, and she transmitted her voice, "Senior Sister, you don't think the person on the other side is the real Guanyin Bodhisattva, do you?"

Xiang Yuan and Bai Yue Jushi were old acquaintances. Although he didn't know Bai Yue Jushi's background, he knew him inside and out and keenly sensed the lack of confidence in Bai Yue Jushi's inspirational quotes.

Yes, these words were not spoken to him by someone else, but rather spoken by the White Moon Hermit to himself.

Since ascending to the celestial realm and attaining the divine position of Guanyin Bodhisattva, Baiyue Jushi has had a new favorite saying: "This white robe must not be tarnished on her."

Baiyue Jushi was able to become Guanyin Bodhisattva because she had powerful connections. King Frieza had enough influence that he said Baiyue Jushi was qualified to become Guanyin Bodhisattva, so the Heavenly Emperor decisively took action and bestowed upon her the divine position of Antarctic Guanyin.

Therefore, Laywoman Baiyue did not consider herself to be Guanyin Bodhisattva. The white robes she wore made her feel quite pressured, fearing that she might make a mistake and ruin the Bodhisattva's pure and holy reputation.

Suddenly seeing another Guanyin Bodhisattva, Baiyue Jushi was intimidated before even engaging in battle. She had to give herself a pep talk, letting go of her attachment to the true and false, and realizing that Guanyin is Guanyin, and that she herself is Guanyin.

As expected, those close to them understand each other best. Xiang Yuan's prediction came true; Bai Yue Jushi was indeed somewhat lacking in confidence.

"Senior sister, don't overthink it. I'm a well-informed person. That fellow looks somewhat like you. She's clearly copied from your appearance. You are Guanyin Bodhisattva, and she's the imposter." Xiang Yuan solemnly transmitted his voice.

"Truth and falsehood..."

Baiyue Jushi frowned slightly and replied, "Junior brother, you must not make a move in this round. This humble monk has many questions to ask Guanyin Bodhisattva. I have deep doubts in my heart, and if I leave him here, he will surely have demonic thoughts. I hope you will grant my request."

Xiang Yuan remained silent and did not respond.

His thinking was simple: if Baiyue Jushi had the upper hand, he would never interfere, since he had tacitly agreed; if Baiyue Jushi was at a disadvantage, then sorry, he hadn't agreed to anything.

"Martial Uncle?!"

Seeing that Xiang Yuan remained silent for a long time, Ji Muqing became anxious. Although she never hesitated to snatch her uncle from her master's arms, her respect for her master was genuine. She was afraid that something might go wrong today, making it impossible to snatch her uncle from her master's arms in the future.

It sounds strange, but he is indeed a filial apprentice.

"Don't panic, I'm here. At worst, this situation will be a close call but we'll be safe."

Xiang Yuan picked up the soda from Ji Muqing's hand and shoved the straw into her mouth. From a scientific perspective, when the human body ingests enough carbohydrates, neurons in the brain release dopamine signals, which makes people feel happy and satisfied.

So when you're feeling unsettled, a bottle of soda will do the trick.

Ji Muqing took a small sip from the straw, then spat it out after a moment. It tasted like her senior uncle and her two junior sisters.

What exactly happened to this straw?
Ji Muqing looked annoyed, feeling that her martial uncle was unclean. She subconsciously looked at Yuan's mouth and reminded him, "Martial Uncle, there's still some ketchup on your mouth."

Ji Muqing was born in the Dragon Subduing Realm, a standard ancient martial arts world background. Due to the ascension passage and the descent of extraterrestrial demons, it has some high-level martial arts elements, which is very different from the modern city of steel jungle. Logically speaking, she should not know about fries and ketchup.

But she knew perfectly well that Xu Xian had used Xiaoqing as a tomato sauce tray, and Bai Suzhen was also there, making a total of two trays. They were two very white trays, so fragile they would crack if not held steady.

"Huh? Did I not wipe it clean enough?"

Xiang Yuan raised his hand and wiped it off hastily, but he hadn't really wiped it clean. He said with lingering fear, "Mu Qing, thank goodness you reminded me, otherwise your master would have found out about me eating my secretary's ham with ketchup and fries."

Ji Muqing: ()
Master will find out, because she will definitely tell Master.

In mid-air, Guanyin of the Divine Firmament Realm sensed the change in Baiyue Jushi's aura. From initially feigning composure to now showing a sense of relief, the source of the change was Xiang Yuan, who was dressed in black. After Xiang Yuan arrived, Baiyue Jushi felt as if he had found his pillar of support.

Guanyin pondered for a moment, paused, then dispersed her left hand in the Abhaya Mudra and clasped her hands together in front of her chest: "Great Bodhisattva, your mind is impure, you are attached to worldly affairs, and you cannot attain a pure heart. How can you wear white robes and how can you universally save sentient beings?"

