Transmigrating to the Primordial Era as a Peerless Great Witch, Changing Fate in the Primordial Worl

The next day, as dawn broke, the thin mist in the mountains had not yet dissipated.

The projected Wei Xiaobao did not disturb the traveling master who had severed his ties with the world and devoted himself to Buddhism.

He knew that yesterday's meeting had said what needed to be said, handed over what needed to be handed over, and made Shunzhi's attitude clear.

Going there again would only cause trouble for the other party and might even arouse unnecessary suspicion.

He merely bid farewell to Abbot Kongxing of Qingliang Temple. He also subtly inquired about the martial arts manual, only to discover that Qingliang Temple was just a temple and did not possess the martial arts manual he so desperately desired.

Left with no other choice, the projection of Wei Xiaobao could only express his gratitude for the temple's hospitality, while also subtly indicating that the imperial decree had been fulfilled and that he had other matters to attend to.

Abbot Kongxing understood immediately and didn't ask any further questions. He simply put his hands together, chanted Buddhist mantras, and wished Wei Xiaobao a safe journey.

After bidding farewell to Qingliang Temple, Wei Xiaobao, in his projected form, embarked on a new journey with Shuang'er and the ten guards who had reunited with him.

This time, the target is no longer the tranquil Qingliang Temple, a Buddhist monastery.

Instead, it is another, more renowned and unfathomably profound martial arts holy land, Mount Song.

More precisely, it is the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Shaoshi Mountain.

Mount Song is located in the heart of central China, in western Henan Province, northwest of Dengfeng.

It is the "Central Peak" among the "Five Sacred Mountains".

It has been known as the "center of heaven and earth" since ancient times.

It covers a vast area with continuous mountain ranges, overlooking the Yellow River and Luo River to the north and bordering the Ying River to the south. It boasts a magnificent landscape and a blessed land.

Mount Song is not a single peak, but consists of two main peaks, Mount Taishi and Mount Shaoshi, and many branch peaks.

Mount Taishi is majestic, while Mount Shaoshi is precipitous; each has its own unique charm.

Wei Xiaobao's destination was "Shaoshi Mountain".

Shaoshi Mountain is majestic and beautiful, with dense forests, deep valleys, and towering peaks, making it an excellent place for spiritual practice.

The world-famous Shaolin Temple was built here, nestled against the mountain, layer upon layer, with its magnificent halls blending seamlessly with the mountain's contours, adding to its solemnity and mystery.

Wei Xiaobao had heard about the legends of Shaolin Temple since he was a child, and during the past three years in the palace, he had deliberately collected a lot of information.

The Shaolin Temple is home to many masters with unfathomable skills; this is a well-known fact in the martial arts world.

This ancient temple has produced eminent monks and virtuous masters throughout the ages, ensuring the unbroken transmission of martial arts. Its seventy-two unique skills are renowned throughout the world, and the Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing are hailed as the supreme martial arts classics.

Even if not all the monks in the temple are highly skilled in martial arts, many of them practice martial arts to strengthen their bodies and protect the temple. Among them, the elders who live in seclusion are even more unfathomably powerful.

Interestingly, the Shaolin School has always maintained an extremely low profile in the martial arts world.

They rarely participated in the struggles between different schools and sects in the martial arts world, and they never joined any anti-Qing organizations.

No matter how bloody and turbulent the martial arts world may be, or how dynasties may change, Shaolin Temple always seems to remain detached from worldly affairs, keeping its gates tightly closed, chanting scriptures, worshipping Buddha, and diligently studying martial arts.

It seems that the Shaolin faction had no objection to the Manchu occupation of the Central Plains.

Or perhaps they uphold a more detached stance that transcends dynastic changes, protecting Buddhism and passing on martial arts without getting involved in worldly political conflicts.

This attitude meant that, in the eyes of the Qing court, while the Shaolin Temple required vigilance regarding its potentially formidable military power,

But more often than not, they are seen as a stabilizing force that can be cooperated with or even utilized.

This also provides a possibility for Wei Xiaobao to enter Shaolin.

They traveled in silence, resting at night and traveling by day.

Wei Xiaobao and his party left Shanxi and entered Henan, heading straight for Dengfeng.

Several days later, the majestic Mount Song was already in sight.

Wei Xiaobao arranged for ten guards to stay in Dengfeng County, and had Shuang'er stay in a clean inn in a small town at the foot of the mountain. He repeatedly told her not to wander around and to wait for his news.

Although Shuang'er was extremely reluctant to part with him, she knew that the young master was on important business and that it would be inconvenient for her to go with him, so she could only agree with tears in her eyes.

