EFB Chapter 125 Testing
Chapter 125 Testing
The oppressive force, as heavy as Mount Tai, vanished in an instant like the receding tide.
The tense, chilling atmosphere transformed into a gentle spring breeze and a light drizzle, dispelling the gloom within the main hall.
"Although the pronunciation is somewhat inaccurate, the content is indeed from the first volume of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra..."
"Once this humble monk performs the initiation ceremony for him, we can then attempt to use this scripture to reshape his meridians and restore his vital energy."
As Dao Yuan thought this, he couldn't help but feel a little lighter.
However, the six people, with their complexions and unpredictable moods, were lost in thought, each with their own distinct attitudes.
"He really is Brother Huikong's disciple... He even received this worthless scripture..."
Although the Mahaparinirvana Sutra is considered a supreme scripture on par with the Great Illumination Initiation and the Great Seal of Buddha's Truth, the efficacy described in its content is indeed capable of bringing the dead back to life and restoring flesh and bone.
However, this is predicated on the individual being dead; how could a dead person possibly circulate martial arts techniques?!
Moreover, none of the monks at Da Ruo Temple had ever heard of how to realize one's own emptiness. Over time, they gave up the idea of practicing this scripture.
Only the second volume of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra and the final volume, which was covered by the Dalun Temple in the Great Snow Mountain, still had some use.
Therefore, the abbots of Da Ruo Temple found this scripture neither enjoyable nor worth discarding.
As for Dao Yuan, they had no intention of testing him at all, since that flavor was just too pure.
Having overcome the difficulties, Fang Hongxuan began to think about even more.
"That blind monk is Master Huikong of Daruo Temple... So what is his purpose in hiding in Mixian County? No... I must find a chance to investigate..."
It should be understood that there is no love or hate without a cause in this world. The only constant is the intricate web of self-interest.
"Beside me stands the reincarnation of the Hutuktu of the Secret Realm, a Dao Yuan. Ahead lies the Heart-Eating Demon, behind me is Hui Kong... and deeper still, there is the unseen Zhuge Xu..."
"Even potential enemies include Zhang Desheng, a mysterious member of the Homecoming Society. An unknown big shot who uses several towns, villages, and cities as testing grounds..."
Thinking of this, Fang Hongxuan felt like a puppet being pulled along by many strings.
A tangle of emotions continued to weigh on Fang Hongxuan's mind.
The six hosts exchanged glances. After a moment, Hui Du coughed lightly twice, his expression turning kind and gentle.
"Although we made a prior agreement, the abbots have already managed Da Ruo Temple very well, and it is difficult to build another room to support our two nephews."
"This is not because we are ungrateful, but because if we do this, the distribution of those monks' places of residence is not handled properly, and it will shake the foundation of the Great Monastery..."
"How about this? In two days, it will be the day of the Five Branches Grand Competition. If the two junior disciples can achieve the top three places and silence the monks' gossip, we will overcome all objections and let the junior disciples choose their disciples first... What do you say?"
Fang Hongxuan did not answer, but instead focused his gaze on Dao Yuan.
"In that case, I'll have to trouble you all, my fellow disciples."
Apart from Huiming, who gave the two a forced smile, the other five abbots responded with smiles, creating a harmonious scene of kind and approachable senior and respectful junior.
"Then come back to the Disciplinary Hall with me for now. We'll decide where you'll stay after this matter is settled...how about that?"
Seemingly sensing the conflict between Huiming and Huiyin, Daoyuan hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
However, at this moment, Huijing, the usually taciturn abbot of the Dharma Hall, interrupted Huiyin's words.
"My two junior disciples, why don't you come to my library? I suppose my senior brother Huikong has not passed down the various teachings of Da Ruo Temple."
During the Five Branches Competition, I will give you some pointers. After all, I owe Brother Huikong a favor...
Huiyin did not speak again, but narrowed his eyes and quietly observed the three of them.
"What tricks is Huijing up to now?"
Daoyuan agreed without the slightest hesitation.
"Then let us follow Guangluo outside the door to the Sutra Repository first... This old monk has important matters to discuss with the abbots, so I will not keep you two junior disciples any longer..."
Thus, the standoff has temporarily come to an end.
.....
After watching Fang Hongxuan and Daoyuan leave, the wide-open wooden door was finally closed tightly.
"Could that novice monk... be the Venerable One?"
Huiming fiddled with the beads in his hand, then turned his gaze away without any sign of sadness or joy.
Huiwu's twig-like fingers were rubbing together, and after a long silence, he finally spoke slowly.
"Unlike... how could someone like Venerable Daoyuan tolerate such provocation from us? Even if he hasn't returned to his former position and his strength hasn't fully recovered, he's still not someone we can desecrate..."
"In my opinion, it is the same..."
Hui Du seemed worried, and he spoke solemnly.
"Why not seize the opportunity during the competition to kill them both... We're simply outmatched, so let them die here. Even the 'Chapata's Oath Curse' won't be able to touch us..."
"I share this thought, after all, we are at a critical juncture. If we are not careful, the magnificent Great Monastery will suddenly collapse, and decades of planning will be reduced to ashes..."
"That's right, the Buddha Mother's resurrection is imminent. Those damned monks of the Tantric Realm haven't passed down the corresponding binding mantra, so our Great Ruo Temple has to sacrifice dozens of disciples every year to quell the signs of her awakening. Huikong's disciple's return to the sect this time, perhaps it was also at his behest!"
"Since Huikong never practiced the 'Six Aspects of Boundless Devouring Body Seal' or the 'Hell Crossing Tara Lock Seal Mantra,' he naturally doesn't need to worry about the Buddha Mother's resurrection. It's a pity that we only realized this too late, forced to stand on the opposite side of the Buddha Mother!"
"Since that's the case, then let's issue the order...these two will also become this year's sacrifices!"
The dim candlelight flickered and danced in the sudden, eerie wind, casting shifting shadows that made the six abbots appear exceptionally sinister and terrifying...
...
As for the two who were taken to separate rooms, they had no intention of going out for a stroll anymore. Although Fang Hongxuan was calm and composed, he couldn't hold back when it came to rebuilding his meridians and regenerating his qi and blood.
"Master..."
"No need to rush. You haven't received initiation, so naturally you can't understand the meaning and mysteries of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. Once this matter is resolved, I will naturally bestow initiation upon you... Furthermore, it should be noted that even among the lamas of the Vajrayana realm, very few practice this sutra. Some even merely read it in the hope of gaining insight into other similar sutras..."
"Strictly speaking, apart from the Venerable Shakyamuni, no one else could comprehend this sutra. The reason is that the price of comprehending it is extremely high, almost to the point of certain death..."
"..."
"Then why does everyone say that the Mahaparinirvana Sutra is the supreme scripture?"
"If its description is true, it certainly has the effect of bringing the dead back to life and restoring flesh to bones. But the paradox is, how can a dead person practice cultivation techniques? The Secret Realm possesses many supreme methods, so what kind of fool would choose to cultivate this self-contradictory scripture?"
"....."