“Zifu? What is that?” Nanako inquired, a hint of skepticism in her voice.


    Master Jingqing responded, “Even though my studies are rooted in Buddhism, understanding Zifu is essential for Taoist practice. Zifu serves as a reservoir for monks to gather spiritual and true energy as described in Taoist texts. Additionally, the concept of the sea of consciousness from Buddhism can also be found within Zifu.”


    “Sea of consciousness? I’ve nevere across that term before,” Nanako admitted, her confusion deepening. Master Jingqing borated, “The Lankavatara Sutra speaks of a hidden sea of consciousness, ever-present and stirred by winds in the realm. The various waves of consciousness that rise and fall represent this sea.”<fndec9> For original chapters go to f?ndnovel</fndec9>


    Suddenly, Nanako eximed, “Is the sea of consciousness that infinite ocean that constantly pushes consciousness outward?”


    Master Jingqing’s eyes widened in surprise. “Can you truly sense the ocean? Is it indeed an endless, calm, and depthless expanse?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Nanako nodded affirmatively. “Exactly!”


    “That is indeed the essence of the sea of consciousness!” Master Jingqing dered, his excitement palpable. He then asked, “Did you discover the sea of consciousness on your own?”


    Nanako paused to reflect. “Martial arts masters taught us to use introspective vision to feel the meridians and Dantian, but somehow I found myself in that sea.”


    During her martial arts training with Hong Changqing in Champs-élysées, Nanako had attempted to look within. To her surprise, she found the sea of consciousness without any guidance, while Aurora, her training partner, struggled to even sense the meridians.


    Neither Ye nor Charlie Wade had reached her level at that time.


    However, Nanako and Charlie Wade were unaware of the significance of her discovery.


    Master Jingqing was clearly agitated. Dressed in his cassock, he could hardly contain his excitement, pacing back and forth. “You are truly a genius! To find the sea of consciousness on your own is remarkable! I would never have discovered it without a mentor…”


    At that moment, even Lydia (Ava), Charlie’s mother, who was watching from a monitor, was taken aback.


    She had heard from her subordinates about Nanako’s rapid martial arts improvement and recognized her as a rare talent. Believing Nanako stood the best chance of attaining enlightenment, she sought out Master Jingqing’s guidance for her.


    Little did she know, Nanako had already grasped much of the truth!


    Nanako felt her heart race as she focused intently on the monitor.


    In the Buddhist hall, she struggled toprehend why Master Jingqing was so astonished by her ability to ess the sea of consciousness.


    To her, it seemed rtively straightforward. Although there were moments of uncertainty, once she seeded, she quickly learned the method to enter the sea of consciousness. This technique had greatly elerated her martial arts progress, but beyond that, she was unsure of its other applications.


    Finally regaining hisposure, Master Jingqing asked, “After entering the sea of consciousness, did you ever contemte diving deeper into it?”


    Nanako replied honestly, “It’s challenging to directly enter the sea, so I let my consciousness rise higher, released everything from that elevated state, and allowed my awareness to fall into the sea…”


    “Rising higher…” Master Jingqing repeated in a daze, his mind nearly overwhelmed. He clung to the desk for support.


    He gazed at Nanako Ito, murmuring, “She is truly a genius… A remarkable talent. Countless exceptional individuals have been guided through the Tao by masters, yet the benefactor has ventured beyond the gates of Tao alone… This is akin to the sages who founded schools of thought…”


    Continuing, he addressed Nanako, “Finding the Purple Mansion, discovering the Sea of Consciousness, and elevating yourself are all significant strides on your path to enlightenment. You are already three-quarters along that journey! However, the only error is in the final step. Take thatst step correctly, and enlightenment will be yours!”


    “Enlightenment?” Nanako asked, perplexed. “What does that mean?”


    Master Jingqing exined, “Enlightenment involves unlocking the purple sea of consciousness, mastering spiritual energy, and stepping onto the path of heaven. In the worst-case scenario, you might end up like me, where the spiritual energy remains within the sea of consciousness. However, with diligent practice, you could eventually reach an unconscious state of observing the universe. Ideally, your spiritual energy would emerge from the sea and permeate your entire being, allowing you to practice against the heavens and be a true monk!”


    “Reiki, monk…” Nanako thought, her mind racing. “Could it be that the spiritual energy and monks Master Jingqing speaks of are the remarkable powers of Charlie Wade?”


    The thought quickened her heartbeat.


    As she matured, Nanako had generally maintained a calm demeanor, with few pursuits. The two she had devoted herself to were martial arts and her connection to Charlie Wade.


    After suffering a serious injury in Jinling and returning to China, she had set aside her martial arts aspirations. Her subsequent training was driven by the belief that mastering martial arts would bring her closer to Charlie Wade.


    At this moment, she felt a surge of hope that she might finally draw nearer to Charlie Wade!