Leng Chaoyun stepped forward, frowning as she fixed her gaze on An Sirens, "What exactly is he trying to say? It's quite strange!"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "It must concern the Xuanqing Heaven. He likely descended from there to seek refuge, only to die here. Perhaps in his final moments, he was lamenting fate—how inescapable it is, no matter where one flees."

Leng Chaoyun glanced sideways at him. "Can you truly guess that?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "What he thought is irrelevant now. When a lamp goes out, it’s gone. Palace Mistress, regarding these people below, I suggest we spare their lives."

"Hmm, spare their lives." Leng Chaoyun nodded, clapping her jade palms. Xiao Yan and the others emerged from the grand hall and scurried quickly to her side. "Miss."

Leng Chaoyun commanded, "Xiao Yan, go down and issue the order: Cripple the martial arts of these people, but spare their lives!"

"Yes, Miss." Xiao Yan nodded solemnly. The three women then drifted down the cliff edge to convey the command.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. Leng Chaoyun challenged him, "What? Do you think I'm too cruel?"

Li Muzhan chuckled. "I didn't expect the Palace Mistress to be so ruthless."

Leng Chaoyun sneered, huffing. "If you hadn't been here, and we fell into their hands, our fate would have been a hundred times worse. You know that, don't you?"

Li Muzhan nodded and sighed deeply.

It was true. If the Kuang Dao Sect and the Tie Zhang Sect had truly prevailed, the disciples of the Fuyun Palace would have suffered a far more dreadful fate. Given their fair looks, the men of those sects would inevitably have been consumed by lust.

The thought of such an outcome filled Li Muzhan with murderous intent, almost leading him to desire complete annihilation. He glanced at Leng Chaoyun, who scoffed, "I can't be bothered to kill these cripples. I will raid their lairs and wipe them out entirely!"

Li Muzhan nodded. "That works too."

This action would serve to establish authority, showing outsiders the consequence of offending the Fuyun Palace—a means of deterrence. Otherwise, with factions constantly stirring, the Fuyun Palace, no matter how strong, could not withstand the continuous challenges.

Leng Chaoyun sighed. "I owe you another favor. How should we deal with him?"

"Take him back to the Tie Zhang Sect and give him a proper burial. After all, he was a Grandmaster, and one who has ascended to Xuanqing Heaven. We shouldn't be overly harsh," Li Muzhan suggested.

Leng Chaoyun lightly bowed her head. Xiao Yan and the four women had already floated back up. "Palace Mistress, the others have begun their work."

They glanced at Li Muzhan, still haunted by the memory of the recent fierce battle. Another such fight, and they couldn't guarantee their survival.

Leng Chaoyun instructed, "Go find a coffin, pack him up properly, and leave a hundred men to stand guard here. The rest of the disciples are to proceed to the Tie Zhang Sect and eradicate them!"

"...Yes." Xiao Yan answered clearly.

Li Muzhan asked, "Palace Mistress, shall I lend a hand?"

Leng Chaoyun shook her head. "They are mere small fry. I don't need you."

"Very well. Should anything unexpected arise, crush your jade talisman immediately!"

"Mmm, I understand." Leng Chaoyun nodded gently. Li Muzhan flickered and vanished.

In the intervening days, Li Muzhan had been preaching at the Miaolian Temple, attracting ever-increasing numbers of listeners. The temple grounds were fast becoming insufficient.

Even monks from the neighboring Miaohua Temple came to attend. Li Muzhan’s exposition of the sutras was profound yet accessible; everyone grasped his teachings and benefited immensely. Moreover, his sermons were never repetitive; each time he introduced novel angles, employing countless analogies to ensure absolute clarity.

Sometimes, listeners wouldn't understand on the first hearing, but after listening several times, a resonant phrase would strike them, leading to true enlightenment, as if bathed in sweet nectar.

The number of believers at Miaolian Temple grew daily, and the name of the Divine Monk Zhanran spread wider and wider. With the increase in believers came an augmentation of Faith Power, which Li Muzhan felt strengthened the inherent might of his Xiangshen (phenomenal form), in turn elevating his own power.

Li Muzhan had conceived a method to counter Sacred Artifacts: Faith Power. These artifacts were imbued with vast amounts of collective belief; to suppress them, one merely needed to overwhelm their inherent Faith Power.

His current approach was the direct path: continuously increasing his own Faith Power until it reached a level capable of dominating the power vested in the Sacred Artifacts.

