Chapter 369: Chapter 220: Buddha’s Sigh: That Scythe Is Still So Sharp (Part 2)
"Satisfied, I am satisfied, but I can’t afford it." Lu Taiyi laughed, pretending to joke.
"Oh, Master, talking money with us is too mundane. We feel that as a Bodhisattva with such a compassionate heart, you should live in a better place. That’s why I discussed with Taozi about letting you stay in this courtyard."
"I can’t..."
Lu Taiyi was just about to say something when Yang Anbang interrupted him, "Master, there’s no need to rush. I actually have an unreasonable request."
According to the plot in novels, even if you don’t kneel and bow, you should mention the matter of apprenticeship. But Yang Anbang’s status wasn’t right, so he could only replace ceremony with wine, drinking down three cups of strong liquor quickly.
Then, looking at Lu Taiyi, he said earnestly, "Master, you know, I’m very interested in Dragon Country’s magic. Now meeting a great master like you, I hope you can offer some guidance."
"It’s not that I won’t teach, but our school’s principle is quality over quantity. I..." Lu Taiyi pretended to be in a dilemma.
"Master, don’t you advocate fate? It’s fate that brought us together to drink and celebrate here. You’ve seen my conduct with your own eyes. You can’t fear that I might be a deceitful criminal, right?"
With a subtle glance from Wang Tao, the bodyguards who came along all chimed in.
"Yes, Master, many national treasures of Dragon Country have lost their heritage because of the phrase ’The art should not be lightly passed on.’ You’re too important to Dragon Country to follow their example."
"Master, please agree. Even if it’s not for the country, consider yourself. Having a disciple is like having half a son."
"Yes, indeed..."
After such necessary persuasion, Lu Taiyi finally showed a reluctant expression: "There’s some truth in what you say."
"But I need to say upfront that I can teach you some things, but we can’t consider it a master-disciple relationship. Since I got out, your family backgrounds are too complicated; I don’t want to get into trouble."
"Rest assured, Master, I will keep that in mind. As long as you teach me your skills, even without the title of a master-disciple relationship, you are a master in my heart."
After another round of persuasive exchanges and with Yang Anbang and Wang Tao offering tea, it was settled, and their secret master-disciple pact was established.
Immediately after, Yang Anbang generously declared, "Master, these men, who are excellent soldiers retiring from the army, were my personal bodyguards before. From now on, they will follow your orders completely. Even serving tea or carrying water will be their blessing."
"Yes, indeed, following the Master is a blessing from our past lives."
"From now on, we’ll absolutely follow the Master’s instructions. If he tells us to go east, we’ll never go west. Everything will be according to the Master’s command."
The Yang family’s bodyguards expressed their commitment, and soon the leading bodyguard chuckled awkwardly, "Master, I’m straightforward, I speak directly, please don’t mind."
"You see, today is somewhat important for you. Could you seize this opportunity to show us a trick or two, let us mortals broaden our horizons?"
Hearing these words, others echoed in agreement:
"Yes, Master, we’ve always been curious, please let us see."
"It’s rare to have a chance to witness the Immortal Technique, Master, please don’t refuse. Fulfill our wish."
Lu Taiyi waved his hand and then showed a helpless expression, "Alright, then I will show you a trick, prepare yourselves mentally."
Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces lit up with joy, and the room fell silent, all eyes eagerly watching Lu Taiyi, anticipating the Immortal Technique.
He opened a small elm wood box he carried, lifted the red cloth, and placed the deity statue from inside on the table.
Next, he took out two butter lamps from the box, placed them on the table as well, and then clasped his hands together, wearing a pious expression, murmuring:
"By chanting this sacred syllable, empowered by its might, even without visualizing,
In the assembly of Buddhas, amidst clouds of offerings, true fulfillment is achieved;
By the Buddha’s sincere truth, by natural formation, through the silent chant of the syllable;
Destroy all sins, remove all obstacles, obtain all pleasurable things, equal to all Buddhas;
...
With a puff!
The Sanskrit chant began, and the butter lamps ignited softly, ushering in limitless white light.
Yang Anbang and Wang Tao were instantly enveloped, lost entirely in the unknown within the blink of an eye.
"Where’s the young master? Where did they go?"
"I don’t know, where’s the Master? Why is he also gone?"
The numerous bodyguards instantly panicked; if the two young masters were lost, they couldn’t return and might as well find a grave to lie in.
...
Meanwhile, Yang Anbang and Wang Tao only saw darkness before them, and when they regained their senses, they were utterly stunned by the sight before them.
The vast Golden Body Lake, the expansive Bodhisattva Plain, the majestic Heaven-Suspended Mountain...
Before their eyes was the Buddhist Holy Land, filled with extraordinary sights; countless devotees bore pious expressions, murmuring, giving thanks to the Buddha of the world.
No matter how Yang Anbang and Wang Tao tried, they could only sense how real this world felt.
The land was vast, the fertile soil stretched endlessly, the lake water was crystal clear, and green grass formed canopies of shade.
They walked alone along their path, seeing many temples along the way, all ancient and tranquil. The closer they got to such places, the stronger the feeling was, as if they were buried deep in the mud.
"Is this Spiritual Qi?!" Yang Anbang and Wang Tao exchanged a glance, their eyes wide with shock.
How immense must this Spiritual Qi be to possess such daunting power, truly unfathomable.
"This is beyond belief; have we returned to the mythical era?"
