While the two were speaking, the two young novice monks who had fled earlier reappeared, pressing their palms together in a solemn manner: "Amitabha, Benefactor Chai, Master Tanming requests your presence."

Chai Xiaoyue said, "This is a friend of mine who also wishes to see the Master. Is that alright?"

The two young novices exchanged a glance, then slowly shook their heads with an expression of difficulty.

"Let's go, lead the way!" Chai Xiaoyue waved her small hand dismissively.

The two novices turned and walked inward. Li Muzhan and Chai Xiaoyue stepped onto the stone stairs side by side, the grey-robed servant trailing behind. They entered the courtyard before the main hall, bypassed the hall itself, turned right, passed through two more courtyards and three moon gates, finally arriving at a secluded, quiet small yard.

The small courtyard was filled with the rustling of bamboo, elegant and serene. Apart from the bamboo grove, there was nothing else. An old monk in a simple grey robe stood quietly before the bamboo, his back to the courtyard gate, seemingly merged into the thicket itself.

"Master, I'm here!" Chai Xiaoyue exclaimed, her manner spirited and airy.

The old monk slowly turned around and pressed his palms together in greeting. Li Muzhan returned the gesture, taking in the old monk's appearance: his beard and brows were entirely white, his face like a bright moon, and his gaze was clear and peaceful, entirely devoid of any sharpness.

Li Muzhan praised him inwardly—what a truly enlightened master. He seemed to have dissolved the self-clinging of ego, becoming one with the void, blending into the heavens and earth; his level of cultivation was exceedingly high.

The old monk smiled at Chai Xiaoyue, then noticed Li Muzhan. His frosty eyebrows twitched slightly, and he smiled gently, "And who might this young gentleman be...?"

Li Muzhan smiled, "I am Li Muzhan."

"Benefactor Li, you must be a lay Buddhist?" the old monk inquired.

Li Muzhan nodded: "Indeed. My initial teacher was a monastic, and I learned concentration arts and recited a Buddhist scripture from a young age."

The old monk nodded: "No wonder, Benefactor Li, your vital energy is so placid, and your Buddhist resonance faintly discernible."

"Mr. Li, this is Master Tanming!" Chai Xiaoyue announced.

Li Muzhan joined his hands in a smile: "Forgive my unannounced visit, Master."

Master Tanming smiled and shook his head: "When destiny brings us together, we arrive; when it scatters, we depart. You and I are destined to meet. Benefactor Chai, Benefactor Li, please."

He led them into the main room. Inside, there were no tables or chairs, only absolute cleanliness, with three yellow meditation cushions arranged in a 'pin' shape.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the room in a state of pure tranquility.

Before the northernmost cushion sat a wooden fish, dark brown, exuding a subtle luster, as if it had been treated with oil—heavy and ancient in appearance.

Master Tanming smiled: "Benefactor Chai, Benefactor Li, please be seated."

The three sat upon their respective cushions. Master Tanming chuckled, "Benefactor Chai, today I shall chant the Vajra-pāramitā Sūtra. Benefactor Chai, please quiet your heart and receive it."

Chai Xiaoyue asked, "Master, how long will it take?"

Master Tanming smiled kindly: "It will require half an hour, and I must chant it three times."

"Sigh, alright then." Chai Xiaoyue nodded resignedly, then turned to smile at Li Muzhan: "Mr. Li, if you feel like sleeping, please do so. There’s no need to force yourself."

Li Muzhan felt a strange curiosity but suppressed it, replying with a smile, "I am quite eager to hear the Vajra-pāramitā Sūtra. This is a great scripture within Buddhism."

"Benefactor Li is indeed connected to our Buddha," Master Tanming smiled and nodded. "To be able to hear this scripture is already an unparalleled fortune, a blessing cultivated in a past life."

Li Muzhan smiled, thinking that Buddhism emphasizes reincarnation. If one fails to achieve enlightenment in this life, they can continue in the next. Cultivating the Dharma is the fortune of those deeply blessed. If one lacked merit in a previous life, they are fated to be without affinity for the Buddha in this life, endlessly trapped in the suffering of the cycle of rebirth. However, once merit is accumulated, the opportunity to practice the Dharma arises. With firm faith, even if one life is insufficient, after nine cycles of reincarnation, one will eventually succeed, escape the cycle, and enter the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the West.

