Li Mingneng sensed that the old monk in front of him had no ill intentions.
Why not take the initiative?
Looking at the sweeping monk standing in front of him, Li Ming raised his eyebrows slightly, somewhat puzzled.
The other person's eyes lit up, as if they were looking at some priceless treasure.
"To be able to grasp the essence of Shakyamuni's Elephant Throwing Technique in just one day, a method that combines mind and strength, and to comprehend the power of the dragon and elephant, and the meaning of Prajna and freedom... that's truly remarkable."
The sweeping monk looked at the heroic young man before him and sighed inwardly.
Master Wuxuan diligently cultivated this secret art, never wavering in his path or wavering in his heart despite countless difficulties.
Through diligent practice, he achieved great success.
It is said that with a single leap one can overturn the four great oceans and with a single punch one can topple Mount Sumeru, but it is truly difficult to even come close to its level.
He had been sweeping the floor of the library since he was a child. He had mediocre talent and martial arts skills. He started with the most basic breathing techniques and practiced the most basic Arhat Fist.
When they reach adulthood, they temper their minds and bodies, never daring to be lazy for a single day, and eventually they will grasp the essence of Luohan Fist and step into the realm of grandmaster.
After years of arduous practice, he finally comprehended the great strength of the dragon and the meaning of Prajna and freedom.
After entering the Spiritual Mystery Realm, he was fortunate enough to receive the inheritance from the ancestral master, who cleansed his marrow and forged his Buddha body, allowing him to comprehend the true meaning of the Immovable King and cultivate this skill.
Therefore, he understood.
It wasn't that Li Ming lacked the aptitude and comprehension to enter the Immovable King Technique, but rather that this technique required a special initiation ceremony.
"Benefactor Li, is this your first time practicing the Shakyamuni Elephant Throwing Skill?"
The sweeping monk stared intently at Li Ming, feeling both incredulous and inexplicably delighted.
His master once said that although he was physically weak, he had amazing comprehension and extraordinary wisdom, no less than the patriarch.
It took several months to even begin to grasp the basics of Shakyamuni's Elephant Throwing Technique, and even more years to comprehend the true meaning of the dragon-elephant's immense power and the wisdom of liberation.
"Naturally, this is my first time practicing."
Li Ming spoke the truth.
After all, such a top-tier secret technique is quite rare.
The imperial court might have some, but it's estimated that they're only kept in the royal armory...
And for some reason, he found this cultivation method extremely suitable for him.
It's as if they were born with it.
That's when things progressed so quickly, and it was completed as if it were a natural process.
"Amitabha."
The sweeping monk nodded slowly, took a deep breath, and suppressed the pounding in his heart.
Just as I expected.
He truly attained enlightenment in a single day.
With such wisdom, could he be a Bodhisattva reincarnated?
"Master... what's wrong?"
Li Ming's face tightened as he looked at the somewhat flustered old monk, wondering if he had said something wrong.
“Benefactor Li, I have something I would like to discuss with you, or rather, a favor to ask of you.”
The sweeping monk composed himself and spoke in a gentle tone.
“Please speak, Master. If Li Ming can do it, he will naturally not refuse.”
Li Ming said in a deep voice.
"Why don't you become my disciple, or... I can accept disciples on behalf of my master?"
A hint of fervor flickered in the sweeping monk's eyes.
Li Ming was startled, wondering if the reclusive master in front of him had been chanting scriptures too much and had confused him.
This sweeping monk was at least a third-rank martial saint, and in his opinion, he was far more than just a third-rank expert.
He's just a lowly fifth-rank martial artist; how could he possibly have such influence?
What merit do I possess to warrant such a plea from a great master from a sacred Buddhist site?
Even if he is exceptionally talented, it shouldn't be like this, right?
“Master…it’s not that serious. What merit do I have to deserve such a gesture from you?”
Li Ming quickly replied.
"How could it not be that bad..."
The sweeping monk didn't seem to feel embarrassed at all, and chuckled as he said:
"If you agree to become my disciple, not only will everyone else in the temple... even the abbot of Lingxuan Temple will have to call you patriarch."
He rose from humble beginnings, experienced countless setbacks, traveled to mountains and rivers, and saw countless people and things.
I have witnessed the warmth and coldness of human relationships and all walks of life.
He had long seen through all of this; what use was face?
In his eyes, Li Ming was worth countless times more than any so-called face.
If one could exchange face for such a wise and exceptional successor, it would be an absolute steal!
"Actually, I already have a master."
Li Ming said calmly.
Upon hearing this, the sweeping monk calmly replied:
“On the path of spiritual practice, those who have attained enlightenment can be your teachers; why be attached to appearances?”
