CHAPTER 549: CHAPTER 504: ENLIGHTENMENT TO BUDDHAHOOD! REVERSE HEAVENLY ASTRAL!

Many people have been closely following Meng Chuan’s recent whereabouts.

Having just descended from Wudang Mountain, he achieved "instant enlightenment" at Shaoshi Mountain. What is he up to...

From afar, many people couldn’t see clearly, but they could vaguely make out...

Meng Chuan at this moment seemed to be lifted by an orange glowing sphere emanating from nowhere.

His cross-legged body appeared to be hovering a few inches off the ground, truly about to "ascend to Buddha"...

Everyone recorded this scene and uploaded it online.

On major social media platforms, the topic [Meng Chuan Achieves Instant Enlightenment at Shaoshi Mountain] soared in popularity.

It seemed just a matter of time before it overtook [Grandmasters Defeat the Celestial Demon] at the top of the trending list...

...

Meanwhile, on Wudang Mountain.

The head of the sect, Chen Tuan, heard the news and shook his head with a smile, saying nothing.

Meng Chuan, a martial arts genius of this caliber, naturally wouldn’t be confined to one path, and this much was clear to him.

Just like the current number one in the world, the Great Saint of Heaven’s Descent.

He too mastered both Taoism and Buddhism before carving his own unique martial arts path.

Meng Chuan, in the future, is likely on the same path.

Zhao Shousui also saw the news and was so angry that his beard trembled upon seeing Meng Chuan "achieve enlightenment".

"That brat, what’s his deal? Why didn’t he pull off a [Daoist Ascension] at my Wudang!"

He hadn’t even spent a day at Shaolin and already made a big splash, aggressively promoting the Buddhist Sect, what does this mean...

Originally thinking to call and "question" him, he gave up the idea upon remembering that the kid was seeking enlightenment.

Nearby, Wang Ye was unaware that his close friends had stirred up another storm online.

After his master enlightened him the other day, he was fully immersed in the path of Tai Chi.

His fists and kicks stirred up the wind, with a gray-white airflow swirling, flickering in and out.

"Keep going! I’m a third-generation, orthodox disciple of Wudang..."

While practicing his fists, Wang Ye encouraged himself internally.

Besides scolding that day, his master also soothed him with words that greatly inspired him:

"Ye’er, you have devoted yourself to the True Martial, blessed by the Empyrean. Master the mysteries of Tai Chi, and you may one day grasp the power of [Commanding Life]. Perhaps you could even inherit the mantle of Headmaster Chen Tuan, guarding the true lineage of the mystic sect!"

...

Bowls Peak, located on the north slope behind Shaoshi Mountain.

The peak is round and flat, resembling a bowl, hence the name.

This mountain is populated with high monks of Shaolin.

Adjacent to the connected peaks, it is the main site of the Shaolin Martial Arts University.

Bowls Peak also serves as a dormitory for the elites of the Martial Arts University and the geniuses of the Buddhist Sect, similar in nature to Huaqing Pool at the United University.

The most grand building in the mountain is named "Two Clan Monastery".

There is a mountain gate at the front and an attached hall at the back.

It serves as the abode for the fifth echelon, inhabited by the venerable ones of the Buddhist Sect.

At this moment.

In the great hall on the western side, candlelight mingled with sandalwood incense.

An elder monk with high brows sat in meditation, practicing the Pile Skill.

In the martial arts, this is known as pile standing meditation, while in the Buddhist Sect it is called "sitting in meditation".

He is the director of the "Eastern Order", the highest elder overseeing Shaolin’s external affairs.

He is known to the world as [Empty Dust Guardian], also the martial arts title respectfully referred to by the outside world as Venerable Shi.

A young monk knocked on the door, entered after permission was granted.

With hands clasped, he said:

"Amitabha, Elder Empty Dust, there has been a disturbance at Book Cliff. It seems someone has triggered the Buddhist resonance left by Master Kashyapa."

Venerable Shi slowly opened his eyes, softly saying:

"Amitabha, I wonder which of our high disciples it is in Shaolin?"

"Elder, not one of our Shaolin disciples."

"Oh? Which secular generation?"

"Neither Buddhist nor Daoist. The disciple observed from afar, and it appears to be a student from Northern United University, Meng Chuan."

