QT Cannon Fodder's Record: Dekachapter 228

Chp 2271: Female Benefactor

Ning Shu walked towards Hui Ji with her hands behind her back. Her eyes were narrowed as she looked at him. From the side, this young monk was really pretty.

Moreover, since he had no hair, his attractiveness all depended on his face.

"Little monk."

Hui Ji saluted with a Buddhist mudra. "Female Benefactor."

Ning Shu: ...

She had an Adam's apple, and even her period had stopped now, so how did this little brat find out?

"Benefactor, do not be surprised. There are differences between men and women that outward appearances cannot conceal."

"How many years have you been a monk?"

"This novice monk Hui Ji grew up in Illusory Temple."

"How many books does the Illusory Temple have?"

"There are 178 Buddhist scriptures, 37 Buddhist narratives, and 8 Buddhist laws. The books on martial arts are countless," young monk Hui Ji answered seriously.

Ning Shu raised her brows and asked, "How do you feel after reading so many Buddhist scriptures?

"What are the fundamental principles of Buddhism?

"All beings experience bitter hardship. Simply by believing in Buddhism, can people get free of worldly sufferings and reach the Occident paradise?"

Ning Shu stared at Hui Ji as she asked these questions in succession. She wanted to make trouble and challenge Hui Ji's Buddhist beliefs.

Ning Shu couldn't stand listening to the young monk spouting the things he did, like how the abyss of worldly suffering is boundless, and repentance was humankind’s salvation from it.

People were compelled by their own circumstances, and Ning Shu had to continue walking down her path. Who were these monks to preach to her, when they had never been in her shoes?

“Amitabha.” Hui Ji performed a Buddhist mudra. “Avoid doing evil, pursue goodness, and self-purify—this is all Buddhism.

“Learn from the Buddha and know yourself, to restrain yourself,” Hui Ji said.

Ning Shu waved her hand. "Stop saying these bookish words. I can’t understand them.

"Have you ever eaten meat?"

"Never. All living things have a spirit, and it is a sin to covet pleasure," Hui Ji solemnly replied.

"Stop talking about sins. Just tell me, do you want to eat meat or not?" Ning Shu looked at the young monk with a smile.

“I’m inviting you to eat roasted duck, roasted young chicken, braised salted duck, soy chicken, meat jerky, century eggs, tripe, sun-dried meat, sausage, assorted Su city meat plate, smoked chicken, white tripe, eight-treasure pig, and sticky rice stuffed duck, rabbit breast, stuffed coil pancake, whitebait, braised duck liver, braised duck strips, tossed duck shreds..."

Ning Shu talked until she was hungry, but Hui Ji remained calm as he responded, "Thank you, Benefactor, but this novice monk doesn't eat these things."

Ning Shu was not discouraged by his words. He hadn't tasted these flavors before, so naturally, he didn't know how tempting they tasted.

"What do you eat every day?" Ning Shu asked.

"Hair moss, winter shiitake mushrooms, winter bamboo shoots, vegetarian chicken, fresh mushrooms, orange daylilies, wood ear, cooked chestnuts, ginkgo, cauliflower, carrots, tofu, tofu skin, seasonal vegetables, dried and fresh fruits," the little monk said. "Vegetarian dishes are not without nutrition."

Ning Shu shrugged. "You said that all living things have a spirit. The plants you talked about also can feel people’s teeth chewing on them. Isn’t eating them also a sin then? Also, aren’t big sins and small sins all the same?”

Young Monk Hui Ji frowned and said nothing.

"Do you know what pain is?

"Do you know what happiness is?

"Do you think you can save the world by chanting scriptures in a temple and drumming with a wooden fish?

Hui Ji was still young. However, his mature and indifferent manner made him seem like an old man.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2272: What Do You Need to Believe in Buddhism For?

"The lot of you rely on Buddhist pilgrims’ temple donations and repay them by saying a few inexplicable words to them. Is this called enlightening the world?"

"Amitabha, the past affects the future, and you always reap what you sow. Only if there is a cause there will be an effect. If you don't do evil, there will be no evil."

"Then what do you need to believe in Buddhism for?" Ning Shu tilted her head and looked at Hui Ji. "Have you ever gone to the outside world to see it?"

"Is your goal to enlighten the world, or to become a Buddha?"

"This novice monk wants to enlighten the world."

Ning Shu smiled and replied, "If you want to enlighten the mortal world, you have to walk into it. Those who are struggling in the mortal world are the true people you should enlighten.

"Or are you afraid that if you enter the mortal world, you will get infected by worldly affairs, and be consigned to eternal damnation?" Ning Shu said indifferently.

"Benefactor, are you angry at what happened last night or what happened at today’s troop rally? Is that why you want to destroy the belief in this novice monk's heart?" Hui Ji said lightly.

"Tsk. You saw through me. You’re spot on, very accurate." Ning Shu looked at the young monk and asked, "What's the point of you living like this?"

