Fantasy: I Am the Villain.

Chapter Seventy: The Matter is Over (Part Six)

The sweeping monk was more interested in the higher level of energy and martial arts that Bai Ke represented.

However, he was a highly respected monk and could not bear to see Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo fall into the demonic path because they were so focused on revenge and restoring their kingdom.

"Two benefactors, you should know that the seventy-two martial arts of Shaolin are divided into two schools: magic and techniques. What you have learned is all about the techniques of using internal energy."

Although this art is profound and extensive, it is ultimately like water without a source, so how can it be used to cross the sea of ​​suffering?

Listen to this old monk's words: If you wish to attain true freedom, you must seek it within the Dharma... Even if you learn such exquisite methods, without the Dharma to refine your malevolent energy, how can you achieve longevity?

Xiao Yuanshan scoffed upon hearing this, "I thought you Buddhists were pure of heart, but I didn't expect you to also yearn for longevity. Didn't you say you wanted to escape the suffering of the mortal world?"

Leaving aside whether it's possible, even if one were to attain immortality, where would the master find peace and tranquility? He's no honest monk after all.

"Amitabha!" The sweeping monk smiled faintly. "The Way changes with the times. As Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, 'If I don't go to hell, who will?' This humble monk is just following the old ways."

"Oh? I didn't expect the master to have such a broad mind? Very well, since the master says that the two of us are almost possessed by demons, may I ask how the master can teach us?"

Xiao Yuanshan said defiantly, his great revenge was about to be fulfilled, and this old bald monk's sudden appearance and incessant chatter had already annoyed him.

"Since Benefactor Xiao does not believe me, then this old monk will ask you: You have been practicing the Formless Finger Technique and many other martial arts. Have you noticed any unusual activity at your acupoints such as 'Taiyi' and 'Mamen' recently?"

Xiao Yuanshan was startled. In recent years, he had always felt a dull pain in these two acupoints whenever he practiced his skills. He thought it was an old injury, but could it be related to the malevolent energy that the old monk mentioned?

The sweeping monk clasped his hands together and said, “Judging from your expression, Benefactor Xiao, you must already have a plan in mind. And Benefactor Murong and Great Wheel King, you two are in the same boat.”

After saying that, he sighed softly, "As you all should know, although Shaolin martial arts are not forbidden, you must all learn my Shaolin internal skills."

However, if you want things to go smoothly, you still need a superior mental cultivation method as a foundation. You have all been practicing superior methods, so I won't say anything more.

However, this Great Wheel King needs to be careful! After saying that, he looked deeply at Kumārajīva, who was looking at him with disdain.

Kumārajīva looked very surprised. "Oh? Is there something special about this humble monk?" He was quite disdainful of the sweeping monk's idea of ​​using Buddhist teachings to resolve malevolent energy, so his words were not very respectful.

The sweeping monk shook his head. "No, Master, your Buddhist teachings are profound. I will not say anything more. I only wish to ask you to return my Shaolin Yi Jin Jing."

Kumārajīva was greatly surprised. He had only obtained the Yi Jin Jing a few days ago, so how could this old monk have seen through it at a glance?

Forcing himself to regain his composure, he argued, "I hope the master will know that the Yi Jin Jing in your temple was learned from elsewhere by this humble monk, and I truly have no way to return it..."

“Master, you are joking. My Shaolin Yi Jin Jing is not the original, so how can I learn the authentic version? You have not been practicing for long, so it would be best to stop as soon as possible.”

"Oh? What do you mean?" Kumārajīva was happy to have someone answer his questions. Ever since he obtained the Yi Jin Jing, he had always been a little confused and could only try to imitate it.

The sweeping monk did not answer his question, but instead asked, "In my humble opinion, Master, you are practicing the 'Minor Formless Skill' of the Free and Unfettered Sect, aren't you?"

Kumārajīva was completely numb at this point. The old monk seemed to know everything, and he simply nodded blankly.

"So what if it is? Some of your Shaolin disciples have even mastered the Lesser Formless Skill! What, is there something wrong with it?"

The sweeping monk was greatly surprised, "There are people in this temple who have also learned the Lesser Formless Skill?" After saying that, he looked at Kumārajīva with envy, "Master, you are indeed fortunate!"

"This Lesser Formless Technique has extraordinary effects, enough for you, Master, to practice our Shaolin's extinct art..." Before he could finish speaking, Kumārajīva proudly interjected:

"I was waiting for you to ask me what to do, but I never expected you to say this. Now that I have mastered all of Shaolin martial arts, I am afraid that in another ten years or so I will be invincible in the world..."

The sweeping monk waved his hand gently, "No, no, this humble monk is merely reminding you, Master, that you have the wrong order of your practice!"

Taking the Yi Jin Jing as an example, the master initially felt nothing, but if this continued, the internal energy would clash, and the resentment would accumulate, potentially causing the master's skill to dissipate..."

Kumārajīva shook his head dismissively, "I naturally understand the advantages and disadvantages involved, Master, there's no need for you to say more!"

The conversation between the two ended unhappily. The sweeping monk tried to persuade the three of them to no avail, and he was also a little downcast. He stood aside and pondered silently.

Qiao Feng listened for a while, only concerned that his father seemed to have encountered a problem during his training, and hurriedly stepped forward.

"Master, please have mercy! Is it possible to cure my father's hidden ailment from practicing this martial art? Please, Master, bestow your guidance and save the lives of my father and me."

The sweeping monk hurriedly helped Qiao Feng up from his kneeling position. "Benefactor Qiao, you have the heart of a bodhisattva and care for all living beings. If you have any requests, this humble monk will naturally not refuse."

Qiao Feng was overjoyed and was about to express his gratitude when he heard the sweeping monk continue, "However, your father's injuries were entirely caused by his haphazard practice of martial arts."

To truly cure this, one must either disperse one's spiritual practice or diligently study Buddhist teachings, using Buddhist principles to gradually diminish the inner demons that have arisen within.

As they were talking, the sweeping monk also turned to face the silent Murong Bo, "Benefactor Murong, you must have a general idea of ​​what this old monk is about to say."

"I wonder what Benefactor Murong thinks? Rather than dreading the pain of being pierced by a thousand needles three times a day and seeking death, wouldn't it be better to rest with this old monk and practice Buddhism, thus gaining insight into the vastness of this world?"

Murong Fu was shocked. He had no idea that his father's desire to die had this reason. He thought his father had some unavoidable hardship.

Xiao Yuanshan was just like his father, but why was he only a little different, while his father was living a life worse than death?

Murong Bo remained silent, only lowering his head as if deep in thought. Murong Fu did not want the two of them to be stared at here, especially since he knew his father's temperament.

Knowing that he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of others, his refusal to reveal the real reason for his desire to die, even after being questioned by Kumārajīva for a long time, is a clear indication of this.

Moreover, given Murong Fu's selfish, ruthless, and prideful nature, he was unwilling to kneel and beg the old monk for guidance like Qiao Feng did, and instead be humbled and lectured.

Pulling up Murong Bo's sleeve, Murong Fu turned to Qiao Feng and the others and said, "The green hills remain unchanged, and the clear waters flow on forever. My son and I will take our leave today!"

"Brother Xiao, if you wish to seek revenge against my father and me, you are welcome to come to Yanziwu in Gusu. Murong Fu will be waiting for your arrival!"