Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi

This pilgrimage road is evidently not open only during the Dharma Assembly period; after all, Mani Temple, being the Ancestral Land of Ten Thousand Monks and the Source of All Techniques, draws pilgrims daily without interruption.

"This is the famous ’Jianxin Road’ within the temple. All the monks and arhats have worshipped here countless times since their days as novice monks."

"Our temple’s grandmaster once said, with utmost sincerity can one truly see the Tathagata."

After Monk Zhenhui introduced this, he sighed:

"It is said that once a predecessor observed Buddha’s Child pilgrimage here for sixty years and comprehended a world-shaking Divine Technique."

"Unfortunately, except for the predecessor who created it, only one other person has learned this Divine Technique over the millennium it has been passed down in the temple."

"Oh?"

Zhang Yao, upon hearing this, felt intrigued, and casually asked:

"Another person learned it? Do you know who?"

In this world, the number of Divine Communication Skills is countless, and many Divine Communication Skills are tailored for their creators, making it almost impossible for others to learn.

Especially the Buddhist Sect’s Divine Techniques, which emphasize ’Heart Method’ and ’Buddhist Teachings’. Even direct disciples may not fully grasp the creators’ true intent.

"It was precisely my master, Passing Arhat!"

Monk Zhenhui smiled slightly.

"... Truly remarkable!"

Zhang Yao raised his eyebrows and praised sincerely.

After observing the pilgrimage for a while, the two left the ’Jianxin Road’ and continued deeper into Mani Temple along the avenue.

As they ventured further into the temple, the Buddha halls and buildings were densely packed, and numerous Buddhist cultivators could be seen coming and going, with many showing excitement and barely concealed delight.

Within Mani Kingdom, visiting cultivators are quite rare, owing to the blockade of the Desolate Zone, allowing entry to only a dozen or so Golden Core Ancestors and a few Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

While guest cultivators certainly add splendor to the grand Mani Dharma Assembly, the true participants are still the Buddhist cultivators from various temples across Mani Kingdom.

Passing a hundred halls and maintaining an observant gaze over ten thousand monks.

Under Zhenhui’s guidance, Zhang Yao encountered many Buddha halls and witnessed numerous Golden Body Arhats lecturing on Buddhist Techniques.

To the Buddhist cultivators across Mani Kingdom, the Mani Dharma Assembly is the utmost opportunity, especially as it allows hearing firsthand teachings from Golden Body Arhats, an opportunity otherwise unavailable in daily life.

"Hmm..."

In front of a Buddha hall, Zhang Yao and Zhenhui stood side by side, listening to an arhat inside lecturing, showing expressions of contemplation.

He noticed that the Buddhist Sect’s Golden Core cultivators lecturing on techniques differ entirely in style compared to those of the Qi Refining Dao.

In Golden Body Arhats’ lectures, actual cultivation experiences, breakthrough secret techniques, tricks on Divine Communication Skills, and such are rather sparse, focusing more on the integration of Buddhist Teachings, Buddhist Techniques, and the cultivation journey.

For Buddhist cultivators, ’Enlightenment’ proves more valuable than pure arduous cultivation.

One moment of realization can break through bottlenecks held for years and comprehend magic or Daoist Technique, commonly witnessed in Mani Kingdom.

Therefore, each Golden Body Arhat stands as a master of Buddhist Techniques and Buddhist Teachings, sometimes surpassing even their own cultivation, and some establishing themselves as grandmasters.

Especially the illustrious Passing Arhat, reputed as the foremost in Buddhist Technique and Divine Techniques in Mani Temple over the past five hundred years, not only indicating terrifying strength but also unmatched debating and lecturing skills in Mani Temple among arhats.

"Truly an eye-opener."

Zhang Yao’s expression subtly moved and asked:

"Along the way, we have seen no fewer than twenty arhats lecturing on techniques."

"May I boldly inquire how many arhats in total are lecturing at this Mani Dharma Assembly?"

"Hmm..."

Monk Zhenhui pondered momentarily before speaking:

"Besides the arhats presiding over the twelve hall, most arhats will rotate in lecturing."

"Including not only those from our temple but also supervisors and abbots from countless major Buddha temples across regions, totaling likely over a hundred!"

"That many?"

