Chapter 111 – Debating with Xuanxin, Chen Changsheng: A little monk lost to me for twenty years

Feeling the immense power of Yao Yingying, Gongsun Huaiyu suddenly recalled some casual conversations she had with Chen Changsheng during her cultivation guidance.

At that time, Chen Changsheng's exact words were:

"Girl, you have talent, but you haven't found your own path yet."

"Merely imitating your master and me, you'll never see the view from the mountain peak."

"In your current state, you might handle ordinary prodigies, but if you encounter those who have realized their own Grand Dao, you'll be utterly defeated."

Reflecting on Chen Changsheng's words again, Gongsun Huaiyu felt a bit ashamed.

Because when Chen Changsheng said those words, she was only focused on the joy of her realm's advancement and didn't take them to heart.

Now it seems, "Master Ancestor" had long foreseen she would face such a situation today.

No wonder "Master Ancestor" always called her "girl," she truly was still an immature little girl.

...

Seeing Gongsun Huaiyu's somewhat dejected expression, Chen Changsheng smiled slightly without saying anything.

People always grow through their experiences; as long as they understand this truth while alive, it's never too late.

"Miss Gongsun has seen through the illusion, congratulations!"

Xuanxin, who noticed Gongsun Huaiyu's state, clasped his hands together and congratulated Chen Changsheng.

Seeing this, Chen Changsheng clicked his tongue and said, "Stop with the formalities. As a rogue monk, you should do as you please."

"Aren't you tired of pretending to be so courteous all the time?"

Facing Chen Changsheng's question, Xuanxin smiled faintly and said, "The benefactor has a Buddhist nature."

"When meeting someone from the Buddhist Sect, this little monk naturally follows the Buddhist rules."

"Fine, today we'll follow the Buddhist rules, just talking without fighting."

"By the way, let me tell you a little secret, I once met a little monk."

"In terms of strength, he might not be your match, but in terms of Buddhist nature, you're far behind him."

Hearing this, Xuanxin laughed and said, "If that's the case, the benefactor must have debated with that high monk, right?"

"I have, and many times. As for how many times he lost to me, well, it's about this many."

Saying this, Chen Changsheng raised two fingers.

Seeing this, Xuanxin thought for a moment and said, "Twice?"

Chen Changsheng shook his head.

"Twenty times?"

Chen Changsheng still shook his head.

Having guessed wrong twice, Xuanxin couldn't help but laugh, "The benefactor should just say it directly, this little monk can't guess the answer."

"That master couldn't have lost to you two hundred times."

"Not two hundred times, he owed me twenty years."

After speaking, Chen Changsheng solemnly took out a sandalwood box from his robe and slowly opened it.

Nine relics emitting a faint Buddhist light flew out, circling around Chen Changsheng.

Under the illumination of the Buddhist light, Chen Changsheng clasped his hands together, appearing as if the Buddha himself had descended.

Seeing the nine relics around Chen Changsheng, Wanyan Yue's heart tightened from afar.

Because she remembered that "silent" bald monk again.

Even though her current strength could defeat ten Ikkyus, Wanyan Yue would never think she was stronger than Ikkyu.

Back then, the Royal Dynasty and Nightmoon Kingdom hadn't unified yet.

Throughout Nightmoon Kingdom and the Royal Dynasty, the only ones who could surpass Ikkyu were, besides the exceptional Chen Changsheng, the Linglong Sect's Fairy Changsheng.

The nine true disciples of Shangqing Temple couldn't, and neither could she, the princess of Nightmoon Kingdom.

But a thousand years have passed, and the once-renowned Fairy Changsheng has been forgotten, and the famous Master Ikkyu has passed away.

If no unexpected events had occurred, they would have endured through that difficult era just like her.

What kind of achievements would they have now?

Perhaps they should be even more formidable than she is.

...

Looking at the majestic Chen Changsheng, Xuanxin spoke.

"The benefactor indeed has a deep connection with Buddhism, so this little monk dares to ask for guidance. May I ask the benefactor..."

"Wait!"

Before Xuanxin could ask, Chen Changsheng interrupted him.

"Does the benefactor have something else?"

"Debating the law is one thing, but I won't debate with you using Buddhist teachings; I'll use Daoist teachings instead."

Hearing Chen Changsheng's words, Xuanxin's eyelid twitched, and the onlookers couldn't help but twitch their mouths.

Arrogant!

Too arrogant!

Chen Changsheng's recent actions and words were all indicating to everyone that he was well-versed in Buddhist teachings.

But now, Chen Changsheng wanted to debate Xuanxin using Daoist teachings.

This was equivalent to directly telling everyone, "I know you're strong in this area, but I'm stronger in that area, yet I insist on defeating you with another aspect."

Facing such a situation, Xuanxin said nothing, only clasped his hands together and bowed to Chen Changsheng.

Seeing this, Chen Changsheng directly asked, "May I ask, what is Buddha?"

Chen Changsheng's question went straight to the essence of Buddhism, and Xuanxin calmly replied.

"One who saves the world is Buddha."

Hearing Xuanxin's answer, all the powerful figures and prodigies present nodded silently.

Because Xuanxin's answer was precisely the understanding of Buddha in everyone's hearts.

A single sentence could express the Buddha in the world's eyes; Xuanxin's profound understanding of Buddhism was indeed impressive.

However, the answer that satisfied everyone did not pass with Chen Changsheng.

Chen Changsheng slowly shook his head and said, "Wrong!"

"How is it wrong?"

"Buddha has no form, taking all living beings as form, thus all living beings are Buddha."

"You say one who saves the world is Buddha, which means you haven't grasped the true essence of Buddhism."

Hearing Chen Changsheng's words, Xuanxin wanted to retort, but found himself speechless.

From the Northern Desert to here, it was the first time Xuanxin met someone who could leave him speechless on the topic of Buddhism.

Thinking of this, Xuanxin smiled slightly and immediately said, "Life has eight sufferings: birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, long-lasting resentment, unfulfilled desires, and inability to let go."

"Our Buddhist Sect has the supreme scripture to help people transcend suffering and reach the Other Shore."

"May I ask, what method does the Daoist Sect have to free people from suffering?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Changsheng smiled slightly and said, "The Dao follows nature."

"What is the Dao following nature?"

"Following one's true heart is the Dao following nature."

"Live life to the fullest when alive, nurture oneself in old age, be open-minded when sick, and return to one's roots when dying."

"Love passionately, and move forward despite resentment."

"Buddhism guides people to forget the eight sufferings, but the Dao is different; it teaches people to understand and remember the eight sufferings."

"Birth, aging, sickness, death, love, hate, separation, and reunion are things everyone must experience. Instead of trying to let go, it's better to face them openly."

"When one truly understands the six sufferings of life, there will naturally be no 'unfulfilled desires' or 'inability to let go' afterward."

After speaking, a gentle light suddenly emanated from Chen Changsheng, intertwining with the Buddhist light on his body.

At the same time, the "Divine Bridge" in Chen Changsheng's Sea of Bitterness widened more than tenfold.

"The Sea of Bitterness is boundless, turning back is the shore," but Chen Changsheng did not choose to "turn back," instead choosing to face the "Sea of Bitterness" head-on.

Thoughts arose from the heart, and with the thought, intention, and body followed.

Chen Changsheng took another step forward on his path to the Grand Dao.