The light of the portal gradually dissipated.
This world was completely different from what they had experienced before.
They looked around and saw mist swirling around, with towering peaks, as if they were in a moving landscape painting. Amidst these mountains and rivers, ancient temples and pagodas could be faintly seen, emitting a gentle Buddhist light that inspired awe.
Shen Jingqi looked up into the distance and saw a glimmer of golden light flickering on the highest peak, as if the Light Divine Artifact were calling out to them.
They proceeded along a winding path, delving deeper into this mysterious mountain range. Along the way, they encountered various sights and creatures.
When they arrived in front of an ancient temple, its large doors slowly opened, as if welcoming their arrival. However, as they stepped into the temple, they found themselves in a completely different world. This world was filled with fantasy and eeriness, seemingly one of the three thousand Dharma Gates constructed by the Buddhist Illusion Realm.
They saw palaces and pavilions adorned in gold and jade, yet these structures floated in the air as if without foundation. They saw crystal-clear streams and lakes, yet these waters reflected different scenes, as if each drop was its own world. They saw towering trees and exotic flowers and plants, which all emitted a soft glow, as if possessing life and intelligence.
"Where... where is this?" Renault asked in surprise, his eyes filled with doubt and curiosity.
Shen Jingqi, Li Baiyu, and Renault stood on the threshold of that ancient temple, gazing at the sudden transformation before them, their hearts filled with shock and curiosity. Inside the temple, it was no longer the familiar mortal world, but a fantastical realm beyond imagination.
Shen Jingqi's eyes were locked onto the palaces and pavilions floating in midair. They were splendid, yet dreamy, as if they might vanish with the wind at any moment. He pondered silently, "Could this be the legendary Buddhist Illusion Realm? One of the three thousand Dharma Gates? If that is the case, haven't we stepped into another realm?"
Shen Jingqi shook his head, his gaze solemn, "We might have entered a world constructed by the Buddhist Illusion Realm. Everything here is illusory, yet it feels real. We must remain vigilant to find the true way out."
Renault looked around incredulously, his fingers gently touching a blossom nearby that emitted a soft light. The flower seemed to sense his touch, swaying gently and releasing a denser glow and fragrance. "This... this flower, it actually has life?" he murmured, his voice tinged with surprise and reverence.
Li Baiyu stood quietly, eyes closed and mind focused, as if engaged in a silent conversation with the illusion. He could feel that every inch of land, every leaf, every droplet of water contained profound Buddhist teachings and wisdom. He inhaled deeply, the incense pervading the air refreshing his spirit, as if washing away all worries and distractions at that moment.
"We need not be afraid." Li Baiyu slowly opened her eyes, her gaze filled with determination and confidence, "Since this is a Buddhist Illusion Realm, as long as we feel and comprehend sincerely, we will surely find the way out."
They proceeded along a path made of light, which seemed to guide them deeper into the illusion. Along the way, they encountered various sights and creatures. At times, they saw flocks of ethereal creatures emitting a soft glow soaring in the air, some resembling auspicious dragons and phoenixes, others like mythical unicorns, their eyes filled with compassion and wisdom.
"Are these creatures all manifestations of the Buddhist teachings?" Renault asked curiously, his gaze following the figures of these creatures as if trying to find clues to unravel the mystery of this illusion from them.
Shen Jingqi noticed that wherever these creatures went, the scenery around would change subtly. Sometimes, withered plants would regain vitality; sometimes, dilapidated palaces would instantly become splendid. He speculated secretly, "These creatures might be the Guardians of the illusion, maintaining this world's balance and harmony with their powers."
Li Baiyu quietly observed all of this from the side, noticing that whenever these creatures appeared, a faint scent of Buddhist incense would fill the air. This incense seemed to possess a magical power, capable of purifying one's heart, making them forget the worries and sorrows of the mortal world. He sighed inwardly, "The Buddhist teachings are boundless, and so is the illusion. Only by feeling and understanding with the heart can one truly grasp its mysteries."
Suddenly, the scene before them changed.
A lake formed of light appeared before their eyes. The lake was crystal clear, its surface shimmering with light.
They stood by the lake, quietly observing the reflections on its surface. Suddenly, ripples appeared on the lake, and a mysterious voice sounded in their ears: "Do you wish to find the Light Divine Artifact? Then you must solve the riddle I have set."
The three of them exchanged glances, filled with surprise and curiosity. The mysterious voice continued, "My riddle is simple, yet difficult. It concerns Buddhism, life, and the true thoughts within your hearts."
"Listen well, my riddle is this: All things in the world are subject to cause and effect. In a single thought, one can become a Buddha or a demon. You must find the Pure Land within your heart to solve my riddle and obtain the Light Divine Artifact."
Shen Jingqi took a deep breath and began to contemplate deeply. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel•fire.net
"Pure Land... Pure Land..." he murmured, as if searching for that long-lost tranquility and purity.
He closed his eyes and began to feel the Buddhist Illusion Realm around him with his heart. He could sense that every inch of land, every leaf, every droplet of water contained profound Buddhist teachings and wisdom. He seemed to hear the teachings of the Buddha, see the compassion of the Bodhisattva, feel the boundless vastness of Buddhism.
"The Pure Land may be within our hearts," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of enlightenment and determination.
Though his eyes were closed, Shen Jingqi saw the reflection on the lake's surface. He noticed his reflection becoming unusually clear on the water, as if it could reveal his true thoughts deep within.
"Pure Land... Pure Land... Could it be the peace and harmony I have always pursued?" he murmured, a gleam in his eyes.