Though the Bu Tian Jue was not flawless, its consumption demanded a harsh process of integration. This involved refining the personal consciousness within the primordial spirit; failure to do so invited rebellion and, potentially, self-destruction. Tong Tianshu himself had suffered this very fate when attempting to devour the consciousness of a Celestial Being, resulting in a backlash that left a massive, dormant threat within him.
His desire for that relic stemmed from the need to use it to suppress the backlash. The relic, condensed from the virtue of a great Buddhist master, was inherently righteous and pure, possessing extraordinary power to quell such internal strife.
The relic’s suppression, however, acted upon both his Grandmaster cultivation and the backlash from the Celestial Being’s spirit. The moment he left the valley, the backlash would instantly return, rendering him no longer himself.
Alas, his meticulous plan encountered Li Muzhan, leading him to ultimately pave the way for another’s success. His attempt to seize Li Muzhan’s body was instead turned against him, resulting in his own spirit being devoured by Li Muzhan.
The flaw of the Bu Tian Jue persisted. Although Li Muzhan had consumed Tong Tianshu’s primordial spirit, integrating it would prove difficult, necessitating deep seclusion and rigorous cultivation before it could truly become his own and elevate his power.
He sat alone upon a couch, his hands forming mudras, chanting scriptures in a low voice. Soon, a halo appeared behind his head, gradually coalescing into a radiant wheel, resembling a bright, full moon, casting a soft, luminous, yet gentle glow.
This moon was the result of his strengthened spirit forged in the battle against Tong Tianshu’s spirit, culminating in the perfect union of his physical and spiritual forms. It signified the completeness of his inherent light and the seamless integration of his spiritual essence, rendering him immune to external corruption.
At this level, even if his body perished, his primordial spirit would not dissipate; it would transcend the cycle of reincarnation, free to roam the heavens and earth. This was not the capability of a mere Grandmaster, but the fruit of comprehending the Guan Tian Ren Shen Zhao Jing.
Reaching this stage meant being able to transcend this current world, attaining what was termed Heaven, the Celestial Kingdom, the next plane of existence.
Regrettably, he carried lingering attachments, unable to forsake this realm, for he had not yet savored all its wonders. How could he discard it so easily? He resolved that any ascent to the higher plane must wait until matters here were concluded.
The brilliant light bathed his form as his chanting shifted. Though the sound remained soft, it was intensely focused, condensing into luminous pearls that drifted across the cosmos.
These pearls floated out from his dwelling, spreading throughout the entire Miaolian Temple. Within the temple, Monk Chengjing, the young Monk Xingzhen, Jikong, and Jing’er all heard the sound. Knowing it emanated from Li Muzhan, the pearl-like resonance drilled into their ears and straight into their hearts, like welcome rain on parched earth.
They felt an immediate revitalization, followed by a profound sense of peace and pleasure. They involuntarily paused their actions, wishing only to sit down cross-legged, utterly unwilling to move.
This unique compulsion grew stronger until they could resist no longer. All stopped what they were doing, sitting down quietly. Even their restless thoughts settled. In a trance-like state, they suddenly awoke, feeling as though an instant had passed, yet also as if a long time had gone by—their spirits utterly refreshed, as if they had slept soundly.
The pearl-like sounds, unceasing and focused, traveled from Miaolian Temple outward, permeating the entire mountain. The wild beasts dwelling within the mountain range soon lay down, listening intently to the recitation.
The chanting continued to spread, reaching the city of Chunhua. Initially, the populace paid it no mind, given the city’s usual clamor. But the sound was distinct and unwavering; though not loud, it pierced their hearing with clarity and resolve, slowly transforming their mental states.
As the sound continued to flow into their minds, their actions began to change, and a gradual serenity settled over them.
“Where is that sound coming from?” people murmured, turning to look around, searching for its source. Slowly, they began to move in the direction of the sound.
