Chapter 1446
Mutual Evil
Chapter 1446 Mutual Evil
'ah…'
Upon hearing this, Chi Buzhi remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was taken aback:
'You, a man even the Seven Ministers couldn't subdue, appear so imposing and resolute, yet you went to such lengths to invite me to this land, only to find out you're here to surrender!'
But he felt deeply bitter:
'You're not the only one who wants to jump into the lake... I too wish I could kneel down, but have nowhere to turn!'
Although he was both surprised and amazed, this sage was always one to find a reason even when there was none, and to extract a profit even when there was none. He wouldn't give up, so he raised his head, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and said:
"Fellow Daoist... how did you guess that I am related to the lake?"
Jinghai raised an eyebrow and said softly:
"Although the Dragon Clan and True Lord Lushui have a great enmity, they were still able to find a candidate like Canlu Fu. The same principle applies to the True Lord; he was born in Qingchi and gained his fortune on the lake..."
“When you came out of the lake back then, you abandoned the Green Pool without hesitation, which means you must have received a promise.”
Chi Buzhi lowered his head in thought, realizing that the monk's judgment was not much different from that of the dragon, but he couldn't remember those things no matter how hard he tried. His heart pounded, and he thought to himself:
'Leaving aside other matters, this person... I have neither the right to accept him nor the right to refuse him. If I handle this poorly, I might offend someone...'
So he smiled and said:
“I understand that Dao You’s feelings are sincere, but the thoughts of Lord Hu Shang are beyond the comprehension of us lowly cultivators. Since they have come from your mouth and entered my ears, I will listen to the profound mysteries without further explanation.”
Although these words did not offer any promise, they made the monk nod repeatedly. He said:
“Of course I understand.”
Feeling much relieved, he led the Green-Clad Immortal down the mountain before saying:
"Since I obtained this golden land, all seven ministers within the realm have coveted it. Although we can attain enlightenment on our own, it would be of great benefit to them if we acknowledged which minister's lineage we belonged to..."
He paused, then said quite naturally:
"It also means that Gemdale has taken a step closer to that aspect of the earth's release."
“Even cultivators from the Discipline Path came to see me, hoping I would learn the discipline, while cultivators from the Wrath Path came in droves, using every means at their disposal, just to get me to return.”
Jinghai pointed to the temple in the mountains and said:
“But I refuse to let anyone in. These temples are full of laymen and monks I know well. Because of this, most of them are not very skilled and are of little use.”
He said quite frankly:
"In the entire Konghai Jindi, I am actually the only one who is useful."
Chi Buzi stroked his chin and said:
"That's enough."
He had also fought with the monk in front of him before. Maha's most extraordinary opportunity was the Golden Ground. Once the Golden Ground was bestowed upon him, he could be considered to be a world above all others!
Jinghai has cultivated for seven lifetimes and has extensive experience in the Wrathful Path. When he goes all out, he can be compared to eight lifetimes. If he doesn't use his Dharma Form to fight, there are very few people in the world who can defeat him!
After saying this, the man in blue suddenly frowned. The old monk knew at a glance that he had something to say, so he said:
"Please enlighten me, Master!"
Chi Buzhi chuckled, his tone suddenly becoming warm and friendly, and then said seriously:
"If the senior were truly willing to serve, why would he still be staying here?"
The monk was quite puzzled, and upon seeing the real person, he said:
"Your Wanli Temple is indeed good, but it's located in the South China Sea, surrounded by some second-rate sects. It's far from the mainland. After two hundred years, the only useful thing you've done is kill an old dragon today. What's the use of having this heart and this intention?"
Jinghai vaguely understood something and murmured:
"Does the real person mean... to leave?"
"Not bad!"
Chi Buzhi was extremely knowledgeable about the situation at home and abroad. He was ruthless and cautious, and had a lot of strategic skills. Although the monk was older than him, he sought goodness and the Dharma and had no desire to compete for power. He suddenly gained a great understanding.
The Green-Clad Immortal laughed:
"You're going against the Seventh Enemy, but does that really bother them? What a joke! There are countless compassionate beings on Mount Dayang, countless Dharma images above their heads. Even if the old master possesses great divine power, he's nothing more than drawing lines on the ground and amusing himself in the South China Sea..."
"Powers like the Seven Ministers are each loyal to their own masters, their selfish motives are mixed, and they are not afraid of external threats, but rather of internal strife!"
Chi Buzi walked along the mountain path with his hands behind his back, looking at the figures on the cliff below, who resembled ants, and said calmly:
"If I were the senior, I would first go to Dayang Mountain and pretend to acknowledge Dayang Mountain... but I would only have one request."
He laughed:
"We must establish ourselves in the northern coastal area, within the confines of the sea and sky, to spread our teachings."
