Chapter 1803: Vajra Stupa

The Human World

The Human World

Qin Sang suspected that the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" might be the Great Vajra Wheel Seal, one of the Nine Great Light Seals, but he wasn't very confident. The origin of the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" was untraceable, making it impossible to deduce its true nature. He would only truly understand it once he had mastered this Dharma Seal. However, the Western Buddhist Sect possessed half of the Inner Lion Seal, which was sufficient evidence that the Nine Great Light Seals tradition existed in the Storm Realm.

"I wonder about the origin of the Nine Great Light Seals. Venerable One, what is your purpose in revealing this to me?" Qin Sang asked cautiously, his expression unreadable.

"The Nine Great Light Seals are supreme divine abilities of our Buddhist Vajra lineage. There are nine distinct Buddhist seals, each with its own profound wonder and immense power. Sadly, all of them have been lost, and now they can only be found in ancient texts..." Venerable Zhenru sighed.

Qin Sang's heart stirred. Buddhists believed that "Vajra" was the most indestructible substance in the world, symbolizing invincibility. Buddhist scriptures also recorded Vajra Dharma Protectors, heavenly deities who guarded Buddhist teachings and held revered status. In reality, based on the two known Nine Great Light Seals, it could be inferred that the Vajra lineage was a body-refining lineage within Buddhism. Qin Sang had personally experienced the formidable power of the Inner Lion Seal, yet he only possessed half of it. Given that the other eight seals were as renowned as the Inner Lion Seal, it was clear that the Nine Great Light Seals were indeed great Buddhist divine abilities, and Venerable Zhenru's words were no exaggeration.

At that moment, Venerable Zhenru fell silent for a moment, then said, "The purpose of my visit involves a secret of my temple. I hope you, True Master, can make a karmic oath never to reveal it." A strange glint appeared in Qin Sang's eyes, and he grew even more curious. He naturally agreed.

After the oath was made, Venerable Zhenru recited a Buddhist chant and said, "My temple's lineage originates from the Vajra lineage, with the 'Three Grades Vajra Art' as its fundamental cultivation method..." Qin Sang nodded as he listened. What Venerable Zhenru spoke of was no secret; he had heard similar information when he inquired about Jingtai Temple upon his return. Jingtai Temple occasionally produced a Nascent Soul-stage eminent monk, making it a considerable force in Jushan Prefecture. As Buddhism had no concept of Taoist talismans, Jingtai Temple still had to accept Taoist talismans and cultivate the Dragon-Tiger Altar. Given the incompatibility between Buddhism and Taoism and the limitations of the Dragon-Tiger Altar, it was inevitable that this would affect the monks' cultivation. Consequently, Jingtai Temple had never produced a saintly monk capable of turning the tide and revitalizing Buddhism.

Speaking, Venerable Zhenru paused, then said solemnly, "Within my temple, we also possess a Vajra Pagoda! This pagoda's origin is unknown, but it is likely a treasure of the Vajra lineage. However, it is protected by multiple seals, and my temple has been unable to break them to this day."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang understood. "Venerable One, do you believe my Buddhist seal can open the seals?"

"If the Vajra Pagoda is a sacred tower of the Vajra lineage, then the Great Vajra Wheel Seal, as one of the Nine Great Light Seals, even if not the key to opening the seals, would certainly have a miraculous effect in breaking them," Venerable Zhenru stated confidently. He looked at Qin Sang with some fervor in his eyes.

Qin Sang knew that the other party wasn't looking at him, but rather at the whereabouts of the Great Vajra Wheel Seal behind him. Venerable Zhenru believed that the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" was created by imitating the Great Vajra Wheel Seal. If the origin of the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" could be traced, it might lead to clues about the Great Vajra Wheel Seal. Even if the Vajra Pagoda couldn't be opened, acquiring one of the Nine Great Light Seals would be enough to cause immense elation.