Upon hearing this, Venerable Shi’s eyes opened slightly wider.

He, being in charge of external affairs, naturally knew about the visit request from the United University.

To think that as soon as this individual arrived, he could evoke the centuries-dormant Buddhist resonance of Kashyapa’s legacy into existence.

The rumors are true; this individual indeed has a "great affinity with Buddha".

"Excellent, the sacred image of Master Kashyapa, this humble monk must go and see."

"Please, Elder, excellent..."

As the words fell, although Venerable Shi did not rise, his figure disappeared from the hall.

Soaring into the sky, he pondered:

"Besides the Buddhist affinity, having Buddhist wisdom, even an innate wisdom, would be even better..."

With such "intuitive wisdom and insight", without needing to be taught, he would eventually convert to my Buddha...

...

Meanwhile, near Book Cliff, ordinary people had already retreated to the mountain’s base.

Some had left, while others lingered at the foot of the mountain, reluctant to depart.

As the ancestral master’s spirit manifested, the two major departments of Shaolin, "Monastic Duty" and "Inner Hall", took charge of the area to prevent disruptions from outsiders.

In addition to the disciplinary department maintaining order, there were also many Shaolin Martial Arts University disciples here to witness the spectacle.

Practicing at the connected peaks, they too had heard about the manifestation of Master Kashyapa’s traces on Book Cliff.

One person sighed:

"The Master manifests, it’s unheard of..."

"You came late, unaware that ten years ago beside the Bodhidharma Cave, at the [Lingyou Shrine], Master Huijue made a wish in the shrine, causing Master Jie Kong to manifest."

"Amitabha, senior brother, was the scene the same as today?"

That person, looking at Book Cliff, at the seemingly more vigorous orange flame, softly asked.

The senior brother beside him thought for a moment, hesitated, and said:

"Amitabha, it seems different. I only heard that Master Huijue had an aura of wisdom manifest around him, not that there was any flame..."

"Excellent, excellent..."

Venerable Shi landed gently, dust-free.

The enforcers from the Zen Sect’s disciplinary department called him elder, giving way for him to pass.

Nearby, Shaolin Martial Arts University disciples respectfully addressed him as respected teacher or master.

Venerable Shi nodded, reciting a Buddhist chant, his form floated over to the edge of Book Cliff.

He opened his eyes to closely observe, an indescribable aura surrounding him, as he summoned the "Soul Palace" to gain insight.

Gradually, his eyes appeared to flicker slightly.

The essence grasped by different people from the writings of the Ancestor is also distinct.

The Dao speaks of "Enlightenment", while Buddhism talks about "Awakening".

According to the Buddhist Sect, awakening is divided into three levels: upper, middle, and lower.

Lower level is understanding the principles of Dharma;

Middle level is contemplating wisdom;

The highest level is referred to as realizing the essence, seeing the essential nature.

It is the personal realization of the "innate Buddha nature in all beings," attaining the state of "seeing one’s nature and becoming a Buddha".

After Meng Chuan grasped the essence, he stepped into a state of enlightenment, realizing his true nature.

Venerable Shi, who has lived for nearly two hundred years, also witnessed this for the second time.

The last time was when the Buddhist Sect’s current Immaculate Divine Monk reached a realm breakthrough a hundred years ago.

In the [Vairochana Pavilion], witnessing Shakyamuni’s Tathagata Dharma Body enlightenment.

Personally seeing the "true aspect of all dharmas," which is a deeper level of awakening.

This is why people say Meng Chuan’s current anomaly seems like he is about to become a Buddha on the spot.

This is the manifestation of the state of supreme enlightenment after seeing "the true aspect of Ancestor Kasyapa".

Thinking of this, Venerable Shi couldn’t help but smile knowingly.

He was just wondering if this young man had spiritual roots.

It seems the answer is clear, he does, and it’s quite significant.

Great spiritual roots!

"Amitabha, what a treasure..."

Neither purely Daoist nor Buddhist, having such spiritual roots, he will gradually lean towards Buddhism.

Therefore, Venerable Shi did not intend to vie for him; the second Saint of Northern United University is about to be born, so he should remain steady.

