Primordial Immortal Light

Qi Yun nodded slightly, his gaze still fixed on the faintly visible Buddha light in Bluestone Town below the mountain, and said calmly, "Hmm."

Since the formation of this Dharma Body, a celestial light has emanated from the Ancestral Aperture on its forehead, its mystery beyond words.

For some time now, I've been trying to understand its mysteries, but I've always been like someone trying to see flowers through a fog, unable to find the right approach.

He paused, a barely perceptible hint of emotion in his voice. "On the contrary, after learning about the matter of the True Lord Wudao, and after going through a period of emotional turmoil and seeing through some of the illusions of attachment, my mind became clear again."

Within that celestial light, I glimpsed a trace of the True Intention of this Dharma Body.

Upon hearing this, Cai Kun's small eyes lit up, and he leaned forward, saying, "Oh? Tell me quickly!"

Although Cai Shen was a soldier of the Tang Dynasty.

But this Supreme Dao Foundation is extremely rare throughout history, even in the Great Tang it was as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Qi Yun raised his right hand, his five fingers spread out, palm facing upward.

A faint, hazy light, seemingly containing the primordial essence of all things, emerged from his palm and slowly rotated.

"My [Primordial True Body] is formed by taking [the Great Luo Heaven] as its root, and by merging the Qi and Blood of the physical body with the sublimation of the Great Dao."

Its most fundamental mystery is of the same origin as the source of the Great Luo Heaven's rule over all laws and the evolution of all phenomena.

The faint, chaotic light in his palm subtly changed with his voice, its color shifting from chaotic to clear, revealing intricate Sanskrit characters flowing within.

It slowly emitted a pure Buddhist aura that subtly resonated with the Great Light Manifestation behind its head!

"As long as there is a complete lineage of tradition as a guide."

Qi Yun continued, his voice profound. "I can then use this as a foundation to transform all my cultivation, Daoist essence, and even external manifestations, and merge them into another Dao."

Even more wonderful is----"

He slowly closed his five fingers, and the clear Buddhist light receded like the receding tide, returning to chaos.

When it unfolded again, it transformed into a pure, sharp, and thunderous Daoist Sword Qi!

"Under the premise that one's own foundation remains intact, one's own path and the path of others."

I can repeat as I please, changing my mind as I wish.

Cai Shen stared in disbelief, his mouth slightly agape. After a long while, he suddenly slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Incredible! Incredible!"

Doesn't this mean that your entire being is a mandala of myriad laws?

"Can you become a Daoist priest just because you want to, or a monk just because you want to?"

"That's exactly right." Qi Yun dispersed the strange phenomenon in his palm and stood with his hands behind his back. "In my early years, when I was still a Qi Refining cultivator, I was possessed by the remnant soul of a True Person."

This person is the patriarch of the "Great Radiance Sect" of Buddhism, Arhat whose Dharma name Mingxin.

When he possessed the body, in order to better control the physical form, he passed on the core teachings of his sect— the Great Radiance Glazed Treasure Scripture —in its entirety.

A hint of reminiscence flashed in his eyes. "The Great Radiance Sect has an ancient lineage and is well-versed in the Dharma nature of mind and light. Its Great Radiance Glazed Treasure Scripture directly points to the three supreme Dharmas of the Arhat Fruition Status."

However, this sect disappeared for some reason hundreds of years ago, and its lineage was cut off.

Cai Shen immediately realized what was happening, and his small face showed a mixture of surprise and excitement. "Wonderful! Using the Great Radiance Sect, which has been severed from its lineage, is both in line with the Buddhist orthodoxy and has a clear origin, and because the sect has been destroyed, it is difficult to investigate its roots in detail."

Perfect for a makeover and to blend in!

Qi boy, your mind is quite meticulous!

Qi Yun said no more, his mind calmed, and he slowly closed his eyes.

Deep within the Ancestral Aperture on the forehead, the immortal light that had been dormant since the formation of the Primordial True Body now began to slowly flow and expand, like an awakened galaxy.

Within the celestial light lies the True Intention "Primordial Beginning".

The beginning of all things, the source of all laws.

Without attachment or hindrance, one can manifest all phenomena.

At the same time, deep in his memory, the "Great Radiance Glazed Treasure Scripture," which he had obtained from the Mingxin Arhat and thought was now useless, appeared clearly, word by word, like a dusty ancient scroll being blown open by Fresh Breeze.

"The light of the mind is ever still, illuminating and dispelling ignorance; the body of crystal, pure inside and out—"

The profound scriptures and mantras flowed through my heart, creating a subtle resonance with the celestial light of my Ancestral Aperture.

The fundamental method of Qi Yun Zhuan [Primordial True Body] uses the Ancestral Aperture immortal light as the pivot and the "Great Radiance Glazed Treasure Scripture" as the guide.

The next moment -

"Buzz----"

A strange "change," as if rivers were changing course or the sun and moon Lunzhuan, quietly occurred from the deepest part of his Dao Foundation.

Within the Purple Mansion, the pale golden phantom of the Yang Spirit, its radiant pure Yang Dao aura flowing around it, began to recede like a receding tide.

