Master Shenguang chuckled, "Master Zhanran, you are too modest.

I find your understanding of the Dharma to be profound, perhaps surpassing even your senior brothers." Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head, "Why debate the Dharma? Each person has their own path.

This path may not suit that person, and that path may not suit this one.

Thus, it is hard to definitively judge." Seeing Li Muzhan’s resolute expression, Master Shenguang knew he would not be visiting Dayan Temple, and felt a pang of regret.

If such a figure were to join the temple, his senior brothers could broaden their horizons, and their cultivation would advance even further.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Does Master Shenguang know of Xuanqing Heaven?" Master Shenguang paused slightly, then slowly nodded, "This poor monk knows a little.

Why, does Master Zhanran intend to ascend to the realm of Xuanqing Heaven?" Li Muzhan nodded, "I heard of it previously, which sparked my curiosity.

I wish to go up and see for myself." Master Shenguang appraised Li Muzhan, then nodded, "Judging by your deep cultivation, ascending should not be difficult.

It is a pity, however, that Xuanqing Heaven is a veritable Asura battlefield, where karmic clouds are endless and one cannot achieve emptiness." Li Muzhan smiled, "I heard it is quite lively up there." Master Shenguang sighed slowly, "Lively it is, yet it is also exceedingly cruel.

The cycle of life and death spins faster there than in this world.

It is truly the dwelling place of sentient beings mired in sin." Li Muzhan asked, "Has the Master considered ascending to establish a field of Dharma?" Master Shenguang shook his head, "The beings of Xuanqing Heaven believe only in the law of the jungle; they dismiss the Dharma with contempt.

There are no true Daocang (Dharma seats/grounds) in Xuanqing Heaven, and the accumulated karma is too deep—even the Buddhas shun it.

Cultivating there without guardian spirits is far too perilous." Li Muzhan mused, slowly nodding.

He truly hadn't known these details. "Does the Master truly wish to go to Xuanqing Heaven?" Master Shenguang inquired.

Li Muzhan nodded, "Yes, I wish to go and see." Master Shenguang considered this, "Then it would be best to possess a protective artifact, lest you are easily invaded by external evils and unwittingly fall into the demonic path." "A protective artifact?" Li Muzhan sent him an inquisitive look.

Master Shenguang replied, "A Shengqi (Sacred Artifact) would be best." Li Muzhan smiled.

He extended his sleeve to reveal his wrist, where the Buddhist prayer beads were clearly visible.

Master Shenguang pressed his palms together and smiled, "So the Master already possesses a Shengqi.

Joyous indeed, congratulations." For a Buddhist disciple, a Shengqi was considered the supreme implement.

Blessed by the faith-power emanating from a Sarira, it allowed for easier meditative absorption during practice.

Celestial demons would find it difficult to invade, smoothing the path of cultivation and removing many dangers.

Once one begins serious cultivation, celestial demons are drawn to watch from the periphery.

With a single strike, they seize the opportunity to invade the heart-mind and take root, becoming exceedingly difficult to expel.

Once a celestial demon enters, it breeds malevolent thoughts, and malevolent thoughts are the hardest things to eradicate.

This speaks to the formidable nature of these demons.

But with a Shengqi close, celestial demons struggle to invade, the heart-mind remains bright, and one need not pass through layers of illusions or engage in endless demon-slaying; progress becomes incredibly swift.

Li Muzhan smiled, "If that is the case, are there no Buddhist disciples in Xuanqing Heaven?" Master Shenguang nodded, "Ordinary Buddhist disciples dare not ascend.

There is constant danger of heavenly tribulation resulting in death.

Even with your profound cultivation, Master, ascending is fraught with peril.

You risk death at any moment, so I urge you to reconsider." Li Muzhan stated, "I still wish to go up and see.

I wonder, is there anything up there that can counteract a Shengqi?" Master Shenguang nodded, "As the saying goes: when the Dao reaches one foot high, the demonic path reaches ten.

Where there is a Shengqi, there must also be a Moqi (Demonic Artifact).

A Shengqi is formed from purified faith-power; a Moqi is condensed from malevolent Shaqi (killing aura) and resentment.

