Shocking Secrets of the Celestial Realm

Chapter 235 The Hand Lesser Yin Heart Sutra

An eerie bell rang in the air. The group cautiously looked around, but the sound vanished like a mirage, disappearing with a gentle breeze and leaving only an unsettling silence. The disciples exchanged glances; though no immediate danger was apparent, their vigilance remained undiminished. Jasmine surveyed the room, and seeing everyone was safe, she steered the conversation back to cultivation: "Regardless of what this bell signifies, our current cultivation cannot be halted. Next, we will begin our exploration of the Hand Lesser Yin Heart Sutra."

Jasmine's voice was gentle yet powerful, carrying a reassuring calmness: "The Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the heart, emerges from the heart system, descends through the diaphragm, and connects with the small intestine. It runs along the posterior inner side of the arm, reaching the Shaochong acupoint at the tip of the little finger. In the human body, the heart governs the mind, and this meridian is like the light of wisdom in the universe, governing our consciousness and thoughts. It is the energy channel of our spiritual world and is of vital importance to practitioners."

The disciples listened intently. Yi Chen frowned slightly, lost in thought, constantly tracing the path of the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian in his mind, pondering its connection with the human mind. Meng Li closed her eyes, trying to feel the beating of her heart, attempting to capture the subtle energy fluctuations related to the Heart Meridian.

Hiding in the shadows, Zi Ling watched the others diligently cultivating, her heart burning with rage. Unwilling to accept repeated failures, she racked her brains to devise a new scheme. A wicked thought flashed through her mind, and a cold smile curled at the corner of her lips as she muttered to herself, "Since force won't work, I'll try to win people's hearts."

So, Zi Ling began spreading negative rumors about Jasmine. She embellished the stories, claiming that Jasmine had committed unforgivable mistakes in her youth, resorting to any means to pursue power, and that her current teaching of disciples was also malicious, solely for her own ulterior motives. These rumors spread rapidly among the disciples like a virus.

Some disciples, unaware of the truth, began to waver. They huddled together, whispering amongst themselves. "Do you think these rumors might be true? Elder Jasmine does seem rather mysterious," one disciple said, his face full of doubt. "Yes, what if she really has ulterior motives?" another disciple added worriedly. These doubts gradually affected everyone's cultivation. The disciples, who had been focused, began to lose concentration and made frequent mistakes during their practice.

Jasmine quickly noticed the unusual behavior of her disciples. She found that the previously positive and uplifting atmosphere of cultivation had become oppressive and suffocating, and the disciples looked at her with more suspicion and distance. Jasmine knew in her heart that this must be Ziling's doing behind the scenes again. She did not immediately get angry, but calmly considered how to deal with it.

After careful consideration, Jasmine decided to hold a public Q&A session to directly address the disciples' questions. On this day, the disciples gathered in the main hall, the atmosphere tense and oppressive. Jasmine stood on the platform, her gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd, and then slowly began to speak: "I know that some rumors about me have been circulating among you recently. Today, I want to give you all an explanation."

Jasmine took a deep breath and began to recount her spiritual journey. She spoke candidly of the confusion and struggles of her youth, and the hardships she endured to break through her spiritual bottlenecks. She mentioned that while exploring the mysteries of meridians, a mistake nearly led her to a state of demonic possession, and it was only through unwavering faith and a persistent pursuit of knowledge that she regained herself. "Back then, I did make mistakes, but it was precisely these mistakes that gave me a deeper understanding of spiritual practice and made me realize the immense responsibility of being a mentor." Jasmine's voice was filled with sincerity, and her eyes shone with a resolute light.

Next, Jasmine elaborated on her insights into the twelve meridians. Using examples from her actual practice, she explained in simple terms the close connection between the meridians and the human body and the universe, allowing her disciples to more clearly understand the meaning and value of spiritual practice. "I teach you not for anything else, but to pass on this ancient wisdom, so that you may avoid detours on your path of practice and explore the deeper mysteries of the human body and the universe," Jasmine said, her words like a warm current flowing into the hearts of each disciple.

The disciples below listened quietly, moved by Jasmine's sincerity. Yi Chen stood up and said loudly, "Elder Jasmine, we were wrong. We shouldn't have believed those rumors so easily. We will remember your teachings and continue to cultivate diligently." The other disciples nodded in agreement, their faces showing remorse and determination.

Seeing the change in her disciples' attitudes, Jasmine smiled with satisfaction: "The path of cultivation is not only about improving strength, but also about cultivating one's state of mind. We must learn to distinguish right from wrong and not be swayed by rumors and gossip. Now, let us refocus on the cultivation of the Hand Shaoyin Heart Sutra."

The disciples readjusted themselves and returned to their respective cultivation positions. This time, their minds were free of distractions, and they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to cultivating the Hand Shaoyin Heart Sutra. Following the method taught by Jasmine, Yichen concentrated his mind, gathering his spiritual power in his heart, and felt the energy of the Heart Sutra flowing slowly along the inner back edge of his arm. He seemed to see a bright light shining within his body, and his mind became clearer and sharper.

Mengli then attempted to integrate natural elements with the energy of the Heart Sutra. She guided the gentle power of the moonlight, resonating with the wisdom of the Heart Sutra, and immediately felt inner peace and tranquility. The cultivation problems that had been troubling her were also easily resolved.

As their practice deepened, the disciples gradually felt the miraculous power of the Hand Shaoyin Heart Sutra. Their minds became more agile, their concentration more focused, and they were able to maintain a calm mindset and seek solutions when facing difficulties in their practice.

However, just as everyone was immersed in the joy of cultivation, the floor of the cultivation hall suddenly trembled, and strange lights shone from the ground, illuminating the hall in a kaleidoscope of colors. Immediately afterward, a deep rumbling sound came, as if some ancient power was awakening.

"What...what's going on?" Xiaofeng looked around in horror, his voice trembling.

Jasmine's expression turned serious: "It seems we're facing a new challenge. Everyone, stay calm and prepare to deal with the unknown dangers."