Chapter 87: The Toad

After experiencing the power of the Heavenly Demon Bone-Dissolving Whip, Chu Yunfei became even more eager to possess it. Both his Profound Yin Sect and the Southern Wildlands’ Bimo Sect were demonic sects, and they had a particular fondness for such sinister magical artifacts. He even preferred it over the Immortal Sword Tiandu. However, no matter how much he pestered, Mu Yuan simply ignored him, so he eventually gave up.

Meanwhile, Qi Wei grew increasingly amazed by Mu Yuan. Not only did he have an endless stream of spells, but he also possessed numerous flying swords and magical treasures. She naturally felt envious and admired them, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask for any.

After leaving the sea area where Bimo and the heavenly forces were, Mu Yuan released the Jade Sunken Dragon Boat again. They had only traveled about a hundred miles when they saw a school of fish darting rapidly through the water, as if being chased by something. Curious, the three looked in the direction from which the fish came and spotted a huge toad. Its body was emerald green, crystal clear, and it floated on the sea surface, supported by a misty vapor, playing with the school of fish.

From a distance, they could see the toad had six eyes on its head, deep and cold like frozen pools. One glance at them sent chills down their spines and made their hair stand on end.

Chu Yunfei found it strange. With a single thought, his Demon Banner appeared, surrounded by black mist, as if he intended to capture this strange toad effortlessly. But before he could act, the toad noticed the Dragon Boat. Gathering its emerald light, it transformed into a noble young man dressed in fine robes. He bowed respectfully from afar and asked, “You three are steering the Jade Sunken Dragon Boat. Are you from the Dragon Palace?”

Mu Yuan observed that the young man transformed from the toad was quite courteous, with a peaceful expression, unlike other transformed creatures who often carried a fierce and violent aura. Secretly impressed, Mu Yuan bowed in return and replied, “We are not from the Dragon Palace. We come from the Central Plains and were gifted this Dragon Boat.”

“I see. You must be friends of the Dragon Palace then. I am on my way to Xuan Fo Island to listen to Master Konghuan explain the true essence of Buddhism. Would you three be interested?”

“Oh,” Mu Yuan expressed surprise and glanced back at Qi Wei and Chu Yunfei. Seeing they had no objections, he immediately responded, “In that case, let us travel together. You may come aboard the boat.”

The toad-turned-cultivator leaped onto the Dragon Boat and introduced himself, “My dharma name is Zi Lan. May I ask how you are addressed?”

Mu Yuan still used his alias, Bing Chengzi. Qi Wei remained Bing Wei’er, and Chu Yunfei casually made up the dharma name Yin Shenzi for himself. Following Zi Lan’s directions, they set off for Xuan Fo Island.

According to Qi Wei’s original plan, Condensing Evil Energy was still the priority. But seeing Mu Yuan’s decision, she didn’t refuse. After all, Mu Yuan had encountered many extraordinary events and had the most say. Mu Yuan was also very curious about this Master Konghuan. Buddhist cultivation differed from Daoist practices, and after witnessing the divine abilities of monks Yuan Neng and Yuan Jue, he felt some yearning towards Buddhism.

Through conversations with Zi Lan along the way, Mu Yuan and the other two learned that Konghuan was a master of the Huayan Sect, a branch of the overseas Buddhist Sect. He possessed profound Buddhist wisdom and exquisite cultivation. Buddhism claimed that all living beings possess Buddha-nature and aimed to save all sentient beings in the world. Therefore, they often opened their doors to expound Buddhist teachings, hoping to enlighten the stubborn.

Unlike the Daoist or Demonic Sects, which selected disciples based on bone structure and temperament, and where talent, bone structure, and luck were all indispensable, the Buddhist Sect did not care about these. As long as one had the heart to follow Buddha, they could join. Of course, only outstanding disciples received the true essence of Buddhist teachings, while ordinary disciples only learned methods to prolong their lives.

Although Zi Lan was a unique species of toad, naturally adept at cultivation, he didn’t have any profound methods. So when he heard about a great Buddhist master holding a lecture, he naturally wouldn’t miss it. Not only this toad, but all creatures in the surrounding seas who knew about it rushed to listen. Many even directly joined the Huayan Sect.

“The Buddhist Sect is indeed different. The Daoist Sect views transformed creatures like beasts and birds as heterodox and would never open their doors widely to recruit them like the Huayan Sect,” Mu Yuan thought to himself. Not only Mu Yuan, but Chu Yunfei and Qi Wei also had similar thoughts, feeling somewhat strange about the Buddhist Sect.

