Chapter 7: The Daoist Master and the Plump Tiger

Chapter 7: The Daoist Master and the Plump Tiger

A Broader World...

Yang Laoguanzhu was undoubtedly an excellent teacher.

With just a few words, Ji Jingqiu's heart raced, and he began to dream of things he had never dared to before.

The Martial Dao of this world was not simple; anyone could realize this from the news.

But for Ji Jingqiu, even staying alive had been a challenge, let alone having the leisure to fantasize about the Federation's Martial Arts system, which could only be practiced at the age of sixteen.

It wasn't until this morning that Mu Zailaoshi told him that the Martial Dao could save his life.

And now, Yang Laoguanzhu was directly and vividly pointing out two paths for him.

Two paths to thoroughly escape from the Nete Poison Syndrome!

"Yang Shi, why can't the Federation's Martial Arts be practiced until the age of sixteen?" Ji Jingqiu suddenly asked.

"There are many influencing factors. For example, the current Foundation Stance is extremely effective and overwhelmingly powerful."

"In ancient times, this was considered a heretical demonic cultivation method, seeking quick results, but it damages both the body and the spirit. The faster you cultivate, the faster you die."

"Since it's a demonic cultivation method, it naturally has certain requirements for the body. Sixteen is the baseline for complete physical development. If you're younger, you'll encounter problems halfway through your cultivation."

"But the most critical factor is the influence of the Mind Sea."

Yang Laoguanzhu briefly explained.

Ji Jingqiu was startled. "So, the current Foundation Stance is a heretical fast-track demonic cultivation method from novels?!"

"Is it because people's physical qualities are stronger now than in ancient times that they can practice demonic cultivation?" he asked tentatively.

He had lived until now and didn't feel any stronger than his previous life.

Could it be that he was holding back human evolution?

"Silly boy, it's the medical technology," Yang Laoguanzhu chuckled. "The current Martial Dao secret medicines, if used in ancient times, would be comparable to sacred medicines, sufficient to make up for the physical deficiencies caused by the Foundation Stance."

"Then, what is the Mind Sea factor?" Ji Jingqiu asked with confusion.

Yang Laoguanzhu suddenly turned serious. "Don't try to find out the answer to this question yet. Have you already ignited your Heart Flame?"

He quickly realized that Ji Jingqiu lacked basic knowledge of the Martial Dao, so he described in detail the possible scenarios that might occur when igniting the Heart Flame.

This made Ji Jingqiu instantly think of the flame he had witnessed earlier, burning in the darkness, and he nodded hurriedly.

Yang Laoguanzhu's expression said it all.

He warned, "The Mind Sea is also known as the Mind Wilderness, and it's extremely dangerous!

Before you fully construct your Visualization Diagram, don't attempt anything! Otherwise, you'll most likely get lost in it and never return, becoming a permanent vegetable!"

Ji Jingqiu became alert and nodded solemnly, then asked, "Then, what does it mean to fully construct the Visualization Diagram?"

Yang Laoguanzhu gestured for him to look at the Visualization Diagram behind him and said, "For Mental Cultivation, you first enter a state of concentration. After entering concentration, you can try to construct the divine form of the Visualization Diagram in your inner world.

For example, our martial arts academy's Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram emphasizes climbing a mountain. In your inner world, you construct a mountain, climb it, and on both sides, there are rustling bamboo forests. At the peak, you hear the faint sound of a tiger's roar...

The final step is to construct the evil tiger at the summit, both in form and spirit. Once everything is in place, you must subdue the evil tiger in your heart, letting it protect and guide you.

At this point, your Mental Cultivation is considered complete. You can use this anchor to explore the Mind Sea."

Ji Jingqiu looked at the Visualization Diagram, once again amazed at how well it was drawn. With just a few strokes, the divine form of the evil tiger was clearly outlined.

It was as if, with a single glance, the image was deeply imprinted in his mind, never to be forgotten.

"Yang Shi, can the Visualization Diagram be cultivated multiple times?"

"Of course, but it's very time-consuming. Do you know how long it took me to cultivate the Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram, from the beginning to its completion?"

"How long?"

"A full five years!"

"That long?" Ji Jingqiu exclaimed.

"It's not that bad."

Yang Laoguanzhu smiled, with a hint of pride and restraint.

"After all, our martial arts academy's Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram is a Middle-Rank Mental Cultivation method, and its upper limit is quite high."

"And during those five years, I wasn't just cultivating the Mental Cultivation method; I was also tempering my physical body."

"As for you, it might only take..."

He paused for a moment, then spoke solemnly, "Half a year! You've already entered concentration at the age of sixteen, and your talent far surpasses mine!"

Ji Jingqiu gazed at the Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram on the wall, not daring to speak.

