Thunder-cloud Paradise, Supreme Perfection.
Sarira light, white rainbow filled.
Shakyamuni Buddha gazed calmly at Chen Yun, and slowly said, "Ask Xuanjī who has been seeking for countless times, often white-haired void. Polishing bricks as mirrors, accumulating snow as food, how many years have been confused? Hair swallows the sea, cumulus seeds contain mustard seeds. Understanding is beyond ten thousand realms and three worlds, and the stasis of the six paths of living beings is closed. Who can hear the end of the shore, under the Bodhi tree on the other side, Du Yu called spring dawn again?"
Chen Yun: "？？？?"
Lu Dongbin heard this and had an expression of admiration.
All Buddhas, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, and Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis also had looks of contemplation on their faces.
As if among everyone present, only Chen Yun couldn't understand the words of the Buddha.
In fact, he wasn't really not understanding.
If I'm not mistaken, the Buddha's words were actually a modified verse of enlightenment meditation and the "modification" was incomplete, and there were some other content at the end.
The original text of this poem is recorded in "Ming He Yu Yin" (Echoes of the Singing Crane), a masterpiece by Feng Zunshi from the Yuan Dynasty, and the source text is from "Dao Cang" (Treasury of Taoism).
The Buddha's teachings are boundless, transcending time and space. It is only natural to adapt Feng Zunshi's masterpiece from the river of time.
What Chen Yun couldn't understand was that in Feng Zunshi's original work, it should be "Du Yu calls spring dawn," how could Buddha change it to "Du Yu calls spring dawn again"?
Yes, this sentence is from Su Shi's poem "Xijiang Yue: Qian Zai Huangzhou."
Although he couldn't understand what was going on, he knew that all-holy beings enjoyed playing riddles.
The Buddha's words must have some profound meaning hidden.
He firmly committed the poem to memory, ready to ponder over it carefully upon his return.
"This is the 'Su Wu Man', an old monk's whim to modify the words." Shakyamuni Buddha spoke with dignity, acknowledging that this poem was someone else's masterpiece. Then, he turned away, "We who seek the Dao are present in all three realms, fundamentally separate, ultimately stillness, like emptiness, completely without, known as the beginning of life and death, like this. If Lu Dao Friend insists on compensating Chen Dao Friend for the debt because of his attachment to the appearance of emptiness, I will compensate Chen Dao Friend accordingly."
All Buddhas, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, and Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis secretly laughed.
Lü Dongbin, however, maintained a normal expression, and smiled, "Buddha, you can't disturb my mind."
"These words are not directed at you." Shakyamuni Buddha gazed at Chen Yun, "Chen friend, the old monk sees that your essence is making some progress. There is a method in Buddhism called the Method of The Body of a Single Essence and Small Forms, known as the Body of Sixty Cubits. Today, I will use this method to donate a saving breath energy, so are you satisfied?"
"My Buddha, Shakyamuni."
"The Body of Sixty Cubits is one of the three bodies of my Buddha, though small, it is also a secret that the Buddha does not pass on. Are you really going to pass it on to outsiders?"
"Not at all! Buddha, no! It's not possible!"
The Buddha and the Bodhisattvas made a great commotion, all urging and dissuading.
"You need not say much."
Shakyamuni Buddha gave a slight gesture of his hand.
The Buddha and the Bodhisattvas could only give up.
The Buddha looked at Chen Yun's eyes calmly, "What do you think, Chen Dao Friend?"
Chen Yun didn't know whether to agree or not. After all, it was a great Buddhist teaching. He glanced to the left direction.
Lü Dongbin nodded lightly.
Chen Yun knew that Lü Xiongshi wouldn't harm himself, so he quickly stood up and performed a polite bow, saying, "Thank you, Buddha, for granting this great Dao."
Shakyamuni Buddha was very satisfied. He snapped his fingers and a beam of Buddha light drilled into Chen Yun's mind.
Chen Yun immediately felt an extraordinary and profound method appearing in his mind.
