Blissful World (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The rain curtain wove like a net, and the world seemed to be left with only a chaotic, gray-white curtain of water.

The young monk holding the oil-paper umbrella walked steadily through the wind and rain, like a guiding yellow talisman. Gu Mo, Ye Chen, and the still-shaken Yun Song and Yun Qing followed closely behind, treading the muddy and slippery mountain path towards the brightly lit manor on the hillside.

As they approached the manor, they could hear the noisy human voices from within. The decadent sounds of silk and bamboo music grew clearer, even overpowering the rushing rain, forming a stark contrast between hell and heaven with the deathly stillness of Mud Bottle Town below the mountain.

The manor's main gate was wide open, with no guards. A large plaque hung above the lintel, inscribed with four large, gilded characters written in a flamboyant script:

Little Leiyin Temple.

"Little Leiyin Temple? A temple?" Ye Chen looked at the plaque, then at the luxurious light emanating from within the gate and the bursts of noise, his mouth twitching. "This temple of Maitreya Buddha... is certainly quite unique."

The young monk seemed not to hear, still maintaining that calm, almost eerie smile, leading the four of them over the high threshold.

One step inside, and it was like stepping into another world.

Warm, dry air, carrying a thick, unresolvable fragrance, rushed towards them—the aroma of wine, meat, cosmetics, incense... all mixed together, forming a scent that was both intoxicating and mesmerizing.

The scene opened up before them. This was no austere Buddhist temple, but clearly a gilded cave of extreme luxury!

The vast courtyard was as bright as day.

In the center of the hall stood a high platform. Dressed in revealing attire, dancers with graceful postures swayed to the decadent music, their water sleeves fluttering, their eyes like silk threads, drawing loud cheers from the surrounding men.

In another hall nearby, there was also a high platform. A group of handsome men, with their upper bodies naked, were striking poses, causing the women and girls watching below to have stars in their eyes.

Ye Chen revealed a smile and said, "Maitreya Buddha truly practices the Buddhist teaching of equality for all. Men have beautiful dancers to admire, and women do too. Heh, this might be a true Buddha!"

Gu Mo and the others couldn't tell if Ye Chen's words were praise or criticism.

The young monk leading the way said slowly, "Benefactor speaks the truth. Before our Buddha, all beings are equal."

Ye Chen quickly said, "That doesn't make sense. Why do these people get to sit and watch, while those on stage have to strike poses for others' amusement? Isn't that unequal?"

The young monk said, "All beings are equal, each fulfilling their role. In this Little Leiyin Temple, everyone is equal. The dancers on stage are all willing; this is what they enjoy doing.

There are many kinds of people in this world. Some like to enjoy themselves, some like to be noticed, some like to be busy, some like power, some like to grovel...

In Leiyin Temple, the Buddha has Mahayana Buddhism, which helps all beings achieve their desires!"

Gu Mo asked, "Where is your Buddha? Didn't he invite us here? Why hasn't he appeared yet?"

The young monk quickly said, "Benefactor, please do not worry. When the time is right, the Buddha will appear. You benefactors may explore freely. Perhaps you will find what you seek here. This little monk will wait here. If you need anything, you may instruct this little monk."

Ye Chen asked, "Big Brother, what do you think?"

Gu Mo said solemnly, "Let's walk around and take a look first. I'm quite curious about what this so-called Buddha has up his sleeve."

Immediately, the four of them walked inside.

As soon as he crossed a wall, the place erupted with noise. The crisp sound of dice hitting a dice cup, the muffled thud of Pai Gow tiles striking the table, and various roars of laughter and hysteria intertwined. It was, in fact, a grand casino.

The gamblers' expressions were fervent, their eyes bloodshot, as they piled heaps of gold and jewels onto the tables.

However, it was very strange that most of the people here were dressed simply, looking like ordinary folk, yet they were spending fortunes.

A pavilion to the right emitted a seductive pink light, with constant sounds of sweet voices. Leaning on the railings were several women and men of unparalleled beauty and diverse temperaments. The women smiled charmingly, their gazes captivating, while the handsome men displayed various expressions.

It was clearly a top-tier brothel.

