I will be stronger after the remake

"Even Sha Wujing (Sandy) looks human, okay?"

Gui Taxi scoffed and said, "'Neither green nor black, a face of ill omen; neither long nor short, a barefoot, sinewy body. Eyes gleaming like two lamps under a stove; mouth forked like a butcher's brazier; fangs like sword blades; red hair disheveled'—this is how Sha Wujing is described in Journey to the West. You've stooped to comparing your appearance to Sha Wujing's, what's there to complain about?"

"Uh……"

Ling Chong sensed something was wrong, but couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The group entered the cave amidst much noise. As soon as they stepped into the Spider Cave, a pungent, putrid stench hit them. The cave was in a mess, with burn marks everywhere and black scorch marks remaining on the walls.

The ground was covered with puddles, in which floated the corpses of many dead insects. These insects were of various shapes and sizes; some were charred, and some had drowned. The scene was extremely gruesome.

The group proceeded cautiously through the cave, splashing water with each step. Their footsteps echoed in the empty cave, and as they went deeper, the surrounding light grew increasingly dim.

Gui Taxi took out a talisman, activated it, and it turned into a glowing paper crane that flew and hovered above everyone's heads, providing illumination.

Upon entering the deepest part of the cave, what appeared before them were five enormous cocoons. These cocoons were oval-shaped and made of thick spider silk, with charred marks on the outermost layer. The spider silk shimmered with an eerie luster under the light.

Through the spider silk, one can vaguely see the unborn spider spirits curled up inside, their bodies wriggling slightly within the cocoon, as if sensing the threat from the outside world while they are asleep.

Gui Taxi suddenly realized, "We summoned the Spider Cave ahead of time, which caused the spider demons not to fully awaken. No wonder only two came out."

He then said with lingering fear, "Fortunately, they were discovered in advance. Otherwise, given their stealth, they probably wouldn't have shown themselves until they were all awakened and at their peak strength. At that time, there would be seven Rank 3 Great Demons. Even if the Spider Demon was weak, it would have been enough to unleash a nationwide demonic calamity. The local Spiritual Energy Management Bureau would definitely not be able to suppress them. We would have to ask a Rank 4 Spiritual Energy user to take action."

Ling Chong suddenly revealed an expression of wild joy: "But now that we've discovered it ahead of time, that's a different story. Every cloud has a silver lining, and our opportunity has come, Tang Ping!"

"How to say?"

"Hey, didn't you know? The method of converting demons is a method applicable to all Mahayana Buddhist spiritual levels. Of course, it is definitely not as efficient as the exclusive conversion method, but what we have in front of us are three-stage great demons, and there are five of them! No matter how low the conversion efficiency is, as long as the quantity of our base increases, it will be more than enough to help us advance one stage."

Upon hearing this, Tang Ping was delighted and noticed that Gui Taxi and Xiang Yun were both looking at her with envy. She said, "I haven't been in this industry for long, and this is the first time I've heard of this."

Ling Chong remembered the other party's undercover identity and suddenly realized, patting his shoulder and saying, "It's very simple to convert demons. Just recite the scriptures and release spiritual power at the same time. The difficult part is how to make the demons listen to us recite the scriptures. After all, they are a group of NPCs, and many of them would rather die than obey. But these five spider demons have not yet been born, so we don't need to worry about this. In short, just follow me and learn."

Having said that, he disregarded the puddles on the ground, sat down cross-legged, and a phantom image of Lingge appeared behind him. He clasped his hands together and began chanting Buddhist teachings: "Do no evil, do all good, purify your mind, this is the teaching of all Buddhas..."

Seeing this, Tang Ping followed suit, manifesting a phantom image of Ling Ge, sitting cross-legged, and chanting along.

A golden Buddhist light emanated from the two of them, gradually spreading and enveloping each of them in a cocoon. The spider demons inside the cocoons gradually calmed down, and their chaotic demonic energy became peaceful.

A third-stage demon is obviously not so easy to convert, especially since Tang Ping and Ling Chong had just gone through a battle and had consumed a lot of spiritual energy, which was exhausted after reciting scriptures for two hours.

Fortunately, salvation doesn't have to be done all at once, and it doesn't matter if they pause for a while. The two knew that the opportunity was right in front of them. As the saying goes, if you don't take what Heaven gives you, you will suffer the consequences. So they simply didn't return to the mortal world and rested in the Spider Cave. Once they recovered their spiritual power, they would continue chanting scriptures to save others.

