Chapter 314: Refining the Heart with a Stick

The Mystic Realm of Baotong Zen Temple is called the Heart-Refining Hall.

It is somewhat similar to the Thunder Fire Refining Hall on Mount Mount Wudang; both are special areas formed by special terrain, special architecture, and coincidental opportunities.

Some innate fierce and evil places are also based on the same principle.

This Heart-Refining Hall has five checkpoints in total, corresponding to the five "obstacles." As long as one passes a checkpoint, they will receive a stroke of fate and enter a state of enlightenment.

And Li Yan has already passed four checkpoints!

The checkpoints are in the form of illusions, reflected on divine consciousness, consuming a lot of energy. For Li Yan's cultivation to be able to support it until now, in the eyes of several old monks, it is a miracle.

One of the old monks frowned and said: "This child is a martial artist. Could it be that he is overdrawing his soul with willpower? If so, it would be dangerous."

Master Tongxuan pondered for a moment and picked up a stick from the side.

This stick was forged from heavenly treasures, crystal clear, like glaze, and had the words "Deshan Stick" carved on it. It was clearly not an ordinary item.

Master Tongxuan carried the stick and said in a deep voice: "Rest assured, this child's blood and qi are still full, not like overdrawing his soul. If necessary, I will call him awake in advance."

"This obstacle of habit is something very few can pass. If he can see through it, it is also a stroke of fate for him..."

At the entrance of the Daxiong Treasure Hall, Li Yan's pupils dilated, his clothes were already soaked with sweat, and his feet were trembling, but he was unable to step over the threshold...

……

On the other side, in the illusion.

Li Yan panted heavily, staring fixedly ahead.

In the courtyard ahead, there was also a "him," holding a Duanchen Saber, performing saber flowers, his eyes indifferent, pacing slowly, and occasionally beckoning to provoke.

"Coward!"

Li Yan couldn't help but grit his teeth and curse.

In the first four checkpoints, he broke through the obstacle of knowledge and the obstacle of afflictions. Although he was a bit tired, it was also a kind of character training, and he gained a lot.

Subsequently, in the obstacle of karma and the obstacle of retribution, he experienced the three evil paths and the eight difficulties, like a hard training, and with the recovery of the Great Luo Dharma Body, he struggled to pass.

But this checkpoint really gave him a headache.

He had already vaguely realized that this was the "obstacle of habit."

The so-called "obstacle of habit" is an extremely subtle obstacle of knowledge, the negative influence produced by long-term habits formed in the past.

Everyone has habits, and sometimes you can't even notice them.

To give an inappropriate example, for instance, when some people are studying or working, they need some small means, such as listening to music or brewing a pot of tea, to enter the state...

Or for instance, when fighting with others, they always like to use certain moves first.

Such habits can sometimes be advantages, helping you achieve your goals, but if you want to go further, they often become obstacles.

This thing is the "obstacle of habit."

At the phosphate mine canyon, Li Yan once encountered a Tibetan esoteric expert and later specifically inquired and collected intelligence.

This "obstacle of habit" is particularly valued in Esoteric Buddhism.

He didn't expect it to be so difficult to deal with.

The "him" opposite knows all of Li Yan's move habits like the back of his hand, and even understands them better than Li Yan himself.

Every time he made a move, he would be caught by a flaw, and fighting was even more suffocating than facing Zhang Zhang Xiaoshan.

But this is also a stroke of fate.

Problems are like a backpack; many people can easily see others' faults, but very few can see their own problems clearly.

This "him" before him is simply like a mirror, exposing all his faults nakedly.

For example, when starting, he is too rigid, always using the Pigua Palm to break the door, then using Diao Da or Thunder Method to solve the problem.

Once blocked, he is anxious to use the Soul-Hooking Rope.

These trump cards have unknowingly become obstacles to his further progress in martial arts. Li Yan felt lingering fear just thinking about it.

