Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

The other four great monks, when united, are no weaker than any grandmaster.

Furthermore, with Shi Feixuan's breakthrough at this moment, the power of Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty is at its zenith.

Ning Daoqi went to Cihang Jingzhai alone, but Li Xiuyuan didn't think he was just there to see him.

Ning Daoqi said, "This old Taoist has come here to ask for help. Rumors have spread in the martial arts world that Yang Gong's treasure vault is in Chang'an City."

At this time, Chang'an had become a scene of great turmoil, with masters from all walks of life gathering there.

Fen Qinghui pondered for a moment and asked, "Daoist Master, I'm afraid the Yang Gong Treasure Vault alone might not be enough to attract all the martial arts masters in the Jianghu to Chang'an City!"

Ning Daoqi said, "That's right. Apart from the Yang Gong Treasure Vault, the disappearance of the Evil Emperor's Relic hidden here has also become known to everyone."

Therefore, Chang'an City is now in a state of utter chaos, a veritable den of demons.

what?

The Relic of the Evil Emperor.

Master Liaokong, Fen Qinghui, and Shi Feixuan were greatly surprised. If that was really the case, then things would be troublesome.

Chapter 28 The Turbulent World of Relics

With the appearance of the Evil Emperor's Relic, the two demonic sects and the Six Paths will no longer be content with their lot; they will inevitably engage in fierce competition.

But no matter who gets it, it's not good news for the righteous people, especially those from Buddhism.

Hearing that the matter of the Evil Emperor's Relic had become common knowledge, Li Xiuyuan also felt a sense of doubt.

He originally planned to retrieve it himself, and then use the Evil Emperor's essence inside to break through to the second level of the Supreme Heavenly Demon True Scripture.

As for the Golden Core realm, he will break through it soon!

With news of the Evil Emperor's Relic spreading, it will likely take some effort to retrieve it, but no one can stop him.

Li Xiuyuan was determined to obtain the Evil Emperor's Relic!

There are many people who think like him, and a fierce battle is bound to take place.

Master Liaokong pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Dao, you must have come for other matters."

For something as simple as Yang Gong's treasure vault or the Evil Emperor's relic, someone else could send a message; Ning Daoqi didn't need to come in person.

After all, this kind of thing is too simple; anyone can be sent anywhere.

Ning Daoqi stroked his beard and said, "Yes, this old Daoist has come with another request!"

As he spoke, a glint of light flashed in his eyes as he looked at Fen Qinghui of Cihang Jingzhai.

Fen Qinghui said in a clear voice, "Brother Dao, please speak freely without any need for pretense. If my Cihang Jingzhai can help, I will do my best."

At this moment, she was full of confidence. With Shi Feixuan's breakthrough, Cihang Jingzhai also had a grandmaster-level figure in charge.

Ning Daoqi replied, "In that case, please don't blame this old Daoist for being impolite. I would like to borrow the Cihang Sword Manual from the Imperial Order."

what?

The Compassionate Sword Manual.

Even within our own sect, few people can cultivate this skill, let alone lend it to outsiders.

Upon hearing this, Fen Qinghui pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Ning, do you know that our sect's Cihang Sword Manual has never been lent out?"

Simply put, it was a rejection on the spot!

But Ning Daoqi did not give up. He said, "I know this, but my cultivation is difficult to improve and my lifespan is coming to an end. I have no choice but to do this."

"If Cihang Jingzhai can lend me their sword manual, this old Daoist is willing to unconditionally grant your sect three requests."

As he spoke, his heavy gaze fell upon Fen Qinghui.

Ning Daoqi's unparalleled eight-fold freehand fighting style in the Tang Dynasty was derived from the essence of Zhuangzi and his disciples' "Nanhua Jing" from the early Warring States period. It emphasizes carefree and non-action, spiritual travel through heaven and earth, non-action and action, and profound understanding of all things.

The myriad variations are all contained within the eight essential principles. The moves are free and unrestrained, without any fixed rules, like a celestial horse galloping through the sky, unbound and unrestricted. It is as if one is riding the clouds freely and controlling the air to fly like a dragon, which is wonderful beyond words.

The essence of the Eightfold Strike lies in the word "emptiness." Emptiness can generate energy, so this emptiness is infinite. When one is pure and leads to emptiness, this emptiness becomes reality. Between emptiness and reality, although the forms are varied, they are all the way of nature, mysterious beyond mystery, without greatness or smallness.

While his Eight-Step Freehand Technique is decent, he has no chance of advancing any further.

That's why they sought the Cihang Sword Manual. Although Ning Daoqi and Fen Qinghui were familiar with it, they might not agree to such a request.

Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. In the past, Fen Qinghui would have considered agreeing, since with Grandmaster Ning Daoqi by their side, they could gain a significant advantage in future battles against the Demonic Sect.

But now that Shi Feixuan has broken through, they have a great advantage in the struggle between Buddha and demon. The relationship between Ning Daoqi and Cihang Jingzhai, while not very good, is not too bad either.

Ning Daoqi would not help the Demonic Sect. The Buddhist sect's power in the Tang Dynasty was at its zenith. Was it necessary to lend out the Cihang Sword Manual in exchange for three vague and uncertain conditions?

Suddenly, Fen Qinghui said, "Venerable One, what do you think of Brother Ning Dao's proposal? In this matter, Cihang Jingzhai will follow your lead."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Li Xiuyuan.

