Translator: CinderTL
Monk, woman, intermarriage,
Marriage, childbirth, family.
Xu Sanyan racked his brains, unable to fathom how these terms could possibly fit together.
Do monks really get up to such things?
Old Master Chang's tone carried a hint of mockery. "Sui Xin Temple and Heaven's Will Demon Subduing Temple were originally part of the same lineage. Later, a high-ranking monk, disagreeing with the sect's doctrines, led several fellow disciples in a rebellion against the mountain gate. They fled to the Chaotic Cloud Mountains and established Sui Xin Temple."
"Sui Xin means 'following one's heart,' acting according to one's desires, unbound by worldly constraints or the restrictions of Sect Rules and precepts. Their sole pursuit is the unobstructed flow of the heart's will, hence the name 'Sui Xin Temple.'"
Old Master Chang explained the origins of Sui Xin Temple.
Xu Sanyan listened in astonishment, his heart filled with admiration. That monk who rebelled against the mountain gate must have been a true sage!
His forward-thinking ideas were breathtaking. Even the Buddha himself would have given him a thumbs-up, saying, "Well done!"
With this approach, there would never be any concern about the sect's succession. Boys would become monks, girls would become nuns, and children raised from birth in the Buddhist Dharma, with parents who were both members of the Buddhist Sect, would naturally have deep karmic connections to Buddhism. All their descendants could rightfully be called "Buddha's Children."
"Brilliant!" Xu Sanyan exclaimed, giving a thumbs-up.
"Indeed, this act has truly broken new ground for the Buddhist Sect," Old Master Chang agreed. "It wouldn't be surprising if, tens of thousands of years from now, their descendants would revere this person as a great virtuous monk on par with the Buddha himself."
"What about the other two sects?" Xu Sanyan guessed they couldn't be faring much better. If even the Buddhist Sect had undergone such a radical transformation, could the other two sects possibly remain unchanged?
"The Supreme Harmony Gate, being a Daoist sect, is too distant for me to know much about," Old Master Chang replied. "But I've heard their internal rules are extremely strict, with countless precepts and prohibitions."
"Immortal Inquiry Mountain, on the other hand, is entirely different. Their disciples rarely leave the mountain, but whenever they do, each one is a force to be reckoned with."
Old Master Chang frowned slightly. "Their path of cultivation differs greatly from ordinary methods. It's both incredibly simple and exceedingly difficult. Without innate talent, even a century of cultivation might not grant entry."
"How so?" Xu Sanyan asked.
"It's no secret that Immortal Inquiry Mountain's cultivation methods disregard external things. Medicinal pills, mystical arts, mystic treasures—none of these matter. They cultivate only the 'heart.'"
"Cultivate the heart?" Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow. "Is it similar to the cultivation in the Dao Seeking Realm?"
The Dao Seeking Realm focused on cultivating the heart, aiming to discover the great dao within one's own being and striving forward with unwavering resolve.
Old Master Chang shook his head. "No, they are vastly different."
"Immortal Inquiry Mountain's understanding of cultivating the heart involves breaking through the three gates, also known as the three obstacles: the affliction obstacle, the karmic obstacle, and the causal obstacle. These are all demonic obstacles."
Xu Sanyan spoke in a measured tone, "That sounds somewhat similar to Buddhist teachings."
Such concepts are frequently emphasized in Buddhist Path cultivation.
Old Master Chang shook his head. "Not at all. This is the great dao of heaven and earth, not exclusive to the Buddhist Sect."
Xu Sanyan nodded and asked, "What exactly are these three obstacles?"
Old Master Chang explained, "First, the affliction obstacle refers to the internal afflictions and attachments of the heart, such as greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and doubt. Eliminating these allows one to focus wholeheartedly on cultivation."
"Second, the karmic obstacle represents the accumulated deeds and karma from past actions. Eradicating this obstacle clears the Heart Thought, allowing divine power to manifest spontaneously."
"Third, the causal obstacle. Legend has it that overcoming this obstacle instantly transforms one into an immortal, transcending the cycle of cause and effect. Freed from the constraints of the heavenly dao, one roams freely between heaven and earth."
