The court lackeys of the eight-hour workday

Chapter 570 The Truth
Since waking up, Jianzhen had maintained a smiling face and the demeanor of a virtuous monk whenever he saw Li Miao. But in this instant, his defenses were finally broken, and his expression completely lost control.

"Benefactor...you?"

He was dumbfounded.

Li Miao appeared puzzled.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Master?"

He looked down and laughed.

"Oh... ha, just a little effort and talent. I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Master."

Jianzhen remained silent.

After a long while, he finally let out a long sigh.

"It seems that my earlier statement that your comprehension is comparable to that of Bodhidharma was a sign of my limited understanding. Your innate comprehension surpasses even that of Zhang Sanfeng!"

“This humble monk can see that you have previously acquired a technique called Silent Illumination and have gained some understanding of it, so I believe you should be able to master it within three years…”

"But unexpectedly, it only lasted a moment!"

Jianzhen had lost all interest in maintaining the demeanor of a high-ranking monk, and he slapped his thigh with his left hand, making a loud slapping sound.

"Just a moment!"

"If it hadn't happened in front of me, I would have considered it a joke. Even having witnessed it with my own eyes, I could hardly believe it!"

"My understanding is as worthless as dog urine in front of you, benefactor!"

Li Miao was still enjoying Jianzhen's praise, but when he heard the term "dog urine moss," his face stiffened. He thought to himself, "What the hell did you two 'dog urine moss' do to you?" He lost interest in listening and just laughed.

"Master, you flatter me. Let's not talk about that."

"I initially thought you possessed a manual on the True Constant Realm, which is why I asked you two questions. But since you don't have it... could you explain it to me?"

"Also, I previously thought that the key points you left in the inheritance of the four original sword techniques combined would form the True Constant Manual. Since you don't have it, what is this thing?"

Jianzhen slowly shook his head.

"Let's talk about the True Constant Realm first."

"Which are you more familiar with, Taoism or Buddhism?"

Li Miao chuckled.

"If it's convenient, it's better to use the Taoist terminology... After all, the emperors of my generation are quite fond of Taoist practices, and I come from a government background, so I know a bit about Taoist things, but I know less about Buddhism."

“I can understand it better if I use the Taoist terminology.”

Jianzhen nodded.

"Alright, let's start with the Taoist perspective."

"The true nature responds to things, and the true nature is attained."

"In the Taoist concept, 'true constancy' refers to the original state of being free from delusions and thoughts, and pure and natural. In the Taoist alchemy concept, it is the constant state of unity of essence, energy, and spirit."

"If I had to describe it in one word, it would be 'essence manifested'."

Li Miao raised an eyebrow.

"Like the Shinto swordsmanship of the gods?"

Jianzhen looked disdainful and let out a cold laugh.

"Ha, are you joking, benefactor?"

“Cultivating one’s nature, body, and mind is all about self-cultivation. Just as Shakyamuni said: ‘In heaven and on earth, I alone am the honored one.’ That so-called divine sword technique is just a beast or monster in one’s heart. It’s utter nonsense. Amitabha.”

Jianzhen accidentally broke the precept against speech, and immediately stopped himself and chanted Buddhist mantras to show his remorse.

Li Miao glanced at Jianzhen's right side without making a sound, narrowed his eyes, and clenched his fist.

Jianzhen was an enlightened monk whose level of Buddhist practice was probably even higher than Xingchi's. His every move had long reached the point of "doing whatever he wanted without transgressing the rules." How could he have accidentally broken the precept against speech?

Since Jianzhen awoke, he has never mentioned his right side, nor has he paid any attention to the bizarre and cruel corpse lotus beneath him. This completely violates the Buddhist principle of compassion! He was betrayed and killed by the monks of Enryaku-ji Temple precisely because he was too compassionate. How could he ignore the corpses scattered all over the ground?
Moreover, this lotus platform made of corpses is a Buddhist image, and it should probably be the work of Jianzhen... Although Master Jianzhen speaks clearly and logically, to be honest, he may not have been very clear-headed.