Yang Laoguanzhu glanced at the sky and said, "It's getting late today. Let's end our conversation here. Tomorrow, come to the martial arts academy, and I'll personally teach you the Foundation Stance."

"Thank you, Yang Shi!"

Yang Laoguanzhu gave his final instructions, "If you want to use Mental Cultivation to escape worldly suffering, that's fine. Just don't continue constructing the Visualization Diagram."

"I understand."

After Ji Jingqiu left, Yang Laoguanzhu called Yang Yao into the room.

Not long after, Yang Yao's loud voice could be heard.

"Master, do you need to change your medicine?"

Yang Yan couldn't help but sigh, "Change what medicine? You know how my injury is doing."

Yang Yao closed the door and joked, "It's a wonder you thought of pretending to be injured."

"If I didn't get injured, how would those big shots take me seriously?"

"This time, we disrupted a crucial step in their plan. These beasts will definitely not let it go."

"And if you want me to seek revenge, now is the best time."

Hearing this, Yang Yao's expression turned serious.

As Yang Yan's foster son, Yang Yao was well aware that his master had come to Taian City three years ago to open the martial arts academy, specifically targeting the Supreme Buddha Sect!

"Why is the Supreme Buddha Sect so interested in Taian City?" Yang Yao frowned, "Not to mention Taian City, but even the entire Dong Sanhuang Planet doesn't seem to have anything worth their attention."

"Don't forget that this was once the residence of the Ji Family Patriarch," Yang Yan said meaningfully.

Yang Yao shook his head, "That was thousands of years ago. The Ji Family has relocated their main branch thousands of years ago. This planet has long been in decline."

Suddenly, he thought of something and exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be because of that rumor about the 'Dao Treasury'? Don't be ridiculous, if there really is a 'Dao Treasury' left by Ji Shuai, it's not their turn to get it, and it's impossible for it to have been overlooked until now."

About a few decades ago, a rumor spread from an unknown source. It was said that before his death, Ji Shuai had left a 'Dao Treasury' in his residence, waiting for a destined person to find it.

This rumor became inexplicably popular.

It was mysterious and completely unfounded.

However, since it involved a legendary figure, it still attracted many people to Dong Sanhuang Star to see the commotion.

Of course, in the end, this rumor was also identified as a "conspiracy" by the Dong Sanhuang Star Culture and Tourism Bureau.

"Maybe they have their own opinions," Yang Yan said nonchalantly. "I've already had secret talks with the Public Security Bureau and the Security Agency.

I asked them, if I hadn't been there that day, what kind of situation would Taian City have faced next? Following this line of thought, it's not difficult to deduce what they want to do."

Upon hearing this, Yang Yao couldn't help but feel a chill.

The Supreme Buddha Sect, an illegal organization and underground society, was designated by the Federation as a key target for suppression.

Not long ago, at the Taian City Martial Arts Convention, the Supreme Buddha Sect joined forces with several lower-level gangs and launched a suicide attack. Their target was the specially invited guests of the Martial Arts Convention—the big shots of Taian City.

If it weren't for the Master's decisive intervention and his strength far exceeding expectations, the other side might have succeeded this time.

In that case, Taian City would undoubtedly have faced chaos, and many departments would have had to undergo significant leadership changes.

Following the Master's line of thought, this was the situation the other side wanted to create.

If they just wanted to create chaos, it would be understandable.

But what if it was for the latter?

Wouldn't that mean their plan had already penetrated the core of various departments in Taian City? Those who had the potential to rise and succeed as deputy heads of departments might all have connections with the Supreme Buddha Sect!

"Wait and see, Taian City is about to get very lively."

Yang Yan spoke casually, as this was a headache for those bureaucrats, not him.

He added, "By the way, starting tomorrow, I'll personally take care of Ah Qiu. Hmm... and let's include Zhang and Luo, those two little guys. After receiving so many benefits, we should give them some special treatment."

Ah Qiu?

Yang Yao was surprised and asked, "Are those three starting with the Foundation Stance tomorrow? Do you have to personally guide them?"

However, he didn't dwell on this topic.

It was more convenient for the Master to handle it himself.

But as he thought about how Ji Jingqiu was still in a state of concentration when he left the room, Yang Yao couldn't help but ask curiously, "That kid Mei Jie sent over, is his talent so impressive that even you are moved?"

Yang Yan suddenly looked at him with a disdainful gaze, leaving Yang Yao puzzled and scratching his head, wondering what illness had suddenly struck his Master.

Yang Yan sighed and left, letting out a soft sigh, "Ah Qiu has autonomously entered concentration and ignited his Heart Flame, waiting for the Dragon Gate to open on its own in the future."