Chai Xiaoyue rolled her eyes, languidly saying, "Master, let's begin!"

Master Tanming nodded with a smile, pressed his palms together, and lightly tapped the wooden fish with his right hand. With a single 'Deng' sound, both Li Muzhan and Chai Xiaoyue felt their forms tremble. Worldly thoughts instantly vanished, and their minds became perfectly clear and serene.

Li Muzhan's eyes flickered. He sighed inwardly, recognizing that this single strike showed immense power—it calmed the spirit, cleansed the mind, and expelled impurities. It must be an extremely profound inner cultivation technique, holding great mystery.

"Thus have I heard..."

Master Tanming pressed his palms together and began to chant the scripture softly. Every word was clear and full, round as a bead, floating into Li Muzhan’s ears and drilling directly into his mind, causing a physical resonance.

He slightly lowered his eyelids, palms joined. The Buddhist scripture floating into his ears seemed to materialize, each word entering his consciousness and clearly manifesting as golden characters in his mind.

Large, purplish-gold characters drifted before his eyes. One word followed another, forming a phrase before suddenly dissipating, only for the next line to slowly emerge. It was truly wondrous.

The Vajra-pāramitā Sūtra champions both wisdom and the Bodhi mind: establishing stillness to open wisdom, and generating the Bodhi mind through wisdom. Once the Bodhi mind arises, the attachment to self naturally breaks.

After hearing the scripture recited once, Li Muzhan felt all mundane thoughts vanish. Even the urgent desire for revenge, which had previously occupied his mind, had faded somewhat, as if it were less important now—everything was fleeting; why care so much?

He paused slightly internally but offered no resistance. Listening to the next two recitations, his worldly thoughts faded further, and a Bodhi mind began to sprout, inspiring a desire to sacrifice himself for the good of all sentient beings.

Fortunately, his spirit was firm, and he was already well-versed in Buddhist principles. As soon as the chanting stopped, he instantly awoke, returning to normal.

With another 'Deng' of the wooden fish, his mind was immediately cleared. All previous thoughts vanished, leaving only tranquility and peace, utterly undisturbed.

This sound of the wooden fish served to dissolve the intent of the scripture, preserving only the state of serenity.

Li Muzhan slowly opened his eyes and looked at Chai Xiaoyue. Her bright eyes were clear, and she smiled brightly, "Mr. Li, how was it?"

Li Muzhan nodded slowly: "Indeed, the Dharma is boundless; it is profoundly mysterious."

Chai Xiaoyue replied, "Is that so? I found it quite tedious; I nearly fell asleep and was jolted awake by Master Tanming’s wooden fish!"

Li Muzhan’s brow twitched slightly. He looked at her carefully and noticed a faint trace of greenish energy flickering occasionally between her eyebrows. He couldn't help but utter a soft, "Yi?"

"Benefactor Li is indeed connected to our Buddha," Master Tanming smiled gently. "Have you perceived Benefactor Chai's ailment?"

Li Muzhan asked, "Is this the possession of a Heavenly Demon?"

Master Tanming sighed and slowly nodded: "Benefactor Li has sharp perception and profound cultivation. Benefactor Chai is indeed afflicted by a Heavenly Demon."

Li Muzhan frowned: "This is troublesome. It's a good thing the Master’s Dharma is so profound."

Where there is Buddha, there must also be demons. Buddha and demon are inherently opposed and mutually restraining. The Buddha mind seeks goodness; the demon mind seeks wickedness. Both are formless and intangible, lurking within the human heart.

Everyone possesses Buddha-nature and can become a Buddha; this also implies everyone possesses demon-nature and can become a demon. However, these are merely demon-nature and Buddha-nature, not entities that have gained traction. Demons that have gained traction, just like Buddhas that have gained traction, leave this realm and reside in other higher heavens. Yet, there are exceptions: Buddhas may descend by vow, their Dharma bodies transforming into physical bodies to enlighten the world. Demons have the same possibility, occasionally lurking in the mortal world, taking refuge in a human body.

