Chapter 213: Buddhist Artifacts

"Immeasurable Heavenly Venerate," Ye Fan intoned, performing a Taoist greeting. "I did indeed select these two stones; I had no intention of disturbing you, Fairy."

The Yaochi Fairy gracefully returned the bow. Mist swirled around her, her white robes billowed, and her dark hair cascaded like water, flowing smoothly and softly, gleaming with a subtle luster.

Around her, a slow shower of petals fell—exotic blossoms, rare pistils, and jade-like leaves. They were bright, sparkling, and translucent, resembling carved, multi-colored jewels, yet exuded a fragrance like orchids and musk.

Enveloped by the falling petals, she appeared hazy yet magnificent, stirring the hearts of those who beheld her.

Her skin was like a newborn's, smooth and delicate, rosy-white and shimmering. Her slender figure was astonishing; her delicate waist was not flat or narrow, but gracefully rounded and supple, swaying gently like a beautiful serpent's, enchantingly captivating.

Her long, slender legs were gracefully straight and light, as if a painstaking masterpiece of the heavens. With every movement, they accentuated her proud figure with unparalleled elegance, making all flowers pale in comparison.

Her lotus-like steps were graceful. Within her flowing gown, her jade-white feet were glimpsed, bare and translucent, her toes sparkling and flawless, emitting a faint, jade-like glow.

Alas, it was only a fleeting glimpse, difficult to behold again. A halo of light formed beneath her feet, transforming into celestial flowers that supported her jade feet. Each step brought forth a blossom, each step exuded charm, displaying infinite grace and extreme beauty.

Most regrettably, her face remained indistinct and unfathomable. Immortal energy swirled around her, like a hazy veil obscuring her features.

Even so, with her celestial face unseen and her jade-like form partly concealed, her power was boundless, leading one to marvel: in this vast world, amidst the bustling mortal realm, such a captivating woman still exists.

This was Ye Fan's first close encounter with the Yaochi Saintess. A wave of subtle, intoxicating fragrance reached his nose and mouth, causing him to involuntarily take a deep breath.

This slight action, naturally, did not escape the Yaochi Saintess's notice, and she gracefully stepped back a few paces.

She asked, "Daoist, do you have any basis for choosing these two stones?"

Everyone around was surprised. Had this "unreliable" young Daoist truly spoken correctly? Why had the Yaochi Saintess appeared in person, given that she rarely showed herself?

"This humble Daoist merely followed his intuition. I vaguely felt that these two stones made my vital energy surge, making it difficult to calm down." Ye Fan subtly hinted at the sensations experienced by Wang Shu and Er Lengzi.

The fact that even a formidable enemy like the Yaoguang Saintess couldn't recognize him proved that the 'Heaven-Changing, Earth-Shifting Great Art' was nearing completion. He could now make an impression before the Yaochi Saintess, and in the future, he wouldn't worry about being exposed even if he visited Yaochi.

"Oh, is that so..." The Yaochi Saintess nodded, offering no further comment.

She then turned to the Prince of Great Xia, asking, "Your Highness, have you discerned anything? Have you chosen your stones?"

The Prince of Great Xia, exuding a dignified aura with nine streams of dragon qi swirling around him, appeared like a celestial being. He moved with a majestic gait, and upon hearing her, nodded and said, "I have also selected two stones."

He pointed to the largest stone, weighing two thousand jin, and then indicated another stone in front of him, weighing one hundred jin.

"Your Highness possesses a keen eye; one of them has already been confirmed to contain divine splendor," the Yaochi Saintess said, nodding with a smile.

The Prince of Great Xia was modest, saying, "It was merely luck. The Imperial Dragon Qi I cultivate naturally allows me to sense certain special sources."

"The Great Emperor Scripture truly lives up to its name as one of Zhongzhou's four strongest ancient scriptures. It possesses unfathomable power. However, Your Highness is also remarkably brilliant; otherwise, how could you comprehend its profound mysteries? As far as I know, this scripture is not something just anyone can learn; only truly exceptional geniuses can master it." The Yaochi Saintess's red lips slightly parted, her voice melodious, like a beautiful piece of music.

Around them, everyone who heard was moved, and discussions erupted.

"The Great Emperor Scripture is the most renowned ancient scripture in Zhongzhou. Its absolute power is unparalleled, world-shaking, and unimaginable, especially known for its offensive capabilities, claimed to be able to break all techniques in the world."