"Well, what is the point of living like Benefactor?"

Ning Shu spread her hands. "Being alive is the most important thing for me. Just like how it’s the most important thing for you to enlighten the world.

"How can you enlighten the world without going to hell? Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva went to hell to spread Buddhism and he vowed that until the hells are empty of suffering beings, he won’t become a Buddha.’"

"If I were you, I would go to the mortal world. What is the point of reciting Buddhist scriptures every day? The outside world is much more brilliant than Buddhist scriptures," Ning Shu said earnestly to Hui Ji.

"Amitabha. People covet pleasure. After going to the mortal world, what changes is a person's will to resist it." Hui Ji ignored Ning Shu's temptation. "This novice monk knows that there are too many things in the outside world."

"If your will gets corroded by worldly affairs as soon as you enter the world, then what use is becoming a senior monk? What use is reading so many Buddhist scriptures?" Ning Shu said contemptuously.

"Don't forget your original life principles and act honestly from the beginning to the end. As the wisest monk in a hundred years, how could you not even understand this?"

"Amitabha, Benefactor doesn't need to provoke this novice monk. Even though this novice monk wishes to enlighten the world, he must first enlighten himself," Hui Ji said insipidly after performing a Buddhist mudra.

In order to enlighten oneself, one must know oneself. But, as a doctor could not treat themselves, the most difficult thing in this world is to know oneself.

Ning Shu couldn't persuade Hui Ji, nor could Ning Shu accept Hui Ji's arguments.

How ridiculous was a monk who never had to worry about food and clothing, spouting about how he wanted to enlighten the world?

"Little monk, I dare to assure you that you will never become a Buddha. Definitely, definitely...

"Your Buddha's heart looks crystal clear and indestructible, but it is not even as good as a stone. A stone that rolls about in the mortal world, and has been worn smooth through shakes and bumps… That stone can bear hardship with equanimity, no matter where it is."

Ning Shu: Fuck…

She knew it’d be hard to destroy a person's faith, but such a monk like Hui Ji could only be regarded as the real deal.

He persevered with his beliefs. Not many people could do this.

"Thank you, Benefactor, for your advice. Hui Ji will take it to heart." Hui Ji performed a Buddhist mudra to Ning Shu.

Ning Shu hammered her chest, feeling inexplicably stifled.

"Little monk, you can do other things with your talents once you leave the monastic order, and you will make a greater contribution to the world. That will be more useful than reciting scriptures and knocking wooden fish."

"Amitabha, the reason why this novice monk stands out is actually just because he reads one or two more Buddhist scriptures than others. Hui Ji has no other talents."

Ning Shu waved her hand. She was too tired to talk to him, so she just turned around and left.

"Benefactor…"

Ning Shu waved her hand without looking back. "Don't persuade with how ‘repentance is salvation.’ You can't say that what I do is wrong, little monk. I have more merits than you do."

Ah,

it was so refreshing to act cool like this.

Why would he try so hard to persuade others that repentance is salvation? If a person refuses to be reformed, then just have them cremated.

Guiding people into doing good was indeed merit, but so was eliminating evil.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2273: What Happened to You?

Hui Ji returned to the yard where he was temporarily residing. Seeing how tired Hui Ji looked, Master Hui Kong quickly asked, "Junior Brother, what happened to you?"

"Nothing."

"What matter did Alliance Leader Zhao call you for?" Hui Kong asked.

Hui Ji shook his head. "It’s nothing.

"Senior Brother, you should depart first this time. Junior Brother still has something to do. I plan to travel alone and beg for alms all the way to Mount Song, where we’ll participate in the martial alliance conference," Hui Ji said.

"Are you planning to learn by experiencing the world?" Hui Kong continued, "You are still young. You will not be able to resist those desires. You are very wise, but Senior Brother does not want your spirit of Buddha to be contaminated by worldly dirt.

"Once it gets dirty, it can no longer be purified. If you don't come back with me, the abbot will definitely punish me."

"Senior Brother, I will definitely be alright. I will return to the Illusory Temple after half a year at most.

"You all should leave first. I'm afraid that something big will happen.

"When the time comes, I will personally beg forgiveness from the abbot." Hui Ji took out a piece of paper that was filled with Buddhist scriptures. "Senior Brother, please give this to the abbot."

"Hui Ji, don't waste your own future. The century-long prosperity of Illusory Temple depends on you."

"Don't worry, Senior Brother. Your junior brother will take good care of himself," Hui Ji replied.

"Haa..." Hui Kong sighed and chanted Amitabha. His expression was a bit worried. It was apparent that he was anxious about Hui Ji's entry into the world.

However, under Hui Ji’s urging, Hui Kong left the Zhao Clan Stronghold with the rest of the monks.

Ning Shu was gnawing on fruit and strolling around the Zhao Clan Stronghold when she saw the Hui Ji sending off all the monks in Illusory Temple.

Ning Shu walked over and asked, "Why aren’t you going with them? Without any adult around, a pretty child like you will easily get abducted and trafficked."

