Chapter 32: Transmission of Power

It was only at this moment that Li Miao learned the name for the realm beyond the pinnacle: the "Celestial Being Realm."

To be honest, Li Miao had always found the term "beyond the pinnacle" a bit of a mouthful. Having no formal foundation—his martial arts acquired entirely through his own solitary study—he had never had anyone to ask. Obtaining this answer today made his entire journey worthwhile.

Xingchi continued, "This monk suspects that these Celestial Beings do not fall from their lotus thrones because their cultivation is insufficient. It is because their cultivation is too 'full.' When water overflows, it leaks through the cracks. They can no longer contain their own cultivation, so they wither, returning that energy to the heavens and the earth. Therefore, the path beyond the Celestial Being Realm should not be one of further accumulation."

Li Miao nodded. "I have had vague suspicions of a similar nature, though I lacked the means to verify them. Please, Master, enlighten me further."

Xingchi nodded. "Lord Li, there is no need for such formalities. I am merely sharing my conjectures; let us treat this as a discussion between peers. In that case, I shall continue."

Li Miao gestured for him to proceed.

"In the scriptures of our Buddhist sect, Celestial Beings are categorized into three realms: the Desire Realm, the Form Realm, and the Formless Realm. Only those in the Desire and Form realms experience the 'Five Signs of Decay.' Those in the Formless Realm exist solely as consciousness, without physical bodies, and are thus immune to death."

Li Miao caught onto the crux of Xingchi’s point: "Consciousness."

He had long suspected this, and now it was finally confirmed. The three paths of the Celestial Being Realm—Vajra (Body), Sumeru (Qi), and Atom (Technique)—all lacked a fourth component: "Spirit," or "Heart." In the martial arts of Great Shuo, the heart and mind were paramount; if one's inner nature did not align, one could not unleash the true power of their techniques. Why, then, did the Celestial Being Realm lack this requirement?

Seeing Li Miao’s expression, Xingchi laughed heartily. "Haha! I knew it! Lord Li has long shared this intuition. To have our thoughts mirror each other confirms my own beliefs! As a dying man, having this final weight lifted from my heart is truly a blessing from the Bodhisattvas."

Li Miao smiled. "Master, you are too kind. Without your insights, I could not have been certain. I believe I understand what you wish to say."

Looking at the smiling monk, Li Miao continued, "Celestial Beings of the Formless Realm have no bodies and thus no decay. Those of the Desire and Form realms have bodies and thus face decay. The difference lies in the connection between the physical form and the consciousness. One must cultivate both nature and life. To cultivate life without nature is the first sickness of the path; to cultivate nature without life makes it impossible for the soul to reach sanctity. Nature and life must not be separated. By preserving both spirit and energy, one refines the marvelous within the existence, perfecting the form to enter the formless. Thus, one is born without the threat of death, becoming a true celestial immortal. I finally understand what I have been missing."

Xingchi feigned indignation. "I have spent all this time speaking of Buddhist sutras, yet you conclude with Taoist texts! Do you look down upon my faith?"

Having spent less than an hour with Xingchi, Li Miao had already grasped his character. He was not a traditional high monk, but a broad-minded, insightful, and cheerful old man. If anyone else had possessed such secret knowledge, they would have hoarded it like a priceless treasure. Yet, Xingchi had laid it all bare before a man he had only just met. Such a temperament showed he had truly grasped the Buddhist essence of "emptiness." He had let go of everything—secret arts, temples, and even his own life.

Yet, despite letting go of everything, he could not let go of the lives of others. He had realized the secret to surpassing the Celestial Being Realm, but years ago, he had damaged his own foundation to save others, trapping himself at the pinnacle forever. Now, despite having attained complete merit, he was willing to sacrifice his final three days of life, forcibly pushing his realm to contend with Ji Tianrui, all so that a few more Shaolin disciples might survive.

At this thought, Li Miao stood and bowed deeply. "Master, my skills were self-taught, and I belong to no school. Today’s discourse has been immensely beneficial. Please, accept my respects as a student."

Xingchi hurried to rise and steady Li Miao’s arms. "Lord Li, there is no need for such ceremony. This discussion has fulfilled a long-held wish of mine. Furthermore, my wayward disciple has listened as well, ensuring that the Shaolin legacy continues. It is I who should be thanking you."

After some polite insistence, they both sat down. Xingchi then said, "Lord Li, I have one final, impertinent request."

Li Miao, feeling deeply satisfied and harboring great respect for the monk, replied, "Master, please speak. I shall refuse nothing."

Xingchi nodded and pointed to Yongjie, who was still deep in thought. "I intend to pass my power to this disciple. I ask for your assistance in guarding us."

Yongjie, hearing this, jumped up, waving his hands frantically. "Master, you cannot! I am a late-comer to the faith, and I still have blood debts to repay—how could I possibly inherit your power? There are many senior brothers in the temple far more worthy than I. Please, you cannot!"

Xingchi, previously gentle with Li Miao, turned fierce toward Yongjie. With a sharp glare, he slapped the back of the monk’s bald head. *Smack!* The sound rang out clearly. "Is it your place to speak? Silence!"

Li Miao watched with amusement. Xingchi had only three days to live, but the physical strength of his "Vajra" body remained. He moved with impressive vigor, leaving Yongjie bruised and wailing. After a while, Xingchi stopped, unruffled, and turned to Li Miao with a smile. "Forgive the spectacle, Lord Li."

"It is no matter," Li Miao replied. "Back to business—when do you intend to perform this transfer? I have affairs to attend to this evening, and I fear I may be busy."

Xingchi nodded. "I must prepare as well. My own Celestial Being Realm was achieved through secret methods that cannot be passed down, but this hard-earned internal energy should not go to waste. There are no other pinnacles left in Shaolin, and this boy, having cultivated other arts before turning to Buddhism, has the meridians and foundation to contain my power. Three days from now, I shall invite fellow martial artists to witness this event and pass the position of Abbot to him. At that time, I will require your protection."

Li Miao nodded in agreement. With this matter settled, it was time to leave the temple and meet Zhu Zai outside.