Unknowingly, they left the city gates and walked toward the countryside, soon reaching the foot of the mountain. They then followed the mountain path upward until they arrived outside Miaolian Temple.
Outside the temple gates, Monk Chengjing and Jikong were roused by the sound of footsteps and rushed out to investigate. Seeing hundreds of people slowly converging, they quickly moved to the main gate to block the way.
Many in the crowd recognized Monk Chengjing. An elderly woman called out, “Master Chengjing, which esteemed monk is reciting these scriptures?”
Monk Chengjing pressed his palms together and smiled slightly. “Esteemed patrons, please remain calm. It is the new abbot of this temple, Master Zhanran, who is in secluded meditation.”
“Master Zhanran?” the old woman questioned, sounding doubtful.
Her figure was slender, like a withered tree, yet she possessed sharp intelligence and competence; her eyes were keen, carrying an imposing aura that commanded respect.
Monk Chengjing smiled. “Madam Xiao, Master Zhanran was originally the abbot of Yuanxin Temple. Knowing my own limitations in leading Miaolian Temple, I specifically invited the Master to take the position. Though young, the Master’s understanding of Buddhist doctrine is profound; he is a peerless genius. This is Master Zhanran chanting; esteemed patrons, there is no need for alarm.”
Madam Xiao replied, “Master Chengjing, we are not alarmed, merely curious about which master possesses such potent spiritual ability… Master Zhanran is truly formidable, to have his chanting reach the city from so far away!”
Monk Chengjing smiled serenely. “Master Zhanran’s understanding of the Dharma is deep, his cultivation profound. He is an enlightened monk possessing great divine powers. It is a profound fortune for you patrons to be illuminated by Master Zhanran’s radiance!”
“Enough of the platitudes, Master Chengjing. Please ask Master Zhanran to come out and meet us!” Madam Xiao waved her hand dismissively.
Monk Chengjing shook his head apologetically. “Madam Xiao, it is not that Master Zhanran is unwilling, but that he cannot. The Abbot is in secluded cultivation and must not be disturbed.”
“Seclusion?” Madam Xiao pressed. “When will he emerge?”
Monk Chengjing replied, “That is uncertain; it might be one or two days, perhaps three to five, or even ten days to half a month. The Abbot did not specify.”
“So, we won't be able to see Master Zhanran then?” Madam Xiao sounded displeased.
Monk Chengjing bowed with palms joined. “Madam Xiao, please forgive me. Esteemed patrons, please return another day. The Abbot is not frequently accessible; he lectures on the Dharma once a month on an open altar.”
“And when is the next lecture?” Madam Xiao scoffed.
Monk Chengjing said, “In seven days, it will be the day the Abbot preaches.”
“Very well, we shall wait until the Master emerges for his sermon!” Madam Xiao declared, turning to leave. Seeing her departure, the crowd followed suit, leaving one by one. Yet, as Li Muzhan’s recitation continued to enter their ears, their hearts remained tranquil, and their steps down the mountain were slow, showing an undeniable reluctance to depart.
“This Master Zhanran is indeed formidable!” Madam Xiao shook her head and quickened her pace away.
At dawn, Miaolian Temple was thronged with people. Upon hearing that a great enlightened master was about to preach, everyone flocked to witness the spectacle, even the skeptical hoping to verify the rumors.
It was said this master was young yet possessed vast divine abilities, a truly prodigious talent, and his chanting was known throughout Chunhua City—everyone had felt its calming power.
Eventually, the space inside Miaolian Temple proved insufficient, and those who couldn’t enter the main gate were forced to wait outside. Even if they couldn't hear the Dharma clearly, they could at least glimpse what Master Zhanran looked like.
With a sharp pa sound of a cloud board, the air shimmered. A figure flashed into existence, and Li Muzhan sat cross-legged in the void, as if perched upon an invisible throne, perfectly still.
