This immortal has a lot of rebelliousness

Zhang Xianling was dressed in a white robe as white as snow, standing quietly with his hands behind his back under the green pines and cypresses. His sleeves fluttered gently in the wind, exuding an extraordinary temperament.

The abbot Fa Ming opposite was wearing a bright yellow cassock, with a solemn appearance, his eyes slightly closed, and the rosary in his hand slowly turning, as if he was silently reciting scriptures.

The two men sat opposite each other on either side of a stone table, on which was placed a set of quaint tea sets. The aroma of tea curled up and lingered between the two of them. However, in this seemingly quiet and peaceful atmosphere, there was a tense atmosphere of discussion.

Abbot Faming was the first to break the momentary silence. His voice was like a bell, his gaze firm and profound, as if he could see through the cause and effect of good and evil in all things in the world: "Mr. Zhang, I believe that human nature is inherently good, just like a piece of unpolished jade covered in dust, though obscured by worldly filth. However, with a touch of kindness, patiently guiding those who have strayed from the right path, awakening their conscience deep within, we can prevent them from being mercilessly devoured by the abyss of desire. The Buddha is compassionate and compassionate, dedicated to saving all beings. Upholding the aspiration to save all beings, he tirelessly guides the world onto the right path. This is the authentic Dharma of Buddhism, and the responsibility of us Buddhist disciples. This is the true path of cultivation."

The corners of Zhang Xianling's mouth curled up slightly, revealing an uninhibited chuckle. That smile seemed to contain a unique understanding of the common sense of the world and a carefree attitude that transcended the mundane world. "The abbot is wrong. In my opinion, human nature is evil. Greed, anger, ignorance, hatred, love, separation, and unattainable desires are innate and deeply rooted in the human heart. If you just blindly suppress them by force, it's like building a dam to block the water. On the surface, it may seem calm, but in fact, there are turbulent undercurrents. When the dam breaks, it will cause even more severe disasters. Only by channeling them, allowing their thoughts to flow freely, and facing the various delusions in their hearts calmly, can they not be troubled by the demons in their hearts and find inner peace and liberation."

Abbot Faming frowned slightly, clasped his hands together, and softly chanted a Buddhist mantra: "Aren't your words, layman, encouraging evil? If everyone acts according to their own evil thoughts, this world will surely fall into endless chaos and darkness, with lives being destroyed and people suffering. Where will we go then?"

Zhang Xianling raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. "Not really. The guidance I'm talking about isn't indulgence, but rather helping people see their true nature. When evil thoughts first arise, don't run away from them, don't resist them, but face them calmly. Only then can they find a way to escape from them. The abbot only knows how to persuade people to do good, but doesn't know the subtle and complex nature of human hearts. If good thoughts are just rootless duckweed, without a deep understanding of the evil nature of human nature and a strategy to deal with it, they will ultimately be difficult to maintain for long. They are nothing but castles in the air, illusory and unreal."

The two of them exchanged words, neither of them giving in. The sound of their discussion echoed in the corridors of the Zen temple, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

The air around them seemed to become heavy because of the heated argument between the two. The birds on the branches stopped singing, as if they were quietly listening to this profound debate about the good and evil of human nature.

Sudden.

A burst of unbridled laughter broke the deadlock: "Hahaha, Senior Brother, you old stubborn man, you're still arguing about good and evil with this ignorant kid. It's really boring!"

I saw a fat monk striding into the Zen temple. He was emitting a strong smell of alcohol, his clothes were tattered and messy, and his chest was exposed, which was out of place with the solemnity of this Buddhist pure land.

Abbot Faming's expression changed, a look of deep sorrow and helplessness mingling with it. "Junior brother, why are you like this? Why don't you cultivate yourself and return to the right path? Don't continue to indulge in wine, sex, money, and power. You're betraying the Buddha's compassion and teachings."

