Volume 3: Can You Hold On Now? Chapter 5: Buddhist Disciples

  The sun sets in the west, the mountain wind whispers, but Xu Xian stands still on the edge of the cliff, staring at the western sky, trying to find the position of Mercury. He had learned some knowledge about astronomical observation from a magazine. This is the best time to look for a star, but Mercury's light often disappears in the scattered sunlight of the Earth's atmosphere.

  Even if Xu Xian's eyesight were good enough to be a pilot in modern times, it would still not be possible to replace binoculars. If you can't even see it, and it doesn't fill the entire solar system like the power of the sun, how could it possibly move Mercury?

  Xu Xian sighed, "If only we had a telescope." However, although this world had glass, it didn't have the technology to produce optical glass. After all, making a telescope wasn't as simple as just using two pieces of transparent glass. The transparency and uniformity of the glass had extremely high requirements.

  Xu Xian suddenly had an epiphany, remembering the six black bricks of Jin Wancheng, which were unparalleled in both craftsmanship and technology. If he could find two completely transparent diamonds, would it be possible to create a telescope after careful polishing? This gave Xu Xian new hope.

  But thinking about it, I also know that would be an astronomical figure. "Ah, if only I were Jin Shengjie's prodigal son." But this can only be thought of, the Buddhist saying that puts wealth in second place is indeed very reasonable.

  Xu Xian couldn't help but gnash his teeth and start eating, "If you hadn't come to bother me, I would be carefree and enjoying life, just waiting to eat White Snake's soft rice. Why do I need this headache?" Hanwen said, "Are you okay?!" Pan Yu's voice sounded from behind him. Xu Xian turned his head to see her furrowing her brow, concern etched on her face.

  She was somewhat displeased in her heart "Even if I were a man, there's no need to be so worried!" Xū Xiān turned his head and said:

  Xu Xian turned his head into the evening breeze and said softly: "Ming Yu, do you believe in fate?"

  Pan Yu thought for a moment and sighed: "I believe it, some things are just impossible no matter what!"

  Xu Xian was somewhat surprised that this seemingly omnipotent young master also had such troubles?

  Xu Xian suddenly seemed to think of something and couldn't help but laugh.

  Pan Yu said displeased: "What are you laughing at?"

  "It's just like I'm a man and you're a man, no matter what, it can't be changed!"

  Pan Yu's face stiffened, unsure of how to respond. He hadn't expected Xu Xian to bring up this topic, and at this time, he should have been avoiding it altogether!

  Xu Xian turned his head and smiled, "The heart that loves beauty is something everyone has, sometimes I think, if you were really Zhu Yingtai, I might have fallen in love with you!" In the countless days and nights they spent together, he couldn't help but wonder when a beautiful figure would appear in his dreams, as if he had truly seen such a gentle her before.

  Pan Yu's hands and feet were at a loss, not knowing where to put them. After all, this was the conservative ancient times, and even if he was carefree and composed, it would be impossible for him to remain calm when facing Xu Xian and saying such words. In his heart, there was a surge of emotion, wanting to tell the jade pendant: "I am your Zhu Yingtai!" But it was just a momentary impulse.

  "I don't believe in fate," Xuxian said firmly. His existence was to deny a certain fate. "But I believe in responsibility, and I have an important one that I cannot shirk, nor do I want to."

  Pam Yuet listened to his words, without asking what kind of responsibility that was. Did this familiar man who made her think she knew him like the back of her hand also have responsibilities she couldn't understand? What about her own responsibilities? She couldn't say they were avoidable either.

  She thought: Perhaps he also had a heart that was moved.

  Perhaps he still vaguely remembers that scene where she saved him. Otherwise, why would he want to marry her and love her in the painting?

  It was just a stone's throw away, yet it became an insurmountable gap due to two kinds of responsibilities.

  She didn't dare to tell him that she loved him, and he didn't dare to let himself fall in love with her. They could only rely on each other in that vague and illusory dream world, and then forget about it when they woke up.

  Pan Yu suddenly raised his head and smiled: "We will be friends forever!"

  Xu Xian nodded and said: "Yes, eternal friends."

  Friend? This word echoes in the hearts of two people, will there be regret? Will there be sighs? Or was it originally nothing at all.

  The next morning, in front of Fahai's door. Xu Xian, who should have avoided him, pushed open the door and saw that Fahai was sitting upright, apparently having meditated all night. "Master Fahai, I want to learn Buddhism from you," said Xu Xian, looking up at him.

  Fahai did not expect that Xu Xian, after sleeping for a while, would say he wanted to convert to Buddhism. Fahai's face was still calm and serene as he said: "The sea of bitterness is boundless, but turning back is the shore. You can have such thoughts, I am very pleased." "Unexpectedly, the night is long and dreams are many." Hmm, I will shave your head now.

  Xu Xian hastily explained: "No, I don't want to become a monk, I just wanted to ask if you would be willing to accept a secular disciple."

  This was the result of his deliberation for a whole night; what he needed most now was not strength but the way to use these strengths.

  However, the number of people in the world who can teach him these methods is countable. Yu Xuanji and he are not among them. Xu Xian has obtained the "Mohe Shu" from her, but it's still not enough to exert his own strength, and he lacks sufficient means.

