Arrival at Universal Salvation Temple: Mani Relic

The following morning.

The sky was just beginning to lighten.

Xiao Chen and the other two set off from the spirit ship early, heading ahead to Universal Salvation Temple.

The journey from the Shallow Sky Sea to Universal Salvation Temple is actually not far.

But what was somewhat unexpected was that Zhang Shouquan's escape speed was also quite fast.

Of the three, the slowest one was actually the Gang Yuan True Monarch Nascent Soul.

"Oh dear, I didn't expect I'd be the one holding everyone back."

Gang Yuan True Monarch sighed, "Truly, each generation is stronger than the last; we can no longer compare to you young people."

"Please slow down and wait for this old man."

However, despite his words, he didn't seem particularly upset; he was more likely making fun of himself.

"Daoist Gang Yuan is joking."

Zhang Shouquan chimed in, "Everyone has their own strengths; how can one always be the best?"

As the saying goes, "Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me."

"There are many things I should learn from my two fellow Daoists."

Xiao Chen agreed wholeheartedly, "Indeed, it's already quite good to be proficient in one skill."

For example, in the art of array formations, he was the least skilled of the three.

"But why are you two being so polite?"

Xiao Chen changed the subject. "We're all family, there's no need to be so formal with each other, it makes me feel really uncomfortable."

"Oh right, there seem to be some autumn persimmons on the island ahead. I'll go pick out a couple of good ones first, and we'll meet up there later."

As early as after the initial meeting, he had obtained a most detailed map of the Compassion Sea.

According to the markings on the map, the small island we passed earlier had a local specialty called Frost Skin Persimmon, which could barely be considered Third-Order Spirit Fruit.

Unfortunately, Xiao Chen wasn't very lucky.

He arrived early.

The persimmons aren't ripe yet.

However, these were all insignificant little incidents.

The three traveled together and arrived at the outskirts of Universal Salvation Temple in less than eight days.

Strictly speaking, they were more than two thousand miles away from the temple.

However, even from this distance, one could already see the Buddha's light piercing the sky ahead and sense the waves of Spiritual Power emanating from afar.

Moreover, the closer one gets, the clearer the fluctuations in Spiritual Power become.

It was already the middle of the night.

The three could even see occasional bursts of light in the distance, and a few breaths later they heard a violent explosion.

"It's past midnight and they're still fighting over there."

Xiao Chen stopped and observed from a distance. "And it looks like a really intense fight."

Gang Yuan True Monarch also stopped and looked into the distance. "Yes, judging from the situation, there are at least four Great Demon attacking the formation over there."

"Although I had heard from intelligence reports that the Sea Race here were attacking very frequently, I didn't expect them to actually be working day and night without coming here in person."

Let's rest here for a while.

"We'll sneak in when they rotate shifts."

During the battle, the three of them certainly wouldn't be able to rush directly into Universal Salvation Temple, since the Fifth-Order Grand Array wouldn't recognize them.

Only when the attacking Sea Race Great Demon retreat.

Only then could they use the interval to contact Universal Salvation Temple and enter the great formation.

However, the three of them waited for several hours.

It was already noon on the second day.

The Sea Race ' attack showed no signs of stopping; in fact, it intensified even further.

"The daytime offensive seems even more intense."

To avoid being discovered by the Sea Race Great Demon, Xiao Chen had already retreated to a position three thousand miles away.

However, the explosions could still be heard quite clearly, and the frequency was significantly higher than at night.

"I reckon there are about six Great Demon involved in the attack by now."

After observing the fluctuations of Spiritual Power around him for a while Gang Yuan True Monarch said, "It seems that a rotation has already taken place without our knowledge."

"The intervals were just too short, with almost no pauses."

After this situation was discovered.

Zhang Shouquan frowned deeply. "This can't go on."

"If they keep rotating without stopping, then we won't be able to get in at all."

If he can't get in, how can he possibly learn the Fifth-Order Grand Array?

"Daoist Zhang, please don't be anxious. Let's observe the situation for a couple of days first."

Gang Yuan True Monarch was slightly surprised that he was so proactive, but he still comforted him, saying, "Perhaps the Sea Race has only sped up its attack for a short time, and will relax in a couple of days."

