"Master Yixing?"
Tang Xianzu, wandering in his dream, saw the monk calling him and felt a touch of pleasant surprise:
"We are far apart, how can we meet here? I was just at my desk..."
As he spoke, he patted his forehead and said joyfully, "That's right! It's a dream induction!"
"In the past, I once dreamed of a man and a woman meeting as wandering souls, using a willow branch as a matchmaker..."
"This must be my soul meeting yours in a dream!"
"I even wrote a book about this meeting of wandering souls, called 'The Return of the Soul'..."
Monk Yixing smiled and said, "The return of the soul, the manifestation in dreams, is nothing strange. Mortals often call it uncanny, but in reality, the three souls and seven spirits all have their abodes. Dream induction is merely commonplace for cultivators."
"As for the book you wrote, I am a monk, how would I understand such matters of love between men and women?"
Upon hearing this, Tang Xianzu burst into laughter. Monk Yixing pointed to the surroundings and introduced them to Tang Xianzu:
"This place is the Dharma realm of Buddhism, a pure land of Bodhisattvas. Your Buddha-nature is profound, hence you have been summoned by a Bodhisattva. You meet me here in this dream. Your soul has entered the Dharma realm of Buddhism, where you can listen to the celestial sounds of the Bodhisattva."
"Wandering souls, men and women, cannot be seen. Only the true form of the Bodhisattva and the scenery of the celestial beings can be seen."
"Namo Bodhisattva of the Boundless Darkness."
Monk Yixing proclaimed the Bodhisattva's name. Tang Xianzu also clasped his hands together. He saw the golden radiance all around, the magnificent scenery manifesting like a mirage. It could only be viewed from afar, and upon slight approach, it would turn into clouds and mist and disappear. Seeing Tang Xianzu's immense curiosity, Monk Yixing gently waved his hand to stabilize his mind. The myriad golden rays immediately vanished, followed by the appearance of a Grand Hero Hall.
The Bodhisattva sat high above, his physical body seated on a lotus throne. On both sides, numerous Buddhist disciples listened to the discourse. Waves of Sanskrit chants permeated this world, entering the heart like a spring breeze transforming rain, making one feel comfortable all over, floating and forgetting their origin, wishing only to exist in this realm forever and listen to the Dharma.
Tang Xianzu's eyes were filled with excitement, and he quickly bowed respectfully from afar.
"It is truly a magnificent Buddhist realm! Bodhisattva of the Boundless Darkness, you are above!"
Monk Yixing was very satisfied with Tang Xianzu's reaction, feeling that his past efforts in preaching to him were not in vain.
"You have an affinity with the Bodhisattva. Bodhisattva of the Boundless Darkness will expound scriptures for you. Remember not to be distracted by anything else..."
"When the scriptures are finished, your soul will naturally return..."
Tang Xianzu was very happy, but he also had concerns. As the thought-form of Monk Yixing was about to leave the Dharma realm of Buddhism, he suddenly called out to Monk Yixing and asked:
"I am immensely honored to be favored by a Bodhisattva! However, there are many affairs in Suichang County that require my attention. I also have a play script that is being revised and has not yet been finished. There are many, many things... I am afraid I cannot stay here for long."
"May I be so bold as to ask, how long does the Bodhisattva's discourse last?"
Tang Xianzu appeared somewhat embarrassed, even deeply ashamed. He knew that being favored by a Bodhisattva was something countless Buddhist followers dreamed of, yet he dared to bargain. If those devout Buddhists knew of this, they would likely shake their heads at him, saying he was too attached to the mortal world and did not understand the benefits of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
However, his own affairs were not yet completed. There were many matters concerning the county's populace awaiting his decision. The autumn harvest season was approaching, a busy time. It was truly difficult for him to abandon the bellies of all beings at this moment and enter this Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Monk Yixing naturally felt the same. He frowned and chided, "Tang Xianzu, Tang Yirang! To have one's soul wander in the Bodhisattva's Pure Land is something that millions seek but cannot obtain. You still dare to ask when the Bodhisattva's discourse will end?"
"This is disrespectful to the Dharma and disrespects the Bodhisattva!"
Tang Xianzu quickly replied, "It is not that I disrespect the Dharma or the Bodhisattva! It is simply that my affairs are not finished, and my heart is constantly burdened. I would never seek self-preservation alone!"
"Moreover, Buddhist scriptures also state that to achieve a lotus throne, one must extinguish the seven emotions and six desires. Is not entering the monastic life and letting go of everything precisely this? However, I dare not let go for the time being. If I were to let go, I believe I should first resign from my official post and settle everything properly before returning here to meet the Bodhisattva."
Monk Yixing thought, you are too stubborn. For the sake of a few worldly matters, you would actually sever this eternally rare Buddhist affinity. However, upon further reflection, it was precisely because of this personality that he possessed righteousness.
"What you say... is indeed true."
"If you cannot let go completely, it will be difficult for the Dharma to achieve anything."
"Very well, I will explain to the Bodhisattva. You can ponder it in your heart. Currently, the Bodhisattva is speaking the first section of the scriptures. By the time you hear the third section, it will be about time..."
