Shrouding the Heavens - Chapter 212

"Infinite Heavenly Venerate, this humble Daoist indeed chose these two stone materials and didn’t mean to disturb the Fairy," Ye Fan recited his Daoist title and made a Daoist salute.

The Fairy of the Jade Lake gracefully returned the salute. Clouds and mist swirled around her, and her white dress fluttered. Her long black hair flowed down like rippling water, smooth and shiny, with a hint of luster.

Around her, a Flower Rain gently drifted, with exotic petals, remarkable blossoms, and jasper leaves, sparkling and transparent like colorful gems, yet with a fragrance as enchanting as orchids and musk.

Shrouded by the Flower Rain, she appeared hazy and magnificent, stirring the hearts of those who beheld her.

Her skin, as tender and smooth as a newborn’s, glowed with a rosy translucence. Her slender figure was astonishing. Her waist was not flat and narrow but round and delicate; when she gently swayed, it moved like a beautiful serpent’s, enchanting and beguiling.

Her long, sleek legs seemed the culmination of heaven’s most meticulous effort. Swaying as she walked, they highlighted her peerless elegance, making all the flowers lose their color.

With each step, the grace of a lotus emerged. From her floor-length skirt, her jade-like feet would occasionally appear—crystal-clear toes, flawless, with a touch of jade light flickering. They were bare, without shoes.

Unfortunately, it was only a fleeting glance, difficult to behold again. Beneath her feet, halos of light coalesced into ethereal flowers, supporting her jade-like feet. With every step a blossom, every step a charm, she was infinitely graceful, a pinnacle of beauty.

The most regrettable thing was that her visage remained indistinct, as if obscured by an ethereal veil of Immortal Qi that prevented any clear sight of her face.

Even so, though her celestial countenance was hidden and her fairy figure partly obscured, her charm was boundless, evoking awe that in such a vast world, amidst the Red Dust, there existed such a captivating woman.

This was Ye Fan’s first close encounter with the Yaochi Saintess. Inhaling the intoxicating fragrance, he couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

This subtle action did not escape the Yaochi Saintess. She nimbly retreated a few steps and asked, "Daoist, what basis do you have for choosing these two stone materials?"

Those around were surprised. *Could it be that this "unreliable" young Daoist truly had insight? Why would the Yaochi Saintess personally arrive, knowing she rarely appeared?*

"This humble Daoist relied solely on intuition. I vaguely felt these two stone materials unsettled my qi and blood," Ye Fan shared a little of what Wang Shu and the uneducated youth had felt.

Even a great adversary like the Flickering Light Sacred Lady couldn’t recognize him. This proved the Heaven and Earth Changing Technique was nearing completion, allowing him to make some display before the Yaochi Saintess. In the future, even visiting Jade Lake wouldn’t risk exposure.

"Oh, such a thing exists..." the Yaochi Saintess nodded, not offering much comment.

Then she looked towards the Prince of Great Xia, asking, "Has Your Highness discerned anything, and selected your stones?"

The Prince of Great Xia, with impressive vigor and Nine Dragon Qi encircling him, seemed like a celestial being descending, moving with the gait of a dragon and the stride of a tiger. He nodded and said, "I, too, have chosen two stone materials."

He pointed to the largest piece, weighing 2,000 jin, then patted the stone before him weighing over a hundred jin.

"Your Highness has a discerning eye; one piece is already proven to contain divine essence," the Yaochi Saintess smiled and nodded.

The Prince of Great Xia humbly said, "It was merely luck. The Emperor’s Dragon Qi I cultivate can naturally sense certain special Sources."

"The Grand Emperor Scripture is indeed one of the Central States’ four most powerful ancient scriptures and possesses unfathomable capabilities. However, Your Highness is exceptionally talented; otherwise, how could you comprehend its mysteries? As I understand it, this scripture is not one that just anyone can learn; only unparalleled geniuses can master it," the Yaochi Saintess spoke, her lips slightly parted, her voice as melodious as a beautiful composition.

Around them, the audience was moved, discussing fervently.

"The Grand Emperor Scripture is renowned as the most famous ancient scripture in the Central States. Its might is unparalleled, earth-shattering, and unimaginable, particularly excelling in Attack Power, reputed to break through all methods in the world."

"As one of the Central States’ Four Great Books, it is naturally unmatched—a rare Supreme Secret Scripture from ancient times. It requires exceptional talent to cultivate, with very high demands on innate gifts. This Prince of Great Xia is unfathomable. His true strength is unpredictable, and few among his peers can compare."

