The Sect Leader's Bizarre Recruitment Chapter 222: Barrett Patriarch: Pick Up the Sutra, Pick It Up! (Part 2) - Novel Cool

Chapter 222: Barrett Patriarch: Pick Up the Sutra, Pick It Up! (Part 2)

Chapter 222: Barrett Patriarch: Pick Up the Sutra, Pick It Up! (Part 2)

The Moon Embrace Sect failed the evaluation, was a mess inside, and failed to advance to a second-class sect.

Soon, the news caused a stir in the Southwest Region.

Almost all cultivators were full of questions.

"The Moon Embrace Sect failed to advance to a second-class sect?"

"How could this be!?"

"It shouldn’t be like this!"

"The Fire Virtue Sect has already merged into the Moon Embrace Sect, shouldn't this be a sure thing?"

"Right, how could this fail?!"

Everyone was baffled.

Until... someone’s mind clicked: "Could it be that the Moon Embrace Sect was actually cheating?"

"For example, their disciples actually don’t have that strength, or even the news of the Sun Moon Immortal Dynasty battle was incorrect? Otherwise, it would be impossible to fail the advancement!"

"You’re not wrong, there might really be such a possibility!"

"But, that’s not right either. What about the Fire Virtue Sect?

"

I still can't understand it!

No matter how they pondered and discussed, they couldn't come to a conclusion, and no one could explain the situation.

But...

Although they couldn't 'categorize' it, the 'water' had already become murky.

At least a significant portion of people believed it to be true, thinking that the Moon Embrace Sect didn't seem all that impressive, and that the previous battle was just false information.

Otherwise, how could they have failed to advance to the second tier?

This clearly doesn't make sense!

......

When the news reached Lin Fan's ears, he almost laughed out loud.

"So, the 'Affiliate Gold Card' is here."

"It's really exciting."

He naturally understood the meaning behind Ten Thousand Flowers Holy Land making this news public.

They were clearly making things convenient for themselves.

Aren't you being sneaky? Aren't you trying to keep a low profile and pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger?

Well, let's help you out.

Let's see what tricks you can pull off.

"Brilliant!"

"Then I can rest easy."

"Let's go to the Western Region."

......

On the journey, there was some boredom.

Lin Fan curiously asked, "To recreate the Medicine Elder's physical body, apart from the Bodhimanda Fruit, are there any other materials needed?"

"I won't hide it from you, Master," Xiao Ling'er replied after some thought. "Most of the materials I've already prepared, but currently, I still lack two 'main ingredients,' one of which is the Bodhimanda Fruit."

"The Bodhimanda Fruit is a 'divine herb,' extremely precious, and greatly beneficial to the divine soul. It can help the Medicine Elder perfectly integrate her divine soul into the new physical body, preventing any rejection reactions."

"Additionally, the number one ranked Mystic Flame on the Immortal Martial Continent, the Crystal Flame, is also required."

"The greatest effect of the Crystal Flame is also beneficial to the divine soul, and it possesses an extremely powerful vitality, capable of refining a 'perfect physical body.'"

"Of course, this perfect physical body doesn't mean flawless or divine, but rather, after refining, it can perfectly harmonize with the remnant soul, nourishing it and allowing the remnant soul to gradually recover into a complete divine soul."

"After that, it can cultivate normally, even ascending to the Upper Realm, just like the 'original physical body.'"

"Oh?!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Fan nodded slightly, his expression turning somewhat solemn.

This journey...

Won't be easy!

The Bodhimanda Fruit is from Mahayana Buddhism, but where is Mahayana Buddhism?

The Western Holy Land!

It's naturally not easy to obtain the Bodhimanda Fruit, the treasure herb of the Western Holy Land, which only bears fruit once every few thousand years.

As for the Crystal Flame...

Being the top-ranked Mystic Flame, it's not easy to acquire.

However, fortunately, there is still some hope.

"On this journey, we'll get the Bodhimanda Fruit first." Lin Fan whispered.

"Thank you, Lin Zongzhu," the Medicine Elder said, appearing to express her gratitude.

"No need for formalities, we're all on the same side."

"Then..."

The Medicine Elder, touched, suggested, "Why don't we call each other 'Dao friends' from now on?"

"That's a good idea."

Lin Fan smiled and said, "You're Xiao Ling'er's teacher, and I'm your disciple, so we really are 'Dao friends.'"

"That's true."

The Medicine Elder was also smiling.

But there was a hint of nervousness in her smile.

This journey is for her!

