Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 395 Arrival at Pudu Temple - Mani Relics

The next morning.

It's just dawn.

Xiao Chen and the other two set off from the spirit ship early and headed ahead to Pudu Temple.

The journey from Asakukai to Puduji Temple is actually not far.

But what was somewhat unexpected was that Zhang Shouquan's escape speed was also quite fast.

Of the three, the slowest one was actually the Gangyuan True Lord, who took the longest to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

"Oh dear, I didn't expect that I was the one who dragged the team down."

Gangyuan Zhenjun sighed, "Truly, each generation is stronger than the last. We can no longer compare to you young people."

"Please slow down and wait for this old man."

However, despite his words, he didn't seem particularly upset; he was mostly just joking about himself.

"Fellow Daoist Gang Yuan is quite the joker."

Zhang Shouquan chimed in: "Everyone has their own strengths, so how can one always be the best?"

As the saying goes, "Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me."

"In many ways, I should take this opportunity to learn from my two fellow Daoists."

Xiao Chen agreed wholeheartedly: "Indeed, it's already quite good to be proficient in one thing."

For example, in the art of array formations, he was the least skilled of the three.

"But why are you two being so polite?"

Xiao Chen changed the subject: "We're all family, there's no need to be so formal with each other, it makes me feel really uncomfortable."

"Oh right, there seem to be some autumn persimmons on the island ahead. I'll go pick out a couple of good ones first, and we'll meet up there later."

As early as after the initial meeting, he had obtained a very detailed map of the Ocean of Compassion.

According to the markings on the map, the small island we passed earlier had a local specialty called Frost-skin Persimmon, which could barely be considered a third-tier spiritual fruit.

Unfortunately, Xiao Chen was not very lucky.

He arrived early.

The persimmons are not ripe yet.

However, these were all insignificant little incidents.

The three traveled together and arrived at the outskirts of Pudu Temple in less than eight days.

Strictly speaking, they were more than two thousand miles away from the temple.

However, even from this distance, one could already see the Buddha's light piercing the sky ahead and sense the waves of spiritual energy emanating from afar.

Moreover, the closer one gets, the clearer the fluctuations in spiritual energy become.

It was already the middle of the night.

The three could even see occasional bursts of light in the distance, and a few breaths later they heard a violent explosion.

"It's past midnight and they're still fighting over there."

Xiao Chen stopped and observed from a distance: "And it looks like a really intense fight."

Gangyuan Zhenjun also stopped and looked into the distance: "Yes, judging from the situation, there are at least four great demons attacking the formation over there."

"Although I had heard from intelligence reports that the sea creatures here were attacking very frequently, I didn't expect them to actually work around the clock until I came here in person."

"Let's rest here for a while."

"We'll sneak in when they take turns."

During the battle, the three of them certainly wouldn't be able to rush directly into Pudu Temple, since the fifth-order formation wouldn't recognize them.

Only when the attacking sea monsters retreat.

Only then could they use the interval to contact Pudu Temple and enter the great formation.

However, the three of them waited for several hours.

It was already noon on the second day.

The sea creatures' attack showed no signs of stopping; in fact, it intensified even further.

"It seems like the daytime offensive was even more intense."

To avoid being discovered by the great sea monster, Xiao Chen had already retreated to a position three thousand miles away.

However, the explosions could still be heard quite clearly, and the frequency was significantly higher than at night.

"I reckon there are about six powerful demons involved in the attack right now."

Gangyuan Zhenjun discerned the spiritual energy fluctuations around him for a while: "It seems that a rotation has already taken place without our knowledge."

"The intervals were just too short, with almost no pauses."

After this situation was discovered.

Zhang Shouquan frowned deeply: "This can't go on."

"If they keep rotating without stopping, then we won't be able to get in at all."

If he can't get in, how can he possibly learn the fifth-order grand formation?

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, please don't be anxious. Let's observe the situation for two days first."

Gangyuan Zhenjun was slightly surprised that he would take such a initiative, but he still comforted him, saying, "Perhaps the sea race has only sped up its attack for a short time and will relax in a couple of days."