Through the discussions, even those unfamiliar with this ancient scripture understood its terrifying nature.

A young person, still somewhat puzzled, asked, "Is the Grand Emperor Scripture really so mysterious and powerful? The Emperor’s Dragon Qi can sense Sources, which is too incredible."

An elder, both a stone gambler and a cultivator with an unusual status, said, "If you knew the origins of the Grand Emperor Scripture, you wouldn’t ask such a question. Its emergence is rather mysterious, shrouded in many legends."

"Is the background of the Grand Emperor Scripture also quite mysterious?" the young person asked.

Indeed, most people didn’t know. They all looked to the elder, waiting for his explanation.

Ye Fan was no exception. He had cultivated the Fighting Saint Technique, reputed as the supreme offensive secret art, possessing incredible Combat Power. Now, hearing that the Grand Emperor Scripture was unparalleled in Attack Power, capable of breaking all techniques, naturally caught his interest.

He had a feeling that the mysterious art of the Grand Emperor Scripture concerning Attack Power might rival the Fighting Saint Technique. In time, the stronger would likely prove itself greater.

This wasn’t controlled by his will; rather, such an ultimate mysterious art of attack inevitably required a decisive contest to determine which was the strongest.

"There’s a saying that the Grand Emperor Scripture was unearthed from underground, extracted from Source, and is the most mysterious ancient scripture." The old man’s words surprised everyone.

"This is too fantastical, truly hard to believe."

"Extracted from Source, it may sense a few special Sources, which is normal."

"The Great Xia Dynasty has never acknowledged that it was taken from Sources, claiming instead that it was created by the first ancient emperor of the immortal Great Xia Dynasty," another elder beside him said. "The true origins cannot be fully understood by outsiders."

At this moment, everyone turned to the Prince of Great Xia, who appeared calm and expressed nothing.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Flickering Light Saint Heir had also chosen his stone materials and was conversing with the Yaochi Saintess.

Recently, Flickering Light and Jade Lake had grown closer. They were to go together to the outskirts of the Great Primordial Mine to transport a batch of mysterious stone materials.

"I have received my teacher’s command: the nine stone materials will no longer be exhibited. This event has come to an end," the Yaochi Saintess suddenly announced.

"What... We haven’t fully shown our skills yet! Why end so abruptly?" someone grumbled.

"Indeed! We’ve traveled thousands of miles to get here. How could you disappoint us like this?" Many requested an extension.

The voice of the Yaochi Saintess, as clear as immortal music, resonated throughout every corner.

"Everyone has the chance to choose stone materials. State the basis for your judgment, and if reasonable, Jade Lake will offer generous rewards."

Only then did everyone feel relieved and come forward. Jade Lake disciples were specifically assigned to record the basis for their judgments.

Just then, the Fairy of the Jade Lake invited the Prince of Great Xia and the Flickering Light Saint Heir to the other side and said, "Your Highness and Saint Heir, please come this way. There are a few more stone materials here; kindly have a look."

"Your Highness, long time no see. How have you been?" Tu Fei greeted the Prince of Great Xia with a smile.

On this side, Wu Zhongtian, Li Heishui, Liu Kao, and Jiang Huairen were all present. They had surprisingly received an invitation to view additional stone materials here.

The Prince of Great Xia responded politely. Although the Flickering Light Saint Heir was their mortal enemy, he still smiled graciously, not wanting to engage in a fight on Jade Lake’s territory.

Besides them, there were more than thirty other individuals. The Yaochi Saintess had traversed many cities in the northern region. Many had passed the test of the nine stone materials; some had been following this journey, while others were soon to enter the Jade Lake Sacred Land.

That several young bandits were among those invited surprised some people. However, on second thought, they understood. Among the major Sacred Lands, Jade Lake managed its relations with all parties exceptionally well. They sought no conflict with the world, and as a result, even the thirteen major bandits had never plundered them.

At this moment, if anyone was most surprised, it was Ye Fan. He hadn’t expected that after selecting two stone materials, he wouldn’t receive an invitation.

Just as he was puzzled, Yao Xi approached with a charming smile and said, "I’m here to invite you on behalf of my sister from Jade Lake. She asks that you stay, as she will have an invitation for you shortly."

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan nodded, feeling relieved. He hadn’t realized that today was the last exhibition of the nine stone materials by the Yaochi Saintess. Missing it would mean missing out on the opportunity.

