Chapter 159: 158. The Habitual Rebel

Chapter 159: 158. The Habitual Rebel

"The Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi..." Lei Jun's eyes flickered.

He had come across this name before while perusing the collection of books in the Celestial Master's Mansion.

It was neither an object nor a treasure, yet it possessed qualities of both.

Rather than being a spiritual object or treasure, it was more akin to a concentration of the essence of heaven and earth's spiritual qi, accidentally formed and imbued with the mysteries of the five elements, revealing the secrets of creation.

Alongside it were the Grand Zhou Heaven Myriad Creations Origin Qi and the Mystic Primordial Qi of Myriad Phenomena, all of which were infinitely profound.

This Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi was harmless to the human body and was a rare opportunity not to be missed.

It seemed to confirm the prediction of the supreme lot, indicating no danger.

However, collecting and preserving it would be challenging.

Lei Jun's usual habit when encountering treasures was to use the Xi Rang Banner to roll them up and research them later at his leisure.

But this time, that method wouldn't work.

While the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi was harmless, it also seemed impervious to external influences.

If he brought the earth-elemental spiritual power of the Xi Rang Banner close, it would be directly neutralized by the flowing qi that shone with colorful radiance.

Although the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo had been refined by Yuan Mo Bai and Lei Jun master and disciple for many years, its wood-elemental spiritual power was similarly unable to capture the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi.

If Lei Jun approached with his own cultivated Yuan Magnetism Power, it would, to a certain extent, be transformed into a metal-element by the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi and then disappear without a trace.

"This time, I'll have to make an exception," Lei Jun shook his head, focusing his mind and thoughts.

He concentrated the black and white streams of qi that were transformed from his spiritual power, linking them to the colorful radiance and guiding this wondrous spiritual qi into the True One Law Altar grotto that was attuned to his body.

Generally, for tasks like collecting treasures, Lei Jun would never directly use his spiritual power, especially not involving his soul. He would always research carefully before refining.

But since this was the safe path indicated by the supreme lot, he decided to make an exception, considering it an adventure.

Fortunately, the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi was merely "stubborn," inherently gentle, and showed no signs of violent reaction.

The flowing light of five colors was gradually guided into Lei Jun's body by him.

However, the process couldn't be rushed, and he had to slowly maneuver this wondrous spiritual qi.

He unfolded the Xi Rang Banner and set it up on the periphery, with rocks and soil tumbling to temporarily conceal himself.

As long as there was no direct contact, the earth-elemental essence wouldn't be neutralized by the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi.

On the contrary, as Lei Jun absorbed the flowing light of five colors, his own spiritual power, when operated, unexpectedly exhibited the aspect of the generation of the five elements.

Gold generates water, water generates wood, wood generates fire, and fire generates earth.

After passing through Lei Jun, there was an endless supply of earth-elemental spiritual power that combined with the Xi Rang Banner, enhancing its spiritual nature.

The dim yellow light that was produced didn't noticeably increase or decrease but became deeper, more refined, and more enchanting.

The soil and rocks derived from the yellow light hid Lei Jun more naturally, covertly, and effectively, making it harder for others to discover or see through him.

This was quite beneficial. It seemed that the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi had a lot of potential for development... Lei Jun mused.

The flowing light of five colors was guided into the True One Law Altar grotto derived from the Celestial Master's Seal, temporarily not entering the True One Law Altar but, like that page of the heavenly book, resting in the center of the outer dojo.

In the dojo above, the page of the heavenly book fluttered and expanded, its surface shimmering with light and revealing countless dao patterns.

The Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi was no longer as "stubborn" as before; it seemed to have become more lively, swirling around the page of the heavenly book like colorful clouds obscuring the sun.

Both possessed the spiritual nature of interpreting the profound mysteries of nature, and a faint resonance arose between them.

Lei Jun nodded slightly, calming his mind and continuing to absorb the remaining flowing light of five colors.

