Chapter 418

"You rascal..." The scene that had just unfolded completely astonished Gu Yuetian. Gu Yuetian had originally believed that the Golden Body Arhat was already terrifyingly powerful, capable of even halting late-stage Celestial-Human realm cultivators. However, it now appeared he was gravely mistaken, utterly wrong! The true horror lay in the Golden Body Arhat's actual form.

"Senior, I owe this to your Golden Body Arhat," Ye Chen said, cupping his fists.

What Ye Chen said was indeed true. Had it not been for the Golden Body Arhat, even if he could have utterly slain the Demon King, he would likely have paid a substantial price, potentially harming his very foundation. As it stood, he had merely expended a small amount of his core energy.

"Don't be modest!" Gu Yuetian shot Ye Chen a look and stated, "The fact that you were able to summon its true form indicates that the Golden Body Arhat has already recognized you."

"What exactly is this Golden Body Arhat?" Ye Chen asked, his curiosity piqued.

Gu Yuetian explained, "This Golden Body Arhat is actually the manifestation of a cultivation technique left behind by one of our Ancient Moon Sect's ancestors!"

"A cultivation technique?" Ye Chen paused, surprised.

"Exactly!" Gu Yuetian nodded. "This technique is called the 'Golden Body Arhat Scripture,' and it is our Ancient Moon Sect's most treasured artifact. However, the requirements for cultivating the 'Golden Body Arhat Scripture' are exceptionally stringent; only individuals with extraordinary willpower can succeed."

"Generations of sect masters from our Ancient Moon Sect have attempted to cultivate it, yet all failed. In fact, due to forcing the cultivation, they suffered from qi deviation. In less severe cases, their Dantians were completely destroyed; in severe cases, their souls were scattered."

"That is why I sealed the Golden Body Arhat within the Ancient Moon Pagoda, to prevent any future generations from accidentally stumbling upon it and suffering qi deviation."

"Naturally, the primary reason is that our Ancient Moon Sect has declined, and we can no longer find anyone capable of cultivating this technique." Gu Yuetian sighed softly.

Hearing this, Ye Chen suddenly understood. No wonder Gu Yuetian had been so generous back then, bestowing the Golden Body Arhat upon him. It wasn't due to his magnanimity; rather, the technique couldn't be cultivated by anyone, rendering it useless to keep. However, Gu Yuetian's words also surprised Ye Chen somewhat. He had never imagined that the Golden Body Arhat was actually the manifestation of a cultivation technique.

"Senior, what exact purpose does this Golden Body Arhat serve?" Ye Chen inquired.

Gu Yuetian mused, "This Golden Body Arhat is the supreme cultivation technique of our Ancient Moon Sect. It can be used for both offense and defense, and its power is boundless."

"However, the most crucial aspect is that this Golden Body Arhat serves as a protective artifact, capable of shielding its wielder from harm during critical moments!"

"This... this is simply a life-saving artifact!" Ye Chen exclaimed, utterly shocked.

Gu Yuetian chuckled, "You rascal, you've finally caught on."

"Indeed, this Golden Body Arhat is a true life-saving tool. Furthermore, it possesses another incredible function: it can autonomously absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, nourishing itself and enhancing cultivation."

"Therefore, by keeping it with you, it's effectively like having an additional cultivation cauldron."

"Hiss..." Ye Chen drew a sharp breath, his mind reeling with astonishment. No wonder the Golden Body Arhat was able to withstand the Demon King's onslaught. It turned out that it was not merely a protective artifact, but also a cultivation cauldron.

"Senior, your Golden Body Arhat is truly a peerless treasure!" Ye Chen praised with genuine admiration.

Gu Yuetian shook his head. "While this Golden Body Arhat is indeed precious, it is of no use to you."

"Why is that?" Ye Chen asked, bewildered.

Gu Yuetian explained, "You possess a divine body; your cultivation speed far exceeds that of ordinary individuals. There's no need for you to rely on external aids for cultivation."

"Furthermore, while this Golden Body Arhat can autonomously absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to nourish itself, the amount it absorbs is merely a drop in the ocean for you, completely insufficient to meet your needs."

"Therefore, you should return it to me."

Hearing this, Ye Chen's lips twitched, and he silently cursed Gu Yuetian in his mind: *Old fox!* He was indirectly attempting to reclaim the Golden Body Arhat! However, Ye Chen also understood that Gu Yuetian wasn't speaking falsely. As a divine body, his cultivation speed was exceptionally rapid; there was no need for him to rely on the Golden Body Arhat for cultivation. Moreover, the spiritual energy absorbed by the Golden Body Arhat was indeed a negligible amount for him.