Shakyamuni Buddha spoke slowly, "This method is the small form within the transformation body, a technique for subduing demons and monsters, defending the Dao, and protecting the teachings, as well as guarding the essence of life. When you have made some progress in cultivation, you can transform your essence into a form of six and a half feet tall, presented in pure gold color, with infinite power and immunity to all methods. Since your essence cannot leave the body at present, by using this method, it can manifest. I hope you will remember that I have given this to you and that you must cultivate it diligently. Initially, this method can be transformed into a nine-handed twelve-headed form. As your cultivation progresses, it will increase to two hands and three heads, eventually reaching the peak with eighteen hands and twenty-four heads. If it is perfected, it will transform into an 'Immortal' form without difference."
Chen Yun had already seen in the instantaneous cultivation information that suddenly appeared in his essence that the "Body of Sixty Cubits" method was truly miraculous.
This is the process of concentrating all one's power into the essence, thereby unleashing an unimaginable force.
To put it simply, if someone currently possesses the power of a high-level sorcerer, the actual power they can unleash is not the full extent of their own abilities.
Because the power of the physical body and the Dan Qi are two different types of powers.
And then there is the essence power and so on.
Moreover, when channeling energy, there is often a degree of retention, as one must maintain their own functioning.
The method of the Body of Sixty Cubits is different, it can allow all its own strength to be reinforced into the essence.
At this time, the physical body will become a withered "corpse," but the miraculous energy of the gold body will protect the physical body and will not cause it to die.
Once the gold body method is cast, the power will return to the body and restore its original vitality.
A super powerful means of explosive release.
Upon realizing the incredible power of the Body of Sixty Cubits, Chen Yun again thanked the Buddha.
Shakyamuni Buddha said: "As for the second breath of salvation, the old monk pondered left and right for a moment, still decided to gift you the treasure of salvation."
Said and done, he reached out a hand and flipped it over, a speck of light appeared in the palm of his hand.
This spark of light is incredibly wonderful, emitting brilliant golden rays like the tiny seeds of mustard, but it is so small that one can't see it with their naked eye. It contains a mind-blowing spiritual energy, which is shocking.
Chen Yun could clearly feel that the energy contained in this speck of light was as vast as a universe.
Lü Dongbin showed a look of surprise, seemingly not expecting that the Buddha would be so generous, to the point of compensating with such a treasure.
The Buddha, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis also looked shocked and couldn't believe it. They were all staring at each other in disbelief.
Chen Yun didn't understand, so he asked, "Dare I ask the Buddha, what is this?"
Shakyamuni Buddha smiled and said: "My Buddhist teachings have seven treasures, namely gold, silver, bai liuli, parasika, mou suola jiela pa, chijinzhenzhun, and aximokelapa. This is the first treasure of gold. This gold is not ordinary gold. It is the "true gold" that was forged by the monks and thousands of monks under my leadership on the day of our establishment of Dharma."
Chen Yun asked again, "What is this 'true gold'?"
"All things decay into the earth, only gold and silver cross over." The Buddha explained in detail, "This 'true gold' of mine can be used by anyone, whether it be an immortal or a mortal, even if one's body and soul are destroyed, they can be recreated with it. It is an unsurpassed treasure that can change one's destiny."
What?
Can it bring back life even after the body and soul are destroyed?
Most importantly, even if a heavenly being falls, they can be revived with this object?
Chen Yun was greatly shocked, truly not expecting the Buddha to offer such a treasure as compensation to himself.
Shakyamuni Buddha was still speaking softly: "However, the 'true gold' needs 'true fire' to be refined, it will have no effect until the time of complete annihilation. It will only revive you if you encounter true stillness, so can you be satisfied like this?"
Satisfied?
Extremely satisfied!
Compared to the two saving breaths given by my teacher, this "true gold" is too precious!
Yes, "true gold" does not possess any power to allow oneself to explode.
It seems that this is not as good as the saving breaths granted by my teacher.