"Such a high-intensity attack would not be easy for them to sustain for an extended period."

"What we need to do now is be patient and avoid being discovered prematurely."

The three waited a while longer.

They retreated another 320 li and found a small rock about ten feet in size to rest on.

As soon as he landed, Xiao Chen instinctively reached out to touch the Portable Array Plate.

However, he quickly realized that he had two companions with him this time, so they shouldn't be eaten by the passing bird demons.

So he stopped what he was doing, sat down, and began to meditate.

For Xiao Chen, this was a very useful way to pass the time.

Thanks to Heart Moon Fox's help, he only needed a few breaths to enter a meditative state and immerse himself in cultivation.

In that state, time would pass extremely quickly in the outside world.

It's almost as if a day has passed in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, one will not have any boring thoughts, since one's mind will not be filled with distractions after successfully entering a meditative state.

Regarding Xiao Chen's ability to quickly enter a meditative state almost anytime, anywhere.

Gang Yuan True Monarch had witnessed this many times before, and by now, he was no longer surprised or envious.

However, this was the second time Zhang Shouquan had encountered it.

He originally thought that Xiao Chen was already very impressive for being able to remain calm and composed before entering the New Ruin.

To everyone's surprise, the other party was able to enter a meditative state while facing the Sea Race army, listening to the occasional explosions in the distance and sensing the Spiritual Power fluctuations sweeping around them.

Are you completely calm even in situations like this?

Is it possible to truly eliminate all distracting thoughts in a situation like this?

Isn't this a bit too exaggerated? It's simply not like a normal person.

At the very least, Zhang Shouquan himself couldn't remain calm.

Although he remained calm on the surface, the thought of the Fifth-Order Grand Array made him look up at the distant Buddha light, and he couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Fortunately, he was able to suppress his anxiety with reason and patiently wait for the right opportunity.

This continued for a full three days and two nights.

As the sun set once again, the Sea Race finally ended their relentless attacks, creating a rare opening in the sky.

The instant I sensed the Spiritual Power fluctuations subsiding.

Zhang Shouquan stood up excitedly, wishing he could fly there immediately.

However, when he turned his head and saw Xiao Chen, whose eyes were still closed and who seemed to be wholeheartedly cultivating, he couldn't help but feel anxious again.

We've finally gotten this opportunity; if we delay even a little, we might miss it.

But he doesn't know how Xiao Chen's cultivation is progressing.

Considering the deep meditation that has lasted for more than two days, it is very likely that we are at some kind of critical moment.

If he interrupts now, it might disrupt his true energy or even cause internal injuries.

Ultimately, under normal circumstances, cultivators find it difficult to enter a meditative state in the external world, and they rarely do so.

They are usually located in a safe, Quiet Room or Secret Chamber.

Oh dear, he knew it; nothing good ever came from going with Xiao Chen.

Just as Zhang Shouquan was getting anxious but hesitated to speak,

Gang Yuan True Monarch skillfully called out in a perfectly normal voice from the side, "Daoist Xiao, the Sea Race has stopped. We should set off now."

Then Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes. "Oh, have they calmed down?"

"Then let's not delay, let's go."

ah?

Zhang Shouquan dumbfounded.

No, is that right?

Who is so kind that they can wake up from a deep meditation at the slightest sound?

If that's the case, why didn't the explosions made by the Sea Race wake you up?

He even suspected that Xiao Chen might be faking his meditation and actually be fully conscious the whole time.

Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense.

As someone with experience, Gang Yuan True Monarch easily understood Zhang Shouquan's thoughts from his puzzled look.

So he explained in a low voice, "Daoist Zhang may not know this yet, but even after Daoist Xiao enters a meditative state, he can be awakened at any time by simply calling out softly or making some noise."

"This is indeed a strange thing."

"However, Daoist Xiao is, after all, a cultivation prodigy who appears only once in a lifetime, so it's normal for him to have some extraordinary abilities."

"You'll get used to it after spending more time together."

ah?

Zhang Shouquan was taken aback upon hearing this. "Is... is that so?"

So, the abnormal one is me, and I just need to get used to it, right?