"As one of Zhongzhou's four great rare books, it is naturally incomparable. It is a supreme secret text, rarely seen since ancient times, and only extraordinary talents can cultivate it, with extremely high demands on innate ability. This Prince of Great Xia is unfathomable, his true strength unpredictable. Among his generation, few can likely rival him."

Through the discussions of those present, even those unfamiliar with the ancient scripture came to understand its formidable power.

A young man, still somewhat puzzled, asked, "Is the Emperor Scripture truly so mysterious and powerful? Can Imperial Dragon Qi really sense sources? That seems too incredible."

An old man, who was both a stone gambler and a cultivator and appeared to be of unusual status, said, "If you knew the origin of the Emperor Scripture, you wouldn't have such a question. Its emergence was very strange, with many legends surrounding it."

"Is the origin of the Emperor Scripture still very mysterious?" the young man asked.

In fact, most people did not know, and all turned to the old man, listening intently to his explanation.

Ye Fan was no exception. He cultivated the Sacred Battle Technique, renowned as a supreme offensive secret art with incredible combat power. Upon hearing that the Emperor Scripture was unparalleled in offensive power, claimed to break all techniques, it naturally caught his attention.

He had a feeling that the offensive secret arts of the Emperor Scripture might be comparable to the Sacred Battle Technique. Which one was stronger or weaker would likely be proven in a future showdown.

This was not dependent on his will; rather, such ultimate offensive secret arts would always require a showdown to determine which was the strongest.

"There's a legend that the Emperor Scripture was unearthed from underground, taken from a 'source.' It's the most mysterious ancient scripture," the old man stated, startling everyone.

"That's too mystical; it's truly hard to believe."

"If it was taken from a source, it's normal for it to have some sensitivity to a few special sources."

"The Great Xia Imperial Dynasty has never admitted that it was taken from a source stone, claiming it originated from the first ancient emperor of their immortal dynasty."

Another old man nearby added, "Outsiders cannot truly know its exact origin."

At this moment, everyone looked at the Prince of Great Xia. His expression was calm; he showed no reaction.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Yaoguang Saint Son had also selected his stones and was conversing with the Yaochi Saintess.

Yaoguang and Yaochi had recently grown close and were about to travel together to the vicinity of the Primordial Ancient Mine to transport a batch of mysterious stones.

"I have received my master's command: the nine stones will no longer be displayed, and this event is officially concluded," the Yaochi Saintess suddenly announced.

"What...? We haven't even had a chance to show our skills yet! How can it end so abruptly?" someone complained.

"Exactly! We've traveled thousands of miles; how can you let us be so disappointed?" Many requested an extension.

The Yaochi Saintess's voice, like a celestial melody, echoed clearly through every corner.

"Everyone will have a chance. If you've selected a stone, state your basis for judgment. If it's reasonable, my Yaochi will offer a generous reward."

Only then did everyone feel relieved and step forward. Dedicated Yaochi disciples were responsible for recording their judgments.

Just then, the Yaochi Fairy invited the Prince of Great Xia and the Yaoguang Saint Son to another area, saying, "Your Highness and Saint Son, please come this way. There are a few more stones here for you to examine."

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

On this side, Wu Zhongtian, Li Heishui, Liu Kou, and Jiang Hairen were all present. They had actually received invitations to examine the other stones there.

The Prince of Great Xia responded courteously. Although the Yaoguang Saint Son was their mortal enemy, he still smiled warmly, not wanting to fight on Yaochi's territory.

Besides them, there were over thirty other people. The Yaochi Saintess had traveled through various cities in the Northern Region, and many had passed the test of the nine stones. Some had continued to follow her, while others would soon enter the Yaochi Holy Land.

A few "little bandits" were among the invited, which surprised some, but then they understood. Among the various holy lands, Yaochi maintained excellent relations with all factions. They were peace-loving, and even the Thirteen Great Bandits had never plundered them.

At this moment, if anyone was most surprised, it was Ye Fan. He hadn't expected that after choosing those two stones, he wouldn't receive an invitation.

As he was puzzled, Yao Xi approached with a charming smile and said, "I'm inviting you on behalf of the Yaochi sister. She said not to leave; you'll be invited shortly."

