Starting From A Fisherman To Cultivate Immortality And Live Forever

Chapter 90: Seeing the Buddha, Why Not Kneel!

The tears streaming down Great Master Yuanci's face were not for show. After seeing the full view of the magnificent Dreamlike Temple, he was affected by the mysterious implications of this main building.

Even before entering the main hall, he was already influenced, complemented by the light emitted by Su Ping, allowing Great Master Yuanci to see the true form of the Buddha in his heart, silently watching over him from atop the temple.

Overwhelmed with excitement, he couldn't help but shed tears.

This kind of technique, using architecture or paintings to imply messages in conjunction with the right timing and location, was not unfamiliar to Great Master Yuanci. In feudal times, many understood the key to this technique and used it to gain favor from noble families and even emperors, leaving their mark in history.

However, Great Master Yuanci had experienced various mysterious events in the past day and night, coupled with the continuous impact of the mysterious implications from the Immortal Ship and the Dreamlike Temple.

His inner defenses had long been shattered countless times!

"Mortal presiding, wake up... It's time to go to the main hall."

The Ghost Messenger floated over and reminded Great Master Yuanci as he approached, interrupting his self-suggestion.

The golden radiance of the Buddha gradually returned to its normal state, blending with the magnificent temple, still awe-inspiring but lacking the same impact as before.

Great Master Yuanci nodded and wiped away his tears with his sleeve.

Suddenly, he realized that the air here was exceptionally clean and fresh. With each breath, it seemed to invigorate his spirit.

"This place must be a sacred place for true Buddhist cultivation, just like the legendary paradises mentioned in Taoist temples."

"But I wonder, while our sacred place still exists, do their paradises still exist?"

The closer he got to the true mystery, the more Great Master Yuanci realized that those fellow practitioners he had known before, regardless of their status and position, were all a bunch of fake cultivators!

Before, Great Master Yuanci would consider the other party's status, position, and spiritual insights to make a comprehensive judgment.

But now, he chuckled, as long as they didn't possess extraordinary abilities, they were all ordinary people who hadn't even entered the door!

Great Master Yuanci slightly bent his waist and, after disembarking from the Immortal Ship, followed the Ghost Messenger to the mountain gate, then stepped onto the winding stone stairs.

The mountainside on both sides of the stairs was carved with numerous stone sculptures, each containing a Buddhist scripture story or a philosophical concept.

Great Master Yuanci wished he could stay here for a day and night, memorizing all the stone sculptures.

Unfortunately, he didn't have the time, nor did he ever think about using technological devices to record this extraordinary sight.

Although no one had told Great Master Yuanci that smart devices were prohibited in this sacred place, it was instinctive and subconscious for him not to entertain such disrespectful behavior.

The mountain was not high, and the winding stairs would not exceed a hundred meters.

Even so, when Great Master Yuanci climbed up the mountain and saw the awe-inspiring Dreamlike Temple that made his body tremble, he was surprised that he didn't feel the slightest fatigue.

Despite his commanding presence in the Great Compassion Temple, he knew his own business. He was already an old monk in his seventies.

To climb the mountain without stopping, without feeling out of breath or sore, was simply unbelievable!

This must be the effect of the sacred place, the advantage of the timing and location in cultivation!

Great Master Yuanci saw the six-toothed stone elephants on both sides of the temple gate, and vaguely, it seemed as if the lifelike stone elephants suddenly moved their eyes and looked at him.

Great Master Yuanci immediately clasped his hands together, bowed his head, and silently apologized.

The Ghost Messenger sighed beside him and said, "Go in. With the token you have, you don't need to worry about the attacks from these guardian statues."

"If you can pass the test of the Dreamlike Temple, you will have the qualification to receive orders."

"Thank you, Messenger."

Great Master Yuanci nodded. Upon hearing the word "test," he took a deep breath and recalled the hardships and joys of his life.

Straightening his back, Great Master Yuanci walked towards the temple gate with large strides.

Whoosh!

The heavy redwood gilded door opened slowly on its own, without any wind.

Great Master Yuanci felt as if he heard whispers coming from inside the door.

But after hesitating for less than half a second, Great Master Yuanci resolutely stepped over the threshold.

Suddenly!

Master Yuan Ci noticed that the main hall suddenly became much brighter.