And...

It's extremely challenging.

In fact, she had suggested more than once in private that they didn't need to pursue 'perfection,' and she would be content just to have a physical body again.

But Xiao Ling'er insisted that if they were going to do it, they should do it to the best of their abilities! This deeply moved the Medicine Elder.

But...

Can it be done?

She thought that after experiencing so many ups and downs, she wouldn't care about such things anymore. But now, facing this situation, she realized that she couldn't remain calm.

Like an inexperienced young girl, she was filled with nervousness.

......

The Western Region.

Although adjacent to the Southwest Region, the customs, traditions, cultivation styles, and even cultivation systems are vastly different, especially the cultivation system.

The Western Region primarily focuses on 'Buddhist cultivation.'

Buddhist cultivation, in essence, is a 'faith system,' where cultivators draw strength from their faith while cultivating.

There are pure cultivators, but they are few, and those who cultivate in the Western Region don't fare well.

These Buddhist sects will do everything to harvest their faith, making them worship some 'Great Monk.'

For pure cultivators, this is extremely annoying.

I'm cultivating just fine, and now you want me to practice Buddhism, worship daily, and provide faith? Are you crazy?

That's why cultivators with the means and connections choose to develop in other regions, even if it's the North, it's more comfortable than the West.

Lin Fan doesn't fully understand the faith system either.

He only knows that it's essentially the same as the Buddhist system.

Throughout the Western Region, large and small temples stand tall.

The strongest among them is Mahayana Buddhism, also known as the Buddhist Holy Land, and recognized as the 'Western Holy Land.' Its heritage and foundation are awe-inspiring.

Next is Hinayana Buddhism.

The pinnacle among the best.

Then, there are other Buddhist sects...

Buddhism sects compete with each other for territory, followers, and incense offerings.

Of course, resources are also contested.

However, compared to other regions, they don't place as much emphasis on external resources.

The resource they value most is, ultimately, people.

Entering the Western Region, the distinct customs and atmosphere make Lin Fan and Xiao Ling'er feel a bit out of place. Fortunately, the Medicine Elder has been here many times and is quite familiar with the area.

With her guidance, they encounter no troubles.

Without any conflicts or fights, they arrive near Mahayana Buddhism.

From a distance, golden Buddha light descends from the sky, illuminating the continuous Buddhist architecture with a dazzling golden glow, like a 'Buddhist paradise.'

Buddhist symbols dance in the air, making it seem like the legendary Buddhist country.

It's solemn, dignified, and sacred.

Even those not of the Buddhist faith, after a glance, feel a sense of tranquility and are drawn in, unable to look away.

Even giving rise to an impulse to 'immerse' oneself in it.

"Be careful, remember to keep your mind steady!"

It was at this moment that Medicine Elder spoke up: "Mahayana Buddhism's Buddha Light is a bit strange, as if it has the power to bewitch people, like... a different kind of charm?"

"It is said that once, a Ninth Stage cultivator approached and, after taking a few more glances, was immediately 'enchanted'. They knelt outside Mahayana Buddhism, unable to stand up, and begged to join the Buddhist Sect."

"Although the truth of this rumor is unknown, there are indeed many junior cultivators who have been 'attracted' by this Buddha Light, and thus, they wholeheartedly devote themselves to the Buddhist Sect..."

"Therefore, remember to stay true to your original heart, and never let your mind be deluded."

Xiao Ling'er's face changed slightly, and she nodded heavily: "Student remembers!"

"Buddhism..." Lin Fan retracted his gaze, and his eyes flickered slightly.

Actually...

At the end of the day, he didn't have a good impression of the Buddhist Sect.

After all, it's a foreign religion, and what was Buddhism like in ancient times? It was like a feudal lord, exploiting and oppressing the common people.

Moreover, it's strange...

The Buddhist Sect doesn't eat meat, but those statues of Buddha and the like are almost always fat-headed and big-eared, covered in fat.

In short, Lin Fan felt it was all fake.

He had almost no good impressions.

As for modern Buddhism...

It's even worse.

It's not that it's completely bad, but most of it is in a sorry state, and everyone knows it, so there's no need to mention it.

From what he could see, this Western Mahayana Buddhism didn't seem to be anything good either.

The seemingly sacred Buddha Light, in reality, was bewitching people's hearts.

Tsk.

"Let's go, let's pay a visit."

"I'm not sure if this connection with Mahayana Buddhism will be of any use."