Dressed in a simple grey monastic robe, his bearing was majestic. He sat silently in the air, glanced at the crowd, then suddenly straightened, joining his palms in the void. “Amitabha… Esteemed patrons, your humble monk Zhanran greets you!”
His voice was slow, neither too high nor too low, clear and bright, spreading out like calm seawater to reach every single person present.
The crowd was already stunned. To sit cross-legged in mid-air, utterly motionless, and not just for a moment but sustainedly—such skill was beyond even the finest qinggong of martial experts.
This was pure Buddhist divine power. They had not expected someone so young to possess such mastery. He truly was an unparalleled, genius monk!
Li Muzhan’s move was a preemptive strike, shattering the crowd’s lingering doubts and transforming suspicion into curiosity and reverence, forcing them to stare fixedly at him.
Li Muzhan offered a slight smile and a bow, then immediately began expounding the Dharma, choosing the Diamond Sutra. Each word was perfectly rounded, clear, and comprehensible, sinking directly into their hearts and etching itself into their minds.
They were utterly absorbed, lost in the teaching. When they finally snapped back to awareness, Li Muzhan had already vanished from the void.
As they began to discuss among themselves, Monk Chengjing emerged, pressing his palms together and smiling. “The sermon for today is concluded. Esteemed patrons, if you wish to hear the Dharma again, please return another time.”
Everyone felt a deep sense of longing, as if they had drunk the sweetest nectar. Hearing Li Muzhan’s discourse had brought an inexplicable clarity, making the complexities of the world seem suddenly plain, banishing their former confusion.
Monk Chengjing shook his head. “The Abbot was originally in seclusion; this sudden sermon was because he did not wish to break his promise to you patrons. He has now returned to his meditation and cannot see anyone.”
The crowd’s appetite had been whetted completely. They spent a long time talking with Monk Chengjing, who could only offer helpless, wry smiles and shakes of his head, ultimately unable to produce Li Muzhan for them.
In truth, Li Muzhan had already departed Miaolian Temple and returned to the Yunxiao Sect. His seven days of secluded cultivation had passed smoothly; he had successfully integrated Tong Tianshu’s primordial spirit, his spiritual power had vastly increased, and his cultivation had advanced one level—stabilizing himself in the void was no difficult feat for a Grandmaster.
Furthermore, with his current refined cultivation, it felt effortless. His sphere of control had expanded to a hundred meters; within that hundred-meter radius, the world was his domain.
“Senior Sister!” He suddenly appeared in Feng Mingxue’s courtyard. She was practicing her swordplay when she heard his voice. Her movements paused, but she did not turn around.
Li Muzhan chuckled. “Have you decided you don’t want to see me anymore, Senior Sister?”
Feng Mingxue turned, sheathing her sword with a slight huff. “Where have you been these past few days?”
Li Muzhan smiled. “I went with Palace Master Li to investigate the ruins of the Tiandao Alliance.”
“Stop fooling around. Did you find anything?” Feng Mingxue, her cheeks flushed, huffed again and marched into the pavilion to sit down.
She wore snow-white robes, her face like white jade, her skin crystalline, yet her eyes dared not meet his, her cheeks bearing a faint blush.
Li Muzhan laughed lightly. “I can’t very well be stern and unfriendly toward you, Senior Sister… We didn’t find anything specific, but we did acquire some things.”
Ever since Yi Xingzhi’s wedding, she had been avoiding Li Muzhan after getting drunk that night. This was their first meeting since, and she found his smile peculiar and intensely irritating.
“What things did you get?” Feng Mingxue asked.
Li Muzhan sat down in front of her and chuckled. “We found some manuals—twenty-two volumes of Grandmaster-level martial arts, and the rest are various strange items, some incomplete, others possessing unique profundities. It was the original armory of the Tiandao Alliance; all of it is worth examining.”
“That’s astonishing!” Feng Mingxue gasped, momentarily forgetting her shyness, her bright eyes widening. “Does the Sect Master know?”
