With all these qualities, I will eventually become immortal.

Chapter 572 The Truth Behind the Whispers of the Mountains: A Fifty-Year-Old Monk Asks the Dharma! (6k)

An itch came over him, and Meng Chuan scratched his eyebrow.

Unable to contain his curiosity, he stepped to the edge of the pool.

Looking down at his reflection in the water, Meng Chuan's expression was strange, and his two curved white eyebrows stood out starkly.

His eyebrows were already thick, but now they've become unusually long and white.

He looked like an old man, as if his lifespan had been shortened by several decades.
"."

Looking at himself, Meng Chuan felt inexplicably strange.

With a thought, golden energy flashed, and he quickly slicing off the white-browed man.

With a gentle nudge, handsome, sword-like eyebrows will grow back, allowing for better image management.

call--

Meng Chuan breathed a long sigh of relief.

Fortunately, he got the [Flower of Flesh] early, otherwise, if he continued to break through his limits like this, would he still be human?
Looking inward at one's own body, the heavens gather with the Qi and blood, and another star lights up.

Upon closer examination, it was found that the newly generated blood and qi were less than one hundred.

After all, it was only a second-rate boxing style, so Meng Chuan was content.

Perception extends into the mind, then back to the panel:
[Long Eyebrow Fist: Limits Broken]

[Has obtained the Limit Break Trait: Longevity Eyebrows (Intermediate)]

Function 1: Longevity Eyebrows. Longevity eyebrows grow, increasing by one inch each year. Each inch of eyebrow length adds three years to one's lifespan, up to a maximum of nine inches. (Eyebrows need regular trimming; exceeding three inches can negatively impact lifespan).

Function Two: Fist of Longevity. Guided by the eyebrows, the fist's intent contains vitality. If the intent extends ten zhang (approximately 33 meters), it extends life by three years, with a maximum of one hundred zhang (approximately 33 meters).

Meng Chuan looked at the two benefits and fell into deep thought.

I'm not thinking about its specific effects; the two functions are clear: they extend lifespan in various ways, adding up to a total of 57 years.

A single trait can extend one's lifespan by half a hundred years; that's quite powerful.

The Immortal Mother Tree produces about a hundred Immortal Fruits each year, which are priceless, but can only extend one's lifespan by twenty or thirty years.

Such effects only work on ordinary people and are useless to martial artists whose bodies have undergone abnormalities.

Only by using the Immortal Fruit as the main ingredient to refine the top-grade elixir, the Everlasting Youth Pill, can a martial artist extend their lifespan by more than ten years.

But now, things are different for him.

Just casually practicing some second-rate boxing techniques can extend one's lifespan by fifty years.
If word gets out, those elderly martial arts masters will devour me like a piece of Tang Sanzang.
Of course, it's not clear yet that it's of any use.

He himself couldn't fathom how long he would live.
Meng Chuan was thinking about something else:
"After breaking through my limits, can I pass on the White Eyebrow Fist to someone else? Can they replicate my training process when I broke through my limits to slightly extend my lifespan?"

It is absolutely impossible for others to acquire the "Longevity Eyebrow" trait through practicing boxing.

However, given time, his improved boxing technique might actually extend his lifespan by a small amount.

This is related to the new pathways for the transport of Qi and blood during boxing practice; it's not just nonsense.

After thinking it over again, Meng Chuan decided to put the matter aside for the time being.

After all, it's currently of no use to those around me.

Master Luo Guanyun needed to resolve the resentment in his spiritual altar and to draw blood from his Dao heart, not to end his own lifespan.

My master is now just over fifty-five years old.

In the path of martial arts, my master possesses the physique of a grandmaster, having lived for over four hundred years with ease.

Before this, with Master's talent, he could definitely break through to the Venerable level, so there was no need to learn this new version of Long Eyebrow Fist.

And my uncle and aunt.
My uncle was a martial artist at the third level of Qi and Blood, while my aunt was an ordinary person with no Qi and Blood in her body.

No matter how you look at it, the Long Eyebrow Fist is still a second-rate style of boxing.