Its power is even greater, but alas, it often turns against its master, leading to a tragic end that outweighs any gain." Li Muzhan remained outwardly impassive, but a tremor ran through his heart—Moqi! He sighed, "So, even with the protection of a Shengqi, it is not entirely safe." "Precisely," Master Shenguang nodded. "This is why Buddhist disciples do not wish to ascend." Li Muzhan nodded, "Very well, I shall take that into consideration." As he agreed, his resolve was already set; the desire to ascend to Xuanqing Heaven grew stronger.

If there were Moqi that could counter Shengqi, he absolutely had to try them.

Master Shenguang smiled faintly, "Your cultivation is deep, Master.

This unworthy monk wishes to exchange pointers with you, if you would allow it." Li Muzhan’s eyebrow twitched slightly, then he smiled.

He reached up, removed the prayer beads, and placed them inside the purple casket he kept in his robes, then looked at Master Shenguang with a gentle smile.

Master Shenguang’s expression shifted slightly, revealing a bitter smile.

With the prayer beads removed, Li Muzhan was completely unsuppressed.

Furthermore, he withdrew the mental techniques of the Hidden Blade art.

He instantly transformed, like a calm sea erupting into a furious tide—surging, overwhelming, and radiating an immense aura.

Master Shenguang and his four companions felt like small boats caught in a violent storm, moments away from being capsized and crushed to dust.

Li Muzhan smiled mildly, "What would the Master like to compare?" Master Shenguang shook his head and sighed, "Forget it.

This poor monk overestimated himself.

Master, you have made me look foolish!" Li Muzhan smiled, "Master Shenguang need not be so humble.

My cultivation is a gift from Heaven, not the result of my own arduous effort." Master Shenguang laughed, "Cultivation can be achieved through hard work, but wisdom is difficult to acquire.

Master's understanding of the Dharma is exquisite; it cannot be merely a gift.

This poor monk admires you!" Having witnessed Li Muzhan’s grasp of the Dharma, he had desired a brief contest to gauge Li Muzhan's practical combat power.

Although he felt Li Muzhan was unfathomably deep, he hadn't expected the difference to be so vast.

But the moment Li Muzhan took off the beads, Shenguang realized how laughable his prior assumption was; the gulf between them was too wide for comparison.

Li Muzhan said, "Master overpraises me.

Our monastery is simple; Master might as well stay a while, and we can thoroughly meditate upon the Dharma together." "I would be delighted!" Master Shenguang smiled and nodded.

In the following days, Master Shenguang remained.

The two discussed scriptures and debated doctrines, exchanging insights.

Li Muzhan felt he benefited greatly, and Master Shenguang felt the same—a single conversation was worth ten years of study.

Li Muzhan’s comprehension of the Buddhist canon was beyond that of ordinary men, and Master Shenguang found his perspective refreshed, as if receiving a sudden awakening.

Li Muzhan debated scriptures and laws with Master Shenguang during the day.

Though he possessed extraordinary intelligence, the depth and breadth of Buddhist wisdom surpassed that of most people.

Even at his level, during discussions with Master Shenguang, he was occasionally inspired and found aspects of his own knowledge lacking.

What he lacked was a systematic foundation in Buddhist doctrine.

Having grown up in a monastery, then being forced to study alone after his master’s death, his meditative control was deep, but he hadn't fully grasped certain profound theoretical aspects of Buddhism; these required personal contemplation.

Wisdom is better shared than held alone, especially when dealing with the elites of the Buddhist world.

While he debated doctrine by day, at night he returned to the Northern Wilderness to meet with Feng Mingxue and Li Yubing.

One evening, he first returned to Floating Cloud Palace and met Leng Chaoyun.

She had returned, having destroyed the Iron Palm Sect and the Mad Blade Sect, suffering no major losses.

Li Muzhan felt relieved.

He then returned to Northern Wilderness City, arriving at his small wooden cabin.

Five small cabins had now been built: one for each of the three women, with a shared kitchen and washing area separating them.