The surroundings were all magnificent, with Bodhisattvas and Arhats rising on clouds in mid-air, looking at him with gentle expressions.

There were familiar Bodhisattvas nodding at him, seemingly supporting his arrival in secret.

In addition to these humanoid venerables, there were also divine dragons, giant elephants, fierce lions, and savage bears hidden in the clouds and mist, staring at him with different expressions.

And in the most noble position surrounded by these Bodhisattvas, divine dragons, and giant elephants.

There was a statue of the Tathagata, at least tens of meters high, with a golden appearance, sitting on a lotus platform.

This appearance seemed like a statue but also like a real person, perfectly matching the image of the Buddha in Master Yuan Ci's mind.

"Venerable Yuan Ci, I have seen all the venerables of the Illusory Dream Temple."

Master Yuan Ci dared not look at the heavenly gods and buddhas around him, and quickly came to the cushion at the entrance and bowed to the Tathagata statue.

After bowing, he did not continue to kneel.

"You have seen the Tathagata, why not kneel!"

Before the Tathagata statue could speak, a divine dragon lowered its head, and its fierce mouth approached Master Yuan Ci, less than ten meters away, and let out a reprimanding sound.

Saliva and a foul wind even splashed directly on Master Yuan Ci's body.

Master Yuan Ci was about to kneel, but suddenly stopped.

At this moment, his life experiences and insights flashed through his mind.

His appearance as a youth, an adult, and an old man appeared one by one.

Master Yuan Ci suddenly understood.

Facing the reprimand of the divine dragon, he turned a deaf ear and instead looked up at the Tathagata statue and said:

"As a humble monk, I have sought the path since I was young, and in middle age, I came to seek the Buddha. Through seeking and searching, I have only found peace in my heart, but I have also learned not to kneel before the Buddha in my heart."

"Amitabha, all conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow, like dew, and like lightning, you should contemplate them in this way."

Master Yuan Ci clasped his hands in front of his chest and silently recited the Diamond Sutra.

The heavenly gods and demons around him began to whisper with an evil expression.

The divine dragons, giant elephants, and fierce lions approached Master Yuan Ci, as if they could swallow him in the next second.

The golden light and mist around them boiled like hot oil, and bursts of thunder exploded within.

For a mortal like Master Yuan Ci, even though he had realized that this was a test, a mere illusion, a projection of his past attachments in his heart.

Even after enduring for a few seconds in the center of this storm, he still felt that his old bones were about to give way.

Good!

Finally, when Master Yuan Ci's legs were about to bend, he heard a melodious sound like a bell ringing.

In an instant!

The formation in the main hall of the Illusory Dream Temple stopped operating.

The Tathagata and the heavenly gods and demons projected by Master Yuan Ci's state of mind all disappeared instantly.

An empty main hall appeared before Master Yuan Ci's eyes.

Only the lights and various statues accompanied Master Yuan Ci.

Looking at the golden Buddha statue at the forefront of the main hall.

This time, without hesitation, Master Yuan Ci knelt on the cushion and respectfully bowed to the clay statue of the Buddha, which had no mysterious power.

Su Ping sat cross-legged in the sky, observing every move of Master Yuan Ci.

Seeing that he had quickly freed himself from the illusion formed by his lifelong attachments.

He felt that this was unexpected but also within reason.

Although Master Yuan Ci was engaged in mundane matters, he was also a serious practitioner on the Blue Water Star.

As he said, he sought the path in his youth, entered the Buddhist gate in middle age, and then became the most authoritative abbot of the Great Compassion Temple in his old age.

If this person were in the cultivation world, he would definitely be regarded as someone with innate wisdom by the Buddhist cultivators.

As long as there is spiritual root, even if it is only a low-grade one, it will definitely be carefully cultivated within the sect.

Even if the future cultivation achievements are not high, they can still be sent to the Buddhist Academy for basic research and even improvement of techniques.

The technological progress of the cultivation world cannot be separated from the silent contributions of these cultivators with understanding and innate wisdom...

"In your hand, you hold the token of the Great Compassion Temple."

In the main hall, a somewhat desolate male voice echoed.

Upon hearing this voice, Master Yuan Ci, who had intended to stand up, chose to maintain his bowing posture and quickly declared his identity.

