Jinchi

Spirit Mountain Sacred Realm is an unparalleled sacred site built by overseas Buddhist practitioners who have poured their profound knowledge and wisdom into it.

The Buddhist spirit here is as vast as the sea, and the rules are manifested. The mountains, rivers, plants, temples, and Buddha statues are all naturally nurtured by this influence over the years, giving rise to spiritual treasures that contain the pure essence of Buddhism and Daoism.

Ancient trees may inspire Zen, clear springs may embody the eight virtues, and even stubborn rocks may be transformed, gradually radiating spiritual light.

To the sacred realm, these spiritual objects are like the tiny dewdrops that naturally form with the breath of a giant tree.

The sacred realm is vast and brimming with spiritual energy. The birth and dissipation of such spiritual beings occur almost constantly, in subtle ways that are difficult to detect.

This was exactly what Qi Yun wanted.

Once he made up his mind, he was no longer satisfied with merely marking it.

As he wandered around, if he sensed that a spiritual object had matured, he would quietly stop.

They directly refined it and added it to the update progress of [Great Radiance Mahasthamaprapta Dharma Body].

In just half a month, with the help of the [Law Technique Panel]'s almost "all-seeing" keen senses and domineering refining,

The update progress of [Great Radiance Mahasthamaprapta Dharma Body] has been increasing.

The Dharma Body itself becomes increasingly refined, transparent, and perfect.

This scene: At dusk, the setting sun, like blood, bathed Spirit Mountain in a poignant golden-red hue.

Qi Yun appeared in front of a secluded, rarely visited grotto in the back mountains of the sacred realm.

This grotto is not a place for meditation. It is in a remote location, and the entrance is entangled with vines, allowing only one person to squeeze in sideways.

The cave was dark, with only a sliver of light seeping in from a crack in the ceiling, illuminating a large, damaged blue stone Buddha statue in the center, which had been left there sometime in the past.

Only the area above the chest and abdomen of the Buddha remains, and the face is blurred.

However, one could still vaguely discern that he had lowered his eyes and brows.

Two days ago, Qi Yun passed by this place and felt a connection. Due to the coincidence of the traces of Incense and Fire Prayer Power left in the cave, this stone Buddha had given birth to an extremely complex and mysterious spiritual essence.

These spiritual objects are even rarer and more precious than the previous wooden cores and water essences.

The underlying principles are also more unique and profound.

Qi Yun entered the cave sideways, sat cross-legged three zhang away from the Buddha statue, his aura as restrained as a stubborn rock, blending into the cool and dark environment of the cave, patiently waiting.

The outside world was completely dark, with only the faint light of stars and moon shining through the cracks.

Suddenly, a faint, warm, and ancient jade-like glow slowly emanated from the "heart" area of the broken stone Buddha inside the cave.

A subtle spiritual fluctuation, like the throbbing of an embryo, began to emanate from it.

At the very moment when this spirituality was about to fully emerge and transform into a true [Stone Buddha Heart], Qi Yun.

He pointed his fingers like a sword, and from a distance, a wisp of highly refined, almost transparent Buddhist energy shot out from his fingertips, precisely entering the newly formed warm and gentle radiance.

At the same time, the refining power of the [Law Technique Panel] was fully activated, and an invisible wave descended.

The pure and unique Daoist essence, like water bursting its banks, was extracted, refined, and, following the connection between the Qi Yun Buddhist energy and the panel, surged into the [Great Radiance Mahasthamaprapta Dharma Body].

The light of the Dharma Body was contained, and its solidity and inner meaning increased at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The entire process took no more than three breaths.

The grotto returned to darkness and silence, and the light emanating from the Stone Buddha Heart was completely extinguished.

Looking at the progress bar on the [Law Technique Panel], which had grown even larger, Qi Yun smiled faintly, slowly finished his spell, and was about to get up and leave.

"Amitabha----"

At that moment, a deep, resonant Buddhist chant, tinged with a hint of smugness, came from the cave entrance behind him without warning.

Qi Yun paused slightly, but a cold glint flashed quickly in his eyes.

He slowly turned around and saw the vines at the cave entrance being gently parted, revealing an old monk wearing an embroidered gold-threaded robe and a hat inlaid with various jewels, standing there with a smile.

The old monk had a prosperous appearance, ruddy skin, and a pair of long, narrow eyes that curved into crescent moons. He held a large string of golden prayer beads in his hand and slowly turned them.