Nearby, the ethereal, white-robed novice nun was curiously watching.

Ye Fan kindly smiled and said, "Little Master, I have two or three Buddhist items here and wish for you to have a look."

Ye Fan immediately took out a jeweled vajra scepter. Although half of it was broken off, it still appeared ancient yet majestic, exuding an extraordinary aura, like the Buddha clenching His fist, standing firm in the air.

Yao Xi stood beside Ye Fan, displaying an astonished expression. She sensed that this item was extraordinary; though damaged, she could still feel remnants of Dao resonance, indicating its unusual origin.

Not far away, the white-robed novice nun’s eyes widened, revealing a curious expression. She opened her mouth as if wanting to ask something, even wanting to walk over.

However, the nearby guards protected her in the center, evidently acting under the Prince of Great Xia’s orders. She couldn’t come over.

"What is this?" asked the Flickering Light Sacred Lady.

"I don’t know either. It seems like an ancient Buddhist artifact. The Princess of Great Xia will surely be able to appraise it. Fairy, could you invite her over?"

Yao Xi chuckled. "You’re quite scheming, Daoist, trying to have me lure the Princess of Great Xia over."

Ye Fan was happily chatting with Yao Xi while taking out a complete bronze lamp and gently swaying it towards the little white-robed nun.

The Princess of Great Xia’s beautiful eyes opened wide again. Her small mouth slightly parted as she whispered to the Guard Commander, seemingly wanting to come over.

"What exactly is this?" The Flickering Light Sacred Lady was moved. Although this bronze lamp was extinguished and covered in verdigris, she felt an even more extraordinary aura emanating from it.

"Fairy, please bring the Princess of Great Xia over. She might be able to recognize these items and perhaps even know their origins," Ye Fan said solemnly. "Perhaps it could shed light on matters concerning the Tathagata and Siddhartha Gautama."

"Siddhartha Gautama?!" Yao Xi was surprised; many doubts filled her mind. Today was the first time she had heard the name Tathagata. Seeing the reactions of the Prince of Great Xia and the Flickering Light Saint Heir, it was obvious this was an extraordinarily terrifying figure.

History from over two thousand years ago actually had a discontinuity because of the Tathagata—it had been erased by someone. Once this speculation arose in her heart, she felt a pressing desire to understand everything about it.

Tathagata...

For a prince of an immortal Ancient Dynasty to be so wary, what exactly was his origin? And what was Shakyamuni’s status in Buddhism?

The Flickering Light Sacred Lady pondered slightly, then smiled, saying, "Trying to have me lure the Princess of Great Xia over doesn’t seem right. How about we go together? We can have a detailed exchange with her."

"Good!" Ye Fan couldn’t ask for more. Holding the jeweled vajra scepter in his left hand and the ancient lamp in his right, he strode forward.

In fact, he very much wanted to directly bring out the Great Thunderchant Temple copper plaque but did not dare to. This copper plaque might not seem like much to ordinary people, but to experts in Buddhism, it was no less than a world-shaking Heavenly Thunder that could pierce the sky.

He believed if anyone knowledgeable about Buddhism saw the mystical qualities of the Great Thunderchant Temple copper plaque, the storm it would cause would be boundless.

Great Thunderchant Temple is a fundamentally important site in Buddhism’s legends. Having such a copper plaque come to light... it’s hard to imagine what kinds of waves it would stir within Buddhism.

"Stop!" Great Xia’s guards looked at Ye Fan as if he were a wolf.

The Flickering Light Sacred Lady sweetly smiled and walked forward, truly a beauty of consummate charm, like an Immortal Flower blossoming on a jade tree, or warm jade suffused with soft hues. Beauties who could make fish sink and geese fall, hide the moon and shame flowers, or overturn cities and countries—all would pale in comparison to her.

Indeed, the allure of a peerless beauty is boundless. She merely whispered a few words to the guards, and they were allowed to pass.

Of course, regarding Ye Fan, the glib-tongued shameless Daoist, those guards still watched him like a thief.

"Honorable Princess..." Ye Fan offered his respects.

The little white-robed nun ignored him. Her large eyes darted about, continuously glancing at the scepter in his hand.

"Little Nun, wouldn’t you like to take a closer look?" Ye Fan asked, smiling calmly.

Beside him, the Guard Commander and others glared with wide eyes.

"How dare you speak like that?"

"Bold! So disrespectful to the Princess!"

They couldn’t help but be angry; they always felt Ye Fan was like a big gray wolf targeting a little white rabbit.