"As a mere mortal, to be able to find the token and gain recognition to come to this Illusory Dream Temple."

"In these three hundred years, you are the first."

"The lineage of the Great Compassion Monastery should continue with those who have the affinity for it."

Upon hearing this, Master Yuan Ci couldn't help but feel a sense of stability in his heart. At the same time, he secretly wondered if there had been someone similar to him three hundred years ago, who had found this place through a token and continued the Buddhist affinity for his sect.

In that instant, Master Yuan Ci thought of the ancient books that recorded the appearance of those immortals, arhats, and bodhisattvas three hundred years ago.

And those demons and monsters...

He even thought about the famous orthodox sects in the borderlands that had been recognized as righteous. He even had a moment of doubt, wondering if the higher circles had known that certain people were true cultivators, which was why they recognized those sects with strange styles as orthodox and prestigious.

Su Ping had no idea that his casual remark had led Master Yuan Ci to imagine the causes and consequences, even automatically filling in details to form a vague but logically consistent view of the mysterious world.

"However, you are ultimately just a mortal. The tasks of the Illusory Dream Monastery are not something that can be accomplished simply by having a firm will and seeking enlightenment."

The deep voice said, pausing for a moment.

"But you have indeed passed the test... and indeed have a connection with the Illusory Dream Monastery."

"Go now, there will be a messenger outside who will provide you with what you need and give you the tasks you must do."

After saying this, the deep voice disappeared.

At first, Master Yuan Ci felt a bit anxious, a fear of being unnecessary. But fortunately, upon hearing the voice that followed, Master Yuan Ci gratefully bowed again and then bent over and left the main hall.

Boom!

The wooden doors of the hall closed automatically without any wind.

Master Yuan Ci saw the ghost messenger waiting beside him.

He realized that after just one visit to the main hall, the attitude of this ghost messenger towards him had changed drastically.

On the dead person's face, there was even a twisted smile directed at him.

"It turns out... even ghosts understand social etiquette," he said. "But it makes sense. Since the mysterious exists and the legends of our ancestors are true, then in their records, what's wrong with those cunning and sly immortals and demons also understanding social etiquette?"

"Money can make the ghost grind, it seems to be universal in the mysterious world. I just don't know what money means in this world."

As the one in charge of the actual power, many thoughts flashed through Master Yuan Ci's mind.

But he maintained a kind expression on his face and thanked the ghost messenger.

"Master Yuan Ci, the Illusory Dream Monastery is truly blessed this time!"

The ghost messenger smiled stiffly and spoke.

"The venerables value affinity, and by passing the test, you have proven that you have the potential."

"Now, as long as you handle the tasks that are given to you in an orderly manner, the venerables will bestow upon you the artifacts and techniques. It is only natural."

"I congratulate you in advance!"

After exchanging pleasantries, the ghost messenger led Master Yuan Ci back to the fairy boat and pointed to several rolls of silk and a wooden box the size of a briefcase on the deck.

"Master, please take a look. These silk scrolls depict the specific layout of the Demon-Slaying and Evil-Exorcising Grand Array."

"And this one is a prayer scripture for blessings and exorcism, which complements the grand array with its incantations."

"And in this box are the artifacts that seal the evil spirits. You need to place them in key positions of the array."

As Master Yuan Ci examined them, he nodded and occasionally asked questions.

This time, the ghost messenger showed great patience and answered every question.

This reaction from the ghost messenger reassured Master Yuan Ci, making him believe that his opportunity was mostly secure. Otherwise, this ghost creature wouldn't have changed so much!

Through the ghost messenger's answers, Master Yuan Ci gradually understood.

The Illusory Dream Monastery was a sacred place built by the powerful venerables working together.

But it was also a forbidden place!

Deep beneath the temple, at a depth of one hundred thousand meters, countless evil spirits from beyond the domain were suppressed.

These evil spirits were almost indestructible, and even the venerables found it difficult to eliminate them in a short time. They could only seal them to prevent them from causing havoc in the mortal realm.

However, the number of evil spirits was increasing, and there were many that couldn't be erased even after thousands of years.

Helplessly, every once in a while, whether it was every ten years or every hundred years, they would invite fellow cultivators to come and reinforce the seal or make a great effort to eliminate those that were particularly abnormal.