Transformation.

The profound and mysterious Daoist principles, originally as deep as the starry sea, were gradually replaced by a gentle, clear, yet equally vast "light of enlightenment."

Between the illusory image of the Yang Spirit's brows, a serene blend of compassion and wisdom had appeared, and a faint halo naturally emerged behind his head.

A clear, luminous halo, identical to the one surrounding Qi Yun's body.

Within the meridians of the body, the nature of the surging Law Power also transformed accordingly.

It is no longer the chaotic quality that once governed all laws and encompassed everything.

Instead, it becomes purer and more concentrated, carrying a quality of purification, enlightenment, and penetration of illusion, with a faint chanting of sacred sounds in its flow.

The external changes are more obvious.

The "Great Light Manifestation" behind Qi Yun's head, which was originally just a simulation of external aura, now had its radiance reduced by three-tenths, making it appear more solid and harmonious.

The seven colors flowing along the edge of the halo are even more vivid and natural, as if it were truly the mark of merit achieved through long-term cultivation and the light of the heart shining through the body.

He wore a dark blue Daoist robe, and without making a sound, the material and style remained unchanged.

But the overall impression is completely different.

It has lost some of the Daoist ethereal elegance and gained more of the Buddhist Order dignified solemnity.

Even his posture when standing still naturally matched a certain rhythm of meditative concentration.

But the most mysterious thing is his eyes.

When he opened his eyes, the deep, sharp, and all-knowing cold light that once shone in them had vanished.

Instead, it is replaced by a peaceful, insightful "eye" that seems to see through the troubles of all beings while remaining detached from them.

His eyes were gentle, yet they possessed an undeniable power of wisdom.

At this moment, Qi Yun stood atop the mountain in the night, with a clear light gently swirling behind him and a Buddhist aura emanating from him. He appeared to be a highly accomplished Buddhist Order master with a pure and clear mind.

Anyone would find it extremely difficult to associate him with that ruthless and domineering Foundation Establishment True Person from the Northwest Demonic Sect.

Cai Kun circled him twice, looking him up and down, clicking his tongue in amazement. "So alike! So much like him!"

Even that compassionate quality of "seeing through things but not saying it" is coming through!

Qi boy, your [Primordial True Body] is simply divine!

but----"

He landed on Qi Yun's shoulder and lowered his voice, asking, "Is this transformation stable? What if we fight someone, or encounter a truly high-ranking monk investigating—"

Qi Yun smiled calmly, a thought flickering in his mind.

In an instant, the light behind his head disappeared, the wisdom in his eyes subsided, and the harmonious Buddhist aura around him receded like the tide.

The profound composure and commanding presence of the Daoist Xuanhuang once again resurfaced.

Although he didn't show his full strength, he was already a completely different person from before.

"Whether things go smoothly or not depends on one's own mind," he said calmly. "Unless I encounter a powerful being whose cultivation far surpasses mine, or who is skilled in the understanding of cause and Past-Life Knowledge, and I deliberately delve into their teachings, I will be safe."

Cai Shen was completely relieved, rubbing his hands together, his eyes gleaming with golden light. "Good! Since we have this method, then we can have a good chance to explore the Southern Yin Buddha Kingdom!"

Going down the mountain tomorrow?"

Qi Yun's gaze once again fell upon the vast southern region shrouded in strange Buddhist light, his deep eyes reflecting the depths of his gaze.

"Go down the mountain tomorrow."

"Let's go and see what kind of storm is brewing in this 'Buddhist Kingdom on Earth'."

The mountain wind howled, sweeping past the edge of the cliff.

The figure remained upright, but its aura had seamlessly blended into the night, imbued with Buddhist spirit, without any trace of incongruity.

Truth and falsehood, Tao and Buddhism—at this moment, these are no longer simple pretenses in him.

Rather, it is the initial manifestation of the supreme and wondrous power of the [Primordial True Body] in governing all laws and evolving all phenomena.

At the mountaintop, the night fog gradually dissipated, and a sliver of dawn appeared on the eastern horizon.

Qi Yun turned around and looked at the human, demon, and Divine Puppet waiting behind him.

Qi Yun glanced at the three, and had already made up his mind.

"You need not accompany me on this journey deep into Southern Yin."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

True Person Ling's brows twitched slightly, Situ Huaji looked surprised, and Wu Changsheng's eyes flickered beneath his cloak.

"Brother Qi, the Southern Yin has become a world of Buddhist cultivation, fraught with danger. You are going there alone—" Situ Huaji couldn't help but speak, his tone filled with worry.

Qi Yun raised his hand to stop him from speaking.

"Precisely because the world has become a Buddhist realm, it is not advisable for you to go with us," he said slowly, his gaze sweeping over the three of them once more.

"Xuan Ling's true form belongs to the demonic category, Situ cultivates Devil Cultivation Method, and Changsheng is a puppet body."

Buddhist Cultivation Method are most sensitive to Yao Qi, evil spirits, and even things that are neither alive nor dead.

Once you step into its heartland, you'll likely attract attention within a hundred miles.

He paused, then continued, "My purpose in coming here is neither to wage war nor to investigate the whole picture."

