Chapter 570

Chapter 570: The Return Journey (Part 1)

In the courtyards, Formless was in high spirits, his words flowing freely.

This Eminent Monk seemed determined to unburden himself of centuries’ worth of thoughts to Wang Chen.

In his previous life, he had been a monk, his brief existence of mere decades spent in the company of dim lamps and ancient Buddhas. Despite delving into countless Buddhist scriptures, he remained an ordinary man until his death.

After his passing, when Formless’s consciousness reawakened, he found himself reborn as a swaddled infant.

A foundling.

To his peril, several famished wild dogs caught his scent and closed in.

At the critical moment, a wandering ascetic monk drove the dogs away and took Formless under his wing.

This ascetic monk, the abbot of Lanta Temple, brought Formless back to the temples and nurtured him with utmost care.

Thus, the Formless of today came to be.

"My master’s kindness to me is as weighty as a mountain…"

Speaking of his mentor, a flicker of complex emotions passed through Formless’s otherwise tranquil eyes: "From the very beginning, he knew I was a Celestial Demon, yet he spared me from death in my infancy."

"Not only that, but he also imparted to me the supreme Buddhist teachings, aiding me in truly assimilating into this world!"

Formless’s gaze shifted to Wang Chen: "When I first met you, I knew you were not of this world; I should have ended your existence, but recalling my master…"

The Eminent Monk paused, then continued, "So I chose to give you a chance, just as my master once gave me."

Wang Chen suddenly understood—this was the true reason Formless had bestowed upon him the techniques of the third level of the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method!

"I never imagined that in just a few short years, you would cultivate the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method to such an advanced stage!"

Formless sighed, "Regrettably, your time in this world has been too brief, and your growth too rapid; you cannot dissipate your karma as I have over decades and centuries."

He fixed his gaze on Wang Chen: "The higher your cultivation level, the greater the calamity you will face, until it leads to your downfall!"

Wang Chen remained silent.

He was well aware that Formless had no reason to issue empty threats.

Indeed, he had sensed this truth long before.

Formless declared, "To sever the bonds of karma in this world, you must ascend to the higher realm!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Wang Chen’s mindset raced. He bowed deeply to Formless and inquired, "Can the higher realm truly accommodate an outsider like myself?"

Formless offered a slight smile: "The higher realm is vast and boundless, connecting myriad worlds; you will comprehend its nature once you arrive."

"Your being is shrouded in significant karma, which shields you from the heavenly secrets; others cannot divine or discern your true nature, though not all are blind to your origins."

"I will impart to you the techniques of the final three levels of the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method, hoping you can cultivate your physical form to the state of immortality, enabling you to traverse the void and ascend to the higher realm, thereby escaping your impending doom!"

At this juncture, Wang Chen found answers to most of his questions.

Yet, other doubts lingered.

He couldn’t help but ask, "Master, why do you still tarry in this world?"

Though Wang Chen was unaware of the exact extent of Formless’s cultivation level, it was evident that this Eminent Monk would find the path to the heavens far more accessible than he ever could.

Formless smiled gently and said, "My bonds with this world are too deep to sever. Attempting to cross the void would surely invoke the supreme heavenly tribulation."

The Eminent Monk raised his gaze to the moon, newly risen in the night sky, and sighed, "Young friend Wang Chen, our paths were destined to cross, but today marks the end of our shared journey. Farewell."

"Namo Amitabha."

As the resonant chant filled the air, Formless’s form gradually faded, vanishing completely without a trace.

Wang Chen stood motionless, staring at the empty cushion before him, the spiritual tea on the table still steaming faintly.

A wave of inexplicable sorrow washed over him.

Since his arrival in this world, Wang Chen had made friends, found love, and gained a mentor. Yet, he had never shared his deepest secret with anyone, not even those closest to him.

As an outsider, an invisible barrier always separated him from this world, preventing him from truly belonging.

Now, the only person who knew his greatest secret had severed their connection.

Wang Chen realized with a heavy heart that he would never see Formless again.

This realization only strengthened his resolve to ascend to the higher realms.

The next morning, Wang Chen, Xu Yingyi, and the others boarded the Lingjia Flying Boat provided by the Western Buddhist Sect, setting off on a journey of hundreds of thousands of miles back home.

The first leg of their return journey was smooth. The Lingjia Flying Boat raced through the skies, carrying over a hundred Daoist practitioners back to their starting point, Xuan Yuan Temple.

Xuan Yuan Temple offered no hindrance, activating the teleportation formation to send everyone through the treacherous Fire Mountain.

Upon arriving again at Chituo City, the practitioners were taken aback. As soon as they appeared, still recovering from the teleportation, a group of fierce warrior monks stormed out from the main hall of the Golden Buddha Temple.

The leader, gripping a long staff, barked, "There have been reports of Evil Spirits lurking in Chituo City. We are sealing the city for a thorough search. Please leave immediately to avoid disrupting the harmony between the Buddhist and Daoist sides."

The practitioners erupted in protest!

This was clearly an attempt to drive them out, a move devoid of any courtesy.

Though none had planned to stay in Chituo City, being forced to leave felt entirely different from leaving of their own accord.

Many of the younger, more hot-blooded practitioners glared at the leading warrior monk, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Wang Chen suddenly spoke up, "And if we choose not to leave?"

The leading warrior monk hesitated, then replied, "Then you may stay until the Evil Spirits are eradicated, and we will escort you out of the city afterward."

"No need for the trouble."

Wang Chen waved his hand dismissively, "I will leave now."

He turned to Xu Yingyi and the others, "What are your plans?"

Though Wang Chen had been elected as the chief representative earlier, that role had ended when they left Ling Mountain Temple.

He had no authority to decide for them.

"We’re leaving too!"

Xu Yingyi answered without hesitation, adding with a cold laugh, "This wretched place? I wouldn’t stay even if you begged me!"

"Exactly, what nonsense!"

"I’m out of here."

"Remember, we’re leaving on our own terms!"

"Humph!"

With Xu Yingyi leading the charge, the group of practitioners hurled scornful remarks as they proudly exited the main hall of the Golden Buddha Temple.

Once outside, they summoned their flying artifacts or flying ships to depart.

"Brother Wang," Xu Yingyi said to Wang Chen, "I’m heading back to Canglan Sect now. I hope we’ll meet again someday. Take care on your journey, and stay vigilant!"

Wang Chen nodded, "I understand. Safe travels."

He watched as streaks of light shot into the sky, vanishing into the vast expanse in the blink of an eye.

After everyone had left, Wang Chen summoned a beam of sword light and soared into the depths of the desert.