However, at that moment, his heart stirred, sensing something amiss in the outside world.

Not that someone had discovered Lei Jun's hiding place, but other people were approaching this deep valley.

Having already started absorbing the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi, he couldn't stop midway.

Lei Jun stabilized his mind, remaining calm and composed, and decided to wait and watch for now.

Soon, the newcomers descended to the bottom of the valley.

There were two groups, one in front with fewer people and the other chasing from behind with more. They were clearly in the midst of a battle, with one side pursuing and attacking the other.

At first, Lei Jun thought that the battle above was another attack on the Xian Liu Palace, and one of the factions involved was from his Celestial Master's Mansion.

But when both sides reached the bottom of the valley, Lei Jun noticed that there were no fellow disciples from the Celestial Master's Mansion.

Nor did he see any members of the Jiangzhou Lin Clan.

The two opposing sides were mainly monks.

The smaller group being pursued consisted of three monks.

The larger group doing the pursuing had six people, three monks, and three laymen.

Seeing this, Lei Jun remained even more calm, hiding his body under the soil and rocks created by the Xi Rang Banner, not revealing himself, and continuing to absorb the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi.

The two groups, one fleeing and the other chasing, were focused on each other, with no room for distractions.

Moreover, even if someone tried to search with their spiritual senses, the flowing light of five colors, though spiritually active, was currently connected to Lei Jun and concealed by the Xi Rang Banner, so it wouldn't be detected by others.

As usual, Lei Jun could observe the outside world through the Xi Rang Banner while his body was concealed and covered by soil and rocks.

With a cold gaze, he understood the origins of both sides.

"Senior brothers, it's best to turn back as soon as possible and realize that the sea of bitterness is boundless, but the shore is within reach.

Among the group was a monk with his palms pressed together, chanting a Buddhist mantra. He appeared young, but his face bore a look of suffering, his features gaunt and haggard, resembling a monk who had endured many hardships.

Upon seeing him, Lei Jun felt a sense of familiarity, and his mind quickly recalled where he had seen this person's portrait before.

"Yong Xiang," Lei Jun whispered. Yong Xiang was one of the outstanding disciples of the younger generation of the Xuan Tian Temple, possessing the cultivation level of Middle Three Heavens. He was a fellow disciple of De Xiang, the monk who had perished at Lei Jun's hands in Qiro Valley.

After the battle at Qiro Valley, Lei Jun had intentionally kept himself informed about the Xuan Tian Temple and had come across Yong Xiang's portrait.

Based on the information he had gathered, Yong Xiang did not seem to be from the prestigious families who had sent their children to the Xuan Tian Temple, like the Ye Clan of Jinzhou or the Gao Family of Zezhou. Instead, he was born into an ordinary family and had been accepted as a disciple by the current abbot of Xuan Tian Temple at a young age, devoting himself to Buddhist practices.

Over the years, he had strictly adhered to the precepts and endured ascetic practices, and according to rumors, he often performed acts of kindness and brought blessings to the common folk.

Although his cultivation had not yet reached the Upper Three Heavens, he was acknowledged as one of the most representative disciples of the Xuan Tian Temple.

However, the three monks facing Yong Xiang were far from polite. Despite being at a disadvantage, they maintained their momentum, and one of them even glared fiercely, declaring, "It is you who are immersed in the sea of suffering and need to turn back!"

Another monk beside Yong Xiang angrily retorted, "Senior Brother Yong Xiang, these heretics refuse to see the light. We have no choice but to use the thunderous means to subdue demons!"

Compared to the three monks, their three companions in secular attire acted more decisively.

"Heretic rebels, accept your deaths!" A tall and sturdy man flashed into view, instantly appearing before the three White Lotus disciples.

Even Lei Jun was secretly impressed by his speed.

Indeed, the burst of speed and power displayed by martial arts masters was astonishing.

The three people in secular attire were all martial artists.

As they moved, they were as swift as lightning and as thunderous as a storm.

