Faith only in Silver Gong Xu, Lord of Ten Thousand Buddhas

Seeing Xu Qi'an remain silent in thought, Pearl conveyed her meaning through telepathy:

Legend has it that in ancient times, there was only one continent in this world. After the era of Gods and Devils ended, the heavens and earth collapsed and the Nine Provinces continent was shattered into countless islands.

"That island that emerged from the Ruins of Return should be part of the Nine Provinces continent."

Xu Qi'an nodded, glancing at the 'Raging Waves' island lord as he spoke:

Ask him what his specific thoughts are.

Pearl "translated" Xu Qi'an's words to the Lord of Angry Waves Island. Upon hearing this, the latter revealed a serious expression and said:

"I suspect that some of the Gods and Devils did not perish, but were trapped on the island."

"They looked so real, so powerful, that their overflowing energy could drive one mad, but a terrible barrier sealed off the island, isolating it from the outside world."

"As Mo Yu and I approached the barrier, he and the Dragon Guards were tainted by the terrifying aura of Gods and Devils and demons, and they underwent a strange transformation."

As for why the aura of Gods and Devils bestowed spiritual essence upon Mo Yu and the Dragon Guard, even the Lord of Raging Waves Island himself did not know. The island itself was a mystery that still needed to be explored and studied.

The nine-tailed fox sneered:

Who can confine Gods and Devils to an island? Even if it were a continent.

She didn't believe the words of the Lord of Raging Waves Island, and preferred to believe Xu Qi'an, who had seen the scenes of Gods and Devils falling in the memories of the Gu God.

However, the very existence of this island, appearing out of nowhere, represented the 'unbelievable,' so the nine-tailed fox did not directly refute it.

"Go and see for yourself to see how things are going."

Xu Qi'an turned his head, looked at the burly, tall, and ferocious-looking Azure Scaled Dragonman, and said:

You'll lead the way.

Pearl translated the words to the Lord of Raging Waves, and the Azure Scaled Dragon looked at the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox.

Although civilization has emerged and city-states have been established on Arsu Island, the survival Principle of the strong still influences the vast number of descendants of Gods and Devils.

The only person present who could force him to take such a dangerous risk was the ruler of the demon kingdom from the Nine Provinces Continent.

As for why it was semi-coercive, the Lord of Raging Waves Island was also unwilling to accept it and wanted to return to "Gods and Devils Island" to find out the truth.

Compared to our last meeting, this nine-tailed fox seems to have made tremendous progress in strength, probably very close to the first-grade realm as defined by the human race.

With her around, exploring "Gods and Devils Island" will be much more certain.

But the Lord of Raging Waves still did not agree immediately.

Noticing his contemplation and hesitation, the silver-haired enchantress smiled and asked in return:

What's the problem?

The Lord of Raging Waves Island gently exhaled and said:

"The existence of Gods and Devils Island was already leaked before I returned. After so much time has passed, the South China Sea Ruins are probably filled with many descendants of gods Gods and Devils at the Transcendent Realm."

That "friend" sold him the information, but he wouldn't just sell him one dragon.

This means that the competitive pressure will be immense.

Although the exceptionally powerful descendants of Gods and Devils have long since faded away, the vast overseas regions are countless times larger than the Nine Provinces. If all the extraordinary descendants of Gods and Devils were gathered together, it would still be an astonishing number.

Even if only a portion of it is gathered, it is still an extremely powerful force.

The Lord of Angry Waves Island felt it was necessary to make the advantages and disadvantages clear, lest the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox be too conspicuous and attract the wrath of the descendants of Gods and Devils.

Pearl translated for Xu Qi'an, who was overjoyed and blurted out:

"Such a good thing?!"

The Lord of Raging Waves Island couldn't understand the human language, but he saw the human male's face brighten visibly, as if he were extremely happy.

Is this something to be happy about?

Western Regions.

