Chapter 1136: Rain Appreciation

Minghui, after thoroughly flattering his master and appeasing him, descended from the main hall. After much thought, he slapped his head, then took a single step, arriving in the brilliant Pure Land.

The Pure Land of Benevolent Joy, officially known as the Twelve Realms Great Compassion and Wonderful Dharma Corresponding Land, was certified by their patriarch, the Great Compassion Benevolent Joy Lotus World Manifestation. This attainment occurred at the foot of Mount Dayang, making it one of the Seven Manifestations.

Ancient Buddhists did not practice cultivation through reincarnation; upon the end of their lives, they would achieve 'certification and return to the void.' They did not admit people into Pure Lands but focused solely on cultivating their own bodies to attain the 'Golden Land,' then also known as the 'Responding Body,' which varied in size, unlike today's distinct hierarchical structures.

It was only with Su Xikong and Shakya Li establishing the spiritual lineage for contemporary Buddhism that the concept of the Pure Land fully developed. At that time, the Pure Land referred specifically to the Sandalwood Forest, the abode of all Dharma Manifestations.

As the Seven Manifestations became more widespread, a distinction arose with new Pure Lands. It was no longer fitting to call them 'Golden Lands'; instead, they became known as 'Various Responding Lands.' The Sandalwood Forest, however, remained the sole True Land, as it was where the Dharma Manifestations' true bodies resided.

The Great Compassion Benevolent Joy Lotus World Manifestation was among the earliest Dharma Manifestations to join the Buddhist path, holding a revered position. This Pure Land, serene and peaceful, floated at the infinite peak. Gold covered the ground, endless silks shimmered, colorful waters rippled, and lotus flowers bloomed. Every face reflected joy; free from concerns of food or drink, they simply sat, exchanging wisdom on scriptures, completely at ease.

They had already transcended all the sufferings of the mortal world, their merits complete and their paths fulfilled.

Their master had never liked staying there; it was always the senior brother, Mingzang, who managed the place. Minghui stepped inside, receiving respectful clasped-hand greetings from those on either side, to which he nodded in acknowledgment. After passing through layers of golden steps, veiled by intricate curtains and mystical lamps, he saw a monk.

The monk was tall and slender, hands clasped, chanting scriptures before a candle. Noticing Minghui enter, he raised an eyebrow and said:

"Junior brother."

Minghui's expression turned grim as he asked:

"How are things... at Funein Tianyanduan... that end?"

The Seven Manifestations are charged with integrating spiritual beasts and expanding the Pure Lands, each possessing their own sacred mountains. The most renowned among these are the Great Bestowal Bronze Temple of the Path of Compassion and the Boundless Marvelous Void Cave of the Great Adoration Dharma Realm. Others, like the Furious Horned Fur Hall and the Empty and Unrestricted Profound Mystery Temple, have already fallen into disrepair.

Funein Tianyanduan of the Benevolent Joy Path is situated in the far west of the West Sea, adjacent to the Abyss of Weak Water. The spiritual mountain there is home to the descendants of the Fenglin and the various demons of Fushui!

Yet, upon hearing this, Senior Brother Mingzang's expression remained calm as he sighed:

"There's still activity. Mount Ming has sent several messages to the Pure Land, reporting that the spiritual instrument on the mountain is trembling, showing signs of the Lvshui."

Upon hearing this, Minghui's expression became troubled, and he responded:

"Is that truly the case?"

His senior brother nodded, sighing:

"Could it be... that someone is settling old scores with Fenglin?"

Minghui felt a pang of discomfort, shaking his head and murmuring:

"That Fenglin, back then, was quite formidable. Though limited by the incomplete Fushui, he actually allied with Dongfang Tianye. One sought to control mountains and rivers, while the other wished to open up lakes and the waters of the Fushui. Ultimately, the world was shaken, and they were both subdued, falling into the hands of Emperor Liang and the Demon Lord..."

"Although the Dragon Clan and Emperor Liang hadn't yet parted ways back then, whether it was Dongfang Tianye or Fenglin, that matter was concluded. There's no reason to bring it up again! If they truly intended to settle scores, they wouldn't have waited until today!"

