Chapter 429: with translation of chapter title

435. Chapter 435: The Wind Rises Suddenly

White Horse Chan Temple.

The annual Damo Hall selection has begun.

The selection consists of three examinations; obtaining a 'Medium-High' in all three, or having two examinations rated 'High', qualifies one for admission.

The first examination is self-presentation, namely displaying one's strongest skill before the head of Damo Hall;

The second examination is a trial bout, namely sparring with a warrior monk dispatched by Damo Hall and lasting the time it takes to burn an incense stick;

The third examination is a duel, namely one-on-one combat among the participating monks and nuns.

Lin Ke easily obtained a 'High' rating in the first two examinations; as long as the third examination's rating is not 'Low-Low', even if it is merely 'Low', he can be admitted to Damo Hall.

The monk Liaoxin, who had previously disagreed and engaged in a verbal dispute, also performed similarly, doing quite well.

Of course, compared to those monks and nuns who earned 'High-High' ratings in the first two examinations, Lin Ke and Monk Liaoxin are not conspicuous at all.

After a brief rest, the third examination arrived promptly.

The participating monks and nuns may have their sparring opponents randomly drawn by Damo Hall, or they may designate an opponent, provided the designated person agrees.

The examinations proceeded in an orderly manner.

Some were happy, some were worried.

Lin Ke paid no heed to these; what he cared about was being able to smoothly enter the Bodhi Hall after joining Damo Hall to seek records related to Great Master Wusheng, and to settle the karmic bond between his original self and Monk Liaoxin.

Having once experienced the world of human immortals and martial arts, Lin Ke has a certain understanding of the concept of karma.

He also places sufficient importance on the urgency of severing the karmic thread.

Meanwhile, Monk Liaochen beside him paid close attention to others' examination results, earnestly watching the ongoing matches, appearing as if his six senses were impure.

This made Lin Ke's feeling grow stronger and stronger.

From the moment he first arrived at White Horse Chan Temple, relying only on his original body's memories to understand the temple and this world, to this past month of gradually experiencing it firsthand and reading the scriptures, Lin Ke increasingly felt that the Buddhism of this world had deviated.

No, it is not the Buddhism that has deviated, but the monks who practice it.

Regardless of what the Buddhist scriptures say, at least the monks of White Horse Chan Temple merely cultivate Buddhism superficially while actually cultivating strength.

The three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance; the five aggregates of form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness; the six sense faculties of eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind; and the six sense objects of form, scent, taste, touch, and dharma—none of these demand 'emptiness' or 'nothingness'.

They do not cultivate precepts, concentration, or wisdom.

Moreover, they lack any notion or pursuit of right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

They are competitive and ferocious, akin to demons!

Lin Ke suppressed these feelings, refusing to let them affect him.

Often, people develop preconceptions; if they cannot detach themselves and remain 'in the midst of the mountain', they will drift further off course.

Being deep in enemy territory, Lin Ke does not want to stray, lest a bad situation arise.

Huh…

He gently exhaled a mouthful of turbid air, and in the blink of an eye, Lin Ke clarified his thoughts.

Suddenly, the three supernatural powers—Heavenly Eye, Heavenly Ear, and Divine Foot—appeared out of nowhere.

Of the six great supernatural powers of the Buddhist Arhat fruition, Lin Ke easily gathered them all and could at any moment certify his attainment of Arhat fruition.

Lin Ke's core is nothing less than an extraordinary fifth-level sage; even though the system differs, he also possesses the cultivation of a human immortal martial artist who has attained the Seeing God Realm, enabling him to draw parallels and quickly find his way.

However, Lin Ke was not in a rush to attain the Arhat realm.

Just as advancing to fourth-level sage in the wizard civilization requires resonance with the wizard world's will, the remnant Buddhist civilization likely also has a similar stringent requirement.

Before confirming this, one must not be careless.

At that moment, Monk Liaoxin stepped onto the duel platform, turned to face Lin Ke, and said: 'Brother Liaofan, I know that Junior Uncle Yuanzi and Brother Liaowu have blamed you for your accidental cliff fall, thinking I harmed you to ensure my own smooth entry into Damo Hall, and I know Brother Liaofan thinks the same. Since words are useless, let the truth be seen in action—let everyone see whether I, Liaoxin, need to secretly harm my brother in order to gain admission to Damo Hall.'

Ignoring the displeased expression of Damo Hall's Head Monk Yuanhui and the odd glances of the remaining examining monks and nuns, Monk Liaoxin publicly laid bare his conflict with Lin Ke.

Perhaps, feeling assured of victory, he preemptively broke this barrier to avoid any trouble arising later upon entering Damo Hall.

Regardless of what Monk Liaoxin thought, Lin Ke remained silent, simply stepping onto the platform step by step and standing opposite him.

"Begin."