Moreover, it's not just any ordinary boxing style; it requires learning Shaolin Luohan stance and involves a rather complex blood and qi circulation route, so I'm afraid it might not be suitable.
If Meng Chuan were to extend the lives of his uncle and aunt in the future, his first choice would definitely be the Immortal Fruit.

"Fine, let's just package the Long Eyebrow Fist along with the other martial arts and hand it over to the authorities."

Whether it can extend lifespan is something for the government to research; he doesn't have time to find people to conduct experiments.

Meng Chuan had planned to hand over the matter long ago.

Some martial arts techniques, once their limits are broken, are too shocking to be true.

To avoid trouble, let's keep something in reserve and talk about it later.

As for ordinary boxing techniques like the Long Eyebrow Fist, they can certainly be used openly and honestly.

With his current strength and influence, he can easily crush 99% of any trouble that comes his way.

Moreover, the government now encourages this behavior, with special subsidies for meritorious service, so it's the perfect time.

We'll report these things to Uncle Bai through the Martial Arts Association after we return to Yong'an on New Year's Day.

Uncle Bai is a friend of Master Bai Junfeng, the vice president of the Yong'an Martial Arts Association branch.

"Master said that Uncle Bai is also about to try to break through to the Grandmaster realm."

Having reached the fourth major limit, if one wants to advance further and remove the "vice" title before "president," there are still some achievements to be made.

Isn't his action a timely act of kindness?

Uncle Bai took great care of him when he was still a nobody.

Meng Chuan always remembers and has never forgotten the first pot of gold that Guoyiquan certified, which was also thanks to his hard work in organizing it.

Now that I have the opportunity, I must repay them properly.

Coming to his senses, Meng Chuan checked the panel again.

Move your gaze down until you see the Arcane Arts panel.

[Yi Jin Xi Sui: First Level (18%)]

The Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing were originally two books, which Meng Chuan entered the sect three days ago.

The two methods are integrated into one through the panel.

Looking inside, his entire skeleton seemed to be surrounded by an extremely dim golden light, barely visible.

Meng Chuan pondered for a moment and said:
“Master Bai Bao is right. In addition to daily meditation, when there is a major breakthrough in Buddhist boxing, it can also promote the progress of this method.”

After three days of practice, spending half an hour each day, this method only increases proficiency by 1% per day.

He could practice for a little longer, but that would take up more time for practicing his boxing, which would be a loss.

Today's breakthrough in Long Eyebrow Fist has also caused this technique's proficiency to increase by 15%.

At the same time, he also clearly felt some changes in his muscles and bones.

The marrow fluid gurgled, and indescribable changes occurred in the darkness.

Some things are subtle, and I don't feel them deeply yet.

"According to the secret method, the first three breakthroughs will not have any substantial impact on my current superior physical constitution."

One must cultivate to the fourth level of perfection, and then stimulate it with a powerful medicine for improving one's physical constitution, before one can even glimpse the appearance of a top-tier physical constitution.

What is top-tier bone structure?

The quality of a superior physique can be categorized in many ways.

Take, for example, the most commonly known phrase: "ape arms, tiger back, bear waist, mantis legs":
If three out of four types can be found in a martial artist, then they possess the superior aptitude suitable for the Imitation Boxing lineage, a rarity among one in ten thousand.

Further up, if one can find all four types of physical attributes in their body, then they are among the best of the best, one in a million.

Such martial artists, if they don't die prematurely, and as long as they have good comprehension and all three essential qualities, can easily become martial arts masters.

If we go even further, based on the four types, the root bone can also possess other forms such as "the power of a dragon", "the splendor of a phoenix", and "the spirit of a crane".

Regardless of whether one possesses several of these qualities, they are universally recognized by martial artists as "top-tier physical attributes."

Such innate talent is rare, with only a handful of people emerging in an era, making them one in ten million.

For someone like Meng Chuan, who "improves his innate constitution through acquired means," the common notion of having a "good innate constitution" may not apply.

Of course, he didn't care about these things. As his proficiency and efficiency in the Liver Fist Technique increased, that meant his physical constitution was being improved.
The monk Liaoqing possessed the kind of top-tier innate talent mentioned above.

But when it came to vying for the captaincy, didn't he still end up punching himself into a wall?
The changes in the root bones brought about by Yi Jin Xi Sui are a gradual and subtle process.