Occasionally, guests would drunkenly enter or exit, arm in arm with beauties. The guests were both men and women, and there were even instances of a woman embracing two or three men.

Directly ahead stood a magnificent restaurant. Through the enormous floor-to-ceiling crystal windows, one could see people clinking glasses and feasting, with all sorts of delicacies and fine wines on display.

There were even jugglers performing tricks, and musicians playing unheard-of seductive melodies...

The entire estate was a concentration of the ultimate earthly pleasures... a paradise!

"Tsk tsk tsk, no wonder people of Buddhism call the Western Heavens the Blissful World! If Little Leiyin Temple is this enjoyable, then Great Thunderclap Temple must be heavenly!" Ye Chen exclaimed, dumbfounded. "Maitreya Buddha's Little Leiyin Temple is like this? Tsk tsk tsk, could it be that he also likes to gamble a bit and visit brothels?"

Gu Mo chuckled and said, "Whether Buddha likes to gamble, I don't know, but monks certainly do."

As he spoke, Gu Mo pointed towards a gambling table in the middle of the noisy casino.

Ye Chen looked over and saw a monk in a kasaya, with one arm around a middle-aged woman who still possessed considerable charm, holding a small wine jar in the other hand, shouting by the gambling table. He looked incredibly happy, and his hand around the woman was restlessly caressing her.

"This monk really knows how to have fun!"

Ye Chen curiously leaned closer to get a better look. It turned out to be an old monk with white eyebrows and a white beard. With his kind and benevolent face, he looked like a highly virtuous master if seen outside.

The monk noticed Ye Chen's gaze, turned his head, smiled slightly at Ye Chen, and asked, "Benefactor, why are you looking at this monk like this? Do you have any advice?"

Ye Chen shook his head and said, "No advice, just some doubt. Master, as a monk, how can you... play like this? Don't you practice detachment from worldly desires and the breaking of worldly attachments?"

The old monk smiled slightly and said, "Benefactor, if this monk does not first enter the world, how can he break free from it? If one does not first have impure senses, how can one achieve pure senses?"

"So, Master, is it that your realm is not high enough, and that's why you're a Wine and Meat Monk?" Ye Chen asked.

The old monk shook his head and said, "Not so. This monk has received Buddha's Enlightenment from Maitreya Buddha, and his realm has already reached the Buddha Realm. It is precisely because my realm is sufficient that I am in the world but not of it. I enter this world only to transcend it. This is the essence of Mahayana Buddhism. Buddha once Cut Flesh to Feed Eagle and Sacrificed Self to Feed Tiger. This monk enters this world only to Save All Beings."

"How do you save them?" Ye Chen asked.

"By solving the worries of the world!" the old monk said.

Ye Chen chuckled and said, "Master, am I considered one of the people of the world?"

"Yes."

"Then you save all beings by solving their worries. My worry, can Master resolve it?" Ye Chen asked.

"Naturally, I am willing," the Old Monk said.

Ye Chen's lips curved slightly upward. He opened his palm in front of the Old Monk and said, "Master, my heart is troubled, and I only lack money. Since you have a heart to save all beings, why not give me some money? That would resolve my worries. How about it?"

Ye Chen looked at the Old Monk with a hint of provocation in his eyes.

To his surprise, the Old Monk unhurriedly took out a Money Bag and placed it in Ye Chen's hand. It was heavy, containing at least fifty to sixty taels of silver.

Ye Chen: "??"

He actually gave it to me?

The Old Monk chuckled and asked, "Benefactor, are your worries resolved?"

Ye Chen weighed it and gave a sly smile, saying, "Not enough."

The Old Monk took out another Money Bag and handed it to Ye Chen. This time, the amount was even larger, at least a hundred taels.

"Benefactor, are you still worried?"

Ye Chen was dumbfounded. "Old Monk, tell me honestly, did you steal your Buddha's golden statue and sell it?"

The Old Monk smiled slightly. "The Buddha is in the heart, not in the golden statue. Benefactor, your problem is not important. What's important is whether your worries are resolved. This Monk cares about this issue, and the Buddha also cares. We only wish for all beings to attain bliss!"