After all, saving breaths not only protect oneself but can allow oneself to instantaneously burst forth with the strength of a demigod, maintaining it for a cup of tea.
After experiencing the crushing attack, Chen Yun deeply understood a truth.
Although the saving breaths from his teacher are strong, they are still unable to withstand attacks that exceed the peak strength of a demigod.
I will soon participate in the Battle of Divine Selection.
At that time, all the divine beings will participate in this calamity.
With my mere strength as a high-level sorcerer, how could I possibly resist those divine ultimate arts?
To be honest, even a casual aftershock from those divine beings could easily wipe me out.
Therefore, the saving breaths are definitely not enough.
With the "true gold," it's a different story.
I will gain an extra life in the coming battles.
What does it mean to have an extra life?
Exactly, it means gaining an extra life...
Alright, no more jokes.
The concept of having an extra life is that, before the "true gold" has any effect, one need not fear any form of death.
Chen Yun, of course knowing the preciousness of the "true gold," bowed and kowtowed again, "Thank you, Buddha, for bestowing upon me this true gold."
"There's no need for such formalities. This is what the old monk compensate you with. It's not a gift, Dao Friend. You are too polite." Shakyamuni Buddha raised his hand lightly, and the spark of light shot into Chen Yun's top doorway all at once. "I have already integrated the 'true gold' into your body. It will be mixed with your physical and spiritual body when you encounter complete annihilation. You don't have to think about it consciously."
Chen Yun said, "I understand."
The matter should have ended here, and it's time to take leave.
Not only does Chen Yun think so, even Lü Dongbin stands up and seems to be preparing to bid farewell to the Buddha.
Unexpectedly, Shakyamuni Buddha suddenly revealed a smile and said: "Chen Dao Friend is the disciple of Zhengyangzi. When I went east in my early days to preach the Buddha's teachings, I once had a long talk with Zhengyangzi, candle in hand. You are also a disciple of my old friend. This time, it is the first time we meet, if we leave empty-handed, Zhengyangzi will surely think that I am small-minded."
Huh?
What does this mean again?
Does this mean that Buddha, you are going to give me a "greeting gift" too?
Chen Yun was bewildered, as he couldn't directly ask about such things. He stood there in silence.
Fortunately, Shakyamuni Buddha spoke proactively, "Very well, Ananda, go to the gate of the temple and break off a branch from a bodhi tree. I will give this to Chen Dao Friend."
Lü Dongbin's eyes widened suddenly, and he couldn't believe it as he looked at the Buddha.
The Buddha, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis were shocked to a standstill. It seemed that they couldn't believe that the Buddha was going to give away a sacred branch of the Bodhi tree, one of the most valuable treasures in Buddhism.
The bodhi tree outside the Leiyan Temple is different from the ordinary bodhi tree in the mortal world.
This is the first Bodhi tree that appeared in the world after the Primeval Sage transformed into Pan Gu to create and open the heavens and earth. It itself is a wonderful existence, it is the root of the Loka world.
Now, the Buddha is actually going to give away such a spiritual root branch to a foreigner?
The Buddha, Arhats and Bodhisattvas and so on could not accept it.
No one dared to defy the boundless teaching decree of the master of the Loka world.
Ananda had to bow and say, "I will comply with the Buddhist teachings."
After speaking, Ananda went to the temple outside and broke off a branch from the bodhi tree.
After returning, Ananda presented the nearly one-foot-long branch of the bodhi tree to the Buddha with both hands.
Shakyamuni Buddha reached out to pick up the branch of the bodhi tree. "It's not enough to just give away the branch of the bodhi tree. Alright, I will use some Buddhist teachings to refine this thing into a treasure."
He didn't have the chance to talk to Chen Yun, with his Buddha light flowing through his fingertips.
Chen Yun saw that within the Buddha light on the tip of the Buddha's finger, there were ripples of the seven Buddhist treasures: "true gold," "true silver," bai liuli, parasika, mou suola jiela pa, chijinzhenzhun, and aximokelapa.
