章節 20: Chapter 19: The Gates of Xianzhou
Surya, Li Wei, and Mei Lin finally approached the borders of Xianzhou, a realm unlike any other, where the earthly and the divine met in a stunning display of mythical grandeur. Towering walls of white jade encircled the city, their surfaces carved with ancient runes that shimmered faintly under the midday sun. Beyond the walls, massive pagodas with golden roofs stretched high into the sky, their eaves curling upwards like the wings of majestic dragons. Clouds clung to the tops of these grand structures, giving the impression that Xianzhou was a city suspended between heaven and earth, a place where the line between the mortal realm and the celestial became indistinguishable.
The streets were paved with polished stone that glimmered as if each slab contained a drop of liquid moonlight. In the air, the sound of chanting monks mixed with the harmonious chime of bells and the soft flutter of prayer flags, which were strung between ornate lampposts and ancient trees. Incense smoke drifted lazily through the avenues, filling the air with the rich scents of sandalwood and jasmine. The city itself was a living tapestry of vibrant colors and ethereal beauty, with fountains that flowed not with water, but with liquid light that illuminated the pathways.
Surya paused, taking it all in. "Xianzhou…" he murmured, his voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and melancholy. "It wasn't always like this. I came here once as a child, before I knew of my destiny, before the world saw me as the Buddha. Back then, the city was simpler—more humble. Now it seems even the sacred lands cannot escape the trappings of grandeur."
Li Wei and Mei Lin listened intently, absorbing the weight of Surya's words as they gazed at the magnificent landscape that lay before them. The realm seemed almost too perfect, an illusion of tranquility that belied the conflicts and power plays that simmered beneath its surface.
As they approached the city's gate, they were met with an intimidating sight. The border was guarded by a line of mythical beasts, towering and fierce, each one the size of a small house. These creatures were Bai Ze, legendary beasts with the bodies of lions but adorned with the scales of a dragon, sharp horns protruding from their foreheads, and eyes that glowed like burning embers. Each Bai Ze radiated an aura of immense power, their muscular forms coiled and ready to strike at any moment. They stood watch with a silent menace, the mere sight of them enough to deter any would-be intruders.
Riding atop the Bai Ze were human soldiers, clad in elaborate armor that shimmered like a mix of iron and silver, with intricate designs of dragons and phoenixes engraved into their breastplates. Each soldier wore a distinctive helmet crowned with feathers, and their weapons—glaives, spears, and swords—gleamed ominously under the light. They exuded an air of disciplined arrogance, eyes narrowed and posture rigid as they stood guard over the entrance to Xianzhou.
One of the soldiers, a man with a scar running across his cheek and an air of command, stepped forward, glaring down at the approaching trio. "Halt! Who dares approach the sacred borders of Xianzhou? Not just anyone can waltz into this place. State your business or be turned away!"
Li Wei and Mei Lin tensed, readying themselves for conflict, but Surya remained calm, his demeanor as unshaken as a serene pond. He stepped forward, twirling his staff casually, and addressed the guards with a sly smile. "I am Surya, the Buddha, and I request an audience with the War God Skanda. He knows who I am."
The soldiers exchanged incredulous looks, and the Bai Ze, as if sensing the audacity in Surya's words, let out low, rumbling growls that sounded almost like derisive laughter. The scarred soldier sneered, shaking his head. "Buddha? You? A mere boy claiming such a title? What mockery is this? Do you take us for fools? No mere child could attain enlightenment, let alone waltz into our gates making such absurd demands."
The other guards laughed, and even the beasts seemed to snort in amusement. Another soldier piped up, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "Buddhahood? Hah! You're more likely a runaway monk than a true Buddha. Maybe we should take you back to your temple, little boy, before you get hurt."
Surya sighed dramatically, feigning disappointment as he tapped his staff lightly on the ground. "It seems reason has left this place," he said, his tone playful. "Well, if you won't let me through, I suppose I have no choice but to… leave you to your foolishness."
Before the soldiers could react, Surya's eyes flashed with mischief. He tapped his staff again, and in an instant, he, Li Wei, and Mei Lin vanished from sight, cloaked by an illusion that rendered them invisible. The guards blinked in confusion, frantically searching around but finding no trace of their visitors.
"Where'd they go?" one soldier muttered, scratching his head. "I swear they were just here…"
"They must have run back the way they came," another scoffed, dismissing the incident with a wave of his hand. "Probably realized their bluff wouldn't work. Let's not waste time on fools who don't know their place."
With the guards none the wiser, Surya and his companions slipped past the gates and into the heart of Xianzhou. The city's interior was even more magnificent than its outer walls. The streets were filled with cultivators of all kinds—monks, warriors, and scholars—each immersed in their own practice of enlightenment. Some meditated beneath great statues of deities, while others sparred with ethereal weapons that crackled with spiritual energy. Enchanted lotuses floated in the air, their petals shimmering with every color of the rainbow, and rivers of pure qi flowed like mist through the city, nourishing the land and its people.
Shops lined the avenues, selling everything from magical talismans and ancient scrolls to rare herbs and divine artifacts. Vendors called out to passersby, their voices mingling with the sound of laughter, lively debates, and the occasional burst of cultivation energy as young disciples tested their newly learned skills. The air buzzed with a sense of purpose, as if every soul in Xianzhou was on a journey towards something greater.
"Look at this place," Mei Lin whispered, her eyes wide with awe. "It's like nothing I've ever seen. Cultivators everywhere… magic and martial arts blending as one. It's beautiful."
Li Wei nodded, equally mesmerized. "It's as if the city itself is alive, constantly evolving. No wonder they guard it so fiercely."
Surya watched the bustling cityscape with a contemplative smile. "Xianzhou is a realm built on ambition and tradition. Its people seek enlightenment, power, and glory, often forgetting that these pursuits can just as easily lead them astray. I've seen it change, grow grander, more opulent… but not necessarily wiser."
As they ventured deeper, Surya observed a group of children practicing their cultivation under the guidance of an elderly monk, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the city's heartbeat. In another corner, a vendor demonstrated the power of a magical fan, whipping up mini cyclones to the delight of a small crowd. There were stalls selling potions that glowed with unnatural hues, scrolls that promised secret techniques, and weapons that thrummed with latent power.
Surya glanced at Li Wei and Mei Lin. "Remember this," he said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Power, knowledge, enlightenment—these are tools, not treasures. It is not what you seek that defines you, but how you seek it."
They moved on, weaving through the vibrant streets of Xianzhou, a realm where every corner held a new marvel and every face told a story. The city, with all its splendor, was a testament to the pursuit of greatness, but also a reminder that beneath its glittering surface lay the potential for greed, pride, and folly. Surya, ever the rebel Buddha, knew this all too well. Yet, he walked forward with unwavering purpose, his sights set on the grand temple at the heart of Xianzhou, where the War God Skanda awaited.
The journey to confront the guardian of the human realm was just beginning, and Surya, with his cunning, defiant spirit, was ready to challenge the very boundaries of the world once more.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票