Gui Taxi and Xiang Yun were envious, but it had nothing to do with them. They couldn't improve their cultivation by converting demons, so the former stayed behind to protect the Dharma, while the latter went back and brought back Buddhist scriptures, wooden fish, vajra bells, prayer beads, and other Dharma implements.

With the aid of ritual implements, the efficiency of the conversion is further improved.

By noon the next day, the two of them had each successfully converted a spider demon.

As a second-stage spiritual energy user, Ling Chong's needs were several times greater than Tang Ping's. Therefore, he only experienced a significant increase in spiritual power cultivation, while Tang Ping felt that her spiritual rank had been fully developed and she could break through to the second stage!

Chapter 182 Promotion to Second Job

There's usually no danger in advancing from the first to the second job advancement, and Tang Ping, not being particular about such things, simply struck while the iron was hot and held an advancement ceremony on the spot.

Under the watchful eyes of Gui Taxi and Xiang Yun, Tang Ping's spiritual pressure suddenly surged, and the golden Buddhist light emanating from the phantom of the spirit became even more brilliant, like a newborn sun illuminating the entire cave.

While experiencing the wonderful pleasure brought by the sublimation of his soul, Tang Ping actively guided the spiritual power in his body, making it flow through his meridians at an unprecedented speed according to the mental method of the Zen Sea Knife Technique. With each completion of the cycle, he felt that his connection with the spiritual energy between heaven and earth became closer and closer, and he explored the secret to entering the state of oneness with heaven and man.

At the same time, the environment inside the cave was also affected, becoming warm and peaceful, and the originally pervasive stench was gradually replaced by a faint sandalwood scent.

"Huh, there's this kind of change?"

Gui Taxi looked up at Tang Ping's head in surprise, and saw a golden lotus appear out of thin air. The lotus petals bloomed layer by layer, each petal shimmering with swastikas and emitting a soft light, making Tang Ping's face appear even more solemn and sacred, especially her eyes, which revealed a wisdom and compassion that transcended the mortal world.

"What's wrong?" Xiang Yun asked with a hint of worry.

“I have seen the 'novice monk' advance in his spiritual power before, and he did not have the lotus phenomenon on him.”

"But Tang Ping's condition looks stable and there are no signs of it getting out of control."

"Yes, his advancement was smoother than that of the psionicist. Perhaps it's due to the difference in their physical constitution. In the end, our understanding of spirit rank is still at a very superficial level."

While the two were talking, Tang Ping had already completed her promotion and successfully entered the second job advancement stage.

[Person: Tang Ping]

[Linge: Bhikkhu]

[The budding of good roots: omitted]

[The Nectar of the Wonderful Dharma: Omitted]

[Insight into Karma: By touching other people's belongings, one can glimpse the origins of the karma entangled within them.]

【Three-Eyed True Radiance: Omitted】

A novice monk is equivalent to a Buddhist disciple. Only after receiving full ordination can one become a fully ordained monk, which is considered a formal entry into the Buddhist order.

A bhikkhu is a true member of the Sangha, who can wear three robes and is qualified to accept disciples, ordain precepts, transmit the Dharma, and receive offerings.

Correspondingly, the phantom of Lingge behind Tangping donned a kasaya, plucked prayer beads, and appeared solemn and dignified. However, judging solely from his spiritual energy, compared to the first transformation, he only gained "Insight into Karma," without much improvement.

Of course, for Tang Ping, improving her spiritual power cultivation is the most important thing.

"Why does he still have hair? That shouldn't be happening!"

Ling Chong stared at Tang Ping's head, his eyes filled with envy and jealousy. He wanted to ask her how she could make her hair have such tenacious vitality.

However, the most urgent task is to continue to convert the spider demon. He can feel that his cultivation is about to reach the limit of the second stage.

"When Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva practiced the profound Prajna Paramita, he saw that the five aggregates were empty and was able to overcome all suffering..."

After completing their advancement, Tang Ping and Ling Chong continued chanting scriptures together. When their spiritual energy was depleted, they would meditate to recover, not wasting a single second. After all, if the news were to leak out, it would surely attract the covetousness of other Buddhist spiritualists.

In a sense, the spider demon at this moment is equivalent to a rare and precious treasure in martial arts novels, the kind that can increase one's internal energy by decades if consumed. It is more valuable than pills that increase spiritual power because it does not cause drug resistance and is a legitimate method of cultivation without any hidden dangers.

That night, two more spider demons were converted, and Ling Chong's spiritual nature was finally fully realized.

Advancing to the third rank is naturally not as easy as advancing to the second rank. One needs to adjust to the best state and be wary of monster attacks. Ling Chong cannot learn from Tang Ping and advance on the spot. He can only suppress his impulse and prepare to choose an auspicious day to advance later.

