In a dark void where hope and light seemed to be a foreign concept that didn't exist in this realm, was a young boy with six arms.
This boy of course was Liu Chen, known to others as Asura, and he was currently experiencing a terrible nightmare that would be remembered for years to come. Liu Chen, while standing in this place of shadow was dazed and not able to coherently think - but isn't that how all dreams usually are?
"Please...somebody...my son, where is my son?" Ear piercing sobs resounded in the entire black space, and appeared to have no definite source as the cries echoed from every single direction possible.
Please...Help.. HELP ME ASURA!" They began to grow louder and louder until he had to cover his ears as a way to avoid his eardrums from being crushed. Unable to think straight, all he could do was just stand there until this nightmare ended.
As the cries continued to grow even more deafening, Asura now had to put three hands on each ear to stop it from penetrating his skull. But just as he did so, the noisy wails suddenly came to an end.
He slowly took his hands off of his head one by one, and hesitantly opened his eyes. When his eyes were finally un-shut, he saw an ethereal woman dressed in all white with fair soft skin, and snow white hair like his that cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of winter snow. Her eyes were shut as she held her head down gently in her delicate hands.
Seeing this woman, his subconscious had what could be seen as a natural reaction, and he thunderously yelled out, "Mother?".
Hearing this, the otherworldly lady slowly lifted her head from her shoulders and gazed at Liu Chen. Much to his shock and horror however, her entire face had deep scratch marks with dark red blood oozing out of it. Even her eyes looked to be clawed out - so what stared at Liu Chen was only two black and empty eye sockets.
Just as he was about to either say something or scream, the woman twisted and contorted her bones to stand up in a way that perverted the operable human body. The lady stood quietly, not making anymore sounds, but she now had long, gnarly, and black fingernails growing out of her hands. Asura had not been able to see this though, because the black claws blended in with the dark space around her.
Captivated by this woman's appearance yet also frightened to death, he just noiselessly stood rooted in his spot, not daring to move a muscle and alert her of his living, breathing presence any more than he already had.
Now, in the deep silence of the all-encompassing black void, just stood two figures. Liu Chen and this monstrosity that impersonated his mother.
After a few more seconds of silence between the two, the demonic figure in front of him actually spoke a few words. But they weren't affirmations of love and care like his mother would comment. It was actually the exact opposite.
"My son...I am in so...so much pain. Kill me. Kill me. KILL ME."
She then suddenly lunged at Liu Chen, traversing the distance between them in the black space instantly, as she shouted "Kill me" over and over again.
Liu Chen tried to run but realized his legs weren't moving at his will, and could only just stand there as the horrific impersonator in front of him, slashed his head off with her sharp and mangled nails.
...
He immediately woke up from his terrifying dream, with sweat covering every single inch of his body.
'What the f*ck was that!?'
This had been the first time he had dreamt a nightmare in his time in this world. Or even dreamed at all for that matter. Sure he would sometimes zone out and begin to think about the luxuries Earth carried that this one didn't, but his master would quickly pull him out from trance.
"Whew...I've got to stop reading those Buddhist horror stories about demons." He said as he lifted his head from his new white silk pillow. He had brought it with all of his saved up allowance money and was now dirt poor.
'But it was a well spent purchase.' He thought heartily.
Asura then yawned, stretching out all six of his arms, and began to start his morning routine.
On the white pillow however, were two barely noticeable scarlet dots where his ears were laying.
After washing up, and completing his morning duties of taking care of the property, Liu Chen went to go wake his master in the Northern pavilion.
He came up on the two enormous red stone doors, that separated Lian Shenlong's inner sanctum from the outside world. Three knocks rhythmically resounded in the air and Liu Chen spoke while bowing with his six cupped fists.
"This disciple requests for permission to enter the Northern Pavilion." He patiently waited as it usually took Lian Shenlong some time to fully wake up as he wasn't a morning person.
