A clever young boy mustered his courage and asked, “The divine power you possess—was Master David Grant able to walk across the river because he practiced the ‘Fundamental Sutra of the Mind Buddha’?”

All the boys pricked up their ears at these words, eagerly looking toward William Grant.

This was also the question that most concerned Brian Cooper.

He too focused his attention, listening intently for William Grant’s answer.

William Grant glanced around at everyone and smiled as he said, “The reason I’ve gathered you all here is precisely for this matter.

Three days from now, the temple will summon you to the front of the ‘Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall’ and teach you the ‘Fundamental Sutra of the Mind Buddha’ on the spot. With this true scripture, you may have the chance to awaken the ‘True Seed of the Mind Buddha.’

The true scripture encompasses all things, and the ‘True Seed of the Mind Buddha’ that each person can condense will be different.

For example, as you mentioned, Junior Brother David Grant walking across the river was merely a minor technique manifested by his Mind Buddha True Seed.

His Mind Buddha True Seed is the ‘Serpent Embryo Treasury,’ which allows him to emulate various serpents, so walking on waves is naturally no challenge for him.

Or take John Grant, who was recently granted the title of Master—his Mind Buddha True Seed is the ‘Secret-Trace Vajra Transformation,’ which enables him to perform the great divine power ‘Vajra’s Descent,’ summoning the illusory form of the Secret-Trace Vajra to suppress evil demons.”

William Grant’s description of the wonders of the Mind Buddha True Seed left all the boys utterly fascinated.

For a moment, even the roast meat offered at lunch lost much of its appeal.

Even Brian Cooper began to ponder silently: “The transmission of teachings at the Mind Buddha Temple seems to be a case of the master leading you to the door, but cultivation is up to the individual.

They only pass down a single ‘Fundamental Sutra of the Mind Buddha’ to all disciples.

Whether the disciples can use the true scripture to find the path and condense the Mind Buddha True Seed depends entirely on their own fortune.

The Mind Buddha True Seed—perhaps it can be understood as the ‘seed of becoming a Buddha’?

But, didn’t William Grant say that failing to awaken the Mind Buddha True Seed isn’t necessarily a bad thing?”

Thinking of this, Brian Cooper looked up at the monk William Grant, and while the others were still lost in thought, he quietly asked, “May I ask, Master William Grant, what is your Mind Buddha True Seed?”

“I have never awakened the Mind Buddha True Seed.”

William Grant shook his head and answered calmly, “Before my master brought me back to this temple, I had already encountered a strange fate and, moved by inspiration, gave birth to a true seed of my own, which has no connection to the ‘Fundamental Sutra of the Mind Buddha.’

The true seed I condensed is, naturally, not a Mind Buddha True Seed.”

“I see.”

Brian Cooper nodded in response.

Judging from how David Grant was always restrained by William Grant and seemed quite wary of him, William Grant’s abilities must surpass those of the wicked monk David Grant.

William Grant was able to carry him—a man haunted by countless ghosts—over high mountains, which showed his extraordinary talent.

But what exactly was this ‘true seed born of inspiration’?

Do all the great figures in this world begin their cultivation with a ‘true seed born of inspiration’?

Although Brian Cooper felt that William Grant was very friendly toward him, he also knew that pressing further about the nature of this true seed would be overstepping, so he held his tongue.

Instead, with a look of anticipation, he asked William Grant another question: “Master William Grant, if one practices this Fundamental Sutra of the Mind Buddha, is it possible to regain one’s youth?”

As soon as Brian Cooper said this, the room erupted in laughter.

“Hahaha…” “This old man sure has an imagination!”

“You’ve already been young once, and you want to do it again? That’s too greedy!”

The boys teased Brian Cooper without restraint, their eyes filled with a sense of superiority.

Though they, like Brian Cooper, were penniless, they were much younger than him, and that was their source of pride.

Brian Cooper remained calm in the face of their ridicule.

If he had been young himself and seen an old man asking whether cultivation could restore youth, he would probably have felt the same as these boys.

But he was all too aware that his own lifespan was running out, his life hanging by a thread.

If, within three months, he could not restore his vitality and support the second turn of the cycle of life and death, then when the time was up, a horde of ghosts would be unleashed to devour him.

That was why he so longed for a way to regain his youth.

Adolescents are like the rising sun, their vitality naturally abundant—whose life force could compare to that of a young boy?

Chapter 6: Moonlight

The laughter continued.

Brian Cooper’s expression did not change, but William Grant, hearing the mocking words, suddenly opened his eyes wide and glared at the boys.

His face, usually honest and simple, now lost all its gentleness; a fierce aura emerged, frightening the boys into immediate silence, as if struck dumb.

“Do you have even a shred of respect in your hearts?

How can you mock a kindly old man like this?”

William Grant rebuked them in a low voice.

All the boys lowered their heads, seemingly realizing their mistake and feeling deeply ashamed.

—In truth, they were simply intimidated by the fierce look William Grant now displayed, not daring to meet his gaze.

“These three days, make sure to rest well and regain your strength.

You’ll have to sit in meditation all night in the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall—don’t let yourselves collapse.

Now go eat!”

William Grant had no intention of saying more to the boys. He waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

The boys, relieved, dared not even bid farewell to William Grant, and all hurried off with their heads down.

Brian Cooper looked at the now very different William Grant, feeling a deep sense of strangeness in his heart.

He was actually speaking up for me…