The Mind-Wishing Buddhism; First Seat Turns Evil?

The closer you get to the depths of the valley, the thicker the dust and sand become, like a natural veil obscuring the true face of Falling Star Valley.

Zi Yiyi followed closely behind You Su, as the area illuminated by the Golden Paper lanterns became increasingly limited.

During her escape, she had taken the opportunity to use Sound Transmission Token send a message to the cultivators of the Evil Warding Department on the outskirts of Falling Star Valley, informing them of the White Bird Evil Spirit's flight pattern. However, she still couldn't hide her fear, feeling as if she were surrounded by unknown dangers.

Unlike her, You Su was blind and not afraid of the dark. On the contrary, he was unusually calm, his eyes as sharp as a cheetah, staring intently at the White Bird Evil Spirit flying in the sky, while also using his almost invisible Ink Pine Sword, which blended into the night, to slash at the evil spirit that it collided with.

But as they ventured deeper into the valley, the number of these evil spirits increased.

This valley is like a breeding ground for evil spirits, with bizarre and grotesque evil spirits crawling out of the soil, almost to the point of being nauseating.

Unexpectedly, yet predictably, these evil spirits all resembled terrestrial creatures: scorpions, rabbits, birds...

There were even... people!

You Su was quite certain that the person in front of him was a complete and utter evil spirit, just like Huo Yuandi whom he had seen in the cave.

But the person in front of him was not as rotten and foul as Huo Yuandi; he seemed more like a living, breathing human being.

He was dressed in pure white, brocade robes, and expensive clothes; yet he was hunched over, sallow-faced and thin, with the hems of his clothes hanging loosely and not fitting his body at all. He gave the impression of a country bumpkin dressed as a city nobleman.

You Su's expression hardened. This was the first time he had seen such an easily identifiable Evil God's companion since Huo Yuandi. This meant that at least one evil spirit-level demon was hidden in Falling Star Valley.

Zi Yiyi stopped behind him. She couldn't tell whether the person in front of her was good or evil. The Evil Warding Token, a tool for detecting Evil Qi in a wide area, was useless in this environment full of evil spirits. But she could guess something from You Su's expression, so she instantly focused all her attention and was on high alert.

The White Bird Evil Spirit in the sky had already spread its wings and descended, landing squarely on the shoulder of the person in front of it.

"If friends come from afar, though they are far away, they shall be punished."

The person in front of me raised his right hand, his wide sleeves waving, revealing a warm smile; his sallow face was full of wrinkles.

Zi Yiyi was a little confused. She wondered why this person's demeanor and tone seemed to be welcoming them, yet his words were full of hostility. Was he deliberately mispronouncing it?

Just in case, she had already formed hand Hand Seals, purple light flowing from her fingertips, the Technique Method ready to be unleashed at any moment.

"Isn't it a joy to have friends coming from afar?"

You Su, however, wasn't as tense as Zi Yiyi and corrected her.

The man was taken aback at first, then smiled sheepishly, clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, and said:

"It was I who misremembered. Thank you for reminding me, young master. I almost caused a misunderstanding."

Zi Yiyi frowned, still not withdrawing her Technique Method, and whispered to You Su, "Not kill him?"

You Su turned to look at her and laughed loudly, "Sister Yiyi, please withdraw your Technique Method. This person means us no harm."

These words didn't seem to be spoken to Zi Yiyi, but rather to this suddenly appearing evil person.

Zi Yiyi's beautiful eyes flickered, but she obeyed the order and stopped.

The person in front of her was definitely related to evil spirits, but there was no sense of oppression. Just like the harmless Lu Xing evil spirit she had encountered before, that's why Zi Yiyi dared to stop.

"That's right, I certainly didn't mean any harm."

The person in front of me scratched his head, which, combined with his honest face, made him appear somewhat simple and unassuming.

"Young master and young lady, you can call me Old Nine. You're here to join the sect too, right?"

"Join the religion?"

Zi Yiyi was somewhat taken aback; she had no idea that there were religious activities in Falling Star Valley. It was likely that the evil spirits filling the valley were inextricably linked to this so-called religion.

"We were traveling and passed through this place. We heard that there was a religious sect here, so we wanted to come and see for ourselves. Old Nine, could you tell us what this sect is called?"

"My Mind-Wishing Buddhism!"

Old Nine's eyes shone with excitement, and when he uttered those four words, he exuded a strong sense of pride.

"Buddhism?"

Zi Yiyi was even more surprised, "You mean, there's Buddhism here?"

Why would I lie to you?

The Old Nine waved his hand, seemingly expressing his distrust and dissatisfaction with the girl.

You Su frowned slightly, also finding it somewhat unbelievable.

Religious sects are strictly controlled throughout the Five Continents. The sacred mountain and the Five Great Immortal Ancestors are the common and only faith of the people of the Five Continents.