Monk Yixing thought that by the third section, it would likely be the time when your soul is sacrificed and returns to nothingness.
By then, the Ascension Assembly should have progressed to its climax, and Prince Lu would have successfully achieved immortal form and completed his ascension.
Tang Xianzu bowed quickly, overjoyed. "Thank you, Master."
"You need not thank me. Remember to listen to the Dharma and do not have any other thoughts. Otherwise, if your soul gets lost outside the Dharma realm, it will be troublesome..."
.........
Beneath the starry river, within the dark night sky, colorful lights rolled and churned like dragon tides and wind currents. It was a gathering of cultivators, including many renowned masters, offering treasures for Prince Lu's ascension!
"Daoist Master Yongshui of Jinmen Mountain offers the precious treasure of Cangshi Stalactite to His Highness Prince Lu! Consuming it can prolong life and eliminate curses!"
A cultivator in golden robes with a long beard floated forward, holding a treasure emitting green light. With a wave of his hand, the treasure landed within the royal boat.
"Daoist Master Linxia of Zigge Cave offers a portion of the Five-Five Divine Water! Consuming it can enhance the water element and nourish immortal bones!"
"The Abbot of Baiguang Temple, Master Qiyang, offers the Heavenly Movement Brocade Robe! Wearing it allows one to control the six energies and travel freely through the heavens!"
"The Palace Master of Qingxian Palace, Master Qingjin, offers a scroll of Lingwen Shangzhang! Burning it can command celestial deities, summoning them for one's use for a moment!"
"The Hall Master of Guiwang Hall on Santai Mountain, Daoist Master Zhaoyin, offers a box of Yulv Green Ash! Burning it can guide incense and collect the merits of sacrifices!"
"The Immortal Fairy Yinxian of Yunxiao Temple offers a horn of the Qulong Giant! Blowing it can command creatures like flood dragons and stir the waters of rivers."
The voices of cultivators offering treasures were endless, like waves crashing against the clouds, shaking the starry sky! The main event was soon to arrive, and the gifts from Mount Lao and Quanzhen had also arrived.
"Baiwuzi of the Mount Lao Sect offers the Blazing Tortoise Treasure Mirror, a divine treasure! This mirror is clear and bright, capable of illuminating unfathomable events and discerning heavenly dangers!"
"Jiangquzi of Chongyang Palace offers the Huainan King's Medicine Gold, a divine treasure, half a tael in the world! This medicine gold is spiritual and divine, capable of increasing the success rate of ascension for those in the Pure Yang realm by twenty percent!"
Two heavyweight figures appeared, arriving with seven-colored auspicious light and offering treasures, which astonished everyone and led to discussions among other cultivators. With these two treasures, success in ascension would almost no longer require gambling!
First, one could examine heavenly secrets, then consume the medicine gold, and after ascension, one would either become an immortal or a medicinal immortal with the divine power to heal and revive the dead!
Prince Lu's eyes lit up, and he immediately appeared, thanking the two individuals:
"Daoist Friend Baiwu, Daoist Friend Jiangqu, thank you both for your timely assistance!"
The two bowed in unison. Baiwuzi said humbly, "Your Highness, what are you saying! It is our duty to find treasures for Your Highness!"
Jiangquzi said, "Today, Your Highness proves the Dao and ascends, becoming the Lord of our mortal realm. Although we are both in the Refining Spirit realm, we are still half a step away from Pure Yang. Using these things would be too extravagant. They should be offered to Your Highness to achieve something useful!"
"Hahaha! Excellent, excellent, excellent! Thank you, two Daoist friends. If I achieve immortality today, I promise you that even if you have no chance of achieving immortality in this life, you will attain the fortune of Pure Yang!"
The two great cultivators returned the salute and said in unison, "Then we thank Your Highness!"
Prince Lu then advised Jiangquzi, "After I ascend, you should leave Chongyang Palace and come to the south to establish a Second Chongyang. The Quanzhen sect in the south lacks outstanding talents and is weak. You should branch out and become a sect leader."
"Your Highness speaks truly. I have had this intention for a long time. Chongyang Palace remains decadent. With only one cultivator in the Pure Yang realm, it is difficult to compare with Zhengyi. This is truly my regret. The Palace Master is also ossified in his thinking, cultivating by the immortal steles in the palace, refusing to learn from Buddhism's widespread dissemination of good karma. He says that doing so would ruin the rules of the Daoist sect, and those who have lost their affinity, even if admitted into the palace, will not be able to achieve great things. Such remarks are truly foolish."
"Only by widely recruiting disciples can Chongyang flourish and Quanzhen be revitalized. Today, among all Daoist sects, Zhengyi is supreme. Where does our Quanzhen have a voice! This is truly a sorrow of the times. In the era of the Five Yang Emperors, the prosperity of Quanzhen can no longer be replicated!"
Prince Lu then looked at Baiwuzi and asked, "Daoist Friend Baiwu, do you have any thoughts of establishing a sect in the south?"
Baiwuzi smiled, "I also have this intention, but I am currently unable to free myself. Your Highness's ascension is a great event, but just a few days ago, before I came here, the Mount Lao Sect received a decree from the imperial court, ordering us to go to Joseon to kill the Japanese pirates."