"Amitabha." Hui Ji performed a Buddhist mudra solemnly. "Benefactor, this novice monk feels that you are full of malice towards him."

Ning Shu stretched out her hands. "Am I? I’m not.”

"Even though there are a lot of ugly things in the world, there are also many beautiful things." Hui Ji looked at Ning Shu.

Ning Shu nodded repeatedly. "Agreed.

"Little monk, in any case, your seniors are gone now. I want to invite you to eat, so come with me. Let’s make trouble together." Ning Shu threw the core of the fruit far away.

"Who is that!? Who threw it, who lacks so much respect…" A furious voice sounded.

"Amitabha, thank you, Benefactor, but this novice monk is a little tired and wishes to go to rest," Hui Ji politely declined Ning Shu's ill-intended invitation.

Ning Shu stretched out her finger and thought about how abnormal she was. How come whenever she saw beautiful and lovely things, she wanted to destroy them?

Forget it. She should stop teasing this little monk.

Perhaps, in the future, this little monk would spark a generation of eminent monks, who would relieve people from their confusion and helplessness.

Mei Wu asked Ning Shu: "Young Miss, do you like that monk?"

Ning Shu: ...

Mei Wu sure had heavy taste.

Ning Shu shook her head. "No, I don't like him."

Having entered and left so many worlds, Ning Shu must be at least a hundred years old in total. How could she like that little brat?

As soon as the task was completed, Ning Shu would leave this world. She didn’t intend to leave any ties behind.

Mei Wu didn't speak. He simply walked by Ning Shu’s side.

In the evening, Ning Shu put on dark clothes and crept into Zhao Bo's study. She turned a vase on the Bogu shelf and touched the mechanism. As a result, a hidden weapon flew toward her.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2274: There’s a Thief! An Assassin!

Ning Shu rolled on the ground to dodge the weapon and grabbed the book in the shadowy recess.

"There’s a thief! An assassin!" Ning Shu was just fleeing out of the study when the entire Zhao Clan Stronghold came out and one after another came toward her.

Ning Shu escaped from the Zhao Clan Stronghold by jumping over a wall. She ran towards the martial arts sects stationed outside Zhao Clan Stronghold.

Many people had noticed the uproar in the Zhao Clan Stronghold and were all looking at it.

They inwardly guessed what had occurred to the Zhao Clan Stronghold, and they all came to the same conclusion: it had to be related to the 'Guiyuan Sacred Martial Arts.'

Ning Shu repeated her old trick and threw the rare book into the midst of these sects.

She then took off her dark clothes and pretended to also be chasing the assassin.

Ning Shu met Zhao Bo and told him, "Uncle, someone is making trouble again. I saw a dark shadow just now, but I lost track of it."

"These demonic sect members really don't know when to give up." Zhao Bo glanced at Ning Shu, his expression unpredictable under the light of the torch.

"Demonic sect members?" Ning Shu asked in surprise.

"It’s probably someone from the demonic sect."

"They still haven’t given up on the rare book?" Ning Shu thought for a while. "Uncle, you should check if that thing is missing."

"It doesn't matter if it’s lost. It's fake anyway."

Ning Shu: …

Making counterfeits must be in vogue nowadays. No one trusted anyone anymore.

"It's good that the taken one is a fake. Let these demonic sect members take the risk all for no gain."

"But, Uncle, I don't think that it’s definitely done by the people of the demonic sect. There’s another person who knows about the book, that little monk Hui Ji. Maybe it is Hui Ji who stole it."

Ning Shu said sneakily.

"Benefactor," Hui Ji’s voice sounded, though faintly, and Ning Shu turned her head to look. "Oh, you’re here. It's a bit dark, so I didn't see you."

"Yi, except for young master Hui Ji, you and I now are the only ones who know about the book. Are you the one who stole it?" Zhao Bo finally said what was in his heart.

“If you want to cultivate it, child… It’s not that I don’t want you to. It’s just that we must first make sure whether this book is genuine or not.

Ning Shu looked dumbfounded. “Have I eaten too much, or have I become stupid? I went through so much to steal that thing from the demonic sect. Why would I steal it again? Besides, I know Uncle would definitely let me cultivate it. Why would I do such a useless task?”

“Yi, I trust you. The Zhao Clan Stronghold will be handed over to you in the future."

"Thank you, Uncle," Ning Shu obediently replied.

After a while, the situation inside the Zhao Clan Stronghold calmed down. Instead, there was a ruckus rising outside it.

It was all caused by a peeing person. When he went out to relieve himself, he found that he had stepped on something. He took it into his arms and went back to the tent to take a look.

F*ck! What a miracle, it was the mythical book!

His heart was banging wildly against his ribs. He was scared that others would find out, so he quickly hid the book.

People would usually get nervous when they obtained valuable things. They almost couldn’t believe that they obtained it.

However, the fact that he had the book was still discovered by others. Those people, in order to obtain the book, immediately killed that person.

