Five Hundred Arhats

Time flies like water, and more than a month has passed unnoticed in the Spirit Mountain Sacred Realm.

This day.

The sky was clear and bright, and the mountain mists were like ribbons.

Qi Yun sat cross-legged in front of a natural grotto at the foot of a secluded cliff.

Ancient vines hang down outside the grotto, while the smooth stone walls inside are covered with dense, ancient Sanskrit scriptures carved with finger strength. The characters are vigorous and powerful, and the Buddhist spirit remains evident despite the passage of time.

It is one of the many "Zen-inspired stone walls" in the sacred realm that disciples can contemplate and learn from.

He lay out a plain white scripture scroll on a low table in front of him, holding an ordinary bamboo pen with the tip dipped in ink mixed with gold powder, carefully copying the scriptures on the stone wall.

The handwriting is dignified and concise, subtly revealing the pure and bright spirit unique to the Great Radiance Sect, blending seamlessly with the ancient feel of the stone wall, without the slightest hesitation.

However, Qi Yun's mind was not entirely focused on his pen.

Over the past month, under the pretext of "familiarizing himself with the sacred realm and comprehending past karma," he carried the token bestowed upon him by Huijue and traveled to almost every accessible area in the lower level of the Spirit Mountain Sacred Realm.

From the most popular Dharma Wheel Temple to the most secluded and tranquil meditation caves.

From the first floor of the Sutra Repository, which houses a vast collection of books, to the Guest House and the Workshop, which are responsible for handling mundane affairs and personnel interactions.

He even paused to "comprehend" some seemingly ordinary mountain forests, streams, ancient pagodas, and stele forests that were actually imbued with Spiritual Qi and hidden mysteries.

Wherever he went, he would either sit in meditation or have a brief conversation with the monks he encountered, while secretly communicating with Cai Kun in his Purple Mansion through his thoughts, asking him to try his best to sense the location of his true body.

But the result confirmed the worst-case scenario.

"No—" Cai Shen's voice carried a hint of helplessness.

"The sensation was intermittent, as if separated by a thousand layers of water curtains or ten thousand layers of golden mountains!"

We can only be certain that the main body must be inside this Spirit Mountain.

Forget about pinpointing the exact location, they can't even provide a slightly clear direction!

This is no ordinary Formation Art; it is a net of heaven and earth laid out by the True Lord using his supreme divine Divine Ability, combined with the immense Buddhist vows and the powerful energy of the earth's veins!

Nothing was gained.

The Imperial Weapon's true form was as if it had been swallowed into the belly of the enormous Buddha of Spirit Mountain, enveloped by the most solid Buddhist light and Principle. Qi Yun the area and means currently at its disposal, it was impossible to reach the core.

With a slight pause at the tip of the brush, the final stroke of the Sanskrit swastika was brought to a steady finish, shimmering with golden light.

Qi Yun gently put down his pen, gazing at the surging sea of clouds outside the grotto, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

Just then, a series of peaceful footsteps came from the path behind them.

"Fahai Brother Fahai is truly diligent; he can enter a temple anywhere."

The gentle voice of Huijue Arhat rang out. He was still wearing a white lotus robe, holding a glass rosary, and wearing a smile that was as warm as a spring breeze.

"Did I disturb your meditation, junior brother?"

Qi Yun stood up, put his palms together in a gesture of respect, and said, "Senior brother is too kind. Cultivation is something that happens at all times and in all places."

"I wonder what brings you here, senior brother?"

"I dare not presume to offer guidance," said Huijue Arhat a smile. "Today happens to be the opening day of the Arhat Dharma Assembly."

All practitioners from various lineages who have attained the Arhat Fruition Status will gather to discuss scriptures and teachings, exchange Divine Ability, verify each other's practices, and jointly explore the profound principles of Buddhism.

This is a grand event and a rare opportunity for learning and observation.

"I think that since you've just returned, it's a good opportunity for you to make good connections and broaden your horizons. Would you be willing to come with me to take a look?"

Arhat Dharma Assembly?

Are all the foundation- Foundation Establishment Arhat from various lineages gathered together?

Qi Yun's heart stirred slightly. He had intended to politely decline, as he needed to be more cautious in his words and actions when participating in such a large-scale Dharma assembly.

If you don't believe that some Foundation Establishment Arhat saw through your scheme, then all your previous efforts will have been in vain.

But on second thought, isn't this also an excellent opportunity for observation?

It not only provides a direct understanding of the core strength of overseas Buddhist practitioners gathered in this world.

It allows us to glimpse the characteristics and lineages of each Dharma lineage, and even to capture clues about the core of the sacred realm, the World-Honored One's Chan Assembly, and even deeper intentions from their conversations and debates.

Risks and opportunities coexist.

He revealed a hint of curiosity and longing on his face, along with a touch of humility. "I, Fahai, would not dare to disturb such a grand event."

However, given your kind invitation, and considering this is indeed a wonderful opportunity to broaden my horizons, I would be willing to accompany you and listen attentively to the profound teachings of these venerable masters.

"Junior brother, you are too modest. Please follow me." Huijue Arhat's smile widened as he turned to lead the way.

The two left the secluded cave and proceeded along a wider, smoother mountain path that clearly led to some important place.

The number of monks encountered along the way increased significantly, and most of them had a deep and solemn aura, solid halos behind their heads, and hurried steps, all seemingly heading in the same direction as them.

Upon seeing the Huijue Arhat, they all bowed respectfully, while their gazes toward Qi Yun were filled with inquiry and curiosity.