"Mount Dayang is located in the eastern part of the sea, close to the East China Sea. This place has always been a land of mercy, yet it is also a place of conflict among demons. Senior, you have established yourself here, where you can retreat to protect your mountain gate, eliminate demons and cultivate your followers, or advance to harass the coast and contend with the Murong clan... And given your status, you have repeatedly refused the Seven Ministers, and now that you have finally submitted, even if it's a poisonous hook, Mount Dayang has no choice but to submit and stand by you..."
"Even in the worst-case scenario, they would never harm the elder's life or allow this golden land to lose contact with Buddhism and Taoism..."
He paused briefly, then changed the subject, saying:
"Does the elder know... which plan is most valued on the lake right now?"
Jinghai replied without hesitation:
"Mingyang".
"now it's right."
Chi Buzi smiled and said:
“If Mingyang wants to make a move, it must go to the north. With the old senior standing on the side, how many uses can he possibly have? On the other hand, Mingyang is on good terms with the Dragon Clan. If the old senior is friendly with the Li family and has the Dragon Clan as his backer, he can use a large number of demons to nourish his disciples. With protection from three sides, not only the old senior, but even his disciples will be difficult for them to kill.”
"Hehe, if I were a person of the path of compassion, my head would be throbbing right now!"
His emerald eyes gleamed as he laughed:
"It will definitely play a significant role."
After listening to this for a while, Jinghai finally understood and said in a low voice:
"The method is good... but since I have emerged from the Seven Forms without finding the true lineage, returning so hastily might ruin my path... and cause the many good deeds of Wanli Temple to fall back into heresy..."
He said this, but his expression remained largely unchanged; instead, he pondered:
“But if this can help my benefactor, Jinghai is willing to tarnish his own reputation.”
Chi Buzhi understood now.
Even if the monk could confirm that the lake could help Kong Heng, he was not so blind as to abandon his vast foundation in the South China Sea and the pure land he had created after only hearing a few words from him, and return to the scheming among the Seven Phases.
That's only natural.
But it was precisely this common sense that Chi Buzhi found disdainful. He moved his lips and sneered:
"How unwise you are, senior! What kind of world is this? To be unconventional and do good is no different from death. You have relied on the Jindi family for eight generations, but what about your disciples?"
“If one truly has the intention to establish goodness and righteousness, at least one should learn compassion and joy, and have a path of practice that is generous and free from fear. Regardless of good or evil, it is at least a way to improve. Otherwise, this vast Wanli Temple, after the predecessors, will be nothing more than a blood offering to the left and right.”
He said no more, merely bowed, and then changed the subject, saying:
"It's time for Mr. Chi to leave as well."
Jinghai did not try to stop him, but nodded slowly.
The Golden Land was, after all, a manifestation of the life of the Northern World-Honored One, and was extremely profound, even surpassing ordinary grotto-heavens. Wherever the Pure Sea was, the Golden Land would be connected to it. If one went out now, the Golden Land would appear on the spot.
After all, the two had just fought fiercely, and Jinghai had coerced him into entering under the pretext of saving the dragon. So much time had passed, the fight outside was probably over by now, and there were many people observing from all sides. Staying too long would inevitably arouse suspicion.
Chi Buzi took a few steps, as if about to leap out, but then hesitated. He turned his head, glanced at the old monk, and said hesitantly:
"If the senior has any news... perhaps..."
Jinghai clasped his hands together and said:
"This humble monk will go to the East Sea."
Chi Buzi suddenly realized the truth of the matter, nodded slightly, and finally transformed into a patch of clear rainwater, disappearing into the world.
Jinghai stood quietly for a while, let out a long sigh, and rode back on auspicious clouds. Lost in thought, he unknowingly arrived at the foot of the high mountain.
He stood there for a while, as if finally letting go of something, and sighed softly, saying:
"Baoxiang!"
The sound lingered for a long time before someone hurriedly arrived at the mountain. It was a muscular, bare-chested monk with the cultivation of compassion. He seemed to have never been here before, and his gaze towards the main hall behind him was filled with fear. He cautiously bowed before it and respectfully said:
"Master!"
"Get up."
Jinghai called the disciple to his feet, took his hand, and after what seemed like a long deliberation, said:
“Baoxiang… Now that Baoqing has perished, you are the only one left capable in the mountains. Take your men and leave Jindi with you, and return to Wanli Temple…”
The monk paused for a moment, then said:
"this…"
"Go."
Jinghai lowered his gaze and said:
“I’ve figured it out too… Back when Baoqing was here, he cultivated many of his methods to help him achieve Maha. Those of you who met with Master back then also secretly read many of the Seven Aspects scriptures, and some even secretly used their methods. It’s not your fault. If I had no path for you to follow and left you here, I would only have harmed you.”