Wait for the one with spiritual roots to "realize" by himself, then have him take refuge.

Although he doesn’t pay much attention to online information, he has heard from his disciples about Meng Chuan’s deeds.

His growth experience has the potential of a great Buddhist talent reincarnation.

...

In the deep recesses of Shaoshi Mountain, at the Moon Terrace Garden.

This place is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, with especially abundant rainfall.

This is the cultivation site of Bai Bao Mage, the Celestial King Monk.

His strength is extremely formidable, even among the Celestial Kings, he’s considered top-notch.

Yet within Shaolin, he holds no official position and embodies the manner of a reclusive master.

This relates to Bai Bao Mage’s character.

Fame and fortune, just vanity; his heart is solely towards Buddhism.

Someone ascended the Moon Terrace to inform him about Meng Chuan’s invocation of Ancestor Kasyapa’s revelation.

"Mage, disciple bids farewell."

"Go ahead."

After the Shaolin Disciple left, Bai Bao Zen Master looked contemplative:

"Meng Chuan... seems to be the disciple Luo Guanyun mentioned, the one who can create top-level Buddhist hard skills..."

Words alone are untrustworthy; after today’s observation, it seems Luo Guanyun was right.

This disciple, besides his Buddhist fate, also possesses considerable Buddhist wisdom...

Previously, I thought to test Meng Chuan when he arrived.

Now it seems, it’s unnecessary.

...

On the Book Cliff, the east was already bright.

Since Meng Chuan’s revelation, it has been an entire night.

The orange fire on his body burned brighter and brighter as time passed, without the slightest sign of pause.

Near him, Venerable Shi’s gaze grew increasingly astonished.

What exactly has this kid realized, what is he doing with Ancestor Kasyapa in the imagery world, it hasn’t ended even after a night...

Back then, the Immaculate Divine Monk witnessed Tathagata’s Dharma Body, the whole process lasted only six hours.

Upon awakening, he also brought forth a large number of Buddhist subtle teachings, solidifying Shaolin’s martial arts foundation.

What’s Meng Chuan doing, is he going to empty Ancestor Kasyapa’s treasure trove...

But little did anyone know, Meng Chuan didn’t learn anything...

He was still debating Qi Blood Martial Arts with Ancestor Kasyapa...

In the imagery world, the two had long stood up from their cushions.

An old man and a youth, arguing incessantly.

Meng Chuan had stayed too long and already ignored the mystique of Ancestor Kasyapa, so he respected the old master less.

Based on real martial principles, he continuously refuted Ancestor Kasyapa’s theories.

The annoyed old monk kept pacing in thought, each explanation met with Meng Chuan’s suppression.

The old monk blew his beard and glared:

"Which junior said this again?"

"Daoist Yunshan of Wudang."

"... Another Daoist?"

Meng Chuan, over the past half year, has been heavily influenced by Wudang culture.

His references often draw from Daoist sayings.

If not aware that Shaolin remains a renowned great sect, such a shallow knowledge kid would nearly infuriate Ancestor Kasyapa...

Time trickled by, and Meng Chuan grew tired, simply leaning beside to listen to Ancestor Kasyapa’s musings.

Regarding some insights into Qi Blood Martial Arts, he gleaned a lot of novel ideas from Ancestor Kasyapa, feeling quite touched.

The reason he previously kept opposing was to stimulate the Ancestor’s potential, hoping to learn more...

Time slowly passed, and the old monk’s expression gradually calmed.

He returned to his cushion, closed his eyes to contemplate.

Meng Chuan sat himself down too, awaiting the subsequent changes in this imagery.

His comprehension of Qi Blood Martial Arts stops here.

These understandings are like the five elements martial principles mountain piled in his sea of consciousness when he created the Five Elements Fist.

As he delves deeper into Qi Blood Martial Arts.

Thus bricks and tiles are added to the mountain, breaking new heights.

These will have profound impacts on his future cultivation.

However, he hasn’t yet reaped immediate benefits, naturally, he feels unsatisfied...

His spiritual power magnitude is relatively large, hence he can linger here for such an extended time.

As time moves on, even with his considerable power, he feels his spiritual force draining.

This realization is far more profound than the time at the Thinking Cliff of Hua Mountain where True Man He left writings.