However, he didn't dwell on it too much and set off immediately.

After all, there are many things in the Cultivation World that are difficult to understand.

When you encounter something you can't figure out, unless it's something extremely crucial, the best approach is to put it aside for now and deal with it later when you have the chance.

Otherwise, you wouldn't have time to do anything all day but think about all sorts of strange and unusual things.

Taking advantage of the intervals during which the Sea Race rotate and adjust.

The three quickly approached the large island where Universal Salvation Temple was located.

As the Sea Race Great Demon temporarily retreated, the Buddhist light that had enveloped the entire island dimmed considerably.

Therefore, after closing the distance, Xiao Chen's gaze pierced through the almost completely transparent Spiritual Power Barrier, and he saw the entire island at a glance.

Looking out from the outside, the island's perimeter is lush and verdant, with vast forests of spirit trees, including many Fourth-Tier Spirit Wood.

Upon closer inspection, one can also see eighty-one White Jade Pier scattered along the island's coastline.

At each dock stands a nine-zhang-tall Vajra Warrior Statue, holding Demon Subduing Pestle, with Sanskrit Script flowing around it, responsible for both guarding the coast and being part of the grand formation.

Looking inside, the majestic Brahma Palace stands in the center, its golden roof reaching the clouds, its tiles made of red gold, and its eaves of glazed tiles.

Even under the setting sun, it still radiates golden light and shines brilliantly, as if Spirit Mountain has descended to earth and a Buddhist kingdom has appeared.

Witnessing this scene, Xiao Chen couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, what a huge island, and so many houses!"

This was also Zhang Shouquan's first time visiting this Buddhist Holy Land.

Seeing the endless palaces and thousands of golden roofs, shining like fire under the blazing sun, I wanted to utter a word of praise.

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's words, her throat felt like it was being choked.

After a pause, he commented, "The verdant green is like lotus leaves, and the crimson palace resembles a lotus throne. Truly, the azure sea supports the golden pistil, and the mortal world reveals the Buddhist kingdom!"

"Truly worthy of its reputation as a world-renowned Buddhist Holy Land."

Gang Yuan True Monarch had visited several times in the past, but this time he only glanced at it briefly before looking away.

Then he went straight to the edge of the great formation and began to contact the Zen Master stationed there.

As luck would have it, it was Zen Master Jing Hua who took over the command of the grand formation at this moment.

They had known each other for many years and confirmed their identities almost immediately.

So, after activating the Reconnaissance Formation and confirming that no Sea Race were approaching, he immediately manipulated the array to create a small path.

The three of them then followed the path directly onto the island and entered Universal Salvation Temple.

"Oh dear, Layman Gang Yuan, you've finally arrived!"

Zen Master Jing Hua was visibly excited. "I dare not leave right now, so please let Mingde greet you in on my behalf. Please forgive me if there is any inadequacy in our hospitality."

Mingde Arhat was one of his disciples.

Upon hearing this, he took two steps forward and greeted the three of them.

A little formality is fine!

Gang Yuan True Monarch didn't mind. "Let me briefly introduce you. This is Daoist Xiao Chen, and this is Daoist Zhang Shouquan."

"Then let's go in and pay our respects to Abbot Jingxing first. We can catch up separately later when we have time."

The group nodded to each other in greeting, which was considered a formality.

Then, Mingde Arhat led the way, passing through the Worry-Free Empty Gate Kongmen (Gate of No Worries), the Thousand Buddha Glazed Wall, the Bodhi Altar, the Seven Treasures Pagoda, and finally arriving at the Great Hero Hall in the center.

The square in front of the palace was paved with Gold Bricks, and in the center was a Azure Jade Lotus Pond with Nine Dragons Spitting Water.

Behind the pool stood a huge cauldron, from which wisps of green smoke were rising.

There were piles of Sandalwood Incense and sesame oil nearby, and two young monks were guarding the area to ensure that the incense burned continuously throughout the year.

Mingde Arhat escorted the three of them to the front of the Great Hero Hall, then bowed and took his leave.

Fortunately, the temple doors were already open, and Purified Nature Zen Master was meditating and resting inside, had already seen them.

