novel bin Chapter 123 Testing
Chapter 123 Testing
Inside the magnificent hall are three Buddha statues with kind and compassionate faces, showing mercy to all people.
The Buddha placed in the center is Shakyamuni Buddha of the Saha World, enshrined in Daruo Temple. To the right is Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, and to the left is Maitreya, who is destined to become a Buddha in the future.
On both sides of the altar are eighteen Arhats in different postures, such as sitting, standing, lying down, or holding flowers.
Whether it is the Buddha or the Arhat, there are always colorful flags and long banners shrouded in smoke around them.
In fact, during the Wansheng Dynasty, regardless of the Buddhist sect or school, they all belonged to the Exoteric School in general. However, whether it was the Esoteric School of the Vajrayana or the Exoteric School of the Wansheng Dynasty, going back several hundred years, they were all of the same lineage and origin.
After all, the Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, Dharma protectors, or Vajras they both believe in are actually the same.
The only difference between the two is that the exoteric school believes that sects must manifest themselves in the world to save all sentient beings and help others by helping themselves; while the esoteric school believes that sects must remain secret and not proclaim their teachings. The level of realization is different and cannot be generalized. The esoteric school follows the path of helping others by helping oneself.
A more specific area is that some schools of Tantric Buddhism still retain the supreme doctrines and traditions of the original Bon religion.
Now let's talk about the Great Temple.
Although it is essentially a Tantric Buddhist sect belonging to the Vajrayana region, its main halls are arranged according to the specifications and rituals of the Mahayana sect during the Wansheng Dynasty. This explains the presence of halls such as the Mountain Gate Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, and the Great Buddha Hall, all imbued with the style of the Wansheng Dynasty. If it were a temple from the Vajrayana region, the scene would be entirely different.
Inside the Mahavira Hall
Countless candlelight illuminated the dimly lit hall, where hundreds of monks were performing their evening prayers. The rustling of sandalwood incense and the lingering chanting of Buddhist hymns gave the hall a touch of the grandeur of a sacred Buddhist site.
'Thump...thump...thump...'
As three heavy bell tolls rang out, the monks emerged from the gate in an orderly fashion.
As for the six abbots, they did not leave, but stood beneath the altar.
They wore brightly colored robes and elaborate hats, quietly awaiting the arrival of Fang Hongxuan and Daoyuan.
...
"The abbots are inside the hall. This humble monk is still of limited ability and has no chance to meet the Buddhas of the Three Worlds, so I will not see you in."
This handsome monk clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect, just as Daoyuan did.
"Squeak...creak..."
The sandalwood door was slowly pushed open, and Fang Hongxuan and Daoyuan stepped inside together.
Inside the hall, six pairs of eyes simultaneously scrutinized the two figures, one large and one small.
Their expressions—whether curiosity, hatred, or disgust—were clearly visible and undisguised.
"Hmm... You say you are a lay disciple of Huikong, but what proof do you have?"
Although he was somewhat afraid, Fang Hongxuan had no choice but to bite the bullet and go for it.
"Venerable Daoyuan, you've really got me killed this time..."
To Fang Hongxuan's surprise, the six abbots were not as kind and benevolent as he had imagined. Judging from their sharp eyes alone, none of them were easy to deal with.
However, having been forced into this position, he had no choice but to perform the disciple's salute to the six abbots below the altar.
"What are your thoughts, fellow disciples?"
The more he did, the more mistakes he made. Therefore, he could only take it one step at a time.
Suddenly, a strange, cool breeze swept through the dimly lit hall, extinguishing the already flickering candlelight. A striped tiger slowly emerged from the darkness, its foul-smelling mouth growling and howling at Fang Hongxuan.
Following closely behind were fierce elephants, ferocious lions, giant pythons, yakshas, and the formless and shapeless chaos.
"The six abbots are skilled in the 'Six Devouring Seals of Unbridled Power,' so hopefully this kid won't slip up at the crucial moment..."
Dao Yuan watched silently without changing his expression, but his hands under his monk's robe unconsciously clenched slightly.
The giant python representing the abbot of Da Ruo Temple writhed its long body, completely encircling Fang Hongxuan who stood in place. Its raised head hissed, its eyes revealing undisguised ferocity and savagery.
His expression remained impassive, devoid of joy or sorrow, yet the sword at his waist seemed ready to be drawn at some point.
The five beasts, wreathed in turbulent waves, were staring menacingly at the motionless Fang Hongxuan. Their aggressive gazes seemed to weigh down Fang Hongxuan like a thousand pounds of black iron, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Fang Hongxuan's temple; he managed to suppress the urge to draw his sword.
"I can't draw my sword... If I do... I'll die here..."
"tap.."
As clear, unhurried footsteps sounded, the six phases of the dimly lit hall vanished. Looking around, where were the ferocious beasts? Only Hui Du had somehow appeared, standing a foot away from Fang Hongxuan.
"Good prospects. Senior Brother Huikong has taken in two promising talents..."
"If you are truly a disciple of Huikong, then you will surely understand this scripture..."
With a kind expression, Hui Du pulled out a nearly decaying book from his sleeve, on which were clearly written the words "Mahaparinirvana Sutra".
"Oh no..."
Dao Yuan secretly sensed something was wrong.
However, Fang Hongxuan was completely shaken.
"I can't believe... I actually had the chance to touch the Mahaparinirvana Sutra!"
"......"
"Although this humble monk knows the entire contents of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, this brat does not. Damn it, if I had known this earlier... I wouldn't have taken such a risk... Is he really going to die before he even begins his mission...?"
Dao Yuan's eyes turned cold as he thought of this. He had long been prepared for a fight to the death, but he never expected this scene to come so quickly.
"What? Could it be that Brother Huikong didn't teach you this supreme scripture?"
As Hui Du's emotionless words rang out, the five people who had remained silent before all glared at Fang Hongxuan. If Fang Hongxuan showed even the slightest fear or hesitation at this moment, he would undoubtedly suffer the wrath of the six.
"We must not lose our composure..."
Fang Hongxuan smiled calmly at first, then met Hui Du's calm and unwavering gaze with great confidence.
"Hahaha... I've never heard of the 'Mahaparinirvana Sutra' before. To be honest, this is the first time I've ever heard of such a divine skill..."
The hot-tempered Huiwu was the first to lose his temper. The phantom of the Yaksha that condensed behind him, along with his corpse-like body, suddenly arrived, and his bark-like face almost touched Fang Hongxuan's rosy cheek.
"So, you're trying to deceive us?"
"Hmph, you can't just accuse yourself of being related to Senior Brother Huikong with empty words... Do you know that lying will land you in the Hell of Tongue-Pulling?"
Huiyin was the first to agree, saying that this was not his original intention.
If the two were truly Huikong's disciples, then he would naturally offer his full support, not for any other reason than to cause trouble for Huiwu. However, things seem to be going badly now, so Huiyin must first distance himself from the situation and extricate himself from it.
Although his heart was in turmoil, Fang Hongxuan's expression remained unchanged.
"Abbot Huiwu, please hear what I have to say, how about it...?"
Those present were all shrewd individuals; they certainly wouldn't make such a hasty conclusion.
"Please feel free to speak..."