Alibuda Chronicles, Volume 23: Chapter 5 - Buddha Moves Mountains and Rivers

page views:1 Publication date:2023-08-23 08:15:12

For over a year, in every battle, I tried to let Yu Ni and A Xue fight while I watched from the sidelines. However, this watching wasn't leisurely, because I was constantly assessing what would happen if I were in the fight. How would I defeat my enemies?

This was my training, and I was proceeding cautiously and slowly. Since leaving the East Sea, I hadn't had the opportunity to face enemies above level six, nor had I conducted any tests. I had long wanted to find an opportunity not in public to test my skills, but Bianca wasn't a good test subject. Unless I was willing to kill her to silence her, attacking her with the Hellish God of Lust would be tantamount to exposing my trump card to all my enemies... Besides, watching her fight A Xue, I might very well be the one who got killed.

So, this ending was perfect. Two strange, wide-robed figures suddenly appeared, blocking Bianca's path as she stood proudly with her halberd, sealing off her attack.

"...Berserker?"

I vaguely heard Bianca say this, making a similar judgment to mine, but I quickly noticed something amiss. The two strange figures in wide robes stood motionless like stone statues, appearing completely submissive. However, their earthen-yellow robes moved without wind, emitting golden light, indicating that their internal energy circulated throughout their bodies, demonstrating that they had mastered authentic Buddhist hard skills.

The Golden Bell Shield's resistance was renowned throughout the world. Judging from their ability to withstand Bianca's halberd strike, they were undoubtedly well-known experts from Cihang Jingzhai. However, this alone was not enough to quell Bianca's hatred and anger, so another invisible pressure began to emerge.

(An ambush? The Eighteen Arhats of Cihang Jingzhai?)

The invisible pressure came from all directions, clearly making us feel that we were surrounded. Ah Xue and Yu Ni returned to my left and right, respectively. The racetrack in the distance was also disturbed by the changes here, with more and more people gathering, clearly indicating that it was not suitable to continue fighting... All these things accumulated, finally causing the elven girl in silver armor to suppress her killing intent.

“John Farrell, don’t get cocky, sooner or later…”

A sarcastic remark before leaving is a common habit of anyone harboring resentment, but I wouldn’t give her the chance. Before Bianca could finish speaking, I gave her the middle finger, and arrogantly shook it up and down.

I think this must have been very stimulating for Bianca, because her delicate body, encased in armor, actually trembled slightly. It was a pity I couldn’t see her angry expression; otherwise, it would have been incredibly beautiful. She didn’t say anything more, summoned her spirit beast, and rode away on her crystal lion. Although we didn’t speak, we both knew that we would definitely have another chance to meet during the race… Of course, this also symbolized another battle.

(So that’s what Phoenix was referring to…)

Only after Bianca left did I have time to recall Phoenix’s advice from last time.

"Among the racers participating this time, there's one who has a long-standing grudge against you, handsome brother. Hehe, she's a little beauty you personally developed, so enjoy her!"

The list of racers is easy to find; Phoenix's words weren't exactly prophecy. However, enjoying this little beauty seems like a long shot, given the current situation. This flower Phoenix threw at me is full of thorns; touching it will hurt.

One wave subsides, another rises. Bianca is gone, but here are these two golden-muscled men, along with their sixteen fellow disciples hiding in the shadows.

The encirclement hasn't been lifted. The Eighteen Arhats Formation of the Palace of Light shakes the yellow earth. Even with Xue and Yu Ni as helpers, unless Xue can use the Great Sun Mirror, we still can't break through. Of course, sacrificing Xue and Yu Ni here might break the Eighteen Arhats Formation, but that's too much of a loss, so it's not an option.

The two golden Arhats chanted a Buddhist prayer and politely waved to me, inviting me to go with them. Overall, the etiquette was quite proper, and forcing my way in wouldn't be worthwhile. I was just about to tell Ah Xue and Yu Ni to go with these monks to investigate when suddenly several round balls rolled to my feet and exploded into a cloud of smoke, obscuring everything.