Among them, the martial artist who cultivated his physical body was unarmed, while the other two wielded weapons—one with a spear and the other with a sword—representing two different paths of martial arts cultivation.

Their attacks were like an extension of their bodies, with their killing intent and bloodthirsty aura concentrated on their weapons.

They gave off an air of unconcealed sharpness and invincibility.

The swordsman moved with his sword, his attacks limited to a range of three to five feet around his body.

He was as still as a quiet pavilion and as swift as a gusting wind.

In an instant, he took a step forward, and his sword pointed directly at the White Lotus disciple's vital spot.

The sword's edge was so sharp that it could cut through metal and stone.

The spear-wielding martial artist, though employing different techniques, was equally formidable. His spear lashed out like a dragon, its tip gleaming with a chilling light. A strike from the spear would likely pierce a person through, front to back.

Among the various cultivation paths that Lei Jun had witnessed, few could match the lethality of their pinpoint attacks.

As they advanced and retreated, they reminded Lei Jun more of assassins seeking an opportunity for a fatal strike rather than warriors engaging in head-on combat.

Whether it was the physical cultivator or the two weapon-wielding martial artists, they all showcased their speed and explosive power to the fullest.

Martial artists—close-quarters combat.

A single person could rival a nation.

As Lei Jun observed their moves, he noticed that they followed a certain rhythm in their advances and retreats, although they were not wearing formal uniforms. They seemed to be experts from the Great Tang military.

The spear, sword, and fist struck simultaneously, not aiming at the three White Lotus disciples individually but instead targeting the same person.

The White Lotus disciple was always on guard, but despite his vigilance, he found himself facing their attacks head-on.

"May the great light shine and protect..." Before he could finish chanting his mantra, the martial artists' attacks were already upon him.

Fortunately, the clear and serene Buddhist light of Liuli shone brightly, weaving into the form of a lotus that protected him at its center.

It was another White Lotus disciple, thin and frail-looking, who had come to his aid.

Lei Jun's eyes narrowed as he watched.

Earlier, he had not witnessed the powerful Buddhist techniques of the Xuan Tian Temple's precepts-abiding sect when facing De Xiang. But now, he was witnessing them displayed by the White Lotus disciples.

The Xuan Tian Temple's precepts-abiding sect possessed formidable defensive capabilities.

During the Lower Three Heavens stage, their practices focused more on protecting themselves and enduring hardships.

Upon reaching the Middle Three Heavens, they gained the ability to protect others as well.

However, De Xiang had not yet mastered those techniques back then.

Now, this White Lotus disciple was demonstrating them, aiding his companion in withstanding the enemy's fierce initial assault.

Although the Liuli lotus was strong, it could not withstand the onslaught of the three formidable martial artists. The clear and serene Liuli Buddhist light only held them off for a moment before it was breached.

Fortunately, with the aid of his companions, the first White Lotus disciple who had been attacked managed to finish voicing his wish:

"May the great light shine and protect those who sincerely worship the Buddha!"

Instantly, dazzling white light condensed into a giant vase-like structure several feet tall, separating him from his enemies.

Lei Jun witnessed the power of one of the four major Buddhist cultivation paths—the path of making vows... and he nodded slightly.

The corresponding sacred site for this cultivation path was the Tianlong Temple in the Jiangnan region.

The Bodhi Temple represented the Zen-martial path.

The Tianlong Temple represented the path of making vows.

The Vajra Temple represented the path of hand seals.

Together with the Xuan Tian Temple, which represented the path of upholding precepts, these four sites were the foremost Buddhist sacred grounds in the Great Tang.

The White Lotus Sect was rather unique.

One of the perks of being in the Heavenly Master's Mansion was the access to its extensive library, allowing Lei Jun to browse through countless tomes and gain insights into various matters without even leaving Longhu Mountain.

To some extent, the origins of the White Lotus Sect shared similarities with the Yellow Sky Path.