The path from top-tier to the absolute best in terms of innate talent is still quite long.

In other words, one's physical constitution will gradually improve through the practice of secret methods.

Until one reaches the pinnacle of superior physical constitution.

With the aid of powerful medicine, the shackles of one's physical constitution are completely broken, and one can advance to the top level of physical constitution.

At this point, one's fundamental nature is complete, reaching the pinnacle of humanity.

There's no way around it; such a "defying fate" act is never easy.

Having a solution was already a good thing, and Meng Chuan was quite satisfied.

As for the powerful medicine needed to break the shackles, with his current financial resources, he could afford even one more [Minor Creation White Bone Pill].

I've just started learning this method and am still far from reaching the fourth level of perfection, so there's no rush.
Lately, my life on the mountain has mainly consisted of martial arts practice, with studying Buddhist principles as a secondary activity.

Yesterday, Master Domo and Brahma went to find him together.

The black-haired monk winked and made a face, and Meng Chuan understood and refused.

This was the first of three visits to the thatched cottage.
Looking up, the sun had already set, leaving only Principal Sui hanging in the sky as his companion.
While practicing his boxing, Meng Chuan pondered in his heart:

"Whether or not to go to the Western Regions to seek the Dharma realm of the Saha sect is not something to consider for now."

We should wait until we become a martial arts master and have the means to rival a grandmaster before making a decision.

Tomorrow is Monday, which is Buddhist philosophy class time. I'll first find Master Bai Bao and test him.

It will be mid-December in just a few days.

Get everything done as soon as possible; your departure is not far off.

Early the next morning, Meng Chuan came out and greeted Principal Sui in the sky.

Whether it can see it or not is uncertain.

After all, he's their own principal, so he's got the manners down perfectly.
Stretching, Meng Chuan went into the kitchen.

Pour a large ladle of water into the pot, then add fine rice and fresh pumpkin.

He stretched out his arm and approached the stove to start a fire and cook porridge.

While the porridge was cooking, Meng Chuan sat cross-legged under the stove.

Before practicing the mental cultivation method, ponder in your mind:

"Master Bai Bao likes to drink pumpkin soup that's completely cooked until it's soft, so you have to be careful with the heat."

Meanwhile, on the mountain path, the young monk Jueming slowly ascended the mountain.

"How strange! Principal Sui of the Northern Union University is too powerful. The process of becoming a Martial Saint can actually influence the entire human world."

In previous years, Shaolin Temple would have been covered in snow by the end of the year.

But when he went to see it now, the Bodhi trees all over the mountains were still lush and green, with only a few leaves hanging withered and yellow, which did not look like the scene of winter at all.

Jue Ming has heard that among the martial artists of the Xingyi School, apart from Brother Meng, who is a freak.

Only when one has reached the three limits can one attempt to grasp the power of one's mind and change the magnetic field.

Its power can radiate outwards for hundreds of feet, a power comparable to that of a terrestrial immortal in the old martial arts world.

He was a thousand feet tall and was known in the world as a living immortal or Buddha.
Ten thousand feet, a hundred thousand feet, or even like the Great Sage of Sui.
A heart can change the whole world
Jue Ming shook his head. The power of a Martial Saint is terrifying!
His limited imagination was utterly inadequate to contain the majestic figure of the high heavens.
"Long time no see, little monk. There's porridge in the pot, help yourself."

The pumpkin porridge was ready, and Meng Chuan took the food to the main hall, where he happened to see Jue Ming arrive.

Brother Meng cooks porridge over a high flame, and the aroma of white rice and pumpkin has long been simmered together, making one's mouth water just by smelling it.

"Long time no see, Brother Meng. You are still as handsome and dashing as ever. I would be honored if I could accept your invitation."

Jueming clasped his hands together in thanks and complimented him on his good looks.

The young monk was also clever; he praised the fighters, saying they could line up from the top of Shaoshi Mountain to the bottom.

But the number of people who compliment him on his good looks is slightly less.
Inside the main hall.

The young monk didn't stand on ceremony and filled himself a large bowl.

Sitting next to Meng Chuan, he held back his emotions and waited for Master Bai Bao to come out and take his seat first.

Not long after.