Thinking of this, he roared again and pounced.

This time, he didn't use Pigua, but directly used the Heavenly Thunder Demon-Subduing Hammer. Electric arcs crackled on his fist, and he smashed down.

Sure enough, changing moves immediately had an effect.

The opponent dodged in a hurry, revealing a flaw.

And Li Yan didn't fall for it, directly attacking with Thunder Method.

If it were the usual him, he would definitely change moves, grab this flaw, and use Yin Thunder or Diao Da method.

But flaws don't necessarily have to be grabbed.

All phenomena are impermanent; winning is a good move!

Bang!

With a loud noise, that figure flew out several meters away, but while rolling on the ground, the wounds all over his body were completely repaired.

Li Yan followed closely, and the Duanchen Saber slashed down fiercely.

But as soon as he made a move, he sensed something wrong.

His saber technique was also too particular about routines, habitually using splitting saber attacks, and the changes in closing moves were insufficient.

Sure enough, the "him" on the ground grabbed the flaw again, raised his head to block, and used the Nine Rolls and Eighteen Falls wrestling method from Hong Quan, directly tripping his feet, standing up, and flipping his elbow.

Bang!

Li Yan's head was hit by an elbow, dizzy, and he stumbled to the ground, his eyes blurred again.

He knew this was because divine consciousness was over-consumed.

Without any hesitation, Li Yan used the Great Luo Dharma Body to quickly repair, stood up, and continued to meet the enemy.

Through this "him," Li Yan was like examining his past self. Those habits formed by practicing martial arts and those routines summarized in combat were gradually blurring in his mind.

All moves seemed to have been forgotten.

He attacked faster and faster, Pigua, Hong Quan, Yin Thunder Hand, Demon-Subduing Hammer... everything was just used instinctively, like an antelope hanging its horns, leaving no trace to be found.

Finally, after another thunderous strike, the "him" opposite flew out several meters away. After standing up, their eyes met, and the figure gradually dissipated.

Li Yan breathed a sigh of relief and took a step forward.

In an instant, the surrounding scene changed greatly.

He looked up and saw that he had entered the Daxiong Treasure Hall at some point. Wooden fish and Zen sounds drifted, Buddha lamps were like stars, incense was brilliant, and before him was the tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.

The transition between reality and illusion made Li Yan feel like he had fallen into a dream, his eyes changing from empty to confused, somewhat at a loss...

Bang!

Just at this moment, he received a solid hit on the head with a stick.

It was Zen Master Master Tongxuan, who had arrived behind him at some point. After hitting him with the stick, he shouted: "Hey! When practicing the deep Prajna Paramita, one sees that the five aggregates are all empty!"

He held the stick in one hand, and the thumb and middle finger of the other hand were twisted together.

This is the Buddhist preaching seal.

Li Yan only felt a thunderclap in his brain, as if a window had been opened in a pitch-black room, spiritual light shone in, and it instantly became bright.

He felt something in his heart, sat cross-legged immediately, closed his eyes slightly, and the insights from the illusion constantly echoed in his mind.

I don't know how long it took before Li Yan slowly opened his eyes.

He saw that the Daxiong Treasure Hall was empty, the sky outside was bright, and it seemed that noon had already passed. The blue sky and white clouds were there, and a breeze was blowing.

Li Yan slowly stood up, touched the bump on his head, and said with a wry smile: "Is this the Zen Buddhism stick-shout?"

"The old monk is also too solid..."

Although he said so, a great joy arose in his heart.

Since leaving Li Family Fort, he had either been fighting or practicing, feeling his strength improve rapidly, but he had left behind many hidden dangers. Zhang Zhang Xiaoshan could only point out moves.

And last night was like a rainstorm, washing his character and filling in many flaws in his heart.

Walking out of the Daxiong Treasure Hall, Li Yan slowly stretched, feeling his mind clear and his heart relaxed.

Those things that were weighing on his heart seemed to be no longer important.