"Since the founding of Great Liang, Mount Ming's status has plummeted. Frankly, there's little to discuss; with the intimidating prestige of our Way, few would dare to harbor ill intentions."

"My only fear is... that it's Chi Buzi!"

Mingzang's expression shifted slightly:

"What makes you say that?"

"Such a cultivator... a powerful one who can move freely within the Abyss of Weak Water and above Mount Ming... how many like him exist in the world? Since the instrument shows Lvshui, not Fushui, who else could it be? It has to be him!"

Minghui, in his youthful form, took two steps, expressing his indignation:

"There's something suspicious about this fellow! He has repeatedly agitated the Great Bestowal Bronze Temple, constantly probing. Now, the disciples from the Dayang Mountain Sect are heavily guarding the area, poised to catch him red-handed, but he has stopped his activities. Our master said this green-eyed fiend has pledged allegiance to the Dragon Clan, so it's hardly surprising!"

The senior brother sighed deeply, growing increasingly worried, and said:

"This person is elusive, and his Lvshui cultivation is terrifyingly powerful, already on par with someone of Wei Xuanyin's stature. Even I am no match for him. To deal with him... we can only rely on Master!"

Minghui's expression flickered; he anxiously rose, paced a few steps, and replied:

"This matter is truly troublesome. As long as he hasn't fully mastered his divine abilities, Master would be more than capable of suppressing him. However, Master's Dharma Body is not yet complete, so it would be unwise to make a move lightly..."

A hint of anxiety appeared in his expression as he continued:

"This is what I've been considering: since his movements are vague and he hasn't made a move yet, he must be seeking something. Even the lives of the spiritual beasts could be open to negotiation..."

As soon as these words were uttered, Mingzang's expression immediately soured, and he replied:

"So, you intend to collaborate with him now?"

Minghui apologized for his words, then gritted his teeth and said:

"Senior Brother, you are aware of Master's techniques. Now that the 'Shame of Release' is complete, it is precisely the time to cultivate 'Dread of Evil'. Mount Ming shares a significant karmic connection with him. If we were to explain things to him, he would undoubtedly go and cause trouble. This is not a good time. I hope Senior Brother will prioritize the greater matter!"

Mingzang remained silent for a moment, then replied:

"Continue."

Minghui lowered his gaze and continued:

"Earlier, I used an excuse to travel, intending to go and speak with him. However, Master has now assigned this task to Senior Brother Mingmeng, so he is the one who must go. As Senior Brother, you oversee all matters... When he arrives at the East Sea, I hope you can give a temporary instruction for him to meet with Chi Buzi!"

Mingzang remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a breath and replying:

"I suspect... he might still be coming for Master!"

A fine drizzle fell.

Purple energy swirled over the reefs, and a fine drizzle continued to fall. Cultivators came and went, bustling within the layered palaces. The sky gradually darkened, and fewer flying boats, emitting clear light, moved about. Everything was enveloped in the soft rain and encroaching night.

The highest pavilion was remarkably quiet. A faint purple light curtain drifted and swirled, its hues subdued, while clear rainwater flowed along the steps, soon disturbed by the tread of boots.

This person was of moderate build, with flowing Daoist robes. Their features were well-defined, eyes holding a faint smile, and a single point of celestial light on their forehead lent them a dashing appearance.

As the True Master in white and gold Daoist robes stepped onto the platform before the stairs, he saw a woman seated beneath the eaves, seemingly observing the rain. Noticing him abruptly, she set down the long-necked jade flask she held and said:

"Exactly ninety days, and still raining."

Kuang Yu wore a light cyan mystical skirt, her waist cinched with a thin white silk ribbon, from which a few mystical ornaments hung. Her dark hair was softly styled and simply secured with a jade hairpin, a departure from her usual plain tied-back hair, which surprisingly lent her a softer appearance.

Among female cultivators, she was considered tall; despite her youth, she stood a head taller than Ting Lan when they were together. Her usual attire was bright and sharp, but in reality, her features were softer, and with her dark hair styled this way, she appeared even more stunning.