Ye Fan nodded upon hearing this, feeling relieved. He hadn't realized that today was the Yaochi Saintess's last display of the nine stones, and missing it would mean losing his chance.

Nearby, the young nun in white, radiating an ethereal aura, looked over curiously.

Ye Fan smiled kindly and said, "Little Master, I have a few Buddhist artifacts here that I'd like to show you."

Ye Fan immediately took out a Vajra Pestle. Although half of it was broken, it still appeared ancient and grand, exuding a unique aura, as if a Buddha's fist were solidified in the air.

Yao Xi, standing beside Ye Fan, instantly showed a surprised expression. She felt that this artifact was extraordinary; despite its damage, she could still sense lingering Taoist charm, indicating an unusual origin.

Not far away, the young nun in white immediately widened her eyes, displaying a strange look. She opened her mouth as if to ask something, and even seemed to want to walk over.

However, the guards beside her kept her protected, evidently under the Prince of Great Xia's orders, so she couldn't approach.

"What is this?" the Yaoguang Saintess asked.

"I don't know what it is either, but it seems to be an ancient Buddhist artifact. The Princess of Great Xia must be able to appraise it. Fairy, could you invite her over?"

Yao Xi smiled slightly and said, "Asking me to 'abduct' the Princess of Great Xia, Daoist, you certainly have a plan."

While chatting pleasantly with Yao Xi, Ye Fan took out a complete ancient lamp and gently swayed it towards the young nun in white.

The Princess of Great Xia's beautiful eyes widened again, her small mouth slightly agape. She conversed in a low voice with the guard captain, seemingly wanting to come over.

"What exactly is this?" The Yaoguang Saintess was moved. Although the ancient lamp was extinguished and covered in green rust, she sensed an even more extraordinary aura from it.

"Fairy, please go and bring the Princess of Great Xia over. She will surely recognize it, and perhaps know the origin of these artifacts," Ye Fan said solemnly. "Perhaps it will even reveal matters concerning Tathagata and Shakyamuni."

"Shakyamuni?" Yao Xi was surprised. There were too many questions in her mind. It was the first time she had heard the name "Tathagata" today, and from the reactions of the Prince of Great Xia and the Yaoguang Saint Son, it was clearly an extraordinary and terrifying figure.

History from over two thousand years ago had apparently been erased, a blank slate due to Tathagata. Once this conjecture arose in her mind, she was eager to know everything about it.

"Tathagata..."

To make a prince of an immortal ancient imperial dynasty wary, what was his origin? What was Shakyamuni's status in Buddhism?

The Yaoguang Saintess pondered briefly, then smiled and said, "It's not ideal for me to 'lure' the Princess of Great Xia out. How about we go over together and speak with her in detail?"

"Good," Ye Fan readily agreed. He held the Vajra Pestle in his left hand and the bronze ancient lamp in his right, striding forward.

In fact, he really wanted to take out the bronze plaque of the Great Thunder Sound Temple directly, but he didn't dare. To ordinary people, this plaque might seem insignificant, but to Buddhist experts, it would be nothing short of a world-shaking revelation, capable of shattering the heavens.

He believed that if Buddhist practitioners understood this and recognized the miraculous nature of the Great Thunder Sound Temple bronze plaque, the commotion it would cause would be boundless. It's hard to imagine what kind of upheaval such a plaque appearing would cause within Buddhism.

"Stop!" The Great Xia guards looked at Ye Fan as if he were a threat.

The Yaoguang Saintess smiled sweetly and walked forward, glowing like warm jade. Any beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall would pale in comparison to her.

She was truly a peerless beauty, like a jade tree blooming with celestial flowers, her beauty eclipsing the moon and shaming flowers, capable of captivating cities and nations.

Indeed, the charm of a peerless beauty was boundless.

With just a few whispered words to the guards, she received permission for the two of them to pass.

Of course, as for Ye Fan, this unscrupulous Daoist with his glib tongue, the guards still watched him like a thief.

"Esteemed Princess..." Ye Fan greeted her.

The young nun in white ignored him, her large eyes darting around, constantly glancing at the treasure in his hand.

"Little Nun sister, don't you want to take a closer look?" Ye Fan asked with a gentle smile.

Beside them, the guard captain and his men all glared with wide eyes.

"How dare you speak like that?!"

"Audacious! So disrespectful to the Princess!"