Zhang Yao was taken aback, a sense of awe reverberating within.

A hundred and more Golden Body Arhats exert a terrifying power; should Mani Temple’s abbot command, even casual Nascent Soul cultivators might find retreat as the only option!

Not to mention Mani Temple, renowned in the Central Plains and governing a whole nation, has more than one or two Nascent Soul Level Great Arhats, necessitating even visiting Nascent Soul cultivators to conscientiously adhere to Mani Temple’s merit system.

"Such flourishing grandeur, no wonder it is a sacred ground for the Buddhist Sect in the Central Plains."

Zhang Yao genuinely praised.

Originating from the Southwest Land, even great cultivation countries like Da Li and Dayu can support fewer than ten Golden Core cultivators.

Though Mani Kingdom’s expanse matches even the combined size of the four major powerful countries, its ability to support over a hundred Golden Core cultivators starkly illustrates the richness of the Central Plains.

"The layperson’s praise is misplaced."

Monk Zhenhui responded cheerfully, clearly proud and in high spirits.

The pair continued onward, eventually reaching a quiet Pagoda Forest District after traversing numerous Buddha halls.

Among the hundreds and thousands of pagodas, only faint sandalwood fragrance and a subtle recitation of Buddhist scriptures linger, making one’s heart increasingly calm and serene.

"This is the burial ground for the Golden Core Relics of various predecessors within the temple."

After respectfully bowing, Monk Zhenhui softly introduced.

"Oh my, so many!"

Zhang Yao was shocked internally, clicking his tongue, once more astounded by Mani Temple’s profoundness.

A Golden Core Relic from a Golden Body Arhat far exceeds a magical treasure in value, offering endless uses while being exceptionally rare.

Within the Buddhist Sect, it’s seldom practiced to refine magical treasures from a predecessor’s Golden Core Relic, and when refined, efforts are made to maintain the Relic’s integrity as much as possible.

For those outside the Buddhist Sect pursuing treasure refinement, it’s often met with hostility from various Buddhist factions and cultivators, purely deemed unworthy.

"In truly crucial moments, if Mani Temple deployed hundreds to thousands of Golden Core Relics here, the resulting refined treasure might wield world-shaking power or serve as a hub secret treasure for a super grand array."

"With such a foundation, Mani Temple surely possesses more than one, no wonder it has stood for thousands of years, enduring countless trials and tribulations without faltering..."

At this thought, Zhang Yao reflected in disappointment, forced to suppress some initial thoughts.

He urgently needed several Golden Core Relics to use as materials to reshape the ’Vajra Mora Secret Spell Array’ on his person—his intent in coming to Mani Kingdom originally revolved around this thought.

Yet upon truly arriving at Mani Temple and witnessing their pagoda storage of Golden Core Relics, he dared not entertain such notions further.

"Layperson, let us continue."

Monk Zhenhui beckoned.

"Very well, Master, please lead the way."

Zhang Yao slightly nodded, retracting his gaze and continued deeper into Mani Temple following Monk Zhenhui.

Traversing numerous halls and buildings again, Zhang Yao and Zhenhui reached the depths of Mani Temple and encountered several Hall Guardian Arhats and some familiar visiting cultivators.

After paying respects, Zhenhui led Zhang Yao to visit the Abbot Tongyuan Arhat of Mani Temple, where cordial exchanges took place, with Abbot Tongyuan Arhat affably addressing Zhang Yao.

Meanwhile:

In a tranquil area within the temple’s depths, the majestic and dignified Great Awakening Hall stood proudly there.

Inside the hall, in front of the Mani Jade Pendant, Passing Arhat remained in a simple monk’s robe, seated opposite a middle-aged Daoist in a large-sleeved mystic robe and a high crown, engaged in dialogue.

Suddenly:

"... I have said just about enough."

Passing Arhat suddenly spoke:

"The Elder Qingxu is about to arrive."

"Then let this be the end for today."

Ancestor Heze rose, swept his sleeves, and leisurely departed the hall.

"Remember your words, old monk, not a single ounce less of what is promised!"

"Peace be upon you, peace be upon you..."

Once Heze’s figure faded from view, Passing Arhat retracted his gaze, sighed with his head lowered:

"I hope the next one is not as difficult to deal with as this one..."