Chapter 13: Paradise Temple (Part 2)
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Nothing like that happened, no passionate and thrilling events. Why? Maybe because this is a book for all ages, not prohibited for those under 18. Yang Zhao felt a bit disappointed but also relieved. On one hand, he comforted himself that everything would happen after marriage. On the other hand, he moved into the Cold Fragrance Pavilion arranged by Shaoye. It was a two-story small building standing outside the main architecture of the Temple of Ultimate Bliss, with a very quiet environment.
Sha didn't bother Yang Zhao anymore. It seemed that this older sister just liked to tease and flirt with young boys, and nothing more. If she really wanted to recruit him as a guest, Yang Zhao wouldn't even be considered at the moment. After making arrangements, she left on her own. After dinner, Yang Zhao was bored and didn't feel like going out for a stroll. As he sat there, lost in thought, he gradually began thinking about his fight with Tianzhu monk earlier that day.
Today's fierce battle was the first time Yang Zhao had truly taken action since crossing over, and it was also his first real confrontation with death. At that moment, he was desperate to fight for his life, without any spare thoughts. Now, after re-examining the battle, he couldn't help but feel a lingering fear. Whether it was in terms of skill, experience or mental state, the monk from Tianzhu was far stronger than himself; if Mohuiye hadn't intervened in time, he would have probably lost his life at the head of Yema Bridge today.
In this world where the strong prey on the weak and everything is decided by force, gods and demons roam free, and all sorts of unimaginable dangers lurk everywhere. In the days to come, even stronger and more overbearing enemies will surely emerge one after another. If one does not strive to become stronger, it will be difficult to even survive in the future, let alone achieve anything great. A towering building starts from the ground, and laying a solid foundation is still the most important thing.
With this in mind, Yang Zhao no longer dared to be negligent. He immediately sat down cross-legged and began to practice the Yi Jing Xuan Jian as usual. It must be said that a real battle is indeed more effective than 100 days of bitter practice. Although he suffered greatly at the hands of the Tibetan monk, the potential unleashed in his desperate struggle for survival brought about astonishing progress. In his previous practices, the Bagua shapes and energies on Yang Zhao's body were only faintly visible, seemingly there but not quite. However, after the intense battle during the day and with the help of Mohaye Ye's healing, when he slightly mobilized his energy this time, his true energy flowed freely without any obstruction. In an instant, his entire body felt light and airy, as if he was about to rise into the air. The Bagua shapes reappeared, shining brightly and continuously rotating around him.
Yang Zhao's spiritual cultivation had improved dramatically since obtaining the Tianjian Tongling, but his internal energy progress was always limited. However, in this situation, his progress was rapid and boundless. He saw the yin-yang hexagrams overlapping and merging, changing and transforming with his heart's desire, and every move he made was effortless and natural. Yang Zhao's body and mind were fully immersed in it, gradually entering a state of selflessness. In his subconscious mind, the image of the Tianzhu monk who had urged him to reach the peak of the seven-layered ice and fire heaven suddenly appeared.
Yang Zhao's body and mind were completely absorbed, without any hesitation, his left palm suddenly launched a casual attack with the "Li Huo Luan" move, while his right palm assisted with the "Gen Shan Gu Hu" move to protect himself. The transition between offense and defense was seamless, without any signs of hesitation or awkwardness. Before the previous move had even ended, he suddenly transformed into the "Kan Shui Yan Sheng" move, unleashing a burst of thunder and lightning. The transformation was as smooth as if it were a natural part of his movements, leaving no room for error or weakness. Meanwhile, the imaginary Tian Zhu monk that Yang Zhao had conjured up in his mind responded with the "Seven Styles Ice Fire Mantis" move, exchanging blows with Yang Zhao in a flurry of attacks and counterattacks. The battle was intense and dazzling, lasting only for an instant.