With no further advancement to be made, the ownership of the last spider demon was no longer in dispute. After expressing his sincere gratitude, Tang Ping gladly accepted the gift and spent another half a day converting it to enlightenment.

In this way, his Spirit Transformation level, which has just been promoted to the second job advancement, is already nearly half full.

The benefits of a third-stage Great Demon are truly immense.

"How long have you been a psionicist?"

"About two months."

Upon hearing Tang Ping's answer, the three people wore expressions of envy that were hard to describe; this speed was unprecedented in their understanding.

Of course, it's just envy.

If Tang Ping had completed his spiritual transformation through ingenuity, even if it took him half a year, people would still admire his outstanding talent. But now he has only advanced through a stroke of luck, making people think that they could do it too. Therefore, people can only envy his luck, not admire him.

It's like the difference between getting admitted through special admission based on grades and getting admitted through being born into a better family.

Click!

Cracks appeared on the surface of the two cocoons, and the sound attracted everyone's attention. Under the gaze of eight eyes, the two spider demons crawled out of them.

The parts without human bodies are just two large spiders, but they no longer have any evil or malice, and instead exude a peaceful spiritual pressure.

Ling Chong said with some regret, "Can't you transform into a human? In 'Journey to the West,' the Spider Demon is depicted as seven beautiful women, right?"

Gui Taxi analyzed, "It's probably because they were premature. Their spiritual power doesn't meet the standard for the third stage, but perhaps they can achieve it in the future."

"We resolved the crisis of seven powerful demons at the third level ahead of schedule. It would be unreasonable not to give us a collective first-class merit."

"If others knew that I had converted five powerful demons at the third level, they would probably be green with envy and wouldn't be willing to give me a reward."

"A serendipitous encounter is a serendipitous encounter, and merit is merit; these are two different things."

“When jealousy gets the better of you, who cares about this or that?” Gui Taxi said irritably.

Ling Chong shrugged and said, "Tang Ping and I don't care. We've already made a huge gain, and even a first-class merit award can't compare. In the end, it's you and Xiang Yun who will suffer."

“Tsk,” Gui Taxi thought for a moment and agreed. “No, I have to think of a way… In the report, use some subtle wording. Briefly mention the situation of these five spider demons, don’t say they have been converted, just say that the crisis has been resolved. Also, we have to hide them and not let them show up in the near future. We can’t let anyone find out. As for physical evidence, the corpses of the two large spiders outside are enough.”

Xiang Yun asked, puzzled, "Why don't we just say that we burned these five spider demons to ashes? There's no way to prove it if they're dead."

Gui Taxi said with a serious expression, "Don't even think about lying. The higher-ups have plenty of ways to verify the truth. If you just give vague answers and get away with it, even if you're discovered later, they'll just laugh it off and won't pursue it. But if you're caught lying, you'll definitely be severely punished."

The four devised a plan to use vague language to deal with the five spider demons, while ensuring it did not contradict the facts.

At this moment, two large spiders crawled to Tang Ping and Ling Chong's sides, nuzzling them like puppies trying to please their owners, though the scene looked somewhat eerie.

Tang Ping asked curiously, "Could we tame them into thugs?"

Ling Chong said, "I'm afraid that won't work. Transformation is not about taking in pets. It's more like turning wild NPCs into neutral units. However, since we are the ones who transform them, we have a high friendship value. We can send them to be gatekeepers, but don't even think about making them into spirit pets."

"Pity."

Chapter 183 Eliminating Hidden Dangers

Tang Ping spent a week adapting to the new level, and then tried out the ultimate moves of the "Zen Sea Sword Technique". He found that they were barely usable, but not of practical value in actual combat.

Because using this move requires 90% of his spiritual power, unless he starts with an ultimate move, he will inevitably consume spiritual power during the process of testing and sparring with humans or monsters. By the time the opportunity arises, he will definitely be unable to use it.

He didn't feel regretful, after all, the previous prediction was to reach the late stage of the second transformation, and if he wanted to use it as a trump card whenever he wanted, he would probably have to advance to the third transformation.

Ling Chong had been in seclusion for a week, adjusting his condition to its best, and was preparing to try to break through to the third level tonight. Tang Ping was invited to help protect him, and also to learn from his own experience in advancing to the third level. After all, they were both Buddhist spiritual masters, and even if one was more inclined towards literature and the other towards martial arts, they still had some common ground.

But before that, he planned to eliminate a potential problem.

"Tang Ping, is something the matter?"

Zhou Canglan's voice came from the phone.