He was adorned with jewels and looked more like a wealthy and well-maintained old man than a high-ranking monk.

"Excellent, excellent." The old monk strolled in, his gaze first sweeping over the stone Buddha that had completely lost its spirit, and then landing on Qi Yun. His smile became even more amiable, as if he had met a junior he greatly admired.

"Old servant of Jinchi, unworthy to reside in the sacred Treasure Light Pavilion."

This junior brother—he looks completely unfamiliar!

I wonder what you're doing in this secluded grotto?

His tone was gentle, as if it were just casual small talk, but deep within his slender eyes lay an undisguised probing and calculation.

Especially when his gaze swept over Qi Yun's body, he could faintly sense that his Divine Sense was trying to perceive the unique Buddhist aura on Qi Yun's body that had not yet fully subsided.

Qi Yun remained calm, raised one hand to his chest, and bowed. His voice was as gentle as ever. "This humble monk Fahai, and I have recently entered the mountains to cultivate."

Seeing the serene atmosphere of the grotto, and the ancient charm of the broken stone Buddha, I went inside to sit quietly and contemplate the vicissitudes of time and the Buddhist teachings.

"I wonder what brings you here, Senior Brother Jinchi?"

"I dare not presume to offer guidance." The Arhat Jinchi twirled his golden prayer beads, chuckled, and took a few steps closer, his gaze shifting back and forth between Qi Yun's face and the stone Buddha.

"I was just passing by when I vaguely sensed a pure Buddhist and Daoist aura emanating from this place, as if there were naturally formed spiritual objects. Out of curiosity, I came to take a look."

But he saw his junior brother alone there, and the aura of the spiritual creature had already dissipated.

"My junior brother is radiating a bright Buddhist light and exuding a strong Daoist aura, which is even more profound and refined than before."

He paused, his smile unchanged, but his tone carried a deeper meaning. "In the Holy Realm, all things have spirits, all are gifts from Buddha, and all belong to the Holy Realm's public property."

If a spiritual being is born, the disciple shall report it to the Deacons' Court, or have it discussed with virtuous individuals, or collect it into the treasury for proper use.

He secretly gathered and refined it—heh, although my junior brother probably obtained it unintentionally.

But ultimately—it doesn't comply with the rules.

Having said that, the intention is clear.

Using the pretext of rules, he actually pointed out that Qi Yun had "privately refined sacred objects," thus seizing a handle against him.

Qi Yun lowered his eyelids slightly, as if deep in thought. After a moment, he raised his eyes, his gaze still clear. "What Senior Brother says is absolutely right."

"This humble monk is new here and unaware of these rules. Seeing the naturally formed spiritual object, I felt a connection and instinctively tried to refine and comprehend it. It was indeed reckless."

He was sincere and admitted his "mistake," but he never mentioned any compensation or apology. Instead, he subtly pointed out that he had a connection with the spiritual object and that refining it was a natural part of cultivation.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Arhat Jinchi's eyes, but his smile widened, as if he didn't care at all. "It's alright, it's alright. Junior Brother's mistake was unintentional, and he's a successor of an ancient sect, so it's understandable. However—"

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze fixed intently on Qi Yun, especially on Qi Yun's eyes and the luminous aura flowing around him that was so different from ordinary methods. His tone carried an undisguised greed and probing. "This old monk observes that junior brother's method of refining that [Stone Buddha Heart] is quite miraculous."

Your aura is perfectly harmonious and unimpeded, and your refining is swift and thorough. I wonder what secret and wondrous technique your sect is using, Junior Brother?

The old man was in charge of the Treasure Light Pavilion, specializing in identifying, collecting, and maintaining rare treasures and cultivation techniques from all over the world. He was extremely curious about all kinds of mysterious methods.

If you, junior brother, are willing to share this secret technique for refining spiritual objects and enhancing Dharma Body —well, share it with me for a bit—I can pretend I never saw what happened today.

Moreover, if any suitable spiritual objects appear in the Holy Realm in the future, this old monk can also do me a favor for my junior brother.

The old monk Jinchi finally revealed his true intentions!

He didn't care about rules or public property at all.

What he had his eye on was Qi Yun's "refining secret technique"!

Using this as leverage, they intend to extort money from us!

After hearing this, Qi Yun remained silent for a few breaths.

Inside the grotto, the only sounds were the soft, crisp clinking of the prayer beads in the hands of the Arhat Jinchi and the faint sound of the wind outside.