The purpose was clear: to borrow an old item in order to find a clue.

With fewer people, the goal becomes smaller;

Traveling alone allows for greater freedom of movement and quicker adaptability.

True Person Ling remained silent for a moment, then bowed and said, "My lord's considerations are thorough."

Subordinates will be stationed outside to provide support and also to monitor the Buddhist kingdom's movements. If any unusual activity occurs, they will be notified immediately.

Situ Huaji suppressed his worries, clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice, "Brother Qi, take care. We will secretly operate on the border, gather intelligence from the surrounding areas, and await your return."

Wu Changsheng bowed slightly, and a deep voice came from beneath his cloak. "I obey my lord's command."

Qi Yun nodded and said no more.

With a flick of his sleeve, several concealed communication talismans and the agreed-upon method of contact transformed into Flowing Light and disappeared into the three people's arms.

"Use this as a boundary, and do not easily cross the border of Southern Yin."

In case of emergency, proceed with the second plan.

"Yes!"

After making the arrangements, Qi Yun glanced one last time in the northwest direction, then turned to face the vast land to the south, which was gradually becoming clear in the morning light and gently enveloped in a pale golden Buddhist light.

He took a deep breath, and his aura began to subtly change.

Deep within the Ancestral Aperture on the forehead, a wisp of celestial light quietly flowed.

A halo naturally appeared behind his head, and all his pure Law Power transformed into a gentle, clear, and subtly illuminating Buddhist light.

He hadn't changed his dark blue Daoist robe, but his appearance already subtly blended with the surrounding Buddhist atmosphere.

The profound sharpness in his eyes, once the mark of a Daoist True Person, has transformed into the peaceful wisdom of a Buddhist virtuous man.

At this moment, he was clearly a wandering monk from afar, weary from his journey but with a clear mind.

Without making a huge splash, Qi Yun stepped off the cliff and floated down as lightly as a falling leaf, landing in the forest below, shrouded in morning mist and faint Buddhist light.

With a few leaps, it completely disappeared into the thin mist interwoven with lush greenery and gold.

The three, True Person Ling, stood atop the cliff, watching the figure disappear, remaining motionless for a long time.

Only when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the golden roofs of the pagodas in the distant Southern Yin territory, did Situ Huaji slowly exhale.

"Let's go. We mustn't let Brother Qi down."

Three figures silently retreated into the shadows of the mountains behind them, disappearing without a trace like drops of water returning to the sea.

Upon taking his first step into the Southern Yin territory, Qi Yun immediately sensed an omnipresent and domineering "order".

The air remains fresh, the vitality still exists, even more so than beyond the border.

But within this inspiration was a very faint, almost imperceptible scent of sandalwood, and an even more subtle...

A strange rhythm that involuntarily brings peace to the mind.

The ground beneath my feet was solid, and the road had clearly been repaired, paved with smooth bluestone slabs, so clean that there was no dust.

The roadside weeds were all neatly trimmed, and the flowers that bloomed were of a single variety, mostly lotus and eucalyptus, which are species rich in Buddhist symbolism.

It has a pure color and a delicate fragrance.

The further south you go, the denser the population becomes.

The architectural style of the villages and towns is Situ Huaji.

Low-lying earthen and wooden houses are rare; most houses have white walls and gray tiles, and the eaves are often decorated with simple Buddhist shrines or prayer flags.

In the center of any large settlement, there would be a pagoda, either gold or bronze, with its bells ringing in the wind, producing a clear and solemn sound.

Farmers working in the fields, merchants traveling on the road, women washing clothes by the river—

Regardless of age or gender, everyone was dressed simply, mostly in colors such as gray, white, and ochre.

Many people wear prayer beads on their wrists, and even during breaks from work, they mutter to themselves, their faces peaceful, even somewhat blank.

It lacks the vibrancy and hustle and bustle that one would expect in an ordinary, bustling city.

When they saw Qi Yun walking alone, covered in dust but with a clear halo behind his head, they were not too surprised. They simply stopped what they were doing or walking.

With hands clasped together and a deep bow, Zi Guang's respect was tinged with an almost numb submissiveness.

Then they continued with their own affairs, rarely exchanging words or prying into each other's lives.

Qi Yun returned the greeting with the standard single-handed greeting of the Great Radiance Sect, walking with composure and keeping his eyes straight ahead, but his mind was as clear as a mirror, taking in every detail he saw.

It's too quiet, and too tidy.

This stillness is not the tranquility of nature in the mountains and fields, but rather an "orderly stillness" that comes from a certain will forcibly silencing all noise.

The Buddhist Kingdom, the Buddhist Kingdom on Earth.

It's not just about converting to a new faith; it's about being completely reshaped in terms of lifestyle, behavior, and even mental outlook.

Qi Yun maintained the proper demeanor of a wandering monk, but inwardly he remained vigilant.

Such a profound transformation cannot be achieved simply through the propagation of doctrine.

This will inevitably be accompanied by powerful and persistent external intervention.

It is very likely that some kind of large-scale magic array or ritual covering the entire area is in effect.

What exactly are these Buddhist practitioners up to?