Chapter 210: Jinchanzi Bestowing Enlightenment Upon the Young Ladies

Rakshasa Sea Market.

Qunfang Yuan.

It is clearly a place for pleasure and revelry, yet Buddhist sounds and chants emanate from all around.

Pavilions and towers, misty willows and ponds; everywhere, treasure pools bloom with flowers, nurturing the lotus fragrance of Buddhist principles.

Every three or five paces, there are phantom images of the Sarira Tree with colorful ribbons fluttering above; every eight or nine zhang, there are gorgeous dancing girls twisting their bodies amidst a murmur of scriptures.

Fang Longye followed Yang Chan, trailing closely behind the tracks of Jinchanzi, and after a cursory look around, arrived at this garden—a place whose name alone revealed its nature.

However, as Jinchanzi entered, the entire venue became permeated with an inexplicable Buddhist charm.

Being in its midst, one feels refreshed in spirit and wisdom arises naturally.

Fang Longye's Dharma Eye opened instantly, and he gazed toward the sky above Qunfang Yuan.

He saw Brahma characters of crimson gold, each one perfect, colliding with one another to condense into treasure banners, wooden fish, flower baskets, Dharma boats, pagodas, ruyi, and so on—a thousand forms and postures.

A sign of a Buddhist land could be nothing more than this.

Yet.

Once he thought about what kind of place Qunfang Yuan was, he only felt an indescribable sense of dissonance and eeriness.

Passing through corridors and paths, Fang Longye and Yang Chan arrived at an open-air water pavilion.

The water ripples, illuminated by the Buddhist light, appeared as if golden koi were covering the water, their golden scales rolling.

All around the water pavilion were patrons who had come here to seek pleasure.

There were immortals, deities, demons, and even quite a few Asura with fierce appearances, each one embracing a scantily clad young lady.

Sipping wine and eating snacks, they sat there nodding their heads.

Do not misunderstand; they were not listening to lewd songs, but were listening to a high-ranking monk expounding the Dharma, immersed in the edification of Buddhist culture.

And this high-ranking monk was, of course, the very Jinchanzi whom Fang Longye and his companion had been tracking all the way.

"The usual spot~"

"Oh~ we have been saving it for you!"

Yang Chan, who had already changed into men's clothing, waved skillfully at the attendant who had come to greet them. Ignoring his bowing and scraping, she pulled Fang Longye toward a 'private room' that was clearly a frequent haunt.

With ripples of blue waves, an exquisite Treasure Pavilion stood in the center of the lake.

One side connected to a floating corridor, while the other three sides had open windows, with cool breezes blowing and water views in all directions, suffused with a vast whiteness.

"Brother Fang, this location is neither too far nor too near, and it is quite private. It can be considered quite good~"

Yang Chan led Fang Longye along the floating corridor to the Treasure Pavilion.

With a look of pride on her face, she said, "If I didn't spend quite a bit here, they wouldn't have specially reserved this place for me."

In the pavilion, a bronze tripod burned incense, and the tables and chairs were bright and clean.

Opening the windows to face the waves, shadows fell into the green windows.

Beneath the eaves facing the water, the wind suddenly rose, and frost flowers were about to turn white, blooming in clusters.

Just that.

Fang Longye had no heart to admire it, instead complaining repeatedly in his heart: "You tell me her title is the Third Holy Mother of Huashan? In what way is she a 'Holy Mother'?"

One must know that what kind of place Qunfang Yuan is, is obvious.

Yet Yang Chan had walked all the way here, seeing so many scantily clad young ladies forcing smiles, without the slightest reaction.

Fang Longye saw it very clearly; she truly had no pretense, she was simply indifferent to these young ladies who had fallen into the dust of the world.

The look in her eyes when she gazed at them was no different from looking at insects, ants, birds, or beasts; there was simply no empathy arising from the fact that they were of the same gender.

Because, from the bottom of her heart, she did not consider herself to be of the same class, or even the same species, as them.

Even though these scantily clad young ladies included immortals and demons, a wide variety of species, and even quite a few immortals of the Human Race.

"So, what exactly happened in the future?"

"How did such a Third Holy Mother, who lacks the slightest bit of 'Holy Mother' heart, end up uniting with the mortal Liu Yanchang and becoming a virtuous wife and mother?"

However, Fang Longye had no time to ponder this question at the moment, simply because something even more distorting to his perception was right before his eyes.