Regardless of whether the rare book was genuine or not, it was best to first kill and seize the book first.

Anyway, this rare book was like an opening. It made these people stationed outside the Zhao Clan Stronghold kill and injure each other.

In the face of such temptation, not everyone could firmly stay with their principles.

Within a few days, Ning Shu got the news that several people had died, and the rare book had gone missing. Apparently, a disciple of the Everlasting Sect had stolen it.

All of the sects were now looking for this disciple who stole the rare book.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2275: He Was Probably an Expert

Zhao Bo breathed a sigh of relief. At least these people were no longer focusing on the Zhao Clan Stronghold.

However, Zhao Bo was still burdened by some thoughts.

Why would the people of the demonic sect do something like this?

How idiotic must they be to lose such a rare book?

Anyhow, it’d be in his favor to successfully cultivate the first volume of 'Guiyuan Sacred Martial Arts' before the martial alliance conference.

If he succeeded, he could be re-elected as the martial alliance leader, and then...

Zhao Bo was growing to distrust this nephew, who had returned from the demonic sect, more and more.

"Amitabha." Hui Ji walked to Ning Shu's side. "Does Benefactor not feel guilty about acting like this?"

"Little monk, don't talk nonsense." Ning Shu stared at Hui Ji. "I didn't do anything."

Hui Ji stared at Ning Shu with clear eyes. His eyelashes were very long, and Ning Shu could see her reflection in his eyes.

"You can look at me all you want. I didn't do it." Ning Shu spread her hands. "You keep staring at me every day, aren’t you tired of it?"

Ning Shu stretched her body. It seemed that it was time to leave the Zhao Clan Stronghold, but she had to set a fire before she left.

She had to go back to the Sacred Demonic Cult and quickly take the medicine. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to return to being a girl in the future, and she'd really become a person with both a full chest and Adam's apple.

"Little monk, do you know martial arts?" Ning Shu asked.

Hui Ji nodded. "I know a little bit."

Ning Shu's eyes whirled. Since this little monk was very humble, he was probably an expert.

But if that was true, how did she manage to rob him of his bag?

Did he let himself be robbed?

Ning Shu wanted to fight against Hui Ji. After thinking about it, though, she let go of the notion. What would be the point of bullying a child?

Ning Shu turned around and left.

"Amitabha."

Ning Shu rolled her eyes. This brat couldn’t influence her. She was the demonic enchantress.

Ning Shu asked Mei Wu to pack up her things and prepare to leave. Mei Wu was very happy and quickly packed up everything.

Ning Shu went to the woodshed and took some firewood and poured oil on them. She lit them and threw them into Zhao Bo's study.

She then lit the whole woodshed on fire before taking Mei Wu away.

Before she left, she even carved some words on the wall at the gate of the Zhao Clan Stronghold.

Holding the dagger and using energy from her dantian, she engraved the words "Zhao Bo you thief, sooner or later what belongs to the Sacred Demonic Sect will be returned."

These carved words were very deep and large.

Then, Ning Shu and Mei Wu got on their horses and galloped away.

Everyone in the Zhao Clan Stronghold was busy trying to put out the fire. They couldn’t care less about how Ning Shu was nowhere to be found.

Ning Shu turned her head and saw the fire blazing from the direction of the Zhao Clan Stronghold and the light illuminating the sky red.

“Yip, yip!” Ning Shu kicked the horse's belly, raised her whip, and her horse's hoofs sharply sounded.

When she was passing by a town to rest, Ning Shu overheard many people discussing Zhao Clan Stronghold's fire.

Many people speculated that the leader of the martial alliance stole from the demonic sect, and the fire was the demonic sect’s retaliation against Zhao Clan Stronghold.

Some people even whispered that the things Leader Zhao had stolen could allow people to become immortals. Once they got them, they’d be able to soar into the sky and become immortals and gods.

Ning Shu: ...

What an outrageous rumor.

Soaring into the sky?

The demonic sect probably released this rumor. The more bizarre it was, the faster it’d spread.

Zhao Bo was the leader of the martial alliance, after all. The more people focused on Zhao Bo, the more beneficial it would be for the demonic sect.

Right now, the righteous sects had no time to attack the demonic sect. They were all muddle-headed, not knowing whether or not to pursue that disciple from the Everlasting Sect who ran off, allegedly with the book, or to look for Zhao Bo and demand it from him.

They split instead into two. On one hand, they sent people to track down the disciples of the Everlasting Sect. On the other hand, they were also watching the Zhao Clan Stronghold.

At the same time, Zhao Bo himself issued a bounty to the martial world. The target was Zhao Yi, who used to be part of the demonic sect and was called Qi Yi. Anyone who could kill him would get five hundred tales of gold and could also become a disciple of the Zhao Clan Stronghold.

Ning Shu saw the bounty. Five hundred taels of gold was quite a huge sum of money.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2276: You Haven’t Played Around Enough?

