Shrouding the Heavens - Chapter 213

"After Tathagata created Sumeru Mountain, he built a temple inside." The little nun in white, although she said the prayer beads were tainted by the aura of a traitor to Buddhism, still turned them over repeatedly, eager to examine them bead by bead.

"And then?" Ye Fan urged.

"What do you mean, ’then’?" The little nun replied casually as she fiddled with the prayer beads.

"Of course, what happened to Siddhartha Gautama?" Ye Fan smiled at her.

"Oh, you’re talking about him? There was no ’then’ for him." The little nun focused intently on the prayer beads against the sun, clearly uninterested in continuing the topic.

"How can there be no ’then’? I say, little master, the Buddha once said we must not utter falsehoods. How can you not tell the truth?"

"Everything I said is true." The young nun pouted, dissatisfied. She was unable to see the mysteries within the sariras and finally drew out a bunch of jade flowers to strike against the sariras repeatedly. Fragrance wafted through the air, and tiny rays of light shot out like needles, aiming at the sariras, accompanied by a dim presence of sparks.

However, the six sariras showed no change, remaining motionless despite the incoming beams and flashes.

Ye Fan quickly intervened, saying, "What are you doing? Stop this at once."

"I want to cut them open and see. There seems to be something inside." The little nun persisted, shaking the bundle of jade flowers, engulfing the sariras amidst dancing rays.

"Those are my prayer beads."

"I never said they were mine," the little nun muttered in response, still trying.

Ye Fan’s forehead creased with lines of frustration. "They’re not yours, and still you want to cut them open?" He swiftly reached forward, trying to retrieve the prayer beads.

"Don’t be so stingy, please. Let me have another look." The little nun’s white robes fluttered, and it seemed like a tiny, hazy world appeared in her delicate jade palm, enveloping the prayer beads.

The Flickering Light Sacred Lady was shocked. "Is this the mysterious art—World in the Palm?"

Ye Fan’s hand entered the miniature world but couldn’t touch the prayer beads. He was always just a bit short of grasping them, as if they were forever elusive.

He chuckled and reversed his hold to clasp the little nun’s wrist, aiming to catch its crucial point. Yet, the hazy world shifted like a moving dragon, reappearing at her wrist, blocking his fingers once again.

"My apologies." Ye Fan’s palm and fingers changed, forming a seal resembling a dragon’s head, shooting out nine rays of light, each akin to a Heavenly Dragon, rushing toward the tiny world.

"Ah, what’s this..." The little nun was astonished.

Ye Fan formed the seal and launched nine small Heavenly Dragons. They bore a strong resemblance to the Emperor’s Dragon Qi winding around her brother, nearly indistinguishable from reality. With great might, they rushed into the illusory space in her palm and shattered it. During her moment of distraction, he swiftly retrieved the prayer beads.

"What is this secret art?" The Flickering Light Sacred Lady, witnessing everything clearly, was deeply astonished.

Ye Fan subtly utilized the Killing Technique from the nine secret arts. He transformed it between his palm and fingers, allowing it to naturally wield remarkable power that was obscured from outsiders’ view.

"Please let me have another look," the little nun in white pleaded.

"Tell me about Tathagata first?" Ye Fan smiled, holding the prayer beads in his hand.

"I truly don’t know what happened afterward, for it’s as if that name has been erased from history, leaving no trace." The little nun looked sincere.

"I don’t believe you," Ye Fan lightly rubbed the prayer beads, smiling and shaking his head.

The little nun in white puffed her cheeks and glared at him with her big eyes. "Alright, alright, I’ll tell you everything. It’s not like it’s a big secret anyway."

"Explain in detail. I’ll listen intently."

"From then on, Buddhism has no Tathagata!" the young princess of Great Xia said solemnly.

"What does that mean?" Ye Fan inquired further.

"It’s a conclusion I reached after examining many Buddhist scriptures, piecing together all clues. It actually results in just this one sentence." The little nun spoke earnestly.

"Little master, you’re lying." Ye Fan shook his head.

"I dare swear by the World Honored One that every word is true. This is the conclusion I derived from investigating hundreds of Buddhist texts. Moreover, I once questioned others about it. A great sovereign in Buddhism even shook his head and sighed, saying, ’From then on, Buddhism has no Tathagata.’" The little nun looked as if she genuinely wanted Ye Fan to believe her.

From then on, Buddhism has no Tathagata... Ye Fan rubbed his chin. The sentence sparked endless imaginings about what truly transpired.

Has Tathagata changed from being the original Tathagata, or has Buddhism transformed from what it was? And who is the one on Sumeru Mountain now?

The Flickering Light Sacred Lady also pondered. She knew even less, yet gradually touched upon a vague outline from various clues.

"Let me see the prayer beads again." The little nun stretched out her hand.

Ye Fan toyed with the prayer beads. "Your brother turned pale at the mention of Tathagata. He knows some secrets, yet you claim ignorance?"

"What can he know? It’s just that the Ancestor warned not to mention that name, that’s all." The little nun pouted.

