“Is this truly not an illusion?!”


    Master Jingqing was taken aback, his heart pounding with disbelief.


    From the very first moment heid eyes on Nanako, he recognized her potential for enlightenment. He sensed that her journey toward enlightenment would unfold at a pace surpassing his own, thanks to her extraordinary talent.


    In a world of millions, the rare individual with the gift for enlightenment is a treasure. Many may live a lifetime without ever grasping this profound understanding.


    However, for those endowed with the talent for enlightenment, it oftenes down to waiting for the right opportunity.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Yet, the nature of enlightenment is shrouded in mystery andcks clear paths, leaving the timing of such moments uncertain for those gifted individuals.


    Master Jingqing believed he had imparted the essence of enlightenment to Nanako Ito. With her innate abilities, he thought that if she applied herself for a year or two, she would surely attain it.


    However, he could never have anticipated that Nanako would grasp it after just two attempts.


    Suppressing his astonishment, he inquired, “You mentioned that the soul departing the body was not an illusion. Could it be that… your consciousness has merged with the sea of consciousness?”


    His shock was mirrored by Lydia (Ava) (Charlie’s mom) and Sister Sun, who stood before the monitor, equally astonished.


    Lydia (Ava) (Charlie’s mom) was stunned, eximing, “Is it possible that Nanako could truly achieve enlightenment in such a short time? This is… beyond belief!”


    Sister Sun interjected, “Madam, can’t Jingqing ascertain whether Miss Ito has reached enlightenment?”


    Lydia (Ava) shook her head, “Jingqing’s aura is confined to the sea of consciousness. Others cannot perceive it, nor can he sense theirs.”


    Suddenly, Lydia (Ava) (Charlie’s mom) stood up, dering, “I must go see her!”


    Sister Sun quickly cautioned, “Madam, if you approach Miss Ito, won’t you risk revealing your identity? Given her interest in the young master, she might have already researched you. If she recognizes you, wouldn’t that lead toplications?”


    Lydia (Ava) (Charlie’s mom) acknowledged, “You’re right. Let’s arrange for some masks.”


    …


    Meanwhile, in the Buddhist hall, Nanako addressed Master Jingqing with deep respect: “Thank you, Master, for your teachings. To achieve enlightenment, one must merge with the sea of consciousness, which I believe I did just moments ago.”


    ”This…” Master Jingqing struggled to contain his surprise and asked, “May I inquire how you aplished this?”


    Nanako paused thoughtfully, then replied calmly, “I believe I reached some form of understanding with it.”<fn8902> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on F?nd-Novel</fn8902>


    ”It?” Master Jingqing questioned, puzzled. “Are you referring to the Sea of Consciousness?”


    “Indeed,” Nanako confirmed with a slight nod.


    ”How could this be…” Master Jingqing murmured. “It took me eight years to grasp the teachings, and I immersed myself in the sea of consciousness almost daily, yet it remained silent. How did you manage to establish a connection?”


    Realizing he may have overstepped, Master Jingqing quickly added, “Amitabha, I apologize. This inquiry may touch on personal matters; it was thoughtless of me.”


    Nanako replied, “Master, I openly expressed my secrets and aspirations to the sea of consciousness, hoping it would assist me in realizing them. Although it did not respond, I felt myself integrate into it immediately.”


    Master Jingqing was left speechless, pondering aloud, “You truly possess remarkable talent. Reflecting on my own journey, the reason it took me so long to attain enlightenment may stem from my belief that I had abandoned all desires. In truth, I was merely deceiving myself. Perhaps the moment I finally achieved enlightenment, it was simply a fleeting understanding with the sea of consciousness…”


    Unbeknownst to Nanako, the Master’s understanding of Buddhism had subtly shifted. She spoke earnestly, “Perhaps the master is misinterpreting the path to enlightenment. The principles of the Purple Mansion and the Sea of Consciousness are discussed in both Buddhism and Taoism, yet enlightenment is ultimately a realm belonging to Taoists. Buddhism teaches ‘no-self,’ while Taoism promotes the ‘true self.’ These concepts are fundamentally different—one is south, the other north; one left, the other right. Yet, Master, you seem to be applying Buddhist principles to unravel Taoist cultivation, which may lead to confusion or misinterpretation.”