dmims Page 195
Page 195
Long Yan remained standing still the entire time, without moving an inch. He watched the chaotic scene of demons dancing around him, his eyes remaining calm as still water.
Hearing Zhang Ling's call, he slowly raised his head, his gaze passing through the layers of vines and landing on the black rose that served as the core of the formation.
"To catch a thief, first catch his king; to shoot a man, first shoot his horse."
He said something softly, and then clasped his hands together in front of his chest.
"Namo Amitabha."
A Buddhist chant escaped his lips.
At this moment, he no longer suppressed the immense power of the Arhat's Golden Body within him.
Om-!
A dazzling, warm, yet extremely majestic golden light suddenly erupted from his body! This light was almost tangible, forming a huge golden pillar that shot into the sky, instantly piercing through the dense Yin energy above the black pine forest!
The entire mountain forest was illuminated by this solemn Buddha light!
Amidst the radiance, Long Yan appeared solemn and dignified, with a colossal Arhat image of three heads, six arms, and glaring eyes faintly emerging behind him!
"Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon! World-Honored Ksitigarbha! Prajna Buddhas! Prajna Paramita!"
Ancient and majestic incantations resounded throughout heaven and earth!
The crazed black vines, upon contact with this pure Buddha light, withered and died as if they had been doused with concentrated sulfuric acid, emitting a hissing sound and puffs of black smoke.
The shadow monster, which had been baring its fangs and claws, melted away like thin ice under the Buddha's light, leaving not a trace.
"Ah—! What...what kind of power is this?!"
From within the Black Rose came Isabella's horrified scream. This power was completely different from what she had felt in the lounge before. If the previous Dragon Flame was a restrained volcano, then now, that volcano had erupted completely! That supremely masculine, all-conquering majesty sent a shiver down her spine, even from a thousand miles away!
"Buddhism... the golden body of an Arhat... is actually... is actually this powerful!"
Long Yan ignored her scream. The Arhat statue behind him slowly raised one of its six arms, forming a flower-picking mudra, and gently touched the black rose.
The movements were gentle, as if they were merely picking flowers before a Buddha, without a trace of worldly concern.
However, with this flick of the finger, an extremely refined golden finger energy, ignoring the distance in space, instantly appeared in front of Black Rose.
Isabella sensed a deadly threat and frantically channeled her magic, distorting the space around the Black Rose to form black barriers in an attempt to resist...
But, it didn't work.
That golden finger strike was utterly devastating, easily piercing through all the dark barriers, and finally, it landed precisely on the heart of the black rose.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
The next second, the eerie black rose, starting from its center, turned into golden powder inch by inch, which drifted away in the wind.
The core of the formation was completely destroyed.
As the array's core disappeared, the malevolent aura and illusionary maze that had enveloped the entire black pine forest dissipated rapidly, like the receding tide. Moonlight once again streamed through the forest, and everything returned to the normal appearance of the mountain forest.
"puff--!"
In a luxurious villa halfway up Victoria Harbour, Isabella, who was casting a spell on an ancient magic mirror in the wine cellar, suddenly coughed up a mouthful of black blood. Her face was ashen, and her eyes were filled with unbelievable terror.
"So...so powerful...is this...the true power of an Arhat?" she murmured to herself, her previous arrogance and composure gone.
In the black pine forest, Zhang Ling stared in disbelief at everything before him, almost dropping the peach wood sword in his hand.
He swallowed hard, looking at Long Yan behind him as the Buddhist light gradually faded and his Dharma form disappeared, and after a long while, he managed to utter a sentence:
2.2 “I say, great monk…you…you’re not just radiating Buddha’s light, you’ve practically brought the sun down from the sky!”
Long Yan withdrew his hand and smiled slightly at him: "You flatter me, Daoist. If you hadn't found the location of the array's core, this humble monk would have been shooting aimlessly."
The two smiled at each other, and there was a hint of genuine agreement in their eyes.