Ye Chen took a deep breath. This Old Monk's Realm was indeed profound. He immediately said, "Monk, look, you enter the mortal world and only seek women. But I am so young, and I don't even have a woman. My heart is deeply troubled. How about you give me a woman?"

The Old Monk nodded and said, "What the Benefactor says makes sense. However, the Benefactor has made one mistake."

"Where?" Ye Chen asked doubtfully.

The Old Monk said, "Given your youthful vigor, how could one woman be enough? At least two, two a day!"

"Ah?" Ye Chen was stunned.

The Old Monk directly stepped forward, hooked Ye Chen's shoulder, pointed to a nearby Brothel, and said, "Let's go, Benefactor. This Monk will take you for drinks. This Monk is treating. You can stay as long as you want. All expenses for food, drink, gambling, and visiting brothels, This Monk will cover!"

Ye Chen gave a thumbs-up and praised, "Master, you truly live up to being an Enlightened Monk touched by Buddha's Enlightenment. Your Realm is truly extraordinary. I am convinced. Master, from now on, you are my Buddha!"

The Old Monk smiled. "The Buddha is in the heart. All beings can be the Buddha!"

Ye Chen hurriedly said, "I understand, Master, I understand! I am the Buddha, and the Buddha is me!"

The Old Monk was very pleased. "Benefactor has great Comprehension!"

Ye Chen chuckled. "So, at this moment, I am the Buddha. Then, Master, shouldn't you let me, this Buddha, see the legendary Buddha-land and let me also sit on a Lotus Platform?"

The Old Monk slowly reclaimed his hand from Ye Chen's shoulder, then took a step back. He clasped his Hands together. That instant, the aura around the Old Monk changed. From a dissolute Wine and Meat Monk, he suddenly transformed into an Enlightened Monk, exuding an aura of compassion for all beings.

He bowed slightly to Ye Chen and chanted devoutly, "Welcome, my Buddha, back to the Blissful World!"

That instant, Ye Chen suddenly found his surroundings had changed!

The extravagant and noisy casinos, brothels, and taverns receded like a tide, the pungent scent of cosmetics and wine replaced by an ethereal, vast, yet subtly oppressive sandalwood incense.

His feet were no longer on polished floors or muddy mountain paths, but on a warm, smooth, glazed floor flowing with colorful rosy clouds. Looking up, the dome was so high it seemed endless, adorned with sarira like immeasurable stars, emitting a soft and sacred radiance.

Magnificent and solemn palaces rose from the ground, resplendent and glorious, with intricately carved beams and painted rafters. Countless huge golden Buddha statues sat upon lotus platforms, some with compassionate downcast eyes, others with fierce Vajra wrath, each with a solemn and majestic appearance.

This was, strikingly, the legendary Western Blissful Buddha Country!

Ye Chen and the old monk stood in the center of a vast plaza, facing the incomparably enormous golden Buddha at the highest point of the main hall—Tathagata Buddha!

The Buddha's eyes were slightly closed, Buddha light radiating all around him, as if containing the universal truth, making it impossible to look directly.

The old monk, now clad in a dazzling Seven Treasures Kasaya, his face solemn and devout, clasped his hands together. He bowed deeply to the Buddha above, his voice loud and clear, echoing throughout the boundless Buddha Country:

"Reporting to my Buddha Lord, your disciple has fortunately not failed his mission and has guided the True Spirit of 'Wonderful Joy Free Buddha' back to his rightful place! The worldly illusions have been broken, and Buddha Nature is revealed. I request the World-Honored One to bestow the lotus platform and guide the Buddha to ascend to Bliss!"

His voice was filled with supreme honor and certainty.

Tathagata Buddha, seated high on the lotus platform, slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was like two blazing suns, containing supreme majesty and compassion. He nodded slightly, his voice like a great bell and grand music, shaking the universe:

"Well done! Wonderful Joy Free Buddha, you have returned from your tribulations, your merit complete. You shall ascend the lotus platform and enjoy eternal bliss!"

As the Buddha's words fell, a massive Nine-Rank Golden Lotus Platform, composed of pure light, appeared out of thin air beneath Ye Chen's feet. It slowly rotated, emitting a warm and powerful guiding force, as if to lift him up and merge him into the boundless Buddha light.

