Chapter 117: The Mystery of the Buddha Statue
As Orochimaru performed the Myriad Spirit Seal Forbidden Jutsu and injected the remaining chakra, the esoteric formula on his right chest suddenly accelerated its penetration into his body several times over.
In just about ten breaths, the profound and complicated Forbidden Jutsu array completely seeped into Orochimaru's internal system.
Then, under Orochimaru's control, the distinct and clear markings suddenly surfaced on the surface of his constantly moving lungs, looking as if they had been branded there since birth.
Once everything was completed, Orochimaru finally let out a long breath and collapsed slightly exhausted onto the bed. The massive consumption of chakra left him feeling weary.
However, his mental state was somewhat exhilarated. If he had failed just now, the rampaging chakra from the Forbidden Jutsu array would have severely wounded him. Now, with the Myriad Spirit Seal array settled on his lungs, provided he achieves sufficient physical strength in the future, he can use this jutsu to capture a Tailed Beast and proceed with the chakra and vitality extraction.
With countless prospects flashing through his mind, Orochimaru's dark-golden eyes held a deep confidence and ambition.
He looked at his chest. The Forbidden Jutsu formula that had been on his skin had completely vanished, having seeped into his lungs. He then put his clothes back on. Not bothering with formalities, he simply lay down on the bed fully dressed and fell into a deep sleep.
If Orochimaru's body were to be dissected at this moment, one would find an esoteric Forbidden Jutsu array on the surface of his lungs, pulsating with his breathing and emitting a soft blue glow.
The Abandoned Temple
They walked for three more days. When both Orochimaru and Sakumo, clad in their black coats, were covered in a fair amount of dust, they finally saw a temple nestled on a small mountain in the distance.
Gazing at the dilapidated, inconspicuous temple, Orochimaru smiled faintly and wickedly, licking his lips. A complicated, strange meaning flashed in his eyes as he murmured: "I will take back what belongs to me, one piece at a time!"
Sakumo heard Orochimaru's whisper and looked up at him, but he was wise enough not to ask any questions.
Orochimaru let out a soft chuckle: "Hehe, let's go!"
They steadily advanced along the mountain path leading to the temple. About thirty minutes later, Orochimaru and Sakumo finally stood before the crumbling structure.
The temple was small; even with three inner courtyards, it was only the size of a basketball court.
With walls made of yellow earth and roofs tiled with red, it had once been an exceptionally beautiful temple. However, the passage of time had dulled its colors and scarred its walls. Thorny vines and brambles covered the faded walls, making it look even more desolate.
The main gate of the temple was wide open. Orochimaru, without a word, left Sakumo at the entrance and stepped inside.
Upon entering, he immediately saw a bronze incense burner, about half the height of a person. Only a few scattered sticks of incense were burning inside, sending up just a few wisps of smoke. Instead of creating a peaceful, tranquil Buddhist atmosphere, it added a desolate air of neglect.
Orochimaru briefly glanced at the incense. Although there were only a few sticks, they were clearly fresh and burning brightly. This indicated that there was still a monk residing in the temple.
He walked past the incense burner, heading toward the main hall where the Buddha statue was enshrined.
His steps were unhurried, like a casual stroll, yet they carried a distinct air of vigilance and caution. His powerful spiritual energy spread out, ready to guard against surrounding dangers and surprises.
In his previous life, while poring over a vast number of ancient texts in search of powerful Ninjutsu and Forbidden Jutsu, he had accidentally come across the trace of the Kusanagi Sword in a book. When he visited this temple back then, it was deserted. But everything he saw now indicated a deviation from his past life's memory, forcing Orochimaru to be on guard.
Orochimaru stopped before the closed door of the main Buddha hall. From inside came the clear, rhythmic sound of a wooden fish being struck and a low chanting. Orochimaru paused, then pushed the door open with a Squeak—.
As the door opened, the sight of an old monk sitting on a cushion, back toward Orochimaru, reciting scripture, came into view.
Orochimaru lowered his hood, walked to the monk's side, and stared at the enshrined Buddha statue in silence.
It was a copper statue of the Enlightened Buddha, slightly taller than a person, seated in the full lotus position. The copper surface, ravaged by time, no longer held its original brilliance and glory; it was dull and mottled.
Yet, the face of the Buddha, seated cross-legged with the Dhyāna Mudrā (Meditation Hand Sign), remained serene. Its gaze seemed to carry the grand vow of pitying the world and saving all sentient beings. Combined with the old monk's clear wooden fish striking and the chanting, it lent the scene an air of stillness and solemnity.
In this special atmosphere, Orochimaru reflected on his two lives, the strange events of his rebirth, and found subtle thoughts and realizations emerging in his heart.
Next, Orochimaru continuously probed the entire statue with his powerful spiritual energy. Although he couldn't detect any hint of anything unusual, his experience from his previous life made him certain that the Kusanagi Sword, a weapon that was nearly indestructible, was buried inside the statue.
The old monk initially made no reaction. It was only when Orochimaru stood beside him and began scrutinizing the statue that the monk, still closing his eyes and chanting, stopped his actions. He spoke in a low, gentle voice: "Little benefactor, this humble monk, offers his greetings."
Orochimaru turned to look at the old monk.
The monk wore a gray patchwork robe. His closed face was peaceful and serene. When Orochimaru looked at him, the monk seemed to sense it and opened his eyes. His eyes were completely gray and dull—he was blind.
Orochimaru's heart stirred: Eyes Obscured, Heart Enlightened.
The old monk smiled kindly, seeing that Orochimaru did not reply, and asked again: "Little benefactor, why have you come?"
Orochimaru thought for a moment, then spoke in his distinct, increasingly magnetic voice: "I have come to take back what belongs to me."
The old monk smiled peacefully and looked toward the Buddha statue, as if he already knew Orochimaru's intent: "All things in Heaven and Earth, whether useless trifles or priceless treasures, fundamentally belong to Heaven and Earth. How can there be yours or mine? Little benefactor, you are too attached to form."
Orochimaru knew the monk was referring to him but didn't take offense. Instead, a wave of intense arrogance and dominance surged from his body: "What I know and what I want, is mine!"
The old monk knew he could not dissuade him and sighed lightly: "This humble monk's ability is weak, and I cannot hinder the little benefactor's intent. Taking the liberty of an old man, I offer you one piece of advice! Please always check your conscience in all matters. That supreme treasure within is permeated with an extremely powerful killing aura. While the little benefactor is no ordinary person, please use it with caution."
Orochimaru's gaze flickered.
The old monk put away his wooden fish, closed his dull, gray eyes again, and walked slowly toward the exit, a lonely figure murmuring to himself: "Sixty long years... so be it, so be it. It is time to leave, time to leave..."
The aged voice gradually faded, leaving only Orochimaru standing alone, silently contemplating the mottled, solemn Buddha statue.
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