Layman Baiyue did not deny it, replying: "Without worldly ties, a clear mirror cannot be clear; without mud, a lotus cannot be pure. May I ask, Great Master, those who do not understand the world are like those who have never seen a lotus, unable to see me. Do they truly understand what purity is?"

Whether something is pure or not, Xiang Yuan and Baiyue Jushi debated it long ago.

Xiang Yuan said that the first sword to strike upon reaching the shore is to slay the one you desire; without a lover, there is no one to reach the shore.

If you want to get ashore, you have to stay in the water first!

“On the contrary, you, Great Master, are pure because you have not been attached to worldly affairs. You are not truly pure. Your clear mind cannot withstand the test.” Layman Baiyue quoted Xiang Yuan’s words, and his reasoned argument turned the tables on him.

As for how to save all sentient beings, it's even simpler: as long as she wears white robes, people will know that she has severed her ties to the mortal world and that the golden sea has dried up.

After entering the Pass, there will be great scholars to debate for me!
This hermit, Baiyue, had been indoctrinated with too many fallacies by Xiang Yuan, and his mouth was already shaped like Xiang Yuan's. He spoke eloquently and calmly, spouting a string of clever phrases, leaving Guanyin speechless and only able to shake her head repeatedly.

It's all just twisted logic and heresy disguised as Zen teachings; there's nothing to argue about.

If you do not understand Buddhism and insist on preaching, this humble monk has some physics to offer!
"Amitabha---"

Guanyin chanted the Buddha's name softly, and the compassionate and solemn Dharma spread out all around. A vast golden light condensed into a beam, like a wise word to warn the world, and pointed directly at the brow of Layman Baiyue.

A streak of light shot out, piercing through the air as it arrived.

Baiyue Jushi remained unmoved, gently waving a willow branch. Dew condensed into a barrier, and the crystal-clear water curtain stretched like a chasm, blocking Guanyin's wisdom from entering.

This humble monk possesses his own wisdom; I need not borrow yours!

boom! !

The shockwave exploded, shaking the entire South China Sea, and the waves surged back three thousand miles!
Two Guanyin statues stand facing each other in mid-air, their Buddhist lights intertwining and colliding, like morning bells and evening drums, echoing through the purple bamboo forest.

Guanyin's scrolls turned, the scripture transforming into golden butterflies that fluttered across the world. Wherever she passed, the purple bamboo forest moved without wind, bamboo leaves rustling down, freezing in mid-air before touching the sea, then shattering into dust.

The tides in the South China Sea reverse, causing the purple bamboo to bloom and bear fruit, only to wither away in an instant.

The Buddha's teachings state that a single thought arises and ceases, and all things transmigrate in the cycle of existence!

Baiyue Jushi remained calm and composed. He sprinkled sweet dew from his jade bottle, and the withered bamboo came back to life. The lifeless purple bamboo sprouted new buds and returned to its previous vibrant state of flourishing life.

Guanyin's fingertips brushed across the Prajna Sutra scroll, each word imbued with Zen wisdom and Sanskrit chants. Sweet dew descended from the sky, and golden lotuses sprang from the earth. With the supreme Dharma of Buddhism, she transformed into a golden lock, binding the spotless white robes of Layman Baiyue.

"Pure!"

"Dyed!"

With each collision of the chains, mantras burst forth, and boundless Buddhist light emanates, sealing the heavens and earth, aiming to completely suppress the White Moon Hermit.

The White Moon Hermit chuckled softly, tilting the vase in his hand slightly, its mouth reflecting the silhouettes of the three thousand worlds.

There are bustling streets and alleys, battlefields and smoke, and all walks of life. Among them is the purple bamboo forest that is currently facing off, hidden in a bottle, as small as a mustard seed.

"receive."

She lightly touched the bottle with her fingertips, and the boundless Buddhist light that had sealed the heavens and earth instantly dissipated, flowing like a hundred rivers into the sea, all of it being absorbed into the pure bottle.

The Prajnaparamita Sutra between Avalokiteshvara's fingers suddenly paused, the words of the sutra becoming obscure, and Avalokiteshvara herself seemed to be taken away by the vase.

Her gaze sharpened, and she slowly pushed open the Abhaya Mudra with her left hand. Azure flames bloomed on the lotus platform beneath her feet. On the sea of ​​wisdom, the eight words "To cling to purity is not to be pure" flickered, both avoiding the power of the vase and admonishing the White Moon Layman not to linger on worldly ties.

The Guanyin Bodhisattva who holds the sutra is pure, solemn, compassionate, and wise. She guides sentient beings in the form of a Śrāvaka. Her Buddhist teachings are certainly far superior to those of the lay Buddhist Baiyue, who is unable to let go of worldly attachments.