Although he had subdued the clay statue, he still couldn't help but call it "Master" when the monster was mentioned. Bao Xiang immediately knelt down and wept:
"Master! This disciple does not seek enlightenment... I only wish to serve you by your side and listen to your teachings!"
Jinghai waved his hand and said softly:
“Over the years, some Seven Phase cultivators have entered from outside, bringing a lot of information with them. I know about their private discussions. Take them out first... tell them that those who want to leave can leave, and those who leave through me will be very welcome by the Seven Phase cultivators.”
Baoxiang, however, had long been fed up with the corrupt practices in the temple. He vaguely understood what he meant, nodded slightly, and said:
"Disciple understands."
The monk turned around and hurriedly went down the mountain. Jinghai sighed and turned around.
The talisman pasted in front of the main hall shimmered slightly. Jinghai slowly stepped forward, holding a sandalwood beaded string in one hand and gently touching the shop door with the other, then pushed the door open again.
The faint dripping sound of blood grew louder, yet the clay sculpture remained seated atop it, seemingly laughing. Jinghai sat cross-legged, gazing at the sculpture above, his eyes filled with complex emotions—a mixture of reverence and hatred.
"If I had had this insight back then, and had asked you more questions, perhaps I could have found a way out for Wanli Temple today..."
He gazed at the man before him in silence, recalling how he had once revered and trusted him so deeply, and how he had ultimately felt fear and disgust towards him. His eyes slowly closed, and he unknowingly entered a meditative state.
"crunch..."
After an unknown amount of time, the doors of the main hall slowly closed, but then came the sound of calm footsteps.
A slow movement arose from the dark depths of the hall. A Taoist priest emerged from the darkness, wearing a crane-patterned robe and a jade crown, his expression calm, a sword on his back. He walked to the clay statue and then slowly lowered his head.
"interesting."
He raised his hand and gently patted the clay statue's head twice.
In an instant, 1,863 silver needles nailed to the back of the clay statue suddenly shot out, like a torrent pouring out, densely spraying onto the wall behind the clay statue!
"Tick."
The dripping blood gradually subsided, and the laughing face came to life. The flesh on the clay statue's face convulsed continuously, as if some monster was trying to break free. After a full three breaths, it finally grinned hatefully:
"Purify the Sea!!"
The face grew increasingly bloated as it twisted, filled with boundless hatred and rage. Its eyes, made of mud, slowly transformed into clear black and white, revealing horror and lingering fear.
"What a brilliant move!"
But in just a moment, the fear vanished from his face. The demonic creature stood up, its face radiating an astonishing malevolence and coldness:
But it finally allowed me to escape...
But the moment his vision returned, what came into view was a pair of tea-white pupils.
"Ok?"
The strange creature raised an eyebrow and noticed a Taoist priest standing in front of him. The priest had no aura whatsoever, but his eyes were truly frightening, as if he had been very impatient during the waiting time.
"you…"
The clay statue's lips and teeth moved as if it wanted to open its mouth to intimidate, but a terrifying afterimage swept past its eyes:
"Snapped!"
The clay statue had somehow been slapped, its head turned completely around, its face blankly facing backward, staring at the dense silver needles and black blood covering the entire wall, as if it were a wooden statue.
A cold, indifferent voice came from behind:
"Which aspect is your master?"
The clay statue seemed unable to escape from this great terror, or perhaps it couldn't understand how such a being could appear in the golden land—it slowly moved its head back, trying to see the person behind it clearly.
But the Taoist priest received no answer. His gaze grew even colder. He raised his hand, pressing his five fingers onto the top of the clay sculpture's head. In that instant, a dense killing intent surged in the evil creature's heart, and its entire body trembled.
'It seems to be... a Golden Core...'
His consciousness went blank for a moment, immersed in incomprehensible fear, watching helplessly as the other calmly and steadily turned his head back, the clay sculpture facing the wall behind him again, trembling as it said:
"My lord... my lord... my former self was not some kind of being... but an ancient cultivator, a virtuous person who dedicated himself to self-cultivation, the torchbearer of the Golden Land of the Vast Sea..."
"Oh?"
The Taoist priest turned his head to admire the various furnishings in the hall, and said indifferently:
"Since you are an ancient cultivator, you must have been upright. How could you have been left behind as something that is neither human nor ghost?"
The clay sculpture exclaimed in horror:
"My lord! It's that monk Tang En! He's a disciple of that family... He watched his master die outside, and Jindi refused to acknowledge him, so he had a wicked idea to use the traces his master left in Jindi as a Dharma image!"
He shook violently, yet dared not turn his head back, weeping and sobbing as if he were some innocent little god, crying out:
"It was because of his evil intentions that I came into being... my lord!"