[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin":3,"chapter-the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-130":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The First Iron Rice Bowl of Great Jin",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},151816,261,"Chapter 130: Awakening Pattern","the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-130",130,"\u003Cp>Xiangguo Temple was built at the foot of the rear mountain of the Imperial City. Because the area around the Imperial City was heavily guarded and Imperial Guards frequently patrolled, Hua Changxi had flown over on a cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On ordinary days, Xiangguo Temple only received members of the imperial family and important dignitaries; common people were not allowed to approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi did not want to reveal her identity, so she wore a black robe she had obtained at the Ghost Market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monks of Xiangguo Temple, as expected of those who had seen great figures and grand occasions, remained completely unfazed and unmoved as mountains when faced with Hua Changxi, who descended from the sky in a black robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi told the gatekeeper monk that she had been entrusted by Elder Longbrow to seek an audience with the abbot. After waiting at the mountain gate for about a quarter of an hour, a monk came to lead her into the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiangguo Temple was built along the mountain; entering from the mountain gate, the terrain rose with every courtyard passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When passing through the first courtyard, Hua Changxi was immediately drawn to a lotus pond at its center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only was the spiritual energy in the lotus pond abundant, but a dazzling golden lotus was also in full bloom there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little master, what is this golden lotus?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading monk did not slow his pace and said with a proud expression: \"This is a Merit Golden Lotus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi, walking alongside the leading monk, asked curiously: \"What is the purpose of this Merit Golden Lotus?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this question, the leading monk just smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that he would not say, Hua Changxi asked about something else: \"Can all Buddhist temples nurture a Merit Golden Lotus?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading monk gave a wry smile: \"The female benefactor jokes. Only temples that have accumulated great merit can cultivate a Merit Golden Lotus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi's eyes flickered. She had opened the Five Finger Mountain, ignited the alchemy flame of the Alchemy Saint Hall, lectured on medical arts at the Qihuang Hall, and opened the Lingguang Hall—did these count as merit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can a Merit Golden Lotus only be cultivated by Buddhist temples, or can anyone who has accumulated merit cultivate one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the leading monk stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Hua Changxi: \"Countless monks of this temple, one after another, have dedicated themselves to delivering all beings, and only then did they cultivate this single Merit Golden Lotus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: \"Is it that difficult to cultivate? Little master, how is the golden lotus grown?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leading monk glanced at her and shook his head: \"This humble monk does not know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, they passed through several more courtyards, and Hua Changxi was taken directly to the courtyard where the Arhat Hall was located.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Female benefactor, please wait a moment. This humble monk will go report to the abbot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi stood in the courtyard, watching the leading monk enter the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Arhat Hall, both Master Wuchen and Jingliao had not yet left. The master and disciple both wanted to know the background of the female Daoist companion who had assisted Elder Longbrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuxiang saw through their thoughts but did not expel them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the leading monk entered the main hall, he said to Master Wuxiang: \"Abbot, the female benefactor has arrived.\" He paused, \"The female benefactor kept asking about the Merit Golden Lotus along the way, seemingly wanting… to cultivate a golden lotus.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Master Wuxiang looked surprised, then smiled: \"Please invite the female benefactor in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Hua Changxi was led into the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her in a black robe and wearing a Fuwa mask on her head, Master Wuxiang and Master Wuchen exchanged a silent glance, while Jingliao looked at Hua Changxi with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering the hall, Hua Changxi first greeted Master Wuxiang and Master Wuchen, then glanced at Jingliao, recognizing him as one of the people who had escaped from the Netherworld that day, and then handed over the bundle wrapped with Elder Longbrow's kasaya and bodhi beads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Longbrow… sacrificed himself for others. I deeply admire him. These are his relics. Please, Abbot, keep them safe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuxiang took the bundle, opened it, looked at the kasaya and bodhi beads inside, and showed grief: \"Thank you, female benefactor, for returning Elder Longbrow's relics.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi recalled the scene when Elder Longbrow rushed out to stop the demons and had his spiritual projection scattered, and her heart still trembled: \"Abbot, please accept my condolences. I have returned Elder Longbrow's relics, so I shall not disturb you any longer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuxiang quickly called her back: \"Benefactor, please stay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: \"Master, is there anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuxiang: \"Jingliao has already told me that if they had not met you, they would not have escaped from the Soul-Devouring Well. Now that you have specially returned Elder Longbrow's relics, this old monk must express his gratitude by all means.