Testing the Truth

Si Ming, "The truly laughable one is you. Winning over a few to deceive the majority—which dynasty's rulers haven't done this? You could even say that a wise and virtuous ruler is one who can make the people willingly be deceived. The saying 'Those who deceive the people will ultimately be abandoned by them' is certainly true, but the 'deceive' here doesn't mean cheating, but oppression. Oppressing the people is like water that can carry a boat but also capsize it, but those who successfully deceive the people can usher in a peaceful and prosperous era."

Fajian glared and said, "What's the point of talking to him so much? No matter how wonderful the Buddhist teachings are, they can't enlighten someone who's covering their ears, or an executioner with blood on his hands. To think he can talk about the profound principles of Buddhism is utterly delusional!"

He raised both hands and unleashed Vajra Fist, Buddha-Slaying Monk was prepared. He countered with a fierce slash, and the intense clash of swords illuminated the sky. Fajian the force, was forced back several steps, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

However, there were also two great masters, Si Ming and Buddha-Slaying Monk Faming, present. The Buddha-killing monk was already struggling in a one-on-one fight, let alone being heavily injured and surrounded. The Prajna Zen Palm combined with the Bodhi Demon-Subduing Saber Art cut off the Buddha-Slaying Monk's retreat. After only three exchanges, the Buddha-Slaying Monk was severely injured again and died on the spot.

"Consider your fate, Bodhi Bright Mirror!"

Si Ming's sword was pushed to its limit, and the pure holy light of the Dharma bloomed like a screen. With a single slash that split the earth, it was about to kill the Buddha-Slaying Monk on the spot when suddenly a demonic wind swept in, and a huge black shadow descended from the sky. It made a powerful move, and its fierce energy cut through the vast mountains, blocking the Bodhi sword energy. It was a three-headed monster bird with a ferocious appearance.

"The Ferocious Bird Returning Wings!"

The three-headed monster spread its wings, creating a powerful vortex that shook off the three monks who were surrounding it. Then, it stretched out its foot, grabbed the Buddha-Slaying Monk, and flew away.

"Don't go!"

Faming unleashed his ultimate move, striking the sky with a palm that exploded into thousands of Buddhas and palms, all forming the swastika Law Seals, crashing down like a tidal wave.

To protect the Buddha-Slaying Monk, the three-headed monster had no choice but to take the blow with its own body. It was struck hard on the back, and blood and bloody feathers rained down everywhere.

"Damn bald monk, remember this! I'll pay you back for this one day!"

After uttering those harsh words, the three-headed monster bird flapped its wings and soared into the sky, disappearing without a trace.

Si Ming sheathed his sword, caught his breath, looked at the two monks of Glazed Temple, and said, "The fish has taken the bait. My hard work wasn't in vain."

Faming said with a hint of worry, "Next, it all depends on Xilai. I hope everything goes smoothly."

Several days later, Xilai recovered from his injuries and arrived at the Spirit King Hall, where he met the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King, the mortal enemy of the Glazed Temple for hundreds of years, as well as his four divine generals: Wing Divine General Ghost Chariot, Yi Divine General Wang Dashe, Divine General Li Henzhen, and Hundred Divine General Wu Da.

When the Wing Divine General revealed the true form of the Ghost Chariot, it was a three-headed bird. When it transformed into human form, it became a three-faced, six-armed monster. It had three faces on one head, each facing a different direction. The three faces were an ugly middle-aged man, a seductive woman, and an old man. Judging from the direction it was walking, the middle-aged man's face was the dominant one.

The Yi Divine General Wang Dashe is a man shrouded in a black robe, his face also obscured by a layer of black mist under his hood, making his appearance impossible to discern. It is said that his original name was "Great Snake" (Great Serpent), and before he joined the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King, his title was "Yi Demon King." However, at some point, he changed from "Yi Demon King" Great Snake to "Yi Demon" Wang Dashe, and even after joining the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King and becoming the Yi Divine General, the name Wang Dashe was never changed.

Divine General Li Henzhen a woman whose upper body is covered in fish scales, whose head has deer antlers, whose eyes are cold, and whose lips always hold a smile. Legend has it that she was no different from a human child when she was young and was adopted by an elderly couple. As she grew up, she gradually revealed her Anomalies appearance and was bullied by the children in the neighborhood. Later, a young swordsman passing by recognized her as Monster Race and secretly informed a nearby temple. The temple sent people to capture her, but they mistakenly killed the elderly couple. In a fit of rage, she joined forces with the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King and changed her original name "Hengzhen" to "Henzhen".

Wu Da, the Hundred Divine General, is a hunched old man with a cane. He has a lewd look in his eyes and always lets out a strange, chuckling laugh. This monster is extremely treacherous. He never confronts people directly, but only schemes behind their backs. He is also skilled in the art of Gu poison.

After observing the four divine generals, Xilai turned his gaze to the center of the hall, where a burly, imposing, and domineering man stood. His demeanor exuded an aura of the Pointing Out Rivers and Mountains and sweeping across its land. Even as an enemy, Xilai had to admit that the man possessed a kingly demeanor. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to subdue his seemingly ambitious subordinates.

Ghost Chariot reported, "Spirit King, it has been confirmed that Man Xiong in battle during the attack on Alan Temple that day. His body was never recovered, and no clues have been found regarding his escape."

The Purple-Pupiled Spirit King asked, "Who is the murderer?"

"He is a monk from Glazed Temple, whose Dharma name is Wutian. He possesses the Vajra Demon-Subduing Power, and his cultivation is close to that of Grandmaster. His strength surpasses that of Fajian, the Abbot of the Discipline Hall."