Or rather, he had noticed it earlier, but there hadn't been time to look closely; only now that things had settled down did he have the time to take a look.

……

In the center of the water pavilion, amidst the rippling blue waves, a high platform stood out of the water, and sitting upon it was a virtuous high monk—none other than Jinchanzi.

However, to say he was a virtuous high monk was only because he was Jinchanzi, and because of the thick Buddhist light swirling around him.

Otherwise.

If it were any other unknown monk, with his current posture, a virtuous high monk? A lecherous monk would not be an exaggeration~ He saw that on the high platform, Jinchanzi wore a Vairocana cap and a five-colored gold-woven monk's robe, with a cinnabar mark between his brows that set off his handsome features even more.

His whole body was suffused with Buddhist light, looking solemn and dignified.

But the movements of his hands could not be described as solemn and dignified, no matter how one explained it.

Fang Longye's eyes were not blind; he saw it clearly.

This virtuous high monk was embracing a gorgeous young lady in thin gauze with each hand, accepting their occasional feedings.

From time to time, he would also give instructions to the three or five young ladies who were kneading his shoulders and pressing his legs.

"Chuntao, use a bit more strength on the back."

"Qiuji, a little higher..."

"Hiss—, yes, yes, yes..."

At a glance, he was a veteran among flowers.

Seeing this scene, Fang Longye's eyelids twitched uncontrollably.

No wonder he felt so carefree and joyful when he saw him sitting upright on the lotus platform while traveling! So this damn monk was really here for a 'full-service massage'! Thinking that he himself had never played with such tricks, Fang Longye's eyes could not help but turn red.

Gods and Buddhas really do play in fancy ways!

Uh—setting aside these details, just looking at the behavior of these patrons who were originally here for pleasure, saying this is propagating the Buddhist Dharma is actually somewhat justifiable—

Perhaps, this is what Fomen calls the Unrestricted Assembly?

Fang Longye composed his mood and pondered secretly.

Saying Jinchanzi is propagating the Buddhist Dharma is because this dead monk, while enjoying himself, is actually responding to questions raised by patrons who share his style.

"Master Jinchanzi, I have heard that your roots are excellent and your virtue is high. You are well-versed in all scriptures and canons. You are proficient in Buddhist chants and immortal music. This King would like to ask the Master a question; I wonder if the Master could answer it?"

A middle-aged man wearing a silver crown with Qinglin growing on his forehead, holding a gorgeous young lady, toasted Jinchanzi with a cup of wine and asked sincerely.

Fang Longye's heart stirred. He looked closely at this middle-aged man who had spoken, feeling the thick Demon aura he made no effort to conceal, and thought to himself: "At least a Great Demon at the Golden Immortal Realm perfection."

However, where did you see that this lecherous monk has high virtue? Jinchanzi took the wine handed over by the young lady and drank it in one gulp.

Then he set down the Wine Cup, pressed his palms together, chanted a Buddhist name, and said: "Layman, you flatter me too much. But if you have a question, feel free to speak. We are all brothers in the pleasure quarters; there is no need to be so polite."

This Great Demon pushed aside the young lady entangled with him, sat up straight, and asked: "I have heard that in your Fomen, regardless of whether one is wise or foolish, noble or lowly, old or young, male or female, as long as one harbors compassion, one can take refuge."

"Even a butcher who kills like hemp, or a Great Demon or Demon who swallows a country whole, as long as they put down the butcher's knife, they can instantly become a Buddha."

"I wonder if the rumors are true?"

"Absolutely true."

Jinchanzi first said Amitabha, then answered.

"Zen is stillness, and Dharma is salvation. Salvation within stillness cannot be achieved without enlightenment."

"Enlightenment is the cleansing of the heart and the shedding of worldly dust. As long as one attains Zen and practices diligently, one can obtain the true Dharma and escape the sea of suffering."

"In the secular world, there are official ranks to determine high and low. In the Profound Sect, seniority determines order. Among the Demon Clan, the strong occupy the top. Even among my Ashura, we must pay attention to Bloodline rank. Within Fomen, how is it?"

An Ashura at the Golden Immortal Realm, hearing Jinchanzi's words, could not help but become interested and asked.

"There is order in hearing the Dao, yet all people are equal."

Jinchanzi's expression was serious, and he said with a solemn appearance: "Within Fomen, there is no distinction between high and low, noble and lowly; one only worships the Buddha with piety."

"So, the Buddha is the greatest. Is that right?"

