After reciting the Great Compassion Mantra, I remained seated.
I had entered a wondrous, mystical state.
I could even vaguely touch the door to the next realm.
You see, ever since I consumed the Human Yuan Yang Shou Dan, and used its life-extending effects to improve my cultivation.
For these past few months, no matter how hard I practiced, I hadn't taken another step.
I hadn't even seen the path forward.
This was completely different from my previous state of cultivation.
I had also consulted my Uncle-Master. He had simply told me.
To be patient, to be calm, and to proceed step by step to find the breakthrough bottleneck and method.
In simpler terms, I had to comprehend it myself.
But after so long, I hadn't comprehended anything.
Yet now, after reciting the complete Great Compassion Mantra, I had inexplicably parted the clouds before me and seen the door to advancing from the Xuan Dan peak.
My Uncle-Master had said that some people might be stuck in the Xuan Dan realm their entire lives and be unable to take a single step forward.
But now, I vaguely saw hope.
If I could grasp it, I might advance further.
However, this feeling and state could disappear at any moment.
How could I miss such a golden opportunity?
Without regard for where I was or how many people were watching.
I stared at the complete Great Compassion Mantra and began to recite it again from the beginning:
Namo Kālāratna. Duōluó yē yē.
Namo Ālìyē.
Pòlújiē dì…
Seeing that I hadn't stopped and had started again, those around me looked puzzled.
"What is this guy doing, why is he still reciting?"
"Has this kid gone senile? You've already succeeded in the challenge?"
"Can you get addicted to reciting scriptures?"
"..."
Many were confused because they couldn't grasp the Buddhist nature and the tranquility within the complete Great Compassion Mantra.
Chen Yao, upon seeing this, also asked in surprise:
"Senior Brother, why is Senior Brother Qin still reciting?"
Although Lao Mo was a bit chuunibyo at times, he wasn't foolish.
He understood me well. Seeing me stationary and reciting the Great Compassion Mantra again, his expression suddenly turned serious:
"I heard from Senior Uncle-Master before that Old Qin has spiritual roots.
And before he joined the sect, he could drive away malevolent spirits by reciting scriptures.
He's probably comprehending something within this Great Compassion Mantra!"
Lao Mo's understanding was quite clear.
He spoke up to explain now, signaling Chen Yao to watch and not disturb me.
Chen Yao was startled and watched quietly from the side.
Yun Long and Yun Hu also widened their mouths, not expecting that I had such an experience...
Before joining the sect, being able to dispel malevolent spirits by reciting scriptures, that wasn't child's play.
How much spiritual wisdom would one need to achieve that?
Xia Qiuxi also narrowed her eyes and nodded:
"That should be it. Have you noticed?
Qin Ze's breathing has become very steady after reciting the scriptures.
He might have entered a state of meditation..."
"Meditation, Senior Sister, what kind of state is that?"
Chen Yao was somewhat confused.
She often saw this term, in TV shows or novels.
But she had never experienced what kind of state it was.
However, before Xia Qiuxi could speak.
Master Jing Xin, who was sitting not far away, then spoke:
"Meditation means entering samadhi.
It is a method of practice for us monks. Sitting upright with eyes closed, focusing the mind.
A state of mental unity.
Similar to the Taoist practice of exhaling and inhaling to return to the true nature.
This young benefactor should have comprehended the tranquil secret of the Great Compassion Mantra.
Therefore, he is reciting the Great Compassion Mantra again.
His realm will likely improve further in a short time!
His affinity with Buddhism is rare indeed, Amitabha!"
Master Jing Xin suddenly spoke, not sparing his praise.
The young Taoist disciples from various sects gathered around were all amazed and astonished, even disbelieving.
"Damn! Is there such a genius?"
"As expected of someone who defeated Wang Qi in one move, he's got something."
"Is it true or not? This kid looks so silly.
After reciting a few lines of the Great Compassion Mantra, he comprehended its tranquil secrets?"
A rogue cultivator spoke enviously.
As soon as he finished speaking, Lao Mo retorted:
"Who the hell are you calling silly? I think you look silly too!"
That rogue cultivator, being retorted by Lao Mo, was about to get angry.
Seeing Xia Qiuxi, Chen Yao, Yun Long, and Yun Hu standing beside him, all glaring at him.
Clearly outnumbered.
He immediately backed down, repeatedly apologizing:
"My apologies, my apologies. Just speaking casually, casually. No offense."
Lao Mo, seeing the other party apologize, didn't pursue it further.
Meanwhile, I was still reciting.
The feeling was very peculiar. With each line recited, I gained new feelings and insights.
The path to advancement blocking my way became clearer with each recitation.
The crystal Buddha remained enveloped in a halo, its swastika symbol clear.
Many people were watching, and even unconsciously, they began to follow along.
They also wanted to see if they, like Master Jing Xin said, could comprehend the meditative state and benefit their own cultivation.
Buddhism and Taoism are one family; their cultivation methods differ.
But they ultimately lead to the same destination…
However, it was a pity that spiritual wisdom was not something everyone possessed.
Those around me stammered through a few lines, feeling it wasn't as effective as reciting the Tranquil Heart Mantra or the Tao Te Ching, and they gave up.
After I finished reciting again, my heart was filled with peace and emptiness.
Although I didn't break through directly, I had touched the bottleneck.
The path to breakthrough was no longer a complete void.
I opened my eyes.
Then I stood up and, in front of everyone present, cupped my fists towards Master Jing Xin:
"Thank you, Master, for the scriptures."
Master Jing Xin smiled and joined his palms:
"Namo Amitabha, the scriptures are here for anyone to recite, there's no need for thanks.
Uncle-Master has exceptional spiritual roots and has surely gained something.
With the Vajra Demon Subduing Pestle in your hands, you will surely be able to slay demons and subdue devils, and save all living beings in the future.
Amitabha…"
After Master Jing Xin finished speaking.
Monk Kong Ming, standing by, picked up the Vajra Demon Subduing Pestle and handed it over with both hands:
"Benefactor, you have succeeded in the challenge.
The Vajra Demon Subduing Pestle is yours!"