He estimated that while the Dan Xin Tie Quan (Iron Scroll of the Loyal Heart) possessed formidable Faith Power, the most potent artifacts resided within the Imperial Palace. Yet, regardless of their strength, Faith Power had a measurable limit.

The Faith Power of the Dan Xin Tie Quan was reinforced by hundreds of eminent monks. The Imperial Palace artifacts, perhaps the Imperial Seal itself, might be bolstered by thousands or even tens of thousands of high-ranking monks.

The Faith Power of a single eminent monk was tens of thousands of times that of an ordinary believer. To overcome this, one required an immense quantity of followers.

However, this was the only feasible method to neutralize a Sacred Artifact. Raw martial prowess was useless. Cultivation, no matter how high, only led one to the Xuanqing Heaven. If one remained below that threshold, confined by the Xuanmen Realm, one could not counter a Sacred Artifact.

He first returned to the Dugu Family, spending a period of intimacy with Dugu Jinghua. Afterward, Li Muzhan went back to the North Pole Sacred Realm to continue advancing his cultivation.

Li Yubing and Feng Mingxue were both cultivating in the North Pole Sacred Realm. They possessed jade talismans that allowed them to summon Li Muzhan instantly, and Li Muzhan’s senses were keen enough that even from the Sacred Realm, he would detect any danger they encountered.

After slaying two spirit beasts, Li Muzhan’s brow twitched, and he instantaneously returned to Miaolian Temple. Monk Chengjing, Jikong, and Jing'er were all waiting outside his meditation chamber.

Li Muzhan materialized inside the chamber, quickly changed into monastic robes, and pushed open the door. The three figures approached him. Monk Chengjing, the elderly monk, cupped his hands. "Apologies for disturbing the Abbot's quiet contemplation."

When Li Muzhan left previously, he always announced he was entering secluded meditation, making him unavailable to outsiders. Highly cultivated individuals often possessed deep meditative abilities, allowing them to remain in deep concentration for days on end—a common occurrence.

Li Muzhan nodded. "What is it?"

Monk Chengjing cupped his hands. "Master Shenguang from the Daye Temple has come to call upon the Abbot."

"Daye Temple?" Li Muzhan frowned.

Monk Chengjing explained, "Abbot, Daye Temple is the largest monastery in our Dongming Prefecture. Every disciple there possesses profound cultivation and unparalleled understanding of Buddhist doctrine."

Li Muzhan nodded slowly. "Then who exactly is this Master Shenguang?"

Monk Chengjing replied, "Master Shenguang displayed precocious brilliance from a young age. It is said he could recite the Shurangama Sutra at the age of three. He is truly a child prodigy endowed with past wisdom, rumored to be the reincarnation of a great, virtuous monk."

Jikong and Jing'er stood quietly to the side, not speaking. They did not involve themselves in these administrative matters; they usually focused on quiet practice, leaving worldly affairs to Monk Chengjing.

Li Muzhan pondered before nodding. "So, this Master Shenguang is an extraordinary figure?"

"Precisely," Monk Chengjing hastened to agree. "If the Abbot could form a connection with Master Shenguang, it would bring boundless benefits to our Miaolian Temple."

Li Muzhan smiled. "I wonder what brings Master Shenguang here?"

"Perhaps the Abbot's rising fame has piqued Master Shenguang’s curiosity," Monk Chengjing suggested with a smile.

Li Muzhan chuckled. "Oh—?"

He nodded. "Where is this Master Shenguang now?"

"The Master has already arrived in the city and is on his way," Monk Chengjing promptly stated. "Abbot, should we descend the mountain to greet him formally, to show due respect to Master Shenguang?"

Li Muzhan gave him a knowing look. "What do you think?"

"Everything is subject to the Abbot's decision," Monk Chengjing replied quickly.

Li Muzhan said, "In that case, let it be. The concept of 'self' (wu wo xiang), the concept of 'other' (wu ren xiang)—Master Shenguang, Daye Temple, they have nothing to do with us. Why should we disrupt our own composure? ...Chengjing, your focus requires deepening. When could you not become Shenguang?"

Monk Chengjing immediately bowed with cupped hands. "Yes, Abbot."

Jikong smiled. "Master, Master Shenguang is a powerful figure. Should we really not go welcome him?"

Jing'er also looked at him curiously, her expression laced with concern.

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head. "You two... just focus on doing what you can. Don't trouble yourselves over such things. As people of the cloth, all fame and profit are merely passing clouds! ...Jikong, your cultivation progress has been slow. What is the matter?!"