"Such high-intensity attacks would not be easy for them to sustain for a long time."

"What we need to do now is be patient and avoid being discovered prematurely."

The three waited a while longer.

They retreated another 320 li and found a rock about ten feet in size to rest on.

As soon as he landed, Xiao Chen subconsciously reached out to touch the portable array plate.

However, he quickly realized that he had two companions with him this time, so he shouldn't be eaten by the passing bird demons.

So he stopped what he was doing, sat down and began to meditate.

For Xiao Chen, this was a very useful way to pass the time.

Thanks to Xin Yuehu's help, he only needed a few breaths to enter a meditative state and immerse himself in cultivation.

In that state, time would pass very quickly in the outside world.

It's almost as if a day has passed in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, one will not have any boring thoughts, since one's mind will not be filled with distractions after successfully entering a meditative state.

Regarding Xiao Chen's ability to quickly enter a meditative state almost anytime, anywhere.

Gangyuan Zhenjun had witnessed it many times before, and now he was no longer surprised or envious.

However, this was the second time Zhang Shouquan had encountered it.

He originally thought that Xiao Chen was already very capable of maintaining a calm and composed mind before entering the new ruins.

Unexpectedly, the other party was able to enter a meditative state while facing the sea army, listening to the occasional explosions in the distance and sensing the spiritual energy fluctuations sweeping around them.

Are you completely calm in situations like this?
Is it possible to truly let go of all distracting thoughts in a situation like this?
Isn't this a bit too exaggerated? It's simply not like a normal person.

At the very least, Zhang Shouquan himself couldn't stay calm.

Although he remained calm on the surface, the thought of the fifth-order grand formation made him unable to resist looking up at the distant Buddha light, and he couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Fortunately, he was able to suppress his anxiety with reason and patiently wait for the right opportunity.

This continued for three days and two nights.

As the sun set once again, the sea creatures finally ended their relentless attacks, creating a rare opening.

The instant I noticed the spiritual energy fluctuations subsiding.

Zhang Shouquan stood up excitedly, wishing he could fly there immediately.

However, when he turned his head and saw Xiao Chen, whose eyes were still closed and who seemed to be wholeheartedly cultivating, he couldn't help but feel anxious again.

We've finally gotten this opportunity, and if we delay even a little, we might miss it.

But he doesn't know how Xiao Chen's cultivation is progressing.

Considering the deep meditation that has lasted for more than two days, it is very likely that we are at some kind of critical moment.

If he interrupts now, it might cause his true energy to become disordered, or even cause internal injuries.

Ultimately, under normal circumstances, cultivators find it difficult to enter a meditative state in the external world, and they rarely do so.

They are usually located in a safe, quiet room or enclosed space.

Oh dear, he knew it; nothing good ever came of acting with Xiao Chen.

Just as Zhang Shouquan was getting anxious but hesitated to speak,

However, True Monarch Gangyuan skillfully called out in a perfectly normal voice from the side, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, the sea race has stopped. We should set off now."

Then Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes: "Oh, have they calmed down?"

"Then let's not delay, let's go."

what?
Zhang Shouquan was completely dumbfounded.

No, is that right?

Who is a good person who can wake up from a deep meditation just from the slightest noise around them?

If that's the case, why didn't the explosions made by the sea creatures wake you up?
He even suspected that Xiao Chen might be faking his meditation and actually be fully conscious the whole time.

Otherwise, this just doesn't make sense.

As someone with experience, Gangyuan Zhenjun easily understood Zhang Shouquan's thoughts from his puzzled look.

So he explained in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist Zhang may not know this yet, but even after Fellow Daoist Xiao enters a meditative state, he can be awakened at any time by simply calling out softly or making some noise."

"This is indeed a strange thing."

"However, Fellow Daoist Xiao is, after all, a cultivation prodigy who appears only once in a lifetime, so it's normal for him to have some extraordinary abilities."