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi quickly said: \"Master, you need not be so polite. I only acted according to my own conscience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these words, Master Wuxiang smiled: \"Benefactor, you are a person of deep wisdom. Xiangguo Temple has nothing else to offer, but the Enlightenment Pool on the Precepts Platform is somewhat useful. Benefactor, you might as well take a trip to the Precepts Platform; perhaps you will gain something unexpected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Hua Changxi heard the words \"Precepts Platform,\" she instinctively wanted to refuse. Buddhist monks have many precepts and rules, and she had no desire to be bound by them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before she could speak, Jingliao, who sensed her intention to refuse, spoke up first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Benefactor, the Enlightenment Pool at Xiangguo Temple is nourished by the relics of several generations of abbots under the power of the Divine Lamp. If you can gain something from it, it will be very beneficial to cultivators.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Hua Changxi’s expression shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relic, the power of the Divine Lamp...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at Grandmaster Wuxiang: “Grandmaster, what is the Divine Lamp?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang smiled: “The founding Divine Lamp of Great Jin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: “Wasn’t the Divine Lamp said to have been destroyed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang sighed: “The Divine Lamp was indeed destroyed, but Xiangguo Temple preserved the lamp’s lotus petals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: “Does Xiangguo Temple preserve both black and white lotus petals?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang nodded: “Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi thought of Steward Leng’s words—that once the white flame was lit, the black flame could be controlled—and immediately decided to go to the ordination platform: “Then I shall gladly accept your kind offer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang smiled and personally led Hua Changxi to the ordination platform; Grandmaster Wuchen and Jingliao also followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ordination platform was where the monks of Xiangguo Temple took their vows. Once Hua Changxi arrived, she instinctively grew serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Benefactor, that is the Enlightenment Pool. Just reach your hand into it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the stone of the ordination platform stood a transparent tank over a meter tall, very much like a glass fish tank. Inside the tank there was nothing except a twelve-petal lotus lamp burning with both black and white flames at the bottom. Among them, eight petals were white jade and four were black jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi leaned in and carefully examined the lotus lamp: “This is the Divine Lamp?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang: “This is only a part of the Divine Lamp. The original had thirty-six white lotus petals and thirty-six black lotus petals, as well as a wick and a base. It has been nearly five hundred years since the Divine Lamp was destroyed; Xiangguo Temple has only gathered twelve petals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Hua Changxi’s heart stirred. She had not expected the Divine Lamp to have so many lotus petals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Hua Changxi was still hesitating, Jingliao couldn’t help reminding her: “Benefactor, please reach your hand into the Enlightenment Pool and try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi still did not move. She glanced at Jingliao, whose eyes were clear and bright, then looked back at Grandmaster Wuxiang: “What reaction will there be when I reach in?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang saw her wariness and smiled: “If you are sufficiently spiritually gifted, an Enlightenment Mark will appear on your hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: “And if I have no spiritual gift?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang: “Then naturally there will be no reaction at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi asked again: “Do both Grandmasters and this young master have Enlightenment Marks? May I see them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing how heavily guarded Hua Changxi was, Grandmaster Wuxiang and Grandmaster Wuchen exchanged helpless glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao could no longer hold back and looked seriously at Hua Changxi: “Of course we do, but the Enlightenment Mark only appears at specific times. Benefactor, please be at ease—you saved my life; this humble monk would never harm you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught out, Hua Changxi showed no embarrassment: “I have been deceived before, so naturally I must be cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang reminded her: “Benefactor, there is nothing wrong with being cautious, but do not let past affairs trap you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi said nothing. She looked at the transparent tank. She truly sensed no malice from the three men, and she was desperate to resolve the matter of the black flame. After a moment of silence, she finally reached her right hand inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as her hand entered the tank, ripples stirred in what had been empty space. Then, above the lotus lamp burning with black and white flames, a black fish condensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the black fish, both Grandmaster Wuxiang and Grandmaster Wuchen changed expression, and Jingliao let out a surprised “Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Hua Changxi could even ask what was happening, the black fish darted up and bit her, then quickly vanished into the back of her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, Hua Changxi swiftly withdrew her hand and saw a black fish pattern, very similar to the black fish in a taiji diagram, emerging on the back of her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pattern flashed and disappeared swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at Grandmaster Wuxiang and the other two: “What does this black fish pattern mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang looked at her with a complicated expression: “That is the Enlightenment Mark.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that both Grandmaster Wuxiang and Grandmaster Wuchen looked somewhat grave, Hua Changxi quickly asked: “Is there something wrong with my Enlightenment Mark?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandmaster Wuxiang and Grandmaster Wuchen remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao scratched his round, bald head in confusion: “Why would it be a black fish pattern?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Xiangguo Temple, the white jade lotus petals outnumbered the black jade ones by double. Logically, the resulting fish pattern should have been black-and-white with more white markings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi immediately asked: “Then what was it supposed to look like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao said, \"It should produce black-and-white fish patterns.