A rising star in Taoism and a high-ranking Buddhist monk, after this brief collaboration, have initially established a subtle trust.
At this moment, Zhang Ling finally realized why Tsuchimikado Ryuko left behind that "suppress" character, and why Isabella went to such great lengths.
This Arhat, who walks among mortals, possesses power sufficient to alter the entire landscape of the "inner world."
The storm in Hong Kong is likely to be far more intense than he imagined.
Chapter 146 Government visits, media interviews
When Long Yan and Zhang Ling returned to Wulong Temple side by side, the sky was already beginning to lighten.
The long-browed master, the wise master, and others who were guarding outside the hall had been on tenterhooks ever since they saw the Buddha's light soaring into the sky and the faint rumble of thunder coming from the direction of the black pine forest. Now, seeing the two return safely, and especially seeing the complex expression on Zhang Ling's face—a mixture of excitement, shock, and a hint of dejection—they knew that the crisis had been averted.
"You won? Boss, you broke that female demon's spell?" Uncle Da was the first to greet him, his voice full of excitement.
Zhang Ling spoke first, patting his chest smugly and saying, "Of course! Just look who's behind this! My Maoshan Taoist magic, combined with this great monk's..." He paused, seemingly unable to find the right words to describe Long Yan's earth-shattering attack, and finally could only vaguely wave his hand, "Combined with this great monk's divine skill, mere Western sorcery is naturally a piece of cake!"
Master Zhihui, with his keen insight, had already discerned that although Zhang Ling was putting on a brave front, his aura was slightly weak, clearly indicating that the previous battle had taken a toll on him. In contrast, 07 Long Yan's aura was long and steady, his expression calm and composed, as if the earth-shattering attack he had just unleashed was merely a casual flick of the wrist. He gained a new assessment of Long Yan's strength and felt a greater appreciation for this suddenly appearing Maoshan disciple.
"Master, you've worked hard. Nephew Longyan, you've worked hard too." Master Zhihui clasped his hands together and said in a deep voice, "The array's core has been broken, and Isabella has suffered a great loss of energy. In the short term, she should not dare to make any rash moves. We have gained a precious chance to catch our breath."
Back in the main hall, the previous gloom and dejection vanished, and the atmosphere became relaxed. Uncle Da excitedly declared that he would go to the last remaining rice jar, cook the last bit of rice, and prepare a "victory celebration feast" for everyone.
Zhang Ling, like a curious child, could no longer contain himself. He rubbed his hands together and approached Long Yan, grinning, "Hey, great monk, a gentleman's word is his bond. I won the bet. Now, you should tell me properly, what's the origin of your 'Arhat Golden Body'? I've traveled all over the country for so many years, and I've met several eminent Buddhist monks, but I've never seen anything as... as outrageous as you!"
His question was also the question in the minds of everyone present. Although Master Longbrow and Uncle Da had spent every day with Long Yan, they also only had a vague understanding of the source of his power.
Looking into his inquisitive eyes, Long Yan made no attempt to hide anything. He knew that in this completely exposed "inner world," information sharing was sometimes more important than mere power. Basic trust was essential between allies.
He slowly recounted his experience on set when, in a moment of desperation to save Xiao Zhen, his spirit resonated with the prop Buddha statue in the movie, thus awakening the latent power residing within him.
"Therefore, the power I possess is not something I acquired through arduous cultivation, but rather more like an 'awakening' and 'inheritance'." Long Yan's tone was calm, as if he were telling someone else's story. "It seems to have always existed deep within my soul, only needing a trigger to open the door to this treasure trove. As for why it was chosen, I myself am still searching for the answer."
This explanation, though lacking any thrilling adventures, made Zhang Ling and Master Zhihui even more alarmed.
