"This is the Rebirth Pagoda, the treasured artifact that safeguards our Heavenly Sound Temple."
Master Puhong gazed at the ancient stone pagoda, his eyes filled with reverence.
"This pagoda was built by the founding patriarch of Heavenly Sound Temple, who spent several centuries creating it through supreme Buddhist Dharma."
"Not only is it where generations of eminent monks of Heavenly Sound Temple have passed into nirvana, it is also where the thousand-year fortune of our temple is suppressed."
"Here, no evil demon or heretical cultivator can hide."
"Only here can we ensure that the process of unifying the Heavenly Tome will not be disturbed."
"Enough."
Master Puhong looked at everyone.
"Let us enter."
He raised his withered right hand and lightly waved it through the air.
At his gesture, the tightly shut doors of the stone pagoda slowly opened amid a deep, rumbling roar.
An immense Buddhist power surged explosively from the open gateway.
No one hesitated any longer. Following behind Master Puhong, they walked into the unknown depths of the stone pagoda.
The inside of the stone pagoda was a world unto itself.
The first floor was vast enough to accommodate several thousand people.
At the center of the space stood a massive lotus platform carved from white jade.
There was nothing atop the lotus platform.
Yet it radiated a peaceful glow capable of purifying all things.
Around the platform were rings of meditation cushions formed from golden Buddhist inscriptions.
Clearly, this was where the monks of Heavenly Sound Temple usually chanted sutras and worshipped Buddha.
"Xiaofan."
Master Puhong walked before the white jade lotus platform, then turned and fixed his gaze on the black-robed youth.
"Begin here."
"We will protect you."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan nodded heavily.
He stepped onto the white jade lotus platform and sat