The drunken monk snorted and said with disdain, "Righteous Path? Brother, your Righteous Path is too restrictive, like a rope that chokes me. It's nowhere near the freedom and unfettered ease of my Joyful Zen. Today, I will show you that your Buddhist teachings are too pedantic and incapable of saving the sentient beings of this world. Only by following your heart and nature, conforming to your true nature, can you transcend the troubles and sufferings of this world."

After saying this, the Drunken Monk flashed, and his palms brought up rolling black light, surging like a vicious dragon emerging from the sea, carrying an evil aura and rushing straight towards Abbot Faming.

Abbot Fa Ming shouted angrily, "You are so stubborn!" He tapped the ground with his feet and practiced authentic Zen Buddhism. Golden Buddha light instantly appeared around his body, like a furious Vajra, and he majestically countered the evil power of the drunken monk.

The two men fought in an instant, with fists and palms crisscrossing and sand and stones flying.

The drunken monk's moves were bizarre and varied, and each strike contained a sinister demonic force. He kept muttering, "What joy is there in life, and what pain is there in death? Today I must destroy this false Buddhism and find liberation!"

The voice seemed to come from the Netherworld, exuding a chilling chill.

Abbot Faming's moves were steady and majestic, the Buddha's light protecting him. Each move contained the power of compassion: "Amitabha, Junior Brother, it is time to turn back and do not sink into the devil's path again! Put down your butcher knife and become a Buddha right here and now!"

His voice was powerful and firm, as if calling lost souls to return to the right path.

The wine-drinking monk sneered, "Turning back? I've long seen through the hypocrisy of this world. Today, I'm going to make an end of it with you, a hypocrite!"

After he finished speaking, he turned his body, changed his palm into claws, and the shadow of the devil was heavy. The sharp claws with a trace of black devil energy grabbed the throat of Abbot Fa Ming.

Abbot Faming nimbly dodged the fierce blow by leaning sideways. He thrust out a single palm, and a golden Buddhist seal whistled out: "The Palm of Great Compassion, may I save you, the lost one!"

The Buddha's seal shone brightly, containing a powerful force of Buddhism, suppressing the wine-drinking and meat-eating monk.

The drunken monk didn't dodge or evade. He put his hands together and caught the Buddha's seal. The devilish flame instantly wrapped around it, swallowing up the Buddha's seal's light: "Brother, your Buddhism is nothing more than this!"

Then he kicked out with black demonic energy towards Abbot Fa Ming's chest. His speed was as fast as lightning and his power was astonishing.

A trace of pain flashed in Abbot Fa Ming's eyes. He danced with his hands and cast the "Vajra Demon Subduing Circle". Layer upon layer of golden light circles trapped the drunken monk inside: "Junior brother, I will give you another chance. Put down your butcher knife! Turn back!" The golden light circle flashed with mysterious runes and exuded a powerful sealing force.

The drunken monk struggled frantically in the circle, unleashing his magic power at full force: "Dream on! Today is the day you die!" Demonic shadows swirled around him, and he transformed into a gigantic demon elephant, roaring and attacking the Buddha circle. Every impact made the Buddha circle shake and become shaky.

Zhang Xianling watched the battle from the sidelines, his gaze fixed on the two men's fierce exchange, pondering to himself, "The Buddhist teachings of Abbot Faming are awe-inspiring, yet they seem a bit rigid and inflexible, unable to flexibly address the complexities of human nature. While the demonic power of this drunken monk is overflowing with evil, he also possesses an uninhibited spirit and a pursuit of freedom. Are good and evil, Buddha and devil, really so clearly defined? Perhaps the principles of this world are not so simple and clear-cut."

Abbot Fa Ming gradually lost his strength, and the Buddha circle's light gradually dimmed under the fierce attack of the demon god, and it was on the verge of falling.

Seeing this, the drunken monk laughed out loud: "Brother, your time is over!"

