Who Let Him Cultivate?!

Chapter 548 - 547: Master Shi Chan_1

As a disciple of the Suspension Temple, Shi Chan could charge a sky-high price for conducting a single religious ritual for someone.

In the Central Continent, the Suspension Temple is one of the Five Great Immortal Sects, possessing the most powerful Buddhist lineage. It can be considered the spiritual and de facto leader of all temples.

Thus, any representative of the Suspension Temple would be highly esteemed by the outside world. Although Shi Chan only called himself a ’little monk’, to the outside world, all addressed him as a ’master’.

Moreover, his cultivation level being at the late stage of the Golden Core, was enough to earn people’s admiration.

However, since the three enchanting ghosts had refused his good intentions, there was nothing more he could say.

With his hands folded in prayer, he moved with compassionate sorrow to a cattle and solemnly spoke.

"We cultivators often say ’my fate is in my hands, not in the heavens’, refusing to believe in destiny and courageously rebelling against it. There are examples of those who have successfully walked the great path, but they are few. Whether their success in resisting destiny was just another twist of fate is uncertain."

"Perhaps all humans are bound by fate without knowing it. Fate is like shackles, no one can resist, not this humble monk, not the three ladies, and neither can you."

Shi Chan stood with one hand raised in front of his chest, the other stroking the strong back of the cow.

The cattle raised in the Seek Dao Sect could not be ordinary. Born of noble lineage, both the grass and water consumed daily were extraordinary. Its coat was smoother than any other Shi Chan had met in previous ranches.

"You were born to be butchered, to satisfy human cravings. Your flesh is an offering, satiating human greed. It seems grand, but it’s a result of your lack of control over your own body."

"This humble monk is giving you a chance. If you don’t wish to be chained by destiny and desire to escape your fate of being butchered, then moo once. If you’re willing to offer yourself to the human race, then moo twice."

The cattle stood still, without making a sound.

Shi Chan sighed: "Just as I thought, you were born oblivious; your innate wisdom inadequate, unable to understand human speech, nor comprehend the Buddhist teachings."

Following that, Shi Chan silently recited obscure and complex scriptures.

"In the beginnings of the azure heavens, within the vastness of the universe, the boundless earth ..."

The cattle still had no reaction.

Shi Chan helplessly shook his head, bent down to pick up the cleaver from the ground and with one swift motion, the life of the cattle was ended.

"Benevolent, benevolent."

The three enchanting ghosts were taken aback by the scene.

"May I ask, young friend, what are you doing?" a benevolent voice rang out, deep and powerful.

Shi Chan turned his head but did not recognize the stranger.

"Your honor is…?"

"You can call me Boss Bu, I own this ranch."

Immortal Eternity had been watching Shi Chan’s strange actions from afar as he interacted with the cattle for quite a while before finally putting an end to it, quite puzzled.

"So it’s Boss Bu. I’m a disciple from the Suspension Temple and my Dharma name is Shi Chan. What I was doing just now was to enlighten the heart and allow the cattle to choose."

"The scriptures I was reciting are called ’Sutra of Crossing Over the Cattle’."

"’Sutra of Crossing Over the Cattle’?" Immortal Eternity was confused, he had never heard of it before.

"It’s a scripture I wrote myself. I also have ’Sutras of Crossing Over Pigs’ and ’Sutras of Crossing Over Sheep’. At previous slaughterhouses, I would always recite scriptures before the slaughter to let the livestock choose their own destiny, though so far none have responded."

"After the slaughter, I will recite the ’Pure Land Mantra’ to dissolve the resentment of the livestock, allowing them to pass away peacefully."

The previous cattle was butchered by the master, Shi Chan was only responsible for butchering it, whereas this one had gone through the entire process.

Immortal Eternity felt that what Shi Chan said made sense. Their ranch was essentially a slaughterhouse, which easily brought to mind bloody scenes. This wasn’t conducive to restructuring their newly reformed, positive image.

If they all did as Shi Chan did- explain first, then slaughter, and finally provide a crossing over, Yun Zhi, Big Brother, and Second-in-command would certainly see them in a new light.