If Li Xiuyuan agrees, it would be a courtesy to him; if he doesn't agree, Ning Daoqi will have nothing to say and won't offend him.

Li Xiuyuan did not expect that Ning Daoqi's decision on whether or not to lend the Cihang Sword Manual to the God of Mount Tai would ultimately be up to him.

In his view, Ning Daoqi was called a Daoist, but he was very close to Buddhism and could actually be called a Daoist thief.

However, he belonged to the Buddhist lineage, and seeing that a Taoist master wanted to join him, he would not refuse.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "This Taoist priest came to ask for the Cihang Sword Manual, but the Cihang Sword Manual is the sect's most precious treasure. However, Heaven cherishes life, and our Buddhist sect emphasizes saving all sentient beings."

As the saying goes: The law should not be passed on lightly!

"As long as you can join the Buddhist order, then the sword manual can be lent out."

As he spoke, he adopted a compassionate and sympathetic demeanor.

Ning Daoqi exclaimed in surprise, "What?"

If he were to join the Buddhist order, his reputation would be ruined.

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Liaokong and Fen Qinghui thought to themselves that this method was excellent, and immediately advised, "Absolutely! As long as you join our Buddhist sect, you will be able to read the Cihang Sword Manual."

He spoke as if he were very welcoming.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "What, Daoist, do you look down on Buddhism?"

As he spoke, the image of the Great Sun appeared on his back, and in an instant, the Buddha's light shone throughout the entire hall.

Ning Daoqi thought to himself that things were not good. He was now like a lamb entering a tiger's den. If he did not join the Buddhist sect, he would probably be forcibly converted!

I also blame myself for being greedy, actually wanting to obtain the Cihang Sword Manual.

Master Liaokong did not expect that Venerable Jianglong would prepare to make a move. However, since they were all Buddhists, they naturally helped Li Xiuyuan and stared at Ning Daoqi with covetous eyes.

A thousand thoughts flashed through Ning Daoqi's mind. When he saw the Great Sun Dharma Image on Li Xiuyuan's back, radiating endless Buddhist light, he knew that Li Xiuyuan was no match for him.

Moreover, the Chan Master Liaokong beside him was no weaker than himself, and with the experts from Cihang Jingzhai joining the fray, he would undoubtedly lose.

After a long silence, Ning Daoqi said, "Alright, this old Daoist is willing to join the Buddhist sect, but please, everyone, save me some face and don't spread this matter around."

As he spoke, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan's lips curled up, and he smiled, "Of course! We monks will certainly keep our promise."

He thought to himself, "That old man is dreaming. He took the benefits from Cihang Jingzhai and now he wants to hide the fact that he joined the Buddhist order to save face."

Chapter 29 The Four Great Monks

Once Ning Daoqi agrees, he doesn't know whether Liao Kong and the others will keep their promise!

Sure enough, Zen Master Liaokong and Fen Qinghui smiled and said, "Congratulations on joining the Buddhist sect, Brother Dao. No, from now on you should be called Senior Brother."

As he spoke, a happy expression appeared on his face.

Ha ha!

Ning Daoqi also chuckled twice.

Since Ning Daoqi joined the Buddhist sect, the Cihang Jingzhai people have appointed him as a guest elder of their sect. His power is neither great nor small; he is merely a figurehead.

Finally, the matter in Chang'an could no longer be delayed.

After showing Ning Daoqi the Sword Manual, the group left Emperor Peak and headed to Chang'an City to prepare for exorcising demons.

During this time, Li Xiuyuan also set off with the others. He wanted to obtain the Evil Emperor's Relic, so he would not stay any longer.

…………

A vast country with mountains and rivers, and nine gates to the city: without witnessing the grandeur of the imperial capital, how can one know the majesty of the emperor?

A treasure trove of cultural relics, a capital city for millennia. Chang'an is located on the south bank of the Wei River in the Guanzhong Plain, known as the "Eight Hundred Li Qin Chuan".

To the south lies the Zhongnan Mountains, the central section of the Qinling Mountains. These towering peaks form a natural barrier to the south, creating a majestic landscape described as "layers of mountains overlooking the Wei River, and green peaks piercing the distant sky."

To the north, the Yaoshan, Huanglongshan, Cuo'eshan, and Liangshan mountains form the winding and continuous Beishan mountain range, which stands in stark contrast to the Qinling Mountains.

After the establishment of the Sui Dynasty, a new capital was created, named Daxing. The Tang Dynasty continued to use Daxing as its capital, renaming it Chang'an, meaning "long-term peace and stability," and continuously built and expanded it, making it even more magnificent.

Li Xiuyuan followed the crowd into Chang'an City. He entered the city safely through Mingde Gate and stepped onto Zhuque Avenue. He was amazed by this extraordinary capital city that exuded the aura of an emperor and a hegemon.

To prevent flooding, drainage ditches, as wide as small streams, were installed along the main streets of Chang'an. Stone bridges were built at the intersections of the ditches, forming a unique feature of Chang'an.

Locust trees line both sides of the avenue, but in this cold winter, their lush foliage has long been replaced by snow and icicles, giving people a sense of the majesty of deep winter.

Despite the frigid weather, Chang'an remained prosperous. The streets were bustling with carriages and pedestrians, even more so than Luoyang.

The Buddhist community had several locations in Chang'an, but ultimately chose Yuhe Temple.