Chapter 48

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Chapter 48: Where Are the Promised Routines?

Those who possess a legacy that allows people to gain superpowers are known as Ancient Legacy Holders. By that standard, Bai Qige truly is a genuine Ancient Legacy Holder.

Mountain Fox made it clear that if he wanted to exchange legacies, he would provide something in return, ensuring that Bai Qige would not be at a loss. This temple is one of Bloody Earth’s signs of goodwill, and there would be more offerings in the future, showing ample sincerity.

Bai Qige actually wanted to agree on the spot, but he delayed for a few days just to appear more impressive. Later, he brought out the first level of the Dragon-slaying Alliance Basic Heart Sutra, changed its name to Tendon Change Classic, and gave it to the Left Patrol Leader.

The Left Patrol Leader was overjoyed but couldn’t help feeling a bit shocked, as the name Tendon Change Classic sparked his imagination. It seemed to be a renowned skill in Buddhism, and Shaolin Temple boasted about having this legacy. However, everyone knew that Shaolin Temple had once lost its lineage, so where could there be any legacy? Bai Qige looked mysterious and wouldn’t tell the Left Patrol Leader that he wanted to use this title to boost his own worth.

After chatting for a while, the Left Patrol Leader took the freshly made Tendon Change Classic and left, while Bloody Earth kept its promise. One or two hours later, Bloody Earth’s legacy was delivered to Bai Qige.

Compared to Bai Qige’s rough and poorly made secret manual, which was written in a supermarket-bought notebook, Bloody Earth’s manual was clearly of a much higher quality—an ancient-style bound book with the words "Hidden Sting" written in elegant calligraphy on the title page.

Curiously, he flipped through it and realized that this legacy might have been revised many times. The introduction stated that this legacy could help one cultivate an invisibility superpower. Bai Qige instantly understood the mysterious dual superpower of the Left Patrol Leader and what the superpower of the Eight Night Demons was all about; it turned out to be derived from this superpower legacy.

Then, as he continued to flip through, Bai Qige was completely baffled. He saw long sections filled with Taoist terms, Buddhist phrases, and even mixed in with the secret sect’s teachings on three channels and seven wheels. The complex language was cluttered with quotations, and then there was a phrase saying, "The deceased flow like this, unceasing day and night." It was like a textbook combining the knowledge of Yanhuang’s three teachings and nine streams.

In any case, in his rush, Bai Qige did not really comprehend what this secret book was about. However, he did not doubt that this book was a fake, as the wording and expressions were elegant and profound, indicating that the author of this book must have possessed great knowledge and talent.

This appeared to be the original version of the secret book. It is likely that Bloody Earth also hid a set of notes meant to explain this teaching. Thinking about it, Bai Qige smiled slightly—Mountain Fox’s Bloody Earth was indeed not as naive as the one Shan Jingshou created.

It is only natural to have some secrets when exchanging teachings; sharing everything without holding anything back would challenge one’s intelligence. Moreover, Bai Qige did not have the right to criticize others. The Tendon Change Classic he provided was merely the first level of the Dragon-slaying Alliance Basic Heart Sutra. Additionally, he had extensively referenced tales and cultural backgrounds from the Middle-earth World while compiling this manual, which meant that when Mountain Fox saw it, he too would be left puzzled and clueless.

"It seems that the next stage of communication and competition with Bloody Earth will involve finding ways to obtain the true methods of cultivation from them!"

With a faint smile, Bai Qige remained unconcerned about these future matters. After the Left Patrol Leader left, he continued to make tea because he had an appointment. Before long, Principal Li arrived, looking quite respectful. It seemed that Bai Qige’s rough and robust impression as a charlatan had left an indelible mark on him.

"Master, it seems that your establishment of a new sect and the reopening of the mountain gate is not far away. If you do not mind, I would like to create a golden statue of Buddha to place here."

The saying goes, "Confucius did not speak of strange powers or chaotic spirits." This is one of the teachings from Confucian classics, but in reality, this wise saying has many interpretations. To conservative Confucians, it teaches to eliminate all demons and not allow any other gods besides the sage. However, enlightened Confucians understand it as refraining from speaking frivolously about things one does not comprehend, and avoiding misleading others with careless words. How one understands this depends on the individual, as even if there are questions, one cannot just dig up Confucius from his grave to ask. Principal Li was clearly the latter; having realized Bai Qige’s abilities, he accepted it calmly and with little confusion.

What was said now hinted at the possibility of providing financial support. If it were an ordinary charlatan, they would pretend to be modest and then seek greater gain. However, Bai Qige merely nodded slightly and chuckled.

"Hehe, if you truly wish to help, that is wonderful. It saves this old monk from wandering around for donations. However, a golden Buddha statue is not necessary; a clay or wooden sculpture will do. Even if there is none, it does not matter. The Lanruo Temple does not concern itself with such things. The Buddha is in the heart, and worshipping with the heart is the same as worshipping the Buddha. But I ask you not for these things; I have a matter I would like your help with!"

