Duobao: I've Decided to Trade a Buddhist Bead for the Book

Before this, I had always been wondering whether to cultivate Buddhism or the Dao.

I always felt that choosing the Western Wondrous Dharma would be like betraying the Interception Sect.

So I could never make up my mind.

Now, these four simple characters seemed to have already provided an explanation!

They also showed me a clear path forward.

Duobao stared at the cover of the first book before him, his eyes blazing.

The four simple characters on it, [Buddha Is the Dao].

Pierced straight through Duobao's primordial spirit.

In the depths of Duobao's primordial spirit.

A sensation of sudden enlightenment that he could neither describe nor explain arose at once.

Duobao wanted to grasp it.

But he could not.

Duobao did not panic, however.

Because.

The book contained more than just those four characters.

After those four characters.

There had to be much more.

Waiting for him to comprehend.

After these thoughts flashed through his mind.

Duobao no longer had the heart to look at the contents of the other two books.

He instinctively wanted to turn to the first page of Buddha Is the Dao.

And read it.

But when his hand was almost touching the book.

A thought suddenly occurred to Duobao.

Hmm?

Wait!

I am already at a crucial juncture in my breakthrough.

If "Buddha Is the Dao" contains an extraordinarily rich Buddhist intent.

And I happen to attain enlightenment and break through, wouldn't that be somewhat unsafe?

Besides, this is Fellow Daoist Lin Tian's cultivation abode. Reading and attaining enlightenment here would be impolite, and I wouldn't be able to calm my mind wholeheartedly.

The results of my cultivation would surely be greatly diminished.

Thinking of this.

Duobao could not help drawing his hand back.

His brows furrowed slightly, and for a moment he did not know what to do.

If I leave, I must naturally take this book with me.

But one look is enough to tell that this book is no ordinary Dharma treasure. If I rashly take it away, Fellow Daoist Lin Tian surely won't agree.

Even if I offered some rare Dharma treasures in exchange, I'm afraid he still might not part with it.

But aside from the Duobao Pagoda, I really don't have any particularly good Dharma treasures.

Duobao pondered carefully.

What kind of Dharma treasure could he use to obtain a chance to read this book?

But after thinking for quite a while.

He still could not think of a suitable Dharma treasure to offer in exchange.

I suppose, to get this fellow Daoist to agree to my request.

It would have to be a Dharma treasure that carries Buddhist intent and is similar to this book...

The thought flashed through his mind.

Duobao sighed in disappointment.

Apart from the Buddhist bead he had obtained at the eastern border.

He really did not have...

Hmm?

The Buddhist bead?!

That was right!

Didn't the Buddhist bead carry Buddhist intent?

Couldn't he just trade it for the book?

If he traded the Buddhist bead for another Dharma treasure, Duobao might feel it was a pity.

But trading it for this book now, Duobao even felt he was getting the better end of the deal!

Although the Buddhist bead could indeed improve his understanding of Buddhist principles accordingly.

It would ultimately only do so gradually.

Besides.

Dharma treasures like that Buddhist bead.

Had strong Western attributes!

Bringing one into the Interception Sect would not be a good thing in the end.

If others discovered it, the consequences would naturally be unfavorable.

This book, however, could be brought openly into the Interception Sect.

There was no need to worry about others discovering it at all.

After all, it was only a book!

And the most crucial thing was the philosophy contained within it.

It suited the path he would choose in the future perfectly!

Its importance far exceeded that of the Buddhist bead.

Thinking of this.

Duobao immediately made up his mind!

After a moment's silence, he put Buddha Is the Dao back in place.

Then he cupped his hands toward Lin Tian and said.

"Fellow Daoist, I have important matters to attend to at home."

"May I take this book of yours home to read?"

"I can offer this Buddhist bead in thanks."

As Duobao spoke.

He removed the Buddhist bead he wore against his chest.

And gently placed it on the stone platform.

Hearing Duobao's words.

Lin Tian turned his head and looked at the Buddhist bead on the stone platform.

The Buddhist bead was beige.

Its surface was somewhat cloudy.

It was about the size of his palm.

Although its surface was somewhat cloudy.

The presence it gave off was incomparably gentle.

It seemed to have a rather mysterious fluctuation rippling constantly over it.

Sensing the subtle fluctuation, Lin Tian was taken aback.

Oh? Could this Buddhist bead really contain some Buddhist intent?

The thought flashed through his mind.

He glanced at Duobao in surprise.

How did this kid get something like this? Could he have ties to the West?

At that thought, Lin Tian inwardly dismissed it.

Forget it. Thinking about that won't do me any good. He can have ties with whoever he likes.

Anyway, I read these novels at least ten times each in my previous life.

There's no use keeping them. Trading one away for a Buddhist bead to play with is better than letting the novel gather dust.

Thinking this, Lin Tian waved a hand at Duobao and said.

"All right."

"I'll accept this. You can take the book."

Having received Lin Tian's consent.

Duobao was overjoyed!

He cupped his hands toward Lin Tian and said excitedly.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist."

"I cannot thank you enough!"

"I have urgent matters at home, so may I take my leave first?"

Hearing Duobao's words, Lin Tian waved a hand and said.

"If you have business, go and attend to it."

"You're welcome here anytime."

Lin Tian rose, intending to see Duobao out.

But just then.

Not far outside the courtyard.

A faint roar suddenly rang out.

Hearing the roar.

Lin Tian was taken aback. He looked up at the sun overhead and said to himself.

"What a coincidence. My pet must have brought dinner. There'll be something to eat tonight."

Hearing Lin Tian's words.

Duobao glanced at him in surprise.

"A spirit pet? Fellow Daoist, you have such refined interests?"

"May I ask what sort of creature you keep?"

Hearing Duobao's question.

Lin Tian smiled and said.

"Just a silly husky."

Duobao was taken aback and repeated the words in puzzlement.

"A silly husky?"

"How have I never heard of one?"

Seeing Duobao's bewildered expression, Lin Tian laughed and explained.

"That's a common name for them back in my hometown."

"It's just..."

Just as Lin Tian was about to say something.

Suddenly.

Several rustling sounds came from outside the courtyard.

They sounded like the muffled noise of claws brushing against loose leaves on the ground.

Lin Tian was taken aback. He pointed in that direction and said.

"Here it comes."