Jikong lowered his head and scratched his ear, looking embarrassed. "Master, I've been so preoccupied with listening to the Dharma lately, I've neglected my training."

Li Muzhan frowned. "The Dharma is fundamentally based on practical verification. Without arduous practice and tangible realization, everything else is illusion. If your cultivation level is insufficient, listening to more Dharma is useless. First, cultivate diligently to a certain realm. Then, when you hear the teachings again, you will achieve spontaneous realization through association. You are not suited to hear the Dharma right now!"

Jikong rubbed his ear. "Master, I felt I benefited quite a bit from listening to your recent sermons."

"Cultivate diligently, and the benefits you gain from listening later will be far greater!" Li Muzhan waved his hand. "That’s enough for now. Collect your thoughts, allow no distractions, and concentrate solely on your training!"

Although reluctant, Jikong could not disobey Li Muzhan and could only nod resignedly. "Yes, Master. When can I listen to the Dharma again?"

Li Muzhan pondered. "You have just entered the Grandmaster realm. Push forward another level!"

"Another level?" Jikong questioned doubtfully. "Does that mean Great Grandmaster?"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "You are still a hundred thousand li away from Great Grandmaster status; that is a long way off. When your cultivation advances, listening to the Dharma to resolve confusion might potentially allow you to jump directly into the Great Grandmaster realm."

Jikong's eyes immediately lit up, and he nodded vigorously. "Yes, Master!"

Li Muzhan then looked at Jing'er and nodded. "Jing'er, you cultivate very diligently—good. Are there any points of confusion in your practice?"

Jing'er shook her head. "No, Master. I find cultivating very comfortable; I don't want to stop. Could that be a problem?"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head. "This is precisely the marvel of the Moli Palace mind technique. You have received the most authentic Moli Heart Method. Moli, Moli (Severing Attachment, Severing Attachment)—how could the name not reveal its profound essence?"

Jing'er suddenly understood. "No wonder!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Jing'er, you have grasped the essence of the Moli Heart Method. As long as you cultivate diligently, you will achieve success. Once you master it, you too can become a Great Grandmaster!"

"Master, can we truly become Great Grandmasters?" Jing'er hesitated, then shook her head. "I heard it is extremely difficult, and usually requires reaching sixty years of age. I’ll be an old crone by then!"

Li Muzhan laughed and shook his head. "That's not necessarily true. Your Master achieved Great Grandmaster status at twenty-four, and your Martial Aunt achieved it at twenty-three."

"Really?" Jing'er’s face instantly brightened. "Master, you really became a Great Grandmaster at twenty-four?"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Why would I lie to you?"

Jing'er quickly agreed. "Yes, yes, this disciple was wrong. Master would never lie... Our Martial Aunt became a Great Grandmaster at twenty-three! How did she manage that?"

They had met Feng Mingxue, but they never imagined she was already a Great Grandmaster. In their minds, Great Grandmasters were ancient, unrivaled experts.

Li Muzhan explained, "Your Martial Aunt has peerless natural talent, perhaps even surpassing my own. Coupled with her intense focus on cultivation and occasional flashes of spiritual insight, she achieved it."

"Martial Aunt is so formidable!" Jing'er exclaimed in admiration.

Li Muzhan said, "If you both work hard, you may not fail to catch up to your Martial Aunt. Success lies in human effort. If you belittle yourselves first, how can you achieve great things?"

"Yes, Master, we will certainly work hard and not disgrace Master!" Jing’er nodded firmly.

Li Muzhan smiled. "That's more like my disciples! Jikong, take note!"

Jikong nodded helplessly. "Yes, Master, we will cultivate diligently!"

Li Muzhan then addressed Chengjing. "Chengjing, although you are not my direct disciple, I regard you as one. Do not neglect your main duty. Everything is illusion; only cultivation is real. Even if worldly affairs burden you, seize every moment to cultivate. Responding to external stimuli while refining the mind (ying wu lian xin) is also a form of practice. Do not look down upon it, and do not allow yourself to fall into complacency!"

"Yes, Abbot!" Monk Chengjing cupped his hands and replied solemnly.

Li Muzhan waved his hand. "Very well, go. Today, the altar is open for the Dharma talk!"

Li Muzhan opened the altar once more, intending to explain the Shurangama Sutra. He sat atop the roof above the main hall. The Miaolian Temple grounds, both inside and out, were packed tight with people.