"Amitabha."

Just at this moment, a young novice monk walked over from outside the hall, put his hands together and said: "Benefactor Li, Zen Master Master Tongxuan invites you over."

"Hmm."

Li Yan didn't talk nonsense, followed the other party through layers of corridors, and arrived in a Zen room.

He saw Zen Master Master Tongxuan sitting cross-legged, pinching prayer beads in his hand.

"Thank you, Master."

!.

Li Yan hurriedly bowed to thank him.

Seemingly sensing the change in his aura, Master Tongxuan nodded slightly, a hint of a smile in his eyes, "It seems Benefactor Li has gained a lot. Don't take last night's matter to heart."

As he spoke, he explained the reason.

Only then did Li Yan know that the stroke of fate was this Daxiong Treasure Hall Heart-Refining Hall.

Baotong Zen Temple has a long history, originally built by Crown Prince Xiao Tong of Liang, named "Donglin Temple." During the Southern Song Dynasty, it was also called "Chongning Wanshou Zen Temple," and it was the royal temple of the Great Da Xuan Dynasty.

This place was originally a vein orifice near Near Wuchang. From the time of construction, some heavenly treasures were used, plus it was destroyed by war time and again and rebuilt, only then did it gradually have this Mystic Realm of Heart-Refining.

Of course, there are conditions for entering it.

First, Buddhist disciples must set up a large formation to open it.

Second, one cannot have any precautions in their heart, so it was deliberately concealed, and he entered it unknowingly the moment he stepped into the courtyard.

Third, one must be awakened by the Zen Buddhism stick-shout method to digest what they have gained.

Even the stick the old monk held was a Buddhist Dharma artifact, left by Zen Master Huangbo. At that time, Zen Master Linji Yixuan asked for advice, but Zen Master Huangbo didn't speak, directly taking out the stick to beat him, letting him wake up.

"Deshan Stick, Linji Shout," is famous in Zen Buddhism.

Although this stick was beaten hard, Li Yan truly gained benefits, so how could he complain? He bowed again to thank him.

Zen Master Master Tongxuan smiled and said: "Benefactor Li has helped us several times, so there is no need to mention such small matters."

"On the thirteenth day of the fifth lunar month, it is the birthday of the Protector Bright King Buddha. We are going to make preparations. I heard that Benefactor Li is also going to refine Dharma artifacts that day?"

Li Yan nodded and said: "That's right. Coming to Near Wuchang this time is for this matter. I also have to thank your temple for your help in lending us a treasure land to refine artifacts."

Zen Master Master Tongxuan pondered for a moment, "There is a Tyrant Well in Near Wuchang City, legend has it that it was dug by the Overlord of Western Chu, somewhat similar to Zhuodao Spring."

"Deep in the Tyrant Well, there was originally a cold spring eye. If combined with the spiritual water of Zhuodao Spring, the forged Dharma artifact can add more spiritual charm."

"Unfortunately, the Tyrant Well has suddenly become turbid recently, often gushing out yellow water, fishy and foul-smelling, and I don't know what happened."

"The temple is short of manpower and has no time to check. If Benefactor Li has time, you can go and see. If it can be solved, it will be good for both of us."

"No problem."

Li Yan agreed immediately, "I will check it after I go back."

After he left, Zen Master Master Tongxuan was thoughtful, took out a booklet from the bookshelf on the side, and Li Yan's information was written on it.

In the eyes of others, even if Li Yan has made a name for himself, he is too young and is still far from the reputation of suppressing one side and influencing the situation.

But being able to pass through the five "obstacles" is even more extraordinary in the eyes of the Zen Sect. Those who can do this when young all have innate potential.

The significance represented by an innate expert is completely different...

…………

"Tyrant Well?"

In Yuquan Temple, Master Lu, who was interrupted in his work, was a bit annoyed, but upon hearing it was related to the Tyrant Well, he nodded: "There is indeed such a thing."