Liu Chen stayed like this for ten minutes straight until he realized something was wrong.
'it usually only takes Master a few minutes to completely wake up. Maybe his age is finally catching up to him. No...that can't be right. He's at the Thousand Whirling soul Formation stage and is only a little over eight-thousand so his body should be in peak condition almost brimming with vitality. Also, he meditates on the Buddhist scriptures with me so his mental state has not deteriorated either.'
He willfully decided to risk the punishment of more extra chore duties and pushed open the doors. As he walked inside, he did not see his master lying in the king-sized bed nor was he on the pillow cushion that was located in front of the round wooden oak table. But on the table however was a piece of parchment paper he assumed was a letter written in calligraphy that could only belong to his Master.
He walked over, picked it up and it read:
*'I'm cultivating in the hidden chamber. Do not disturb me until the day before the tournament. Use this time wisely and raise your cultivation base, learn new Buddhist techniques, or go over your foundations. You are a filial disciple so I believe you will do your best to make this humble monk proud. Oh...and you're absolutely forbidden to descend the mountain into the city. From, your great Master.'*
Liu Chen's mind was jumbled with questions as he finished reading the last word on the piece of parchment. His master was at the peak of cultivation, why would there be a need for him to still cultivate. Unless...
"Is he trying to reach Nirvana and achieve True Buddhahood?" He accidentally shouted out loud. But this had to be the case as it was the only reason his master would cultivate in seclusion for an entire month!
The Sect Tournament is set to the 1st of December, Season Of Sagittarius, in the 1038 year. Liu Chen had come to find out that this world uses zodiac signs with their dates, because it is believed that mysterious beings called the Zodiacs watch over the world during their designated season. The myth states they were all once peerless elites who had reached the Immortal realm and ascended even higher than that, becoming deities who govern the universe and command the power of Dao.
And the years are calculated like on Earth, except the numeric calendar resets every ten-thousand years on January 1st. This is the case due to the longest lived being only reaching 9,999 years old, so as a way of respect to cultivators that is how long the counting of years shall last.
Though Liu Chen is skeptical of the legend of the twelve Zodiacs actually happening, he does still respect the custom of this world and the 'history' it comes with.
"Sigh, I guess I'm on my own for an entire month. This will be the first time in a long one since my short life on the streets where I'm in solitude." Although Liu Chen seems like the kind of guy who valued his privacy and alone time, he actually pleasantly enjoyed his master's company and wished that he could share his presence.
But alas, the goal of all cultivators is to ascend to the highest realm under the heavens, and then even further - to go above it with his Master being no exception. So this should have been long expected.
Liu Chen then reluctantly exited the Northern Pavilion and traveled to the main Building that was located right at the entrance of the top of the mountain. Inside, was where all of the statues of the Bodhisattvas were located and a giant golden depiction of Buddha also was. Here every day, him and his master would come here to say their thanks and ask for blessings along the strenuous path of cultivation.
The outside had the appearance of an ancient Monastery with a massive Golden Bell hung over it. The monastery stood like a celestial palace carved from serenity itself—its golden roofs glinting beneath the morning sun, framed by ancient pines and drifting clouds. Within its crimson and gold halls, Liu Chen could almost envision the soft chanting of monks that echoed like a timeless river, washing the soul in silence and peace.
This place including the bell, had been thoroughly cleaned by him everyday first since this along with some other statues and plants outside, was the first sight that would greet you upon your entry into Heaven's Choice Temple.
He then went to the statues of the fourteen Bodhisattvas, going to the eight great ones first. In Buddhism, Bodhisattvas were beings who exited the cycle of rebirth - otherwise known as Samsara, and helped others achieve Enlightenment.
The first of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas whose statue was at the center was Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, who listens to the cries of the world and descends in countless forms to offer salvation.
Next to him is Mañjuśrī, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, whose flaming sword severs delusion and whose lion-mount roars with insight that awakens the hearts of sages.