With a thought, he simulated a battle, a special ability that only top-notch masters could possess. Now Yang Zhao was also able to do it, and his martial arts skills had already taken a new step forward. However, he himself was still unaware of it, immersed in the mental space, constantly simulating and improving his various shortcomings. The fight was just a simulation, but the moves he made with his hands and feet were all real. For a time, the palm force surged, and the small building was filled with wind and thunder. The calligraphy and paintings on the wall, as well as the various decorations in the room, were all blown up by the palm force, swirling around, looking like a spectacular sight.
At this moment of excitement, the boundary between self and object was forgotten. Yang Zhao suddenly felt that the breath in his body was reversing its flow, as if it was not smooth. He naturally reacted, his hands changing into Xun wind, Kan water, walking "Ji Ji", advancing "Ming Yi", again returning to "Xiao Guo", stepping on "Da Zhuang". The mysterious mirror of the Book of Changes naturally stimulated the release of ten successful forces, shouting loudly. His left palm was like a dry sky, his right palm was like a thunderclap, the combination of thunder and heaven, the majesty of the sound, the strength of the palm, far surpassed the power of a simple two-palm strike.
But this earth-shattering blow, unexpectedly ended in a silent and soundless defeat, like a mud cow entering the sea. Yang Zhao only felt that he had hit a large sponge soaked in water, all his strength was dissipated. Immediately afterwards, his chest felt empty, and all his energy, blood, and qi involuntarily followed the empty palms outward, no matter how hard he tried to withdraw his power, he couldn't stop it.
Yang Zhao was in a state of neither joy nor worry, and although he had encountered difficulties, he remained calm and composed. Just as he was about to think of another way to escape his predicament, his hands suddenly shook with force, and the true energy that had been lost came flooding back like a tidal wave, all rushing back into him at once. He was shocked for a moment, then immediately calmed down, withdrawing his energy and returning to his original state. When he looked up, he saw that on the small building above, there were suddenly two people, a man and a woman, who had appeared without him noticing when they started. The woman's figure was slender and elegant, with a bamboo hat on her head to block out the sun, and a heavy veil covering her face, making it difficult for anyone to see her beauty clearly. But the more she hid herself, the more she made people want to get close to her, with an intense longing. At the same time, however, she also had a kind of sacred aura about her, which made it hard for anyone to have any impure thoughts about her.
As for the man, he wore a brocade robe, with an elegant and refined face, his expression was carefree. His eyes were honest and sincere, naturally kind and gentle. He had a charm that transcended worldly dust. At this moment, he was standing with one hand behind his back, while the other hand lightly covered his palms. His fingers were slender, with skin as translucent as jade, clearly showing that his internal cultivation had reached a high level, truly profound and immeasurable. Yang Zhao's memories flashed through her mind like lightning, and in an instant, she vaguely guessed the identity of the visitor, but still didn't dare to confirm it. She opened her mouth to ask: "Who are you two?"
"Idle clouds and wild cranes, just a person from outside." The brocade guest smiled and said: "The other day, I happened to pass by the Horse Jump Bridge, and unintentionally saw a Dharma debate between you and the Tianzhu Great Monk. I felt greatly benefited, so I came to visit under the moonlight. Just as I arrived, I saw that you were practicing your skills, and my heart was delighted at the sight of the hunt. I couldn't help but take action to test you, which was indeed reckless. Please forgive me."
These few sentences are simply written, but in reality, the Temple of Ultimate Bliss is the stronghold of the Ultimate Bliss Sect. How could its defenses be anything but extremely strict? With Moheye, a super expert, sitting in town, it's no different from entering a tiger's lair or dragon's pool. The fact that these two people can sneak in quietly without alarming anyone outside is a testament to their incredible abilities, which are truly frightening and lamentable.
Although that's what he said, Yang Zhao didn't feel particularly afraid in his heart. He put away his hands and said: "It's just a small trick, please don't laugh at me. Please sit down, but I've made a mess of this place, so please forgive me."
The guest in the brocade robe smiled calmly. The two cushions were blown out by an invisible force and landed on the ground. The guest in the brocade robe and the woman sat down calmly. This move was incredibly skillful, but to the guest in the brocade robe, it seemed as natural as could be, without any intention of showing off. Yang Zhao watched this and couldn't help but feel a great deal of admiration for him. He casually plopped himself down on the floorboard and asked: "I don't know what instructions you two have?"