The surrounding Bodhisattvas and Arhats chanted Buddhist chants in unison, their Buddhist chants shaking the heavens, forming a powerful mental torrent, urging and tempting Ye Chen to step onto the lotus platform that symbolized eternal liberation and supreme honor.

At this very moment, Ye Chen's lips curved into an extremely clear, sarcastic arc.

He raised his head, his gaze piercing through the magnificent Buddha light and palace, looking directly at the "Tathagata Buddha" on the high platform, then glancing at the old monk beside him with a devout expression, he let out an incredibly clear scoff:

"Master, your Great Thunderclap Temple isn't as attractive as the Little Leiyin Temple you set up!"

Ye Chen's voice was not loud, but it carried a peculiar penetrating power. Amidst the solemn and sacred Buddhist chants, it sounded utterly out of place, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

The old monk spoke calmly, "Wonderful Joy Free Buddha, this is the Holy Land of Buddha Country, with the World-Honored One present. Ascend the lotus platform quickly, do not continue to be deluded..."

His voice had a unique penetrating power that made people inexplicably feel a sense of conviction, unconsciously believing what he said.

However, An ordinary person would surely have fallen into mental devotion, But he was now facing Ye Chen, Chu Kingdom's Third Master.

"Playing God, break for me—!!!"

The final "Break!" resounded like a clap of thunder!

An unimaginable surge of majestic internal energy erupted from Ye Chen's body as he unleashed a Sound Wave Skill.

BOOM--!!!

The scene before him, like a fragile glass mirror, instantly spiderwebbed with cracks! The magnificent Buddhist palace hall, the solemn myriad of gods and Buddhas, all violently shook and distorted under Ye Chen's roar, which contained his majestic internal energy and his will to shatter illusions!

CRACK! CRACKLE!

The sound of shattering echoed endlessly!

The sacred Buddhist chants turned into piercing shrieks, the solemn Buddha Light twisted into weird colors, and the "Tathagata Buddha" seated on the lotus platform had his compassionate expression instantly freeze, then dissolve into a blurry, ferocious silhouette!

The Bodhisattvas and Arhats standing guard, their figures rippled and shattered like reflections disturbed by thrown stones!

"Ah--!"

The Old Monk let out a roar mixed with shock and anger. The Seven Treasures Kasaya on his body shattered inch by inch, revealing the tattered, old monk robe underneath, stained with wine and powder.

The pungent scent of powder, the rich aroma of wine and meat, the clatter of dice and Pai Gow, the laughter of men and women... the noisy, extravagant atmosphere of the "Little Leiyin Temple" surged back like a receding tide, re-filling their senses.

The Old Monk looked at Ye Chen, astonished, "Such profound Martial Dao True Intent, such exquisite Sound Wave Skill!"

Ye Chen ignored the Old Monk and turned to Gu Mo, who was walking over with the Yun Family Brothers, shouting, "Big Brother, this Old Monk should be the one we're looking for!"

Gu Mo had been keeping an eye on Ye Chen. He had noticed when the Old Monk used a Spiritual Secret Technique to pull Ye Chen into an illusion, but Ye Chen, despite his somewhat eccentric personality, possessed formidable martial arts. Gu Mo wasn't worried at all.

"Amitabha!" The Old Monk cupped his hands in a salute towards Gu Mo, saying, "Do several benefactors also have worries that require my Buddha's salvation?"

Gu Mo returned the salute, "Master, let's stop beating around the bush. Where did the people from the town at the foot of the mountain go? What's the deal with the people hanging themselves in the inn? What do you want by leading us here?"

"Amitabha," the Old Monk said, "The people from the town are all here, as are the people from a hundred miles around. As for those in the inn, they were bandits who deserved severe punishment, but my Buddha's compassion led them to the Blissful World.

As for why I invited you here, it is because this monk received guidance from the Buddha to travel the world on his behalf, saving all beings. You are all beings of this world, and by fate, you have arrived at this place where this monk resides. Naturally, you shall be guided to the Blissful World!"

