A Chan riddle

Xu Qi'an's demeanor was like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's hearts, causing the high spirits to subside and the cheers to gradually fade away.

"That little monk halfway up the mountain is the one who sat on the Hero's Terrace in the South City for half a month."

"It is said to be the invincible Vajra of Buddhist School, and indeed it is invincible. Over five days, many heroes and warriors went up to challenge it, but none of them could break its golden body."

At this moment, the people of the capital and the martial arts practitioners from outside the capital recalled the fear of being dominated by Jing Si's indestructible body.

I recalled how remarkable this handsome monk was.

Some residents who did not live in the southern part of the city and were not familiar with the situation reacted strongly after inquiring about it:

"Is that really true? Don't believe everything you hear. Street gossip is always exaggerated and shouldn't be believed."

"It's no exaggeration. I also know that some time ago, a very skilled swordsman made a move, supposedly summoning pebbles as swords—quite remarkable. Yet he still lost to this little monk."

"The Buddhist School is too powerful. Compared to them, we people seem to be struggling and facing numerous difficulties."

The people of the capital were disheartened.

From the contest between Jingsi and Jingchen and their Dharma talks, to the descent of the Dharma image last night, Buddhist School has given the people of Beijing a tremendous impact, leaving a deep and lasting impression.

"This humble monk remembers that Xu Ningyan's ultimate technique is the 'Heaven and Earth One-Slash Slash.' Does he still have the strength to unleash a single slash?" Number Six Hengyuan shook his head, clasped his hands together, and sighed softly:

"The second challenge, the Vajra Formation, is the real combat exercise. He only had the strength for one strike, but he exhausted his power in the Eight Sufferings Formation."

Chu Yuanzhen couldn't help but laugh, "Number Six, you're too stubborn."

Hengyuan frowned, puzzled.

Chu Yuanzhen did not answer, but continued, "However, unless he can unleash a second strike, the second strike that breaks through the Eight Sufferings Formation, he will not be able to sever Jing Si's golden body no matter what."

Inside the pavilion, a heated debate is currently underway.

"If you're not strong enough, you can rest. There's no time limit for this duel. As long as Xu Qi'an can unleash a strike no less powerful than the one before, breaking the Vajra Formation shouldn't be a problem."

After a nobleman expressed his opinion, he was immediately met with rebuttals from others.

The one who refuted the Earl of Weihai was also a nobleman, and his cultivation was not weak. "Does the Earl of Weihai think that strike just now could have been delivered by a mere seventh-rank martial artist?"

The surrounding dignitaries listened intently to the debate between the two.

Biao Biao waved her hand and said in a crisp voice, "Uncle Weihai, Uncle Pingding, you two need to be clear. How confident is that Xu Qi'an in breaking the Vajra Formation?"

The Earl of Pingding was a middle-aged man in his early forties, in his prime, with a robust build and piercing, tiger-like eyes. Upon hearing the Second Princess's question, he rose and bowed, saying:

"Your Highness, in my opinion, Xu Qi'an has no chance of winning."

Biao Biao frowned. "What makes you say that?"

Pingdingbo sighed, "Xu Qi'an is only a seventh-rank martial artist, and even Chu Yuanzhen couldn't break through the golden body of the monk Jingsi, let alone him."

A civil official frowned and said, "Lord Pingding, you may not know this, but although Xu Qi'an is only a seventh-rank official, he is very strong and has twice broken through the hands of a sixth-rank copper-skinned iron-boned martial artist."

Pingdingbo shook his head. "The invincible Vajra of Buddhist School is incomparable to the copper skin and iron bones of martial artists. Besides, this little monk has been holding the fort in the south city for half a month. If Xu Qi'an could win, he would have made a move long ago. Why has he been holding back all this time?"

The civil official who spoke nodded. The Earl of Pingding was a nobleman who had participated in the Battle of Shanhai twenty years ago. His judgment was usually accurate, so if he said so, it was probably true.

After thinking for a long time, Biao Biao couldn't come up with a rebuttal, so she said angrily, "Uncle Pingding, how can you boost the morale of others and diminish your own? What good will it do you if Xu Qi'an loses?"