"I was thinking that going to Joseon to spread the teachings for Your Highness and causing all the elite forces in Liaodong to defect would be a good thing."
Prince Lu's eyes lit up. "Excellent! In Joseon, the elite forces of this Great Ming not only include the soldiers of Liaodong but also the naval forces from Jiangsu and Zhejiang along the coast. Among them are many elite soldiers and generals trained by Qi Jiguang. If these people can be brought under our control, the hearts of the people in the world will soon follow."
"At that time, the sun and moon will shine together, and my imperial brother will only be able to guard the land north of the Huai River, living in a place of bitter cold. With all the elite forces of the world in my hands, he will only have remnants and old generals, incapable of great use."
The two cultivators exchanged smiles, and Prince Lu praised them highly. After a brief conversation, he greeted other sect masters and renowned figures who had come to congratulate him.
As the cultivators descended, their numbers were vast, making it inconvenient to board the ship. After all, although the royal boat was large, it was limited in size. The Qinhuai River was not like the Yangtze or Yellow Rivers, with such wide waters, so ships as large as those that could run horses were naturally not present.
Prince Lu then held the treasure mirror in his hand, a gesture that seemed deliberate. He then introduced the other two to the many cultivators.
"Mr. Yao, my close friend, whom you all should know, so I need not introduce him further."
"These two..."
Prince Lu had someone invite the two of them, and then Ji Xiang and Monk Yixing walked out together.
"This is Master Yixing from the Great Retribution Temple in Ying Tian, who once debated Buddhist principles with Zen Master Zibai."
Upon hearing this, Jiangquzi was shocked. "Zen Master Zibai, one of the Four Venerables?"
He then looked at Monk Yixing and found that his aura was no weaker than that of the former Four Venerables. In the Pure Yang realm, he was considered to be nearing its end. Although he had not yet reached the threshold of ascension, he only needed a chance encounter to advance further.
Jiangquzi marveled, "Your Highness, to think that such a master is hidden in Ying Tian!"
"In the Buddhist world, there are only four Venerables at the peak of Pure Yang. I did not expect that now there will be five Great Venerables!"
Prince Lu then pointed to Ji Xiang, deliberately turning the treasure mirror in his hand to face Ji Xiang's profile.
"This is my imperial brother, the Wanli Emperor, who personally conferred the title of the second True Person in the world!"
"The True Person of North Pole Renwei of Zhengyi!"
As soon as this was said, the cultivators were all shaken. Baiwuzi's gaze flickered, "I have heard some rumors recently! Not long ago, there was a great disturbance in the Forbidden City, which was quelled by a cultivator in the Ascension realm. The title of the second in the world was thus spread."
"But you seem to be only an Earth Immortal?"
Baiwuzi was only in the Refining Spirit realm, not yet having reached the Pure Yang realm. Although Ji Xiang's aura was extraordinary, he could still sense some of it, but ultimately, he could not see as clearly as someone in the Pure Yang realm, hence his doubt.
Prince Lu smiled, "A reincarnated and re-cultivated cultivator from the Ascension realm. The Earth Immortal is merely the strength of the physical body. If anyone wishes to compete with the True Person of North Pole, they can do so under my gaze after I ascend, and I will bear witness."
"What does the True Person think?"
Ji Xiang said calmly, "I dare not claim to suppress all cultivators in the world, but among those present, apart from Master Yixing beside me, I welcome anyone else!"
Baiwuzi immediately chuckled, "What audacious words! Truly worthy of applause! It does have a bit of the arrogance of an immortal. However, having descended from ascension, which sect do you belong to?"
Ji Xiang replied, "I am a corpse-liberator. I slept in the Han Dynasty. At that time, what sect was there? You young juniors, when discussing others, must inquire about their sect. Are you afraid of encountering someone you cannot afford to offend?"
Baiwuzi gave three awkward laughs, "Then after the Ascension Assembly, I request the immortal to guide me."
Ji Xiang nodded, "It's easy to say, easy to say. It's just that I haven't moved for a thousand years, and my control over this body is not high. Therefore, my movements are sometimes too heavy. You must bear with it a little."
Jiangquzi smiled and smoothed things over, "Why must we distinguish between high and low? We are all friends of Your Highness. If we fight amongst ourselves, wouldn't it make the Emperor laugh? Then how can we talk about confronting True Person Zhang, and how can we achieve the radiance of the sun and moon?"
Seeing this potential commotion, the cultivators were all eager to watch the spectacle. A contest between a Refining Spirit cultivator and an immortal... well, even if it was a damaged immortal, it still bore the title of immortal, and its strength must be extraordinary. After the Ascension Assembly, this matter would surely be interesting.
Meanwhile, Prince Lu turned the treasure mirror back.
He had already obtained the incantation for using the mirror's ability from Baiwuzi. However, upon this glance, the heavenly secrets showed that Ji Xiang posed no threat, and even his threat level was very low.
Prince Lu couldn't help but ponder.
Could it be that the True Person of North Pole truly intended to pledge allegiance to him?