A city-state called 'Beichang' was located north of Mount Aranta. Due to poverty and desolation, the city-state was somewhat dilapidated and desolate.

The city lord is the only nobleman here, appointed by Aranya himself, simply because he traveled thousands of miles to Aranya on pilgrimage when he was young.

The city walls of Beichang are mainly made of stone and loess, almost blending into the desert outside the city, carrying a sense of ancient loneliness and desolation.

Zhu Lai was a beggar in Beichang City. He was seventeen years old. He wore a tattered robe, leaned on a wooden stick, and walked unsteadily along the streets of Beichang, praying that someone would take pity on him and give him some food, since he hadn't eaten for four days.

Beichang is impoverished, and the people living there lack food and clothing. Where can they find food to give to beggars?

"Have you seen the notice on the bulletin board? I heard that a Buddhist conference will be held at Mount Aranya after autumn, calling on believers from the Western Regions to make a pilgrimage."

"Alas, the journey is long, how will we get there? Forget about bandits and robbers, the cold and hunger alone could kill you."

"If you go now, you don't need to worry about the cold, but it will be autumn when you return."

The conversation among pedestrians on the street caught Zhu Lai's attention.

Is Aranya going to hold a Buddhist conference and call believers to make a pilgrimage?

Zhu Lai's spirits lifted, like a bucket of cool water poured over him on a hot summer day. He immediately dragged his tired body to the notice board at the city gate.

During his life as a beggar, he had heard rumors about the city lord.

It is said that when the city lord was young, he was a lazy and idle person. One day, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration and felt that he was born for Buddhism. So he traveled thousands of miles to Aranda to make a pilgrimage.

He was bathed in the Buddha's light on the sacred mountain, gained the appreciation of the Buddhist School, and became a Buddhist School.

From then on, he rose rapidly through the ranks and eventually became the city lord.

This story has been passed down orally in Beichang for many years and can be considered a template for how believing in Buddhism can change one's life.

Believing in Buddhism and making pilgrimages can change one's destiny. Only one thought remained in Zhu Lai's mind: to go to the notice board and see what was going on!

The half-mile distance felt like an eternity to him. By the time he reached the notice board, he was breathless and dizzy.

What does the notice board say?

He grabbed a resident standing next to the notice board.

"You filthy beggar, get out of my way!"

The man flew into a rage and kicked Zhu Lai away.

Already suffering from hunger and thirst, Zhu Lai collapsed heavily to the ground, feeling his consciousness beginning to leave his body, and his life about to come to an end.

It took him quite a while to slowly regain control of his body.

Would you like some water?

A gentle voice sounded in his ear. Zhu Lai opened his eyes and saw an ordinary-looking middle-aged man standing beside him, handing him a water bag.

The middle-aged man wore a thick, simple robe and had dark skin; he looked like an ordinary citizen of the city, yet his eyes were so gentle and full of kindness.

Zhu Lai licked his dry, chapped lips, eagerly took the water, and gulped it down.

He was extremely thirsty.

After drinking the water bag in one gulp, Zhu Lai let out a satisfied burp. Only then did a sense of unease and wariness arise in him, wondering why this middle-aged man in front of him would help a disheveled beggar like himself.

"Amitabha!"

The middle-aged man clasped his hands together and said with satisfaction:

I almost thought you were dead just now.

So they were Buddhist School believers. Zhu Lai breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little strange.

Beichang is a Buddhist School territory, so there are naturally many Buddhists. But according to his understanding, the Buddhists in the city believe in crossing the sea of suffering and attaining enlightenment.

It's about measuring yourself.

They rarely show enthusiasm for doing good deeds.

"Thanks!"

He still expressed his gratitude and carefully handed the water bag back.

The middle-aged man took the water bag and said:

"The notice board said that Aranya was going to hold a Buddhist conference and called on believers to go on a pilgrimage. But that was only an appeal to the powerful and wealthy."