As for Buddhism, based on the fragmentary scriptures it left behind, it can be inferred that it was the greatest faith of people in that ancient and chaotic era before the emergence of the Five Great Immortal Ancestors.

The complexity of its doctrines and the profundity of its thought can be glimpsed even from a few words in unofficial histories, but no one has ever seen the real Buddha. After the appearance of the Immortal Ancestor, Buddhism disappeared without a trace.

Many scholars are filled with curiosity about this mysterious Buddha, speculating that He might be the world's first psychic. However, due to a lack of data, research on Buddha can only remain superficial. Many scholars who are obsessed with Buddha often engage in self-harm and then die young.

Gradually, 'Buddha' also became a taboo topic. If this was the case even for those who held the power of discourse, it was even less likely that ordinary people would come into contact with this word.

But in the western part of the Central Yuan Continent, Buddhism is hidden in this deep valley...

"May I ask, Old Nine, I've heard of Buddhism, but what does 'Mind-Wishing Buddha' mean?"

Seeing that You Su was interested, Old Nine grinned and pointed at him with his index finger:

"You have the potential for wisdom! This Mind-Wishing Buddha is the thought that makes your wishes come true!"

"You mean that Mind-Wishing Buddha can make one's wishes come true?"

"Of course! I, Old Nine, always keep my word; it's well-known for miles around!"

As he spoke, Old Nine turned around and exclaimed, "If I hadn't followed this Mind-Wishing Buddhism, how could I possibly wear such magnificent clothes?"

Zi Yiyi glanced at You Su subconsciously, thinking that no wonder this person's temperament and clothing were so incongruous, like a nouveau riche trying to act refined but almost causing a misunderstanding.

"Is this Buddha really that powerful? Could Old Nine Jiu possibly show us to him?" You Su asked, feigning enthusiasm.

"You may wish to see him, but only those who True Mind-Wishing Buddha must first enter my Buddhist order."

Old Nine shook his head. If You Su hadn't been able to see him directly, he might have really thought he was just an ordinary villager, rather than a servant of Evil God.

"This Buddha statue is hidden deep in this valley. How did you find it, sir?"

"Of course, it's all thanks to fate. Five days ago, I came to these mountains to mine with my friend, but I happened to witness a true Buddha. I was deeply moved by the profoundness of Buddhism and immediately became a believer in this true Buddha."

You Su's eyes lit up with realization, and he roughly guessed what was happening inside the valley.

That "Mind-Wishing Buddha" is very likely the source of the evil spirits in the valley. It disguises itself as Buddha, turning all the mountain people who come to mine into its followers, unwittingly becoming its miners. It's just unknown what abilities this "Mind-Wishing Buddha" possesses that can create the illusion of wish fulfillment...

"In that case, we are destined to be together."

"Yes, it's not easy for you to happen to pass by here. In Buddhism, this is called 'karmic encounter,' so you must seize the fortuitous opportunity. Come, come, I'll take you to see the true Buddha."

As he spoke, Old Nine prepared to turn around and lead the way.

Zi Yiyi hesitated for a moment, then quietly poked You Su's hand with the lantern pole.

You Su gave him a reassuring look; he was least afraid of such illusory and deceptive things, but Zi Yiyi was different.

Zi Yiyi bit her lower lip. "Uncle, if you're so eager for us to join your sect, what benefits will you get in return?"

The old man was a kind and honest man in his lifetime. Having his thoughts exposed, he didn't continue to hide them, and chuckled:

"Old Nine, I'm not lying to you. If we can bring new believers into the church, we'll have another chance to pray to Mind-Wishing Buddha and make a wish. But no one comes to Falling Star Valley anymore. Who else would come except us reckless miners?"

During the day, someone brought in two women. Mind-Wishing Buddha granted him two wishes on the spot; I'm so envious! You two should help Old Nine out; Mind-Wishing Buddha won't let you down."

He spoke with such certainty, just like any other simple villager; anyone who didn't know better would think he was recommending some kind of treasure.

Two women?

Zi Yiyi was filled with doubt. Falling Star Valley was strictly controlled, and no outsiders were allowed to enter. Who else could these two women be but Hua Jing, First Seat and Tao Yaoyao?

Would Buddha allow a greedy person to become his follower?

Zi Yiyi retorted mercilessly, but she was no longer as resistant to going deeper as before. If Hua Jing, First Seat and Tao Yaoyao were ahead, with Hua Jing, First Seat there, their safety would at least be guaranteed.

Old Nine was somewhat ashamed and explained, "I'm not greedy; I just want my wife and children to live a prosperous life, but I've already used up my wish. If I can recruit you, my next wish is for my wife and children to join us..."

"Why don't you just go out and pick them up yourself?" Zi Yiyi asked again.

"Now that I have become a believer, but my understanding of Buddhism is not yet complete, how can I leave so easily? My biggest regret now is that I was not the first to vow to send my wife and children in."

