Buddha's Child / Going Back

Si Ming spread his arms and charged headlong into the storm. The blades that struck him not only barely penetrated, but the force of the impact also slowed He Qichang down.

"Vajra Indestructible Body!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Xunan blurted out.

Si Ming didn't correct him; his attention was focused on He Qichang's knife. Seizing the opportunity, he reached out, grabbed the blade, and snapped it in two. Then He Qichang lunged forward and struck He Qichang in the chest with a palm strike.

This palm strike used a soft force rather than a hard one, but it was still incredibly powerful. Even though He Qichang's strength after the transformation far surpassed his previous strength, he still couldn't withstand this force. It was as if he was wrapped up by something, and he was forced to retreat backward.

At the same time, Murong Qing pointed a finger, striking He Qichang's back. The Glacier True Qi seeped in, carrying a chilling coldness, sealing his limbs and rendering him unable to move.

"Let me go! I'm going to kill you all—"

He Qichang struggled fiercely, his face showing madness. A Yao Qi aura suddenly arose within his body, merging with his original power, instantly doubling his cultivation level. He withstood the pressure of the Glacier True Qi and pushed it back.

If the Glacier Divine Art weren't Higher Vehicle Cultivation Method with unique advantages, it's likely that this move would have allowed him to break free of the restraints and shake Murong Qing away.

"It seems that we can't calm him down while he's conscious; we'll have to resort to Russian-style repair techniques."

Si Ming clenched his fist and smashed it at a 45-degree angle into He Qichang's neck, knocking him unconscious with a single blow.

Chapter 195 The Buddha's Disciple

Not long after He Qichang fell into a coma, his Demonization disappeared, and he returned to normal. Fortunately, he was wearing a loose-fitting martial arts outfit, so the transformation only stretched the clothes open and didn't completely tear them apart. At least he didn't have to censor his private parts.

Xunan help but ask, "Who exactly is this companion of yours? Could he be Demon Race?" He even put aside the important matter of this trip.

Murong Qing, "Even Demon Race who can transform into human form are demons in their normal state, and only human in their abnormal state. When Demon Race is unconscious, they should reveal their true demon form, but he is exactly the opposite."

"But it cannot be denied that he must have a great connection with the Demon Race."

Xunan still finds it hard to let go, because the war between Demon Beast and humans has lasted for nearly two hundred years. Except for countries without coastlines, all over the world has suffered from the monster tides. Going back three generations, most of them have relatives or friends who died at the hands of Demon Beast. This natural hostility has long been deeply rooted in their bones.

It wasn't until modern times that the effects of the martial arts revolution gradually became apparent, the military strength of various countries was greatly enhanced, the casualties caused by the demon tide became very small, and this hostility gradually faded.

However, recently, due to the outbreak of the demon tide, the number of Demon Beast has far exceeded that of the past, resulting in a significant increase in casualties. As a result, people have finally recalled the fear that once shrouded them in the shadow of the demon tide, and that hostility has intensified once again.

Si Ming was not from the Sea Continent and had not been influenced by such subtle teachings. He said, "Master, the Buddha taught equality, like a single rain, each being experiences it differently according to their nature. Not to mention that my companion is still human, even if he were truly Demon Race in disguise, he would still be one of the sentient beings. Others might discriminate against him because of this identity, but Buddhist School disciples cannot."

The quote he quoted meant that the Buddha taught the Dharma with the view that all sentient beings are equal and without discrimination, just like rain that evenly spreads across the earth. However, as sentient beings have different capacities, the benefits they experience from the Dharma also differ.

In short, it is what people often say, "The Buddha said that all beings are equal." People often associate this with freedom, equality, and democratic rights, but they are not the same thing at all.

Si Ming meant to taunt the other monk, but to his surprise, the monk looked as if he had been struck by lightning. Then, full of admiration, he said, "Amitābha Buddha! Your teachings are absolutely correct. The * Long Agama Sutra * says, 'At that time, there were no men and women, no high and low, no superiors and inferiors, and no different names. All beings were born together in the world, hence the name "sentient beings." Demons are also sentient beings. This humble monk was misled by hatred and developed a discriminating mind. I am not as insightful as you, benefactor. I am ashamed."