Qin Sang's expression was solemn. His subsequent answer caused disappointment to appear on Venerable Zhenru's face. "To be honest, this Buddhist seal, named 'Seven Master Buddhist Seal,' was obtained by me hundreds of years ago. At that time, I didn't realize its immense significance and didn't pay it much attention. As of today, it's absolutely impossible to trace its origin. If Venerable One doesn't believe me, I can make an oath. A great divine ability like the Great Vajra Wheel Seal could serve as a foundation for one's life. If Venerable One is willing to help me find the seal, I would be delighted. It would be a mutually beneficial endeavor, so there's no need for me to conceal anything."

Seeing that Qin Sang didn't seem to be feigning, the disappointment in Venerable Zhenru's eyes deepened. He murmured, "In that case... I only hope that the 'Seven Master Buddhist Seal' can gain the Vajra Pagoda's recognition."

Qin Sang still had many questions. "May I ask what secrets are within the pagoda? Your temple has produced many eminent monks; do none of them have a solution for the seals?"

Venerable Zhenru slowly shook his head. The secrets of the Vajra Pagoda had yet to be fully understood, and it was unclear what treasures were hidden within it. But one thing was certain: this pagoda was extremely important to them. If opened, Jingtai Temple might flourish greatly because of it.

"It's possible that it holds a great heritage of the Vajra lineage, or a Buddhist treasure, or perhaps the Vajra Pagoda itself is a supreme treasure. Our temple's patriarchs throughout history have continuously tried, but unfortunately, no one has been able to break the seals. We have also invited trustworthy Taoist friends from outside the temple to assist, but those who do not cultivate Buddhist Dharma are repelled and cannot enter the pagoda's gate, let alone break the seals..." Invoking a Grand True Master from the Taoist Court might allow for a forceful breach of the seals. However, in that case, the Vajra Pagoda might not remain with Jingtai Temple.

Qin Sang pondered, "Venerable One, do you wish for me to attempt entering the pagoda and help you break the seals?"

Venerable Zhenru nodded, expectation shining in his eyes. Although Qin Sang did not cultivate Buddhist Dharma, perhaps due to his connection with the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal," he might gain the pagoda's recognition.

"If True Master can help this humble monk break the seals, we shall share the heritage within the pagoda. If all of it turns out to be Buddhist treasures, my temple will also compensate True Master. We would never let you act in vain," Venerable Zhenru promised.

Qin Sang's heart skipped a beat. In the foreseeable future, battles would increasingly rely on raw power. If he could obtain a great divine ability similar to the Nine Great Light Seals from the Vajra Pagoda, it would be a significant enhancement for him. Furthermore, if he could acquire a supreme cultivation method from the Buddhist Vajra lineage, it would be exactly what Qin Sang desired. Although his cultivation of the "Heavenly Demon Body Forging Art" in his human form had been relatively smooth, it harbored a hidden concern: it could cease to be viable at any time due to incompatible bloodlines. Qin Sang had long wanted to find a human body-refining cultivation method comparable to the "Heavenly Demon Body Forging Art" to use as a replacement when his current path reached its limit.

The two immediately reached an agreement.

Without further ado, True Master Zhijian had entered seclusion again. Qin Sang informed Sword Slave of his whereabouts, then set off with Venerable Zhenru for Jingtai Temple. After leaving Zuodai Pass, they continued southward. The Eastern Region, being adjacent to the Demon Kingdom, was chaotic and plagued by constant conflicts, unlike the Western Region where Immortal Cities were abundant and small teleportation arrays formed convenient shortcuts. Sometimes they entered cities to use small teleportation arrays, but at other times, they still had to fly. It took them five days to reach Jingtai Temple.

Jingtai Temple was located at the summit of Mount Jingtai. This mountain was the highest peak in the vicinity, offering a commanding view from which one could even see the borders of the Eastern Demon Kingdom. However, Mount Jingtai's terrain was generally gentle, with lush vegetation, and many mortals lived nearby. The mortals were able to resist demonic intrusions and live in peace and prosperity due to the protection of Jingtai Temple.

Two streaks of light flew from afar, heading straight for the mountain summit. At the summit stood a magnificent temple, its main gate wide open, with monks moving in and out. Venerable Zhenru did not alarm anyone. He quietly led Qin Sang into the temple and to the abbot's room.

