Chapter 51

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Chapter 51: The Old Monk Believes in the Battle Buddha

Shan Jingshou had no words left; he was the one with the least choices. It is worth mentioning that Ye Hui came with Long Aotian, representing the Meteorological Bureau to congratulate Bai Qige on starting his own sect. Besides these people, there were also many others who happened to be in the area, regular office workers and elderly folks who were jogging in the park at the foot of the mountain. They discovered that Lanruo Temple was holding a grand ceremony today, so they came to watch and join in the fun. Bai Qige neither chased them away nor welcomed them; he just prohibited them from taking photos and said little else.

Bai Qige wore a brand-new monk robe, appearing dignified and commanding respect. He greeted everyone and engaged in small talk, but his attention was always focused on Long Aotian. He still carried the shadow of the last basketball game; that Ultimate Imbecility Aura was incredibly strong and unimaginable. Bai Qige later repeatedly read the information left in the Fate Interface message bar, which revealed many intriguing details. The four words "True Dragon Divine Nature" alone made Bai Qige feel they were worth carefully studying.

However, all of this was in the future. If another Ultimate Imbecility Aura happened here, the ceremonial founding of the sect would be over. Fortunately, Long Aotian stayed calm and even seemed a little scared, which prevented the Ultimate Imbecility Aura from erupting.

Everyone who participated in the last basketball game was struck by Long Aotian’s Ultimate Imbecility Aura, but it seemed that their IQ dropping by a hundred points made them completely forget what happened after being affected by the Aura. So most of them appeared normal. Perhaps they had doubts in their hearts, but Bai Qige was not interested in answering them, leaving it as an unsolved mystery.

The auspicious time had arrived. The ceremony for establishing the sect was very simple. Everyone gathered in the main hall of the temple. On the altar, three statues were covered with red cloth. Bai Qige briefly welcomed everyone, saying today marked the reopening of Lanruo Temple and the acceptance of disciples. Those who were devout could pay their respects in front of the statues before leaving. He then solemnly added that if anyone had different beliefs, they should step out to discuss them further.

Principal Li and these experienced individuals found it quite strange. Typically, ceremonies like these are made very lively and festive, unlike Bai Qige’s mysterious approach.

Bai Qige did not explain. Once everyone stood solemnly, with incense smoke swirling in the hall creating an atmosphere, Bai Qige turned around and tore the red cloth off the statues, leaving everyone stunned.

What was revealed on the altar were not the usual statues of Arhats, Bodhisattvas, or Buddhas, but three strange images. The one that impressed everyone the most was a rebellious giant ape holding a golden staff in the center. Just as everyone was bewildered, Bai Qige stood solemnly in front of the giant ape statue, earnestly chanting.

"Oh great master, you are the ruler among spirits, equal to heaven. You are the source of all warriors’ courage, the enlightened one who understands the true meaning of freedom. You are the origin of all laws for those who seek truth. You are the undefeated one from the teachings of Buddha, the guiding light for many followers. You are the Holy Spirit of the Great Trinity, the ultimate embodiment of freedom. Your power breaks all chains, your glory is eternal and indestructible. Your loyal followers chant your name here, building a sanctuary for you on earth. May your glory and reputation be eternal, now and forever!"

Seeing Bai Qige worship so sincerely, not even to a Buddha or Bodhisattva, but to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, left everyone astonished and speechless. Even the visitors watching outside the hall couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh.

Those who interacted more with Bai Qige, like Long Aotian and Mugang Xian, looked at him with eyes that seemed to say, "So, you are this Evil Monk of the Buddha’s teachings, a heretic among wise men. Now your true self is revealed."

But Bai Qige ignored the questioning and confused looks. With a serious demeanor, he continued to chant with reverence, then bowed deeply.

One knee down, three bows!

At that moment, a strange sound suddenly rang out of nowhere, as if an invisible drum was beating in the air, and then a mysterious echo floated away.

"Oh great master, you are the ruler among spirits, equal to heaven. You are the source of all warriors’ courage…"

At this moment, it felt like countless Bai Qiges were chanting in unison, but in reality, after Bai Qige finished his chanting, he humbly knelt and bowed three times, then fell silent.

This extraordinary occurrence left everyone speechless, and then Bai Qige bowed again, sincerely chanting:

"You are the Great Way, you are the eternal light. When people hear your name, they gain health and happiness, receive your protection, gain strength, understand your teachings, and achieve eternity. Your throne is raised above the heavens, alongside the stars. The lamb on Earth must walk according to your path, fighting against Heaven, fighting against Earth, never losing spirit, battling against others and fighting against oneself, with an unending determination, fighting until death, that is true victory. In the end, cutting away the three corpses, receiving your guidance, and entering the immortal Huaguo Mountain in the form of the true Buddha to share eternity with you is the way of the Battle Buddha!"

In an instant, a great wind began to blow, and echoes sounded out of nowhere, like oaths carved in the river of time, repeating again and again. Then, the figure of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, standing on the divine platform, suddenly changed.

Originally just a wooden statue, its surface suddenly shimmered with a golden metallic color; more startlingly, the statue of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven began to move.

The golden staff suddenly stretched forward, like a battle flag pointing towards the heavenly palace, with faint flames swirling around it, exuding an imposing aura.

Bai Qige stood up and suddenly turned around. In his eyes, a flickering light sparkled, matching the color of the golden staff, giving him an otherworldly authority, his demeanor strong and commanding.

"Long Aotian, Mugang Xian, Mugong Yan, Gongcheng Liang, Shan Jingshou, come up!"

Under the weight of his presence, the five of them walked up as if lost in a dream, kneeling on the arranged cushions. Bai Qige approached Long Aotian, placed his large hand on his head, and asked lightly:

"Entering my door, a hundred deaths without regret, do you agree?"

His words were solemn, his voice serious, the atmosphere grand, carrying a magic that struck at the heart. Long Aotian paused for just a second; he wanted to ask, since you are gripping my head so firmly, do you plan to crush it like a watermelon if I say no?

"I do!"

From the start, there was no answer of refusal. Long Aotian sincerely felt this understanding rise within him. He closed his eyes and bowed his head to respond. Afterwards, Bai Qige challenged Mugang Xian and the others one by one, using silent body language and a powerful presence that conveyed: if you dare to speak a negative word, you’ll face dire consequences.

In the end, all five of them bowed to Bai Qige, officially becoming part of Lanruo Temple. Finally, Bai Qige turned to Principal Li, whose expression changed repeatedly, and said, "Li Wei, come here!"

Principal Li also came over, kneeling on the mat, while Bai Qige gently patted his head.

"Today, I, the monk, take on disciples. I will take you as my junior brother. I hope you will uphold the spirit of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, conquer your internal demons, and walk the righteous path for life. Do you agree?"

"I agree!"

Those watching, like Mountain Fox from Bloody Earth and Ye Hui from the Meteorological Bureau, looked astonished. Principal Li was the top figure in Deep City, not an ordinary official. If he joined Lanruo Temple, it would truly be something remarkable in the future.

Meanwhile, Long Aotian and Mugang Xian looked at each other with strange expressions. The principal actually became his own Martial Uncle?

Bai Qige had no time to guess others’ thoughts and gave everyone a faint smile.

"Today, our Lord shows His great power. Do not forget your promise. If one day you break this promise, it will not be my duty to punish you!"

With deep meaning, Bai Qige suddenly turned around and bowed down for the third time before the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

"The glory of our Lord exists now, in the past, and forever! Today, the last disciple of Lanruo Temple reopens the mountain gate to spread Your will and create a path for people. May You witness and protect us!"