Xu Sanyan murmured softly, "Become an immortal...?"
Old Master Chang chuckled. "Heh, it's just a legend. To this day, no one has ever been known to overcome the causal obstacle. Such a feat exists only in theory—believe it or not, as you wish."
"Uncle, what exactly do you mean by 'divine power'?"
"It's a manifestation of the Great Dao. Nephew, have you ever heard of heavenly earth treasures?"
Xu Sanyan nodded. He had not only heard of such things but even possessed one himself.
"Divine powers and heavenly earth treasures operate on the same principle, both embodying certain rules of the heavenly dao. After eliminating karmic obstacles, a unique divine power will manifest in each individual. Though each power differs, without exception, all are formidable and not to be underestimated."
"I see," Xu Sanyan murmured, silently digesting Old Master Chang's words. His understanding of the Three Great Sects of the Chaotic Cloud Mountains deepened.
The cultivation methods of Immortal Inquiry Mountain were indeed peculiar. This was the first time he had ever heard of such a practice.
"Does Immortal Inquiry Mountain accept disciples?"
"Yes, but they only accept those with whom they share a karmic connection. As for what they mean by 'karmic connection'... even I don't know," Old Master Chang said, shaking his head regretfully.
Xu Sanyan nodded. With this information, there was no need to visit Immortal Inquiry Mountain for the time being.
Old Master Chang suggested, "If you seek a stable place to settle, you might consider visiting Thousand Autumns City, built by the Wang Family. Their strength is formidable, making it a worthwhile destination."
He added, "Moreover, I have close ties with the Wang Family's steward. I can write a letter of introduction for you."
Xu Sanyan's face lit up with surprise. "Then I must thank you, Uncle."
"Heh, no need for formalities," Old Master Chang waved his hand dismissively and called out, "Someone, prepare ink and brush."
After a brief chat, the letter was finished. Xu Sanyan repeatedly thanked them, rose, and took his leave.
Even if he did travel to Thousand Autumns City, where the Wang Family resided, he had no intention of using this letter. His true purpose in coming here was to understand the various factions within the Chaotic Cloud Mountains. His previous understanding had been incomplete; only now did he have a clearer picture.
Xu Sanyan tucked the letter into his robe and returned to his room, where he found the damaged wall had already been repaired. He pulled out the letter and examined it. The contents were perfectly normal, with nothing unusual about them.
He sat cross-legged on the bed, poured out a medicinal pill, swallowed it, and silently focused on healing his injuries.
Time slowly passed, and the sky gradually darkened. Footsteps approached outside his door, followed by a gentle knock. Then Chang Yulian's soft voice called out, "Young Master Lin, I've come to tend to your injuries."
"Ah, Yu Lian, please come in," Xu Sanyan replied, opening his eyes.
Creak—
The wooden door swung open, revealing a figure standing in the doorway. Chang Yulian wore loose robes in crimson and violet, her hair adorned with gilded ornaments, exuding an air of dignified grace.
Her rosy lips seemed to be coated with something, giving them a dewy sheen. Her beautiful eyes blinked gently, their long lashes fluttering in response.
The night was exceptionally beautiful. The clear moonlight bathed the lovely woman standing outside the door, draping her in a silvery veil that made her even more alluring.
Xu Sanyan's gaze was drawn to her, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Yu Lian is truly as beautiful as a Celestial Immortal, so breathtaking that one dares not look directly at her."
Chang Yulian covered her mouth with her sleeve and chuckled softly, as if embarrassed by the compliment. Her voice was gentle as she replied, "Young master flatters me."
With that, she stepped inside, turning to close the door securely behind her.
"Is young master ready?" Chang Yulian asked softly as she glided gracefully to the bedside.
Xu Sanyan nodded. "Thank you for your trouble."
"Young master, please don't be so formal."
Chang Yulian naturally gathered her long skirt and sat on the bed, leaning forward slightly to slip off her shoes. Her delicate, snow-white silk stockings clung to her slender feet, their elegance utterly captivating.
Xu Sanyan stared intently.
(End of the Chapter)
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