Daqin Zhentiansi

The pupils of the statue on the wooden staff suddenly contracted, becoming as sharp as needles, reflecting the scroll of silk that symbolized an unprecedented structure.

Immediately afterwards, his withered face twitched slightly, and the fingers holding the staff suddenly tightened, the knuckles turning bluish-white, showing the violent tsunami he was experiencing inside!
It was neither fear nor ecstasy, but a tremendous shock that completely overturned his understanding!

A sense of bewilderment and...dizziness overwhelmed by a future blueprint that is so grand it surpasses imagination, yet also possesses a fatal allure!
Even with his unfathomable cultivation level, his movement of receiving the scroll faltered slightly.

The moment he held the silk scroll in his hands, he felt not only the weight of the scroll itself, but also the weight of the souls of millions of people!

And then there's... that enormous, breathtaking promise that could propel the entire Buddhist community of Liangzhou to new heights, making it the cornerstone of the Qin Dynasty's destiny and even the order of the Three Realms!
He was impatient, yet with unparalleled caution and solemnity, as he untied the dragon-patterned ribbon on the silk scroll.

The silk scroll slowly unfolded in his hands.

Time seemed to stand still.

The old man on the wooden staff had his gaze fixed on the silk scroll. His aged body remained motionless, except for his gray eyebrows and the hand holding the scroll, which trembled slightly, revealing the turmoil in his heart.

Every word on the silk scroll resounded in his mind like thunderclaps.

The Human Emperor reigns supreme, the Buddha's cycle of reincarnation unfolds, immortals and demons clash, Confucianism forms the foundation...

Every step is meticulous and grand, elevating the status of Liangzhou Buddhism to an unprecedented strategic fulcrum. It is no longer a secluded Buddhist kingdom, but an indispensable and crucial link in the future order of the Three Realms, holding the power of life, death, and reincarnation!
This is by no means a declaration of war; this is... an invitation to the eternal ladder of Buddhism!

After a long while, he slowly raised his head, almost word by word, and looked at Ji Yuntang with a complex gaze that was a mixture of shock, bewilderment, and disbelief, as if he were seeing this Qin envoy for the first time.

He said nothing, but silently passed the silk scroll in his hand to another Venerable beside him, who was equally dumbfounded and whose breathing had become disordered.

The silk scroll was quickly passed among the most senior monks on the top floor of the Buddhist altar.

There were no exclamations, no commotion, only deathly silence.

Every person who received the scroll, whether it was Abbot Juezang of the Vajra Monastery, Abbot Huayan, or Grand Master Miaozhi, changed their expression drastically after reading the contents of the scroll!
Some trembled violently, some murmured in a daze, some gasped, and some had their eyes instantly ignited with greed and ecstasy, yet were also overwhelmed by the responsibility implied in that grand blueprint...

In the end, all the venerable ones and chiefs had nothing but undisguised shock and utter bewilderment on their faces.

The concepts of "holy land" and "Buddhist kingdom of Liangzhou" that they had held dear for thousands of years were instantly crushed in the face of this blueprint.

Instead, a vast, unfamiliar "Great Qin Buddhist Sect" emerged, full of opportunities and challenges!
Although the numerous eminent monks on the periphery did not know the specific contents of the silk scroll on the top floor, seeing the unprecedentedly out-of-control reactions of the Venerable with the wooden staff and the other chief monks, their hearts were filled with shock, and they exchanged anxious glances with each other.

Ordinary believers and common people in the crowd who heard the words "rebuilding reincarnation" and "Buddhism taking over" erupted in great excitement and heated discussions.

A buzzing sound quickly replaced the previous silence!
"Reincarnation? Do our deceased loved ones have a chance to rest in peace again?"

"Buddhism is in charge of reincarnation? Doesn't that mean..."

"Does the Great Qin really want our Buddhist sect to do something this big?"

Ji Yuntang watched as the monks on the Buddhist altar went from shock to bewilderment, and then to a barely visible excitement and struggle, before speaking again calmly and clearly.

