I Became a Monk in Japan and Exorcised Demons of Other’s Housewives

Chapter 24: Sudden Enlightenment of Buddhism!

“Using desire to end desire, one attains enlightenment through joy.”

Lu Jin sighed with emotion—this kind of cultivation method seemed quite appealing.

Who would have thought that within Buddhism, there existed such an enticing path?

The so-called ‘using desire to end desire’ essentially meant continuously tempering oneself by engaging in intimacy with various beautiful partners, indulging in one’s desires without restraint.

By experiencing all forms of lust, one would naturally no longer be swayed by mere carnal impulses, unlike an inexperienced youth who loses himself over the slightest temptation.

Through indulgence, one would eventually reach a state of transcendence beyond desire.

Moreover, through dual cultivation of yin and yang, one could experience the unity of ‘emptiness and bliss’, thereby attaining enlightenment and instantly comprehending Buddhist truths.

In theory, as long as he continued to indulge in pleasure, his spiritual realm would keep advancing.

Once he could face all temptations with complete indifference, without any emotional ripples in his heart, and enter the state of true ’emptiness’, he would be close to achieving Buddhahood.

This cultivation method was simply too fitting for his nature.

As Lu Jin was lost in thought, the Slit Mouthed Woman, who had just awakened from an extreme state of daze, had an expression that flickered between anger and humiliation.

The way she looked at Lu Jin was as if she were staring at the scum of the earth.

“Bastard!”

She gritted her teeth, and the resentment surrounding her rose like a tangible force.

She reached out, attempting to strangle Lu Jin’s neck.

Sensing the danger, Lu Jin caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye.

Whoosh!

The Vajra prayer beads trembled, instantly binding her slender arms and suspending them high in the air.

The Kuchisake-onna*’s expression was filled with both shame and fury—she now hung like a mere ornament, sitting in Lu Jin’s lap.

[*Kuchisake-onna (裂口女, liè kǒu nǚ): A well-known figure in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a vengeful female spirit with a slit mouth, who terrorizes people by asking if she is beautiful. If answered incorrectly, she attacks the victim. In this context, she is portrayed as a supernatural entity bound by Buddhist practices.]

“I was too focused on comprehending the Dharma just now—missed out on some enjoyment.”

“Now seems like a good time to revisit it.”

Lu Jin pressed his palms together in a Buddhist gesture and smiled gently as he wrapped his hands around the Kuchisake-onna’s delicate waist.

Her entire body tensed up, as if she had suddenly recalled those terrifying ‘demon-subduing techniques’. Her toes curled up in nervous tension.

Sitting astride this wicked monk’s waist, her legs instinctively tightened together, locking in place like a constricting python—afraid that he would continue his antics.

“Demon, are you trying to squeeze this humble monk to death?”

Lu Jin took a deep breath, looking at the unknowingly entranced monster with great interest as he continued to impart the teachings of Buddhism.

Although her resistance made things particularly challenging, it added a unique flavor to the process.

After a moment of struggle, the Kuchisake-onna eventually succumbed, biting down on the monk’s shoulder with dazed, unfocused eyes.

Lu Jin grimaced—he had no Buddhist robe to protect himself, and apart from his Vajra Pestle and kidneys, which were indestructible, the rest of his body was merely flesh and blood.

Her bite immediately drew blood from his shoulder.

However, the momentary pain was soon replaced by the pleasure of their spiritual exchange.

In retaliation, Lu Jin suspended the demoness mid-air with his Vajra prayer beads and stood before her.

Using a pendulum-like motion, he leveraged the momentum to intensify his ‘demon-subduing techniques’.

Sure enough, within moments, the demoness had already comprehended some of the profound essence of Buddhist teachings.

“Mmm…”

She bit her lip, her body trembling slightly as her once-overwhelming resentment dissipated like a flood, dampening the sacred hall of the temple.

Her dazed gaze wandered, unintentionally landing upon the statue of the Medicine Buddha on the altar.

Sunlight shone upon the statue, refracting into a divine radiance, holy and magnificent.

Just looking at this Buddha gave her a profound sense of transcendence and all-encompassing compassion.

A sudden moment of enlightenment flickered through her mind—her very soul felt purified.

“Huh?”

Lu Jin let out a slight exclamation of surprise. He suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of acceptance, so powerful that it was nearly irresistible.

Fortunately, his Buddhist cultivation was profound, allowing him to suppress the sensation with effort.

What’s happening to this demoness?

His eyes turned toward the Kuchisake-onna, only to see that her unfocused gaze had completely lost its clarity—she had fallen into an indescribable state of enlightenment.

This demon… had such natural comprehension?

She was actually able to grasp Buddhist truths through pleasure?

Lu Jin was astonished. After all, he was able to perceive Buddhist wisdom through dual cultivation only because he had inherited a fragment of the Joyful Buddha’s legacy.

But this demoness—she had merely resonated with the lingering Buddhist aura within their exchange and had already reached enlightenment.

This proved that she possessed the roots of wisdom.

“A promising candidate for Buddhist cultivation.”

A sense of appreciation arose in Lu Jin’s heart.

Though she is a demon, Buddhist teachings were boundless—all beings have the potential for enlightenment.

There is no rule that says demons can not practice Buddhism.

After all, the celestial beings in Buddhist lore, the Eight Legions of Devas and Nāgas, were not human.

If this demoness can let go of her resentment and follow me in Buddhist practice, serving as a physical offering to assist in my cultivation toward enlightenment…

That, too, would be an act of immeasurable merit.

Once I attained Buddhahood, I can share in his blessings, becoming a Joyful Bodhisattva.

“One attains enlightenment, and even the creatures around them ascend—such is the way of the world.”

But that depended on whether she could break free from her attachments.

If she could, then she had a chance at enlightenment.

If not, she would forever remain a demon.

—–

Footnotes:

Kuchisake-onna (裂口女, liè kǒu nǚ): A well-known figure in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a vengeful female spirit with a slit mouth, who terrorizes people by asking if she is beautiful. If answered incorrectly, she attacks the victim. In this context, she is portrayed as a supernatural entity bound by Buddhist practices.