On the other side of Avalokiteśvara stood Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Universal Conduct, he rides a six-tusked elephant and represents the power of vows, practice, and boundless altruism.
Then was Kṣitigarbha, the Bodhisattva of Great Vows, who stands firm even in the hell realms, swearing not to become a Buddha until every being is liberated from suffering.
Behind them, with a serene smile and promise of future light, was Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of Loving-Kindness and who would renew the Dharma of the secular world. The one next to him was Ākāśagarbha, the Bodhisattva of Boundless Space, offers wisdom as infinite as the sky and treasures hidden deep within the mind.
After that was Vajrapāṇi, the Thunder-Wielder, embodies the Buddha's power, standing guard over the Dharma with wrathful compassion and unshakable resolve. And finally, all the way in the back stood Sarvanīvaraṇaviṣkambhin, the Remover of All Obstacles, clears away the inner veils of delusion so the light of realization may shine through unimpeded.
These eight beings were placed around the room in every single corner, so going to pay his respects to them took Liu Chen a little while. The process of paying respects just consisted of him thanking the figures and bowing three times.
The following Bodhisattvas after them were lesser known ones yet still import figures who were arranged in much smaller statues that were embedded in the wall: Akṣayamati embodies inexhaustible wisdom and generosity; Mahāsthāmaprāpta represents the power of mindfulness and spiritual strength; Bhadrapāla is the guardian of righteous conduct; Rāgarāja transforms desire into compassion; Candraprabha (Moonlight Bodhisattva) symbolizes calm clarity and inner reflection; while Sūryaprabha (Sunlight Bodhisattva) radiates healing, vitality, and insight.
Finally, after paying respect to all of the fourteen divine figures, did Liu Chen get to the main statue of the building. A fourty-foot tall Golden Buddha was imposingly standing in front of him with a majestic air. At its feet lay a small altar where different offerings could be placed by tourists and the Temple's monks.
In the middle of the altar was a tiny candle that when lit burned a special type of incense. Liu Chen hadn't been told by his master what the type of wood on the candle was, but it never shrunk after it burned, and the incense it gave off induced an effect that gave you a clearer state of mind and a feeling of rejuvenation in your body.
All he knew was that this very same candle had been placed here at the very beginning of Heaven's Choice Temple.
Liu Chen then kowtowed nine times at the Buddha's feet to pay his respects. On the ninth time he felt the inside of his left ear itch a bit, and scratched it a little. He then got onto his knees, and prayed.
"Oh Buddha, I pray that you continue to bestow blessings to this Temple and its members. Please watch over my Master's secluded cultivation and let him achieve a breakthrough, and please let me also advance in my cultivation base." He then waited thirty seconds after the prayer ended and activated his primal Qi to light the candle.
As energy began to dance at his index finger and thumb, he slowly moved them towards the stick on top of the candle and held it there for a few seconds. When the candle showed signs of sparking, he let his fingers go yet no flame came.
'Hmm?'
Liu Chen then assumed it must have been a fluke, and placed the tips of his fingers on the candle once again, like he's done numerous times before in the past. However, the candle still didn't light.
'That's okay, after all isn't the saying the third time's the charm.'
He repeated the process again, and this time a bigger spark than last started, yet still no flame.
'...'
He began to contemplate if the problem was him and started to summon much more primal Qi into his fingers than was needed to start a fire. Just as soon as he was about to do it for the fourth time, a small flame appeared on the candle stick.
"I guess it just needed time or someth-" But he was abruptly cut off when the flame began to quickly devour the stick. He quickly shot up from sitting down, and alarmingly thought 'This definitely isn't supposed to be happening.'
The flame rapidly burned the stick into ashes, and had reached the candle base. Liu Chen then got back on his knees and tried to blow it out but it wasn't working. He then tried to cover the fire with his hands to cut off its supply of oxygen but it continued to burn bright and even almost burned him!
