Chapter 320: The Old Monk's Death and the New Tower

Chapter 320: The Old Monk's Death and the New Tower

A Bodhi tree took root in the Ocean of Souls, sprouting and growing, radiating a hazy, pure light.

Ji Jingqiu's divine fetus took a step in the Ocean of Souls, and all the surrounding evil and malevolent entities scattered, keeping their distance, unwilling to approach.

Today, Ji Jingqiu's Bodhi Insightful Eye was powerful enough to see through some of the unique, hidden powers within the Ocean of Souls, revealing the true forms of those dark silhouettes from the past.

These were numerous soul conglomerates hovering at the edge of life and death, neither truly alive nor dead, their state enigmatic and god-like.

Ji Jingqiu felt something unusual. Among the surrounding entities, he faintly discovered a... tainted divinity?

Could these things be considered deities?

He suddenly remembered Hela's words—the Sea of Souls is the graveyard of the gods.

His gaze followed the mysterious response from the depths.

He saw the Nirvana Buddha Kingdom embedded within the Ocean of Souls, and he sighed with emotion. With his current vision, he could faintly discern that this Buddha Kingdom had long become a part of the Great Dao, just like the fundamental rules embedded in the Ocean of Souls.

Zen was everywhere, and purity was visible everywhere.

However, this Great Dao was already damaged, lying dormant at the bottom of the Sea of Souls.

Ji Jingqiu stood still for a moment, locking his soul onto the coordinates of the Buddha Kingdom, and took a step into it.

By now, he could openly enter the Buddha Kingdom and meet the True Buddha.

In the distance, a pure white Buddha sat in the center of the Buddha Kingdom, a compassionate smile on his lips. Behind him, the Buddha Light was pure and flawless, appearing particularly dazzling and eye-catching in this pitch-black abyss, as if a Buddha from the heavens had descended to save mortals from their suffering.

The white silk threads connecting to the sources of faith in various realms behind him were mostly black, a sight that was heart-wrenching.

This was the result of polluted faith, and who knew what methods the Buddha Kingdom had used.

If this continued, even without Wu Zhou's intervention, the True Buddha would eventually fall into complete chaos.

Ji Jingqiu stood in his original spot, quietly sensing the presence of the True Buddha.

This time, the Bodhi Tree did not rush to take root here and absorb the faith power.

"Jingqiu!"

Huang Fuxing, who had rushed over after hearing the news, arrived with his master. The latter held a portion of the True Buddha's core control rights, making him akin to an "administrator" within the Buddha Kingdom.

The three of them gathered, and Huang Fuxing was visibly excited, while Mu Chengde also sighed with emotion, having clearly seen the recent headline news in the martial arts world.

"The youth is truly formidable!" Mu Chengde exclaimed.

Ji Jingqiu spoke up, "Senior Mu, I've come to meet the True Buddha. Please allow me to borrow the divine power."

He didn't mention anything about Wu Zhou to the two of them, not ruling out the possibility that Wu Zhou could eavesdrop on everything within the Buddha Kingdom, or even the worst-case scenario where both of them had been unknowingly corrupted by Wu Zhou.

This was the terrifying aspect of Wu Zhou.

Within the Three Thousand Yanhuati, there were numerous similar examples. A close companion who spent day and night together suddenly became a different person, and the person themselves remained completely unaware.

Countless civilizations and forces regarded the Sea of Souls as a tiger or wolf, and Wu Zhou alone could be credited with one-third of the achievements.

"Good!" Mu Chengde did not object and readily agreed.

During the process of transferring divine power, Ji Jingqiu gave each of them a Xin Deng seed, saying, "This is my recent research. Senior Huang and Senior Mu can plant it in your heart fields, and even a Tian Ren will find it effective."

The two of them had previously planted Xin Deng seeds, but this was obviously an "upgraded advanced version," so they wouldn't refuse.

After witnessing the two of them planting the Xin Deng seeds, Ji Jingqiu also successfully obtained the authority over the True Buddha's divine power core.

Unfortunately, this authority was not complete.