These people couldn't help but be angry; they always felt that Brother Ye was like a big bad wolf eyeing a little white rabbit.

"Liar, it must be fake," the young nun said for the first time, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's song.

"It's genuine, no doubt. This is a relic of Tathagata," Ye Fan said, weighing the broken pestle in his hand.

"I... I want to see it," the young nun in white said hesitantly, a little embarrassed.

Ye Fan extended it to her, very casually, clearly not valuing the Vajra Pestle much.

"This is..." The young nun's beautiful eyes widened, and she stammered slightly, "There really is... a wisp of Buddha's aura."

Nearby, the Yaoguang Saintess's beautiful eyes momentarily shimmered with divine light, but the unusual radiance quickly faded.

"Which Buddha are you talking about?" Ye Fan asked, and then very naturally retrieved the pestle.

"The World-Honored One, naturally." The young nun looked at him as if he were truly ignorant.

"Is the World-Honored One Shakyamuni?" Ye Fan had finally gotten this opportunity, so he naturally pressed for details.

"Shakyamuni? I don't know who that is." Her large eyes darted around, looking very innocent and naive, making it hard to tell if she was being truthful or not.

"Do your Buddhas have no titles or names?"

"A Buddha is you, a Buddha is me. Buddha says all things in the world have Buddha-nature and can become Buddhas. He has no special name," the young nun replied innocently. "Oh!" At this point, she suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Your Buddhist artifacts have demonic energy; they are not from a true Buddha."

"What are you saying?" Ye Fan held up both the pestle and the ancient lamp, saying, "These are clearly filled with a sacred aura. How could there be demonic power?"

"There clearly is," she said. She reached out her small hand, grasped both Buddhist artifacts, closed her eyes, and carefully sensed them. "These have the aura of a Buddhist traitor. Although his magic power is profound and unparalleled, he is not a Buddha."

Ye Fan scoffed. According to the young nun, wouldn't Tathagata be a Buddhist traitor? How could that be?

"This is the aura left by Shakyamuni. You're not talking about him, are you?" "Ah! The greatest traitor in Buddhism!" The young nun recoiled as if stung by a scorpion.

"You don't even know who Shakyamuni is, so how do you know he's the greatest traitor?"

"I just feel this aura is like a traitor's," the young nun said, pouting.

"Alright then, I'll show you something good."

Ye Fan put away the pestle and the ancient lamp. He took out a string of prayer beads made of six Buddhist sariras and placed them on his wrist.

The young nun's eyes immediately became fixed.

She couldn't look away, grabbing Ye Fan's hand and holding on.

"If Your Royal Highness wants to see it, just say so. However, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you..."

In the distance, Li Heishui's eyes nearly popped out. "The nun made a move!" he exclaimed.

He sighed, "Indeed, indeed, he's finally targeting the nun..."

"Beast! What depraved taste! A nun, of all people..."

Tu Fei rubbed his hands together.

"I say, Your Royal Highness, what's wrong?" Jiang Hairen asked the Prince of Great Xia.

At this moment, the Prince of Great Xia could barely muster a smile. Even in front of the Yaochi Saintess, he couldn't bring himself to be happy.

He had only left for a short while, and that unscrupulous young Daoist had already clung to his sister like a persistent plaster. To dare flirt with his Great Xia Imperial Princess sister was truly...

He had never encountered such a Daoist before, who, despite clearly knowing she was an imperial princess of an immortal dynasty, still dared to flirt.

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

Meanwhile, the young nun in white was completely engrossed, holding Ye Fan's hand and turning the string of prayer beads over and over to examine them.

"This is... why do I feel the Buddha's aura again, even stronger, as if the Buddha's true body is here? Quickly, take it off and let me see it!"

"Continue," Ye Fan urged. "You already mentioned Tathagata just now."

"Over two thousand years ago, a person named Tathagata suddenly appeared in this world. I don't know what he did, but later everything about him disappeared." The young nun tilted her head, thinking, and said, "If you take off the prayer beads, I'll be able to remember everything."

Ye Fan immediately chuckled and said, "Alright."

"Not a true Buddha; it's still the aura of a Buddhist traitor," the young nun pouted, unhappy as she examined the prayer beads.

"What did Shakyamuni do?" Ye Fan pressed.

"His magic power was boundless; he opened up Sumeru Mountain..."