"Liar! It’s definitely fake!" At this moment, the little nun spoke for the first time, her voice as pleasant and melodious as a singing oriole.

"Guaranteed genuine. This is a relic of the Tathagata," Ye Fan said, weighing the broken scepter in his hand.

"I... want to see," the little white-robed nun said, somewhat embarrassed and lacking confidence.

Ye Fan handed it forward casually, not seeming to attach much importance to the jeweled vajra scepter.

"This is..." The little nun’s beautiful eyes widened. "It really has... has a trace of the Buddha’s aura," she stammered.

Beside him, the Flickering Light Sacred Lady’s beautiful eyes revealed a concealed Divine Radiance, though it quickly vanished once more.

"Which Buddha are you referring to?" Ye Fan asked, very naturally retrieving the scepter.

"Of course, it’s the World-Honored One." The little nun gave him a look that seemed to say he was truly ignorant.

"Is the World-Honored One Siddhartha Gautama?" Ye Fan had eagerly awaited such an occasion and naturally wanted to ask in detail.

"Who is Siddhartha Gautama? I don’t know." Her big eyes rolled, very innocent and naive, making it difficult to tell whether she was speaking truthfully or not.

"Does your Buddha have no title or name?"

"The Buddha is you, the Buddha is me. The Buddha said that all things in the world possess Buddha-nature and can attain Buddhahood. He has no special name," the little nun answered innocently.

"AH!" Saying this, she suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "These Buddhist items of yours have a demonic nature! They’re not from a true Buddha!"

"What are you talking about?" Ye Fan raised both the scepter and the ancient lamp. "These are clearly filled with a sacred aura. How could they possibly bear a demonic force?"

"Clearly they do." She extended her small hand, grasped the two Buddhist items, closed her eyes, and sensed carefully. "There is the aura of a Buddhist traitor on this. Although his magical power is profound and incomparable, he is not the Buddha."

Ye Fan sneered. According to the little nun, how could the Tathagata be a traitor of Buddhism? How could this be possible!

"This is the aura left by Siddhartha Gautama. You’re not referring to him, are you?"

"AH! The biggest traitor of Buddhism!" The little nun seemed to have been stung by a scorpion and hurriedly released her hand.

"You don’t even know who Siddhartha Gautama is. How can you know he’s the biggest traitor?"

"I just feel that this aura is like a traitor’s!" the little nun retorted, her cheeks puffed out.

"Alright then, I’ll show you another good thing."

Ye Fan put away the scepter and ancient lamp and took out the prayer beads strung with six Buddha Relics, wearing them on his wrist.

The little nun’s eyes were instantly transfixed; she couldn’t look away and grabbed Ye Fan’s hand, refusing to let go.

"Princess, if you want to look, just say so. However, I have a few questions I’d like to ask you..."

In the distance, Li Heishui’s eyes nearly bulged out. He exclaimed, "Indeed, indeed! He’s finally targeting a nun!"

"What a brute! Such deviant tastes! A nun, a nun..." Tu Fei rubbed his hands.

"I say, Your Highness the Prince, what’s wrong with you?" Jiang Huairen asked the Prince of Great Xia.

At this moment, the Prince of Great Xia could no longer muster a smile. Even in the presence of the Yaochi Saintess, he could not be happy.

Having left for just a short while, that shameless little Daoist has stuck to her like a piece of dogskin plaster! Daring to flirt with his sister, the Princess of Great Xia! Truly...

He had never encountered such a Daoist! Even knowing she was the princess of an immortal dynasty, he still dared to accost her!

"I..." The Prince of Great Xia opened his mouth but found nothing to say.

Here, the little white-robed nun was enthusiastically holding Ye Fan’s hand, turning the prayer beads over and over to examine them.

"This is... I feel the Buddha’s aura again, even stronger, as if the Buddha’s True Body is here! Quickly, take it off for me to see!"

"Continue. You mentioned the Tathagata earlier," Ye Fan urged.

"Over two thousand years ago, someone named Tathagata suddenly came to this world. No one knows what he did. Later, everything about him disappeared." The little nun tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "If you take off the prayer beads, I’ll be able to remember everything."

Ye Fan burst into laughter. "Alright."

"It’s not a true Buddha. It still has the aura of a Buddhist traitor..." the little nun pouted, dissatisfied, as she examined the prayer beads.

"What did Siddhartha Gautama do?" Ye Fan pressed.

"His magical power was boundless, and he created Sumeru Mountain..."