The Earl of Pingding said helplessly, "I am not trying to boost the morale of others, but Xu Qi'an represents the Bureau of Astronomy in this contest, which also represents the court. I hope he can win, but the odds are too slim."

It should be noted that most of the civil officials and women present were laymen. Seeing Xu Qi'an break through the formation with a single strike, their confidence soared, and smiles bloomed on the faces of the beautiful women.

But now, after listening to the analysis of the expert, the civil officials and their wives realized that the situation was not optimistic.

The Earl of Weihai snorted and said loudly, "Earl of Pingding, how do you know that Xu Qi'an cannot deliver a second strike?"

At this moment, the monk Jingchen, who had been meditating silently, spoke up, "That strike just now must have been delivered with the help of the supervisor. Otherwise, how could a seventh-rank martial artist unleash such terrifying sword energy?"

"A seventh-grade martial artist's physical strength is limited; how can they withstand such an infusion of power?"

Uncle Pingding shook his head; that was exactly what he wanted to say.

The pavilions fell silent. Civil and military officials lowered their heads and drank, while the women deliberately turned their heads away, avoiding looking at the Buddhist School monks.

He was speechless, but still Qi Ingestion.

"Father, what do you think?"

Miss Wang looked at the Grand Secretary with a smile.

The chief minister said calmly, "Observe more, speak less; it's too early to draw conclusions."

Even though he was convinced that Xu Qi'an would be no match for him in a battle of wits, and had already begun to consider his next target, after being proven wrong just now, Chief Minister Wang could no longer make any rash conclusions.

A prime minister, a man of great stature, will not stumble twice in the same place.

"But I have an idea."

Miss Wang smiled, looked at Monk Jingchen, and said loudly, "Master, the Eight Sufferings Formation is used by high- Buddhist School monks to temper their Buddhist hearts. It has nothing to do with combat strength. Even a high-ranking martial artist would find it difficult to break the formation easily, is that right?"

Monk Jingchen nodded. "Rather than sending a high-ranking martial artist into the battle, it would be better to find a young child."

Miss Wang smiled and said, "Master Du'e just said that the Great Feng has three chances, is that right?"

"Nature."

Miss Wang's delicate and gentle face broke into a bright smile, "Now that the Eight Sufferings Formation has been broken, even if Xu Qi'an is exhausted and unable to pass the Vajra Formation, the imperial court can send a high-ranking martial artist to break the formation. Could that Vajra on the mountainside possibly stop him?"

Monk Jingchen was taken aback, then frowned and remained silent.

Everyone's eyes lit up instantly, as if a sudden realization dawned on them, and a variety of thoughts raced through their minds.

No one knew the reason why the supervisor chose a seventh-rank silver gong to fight, and they were all secretly puzzled. Now that Xu Qi'an had broken the Eight Sufferings Formation, Miss Wang had pointed out the advantages and disadvantages.

Everyone's thoughts immediately clicked.

"So Xu Qi'an was just a pawn. Can we let him out now? Let's send in a higher-level martial artist to break the formation."

"Hmm, there are plenty of high-level martial artists in the capital; I imagine they could break through the Buddhist School golden body."

"If we're talking about martial arts, our Prince Zhenbei is undoubtedly the number one in the Great Feng."

The conversation gradually turned to the Prince of Zhenbei.

Miss Wang stole the show. She casually glanced at the area where the Nightwatchers was, and when she saw that Xu Xinnian was also looking at her, she was secretly delighted.

Before their eyes met, Ms. Wang subtly looked away.

"Was that a woman from the Wang family who spoke just now? She seems to be his daughter." Xu Xinnian withdrew his gaze with disdain; he had a very poor impression of the Wang family.

Because the Wang faction and the Wei faction were political enemies, and the Wang faction had persecuted his elder brother several times, Xu Xinnian remembered all of this.

He had long regarded the royalists as his future hypothetical enemy.

"The Prince of Zhenbei is hailed as the most talented martial artist in the Great Feng in the last two hundred years. It's a pity he's not in the capital, otherwise these bald monks wouldn't be so arrogant."