The Yellow Sky Path emerged from the internal strife and schism within the Heavenly Master's Mansion.

Similarly, the initial roots of the White Lotus Sect could be traced back to a historic split within the Buddhist community in the Great Tang, giving rise to the belief in the extinction of the current world and the future descent of the White Lotus.

However, a key difference lay in their lineages. While the Yellow Sky Path was a direct offshoot of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, adhering solely to the Daoist Talisman Sect, the founding members of the White Lotus Sect came from the three major Buddhist sacred sites: Bodhi Temple, Xuan Tian Temple, and Tianlong Temple.

Excluding the historically recent and remote Vajra Temple in the Western Regions, the other three major sacred sites were embroiled in that fateful internal conflict.

Consequently, the White Lotus Sect that emerged from this turmoil simultaneously carried on the traditions of the Zen-Martial, Precepts-Abiding, and Vow-Making paths of Buddhism.

Over the years, disciples of the White Lotus Sect chose their own paths of cultivation that suited them, and practitioners of all three traditions could be found within their ranks.

Due to the joint suppression and crackdown by the imperial court and the four sacred sites, the White Lotus Sect became increasingly covert and low-key in their activities.

Except during periods of large-scale uprisings, many disciples of the White Lotus Sect operated alone, hiding their identities and acting in secrecy.

According to the related records that Lei Jun had perused, when multiple disciples of the White Lotus Sect worked together, a group of three would typically consist of one practitioner of each path: Zen-Martial, Precepts-Abiding, and Vow-Making.

The three disciples of the White Lotus Sect before him seemed to validate this observation.

The three martial arts masters launched their attacks together, first breaking through the Liuli Lotus and then assaulting the Brilliant Treasure Vase.

Just as the White Lotus disciple seemed to have a chance to erect a double layer of defense, the three warriors intensified their assault, coordinating their strikes with precision.

Without the need for verbal communication, their movements naturally adjusted, creating layers of offense.

The sword tip was the first to strike the brilliantly glowing treasure vase.

After piercing through the defenses of the Liuli Lotus and the Brilliant Treasure Vase, the sword's momentum finally slowed, reaching its limit.

Yet, it still caused the vase to wobble.

As the sword was deflected, the fist immediately followed up, delivering a powerful blow to the same spot.

Despite the Vow-Making White Lotus disciple's fervent wish radiating brilliant light, the relentless attacks breached the defenses, and a crack appeared on the treasure vase.

Finally, the long spear, the most lethal of the pure attack weapons, thrust forward, viciously piercing through the Buddhist light that had transformed into a massive treasure vase!

However, in the fleeting moment of piercing the treasure vase, the swift spear hesitated slightly.

A pair of strong hands seized this fleeting opportunity, grasping the shaft of the long spear.

These hands were as steady and immovable as a rock, firmly locking the spear in place.

The spear-wielding warrior tried to pull back, but the spear shaft only wobbled, unable to retract the spear tip.

The one who had grabbed the spear was none other than the White Lotus disciple with eyes like the fierce gaze of a vajra.

He was a practitioner of the Zen-Martial path of Buddhism.

Starting from the cultivation of the spirit, and then permeating outward to the physical body, the Zen-Martial path achieved harmony between the two, resulting in an extraordinarily robust physical shell and immense strength, akin to a dragon or an elephant!

While his speed was noticeably inferior, his close-quarters combat prowess could rival that of a body-refining martial artist. His strength was comparable, and in some cases, his physical defense might even surpass them.

Although the three White Lotus disciples practiced different cultivation paths, their coordination in offense and defense was seamless, and as heirs to the true teachings of the sacred sites, their combat experience far surpassed that of ordinary monks.

However, their opponents were no pushovers either; they were elite warriors of the Great Tang's Shence Army. As the spear-wielding warrior attempted to retract his weapon, his two companions rushed forward to join the fray.

The Precepts-Abiding White Lotus disciple wanted to shield his fellow disciple once more, but before he could act, several lotus flowers appeared around him.