As the Buddha light rose and filled the air, the seven Buddhist treasures were transformed into sand-like particles and fully integrated into the branch of the bodhi tree.
After a moment, the Buddha light dispersed.
However, the branch of the bodhi tree now shimmered with seven different divine lights of gold, silver, and lapis lazuli.
Shakyamuni Buddha casually threw the branch into Chen Yun's hand, "This is a branch of the seven-treasure bodhi tree, which I use to give as a gift. I cannot name it myself. You can come up with a name for it."
Buddhist seven treasures plus the branch of the bodhi tree?
Chen Yun instinctively blurted out, "The Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree?"
Shakyamuni Buddha clapped his hands in laughter, "Excellent name! The Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree. Well done, Chen Dao Friend!"
The Buddha, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis had never seen the Buddha so out of control before. They were all stunned again for a moment.
Lü Dongbin also showed a suspicious expression, not understanding what was going on with the Buddha.
However, Chen Yun was very excited in his heart because of the "Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree."
This item has gathered the seven treasures of Buddhism. It must be very powerful?
Shakyamuni Buddha's laughter ceased, "Old monk will tell you about the wonders of the Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree."
Chen Yun held the Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree and said, "Please, Buddha, teach me."
Shakyamuni Buddha said, "This Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree is indestructible and invincible. It also possesses the magical ability to clean everything. However, its power is very formidable. Old monk fears that Chen Dao friend may not be able to control it, so I have set several Buddhist spells inside to limit some of its power. Every time you make a breakthrough in your cultivation, you can unleash even stronger power. Now, it should not be difficult for you to withstand some powerful attacks from ordinary magical weapons. Moreover, as long as the magical weapons or artifacts are not exceptionally tempered, you can brush them off with it. If one day you reach the realm of Demigods, this object will unlock all its powers, and even more powerful magical weapons can be brushed off."
Holy shit!
Indeed, it is a Seven-Treasure Marvelous Tree!
Chen Yun was shocked in his heart and quickly said, "Thank you, Buddha, for bestowing upon me such a magical treasure."
Shakyamuni Buddha said, "There is no need to be grateful. Since this matter has been resolved, Chen Dao Friend, Lü Dao Friend, old monk will now send you both away."
After speaking, he didn't give Chen Yun and Lü Dongbin a chance to speak, but simply lightly tapped his fingers.
A ripple, suddenly flowing.
Chen Yun and Lü Dongbin, the master and apprentice brothers, disappeared from view instantly.
At this time, the curiosity of all the Buddhist beings, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis that had been bottled up for a long time finally led them to turn towards the Buddha.
Kasyapa Buddha could no longer contain his curiosity and asked: "Buddha Shakyamuni, dare I ask why you have a special favor towards Chen Yun, granting him so many Buddhist treasures?"
Shakyamuni Buddha laughed but said nothing.
There were waves in the void.
A misty sound of Buddha's enlightenment reverberated throughout the Lei Yin Temple: "Bodhi trees do not exist, clear mirrors are not platforms, Buddha's nature is always pure and serene, where is there any dust? Giving or withholding are both illusions."
Upon hearing this, the assembly of Buddha was greatly shaken.
They never expected the Buddha Amitabha in the Western Paradise to transmit this message across countless worlds and eras.
If others do not know the true identity of Buddha Amitabha, how can the sacredness of Buddhism not be clear?
Amitabha Buddha is the manifestation of Laojun, a dignified and noble being, hence the followers often chant "Namo Amitabha Buddha."
At this moment, all the Buddhist beings were reverent. Although they still did not know the exact reason why Buddha Shakyamuni did this, they had already faintly sensed that something was different from usual.
This unusual situation is probably the identity of that Chen Piao Dao Friend.
Some of the Buddhist sages even speculated in secret that perhaps Chen Yun was a true god reborn into the mortal world, which is why the Buddha and Amitabha would have such favoritism for him.
(Chapter complete)
