Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 671 Water Lord Enters the Pure Land

"Amitabha."

The old monk stood in front of the mountain gate, watching Xu Xuan climb the steps with great joy.

The Bodhi seed in my hand suddenly became hot, reflecting the strange phenomena in the Buddha's light: tiny swastikas floated in each ray of light, Sanskrit mantras swam like fish in the halo, and several Bodhisattva phantoms could be vaguely seen standing behind.

This time, he has comprehended the teachings of which Bodhisattva?
What's even more astonishing is the profound Taoist aura emanating from the Buddha's light, which shows no trace of superficiality caused by rapid cultivation.

"What a fine Buddhist disciple," the old monk murmured to himself. He had cultivated for a hundred years and seen countless eminent monks, but he had never seen such a genius.

I couldn't help but think of another genius from a sect.

Ruoxu hasn't returned to his sect for over a decade, dedicating himself to cultivation, slaying demons, slaughtering monsters, and suppressing ghosts.

The cycle repeats itself endlessly, a smooth rhythm permeating the monotony.

Occasionally, news would spread that he had slain some great demon or leveled some demon cave, which would amaze his fellow practitioners.

However, he himself was like a fleeting cloud, leaving no trace.

A chosen one of heaven should be like this: aloof and superior, untouched by worldly dust.

Fahai returned to his sect several times a year.

Cultivation, development, cultivation, going to the underworld. Cultivation, seeking help from a master or sect.

In addition to his spiritual practice, he also dedicated himself to helping others, each and every one of which was complex and perilous. He secretly accomplished countless great deeds, unknown to others.

Outsiders only see the prosperity of Jinshan Temple, but they don't know how much effort and wisdom has been put into it.

What's particularly strange is that although Jinshan Temple belongs to the Pure Land School, the temple supervisor and most of the monks come from the Chan School. Such unity across different schools of thought is truly rare.

The old monk found Fahai more and more pleasing to the eye the more he looked at him.

Not only was he accomplished in his spiritual practice, but he also possessed the talent to govern the world. This ability and skill were beyond the reach of ordinary monks.

One can't help but imagine that if the Pure Land School were handed over to Fahai, with his unique vision and courage, he would surely create a new era and make the school even more glorious.

It's no wonder that the old monk had such worldly considerations; in fact, the rapid development of Zen Buddhism in recent years has forced people to take its edge seriously.

Zen Buddhism emphasizes "directly pointing to the mind, seeing one's true nature and becoming a Buddha." Its doctrines are simple and clear, and it is deeply loved by a wide range of believers.

Whether one is a scholar, farmer, artisan, merchant, or a literati, all can find resonance in the teachings of Zen Buddhism.

In terms of talent cultivation, the school emphasizes practical training and verification, and through methods such as meditation in meditation halls and koan practice, it has produced many eminent Zen monks who have become famous far and wide.

In contrast, although the Pure Land School is a long-standing orthodox Buddhist sect, its methods are truly impoverished.

Ordinary people mainly practice reciting the Buddha's name and emphasize being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Although its doctrines are profound, its popularity and influence are so limited that they are almost heartbreaking.

Rapid development, however, requires suppressing various evil spirits and demons, which is extremely dangerous.

Few eminent monks emerged; in the face of the decline of Tao and the rise of demons, the number of monks decreased significantly.

That's why the old monk had this idea.

Looking at Fahai now, he is simply the most outstanding talent in the Buddhist community.

Because of their affection for Xiaoqing, they didn't show any hostility towards her, let alone threaten to kill her.

Everything in this world has its reason for existing. Although demons and monsters are often regarded as outcasts, they are also distributed in this vast Three Realms and Six Paths, each with its own way of survival.

The most powerful and unfathomable among them often hide within Buddhist sects.

They either use Buddhist teachings to enlighten themselves or rely on the power of Buddhism to cultivate themselves; their methods and wisdom are beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Xu Xuan flicked his sleeve and calmly introduced, "Xiao Qing, the Water Goddess of Taihu Lake."

The old monk merely nodded slightly upon hearing this, his gaze lingering briefly on the little demon before returning to its usual calm, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. His withered fingers continued to move the prayer beads.

"Her older sister is somewhat well-known in the cultivation world," Xu Xuan said casually, as if discussing the weather. "I wonder if Martial Uncle has heard of her?"

The old monk didn't take it seriously; it was probably some famous demon king.

"Have you heard the legend of the White Snake?" This was the first question posed to Xiaoqing.

"Hmm?" The old monk's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, a strange ripple stirring within him. Could it be the white snake I know?

"I come from Qingcheng Mountain and am a disciple of the Old Mother of Lishan." Xu Xuan nodded, but was secretly surprised—he had only been testing the waters, but he hadn't expected the old monk to react so obviously.

In fact, even the Holy Father couldn't figure out how famous Bai Suzhen was in the cultivation world; she just seemed to have a particularly high status from the occasional glimpses she showed.

She is known to major powers such as the Shangqing Sect, the East Sea Mother Palace, the Qingyang Palace, and the Shu Mountain Sect, and her senior brothers also know her.

However, most cultivators had never heard of Miss Bai's name, which created a mysterious and powerful background.

After all, secrets known only to big shots and overlords cannot be simple.

It seems that the old monk from the Pure Land School also knew him.

"Amitabha."

This chant was completely different from the previous ones: each character condensed into golden Sanskrit, the character 'A' landed on Xiaoqing's left shoulder, the character 'Mi' touched her brow, and the characters 'Buddha' encircled the jade belt around her waist.

This can be considered as acknowledging Xiaoqing's official status.

It turns out it wasn't a tamed protective spirit beast, but a business partner.

The old monk then looked at Xu Xuan with even greater surprise. "You have connections with such important figures? You're really good at cultivating relationships."

Stroking his white beard, he glanced back and forth between the two men, thinking to himself, "I have cultivated for a hundred years and have seen countless brilliant talents, but I have never seen anyone so adept at leveraging power."

Withered fingers gently flicked the prayer beads, said "Waiting for you in the Ancestral Hall," and then disappeared from the spot.

He needs some peace and quiet.

I was worried that I might impulsively hold a grand inauguration ceremony for Zen Master Fahai.

The following time is for visitors, which is also the basic procedure for entertaining guests in Pure Land Buddhism.

Xiaoqing looked around curiously, then tugged at Xu Xuan's sleeve and asked, "Why is this old monk so elusive?"

"Nonsense. This person is currently the leader of the Pure Land Sect, with unfathomable cultivation, and is the ally I'm trying to win over this time."

The Holy Father's interest in his own sect goes beyond simple material support.

The two walked up the mountain along the bluestone path, with ancient cypress trees lining the way, the sound of chanting filling the air, and a faint sandalwood fragrance floating in the air.

Zen Master Fahai spoke with great familiarity about the various sights: "Look at this Bodhi tree, it was planted by the Bodhisattva who protects the Dharma in the East."

"This ancient well is connected to an underground spiritual vein, and the monks in the temple chant scriptures when they draw water."

Many of the improvised short stories left Xiaoqing stunned. After all, it was the foremost Buddhist sect, so it was quite normal for such wondrous sights to exist.

After being fooled by this, they even thought the pebbles on the roadside were awesome.

But then I wondered if this guy was playing a trick on me.

Xu Xuan's character has always been highly volatile, so it's normal to have such doubts.

She reached out to touch the mottled Buddhist verses on the stone wall, but as soon as her fingertips touched the engravings, a ray of golden light gently repelled her, startling her so much that she cried out "Ouch!" and withdrew her hand.

This is the real deal.

(End of this chapter)