Chapter 35: Bodhisattva, I am studying the "True Sutra and Encyclopedia of Dharma in Mahayana Buddhism" on karma from life.

    "Master, perhaps we should inquire with the Golden Cicada’s reincarnation?" Muzha suggested. "If we reveal our true forms and question him directly, this disciple believes he will answer truthfully."

    Guanyin shook her head. "Unwise. We still know nothing of the mastermind’s origins."

    Beyond the fact that all Buddhas of Ling Mountain observed their every move, Jiangliu’s enigmatic "master"—whose roots even she couldn’t divine—demanded caution.

    Muzha hesitated. "Then what should we do?"

    Guanyin replied, "Guide Jiangliu toward virtue. Ask no further questions. Return to Ling Mountain afterward and let the World-Honored One decide."

    A being even Guanyin couldn’t trace... Muzha’s mind flickered with images of ancient deities. He shuddered, realizing this matter far surpassed his reach.

    "As you command, Master." Muzha nodded obediently.

    The pair arrived at the cave where Jiangliu and Hu Yuyu hid. They made no effort to conceal their approach, landing boldly amid crackling twigs.

    Whoosh—

    A gleaming sword shot toward them. Muzha’s hair stood on end. Though Jiangliu’s Hundred Curses Heart-Piercing Sword Art seemed amateurish, its lethal intent was directed at his master!

    How dare the Golden Cicada’s reincarnation?!

    Muzha blocked the strike with his iron staff, deflecting the blade effortlessly. From the cave, Hu Yuyu cried, "Powerful demons! The Wolf King brought reinforcements! Master Jiang, flee while I distract them!"

    Muzha stifled a mix of fury and amusement. "We are not demons!" he shouted, radiating dazzling Buddha-light. Golden radiance pierced the heavens, painting him as a living saint.

    "Come out and see for yourselves!"

    A fox’s head peeked out. "Ah!" Hu Yuyu gasped. "Master, they’re demons disguised as Bodhisattvas!"

    Muzha nearly choked. Is this fox blind?! Can’t she see the Buddha’s glory?!

    "Wait!" Jiangliu called. "They’re genuine! We’ve misunderstood!"

    The pair emerged, finally facing Guanyin and Muzha.

    "Guanyin Bodhisattva!" Jiangliu recognized her instantly. He hesitated to bow, being unordained. Hu Yuyu crouched meekly beside him in fox form, mortified by her mistake.

    "No need for formalities." Guanyin smiled warmly, showing no anger. "We came specifically to find you, Jiangliu."

    "Me?"

    Of course—my past life as Golden Cicada, disciple of Buddha! Jiangliu thought. Perhaps I was once a Bodhisattva close to Guanyin?

    Guanyin continued, "We witnessed your battle against demons in the Southern Continent’s forests."

    Jiangliu paled—caught killing by a Bodhisattva!

    "You’re destined for Buddhism, to become a revered monk in Tang," Guanyin pressed. "Why such bloodlust?"

    "Those demons threatened Elder Faming’s life—and mine!" Jiangliu explained earnestly. "Mercy would’ve meant death for us both. Filial duty left me no choice."

    Guanyin nodded at his honesty. The boy meant well, but some hidden master had armed him with lethal skills.

    "Endless vengeance solves nothing," she said. "Slaying demons breeds more enemies. Let me mediate—"

    "But Buddha’s teachings say otherwise!" Jiangliu interjected brightly. "If I eliminate all demons, the hatred ends!"

    Guanyin froze. Muzha gaped.

    In Ling Mountain, Buddhas stared in shock. This was heresy—yet Jiangliu recited it like scripture!

    "What... sutra teaches this?!" Muzha spluttered.

    "The Great Vehicle Sutra Treasure of Killing and Creating Karma!" Jiangliu proclaimed proudly. "I’ve memorized every word!"

    Muzha’s jaw dropped. Guanyin understood—this "sutra" was poison from Jiangliu’s mysterious teacher.

    "Recite some," she urged.

    Jiangliu launched into passages: "Not killing? Hatred will never cease. Not stealing? Bandits would still plunder. Not lusting? All sentient beings bear sin..."

    Hu Yuyu watched adoringly, while Muzha turned ashen.

    This isn’t Buddhism—it’s demonic doctrine!

    Guanyin remained calm, but Ling Mountain’s Buddhas stirred uneasily. The Golden Cicada’s rebirth now preached a twisted dharma, believing madness to be enlightenment...