After a brief assessment, Lin Fan led Xiao Ling'er towards one of the Mahayana Buddhism's mountain gates, while Medicine Elder naturally hid herself again, even using several secret techniques.

After all, Mahayana Buddhism is a Holy Land! It's always better to be cautious.

...

"Two patrons, what brings you here?"

At the mountain gate, two young monks greeted Lin Fan and Xiao Ling'er with smiles, politely bowing and inquiring.

"Not exactly."

Lin Fan shook his head and smiled lightly: "Two little masters, we have come from the Southwest Region to find someone."

"May I ask for a favor and inform them?"

"Looking for someone?"

The two monks' expressions didn't change, but the expectation in their eyes quietly transformed into disdain: "The Buddhist Sect is a place of purity, please forgive us."

"Won't you ask who I'm looking for?"

Lin Fan acted as if he didn't see it.

"Patron, I've already said that the Buddhist Sect is a place of purity."

"Moreover, today is the fifteenth, and all the monks are in seclusion, so we cannot see anyone."

"..."

Xiao Ling'er looked at Lin Fan and blinked her eyes."

Lin Fan's expression remained unchanged as he took out a handful of Essence Stones...

"!"

The two little monks immediately looked around, seeing that no one was around, and quickly took them, excitedly saying: "Patrons, honored guests! Honored guests! Who are you looking for? I'll immediately inform them."

"Gatlin Bodhisattva."

"You don't know who Gatlin Bodhisattva is?"

The two little monks were shocked, stunned.

"You don't know who Gatlin Bodhisattva is?"

"He is the highest-ranked Bodhisattva in our sect, and his status is even higher than those high-ranking Buddhas. We are just little monks, what right or ability do we have to inform you?"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible."

This time, Lin Fan didn't take out Essence Stones.

Instead, he took out a jade bottle and opened it.

The two little monks took a look...

"Hiss!"

In an instant, they sucked in a breath of cold air.

Then, they quickly hid it.

"Ahem!"

"What is it?"

One of the little monks said: "Honored guest, please follow me."

"I'll inform Gatlin Bodhisattva, but I can only lead you there. After that, I can't help much, and it's up to you."

"Good."

Lin Fan nodded.

Xiao Ling'er couldn't help but laugh.

Lin Fan continued: "But this also proves from the side that my guess is correct. Where there are people, there is a world of cultivation. Mahayana Buddhism's world of cultivation... is no different from other places."

"And, it might even be darker."

...

Although the little monk's status wasn't high and his strength was low, he was sincere after receiving the favor.

He led Lin Fan and Xiao Ling'er, avoiding others' eyes and ears, and as they went deeper, they quickly left the area where visitors could go.

Finally, they stopped outside a Buddha Hall that seemed quite 'rough'.

"Look, over there, the Buddha Hall with the most repairs is where Gatlin Bodhisattva resides."

"If you're looking for Gatlin Bodhisattva, go there to find him."

"But don't say that I brought you here."

"Otherwise, both of us will be in trouble."

After all, they had received a favor.

The little monk had to consider himself and 'warn' them.

"We understand."

Lin Fan waved his hand, indicating that he knew.

The little monk quickly left, returning the way they came.

Lin Fan straightened up and walked towards the Buddha Hall.

Xiao Ling Er took a half-step back, her guard up.

...

They were in front of the Buddha Hall.

Lin Fan observed for a moment but did not use his divine perception to scan.

After all, this was Mahayana Buddhism, and it was too unfamiliar. Who knew how many people were inside? If there were many, or even if some passionate scene was unfolding...

Using divine perception to scan would only cause trouble for himself.

Clearing his throat, Lin Fan spoke up, "May I ask, is Patriarch Gatlin here?"

Inside the Buddha Hall.

Patriarch Gatlin was snoring loudly in his sleep.

The snores reverberated through the hall.

The scar on his face, resembling a centipede, twitched from time to time, giving him a terrifying appearance.

Suddenly, he sat up.

"Who dares disturb my peaceful sleep?!"

"You want a beating?!"

He was enraged, and with a scan of his divine perception, he discovered Lin Fan and another person. One of them 'teleported' and appeared in front of the two, circling them slowly, "Who are you?"

"I'm sure I don't know you."

"Why are you looking for me?"

"Today, if you can't give me a proper explanation, you two will be cleaning toilets for me!"

The moment he spoke, he addressed himself as 'old man'.

His words, both spoken and unspoken, carried an air of dominance, mixed with a strong sense of the Jianghu. Lin Fan's expression turned peculiar, as if he felt a sense of familiarity...