"You'll get used to it after spending more time together."

what?
Zhang Shouquan was taken aback upon hearing this. Is...is that so?
So, the abnormal one is me. I just need to get used to it, right?

However, he didn't dwell on it too much and set off immediately.

After all, there are many things in the cultivation world that are difficult to understand.

When you encounter something you can't figure out, unless it's something extremely crucial, the best approach is to put it aside for now and deal with it later when you have the chance.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have time to do anything all day but think about all sorts of strange and unusual things.

Taking advantage of the intervals during which the sea creatures rotate and adjust.

The three quickly approached the large island where Pudu Temple was located.

As the great sea monster temporarily retreated, the Buddhist light that had enveloped the entire island dimmed considerably.

Therefore, after closing the distance, Xiao Chen's gaze passed through the almost completely transparent spiritual energy barrier, and he saw the entire island at a glance.

Looking out from the outside, the island's perimeter is lush and verdant, with vast forests of spirit trees, including many fourth-order spirit trees.

Upon closer inspection, one can also see 81 white jade piers scattered along the island's coastline.

At each dock stands a nine-zhang-tall Vajra warrior statue, holding a vajra pestle, with Sanskrit characters flowing around it, responsible for both guarding the coast and being part of the grand formation.

Looking inside, the majestic Buddhist palace stands in the center, its golden roof reaching the clouds, its tiles made of red gold, and its eaves of glazed tiles.

Even under the setting sun, the island shimmered with golden light, its radiance dazzling, as if a sacred mountain had descended to earth, and a Buddhist kingdom had manifested. Witnessing this scene, Xiao Chen couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, what a huge island, and so many houses!"

This was also Zhang Shouquan's first time visiting this sacred Buddhist site.

Seeing the continuous palaces and thousands of golden roofs, shining like fire under the blazing sun, I wanted to praise them.

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's words, her throat suddenly felt like it was choked.

He paused for a moment before commenting, "The verdant green is like lotus leaves, and the crimson palace resembles a lotus throne. Truly, the azure sea supports the golden pistil, and the mortal world reveals the Buddhist kingdom!"

"Truly worthy of being a world-renowned Buddhist holy site."

Gangyuan Zhenjun had visited several times in the past, but this time he only glanced at it briefly before looking away.

Then he went straight to the edge of the great formation and began to contact the Zen master stationed there.

As luck would have it, it was Zen Master Jinghua who took over the presiding over the grand formation at this moment.

They had known each other for many years and confirmed their identities almost immediately.

So, after activating the detection array and confirming that no sea creatures were approaching, he immediately manipulated the array to create a small path.

The three of them then followed the path directly onto the island and entered Pudu Temple.

"Oh, Master Gangyuan, you've finally arrived!"

Zen Master Jinghua was clearly a little excited: "I dare not leave right now, so please let Mingde welcome you in on my behalf. Please forgive me if there is any inadequacy in our hospitality."

Mingde Luohan was one of his disciples.

Upon hearing this, he took two steps forward and greeted the three of them.

A little formality is fine!

Gangyuan Zhenjun didn't mind: "Let me give you a brief introduction. This is Fellow Daoist Xiao Chen, and this is Fellow Daoist Zhang Shouquan."

“Then let’s go in and pay our respects to Abbot Jingxing first. We can catch up separately later when we have time.”

The group nodded to each other as a greeting.

Then, Arhat Mingde led the way, passing through the Wuyou Kongmen (Gate of No Worries), the Thousand Buddha Glazed Wall, the Bodhi Dharma Altar, the Seven Treasures Pagoda, and finally arriving at the Mahavira Hall in the center.

The square in front of the palace was paved with gold bricks, and in the center was a jade lotus pond with nine dragons spouting water.

Behind the pool stood a huge cauldron, from which wisps of green smoke were rising.

There were piles of sandalwood and sesame oil nearby, and two young monks were guarding the place to ensure that the incense burned year-round.

Mingde Luohan escorted the three of them to the front of the Mahavira Hall, then bowed and took his leave.

