Chapter 472

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Chapter 472: Rewarding Oneself With an Exhilarating Fight!

Even the most reasonable monk, without strength, would have been devoured in this land long ago.

Thieves cannot be convinced by Buddhist teachings. Actions speak louder than words. Confucius had already stated this simple, yet profound truth.

Bai Wei didn’t know much about the monks of the Ming Country. In the East, Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Martial Arts are the dominant paths. As one of the major religions, Buddhism holds its unique strengths, but very few monks, like Yuan Zhen, emphasize the cultivation of the mind and the pursuit of becoming a Buddha.

For most Buddhists, it’s about worshipping Buddha and seeking spiritual comfort, much like believing in a God to solve life’s troubles. It’s a quest for divine power.

The most amusing part is… it actually works. At least, the divine power of the Supreme Will is real.

Whether Buddha’s power, as depicted in Buddhist teachings, works is still uncertain. But the immortals who ascend to the Baiyu Jing temple clearly possess it. Borrowing the power of ancestors is a common practice in Taoism, known as “invoking gods.”

But monks like Yuan Zhen are different. They don’t worship Buddha—they seek enlightenment on their own. Bai Wei admired these monks. Their practice is about cultivating the mind, earning an honest living, and contributing to society without needing any external beliefs. They rely on their own initiative.

The only downside was that he had come to trouble himself.

At first glance, it’s easy to see that the muscle-bound monk’s appearance is truly remarkable. It’s rare to find someone like him.

Bai Wei asked, “I heard you’re good at fighting.”

Yuan Zhen paused and thought, then answered, “I think so. Since I began studying martial arts, I haven’t lost a single fight.”

Bai Wei pressed further, “But you’ve killed many monsters here.”

Yuan Zhen responded angrily, “They deserved to die. They did so many bad things, especially to men and women. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore…”

“Did you uproot a hanging willow?”

“No, I didn’t want to harm the flowers or plants.”

“Are you concerned about that?”

“So, I uprooted a street lamp post.”

“…”

“After using it, I returned it and even paid for the repair. It pained me to do so. Even when I help others, they may not appreciate it, and I have to spend my own money. The world is unfair, but it would be better in the Ming Country.”

“Maybe the Ming Country doesn’t allow people to be killed, but you’ve beaten many monsters to death here.”

“There are so many monsters gathered together; it’s better to get rid of them all at once. They tried to ambush me and showed no remorse. They deserve to die.” Yuan Zhen’s eyes widened as he recalled something. His body trembled, and the street bricks seemed to ripple like waves, his eyes filled with fury.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I lost control. I’ve witnessed too many unbearable things. The world is in chaos, like a boiling pot. I originally wanted to sharpen my knowledge of Buddhism, but it seems like this chaotic world has sharpened me instead.”

Bai Wei said, “I understand your desire to fight me. I also want to test the power of the Buddha’s realm. But I still need to ask—why did you come to me? Buddhism doesn’t involve political rights, either in the secular or spiritual world. It goes against Buddhist teachings.”

Eunuchs can’t become emperors, and Buddhism should not involve itself in politics. If it does, it loses its boundaries.

The reason Buddhism cannot become a state religion is because it doesn’t thrive in times of chaos, while a state religion can conquer chaos and establish a combined political and religious system.

There is always a limit to how much we can respect Buddha.

Yuan Zhen opened his eyes and looked at Bai Wei with his clear, black-and-white gaze. “My fight with Benefactor Bai is a martial arts contest. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt. As for my feelings about the Demon Kingdom princess… it’s a personal matter.”

“Whose personal matter?”

The monk remained silent.

“Half-wall Yuan Tianjian,” Bai Wei remarked, “Seems like a big deal.”

“Actually, after thinking about it, maybe I fell under his spell. I don’t mind sacrificing myself, but I can’t bear to see others die because of me. It goes against the teachings of Buddhism,” Yuan Zhen rambled. “For various reasons, I had no choice but to take Princess Bai Ze’s life. However, I was too timid to do it myself. I originally planned to bring her to see Yuan Tianjian. Along the way, I would fend off other assassins. As for the outcome, I haven’t thought about it.”

The big monk smiled widely, showing his teeth. “But after meeting Benefactor Bai and discussing Buddhism with him, I felt relieved. This trip has been long enough. I should return to the Weishi Sect and visit my elders. I always felt my journey in the martial world was not as free and enjoyable as I had hoped. Meeting Benefactor Bai, I wanted to seek his guidance and resolve any regrets before I return.”

The yellow-robed Arhat rolled up his sleeves, revealing his sturdy body, and said warmly, “Come, Benefactor Bai, don’t hesitate. Let’s have a battle.”

Bai Wei glanced at the monk’s overall strength, which was close to breaking through to level forty-nine.

What is the level in Buddhist tradition? Diamond? Arhat? Revered One? Bodhisattva?

Bai Wei said, “Well, I won’t fight you just yet. I don’t think you’ll obediently leave… However, I hope you’ll make a bet with me. If I win, you must tell me some things you know.”

“I will tell you everything I know.”

“Okay, then. Let’s go.”

“Alright!” The big monk stepped forward with enthusiasm. With a simple punch, the air in the street filled with powerful wind pressure.

Bai Wei stood firmly, using his energy to resist the punch from a distance. With a gentle twist of his wrist, he effortlessly lifted the weight of a thousand kilograms. His strength surged into the sky, and although there was nothing in the air, it felt as if a dragon had passed by.

