“After Tathagata carved out Mount Sumeru, he built a temple within the mountain.” Though the white-robed little nun claimed this string of relic beads carried the aura of a Buddhist traitor, she kept turning it over and over, wishing she could pluck each bead off one by one to examine it closely.
“And then what?” Ye Fan pressed.
“What then?” the little nun answered absentmindedly, still carefully fiddling with the beads.
“What happened to Shakyamuni afterward, of course.” Ye Fan said, smiling as he watched her.
“Oh, you mean him. There is no afterward.” The little nun held the beads up to the sun, studying them intently, clearly unwilling to continue the topic.
“How could there be no afterward? Little Master, the Buddha once said not to speak falsely—how can you not tell the truth?”
“Everything I’ve said is true.” The loli nun pouted, quite displeased, unable to make out the mystery within the relic beads no matter how she looked. Finally she drew out a bundle of jade flowers and struck at the relic beads repeatedly with them. A fragrance wafted out, and thin strands of rosy light shot out like tiny thorns, slashing toward the relic beads, with faint flashes of fire flickering.
But the six relic beads showed no change whatsoever. Despite the faint light striking them and sparks flashing, they remained lying there motionless.
Ye Fan hurriedly reached out to stop her. “What are you doing? Stop that at once.”
“I want to cut it open and see. There seems to be something inside.” The little nun persisted stubbornly, waving the bundle of jade flowers, blades of light dancing, engulfing the relic beads.
“Those are my prayer beads.”
“I never said they were mine.” the little nun mumbled in response, still trying.
Ye Fan’s forehead creased with dark lines. “They’re not yours, and yet you still want to cut them open?” He moved quickly, reaching forward to reclaim the beads.
“Don’t be so stingy, let me look a little longer.” The little nun’s white robes fluttered, and within her slender jade palm, a hazy little world seemed to appear, enveloping the beads.
The Yaoguang Holy Maiden was astonished. “Is this the secret technique—Palm World?”
When Ye Fan’s hand reached forward, it sank into that miniature world, unable to touch the beads at all, always falling just short, as if he could never quite grasp them.
He smiled, and instead reached for the little nun’s wrist, intending to seize the source of her technique. But that hazy little world moved like a swimming dragon, appearing at her wrist and blocking his fingers once again.
“Forgive me.” Ye Fan’s fingers shifted through a series of hand seals, his five fingers forming the shape of a dragon’s head, shooting out nine strands of brilliant light, each resembling a heavenly dragon, charging toward that small world.
“Ah, this is…” The little nun was startled.
The nine small heavenly dragons that burst from Ye Fan’s seal bore an uncanny resemblance to the Imperial Dao Dragon Qi coiling around her brother—almost indistinguishable. And their power was tremendous, bursting straight into the illusory space within her palm and shattering it. In the moment she was distracted, he snatched the beads back.
“What secret technique is this?” The Yaoguang Holy Maiden, standing right beside them, had seen the entire exchange clearly, and was greatly astonished in her heart.
The Life-Taking Technique, one of the Nine Secrets—Ye Fan had used it with casual ease, transforming it into a mere hand seal, naturally displaying extraordinary power that outsiders could hardly comprehend.
“Let me see it once more.” the white-robed little nun pleaded.
“Tell me what happened to Tathagata.” Ye Fan smiled, cradling the beads in his palm.
“I truly don’t know what happened afterward, because that name seems to have been erased from the historical records—not a single trace of him can be found anymore.” The white-robed little nun put on a face of complete sincerity.
“I don’t believe what you’re saying.” Ye Fan gently rolled the beads between his fingers, smiling as he shook his head.
The white-robed little nun puffed out her cheeks and glared at him with wide eyes. “Fine, fine, I’ll tell you everything. It’s nothing important anyway.”
“Then tell me in detail. I’m listening closely.”
“From that point on, Buddhism has had no Tathagata!” the young Great Xia Princess declared solemnly.
“What do you mean?” Ye Fan asked in detail.