It seems that this long and intimate conversation, spanning eight hundred years, will soon come to an end.

A hint of coldness flashed in Li Miao's eyes.

Jianzhen's voice continued.

"In short, the essence of the True Constant Realm is to integrate one's own nature into every move and style, and to influence external things with one's own mind."

"The Divine Sword Technique, huh, though it's an unorthodox path, it's somewhat similar. However, if one cultivates it the orthodox way, one should manifest one's own image when making a move!" "Like this!"

Jianzhen suddenly struck out with his palm.

Li Miao's eyes flickered.

This slap... was serious!
Full of murderous intent!
As the palm strike was unleashed, a phantom Buddha statue suddenly appeared behind Jianzhen, its golden body seated cross-legged on a lotus platform, radiating golden light.

But that face, which should have been pure and compassionate, was instead a blue-faced, fanged monster! The golden body was covered in filth, blood, and black mud, and the lotus platform beneath it was filled with thumb-sized human faces, constantly wailing and screaming!
Li Miao was prepared. His protective true energy surged upwards, and at the same time, the Silent Illusion was also deployed, concealing his attack within the interplay of reality and illusion.

Boom boom boom boom!
A series of explosions followed, and a strong gust of wind swept across the surroundings!
The corpses hanging outside the Buddhist hall swayed wildly, their teeth clattering together with a crisp, clicking sound. Parts of the corpses on the lotus were severed by the aftershocks, their severed limbs flying everywhere.

call--

Li Miao dispersed the dust with a single palm strike.

On the corpse lotus, Jian Zhen looked over with a smile.

"This is the true constant; can you see it clearly, benefactor?"

Li Miao frowned and shook his head.

"Didn't the master say that true constancy is impossible?"

"No, I don't."

"Then why were you able to use that move just now?"

"Naturally, it's because...because..."

Jianzhen's expression gradually became confused.

"Yes, why is it that this humble monk can use this move?"

His eyes suddenly flashed.

"Benefactor, is the scene I am seeing now different from what you have seen?"

Li Miao fell silent.

He knew that Jianzhen would be leaving soon.

Should we let him die peacefully, or should we reveal this cruel truth to him...? When Jianzhen said that he died because of his pedantry, there was not a trace of regret in his tone. He died because he practiced his Buddhist teachings, and he died a worthy death.

In terms of martial arts, he lost.

But in terms of Buddhist teachings and in practicing his own path, he did not lose, so he could accept his death with equanimity and chat with Li Miao with a smile.

But what if the truth is revealed?
Should such a venerable monk die with his eyes open in disgrace?
Li Miao squinted and twirled his fingers.

After a long while, Jianzhen suddenly struck out with his palm towards his own face!

He didn't hold back an inch!

Li Miao's eyes flickered, and his protective true energy surged upwards, grabbing Jianzhen's hand.

"Grandmaster!"

"donor!"

Jianzhen looked at Li Miao.

"Cultivating Taoism and worshipping Buddha are both ways of seeking truth!"

"Being unable to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, is what truly ruins this humble monk's spiritual practice! How can you face the Buddha then!"

"If you don't even dare to open your eyes to see what you've done, what's the difference between you and an animal! If you still consider me a Buddhist disciple, then either let me commit suicide, or let me see the truth!"

The two stared at each other, the aftershocks of their inner energy stirring up the surrounding dust and smoke. Jianzhen's arm trembled, clearly indicating that he had used all his strength—he was serious.

After a long while, Li Miao slowly closed his eyes.

“In that case, Master.”

He activated the Silent Illumination Technique, but not to create illusions; rather, he projected the real scene into Jianzhen's heart.

"This is the truth you wanted."

A dim lamp flickers, blood flows freely.

The corpse lotus blooms, half demon, half Buddha.

(End of this chapter)