Xu Xinnian heard the woman beside him comment.

"This woman knows a lot; her knowledge is beyond what ordinary women can match. I wonder where my brother got to know such a married woman," Xu Xinnian thought to himself.

"My older brother is also a martial arts prodigy," Xu Lingyue said.

The woman smiled and did not argue.

But Xu Lingyue understood the meaning behind the smile: it was that she was too lazy to argue, just like someone who holds the truth and disdains arguing with someone who argues unreasonably.

Foshan.

Xu Qi'an rested for a while, then continued climbing the steps. He encountered no more obstacles along the way and arrived directly in front of Monk Jingsi.

At this moment, Jingsi's entire body was as if cast in gold, radiating faint golden light.

Envious! If only I could learn this divine skill, my whole body would be golden. The phrase "unyielding golden spear" naturally popped into Xu Qi'an's mind!

"Master Jingsi!"

Xu Qi'an stopped and sat down on the steps below, saying, "Can I rest for a while?"

The young monk Jingsi sat cross-legged, smiled, and nodded. "Please take care of your breathing, benefactor."

Xu Qi'an raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you afraid I'll stab you again?"

Monk Jingsi smiled and said, "With your meridians burning like fire, can you still withstand that force just now?"

"It's not a matter of whether I can handle it, it's just that the skill needs a cooldown." Xu Qi'an grinned.

His body, like a container, had been overloaded by external forces, and now he had entered a state of sagehood. But this was only one reason; another reason was that he could no longer mobilize the power of all living beings.

This is like him only being able to pick up money once a day; he has to wait until tomorrow to continue picking up gold. That's why it's said that skills need a cooldown period.

Using the Secret Method of Number Four to mobilize the power of all living beings— this Secret Method is merely a means to an end. The core issue lies within myself; it's my ability to mobilize the power of all living beings. I suspect this is an upgraded version of strange luck. Clearly, Monk Shenshu knows about this ability of mine, so the Supervisor naturally knows as well. I remember Monk Shenshu saying that he and I are the same kind of people, and that this is even the reason he parasitizes my body. This is a bit chilling to think about!

Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

"Did you become a monk at a young age, Master?" Xu Qi'an asked casually.

Monk Jingsi nodded.

"Does the master practice Zen or martial arts?"

"I practice both Zen and martial arts," Jingsi replied.

"There's such a thing as practicing both Zen and martial arts? This little monk's talent is quite astonishing." Xu Qi'an nodded and said, "I've heard that Buddhist School emphasizes entering the world first, then leaving it. Master, you've been a monk since childhood, you don't even have a home, so what kind of home are you talking about?"

When Monk Jingsi realized that Xu Qi'an wanted to debate Buddhist teachings with him, he remained undaunted and said, "Becoming a monk means cutting off the threads of afflictions and entering the monastic life. You don't need to nitpick over the words."

"This humble monk has practiced Buddhism since childhood, traveled to the Western Regions, and experienced all the hardships of life, including the eight sufferings of human existence."

What utter nonsense about experiencing all eight sufferings of life! You've never even experienced a mortgage, car loan, or exorbitant dowry, and you're telling me you've experienced all eight sufferings of life?

Xu Qi'an thought to himself, "This is what I'm thinking."

"What does the master think of women?" Xu Qi'an asked.

"A bone-scraping dagger!" That was the succinct evaluation of the monk Jingsi.

"It's too early to say that. The master has never even been with a woman, so how can he know that women aren't the most wonderful thing in the world?"

The onlookers heard every word of their conversation.

"Isn't this the Vajra Formation? Why are you starting to talk about Buddhism?"

"This isn't about Buddhist teachings; it's clearly about women. This gentleman's words are truly insightful and resonate deeply with me."

The men all simultaneously revealed a "hehehe" smile.

The woman blushed and secretly spat.

"Oh dear, you dog servant, how can you talk such nonsense?" Biao Biao's face turned red, and she lowered her head slightly.

"Mother, my eldest brother is becoming more and more improper." Xu Lingyue stamped her foot.