Yang Yao's expression froze.

At just sixteen, he had already entered concentration and ignited his Heart Flame?! The Heavenly-Human Gate is also known as the Dragon Gate.

During his Body Forging period, he had struggled for an entire year just to open the Dragon Gate! And Ji Jingqiu, who hadn't even formally started training, had already ignited his Heart Flame. Once his pulse opens, the Dragon Gate could open at any time.

To ignite the Heart Flame, one must either take the soft approach or the hard approach.

The soft approach emphasizes the principle of causality, like how Ji Jingqiu, upon his first concentration, inexplicably ignited his Heart Flame. The hard approach requires mastering the Visualization Diagram and entering the Mind Sea, forcibly igniting the Heart Flame.

Yang Yao sighed inwardly.

Mental cultivation was extremely challenging. He had started practicing the Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram three years ago, and to achieve mastery, he estimated it would take at least another year.

Wait, that's not right...

By his calculations, it would take him over four years to master the Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram, already surpassing his Master's record.

Why was he looking down on him?!

...

...

Night fell.

One by one, the streetlights hanging horizontally between the sycamore trees flickered to life.

The food street was enveloped in a smoky atmosphere, and the aroma of cumin-spiced lamb skewers wafted through the air.

"Mr. Li, our mistake this time..."

The man with a skull tattoo on his neck, dressed in a suit, sat like a needle on a hot pan.

The usual fierceness and ruthlessness in his eyes had turned into urgency and anxiety as he tried to explain to the person before him.

The person he was talking to was a man with a buzz cut, sitting at a roadside stall. He was meticulously adding three drops of sauce to a plain noodle dish with only a few vegetable leaves, his movements precise.

His skin was sickly pale, and even though he appeared calm, he gave off a chilling aura that seemed to penetrate the bones.

In the eyes of the tattooed man, he was even more terrifying.

The man before him, named Li Buyi, was from the Supreme Buddha Sect. He was known for his ruthless killing methods, which made the tattooed man shudder.

"The hidden strength of the Yangyan Martial Arts Academy's Grandmaster, which they've kept hidden for three years! They're like..." The tattooed man's Adam's apple bobbed as he stammered, trying to explain, but his mind went blank, and he forgot most of the prepared statements he had rehearsed.

"Like they were specifically waiting to ambush us."

Li Buyi kindly reminded him.

"Yes, yes, yes!" The tattooed man exclaimed, "Our people have tested them three times in the past three years, and each time, the old Grandmaster took action. Yet, their rating was only at the Mind Wandering Realm. This doesn't make sense!

Those who run martial arts academies should demonstrate their strength to attract more students. But they..."

The tattooed man continued, "They actually concealed their strength! This is not normal!"

Li Buyi stirred his noodles thoughtfully, saying, "Perhaps your people are too weak, and that's why you couldn't test their true strength. Even at the Taian City Martial Arts Convention, that old man was rated at the Mind Wandering Realm. He's deliberately hiding his strength!"

Li Buyi nodded, expressing regret, "This operation, which we planned for half a year, still ended in failure.

President Wang, can you still organize a second raid?"

The tattooed man grimaced, "Mr. Li, these days we've been jointly suppressed by the Public Security Bureau and the Security Agency. Our gang has suffered heavy losses, and it's impossible to organize a second raid in a short time."

Li Buyi sucked in a mouthful of plain noodles and frowned.

Why is this vinegar so sour? His mood suddenly turned gloomy, and he glared at the tattooed man, "Then what use do I have for you?"

The tattooed man quickly spoke in a low voice, "Our cooperation with your sect has an agreement..."

"Alright then." Li Buyi interrupted him, "I'm about to break through the Provider stage, so I need your gang to be my angel investor and help me develop a hundred believers." The tattooed man's expression changed, his joy mixed with fear.

The internal ranking system within the Supreme Buddha Sect was extremely strict, and they had their own set of rules for promotion.

From Shallow Believers to Devout Believers, and then to those with Fruit Stage or core members with titles.

Li Buyi's title was Blood Arhat, which belonged to the Arhat rank, placing him in the upper-middle tier of the Supreme Buddha Sect.

Shallow Believers and Devout Believers corresponded to Body Forging and True Seed respectively.

Arhats were divided into three levels: Slayer of Robbers, Non-Birth, and Provider, corresponding to the third to fifth realms of Martial Dao.

Provider was the highest rank of Arhat.

Li Buyi was about to break through the Provider stage, indicating that he was currently in the fourth realm of Martial Dao, sharing the same realm as the master of Yangyan Martial Arts Academy. He was also not far from reaching the fifth realm.

As allies, the tattooed man naturally hoped for Li Buyi's strength to grow stronger.

