225 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

### Chapter 225: Demons, Yet Sages! As the group of ruffian-like men approached him, Master Han felt his heart clench. He turned to the guards he had hired, only to find that they had quietly distanced themselves and closed their eyes, pretending to be asleep, completely disengaged from the situation. "What are you doing? I paid you for this!" exclaimed Master Han angrily. “Come now, Master Han, we don’t risk our lives for mere coins,” the scar-faced man chuckled, “Relax, we mean no harm; we just want to have some fun with the ladies.” “Don't do anything rash! Let me tell you, I'm a scholar of the imperial court, soon to take office in Liangsha County! Dare you lay a hand on me? Aren’t you afraid of the court’s reprisals?” “The court?” The scarred man was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter. “What court! The state of Qi is in shambles, thanks to corrupt officials like you, causing the commoners to suffer. Why else would we turn to banditry? The state is rife with uprisings, they can’t control us! It’s ridiculous that even officials have to hire their own guards!” Han Zhi furrowed his brow, “Indeed, the court is in dire straits, but we scholars are committed to restoring the nation. I, Han, am determined to ensure everyone can afford a meal!” “Save your breath! If I believed you officials, I'd have starved long ago. You should worry more about yourself.” The scarred man, growing impatient, raised his long knife to strike Han Zhi. But just then, a girl clad in monk’s robes stepped between them. The scarred man halted his blade, looking at the nun before him, “What’s this, nun? Meddling in others’ affairs?” “Please, refrain from evil deeds now, it’s not too late to lay down your arms.” Wang Xin clasped her hands in a solemn gesture, speaking earnestly. “Lay down arms? You monks are all the same!” the scarred man laughed, “I’ll spare you the trouble if you back off, otherwise you’ll join the party! Don’t think the monastery can frighten us!” “Amitabha.” Wang Xin recited a Buddhist chant. “Causality is ever-present; a single evil thought sows seeds of karma, leading one to a cycle of suffering. Buddha’s compassion reminds us: ‘Commit no evil, do all good acts.’ One good thought brings blessings, one evil thought brings endless troubles. Harming others for selfish desires not only clouds your heart today but plants seeds for future suffering. Like a light illuminating a dark room and exposing guilt, why not turn back before it’s too late?” “Rubbish! Will you step aside or not? My brother is willing to spare you, don’t test our patience, or you’ll join us for drinks! Don’t assume we’re scared of your monastery!” “Would a monk drink? Haha, maybe they would!” “A nun, and she’s quite a looker!” “Has a charm of her own!” The other bandits chimed in mockingly. Listening to their banter, Wang Xin remained silent and unperturbed, standing firmly before them. “Nun, I’m giving face by sparing you, but if you’re obstinate, don’t blame me!” the scarred man eyed Wang Xin, feeling a temptation. Truth be told, her presence, and her beauty were unlike anything from this world. “Please, refrain from evil deeds,” Wang Xin implored once more, her eyes pure and sincere. “Enough talking!” The scarred man shook his head and moved to shove her aside. Though hesitant to harm her, pinning her elsewhere would mean the monastery wouldn’t come after them. But just as he reached out, before touching Wang Xin’s robe, a crimson blade flashed, severing his hand clean off, splattering blood everywhere, yet not a drop touched Wang Xin. “My hand! My hand!” The scarred man cried in agony, staggering back, clutching his arm. The group turned towards the source, discovering the man who had been quietly resting his eyes now gripping a long knife, slowly standing up. Unlike his previous calm demeanor, his current presence exuded terror, immobilizing everyone. Xiao Mo advanced, cold sweat drenching their backs. Especially the scarred man—he could not fathom it. The testing stone showed he hadn’t reached the Foundation Building stage. Yet this man’s aura was far more terrifying than anyone at such a stage! “Could it be...” The scarred man stared at Xiao Mo in disbelief, as if coming to a terrifying realization. Could this man truly be a Golden Core-ranked immortal? An immortal of legend—what was he doing at this dilapidated monastery? “Spare me, immortal, spare me,” he pleaded as Xiao Mo approached, their legs giving out beneath them, they knelt desperately. “Refrain from evil, pursue goodness, understand?” Xiao Mo advised, withdrawing the oppressive killing aura. Yet his tone held no real persuasion. “We understand, immortal, we understand!” They kowtowed fervently, their foreheads bleeding onto the gravel. “We’ll wash our hands clean, pursue good deeds, abstain from evil, we beg your mercy!” Their words prompted Wang Xin to lower her gaze, softly pressing her lips together. “Wang Xin, it seems I’ve won,” Xiao Mo remarked to the girl beside him, “This time, I persuaded them to turn towards good.” “...” Wang Xin remained silent, head bowed. “Do you know why they ignored your profound truths but clung to my simple words?” Xiao Mo continued, speaking to the decaying monastery's Buddha statue. “Although versed in Buddhist lore, surpassing countless in wisdom, do you understand why Buddha statues smile benevolently, while Dharma protectors are fierce?” Wang Xin lifted her gaze to Xiao Mo. “It’s simple!” As his words concluded, Xiao Mo’s blade swiftly swept through, scattering the bandits into nothing but blood mist. A lightning bolt pierced the night sky, illuminating both the serene Buddha and the fearsome Dharma protectors. Amidst the thunderous roar, Xiao Mo’s icy words echoed through the worn monastery, carrying a weight heavier than the storm. “In a world of chaos, even a child with gold is surrounded by devils.” “Beside the smiling Maitreya, even demons stand as sages!” (End of chapter)