Therefore, after a moment of thought, Ye Chen said, "Senior, if that is the case, then I shall return it to you." With that, Ye Chen prepared to hand back the Golden Body Arhat.

"Wait!" Gu Yuetian quickly interjected, "You've misunderstood my intentions."

"Hm?" Ye Chen looked confused.

Gu Yuetian gave a wry smile. "My meaning is, since this Golden Body Arhat is of no use to you, then leave it to your disciple or your descendants, allowing them to inherit my legacy."

"This... this..." Ye Chen's eyes widened in utter shock. Gu Yuetian's words filled him with deep astonishment. This was an immense boon! The Golden Body Arhat was the Ancient Moon Sect's most treasured artifact. Now, Gu Yuetian actually intended to pass it on to him, or even to his own disciples or descendants. This kindness was as weighty as a mountain!

"Senior, how can I accept this?" Ye Chen quickly waved his hand, protesting.

Gu Yuetian shook his head. "This Golden Body Arhat is indeed our Ancient Moon Sect's most treasured artifact, and while precious, it holds no further use for me."

"Furthermore, with the Ancient Moon Sect in decline, I do not wish for this Golden Body Arhat to simply gather dust. Therefore, passing it on to you, or your disciple, or even your descendants, is the best possible choice."

"This..." Ye Chen hesitated. Gu Yuetian was correct; the Golden Body Arhat truly held no practical use for him. However, for him, it represented a profound act of kindness. Moreover, Gu Yuetian's actions were also aimed at ensuring the Ancient Moon Sect's legacy. He was deeply moved and also felt a tinge of reluctance.

"Senior, if that is the case, then I shall respectfully accept," Ye Chen said, cupping his fists.

Gu Yuetian heard this and let out a sigh of relief. He had spoken in such a manner precisely to persuade Ye Chen to accept. After all, his strength was currently greatly diminished. If Ye Chen refused to accept, he would have no alternative.

"Haha!" Gu Yuetian burst into laughter. "You rascal, you've finally understood."

"Since that's settled, I shall now impart the cultivation method of the Golden Body Arhat to you." As he spoke, Gu Yuetian extended a finger and lightly tapped Ye Chen's glabella.

Ye Chen felt a flood of information enter his mind. The "Golden Body Arhat Scripture"! This was the cultivation method for the Golden Body Arhat.

"Thank you, Senior!" Ye Chen quickly cupped his fists.

Gu Yuetian waved a dismissive hand. "You rascal, there's no need for formalities."

"This Golden Body Arhat is our Ancient Moon Sect's most treasured artifact. For it to recognize you as its master is its destiny, and also the good fortune of our Ancient Moon Sect."

"Therefore, you need not thank me."

Hearing this, Ye Chen felt a warmth in his heart. Gu Yuetian's words instilled a profound sense of respect within him.

"Senior, are there any taboos concerning this Golden Body Arhat?" Ye Chen asked.

Gu Yuetian considered for a moment. "This Golden Body Arhat is a Buddhist cultivation technique. Therefore, you must not impart it to anyone from the Demonic Path."

"Otherwise, the Golden Body Arhat will backfire."

"Furthermore, you must not use it to indiscriminately slaughter the innocent."

"Otherwise, the Golden Body Arhat will transform into an evil Buddha, completely losing its spiritual essence."

Ye Chen's heart was gripped with solemnity upon hearing this. He hadn't realized the Golden Body Arhat possessed such critical taboos.

"Senior, I will bear this in mind," Ye Chen said, cupping his fists.

Gu Yuetian nodded. "In that case, I shall take my leave."

"Senior, I respectfully bid you farewell," Ye Chen said, cupping his fists.

Gu Yuetian smiled faintly, and with a flicker of his form, vanished. Ye Chen watched Gu Yuetian depart before finally withdrawing his gaze.

"The Golden Body Arhat!" Ye Chen murmured, his eyes gleaming as he looked at the artifact in his hand. He had not anticipated that the Golden Body Arhat possessed so many incredible uses. Furthermore, it was a protective artifact capable of shielding its wielder from harm during crucial moments. Most importantly, it could also autonomously absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to nourish itself and enhance one's cultivation.

"It seems I must thoroughly investigate the mysteries of this Golden Body Arhat." Ye Chen murmured to himself, then began to delve into the secrets of the Golden Body Arhat.