"Born with innate wisdom, born to fulfill a vow!" Master Zhihui murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming. "This is no ordinary inheritance; this is the 'Golden Body of Vow Power'! It is the ancient Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who, sensing the suffering of sentient beings in the Dharma-ending Age, cast an undying guardian spirit into the cycle of reincarnation. When the time is ripe, it will appear in the world to fulfill a vow, subdue demons and monsters, and protect the region! Nephew Longyan, you are the 'one who fulfills a vow' to bear this great aspiration!"
Zhang Ling listened with amazement, scratching his head and suddenly realizing, "I understand! No wonder! No wonder your power is so pure and so domineering! This is not something a mortal can cultivate; it's power beyond the norm! It's the legendary 'divine descent from heaven'! No wonder the Tsuchimikado family only left a beacon and ran away; that guy is as cunning as a monkey, he must have realized you were someone he couldn't afford to offend. No wonder that Western female zombie was both afraid and greedy, wanting to eat you but not daring to take a bite."
His analysis clearly laid out the sequence of events, leaving Master Long Eyebrows and Uncle Da dumbfounded, as if they were listening to a myth.
Just as everyone was processing this astonishing information, the sound of a car engine came from outside the mountain gate.
Uncle Da immediately picked up a broom from the side, alert: "What's going on? Are those government people here again?"
However, this time the situation is completely different.
The previously stern-faced official from the Land Administration Bureau was now all smiles, personally carrying two fruit baskets as he entered. Behind him followed the owner of a grain and oil shop, a market vendor, and even several reporters from various media outlets.
"Master! Master Long Yan!" The official greeted Long Yan warmly upon seeing him, his attitude completely different from a few days ago. "Misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding! We received a notice from our superiors saying that the previous complaints were malicious accusations. After our re-examination, Wulong Temple has a long history and is a protected religious building. It is completely legal and compliant!"
The grain and oil shop owner also squeezed forward, his face full of flattery: "Master, look, I've brought you double the amount of rice and oil you ordered! I was confused the other day, please forgive me!"
Reporters pointed their cameras and microphones at Long Yan, flashing their lights incessantly.
"Master Longyan, I heard that the Arhat statue you portrayed in the movie is real. Are you a reincarnation of a Living Buddha?"
"Master, what are your thoughts on the previous malicious defamation? Will you pursue legal action against the other party?"
This dramatic 653-degree turn left Uncle Da and Xiao Zhen completely dumbfounded.
Long Yan, Master Zhihui, and Zhang Ling exchanged a glance, their minds clear.
With the formation's core breached, Isabella suffered a severe blow, and the invisible net she had woven with power and wealth, shrouding the Wulong Temple, naturally collapsed as well. These mortals became the truest "barometer."
Faced with this sudden "reversal," Long Yan simply put his hands together and calmly said, "Amitabha, monks do not lie, nor do they harbor anger. Please go back, everyone. Wulong Temple is a place of quiet cultivation and does not wish to be disturbed."
His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, but rather carried an air of authority that made the reporters and officials who originally wanted to continue their pursuit back down on their own.
A storm stirred up by worldly accusations has finally settled down.
Although the Oolong Courtyard had returned to calm, everyone knew that this was only the calm before the storm. Isabella alone had already given them a huge headache, and when and how would those more powerful and greedy lurking in the shadows appear?
Having resolved his immediate troubles, Zhang Ling showed no intention of leaving. Instead, he enthusiastically settled into the Wulong Temple. In his words, "Hong Kong is far more fun than our Maoshan back mountain. With you, this 'divine being descended from heaven,' I'm sure I'll never be short of fights!"
Chapter 147 People from the Hung Hing Society
Isabella's defeat was like a boulder thrown into the deep pool of Hong Kong's "underworld," creating violent ripples.
News spreads much faster than the internet. In just one night, all the lurking observers in the city knew two things.
First, Isabella de Valois, a vampire noblewoman who had been entrenched in Hong Kong for many years, personally took action, but suffered a major setback in front of an obscure little temple. Not only was her magical creation destroyed, but she herself was also severely injured.