"Don't be afraid, everyone! I'm back to save you! Quickly, follow me

and fight your way out!" The howling voice belonged to Mao Yanping. But why did this scoundrel have to come back at this crucial moment to throw smoke bombs? Ah Xue and Yu Ni, unaware of my plan, were immediately enveloped in the smoke and rushed out with Mao Yanping. Of course, the eighteen Arhats outside tried to stop them, and the group started fighting haphazardly.

This smoke bomb was a unique formula I created using the yellow crystal. It wouldn't dissipate in the wind or be washed away by rain, making it extremely effective for survival. That's why I gave it to Mao Yanping as an escape tool. However, a troublesome drawback was that even I couldn't quickly clear the clouds to reveal the sun.

A chaotic battle raged around us. Ah Xue and Yu Ni were grouped together, and if they managed to break through, I'd be surrounded and beaten by the Eighteen Arhats alone, which would be disastrous. Forced by circumstances, I, who had initially intended to remain still, was forced to make my way out and slip away.

To conserve my strength, besides spying, my most frequent activity during battles had been escaping in the chaos. So, I was experienced in using smoke to escape, quickly leaving the noise behind and slipping away unnoticed… However, by the time I realized it, I was completely separated from my companions.

Thinking as I walked, I considered leaving the racetrack through the side door. Although there was a lock, Hyakkimaru could easily slice through it with a flick of his wrist.

(What's that guy doing? Throwing smoke bombs randomly when we're surrounded? He wasn't doing it on purpose, was he? Although judging from the situation, it seemed reasonable

…)

Looking back, no one was following. I hesitated, wondering if I should sneak back to check and help in the chaos, but just as I was thinking this, I heard a Buddhist chant ahead.

"Amitabha!"

I looked up and was startled. A bald, long-browed thief had appeared silently just three feet in front of me; I could easily bump into him.

"Benefactor, in life, there are karmic connections and good ones,"

the thief said calmly. His head was bald, but not bright; his long eyebrows drooped to the left and right. His appearance was peculiar—tall and thin, looking as if all the moisture had been drained from his body. His face was unusually aged, and he wore a worn, gray monk's robe. He stood there silently, his face full of sorrow, looking more like a beggar than an alms giver, making one want to throw him some spare change.

However, Buddhist eccentrics often have unusual appearances. Last time, Master Ku was kind and benevolent; this beggar monk was withered and emaciated. He must be an important figure at Cihang Jingzhai, waiting here to intercept me. Judging by his appearance, he might be one of the three Arhats of the Xin generation, a fellow disciple of Master Ku. I wondered if he was deluded or filled with hatred.

"Whether it's a karmic entanglement or a karmic connection, begging for alms is absolutely out of the question. Hey, monk, what's Master Ku's name? What are you up to by guarding this place?"

While exchanging pleasantries, I pondered my next move. Should I suddenly summon the Hellish God of Lust for a risky battle, kill him to silence him, and then escape, or simply rely on my words to get through this predicament? This monk, though thin, didn't seem old. What if he was just a disciple of Master Ku? If I'm intimidated like this, how will I face people in the future?

(Ugh, I'll test him with the Lustful Spirit. If he's so easily defeated, then he's nothing special, and a simple silence will suffice.)

Having made up my mind, I was about to make a sneaky move when a deafening lion's roar from behind made me abandon my plan. Bianca's arrival forced me to shift my focus.

The high monk didn't stand before me like the Eighteen Arhats, indicating he had no intention of stopping Bianca's attack, or perhaps he simply lacked the ability to stop it, or even that he intended to use Bianca to kill me. In any case, I had to rely on myself.

As Bianca rode the Crystal Lion, slowly swinging her halberd and approaching me step by step, her silver armor emitting a faint glow, I, who was preparing to summon the god of lust from hell, suddenly had a strange premonition.