After saying that, he attacked with all his strength. The statue of the demon god opened its bloody mouth and pounced towards Abbot Faming with endless demonic power, as if it wanted to devour him completely.

At the critical moment, Zhang Xianling moved and flashed in front of Abbot Faming like a ghost. He quickly formed seals with his hands, and a spiritual barrier blocked Abbot Faming, resisting the fatal blow of the Drunken Monk.

The spiritual barrier glowed with colorful light and hummed, counteracting the power of the demon statue.

The drunken monk glared at him, his eyes burning with anger: "You kid, don't meddle in other people's business!"

Zhang Xianling's expression was calm, his eyes revealing a composure and wisdom beyond his years. "Please do not fight any more, both of you. Today's battle has taught me that whether it's Buddha or demon, it all lies in the mind of the human heart. If Abbot Faming's kindness can be integrated with the method of flexibility, and if the casualness of the wine-drinking monk can be freed from the erosion of evil thoughts, perhaps this is the true path of cultivation."

Abbot Fa Ming and the Drunken Monk were both stunned when they heard this, as if Zhang Xianling's words had struck a deep part in their hearts.

Abbot Faming seemed to be thinking about something, and then he said slowly, "What the layman said is not without reason.

I was obsessed with the appearance of goodness, but ignored the flexibility and harmony of the method of salvation, which led me into a dilemma."

The Drunken Monk also retracted his magical powers, his arrogance slightly reduced. "Hmph, you're quite knowledgeable, boy. But my Joyful Zen is not understood by the world to begin with, so how can I change it just like that? How could you possibly know the difficulties involved?"

Zhang Xianling smiled faintly, his smile filled with confidence and composure: "Everything in the world has its own reason for existence. Buddha and devil are not absolutely opposite, and good and evil are not eternal. If you can abandon your prejudices and let go of your obsessions, perhaps you can make further progress on this path of cultivation and realize a higher realm."

At this moment, a brilliant glow appeared in the sky, sprinkling on the three people like silk threads, as if putting a soft coat on the tense atmosphere.

A unique tranquility permeated the Zen temple, as if the battle between Buddha and the devil had a new beginning at this moment.

Illuminated by the rosy glow, the three figures each fell into deep contemplation about their cultivation. And in this fierce battle and discussion, Zhang Xianling's heart quietly opened a door to a higher realm. It was a new understanding of human nature, good and evil, Buddha and the devil. It was like a vital seed that took root and sprouted in the depths of his spiritual consciousness, waiting to bloom into a flower of wisdom that transcended the mundane.

Abbot Fa Ming clasped his hands together, bowed deeply to Zhang Xianling, and said, "Your enlightenment today makes me feel deeply ashamed. The Buddha Dharma is boundless and should not be bound by dogma. In the future, I will re-examine this method of saving sentient beings and strive to find a more perfect and righteous path."

The drunken monk scratched his head and looked at Zhang Xianling, a complicated look flashing in his eyes: "Boy, you are very eloquent. But I am used to being casual. It is difficult for me to change this evil skill all of a sudden.

But after hearing what you said today, I have also pondered whether there is really a way to practice that is both free and sinless."

Zhang Xianling bowed and smiled, "You two elders are both highly accomplished practitioners. It is my great honor to be able to discuss and exchange ideas here today. The question of good and evil, Buddha and demons is the most difficult to unravel in the world. I simply came across this by chance. I hope this humble opinion can be of some enlightenment to you two. If this can help you two advance in your spiritual path, I will be deeply pleased."

The atmosphere in the Zen temple gradually calmed down. The three of them sat around the stone table, and Abbot Fa Ming ordered the monk to brew another pot of tea.