"Zhuodao Spring is located on Mount Fuhu, with mineral veins underneath. The spiritual spring water belongs to Geng Metal (Yang). The Tyrant Well is located in Near Wuchang City, and the underground water vein is connected to the river water, which is Xin Metal (Yin)."

"Therefore, Zhuodao Spring water can temper the blade of weapons, making them strong and murderous, while Tyrant Well water is soft, suitable for making jewelry and other Dharma artifacts, and can also be used to increase the toughness of inlaid talismans."

"I once sent people to the Tyrant Well, but didn't find the reason. It is very likely that the underground water vein changed its course. Having cold spring water is icing on the cake, and it doesn't matter if it's gone."

"The common people around the Tyrant Well offer incense all year round. Baotong Zen Temple asking you to go is mostly because they are short of manpower and don't want to make people panic..."

"So that's how it is."

Li Yan understood after hearing this.

It wouldn't hurt to check this kind of thing in passing, after all, he really gained benefits this time.

Returning to Near Wuchang City, it was already dusk.

The dragon boat race during the day had ended, and the Zen monks in the three towns of Near Wuchang had set up Dharma altars again to perform rituals to transcend the souls of the dead.

In previous years, this kind of thing generally started from the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and would stop after three days, but this year it has been going on for ten days.

The common people didn't know why, but they wouldn't miss this kind of thing, and the pious men and women rushed from their homes one after another to follow the prayers and sacrifices.

Li Yan pinched the Yang formula, and could immediately smell some Yin energy flickering on the river, wandering around.

To this day, many things have become clear.

The double-pupil feng shui master Yu Lanshan plans to use the timing, geography, and human harmony to suppress the evil feng shui formation in one fell swoop.

Now that the Turtle and Snake gods have condensed, the Yin evil energy accumulated on the Yangtze River all year round is like stirred sediment, appearing one after another, so it must be transcended every night.

Although cumbersome, this is like a thorough dredging. For a long time in the future, this section to the Three Gorges mouth will be calm on the water, and there will be no water ghosts making trouble.

Therefore, both the Prince's Mansion and the Zen Sect are very cooperative.

Of course, there are subsequent means.

On the thirteenth day of the fifth lunar month, the birthday of Captain Guan Sheng Di Jun, both the martial world and the common people will hold grand sacrifices to cleanse the Yin evil energy.

On the fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month, the "Great Duanyang," the daytime is the dragon boat race final, and at night, "Lifting the Bodhisattva" will be held.

This is a wandering god ritual, which is to lift the god statue in the temple and patrol along the villages and river banks. The main force is the water god General Yang Si.

The Near Wuchang Prince's Mansion has already ordered that villages, towns, and wharves along the Yangtze River will participate, and at that time, they will dredge the Yangtze River in one fell swoop and suppress the evil energy.

Not only can it break the White Tiger Evil of the Barbarian King's Tomb, but it can also keep the Yangtze River from flooding for several years, providing stable help for the war in the southwest.

With such a large action and layout, manpower is naturally in short supply.

……

Returning to the Chamber of Commerce, Li Yan checked on the Tian family and found that nothing was wrong, so he set off for the Tyrant Well.

Near Near Wuchang, there are many lakes, and the city is no exception. Except for the Bibo Lake in the Prince's Mansion, Ziyang Lake is the largest.

Ziyang Lake is considered a scenic spot in Near Wuchang City. Lu You and Huang Tingjian have both boated on the lake, leaving behind beautiful verses like "Ten miles of pavilions and water chestnut lotus fragrance."

And the Tyrant Well is located in the northwest corner of Ziyang Lake.

Li Yan checking the Tyrant Well was entrusted by Baotong Zen Temple, so there was no need to cover it up. The yamen also sent several yamen runners to accompany him, heading straight for Ziyang Lake...

The second update will be a bit late.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 315 =====