Li Ximing subtly shifted his gaze and replied:

"It rains nine out of ten days in Xinyu Qunjiao; it would be strange if it ever stopped. Rain has its own charm—a gentle murmur and the soft rustle against the curtains."

"Heh heh."

For some reason, she chuckled, then rose and led him inside, saying:

"I was worried this place wouldn't be as pleasant as the brightly lit Tingzhou. Yesterday, I performed a divination, calculating three times, in hopes of having one sunny day."

Mere weather, a matter of a single thought—what need would a Zifu have to calculate it three times? She was merely contemplating whether to stop the rain. Li Ximing chuckled, met her gaze again, and, turning his face slightly, said:

"You've gone to some trouble."

She was clearly a little flustered herself, but seeing him turn his face, the woman secretly smiled victoriously. Her fair, tender face brightened, and a hint of teasing appeared in her blue-purple eyes as she said:

"Daoist Friend Ximing, this Yin-Yang Intertwined Cinnabar Method is a secret transmission, a step-by-step orthodox practice that is far from simple. Have you comprehended its cultivation?"

Li Ximing gritted his teeth:

"If I don't comprehend it, won't my Bright Yang have been for naught?"

Kuang Yu, already feeling a bit self-conscious, felt her cheeks flush at his remark and said:

"I should indeed seek some guidance."

Although Kuang Yu possessed divine abilities, she had cultivated in Hengzhu since childhood, living a reclusive life. Even after achieving the Zifu realm, she had little experience with men and women. How could she possibly contend with Li Ximing? The True Master smiled faintly and said:

"When Yin and Yang intertwine, water and fire merge. First, one regulates the qi, allowing it to become ethereal, gradually achieving its feminine aspect..."

As he sat on the stone bench, he took the woman's hand, feeling its warmth and softness. Kuang Yu, however, stiffened instantly, staring blankly at him with wide eyes. The man before her, his gaze gentle, chuckled:

"Qi enters the Three Profound Palaces, connecting above and below, absorbing the marvel of water and fire's mutual aid, and generating the light of Yin-Yang engagement. Thus, pure Yang rises, and partial Yin descends..."

Kuang Yu stumbled, finding herself suddenly before him. Unexpectedly, the man's other hand already rested on her waist, causing her a wave of panic. Her lips parted slightly before she quickly gritted her teeth, turning her head away to avoid his gaze.

Li Ximing, however, distinctly felt the woman's slender waist, which, after a brief moment of tension, surprisingly softened to be held with one hand. Now, a playful glint entered his eyes as he said:

"Saliva forms in the mouth, and the body's hidden stores awaken, stirring profound wonders. The Yin aspect shines clearly like the moon, while the Yang ascends with dazzling light, for six hundred eighty short nights and one thousand eight hundred long mornings. Thus, one gains understanding, gradually crossing the threshold, achieving a state of unhindered flow."

The hand on her waist gently pushed forward, while the hand holding her slender one also drew her closer. Kuang Yu tumbled into his embrace, landing squarely against his chest, dislodging her hairpin. She gasped softly and said:

"You..."

Li Ximing held the woman close, but the hand that had held her slender one now took control, guiding her wrist to rest against his chest and abdomen. He then quickly released her hand to cup her chin, making her lift her head.

Her beautiful face instantly appeared before him, impossibly close: the elegant curve of her neck, her tightly pursed lips, her fair, flawless cheeks with a hint of pink, and even her flustered, blue-purple eyes beneath subtly lowered lashes.

His guess was correct; those eyes were round and lovely, and the panic and mortification that flickered beneath her gentle blinks only added to their allure.

An extremely faint, subtly cool fragrance drifted to his nostrils.

The woman, unable to exert force, stubbornly refused to speak, only turning her head to evade his hand. Yet, she found the man's expression had turned serious. He slightly parted his lips, and a low voice emerged:

"Concentrate your mind and calm your qi!"

As a Zifu cultivator, her ability to maintain primordial unity was exceptionally strong. Kuang Yu immediately met his gaze, her eyes quickly filling with concentration and tranquility. The two quietly faced each other, their breaths growing increasingly synchronized.

