Chapter 569

Chapter 569: Celestial Demons

Bought with spirit stones!

Wang Chen’s response left everyone speechless, yet no one could find fault with it.

To begin with, the first three levels of the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method were deliberately disseminated by Tianlong Temple itself, openly entrusted to the Four Seas Trading Association for sale, profiting immensely from Vajra Ghee.

Even the humblest novice in the Western Buddhist Sect was aware of how lucrative Tianlong Temple’s "business" was in terms of spirit stones!

Thus, it was entirely natural for Wang Chen to acquire the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method from the Four Seas Trading Association.

The real question was, could he actually purchase the technique up to the middle three levels?

Indeed, it was quite possible!

The Four Seas Trading Association, much like Wanbao Pavilion, was a merchant organization with branches spanning countless realms. If one was willing to pay a sufficient price, not only could they obtain the middle three levels of the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method, but even the final three levels were within reach.

The saying that spirit stones could communicate with the divine was universally acknowledged across countless realms!

The most awkward part was that Tianlong Temple couldn’t even question the Four Seas Trading Association. Despite being a commercial entity, the Association’s influence was immeasurable. Not just Tianlong Temple, but even the entire Western Buddhist Sect combined couldn’t challenge them.

Even the Buddhist forces in the upper realms had no means to contend with the Four Seas Trading Association.

The only entity that might surpass the Four Seas Trading Association in power was Wanbao Pavilion!

The monk who had just spoken was left speechless.

After a moment, he finally said, "If that’s the case, then this poor monk would like to seek your guidance!"

Wang Chen chuckled, "You say you want to seek guidance, and I should just comply? Sorry, but I’m not interested in fighting anymore."

These monks were truly shameless, engaging in a battle of attrition while acting as if they were entirely justified.

It seemed as though they had Wang Chen completely figured out.

Why should he play by their rules?

Wang Chen was done indulging them!

With Zhi Hai as an example, no one could accuse him of tarnishing the sect’s reputation.

Once again, the monk was left without a retort.

Wang Chen paid him no further mind and swiftly returned to the observation platform.

Many Buddhist masters and monks watched but could do nothing to stop him.

Unless they were prepared to completely sever ties with the Daoist sect!

The afternoon lecture took on a rather anticlimactic tone.

Although the great monks who took the Lian Tai spoke with eloquence, they lacked the vigor of the morning session. It wasn’t until the abbot of Ling Mountain Temple reappeared that the atmosphere at the gathering returned to normal.

Traditionally, the Spirit Mountain Conference lasted for nine days, with Wang Chen and the others, as representatives of the Daoist sect, attending only the first day.

After the conclusion of the first day’s lecture, everyone returned to their respective courtyards.

"Brother Wang…"

Xu Yingyi said to Wang Chen, his expression filled with concern, "I fear these monks won’t let this matter rest. While it’s relatively safe here, there might be trouble on the way back."

Wang Chen nodded, "I understand."

Wang Chen had come on behalf of the West Sea Sect. Even if the Western Buddhist Sect harbored deep hatred for him, they would not dare to act against him within the confines of Ling Mountain Temple or even the broader Buddhist Realm. To do so would provoke the West Sea Sect into a relentless pursuit of vengeance.

Should such a conflict erupt, it would lead to rivers of blood, a price too steep for either side to bear. Thus, as long as Wang Chen remained within these sacred grounds, he was assured of safety. The Buddhist monks would go to great lengths to ensure his protection.

However, once Wang Chen stepped outside the Western Buddhist Realm, any misfortune that befell him on his journey would no longer be the responsibility of the Buddhist sect. The West Sea Sect would find no grounds for grievance, nor would they likely mobilize their forces over the loss of a single inner sect disciple.

Wang Chen’s path home was fraught with peril. He was well aware of this and had devised his own strategies to navigate the dangers.

Upon returning to his courtyards, Wang Chen suddenly sensed something amiss. There, under the bodhi tree at the corner of the yard, stood an emaciated old monk, as still as a statue, exuding no discernible aura. Had Wang Chen not laid eyes on him, his keen sense would not have detected the monk’s presence.

Wang Chen’s heartstrings tightened instantly, then relaxed. He bowed respectfully, "Disciple Wang Chen pays his respects to Master Formless."

It was unexpected for Formless to appear again. Wang Chen’s intuition suggested that this was indeed the true Formless, not merely an external manifestation.

Formless turned and offered a gentle smile, "This poor monk intrudes once more; I hope you will forgive the disturbance."

Wang Chen responded swiftly, "It is an honor, Master."

Formless’s cultivation level was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of this realm, a fully realized Buddhist master. For such a venerable figure to treat a young cultivator from the Purple Palace like Wang Chen with such kindness was both humbling and overwhelming.

"A few days ago, I was unable to free myself, so I sent my manifestation to meet with you," Formless explained, lightly flicking his robe sleeve. Instantly, two cushions and a purple sandalwood table appeared before Wang Chen.

He then reached out, plucked a fallen bodhi leaf, and with a flick of his finger, a burst of spiritual light emerged. Instantly, a graceful maid appeared, expertly preparing tea with the tea sets and leaves she had brought forth.

This display of skill was nothing short of miraculous!

"Please, sit," Formless gestured for Wang Chen to take a seat and continued, "Young friend, I imagine you have many questions, do you not?"

Wang Chen felt a peculiar sensation. The great monk before him seemed less like a distant Buddhist master and more like a familiar elder, engaging in casual conversation.

Suppressing his inner doubts, Wang Chen sat on the cushion and offered a wry smile, "Indeed, Master, I seek your guidance in clearing my doubts."

By now, the spirit maid had boiled the water and was serving the spiritual tea to both of them.

Formless lifted his teacup, took a sip, and then closed his eyes with a sigh, "Everything happens due to the workings of fate."

Abruptly, he opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on Wang Chen, inquiring, "How long have you been in this world?"

Wang Chen was not taken aback.

He had already surmised that Formless was likely aware of his greatest secret.

Wang Chen remained composed.

Given Formless’s cultivation level, subduing him would be as effortless as a mere flick of a finger—there was no necessity for any subterfuge.

This venerable monk evidently bore him no ill will.

As for Formless’s question…

Five years? Six years? Seven years?

Wang Chen felt as though he had been in the Mountain-Sea Realm for an eternity, so long that he was on the verge of forgetting his previous life.

He answered truthfully, "It has been several years."

"Several years…"

Formless’s smile took on an odd quality, "I have been in this world for five hundred and forty-seven years and nineteen days."

Wang Chen was astounded!

He had never imagined that Formless, like himself, was a visitor from another world.

Could he also be from Earth?

Wang Chen couldn’t resist asking, "Master, may I have your mobile phone number?"

Formless shook his head, "There’s no need to probe; I hail from a different world than yours."

Wang Chen was rendered speechless and deeply disappointed.

Formless, perceiving his thoughts, smiled and said, "In truth, outsiders like us frequently appear in this world."

"We are known as the Celestial Demons!"

Celestial Demons!

Wang Chen was struck with a sudden chill of realization.

He had once read about Celestial Demons in a tome, which depicted them as the most vicious and crafty of Evil Spirits, capable of seizing bodies and consuming souls, sowing chaos wherever they roamed.

He had never imagined that he himself might be one of them!