Li Muzhan shook his head. “The Sect Master has gone to the Jiutian Xuannü Sect.”
Feng Mingxue frowned and snorted. “You! You should have informed the Sect Master immediately and sent people to retrieve them. Delays breed trouble!”
Li Muzhan laughed. “The Sect Master is currently indulging in sweet bliss; I shouldn't disturb her. Let’s invite a few Senior Brothers and Sisters over!”
“That’s acceptable too,” Feng Mingxue murmured, nodding thoughtfully. “In any case, we must secure them as quickly as possible!”
Li Muzhan said, “The crucial part is that the find is in Xihua, not our Dali. None of us are familiar with the area, so we should go to the Moli Palace first and cooperate with them.”
Feng Mingxue’s jade hands, which were preparing tea, paused. She frowned. “Moli Palace? You mean we have to share them equally?”
Li Muzhan nodded. “Naturally. Palace Master Li and I discovered them together. We each take half of the manuals first, then send people to copy the other half.”
“...We should send people to copy everything first, and then divide it,” Feng Mingxue suggested after a moment’s thought.
Li Muzhan smiled. “Must we be so cautious?”
“Even between brothers, accounts must be settled clearly. A little caution is never wrong!” Feng Mingxue asserted.
Li Muzhan considered this. “Very well. We’ll invite several Senior Brothers and Sisters over; the copying will be finished quickly. The Tiandao Alliance, in its prime, surpassed even our sect. What a pity it vanished overnight.”
“You acquired these things so easily; did you encounter no danger?” Feng Mingxue tilted her head to look at him.
Li Muzhan laughed. “We ran into a Grandmaster; I nearly lost my life!”
Feng Mingxue’s expression flickered. “A Grandmaster?”
Li Muzhan then recounted the entire event in detail. Feng Mingxue’s expression shifted several times throughout the telling. After he finished, she shook her head repeatedly. “Why didn’t you strike first preemptively?”
Li Muzhan offered a wry smile and shook his head. “If I had struck first, I would be the one dead! That Tong Tianshu was truly too strong, beyond imagination.”
Tong Tianshu’s immense strength was precisely due to the Bu Tian Jue. It was only his impatience and excessive greed that led to his downfall. Otherwise, perhaps he really did have a chance to reach another plane.
Li Muzhan did not know what that next level entailed—whether it was eternal life, or the vague legends of Immortals. People had never truly believed in those myths, but Li Muzhan now wondered if they were entirely baseless.
Hearing how dangerous his encounter had been, Feng Mingxue grew agitated and angry, her tone sharp. “Next time, you might not be so lucky. You should take fewer risks!”
Li Muzhan smiled faintly. “Where there is risk, there is reward. This time, I gained not only manuals but also an advancement in cultivation. Battling someone of that caliber provided me immense benefit.”
“What use is stronger cultivation if your life isn't safe?!” Feng Mingxue retorted sharply. “Enough talk, I’m going to find people!”
Li Muzhan watched her leave with a pleased smile, then flashed out of sight, reappearing at the Jiutian Xuannü Sect, right beside Hai Yulan.
Hai Yulan was practicing in her own small courtyard. Seeing him arrive, she hurried over. Li Muzhan studied her face; she seemed radiant, as if celebrating good news.
“The Sect Master agreed to let me stay here with my Master!” Hai Yulan said, her face blooming like a flower.
Li Muzhan paused, genuinely surprised. Hai Yulan shot him a sidelong glance. “What’s with that look? Are you unwelcoming?”
Li Muzhan quickly shook his head, laughing. “I’m just surprised that Sect Master Zhao is so generous!”
“Hmph, it must be because Sect Master Yi promised her some benefits!” Hai Yulan laughed.
“What benefits?” Li Muzhan inquired.
Hai Yulan shook her head. “How should I know? It must be some secret agreement; that’s just my own speculation.” (To be continued)