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi's heart stirred; thinking of the black flame inside her, she seemed to understand what Jingliao meant. She glanced at Master Wuxiang and Master Wuchen, hesitated for a moment, then said, \"I have encountered people from the Asura Gate before. In the fight with them, they infused the black flame into my body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Master Wuxiang and Master Wuchen simultaneously showed looks of realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuxiang said, \"So that's how it is. Then, benefactor, you must be sure to control the black flame and not let it devour you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuchen directly took out a scripture and handed it to Hua Changxi: \"This is the Clear Mind Mantra. Reciting it can control the growth of the black flame. You saved Jingliao, so consider this my gift of thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi took the Clear Mind Mantra. Seeing how seriously Master Wuxiang and Master Wuchen regarded the black flame, she became more cautious about it herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she looked at the white jade lotus petals in the vat and sensed her own body, but found no sign of white flame igniting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wasn't it said that white jade lotus petals can ignite the white flame? Why haven't I been ignited?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuxiang said, \"Igniting the white flame requires the right opportunity. Some ignite easily, others do not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi furrowed her brow. \"I heard that the black flame stirs the dark side of a person, while the white flame awakens the good side. If I can't easily ignite the white flame, does that mean I am a great evil person?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao quickly said, \"Of course not! Benefactor saved me and others—you are a good person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at him but said nothing more. She was just asking casually; she didn't think she was a bad person either. The fact that the white jade lotus petals at Xiangguo Temple hadn't helped her ignite the white flame might simply be because the time was too short, or perhaps it was suppressed by the black flame in her body?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She would have to get a petal of white jade lotus herself and try to ignite the white flame on her own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Master Wuxiang gave Hua Changxi a token for entering and leaving Xiangguo Temple, telling her that on the first and fifteenth of each month, monks there gave sutra lectures, and she was welcome to come listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that it was almost dark, Hua Changxi didn't stay long at Xiangguo Temple. Jingliao volunteered to see her off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way out of the temple gate, Jingliao again thanked Hua Changxi for saving his life: \"Benefactor, I am from Dizhu Temple. If you find it inconvenient to come to Xiangguo Temple, you may come to Dizhu Temple to hear the monks' teachings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi was a little surprised. \"So you're not a disciple of Xiangguo Temple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao shook his head. \"My master and Master Wuxiang were from the same sect, so I suppose I'm half a Xiangguo Temple person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi smiled and asked, \"How did you know I didn't want to come to Xiangguo Temple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao smiled. \"Benefactor showed no emotional change when receiving the token to enter Xiangguo Temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at him. \"You're quite perceptive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the two reached the mountain gate of Xiangguo Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao watched Hua Changxi walk away before turning back. When he returned to the Arhat Hall, he happened to hear Master Wuxiang and Master Wuchen discussing the black fish pattern Hua Changxi had produced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the Awakening Pool formed, only five people have had entirely black fish patterns on their awakening marks. Even now, I still shudder thinking about the turmoil those five caused.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That female benefactor managed to severely wound the Nether Dragon—her cultivation is certainly high. In these turbulent times, I hope she doesn't turn out like those before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao walked in: \"Master, this disciple thinks you worry too much. The female benefactor saved us in the Soul-Devouring Well—she definitely isn't evil.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuchen looked at his disciple: \"That female benefactor's black fish pattern—even the fish's eyes were black. She may not be an evil person, but it's nine out of ten she is a loveless person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingliao didn't understand what a loveless person was: \"As long as she's not evil, that's fine, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wuchen sighed. \"A loveless person turns a blind eye to the suffering of the world. If they were merely an ordinary person, it might not matter, but if they are a powerful being who could change the world, their indifference can cause as much harm as an evildoer's deeds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his disciple's bewildered look, Master Wuchen said no more: \"You'll understand one day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving Xiangguo Temple, Hua Changxi did not return directly to the Medical Bureau but rode a cloud to Mausoleum Light Hall. Upon arriving at the main hall of Mausoleum Light Hall, she quickly began checking her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she hadn't sensed any ill will from Jingliao and the other two, the matter of the black fish pattern still made her uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi examined herself thoroughly—inside and out, even the dantian, Qi sea, and Nascent Soul—but found nothing unusual. The black fish pattern that had flashed on the back of her right hand had left no trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The awakening mark only appears at specific times...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what counts as a specific time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2680,"2026-05-29T04:10:26.746Z","2026-06-01T04:29:08.487Z",1,"deepseek-v4-flash","63fb6e7d7c0ac9872076674280fc20c191d0112bc5eeb90421e15f239b57a17c","the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-131","the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-129",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-cover.jpg"]