Each person held a meditation cushion; some sat inside the temple, some outside, and some had even found a rock to sit on. Others settled near a grove of trees. In short, they were seated surrounding the Miaolian Temple, some near, some far.

Many believers sat quite distant from the temple, able to see only the silhouette of Li Muzhan on the roof, unable to make out his features clearly.

They positioned themselves near or far, but always where they could see him. They knew that although Li Muzhan’s voice was not loud, it carried far, audible throughout the entire Miaolian Temple complex.

They could afford to sit further away, unafraid of being unable to hear, but they needed to see Li Muzhan. For them, hearing was hearsay, but seeing was believing; they grasped the teachings more deeply by observing him as they listened.

Sitting on the roof, Li Muzhan gazed quietly at the crowd. He activated his Eye of the Void. Despite the multitude and the distance, the crowd appeared as clearly as if viewed in his palm. He noticed a group of monks standing not far from the Miaolian Temple, sitting quietly on a stone.

Li Muzhan focused his gaze. This group comprised five individuals: two young novices, two middle-aged monks, and one young monastic.

This young monk wore a plain, moon-white robe, entirely immaculate. This was complemented by a face as handsome as jade, rosy lips, white teeth, finely sculpted brows, and bright eyes—a charismatic figure utterly captivating to behold.

Li Muzhan estimated the young monk to be around twenty years old, yet despite his youth, a solemn gravity rested in his expression, suggesting someone who had weathered much. His eyes held a deep serenity, certainly not the gaze of a typical twenty-year-old; it seemed he had already seen through the prosperity and ebb of the mortal world, attaining absolute peace and tranquility.

Li Muzhan silently praised him. It was no wonder he was hailed as a great master. Merely observing his bearing was enough to sway people, regardless of his age.

People often judge by appearance, and Li Muzhan admitted he was far inferior in this regard. Though he possessed a certain refinement, it paled in comparison to this young monk.

As he admired him, he deduced this must be Master Shenguang. Seeing such a demeanor, it was understandable why people called him 'Master.'

Li Muzhan smiled faintly and spoke in a gentle tone. "Today, Master Shenguang graces us with his presence, bringing great luster to the Miaolian Temple and augmenting its spiritual radiance. Everyone, cherish this opportunity to comprehend deeply. Do not let your minds wander. We shall now commence the explanation of the Shurangama Sutra, a great Buddhist scripture, which serves as the catalyst for awakening."

He spoke slowly, sentence by sentence. Within a few phrases, the audience became utterly engrossed, lost in the explanation, their spirits entranced.

Li Muzhan's words poured out like pearls—clear and mellifluous—entering the hearts of all listeners directly, requiring no strenuous effort of thought or hearing.

As he elucidated each point, his delivery was vivid and simple, making the entire Shurangama Sutra understandable and heart-grasping for everyone, their faces lighting up with comprehension.

Master Shenguang and his retinue listened attentively, expressions of admiration appearing on their faces.

Li Muzhan did not preach continuously. He would pause every half hour to allow everyone to stretch and exchange thoughts, while he, too, took a brief rest.

After preaching for half an hour, he stopped, asking everyone to rise and move about, then instantly vanished from the rooftop, returning to his meditation chamber.

"Junior Brother, I never realized this Miaolian Temple sheltered such profound virtue; it truly hides crouching tigers and soaring dragons!" A round-faced middle-aged monk exclaimed, shaking his head. "What a magnificent exposition of the Shurangama!"

Master Shenguang gently nodded, smiling slightly. "It is indeed refreshing. Such an interpretation of the Shurangama is truly praiseworthy!"

Another square-faced middle-aged monk shook his head. "It's nothing much. He looks quite young, not much older than you, Junior Brother."

Master Shenguang smiled faintly. "Perhaps he, like me, has descended upon a vow."

"Junior Brother overpraises him," the square-faced monk countered, shaking his head. "I think he merely relies on some cleverness and sharp tongue. Not worth mentioning!"

Master Shenguang shook his head. "Senior Brother, you underestimate him too much. This Master Zhanran possesses profound cultivation and deep understanding of the Dharma. Without an extremely deep grasp of the scriptures, such interpretations are impossible."

"Does Junior Brother truly intend to meet him?" The square-faced monk frowned. "In my opinion, perhaps you shouldn't bother. He is nothing extraordinary; not worth the Junior Brother's time for an audience."

Master Shenguang smiled. "Master Shengru, you are too fixated. What is fame and profit worth? Only the profound truths of the Dharma deserve attention. Since Master Zhanran's understanding of Buddhism is so deep, how could I not meet him?"