According to Mu Chengde, in the past, less than one-tenth of the authority had been traded to the Buddha Kingdom by Zuo Qianqiu, but it wasn't a significant amount, as they already held over nine-tenths of it.

As soon as he obtained the control, the pure white Buddha gave him a substantial feeling of closeness. He even had the illusion that the True Buddha was his own incarnation, and countless prayers seemed to echo faintly in his ears.

Ji Jingqiu tried to listen carefully. The prayers, which were initially vague and distant, suddenly became clear, chaotic, and varied. Even with his current cultivation level, he could still bear it for a short time.

Most of them were prayers, but Ji Jingqiu soon realized something was amiss. Approximately four-tenths of the prayers were filled with murderous and hateful intentions.

Was this the doing of the Buddha Kingdom?

After some preparation...

Ji Jingqiu briefly awakened the True Buddha using the divine power core.

"Senior, I've broken through to Tian Ren, and I've come to keep our appointment!"

A few years ago, on Si Shou Star, this True Buddha had blocked an attack from Hela for him, warning him that the power of the Sea of Suffering could be borrowed but not relied upon, and telling him that he could come to see him after reaching Tian Ren.

Today, Ji Jingqiu had come as promised.

The white Buddha sitting in the center of the Buddha Kingdom slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes were clear, wise, peaceful, and profound, as if they could reflect all the scenes in the world and see through the essence of all things in the mortal world.

But they were also filled with fatigue, like a common person with bloodshot eyes, suppressing the chaos and evil beneath them, matching the True Buddha's current state.

"You've arrived."

The Buddha's voice resonated with grandeur, like the sound of a Buddha's thunder, filling the entire Buddha Kingdom.

Ji Jingqiu could hear deep fatigue in this Buddha's voice.

There was also a sense of impending liberation and relief.

Was it truly flawless, or had they guessed wrong?

Or had it been hidden all along, even from the True Buddha himself?

"You've inherited my father's Fire Dwelling Buddha Hell Contemplation Map, which is the number one cultivation method for manifestation in the world. With this, you can open up your path of manifestation."

The True Buddha spoke slowly.

Manifestation?

Mu Chengde, standing behind him, felt a slight strangeness. Did their sect possess the method of manifestation cultivation?

Their lineage was entirely derived from the second son of Ji Shuai, and could be considered a branch of the World-Honored One's lineage. All their inheritance came from the ancestor Mu Chengde.

But their sect's inheritance had never included the method of manifestation cultivation.

Was this method only for the World-Honored One's disciples?

Ji Jingqiu's thoughts raced: "In the past, I had a confrontation with the lineage of the Holy King, and I obtained the Manifestation Method from the hands of Chi Ji. However, my cultivation was unsuccessful, so I seek guidance from the senior."

【The Manifestation Method corresponds to the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. It requires relying on the karmic rewards of Heaven and Earth to cultivate, ultimately synchronizing with the Great Dao. In simple terms, one must make a great vow.】

The True Buddha, or the former Mu HeShan, sighed softly.

【Whether it's karma or a great vow, neither can be achieved by you in your current state, especially the latter. It requires finding a good opportunity at the right time and place, and in the corresponding 'situation,' there's a chance to make a great vow that gains the recognition of Heaven, Earth, and the multiverse.】

【The key lies in gaining the recognition of Heaven and Earth, imprinting it into the depths of the Dharma Realm.】

The corresponding time, place, and even the situation...

Ji Jingqiu's thoughts whirled.

Before this, he had discussed this with Hela. Deep within the Dharma Realm, there was a mark left by Mu Shuai, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't reach it, as if something was missing. Hela speculated that it might be related to a great vow.

"Senior, if I make a great vow and invoke the power of faith, will it hinder my martial arts path?"

With the power of faith enveloping him, it was almost like the power of a deity's faith and vows.

In Hela's eyes, the Manifestation Method was similar to a divine method of cultivation.

With the power of faith surrounding him, it was as if his very being was tainted. This was deadly for a martial arts path that relied on the concept of 'self.'

This was the root of Ji Jingqiu's previous doubts about Hela's divine cultivation method.

