Urban Martial Saint

Looking at the astonished expressions of the crowd, the Wolf Monk realized that what he said was somewhat difficult to understand, so he explained: ”Because to leave a mark on the Bodhi Wood is not something that strength and a famed instrument can achieve. The key is that it can only be done by someone who has deeply understood the teachings of the Buddhist Sect. To put it plainly, it’s someone like the Reincarnated True Buddha, who has a particularly thorough understanding of the Buddhist doctrine, who can do it!”

Ye Qing finally began to understand a bit. Indeed, in the realm of Buddhism and Daoism, there are such mystical things. For example, Buddhist texts and Taoist incantations can only be recognized by enlightened monks. No matter how knowledgeable others might be, they simply can’t understand the Buddhist texts and Taoist incantations. The situation with the Bodhi Wood is probably akin to such things.

Of course, Ye Qing could understand, but others might not necessarily be able to grasp it. The crowd still wore astonished expressions, and Huangfu Ziyu curiously asked: ”Why must it be someone who has deeply researched the Buddhist teachings who can leave a mark on the Bodhi Wood?”

The Wolf Monk glanced at Huangfu Ziyu and said: ”The Bodhi itself has no tree, the bright mirror is also not a stand!”

”What does that mean?” Huangfu Ziyu was even more puzzled. The words the Wolf Monk spoke became more and more abstract. What exactly was he trying to express?

”This phrase, many consider it an enlightenment concerning emptiness in the heart, preached by Buddhism...” The Wolf Monk looked at the group and said, ”But in fact, within Buddhism, this phrase has another interpretation!”

Everyone held their breath and looked at the Wolf Monk, knowing that what he was about to say would surely change many of the previous understandings held by everyone.

The Wolf Monk took a deep breath and said: ”This interpretation is that the Bodhi Tree is formless and intangible, it cannot be touched, it does not exist.”

”What exactly are you saying?” Demon Queen He Qinghua couldn’t help but ask. The Wolf Monk’s explanation sounded increasingly mysterious.

The Wolf Monk replied: ”The Bodhi Tree is formless and intangible, it cannot be touched, it does not exist. However, if you delve deep into the Buddhist doctrine, you can touch the Bodhi Tree. Buddhism speaks of universal salvation, and this Buddhist scripture is the tool to universally save people, it is the key to leading people beneath the Bodhi Tree, it is the key to allowing people to touch the Bodhi Tree!”

Everyone looked at each other in confusion, the more the Wolf Monk explained, the less everyone understood. But this matter sounded very profound somehow, sparking even more curiosity among them.

”These things, if you haven’t researched the Buddhist scripture, it’s hard to explain clearly to you!” The Wolf Monk waved his hand and said, ”You just need to know, there are no more than five people in the world today who can leave a mark on the Bodhi Wood. And these five people would definitely not be so bored as to carve Xiaolin Temple’s plaque pattern on the Bodhi Wood. In fact, taking a step back, even if someone were so bored, they still couldn’t carve this pattern. Because the pattern is a manifestation of the great wisdom of the Xiaolin Temple’s founder. Unless someone in later generations has wisdom surpassing that of this predecessor, then they could leave a similar pattern, otherwise, it would be impossible to have such a pattern left!”

Everyone suddenly realized, and Huangfu Ziyu pointed at the Wolf Monk, saying: ”If you had said so from the beginning, wouldn’t that have been enough? You talked for so long, who could understand a word of that?”

The Wolf Monk fell into speechlessness. He wanted to explain things properly to everyone, but understanding this matter was not easy for them at all.

”So, does this scabbard surely mean it is the plaque of your Xiaolin Temple?” Ye Qing looked at the Wolf Monk, then at Bloody Monk, and said: ”But what’s the issue with this? Why do both of you pay so much attention to it?”

The Wolf Monk glanced at Ye Qing and said softly: ”This plaque originally hung at the entrance of Xiaolin Temple; it was broken on the day my senior brother went mad. In fact, given my senior brother’s state, he certainly couldn’t have broken the plaque, since it’s made of Bodhi Wood. So, why the plaque broke must have other reasons. Furthermore...”

At this point, the Wolf Monk paused, looked at Bloody Monk behind him, and whispered: ”I’ve heard that after my senior brother went mad and disappeared, this half of the plaque disappeared along with him. Now that it suddenly appeared, and was even made into a scabbard by someone, there might be some hidden matters involved, right? Surely someone orchestrated my senior brother’s sudden madness from behind the scenes. Who did it, we might find a clue or two from the plaque!”

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people in the room suddenly changed. No wonder Bloody Monk had such an expression just now; it turns out this was the reason. Although Bloody Monk repeatedly emphasized in front of everyone that he did not care about the incident of Xiaolin Temple’s destruction, in fact, everyone knew that it was the thing Bloody Monk cared about the most. Moreover, why Bloody Monk suddenly went mad back then is still an unsolved case. If the reason could be clarified, it would do Bloody Monk justice!