Xuan Fo Island was not far now. Mu Yuan pushed the Dragon Boat to its full speed, and within two hours, they arrived at the island Zi Lan had mentioned.

From a distance, Xuan Fo Island looked different from other places. It was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the songs of birds, shrouded in radiant mist and clouds. The mountains on the island were not steep but rolled gently, giving a sense of peace and harmony. A blanket of Buddha Light covered the entire island, and the wild animals moving about seemed to possess a hidden spirituality, which amazed the group.

“They say Buddhists practice asceticism and follow countless rules, but it seems more comfortable here than our own places!” Chu Yunfei remarked sarcastically, observing the island’s glowing aura and tranquil atmosphere.

Mu Yuan smiled slightly, stored the Dragon Boat, and followed Zi Lan onto Xuan Fo Island. A young novice monk greeted them, seeming very familiar with Zi Lan. He placed his palms together in greeting and led the four into the island.

“Patron Zi Lan, you have arrived quite early this time. The master will only begin his lecture tomorrow. Please stay in the guest courtyard for now. Many have already arrived, including some you know. You can go chat with them first.”

The young novice monk was probably accustomed to greeting guests and spoke very appropriately. The toad Zi Lan nodded, bid farewell to Mu Yuan and the others, and went to find his acquaintances.

Mu Yuan and the other two settled into their guest rooms. Chu Yunfei looked around and said to Mu Yuan with a laugh, “Little Mu, want to go explore a bit?”

Mu Yuan replied, “Sure! Maybe the old monk will see our exceptional bone structure and want to take us as disciples, passing on supreme techniques and helping us achieve the Great Dao of Primordial Spirit!” By the end, he couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Qi Wei also smiled faintly. Chu Yunfei spat, “Who knows what level that old monk is at? How could he possibly enlighten us?”

“Senior Sister, do you want to come take a look too?” Mu Yuan asked, noticing that Qi Wei unusually wasn’t meditating or refining Qi.

Qi Wei shook her head, “No, you two go ahead. I still don’t like wandering around. I’d rather practice the Primordial Five-Colored Mirage Light and refine Longevity True Qi properly.”

Mu Yuan thought, “As expected,” and didn’t press her. He and Chu Yunfei leisurely walked out of the room, strolling casually.

“I’m telling you, Little Mu, your senior sister is really no fun. It’s just one divine ability, does she need to practice so hard?”

Mu Yuan grinned strangely at Chu Yunfei, “Brother Chu, you have to admit it. Let me tell you, Senior Sister’s Primordial Five-Colored Mirage Light is almost at the second level. What about you?”

Chu Yunfei looked shocked, “Really? That fast? I just completed the first level. You’re not much faster than me either, right?”

Mu Yuan laughed, “I’m not much faster than you, but what I want to say is, with Senior Sister’s temperament, even if her encounters aren’t as good as ours, unless something major happens, achieving Primordial Spirit in the future is a sure thing! You and I might seem successful now, with endless magical treasures and divine abilities, but if we can’t calm our hearts, it will all be like flowers in a mirror or the moon reflected in water.”

Chu Yunfei nodded, “I know. It’s just hard to control my nature. Compared to before, I’m doing much better now. I’m slowly restraining my heart, and eventually, I will achieve great success.”

Chatting and laughing, they left the guest area and arrived at the Buddhist realm at the center of Xuan Fo Island. Mu Yuan had learned from the toad that Xuan Fo Island wasn’t the Huayan Sect’s main base but a temporary place developed by Konghuan for lectures. Still, it was decorated with a strong Buddhist atmosphere.

As they wandered, they encountered a few monks who didn’t restrict them, allowing them to come and go freely. Along the way, they also met several creatures transformed from who-knows-what, cultivating in the mountains and forests. Bathed in Buddha Light, their demonic aura was faint and almost unnoticeable. Those who originally had some demonic energy were gradually transforming it into Buddhist power.

Looking at these diligently cultivating transformed creatures, the two exchanged glances. These demonic practitioners were even more hardworking than those from famous orthodox sects. It was truly a strange tale and a series of oddities.

“It seems this Master Konghuan really has some skill, taming these creatures so obediently and well-behaved!” Chu Yunfei couldn’t stop praising. They gazed into the mountains and forests, not knowing how far they extended. But in that glance, they spotted Zi Lan and a few strangely dressed companions sitting cross-legged, chatting and laughing happily. The toad also saw Mu Yuan and Chu Yunfei and quickly waved them over. The two smiled and flew up to the cliff where the toad was.