As soon as Ning Shu got back to the Sacred Demonic Cult, the very first thing she did was ask Elder Shen for medicine.

“Hurry, give me the medicine!”

After not seeing him for a while, Ning Shu felt that Elder Shen had lost even more hair. She saw that there were even fewer test subjects now. Had he killed them with his experiments?

“What medicine?” Elder Shen looked as if he was dumbfounded.

Ning Shu’s expression was blank as she touched the protrusion on her neck. "The medicine to take this away."

Elder Shen shook his head. "There is no such medicine."

Ning Shu: ...

"You said there was a medicine that I could eat that would get rid of this."

"I was just saying nonsense."

"I'm going to tell my brother, the leader, that you’re treating me as a test subject. I’m going to tell him that you want to transform me into a man."

Elder Shen: ...

"Here. Take this medicine twice a day."

Ning Shu breathed a sigh of relief and took the medicine.

She really couldn’t endure being in this state, where she wasn’t fully a man or fully a woman.

After she returned to the Sacred Demonic Cult, Ning Shu began to cultivate. After a while, the martial alliance’s election finally arrived.

Ning Shu was also going to participate in the martial alliance election.

Of course, her intent was more to sabotage it.

After taking the medicine for a while, Ning Shu's body also returned to normal.

Since she settled down to practice, she had accumulated enough energy in her dantian to form a shape now.

It was a dragon-shaped energy.

Her strength had risen by a lot.

Ning Shu asked Ye Hua for a team of people in preparation to participate in the martial alliance election. After all, the Sacred Demonic Cult was also a member of the martial world.

How could they miss out on such a grand event?

Ye Hua looked at Ning Shu and lightly asked, "You haven’t played around enough?"

"Leader, I’m not playing around," Ning Shu quickly said. "Everything I do is for the sake of the Sacred Demonic Cult.

“This time, I will definitely be able to win honor for our Sacred Demonic Cult." Ning Shu said.

"Mostly, I’ll take this opportunity to see the strength of these sects. By knowing yourself, and knowing your enemy, one will emerge victoriously through a hundred battles."

Ye Hua didn't reply to Ning Shu. He just waved her off.

Ning Shu could only leave the hall.

After that, Ye Hua sent over a team to Ning Shu. Everyone in the Sacred Demonic Cult wore black clothes and was very conspicuous wherever they went.

Sitting on a luxurious cart, Ning Shu slowly headed towards Mount Song, where the martial alliance convention would be held.

However, on the way to Mount Song, she met the travel-worn young monk, Hui Ji.

The young monk was alone. It was just him and his worn clothes, which seemed to be covered with dust.

Ning Shu was sitting near the window in the inn. When she looked down, she saw a servant who looked like they served a rich family bowing, nodding, and talking to Hui Ji.

After a few words, he followed after the servant.

Ning Shu jumped down from the window and followed the two of them.

She arrived at a large residence, into which the servant was taking Hui Ji.

Ning Shu squinted her eyes. She mobilized the energy in her dantian, then jumped onto the wall and over it.

This residence was not small. Ning Shu saw the servant bring Hui Ji into the house.

Ning Shu jumped onto the roof, uncovered the roof tiles, and looked at the situation in the room.

"Little Master, you’re finally here. I believe I’ve been bewitched."

A chubby man grabbed Hui Ji’s hands and pressed them to his own heart, with a pig-like look of enjoyment.

Ning Shu: ...

"Amitabha, Benefactor, please let go of me." Hui Ji had some skill in kung fu, after all, and withdrew his hand at once.

"Even your voice is so pleasing to my ears." The pig-faced man looked at Hui Ji with an obsessive look.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2277: The Little Monk’s Kung Fu Was Really…

Hui Ji performed a Buddhist mudra. "Since the benefactor has no matters, this novice monk will retire."

Hui Ji turned to open the door, only to find that the door was locked from the outside and couldn't be opened at all.

"Little Master, isn’t it a pity that you are a monk with your appearance and figure? If you follow me, I will guarantee that you’ll get to eat and drink your fill. You’ll be happy beyond comparison. It’ll be much better than being a monk."

The wretched pig rubbed his hands together and approached Hui Ji.

Hui Ji sharply said, “Sir, please conduct yourself with dignity. This novice monk is a Buddhist. Does Sir intend to blaspheme Buddha?"

The wretched man swayed his whole body. "Your voice is so nice… It’s so nice. Say that again… Talk again…"

Ning Shu: ...

This little monk had met a proper homosexual. He was even a lover of vulgar hobbies.

The wretched man approached Hui Ji, and Hui Ji kicked the wretched man's belly. The wretched man's belly shook, but it only bounced Hui Ji a couple of steps back.

Ning Shu raised her eyebrows. This wretched man actually knew martial arts.

"This is fun. I like to play like this." The wretched man stretched out his hand and grabbed Hui Ji’s arm, and the two fought.

Ning Shu couldn't help covering her eyes. The little monk's kung fu was really bad.