Just as the Crystal Lion wasn't the true form of this spirit beast, Bianca's true skill certainly wasn't this halberd. After nearly two years of relentless training, Bianca had likely developed even stronger and more formidable martial arts techniques, but she simply didn't reveal them easily. If I were to be careless because of this, I was guaranteed to die a horrible death after we clashed.

(But... what exactly is Bianca's secret weapon? A hidden weapon? Or some kind of magic?)

I dared not take this question lightly, for a moment's carelessness could cost me my life. Unfortunately, I had no chance to uncover the truth, because just as Bianca's lion approached, the beggar thief behind me, who hadn't moved an inch, suddenly attacked.

He didn't deliberately try to block me, because there was no need. Although I didn't see how the great monk made his move, a soft yet dazzling white light suddenly erupted behind me, like a spinning wheel of Dharma, illuminating all directions.

(This, I've seen this kind of Buddhist light before, that is...)

A gentle, sacred aura spread in all directions, dispelling all evil and ominous energy. I had seen this scene not long ago; it was a sign when Master Ku and Yu Ni were fighting, using the Cihang Jingdian's ultimate technique. But this Buddhist light was ten times stronger than when Master Ku used it. Wherever it passed, it transformed into seven-colored glazed flames, blooming lotus flowers—a harbinger of a powerful attack.

The Cihang Jingdian Sect Master's Divine Skill, Tathagata Palm!

The ground cracked with a deafening roar, as if dozens of giant pythons were rapidly burrowing into the earth, creating a massive bulge half a foot in diameter. This triggered a powerful surge of earth energy, shattering the ground within a five-foot radius. A dazzling golden light erupted, and a powerful storm of earth and rock surged forth. However, it didn't directly attack Bianca; instead, it created a violent vortex of earth and rock, throwing her and the lion far away with a scream, sending her landing several dozen feet away in a disheveled state, but without any real injury.

I'd heard of this technique before; it's called "Buddha Moves Mountains and Rivers." It usually uses the power of the earth and rock explosion to kill, not the storm of earth and rock to carry people away. If, at the moment the ground exploded, the shattered earth and rock, along with the palm force bursting from the ground, had all struck Bianca, then no matter how strong her armor was, she would inevitably have been injured.

However, despite Bianca's humiliating defeat, she was actually a highly skilled martial artist at the sixth level. This great monk, able to manipulate her with the Tathagata Palm as if playing with a child, must have possessed martial arts skills at the seventh level… no, perhaps even the pinnacle of the eighth level.

The sect leader's divine skill might occasionally be passed on to elders, but such power combined with the sect leader's divine skill… When that sole possibility appeared in my mind, I found my voice trembling as I politely asked my question.

"Um... um... I dare not ask your Dharma name, Master..."

"Amitabha, this humble monk's Dharma name is Xin Chan, and I am the current abbot of Cihang Jingdian. Admiral Farrell has made quite a name for himself in recent years, so he must know my name and purpose."

A loud bang echoed in my mind, leaving only the word "damn it" repeatedly reverberating. I actually ran into the enemy's leader here. Counting all the powerful enemies on the front lines, apart from the Black Dragon King and the Venerable of Ten Thousand Beasts, Xin Chan the Bald Thief was the strongest. And I actually encountered him without any help. I'm sure he'll kill me to silence me now.

Judging from Xin Chan's martial arts, killing me would be as easy as turning his hand. No matter how confident I am in the God of Lust in Hell, I'm not arrogant enough to withstand a blow from the Tathagata's Palm. I just can't understand why Xin Chan hasn't made a move yet. Given the threat I pose to him, there's no way he wouldn't want to kill me. In fact, he might have just stood by and let Bianca kill me.

(Why didn't he make a move? What is this hypocrite worried about?)

The answer was quickly revealed. A person came out from the corridor behind Xin Chan, bowed to Xin Chan, and then walked towards me.