The aunt remained silent, feeling somewhat awkward.

Second Uncle Xu was both embarrassed and ashamed. What nonsense was this kid spouting? This place was full of dignitaries and thousands of people watching. He shouldn't have said anything that was too vulgar to be discussed in public.

"This humble monk has indeed never experienced the pleasures of women, but the allure of women is as fierce as a tiger; this is a matter passed down through generations of eminent monks. Please do not try to argue your point." Jingsi remained unmoved.

"As the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained!" Xu Qi'an retorted.

Jingsi was taken aback. "What do you mean by that, benefactor?"

Xu Qi'an remained silent.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. What does this have to do with beauty?"

Perhaps it contains profound truths that we are unable to decipher?

A sense of doubt flashed through the minds of those outside.

"Then I do have a few questions I'd like to ask you, Master," Xu Qi'an stared at him and sneered, "Have you ever supported your parents? Have you ever worked hard to manage a household? Have you ever picked up a hoe and tilled the land?"

"Buddhist School do not engage in production; they spend their days chanting scriptures and reciting Buddha's name, relying on worshippers for sustenance. I ask you, what scriptures do you chant, and what Buddha do you recite?"

"Is it enough to simply walk through the world as an observer to understand the suffering of all beings? Of the eight sufferings of life, you, Jingsi, have only experienced birth, and have not experienced the others."

"You're just a fake monk."

After pondering for a long time, Jingsi replied, "The Buddha observes everything in the world and naturally understands the suffering of the world."

"Good!"

Xu Qi'an nodded, drew his black and gold longsword, and slashed a bloody wound on his arm. He clutched the wound and looked at Jing Si:

"Does the master feel my pain?"

"When a blade is aimed at you, how can you not feel pain?" Jing Si clasped his hands together.

"Then do you know how much pain I'm in?" Xu Qi'an asked again.

Jingsi remained silent. He was protected by Vajra, and the blade could not harm him. He truly could not answer.

"Master, don't you understand?" Xu Qi'an sighed. "This is what you call 'observation.' You only know that I am in pain, but you don't know how much pain I am in. You only know the suffering in the world, but you certainly don't know how much suffering there really is."

"You can't even comprehend the suffering of ordinary people, so how can you talk about saving all living beings? Isn't that a joke? Let me tell you a story."

Jingsi did not speak, but made a listening gesture.

"One year, a severe drought struck the land, and countless people starved to death due to lack of rice. A young master from a wealthy family heard of this and uttered a surprised remark. Master, do you know what he said?"

Jingsi pressed on, asking, "What did he say?"

Xu Qi'an stared at the young monk Jingsi, a mocking smile on his face, and said, word by word, "Why--not--eat--meat--porridge."

Monk Jingsi was struck dumb; his pupils dilated slightly, and his face went blank.

"Well said!"

"The little monk was speechless. Look! The little monk is speechless."

The crowd outside cheered loudly.

Monks are masters of debate and Zen, their words flowing like a flowery language, leaving no one speechless. Yet, Xu Qi'an's words left the young monk from the Western Regions speechless.

This feeling was like defeating them in the area where Buddhist School excels most. From an observer's perspective, the exhilaration was even greater than the satisfaction of Xu Qi'an's sword strike.

Morale was greatly boosted.

The officials in the court watched in silence. Arguing wouldn't break the impenetrable defense; they wanted to see what Xu Qi'an's purpose was.

At this moment, Xu Qi'an threw the black gold longsword in front of Monk Jingsi and said in a deep voice, "Master, if you think what I said is wrong, if you think you can truly experience the hardships of the common people, why don't you give it a try?"

Jingsi raised her head and murmured, "Want to experience it?"

Xu Qi'an nodded. "Take away Vajra Invincible, make a cut on your arm, and you will understand my pain and the true Dharma, instead of 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'"

"No, no," Jing Si shook his head, as if trying to convince himself not to try. "If I take away Vajra Invincible, I will lose."

"Monks are supposed to be detached from worldly desires, yet you, Master, are so fixated on winning and losing; you've already fallen into Lower Vehicle." Xu Qi'an patiently explained.