Ye Chen curled his lips and said, "Old Monk, why are you still pretending in front of us? What Buddha from the West? I've already broken your mental skills, why are you still acting? Is it fun?"

"Amitabha," the Old Monk said, "Benefactor misunderstands. Although this monk used some methods, this monk truly received guidance from the Buddha to guide ten thousand people to enjoy bliss, to enter the Pure Land of Bliss!"

Gu Mo chuckled and pointed at the men and women around them still engrossed in gambling or flirting, "Your so-called bliss is to subject them to your Mental Stimulation, turning them into madmen?"

The hall was very strange at this moment.

Gu Mo and his companions were in a confrontation with the Old Monk, but the people around them seemed to be in another world, solely focused on their own activities, completely oblivious to their surroundings. Even when Ye Chen's Sound Wave Skill had shattered many things in the hall just moments ago, no one even glanced their way.

The gamblers continued to shout hysterically, the lovers continued their activities in public, and those feasting until they were stuffed were still indulging in food...

These people looked normal at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they appeared terrifying.

Obsessed, truly too obsessed!

"Amitabha!"

The Old Monk cupped his hands towards Gu Mo and Others and said, "Benefactors, just look at them. Aren't they happy? Aren't they content? But look outside. Smoke billows from beacon fires, the people have no way to live, starvation is widespread, and corpses stretch for a thousand miles. All beings suffer, suffering beyond words.

When the country is stable, the people suffer. When the world is in chaos, the people also suffer. So many people, from the moment they are born, are suffering and enduring hardship, never having known happiness, never having known contentment. This Monk is here to guide them to the Blissful World."

As he spoke, The Old Monk walked up to a gambler and said, "This Benefactor, he loves to gamble, but he always loses, losing his fortune and his family. Now, I grant him to win every bet. He is happy, in bliss!"

The Old Monk then pointed to a woman in revealing clothing and said, "This Benefactor, her man died when she was in her teens, but she was restricted by worldly customs and rules, forcing her to remain a widow her whole life. But everyone has desires, everyone feels lonely at times. Now, I grant her to indulge freely. Eating and sex are natural human desires. She is happy, in bliss!"

"This Benefactor, worked hard his whole life, but had no money, it all went to the Landlord Master. I grant him immense wealth. He is happy, in bliss!"

"That Benefactor, never ate a full meal in his life. Here, I grant him endless delicacies. He is happy, in bliss!"

"..."

The Old Monk listed over a dozen people in one breath, then looked towards Gu Mo and Others and said, "Benefactors, isn't this a Pure Land of Bliss? Isn't this Monk saving all beings?"

The group exchanged glances.

Ye Chen transmitted his voice, "Big Brother, why do I suddenly feel like what this Old Monk is saying makes a lot of sense? Forget about Northern Zhou now, even in your Gan Country and our Chu Kingdom, many people don't have enough to eat. This so-called Little Leiyin Temple, for those people, can truly be called a Pure Land of Bliss!"

Gu Mo frowned slightly and asked, "Then, Master, you said earlier that the people within a hundred-mile radius are all here, but you only have a few hundred people here at most. Where are the others?"

The Old Monk looked gratified and said, "They have gone to the Blissful World."

Ye Chen: "??"

"Don't tell me, when you say 'gone to the Blissful World,' you mean they're dead like those bandits hanging in the town!"

The Old Monk hurriedly said, "Naturally not."

Ye Chen breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The Old Monk said, "Those bandits had sins on their souls. It was only after they received the extreme punishment of hanging that this Monk guided them to the Blissful World. But those commoners are different. They went to the Blissful World from within bliss, to enjoy eternal bliss!"

Ye Chen's relief didn't fully materialize, and he said in terror, "You mean, you killed all the people within a hundred-mile radius?"

"No, this Monk guided them to the Blissful World!" the Old Monk said with a slight smile.

Ye Chen took a deep breath and pointed to the people around them, saying, "The price for enjoying food, drink, and fun here is your life. Isn't that price too high?"

"Benefactor misunderstands," the Old Monk said. "This Monk is here to save all beings on behalf of my Buddha, to free the world from the sea of suffering and allow them to enjoy eternal bliss. Amitabha!"