Whether Buddha or demon, they must abide by the laws of the world. Upon arriving in this world, they must cultivate from the beginning; their original cultivation cannot be entirely inherited. This Heavenly Demon possessing Chai Xiaoyue's body has likely not yet fully formed, which is why the high monk of the Buddhist sect discovered it and has been continuously suppressing and restraining it. Once the Heavenly Demon takes shape, its powers will be immense, and no one will be able to restrain it.

Li Muzhan glanced at Chai Xiaoyue, feeling a touch of pity for this Ninth Princess. Born into the imperial family, enjoying riches and luxury, reigning above others, yet afflicted by a Heavenly Demon.

Any ordinary person afflicted would have long ago been eliminated by the Buddhist community. Subduing demons is the duty of the Buddhist sect, and they would never show mercy. Fortunately, she is the Ninth Princess. Moreover, ordinary people are not worthy targets; Heavenly Demons generally disdain possessing mere mortals, preferring those whose actions can facilitate their goals. The Imperial Palace houses the Tianwang Temple, perhaps precisely to guard against such demonic mischief. A person possessed by a Heavenly Demon might undergo personality changes, but their innate talents could also be significantly enhanced. Chai Xiaoyue is the foremost martial expert in the royal family, possibly due to this influence.

"Mr. Li also knows about Heavenly Demon possession?" Chai Xiaoyue looked at him with surprise. In her gaze, a faint, seductive aura flowed, causing Li Muzhan's heart to flutter.

He quickly gathered his focus and solidified his mind. The demon is indeed formidable. Although she was dressed as a man and tried to emulate masculine behavior, she could not entirely conceal her inherent grace. The occasional unintentional reveal was enough to captivate the soul.

Li Muzhan nodded: "I have read a few Buddhist scriptures and know a little."

Chai Xiaoyue asked, "Mr. Li, you aren't afraid?"

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head: "A Heavenly Demon? It's not that terrifying. As long as the heart is settled and the spirit concentrated, it will naturally be powerless."

Chai Xiaoyue complained, "To counter it, I have to listen to the scriptures once every seven days. My ears are about to grow calluses from listening—it's so annoying!"

Li Muzhan laughed: "To have a great Buddhist master chant for you, suppressing the Heavenly Demon—where can you find such good fortune? Brother Chai, you are too ungrateful!"

Chai Xiaoyue huffed: "It's just a Heavenly Demon, what's the big deal!"

Li Muzhan cautioned, "Heavenly Demons cause immense harm, especially to Buddhism; they are a major catastrophe. Brother Chai, you shouldn't make things difficult for the Master!"

A Heavenly Demon might not harm a layperson much, but it would certainly show no mercy to the Buddhist establishment. If a possessed individual were to ascend to power, they might issue an edict to slaughter monks, leading to an unstoppable catastrophe.

Chai Xiaoyue sighed resignedly, "Fine then, I'm used to it anyway. Does Mr. Li wish to speak with Master Tanming?"

Li Muzhan smiled: "If I have the opportunity to consult with the Master, I would be delighted!"

Master Tanming smiled kindly: "Benefactor Li's cultivation in the Dharma is not shallow; this old monk is ashamed!"

While chanting the scripture, he had focused his spirit and used the power of the sutra to observe Li Muzhan. He saw a brilliant Buddha-light emanating from him, with a round moon behind his head, shining brightly—he was clearly an enlightened being who had realized the true nature of his mind and spirit. Even among the many eminent monks at Tianwang Temple, only one possessed this state. For a mere lay practitioner to break through obstacles and glimpse the Tathagata was truly commendable and worthy of awe.

Li Muzhan joined his hands in a slight smile: "Master is too polite. I wonder, may I try striking the Master's wooden fish?"

"Please—!" Master Tanming rose, vacating the cushion.

Li Muzhan sat down on the cushion and immediately felt his spirit stabilize. This cushion was no ordinary object; could it be one of the Dugu family's 'Purity of Heart' cushions? Dugu Jinghua had obtained the Sarira Buddha beads by trading a rare item, which might have been one of these Purity of Heart cushions. He hadn't seen what they looked like before, but perhaps this was it.

Li Muzhan took a deep breath, calmed his mind and spirit, and then struck the fish lightly. With a clear 'Deng' sound, both Chai Xiaoyue and Master Tanming trembled.

'Deng, deng, deng, deng'—Li Muzhan struck again, and then again. In a short while, he had struck it more than a dozen times. With the final strike, Chai Xiaoyue and Master Tanming both broke into smiles, their hearts blooming with joy.