Once Li Buyi broke through the fifth realm and forged his Heart Image Domain, that Yang Laoguanzhu would be easily defeated!

In the entire Taian City, there would be no match for him!

But...

The Provider stage of the Supreme Buddha Sect was extremely unorthodox.

The Provider stage referred to the need for them to receive spiritual offerings from others.

The offerers were also known as "Flesh and Blood Candles."

Their entire essence, energy, and spirit would become nourishment for the Provider.

One hundred people meant one hundred lives.

These lower-level gang members were already scum, with a few lives on their hands, but one-hundred lives was a different story, especially when it involved draining their essence, energy, and spirit in the most cruel way...

Cold sweat broke out on the tattooed man's forehead, and for the first time, he felt regret gnawing at his heart.

"Mr. Li, isn't a hundred people too many...?"

Li Buyi's smile didn't fade as he said, "I heard that Old Meng and the others received quite a lot of investment from President Wang. Why is it that when it comes to me, it's suddenly too much?"

The tattooed man grimaced.

Old Meng and the others, whom Li Buyi mentioned, were also Arhat rank members of the Supreme Buddha Sect. In the recent operation, they were killed on the spot by the master of Yangyan Martial Arts Academy.

Those few were only at the first level of the Arhat rank, equivalent to the third realm of Martial Dao. Even with their requirements, it was just a few lives, and they could easily make up the numbers with vagrants.

But now, it was a hundred people from the start...

Li Buyi put down his chopsticks, wiped the corners of his mouth, and said slowly, "President Wang, the task from above must be completed. The higher-ups have given a strict order.

These past few days, I've been thinking about it, and I've realized that my strength is still too weak. That's why I'm preparing to give it my all, and I hope President Wang won't hinder my path to Buddhahood, or else..."

His voice abruptly stopped.

Li Buyi's gaze suddenly fell on a teenager walking past him.

His eyes were fixated with surprise and joy.

He watched as the teenager ate his way from the street to the end of the alley, eventually disappearing from sight. It took a while for him to snap out of it.

A delighted and manic smile appeared on the corners of his mouth.

Such deep Zen intent...

Such a strong connection to Buddhism...

This was a superior raw jade, a future Buddhist disciple! This child has a connection with Buddhism!

...

After having dinner at the snack street, Ji Jingqiu returned home, finished washing up, and went back to his room.

He hung the Flame Prison Buddha Hell Visualization Diagram on the wall opposite him, then sat on the bed, adjusting his body, breath, and mind.

After a moment, he gradually entered a state of concentration.

His mind returned to the Pure Land.

The small Bodhi tree, bathed in crystal radiance, swayed gently, as if greeting him.

In addition to the already limited space, there was a new tenant.

Looking at the tiger cub lying on the ground, showing its belly and acting cute, Ji Jingqiu couldn't help but reach out his sinful hand.

He gave it a rub! Although it was in the mind's world, the sensation felt real, and its fur was similar to that of a cat, probably because it was a feline.

"You're not skinny at all... By the way, where's your saber?"

Ji Jingqiu muttered as he rubbed the chubby tiger cub. He felt that this thing didn't match the names "Hungry Tiger" or "Fierce Tiger," and it should be called "Plump Tiger."

Hearing Ji Jingqiu's question, the tiger cub blinked its wet eyes, which were clear and devoid of any wisdom.

Earlier, Yang Shi praised him as a genius, saying that he could achieve the Hungry Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram within half a year.

But in reality, he had only taken a glance, and a tiger cub appeared in his inner world.

This was clearly not quite the same process as Yang Shi had described.

There was no climbing a mountain, no rustling bamboo forest, and no saber-wielding fierce tiger, only a cute tiger cub.

After taking a few puffs of the Plump Tiger, Ji Jingqiu looked up and gazed into the distance.

The world outside the Pure Land was still a sea of blood, with the entire world engulfed in flames.

He had originally wanted to confirm his current realm based on Yang Shi's description.

But now, he found it difficult.

Which step did he belong to? It was unclear... completely unclear!

His mental cultivation method was obviously different from others.

According to Yang Shi's standards, one should construct a divine form and then subdue the fierce tiger to achieve the completion of the visualization method.

But did he now count as having subdued the fierce tiger, allowing it to be driven by him, thus completing the Hungry Tiger Devouring Saber Diagram? Ji Jingqiu lowered his head.

Between his legs, the tiger cub exuded a sense of joy and closeness, rubbing against him without any hesitation.

Ji Jingqiu quickly dismissed this unreliable thought.

He didn't know if this thing had been weaned.

Even if it allowed itself to be driven, for now, it only knew how to act cute.

He couldn't help but rub the fluffy tiger's head again.

The texture felt so good!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end