The Damo Hall monk overseeing the duel examination confirmed both sides were ready, and Head Monk Yuanhui did not call a halt; following procedure, he announced the duel's official start.

With a bang.

As soon as the officiating monk's words fell, Monk Liaoxin flew off the platform and lightly fell to the ground.

Lin Ke's true body remained stationary where he stood, while his afterimage appeared at the spot where Monk Liaoxin had previously been, as dust rose from where Liaoxin fell.

"Divine Foot!"

Head Monk Yuanhui of Damo Hall sprang to his feet, exclaiming, 'Liaofan, when did you comprehend Divine Foot?'

The Damo Hall monks assisting the head in conducting the selection were shocked, the monks and nuns participating in the selection were shocked, and Monk Liaochen's mouth gaped wide enough to fit a fist.

Among the six supernatural powers, anyone who attains even one need not take the examinations and can directly join Damo Hall.

Since Monk Liaofan has already attained one such power, why does he still come to take the examinations, occupying a slot?

This question just arose in the minds of the participating monks and nuns and Monk Liaochen; everyone then had an answer, and they all turned their gazes toward the embarrassed yet uninjured Monk Liaoxin.

Having received 'High' ratings in the first two examinations, Monk Liaoxin's third examination rating would inevitably be 'Low-Low', so he naturally had no chance of entering Damo Hall.

So it was revenge after all!

Upon realizing this, Monk Liaochen burst into a wide grin, laughing: 'Too clever by half in scheming, you ended up ruining your own life.'

While quoting a lyric he had heard in a brothel, Monk Liaochen openly displayed his contempt and mockery toward Monk Liaoxin.

The other participating monks and nuns, hearing Liaochen's words, also cast scornful glances at Monk Liaoxin.

Including those who had previously been on good terms with Monk Liaoxin.

This is the prevailing atmosphere in White Horse Chan Temple.

Monks like Yuanzi and Liaochen, who care for their disciples and junior brethren, are few and far between.

Lin Ke spoke at this time, calmly replying: "Report to Master Yuanhui, I, after waking from injury sustained in this cliff fall, have deepened my Buddhist practice, and also seemed to have received guidance from the unseen; by the lakeside where Master Wusheng planted lotuses on the rear mountain, I inadvertently comprehended three divine abilities."

Over the past month, Lin Ke's inquiries into the actions of Master Yuan Zhi and Master Liao Chen cannot be concealed, and the records of Master Wusheng's deeds cannot be erased.

If the White Horse Monastery wishes to investigate, they can find out at any time.

Rather than conceal it, it is better to openly disclose it, and then make use of this.

However, Lin Ke still held back, saying only that he had comprehended three divine abilities, and did not mention the six.

Even so, many of the monks present were shocked by Lin Ke.

Three!

Ordinary monks find it extremely difficult to comprehend even one divine ability.

You have inadvertently comprehended three divine abilities all at once—how can others bear it?

Especially those monks who received the highest rating in all three examinations.

Which three?

Master Yuanhui, the most composed, calmly asked.

Divine Foot, Mind Reading, Extinction of Outflows.

Lin Ke hesitated not at all, announcing the three divine abilities he had carefully chosen.

Divine Foot has already manifested; Extinction of Outflows clears the obstacles to soon attaining Arhatship; as for Mind Reading…

After a pause, Lin Ke explained: "Report to Master Yuanhui, I originally did not wish to reveal today that I had already attained divine abilities, but I detected malice from Junior Brother Liao Xin via Mind Reading, thus acting rashly; please forgive me, Master."

Haha…

Master Yuanhui laughed loudly, "No blame! No blame! You did well! You did well!" After laughing, Master Yuan Zhi looked at Liao Xin, who had not yet risen from the ground, and said: "You have been expelled from the White Horse Monastery; as I said, get out now."

As the words fell, Master Yuanhui extended his right hand and grasped.

A wisp of vital energy like beacon smoke rose from the Baihui point atop Liao Xin's head.

This…

Liao Xin could not believe what had befallen him.

Aside from the Dharma Hall monks, the other monastics present, including Lin Ke, did not expect Master Yuanhui to directly abolish all of Liao Xin's cultivation.

No… not only abolished, but reclaimed.

Throw him out!

Master Yuanhui, too lazy to deal with Liao Xin's disbelief and anger, coldly issued a command.

Immediately, two Dharma Hall monks stepped forward, one lifting his hands, the other his feet, and carried away Liao Xin, whose mobility had been restricted at some point.

Alright, return to your senses!

Master Yuanhui gave a loud shout, waved his big hand, and said, "The selection is over, Liao Fan, come with me."

Having said that, Master Yuanhui paid no heed to the few monks who had not yet undergone the third examination, and turned and left on his own.

Lin Ke stepped down from the platform, gave Liao Chen a glance as a signal, and followed Master Yuanhui's pace.