Suddenly, Qi Yun raised his head, and a very faint smile slowly bloomed on his face.

"So that's what you've got your eye on, Senior Brother."

His tone remained calm, even carrying a hint of understanding.

"Senior brother has a good eye."

Seeing that he seemed to be willing to compromise, Arhat Jinchi was overjoyed and his smile became even brighter, "Junior brother is a smart man, and this old monk will not beat around the bush."

This method is extraordinary; leaving it in the hands of my junior brother is like a pearl being tarnished.

If we can exchange ideas and discuss matters together with my Treasure Light Pavilion, it will surely be able to flourish and benefit more fellow Buddhists.

Junior brother will also receive preferential treatment from the Holy Realm's resources; his future is limitless!

He felt he had the other party's weakness in his grasp, and with the promise of benefits, he wasn't afraid the young monk wouldn't comply.

However, Qi Yun's next words caused his smile to freeze on his face.

"What a pity," Qi Yun shook his head slightly, his gaze as calm as a still well, looking at the Arhat Jinchi as if he were looking at a stubborn stone about to be thrown into a furnace.

"This method is a spark of spiritual light inherent in my innate Root Bone; it belongs solely to me and cannot be taught, much less explained to outsiders."

Arhat Jinchi's face darkened, and the feigned gentleness in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by coldness and threat. "Junior brother, is this... unwilling?"

Unauthorized refining of public property within the sacred realm is a crime that can be serious or minor.

I only spoke kindly to you because it was your first offense.

If you remain stubborn and cause trouble, I'm afraid even your title of "successor of the ancient sect" might not be enough to protect you!

"Oh?" Qi Yun raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Then, in your opinion, Senior Brother, what should we do?"

"Hand over the secret technique!" Arhat Jinchi stepped forward, his Foundation Establishment Middle Stage aura no longer concealed, enveloping Qi Yun, his voice also carrying a fierce tone.

"Otherwise, you won't be leaving this cave today!"

Qi Yun cultivated the [Primordial True Body], and his aura was clear and transparent. Except for the True Lord himself, no one else could see through his cultivation level. They would only think that he was only in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

Faced with a newly arrived Buddhist monk, Jinchi had already abandoned all pretense of civility and was determined to seize power by force!

Despite the oppressive aura and the Golden Cangue Dao Intention, Qi Yun remained completely still, not even the hem of his robes fluttering.

He sighed softly, as if with some regret. "It seems there's no point in talking about it."

The moment the words left his mouth, the air inside the grotto seemed to freeze.

The false kindness on Arhat Jinchi's face froze completely. Greed and ferocity flashed in his narrow eyes like the hiss of a venomous snake. The pressure of the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage mixed with the "Golden Cangue Dao Intention" erupted from his body, turning into visible light golden ripples that pressed down fiercely on Qi Yun!

The huge golden rosary in his hand shone brightly.

The surface of each bead was covered with intricate Sanskrit shackle images, which intertwined with each other and manifested in the void as an octagonal cage, three zhang in diameter and gleaming with golden light, which was about to envelop Qi Yun from top to bottom and completely lock him up!

Stubborn to the end!

Today I'll teach you what rules are!

Jinchi shouted sharply, his voice like metal scraping stone.

However, faced with this pressure and Divine Ability that was enough to make an ordinary Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator's bones go weak and their Dao Foundation tremble, Qi Yun simply raised his right hand.

Slightly spread your fingers, palm facing upwards.

There were no Hand Seals, no incantations, and not even the gentle Buddhist aura emanating from his body changed in the slightest.

Only in the depths of his eyes did a point of nine-colored hue quietly spread out, his left eye like the eternal night that had gathered all the starlight, and his right eye like the primordial chaos at the beginning of time.

[Wield Myriad Laws]!

After his journey through [Azure Gate] and consuming the [Leakless Golden Core], Qi Yun's Foundation Establishment Divine Ability Power has become even more terrifying!

Once it was unleashed, a supreme will that governs all laws and strips away the source immediately filled the void!

"Varied--?!"

Arhat Jinchi's pupils constricted sharply, his expression turning pale with horror!

He felt that his Arhat Dao Foundation, which had reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage and was perfectly harmonious, was beginning to melt away uncontrollably, like ice and snow under the scorching sun!

It was as if an invisible and intangible hand, yet above all rules, forcefully reached into the depths of his Purple Mansion, grasped the Dao Foundation built upon a lifetime of Buddhist cultivation, and then—ripped it off violently!