【You cultivate the Fire Dwelling Buddha Hell Contemplation Map. There's no need to worry; it's just a matter of how to eliminate the obstacles within, which you must explore on your own.】

Mu HeShan directly stated that the Fire Dwelling Buddha Hell Contemplation Map could solve this issue, but he wasn't clear on the specifics. After all, he had only used it to resolve this problem, and the details weren't entirely clear.

【I did cultivate the Manifestation Method. It was my reliance after attaining the Way, and it was also the catalyst for my demise.】

From this person's words, Ji Jingqiu learned that in the past, Mu HeShan had used the Manifestation Method to reach the limits of the Great Universe, becoming a Great Master who had attained the Way. With this, he ventured into the Yuan Region to aid the Four Deity Lords, who were still in the process of transformation, in their confrontation against the Three Devils.

Additionally, at that time, the manifested power of the Three Devils was limited, allowing him to confront the Heavenly Devil for hundreds of years. In the end, due to the imperfections of the Manifestation Method, he perished beneath the karmic flames of faith.

Unexpectedly, his later disciples used the heart core he left behind to create a True Buddha.

Initially, it could still support him, but as the power of faith increased, his very being, already flawed due to the karmic flames of faith, gradually succumbed to chaos and ignorance.

As Ji Jingqiu conversed with Mu HeShan, he gradually learned some of the secrets from the past.

Listening from behind were Huang Fuxing and others. For them, it was like filling in the missing pieces of their sect's heritage.

"Senior, I have a primordial divine power that might help stabilize your condition." Ji Jingqiu suddenly spoke up.

He hadn't forgotten about the hidden Heavenly Devil, and he wanted to try to draw it out.

Additionally, he wanted to test if the Xin Deng Z Zi could help stabilize the state of deities in a state of chaos.

If possible, perhaps he could help the Deity Lords and Princes.

Mu HeShan didn't refuse, and the Xin Deng Z Zi that Ji Jingqiu gave him was planted within his body.

In an instant, his mind was filled with pure and flawless Buddha Light, and a sense of purity, fearlessness, and great brilliance arose, even causing the half-so that even the half-black silk threads behind him were dyed white by the Buddha Light.

The light in the Buddha's eyes became increasingly gentle.

"It's working!" Huang Fuxing exclaimed excitedly.

However, the Buddha Light gradually diminished, returning to its original state.

"This..."

【A pretty good primordial divine power.】

Mu HeShan spoke again,

【My lucid time has been extended. I originally thought this transmission would require two sessions, but now it seems unnecessary.】

Ji Jingqiu sighed lightly: "After merging with the Boundless Wisdom Light, can't you still not escape chaos?"

Mu HeShan smiled faintly.

【Old illnesses are deeply rooted. As you expel them, you're also killing me.】

【One day, when you restore the Boundless Wisdom Light to its original state, you might achieve the result you desire, but not now.】

【I suspect those few also refused your request.】

Ji Jingqiu silently nodded; the Deity Lords and Princes had rejected his good intentions.

【No need to be sad.】

Mu HeShan offered comfort.

【This is fate and liberation. Those seniors have long awaited this moment, and they don't wish for your help.】

Within the inner landscape.

"Have you noticed that this guy, despite having limited time, is taking his time to instruct you, as if he has all the time in the world?" Hela suddenly spoke.

"What do you mean?"

"He's stalling for time."

"What time?" Ji Jingqiu's heart was on alert as he scanned his surroundings.

"I suspect... that beneath his current appearance, he's already been invaded by the Heavenly Devil." Hela's voice turned solemn. "The invasion of the Heavenly Devil is more severe than I thought. Perhaps I was wrong... During the battle with the Heavenly Devil, Mu HeShan might have already been planted with a seed!"

【You seem to have something on your mind?】

Ji Jingqiu was at a loss for words for a moment.

【Are you looking for me?】

Ji Jingqiu's expression changed abruptly.

In that instant, countless voices overlapped, as if a myriad of voices spoke in unison, coming from the front and the back, as if they were everywhere, surrounding Heaven and Earth.

At this moment, not only the True Buddha but also Mu Chengde and Huang Fuxing spoke!

His figure vanished from where he stood.