"John, it's good that you're safe and sound. I was talking to my master about you nearby when I found out you were in a conflict with someone, so I rushed over immediately."

"Fang, thank you so much. I really wish you could have arrived sooner, then I wouldn't have been so worried."

Actually, I wish Fang had eyes in the back of his head, because if he did, he would have seen that his master's gaze towards me was really strange, so...unfriendly.

With this overly upright disciple present, Monk Xin Chan had to maintain his image as a high monk and couldn't do anything to me. Fang Qingshu explained to me that the case of Elder Zhishan's murder was of great importance, and that the Black Dragon Society's ninja army had infiltrated the Golden Flower Federation. Xin Chan was worried that I, as a witness, would be ambushed, so he specially brought the Eighteen Arhats south to track the movements of the Black Dragon Society's ninja army and also for my safety.

(If I believed you, I'd soon become a ghost. For my safety? Are you afraid the Black Dragon Army and the Ninja Army are incompetent, so you came down personally to find an opportunity to silence me?)

In any case, with Fang Qingshu here, Xin Chan lost his chance to act. We could only put on masks together and engage in what we called polite conversation.

Xin Chan asked about Elder Zhishan's murder on Fengling Island. I denied everything, saying I knew nothing. Xin Chan clearly didn't believe me and tried to persuade me. I, however, shifted the blame to Xin Deng and Yu Hong, saying I had promised them that I wouldn't say anything even if I knew something, without their permission.

Later, when the topic of the Black Dragon Society's threat came up, Xin Chan said that I had once been an enemy of the Black Dragon Society and knew its secrets best. He wanted to speak with me privately to inquire about the situation. I repeatedly declined, telling him to consult Li Huamei directly. Then he mentioned that the Black Dragon Society's ninja army had come to the Golden Finch Flower Federation with ulterior motives, most likely to assassinate us. He hoped I would move to a branch temple of Cihang Jingdian for protection. If I agreed, it would be like jumping into a death trap; who knows if the monks in the temple would suddenly turn into ninjas and stab me in the back.

"Your Excellency's refusal is firm, and I cannot force you. However, with the misfortunes of Uncle Zhishan and Junior Brother Ku, the people within Jingdian are indignant. Even Senior Sister Xin Jian has made an exception and inquired. Perhaps she will soon personally descend the mountain to wipe out the Black Dragon Society's ninja army. At that time, your safety will truly be guaranteed."

Xin Jian Shenni, one of the five strongest people in the world, the number one expert of the Light God Palace!

Hearing that this person might personally descend the mountain sent a shiver of fear through me, but I remained outwardly calm and politely declined.

"In any case, thank you for your kindness, Master, but before my defense lawyer... oh no, before Master Xin Deng and Miss Yu Hong intervene, I cannot promise anything or say anything more."

A private conversation turned into a simple verbal tug-of-war, and the atmosphere was certainly not pleasant. But setting aside the sense of crisis I felt, this opportunity was actually quite rare. I could meet the enemy's leader up close and carefully observe the feeling he gave me. After all, under normal circumstances, given my status, I would never have the opportunity to meet the leader of the bandit gang alone.

The monk Xin Chan had been in charge of the Cihang Jingdian Temple for over ten years, and his fame had spread far and wide since I was a child. However, compared to his great reputation, he himself appeared rather amiable and unhurried, his eyes squinting almost shut, hidden by his long eyebrows, making him look like a skinny old dog on its deathbed—completely harmless. Upon closer inspection, he was far from the image of a virtuous and accomplished monk that people spoke of. Especially after being lectured by him for a while, he seemed more like an old beggar pleading with me, which annoyed me and made me want to get rid of him as soon as possible…

“Amitabha, benefactor… benefactor, why are you taking out copper coins? Is there something you need?”

"Huh? Why did I automatically take money out of my pocket? This... This monk's magic is amazing! Uh, no, it's because the master's charisma is so strong that I couldn't help but... uh... this..."