For a moment, he couldn't quite recall.

Xiao Ling Er was even more nervous.

Although Patriarch Gatlin didn't exude the aura of an absolute peak powerhouse, just standing there made people tense and uneasy.

Especially his scarred face, which made people's hearts tremble.

"Forgive my intrusion, and may the Bodhisattva pardon my offense."

Lin Fan cupped his hands and said, "I am Lin Fan, Sect Master of the Moon Embrace Sect from the Southwest Region. This is my disciple, Xiao Ling Er..."

"Oh?!"

Patriarch Gatlin's eyes lit up, and his anger dissipated. He suddenly stepped forward, hugging Lin Fan's neck, and said, "Lin Fan, the Sect Master of the Moon Embrace Sect?!"

"Yes, it's me."

"Haha!"

"So, you're the one who asked me to deliver a message to you, and you're the one they call Patriarch Barrett, right?"

"And there's also the Artificial Sun Fist cultivator?"

"Where is he?"

"Is that you?"

He looked at Xiao Ling Er.

Xiao Ling Er's skin broke out in goosebumps.

It was as if she was facing a god or a demon!

"That's not right~"

But Patriarch Gatlin shook his head slowly, "I heard the Artificial Sun Fist cultivator is a man, and you're a woman. That's not right."

Without taking his eyes off her, he stopped looking at Xiao Ling Er and put his arm around Lin Fan's shoulder, saying, "I've been waiting for so many years, and finally, I meet a fellow townsman. But I need to make sure you're not lying to me."

"Where's your gun?"

"Let me see it."

Lin Fan didn't hesitate and took out the Barrett.

Before he could even speak, he felt his hand go empty.

Somehow, the Barrett had appeared in Patriarch Gatlin's hands.

He caressed the gun as if it were his beloved, his eyes filled with adoration. He gently stroked the gun, and his expression and focus made Lin Fan take a few steps back.

This...

It was a bit too much!

He was treating the gun like his wife!

"Not a bad gun."

Fortunately, Patriarch Gatlin was an elder, and he said, "A growth-type magic treasure, already at the Dao Soldier level, but... it's still not enough."

"Also, it doesn't have a soul!"

He pointed at the 'bolt' of the original Barrett and shook his head, "Where's the bolt?"

"I designed it myself. It can automatically load ammunition."

Lin Fan explained, "There's no need to pull the bolt, so I hid it to further increase airtightness and enhance its power."

"That's not bad."

"But without the bolt, I don't know how to use it."

Patriarch Gatlin tossed the Barrett back to Lin Fan and said, "Come on, show me its maximum power. Give me a shot so I can feel it!"

Xiao Ling Er: "..."

She wanted to say that the Barrett was powerful. Even an Eighth Stage cultivator could be injured, and if caught unprepared, they might even be killed by it!

But then she thought...

This person...

He was a boss among bosses, so she didn't say a word.

Lin Fan didn't hesitate for a moment.

He took out a bullet, channeled his full power into the Artificial Sun Fist, and then used the Artificial Sun Fist to 'charge' it. He aimed at Patriarch Gatlin.

The latter couldn't help but mutter.

"Don't say it."

"Even with my current strength, facing this black hole of a gun barrel, my heart trembles."

"Don't listen to my muttering."

"Fire!"

"Let me feel it!"

"You're offending me!"

Lin Fan knew Patriarch Barrett was strong, and since it was his request, there was no room for hesitation.

Hesitation would be disrespectful.

Boom!!!

Lin Fan pulled the trigger, and his arms instantly cracked. The Barrett shook violently, and the bullet shot out, instantly hitting Patriarch Barrett.

Flames erupted!

Patriarch Barrett was caught completely off guard and was hit directly!

A shockwave rapidly spread.

In an instant, high temperatures enveloped the area.

Only then did the explosion's roar slowly reach their ears.

"Ah?!"

A passing monk was startled and dropped his sutra, "Bodhisattva!!!"

"Who dares disturb the peace here?!"

Just then.

The flames retreated, the high temperatures dissipated, and the shockwave reversed...

Everything seemed to have never happened.

Xiao Ling Er was dumbfounded.

Medicine Elder was also shocked, exclaiming, "Ninth Stage, and definitely one of the top cultivators at that stage!!!"

But Patriarch Barrett frowned slightly, looking at the stunned monk, "What are you howling about?"

"You shameful thing!"

"Pick up the sutra, pick up the sutra!!!"

(End of Chapter)

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