"The moment you meet him, his name will echo throughout Dongming Prefecture. You are giving him too much credit for too little effort!" The square-faced monk shook his head and huffed.

"And what of it?" Master Shenguang smiled and shook his head. "If he possesses true talent, even if I do not meet him, the public will gradually come to know him, and his renown will spread across the land. If he lacks true ability, relying on me to become famous will quickly lead to exposure and ridicule, and he will return to his original standing."

"Junior Brother, this thinking of yours is overly benevolent," the square-faced monk sighed, shaking his head. "This will inevitably tarnish your own reputation."

"What reputation do I possess?" Master Shenguang smiled, shaking his head. "A little fame is merely an empty name, not worth taking seriously. Only cultivation and Dharma are truly real and unshakeable."

"...Since that is the case, we cannot dissuade you, Junior Brother. Do as you wish," the square-faced monk conceded with a sigh.

The round-faced monk smiled. "Junior Brother, shall we go over now?"

Master Shenguang shook his head, smiling. "I wish to hear a bit more of the ensuing discourse. It will not be too late to visit after he concludes."

"Very well." The two middle-aged monks slowly nodded.

They were Master Shenguang's seniors, yet their demeanor suggested they were more like his juniors, an odd sight, though the young novices behind them stared intently, clearly accustomed to it.

Li Muzhan continued preaching for another half hour before concluding that segment. The remaining teachings would require a suitable opportunity for recitation. His next sermon would not be the Shurangama Sutra. The crowd began murmuring among themselves, expressing dissatisfaction.

Li Muzhan's sermons were always spontaneous; he might lecture on one sutra today and another tomorrow. Sometimes, he would start a scripture and then immediately switch to a different one before finishing the first.

By starting a thread and then abruptly stopping, he left the crowd agitated and yearning, their curiosity piqued, yet pleading with him was useless.

Seeing him halt midway and promise to continue another day, the crowd could no longer restrain themselves and began pressing Li Muzhan to finish the second half immediately, lest he continue teasing them.

They surrounded him, looking as if Li Muzhan owed them money, vehemently demanding he complete the rest of the volume.

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head, letting the surrounding crowd plead and cajole, but he refused to yield, only stating that the right 'affinity' had not yet arrived and that one must follow the flow of destiny.

They exhausted their rhetoric, alternating between pleading and mild threats, claiming that without hearing the latter half, they might not sleep well or enjoy their meals, and if they fell ill, it would be the Master's sin.

Li Muzhan listened to their complaints, his smile unwavering. No matter how much they pressed, he would not continue the second half.

Finally, seeing they were helpless and knew they could not sway him, they gave up unwillingly and slowly filed out of Miaolian Temple, where they saw the group of five, including Master Shenguang, approaching them.

Master Shenguang’s group paused at the entrance of Miaolian Temple. Without needing a signal, the square-faced middle-aged monk stepped forward and announced in a deep voice, "Shenguang of Daye Temple has come specifically to meet Master Zhanran!"

Li Muzhan, reclined on a couch in his meditation chamber, smiled faintly. "Master Shenguang, please come in quickly. I am at fault for not meeting you further out."

His voice carried far beyond the temple gates. He then pushed open his door, emerging with Monk Chengjing, Jikong, and Jing'er to greet them outside the Miaolian Temple.

When Li Muzhan reached the main gate of Miaolian Temple, the five monks of Shenguang’s party stood outside, examining the impressive architecture, which clearly surpassed that of ordinary temples.

Li Muzhan floated out, cupping his hands in greeting. "Master Shenguang of Daye Temple, I have long admired your reputation. I am the humble monk Zhanran. Please, come inside for tea."

Master Shenguang returned the bow with a smile, gazing deeply at Li Muzhan.

Li Muzhan felt the master’s gaze flash like lightning, instantly piercing toward his heart, as if capable of seeing through everything about him. Li Muzhan felt a shock in his core but displayed no fear, meeting the gaze with an unwavering smile.

He held considerable confidence in his own spiritual attainment. Although Master Shenguang possessed profound cultivation, it was all Buddhist in nature, and ultimately a degree beneath Li Muzhan's own.

Master Shenguang’s gaze was highly significant; it was the Mani Divine Eye, reputed to be capable of seeing through the three realms and piercing the obscure depths of the nine underworlds—nothing was beyond its sight.