“This is a conclusion I reached after reading many Buddhist scriptures, going through all sorts of records and piecing together every scrap of clue. In the end, it comes down to just this one sentence.” The white-robed little nun spoke very earnestly.
“Little Master, you’re lying.” Ye Fan shook his head.
“I swear on the World-Honored One, every word I’ve said is true. This is a conclusion I reached after examining hundreds of Buddhist texts. And I’ve asked others about it too—even Buddhist masters have sighed and shaken their heads, saying: from that point on, Buddhism has had no Tathagata.” The little nun wore an expression that insisted he simply had to believe her.
“From that point on, Buddhism has had no Tathagata…” Ye Fan rubbed his chin. This single sentence could give rise to endless speculation—what exactly had happened?
Was Tathagata no longer the original Tathagata, or was Buddhism itself no longer the original Buddhism? Who, then, was the one currently at Mount Sumeru?
The Yaoguang Holy Maiden was also deep in thought. She knew even less, but from the various clues, she too was gradually beginning to grasp a faint outline.
“Let me see the beads again.” The white-robed little nun reached out her small hand.
Ye Fan turned the beads over in his hand. “Your brother changed expression at the mention of Tathagata—he must know some of the hidden secrets. How could you not know?”
“What could he possibly know? It’s nothing more than the clan elders warning him not to mention that name.” the little nun said, pouting.
“Why would they give such a warning?” the Yaoguang Holy Maiden asked.
“How would I know.” The white-robed little nun tilted her head. “I’ve gone through all sorts of ancient texts in the dynasty’s archives, and arrived at the same conclusion—from that point on, the world has had no Shakyamuni.”
“From that point on, the world has had no Shakyamuni…” Many speculations arose in Ye Fan’s mind, but each one was difficult to prove.
“Your Highness!” A guard not far off hastily bowed in greeting.
The Prince of Great Xia approached with long strides, black hair flying, tiger-like eyes gleaming with power, iron armor shimmering, nine dragons coiling about his body—every bit the bearing of one destined to rule over all under heaven.
His sword-like brows rose slightly, divine light shooting from his tiger eyes, clearly displeased with the guards.
“Your Highness, please calm your anger. It was the Princess herself who ordered us not to approach.” the guard captain quickly explained.
“Yao Xi greets Your Highness.” The Yaoguang Holy Maiden smiled, a smile capable of toppling cities.
The Prince of Great Xia responded courteously, showing not the slightest air of being one of the heirs to an immortal dynasty. “Immortal Maiden, radiant as the moon in the sky—to befriend my imperial sister would truly be a fortunate thing.”
Ye Fan received no such gracious treatment. The more the Prince of Great Xia looked at him, the more his irritation grew. He frowned, sorely tempted to kick Ye Fan away from his sister’s side.
“Wuliang Tianzun, this humble one came to deliver the Imperial Dao Heavenly Book. Since Your Highness does not appreciate the gesture, then I shall go find someone else more receptive. This humble one takes his leave.” Ye Fan turned to walk away.
“Hey, hey, hey, Daoist Priest, show me that string of beads again.” the white-robed little nun called out softly.
The Prince of Great Xia said nothing, only glancing at his sister. The pure and delicate little nun murmured something under her breath, and he found nothing more to say.
The Yaoguang Holy Maiden also took her leave, drifting away gracefully, catching up lightly with Ye Fan. “Daoist Priest, this way please.”
“Very well.” Ye Fan understood—this was an invitation from the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, and Yao Xi was merely relaying the message.
Passing through the mountain-like scenery formed by piled stone materials, crossing a small stone bridge over a flowing stream, the two arrived together at a secluded courtyard.
Here, cobblestones paved the path, bamboo groves stood in clusters, a stone table sat within the grove with four stone stools arranged beside it—a place of quiet serenity.
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden was performing the art of tea, her slender hands moving with graceful ease, every motion embodying a natural sense of Dao, completely blending into the surrounding scenery. A faint fragrance of tea drifted on the breeze.