The sound echoed throughout the entire venue.

"Revered Master, esteemed sirs. His Majesty is deeply versed in the essence of Buddhism and has personally witnessed Marquis Qingyang's demonstration of Buddhist teachings through martial arts. Great Qin possesses an invincible military might," he said, his gaze sweeping over Chen Wu and the other three thousand Xuanwu Emperor's personal guards, their iron-blooded aura still chilling even when subdued, "and there are also peerless experts like Marquis Qingyang, who have cultivated Buddhist techniques to an unprecedented level, comparable to the true form of an ancient Bright King!"

"Our Great Qin has absolutely no aversion to the Buddhist path!"

He raised his voice slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "At the Guangji Hall in the Imperial City, we gathered the top figures of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism for ten days to discuss Buddhism! And ultimately, the court and the public alike recognized—"

His gaze was fixed intently on the statue on the wooden staff, and he said, word by word, "Buddhism is one of the foundations of the destiny of our Great Qin! The land where the Buddha's light shines is not only a place of peace and faith for the people, but also the cornerstone of the Great Qin for all eternity!"

These words not only affirmed the status of the Liangzhou Buddhist sect, but also made public the highest achievement of the ten-day Buddhist debate and the consensus within the Great Qin Dynasty!

The expressions of countless Liangzhou monks changed drastically, a complex mix of emotions—excitement, relief, and disbelief—stirring in their eyes.

It turns out that in the eyes of the Qin Dynasty's top leadership, the value of Buddhism had long transcended boundaries and had been incorporated into the core territory of the empire!
Ji Yuntang clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and addressed the direction of the Venerable One on the wooden staff in a loud voice: "Therefore, I dare to propose that today's grand gathering, which has shaken the thirty-six continents, should no longer be about personal merit or trivial details of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism."

"Why don't we discuss together the great undertaking of 'rebuilding the cycle of rebirth'?! How can Buddhism truly fulfill its supreme vow of universally saving all sentient beings and bringing peace to the three realms in this grand plan!"

The Venerable with the wooden staff raised his gaze from the silk scroll in his hand, and it fell on Ji Yuntang again. Finally, it slowly swept over the heads and venerables behind him, whose eyes were burning with desire and whose hearts were already ignited with the wildfire and great aspirations in the blueprint within the scroll.

He could see the burning excitement in Jue Zang's eyes, the contemplation and agitation on Hua Yan Shangzuo's face, and the complexity and a hint of eagerness in Miao Zhi's eyes...

The statue on the wooden staff remained silent for three breaths, and the entire Wanfoping seemed to stop breathing.

Finally, he nodded slowly but firmly.

With his nod, it was as if an invisible boulder had been dropped, and the atmosphere in the entire Wanfoping suddenly relaxed, followed by a huge roar like a tsunami!
Although most people do not yet understand the specific grand plan, the topic of "discussing the reconstruction of reincarnation" and the promise of the Venerable with the wooden staff are enough to let all Buddhists see a brand new and bright future!

On the top floor of the Buddhist altar, apart from a few people who were dejected after being suppressed by Zhang Yuan, the other Venerable Ones and Chief Monks couldn't help but reveal their uncontrollable excitement and joy!

This invitation to "discuss together" not only provided Liangzhou Buddhism with a huge way out, but also served as an invisible ticket to supreme authority!
Sun Ming, Wang Ping and other Qin officials standing behind Ji Yuntang finally understood the true meaning of Qingyang Hou's words, "Grand Scholar Ji and I can take Liangzhou by ourselves!"

Qingyang Marquis's invincible golden body is a heaven-breaking spear that can break through all obstacles and intimidate all Buddhas!

The strategy of "rebuilding the cycle of reincarnation and putting Buddhism in charge" held by Scholar Ji is a huge lure to lead the Buddhist community of Liangzhou onto the war machine of the new dynasty and even integrate it into the foundation of the machine!
This combination of strength and gentleness, power and advantage, is the true "kingly way"!
No need for a massive army to conquer cities and territories; just these two arriving with great momentum, showcasing their strength and blueprint, would be enough to make the core Buddhist community of Liangzhou willingly open its doors and tie themselves to the Great Qin, a chariot destined to become the supreme ruler of the Three Realms!

