The Zen Venerable seated upon the Golden Lotus throne slowly opened his eyes.
They were profound eyes that seemed to contain the myriad worlds, the birth and death of all things.
When those eyes turned toward Xiao Wu, everyone on Douluo Continent felt their hearts skip a beat.
It felt as though mortals were gazing up at an endless expanse of stars, filled with utter helplessness.
"Amitabha."
The Zen Venerable's voice rang out through the hall.
Though it was clearly gentle, it seemed to explode directly within the deepest depths of Xiao Wu's mind.
"The sea of suffering is boundless; turn back, and you shall find the shore. Since you have come to my Great Thunderclap Temple, you have an affinity with Buddha."
The Zen Venerable slowly raised a large hand, as though cast from gold. His index finger curled slightly before lightly tapping toward Xiao Wu's brow.
"Lay down the butcher's knife and take refuge in Buddha. Today, this old monk shall cleanse you of this demonic aura and grant you new life."
As the Zen Venerable's words fell—
Rings of visible golden Buddhist light rippled from his fingertip as though tangible, instantly enveloping Xiao Wu's entire body.
The conversion had begun.
This was not physical harm at all, but a forcible cleansing and remolding from the level of the soul.
Xiao Wu only felt a thunderous buzz erupt in her mind.
She clutched her head in agony and let out a shriek.
The golden Buddhist light forced its way into her mind through her seven orifices, beginning to strip away her original memories and consciousness.
"No... don't..." Xiao Wu rolled across the floor in pain, her once-smooth scorpion braid falling into disarray.
"I'm Xiao Wu... I have to find Third Brother..." She gritted her teeth, using the last