"Master, you are too kind. The skills you taught me that day have indeed been remarkable. I have practiced them over the past few days and found them extraordinary. For your great kindness in passing on these skills, I feel I cannot repay you. What is it that you need my help with? If it is within my abilities, I will gladly assist!"

These words were very sincere, but upon careful listening, they seemed somewhat empty. Clearly, for someone as astute as Principal Li, when it came to his core interests, he was incredibly alert. Like a politician, he considered his words carefully before slowly expressing them. He appeared steady, yet his words held varying degrees of meaning.

"It is not a difficult task. This old monk has a great wish to spread the Buddha’s teachings and help all beings. But being a recluse, I have neither fame nor wealth, so how can I help many? When I decided to enlighten you, there were two reasons. First, Principal Li, you are respected and esteemed. For decades, you have worked tirelessly and gained great renown. Your words carry more weight than a thousand of mine, inspiring others to follow your example. Also, being in the field of education, you possess unique insights into passing down knowledge. So, I wish to ask you to share the skills I imparted to you, allowing you to spread them."

This was the second time Principal Li had heard Bai Qige’s grand ambition. The first time, he was enlightened by it, and the second time, he hoped for him to share this powerful skill.

The 60 Experience Points provided a profound understanding of the Dragon-slaying Alliance Basic Heart Sutra’s first level, leaving a deep impression in Principal Li’s mind and enabling him to fully grasp its essence. Thus, Principal Li understood that this skill was of true high caliber, not just the empty claims of some qigong masters, but a genuine power that could impart extraordinary abilities.

Such a powerful skill should indeed be shared widely! Could he really be so selfless?

Principal Li was quite aged and had encountered many great monks and virtuous individuals, even some from far-off lands. Each of them spoke of saving the world and helping humanity. Yet, how many truly contributed to the world and the lives of others? The louder the slogans, the more disdain they seem to inspire. Their impressive actions often amounted to personal peace, living like carefree wanderers.

But this person before him truly intended to take action, genuinely ready to step toward the great cause of helping all beings.

Principal Li contemplated deeply, gazing at Bai Qige, and observed his calm demeanor. He suddenly felt admiration and thought that Bai Qige truly emanated the aura of a living Buddha. He couldn’t help but ask, "What is the second reason, Master?"

"In your previous life, you were extraordinary—a descendant left on Earth by my Buddha, with great wisdom and extraordinary powers. You also have a deep connection to Lanruo Temple. Due to a great calamity, you fell into the mortal world, and before your demise, you left a prophecy stating you would eventually return. My journey down the mountain this time is largely for the prophecy you left in your past life!"

With an expression of compassionate deception, Bai Qige raised his persuasive skills to the highest level. Sure enough, Principal Li exhibited a look of surprise, "My previous life? A prophecy!"

At that moment, Principal Li recollected those charlatans he had encountered before. They had also made similar claims, asserting that one’s past life was linked to them and thus one should join them without hesitation. The membership fee was ninety-eight thousand, no discounts, and if one joined now, they would disclose more about their previous life.

The assertion of a connection to the Buddha was a classic maneuver employed by Buddhist and Taoist charlatans. Over time it evolved into a tactic used by various charlatans. Initially, Principal Li found some truth in it, but as he accumulated experiences and was deceived more frequently, he ceased to believe in it. After all, if he were to believe it completely, then in his prior life, he would have had ties to all three teachings, the Buddha and Tao, and even the Beggar Sect and Western Catholicism. If that were genuine, how could he still be referred to as a person of destiny? They should just state he was a god in his past life!

While he recognized Bai Qige’s powers were indeed remarkable, he began to question if this kind-looking old monk would follow the same pattern?

Bai Qige, unaware of Principal Li’s thoughts, calmly said, "Indeed, it is the prophecy you left in your previous life. Before your death, you made an unquenchable vow, claiming that when the apocalyptic age arrives, and all evils and demons run rampant, you would return once more to bury the heavens, bury the earth, and bury all living beings!"

Principal Li suddenly froze. Why did that sound quite different from what he had anticipated? He couldn’t help but inquire, "Who was I in my previous life? This prophecy sounds… a bit strange!"

"Strange? I think it’s rather ordinary. The traitor who killed his master from Lanruo Temple, the number one demon, the Three Burials Demon Buddha, who vowed to destroy the world! First, he was betrayed by his wife and children, then attacked and beaten to death by righteous heroes from all over the world. It’s quite normal to bear such resentment before death!"

Principal Li was stunned for a long time and pointed to himself, "In my past life, I was the Three Burials Demon Buddha, who wanted to destroy the world!"

"That’s right, it is you!"

Principal Li was silent for a long time, contemplating. Where is the… trick!?