"Of course I won't ask you to sever ties with your previous master, and I won't stop you from calling him master."
"Well... actually, becoming a disciple of a master is certainly not impossible."
Li Ming calmed himself and slowly explained:
"But I am now an official of the imperial court, a police officer of the Six Doors, how can I shave my head and become a monk... I don't even have any descendants yet."
To be honest, Li Ming didn't yet have the mindset to see through the illusions of the world, to give up wealth and status, and to become a monk.
He's in the prime of his life; there's no need for him to sit idly in front of the Buddha...
"How about... Master, you consider letting me become a lay disciple?"
Upon hearing this, the monk looked troubled and said somewhat displeased:
"Although I have no intention of sticking to tradition, my lineage is not simple, and the Dharma cannot be so easily passed on to others."
Li Ming couldn't help but sigh softly, feeling somewhat regretful.
After all, this sweeping monk in front of them was of an incredibly high seniority, and his strength was unknown. He himself said that his lineage was not simple...
The weight of this inheritance is therefore self-evident.
Moreover, the old monk was very approachable and had no airs.
Unlike some so-called masters who seem to want to elevate themselves to the heavens and speak in a mystical manner, almost as if the words "reclusive master" are etched on their faces, regardless of whether they have any real skills, it would probably not be easy to obtain their true teachings.
Li Ming naturally approved of the monk.
Martial arts, in the end, all lead to the same goal, so it doesn't matter if he has the title of monk.
However, if it's not meant to be, there's nothing that can be done.
“My disciple, why be so attached to worldly affairs? What are the benefits of being an official?”
Seeing that sentient beings were trapped in the five defilements, the Buddha, out of great compassion for them, transmitted thousands of volumes of Buddhist scriptures, saying that as long as one cuts off delusions, attachments, greed, anger, ignorance, and pride, everyone can become a Buddha.
"With such wisdom and potential, if you distance yourself from worldly troubles, under my guidance, you may even have the opportunity to travel to the Pure Land of Buddha. At that time, while achieving Buddhahood may not be difficult, attaining the Bodhisattva level will not be difficult."
The sweeping monk advised him that this was the first time he had seen such a talented individual with exceptional potential and wisdom, and he naturally did not want to miss out.
"Li has been navigating this mortal world for no reason other than fame and fortune... This great reputation is nothing more than a protective talisman for me."
Li Ming, head held high and chest out, said frankly:
“Master, you have also been to the mortal world and only after seeing through it did you realize how difficult the world is and how arduous the path of martial arts is. The further you go, the more obstacles and karmic consequences you will encounter.”
Even a secluded place like Lingxuan Temple has no karmic ties with demons.
Moreover, if one can attain enlightenment and realize one's true nature, why worry about where one is?
The sweeping monk's eyes lit up as he listened, revealing an approving expression.
This makes a lot of sense.
But if that's the case, why not come to Lingxuan Temple to cultivate?
Before he could ask a question, Li Ming continued:
"I want to pursue the pinnacle of martial arts, to attain great freedom and ease, to fulfill my heart's desire. Rather than retreating into a monastery, I would rather seize the present moment."
The sweeping monk sighed:
"The Buddha said that there are eight sufferings in life. Birth, old age, sickness and death are common to all living beings, but it is even more difficult to get rid of the pain of separation from loved ones, resentment and desire, and attachment. Even the Bodhisattvas in Buddhism do not dare to say that they are free from the eight sufferings..."
With his Buddha-like eyes, how could the sweeping monk not see the solid foundation and profound knowledge of Li Ming?
Even setting aside his wisdom and Buddha-nature, his physical strength and constitution alone are enough to make him a coveted figure by various holy sites.
Even without entering the Buddhist order, it is still a smooth path.
"Enough, Buddha-nature is always pure, where can dust settle?"
After a brief struggle between the sweeping monk and Li Ming, these distracting thoughts suddenly ceased. It was unexpected that someone with his mindset would also have such thoughts.
"Indestructible, immovable in the ten stages, with a calm mind and spirit, impervious to all laws."
The sweeping monk lowered his head and recited:
"If you can achieve a mind as clear as a mirror and enter the threshold of this Dharma, what harm is there in letting you become a lay disciple?"
So generous?
Li Ming was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected the other party to make such a big concession after he had just said a few words.
Then, a burst of Buddhist light appeared on the sweeping monk's body, and he waved his robe.
Li Ming instinctively tried to dodge, but it was too late, and he was unable to resist.
In an instant, he disappeared from the library.
I opened my eyes again...
All I could see was a sea of red lotus flames!
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