Novel Bin Chapter 64
Many martial experts couldn’t help but gasp, their eyes filled with extreme shock.
What is a Buddha Relic?
It is the essence left behind after a Buddha attains Nirvana, essentially the land-dwelling immortal of Buddhism, just with different appellations.
And now…
Kongwen, right on his chest, there was a Buddha Relic fused with flesh and blood, intending to nourish himself with it, activating its essence!
But a few seasoned martial veterans knew better.
This alone isn’t nearly enough. To awaken the residual power of the relic, nearing the level of a land-dwelling immortal, requires the intervention of a Buddha!
“Which Buddha intervenes? An ancient temple over millennia definitely harbors profound depth, perhaps an unknown old monk realized Dao, achieving Buddhahood!”
Shaolin’s legacy spans different dynasties; no one truly knows its profound depth.
Zhu Wushi felt turbulent waves in his heart, never expecting another twist at this critical juncture.
Kongwen had witnessed Ning Changge’s formidable means, yet chose to act, driven partly by his obsession. However, without confidence, he wouldn’t have faced certain death.
Then there’s only one possibility.
Kongwen could leverage the Buddha Relic to exert power surpassing Heaven-Men!
Even if it doesn’t reach the true land immortal realm, it’s at most a step away.
Zhu Wushi looked with slight greed at the Buddha Relic fused with Kongwen’s flesh. If only he could use his skill to absorb the relic, reaching the Heaven-Man’s perfect realm would hold great promise!
Unfortunately.
This is unrealistic. Taking the relic from Kongwen is a near-impossible feat for Heaven-Men.
At that moment.
Though the golden light of the relic gradually faded, profound changes were emerging.
Others began to react too.
Everyone grew increasingly excited, not expecting their visit to Wudang today to witness a battle nearing the level of a land-dwelling immortal!
Such a magnificent event, something one might never encounter in a lifetime, would be enough to boast about for a lifetime and pass down as lore.
They watched intently.
No one assumed Ning Changge would definitely lose. The monumental technique he exhibited in establishing Heaven-Men’s Tomb was still fresh in their minds, and despite Ning Changge not being a land-dwelling immortal yet, they believed he might not be weaker!
However, it remains to be seen who has the upper hand.
Each person widened their eyes, not wanting to miss a single detail.
Ning Changge’s expression didn’t fluctuate much, only a moment of realization.
In truth.
His spiritual awareness enveloped the field, perceiving every detail, having noticed the slight changes in Kongwen from the outset, initially mistaking it for some trump card. Yet, the revelation of the Buddha Relic piqued his interest.
Nonetheless.
Kongwen was going through astonishing changes.
As the monk robe tore, the relic exhibited before everyone seemed to have its seals torn open. The relic slowly merged with Kongwen, integrating with his heart.
Next.
Golden patterns began to spread across Kongwen, enveloping him in the blink of an eye, forming a golden body.
Unlike the golden bodies of the three monks from the Buddhist Tantric sect, this one was catalyzed, implying an accelerated growth. Aided by a more mysterious power, its might was unparalleled.
Above Wudang.
Buddhist chants and melodies once more pervaded, with vague manifestations of Arhats and Bodhisattvas, whether stern or benevolent, or of indistinct genders.
Shaolin monks displayed sorrowful expressions.
Even the older monks couldn’t help but shed tears, calling out Buddhist names.
Kongwen’s features gradually vanished as he achieved his golden body, transforming into a Buddha of various representations, gentle and compassionate, yet devoid of any previous trace of Kongwen.
Ning Changge gazed intently.
Through his celestial eyes, he discerned the essence of the changes.
This abbot, Kongwen, was influenced by his obsession, planting the relic in himself.
Yet, being merely a grandmaster, he couldn’t bear such immense power and naturally became assimilated. Ning Changge could sense a will awakening within him.
Perhaps from the relic or the Buddha who activated it.
Regarding Kongwen, from the moment he activated the relic.
His Nirvana was predestined.
Never again would Kongwen exist in this world.
“Amitabha.”
Kongwen, now a golden Buddha, chanted the Buddha’s name.
Ning Changge asked lightly:
“Who are you?”
Kongwen responded humbly:
“I’m merely an unnamed floor-sweeping monk from the Song Dynasty’s Shaolin, as for my name, over the span of two hundred years, I’ve long forgotten.”
A hint of surprise flickered in Ning Changge’s eyes.
It turned out to be him.
That sweeping monk.
Initially, he assumed the monk was of a level similar to his master, Zhang Sanfeng, at most a perfected Heaven-Man. However, in the Nine Provinces, this wasn’t the same.
Having lived a century longer than his master, achieving the land-dwelling immortal realm seemed reasonable.
It appeared to be some form of will attachment technique, merely needing the relic as a medium.
The realm of a land-dwelling immortal, though its lifespan is merely five-hundred years, is laden with many wondrous abilities. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be dubbed as such.
The surprise in Ning Changge’s eyes faded, his heart gaining insight. His celestial vision persistently scanned around Kongwen’s chest, showing great interest in the attachment technique, as if a revelation had dawned upon him, with spiritual light manifesting in his eyes.
He slowly spoke:
“Does the Song Dynasty’s Shaolin also wish to involve itself? Are you ready to bear the karma?”
Kongwen, or rather, the floor-sweeping monk, joining his palms, continued:
“Years ago, Abbot Kongwen hastened to the Song Dynasty’s Shaolin by night, repenting his obsession before Buddha, willing to sacrifice himself to end this karma. How could I not assist? Borrowing his body to employ my learning, regardless of success, my death would end the karma.”
Ning Changge chuckled, shaking his head.
What a cunning plan, yet he didn’t wish to prolong the debate here, karma is not for others to dictate.
The floor-sweeping monk didn’t attack immediately but scanned the crowd.
Eyes seemingly glowing with Buddhist light, finally resting on the newly established Heaven-Men’s Tomb, where the light shone brightly, glimpsing some essence.
“A place of life and death transition, retaining the Heaven-Man’s Dao as nourishment, serving as both a burial and a place for enlightenment, young friend, truly ambitious!”
The floor-sweeping monk exhaled slowly.
His eyes showed solemnity and wonder.
He could feel the strange aura surrounding Ning Changge, not as a land-dwelling immortal yet, but exerting an indescribable pressure; terrifying even though his true body wasn’t present.
Especially the Heaven-Men’s Tomb, harboring aspects beyond his perception.
It seemed like Shaolin had provoked a formidable foe this time.
Now wasn’t the moment to retreat, however.
Being a Buddha of the land-dwelling immortal realm, he wouldn’t back down without a fight. Although Ning Changge was unfathomable, the monk too was no weakling.