Chapter 2756 - 58: Buddha Speaks

Under the reflection of the Blood Moon, Shujia Lan’s face was obscured in shadows, his eyes, carrying a hint of compassion, fluctuating with uncertainty.

His arrival in Mo Yun City was with the task assigned by his sect.

The widely recognized master of Buddhism in the Monster Realm, Master Xiong, once taught on Ancient Nan Mountain, and his recorded collection "Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection" was documented by the Tenth Dharma King under his seat, originally still enshrined in Ancient Nan Mountain, as an eternal classic.

This Tenth Dharma King later inherited the position of honor after Master Xiong went missing, and expanded Ancient Nan Mountain, establishing a rightful sect influencing all directions. He became the foremost righteous Buddha of this realm, titled the "Light King Tathagata."

Posthumously honoring Master Xiong as the Past Buddha, also titled "Hidden Light Tathagata."

Deriving "The Hidden Light, This Light King," signifying the inheritance of doctrine, the flourishing of Buddhism.

However, the founder of Black Lotus Temple, who was once the First Dharma King of Ancient Nan Mountain, believed that the collection recorded by the Light King Tathagata, "Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection," diverged significantly from Master Xiong’s original intent, with the Light King Tathagata expanding his influence, seizing the authority of Buddhism, secretly altering Buddha’s intent to his own.

For example, many questions and answers in "Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection" involving Master Xiong and disciples, those who raised spiritually insightful and wise questions were mostly the Tenth Dharma King. Those posing dull, hard-to-understand questions were mostly other Dharma Kings, with the First Dharma King being the most foolish and often opposing Master Xiong.

This does not reflect the real situation!

It was precisely through compiling Master Xiong’s teachings into canonical form that the Light King Tathagata leapt from the Tenth Dharma King at the outer seat to become the most influential figure of Ancient Nan Mountain, wielding the Great Treasure, successfully inheriting Tathagata.

The Demon Master Tathagata, who founded Black Lotus Temple, took away a large number of believers in rebellion, also taking with him the newly compiled true words and canon of Master Xiong—"Dafa Standard."

Both Buddhist texts share most of their contents, both transmitted from the doctrine of Master Xiong, recording the true words of Master Xiong. But due to differences in compilers, some subtle adjustments and interpretations, they ultimately present completely different facets.

"Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection" primarily discusses "Wisdom," "Spiritual Insight," "Innate Capacity," "Cause and Effect."

"Dafa Standard," however, speaks of the relationship between Buddha and faith, emphasizing entry into the world, saving the world, and crossing the world.

It is worth mentioning that Black Lotus Temple also acknowledges Master Xiong as the Past Buddha and accepts his title "Hidden Light Tathagata."

However, from Black Lotus Temple’s perspective, the meaning is "Light Hidden and Demon Master Emerges, the world attains the Way."

Both being Buddhism, both transmitting the doctrine of Hidden Light Tathagata, they fundamentally differ on essential grounds.

Being of common origin, there exists more resentment than towards other sects.

Shujia Lan’s visit to Mo Yun City is also related to this matter.

Back when the Demon Master Tathagata split with the Light King Tathagata, defecting from Ancient Nan Mountain and establishing Black Lotus Temple.

Among Master Xiong’s Ten Great Kings, eight remained, of which seven supported the Light King Tathagata. Yet, one did not support anyone, vowing not to establish a sect or reside, instead descending Ancient Nan Mountain alone, wandering the world since.

He is Xiang Mi, ranked fifth among the Ten Great Kings.

In both "Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection" and "Dafa Standard," he is portrayed in a very positive light, exemplifying profound Buddha Nature. The former describes his wisdom as appearing simplistic, while the latter depicts him as steadfast and self-disciplined.

"Dafa Standard" even additionally mentions—"Buddha speaks, Xiang Mi, my way is transmitted!"

Of course, this may be Black Lotus Temple’s compilation aimed at shaking Ancient Nan Mountain’s orthodoxy.

In "Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection," this phrase is directed by Hidden Light Tathagata to Light King Tathagata.

Which Buddhist text is ultimately more authentic has been indeterminable over the millennia. Numerous debates and duels have had mixed outcomes, with no side able to convince the other. To truly clarify the truth, perhaps only by traversing the Long River of time, can one ask Master Xiong of the bygone years.

Fifth Dharma King Xiang Mi, after descending the mountain, never returned to Ancient Nan Mountain nor set foot in Black Lotus Temple.

For three thousand years, he wandered the world, leaving countless legends in the Monster Realm.

Finally, he passed away before the God Enthronement Platform in the Ancient Imperial City.

It is said that the day he passed, "Without speech, as heavenly descended Buddha voice spoke. Writing rapidly without pause, thus Buddha Blood formed the text."

Before the God Enthronement Platform, he used his fingers as brush, blood as ink, writing for three full months, recording his lifetime’s understanding of Buddha, leaving behind the obscurely famous "Buddha’s Fifty-Eight Chapters."

As to why it reached only fifty-eight Chapters instead of the speculated full text of ninety-nine Chapters...

At that moment, it was "This word is not exhaustive, yet the teaching has concluded," so he paused, passing away at the spot.

All of this is documented in the representative historical text of the Demon clan, "Ancient Scripture."

Xiang Mi never established a sect, taught no disciples, having no attendant by his side. Upon passing, he left nothing behind, not even a single relic.

Only "Buddha’s Fifty-Eight Chapters," which many strong figures of other sects believe can supplement and correct errors in "Wisdom of Divine Wisdom Fruit Collection" and "Dafa Standard."

Probably because of this reason, neither Ancient Nan Mountain nor Black Lotus Temple discussed it much.

It was originally stored in the Ancient Imperial City, enshrined in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

Yet throughout the long history, due to various reasons, thirteen Chapters have been lost.

Shujia Lan’s trip to Mo Yun City was because Black Lotus Temple captured information regarding the lost Chapters of "Buddha’s Fifty-Eight Chapters." It requires him to acquire this treasure without attracting Ancient Nan Mountain’s attention, and bring it back to the mountain gate...

Though seldom mentioned, the importance of "Buddha’s Fifty-Eight Chapters" is self-evident. Whoever obtains it holds the right to speak, and gets closer to orthodoxy. To expand further, it’s the path to promote the practice of Buddhism. Looked at in a broader sense, it can support the struggle for Buddha lineage with Ancient Nan Mountain.