"Why such a warning?" the Flickering Light Sacred Lady asked.

"How should I know?" The little nun tilted her head. "I’ve read through various ancient texts within the Dynasty and similarly arrived at a conclusion—from then on, the world had no Shakyamuni."

From then on, the world had no Siddhartha Gautama... Ye Fan speculated in multiple ways, but each lacked solid evidence.

"Your Highness!" Nearby, the guards hurriedly greeted.

The Prince of Great Xia came forth with an air of imperial prestige. His black hair swirled, his tiger eyes were full of might, his Iron Armor shone, and Nine Dragons circled him.

His sword-like brows were slightly raised, and his tiger eyes emitted Divine Light, expressing dissatisfaction with the guards.

"Calm your anger, Your Highness. It was the princess’s orders preventing us from approaching," the Guard Commander quickly explained.

"Yao Xi greets Your Highness the Prince," the Flickering Light Sacred Lady said, her smile captivating.

The Prince of Great Xia responded politely, showing none of the airs of an heir to an Immortal Dynasty. He said, "A fairy like the bright moon in the sky, forming a bond with my imperial sister, is truly fortunate."

Ye Fan didn’t receive such courtesy. The Prince of Great Xia, growing increasingly annoyed with him, frowned, desiring to kick him away from the little nun in white.

"Infinite Heavenly Venerate. I, a Daoist, came to deliver the Emperor Dao Heavenly Book. Since Your Highness does not appreciate it, I shall seek a destined one elsewhere. Fare thee well." Ye Fan stepped to leave.

"Hey, hey, hey, Daoist, let me take another look at those prayer beads," the little nun in white called out softly.

The Prince of Great Xia said nothing, merely glanced at his sister. The pure and beautiful little nun mumbled a phrase, unable to say more.

The Flickering Light Sacred Lady also intended to take her leave. She glided softly to catch up with Ye Fan, saying, "This way, Daoist."

"Alright." Ye Fan understood: the Yaochi Saintess was summoning him, and Yao Xi was merely conveying the message.

They traversed through the picturesque landscape formed by piles of stone and crossed the stone arch bridge over the stream, arriving together at a secluded courtyard.

In this place, pebble paths were laid; bamboo groves stood in clusters. Among the bamboo lay a stone table with four stone stools arranged nearby—tranquil and serene.

The Yaochi Saintess was demonstrating the tea ceremony. Her elegant hands moved gracefully, each movement embodying the natural Dao and seamlessly blending into the scenery. The subtle fragrance of tea gently wafted along the breeze.

"The tea artistry of the Fairy of the Jade Lake and her skill with the ancient zither are nearly reaching the Dao realm. Though she rarely exhibits them, she evidently regards you as an esteemed guest." Yao Xi’s immortal body swayed, her skin as white as jade and dazzling with purity. She cast a glance backward, her allure captivating.

Such breathtaking charm naturally recalled for Ye Fan their past conflicts, where her beautiful body had been almost entirely exposed, presenting an endlessly captivating view.

"Daoist, have you really been in cultivation for over three hundred years?" Yao Xi chuckled softly.

"I am ashamed to say I have wasted the Spring and Autumn years. I have lived over three hundred years in vain and achieved nothing." Ye Fan recited his Daoist title.

Yao Xi smiled lightly, her hair gently fluttering, saying, "I think the Daoist seems to possess a youthful heart."

Ye Fan’s heart chilled for a moment. He had merely lost focus for an instant, yet the other had noticed a hint of something amiss; she was extremely keen. This made him wary and cautious, lest he reveal his true identity.

"Faced with such an unparalleled beauty as the Fairy, even elders of a thousand years would probably struggle to remain composed. It’s normal for me to be slightly distracted."

The two arrived in a bamboo grove.

The Yaochi Saintess moved gracefully, her jade-like fingers drawing beautiful arcs—a visually pleasing sight. The various teacups and pots on the stone table seemed alive, the aroma of tea spreading and enveloping the surroundings.

"Daoist, please enjoy the tea." The Yaochi Saintess’s melodious voice was heard as her slender and gentle hand raised a teacup and offered it to him personally.

Ye Fan thanked her and asked, "I wonder what tasks the Fairy has for summoning me here?"

"The Daoist is too courteous. Indeed, there are some matters requiring your assistance," the Yaochi Saintess softly spoke.

"Jade Lake has a long-standing legacy, towering among the clouds. What could be unresolved? I’m afraid my abilities are limited, and I might disappoint you, Fairy." Ye Fan calmly replied, hiding his emotions.

"I wish to invite the Daoist to Jade Lake."

"For what purpose?"

"There are some mysterious stones, quite extraordinary. We wish for the Daoist to appraise them." This mere hint made Ye Fan’s heart tremble; those stones likely had an astounding origin.

"Why doesn’t Jade Lake directly unravel the stones?"

The Yaochi Saintess shook her head, saying, "Before understanding them, they cannot be cut open." Ye Fan grew increasingly certain that those stones were extraordinarily special.