  Looking at the whole article, apart from Guanyin and Xiwangmu, who are at the level of gods, only Fahai is left, and even Baigujing is slightly inferior to him. The path of human cultivation is broader than that of demon cultivation from the very beginning.

  Since there is no conflict between myself and Fahai for the time being, why not learn from him? Even if I don't gain anything, at least we'll know each other's bottom line, which will be useful in the future. Although I'm unwilling to deceive people, at this point, for that person's sake as well as my own lifelong happiness, I have no choice but to fight back a little, purely for self-protection.

  Fa Hai looked somewhat disappointed and frowned, saying: "A secular disciple?" If it were someone else who said this, he would have probably stormed off already, but Xu Xian was truly a born Buddhist, making him unbearable to abandon.

  Xu Xian's face was sincere: "Yesterday I saw the master's move"

  I'm filled with admiration, and I suppose you've also noticed that I too have been guided by others in my cultivation. However, there are some places where I still haven't grasped the essentials, so I want to learn some methods for subduing demons and exorcising evil spirits." Later on, it's inevitable that we'll have to stop you from subduing demons and taming evil spirits, old man.

  Fa Hai read a few steps on the spot and considered the way: "The law is not lightly transmitted, this reason you should understand." Xu Xian was able to get the kind of pear path person to transmit the law, it was under extremely coincidental circumstances, and following Yu Xuanji to learn the way, it was because Yu Xuanji was his master sister. The real cultivation world, the test of accepting disciples has reached a strict and terrifying level.

  Xu Xian said: "That's natural, what requirements you have just say it, I'll do my best"

  Fa Hai: "Alright, come with me!" He then walked towards the Scripture Library of Xiangyun Temple.

  The gate of Dacang Pavilion is roughly seen, with only books and scriptures inside, which are the three Tripitaka scriptures of "Jing", "Lv" and "Lun".

  "Jing" is the record of Buddha's words and deeds at birth.

  "Vinaya" is the various rules and regulations of Buddhism.

  "Lun" is a lecture on various Buddhist doctrines, which is the most part.

  Dharma Master: "Since you're practicing in the Buddhist tradition, it's unacceptable not to know the Buddhist scriptures. Although you don't want to shave your head and become a monk, I suppose you have some interest in Buddhism, so just memorize the sutras for me."

  Xu Xian was taken aback, this is too exaggerated, the so-called "sea of sutras" is indeed vast, but even if he had a photographic memory, there must be a limit. He smiled wryly and asked: "Master Fahai, what is the time limit?" He knew that since Master Fahai had spoken, he would not take back his words.

  Fa Hai stretched out three fingers:

  You get what you pay for, or so the saying goes. Either through hard work, conviction, or natural talent, nothing comes easily. And as for the path that Fahai spoke of, without mentioning anything else, just the thousand-year lifespan alone is something that even emperors and kings cannot obtain no matter how much they spend. In a certain sense, it's the most profound and boundless road in the world.

  Xu Xian sighed, is this really the way a cultivator accepts disciples? One must have great power, great wisdom, great merit, and great blessings. Even if one were to kneel on three mountains and seek out all five peaks, it would be in vain. To be able to meet such a Daoist master oneself is already considered having great good fortune.

  Xu Xian thought for a moment, clasped his hands together, and said with a serious expression: "I'll try my best! Although it's almost an impossible task, he made up his mind to give it a shot. After all, one can't admit defeat without even trying."

  Fa Hai was satisfied in his heart, without any complaints, but with many thoughts. The test had begun from that moment on, although he acknowledged Xu Xian's talent, the subtleties of his mind still needed to be carefully observed. A skilled craftsman must first examine the texture of the material before starting to carve, and must teach according to the material, take advantage of the situation, eliminate the bad and keep the good, and make the best use of it. This was the greatest test for a craftsman.

  Fahai was determined to guide Xu Xian well, just like a skilled craftsman who is presented with a rare and precious material that he is determined to carve into something exquisite. Just as the Daoist priest had opened a door for Xu Xian, Fahai today would lead him through that door and teach him the ways of the Dharma.

  What gate is it, what way is it. It doesn't depend on Taoism or Buddhism, but only on the heart of the practitioner.

  Testing memorization is both real and fake, the most important thing is to see his heart and various strengths and weaknesses in this process. After all, he wants to accept a disciple who can practice the great way of Buddhism, not a disciple who can recite scriptures.

  Lawrence: "Go ahead, there's a bed inside, three days of free food and drink, sent by Sami."

  Xu Xian nodded and said: "Yes, Master." Without hesitation, he entered the Scripture Storage Pavilion.

  Pan Yu rushed over and said: "Han Wen!" Xu Xian got up unusually early today, saying he had something to do.

  Xu Xian smiled and said: "Ming Yu, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to wait for me here for three days! Sorry, I won't be able to accompany you for these three days."

  Pan Yuzhi knew he was no ordinary person, but just smiled and said: "You go first, I'll wait for you here." In his heart, he silently thought: If you've decided it's your responsibility, then take good care of it!

  Xu Xian smiled slightly and turned into the Scripture Pavilion, the crimson pavilion door creaking shut behind him.

  Xu Xian's confident face fell, and he let out a few bitter laughs.

  Three days, countless scriptures, how can they be memorized? (End of chapter)