Chapter 367: Buddha Said: It Cannot Be Told

The Western Regions’ Buddhist sects have always been synonymous with places of secluded cultivation. However, in recent days, Sumeru Mountain has become unusually noisy as many cultivators from the Nine Provinces have gathered to participate in the Beings’ Secret Realm.

“So many people,” Qin Luan exclaimed in surprise. The number of participants far exceeded his expectations, including many cultivators at his level of strength. Currently at mid-stage Nascent Soul realm, Qin Luan considered those at late-stage Nascent Soul to be his equals.

“Previous years didn’t have this many participants. It’s because the Human Sovereign and Brahma Tower established spatial pathways that strengthened connections across the Nine Provinces, allowing many cultivators to travel here easily.”

“Master, how did you know this?”

Yuan Wuxing rolled up the Heavenly Secrets newspaper and bonked Qin Luan on the head: “I’ve told you to read the papers more. It’s all clearly written here.”

Putting away the newspaper, Yuan Wuxing warned: “There are many cultivators here whose strength I can’t discern, meaning there are numerous Divine Transformation stage experts present. Be careful not to draw too much attention.”

“Understood. But Master, isn’t that cultivator over there being too conspicuous?” Qin Luan pointed at a fidgety-looking cultivator glancing around restlessly.

“I can’t see through him either. He must also be at Divine Transformation stage. When you’re that skilled, you can afford to be bold – but we shouldn’t follow his example.”

“But Song Ying already went to remind him not to stand out so much.”

“Haha, thank you for your concern, young lady! This is my first time here, so everything seems fascinating.” The cheerful cultivator thanked Song Ying with a laugh.

“You must be Yuan Wuxing! I’ve heard much about you but only get to meet you now.” The jovial cultivator greeted Yuan Wuxing upon seeing him.

However, Yuan Wuxing didn’t recognize him.

“May I ask who you are…”

“You may not know me, but you’ve probably met my disciple – Dao Sect Envoy Zhang Li. You were crucial in proving Jiang Li is our Dao Sect Envoy.”

“You’re Sect Master Bai Hongtu of the Dao Sect?! What brings you to such a place?” Yuan Wuxing gasped in a hushed tone, finding Bai Hongtu’s presence here utterly unbelievable.

Just as Bai Hongtu was about to proudly reveal his status to Yuan Wuxing, a sinister voice asked from behind: “Yes, why are you here?”

The voice appeared so suddenly that Bai Hongtu hadn’t even sensed anyone approaching. He turned warily to see Jiang Li smirking at him.

Sipping hawthorn juice, Jiang Li asked cheerfully: “Sect Master Bai, care to guess how long I searched before finding a place selling hawthorn juice?”

Onlookers noticing Jiang Li’s drink assumed he must be either a core Dao Sect disciple or from a wealthy noble family.

During his journey to the Buddhist sect, Jiang Li had wanted to buy candied hawthorns but couldn’t find any until reaching Sumeru Mountain’s base, where he only found hawthorn juice.

Bai Hongtu certainly wouldn’t admit he came seeking the Mind Reading inheritance to anticipate Jiang Li’s moves in combat.

“I’m here for Manjushri Bodhisattva’s inheritance, to see if it contains methods for growing premium hawthorns.”

Jiang Li rolled his eyes at this obvious lie.

“Long time no see,” Jiang Li greeted Yuan Wuxing.

Yuan Wuxing and the others returned the courtesy.

“The little fox’s fur has become much softer,” Jiang Li remarked while stroking the white fox’s back, finding it increasingly pleasant to touch.

“Indeed! When we first met, Xiao Bai’s fur was quite coarse. But it’s improved remarkably – so soft now that I often hold her for comfort,” Qin Luan said, pulling the fox from his shoulder into his arms. The fox struggled but couldn’t escape Qin Luan’s grip.

Jiang Li naturally wouldn’t tell Qin Luan that this white fox was now a Nascent Soul-level spirit beast, matching his cultivation.

Arhat Dragon Subduer stood before the secret realm entrance and announced: “This arhat wishes to establish a Vegetarian Society open to non-Buddhists. Any interested participants?”

Bai Hongtu eagerly raised his hand: “I’ll join! I absolutely love vegetarian food.”

Arhat Dragon Subduer asked: “What vegetables do you prefer?”

“Garlic and leeks.”

“…”

Could you pick more pungent foods?

Arhat Unsubdued pulled his colleague aside: “Don’t listen to him. Forbidding meat is too harsh. This arhat proposes a Seafood Protection Society to safeguard oceanic creatures. Any interested?”

Bai Hongtu raised his hand again: “I’ll join! I never eat seafood.”

“Then what do you normally eat?”

“Pufferfish.”

“…”

Isn’t pufferfish seafood too?

Bodhisattva Xiangxiang pulled both arhats aside and announced the realm’s opening.

The Beings’ Secret Realm was said to contain half of all Buddhist legacies. As it opened, golden light radiated everywhere with such intense Buddhist aura that attendees felt spiritually purified.

“The Tathagata knows and sees all. These beings shall obtain immeasurable blessings. Why? Because they are free from notions of self, person, being, and lifespan; free from dharma and non-dharma…”

Buddhist chants continuously echoed in everyone’s ears.

Bodhisattva Xiangxiang pressed her palms together: “Buddha said: It cannot be told.”

The chanting ceased.

Jiang Li muttered: “…That’s how you use ‘Buddha said it cannot be told’?”

Bai Hongtu side-eyed Jiang Li – someone who could disperse the four calamities of earth, fire, water and wind with just the words “all is emptiness” had no right to comment.

Imitating Bodhisattva Xiangxiang’s gesture, Jiang Li pressed his palms together: “Buddha said: Continue speaking.”

“The Tathagata knows and sees all. These beings…”

The clear chanting resumed.

Startled, Jiang Li thought – it actually worked? This secret realm operates so casually?

Quickly saying “Buddha said it cannot be told,” Jiang Li stopped the chanting.

Bodhisattva Xiangxiang frowned in confusion, tilting her head, unable to comprehend what just happened. Only those deeply versed in Buddhist teachings could control the Beings’ Secret Realm. Was there someone here more proficient than her?

“Practicing here can elevate mental states and reduce demonic intrusions.”

Some were amazed at how ideal this place was for cultivation. Though excited when entering, they now found their restless hearts calming.

Jiang Li patted the fox’s head: “Use this opportunity to consider your path ahead. Revenge isn’t everything.”

The fox bowed to Jiang Li. While Qin Luan didn’t understand, the fox did.

After being betrayed, revenge had consumed her thoughts. Though fond of Qin Luan, she hadn’t been above using him for her goals – a mindset that nearly led her to demonic tribulation.

Now Jiang Li used the realm’s tranquil effects to remind her life offered more than vengeance. After settling scores, she could pursue many things.

“Really? I don’t feel affected at all,” Bai Hongtu noted, finding himself as lively as ever.

“The Buddha has given up on you.”

“Like you’re any different.”

“I truly am unaffected.”

“That means Buddha gave up on you too.”

“No, it means I’ve given up on Buddha.”

Ignoring their bickering, Bodhisattva Xiangxiang announced the rules from above: “All beings here are destined. There are three trials – no winners or elimination. After completing them, the appropriate inheritances will find their destined recipients.”