Now Si Ming didn't know what to say. He had read Buddhist scriptures, but reading and accepting are two different things. He wouldn't do things like letting go of hatred or reforming enemies. However, he was willing to spread Buddhist teachings to his enemies. For example, after slapping someone, he could tell them that revenge only leads to more revenge, and that clinging to hatred only blinds the mind. Only by laying down the butcher's knife can one find true freedom.

Moreover, looking at Xunan's eyes, there was both admiration and a hint of closeness. Si Ming had no idea when he had gained such goodwill towards Xu Nan; it was all so inexplicable.

"We didn't have time to ask before, so why did the master stop us?"

Xunan sighed inwardly. It wasn't that he didn't have time to ask; he was clearly forced into a corner. Now that he finally had a chance to speak, he hurriedly said, "Zhang Baobao is my disciple. He has a Dharma name, Bukong."

Remembering Zhang Baobao's identity, Murong Qing asked, "Does your Buddhism also accept barbarians as disciples?"

"Amitābha Buddha, all beings are equal. Whether barbarians or Chinese, they are all the same in the eyes of Buddha. The Dharma does not discriminate based on a person's origin."

Murong Qing pressed further, "When the Barbarian Hu and the Li State go to war, whose side are you on?"

"How can those who live outside the secular world participate in worldly disputes? We only spread the Dharma and do not concern ourselves with matters of state or family. We only seek self-preservation. If it is for the sake of the people, we hope that both sides can turn hostility into friendship."

Even though Murong Qing wasn't from the Li State, she knew that the hatred between the two sides couldn't be easily resolved. Saying things like "turn swords into plowshares" was really just telling the attacked party to swallow their anger and stop trying to take revenge. That was definitely not fair. However, she didn't want to argue about this issue with the other party right now.

"So you'll remain neutral and not interfere in the war? I've remembered your answer, and I hope you'll keep your promise. Also, we absolutely must take this child with us. He's a Huaxia, and we must never let him follow those Barbarian Hu and learn their bloodthirsty, primitive ways."

Xunan, "I heard that bandits had kidnapped my disciple, and I was naturally worried. So I followed the trail here. Actually, when I saw you all, I knew that the rumors were wrong. Since you have no intention of harming him, I am relieved."

Murong Qing a sigh of relief. Judging from Xunan's previous behavior, he indeed had no intention of kidnapping anyone. On the contrary, they were the ones who, without distinguishing right from wrong, He Qichang sword and kill them, without giving the other party a chance to explain.

She was about to apologize when Si Ming, "Master, monks do not lie."

Xunan clasped his hands together and said earnestly, "This humble monk has not lied."

"But you haven't told the truth either. I only have one question: why did you accept Zhang Baobao as your disciple?"

Just as Xunan was about to speak, Si Ming interrupted, "You know, what I want to hear isn't some answer about being exceptionally intelligent or having a connection with Buddhism. Such nonsense might fool others, but it won't fool us. If you're lying, then don't worry about us being impolite. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable, you can remain silent."

After all, silence is also a form of response.

Xunan closed his eyes, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke, "Bukong is a disciple of the Buddha."

After saying this, he shut his mouth tightly, unwilling to explain anything further.

Si Ming nodded and said, "You're smart enough to know what's good for you." He didn't try to drive the person away again.

Murong Qing couldn't help but ask, "What is a Buddhist disciple? Is my cousin in danger?"

"It just suddenly occurred to me that, given his status, it's impossible for him to completely detach himself from politics. Otherwise, people would definitely exploit his position. So, it's better to muddy the waters. If only one hand reaches for the basket, the contents will certainly be taken. But if many hands reach for the basket at the same time, they'll at least have to fight and restrain each other before taking anything, which gives the contents of the basket a chance to escape."

Murong Qing wasn't stupid, she just hadn't thought of it that way. Now, after being reminded, she immediately showed a thoughtful expression and said leisurely, "Perhaps, it wouldn't be a bad idea for me to simply take my cousin back to Su State and let him completely get out of this vortex."

Upon hearing this, Xunan's expression changed slightly, and he hesitated, as if he wanted to speak but then stopped.

Si Ming, "That still requires his own consent. Besides, we also need to ask Marshal Mu's opinion."

Chapter 196 Returning Home

He Qichang woke up from his coma, touched the back of his neck which was throbbing slightly, and struggled to get up from the straw mat. Then he smelled the sea and looked around, finding himself at a dock.