"Please wait here, True Master." Venerable Zhenru left alone and soon returned, holding a radiant blue jade bead in his palm. The jade bead was crystal clear, resembling a drop of water. Venerable Zhenru activated the jade bead and said, "This is the preserved image of the Great Vajra Wheel Seal."

Watching the preserved image was Qin Sang's request, considered an advance payment. He gazed intently at the jade bead, and white mist began to emanate from within it. The mist gathered into a cloud between Venerable Zhenru and him, constantly shifting and gradually revealing blurry figures.

It was a desert, filled with rolling dust and flying sand and stones, where someone was engaged in a battle. It was evident that the person recording the image seemed concerned about being affected, as they were very far from the battlefield. Amidst the swirling yellow sand, there were two figures. One was a demonic beast resembling a great horned owl, immense in size. A flap of its gray wings could easily stir up a sky full of sand and stones. The other was a person standing in the void, showing no sign of retreat despite facing the ferocious demonic beast. Although the ethereal image wasn't very clear, it was still discernible that this person was clad in monastic robes, a tonsured monk. Most remarkably, a faint, precious light emanated from the monk's body, the color of a clear blue sky or pristine water. This light enveloped the monk, making him clear both inside and out, illuminating all things, piercing through the sandstorm, and visible with perfect clarity. Venerable Zhenru called this the "Pure Glazed Treasure Light," a hallmark of achieving the Vajra Glazed Body through the Great Vajra Wheel Seal.

The preserved image was silent. The monk and the demonic beast's figures intertwined. Then, in a fit of rage, the demonic beast spread its gigantic wings, instantly closing in on the monk, its sharp claws like knives, reaching for the monk's head. Facing the danger, the monk calmly struck out with a palm. The swirling sand filling the sky suddenly experienced an inexplicable pull and began to spin. In an instant, a yellow vortex appeared in the void, and the demonic beast found itself trapped at its center, frantically flapping its wings.

*Boom!*

The wind vortex exploded, unleashing astonishing power that surged in all directions, rapidly spreading as a sandstorm. The preserved image immediately cut off.

Upon seeing this, a sharp glint flashed in Qin Sang's eyes. That palm strike, with its combination of confinement and explosion, clearly bore the essence of the Turning Wheel Seal and the Demon-Crushing Seal. These two seals in the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" seemed more like crude versions of those two stances, which explained why Venerable Zhenru believed it was created by imitating the Great Vajra Wheel Seal.

The preserved images flickered in the mist repeatedly. Qin Sang watched the images repeatedly with intense concentration, lost in thought. Venerable Zhenru did not disturb him. Qin Sang attempted to verify the monk's every action against the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal." Gradually, Qin Sang made another discovery. The feeling the monk conveyed was quite peculiar. The so-called Great Vajra Wheel Seal did not display extraordinary power during the battle with the demonic beast. The monk's moves appeared very ordinary, yet he steadily pushed the demonic beast to its limit, effortlessly neutralizing its desperate strike. If he had to describe this feeling, Qin Sang thought of one word: effortless mastery. Every move was spontaneous and natural, yet it was precisely the best choice for that moment. It was as if everything on the battlefield was under his control, he himself had no flaws, and the enemy's threats were rendered invisible. After Qin Sang cultivated the Seventh Seal, the Great Vajra Self-Mastery Seal, he also experienced similar feelings. However, compared to the monk, his attainment was merely rudimentary. Of course, the power of the Vajra Glazed Body was surely far greater than what was shown; perhaps the demonic beast wasn't strong enough to force out the monk's full strength. Unfortunately, the preserved image was too short.

After an unknown number of viewings, Qin Sang finally withdrew his consciousness.

"How was it?" Venerable Zhenru asked.

Qin Sang nodded. "Venerable One's judgment is correct. There is certainly a profound connection between the two Buddhist seals. Watching this preserved image has been greatly beneficial to me. Thank you." His words were sincere. Observing the monk's combat had deeply moved Qin Sang. After meditating on it back home, his "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" was sure to make significant progress.