"President Zhou, if you think about it, I've been a member of the organization for almost three months now, and I haven't really done anything for the organization yet. Although I'm not one to enjoy the hustle and bustle of working, it's still unsettling to receive favors without giving anything back."

"Ha, you won't take advantage of others with a clear conscience. With your personality, you'll probably suffer a lot in society."

"I'm still a student, so I'll just accept the loss and consider it a learning experience. Does President Zhou have any tasks for me?"

"Yes, I can feel your feelings."

Zhou Canglan on the other end of the phone pondered for a moment and decided to persuade him to give up based on the facts: "Let me put it this way, your strength is too weak, especially since the 'novice monk' spirit is more inclined towards support and healing and has little combat ability. I don't feel comfortable entrusting any missions to you. For now, you should focus your energy on spirit transformation and improve your strength as much as possible. Once you advance to the second stage and gain the ability of prophecy, you will be able to provide tremendous help to the team. Until then, consider me an angel investor."

Fu Zhengyi, look at how he leads!

Tang Ping inwardly grumbled about her former boss, thinking that if she hadn't switched jobs, she probably would have been completely won over by Zhou Canglan's personal charm.

"I understand what President Zhou means. However, I have encountered an opportunity that is not dangerous but can benefit the organization."

"Oh, what do you say?"

"Here's what happened. I went back to my hometown to visit a relative who was injured and hospitalized. On the way, I visited my father's alma mater. Then I encountered members of the local Psionic Administration Bureau arresting a fugitive. I thought I'd go and see what was going on, but I ended up getting caught up in the illusion-destroying stone used by the fugitive. Later, I discovered that the chase was a trap set by the fugitive to turn the tables and capture the entire Psionic Administration Bureau..."

Tang Ping briefly recounted what happened that day, but omitted the part about how she displayed her superhuman strength and defeated three cult members single-handedly. She only said that she appeared at the crucial moment to save people and, together with members of the Psionic Administration, defeated and arrested the criminals.

"The local psychic administration is very grateful for my saving my life and doesn't care about what I did at the psychic training base. They invited me to join them. What do you think, Mr. Zhou?"

Tang Ping's words were carefully crafted and were entirely true. Even if Zhou Canglan had the ability to detect lies through a mobile phone, he would find that Tang Ping was not lying.

"Your experience is truly..."

Zhou Canglan was unsure how to evaluate the situation. He didn't doubt Tang Ping, since a story should be written in a more plain and reasonable way, rather than being full of twists and turns and as thrilling as a movie plot.

"By the way, the three fugitives who were arrested are members of the Guiling Cult. Does that mean I'm an ally within their ranks?" Tang Ping asked, feigning concern.

Zhou Canglan replied without hesitation, "We have no alliance with the Guiling Sect, so there is no such thing as an ally. Although the Chinese government refers to us as one of the four major evil sects, that is ultimately their definition, and we do not recognize it."

Tang Ping nodded; that made sense.

In reality, no one considers themselves a villain. The United States has committed so many crimes against humanity, yet it still claims to be a beacon of humanity.

Zhou Canglan continued, "Even setting aside my stance, the doctrine of the New Realm Alliance is to make psionicists the ruling class, while the doctrine of the Returning Spirit Cult is to reclaim the authority of psionicists and return psionic power to the Great Primal Spirit. The doctrines of the two sides are actually in conflict. In a sense, the followers of the Returning Spirit Cult are more worthy of elimination than the official psionicists. Therefore, you are not only innocent, but you have actually done a good deed."

"That's good. So, what do you think of the invitation from the Jiangcheng Psionic Administration Bureau? Should I accept or decline?"

"Are you willing to infiltrate an official organization as an undercover agent?"

"If it's useful to the organization, then I can only join the Psionic Management Bureau in Jiangcheng and can't return to Lin'an."

"That doesn't matter. I'm not like Fatty Donglai who's stuck in his hometown and can't get out. The company can still operate in a different place, or even if we don't need the company anymore, it's fine. We need to distinguish between priorities. Our identity in the real world is just a convenient business card. Our real reliance is still psychic energy. And our psychic identity has never been limited to Lin'an. If you can really obtain an official identity, it will play a significant role in the organization's future actions."

"In that case, I will accept their invitation."

"Yes, but you must be careful not to expose it, otherwise it won't be something that can be solved by just expelling you."

Zhou Canglan then gave Tang Ping a few more instructions and suggested several scenarios that could easily expose his identity, reminding him to be careful. Finally, they agreed that related matters should only be discussed in person and not by phone or mobile phone software, so as not to leave any clues.