Another Daoist, who looked like a thief with rat-like eyes, said coldly.

Jinchanzi had originally been playing with the young lady beside him after answering the previous question, but hearing this Daoist's question, he had to stop reluctantly.

He turned to look at this Daoist, smiling, first nodding, then shaking his head. Then he pointed to himself and said: "I am a Buddha." He then pointed to the Daoist and said: "You are a Buddha." Afterwards, he pointed to everyone around and said: "You are all Buddhas."

"As long as one is enlightened, all sentient beings can become Buddhas."

"The Buddha is not someone else, but yourself."

"Pious worship of the Buddha is not worshipping Amitabha, not Sakyamuni, not Great Sun Tathagata, nor any other Buddha, but the self within your own heart."

"Worshipping the Buddha is worshipping oneself."

In the pavilion, Fang Longye's heart stirred, and he thought: "This Jinchanzi actually has some attainment! Isn't this somewhat similar to the philosophy of the Zen Sect?"

It's just that—Fang Longye looked at Jinchanzi, who was half-reclining among the beauties on the high platform.

He seemed to know why Rulai had cast this monk before him into reincarnation—...

"Brother Fang, do you find it very novel?"

Yang Chan, who was to the side, had long since skillfully called over a group of young ladies to keep them company.

She was seen holding one in each arm, teasing the two young ladies until their cheeks flushed red.

Fang Longye looked at the beauties Yang Chan had left for him, tempted to pull them over.

But thinking of his goal, which was to woo Yang Chan, he sighed in his heart, waved his hand, and said: "You all go down! I don't need this—"

"Brother Fang, no need to be polite—after all, you are of the Dragon Clan, I can understand you very well—"

Yang Chan raised her head, winked at him, and smiled brightly.

Fang Longye shook his head slightly and said righteously: "The Fairy has misunderstood Fang! Fang has always been ashamed to associate with those of the same clan who cannot control their lower bodies."

Yang Chan looked at Fang Longye with a half-smile, then chuckled and said: "Fine! Since Brother Fang is like this, I shall naturally keep you company."

After speaking, she patted the beauties beside her and dismissed them one by one.

After these young ladies retreated unwillingly, Yang Chan poured herself a cup of wine.

She said to Fang Longye: "Is Brother Fang feeling confused as to why such a high-ranking Buddhist monk like Jinchanzi is in a place like this?"

I don't really care about that. Right now, I'm more concerned about your sexual orientation! Big sister—Fang Longye complained in his heart.

Seeing that Fang Longye did not respond, Yang Chan looked at Jinchanzi, who was answering questions for everyone in the middle of the blue waves outside the pavilion, and answered for herself.

"Brother Fang also knows that although this Rakshasa Sea Market is interesting, it is not considered a good place in the eyes of Fomen."

"Therefore, every time some disciples taught by Fomen are ordered to come here to save the world and propagate the Buddhist Dharma, it is all considered a form of tempering."

"This Jinchanzi is quite an interesting person."

"After coming to this Rakshasa Sea Market, he is like a fish in water. He is clearly fond of wine and lust, lingering here to enjoy himself and be lazy, yet he insists he is saving the world."

"The key is that he has a set of twisted logic that often leaves those serious Fomen disciples speechless. It can be considered a major amusement of this Rakshasa Sea Market."

Fang Longye understood.

Isn't this the same principle as that Wutian Buddha from his previous life, who, when he was the Kinnara Bodhisattva, was sent by the World-Honored One of the Buddhist Sect to the Brahman religion to propagate the Buddhist Dharma?

Saving ordinary people is not a skill; saving the most evil and stubborn ones is what counts as a skill.

As for Yang Chan's evaluation of Jinchanzi, Fang Longye did not particularly agree.

Look at this crowd of immortals, gods, demons, and monsters on the scene.

They were clearly here to have fun.

Yet, after asking questions back and forth, they were instead convinced by Jinchanzi's few words and immersed in his Buddhist Dharma influence.

How can one say this is not propagating the Buddhist Dharma?

Although, it seems he is propagating Buddhist Dharma with his own ingredients added.

But who dares to say this is not Buddhist Dharma? Green silk is still silk.

Huanxi Fo has already become a Buddhist and an ancestor—so as a disciple of Rulai, what is wrong with Jinchanzi drinking a little wine, indulging in a little lust, and misinterpreting a few Buddhist scriptures? It is just that Fang Longye's cultivation has already reached the Golden Immortal realm, and he has all sorts of divine abilities to conceal himself.