He watched as Wei Xiaobao walked away alone, holding Kangxi's secret decree and the abbot's letter of recommendation from Qingliang Temple.

While at Qingliang Temple, Wei Xiaobao had already contacted Emperor Kangxi through special channels, stated his goals, and gained Kangxi's support.

We followed the winding mountain road toward that ancient temple with a history of thousands of years.

It was nearly noon when sunlight filtered through the branches of the ancient cypress trees, casting dappled shadows on the glazed tiles of the Shaolin Temple's many halls.

The temple bells rang melodiously, and the chanting of Buddhist hymns could be heard faintly.

In the heart of Shaolin Temple, in a solemn main hall, incense smoke filled the air, creating a somber atmosphere.

Inside the hall, numerous eminent monks, dressed in robes and exuding a dignified air, sat cross-legged on prayer cushions according to their seniority.

They were of different ages; some had white beards and eyebrows and were very old.

Some were in their prime, with eyes that pierced the air;

Without exception, they all had long breaths and solemn expressions.

At this moment, they were silently reciting scriptures, the deep chanting blending into a solemn sound wave that echoed in the spacious hall.

It adds a touch of holiness and awe.

In the center of the main hall, opposite the monks, there was also a prayer cushion.

On the prayer mat, the projection of Wei Xiaobao sat cross-legged.

He had changed into a brand new gray monk's robe, but his hair remained the same, his face was calm, and his eyes were clear. He blended in with his surroundings, yet seemed to carry a hint of vulgarity that was out of place.

He clasped his hands together in front of his chest, appearing to be listening attentively.

But what he was thinking was completely different from this solemn Buddhist realm:

"Why"

He sighed inwardly, a sigh that was a mixture of helplessness, self-mockery, and resolute determination.

"Being a monk for a few days is no big deal."

Hair can grow back after being shaved, but this physical body is merely a temporary dwelling.

What's wrong with compromising for now if it means achieving our goal?

He encouraged himself.

A more resolute thought arose:

"Once I learn the profound martial arts techniques in your Shaolin Temple's Sutra Pavilion, make up for my shortcomings in both internal and external cultivation, and lay an unparalleled foundation, it won't be too late to return to secular life."

This is the fundamental purpose of his trip.

Becoming a monk is merely a means to an end; it is the ticket to enter Shaolin and legitimately access the core martial arts.

Standing before him was none other than the current "Abbot" of Shaolin Temple.

The abbot was about sixty or seventy years old, with a lean face, long, snow-white eyebrows, and a glint of light in his eyes as they opened and closed, yet he also possessed the unique compassion and wisdom of a great monk.

He was dressed in a bright red robe embroidered with gold thread, and held a string of crystal-clear Buddhist beads in his hand, exuding an extraordinary aura.

At this moment, the abbot was holding the golden imperial edict presented by Wei Xiaobao.

The imperial edict, of course, stated that Emperor Kangxi, in his capacity as emperor, requested Shaolin Temple to take in Wei Xiaobao and allow him to practice Buddhism in the temple in his place.

Firstly, to pray for the emperor and the court.

Secondly, it also allowed him, as a trusted confidant, to cultivate his character and experience Buddhist teachings in the tranquility of the Buddhist sanctuary.

The imperial edict was written in a grand and solemn style, expressing sincere sentiments, and was stamped with a bright red jade seal, representing supreme imperial power.

The abbot frowned and pondered for a while, his fingers slowly moving the prayer beads, clearly weighing the pros and cons.

Although Shaolin Temple is transcendent, it is not completely detached from worldly affairs.

The emperor himself issued an edict requesting that someone be taken in to become a monk; this was no small matter.

Agreeing would mean taking the relationship with the imperial court a step further, and might gain some official support, but it could also draw Shaolin deeper into the court's sights. Moreover, given Wei Xiaobao's special identity, his purpose is probably not as simple as "cultivation".

If they refuse, they may anger the emperor and cause unnecessary trouble.

After much deliberation, the abbot seemed to have made a decision.

He raised his head and solemnly addressed the projected image of Wei Xiaobao, his voice calm yet full of authority, clearly audible in the silent hall:

"Lord Wei's decision to become a monk in place of the Emperor is symbolic and signifies that he is of extraordinary status."

This old monk is of meager virtue and dares not presume to be your teacher.

He first set the tone, indicating that he would not use the master-disciple relationship to restrain Wei Xiaobao. This was both a respect for imperial power and a possible way of maintaining a safe distance.