Bai Bao, dressed in plain clothes, walked over, rubbing his prayer beads in his hands. He twitched his nose slightly, and the aroma of the porridge whetted his appetite.

He clasped his hands together and sat down in a squatting position.

Picking up the bowl and chopsticks, he smiled and praised:
"Amitabha Buddha - Xiao Meng, the porridge you cooked today is quite good."

As the saying goes, porridge needs to be simmered slowly to bring out its aroma, and spiritual practice also requires humility and patience to progress; it cannot be rushed or agitated.

Meng Chuan scratched his earlobe, sensing that Master Bai Bao's words had a hidden meaning. Could it be that the test had begun?

He had a sudden inspiration and said, “Master Bai Bao, the porridge is so fragrant, it’s not just my doing.”

Good rice, good water, and good fire are all indispensable to achieve this flavor, just as the six senses resonate with the world.

"???"

The young monk looked surprised. "Brother Meng, you've become so 'enlightened' after just one trip to the Demon's Lair?"
Seeing that Master Bai Bao had already started, the little monk also picked up the bowl, took a big gulp with relish, and savored the lingering fragrance.

While drinking porridge, in a pleasant mood, he shook his head and said:

"Brother Meng, only by understanding the origin of cooking porridge can you comprehend the essence of the deliciousness of pumpkin porridge."

Bai Bao smiled and tapped the rim of his bowl with his chopsticks:
"Two sly foxes, drink the porridge first, and don't talk while you eat."

The examinations had not yet begun, implying that Meng Chuan should not be impatient.

Upon seeing this, he smiled knowingly.

It seems that Master Bai Bao knows what he wants to do today.

Before an incense stick could burn, he was impatient and didn't care about the heat; he was the first to finish drinking.

While waiting, he mentally perused Buddhist scriptures, preparing himself for the upcoming battle.

Before long, the little monk finished his drink.

Seeing him deep in thought, he scratched Meng Chuan's spine with his hand:
"Brother Meng, you've gained some enlightenment while drinking porridge?"

Once the food is finished, conversation can begin.

Meng Chuan slapped the little monk's hand away, remaining silent and quietly waiting for Master Bai Bao to finish his meal.

Before long, Bai Bao slowly finished the last mouthful of porridge.

She gently set the bowl down and looked at him with piercing eyes.

Meng Chuan involuntarily straightened his back.

The entrance exam is here!
"Today I will examine your understanding of Buddhist principles. Buddhist teachings are not meant to be abstract. If you can see the true meaning in everyday life, then you can be said to have just begun to understand the path of Buddhist practice."

So, after eating porridge and rice, do you feel warm and full?

Bai Bao composed himself and asked the question solemnly.

The examination of Buddhist principles is by no means a trivial matter.

Asking a high-ranking monk about the Dharma is a very serious test within Buddhism.

Seeing this, the little monk dared not interrupt anymore.

I listened intently, holding my breath, and silently prayed for Brother Meng.

Master Baibao's examination was by no means simple.

The Heavenly King Monk wouldn't ask nonsensical questions, so the young monk pondered inwardly.
"Have I eaten yet?"

The little monk felt he could have another bowl.
When the question was posed to him, Meng Chuan was taken aback, but then understood.

Just now, we started with porridge before the meal, and the post-meal assessment will also be "discussing the Dao through porridge".

He put down his chopsticks, pondered for a moment, and said:
"We have enough to eat and wear, but we dare not be greedy."

This response shows that Meng Chuan was not "playing tai chi" or repeating himself.

The need for food and clothing is a basic necessity for ordinary people.

"Not daring to be greedy" means being wary of developing greed for the desire to be full or for the taste of food.

This answer closely adheres to the core Buddhist principles of "non-attachment to appearances" and "abstinence from greed," following the principles outlined in the Diamond Sutra's section on "seeing reality as it truly is."

perfect!

Meng Chuan silently cheered himself up.

Bai Bao smiled faintly and nodded:
"Though that grain of rice is small, it can feed ten thousand people. Do you know the reason behind this?"

Meng Chuan pondered for a moment:

"Every grain of rice and every bowl of porridge is an offering from all living beings. We should be grateful and not give rise to greed or anger."