I stammered, unable to find the right words, but Fang Qingshu turned his head and chuckled. Judging from his expression, I was definitely not this wicked monk's first victim. No wonder Cixiang Jingdian has prospered so much since Xinchan took over the business, and its wealth has never been lacking for many years.

"Amitabha, benefactor, all good and evil are predestined. A person's life has both good and bad karma." Xinchan muttered strangely, "Qingshu, you go outside and keep watch. Don't let anyone in. I need to talk to Benefactor Farrell about something."

Benefactor Farrell? That's quite an awkward title, but now is not the time to worry about trivial matters, because my biggest lifeline is to respond and walk out without looking back, leaving me alone to face the bald thief's leader.

(That idiot Fangzi actually disappeared without a trace, leaving me all alone. Surely this bald beggar wouldn't be so ruthless?)

I tried to comfort myself with these thoughts, but I wasn't even slightly confident. After all, if Xin Chan were to strike me on the forehead with his Tathagata Palm technique, I would be instantly killed. Then, he could fabricate a story about a Black Dragon Society ninja suddenly emerging from the shadows, killing someone, and disappearing in a flash. Even if Fang Qingshu had doubts, there would be nothing he could do.

"Benefactor, a person's life has both good and bad karma..."

He returned to the beginning, but this time it was much more stern. Xin Chan indicated that although I had completely absolved myself of any responsibility, the whole world now knew I was a Black Dragon Society cadre. If I didn't pull back from the brink, the final result would inevitably be heinous crimes.

"Haha, Great Monk, you're good at fabricating charges. You say I'm a member of the Black Dragon Society, do you have any evidence? Surely the Black Dragon King didn't tell you himself, did he? Then I'll say you're colluding with the Black Dragon Society, how about that?"

Too much hypocritical pleasantries are pointless, so I'll just be blunt and avoid this pretense, dragging things out until nightfall.

"You bald rascal! You don't mind me calling you that, do you? I'm always very direct. How you fabricate charges is up to you now. My words carry little weight, and no one will believe me anyway. But I'll give you a piece of advice: what you're doing with the Black Dragon King, what you're trying to achieve with the Pure Mind Zen Society, I'm not interested in interfering. If you're willing to bribe me, I might even pretend I know nothing."

I said, "But if you insist on forcing me into a corner, I won't sit idly by. Evidence of your collusion with the Black Dragon Society, what you're doing with the Southern Barbarians and the Snake Clan... " "What conspiracy? And your secret plot to harm my uncle in order to keep your position as sect leader? I can not only expose it, but I also have evidence of it all. Don't underestimate the possibility of mutual destruction!"

I couldn't tell how effective this intimidation was. After hearing this, Xin Chan simply closed his eyes and remained silent, seemingly deep in thought. He looked like an old, withered tree, making it difficult to discern his emotions. Only after a long while did he open his eyes, as if he hadn't heard what I said at all. He calmly indicated that as long as I agreed to one thing, I could leave freely.

"What is it? You don't want me to swallow a sword or be boiled in oil, do you? You're supposed to be a master schemer; if you kill me here, your mask will be ruined."

In this situation, I had no choice but to agree. After all, it was better for me to hear him recite a sutra than to take a blow from his Tathagata Palm. Although Buddhist martial arts have supernatural powers like the "Lion's Roar," these kinds of sonic attacks are extremely loud and couldn't possibly fool Fang Qingshu. Since I had no other options, I decided to gamble on this.

"Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, when practicing the profound Prajnaparamita, illuminates the five aggregates as empty, thus transcending all suffering..."

As expected of the number one hypocrite on the Loess Plateau, the monk's chanting was quite impressive. With his palms clasped together, his eyes kind and benevolent, the sutra he recited, combined with the radiant mantra he emitted, made one feel as if they were floating on colorful clouds, bathed in sunlight and fragrant breezes, warm and comfortable.