They were not the Liuli Lotus flowers that originated from him.

Instead, they came from Yong Xiang and the others from the Xuan Tian Temple across the way.

The Precepts-Abiding path of Buddhism focused on defense and lacked direct means to threaten enemies, but they could still support their allies by "converting" and "teaching" their opponents.

Petals from the little lotuses fluttered and scattered, instantly forming a flower sea that enveloped the three White Lotus disciples, restricting their movements.

"May those who harbor murderous intentions be blinded and immobilized!"

Fortunately, the Vow-Making White Lotus disciple had anticipated this, ignoring the spear tip that had punctured the treasure vase and entrusting his safety to his fellow disciples. He immediately made another vow.

Then, once again, a dazzling light illuminated the surroundings.

This time, the three warriors closest to the White Lotus disciples found themselves temporarily blinded by the brilliant light.

The Buddhist technique didn't just affect their vision but also their senses, causing them to momentarily lose track of their opponents.

This was why they had chosen to focus their attacks on the Vow-Making White Lotus disciple first; through their numerous encounters, they had a good understanding of each other's troublesome techniques.

The Zen-Martial White Lotus disciple didn't bother with counterattacks and instead turned to help his two fellow disciples break free from the sea of Liuli Lotus flowers that trapped them.

Yong Xiang, however, remained unaffected.

He immediately pressed his palms together, and a massive Liuli Lotus blossomed, its radiant light spreading outward, dispelling the opposing Buddhist light.

With their vision restored, the three warriors surged forward once more.

In that moment, the three close-quarters combatants seemed to disregard their own safety, relentlessly pressing their assault.

Because behind them stood Yong Xiang and his two companions.

Just as the Precepts-Abiding White Lotus disciple could aid and shield his fellow disciples, so could Yong Xiang.

The counterattacks from the White Lotus disciples were deftly neutralized by Yong Xiang and his companions.

Lei Jun watched from the sidelines, deep in thought.

On their own, the Xuan Tian Temple disciples were more capable of defense than offense, and they lacked initiative. Most of the time, they could only manage a stalemate.

However, when they cooperated with others, whether it was with fellow Buddhist practitioners from different sects or cultivators from outside the Buddhist tradition, the Xuan Tian Temple disciples proved to be quite formidable...

Hmm?

Lei Jun's eyes narrowed as he sensed something amiss.

He perceived the approach of cultivators with even higher cultivation levels heading towards the deep valley.

Although this path was indicated as a fortunate one by the supreme lot, suggesting no danger, Lei Jun immediately checked the progress of his absorption of the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi.

Currently, he had completed about four-fifths of the process and still needed some more time.

He calmed his mind, restrained his gaze, and no longer observed the outside through the Xi Rang Banner, thus keeping an even lower profile and remaining more concealed.

However, he could still hear the voices of the combatants:

"Greetings, Master Kongjing."

The speaker was Yong Xiang, one of the Xuan Tian Temple disciples.

From his address, it seemed that the newcomer was Master Kongjing, a senior elder of the Xuan Tian Temple who cultivated the Buddhist precept-abiding path and had attained the Upper Three Heavens cultivation level.

With the arrival of this Upper Three Heavens cultivator, the three White Lotus disciples should have had no chance of escape.

But then, an even larger conflict erupted outside.

The deep valley shook as if it were about to further collapse.

Even with the cover of the Xi Rang Banner, Lei Jun almost lost his balance.

If he hadn't been in the process of absorbing the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi, which helped him blend in with the valley, he would have surely exposed his whereabouts.

Now, with the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi, he seemed to have truly become one with the rocks at the bottom of the valley.

"It's the Young Patriarch of the heretic White Lotus!" exclaimed a martial artist.

Lei Jun's eyebrows rose slightly at this statement.

The future Maitreya of the White Lotus Sect, who walked among the secular world?