Otherwise, Jinchanzi, who is well-versed in the ability to read minds, would definitely have burst into tears on the spot and hailed him as a soulmate.

"Huh?"

"Look at this, another upright Fomen disciple has come here to urge him to turn back from his lost path!"

Yang Chan's exclamation interrupted Fang Longye's deep thoughts, and together with her, he cast his gaze toward the high platform where Jinchanzi was located.

"Senior Brother! How can you be so absurd? Are you still a Fomen disciple?"

Opposite the high platform, another monk appeared; one could only see him sitting cross-legged on a lotus, his expression solemn, as if a deity were present.

A Merit Golden Wheel appeared behind his head, and beneath the clouds of great light, a bowl drifted up, down, left, and right, emitting the lotus fragrance of Dharma.

This solemn-faced monk looked around with eyes full of disgust, then said with great pain: "Senior Brother! Look at what you are doing!"

"You are the personal disciple of the Buddha himself!"

"Meat and wine, meat and dishes, and even—sigh!"

Looking at the beauties Jinchanzi was holding, the monk was so ashamed and indignant that he could not bring himself to say it.

"So it is Fahai."

Jinchanzi let out a drunken hiccup, his eyes unfocused, and he looked at the monk for a long time before speaking.

It was as if he had only just recognized him.

"Senior Brother, you—"

Jinchanzi waved his hand, interrupting Fahai's words, and with misty eyes, he sighed: "I originally thought you had roots of wisdom, otherwise you wouldn't have been valued by our Master. I didn't expect you to be as pedantic and unbearable as the others."

"I ask you, why do we practice Buddhism?"

"To save all living beings."

"Don't give me that empty talk! I ask you, do you save others first, or do you save yourself first?"

"If one does not save oneself, how can one speak of saving others?" Fahai had no choice but to answer honestly.

"Very well, back to the first question. Why do we practice Buddhism?"

"To save others and save oneself, to attain great liberation and great freedom."

"Good—" Jinchanzi, reeking of alcohol, wiped the lipstick mark off his face and said righteously: "Since the goal is to attain great liberation and great freedom, if one blindly abstains from lust, wine, and meat, suppressing oneself, how can one be liberated, how can one be free?"

"Senior Brother, you—"

"Sigh! You have fallen into a delusion!" Jinchanzi interrupted Fahai again and said: "Do you think I enjoy being in this pile of wine and lust all day?"

"Do you think I am coveting wine and lust? Do you think I am truly that happy?"

"Junior Brother, your cultivation is shallow after all; you are still at the stage of saving yourself. But I, your Senior Brother, have already reached the stage of saving others."

"Since you are a Fomen disciple, have you not heard of the path of cause and effect? As the saying goes, karmic obstacles continue through life after life, in an endless cycle of reincarnation," Jinchanzi said sternly.

"The cause of a past life determines the fruit of the present life."

"You only see me getting close to these girls and think I am coveting beauty, but you do not know that I am performing physical almsgiving for them."

"Using the Buddha-light to purify their bodies and minds, dissolving their sins, and allowing them to fulfill their quota of receiving guests so that they may be clean people in their next lives."

"Eating meat is to reduce the sins of the livestock, allowing them to escape the fate of becoming the food of others in their next lives."

"Drinking wine is to reduce the harm it causes to others. You must know that Dizang Wang Pusa once said, 'If I do not enter hell, who will?'"

Jinchanzi looked solemn and said to Fahai: "Junior Brother! The principles of our Brahma gate are profound and difficult to understand. You still need to practice more!"

"Senior Brother, this..." Fahai was actually a bit hesitant for a moment.

"Damn it," Fang Longye cursed inwardly in the pavilion; this Jinchanzi certainly had a way with words.

With this theory, he could have a good exchange with the Dragon Subduing Arhat.

Looking at Fahai, who had fallen into deep thought in the arena, Fang Longye thought to himself, isn't this bullying an honest man?

According to the legend of the White Snake, Fahai was originally of a stubborn nature and prone to getting stuck in a rut.

And here you are using this sophistry on him; isn't this just digging a hole to bury him?

"Senior Brother, although I cannot figure it out, I still feel that there is a problem with what you said," Fahai raised his head after a moment of deep thought and said.

He stopped Jinchanzi from speaking further and stared at him, saying: "Even if we don't discuss these things, you cannot misinterpret the scriptures of our Fomen!"

(End of this chapter)