Fortunately, the temple doors were already open, and Zen Master Jingxing, who was meditating and resting inside, had already seen them.

They've already arrived at the door to greet us.

Zen Master Fazhao and Zen Master Jingchen, who were resting together in the hall, also got up to greet the guests.

The first thing they did was exchange pleasantries and get to know each other.

However, they did not invite the three inside immediately.

The reason for doing this was that, strictly speaking, this was the first formal meeting between Buddhism and Taoism since the start of the war.

Both sides have very important identities and represent significant meaning.

Therefore, according to past practice, a series of red tape procedures should be carried out first.

Fortunately, True Lord Gangyuan had some experience and had already explained most of the precautions on the way here.

Xiao Chen and Zhang Shouquan only needed to follow the steps they had learned in advance to deal with the situation.

Even within the Buddhist community, there aren't such meticulous details; they just want to follow the usual procedures.

The lowest-ranking monk present, Master Fazhao, walked directly to Xiao Chen's side and whispered a suggestion.

The original tedious steps, such as taking off shoes and clothes and circling three times to the right, have been omitted.

He simply led the three of them to wash their hands in the jade lotus pond outside the hall, each lit three sticks of incense, and then clasped their hands in respect at the entrance of the hall.

He then led them directly into the hall to pay their respects to the golden statue enshrined inside.

Xiao Chen noticed that in the very center was a golden statue of the Three Buddhas, about eighteen feet tall.

He was enveloped in a faint golden halo, his appearance was solemn, and a so-called "Mani relic" was embedded between his eyebrows.

It is said that it can see through all the falsehoods of the world and distinguish between good and evil.

On either side of the Three Buddhas stand eight guardian Vajra statues, all cast in bronze.

They were much shorter in stature, but they were still about 30 feet tall.

Each figure has wide, angry eyes and holds various ritual implements such as the vajra pestle, the demon-subduing sword, and the vajra wheel. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and they look lifelike.

Especially those eyes, they seemed to be scrutinizing the people worshipping Buddha in the hall.

There is a sense of authority without anger.

On the left and right sides of the hall are enshrined the Twenty-Four Heavenly Bodhisattvas, some with compassionate smiles, others with solemn majesty, each statue carved from different precious materials.

There is a Guanyin statue made of pure glass, a Ksitigarbha statue carved from ancient agarwood, and a Manjushri wisdom statue carved from mutton-fat jade, among others.

Hundreds of prayer lamps are also placed on the altar, burning continuously throughout the year.

This resulted in a constant, distinct aroma of sandalwood and sesame oil permeating the hall.

As for the Three Thousand Buddha Kingdoms depicted on the roof, the handwritten Buddhist scriptures hanging on the walls, and the seven-treasure incense burners placed in the four corners, it is all-encompassing and has everything one could want.

To show that it is serious.

Zen Master Fazhao gestured for everyone to take turns paying their respects.

Of course, Xiao Chen and the others were neither Buddhist disciples nor worshippers, so they did not need to perform grand rituals such as kneeling and bowing.

Simply walk up to the prayer mat, put your hands together, and bow again.

"Then let me go first."

Standing on the far right, True Lord Gangyuan was the first to step forward, setting an example for the two behind him.

Then Zhang Shouquan, who was standing in the middle, also stepped forward to pay his respects.

Unexpectedly, just as he stood under the Buddha statue and was bathed in its light, a strange change occurred.

A wisp of black mist, about the thickness of a hair, faintly rose from behind.

Immediately afterwards, the guardian deity closest to him also suddenly emitted a Buddha-light.

He raised the vajra in his hand, as if he was about to strike it down at any moment.

"Ok?"

Zhang Shouquan certainly wouldn't sit idly by and wait for his death. A layer of spiritual energy barrier instantly appeared on his body, and he once again grabbed the foot-long yellow array flag.

He pursed his lips, remaining silent, and warily surveyed his surroundings.

"Abbot Jingxing, what does this mean?"

Gangyuan Zhenjun immediately spoke up to question, "We came here out of kindness to offer our assistance, is this how you treat your guests?"