On the Buddhist platform, a grand debate on Buddhist doctrines finally unfolded, revolving around the earth-shattering concept of "reincarnation and reconstruction."

The venerable monks and high-ranking officials quoted scriptures and discussed profound mysteries, no longer debating the superiority or inferiority of friend or foe, but exploring how to maximize the application of Buddhist teachings and perfect the cycle of reincarnation within the strategic framework of the Great Qin Dynasty.

After the conflict subsided and the discussion on Buddhism got back on track, Zhang Yuan quietly stepped back.

Several elders of the Mingwang Sect, including the Blazing Fire Venerable, whose legs were broken and who was kneeling on the ground, now looking at Zhang Yuan with eyes full of utmost awe and even worship, endured their pain and respectfully came before him.

“The King of Light…Lord Zhang.” The Blazing Fire Venerable’s voice was strained and reverent, and he even unconsciously used a higher title. “The Ancestral Hall of the sect…the true intentions of the Kings of Light throughout the ages…I humbly request Lord Zhang…to come and offer his guidance.”

He practically knelt as he finished speaking, and the other venerable ones also bowed their heads deeply, adopting the lowest posture possible.

Zhang Yuan's pure and true meaning of the Mingwang Sect had already surpassed all the understanding of the Mingwang Sect. In their hearts, Zhang Yuan was already the true incarnation of the Mingwang Sect walking among mortals! Zhang Yuan nodded slightly and said nothing. Under the guidance of several Venerable Ones, he passed through the crowd who were still immersed in shock and excitement and walked towards the Ancestral Hall, located deep in Wanfoping, which symbolized the supreme inheritance of the Mingwang Sect.

……

The Ancestral Hall is simple and magnificent, with a deep and secluded atmosphere.

The four walls are covered with ancient murals that have stood the test of time.

The murals do not depict a single Mingwang (wisdom king), but rather scenes of Mingwang subduing countless heretical demons.

In each painting, the figure, expression, ritual implements, and flames of the Wisdom King are subtly different, containing different intentions of subduing magic and the true meaning of the birth and death of the universe.

Some are ferocious and furious, burning the eight directions; some are majestic and silent, suppressing all the heavens; some are compassionate and lower their brows, subduing inner demons; some are wise and open their eyes, illuminating all evil...

The twenty-eight murals represent the twenty-eight supreme manifestations of the Wisdom King, targeting different evil obstacles and demonic thoughts!

As Zhang Yuan stepped into the hall, his gaze was immediately drawn to the mysterious walls.

He walked slowly, as if strolling through a long corridor of Buddhist epic tales of subduing demons.

His steps finally stopped in front of one of the oldest murals, its colors slightly faded.

The deity in the painting is not in a submissive posture, but rather sitting cross-legged.

Its face was blurred yet contained boundless majesty, and its body was faintly surrounded by the illusory images of twenty-eight different attributes of the King of Light flames, forming a huge and mysterious wheel.

This seems to symbolize the fundamental principle behind all the Dharma forms of the Myo-o.

Zhang Yuan stood quietly with his hands behind his back, gazing at the mural.

He wasn't seeing with his eyes, but observing with his heart, using the profound and perfected essence of the enlightened king to sense and trace back to the source.

A moment later, he suddenly raised his hand.

Finger movement!

Emptiness is paper!

Without pen and ink, the invisible aura flowing from his fingertips, a fusion of pure qi and blood, and the most refined and pure essence of the Buddha, spontaneously began to outline in the void!
Just like when he was pointing out Dingyuan in the train carriage back then, but this time, his technique had reached a state of perfection!
As he casually flicked his fingertips through the air, profound and mysterious lines materialized out of thin air!
That was not imitation, but rather an understanding of its spirit!