When he reappeared, a self-rooted Bodhi tree took root in Heaven and Earth, supporting the heavens.

As he turned to look back, he found the situation to be somewhat different from what he had imagined.

Huang Fuxing and Mu Chengde stood rooted to the spot, their faces filled with shock as they stared in his direction, as if they had no idea what had just happened.

He turned to the True Buddha, who appeared no different from before, except for the weariness in his eyes that deepened with time.

What's going on here... Ji Jingqiu's heart sank.

Who is the one with the problem?

A fascinating and enchanting chuckle sounded once more.

[When you entered, I sensed a familiar presence on you. I reminisced for a long time and felt that you were somewhat like Hela, and somewhat like me, which caused us to miss out on a lot of time together.]



Ji Jingqiu's heart sank further.

In his eyes, this land of Buddha was gradually transforming. At some point, it had become pitch-black, sinister, twisted, and filled with corruption and filth!

Countless strands of black energy danced chaotically, intertwining with low chants and Buddhist sounds, creating a confusing mess and forming even more bizarre delirious mutterings.

This was no longer a land of Buddha but a demonic realm!

However, what surprised Ji Jingqiu the most was Huang Fuxing and Mu Chengde, who were not far away and seemed completely unaware of what was happening.

If Huang Fuxing and Mu Chengde were truly unaware...

Could it be that the one who was infected was himself?

Without hesitation, Ji Jingqiu sat down in the lotus position right where he was, surrounded by a radiant halo of pure light. His spiritual embryo blossomed with boundless wisdom flowers, illuminating his entire being. Furthermore, he evolved a complete Heavenly Light using the "seed" of Heavenly Light as its foundation, aided by the purifying intention within it, cleansing his spiritual embryo.

But in the end, he gained nothing.

This guy... was even more troublesome than he had imagined.

No wonder it's Wo Zhou, the Heavenly Devil!

Even the Wu Shang Zhen Fo, the Supreme True Buddha, seemed to ignore this situation, completely unaware!

At this very moment, a Buddha's body appeared in the heavens and earth, its chest and breasts exposed. It sat atop the head of the Supreme True Buddha, its right hand in a flower-holding gesture, its figure majestic, as if bearing the weight of the heavens and all living beings, filled with compassion.

It pointed one finger to the sky and one to the ground, reciting a grand vow:

"If I attain Buddhahood, then all beings in the world will attain pure and ultimate freedom..."

Wo Zhou, the Heavenly Devil.

Or perhaps, it should be called...

Shakyamuni Buddha!

Only upon seeing it for the first time did Ji Jingqiu finally understand the true situation of the other party.

The other party's true reliance was that one incomplete authority, and even the countless believer worlds behind the Supreme True Buddha!

Using a perverse method, the Buddha had turned countless believers of the Supreme True Buddha into his own followers, usurping this land of Buddha.

In other words, the nine-tenths core authority in Ji Jingqiu's hands had become "useless."

Additionally, there was a familiar presence.

Almost... a false reality?

Hela's Primordial Divine Power?

No wonder it's Wo Zhou, the Heavenly Devil. With just that incomplete authority, he had already corrupted this land of Buddha into his own domain. Even the Supreme True Buddha, the original owner, had fallen into a state of "unawareness."

Ji Jingqiu suppressed the ripples in his heart, having been cautious from the start. Even when faced with the unexpected, he remained calm, knowing that it was a matter of who had the superior skills.

"When did you sneak into the Federation's territory, and when did you occupy this place?" Ji Jingqiu asked directly, confronting the Heavenly Devil Wo Zhou for the first time.

The previous encounter in the Inner Vision Realm didn't count.

[You guessed my existence in advance and dared to enter here. Do you have something to rely on?]



[Let me guess, is it the Bodhi behind you, or the Nirvana Buddha Kingdom of Mu Shi Tian?]



The voice with its enchanting charm didn't answer but instead asked, "Did no one tell you that it's Mu Shi Tian's last trace in this world? If you use it, he will never return."

"Don't listen to his temptation," Hela said coldly. "You should know that the Heavenly Devil is best at confusing people's minds."

Ji Jingqiu neither agreed nor disagreed with Wo Zhou's words and didn't pay them any mind.

