Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2447: 218: Perfume Sea
Previously on Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant...
The youthful monk stood erect, clad in a kasaya embellished with gold plating, his features refined, lips vivid red and teeth gleaming white, a tiny auspicious red mole positioned right between his eyebrows, eyes shining like celestial stars, holding a charm that marginally outshone the divine appearance of Bai Lechan.
His aura exuded otherworldliness and purity, resembling that of a banished immortal.
Positioned on the roof of the grand hall, he swiftly drew the attention of every onlooker.
Even True Man Gai, who had shown scant interest at first, found himself inwardly admiring:
“Truly a handsome young monk!”
He wasn't the type to fixate on outward looks, yet the young monk's bearing was genuinely superior and nobly indescribable.
Within his thoughts, disdain faded away, giving way to a measure of greater respect.
Buddha Tianyin observed the young monk amid the gathering and nodded with approval, his eyes—one black, the other azure-purple—filled with satisfaction, as he caressed his beard and nodded again before presenting him to True Man Gai and Wang Ba:
“He is the future Buddha Lord whom I have selected, Kong Zen.”
“He has already joined my lineage.”
“Once I enter nirvana, he will succeed me in guiding the inhabitants of the Glazed Buddha Realm onward…”
Hearing Buddha Tianyin's grave declaration, True Man Gai refrained from any casualness and offered a respectful bow to the young monk.
The young monk returned a gentle smile, reciprocating the courtesy properly.
Next to him, Wang Ba kept his face composed, but witnessing Kong Zen's dignified poise made him feel a bit uneasy:
“This fellow truly embodies the role well.”
Their thoughts linked, and the moment the other emerged, he began absorbing the extensive recollections of the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm from Kong Zen.
Besides certain hazy impressions, these encompassed spiritual practices, adventures within the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm, and knowledge of Buddha Tianyin, Yan Poluo, and more…
To his astonishment, Kong Zen's practice prominently featured the four major Buddhist precepts.
In addition to those four precepts, he had grasped two further avenues of “Void” and “Awareness.” Though his Cultivation Base hadn't attained that level yet, he neared the Bodhisattva Realm, effectively a mid-stage practitioner on the verge of facing tribulation.
Such rapid progress in cultivation was undoubtedly impressive.
As he marveled, Buddha Tianyin abruptly chuckled and remarked:
“If my memory serves, Kong Zen originates from Little Cang World too; perhaps you two have crossed paths?”
Wang Ba felt a brief surprise, yet Kong Zen had already beamed and quickly responded:
“In Little Cang World, I caught wind of Layman Taiyi's reputation, but since I ascended beforehand, our paths never met.”
Wang Ba grasped his aim right away, paused briefly, and simply gave a small nod in agreement.
“I understand.”
Buddha Tianyin's eyes passed lightly over both of them, as he smiled and inclined his head.
Next, he gestured toward the Arhat that Wang Ba had seized inside the hall and addressed Kong Zen:
“Kong Zen, this captive Supreme True Buddha comes from Layman Taiyi. He mentions that the Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind precepts have warped these monks' natures. Given your focus on this path, it's an ideal chance for study.”
Kong Zen was already aware of this through Wang Ba's recollections. Nonetheless, he feigned mild astonishment at the statement while staying quiet, as Xin Yuan gathered the Arhat. Then Kong Zen pressed his palms together in salute and replied:
“Understood, Buddha Lord.”
Following that, he retreated a couple of steps to position himself by Yan Poluo, gaze fixed ahead, appearing unconcerned with Wang Ba.
“Your martial nephew Kong Zen is both striking and exceptional—Tianyin, you've chosen wisely.”
True Man Gai offered the offhand compliment, then turned to Wang Ba and inquired:
“Little Friend Taiyi, have you wrapped up the purpose of your visit?”
Wang Ba detected True Man Gai's desire to depart, sparking a flurry of reflections.
Earlier turned down by True Man Gai, he persisted in his efforts, attempting to partner with Buddha Tianyin in hopes of shattering Duanhai Cliff and acquiring the sixth staff—the True Void Staff.
Yet now, with Kong Zen established as the prospective Buddha Lord of the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm, he no longer needed to fret over such things; upon Kong Zen's ascension to the throne, his objectives would fall into place naturally.
Securing the sixth staff would then prove straightforward.
Still, per Kong Zen's plan, revealing their connection at this point wouldn't suit. After some consideration, Wang Ba stated:
“Only a few matters linger. I originally wanted advice on the four great Buddhist precepts. However, as Buddha Tianyin hasn't walked that route, it's wiser to drop it.”
True Man Gai acknowledged the response with a nod:
“In that case, Tianyin, look after your well-being. Shall we head out now?”
Though a pang of regret hit him, Wang Ba nodded, ready to say goodbye alongside True Man Gai to Buddha Tianyin. But Buddha Tianyin chuckled and interjected:
“Layman Taiyi, with your questions still hanging, why rush off? You could stay longer here; I notice you haven't stepped into the Great Mahayana Realm. The Perfume Sea beneath might yet assist you.”
This sparked Wang Ba's curiosity.
True Man Gai glanced at Wang Ba, catching his drift, and shook his head while saying:
“Very well, Little Friend Taiyi, remain here as I head back solo to Cloud Sky Realm.”
Buddha Tianyin let out a laugh.
“True Man, we've known each other for ages; with my distant journey imminent, why the haste? Let's use this moment to converse deeply, so we're not caught off guard by the Supreme True Buddha later. There's a crucial issue here that demands discussion; earlier occasions weren't suitable, but we must address it without further postponement now.”