Liao Chen understood, hurried back to find his master Master Yuan Zhi, and reported the matter.

However, Liao Xin was carried out of the White Horse Monastery, tossed aside like trash by the roadside, and soon picked up by a waiting carriage.

Inside the carriage, the ghost‑like Lotessno stared wistfully at the immobile Liao Xin, laughing hehe.

As a reincarnated sage, Lotessno certainly would not, like Lin Ke, Mo Li, Iris, Frисst, and Meidiqi, seize possession to enter the remnants of the Buddhist star system.

Strictly speaking, if Iris were not truly the native spirit of the wizard civilization, but merely became entangled with 'me' by chance, her true status would be only a sixth‑level sage, and she could not seize possession to enter.

In short, Lotessno had no body for the past month, existing only as a ghost‑like form.

Liao Xin stared at the apparition before him; before he could recover from the shock of having his cultivation abolished and being tossed out of the White Horse Monastery, he fell into another shock.

What are you going to do?

What are you going to do, ah?

He was clearly merely following his master's teachings, adhering to the White Horse Monastery's ingrained style, just using a little trick to ensure his entry into the Dharma Hall.

Why do others get away with doing the same, yet he alone meets this fate?

I won't accept this!

Liao Xin roared angrily in his heart.

Lotessno paid no heed to Liao Xin's anger, resentment, sorrow, and pain, as if an illusory right hand rested on his brow.

In a moment, Liao Xin's soul was pulled out and torn to shreds.

The ghost‑like Lotessno vanished from the carriage.

Not long after, a newly formed Liao Xin sat up, twisted his neck, moved his limbs, and muttered softly: "Finally I have a body—no easy feat."

After muttering, Lotessno sped up the carriage's pace.

The Elemental Sage said that the possession‑seizing magical device would randomly assign a possession target, but in fact it still made certain arrangements.

Lotessno, Meidiqi, and Lin Ke crossed into the same world.

Frисst and Mo Li crossed into the same world.

Only Iris was left alone.

Thinking of this, Lotessno couldn't help muttering: "Those few dark‑bias types in the High Council just love to latch onto a sheep and milk it relentlessly. Go ahead, milk it, see what kind of monster you'll end up producing."

Iris, whom Lotessno believed would become a monster, stood in a pool of blood, expressionlessly absorbing the resentment and vital energy produced at the moment of death by the old madams, pimps, ticket‑holders, and uncooperative prostitutes.

Around her stood sixteen girls, arranged in the shape of a lotus.

The lotus rises from the mire unstained, washed in clear ripples yet not alluring.

Resentment and vital energy are inherently impure filth; they gathered beneath Iris's feet, turning into sludge.

After purification by the white lotus, they split into two substances, clear and turbid.

The light, clear portion rises, giving back to heaven; the heavy, turbid portion descends, giving back to earth.

Airuisi, in the process of absorbing and gathering, purifying, and feeding back, obtained the two kinds of psychic power she wanted.

One kind of psychic power is called resentment, the other is called admiration.

While Airuisi obtained these two psychic powers, the sixteen girls arranged in a lotus shape also received feedback.

The mingled forces of purity, compassion, decisiveness, and ruthlessness surged into the hearts of the sixteen girls, causing them to exude a contradictory aura of purity and ferocity, compassion and indifference.

"No parents, unborn; the Void Homeland."

Airuisi whispered softly.

"No parents, unborn; the Void Homeland."

The sixteen girls recited it loudly.

"Do you wish to revere me?"

Airuisi looked toward the survivors among the brothel's prostitutes who offered no resistance or attempt to flee.

"Willing... willing."

One prostitute spoke first, her tongue trembling, still feeling strong fear.

"Willing... willing... willing."

The other prostitutes reacted, hurriedly echoing, fearful that this ruthless person who would slaughter the brothel over a disagreement might also kill them.

"Are you willing to follow me in purifying this defiled world?"

Airuisi ignored the prostitutes' fear and asked again gently.

"Willing."

For some unknown reason, the prostitutes' hearts suddenly calmed, and their answers became firm.

Airuisi's face showed a faint smile: "Since you are willing, then follow me into the Void Homeland."

As her words fell, the entire brothel burst into roaring flames.

Airuisi led the way into the fire.

The sixteen girls followed without hesitation.

Some of the prostitutes followed resolutely, some hesitated a moment, some could not move their feet, and some wanted to turn and flee.

Those unable to move their feet collapsed silently to the ground, awaiting consumption by the flames.

Those who turned to run instantly burst into flames, becoming like torches, emitting shrill cries.

"Those who believe in me shall gain eternal life."

"Those who do not believe in me shall not attain transcendence."

Airuisi's indifferent voice echoed throughout the city.

In an instant, the entire brothel burned to ashes, leaving only a water tank.

Within it grew a white lotus.