Yuan Zhen was overjoyed. There were quite a few experts in the Demon Kingdom, but most valued their lives and would never let a monk like him touch them easily. Occasionally, he encountered some bully officials who mistreated men and women. He had injured or even killed some of them. After each fight, he worried about retaliation against the men and women, so he arranged for their safe retreat, staying behind to protect them. After repeating this a few times, he realized the monsters were becoming smarter. As soon as they saw his monk’s robe, they would run away.

Boring.

This world is already dark and cruel enough, and yet, they won’t even let me fight freely. What’s the point?

But the teachings of the Yogacara school of Buddhism made it impossible for him to kill the villains who begged for mercy and called for Buddha’s help after losing their weapons. At most, he would give them a lesson and let them go.

Now, encountering an opponent of equal strength, he couldn’t hold back his power. The first punch was just a test, but this one was real.

The power of the Diamond Fist came crashing in, bursting out with a terrifying force that could stop a river with one arm or split a mountain with both. But this terrifying power was dissipated once again.

It wasn’t just removed; it was gently moved aside with a tap. At the same time, the opponent’s palm hit his shoulder like a spinning windmill.

“Is this the Pigua palm?” Yuan Zhen wondered.

The big monk was even happier. A warrior who could summon a divine spirit from afar… Turns out, he’s also a martial artist? He had thought the other person was a fairy.

“It’s my turn,” Bai Wei said. His previous palm strike was just a test. Casually, he picked up a green brick, held it in his palm, and split it into six small flying swords.

Yuan Zhen widened his eyes, “Swordsmanship? From Mount Shu?”

Without much time to think, two flying swords were already heading toward his shoulder blades. Although made of stone, infused with sword energy, the stones were comparable to mysterious iron.

The six flying swords weaved back and forth. Yuan Zhen tried intercepting them with his fists several times but changed his strategy. He stood still, raised his palm slightly, and with a fingertip, controlled the six flying swords.

“Unfortunately, they’re not real flying swords. But even if they were, this humble monk is not afraid.” Yuan Zhen stepped forward, shouting, “I’m coming! Ora!”

His roar wasn’t empty—it contained the profoundness of the lion’s roar in Buddhism, rattling the eardrums.

It even affected Bai Wei’s soul power, slowing it down. The delay was small, but it made an impact.

When masters fought, every second counted. Yuan Zhen’s fist was already nearing Bai Wei’s chin, and with one punch, he sent Bai Wei flying dozens of meters high.

Bai Wei didn’t feel pain. His defensive power was astonishing. Turning his neck, he realized the terrifying physical strength of the Buddhist Golden Body Realm. He wondered if he could secretly learn it himself. If he could master it, his own physical weaknesses could be compensated for.

He crouched, drew his weapon. But it wasn’t the Crouching Tiger Sword designed for killing—it was the blunt Yunhu Sword.

With one swing, the sword light instantly tore through the monk’s yellow robe, revealing the orange-yellow color of the golden body. A clear white mark appeared on the muscles.

The big monk crashed into the ground, causing it to ripple like waves. The Yunhu Sword flew out of Bai Wei’s hand, but the monk held it firmly with five fingers. Sword energy filled the air, and the two struggled intensely in the tight space, danger lurking everywhere.

When fighting for real, no one could afford to hold back. Not using a killing move was a matter of simply not using a deadly attack.

Bai Wei shifted the blade and regained the Yunhu Sword from the monk’s grasp. Memories of certain magnificent scenes flooded his mind.

Swinging the sword into the ground, earth dragons rolled around. Sword energy transformed into dragons, captured and fought by Yuan Zhen. He seemed to be battling with the earth, creating one pit after another.

Ordinary sword energy couldn’t harm this monk, but if even a drop of blood was shed, the strength of his golden body would be compromised.

Having come for pleasure, Bai Wei left fully satisfied.

Bai Wei grabbed the Yunhu Sword, swung it, and defeated the floating clouds, cutting through mountains and rivers.

Small Dragon River exclaimed in surprise, “Oh no, it’s you again!”

The river flowed backward, the tide surged like a magnificent tidal wave crashing against the shore. The sword lifted the tide, and in an instant, the river water overflowed the embankment.

Yuan Zhen, like a stubborn rock in the water, was swallowed by the waves. Although he disappeared momentarily, he remained unmoved, waiting for the moment when the sword’s power would be exhausted. When it did, he emerged from the water with the bold spirit of a warrior. His punch transformed into a palm, suppressing Chi You.

Bai Wei descended to the ground, his flying sword hovering.

Yuan Zhen walked barefoot on the damp ground, his robe partially torn.

The two exchanged glances, and the big monk laughed heartily, saying, “Fully satisfied, rejoicing… If we continue fighting, either your technique will be compromised or your sword will break. Let’s stop.”

Bai Wei still had some strength left, but it was a different kind of power—not martial arts. He asked, “Who would you say won?”

The monk responded, “My clothes are all worn out. I guess I lost. It’s good to lose—it helps us remember. Buddhist monks shouldn’t be too eager to fight.”

“Are you not tired of speaking through clenched teeth?” Bai Wei said helplessly. “I’ll compensate you for the clothes.”

“Great! Great!” Yuan Zhen smiled with joy. “Since I’ll be compensated for the clothes, I can give you some guidance.”

“Is it about the stones blocking the road ahead?” Bai Wei asked seriously.

“Benefactor Bai, your spirit is impressive. But with your current strength, you will probably lose to those ahead even more,” Yuan Zhen said earnestly. “In my humble opinion, Benefactor Bai, your swordsmanship has vulnerabilities.”