“The Jade Pool Immortal’s tea ceremony is on par with her guqin skill, nearly at the level of the Dao itself, yet she almost never displays it. This is truly rare—clearly she regards you as an honored guest.” Yao Xi’s immortal figure swayed, her skin fair as jade, glistening and radiant. She glanced back with a smile that could captivate a hundred forms of charm.
Such a nation-toppling grace naturally reminded Ye Fan of the time the two of them had once fought each other, when she had been nearly entirely bare, her jade-like body and alluring beauty on full display without limit.
“Daoist Priest, have you truly cultivated the Dao for over three hundred years?” Yao Xi asked with a light laugh.
“I am ashamed to say it—this humble one has wasted three hundred years of spring and autumn, living in vain, having accomplished nothing.” Ye Fan recited a Daoist mantra.
Yao Xi pressed her lips together in a faint smile, her hair dancing lightly. “Yet it seems to me, Daoist Priest, that you possess a rather young heart.”
A chill ran through Ye Fan’s heart. Just now, it had only been a moment’s distraction, yet she had already sensed something unusual—remarkably perceptive. This made him all the more careful, lest he reveal any flaw.
“Immortal Maiden, with beauty this peerless, even sages who have lived a thousand years would likely struggle to remain composed at first sight. It is only natural that this humble one might lose focus for a moment.”
The two entered the bamboo grove.
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s movements were gentle and graceful, her slender fingers like green onion shoots tracing beautiful arcs, offering a visual delight. On the stone table, the various tea utensils seemed to come alive, the fragrance of tea spreading and filling the air.
“Daoist Priest, please, have some tea.” The Jade Pool Holy Maiden’s melodious voice drifted over as she lifted the teacup with her slender hands and personally brought it forward.
Ye Fan thanked her and asked, “May I ask what task the Immortal Maiden summoned me for?”
“Daoist Priest, there’s no need for such formality. There is indeed a matter I wish to ask for your assistance with.” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden said softly.
“The Jade Pool’s legacy stretches back for ages, standing atop the clouds—what matter could there possibly be that it cannot resolve on its own? This humble one’s abilities are limited; I’m afraid I may disappoint the Immortal Maiden.” Ye Fan spoke calmly, betraying nothing.
“I would like to invite you, Daoist Priest, to the Jade Pool.”
“May I ask for what purpose?”
“There are some mysterious stone materials, quite extraordinary. I would like to invite you to appraise them.” The Jade Pool Holy Maiden revealed only this small piece of information, yet it was enough to stir Ye Fan’s heart—those stones must have a truly astonishing origin.
“Why doesn’t the Jade Pool simply cut the stones open?”
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden shook her head. “Until we understand them fully, they cannot be cut open.”
Ye Fan grew all the more certain—those stones were no ordinary matter.
“When the time comes, it will likely be a grand stone-appraisal gathering.” Yao Xi said with a smile.
“Indeed, many people will be invited into the Jade Pool, and there will be no shortage of distinguished guests in attendance.” the Jade Pool Holy Maiden replied.
Without a doubt, it would be a grand gathering, drawing many extraordinary figures into the Jade Pool.
“Unfortunately, this humble one has pressing matters at hand and cannot spare the time just now.” Ye Fan declined.
“No matter. If you have pressing business, Daoist Priest, I will not force the issue.” Having said this, the Jade Pool Holy Maiden produced a jade pendant. “However, should you find yourself free, Daoist Priest, you may take this pendant to any Jade Pool Immortal Stone Pavilion in the Northern Region at any time, and they will certainly guide you into the Jade Pool.”
Ye Fan hastily offered his thanks. “Should I miss such a grand gathering, it would truly be a great regret for this humble one. Once I have dealt with my pressing matters, I will certainly come to pay a visit.”
By the time Ye Fan left the bamboo grove, everyone outside had already dispersed.
He walked out without finding Wu Zhongtian, Tu Fei, or the others, but did not go looking for them either, heading straight out of the city instead.
Outside Kunyun City, blazing light shot into the sky. Even from a great distance, one could sense that terrifying aura.
Ten li outside the city, a great battle was underway, with many cultivators flying toward it.