She thought he was being modest, but she didn't expect his kung fu to really be terrible.

Soon, Hui Ji was under the pig’s control.

Hui Ji looked a little panicked and looked very frail. After all, he was still very young. He was completely bewildered by such a situation.

Ning Shu shrugged. At times like these, would Buddha come to rescue you?

How could he save the world if he couldn’t even save himself?

Ning Shu jumped off the roof, kicked open the window, and jumped into the house.

"Who?" The wretched man looked at Ning Shu. He was initially annoyed, but when he saw Ning Shu, he started to drool.

Ning Shu was dressed in all red with a string of bells tied around her waist. She looked very beautiful.

“Another one? Nice, nice.” The wretched man began unbuttoning his pants, revealing indescribable parts.

Ning Shu: ...

This guy really had a varied palate. So he swung both ways?

“Female Benefactor, run! Hurry!” Hui Ji shouted toward Ning Shu.

"Oh, are you sacrificing yourself to save me?" Ning Shu was speechless.

How could he not cherish himself like this?

Ning Shu pulled out the dagger tied to her calf and appeared in front of the wretched man in an instant.

The blade flashed. Blood spattered out. Ning Shu had directly cut the roots of the wretched man.

"Aah!" The wretched man wailed in an extremely pained and inhuman voice.

Ning Shu grabbed Hui Ji's collar and jumped out of the window. She ran up the wall, jumped over it, and headed for the inn.

After they arrived at the inn, Ning Shu finally released Hui Ji’s collar.

“Thank you, Benefactor, for your life-saving grace.” Hui Ji put his hands together and made a Buddhist mudra towards Ning Shu.

“Didn’t you say that you want to save thousands of people? Yet you needed to be saved. Tsk, tsk…” Ning Shu shook her head and said.

Hui Ji looked at Ning Shu and asked, "You’re Zhao Yi?"

"No."

Hui Ji did not continue to focus on Ning Shu's identity. "Anyway, I thank Female Benefactor for your life-saving grace."

"Of all that is evil, lust is the worst. Why didn’t you try to save him?" Ning Shu looked at Hui Ji with a smile.

Hui Ji: ...

"Why are you alone?" Ning Shu tore off a chicken leg and handed it to Hui Ji. "They don’t serve anything but meat here."

"Thank you, Benefactor, but this novice monk does not eat meat."

Ning Shu stared at Hui Ji. "Let’s say you are in a desperate situation and you can only eat this chicken leg. If you don't eat, you will definitely die. Would you eat meat or die?"

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2278: How Do You Feel About the Experience?

"This novice monk would choose to die."

Ning Shu: ...

For a moment, Ning Shu felt that she seriously didn’t have integrity.

However, staying alive was Ning Shu’s biggest desire. As long as she didn’t hurt others on the way, she would always make choices that were beneficial to herself.

Meanwhile, Hui Ji would sacrifice his life for righteousness and choose faith.

Basically, Ning Shu didn’t understand the Buddhist story of sacrificing yourself to feed an eagle.

Then again, everyone had different principles and beliefs.

"Get some vegetarian food for this little monk," Ning Shu said to the waiter.

"Thank you, Female Benefactor." Hui Ji sat down and saw Mei Wu, who was guarding Ning Shu but didn't say anything.

The shopkeeper brought out a bowl of vegetarian noodles, and Hui Ji gave a Buddhist mudra. "Thank you, Female Benefactor."

The young monk looked very refined as he ate, but he finished a bowl of noodles quickly. He was obviously hungry.

"Why are you alone?" Ning Shu asked while drinking tea.

"I have been learning through experience."

"Oh, how do you feel about the experience?" Ning Shu asked. The young monk had lost some weight. He was obviously suffering a lot.

"All beings suffer, and the earth is like purgatory," said Hui Ji. "It is impossible to save everyone.

"But this novice monk still wants to save the world. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also knew that hell will never be empty, but he resolutely descended into hell to save the people," Hui Ji said.

"As long as you are happy. Keep working hard."

Ning Shu had experienced so many worlds and had never encountered a beautiful world.

If there was a fortune, there would of course be misfortune. How could everyone be happy?

Furthermore, some people’s happiness was built on the suffering of others.

However, this boy’s Buddha's heart was quite firm.

"Are you going to Mount Song?" the young monk asked Ning Shu.

Ning Shu nodded.

"Can this novice monk travel with you?"

"Are you sure?" Ning Shu lightly asked. "I am a member of the Sacred Demonic Cult. Are you not afraid of being seen with us? Others might ask if you are colluding with the demonic sect."

"This novice monk has a clear conscience."

"Then just follow us if you want."

They rested in the inn for a whole night, and then went on the road the next day. Hui Ji walked behind their group.

Ning Shu glanced back at him as she was sitting on the carriage. Hui Ji diagonally wore a cloth bag and his cloth shoes were dirty.

What an ascetic monk. He was so harsh on himself.