Ye Chen sneered, "Then, does that mean if I kill you right now, you'll have to thank me for sending you to the Blissful World?"

The Old Monk shook his head slightly and said, "This Monk's joy lies in saving all sentient beings. When the Buddha enlightened this Monk, I vowed to ferry ten thousand people. So far, I have only saved six thousand four hundred and thirty-two. Therefore, I cannot yet go to the Blissful World!"

Ye Chen shook his head and said, "You monk are truly crazy!"

The Old Monk calmly said, "The world is ignorant, and you benefactors are no exception. Since that is the case, this Monk shall ferry a few benefactors to the Blissful World to take a look!"

Instantly, The Old Monk's body emanated waves of golden light, accompanied by faint Buddhist Chants, as his true qi surged.

Ye Chen chuckled and said, "Old Monk, are you trying to fight me? Do you know who I am? I am Ye Chen, the Chosen One of the Chu Kingdom!"

"Amitabha," the Old Monk said, "This Monk remembers. When I ferry Benefactor Ye to the Blissful World, I will definitely inform the Buddha of your name."

Ye Chen's mouth twitched. Realizing this monk had never heard of him, he pointed at Gu Mo and said, "You might not know me, but do you know who he is? The Number One Under Heaven in the current martial world. Are you trying to fight him?"

The Old Monk was slightly stunned and said, "This Monk remembers that Sword God Su, Su Qianqiu, is already over eighty years old. This benefactor appears to be only in his early twenties. Amitabha, benefactor, all sentient beings are equal. You are you, and you don't need to impersonate others!"

Gu Mo: "..."

Ye Chen was bewildered and said, "No, is the news in Northern Zhou that backward? Big Brother, you've been the Number One Under Heaven for two or three years now, haven't you?"

However, At this moment, the Old Monk clearly didn't have time to listen to Ye Chen introduce his identity.

"Amitabha!"

He took a step forward, and immediately, golden light erupted, like a Buddha Dharma Image suppressing the world. Golden Light burst forth from his feet, spreading across the bluestone like molten gold in a boiling cauldron. Where he stepped, illusory lotus flowers bloomed in succession. His Kasaya moved without wind, and the golden threads that hung down transformed into myriad Buddha Lights.

"Please, benefactors, come to the Blissful World!"

With a palm strike suppressing downwards, The moment his palm flipped, a grand formation appeared throughout the entire manor. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged into the formation like All Rivers Flow into the Sea, directly forming a domain.

The void rippled with spider web-like cracks. This palm strike, imbued with boundless Buddhist Chants, stirred up a Gang Feng before it even made contact. Within the sound wave, it was as if thousands of Buddhas were chanting scriptures. The scent of scorched earth from a lightning strike mingled with sandalwood, condensing into substance in the world.

At this very instant, Gu Mo slowly extended his hand and then opened his five fingers.

"Slap!"

A loud slapping sound rang out.

Gu Mo slapped the Old Monk across the face with one hand, as easily as swatting a mosquito, the sound crisp and clear.

Then, The Buddha Light dispersed, the great formation shattered, and the domain vanished.

The Old Monk flew backward, smashing into a pillar, spitting out a mouthful of blood mixed with several teeth.

The Old Monk quickly got up, clasped his hands together, and chanted, "My Buddha is merciful..."

"Slap!"

Gu Mo delivered another slap, a Void Great Hand Seal striking the Old Monk's other cheek. He was sent flying once more, crashing directly onto the stone steps outside the house. He then landed precisely on his knees, spitting out another mouthful of blood. Both sides of his face were swollen to an equal degree.

The thin Old Monk had become a fat-faced Old Monk.

"Benefactor, such a high realm!"

"How high?"

"Very high."

Gu Mo walked to the door with a light laugh, looking down at the Old Monk from above, and said, "Then do you still want to ferry me to the Blissful World?"

"Yes."