But a single glance at Li Muzhan made him feel as if he were facing a mountain or the sea, unfathomably deep.

“Master, please—” Li Muzhan gestured with profound courtesy. He turned and led the group into Miaolian Temple, seating everyone within the main hall. Monk Chengjing watched Master Shenguang with excitement. He could vividly imagine that after this moment, Miaolian Temple would no longer remain obscure. It would secure a respected place on the Buddhist altar of Dongming Prefecture, simply because Master Shenguang had made the special journey to visit. Li Muzhan observed Master Shenguang with a slight smile, chuckling, “They say Master Shenguang possesses innate wisdom. I never quite believed it, but now I see it is true.” Master Shenguang set down his teacup and smiled faintly, “Master Zhanran, your understanding of the Buddhist scriptures is so profound; I feel ashamed in comparison. All this talk of innate wisdom is truly an overstatement. There is no such thing.” Li Muzhan shook his head, “Why the modesty, Master Shenguang? You can deceive others, but you cannot deceive me. You truly possess innate wisdom. However, it is a pity; it is not entirely beneficial, is it? There are drawbacks too, aren't there?” Master Shenguang startled, looking keenly at him. Li Muzhan chuckled, “Past life and present existence—which one is illusory? Are you currently within a dream, or has the dream already ended? Do you often grapple with such doubts, Master?” “...That is correct.” Master Shenguang slowly nodded, solemnly, “How did you know, Master?” Li Muzhan smiled, “It cannot be spoken, cannot be spoken! ...You wish to pierce the division between reality and illusion, to clarify the difference between your former and current lives, correct?” “Yes.” Master Shenguang slowly nodded. “I wish to thoroughly investigate the truth of heaven and earth.” Li Muzhan shook his head, “The world is simply as it is. Whether you clarify it or not makes no difference to it; instead, it only brings more vexation. In my view, Master should abandon this pursuit.” “I wish to know, what is illusion!” Master Shenguang spoke in a deep voice. Li Muzhan responded, “All things are created by the mind alone. If Master cannot truly grasp this phrase, then you have not truly stepped into the gateway of Buddhism!” “All things are created by the mind alone…” Master Shenguang murmured, his gaze slowly becoming distant, staring blankly at the enormous Buddha statue, utterly motionless. Li Muzhan smiled, glancing at the two middle-aged monks. Both possessed profound cultivation, not just in Buddhist doctrine but also in martial arts, both having reached a high level of mastery. “Master...” Jikong cautiously glanced at Master Shenguang. Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, remaining silent. Jikong and Jing’er could only watch Master Shenguang quietly. Master Shenguang remained in a trance for a quarter of an hour. Amidst the waiting silence of the crowd, he slowly returned to himself, his spirit gradually radiating outward, vibrant and full of vigor. He looked toward Li Muzhan, slowly joining his palms in a bow, “I thank you, Master!” Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, “It was merely a sheet of window paper. Master Shenguang’s comprehension is extraordinary; this sudden enlightenment was also due to your prior diligent contemplation.” “Without a single point from you, Master, I do not know how much longer I would have struggled, until it became a demon in my heart! ” Master Shenguang sighed, shaking his head. “It is pitiful that I always believed myself transcendent, yet I realize now that it was merely attachment.” Li Muzhan laughed, “Monks often become trapped in such predicaments. Not being attached—to be detached—who says that not being attached is not itself a form of attachment?” “Heh heh heh...” Master Shenguang clapped his hands in admiration, “Not being attached is also a form of attachment. Wonderful, wonderful! Master is truly a divine man!” Li Muzhan waved his hand and chuckled, “Master Shenguang overpraises me. It is nothing more than a bit of clever talk; it should not be taken seriously.” “I perceive Master’s cultivation is profound. Master, are you a Grandmaster?” Master Shenguang inquired. Li Muzhan slowly shook his head, “In the Buddhist tradition, there is no concept of a Grandmaster. I have merely cultivated some miraculous divine abilities, falling somewhat short even of a Grandmaster.” Master Shenguang smiled, “With divine abilities, you are certainly equipped to deal with a Grandmaster! ...May I ask where Master Zhanran received his training?” Li Muzhan recounted his experiences, reciting them as smoothly as if memorized. Master Shenguang repeatedly nodded, exclaiming with praise, “Master Zhanran, I wish to invite you to Daye Temple to debate the Dharma with my fellow senior brothers. What say you?” Li Muzhan shook his head and smiled, “That I cannot do.” (To be continued)