"A newcomer without a given name? I've never heard of such a name before. It seems to be a genius secretly cultivated by the Glazed Temple," the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King remarked. "Human Race grow at a much faster pace than other races, especially their geniuses. In just thirty or forty years, they can grow from an infant who would choke to death while eating to a powerhouse surpassing ninety percent of the Monster Race. The monks of the Fa generation are currently in their prime, yet the Wu generation has already surpassed them. It is truly our misfortune."

Wu Da chuckled sinisterly, "The Barbarian Divine General isn't a reckless brute. His appearance is deceptive. When faced with an opponent he can't defeat, he won't fight to the death, but will instead conserve his strength for future revenge. Besides, our race possesses immortality; as long as we have a breath left, we won't die from our injuries. So there must be something fishy about this. Either this monk named Wutian is hiding his strength, or there's another trap."

The Purple-Pupiled Spirit King said, "Judging from the fact that the Glazed Temple sent Fajian and Faming to set up an ambush Buddha-Slaying Monk, I'm afraid that Man Xiong also fell for the same trick and was ambushed and killed by the three of them... Let's put this grudge aside for now, and Japan will take it back with interest soon."

Theoretically speaking, it's impossible for Glazed Temple to suddenly produce a master with strength above the Grandmaster level. Even a genius needs a growth process and cannot become an unparalleled expert overnight without anyone noticing. Moreover, Buddhist School martial arts are known for their late-blooming nature and emphasis on accumulation, with few examples of young talents achieving greatness.

"However, after Man Xiong died, the Five Divine Generals became Four Divine Generals, which is not a good omen. In those Human Race novels, almost all the Four Divine Generals or Four Heavenly Kings eventually die," Henzhen said jokingly in a serious tone, while casting her gaze towards Xilai. "Or perhaps we should add a new Divine General, such as a Buddha Divine General or a Monk Divine General. Ha, that would be quite interesting."

Xilai's face darkened, and he shouted, "Shut up! If you think the enemy of my enemy is my friend, then you can shut up. It's true that I hate those hypocritical monks, but that doesn't mean I like you. If they are hypocrites, then you are a bunch of real villains, and you deserve to die too!"

Wu Da chuckled sinisterly, "Oh, it seems you're not quite aware of your current predicament." He rubbed his staff together incessantly, powder occasionally scattering from his palm.

The Yi Divine General Wang Dashe and the Wing Divine General Ghost Chariot also cast malevolent glances at him. The latter moved his feet, blocking the retreat of the Buddha-Slaying Monk, as if he might make a move at any moment, just waiting for the Spirit King's order.

Chapter 380 Testing the Truth

Seeing that the atmosphere on the scene was about to explode, and trapped in the enemy camp with no chance of survival, the Buddha-Slaying Monk showed no intention of backing down. He raised his hand and summoned the Glazed Precept-Breaking Saber, showing an attitude of ready to fight if necessary.

Wu Da leaned on his cane and said in a gloomy tone, "Kid, you don't even understand the principle of 'when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.' No wonder you fell into the trap of Glazed Temple. Remember to learn humility next time you're reincarnated and be a wise person who knows when to yield."

The Buddha-Slaying Monk snorted, turned his knife and plunged it into the ground. With a hiss, the tip of the knife pierced through the poisonous insects hidden underground. Then, he struck out with his palm, repelling the Ghost Chariot that had been attacking him.

Wang Dashe was about to make a move when he suddenly heard the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King stop him, saying, "Stop! This person is a guest I invited. You must not be rude to him."

Then he said to the Buddha-Slaying Monk, "We saved your life, do you deny that?"

The Buddha-Slaying Monk hesitated for a moment, then withdrew his fighting spirit and said, "Although you acted on your own initiative without my consent, you did save me, and I agree to that. So, do you want anything in return?"

"No, this is merely a way for us to show our sincerity; you need not take it to heart," the Purple-Pupiled Spirit King lightly brushed aside, guiding the conversation. "Regardless of your attitude towards us, it must be acknowledged that we share a common enemy and have room for cooperation. Rather than killing each other now and letting those foolish monks of the Glazed Temple gain nothing, why not eliminate them first, and then deal with the conflict between us? What do you think of this suggestion?"

"... Okay." After thinking it over, the Buddha-Slaying Monk chose to agree.

Wu Da retorted, "Don't look so reluctant. This is a mutually beneficial cooperation, not one of us begging the other. In the end, we have already shown our sincerity, but where is your sincerity? Or are you actually an ungrateful person?"

The Buddha-Slaying Monk glanced coldly at Wu Da, and said angrily, "What do you want me to do? Let me make this clear beforehand: I will only kill people, and only monks."

"Perfect timing, that's exactly what we want you to do," Wu Da tossed a map to the Buddha-Slaying Monk the Buddha. "Heavenly Sound Temple, we want you to kill all the monks in this temple, then we'll be even. This is your old specialty, it shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

The Buddha-Slaying Monk didn't look at the map, but directly put it into his sleeve, and asked, "Time?"

"Three days later. You can either continue to recuperate here, or you can go and gather intelligence."

The Buddha-Slaying Monk nodded, then turned and left without even looking at the expressions of the monsters present.

The woman from the Ghost Chariot snorted disdainfully and said, "Such a big shot. If I hadn't taken the blow for him, he would have been sent to see Buddha by those bald monks long ago."

The old man said, "It was clearly me who got slapped... Sigh, does the Spirit King really want to cooperate with this person? Judging from his expression, he seems very unwilling to get involved with us. Why should we bother trying to win him over?"