When Ning Shu’s group arrived at the small town near Mount Song, they immediately attracted strange and vigilant eyes.

This was a respected meeting of the righteous ways of martial arts. Why did the people of the demonic sect come here? Was it to cause destruction?

"Junior Brother Hui Ji!" Monk Hui Kong teared up when he saw Hui Ji.

For such a long time, there had been no news of his junior brother. The whole Illusory Temple had been anxious because of this.

"Why are you with the people of the Sacred Demonic Cult?" Hui Kong asked Hui Ji. He stretched out his hand and protectively pulled Hui Ji behind him.

Ning Shu craned her head out from inside the carriage. "Just as you can see, this little monk is in cahoots with our demonic sect."

"Stop with your nonsense," Hui Kong retorted immediately.

"Senior Brother, I met her on the road. She saved me, and so I followed them," Hui Ji explained.

Hui Kong was still very on guard. He said to Hui Ji, "Junior Brother, the abbot is here too. Go see him. He has been worried about you."

"Okay." Hui Ji performed another Buddhist mudra to Ning Shu. "Thank you for your life-saving grace."

"You said that you want to save the entire world. Are the lot of us from the demonic sect not human? When you see us, why do you avoid us like we’re snakes and scorpions?" Ning Shu lazily said as she supported her chin.

Translator: Take

#Take’s comments: Storytime! I couldn’t find this story in English, but there is a Buddhist tale that goes like this: Before Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment, he was meditating in a forest and saw an eagle chasing a pigeon overhead. The pigeon saw Shakyamuni Buddha and dove into his clothes, seeking shelter. Shakyamuni Buddha asked the eagle to let the pigeon go as to collect more virtues in this life but the eagle countered that if he did not eat the pigeon he would starve and would have no use for these virtues. As a result and because he valued the life of all living things, Shakyamuni Buddha said that he would give the eagle an equivalent amount of his own flesh to save both the pigeon and the eagle. Shakyamuni Buddha cut off his own flesh to place it on a scale with the pigeon on the other side, but the scale never leveled out. In the end, he jumped entirely onto the scale and it finally reached equilibrium. Shakyamuni Buddha closed his eyes, accepted his fate and asked the eagle to eat him.

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2279: Was the Meat Soup Good?

“Little monk, you must come and save us. Hurry! We’re a bunch of so many bad people,” Ning Shu said to Hui Ji. “Isn’t it said that all living beings are equal?”

Hui Ji: ...

“Benefactor, this novice monk must take his leave." Hui Ji turned around and left.

"Little monk, was the meat soup good?" Ning Shu called Hui Ji back. "Next time, I’ll get you roast chicken instead of chicken noodles."

"Junior Brother, have you broken the precept?" Monk Hui Kong quickly asked Hui Ji.

Hui Ji’s face was flat as he shook his head. "No."

“Temptress, stop your nonsense!” Hui Kong berated Ning Shu. He then turned his head and said to Hui Ji, "Don't let the words of that witch influence your Buddha's mind."

"That will not happen."

Ning Shu and her party stayed at an inn, but they were stared at by the renowned righteous sect people wherever they went.

Ning Shu just ignored them and ate what she should, drank what she should, and slept when she should.

However, Mei Wu strengthened his vigilance. The people of the demonic sect appeared in the righteous path’s domain with a swagger, and they were surrounded by all the well-known and righteous sects. They were really courting death.

The martial arts competition was held a few days later. Ning Shu, dressed in red, walked at the forefront of the Sacred Demonic Cult group towards the arena.

The elevated stage was very large, with two huge gongs and drums on both sides. The flags were flapping, and everyone was acting very solemnly.

The ring was surrounded by a crowd of watchers.

Zhao Bo sat on the top seat. The various sects sat in their designated places.

However, there was no place for the demonic sect.

Ning Shu flew into the ring with no expression on her face. “Is this how you treat your guests? I am here to participate in the martial arts conference on the behalf of our leader, but we don't even have a seat. If you don't arrange a place for me, don't even think about holding the general election today!"

"You are a member of the demonic sect, yet you still want to participate in the martial arts conference? There is no place for the demonic sect here," an elder of the Everlasting Sect coldly said.

"The demonic sect are also members of the martial world, so why can't we participate? Has the martial arts conference clearly said that people of the demonic sect can't participate?" Ning Shu said expressionlessly.

They said that all sects could participate, but that everyone excluded the demonic sect. The demonic sect had never participated in the martial arts election before.

"The demonic sect is going to make trouble now?" Zhao Bo, who was sitting at the seat of honor, said with an imposing expression. He gave off an overwhelmingly righteous air.

"Are you afraid of our Sacred Demonic Cult? I'm just here to watch and nothing more. What are you afraid of? You have so many people, yet are still afraid of just a few of us? Cowards!"

Zhao Bo stared sharply at Ning Shu, and then said, "Arrange a place for them."

Ning Shu clapped her hands. "That's right."