Use your fingers as a brush, and let your mind guide your spirit!
Every stroke of the brush seems to awaken a wisp of the will of the King of Light that has been dormant for eternity deep within the mural!
Zhang Yuan captured the divine spirit of the wrathful deity who burned the eight directions in the first mural at his fingertips.

The serene meaning of sealing the heavens in the second mural was incorporated into Zhang Yuan's brushstrokes.

The third mural possesses a compassionate power that subdues inner demons...

The fourth mural depicts the wisdom that illuminates all evil in the cave…

One, two, three... ten... twenty... twenty-eight!
He walks in the air, his fingertips moving freely.

He guided, captured, and refined the spirit and true meaning of each mural with his own unique style.

They transformed into lifelike ethereal runes containing different demon-subduing powers and flowing true meanings!

These runes were not fixed, but rather seemed alive, radiating an ancient and awe-inspiring majesty.

When he stood before the mural depicting the general principles of meditation once more, twenty-eight profound runes, refined to their utmost and representing the twenty-eight supreme forms of the Vidyaraja, had already taken shape in the void surrounding him!
Their light flowed and changed constantly, forming a huge, mysterious, and sacred halo that protected Zhang Yuan in the center!
Zhang Yuan closed his eyes.

Within his body, the ultimate secrets of the "Ming Wang Zhen Shi Jue" surged like a river, and the Buddhist enlightenment bead, which had undergone ten days of Buddhist discussions at Guangji Hall and incorporated his supreme martial arts will, emitted an incomparably brilliant light at this moment!

"The twenty-eight phases return to their origin... all laws return to one..."

He murmured to himself, and the twenty-eight dharma mantras surrounding his body suddenly trembled!
"Om-!"

The immense power of countless vows and the unwavering will of the Ming Kings to subdue demons within the entire Ancestral Hall of the Ming King Sect seemed to be summoned by a supreme authority, and they converged madly towards the top of Zhang Yuan's head!

Twenty-eight runes merged instantly!

A brilliant golden light shone, engulfing everything in sight!
Within the radiance, it was no longer the enormous humanoid golden statue of the Wisdom King.

It's a round!
A massive golden wheel, composed of pure, dark gold Buddhist fire, surrounded by twenty-eight mysterious and unfathomable demon-slaying divine patterns, with a faint phantom of a supreme king radiating boundless light and infinite power sitting at its core!

The Golden Wheel of the Ming King!

It slowly rotated, hovering behind Zhang Yuan's head. It was not huge, but it seemed to contain the supreme power to suppress the three thousand worlds, destroy all kinds of demonic obstacles, and burn away all falsehoods!

The moment the golden wheel appeared, a supreme and magnificent will, like that of the Lord of Ten Thousand Buddhas, spread out, instantly covering the entire Mingwang Sect, even penetrating the Ancestral Hall, and enveloping the entire Ten Thousand Buddha Plain!

"boom!"

Inside and outside the Ancestral Hall, all the disciples and elders of the Mingwang Sect, including the Blazing Fire Venerable who was kneeling with a broken leg, instinctively trembled with submission under the pure, primordial, and supreme pressure of the Mingwang Supreme!

"Plop! Plop! Plop!"

Blazing Fire Venerable was the first to kowtow heavily to the ground, tears streaming down his face, shouting hoarsely, his voice filled with indescribable excitement and reverence: "Wise King! The true form of the Wise King has manifested! The Wise King has appeared in the world! Your disciple kowtows to the Wise King!"

Like dominoes being toppled, inside and outside the hall, all the disciples of the Mingwang Sect, from the other high-ranking venerable ones to the lowest-ranking novices, were unable to control themselves and prostrated themselves on the ground.

With foreheads pressed deeply against the cold ground or stone slabs, and filled with supreme awe and fervor stemming from the depths of their blood and faith, they uttered wave after wave of shouts that swelled into an earth-shattering tidal wave: "Ming Wang! Ming Wang! Ming Wang!"

The shouts pierced through the thick walls of the Ancestral Hall, echoing in the void. (End of Chapter)