"Shariputra, form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form; form is emptiness, emptiness is form; so too are feeling, perception, volition, and consciousness..."

I had been on guard against Xin Chan taking advantage of my chanting to attack, or launching some kind of light magic surprise attack, but I still miscalculated. I never expected that after just a few lines of scripture were recited, my whole body felt like it was immersed in a bucket of warm water, and I couldn't muster any strength in my limbs. What's worse, the magical power accumulated in my body gradually disappeared in the chanting.

"Shariputra, all dharmas are empty of inherent existence; they are neither produced nor destroyed, neither defiled nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing. Therefore, in emptiness there is no form, no sensation, no perception, no mental formations, no consciousness; no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind; no form, sound, smell, taste, touch, dharma; no eye-consciousness, and so forth, up to no mind-consciousness; no ignorance, and no end of ignorance, and so

forth, up to no old age and death, and no end of old age and death; no suffering, no origination, no cessation, no path; no wisdom, and no attainment..." The chanting changed from slow to fast, each word as rapid as a woodpecker pecking at a tree, yet it was crystal clear. With each word, my magic power diminished a little, startling me so much that cold sweat poured down my back. My whole body felt like it was trapped in an endless nightmare; no matter how anxiously I tried to move, I couldn't.

Theoretically speaking, magic is also a kind of energy accumulation. As long as it is energy, it can be used to resonate with opposite energies to cancel each other out. However, this is only a theoretical statement. I have never heard of anyone being able to neutralize a spellcaster's magic power without touching their limbs, simply by chanting scriptures. If he can do this, he can definitely neutralize a martial artist's internal energy by chanting scriptures. Such ability is truly terrifying.

(This bald thief's methods are ruthless. If he keeps doing this, I won't be able to hold on for long. I need to quickly regain control of my body, or at least cover my

ears with my hands...)

That's what I thought, but putting it into practice is not so easy. Monk Xin Chan is the head of Cihang Jingdian. He has countless experiences in setting up altars and casting spells throughout his life. His magical power is far more profound than mine. In this direct confrontation of energy, I have no way to avoid it. My entire mind is firmly suppressed by him. No matter how much I bite my tongue, my whole body is numb and I can't move.

"Because of what I have attained, Bodhisattvas, relying on Prajnaparamita, have no hindrance in their minds. Because there is no hindrance, there is no fear. They are far removed from distorted views and dreams, and ultimately attain Nirvana. All Buddhas of the three times, relying on Prajnaparamita, attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Therefore, know that Prajnaparamita is the great divine mantra, the great bright mantra, the supreme mantra, the unequaled mantra, capable of removing all suffering, truly and without falsehood..."

The chanting was nearing its end, and it seemed the bald thief's wicked plan was about to succeed when a commotion suddenly arose outside. It seemed someone was rushing in and clashing with Fang Qingshu. This turn of events greatly benefited me, and I was secretly delighted. However, Xin Chan was also alert and quickened the pace of my chanting. Just at this critical moment, a voice rang out behind me.

"Master!"

A hurried, clear voice told me that Ah Xue had arrived. My heart eased, but then I heard the chanting turn into a startled cry.

"Ah!"

The monk, who had been focused on chanting sutras, suddenly stopped and looked behind me with utter astonishment and confusion. Having been fortunate enough to escape danger, I was immediately struck by a sense of foreboding.

(Uh, was this savior really the right person to come?)

URL 1:https://www.sexlove5.com/htmlBlog/475.html

URL 2:/Blog.aspx?id=475&aspx=1

Last access time:

Previous Page : Dragon Soul Heroes - Chapter 13: Auspicious Dragon and Phoenix

Next Page : The Pill Tycoon - Chapter 952

增加

comment Open a new window to view comments

Contact Information

Alibuda Chronicles, Volume 23: Chapter 5 - Buddha Moves Mountains and Rivers

comment Open a new window to view comments