He had barely finished speaking when he saw the little monk immediately pick up the bowl and scoop out the last few grains of rice.
This response uses "origin" and "cherishing blessings" as its core.

Where do rice grains come from?

It requires many conditions such as farmers cultivating the land, wind and rain nourishing it, and the labor of others; it does not come from nothing.

In essence, it is a manifestation of "the coming together of causes and conditions".

"Being grateful" is to have reverence for the arising of causes and conditions, while "not being greedy or angry" means to guard one's mind and not to waste rice because it is easy to obtain, nor to complain because the taste is not to one's liking.

A hint of approval flashed in Bai Bao's eyes, but he then pressed for an answer:

"What will you do if the porridge gets cold?"

Meng Chuan had a vague feeling and acted without hesitation:

"Hot porridge or cold porridge, both are empty in nature. Hot and cold are appearances, and non-attachment brings freedom."

In layman's terms: I don't care if it gets cold, it's all the same to me since it's already in my stomach.

The temperature of porridge or rice is an external phenomenon. If you don't fixate on the superficial temperature, you won't be bothered by cold porridge.

The essential meaning is to explain to Master Bai Bao.

He has seen through the "illusory appearance" and realized the "emptiness and freedom".

Bai Bao laughed heartily upon hearing this, and lightly tapped the rim of his bowl with his chopsticks:
"Good! But what if there are leftover grains in the bowl?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Bao glanced at Jue Ming.

I was just about to use this little monk as an example, but I didn't expect him to be so fast.
Jue Ming was also sweating profusely, and inwardly felt incredibly lucky.
"Fortunately, the monk acted quickly."

After a moment's thought, Meng Chuan said solemnly:

Every grain is the result of hard work; cherishing blessings is cherishing good fortune. Only by sweeping away the leftover grains can we see our original purity.

The failure to sweep away leftover grains is an outward manifestation of the human senses' perception and judgment of color.

What do you mean?
"These scraps left in the bowl are the result of Liu Gen's judgment; he doesn't need to eat them."

Meng Chuan's answer was also a veiled message to Master Bai Bao.

Once one's six senses are clear and pure, one can practice the "Medicine Buddha's Pure Six Senses Consciousness of Form Method".

Mystery upon mystery, Meng Chuan praises his own extraordinary Buddhist wisdom.
Meanwhile, the young monk was also on the sidelines, reflecting on the Zen exchange between the two.

I also felt that I benefited immensely.

Bai Bao nodded in satisfaction. It seemed that the kid had indeed put in the effort.

"The wisdom of porridge lies in everyday life. You've grasped the meaning of this bowl of porridge today."

"Then I believe you can also understand this method."

Meng Chuan slammed his fist into his palm, declaring that he had graduated from his apprenticeship!
After Bai Bao finished speaking, a booklet appeared in Meng Chuan's palm.

It's only about thirty pages long, not a long book at all.

He also discovered that the more profound the Buddhist scriptures were...

Whether it's martial arts or philosophy, the texts are getting shorter and shorter.

Could it be that in Buddhist divine skills, the entire text consists of only this one sentence, and everything else relies on enlightenment?

Gee
Bai Bao laughed:

"Take it and study it. If you don't grasp the basics within three days, I'll take it back."

This method aims to cultivate spiritual power, achieving purity of the six senses and freedom from inner demons. Those who do not understand it will only mislead themselves.

If you can understand one page, you've entered the realm of sutras. If you can persist in reading through thirty pages without your mind becoming weary, then this sutra will be of no use to you.

At that time, you may seek me out to learn a more advanced Heart Sutra mantra. During this process, please do not be distracted.

This time, Bai Bao also wanted to plan out a cultivation path for Meng Chuan using the Buddhist Heart Sutra mantra.

Because studying consumes mental energy very quickly.

Therefore, Meng Chuan should focus on learning this book, and then learn others after he has mastered it.

"Understood, disciple thanks Master Bai Bao."

Meng Chuan stood up and bowed to express his gratitude.

This method can raise the upper limit of total spiritual power, achieve great success, and is also beneficial for defending against demons, truly suited to oneself.

In addition, he was also able to see the good intentions behind Master Bai Bao's treatment of him.