”This scabbard was a gift to Cui the Second from the Purple-robed Elder back then. If the Purple-robed Elder were still alive, he could clarify this matter!” Ye Qing sighed and said, ”Seems like now, we can only head to the Western Frontier or to the Brahmanism side to investigate this clearly!”

”Not only that...” The Wolf Monk said seriously, ”The plaque changed shape, becoming such a scabbard, and this is also crucial. I mentioned earlier, there are definitely no more than five people in the world who could alter the shape of the plaque. Who exactly changed the shape of this Bodhi Wood is also a crucial point!”

Everyone took a deep breath, indeed this was the case. Who exactly was this unparalleled monk involved in this matter?

”Could it have been the True Buddha?” Ye Qing said: ”On the Brahmanism side, only the True Buddha would have this ability, right?”

”It shouldn’t have been the True Buddha!” The Wolf Monk shook his head and said: ”The True Buddha may have mastery of doctrine, but he lacks power to protect himself. He couldn’t have snatched this half of the plaque when my senior brother went mad. Among his protectors, the Purple Robe Lama is the strongest, but even he didn’t have the ability to snatch this half of the plaque or break the plaque back then. So it must be someone else, someone whose doctrine rivals that of the True Buddha, with a strength that even reaches beyond the pinnacle!”

Upon these words, everyone looked at each other. The research in doctrine comparable to the True Buddha didn’t surprise them as much as the strength reaching beyond the pinnacle did. Could it be that there’s someone on the Brahmanism side who is beyond a peerless master?

In today’s world, those reaching beyond the pinnacle are indeed very rare. If there were someone with such a strength on the Brahmanism side, it would surely influence the world’s dynamics. However, the pivotal question is on which side this person stands.

Thinking of Bloody Monk’s sudden madness and the destruction of Xiaolin Temple back then, there was indeed some unease in everyone’s hearts. Since this person was able to break the plaque of Xiaolin Temple back then, and even snatch it away, why didn’t they prevent Bloody Monk’s madness? Could it be that Bloody Monk’s madness was also connected to this person?

No wonder Bloody Monk decided to go to the Western Frontier and investigate Brahmanism, for this matter has been a knot in his heart all along. Now that there are clues, he naturally wants to investigate thoroughly.

”If the other party is indeed beyond a peerless master...” Ye Qing looked at Bloody Monk and said softly: ”Wouldn’t it be dangerous for the Blood Robe Sect Leader to head over this time.”

Bloody Monk took a deep breath and slowly shook his head, saying: ”If I don’t take this journey, even if I live, it won’t have much meaning. I can’t break through my heart demon, so I’ll never surpass the acme and reach beyond the pinnacle!”

The crowd didn’t know about Bloody Monk’s circumstances. Upon hearing his words, they were shocked. Actually, the reason Bloody Monk left Xiaolin Temple was because of this issue. Even if he had stayed at Xiaolin Temple, he couldn’t calm down. Over this period, he realized it wasn’t that his strength couldn’t surpass the pinnacle—it was that his heart couldn’t reach that realm.

Bloody Monk’s mindset differed from that of Fu Qingping. Fu Qingping is open and straightforward, doing things with a clear conscience. In contrast, Bloody Monk always had the issue of Xiaolin Temple in his mind; the demonic nature in his heart is like an insurmountable mountain. Unless he removes this heart demon, his mindset will never reach beyond the pinnacle. To unravel the heart demon, he needs to discover how it originated.

Now that clues have surfaced, he is indeed determined to make a journey to the Western Frontier and Brahmanism!

Ye Qing, seeing Bloody Monk’s resolve, knew he couldn’t stop him, so he slowly nodded and said: ”Since the Blood Robe Sect Leader is determined to make this trip, let it be so. If you encounter any problems over there, you can contact us at any time!”

Bloody Monk slowly nodded, took the wooden box from the Wolf Monk, and looked at the Sha Men members in the room, saying in a deep voice: ”After I leave, Ye Qing will manage all affairs, big and small, of the Sha Men. You must fully assist Ye Qing. If I’m unable to return, then Ye Qing will assume the position of Sha Men Sect Leader!”

Everyone was taken aback. They didn’t expect Bloody Monk to say such words, actually passing the position of Sha Men Sect Leader to Ye Qing. Considering that these Sha Men members have been his followers for many years, transferring the position to Ye Qing instead showed an extraordinary level of trust in him!

Ye Qing was initially stunned, then hurriedly said: ”Sect Leader, what have I done to deserve this...”

Bloody Monk raised his hand to stop Ye Qing’s words and said solemnly: ”Chaos is imminent, and it won’t be easy for them to save their lives on their own. If you lead them, perhaps they’ll have a chance to survive. By the way, Ye Qing, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask your help with!”

”Feel free to ask, Sect Leader!” Ye Qing quickly replied, showing deep respect for the Bloody Monk.