People like us will never make it to Aranya.

Zhu Lai paused for a moment, then said "Thank you."

The middle-aged man continued:

The true Buddha is not in Aranya!

Zhu Lai was taken aback, looking around in alarm. He hadn't expected the middle-aged man to utter such outrageous words.

Fortunately, pedestrians were in a hurry and no one paid attention to this area.

The middle-aged man said:

"I believe in Mahayana Buddhism, the true Buddha. Young brother, you have an affinity with Mahayana Buddhism; would you like to join my Mahayana Buddhist community?"

Mahayana Buddhism?!

Zhu Lai had heard of this cult, which supposedly preached that all sentient beings could become Buddhas. He didn't know the specifics, but in short, it was a cult that spread heresies and misled the masses.

"Why are you telling me all this? I am a devout Buddhist School, and I am going on a pilgrimage to Aranya."

Zhu Lai said loudly that he never expected to encounter a cult here.

As he spoke, he got up, trying to leave the strangely speaking middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man followed slowly behind him, speaking in a calm and unhurried tone:

You won't make it to Aranya; you'll die along the way.

"It's none of your business."

Zhu Lai only wanted to stay away from him and away from the Mahayana Buddhism that was spreading heresies and misleading the public.

Beichang is cracking down on Mahayana Buddhists; those caught are sentenced to death.

Although he was a lowly beggar, he didn't want to die.

"Young man, Mahayana Buddhism is the true Dharma. If you don't believe me, I can take you to hear the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism." The middle-aged man lowered his voice, not giving up the opportunity to preach.

Perhaps I could pretend to infiltrate Mahayana Buddhist sect, then report them to the city lord in exchange for travel expenses to Aranda. Thinking this, Zhu Lai suddenly stopped and looked at the middle-aged man:

"Well, then I'll listen to it for now."

The middle-aged man said with satisfaction:

"Young man, you will surely come to believe in Mahayana Buddhism."

No, even if I die on the way, or jump off the city wall, I will never believe in Mahayana Buddhism. Zhu Lai sneered inwardly.

He silently followed behind the middle-aged man. The two walked through streets and alleys, stopping in a quiet alley. The middle-aged man rhythmically knocked on the gate of a courtyard.

A moment later, the courtyard gate opened, and an elderly woman with gray hair opened the door for them.

The two entered the courtyard and followed the old woman to a room on the side, which connected to the cellar.

Pushing open the cellar door, a faint light streamed in. Zhu Lai glanced around and saw more than twenty people dressed in tattered robes sitting cross-legged on prayer mats. They had their hands clasped together, their eyes closed, listening intently and devoutly to a young monk's sermon.

As the cellar door opened, the believers turned to look back, and the young monk facing the door also stopped and looked in their direction.

The middle-aged man took two steps forward, put his hands together in prayer, and said:

"Master Jingsi, I have guided a person with affinity to Mahayana Buddhism."

Having said that, he beckoned to Zhu Lai, signaling him to come forward.

As Zhu Lai walked forward, he scrutinized the young monk.

He had delicate features and fair skin, and didn't look like someone from the Western Regions at all.

If Xu Qi'an were here, he would recognize this as the young monk Jingsi who accompanied the Arhat Du'e when the Western Regions delegation entered the capital.

Despite his young age, he mastered the Vajra Divine Skill.

"Being a cult leader at such a young age must be very valuable," Zhu Lai thought to himself.

At this moment, he heard Jing Si smile and say:

"You look very unwell and your stomach is empty. Why don't you eat some vegetarian food first, and then listen to this humble monk's sermon with your fellow disciples?"

There's even food? Zhu Lai thought to himself, "This is great! Before I expose you to the city lord, I'll eat your food for free first."

An elderly woman with gray hair quickly brought over a stack of steamed buns and a bowl of water.

Zhu Lai ate ravenously and quickly solved his hunger problem.