Old Nine shook his head, his tone filled with deep regret.

"Then please lead the way, sir."

You Su had already taken a step forward, seemingly determined to succeed in his pilgrimage to the Mind-Wishing Buddha.

Upon hearing this, Old Nine's sallow face immediately broke into a smile, and he walked ahead in a friendly manner to lead the way for the two.

As the wind subsided, You Su's nose twitched slightly; he could clearly smell the dampness in the air.

"Excuse me, sir, this Falling Star Valley is so desolate, what will we rely on to quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger?"

"There's a lake in Falling Star Valley. Don't let the dilapidated surroundings fool you; the lakeshore is still lush and green. So we ate cardamom to stave off hunger and drank lake water to quench our thirst."

In You Su's understanding, Falling Star Valley was now a desolate wasteland, with only broken walls and ruins as far as the eye could see; there was no lake or pond to be found there.

But he could clearly feel the ground beneath his feet becoming increasingly soft, indicating the presence of water.

"Could this lake also be something that Mind-Wishing Buddha imagined?"

"You guessed right! No wonder you have such talent!" Old Nine chuckled.

Just then, a flash of red light appeared, Zi Yiyi actually unleashed a fire spell that struck the purple deer-skin boots on her feet.

In an instant, several thin, long worms on her boots were roasted until they were charred and dried out, then turned into black water and dissolved into the earth.

"Miss, you mustn't!"

Seeing this Old Nine became very anxious, his eyes filled with sorrow. "These earthworms are also believers in Mind-Wishing Buddha! We are all fellow believers. They are crawling out of the ground and onto our shoes to welcome us. We must not kill our fellow believers!"

"Earthworms are believers too? Does that mean all those birds, centipedes, and the like are?"

"Of course! Miss, please remember not to attack them again! Be careful not to anger the true Buddha and bring retribution upon yourself!"

You Su and Zi Yiyi exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. They finally understood why the evil spirit in the form of a land-dwelling creature had appeared.

But what exactly is this Mind-Wishing Buddha capable of? That even such lowly beings with extremely limited intelligence would worship him...?

As Zi Yiyi walked, she began to observe her surroundings more carefully.

Sure enough, tall grass and trees gradually appeared around her, but these plants were much larger than she had imagined. They were just roadside weeds, but they were as dense and tall as bushes. The trees rose up from the ground, their canopies connected, and not even a sliver of moonlight could be seen.

Zi Yiyi felt that although there was no foul stench or filth here, everything was filled with an indescribable eeriness.

Finally, the two heard the sound of chanting coming from afar. It was a group of people gathered together chanting scriptures, and it had a strange, bewitching quality.

"Put away your lanterns, walk quietly, and don't speak. Don't disturb this sacred Buddhist site. You will soon be meeting the true Buddha. At that time, do whatever I do, and say whatever I say."

The Old Nine turned back to give his final instructions, then continued to lead the way, following the direction from which the chanting was coming.

After passing through a stone gate, You Su and Zi Yiyi's eyes widened simultaneously, their pupils instantly shrinking to tiny beads—

Fireflies twinkled around them, and a group of extravagantly dressed Evil Demon followers knelt on a giant lotus leaf, bowing in worship toward the center of the pond. They chanted in unison, loud and clear scripture, which carried an ancient air.

In the center of the pond stood a magnificent Buddha statue!

The Buddha's body is completely translucent, with a kind and benevolent face and a solemn appearance, as if it were made of crystal and glass. You can even see the stone wall behind the Buddha through the Buddha's body.

But this Glazed Great Buddha was also a living being; its head turned slightly, its lips moved, and a majestic voice suddenly resounded throughout the heavens:

"Now that you have seen the true Buddha, why not worship him?"

You Su and Zi Yiyi stood on the shore, and they knew very well that the Mind-Wishing Buddha was speaking to them!

The Old Nine quickly prostrated himself on the ground and devoutly recited scriptures:

"I bow in reverence and take refuge in the Mind-Wishing Buddha, prostrating myself before seven hundred million Buddhas. I now praise the Mind-Wishing Buddha, and pray for your compassionate protection."

This villager, who could even confuse "Isn't it a joy?" with "Though far away, they will be punished", could recite the scriptures without a single mistake.

As soon as he finished speaking, a lotus leaf rose from the lake and floated to Old Nine's side.

You Su parted her lips slightly, but not to recite scriptures.

Rather, it was because he had seen with his own eyes that among the crowd at the pond, two women were looking at him with indifferent expressions.

One of them had a baby face but an exaggeratedly large, disproportionately large body; while the other's face was shrouded in mystery, but her luxurious crimson dress gave You Su a strong intuition:

These two Evil Demon followers are none other than Hua Jing, First Seat and Tao Yaoyao!

There's a little bit left in the fourth bonus chapter; it'll be released in the Full Subscription Group tomorrow~