The Old Monk knelt on the ground, clasped his hands, and said, "This Monk made a great vow before Buddha to save ten thousand people from suffering. Naturally, there is no distinction between noble and lowly; all beings can be saved.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva once made a great vow: 'I will not become a Buddha until hell is empty.' Although this monk cannot compare to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, I will also uphold my great vow. If I do not save ten thousand people from suffering, I will not return to the Blissful World!"

In a daze, Strange Buddha Light emanated from the Old Monk's body. It possessed the sanctity of Buddhism yet contained streaks of evil energy, instantly converging to form a domain.

Then, a character formed by swirling black energy appeared on the Old Monk's forehead.

Gu Mo frowned slightly and said, "Monk, there's a character on your forehead?"

The Old Monk smiled and said, "If there is a character, it must be the character 'Buddha'."

"No, it's the character 'Slave'!"

The Old Monk smiled and said, "Benefactor, are you trying to say this monk has fallen into delusion and become a slave manipulated by desire? Benefactor is mistaken. This monk has not fallen into delusion, nor has he been manipulated by desire.

My desire to ferry Benefactor is not out of obsession. It is because, in my heart, all beings are equal. Although Benefactor's realm is very high, you are still one of the common people in the mortal world, and all beings suffer; Benefactor also suffers.

To Save All Beings is a great vow, and one must endure suffering.

Benefactor is Highly Skilled in Martial Arts, This is this monk's tribulation to save you, But, the tribulation will eventually dissipate."

"Because, this monk is the Buddha!"

The words fell, and the old monk's body, which had been kneeling on the ground, suddenly straightened. An indescribable Buddha light soared upwards, no longer the solemn golden color, but a chaotic color mixed with filthy dark red and eerie green light.

The light twisted and writhed, condensing behind him into a huge, ferocious Buddha Dharma Image!

This Dharma Image had the outline of a Buddha and the compassion of a Buddha. Yet, it had three heads and six arms, with green faces and fangs. Every pair of fierce eyes flowed with a thick, blood-like light.

A giant palm, entwined with Filthy Buddha Light, carrying terrifying pressure, slammed down fiercely towards Gu Mo at the doorway!

Wherever the palm wind passed, space itself seemed to be stained with a filthy color, groaning as if unable to bear the burden.

"Amitabha! Benefactor, this is the great vow this monk has transformed into, the Duo E Buddha Palm! Please enter Bliss!"

However, facing this attack, Gu Mo merely raised his eyelids slightly.

He didn't even make any extra movements. He simply raised his right hand, spread his five fingers, and casually swatted towards the Covering the Sky and Sun, filthy Buddha palm.

The movement was nonchalant, as if brushing a speck of dust from his sleeve.

"Slap!"

An extremely crisp slapping sound, in this chaotic space filled with the Buddha's roar and filthy Buddha light, seemed incredibly abrupt, yet incredibly clear!

There was no earth-shattering explosion, no violent energy clash.

It was like a red-hot iron pressed into solidified lard.

That giant Buddha palm, imbued with boundless evil power and overwhelming filth, shattered inch by inch the moment it came into contact with Gu Mo's seemingly casual slap. It disintegrated, and the Buddha light that formed the Dharma Image melted and dispersed rapidly like snow illuminated by the sun!

"Pfft--!"

The old monk was struck as if by a ten-thousand-pound hammer. His body arched violently, and a large mouthful of dark red, filthy blood mixed with internal organ fragments spewed out, staining the stone steps in front of him into a mess.

Gu Mo bent down, grabbed the back collar of the old monk's tattered Monk Robe, stained with blood and mud, and effortlessly dragged him up from the cold stone steps. He dragged him towards a patch of clear water in the center of the courtyard.

The water reflected the light from the lamps and the outline of the rooftop.

Gu Mo roughly pushed the old monk's head towards the clear puddle and said, "The character on your forehead reads 'slave'!"

The water surface rippled slightly, reflecting the old monk's swollen face.

And on that bare forehead, a strange character condensed from pure black qi, appeared clearly as if branded!

"Slave!"

The old monk was stunned and asked doubtfully, "What is this?"

Gu Mo said calmly, "Don't you know?"

The old monk slumped to the ground, silent for a while, and said, "This monk... I'm afraid I've fallen into a demonic state!"

"Which demon?"

"Inner Demon!"