"Crack----Bang!"

The silent shattering echoed within his Dao heart.

The Foundation Establishment pressure emanating from him, like a punctured balloon, instantly weakened and dissipated!

"No! My Dao Foundation! My cultivation!!"

The Arhat Jinchi let out a shrill, terrified roar. His plump, ruddy face turned ashen, and blood seeped from all seven orifices.

That was the horrific sight of Dao Foundation for cultivation being forcibly torn apart and a backlash of cultivation power!

He wanted to resist, to activate the Secret Method, to detonate the protective treasure in his arms----

But to his horror, he discovered that his connection with Law Power had become extremely sluggish, and Purple Mansion Sea of Consciousness of consciousness was as if it had been frozen in ice for ten thousand years, his thoughts almost frozen!

He staggered backward, his back slamming heavily against the cold stone cave wall, sending dust scattering from the rock.

His brocade robe, once adorned with gold thread, had lost its Baoguang and become dull and ordinary. His jeweled monk's hat was askew, revealing his bald head, which was oozing sweat and blood. He looked utterly disheveled.

There was no longer any greed or scheming in their eyes, only boundless fear and disbelief.

"You—you're not in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage! What exactly are you—"

Before he could finish speaking...

Qi Yun gently pressed down with his raised right hand.

"Open.

Indifference.

"Boom-!!!"

The scene in the grotto suddenly changed dramatically!

The ceiling above was no longer a fissure rock roof infiltrated by starlight and moonlight, and the ground beneath was no longer cold, hard bluestone.

The pure energy rises and transforms into the illusory images of the sun, moon, and stars. The celestial orbits flow and the power of order permeates, silently rejecting and covering the original Buddhist rhythm and rules of the grotto.

The turbid air sank down, transforming into the image of the Nine Nethers Ruins of Return to nothingness, devouring the remaining Incense and Fire Prayer Power of this place and the lingering Dao Foundation foundation of the collapsed Jinchi.

The four fundamental elements of earth, fire, wind, and water manifested and vanished in an instant. Countless chaotic Dao patterns intertwined and flickered all around, creating a magnificent Domain Heaven that existed independently of the Spirit Mountain Sacred Realm, with its own Dao and its own order!

[Great Luo Heaven]!

Although it was not fully deployed, it only covered a small area of this grotto.

However, the supreme meaning of "governing all laws and evolving all phenomena" contained within it has transformed this small grotto into an independent world in Qi Yun's palm!

Arhat Jinchi felt a blur before his eyes, and the familiar grotto scenery around him completely disappeared.

In its place lies a vast and unfamiliar world, a world in the primordial chaos.

He was like a speck of dust, thrown into the raging ocean of stars, surrounded by flowing chaotic currents and ever-changing primordial illusions.

No! Let me out!

I am a steward of the Sacred Treasure Light Pavilion!

If you dare kill me, you will be—"

Terrified and desperate screams echoed in this newly opened chaotic Domain Heaven, only to be quickly swallowed up by the flowing sounds of earth, fire, wind, and water.

Inside the grotto, light and shadow reappear.

The rock face remains the same, and the dilapidated stone Buddha still stands with its head bowed and eyes lowered.

It was as if the momentary loss of Dao Foundation, the unfolding of the Domain Heaven, and the suppression by Arhat were all just an illusion.

Qi Yun slowly withdrew his hand, placing it behind his back. His sleeves brushed past, leaving no trace of dust.

He glanced sideways at Elder Jinchi, who was completely suppressed and sealed deep within the Great Luo Heaven.

A faint, almost indifferent, assessment flashed in his eyes.

"The True Intention of Buddhism and Daoism, and the essence of Buddhist teachings, contained within the teachings of a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Arhat..."

He murmured to himself, his voice barely audible in the silent cave, yet carrying a chilling insight.

"It should be far richer than the spiritual essence of naturally formed Zen wood or the spirituality of stone Buddhas."

"Perfect, it will help my Dharma Body advance further."

Having said that, he didn't linger. He turned around and, as silently as he had come, slipped out of the deep cave.

Vines hung down naturally from the cave entrance, concealing everything that had happened inside.

The night was as dark as ink, Spirit Mountain Sacred Realm was bathed in a hazy, ethereal light.

No one knows what turbulent events once unfolded and faded into silence in this secluded corner.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the wandering monk who called himself "Fahai" had secretly added a potent medicine to his sleeve.