The ghost messenger subtly speculated that perhaps some branches of the lineage had been severed, which was partly due to the deteriorating environment in the mortal realm. On the other hand, it might have been an accident during the eradication of the evil spirits.

Master Yuan Ci also thought of the abbots and high monks of the Illusory Dream Monastery who had died three hundred years ago.

Although there was no evidence, he was inclined to believe that the ancestors had sacrificed themselves in order to slay demons and exorcise evil!

At the same time, Master Yuan Ci also breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he was responsible for the safe post-event work.

Inside the wooden box were seals and artifacts, all of which were remnants of evil spirits that had turned into stone powder.

He only needed to use his expertise, conduct rituals, recite scriptures, and completely dispel the last trace of evil energy from the remnants of the evil spirits!

After understanding what he needed to do.

Master Yuan Ci once again thanked the ghost messenger, and then bowed in return.

For a moment, everything seemed dazzling.

When his eyes cleared again.

Master Yuan Ci found himself back in his meditation room.

The lingering scent of incense still filled the air.

However, perhaps in comparison to the sacred place.

Master Yuan Ci suddenly felt that even the incense he liked was nothing special.

It was better to breathe the fresh air in the sacred place, which would bring joy to his body and mind, dispelling fatigue.

Master Yuan Ci looked at the wooden box and silk fabric in his hands.

These physical objects brought from that dreamlike place confirmed his belief that everything was real.

At the same time, after carefully examining the content of the silk fabric diagram and experiencing the magical insights it provided.

A bold idea flashed through Master Yuan Ci's mind.

He was about to hold a large-scale ritual, and then encountered this series of mysterious events...

But soon he shook his head and dismissed the idea.

That mysterious and unfathomable sacred place, the celestial boat soaring in the clouds, the magnificent and imposing Illusory Dream Temple that could question one's heart!

Did such great existences covet something he had created during the ritual?

Ha!

Master Yuan Ci! Master Yuan Ci!

You think too highly of yourself!

This is impossible, absolutely impossible!

Master Yuan Ci regarded this as his inner demon, completely locked it away, and forgot about it.

Then, Master Yuan Ci walked out of the bedroom and immediately called his junior brother and the heads of the planning department for a meeting overnight.

All the arrangements needed to be changed!

Many positions needed to be reorganized!

Funds could be increased, the task had to be done well, and if there wasn't enough time, more people should be added!

Master Yuan Ci displayed his usual decisive style in this matter.

Although it increased the tasks for everyone, it also made them feel more at ease.

With the accumulated prestige from numerous successful rituals, everyone believed in the inertia of thinking that listening to Master Yuan Ci's words would never be wrong.

Several participants in the planning activities, upon hearing that more money could be added, naturally did not voice any objections.

Fortunately, the ritual already followed certain principles of feng shui.

It also had some similarities with the formation principles.

In addition to the use of modern tools and the simplified formations developed specifically for mortals to expel evil spirits.

After a busy day and night, everything was finally arranged properly before the scheduled meeting.

Master Yuan Ci was still not at ease and occasionally took out the magical diagram to observe and meditate.

He then went to the venue to confirm, repeating this process, which amazed the monks.

During this time, Su Ping was not idle... Oh, no, it was the little white and little gray spirit mice that were not idle either.

They dug underground passages at the ritual site and buried spirit stones and small-scale gathering formations in key locations to ensure the effectiveness of the most important formation.

Especially the main hall, considering the continuous flow of people.

Su Ping also took out a set of high-quality formations purchased from the Golden Cloud Mountain Market and arranged them underground there, with more than ten spirit stones already placed in advance to ensure supply.

This way, after the ritual ended, when Master Yuan Ci opened the main hall to accept the subsequent worship of believers and visitors, he could continue to collect thoughts and erase the remnants of evil spirits in the sealed artifacts.

Su Ping was looking forward to the success of this experiment without any consequences.

As long as it was successful and there were no problems after inspection, he could enter the stage of mass replication and quickly accumulate merits.

By then, these high-ranking monks would have hope in their efforts, the believers would feel a sense of accomplishment in their contributions to slaying demons and monsters, and Su Ping could exchange for supernatural powers and various rare materials that could not be bought.

This is a perfect win-win situation!

(End of this chapter)