If Baiyue Jushi were capable, she would have known Xiang Yuan inside and out long ago, unlike now, when she knows nothing about him; if she were capable of letting go, she would have broken off all ties with Xiang Yuan long ago, unlike now, when she has also deceived herself.

While watching from afar, he waited for the opportunity to launch a sneak attack. It's not an exaggeration to say that the True Martial Emperor has received an epic enhancement. If he were to punch him, even Guanyin Bodhisattva would have to cry out.

At the same time, he didn't forget to protect the group of young ladies behind him, so that they wouldn't be injured by the two great masters fighting.

However, the two Guanyin sisters were compassionate, and the competition of Buddhist teachings was in their hearts. They took all the fancy special effects upon themselves, and it did not have much impact on reality.

It looks dangerous, and it is indeed dangerous, but it will not cause harm to the audience.

This made Xiang Yuan quite worried. Whenever Guanyin of the Divine Firmament Realm was a little arrogant, domineering, or foul-mouthed, he would never hold back when throwing punches. But this compassionate and righteous attitude made him feel rather helpless.

Xiang Yuan admitted that he lusted after Baiyue Jushi's body and harbored impure thoughts about her holy skin. He was the mud in that mud, and Baiyue Jushi was unlucky to have met him.

Another possibility cannot be ruled out: according to the Buddhist concept of retribution, the fact that Baiyue Jushi fell into his hands must be because he had committed evil deeds that destroyed the world in his previous life.

In short, Xiang Yuan was very self-aware and admitted that Guanyin of the Divine Firmament Realm was right. He said that it was he who had been holding Baiyue Jushi back. If Baiyue Jushi wanted peace and quiet, he should turn back to the right path and let go of worldly ties as soon as possible.

Buzz buzz————

The nectar dripped from the jade bottle, each drop as heavy as a thousand pounds, falling into the sea of ​​wisdom and stirring up a thousand waves.

The sound of the tide was like thunder, the chanting of Buddhist scriptures was like drums, and the collision of Buddhist teachings echoed endlessly.

The two great masters have been battling for so long, their supernatural powers are evenly matched, and neither can defeat the other.

However, the debate between the two great masters regarding Buddhist teachings did not lie in strength, but in their hearts.

Although one side argued vehemently, it was aware of its own shortcomings, and its mental state revealed its flaws. The seemingly flawless argument ultimately showed signs of strain under the pressure of the sea of ​​wisdom.

Guanyin smiled faintly, dispelling the boundless Buddha light, and sat cross-legged on the lotus platform. She held the Prajna Sutra in her right hand and rested her left hand lightly on her knee. Her face was serene and compassionate, and her eyes shone with wisdom.

“The Great Master has not even realized his own enlightenment, how could he be a match for this humble monk? If this humble monk were to force the issue in this round, the Great Master would undoubtedly lose.”

She closed her eyes and said, "The matter of victory or defeat is not what this humble monk desires. If the Great Master does not mind, this humble monk has his own Buddhist teachings that can help the Great Master see me when the flower blooms and understand himself."

"Senior sister, this guy has bad intentions, don't pay any attention to him. You continue fighting him. Junior brother has already seen through his methods. He'll give him a good punch later and make sure to smash his face in half," Xiang Yuan transmitted his voice.

"Junior brother, don't be ridiculous. Guanyin is Guanyin. What's the difference between you disfiguring her face and disfiguring your senior sister's face?"

Layman Baiyue rejected Xiang Yuan's bad idea, put away the vase in his hand, and then sat cross-legged on the lotus platform: "May I ask, Great Master, how does one understand oneself? Is it the past or the future?"

"Now."

The two words were uttered softly, yet like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, they dissolved all disputes.

Guanyin opened her eyes, and the image of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin appeared behind her. Her many white hands connected heaven and earth, like blooming white lotuses, enveloping herself and Baiyue Jushi, both of them in a pure white Buddhist kingdom.

In the pure white Buddhist kingdom, time seems to stand still, and only the present moment is eternal.

Their eyes met, reflecting the myriad worlds within them. Suddenly, a smile appeared on their faces, and all their doubts melted away like snow.

She closed her eyes peacefully, like a bird returning to its nest.

Upon seeing this, Guanyin smiled and closed her eyes.

The two bodhisattvas seemed to have entered a state of mental communication, and it was unclear what they were talking about, but they both felt very good.

The onlookers didn't think so, especially Xiang Yuan and Ji Muqing, who felt that Baiyue Jushi had drunk the Buddhist potion and was implying that he was letting go of his ego to fulfill the other party's wishes.

"Uncle Master!"

As soon as Ji Muqing spoke, Xiang Yuan transformed into a beam of black light and shot out, his massive hand pressing down and engulfing the entire pure white Buddhist kingdom.

Wake up! Don't listen to this wicked nun's nonsense.

Listen to your junior brother, if there's anything you can't figure out, let me make it up for you!
(End of this chapter)