Since the other party didn't answer him, he naturally wouldn't fall into their rhythm.

"Do you want the Fire Dwelling Buddha Hell Contemplation Map or my Bodhi Tree?" Ji Jingqiu asked calmly. "There's no need to go to such lengths. I can lead you into my Inner Vision Realm. It's up to you if you dare."

[Oh? You're so generous, and now I feel embarrassed.]



Wo Zhou's face was filled with fascination as he suddenly pointed at the ground beneath him and at Huang Fuxing and Mu Chengde, who were not far away. With a smile that wasn't quite a smile, he said, [How about we bet on their three lives? If you win, I won't only spare Mu He Shan, but I'll also let him live a little longer.]



Ji Jingqiu observed coldly, paying no attention. Behind him, the Bodhi Tree was absorbing faith power at an astonishing rate, growing vigorously, expanding the Pure Land, and attempting to turn the tables.

A sigh of regret echoed, seemingly blaming Ji Jingqiu.

[It's a shame that you and I, the Shakyamuni Buddha and the Tathagata Buddha, don't gamble on this encounter. But it seems you don't have the heart for it.]



[Never mind, then. Let's make a bet you can't refuse.]



The Buddha revealed his teeth in a smile, forty golden teeth gleaming with a chilling intent that sent shivers down one's spine.

[Let me answer one of your questions first.]



[This strand of my divided consciousness infiltrated two years ago, and the one who responded to me is the Supreme True Buddha before you.]



Ji Jingqiu's eyebrows furrowed. What did this mean?

Did the True Buddha unknowingly open a path for him during the chaos?

The Buddha continued speaking, even sounding somewhat leisurely.

[It's hard to understand? Actually, it's simple. No one can face me for hundreds of years and leave unscathed, even if they're facing only an incomplete me.]



[I've long left my mark in his spiritual core. Whenever I want, I can use it as a gateway.]



"Don't waste time talking to him. Attack!" Hela suddenly shouted in the Inner Vision Realm. "Attack with all your might! He's using my divine power!"

The Buddha, who had manifested in this place, suddenly had a strange expression on his face and laughed softly.

[It's indeed an old friend.]



At that moment, the Bodhi tree behind Ji Jingqiu suddenly emitted endless clear light, resonating with the Nirvana Buddha Kingdom deep within the Ocean of Souls.

A vast Buddhist kingdom spanning countless dimensions and realms faintly manifested in the heavens and earth!

And just then...

The Supreme Buddha below suddenly made a move!

He channeled the power of the Buddhist kingdom, supporting this pure land, as their powers were nearly of the same origin and root, severing Ji Jingqiu's connection with the Nirvana Buddha Kingdom.

But Wu Zhou remained calm and unhurried, speaking slowly:

"You shouldn't have let that Bodhi tree absorb so much of the Supreme Buddha's power of faith and aspiration. This will be a painful lesson."

Ji Jingqiu's heart sank.

Is this also within his opponent's calculations?!

This guy is not of the same breed as the Wu Zhou in the Inner Realm!

He felt an unprecedented sense of oppression, an all-encompassing pressure. Under this overwhelming pressure, he felt insignificant, like a plaything in his opponent's palm, with no room for struggle, even though he had foreseen this.

At this moment, Ji Jingqiu finally understood the kind of enemy that Mu Shi and He Shi had faced ten thousand years ago.

Perhaps only someone like Ji Shuai could match them, even grasping their weaknesses and loopholes!

Ji Jingqiu slowly breathed, his eyes burning with fervor. This unprecedented pressure did not make him despair.

Instead, he felt an unprecedented uplift in his spirit, his fighting spirit boiling.

If he couldn't overcome today's challenge, how could he hope to reunite the Four Devils in the future?

Wu Zhou slowly rose, filling Ji Jingqiu's entire field of vision, the pressure intensifying. He smiled and said:

"Next, I will completely take away the last foundation of Mu He Shan's existence."

"If you don't stop me, this Supreme Buddha will fall into total chaos and madness, burning himself and wreaking havoc in the Federation."

