After hearing the words of the person beside him, Shakyamuni's eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.
The demonic qi within him had been constantly battling his Buddhist power. The two forces tangled and tore at each other inside him, neither willing to yield an inch, tormenting him until the fire in his heart raged across the plains and his mind grew clouded.
But now, that demonic qi seemed deeply afraid of the figure beside him. It began retreating, recoiling as though from snakes and scorpions.
It was as if it had sensed an existence that could neither be surpassed nor offended.
Seeing this, Xuanxiao shook his head.
He said nothing more, merely watching Shakyamuni in silence.
At this moment, Shakyamuni, trapped deep within his demonic obsession, finally heard Xuanxiao's words clearly: "Where in this world is a way to honor both, betraying neither the Tathagata nor you?"
The instant he heard them, his gaze suddenly shifted.
Those words captured his present predicament all too perfectly.
He wanted to strengthen Buddhism, yet he also wanted to live up to the expectations of the Three Pure Ones and the others.
He wanted to accomplish both, but despite pondering for a long time, he could never find a way to satisfy both sides.
To remain true to the Tathagata (Buddhism), he would inevitably betray "you" (the Three Pure Ones);
Only by betraying the Tathagata (Buddhism) could he fulfill the wishes of "you" (the Three Pure Ones).
It was precisely because he could not find a way to honor both that he had fallen into this boundless demonic obsession.
Yet hearing Xuanxiao's voice inexplicably set his mind much more at ease.
The demonic qi no longer dared to continue corroding Shakyamuni.
Soon, the demonic qi within Shakyamuni began slowly dissipating.
It looked as though