Putting away the jade bead, Venerable Zhenru led Qin Sang towards the back mountain. The layout of Jingtai Temple was similar to some temples Qin Sang had seen in the Storm Realm: numerous Buddhist pagodas were built on the back mountain, housing the sarira of Jingtai Temple's eminent monks from past generations. Passing through the pagoda forest, the two continued their journey, winding down a narrow mountain path. Along the way, there were numerous formations and restrictions. Qin Sang also sensed the aura of eminent monks, indicating very strict security.

At the end of the mountain path was a deep ravine. Venerable Zhenru repeatedly pointed at the water surface, nodded to Qin Sang, and leaped into the ravine. Qin Sang followed closely, experiencing no hindrance. He rapidly descended and soon reached the bottom of the water, where he saw a Buddhist pagoda. The pagoda was ancient and simple, hidden beneath the water, and stood seven stories high. This reminded Qin Sang of the Seven-Story Pagoda he had obtained in the Jinghai Sect. Both the Seven-Story Pagoda and the "Seven Master Buddhist Seal" were connected to the Jinghai Sect. However, the Seven-Story Pagoda and the seven-story treasure pagoda of Xuantian Palace were artifacts refined by Xiao Xiangzi for warning purposes. Their materials and design differed from this current pagoda. This Vajra Pagoda appeared to be made of wood, a type of unknown black spirit wood.

Venerable Zhenru landed before the pagoda and pointed at its gate, saying to Qin Sang, "Those who cultivate Buddhist Dharma can enter through this door. Those who do not cultivate Buddhist Dharma cannot advance a single step." The pagoda gate was tightly shut.

Qin Sang walked up to the pagoda gate, observed it for a moment, and then, without using any divine abilities, touched the gate. The instant he was about to touch the pagoda gate, a golden light suddenly erupted from it. A gentle yet incredibly powerful force directly pushed Qin Sang several yards away. After repelling him, the golden light immediately faded, and the pagoda gate remained as it was, with no special fluctuations on its surface.

Qin Sang was secretly amazed. He returned to the pagoda, formed a heart seal, mobilized his vital energy with the Auspicious Seal, and activated the Vajra Heavenly Armor Seal, turning his skin pale gold. At the same time, he silently activated the Seventh Seal, the Great Vajra Self-Mastery Seal. He exchanged a glance with Venerable Zhenru and once again raised his hand to touch the pagoda gate.

Watching Qin Sang's actions, Venerable Zhenru couldn't help but feel a little nervous. If Qin Sang could enter the Vajra Pagoda using the Seven Master Buddhist Seal, even if their combined strength wasn't enough to break the seals, they could still find a way to exchange for this Dharma Seal from Qin Sang and invite stronger help. The secrets within the pagoda would eventually see the light of day.

According to past experiences, non-Buddhists were immediately repelled by a gentle golden light the moment they touched the pagoda gate, just as Qin Sang had been moments ago. No matter what methods they tried, they couldn't penetrate the golden light.

Qin Sang's palm once again touched the pagoda gate. The apprehension on Venerable Zhenru's face instantly turned into joyful surprise—there was no golden light! He urged repeatedly, "Quickly..."

Before he finished speaking, Qin Sang had already pressed down firmly on a certain spot on the pagoda gate, as Venerable Zhenru had instructed earlier. The pagoda gate did not open, yet Qin Sang felt as though he had passed through a barrier. His figure flickered, piercing through the pagoda gate, and entered the Vajra Pagoda. Immediately afterward, another figure appeared beside Qin Sang—it was Venerable Zhenru, who had followed closely behind.

From the outside, the first floor of this pagoda appeared no more than three yards in diameter, but its interior space was remarkably vast. The lighting inside was normal. What met their eyes were floor tiles of green jade. In the distance, light and shadow intertwined, making it unclear what lay ahead, but it seemed there were Buddhist statues standing there.

"True Master, stay behind me," Venerable Zhenru said, stepping forward. Through exploration by generations of eminent monks, Jingtai Temple was very familiar with the initial section, and there would be no danger there.