"With his power unleashed without restraint, he could destroy the border defenses before the punishment of the Great Universe Will, or perhaps... enter the Yuan Region and find those four to catch up."

"And if you want to stop me, you must use that so-called nine-tenths of the core divine power to command Mu He Shan to commit suicide."

"I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll choose."

In the Inner Realm...

Hela's expression turned icy, and the rogue remained unchanged, treating all sentient beings as puppets and laughing at the fluctuations of human hearts.

Beside her, the little Wu Zhou, who was being ridden by Fat Tiger, had a barely noticeable mocking look in his eyes.

Even with such means, he dares to be an enemy of 'me'?

He had overestimated Ji Jingqiu and overestimated the means left by Mu Shi Tian!

...

In the Buddhist kingdom above, countless black silk threads drew a reversed blood-red swastika symbol in the heavens and earth.

In this realm, a bloody storm suddenly arose, and countless mournful cries echoed in the heavens and earth. Impurity descended, connecting the underworld, transforming this Buddhist land into a demonic realm.

Wu Zhou smiled, but it wasn't a genuine smile. He was like an observer watching an ant who boasted of its intelligence but was actually arrogant and self-important. Despite knowing that Wu Zhou was present, they still dared to come here.

Even if he couldn't obtain the Shijun's path fruit today, he would still witness the demise of Mu He Shan.

Not to mention...

The path fruit of the Shijun lineage that Wu Zhou sought today was something he was determined to obtain!

Suddenly, the Supreme Buddha, who had manifested as a Buddha, had a sudden change in expression, and the Buddha light around him flickered like rippling water.

A furious roar reverberated through the heavens and earth:

"Mu He Shan?!"

...

Ji Jingqiu's expression remained indifferent.

Today, if he hesitated or didn't make a choice, that senior would probably be disappointed, wouldn't he?

In a fleeting moment of distraction, he made his decision.

Everything is the result of karma and destiny converging upon me.

Without this realization, how can one speak of the Great Way?

Just then, in the demonic realm where heaven and earth had been transformed, a burst of clear light rose, and amidst the sound of chanting, a vague white Buddha appeared.

"What is life like? It's like a flying swan leaving its mark in the snow."

"The swan's mark is left in the snow, but where it flies, no one can tell."

"The old monk has died and become a new pagoda, and the broken walls no longer show the old inscriptions."

"Do you remember the winding road of the past, where the long journey exhausted the donkey's cries?"

A low chanting voice, intermittent and continuous, reached Ji Jingqiu's ears.

It was as if a painting of the impermanence of life was being depicted, and all the experiences of the past were like the swan's mark in the snow, fleeting and eventually fading away...

But above all, there was the practitioner's enlightenment.

At that moment, Ji Jingqiu and the Supreme Buddha locked eyes.

His gaze remained calm, even gentle and transparent, filled with pure compassion, as if he had seen through everything, like a benevolent elder.

Even facing Wu Zhou's oppression, Ji Jingqiu's heart remained unshaken, but at this moment, it trembled!

The familiar words that had resonated not long ago echoed in his heart:

"In the right time and place, especially under the 'corresponding circumstances,' there is an opportunity to establish a Great Aspiration that is recognized by the heavens, the earth, and all sentient beings."

"This guy, despite his limited time, says he wants to pass on the Dharma to you, but he keeps holding you back with his instructions."

What is the right time, place, and circumstances?

Now.

The Heavenly Devil opposes the Buddha, intending to steal the path fruit, bringing calamity to the heavens and all living beings...

Is this... right?!

A 'right' that Mu He Shan personally guided and even prompted?!

A ball of clear flame suddenly rose from the lotus seat beneath the Supreme Buddha, silently burning a Buddha's body.

The entire heaven and earth were illuminated by its pure light.

The sound of meditation filled the heavens and earth, and heavenly flowers fell in abundance.

A solemn and majestic voice, calm and peaceful, reverberated throughout the heavens and earth!

It was as if a Buddha had taken his seat, about to declare a Great Aspiration:

"If I attain enlightenment, when the final calamity arrives, I will illuminate the three thousand realms of Jambudvipa, past and future, between epochs..."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end