The Yin-Yang Intertwined Cinnabar Method!

A faint radiance immediately emanated from behind Li Ximing, and rolling, ethereal mist subtly enveloped them. The woman's waist softened further, and behind her, a faint grey iridescence appeared, shimmering in conjunction with his light.

Her soft breath feathered his face. As the cultivation technique gradually circulated, Li Ximing felt the clear, refreshing fragrance grow increasingly distinct.

This scent was cool and exceedingly elegant, like autumn rain outside a courtyard, with a crisp coolness. The fragrance emerged only after this coolness, reminiscent of white apricots dislodged by a distant snow-rain—faint, yet remarkably clear.

With her short breaths, he felt a fleeting illusion of the scent being both near and far, like clear wine that only reveals its vivid, tender red hue when collected in a bowl.

He was lost in the sensation, remaining silent for a long time. After an unknown duration, the woman in his arms suddenly stirred, and the hand resting against his chest lightly tapped him.

Li Ximing was deeply immersed, completely lost to himself. After a few breaths, Kuang Yu grew slightly impatient. She turned her head, and her smooth, tender chin finally broke free from his grasp.

This struggle resonated like a grand bell, ringing in his ears. Li Ximing abruptly came to his senses; the white apricot blossoms before him transformed back into the beautiful woman. A flicker of confusion crossed his mind, but he then realized Kuang Yu had gone limp in his arms, lying with her head to the side, weakly panting.

The woman appeared to have fainted, her face slick with fragrant sweat, her eyes glistening with tears. She had no strength left, collapsing weakly in his arms.

His face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly slid one hand under her ribs to support her back, while the other moved through her dark hair to cradle her head, and he asked:

"Daoist Friend Kuang Yu?"

Kuang Yu blinked, and two lines of tears traced paths down her flushed cheeks. She gasped for several breaths before finally saying, breathlessly:

"You are so greedy! Were you trying to drain me dry?"

The first stage of this Yin-Yang Intertwined Cinnabar Method is a breath-sensing technique, which involves balancing Yin and Yang qi through synchronized breathing—one exhales as the other inhales, and vice versa. This regulates Yin and Yang and allows divine abilities to complement each other. Li Ximing, with his potent Bright Yang divine ability, naturally tends to overpower Yin. Lost in the moment, he had, in a short span, absorbed all of Kuang Yu's accumulated qi, almost causing her cultivation to fail!

Kuang Yu remained unable to rise for a time, limp in his arms. He profusely apologized, quickly retrieved the jade flask, filled a cup, and handed it to Kuang Yu, saying:

"Kuang Yu, your pure qi is truly fragrant..."

The woman merely turned her head slightly, and the two tears that had fallen transformed into specks of clear light. The unusual expression on her face vanished, her complexion returning to its fair, bright, and pristine state. With a hint of lingering resentment in her eyes, she evaded his offered tea, stood up, and said:

"For allowing you to 'savor' for three days, it was indeed my mistake."

Only then did Li Ximing realize that what had seemed like a mere instant had, in reality, spanned three days. He felt completely refreshed and his magical power had become unified. He quickly said:

"My mistake, my mistake. My Bright Yang was perhaps a bit too intense..."

Yet, a hint of amusement remained in his eyes as he feigned seriousness, shaking his head and saying:

"That was merely the first stage of the Harmonious Breathing method. The wondrous spirit hasn't yet crossed over, and the profound union hasn't been established... Wait until that..."

Kuang Yu, being a woman of extremely keen perception, immediately saw he was teasing her again. Stubbornly refusing to show annoyance, she quickly interrupted him, feigning anger:

"Oh, really? They always say True Master Zhaojing is so steady, but it turns out you're quite glib! You call it 'harmonious flow,' but you deliberately savored me. Who could possibly endure that?"

"Since that's the case..."

Unexpectedly, her hand felt warm as the man before her again took her slender hand, his other hand finding her waist. Kuang Yu pursed her lips, once more yielding to his touch. The man lowered his gaze to her, smiling softly, and said:

"This time, you may savor it in return."