Jialuo Ye had once been wholeheartedly devoted to Buddhism, with no second thoughts, just like Golden Cicada.
But why had he started thinking this way now?
"Do you truly intend to be a demon for the rest of your life?" Tathagata asked.
Jialuo Ye said, "Whether I am a demon or a Buddha, as long as I harbor kindness in my heart, I have no cause for shame. The Demon Clan is also part of the Three Realms, one of the myriad living beings, one among all sentient beings. What difference is there in my becoming one of them? Buddhas, demons, and humans are all sentient beings. There is no difference. All dharmas are empty."
Tathagata and Maitreya Buddha were both astonished by his words.
Tathagata did not continue trying to persuade Jialuo Ye, because he could already see that Jialuo Ye's resolve was firm and that it would be difficult to change his mind.
"Very well. Since you have chosen this path, I will no longer try to persuade you. I only hope you will walk it well and not betray your original heart." Tathagata rose to his feet.
Jialuo Ye stood as well. "Rest assured, Venerable Tathagata, I will never betray my original heart. But you, Venerable..."
"What about me?"
Jialuo Ye said, "Neither I nor you, Venerable, should betray our original hearts."
Tathagata paused slightly. Was Jialuo Ye trying to lecture him?
However, Tathagata did not react. He merely nodded before leaving with Maitreya Buddha.
Jialuo Ye watched the two leave, then returned to his military camp to deal with affairs.
High in the distant sky, Turtle Prime Minister stood watching. Naturally, he knew of Tathagata and Maitreya Buddha's arrival, but he did nothing about it. After all, he could not defeat them.
When he saw Jialuo