This young monk, personally guided by the Huijue Arhat possessing an ancient and unique aura, has recently gained some fame in the lower levels of the sacred realm.

Before long, the view suddenly opened up before me.

A vast, seemingly flattened white jade platform appeared before us.

The platform is circular, with a diameter of perhaps a thousand feet. Its surface is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the sky, clouds, and the surrounding majestic mountains.

Eighty-one enormous golden pillars stand at the edge of the platform, with lotus lamps burning eternally atop them, emitting a soft and eternal glow.

This is the Dharma Demonstration Platform.

At this moment, there were already quite a few people on the Dharma Demonstration Platform.

More accurately, they were numerous "orbs of light".

Monks, dressed in various colored robes and monastic garments, with different appearances—some as burly as mountains, some as slender as bamboo, some with solemn faces, and some with compassionate expressions—are gradually gathering from all directions.

They did not deliberately flaunt it, but each of them naturally exuded a magnificent Buddhist light.

Behind their heads floated golden wheels, Baoguang, and Dharma images of Arhat in various colors and shapes!

The invisible pressure emanating from them intertwined, causing the spiritual energy above the Dharma Demonstration Platform to subtly distort and pulsate. Ordinary cultivators would probably find it difficult to even stand still here.

Led by Huijue Arhat, Qi Yun entered the Dharma Demonstration Platform from an entrance on the edge and found a relatively inconspicuous spot near the front.

"The Dharma assembly has not yet officially begun; fellow practitioners are entering the hall one after another," Huijue explained in a low voice, as his light swept across the hall.

"Junior brother, you can observe quietly. An elder will preside over the Dharma assembly later to begin, after which it will be time for free discussion of scriptures, Dharma teachings, and debates."

If you, junior brother, have any insights, you are welcome to participate in the exchange; there's no need to be reserved.

Qi Yun nodded slightly, but his gaze, like the most exquisite magical Law Artifact, quietly swept across the entire Dharma Demonstration Platform.

One, two, ten, fifty, one hundred----

His pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

The number of people far exceeded his expectations!

The Dharma Demonstration Platform was vast, and the monks appeared to be sparsely distributed.

But when he focused his attention and counted them carefully, he saw those figures, some standing still, some walking slowly, and some gathered in small groups.

Those beings, each exuding the unique, perfect, and solidified aura of the Foundation Establishment Arhat level—

One hundred taels · 300 ·

Qi Yun's hands unconsciously clenched.

Four hundred----

Finally, when he included the last gray-robed monk, sitting alone in a corner with subtle lotus shadows flickering around him, a number that shook him to his core surfaced in his mind.

Five hundred!

Five hundred Arhat?!

What does this mean?

The entire Northwest region, including the righteous sects of the South, probably doesn't even have five hundred Foundation Establishment True Person combined.

These overseas Buddhist practitioners have quietly and unknowingly developed such a profound foundation.

Absolutely incredible!

The gathering of five hundred Arhat, even with deliberate restraint, still emanated an immense, invisible aura of fortune, vows, and resonance with the Principle, transforming this Dharma Demonstration Platform into a self-contained, radiant "mini-world."

Auspicious and wondrous phenomena such as golden lotuses falling, celestial maidens scattering flowers, and melodious music naturally appeared in the air, yet they were all confined within the platform's boundaries by some invisible force field, adding to the sacred and solemn atmosphere.

Qi Yun stood silently, his deep blue monk's robe fluttering slightly in the pervasive, majestic Buddhist aura.

The clear, luminous aura behind his head, though not particularly striking amidst the numerous, radiant, majestic, or wondrous images of Arhat in the area, possessed its own ancient and authentic luminous aura, and was not overshadowed.

As if sensing something, Huijue Arhat glanced at Qi Yun and saw him calmly observing the scene without any change in expression. Instead, Qi Yun nodded slightly and transmitted his voice, "Junior Brother, are you intimidated by this scene?"

No need to worry, all of you fellow practitioners are pillars of our Buddhist community. Please feel free to speak your mind at the Dharma assembly.

Our Buddhist and Daoist teachings have spread eastward, widely benefiting those with affinity. Now that this aspiration is gradually taking shape, we need your venerable master, True Disciple of the ancient tradition, to contribute to the building of this Spirit Mountain.

Qi Yun composed himself, clasped his hands in return, and said in a steady voice, "My fellow disciples are all highly accomplished in their cultivation and have dignified appearances. When Fahai sees them, he can only admire and yearn for them."

I will listen attentively later and comprehend the boundless power of Buddhism.

His gaze swept once more over the five hundred figures, each with a different form yet all radiating a powerful aura, noting their distinctive features...

The possible tendencies of the lineage and the closeness or distance between them were quickly memorized and analyzed.

Attending this Arhat Dharma Assembly was definitely the right decision.

Otherwise, I would never have imagined that such a vast power was hidden on this Spirit Mountain.

In the center of the Dharma Demonstration Platform, a white jade lotus platform slowly rose, upon which sat an old monk wearing a golden robe of blessings, with a gaunt face but eyes that seemed to hold the brilliance of stars.

He didn't exude much of an aura.

But as soon as they appeared, the conversations of the five hundred Arhat on the field naturally subsided, and their gazes converged.

The Dharma assembly is about to begin.

Qi Yun held his breath and focused his mind, suppressing all distracting thoughts.

Every moment from now on could be an opportunity to obtain crucial information.

0