"Having lost a contest of magic, the master saw a broader horizon and experienced the true Dharma. The master should weigh the pros and cons himself."

Monks are detached from worldly desires and should not be attached to victory or defeat. Why not eat meat porridge? Why not eat meat porridge? Monk Jingsi's expression gradually became complicated, revealing a look of struggle and conflict. He slowly reached out and grasped the black and gold longsword.

Xu Qi'an raised the corner of his mouth.

"I see." Chu Yuanzhen praised, "Jing Si has been practicing Buddhist School since childhood. He may be proficient in Buddhist teachings, but he lacks the experience accumulated in the world. This is his weakness. Xu Ningyan is indeed clever."

Jing Si is like a gifted scion of a noble Aristocratic Clan. He has cultivated in his clan since childhood. He has acquired strength, but his State of Mind is not perfect. He lacks experience and maturity.

"Amitabha Buddha." Hengyuan chanted the Buddha's name, his heart filled with sorrow.

He thought of his junior brother Heng Hui, whom he had personally mentored. Heng Hui was also a highly talented Buddhist disciple, but he lacked worldly experience and had become swayed by worldly desires, which led to a great disaster.

Well done! The civil officials' eyes lit up, and they secretly cheered.

Attacking cities is inferior to attacking hearts and minds; this move subtly aligns with military strategy, achieving a sublime level of artistry.

Compared to the fighting and killing, Xu Qi'an's action of breaking the Vajra Formation resonated more with the civil officials.

The thought involuntarily resurfaced: It's a pity this child doesn't study!

Instinctively, the next thought surfaced: Xu Pingzhi is not a human being.

The Prime Minister nodded to himself. Xu Qi'an's actions gave him a sudden sense of enlightenment; this was a countermeasure he had not considered before.

During the tax silver case, he didn't know Xu Qi'an was. He only started paying attention to him after the Sangbo case. Suddenly, he realized that this young man had a limitless future.

Unfortunately, he was Wei Yuan's man; he could only be an enemy, not an ally.

At that moment, amidst the chanting of Buddhist mantras, a voice echoed in the sky, "Jingsi, you are attached to appearances."

These words not only echoed in everyone's ears, but also reached the painting and the ears of the monk Jingsi.

The handsome young monk, as if struck by lightning, withdrew his hand and quickly clasped his hands together, chanting Buddhist mantras incessantly.

Gradually, his eyes regained their clarity.

"You bastard!"

The Grand Secretary Wang slammed his cup down and rose in fury, shouting, "Lohan, can't Buddhist School afford to lose?"

Behind Wei Yuan, the nine Golden Gongs rose simultaneously and gripped their sword hilts.

The monk Jingchen said calmly, "If the supervisor can secretly assist, why can't the Buddhist School?"

He was convinced that Xu Qi'an's attack just now was due to the secret assistance of the supervisor, or that the supervisor had planted a corresponding method in his body beforehand.

Chief Minister Wang sneered, "Does the Buddhist School dictate the principles of this world? You say the Supervisor will lend a hand, and he will?"

The high-ranking officials and nobles showed anger, but were generally restrained. The onlookers and unruly martial arts figures, however, did not care about such things. There was a cacophony of curses, and some even charged at the imperial guards.

"Shameless bald monk, this is clearly cheating! We don't care, the Vajra Formation has been broken."

"For a dignified Buddhist School to be so shameless, if the Buddhist School wins today's contest of magic, we will not acknowledge it."

"."

Master Du'e ignored the thunderous insults, glanced at Jingchen, and said calmly, "Aren't you also attached to appearances?"

"This disciple knows his sins." Jingchen bowed his head.

"How could the monks outside the arena hear my conversation with Jingsi like this? A battle of magic can be both a literary contest and a physical one, each relying on their own abilities. Forcing interference from outsiders is going too far, "Xu Qi'an thought to himself, secretly annoyed.

He immediately stopped speaking and sat cross-legged to practice breathing exercises.

A quarter of an hour later, Xu Qi'an opened his eyes, picked up the black gold longsword, and sheathed it.

