Amitabha!
A Buddhist chant resounded, and the gates of Wuxiu Manor swung open without a breeze.
The group looked over and saw Ji Zizhen leading an old monk standing outside.
Hey? Master Lu… this scholar might not be human either! Ji Zizhen pointed at Lu Zheng, hurriedly exclaiming.
Amitabha!
The old monk ignored Ji Zizhen’s words, merely stepping into Wuxiu Manor.
Though Ji Zizhen was afraid, seeing the monk’s calm demeanor, he scurried in after him, staying within three feet of the monk’s side.
Master!
The eldest sister, Hua Yixing, rose tall, Wuxiu Manor is near the mountain path, we five sisters have always been kind, never harmed anyone, please don’t heed this scholar’s one-sided words.
The old monk’s head was bald, sporting a wisp of gray-white goatee, his face full of wrinkles, showing no trace of aura, but his eyes gleamed with divine light, clearly no ordinary person.
Yu Mingxin and Bai Ting’er rushed to Hua Yixing’s side, Liu Qingquan hid behind Lu Zheng, clutching Liu Qingyan’s hand.
Lu Zheng’s gaze sharpened, closely observing the monk, though his aura was hidden, judging by his eyes and demeanor, his strength likely fell short of the beggar monk.
Master, it’s her! When I got lost and came to this manor, she lured me to stay, bewitched my soul at night, caused me to lose my virtue, drained my yang energy, and when I was in Xiahe Town, ghosts entangled me, severely injuring my vitality! Ji Zizhen pointed at Hu Cainiang.
Nonsense!
Hu Cainiang snapped, That night was mutual, I’ve had plenty of lovers, when have I ever needed to bewitch anyone?
In Xiahe Town, you couldn’t control yourself, fell for a ghost’s temptation, lost your yang energy, and became impotent, how can you blame me?
As for abandoning you, we were just a fleeting fling, when did I become yours? I’ve got plenty of lovers, do I have to live like a widow for you?
You! You!
Ji Zizhen pointed at Hu Cainiang, too angry to speak, then turned to the monk, Master, look at this shameless demon, please act to subdue her, restore justice to the world, and spare other scholars from her harm!
Amitabha!
The monk chanted again, I was traveling here when this benefactor stopped me on the street, claiming he was harmed by a demon and begged me to seek justice for him.
Ji Zizhen nodded repeatedly.
The monk turned to Hu Cainiang, asking, Humans and demons differ, yet you don’t curb your nature, seducing mortals to consort with you?
Hu Cainiang shrank back, explaining, I’ve never planned to marry into the mortal world, my affairs with mortals are consensual, I don’t drain yang energy, sometimes I even give scholars who lack stamina some Essence-Solidifying Pills, good for their health.
Ji Zizhen’s eyes widened, Then why didn’t you give me any?
Hu Cainiang glared back, You were full of energy that night, you didn’t need them.
Everyone: …
Hua Yixing stepped forward, Master, the matter is clear, this gentleman’s loss of yang energy has nothing to do with my third sister, but since they had a brief fling, I’m willing to give him a bottle of Essence-Solidifying Pills to help him recover soon.
Hua Yixing didn’t want conflict with an unknown monk, besides, Essence-Solidifying Pills were just common pills to aid mortals’ vitality, giving some was no issue.
Hu Cainiang muttered under her breath but said nothing.
Lu Zheng, holding Liu Qingyan and Shen Ying, stood aside silently.
This was between Hu Cainiang’s sisters and Ji Zizhen, so as long as it could be resolved peacefully, Lu Zheng didn’t plan to intervene.
Amitabha!
The monk clasped his hands in a salute, his calm tone full of sincerity, This benefactor misunderstood, I came with Young Master Ji, indeed for you sisters, but not to seek justice for him.
Hm? Hua Yixing was stunned, unsure what the monk meant.
What do you mean, Master? Ji Zizhen also looked at the monk, bewildered, Doesn’t Buddhism save all beings, subdue demons, and stand up for the poor like us?
The monk smiled faintly, But I’m not from the Buddhist sect!
What?
Before Ji Zizhen could process the monk’s words, a withered, bony hand touched his head, gently pulling.
A white spiritual light emerged from Ji Zizhen’s head, his soul, and his body collapsed instantly.
The white soul light trembled in the monk’s hand, then…
The monk’s palm closed, squeezing lightly.
Pop!
The white light shattered, Ji Zizhen’s soul dispersed completely, returning to the heavens.
What?
What!
The women of Wuxiu Manor were shocked, even Lu Zheng was stunned.
Amitabha!
The monk clasped his hands again, This scholar couldn’t discern right from wrong, good from bad, I’ve sent him to the Pure Land for deep reflection.
The monk, wrinkled, serene, kind-faced, spoke gently.
Yet his actions were ruthless, decisive, taking a life with a smile, without hesitation.
Lu Zheng said gravely, You’re not from the Buddhist sect?
Amitabha! The monk bowed slightly to Lu Zheng, Look at my attire, if I’m not a monk, what am I?
Liu Qingquan peeked from behind her sister, You just said you’re not from the Buddhist sect.
Did I?
The monk touched his bald head, I only wanted Young Master Ji to die with clarity, but now I’m a monk again.
Everyone stayed silent, watching the monk’s performance, quietly on guard.
Amitabha! How dull!
The monk chanted, then looked at the women, smiling, I came to the Central Plains to find suitable beings to refine a treasure, seeing you all today, I feel you’re quite fated with me.
The monk’s gleaming eyes scanned Yu Mingxin, Lin Jing’er, Bai Ting’er, Hu Cainiang, Hua Yixing, Liu Qingyan, Liu Qingquan, and Shen Ying.
I’m preparing to refine a Blissful Heavenly Maiden Enchantment Realm, you ladies are perfect for the Heavenly Maidens in it, the monk’s eyes were soft, his tone kind, as if discussing something greatly beneficial.
As for this gentleman…
The monk looked at Lu Zheng, I lack a Buddhist slave, with your fine features, why not join me? I have many female monk disciples who adore handsome young monks like you.