After a while, the aroma of tea filled the air, dispelling the evil spirit and tension that had just filled the air, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Zhang Xianling picked up the teacup and took a sip, savoring the bitterness followed by the sweetness. "The bitterness of this tea, followed by its sweetness, is like the path of spiritual practice. At first, I was obsessed with good and evil, and tasted only bitterness in tea. Now, it seems that the interweaving of Buddha, demon, good and evil is what gives rise to the myriad aspects of the world and the myriad flavors of spiritual practice. Only through experiencing hardships and confusion can one savor the profound meaning and sweetness within."

Abbot Fa Ming nodded slightly, his gaze deep into the teacup. "You are quite right, sir. Previously, I only wanted to purify the world with good thoughts, but I didn't anticipate the complexity and changeability of human nature. Without discerning its evil, good thoughts will have difficulty taking root and growing. Just like this tea tree, it needs to endure the baptism of wind, rain, and insect pests before it can produce this pure and fragrant tea. I have a deeper understanding of this principle today."

The drunken monk snatched the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, wiped his mouth, and said, "All this flowery talk of yours gives me a headache. But I also understand that although my Joyful Zen is free from all desires, if I continue to indulge in evil thoughts, I will eventually be devoured by this inner demon and suffer a disastrous end. However, I have been cultivating this magic skill for a long time, and it is not easy to completely transform it. It's like a dilapidated ship that has been sailing in the wind and waves for many years. How can I turn it around in a day or a night?"

Zhang Xianling looked deeply at the drunken monk. "Senior's magic skills also have their own unique features. If we can remove the murderous and evil thoughts from them, perhaps they can become a unique practice. For example, if we can direct the power of this magic skill to comprehend the forces of nature, rather than using it for fighting and destruction. In this way, we can retain its essence of spontaneity while avoiding its negative consequences. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

Abbot Faming showed hesitation, his hands unconsciously twirling his rosary beads. "This magic is, after all, an evil technique. Would modifying it this way violate the laws of heaven? The Buddha is merciful, but what if this angers the heavens and triggers even greater disasters? What should we do?"

Zhang Xianling shook his head and smiled, "Abbot, the laws of heaven and earth aren't inherently black and white. If this transformed demonic power can benefit the common people and bring peace and tranquility to the world, then why should we fear the laws of heaven? Besides, aren't the rules of this world also made by humans? As long as we hold the right path in mind, aren't we bound by formalities, and dare to break free from the constraints of tradition, we can forge our own path of cultivation."

The Drunken Monk's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh excitedly. "Boy, your idea is quite bold! I like it! Although the road ahead is full of difficulties and obstacles, it is much better than my half-hearted practice of happy Zen. At least, this gives me a glimmer of hope."

Abbot Fa Ming pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "Well, although I dare not rashly attempt to transform this magic skill, I will reflect on my Zen Buddhism in the future, taking its essence and discarding its dross, so that Buddhism can better benefit the world and adapt to the changes and needs of this world."

At this moment, the sun was setting, its afterglow illuminating every corner of the Zen temple, painting a scene of peace and tranquility. Zhang Xianling stood up and said goodbye, "Seniors, I have benefited greatly today. I still have some worldly ties to fulfill, so I will take my leave now. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will return to discuss the wonders of spiritual practice with you. The world is ever-changing, and only through continuous exploration and understanding can we progress further on this path of spiritual practice."

Abbot Faming and the monk Jiurou stood up to see him off. Abbot Faming clasped his hands together and said, "Take care on your journey, layperson. In this world, karma is cyclical, and good and evil will eventually be rewarded. I hope you will uphold the enlightenment you have gained today, find the right path in this troubled world, never forget your original aspiration, and save all sentient beings."

The drunken monk patted Zhang Xianling on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Boy, next time we meet, if you haven't been consumed by the evil thoughts of this world, I will learn your twisted logic from you. Who knows, it may really help an old monk like me to be reborn as a new person!"

Zhang Xianling smiled, bowed and said goodbye, then turned and walked down the mountain.

His figure gradually moved away in the afterglow of the setting sun and gradually merged into the vast twilight, but his heart was full of expectation and determination for the future path of cultivation.