Secondly, the young monk from Wulong Temple not only possessed the legendary "Arhat Golden Body," but his power far exceeded everyone's expectations. More importantly, he also had a powerful Maoshan Taoist priest by his side.
The phrase "Buddhism and Taoism join forces" carries enough weight to make any force think twice before taking action.
Therefore, for the next two weeks or so, Wulong Temple enjoyed a rare period of peace. No foolish forces came to harass them anymore; it was as if everyone had pressed the pause button, observing and assessing the situation in secret.
Long Yan and the others seized this precious time to intensify their cultivation and strengthen themselves.
Master Zhihui and Master Changmei re-examined and reinforced the "Immovable King Barrier Array" of Wulong Temple. Zhang Ling was also busy, generously sharing his knowledge of talisman arrays from the Maoshan Sect.
Thus, a unique spectacle appeared inside and outside the gates of Wulong Temple, where Buddhist and Taoist formations intertwined. The Buddhist swastika symbol and the Taoist Bagua pattern were cleverly combined, with golden Buddhist light and azure Taoist energy reflecting each other, elevating the defenses of Wulong Temple to a whole new level. In Zhang Ling's words, "Now, let alone Western zombies, even a celestial being descending to earth would have to suffer greatly if they tried to force their way in!"
Long Yan, on the other hand, focused more of his energy on guiding Xiao Zhen's cultivation.
Isabella's inner demonic temptation, though perilous, unexpectedly brought Xiao Zhen a blessing in disguise. After experiencing that life-or-death mental test, she gained a glimmer of understanding regarding the control of her own demonic energy.
Long Yan taught her to stop suppressing and fearing, and instead to learn to "listen" and "guide".
"The Heavenly Demon Qi is like a flood; it's better to channel it than to block it," Long Yan said to Xiao Zhen in the courtyard. "The more you fear it, the more ferocious it becomes. Try to see it as part of your body, feel its flow, and use your mind to define a channel for it. Let it flow endlessly within your permitted range..."
Under his guidance, Xiao Zhen began to try, while practicing the "Turtle Breathing Technique," to spare a sliver of her mind to sense the black energy within her dantian. Initially, the energy was still filled with violence and destruction, but gradually, under the gentle Buddhist power of Long Yan, it seemed to become less frenzied. Xiao Zhen could even sense that this power contained an extreme "purity," an undisguised thirst for power.
Her progress was rapid, and the gloom on her face gradually dissipated, replaced by a calm and reserved confidence.
That day, Zhang Ling watched Xiao Zhen practicing her skills in the courtyard and couldn't help but mutter to Long Yan beside him, "Big monk, you're really carefree. The power within this girl is genuine demonic origin, something our righteous sects have always sought to eliminate. You're just teaching her like that? Aren't you afraid she'll go berserk one day and devour you first?"
Upon hearing this, Long Yan merely smiled faintly: "All laws return to one, good and evil arise from the heart. Daoist, are you slaying demons, or the heart of a demon?"
A rhetorical question left Zhang Ling speechless. He scratched his head and chuckled, "You monk, you're quite the smooth talker. Fine, I guess I was being nosy. But I must warn you, the aura of demonic energy is most likely to attract its own kind. You'd better pray that she isn't discovered by other demonic cultivators."
However, sometimes, what you fear most often comes to pass.
The peaceful days were shattered one afternoon two weeks later by an unexpected person.
The visitor was not some demon or monster, but a middle-aged man in a suit who looked like a successful businessman. He drove an expensive Mercedes-Benz and arrived alone at the gate of Wulong Temple, specifically asking to see Long Yan.
He claimed to be Chen Yao, the advisor to Chiang Tin-sang, the leader of the "Hung Hing Society".
"Chen Yao?" Uncle Da was taken aback when he heard the name. Although he had been retired for many years, he had still heard of some of the big shots within the Hung Hing Society. Chen Yao was Mr. Chiang's right-hand man, the "white paper fan" of the entire Hung Hing, in charge of finances and the society's legitimate businesses, and a true strategist.