"Indeed, it shall be a grand stone appreciation event," Yao Xi laughed.

"Many people will indeed be invited to Jade Lake; there will be numerous distinguished guests," the Yaochi Saintess replied.

Undoubtedly, it was an event where many exceptional figures would enter Jade Lake.

"Regrettably, important matters occupy me, making it impossible to free myself for the time being," Ye Fan declined.

"No matter. If the Daoist has pressing matters, I cannot force you." The Yaochi Saintess said this, then took out a Jade Pendant. "However, should you find yourself with leisure, you may carry this pendant to any Yaochi Immortal Stone Workshop in the northern region. They will surely guide you into Jade Lake."

Ye Fan thanked her repeatedly, saying, "Missing such an event would indeed be a great regret for me. Once my pressing matters are resolved, I will certainly visit."

When Ye Fan left the bamboo grove, the people outside had all dispersed.

Upon coming out, he neither saw Wu Zhongtian nor Tu Fei and others, nor did he search for them. Instead, he directly exited the city.

Outside Kunyun City, flames soared into the sky. Even from afar, the terrifying aura could be felt.

「At a distance of ten li from the city, a fierce battle was ongoing, with many cultivators flying towards it.」

"The Flickering Light Saint Heir is indeed unbeatable!"

"This is terrifying!"

People were discussing this. Soon, Ye Fan spotted Wu Zhongtian, Li Heishui, and others. They were all watching the battle.

In the distance, at the center of a reddish-brown expanse of land, the Flickering Light Saint Heir stood alone. He radiated golden light, akin to a Heaven and Earth Fire Furnace roasting the ten directions, his powerful aura making many tremble.

At his feet lay two unmoving bodies, both elderly experts with white hair.

In the sky, three elders roared, charging towards him.

Alas, the entire realm was cloaked in Holy Light, as if refined in a copper cauldron—unbreakable. The Flickering Light Saint Heir stood like a god in the field!

He was Immune to All Techniques, as imposing and immovable as a mountain, radiating like the brilliant sun. The glory he emitted was unbearable to gaze upon.

"BOOM!"

He punched towards the sky, Divine Light obscuring the sun, shaking the heavens with the momentum to devour the world! The approaching elderly expert was instantly blasted into pieces.

Another screamed and dived, unleashing terrifying Vessels that illuminated the Heavenly Universe like comets, slicing through the air to attack the Flickering Light Saint Heir. Their Combat Power overflowed, and murderous aura surged.

Yet, the Flickering Light Saint Heir’s Holy Light was truly unmatched. It made the mountains and rivers quake, and intense beams filled the sky as the Heaven and Earth Copper Cauldron transformed the world!

The Holy Light soared, piercing through the clouds. Beneath the sky, everything was luminous.

"BOOM!"

The sky was awash with brilliance and endless intensity. The terrifying Vessel vaporized instantly, while the elderly expert evaporated at that moment, entirely melted and disappearing without a trace.

As the third person charged, golden radiance flowed around the Flickering Light Saint Heir. His hair, like gold, danced wildly, and two golden gleams shot from his eyes as his mouth uttered a subtle command.

"Kill!"

"BANG!"

In the sky, that expert unexpectedly split into pieces, his dead body plummeting and perishing instantly.

"This... is terrifying!"

"All five experts had cultivated to the third secret realm, yet they were all slain. The Flickering Light Saint Heir truly intimidates his contemporaries with divine might!"

"Terrifying, inspiring awe! At this Realm, one is nearly invincible among peers of the same rank. The Flickering Light Saint Heir truly deserves to be called a prodigy of this era."

"Even though the Ji Family has Haoyue shining like the moon and the Jiang Family possesses divine bodies, they cannot overshadow the Flickering Light Saint Heir’s invincible prowess. Such a person is difficult even for divine bodies to suppress."

At this moment, the Flickering Light Saint Heir truly seemed like a god. His whole body radiated light, even his hair, purifying the entire realm.

His vital energy surged, boiling like magma. It repelled all who approached, like a copper cauldron capable of refining this world!

"I cannot withstand this aura!" A cultivator groaned, feeling feeble, retreating.

"His life force is too vigorous, almost overwhelming half the sky. His qi and blood, like blades, naturally emanate and are capable of wounding others’ souls."

The Flickering Light Saint Heir was indeed as described. His internal blood flowed like blades, like rainbows, compelling all to retreat.

Wu Zhongtian sighed. "I’m no match for him. Once the Holy Light Technique is unleashed, he’s likely invincible among his peers. Such a Holy Technique is unrivaled. Unless Divine King Jiang’s Fighting Saint Technique appears, there’s no challenging it."

"Immune to All Techniques, overwhelming Holy Light, smelting the world, his presence uniquely supreme. He was far more terrifying than the Flickering Light Sacred Master in his youth!"

"Currently, the only one capable of contending with him is likely the Prince of Great Xia, who cultivates the Grand Emperor Scripture!"

"Regrettably, Divine King Jiang’s Attack Holy Technique has vanished forever..."