Holding the hilt of his sword, Xu Qi'an declared loudly, "I will only strike once. After this strike, life or death is your own responsibility."

The sound traveled outside through the painting.

Only one strike?!

Whether you're an expert or a novice, a commoner or a nobleman, everyone who hears this finds it unbelievable.

Was it said in anger?

Xu Qi'an calmed all his emotions and suppressed all his energy. The energy within his body collapsed inward, and his Dantian became like a black hole. This was an essential power-gathering process for the Heaven and Earth Slash.

Since you're cheating, don't blame me for using cheat codes. He closed his eyes, and his mental energy collapsed and contracted in sync, connecting with a massive amount of Qi and Blood and qi within his body.

That was the Essence Blood of the monk Shenshu.

On his way back to the capital from Yunzhou, Xu Qi'an absorbed this drop of Essence Blood and was resurrected thanks to the immortal Essence Blood of a martial artist, but some of its power remained within his body.

Upon seeing the Arhat of Du'e bring Jingsi into the formation, Xu Qi'an immediately realized that he could not get around this "Vajra" no matter what. With the blessing of the Buddhist School secret realm, the Vajra was invincible, and Xu Qi'an could not possibly cut it with his strength.

At that time, he hid in the Bureau of Astronomy and communicated with the monk Shenshu. The Bureau of Astronomy was the territory of Warlock, so there was no need to worry about being discovered by the Arhat Du'e.

The monk Shenshu suggested that the body should mobilize its Essence Blood to release this remaining, indigestible energy.

This power would not reveal the existence of Monk Shenshu. In order for Xu Qi'an to absorb the immortal essence in the blood, Monk Shenshu had already worn away its "attributes".

It is now essentially just the essence of a warrior.

The power that had been dormant within his body revived, flowing into Xu Qi'an's limbs and bones, transforming into pure Qi.

The Buddhist realm was windless, yet Xu Qi'an's robes fluttered without wind. He remained with his eyes closed, like a sleeping overlord slowly awakening.

The heavens and earth trembled and shook at his revival.

"What's going on? Am I seeing things? Why does it feel like the world is trembling?"

"It's Foshan, Foshan is trembling, it's Foshan is trembling."

Suddenly, someone outside the arena shouted in alarm, "It's Xu Qi'an! He's about to draw his sword!"

No one is blind; everyone can see that it was Xu Qi'an who caused the uproar in Foshan.

"Amitabha!"

Jingsi remained motionless, his hands forming Method Formula, yet the clouds within the Buddhist realm stirred, scattering fine golden light that merged into his golden body.

As a result, the golden body became even more dazzling and radiant, emitting countless rays of light, like the rising sun.

A perfect match!

Huaiqing suddenly stood up, stepped out of the shade and looked up. Her eyes met the dazzling golden light, and she stared intently, holding her breath.

More people stood up and came out of the shade. They looked up, their eyes wide, and they even forgot to breathe.

This included Chief Minister Wang.

Wei Yuan slowly rose, strolled outside the pavilion, and leisurely said, "The roc rises with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles high."

Was this also within your expectations, Duke Wei?! The men with golden gongs watched his retreating figure.

Clang!

The sound of the sword being drawn was like thunder, resounding throughout the heavens and earth.

There is no other knife in the world that has garnered such widespread attention and captivated the hearts of countless people.

There is no other sword in the world so resolute, as if it would rather shatter into pieces than cut everything in its path.

Of course, there aren't any knives in the world that are that fast, so fast that they can't be seen with the naked eye.

However, the eyes of the onlookers clearly saw the golden statue shatter, and the layers of golden light were blown away like mist; it was the unparalleled sword intent that drove away the golden light.

The Vajra statue that had remained undefeated outside the south city for half a month, and the golden statue that had been the object of the city's people's resentment for five days, finally fell.

On the field, Xu Qi'an stood proudly.

Jingsi slumped down, the knife wounds on his chest and abdomen penetrating to the bone, revealing damaged organs. His face was deathly pale, and he could no longer maintain the meditation posture.

The fine golden light reassembled and flowed into his wounds, repairing his flesh and blood.

