Chapter: The third piece is about the Buddha Kasyapa.
Legend has it that the Buddha Kasyapa left behind only five portraits, painted by a court artist in his presence. They were titled "The Guiding Path," "The White Stone Enlightenment," "The Compassionate Seated Image," "Seeking Leaves in the Cold Mountain," and "Painted Colors Amid the Clouds."
All later portraits of the Buddha Kasyapa originated from these five.
Unfortunately, all five original paintings were destroyed, and not a single one has been passed down.
Everyone knows that the current portraits of the Buddha Kasyapa must have lost their authenticity, unable to restore the true appearance of the Ancestral Buddha. This is considered a great regret for the Buddhist sect.
...
After reading through them all, Zhang Ruochen finally understood why Nalan Danqing was so shocked. Based on the collected information, the Heavenly Demon, the Second Confucian Ancestor, and the Immovable Bright King Great Venerable had all engaged in searching for paintings during their lifetimes, mostly related to Su Zilian and the Buddha Kasyapa.
Lamp Wrecking Master had little interest in the various people, events, and objects in the universe and knew very little, so he merely listened quietly.
He fixed his gaze on Zhang Ruochen's eyes and smiled, "Imperial Dust seems to have found a clue?"
Zhang Ruochen did not hide it from them, saying, "Even if this matter has nothing to do with the Human Ancestor, it must certainly be related to the Nether Ancestor. Because, based on the secrets I have learned, the Nether Ancestor's previous life was very likely the Buddha Kasyapa. Danqing, the information you have gathered is extremely important and has helped me greatly. By the way, why is the information related to Xu Zheyuan not recorded here?"
Nalan Danqing, knowing she could help Zhang Ruochen, felt a sweet sense of joy like stealing candy, and said, "I believe the information related to Xu Zheyuan is crucial and might be the most critical breakthrough. I dared not record it on paper, as it might be perceived by powerful cultivators."
Lamp Wrecking Master nodded in admiration, "With such a mindset, one could rule the world."
"Back when she was by Yao Yao's side, Danqing was no different from a female chancellor," Zhang Ruochen said with a smile.
Seeing Zhang Ruochen in such a good mood, Lamp Wrecking Master asked, "It seems you already have a strategy?"
Zhang Ruochen rubbed his chin, "How about we drink first? Is Senior Sister Luo also in the academy? Invite her out to drink with us."
Lamp Wrecking Master had no idea what Zhang Ruochen was up to, but as a guest, he followed along, walking with him deep into the bamboo forest until they reached the northern cliff.
From here, they could overlook the boundless sea of learning below and gaze at the clouds and rosy clouds on the horizon.
There was not only wine but also food.
The food was personally cooked by Qing Mo.
Compared to before, her culinary skills had reached a new level. Even Lamp Wrecking Master, a Buddhist monk, ate without any restrictions, enjoying it heartily.
Zhang Ruochen took the Primordial Unity Brush from Luo Shuihan and examined it carefully.
The bristles of the Primordial Unity Brush were indeed very mysterious. Each strand contained a vast inner space, where countless characters were flying.
It might indeed be made from the hair of the Second Confucian Ancestor.
Zhang Ruochen secretly plucked one strand and put it away before returning the Primordial Unity Brush to Luo Shuihan.
After three rounds of wine, Wen Tianjun arrived at the Book Mountain and appeared in the Heavenly Man Academy.
His expression was extremely grim, and he was burdened with worries. Seeing Zhang Ruochen and Lamp Wrecking Master laughing and chatting, exchanging toasts, with Nalan Danqing and Luo Shuihan joining them, he let out a long sigh, "Do you really have the mood to drink?"
Clearly, the conversation between Zhang Ruochen and Lamp Wrecking Master in the Qiankun Realm had not escaped Wen Tianjun's perception.
This was normal. At that time, Zhang Ruochen and Lamp Wrecking Master had not set up any isolation measures. Moreover, Zhang Ruochen's visit to the Dead Zen Temple to see Lamp Wrecking Master would naturally attract the attention of many.
"Since you eavesdropped on our conversation and knew we came to the Heavenly Man Academy to drink, you should have come earlier. You arrived so late that the food has gone cold," Lamp Wrecking Master said to Wen Tianjun with great casualness, without any airs of a high-ranking Buddhist monk, just a lighthearted banter between true friends.
Wen Tianjun said, "I heard that Ruochen, you have two questions to ask him and a favor to seek. Can you let me know as well?"
Zhang Ruochen exchanged a glance with Lamp Wrecking Master, then both shook their heads, "Secret!"
Wen Tianjun said, "Are you two not trusting even me?"
"It's not a matter of trust."
Of course, Zhang Ruochen would not tell Wen Tianjun that the reason he brought Lamp Wrecking Master to the Heavenly Man Academy was not for drinking; everything was a cover to meet Nalan Danqing in secret.
When even Wen Tianjun believed they were conspiring, the goal was achieved.
Zhang Ruochen asked back, "Wen Tianjun, have you met the Fourth Confucian Ancestor? Any gains?"
(The chapter ends)