He set down the mallet. This wooden fish was peculiar; perhaps after being struck so often, its power had subtly absorbed the energy of the Dharma, thus possessing the wondrous ability to purify the mind—it was indeed a rare treasure.

"Benefactor Li has excellent cultivation," Master Tanming said, joining his palms in a smile. "May I ask which eminent monk was your teacher?"

Li Muzhan shook his head: "My late master passed away and never mentioned his name. Master, how many scrolls of Buddhist scriptures are kept in Tianwang Temple?"

"One thousand eight hundred scrolls," Master Tanming replied.

Li Muzhan smiled: "I wish to study these scriptures. Is there a way?"

Master Tanming smiled gently: "Benefactor Li is one destined to encounter our Buddha, so you may read them. However, the original texts are kept in the scripture vault; only copies are available."

Li Muzhan replied, "I would be deeply grateful."

Master Tanming smiled: "I shall first gift the Benefactor ten scrolls of scriptures. After you have studied them, you may return to seek me out."

Li Muzhan bowed in gratitude: "Thank you, Master."

Master Tanming shook his head and smiled, then rose and left the room. He soon returned, followed by the two young novices, each carrying a wooden box.

Master Tanming introduced them one by one: "Benefactor Li, these boxes contain the Vajra Prajñā Sūtra, the Sutra of Observing Ten Desires, the Tiger Roar Sutra..." He listed the ten scriptures, adding with a smile, "These texts are quite profound for ordinary lay practitioners. Since you are a person who has attained great enlightenment, you should be able to comprehend them."

Li Muzhan smiled: "I shall try."

After accepting the scriptures, he said no more, bade farewell to Master Tanming, and followed Chai Xiaoyue back to the Dugu Residence.

Li Muzhan hadn't wanted to bring her into the residence, but she insisted on seeing inside. He let the grey-robed servant carry the two wooden boxes while they walked ahead. Those outside the manor gate saw Li Muzhan and did not stop them, allowing them direct entry. Li Muzhan led Chai Xiaoyue into his own small courtyard.

Chai Xiaoyue stood with her hands behind her back, surveying the surroundings, and shook her head: "The Dugu family is too stingy, giving you only such a tiny courtyard."

Having witnessed Li Muzhan's profound knowledge and insight, she felt he was a rare find, and such a small courtyard did not suit his stature.

Li Muzhan smiled: "This is quite good already. Brother Chai, please sit."

He walked over to the small pavilion and sat down. Feng Mingxue, clad in flowing white robes, drifted in. Seeing Chai Xiaoyue, she paused slightly. Li Muzhan smiled, "Miss Feng, this is Brother Chai Ming."

In front of outsiders, he had to conceal her identity; naturally, he couldn't call her Martial Sister, as investigating Feng Mingxue’s identity would immediately reveal Li Muzhan.

Feng Mingxue nodded lightly and sat down beside Li Muzhan, scrutinizing Chai Xiaoyue. Chai Xiaoyue scrutinized Feng Mingxue as well and remarked, "A truly rare beauty."

Li Muzhan said, "Brother Chai, do not be rude to a lady! ... This Miss Feng is a top disciple of the Yunxiao Sect. If you manage to offend her, her flying sword will instantly take your life."

"The Yunxiao Sect, you say?" Chai Xiaoyue smiled. "Recently, there was a formidable figure from the Yunxiao Sect named Li Wuji, wasn't there?"

Feng Mingxue stated plainly, "Junior Brother Li is missing; I am here searching for him."

"Oh? Didn't they say he was eaten by wolves?" Chai Xiaoyue quipped.

Feng Mingxue said coolly, "Nonsense!"

Chai Xiaoyue frowned, clearly annoyed and about to argue further, when a light chuckle suddenly sounded. Dugu Jinghua elegantly approached, her purple robes flowing, followed by a helpless-looking Dugu Meng.

"The Princess graces us with her presence; this humble dwelling shines indeed!" Dugu Jinghua chuckled lightly.

Chai Xiaoyue turned, smiling, "Sister Dugu!" She looked her up and down, teasing, "Sister Dugu, have you taken the Immortal Pill yet?" (To be continued)