Actually, he was a little confused at the moment and didn't quite know what had happened.

But no matter what, at this time we definitely have to stand on our own side.

“Layman Gangyuan, Layman Zhang, Layman Xiao, please don’t misunderstand, we absolutely did not mean any disrespect.”

Master Jingxing was taken aback by the situation inside the hall, and then quickly began to explain.

He pointed to the guardian deity statue, which had been restored to its original state: "Everyone, please look, what just happened was merely an accident, a perfectly timed coincidence."

"It was not caused by any one of us."

The specific reasons for this are a long story.

"After everyone is seated, I will explain in more detail."

However, Zhang Shouquan did not buy it.

Although he lowered his guard slightly, he did not remove the spiritual energy barrier and directly asked, "Please tell me now, Abbot, what exactly happened just now?"

"It's good to clarify things so that we can resolve our doubts in time."

He was, after all, a rogue cultivator, and was naturally more sensitive than a sect cultivator like Gangyuan Zhenjun.

Although they knew perfectly well that unless the Zen masters of Pudu Temple had all gone mad, they would not dare to take action against them at this time, nor would they be foolish enough to give them such a show of force.

However, I still felt a sense of distrust in the face of such seemingly polite but evasive words.

I'm desperate to know the reason for the anomaly, otherwise I really can't rest easy.

"Well, since that's the case, then I'll get straight to the point."

Seeing this, Zen Master Jingxing was actually slightly dissatisfied.

After all, in his view, the process is not yet fully completed and should not be interrupted.

However, since the matter was ultimately their own fault, the misunderstanding arose because they failed to explain the precautions beforehand.

Therefore, he suppressed his dissatisfaction and began to patiently explain to everyone.

"As you lay Buddhists may have heard, there is a Mani relic on the head of the Three Buddhas enshrined in our temple, which can distinguish between good and evil in people."

Zen Master Jingxing pointed to the golden statue: "I'm not just boasting, this rumor actually has some basis in reality."

"While it's not as simple as the rumors suggest, where you can clearly distinguish between all good and bad people."

"But any evil spirits and heretics who are tainted by sin will reveal themselves under the Buddha's light."

"You..." Zhang Shouquan wanted to retort upon hearing this, but reason prevailed and he swallowed the rest of his words.

Master Jingxing smiled calmly at him and said, "Don't be anxious, Mr. Zhang. It's not only bad people who will trigger the Vajra's wrath."

“There are other situations that can also cause the Buddha's light to appear.”

"For example, some ruthless killers, some heinous criminals, or innocent people cursed, etc."

"Or perhaps it's just something the lay Buddhist carries, which may or may not even come from the demonic path."

"It was probably just a misunderstanding. It's not that there's anything wrong with Layman Zhang."

Well, at your level, it's actually quite normal to have something from the demonic path on you.

If a disciple is found to be possessing a demonic object, it will certainly be a serious crime.

However, if the True Lord is carrying a demon, that's a different story.

Everyone just turns a blind eye and it's all over.

If you are well, and I am well, then everyone will be well.

In short, after Master Jingxing's explanation, the atmosphere in the hall finally became much more harmonious.

Zhang Shouquan also lowered his guard and took the initiative to explain: "Ahem, I encountered a demonic cultivator by chance before, so I took action to eliminate the demon and protect the righteous, and took away the demonic artifact he used for evil."

"That must be the reason; it was all a misunderstanding."

Everyone readily agreed, saying "I see," and together they moved on from the matter.

Zen Master Fazhao also promptly reminded him: "Layman Xiao, it's your turn now."

Xiao Chen readily complied, immediately taking two steps forward and bowing to the Three Buddhas.

No one expected that another strange event would occur inside the hall.

When Xiao Chen stood under the Buddha statue, the entire Three Buddhas shone with golden light, illuminating every corner of the hall.

The Mani relic on its head looked as if it were on fire.

It bursts forth with dazzling golden flames that are hard to look at directly, like a miniature sun hanging high in the sky.

(End of this chapter)