They've already arrived at the door to greet us.

Zen Master Fa Zhao and Purified Dust Zen Master, who were resting together in the hall, also rose to greet the guests.

The first thing they did was exchange pleasantries and get to know each other.

However, they did not invite the three inside immediately.

The reason for doing this was that, strictly speaking, this was the first formal meeting between Buddhist Dao and Daoism since the start of the war.

Both parties' identities and the significance they represent are extremely important.

Therefore, according to past practice, a series of red tape procedures should be followed first.

Fortunately, Gang Yuan True Monarch had some experience and had already explained most of the precautions on the way here.

Xiao Chen and Zhang Shouquan only needed to follow the steps they had learned in advance to get through the situation.

Even within the Buddhist Sect, the details aren't as meticulous; they just follow the general procedures as is.

The lowest -Zen Master Fa Zhao present, Master Fazhao, walked directly to Xiao Chen's side and whispered a suggestion.

The original tedious steps, such as taking off shoes and clothes and circling three times to the right, have all been omitted.

He simply led the three of them to wash their hands in the Azure Jade Lotus Pond outside the hall, each lit three sticks of incense, and then clasped their hands in respect at the entrance of the hall.

He then led them directly into the hall to pay their respects to the Golden Statue enshrined inside.

Xiao Chen noticed that in the very center was a golden statue of the Three Worlds Buddha, about eighteen zhang tall.

He was enveloped in a faint golden halo, his appearance was solemn, and a so-called "Mani Relic" was embedded between his eyebrows.

It is said that it can see through all the falsehoods of the world and distinguish between good and evil.

On either side of the Three Worlds Buddha stand eight Guardian Vajra statues, all cast in bronze.

They were relatively short, but they were still about three zhang tall.

Each figure has a fierce, wide-open eye and holds various Law Artifact such as the Demon Subduing Pestle, the Demon Quelling Sword, and the Vajra Wheel. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and they look lifelike.

Especially their eyes, which seemed to be scrutinizing those worshipping Buddha in the hall.

There is a sense of authority that comes without anger.

On the left and right sides of the hall are enshrined the Twenty-Four Heavenly Bodhisattvas, some with compassionate smiles, others with solemn majesty, each statue carved from different precious materials.

There is Guanyin Dharma Form made of Pure World Glazed Glass, a Ksitigarbha statue carved from Ten Thousand Year Agarwood, and Manjushri Wisdom Image carved from White Mutton Fat Spirit Jade, among others.

Hundreds of Wish Power Lamps are also placed on the altar, burning continuously throughout the year.

This resulted in a persistent, distinct aroma of Sandalwood Incense and sesame oil permeating the hall.

As for the Three Thousand Buddha Kingdoms Painting depicted on the roof, the Handwritten Buddhist Scriptures hanging on the walls, and the Seven Treasures Incense Burner placed in the four corners, it encompasses everything imaginable.

To show that it was a serious matter.

Zen Master Fa Zhao gestured for everyone to take turns paying their respects.

Of course, Xiao Chen and the others were neither Buddhist Sect disciples nor worshippers, so they did not need to perform grand rituals such as kneeling and bowing.

Simply walk up to the prayer mat, put your hands together, and bow again.

"Then let me go first."

Standing on the far right, Gang Yuan True Monarch was the first to step forward, setting an example for the two behind him.

Then Zhang Shouquan, who was standing in the middle, also stepped forward to pay his respects.

Unexpectedly, just as he stood beneath the Buddha statue and was bathed in its light, a strange change occurred.

A wisp of black mist, about the thickness of a hair, faintly rose from behind.

Immediately afterwards, the Guardian Vajra closest to him also suddenly emitted a radiant light.

He raised the Demon Subduing Pestle in his hand, as if he was about to strike it down at any moment.

"Um?"

Zhang Shouquan certainly wouldn't sit idly by and wait for his death. A layer of Spiritual Power Barrier instantly appeared on his body, and he once again grabbed the foot-long yellow Formation Flag.

He pursed his lips, remaining silent, and warily surveyed his surroundings.

"Abbot Jingxing, what does this mean?"

