Bodhi Ancient Buddha Returns

Across the lands of the Western Region, crystal-clear beads of blood rolled about, flawless and pure as colored glaze, emanating all manner of Buddhist resonance. Yet no one dared pick them up.

Jieyin sat in the lotus position, paying no heed to the wound in his chest or the black blood. Instead, his eyes shone brightly, as though he had gained some insight.

When Shen Ye approached, Jieyin smiled faintly. "Thank you, benefactor, for striking me with that sword. Now that all vexations have departed, I suddenly perceive boundless light."

Shen Ye asked calmly, "What did you realize?"

Jieyin did not begrudge sharing his realization. "With my hands I plant green seedlings across the fields; lowering my head, I see heaven in the water. Only a pure heart is the Dao; stepping back is, in truth, moving forward. When Reducing and Seeking Emptiness has reached its utmost limit, taking a step or two back and adding things anew may make perfection and transcendence easier to attain."

It was like a bottle stained with grime, its mouth too narrow to clean. One could pour water in from outside, dissolve the grime into it, then pour the dirty water back out. In Jieyin's view, Dark Matter was that outside water. Though the final result might be dirty water contaminating the bottle itself, it was still a method.

"If that is the case, then I'll cut you a few more times. No need to thank me." Shen Ye reached into the Void, and the Human Sovereign Sword flew through the air into his grasp. The Heavenly Laws merged into it, and the light of order surged.

The smile on Jieyin's face froze. Though he had suddenly understood the path ahead, that did not mean his strength had increased. On the contrary, his injuries