Ning Shu went to her seat with her hands behind her back. She sat in the chair and waved to Mei Wu.

Mei Wu brought out a plate of melon seeds and peanuts. Ning Shu grabbed a handful of melon seeds and said as she cracked them open, "Hurry up and start the fight."

Zhao Bo stared at Mei Wu, who was holding the snack plate. His knitted eyebrows betrayed his confusion.

"Demonic temptress, you dared to hurt a disciple of my school!" The head of the Mount Song School suddenly stood up.

Ning Shu threw the melon seed shell away. She rolled her eyes at the head of the Mount Song School. "Which disciple did I hurt? Tell them to stand up and let me see."

"My nephew can't get out of bed now, he's dying! The demonic temptress so viciously and mercilessly abolished my nephew's possible future descendants." The head of the Mount Song School was very angry.

Ning Shu dusted the melon seed remnants off her hands, staring at the head of the Mount Song School with a strange look.

The head of the Mount Song School, who was stared at inexplicably, shouted, "You can't refute it, right?"

"Tch. I was wondering if it ran in the family. Your nephew not only lusts after women but has a thing for men as well. Do you also have this interest?" Ning Shu looked contemptuously. "That dirty man wanted to assault me. If I didn’t cut his thing, what would I keep it for?"

"Nonsense! My nephew is not that kind of person." The head of Mount Song School felt the weird gazes of the people around him and quibbled with an anxious and pale face.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho

Chp 2280: Would Have Lost His Innocence

"You demonic temptress! Not only did you injure my nephew, but you’re even trying to slander him like this!"

Ning Shu raised her chin and rolled her eyes. "Do you dare to say that your nephew is an elegant, poised, upright gentleman, then?"

"You—I, as the sect head, am going to avenge my nephew today and destroy you, you witch!" The head of the Mount Song School was about to rush toward Ning Shu but was stopped by the others.

Ning Shu cracked her neck. "Come on."

"Young Miss, there are so many of them. We probably won't be able to beat them," Mei Wu said, holding the fruit plate.

"I’ll clean them in one sweep."

Mei Wu: →_→

"Amitabha." Hui Ji stood up. "Benefactor, what the lady said is the truth."

"Hui Ji," Monk Hui Kong said. "Don't bother helping her. She is a member of the demonic sect."

"Senior Brother, this junior brother was there at that time."

Hui Ji spoke clearly about the situation at the time, making people present look at the head of Mount Song School with especially strange gazes.

The monks in Illusory Temple were hearing that someone wanted to make a Buddhist disciple do something indescribable by force, so there was no need to describe how marvelous their expressions were.

"Head of Mount Song School! We, the Illusory Temple, demand an explanation for this," Illusory Temple's abbot said with a cold face.

He even wanted to do it with a monk, he really was immoral.

"This is impossible!"

"Amitabha, monks don't tell lies." Hui Ji said after giving a Buddhist salute.

Ning Shu nodded. "If it weren't for me, this little monk would have lost his innocence."

Hui Ji: ...

The monks in the Illusory Temple: ...

"Enough! If you have something to solve, solve it in private. We are currently at the martial alliance conference," Zhao Bo said.

The head of Mount Song School could only sit down angrily, glaring daggers at Ning Shu.

Ning Shu: Like I’m afraid of you!

"However, this leader has a question. Wasn’t the person next to you following Zhao Yi all the time?"

"You’re talking about that blockhead Qi Yi? I arranged this person to be by his side, and he stupidly believed it."

"He was killed by Mei Wu. All things in the Zhao Clan Stronghold were done by Mei Wu. He did it all."

Mei Wu glanced at Ning Shu without speaking and silently carried the blame that Ning Shu had thrown over.

"Zhao Yi was killed?" Zhao Bo’s face was indescribable.

"Of course. He grew up eating the demonic sect’s food and then stole the demonic cult's things. If I didn’t take his life, what would I keep it for?" Ning Shu said as if it were only natural. "By the way, remember to give me five hundred taels of gold."

"Don't think that I don't know that our goods are in your hands. Those things of the demonic sect are the things of the demonic sect. Sooner or later, we will take it back." Ning Shu looked at Zhao Bo sharply.

Zhao Bo's expression remained unchanged. "You demonic sect members keep saying that your belongings are in my hands, but I don’t have anything. I swear to God."

Ning Shu shook her head. "Don't make an oath at every turn. It won't be good if you get a brutal slap in the face in the future."

"Begin the competition." Zhao Bo stopped talking with Ning Shu.

Ning Shu sat down, grabbed a handful of melon seeds, and began to watch the martial arts competition in the arena.

The martial arts competition was the battle of all factions. The person who won, in the end, would fight with the previous martial alliance leader. They would then finally become the new martial alliance leader.

Of course, this also depended on this person's character. If too many people opposed his nomination as leader of the martial alliance, there was no way he’d be elected.

Translator: Take

MTL Editor: Ran

TLC: Kaho