Gang Yuan True Monarch immediately spoke up to question, "We came here out of kindness to offer our assistance, is this how you treat your guests?"

Actually, he was a little confused at the moment and didn't quite know what had happened.

But no matter what, at this time we definitely have to stand on our own side.

"Layman Gang Yuan, Layman Zhang, Layman Xiao, please don't misunderstand, we absolutely did not mean any disrespect."

Purified Nature Zen Master was taken aback by the situation inside the hall, and then quickly began to explain.

He pointed to the Guardian Vajra, which had been restored to its original state. "Everyone, please look, what just happened was merely an accident, a perfectly timed coincidence."

"It was not caused by any one of us."

The specific reasons for this are a long story.

"After everyone is seated, I will explain in more detail."

However, Zhang Shouquan did not buy it.

Although he lowered his guard slightly, he did not remove the Spiritual Power Barrier and directly asked, "Please tell me now, Abbot, what exactly happened just now?"

"Let's clarify things so that we can dispel our doubts in time."

He was, after all, a rogue cultivator, and was naturally more sensitive than a sect cultivator like Gang Yuan True Monarch.

Although they knew perfectly well that unless the Zen Master of Universal Salvation Temple had all gone mad, they would not dare to attack them at this time, nor would they be foolish enough to give them such Show of Force.

However, I still felt a sense of distrust in the face of such seemingly polite but evasive words.

I'm desperate to know the reason for the anomaly, otherwise I really can't rest easy.

"Well, since that's the case, then I'll get straight to the point."

Seeing this, Purified Nature Zen Master Jingxing was actually slightly dissatisfied.

After all, in his view, the process is not yet fully completed and should not be interrupted.

However, since the other party was in the wrong and failed to explain the precautions beforehand, the misunderstanding was caused.

Therefore, he suppressed his dissatisfaction and began to patiently explain to everyone.

"As you lay Buddhists may have heard, there is a Mani Relic on the head of the Three Worlds Buddha enshrined in our temple, which can distinguish between good and evil in people."

Purified Nature Zen Master pointed to the Golden Statue: "I'm not just boasting, this rumor actually has some basis in reality."

"While it's not as simple as the rumors suggest, where you can clearly distinguish between all good and bad people."

"But any Outer Dao and heretics harboring sins will reveal themselves under the Buddha's light."

"You..." Zhang Shouquan wanted to retort upon hearing this, but reason prevailed and he swallowed the rest of his words.

Purified Nature Zen Master Jingxing smiled calmly at him and said, "Layman Zhang, don't be anxious. It's not only bad people who will trigger the Vajra Glare."

"There are other situations that can also cause the Buddha's light to appear."

"For example, some ruthless killers, some heinous criminals, or innocent people Curse, etc."

"Or perhaps it's just something the lay Buddhist carries, originating from the demonic path."

"It was probably just a misunderstanding; it doesn't mean that Layman Zhang has any problems."

Well, at your level, it's actually quite normal to have something from the demonic path on you.

If a disciple is found to be possessing Devil Creature, it will certainly be a serious crime.

However, if the True Lord is carrying Devil Creature, that's a different story.

Everyone just turns a blind eye and it's all over.

If you are well, and I am well, then everyone will be well.

In short, after Purified Nature Zen Master's explanation, the atmosphere in the hall finally became much more harmonious.

Zhang Shouquan lowered his guard and took the initiative to explain, "Ahem, I encountered a demonic cultivator earlier, so I took action to Exterminate Demons and Defend the Dao, taking away the Devil Artifact he used for evil."

"That must be the reason; it was all a misunderstanding."

Everyone readily agreed, saying "I see," and together they moved on from the matter.

Zen Master Fa Zhao promptly reminded him, "Layman Xiao, it's your turn now."

Xiao Chen readily complied, immediately taking two steps forward and bowing to the Three Worlds Buddha.

No one expected that another strange event would occur inside the hall.

When Xiao Chen stood under the Buddha statue, the entire Three Worlds Buddha shone with Golden Light light, illuminating every corner of the hall.

The Mani Relic on its head looked as if it were on fire.

It burst forth with dazzling golden flames that were almost blinding, like a miniature Great Sun hanging high in the sky.