As a divine monk and heavenly king, he has already done enough.

Even though he wasn't taught martial arts, what he was taught was something far more precious than martial arts itself—

Management.

Of all the great principles in the world, understanding them is the key to directly reaching the depths of the great principles, and thus providing a stable anchor point without deviating from them.

Martial arts and reason complement each other. If one wants to go further and deeper in the martial arts path, reason is the wisdom that directly points to the martial arts path.

Therefore, Meng Chuan did not reject either the principles of Taoism or Buddhism.

It is beneficial to martial arts and cultivation; you can use it.

After the meal, the bowls and spoons were empty.

"Brother Meng, you've worked hard cooking the porridge. Please leave the chores like washing the dishes to this humble monk."

Jueming took the initiative to stop the dishwashing chores and went to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

Meng Chuan secretly praised the young monk, saying, "He has good judgment."
The room was quiet, with only him and Bai Bao remaining.

He put the newly acquired Heart Sutra mantra into his waist token, planning to study it later when he returned to his room.

Having passed the Buddhist theory test, there is still one more thing I need to ask Master Bai Bao.

Meng Chuan was about to speak when he asked about the taboos related to seeking the future Buddha fruit under the Dragon Flower Tree.

Bai Bao, however, was the first to sense his thoughts and spoke first:

"By the way, you went down into the Demon's Nest a few days ago, you may not know that."

The bamboo grove behind Shaoshi Mountain, where the Longhua Tree is located, has been closed off recently, and no one is allowed to enter.

Abbot Xuanmou has returned to the mountain and is currently in seclusion there, seeking the help of the future Buddha to eliminate the demons of Taihang.

If you wish to attempt to attain Buddhahood under the Dragon Flower Tree, you will likely have to wait some time.

Bai Bao could tell that Meng Chuan was eager to return home, so he took precautions in advance.

Meng Chuan understood what was going on.

Just like when Chen Tuan, the sect leader, asked the True Martial Emperor for the power to subdue demons back in Wudang.

Immortals and Buddhas are not "useless".

When trouble comes, they can certainly come in handy, especially those deities and Buddhas with strong incense offerings.

Borrowing magical power to vanquish the great demon.

Exorcising demons is a matter of great importance, and he naturally wouldn't let personal needs interfere with the overall situation.

However, he still had concerns after the incident involving the uncle and nephew Chi Yan and Chi Li.

He had a deeper understanding of the "Heavenly Demon Realm," which was the "Universal Realm" mentioned by the Second Demon.

The whispers of the mountains are probably a remarkable existence even in the universe.

The development of Qi and Blood Martial Arts is relatively late, and the power of the human world is still weak compared to that of the universe.

This old demon of Taihang is probably not easy to deal with.
Meng Chuan pondered for a moment and asked:
“Master Bai Bao, I learned a lot of inside information about the universe during this mission.”

[Whispers of the Mountains] Their strength is extraordinary. Can the Great Sage suppress them?
Or will it require the intervention of Senior Zhao Linyuan, who has broken through the eighth major limit?

Bai Bao looked surprised, never expecting that a single mission would allow Meng Chuan to learn so much about the "Heavenly Demon Realm".

The term "Universe Realm" is mostly understood by martial arts masters who know the effects of the temple and can be teleported to this realm.

Knowing such secrets shows that Meng Chuan's mission this time was indeed quite eventful.

Bai Bao shook his head slightly:

"The true form of the [Mountain Whisper] is a divine mountain in the universe that has become a spirit. It is over a million feet tall and is vast and boundless, hundreds of times larger than the Tianzhu Mountain and Mount Everest in the human world."

The Great Sages discovered through their investigation throughout the universe that it was originally an inanimate object, but was later "revitalized" by Shanghao and made into the "Supreme Commander" who secretly invaded the human world.

If it were allowed to leave its demonic lair, and the dimensional barrier were broken, it could summon the original mountain range in the universe to completely suppress the human world.

This is the fundamental reason why we must take action against it as soon as possible.

At that time, the world will be in chaos. The "Mount Damocles" will hang high overhead. The Great Sage will have to intervene, and the Heavenly King will have to pay with his life. As for who will save the world from collapse, it is self-evident.

(End of this chapter)