'Wait a second, why did this just almost burn me!? My body's been tempered to have long been able to resist natural heat and any temperature for that matter!' He questioned.
He then realized it might be some type of effect with his energy that was causing this and subconsciously glanced at his hands. But something on his index finger caught his attention.
There was a hint of something red on there and upon closer inspection, Liu Chen quickly realized it was blood!
But he had no cuts anywhere on his hands. He recalled he had itched his ear earlier while bowing but quickly dismissed that as the cause of this abnormality in his ritual.
'Unless...'
He then brought his finger back up to inside his ear once more, and brought it back out. The result was that his ear was indeed bleeding!
'What The F*Ck!??' He jumped back in shock, and tried to remember if he had done anything involving his ears lately that would cause them to get injured. 'I haven't done anything abnormal to my ears and they haven't been acting up unless you want to count...THE DREAM!!'
His eyes widened in horror as he now understood that the nightmare he had last night was no ordinary dream and had somehow affected him in the real world. But he'll have to come back to that later as the candle had now completely melted from the fire!
"No, no, no, no, noooo. Master will surely kill me." Liu Chen started panicking as he tried to think up ways that he could cover up this incident or give a false explanation as to what happened. He was then brought back to reality as he immediately remembered that his Master was at the peak of cultivation. If he wanted his disciple dead then he definitely would be buried six-feet in the mountain.
As Liu Chen resigned himself to his deathly fate, he saw that the fire had finally gone out. Just as he was about to rejoice, another devastating thing started to happen.
Suddenly, the entire monastery began to tremble, a deep rumbling echoing through the ancient stone like the roar of a slumbering beast awakened. Crimson runes and glowing insignias burst to life across the floors, walls, and ceiling, illuminating every crack and crevice with pulsing red light. Even the solemn stone statues of the Bodhisattvas were now etched with flickering runes that danced across their visages, as if the divine itself stirred within them.
At the center of it all, beneath the golden statue of the Buddha, the small sacrificial altar began to change. Where once the offering candle gently flickered at the statue's feet, there now yawned a perfectly circular hole, smooth and impossibly black. A blinding golden light erupted from within it, so radiant it forced Liu Chen to shield his eyes—its brilliance spilling from the mountaintop and piercing the daylight sky outside like a beacon to the heavens.
Then, as quickly as it began, the light vanished and tremors ceased. The crimson runes faded into nothingness, leaving the monastery once again cloaked in its usual silence and dim candlelight.
Liu Chen slowly opened his eyes and looked toward the altar—there was no longer a candle, nor a hole. Instead, lying quietly in its place, was a small scroll, ancient in appearance, yet seemingly unblemished by time, as though it had just been crafted by the hand of God... or Buddha himself.
...
In the Noble's living district of Tianlou, at the Wang Estate. A young man was currently chewing on Buckwheat, laying in the inner courtyard in the garden. He was watching clouds as a way to pass the time. Right now he felt as if he was dying of boredom.
As he saw a cloud that appeared as a cloth-less woman doing something obscene, a burst of light in the distance caused him to squint his eyes. He then sat up and quickly pinpointed where that golden radiance had come from.
"Heaven's Choice Temple huh. A lot of interesting things have been happening there lately with the appearance of the ten leaf Buddhist expert, and now this...It seems I'll have to pay them a visit as a way to alleviate my boredom."
His body then propelled itself upwards from his original position lying down, without him moving a single muscle, just with his Qi. He then brought one leg in front of him and leaned forward into an extreme lunging position, and propelled himself off of the ground; disappearing front the courtyard immediately and leaving behind a huge ten foot wide and deep crater in his absence.
"..."
"..."
The maids and servants in the vicinity began to sigh as this meant they had a lot of work to do outside that day.
Watching this spectacle through a window, a shadowy figure from inside the estate began to slowly smile as the first phase of their plan was about to begin.