The brocade guest smiled and said: "Little friend lives in this temple of bliss, but I don't know what the relationship is between him and Mahā?aka."
Yang Zhaohad thought: "Since you were also at Yue Ma Bridge during the day, how could you not hear me call him Shifu? It's really unnecessary to ask." He simply replied: "He is my family master."
"This is indeed strange. The martial arts of the Extreme Joy Sect originated from Tianzhu, belonging to the Buddhist school's side branch. But just now, looking at your junior practicing his skills, he seems to have grasped the essence of the Eight Trigrams, as if it belongs to our Taoist lineage. How can we discuss this master-disciple relationship?"
Yang Zhao smiled and said, "A master can do three things for his disciples: transmit the Way, teach skills, and dispel doubts. Since I have only recently entered the sect, I haven't yet received the transmission of the Six Gods' Secret of Ultimate Bliss. However, my master's words and actions have already benefited me greatly. As for whether martial arts belong to Buddhism or Taoism, it's just a minor detail, not worth mentioning."
"The guest in the brocade robe smiled faintly and said: 'A teacher should be like a father to his disciples, passing on the teachings, imparting knowledge, and dispelling doubts. These words are indeed wise and reasonable. But I don't know what great way your teacher has taught you.'"
Yang Zhao felt annoyed and said lightly, "Our Extreme Joy Sect is a national orthodox sect protected by the imperial court, with believers all over the world. To say that you don't even know what our sect's teachings are would be a joke. If you have something to say, just say it, why beat around the bush?"
The man in the brocade robe was taken aback, then burst out laughing: "Young friend, you're quick-witted and a truly remarkable person. Very well, I'll be frank with you. With your age and such accomplishments, it's indeed rare to see someone like you. You have excellent innate qualities, just like a bright pearl or precious jade. If not polished properly, it would be a shame to waste them. Your master may be a famous one, but the way he teaches might not necessarily suit you. If you're willing, I can introduce you to some truly great Buddhist masters, what do you think?"
Mr. Yang said coldly: "Sir's kindness is appreciated, but unfortunately, I didn't get the master's permission and dare not follow orders."
The woman suddenly spoke in a soft voice: "Young friend, your words are too focused on the door and the threshold. When we met at the bridge earlier today, you recited the four-line poem 'Bodhi has no tree', which is indeed profound and in line with the truth of the three Dharma seals. At the time, I also felt a sense of sudden enlightenment. But if the mirror is clear and Bodhi has no tree, then shouldn't the distinctions between schools and sects also be non-existent? And yet, you are now rejecting others from afar, is this not a case of your words and heart being at odds?"
Yang Zhao coldly said: "Things in the world are originally easy to know but difficult to do. Moreover, if I had really cultivated to the state of Bodhi having no trees, I would have already attained enlightenment and become a Buddha, and wouldn't need you two to come and instruct me again. Different paths, don't plot together. Two gentlemen, it's late at night. Please leave."
The guest in the brocade robe smiled faintly and said, "In the past, Wang Ziyuan said: 'Ride on interest and go, when the interest is exhausted, return, no need to see the crown.' It's indeed a pleasant thing, but tonight we haven't had enough fun yet, and our young friend has already ordered us to leave. Isn't this ruining the atmosphere?"
"Good! What a great phrase 'to travel while in high spirits and return when the excitement is over'!"
Yang Zhao had not yet responded when a sudden cheer erupted in his ear. The small building was surrounded by hundreds of monks from the Extreme Joy Sect, led by the Five Crowds, who lit countless torches and drew their bows. Immediately afterwards, footsteps sounded from the stairs as Mohaye, the master of the Extreme Joy Sect, walked up calmly and stood beside Yang Zhao, casting a glance at the brocade-robed guest and the woman. In a deep voice, he said: "Not only did you sneak into my sect in the middle of the night, but you also dared to try to abduct my young disciple. Ning Daoxiong and Miss Fan, two of the world's top experts, your interests are indeed quite peculiar."