There were only three in Seek Dao Sect who knew the true identity of Immortal Eternity.

There were a few more who knew the identities of the Masters, including Elder Brother Dai and the Grand Elder.

When it came to doing things, Immortal Eternity and his Big Brother, Fairy Eternity, were quite similar, both were decisive. They would take immediate action once they made up their minds, never hesitating.

He immediately notified the Masters and Vice Leader Jin, who were feeding the cattle in the ranch, as well as Master Liu and Master Gao in the barbecue restaurant, including several former elders of the Eternity Sect.

That night.

The barbecue shop closed for the day, and Master Liu and others headed to the breeding farm.

"Everyone has arrived, hasn’t it?"

"Yes, all are present." The ones speaking were Xiao Wu and her two companions.

Although the three girls were not members of the Eternity Sect, they currently acted as the Master’s left and right hands and were summoned to every meeting.

Immortal Eternity nodded and discussed Shi Chan’s actions during the day, causing the Master and others to fall deep into thought.

"What Immortal means is..."

"Every one of us present is as trustful as family. I will be straightforward, we all are prisoners under Seek Dao Sect. Not sure when they may turn their back on us and execute us."

"I believe we should provoke change. Not only opening a barbecue shop or breeding farm, but we should also create an entirely fresh experience for others. Shi Chan’s arrival presents a unique opportunity."

"The worst error when studying Buddhist teachings is deviating from the path. Shi Chan hails from the Suspension Temple, representing bona fide Buddhism. His Buddhist teachings are assuredly profound and authentic; we should learn from him, cultivate ourselves, develop a Buddha-like character. Only then can we truly show our transformation."

The Master among others nodded frequently. Indeed, an Immortal indeed exhibited a unique depth of thought. They were content with the status quo while the Immortal was plotting the next move.

"Since there are no objections, this matter is decided."

"Well..."

Xiao Wu timidly raised her hand. As they were only at the Foundation Establishment Stage, sitting in a meeting with the Master and others was tremendously stressful.

"Feel free to voice your concerns."

"Can ghosts learn Buddhist teachings too?"

Immortal Eternity rubbed his chin and hissed, "This is indeed an issue. We’ll ask Shi Chan about it tomorrow."

The next morning, all the disciples of the Eternity Sect sought Shi Chan and explained their intention.

After pondering over Shi Chan’s words, they felt these people possessed strong Buddhist inclinations and were destined with Buddha.

"Buddha saves destined beings. If you desire to learn from me, I certainly won’t hide my knowledge."

"As for the three ladies, there’s no need to worry. There have been precedents of ghosts studying Buddhism, and even stories of ghosts building temples after mastering Buddhist teachings. They have reshaped their true form through the power of faith; it’s not a problem."

The three ghosts finally sighed in relief; their only concern was not to inadvertently free themselves from their state in the process.

They went about their day and gathered in the evenings to study Buddhist teachings and discuss the meaning of Buddhist scriptures. Their schedules were well-organised. Even Shi Chan gained fresh insights in the process of lecturing and discussion.

...

Dai Bufan stared in confusion at the information just handed in by his disciple.

Why did Shi Chan go to the breeding farm to work?

Why has the Eternity Sect started studying Buddhist teachings?

How would the Suspension Temple react upon learning about this?

Dai Bufan was unsure about Shi Chan’s intentions. With his Master’s life or death still uncertain and no one to turn to, he decided to consult Yun Zhi.

"Eldest Senior Sister..."

Dai Bufan explained what Shi Chan was up to and asked the Eldest Senior Sister about the actions Seek Dao Sect should take.

After a pause, Yun Zhi slowly said, "When Shi Chan first arrived he challenged me."

Upon hearing this, Dai Bufan’s pupils contracted with shock. This was utterly reckless!

Not even the fearlessness of a newborn calf confronting a tiger could be compared to this. Even the notorious elder Master Jiesha would not dare to go this far.

"Senior Sister means..."

"My point is, don’t be surprised by anything he does, considering he was audacious enough to challenge me."

"That makes sense."