Jing Si watched all this with a smile, then turned to the middle-aged man and said:

"Mahayana Buddhism is about liberating oneself and others, saving all sentient beings from suffering, and helping them attain enlightenment. You have done a very good job."

The middle-aged man put his hands together and said:

"I am fortunate to have heard the true teachings of Buddha."

The crowd clasped their hands together and chanted:

"Amitabha!"

Jingsi continued:

"Today, a new member has joined us. This humble monk will reiterate the origins of Mahayana Buddhism, hoping that the newcomer will be aware of this."

"Mahayana Buddhism originated in the Central Great Feng of Great Feng. It was founded by Xu Qi'an, the Silver Gong of Xu Qi'an. Xu Qi'an was the reincarnation of the Lord of Ten Thousand Buddhas in the Three Thousand Worlds. He converted and saved Arhats from calamities during a Buddhist School contest in the Great Feng Dafeng."

"The Arhat who saved from suffering attained enlightenment, realized the true meaning of Mahayana Buddhism, and became a Buddha in a sudden enlightenment, becoming the second Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism."

How could an Arhat be a Buddha? There is clearly only one Buddha in the world! Zhu Lai quietly curled his lip.

He listened with disdain to the young monk's explanation of Mahayana Buddhism. For every sentence the young monk spoke, he would mentally refute it or give a disdainful sneer.

But when he heard about the equality of all beings, Zhu Lai fell silent.

"If there truly is a place in this world where all beings are equal, then I will defend it to the death," he muttered to himself.

He was a beggar since childhood, suffering endless scorn and bullying, and lived a very painful life.

Unconsciously, he changed his mindset and began to listen to the scriptures attentively and think deeply.

"If Aranya and all Buddhist School believers in the Western Regions were to help others and themselves, would I still be a beggar? Would my fate change?"

"If it weren't for that uncle's help, I'd still be suffering from hunger. Is this Mahayana Buddhism really a cult?"

Various thoughts flashed through his mind.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhu Lai heard the young monk say:

That's enough for today!

He suddenly realized that the sunlight filtering through the crack in the door had turned golden-red; it was dusk.

Oh dear, I forgot to beg! I'll be starving again tonight. Zhu Lai was extremely anxious and annoyed.

A beggar like him, who doesn't know where his next meal will come from, has to work hard every moment to eat, or he will go hungry.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly stood up, intending to leave.

The young monk's words made sense, so he decided not to expose him yet. Just as Zhu Lai was about to leave, he noticed that the Mahayana believers around him remained seated, none of them getting up to leave.

The crowd looked at the young monk with hopeful eyes.

Then, he saw the young monk Jingsi take a string of copper coins out of his sleeve and say to the old woman:

"Let's divide it up among everyone!"

The old woman took the copper coins and distributed them evenly among the people according to their head count.

"There's still money to be made?!" Zhu Lai looked down at the five copper coins in his palm. In Beichang City, that could buy five steamed buns.

If he eats sparingly, it'll be enough to feed him for three days.

What kind of cult is this? Do cults really exist that give copper coins to their followers?!

Zhu Lai's values and worldview were severely impacted.

Monk Jingsi said gently:

"The Buddha would not allow His followers to go hungry. To help others is to help oneself; this is the fundamental principle of our religion. Mahayana Buddhism always keeps its word."

Zhu Lai gripped the copper coin in his hand tightly, feeling as if he had finally found his people.

He then discovered that the middle-aged man who had converted him to Christianity had received ten copper coins.

Huh? Isn't the principle that all beings are equal?!

Zhu Lai couldn't understand it.

The middle-aged man laughed:

"This is my deserved reward. For each person I convert, I will receive five copper coins. This is the rule I taught."

I know so many beggars, so many! I... I'm going to get rich! That was the only thought in Zhu Lai's mind.

Only those who believe in Mahayana Buddhism have faith in the Lord of All Buddhas!