"I've said it before, I'll only strike once!" Xu Qi'an said calmly.

At that moment, the entire capital city fell silent.

There was a silence of about four or five seconds, and then, suddenly, a wave of sound came.

Some screamed, some cheered, and some even shed tears, sweeping away the pent-up frustration of the past few days.

"Our Great Feng is the legitimate successor of the Nine Provinces, and its civil and military achievements are unparalleled!" a scholar shouted hoarsely.

"Xu Shikui is unparalleled in Martial Dao, the best in the world."

At this moment, everyone remembered the words that had just come from the secret realm: I will only strike once!

Only now did they understand the confidence and boldness in those words.

Standing Star-Gazing Tower, Emperor Yuanjing faced the clamor and witnessed the fervent fervor and passionate fervor of his people.

"The Vajra Formation is broken."

The old emperor smiled sincerely, "Supervisor, you are indeed confident. Good, very good. Xu Qi'an is also very good; he has lived up to the court's expectations."

"Heroes have always emerged from among the young."

Miss Wang heard her father murmur softly.

He truly is an extraordinary hero. Miss Wang thought to herself as she glanced around and saw many familiar young ladies from prominent families gazing at the proud young man standing on the steps of Foshan with infatuated eyes.

Among them were some still-attractive noblewomen, their gazes intense and unwavering as they stared intently at the young man.

Even the top scholar wasn't as glamorous as him, Miss Wang added in her mind.

Thump, thump. Biao Biao heard her own heart pounding like a drum, a pounding sound she hadn't heard in over twenty years.

Xu Lingyue was somewhat mesmerized by her illustrious older brother.

Auntie clicked her tongue. "Master, after this battle of wits, our doorstep will be worn down by matchmakers, won't it?"

Xu Pingzhi's eyes were filled with tears, his face beaming with relief.

My older brother is getting stronger and stronger. He's making rapid progress in Martial Dao, and I can't fall too far behind. Xu Xinnian quietly clenched his fist.

Even when the Prince of Huai was young, he wasn't as dazzling as him, the old aunt thought.

"Master, please take good care of yourself."

Xu Qi'an sheathed his sword and continued climbing the mountain.

Wandering through the misty mountains and forests for a quarter of an hour, the view suddenly opened up before us. There were jagged rocks and sparse vegetation, and a huge Bodhi tree stood there, with an old monk sitting cross-legged beneath it.

Xu Qi'an knew this was the third challenge.

He was now close to reaching the summit.

After passing this stage, there should be another stage at the summit, the final one. Xu Qi'an clasped his hands together. "Master, what will we compete in this stage?"

The old monk chanted Buddhist mantras and said slowly, "Your mind is not at peace."

"He's acting like an old Zen master the moment he opens his mouth," Xu Qi'an thought to himself, and retorted, "Why must we be still?"

"When the mind is calm, there is Dharma; when there is Dharma, there is Buddha; when there is Buddha, one can transcend the sea of suffering," the old monk replied.

"Why do we want to escape this sea of suffering?" Xu Qi'an asked again.

"Why not transcend it?" the old monk countered.

"Why should we transcend it?" Xu Qi'an retorted.

"Why not transcend it?" the old monk said slowly.

What are they saying?

"You can't even understand Zen koans?"

"You understood? Then tell me."

"Nonsense, if I could understand it, I'd be a high monk. But it's precisely because I can't understand it that it contains profound mysteries."

"I see."

The people outside whispered among themselves, their reactions varying. Some frowned, scrutinizing every word of their conversation, trying to glean profound wisdom from it.

Some people nodded slightly or shook their heads, looking as if they had figured it out.

Then, everyone, from royalty to commoners, heard Xu Qi'an say:

"Master, let's speak like normal people. I was just making things up."

P. S.: The little mare's price has gone a bit too far!!!! I've already been ridiculed by several authors.

Thank you to "Lanling and Flower" for the generous donation.

Two chapters at most, and this part of the story will be finished. What a relief! Oh, not yet, I still have to keep working hard.

That's all for today's long chapter, as I mentioned at the end of the chapter this morning.