As soon as he entered his own cabin, he rose and went to the left, entering Feng Mingxue’s hut.

She was inside, sitting cross-legged on a couch, circulating her qi.

Seeing him enter, Feng Mingxue, clad in a robe of snow-white silk, opened her eyes. "Junior Brother?" Li Muzhan asked, "Senior Sister, how many spiritual herbs have you acquired?" "Three Snow Ginsengs," Feng Mingxue replied.

Li Muzhan requested, "Give them all to me.

I need to elevate my cultivation as quickly as possible!" Feng Mingxue frowned, looking at him, "Junior Brother, what has happened?" She did not understand his thinking; he had always been patient, never seeking immediate gain, always composed and self-assured. "I want to ascend to Xuanqing Heaven quickly," Li Muzhan stated.

Feng Mingxue stared intently at him, "I heard it is very dangerous up there.

Why the rush to ascend?" Li Muzhan explained, "I need to find a way to counter the Shengqi as soon as possible." "The Shengqi again..." Feng Mingxue frowned and shook her head, "Isn't the Shengqi said to be unconquerable? Even increasing your cultivation won't help." Li Muzhan smiled, "I have found a method." "What method?" Feng Mingxue asked.

Li Muzhan revealed, "There is a treasure in Xuanqing Heaven that can restrain a Shengqi.

I am going up to look for it." "With your current cultivation, wouldn't going up be suicide?" Feng Mingxue frowned deeply.

Li Muzhan smiled, shaking his head, "Senior Sister underestimates me too much.

Rest assured, I have sufficient combat experience, and with adequate cultivation, I can ensure my safety upon arrival!" "Such arrogance!" Feng Mingxue snorted, shaking her head, "There’s no need to rush." Li Muzhan insisted, "I have been unable to vent this resentment, and my progress has slowed considerably.

I must release this tension quickly to achieve faster advancement." "...Fine, take them." Feng Mingxue looked at him, sighed, and retrieved a purple casket from beside her, handing it to Li Muzhan.

This was the same casket Li Muzhan had given her previously.

Li Muzhan accepted it without ceremony; inside were the three Snow Ginsengs.

He closed the purple casket, rose, and went directly to Li Yubing’s cabin.

Li Yubing possessed three Lingzhi mushrooms, and when Li Muzhan asked for them, she gave them to him without a word.

Li Muzhan returned to his small cabin with the three Snow Ginsengs and three Lingzhi mushrooms, sat down cross-legged, and began consuming the spirit herbs.

He ate one Lingzhi first, and after midnight, consumed one Snow Ginseng, only fully absorbing the medicinal power toward dawn.

Li Muzhan’s essence, energy, and spirit began to change.

He appeared increasingly subdued, as if his entire being was about to merge with the sky—it was somewhat bizarre.

Li Muzhan bid farewell to the five members of Master Shenguang's party at Miaolian Temple, then resumed preaching the Dharma.

As he spoke, heavenly flowers began to descend.

These flowers were formed from Li Muzhan's spoken words; his voice, like pearls, absorbed the spiritual energy in the air and condensed into the form of falling blossoms.

Everyone present was stunned, kneeling down, murmuring sutras, their devotion to him growing even deeper.

Li Muzhan could feel his cultivation advancing by leaps and bounds.

Consuming these herbs was no slower than slaying spirit beasts; in fact, it was somewhat faster.

He continued taking the herbs the next evening, consuming all three Snow Ginsengs and all three Lingzhi mushrooms in one go.

His essence, energy, and spirit overflowed, forcing the two women to keep a distance from his cabin.

Fortunately, he possessed the mental technique of the Hidden Blade art, which allowed him to retract his essence, energy, and spirit.

This technique was not merely for concealment but also possessed the wonderful quality of tempering character—truly miraculous.

After consuming the three Snow Ginsengs and three Lingzhi, Li Muzhan felt the presence of the Mystic Gate.

He knew the moment to step into Xuanqing Heaven had arrived.

He bade farewell to the women, reported his departure to Yi Xingzhi, and then stepped through the Mystic Gate, officially entering Xuanqing Heaven.

(To be continued)