What a day it was, for both him and Master Kongjing of the Xuan Tian Temple to show up here.

However, from their demeanor, it seemed that they were not here for the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi and were unaware of the changes that had occurred in this place.

A elderly voice spoke up, presumably that of Master Kongjing from the Xuan Tian Temple: "Future Maitreya, please stay your steps."

A youthful voice replied with a Buddhist invocation: "May the Buddha's compassion be upon you."

His voice was not loud, but it drowned out all other sounds, including that of Master Kongjing:

"The rebellion in Huai Mountain was not initiated by our sect's leadership. It was the doing of individuals within our sect who were misled by external influences. I, too, hope for a swift resolution to this matter, and I have been bringing my fellow disciples back to our mountain in recent days to discipline them according to our sect's precepts."

As he spoke, his voice gradually faded into the distance.

The oppressive aura of Master Kongjing, another Upper Three Heavens cultivator, also moved away, indicating that he was not giving up and intended to continue pursuing the White Lotus disciples.

Yong Xiang and his five companions quickly followed suit.

Soon after the intense battle at the bottom of the deep valley, the area quickly returned to a state of calm.

Lei Jun remained seated, his mind filled with thoughts.

The White Lotus Sect was notorious for their rebellions, and they were usually bold and unapologetic about their actions, proudly displaying their banner.

But according to the words of the future Maitreya, this rebellion in Huai Mountain was not an official decision of the entire White Lotus Sect, but rather the doing of individuals within the sect who had acted on their own?

Moreover, these individuals had colluded with outsiders.

This was quite amusing. It seemed that the White Lotus Sect, which had split from Buddhism due to internal strife, was now facing further internal discord.

However, the identity of the outsiders who had colluded with the rebels remained a mystery.

Lei Jun shook his head slightly, more curious about why the future Maitreya and Master Kongjing had come to the vicinity of Xian Liu Mountain. But for now, he had no clues.

He calmed his mind and put aside further speculation, continuing to steadily absorb the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi.

After a while, all the flowing lights of the five-colored qi were finally absorbed by Lei Jun into his True One Law Altar grotto.

In the grotto, a large patch of shimmering five-colored mist hung in the air above the law altar, peaceful and serene.

Lei Jun breathed a sigh of relief.

He did not rush to leave immediately but instead took the time to calm his mind and adjust his breath, making sure that no Buddhist cultivators reappeared before he put away the Xi Rang Banner and got up to leave the deep valley.

Lei Jun returned to the Xian Liu Palace as if nothing had happened, while Yun Zhan and the others were anxious.

It was one thing for Yong Xiang and the others to be engaged in a battle at the bottom of the deep valley.

But then, the future Maitreya and Master Kongjing, two Upper Three Heavens cultivators, had also arrived, and it would have been difficult for Yun Zhan and the others not to notice.

Fortunately, the two Buddhist cultivators did not intend to disturb the Tian Shi Fu's branch residence on Xian Liu Mountain and soon left.

"I also saw them when I was in the mountains," Lei Jun reassured everyone. "Although I don't know why they came here, we should just guard the palace and not create any unnecessary troubles."

Everyone agreed.

Later, an officer from the Great Tang Shence Army visited the Xian Liu Palace.

Lei Jun recognized him as the swordsman who had fought in the deep valley earlier.

The officer was quite polite and only mentioned that heretic White Lotus rebels were active in the area, requesting the Tian Shi Fu disciples to assist in capturing them if they encountered any.

Lei Jun agreed verbally and sent the officer away, but he did not take the matter to heart.

Late into the night, after checking the defensive restrictions around the Xian Liu Palace once more to prevent any sneak attacks from the Lin Clan, Lei Jun began to meditate again.

His attention turned to the True One Law Altar grotto as he started to carefully study the newly acquired Three-Starred Opportunity, the Grand Five Elements Primordial Qi.

PS: Here's a 6,000-character chapter for now. There will be another update later tonight.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end