Within the Dharma Cave, there is no longer any Dharma; only the legends passed down through generations remain. These legends and the spirit of Dharma are the greatest secrets and sources of power for Shaolin, the lineage passed down like a torch from generation to generation.

To understand Shaolin’s foundation and secrets, one must understand Dharma Venerable, who came from a foreign realm seeking enlightenment and apprenticed under the head host of Shaolin, Bodhluo.

And to this day, many relics and spiritual remnants left behind by Dharma Venerable during his life have been preserved, under the blessing of generations of Shaolin High Monks, within the Dharma Cave filled with Dharma Power.

When Jiang Dali and Ying Yuan arrived outside the Dharma Cave under the guidance of Hui En and others, they immediately saw an old monk sitting outside the cave.

This old monk’s head had nine scarred relics, his eyebrows and beard were white, long, and dense, his face was dignified with closed eyes, in a reverent meditation posture, his clothes covered with dust and fallen leaves, as if he hadn’t moved for a long time.

"Brother Hui Jing!"

Upon seeing this old monk, Hui En and others respectfully bowed in solemnity.

"Amitabha Buddha! The sunset casts its light, shadows gathering in the courtyard. Look upon the pure lotus, know the unstained heart. Ying Yuan has greeted Hu Hualihan!"

Ying Yuan likewise joined his hands in reverence, respecting the old monk clearly impressed by his Realm.

The so-called Hu Hualihan is actually a term from the Esoteric Sect, which means that if one does not remove delusions, they can only reincarnate according to karma, unable to act independently, constantly wandering and confused without self-awareness. Only by purifying delusions and realizing true nature can one transcend karma, control life and death, reincarnate freely, and adapt by fate. This Realm is known as Hu Hualihan.

Once reaching this Realm, even when reincarnating, one can retain their original nature and memories from past lives. This old monk seems like a reincarnated person.

The actual strength of someone at the Hu Hualihan Realm is very similar to a Returning to Truth Realm expert but surpasses them.

Because even though a Returning to Truth Realm expert can survive with their Primordial Spirit attached to a new body, their lifespan remains unchanged, and they might not align with the new body, thus living shorter, with many limitations.

But when one reaches the Hu Hualihan Realm, it is different; not only does their lifespan extend post-reincarnation, but they also face no bodily dissonance. This Realm, however, allows only one reincarnation, and it’s not achievable by usual people, even harder than reaching Returning to Truth from Heavenly Human Realm. Yet even this Realm is lower than the ultimate ideal state of ’Bodily Buddha’ of the Esoteric Sect.

"Hu Hualihan...?"

Jiang Dali looked at the old monk and went forward with clasped fists in salute, about to speak when the old monk suddenly opened his eyes, staring at Jiang Dali with eyes emitting deep golden light like two extreme lightning streaks, causing Jiang Dali’s skin to feel as if cut by sharp wind blades.

He was slightly startled to find the old monk just inspecting him with no malice and without emitting red light, so he continued his salute, allowing the inspection.

"Master... is the Black Wind Village Chief, Jiang Dali..."

The old monk intensely gazed at Jiang Dali, speaking cryptically through ventriloquism.

"Correct! It is me indeed!"

Jiang Dali didn’t show impatience, cupping fists again, respecting this old monk greatly admired by Hui En and others, one who had presumably sat motionless in front of Dharma Cave for years. Despite his arrogance, he respected the monk’s spirit.

"Good! Good!"

The old monk tightly fixated on Jiang Dali, slowly nodded, then closed his eyes again, expressing through mysterious ventriloquism, "Junior Brother Hui En, first take him to Wooden Man Alley! If he gains anything there, he can naturally enter the Dharma Cave again!"

"Oh? Right now to Wooden Man Alley?"

Jiang Dali, surprised, looked at the daunting aura emanating from Dharma Cave across from him, thoughtful.

"Yes! Brother Hui Jing!"

Hui En did not ask why but immediately agreed, smilingly looking at Jiang Dali, "Master Jiang, you have been acknowledged by Brother Hui Jing; congratulations! You’re considered the first non-disciple to enter Wooden Man Alley over centuries. Follow me."

"Haha—really?"

Jiang Dali chuckled lightly, following Hui En, "Though I heard the Eternal Life God from God-searching Palace also entered Wooden Man Alley back then?"

Hui Qi shook his head, "Master Jiang, you misunderstood. That Eternal Life God initially joined us at Shaolin before entering Wooden Man Alley. Now he is a traitor, which is why he covets Dharma’s Heart."

"Hmph! You certainly know of that Eternal Life God from God-searching Palace, knowing his desire for Dharma’s Heart, yet never warned me."

Jiang Dali showed a discontent face.

Hui En smiled, "Master Jiang, please don’t be angry. Throughout the world, more than just the Eternal Life God desires Dharma’s Heart. Of course, we knew about his greed for it, but could not predict whether he would resurface from retirement for Dharma’s Heart because he has lived longer than our deceased brothers and hasn’t reached Hu Hualihan Realm, possibly unwilling to stir trouble over Dharma’s Heart."

Jiang Dali, "But he is already stirring trouble now."

Hui En sighed, "We only heard about the movements of God-searching Palace from other sources two days ago. Unfortunately, before gaining more information, the Abnormal People collectively disappeared. We’re taking you to Wooden Man Alley and Dharma Cave, hoping you can, like the Eternal Life God, understand Dharma Ancestor’s power and maybe resist the traitor who left our temple."