“The Yaoguang Holy Son truly is unmatched!”
“This is terrifying!”
Many people were discussing this, and Ye Fan soon spotted Wu Zhongtian, Li Heishui, and the others, all watching the battle.
Ahead, in the center of a vast expanse of reddish-brown earth, the Yaoguang Holy Son stood alone on the battlefield, golden light radiating from his entire body. He was like a heavenly furnace, scorching all directions, his overwhelming aura making many people tremble.
At his feet lay two motionless corpses, both elderly powerhouses with white hair and beard.
And in the sky above, three more elders were roaring, charging toward him.
Unfortunately, the entire heaven and earth was enveloped in sacred light, like a bronze furnace refining the world—nothing could break through it. The Yaoguang Holy Son stood in the center of the battlefield like a god!
He was untouched by all methods, immovable as a mountain or peak, and yet also like the bright sun, radiant and brilliant, casting a light no one could look directly upon.
“BOOM!”
He threw a punch skyward, divine light blotting out the sun, the heavens trembling, carrying the aura of one who could swallow heaven and earth! The elder powerhouse charging toward him was instantly blasted into pieces.
Another let out a great roar, diving down, unleashing a terrifying weapon that lit up the sky like a comet, tearing through the void, striking toward the Yaoguang Holy Son with surging battle power and killing intent that soared to the heavens.
But once the Yaoguang Holy Son’s sacred light emerged, it truly could not be matched. Mountains and rivers shook, blazing beams of light filled the entire sky, heaven and earth transformed into a bronze furnace!
Sacred light surged to the heavens, breaking through the clouds, the sky beneath filled with dazzling brilliance.
“BOOM!”
Light filled the sky, endless and blazing, the heavens turning dazzlingly bright. That terrifying weapon vaporized on the spot, and that elder powerhouse instantly evaporated, completely melted away and vanished.
When the third one charged in, golden radiance flowed all over the Yaoguang Holy Son’s body, his hair like gold, dancing wildly, two beams of golden light shooting from his eyes, a soft shout escaping his lips.
“Die!”
“BANG!”
The powerhouse in the sky was instantly torn into pieces, his corpse falling, killed on the spot.
“This… this is too terrifying!”
“All five powerhouses had cultivated to the Third Secret Realm, and yet all were killed! This Yaoguang Holy Son truly possesses divine might that overawes his entire generation!”
“Terrifying, truly awe-inspiring! At this level of cultivation, he’s practically invincible among his peers. The Yaoguang Holy Son is truly worthy of being called a genius of this age.”
“Even with the Ji Family’s Haoyue and the Jiang Family’s Divine Body, they probably still couldn’t suppress the Yaoguang Holy Son’s unrivaled brilliance. Even a Divine Body would find this person difficult to overpower.”
At this moment, the Yaoguang Holy Son truly resembled a deity—his entire body radiated light, even his hair no exception, purifying the entire heaven and earth around him.
His qi and blood surged like boiling lava, making it impossible for anyone to approach, as if he were a bronze furnace capable of refining the entire world!
“I can’t bear this aura!” A cultivator groaned, his body drained of strength, retreating backward.
“His life force is far too vigorous, nearly suppressing half the sky. His qi and blood radiate outward like blades, naturally capable of harming the souls of others.”
The Yaoguang Holy Son was indeed exactly as they described—the blood within his body was like blades, like rainbows, forcing everyone present to retreat.
Wu Zhongtian sighed and said, “I am no match for him. Once the Sacred Light Technique emerges, he is likely truly invincible among his generation. Such a sacred technique has no equal in this world—even Sage King Jiang’s Battle Sage Technique, unused, cannot contend with it.”
“Untouched by all methods, sacred light filling the heavens, refining the world—supreme and unrivaled. Compared to Sage Lord Yaoguang in his youth, this is far more terrifying!”
“At present, the only one who might be able to contend with him is likely the Great Xia Prince, who cultivates the Grand Emperor Sutra!”
“Unfortunately, Sage King Jiang’s offensive sacred technique has vanished forever…”