Chapter 43 of 100
Chapter 43
5 min read1,316 words
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………………………………I am the pure dividing line……………………………………
Below Zhongxin, the red-robed old monk who had just asked a question cleared his throat, and the room instantly fell silent.
It was clear that this red-robed old monk had very high prestige within Shaolin Temple.
"Do not speculate. That person lived over a hundred years ago, and according to the Abbot, the Prince cannot possibly be over a hundred years old. The name is just a coincidence," the red-robed old monk said.
"Uncle Master, that's what I think too," Zhongxin said.
"Abbot, the Prince wants to befriend Shaolin. What is your opinion?" the red-robed old monk asked.
"Shaolin Temple has been silent for too long. It's time for us to make our voice heard," Zhongxin said without hesitation.
"That means we will be enemies with the Mongols," a monk below said.
"Shaolin and the Mongols can never be friends. As long as the Esoteric School exists, Shaolin will inevitably be suppressed," the first monk to Zhongxin's right said.
He was the head of the Arhat Hall, Master Wuse.
When Wuse spoke, another monk nodded and said, "Brother Wuse is right. If the Mongols truly rule Central China, even if we do not oppose them, they will likely still take action against Shaolin Temple."
"Since that's the case, then let's fight. Throughout Shaolin's history, there have been many times when we were opposed by rulers. But time has passed, and Shaolin still exists, while dynasties have collapsed. We, Shaolin, do not need to worry about much as long as we have a clear goal," the red-robed old monk said decisively.
This was the confidence of a thousand-year-old Shaolin.
Since Shaolin was established, there have been rulers who thought about destroying Buddhism.
But Shaolin still exists today and will continue to exist.
This foundation is far beyond what a new religion like the Quanzhen Sect can compare to.
"Uncle Master, what about the Prince's other requests?" Zhongxin asked.
"The Prince wants to exchange the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' for our 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra'?" the red-robed old monk asked in return.
Zhongxin nodded.
The red-robed old monk's expression became serious.
"I have heard of the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill.' The high monk who wrote the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' had some connection to our Shaolin. The 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' could not have been completed without the contributions of our Shaolin. Unfortunately, that senior disappeared later, and the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' was gradually forgotten. If all of this is true, then the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' is indeed a divine skill on par with the 'Nine Yin Scripture,' and it would be a great benefit to our Buddhist disciples," the red-robed old monk said slowly.
Zhongxin's eyes flashed with excitement.
Although he called the red-robed old monk "Uncle Master," in reality, his position within Shaolin was very special. The red-robed old monk was more than three times his age and was the highest-ranking figure in Shaolin.
Many things Zhongxin had never heard of, the red-robed old monk had heard of.
"From what you say, the Prince is indeed sincere," Zhongxin said.
The red-robed old monk nodded and said, "According to the Abbot, since the Prince is willing to give the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' to Shaolin and promises to choose a disciple from Shaolin as his successor, we should agree to the Prince's request. Shaolin does not need to beg for anything, but since the Prince is showing goodwill, we have no reason to refuse."
"But, that is the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra,'" a monk objected.
"The reason Shaolin has stood for a thousand years is not because of the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra.' Throughout a thousand years of history, how many people have successfully practiced the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra'? How many times has it been lost? But so what? Even if all seventy-two skills were spread, how much impact would it have on us, Shaolin?" The red-robed old monk's tone was not harsh, but it was firm.
The monk who spoke earlier was ashamed and said, "Disciple knows his mistake."
The red-robed monk retracted his gaze and looked at Zhongxin, saying, "Abbot, since you have made up your mind, do not let Shaolin be underestimated. Tell the Prince that exchanging the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' for the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra' is not a problem. On the day the Prince takes a disciple, we will also present the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra' as a gift."
Zhongxin was moved.
"Uncle Master, do we need to use the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra'?" Zhongxin asked.
Everyone knew that the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra' was the first divine skill of Shaolin Temple. Even within Shaolin, most people believed this.
Only a very few people knew that Shaolin had another divine skill that was on par with the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra,' called the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra.'
The 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra' had a more singular function compared to the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra.'
It had no power.
The 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra' was not meant for combat.
The only function of this skill was to cultivate one's character, strengthen the body, and unlock the treasures within the human body.
The reason it was not well-known was that, after Bodhidharma, no one in Shaolin had successfully practiced the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra.'
The prerequisite for practicing the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra' was to complete the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra.'
Once the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra' is completed, one becomes a Vajra Body. External influences cannot invade, and food does not accumulate. Still, one must fear the seven emotions, as the original spirit may not be able to control itself. Even with the Vajra Body, it is still a flesh and blood form. One must follow the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra' to eat less and breathe more.
Throughout Shaolin's thousand-year history, many have practiced the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra,' but very few have succeeded.
Apart from Bodhidharma, no one has completed the 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra.'
Therefore, the 'Bone Marrow Washing Sutra' has been forgotten for a thousand years.
"This skill is also shelved in our Shaolin Temple and is of no use. Using it to show our sincerity is just right," the red-robed old monk said.
Zhongxin hesitated for a moment, his eyes flashing with determination, and said, "Uncle Master, if we are going to do something, we should do it thoroughly. Since we have come this far, we might as well give a little more."
"Abbot, are you thinking of...?" the red-robed old monk seemed to have anticipated what Zhongxin would say next.
Zhongxin nodded and said, "Since I am the Abbot of Shaolin Temple, I should contribute to Shaolin."
"Ah, this is the Abbot's personal matter, and I will not interfere. But I, on behalf of the entire temple, appreciate the Abbot's efforts. Amitabha Buddha," the red-robed old monk clasped his hands together.
"Amitabha Buddha."
……
"Abbot, you really surprised me," Zhao Hao said, somewhat shocked.
Beside Zhao Hao was the Abbot of Shaolin Temple, Master Zhongxin.
"Actually, there is no 'Zhong' generation in Shaolin. Zhongxin is not my dharma name but my real name. The main reason I became the temporary Abbot is because of my background and abilities," Zhongxin said.
"Shaolin made a very correct choice. Unfortunately, the place most suitable for you is the battlefield," Zhao Hao said.
A great teacher and a great general should not be confined; thousands of soldiers and horses should avoid the white-robed army.
Zhao Hao indeed did not expect that Zhongxin was a descendant of Chen Qingzhi.
If the seven thousand white-robed soldiers could reappear, it would be of even greater significance to Zhao Hao and the Song Dynasty than Shaolin Temple.
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