My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 239: Chapter 239: Ghost Swordsman Obtains the National Teaching Order

“`

All Buddhist practitioners looked dumbfounded, staring in astonishment at the colossal shadow behind An Jing. Had they not seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed that a high-level expert from the Demon Sect could actually condense a Dharma Image of the Buddha Master.

“What’s wrong with these monks?”

“Could it be because of that Dharma Image?”

“How could a Dharma Image possibly have such tremendous power?”

……

Ordinary people, upon seeing the Dharma Image, felt only its overwhelming presence, having just witnessed the astonishing battle; they found nothing unusual about the Dharma Image.

But for the people of the Buddhist sects, they knew exactly what this Dharma Image signified.

The Dharma Image of Buddha Master—it was a manifestation of Buddhist Law that only the highly enlightened Buddha Masters could condense.

What level was a Buddha Master? They were experts at the Grandmaster Realm.

At this moment, the Exalted Vajra also came back to his senses, looked seriously at An Jing, and said, “Donor, this poor monk has been taught.”

“You’re too polite.”

With a light chuckle, An Jing simply wanted the Exalted Vajra to let go of his fixation on Buddha and demon, to not be harmed by worldly views.

After all, there might be chances for cooperation between the Demon Sect and the Buddhist sects in the future.

He hadn’t expected the Exalted Vajra to have a moment of sudden enlightenment.

“In the past, I, too, was very persistent and curious about what defines a Vajra and what defines a Bodhisattva. Later, after studying scriptures and the teachings of our ancestors, it was said that a Vajra is one with angry eyes, a Bodhisattva must lower their gaze; Vajra is the one who exorcises demons and subdues fiends, a Bodhisattva is one with kind and compassionate eyes.”

Taking a deep breath, the Exalted Vajra looked towards the direction of the Pure Land and said, “Today, having heard the donor’s words, my heart has suddenly reached enlightenment. Whether Vajra or Bodhisattva, both are Buddha; the one with the angry eyes is Buddha, the one with compassion is also Buddha, both aim to liberate all beings.”

“Actually, on closer reflection, this is similar to the dispute between Buddha and demon; it all lies within one’s heart. After all, everything depends on the person.”

An Jing sheathed the Evil Suppressing Sword and placed a hand over his chest to bow, “The master speaks wisely.”

“Amitabha.”

In the next moment, behind the Exalted Vajra, a radiant gold light shone forth, manifesting the colossal Asura Dharma Image.

Under the unsure and astonished gazes of the crowd, they watched as a crack appeared on the Asura Dharma Image’s brow, which then gradually enlarged until it spread like a spider web.

“What is…?”

Everyone had a puzzled look, wondering what the Exalted Vajra was doing.

“Crack! Crack!”

The crack grew larger and eventually completely shattered, turning into golden dust that scattered into the air.

Rustle, rustle…

This golden dust, glinting under the gentle sunlight, scattered in all directions with the breeze.

The dust fell onto the ground where the yellow grass revived with new life, and when it touched the onlooking crowd, it immediately brought a feeling of warmth.

The previously glaring light from behind the Exalted Vajra became exceedingly warm.

Everyone around the Heavenly Martial Sect was internally shocked beyond measure because no one could have imagined An Jing and the Exalted Vajra discussing Buddhist Law, and that An Jing’s words would enlighten the Exalted Vajra, leading him to complete understanding.

This was so absurd and bizarre that it was almost unbelievable.

Keep in mind, An Jing was a high-level expert from the Demon Sect, while the Exalted Vajra was the foremost Vajra of the Buddhist sects.

Universal Literary Vajra reached out to tap the golden dust in the air and said, “Is the Exalted Vajra starting to relearn the Buddhist Law?”

It was the Exalted Vajra erasing his own Dharma Image that had ascended from Vajra to Asura.

“What about us?”

A trace of confusion appeared in the eyes of the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva.

Faced with the disappearance of the Exalted Vajra’s Dharma Image, the faces of the other Buddhist masters were filled with bewilderment.

If the first among the Vajras was restarting his Buddhist practice, should they also start relearning Buddhist Law?

Did it mean that the truth they had been pursuing for decades was mistaken?

Taking a deep breath, Universal Literary Vajra said, “Brother Exalted’s Vajra Dharma Image ascended to an Asura Dharma Image, entering another path, which is why he must relearn Buddhist Law. Our cultivation is still shallow; we need not consider these issues.”

“`

The Universal Literary Vajra’s words were not loud, but they exploded in everyone’s ears like thunder.

The high-level Buddhist experts present finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Zuo Linglong asked, puzzled, “What exactly is going on?”

She could see that An Jing had given some ‘guidance’ to the Exalted Vajra, but she did not understand why the Exalted Vajra would choose to annihilate his own Dharma Image.

Zhao Tianyi took a deep breath and said, “Empress, a Buddhist Dharma Image represents an understanding of Buddhist Law and is also a prerequisite for cultivating Buddhist martial arts. Now that the Exalted Vajra has annihilated his Dharma Image, it means he plans to delve into Buddhist teachings again.”

Zuo Linglong’s heart shuddered. “Delve into Buddhist teachings again, could it be because of An Jing’s words?”

An Jing’s speech and the powerful Dharma Image he revealed were so impressive that even the foremost Vajra among Buddhists planned to delve into the teachings again!?

At this moment, Zhao Mengtai’s mind also became active, as if he had thought of something, and his heart was burning hot.

But soon, that burning sensation was thoroughly suppressed and became completely calm.

“This An Jing, this Ghost Swordsman.”

Zhao Chongyin exhaled deeply, his brows furrowing tightly.

The situation that was supposed to follow the plan had completely changed because of this Demon Sect Tributor.

Ling Yuanjing, Dai Danshu, and others all had looks of astonishment on their faces, and some even became somewhat confused.

The Buddhist experts were already extraordinary in both mind and strength, so why did a few words from An Jing cause a monk, who had bitterly cultivated Buddhist teachings for decades, to reconsider his path?

Could it be that An Jing not only understood Buddhist Law, but was also far superior to the Exalted Vajra!?

The crowd exchanged glances, trying to maintain composure on their faces, but their hearts were tumultuous and stirred.

As the faint golden light dissipated, the Exalted Vajra’s Dharma Image behind him also turned into nothingness.

“For the grace of guidance, I have no way to repay,” the Exalted Vajra said, hands clasped together. “The benefactor has not studied Buddhist teachings, but is able to condense a Dharma Image, truly a natural-born Buddha’s child. May I inquire if you would be willing to join our Buddhist sect?”

As soon as the Exalted Vajra finished speaking, a wave of discussion rose again.

In the crowd, Qiu Lun said with surprise, “Does the Exalted Vajra want my elder brother to become a monk?”

Lv Jingchun said timidly, “Buddha’s child, it seems to be a very powerful title.”

Although he also read books, he was indeed very unfamiliar with the Buddhist term ‘Buddha’s child.’

Zhou Xianming spoke slowly, “Buddha’s child indicates the sanctity similar to that of Buddha, capable of inheriting Buddha’s great cause, thus it is an honored title of the highest regard.”

Lv Jingchun’s eyes widened as he said, “Doesn’t that mean, by becoming a Buddha’s child, one can lead the Buddhists?”

The Buddhists, one of the three oldest sects located in the Western Pure Land, are numerous and powerful. Even when facing the current Emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty, they hold a status not far off.

Zhou Xianming pondered for a long time, then said, “I suppose you could say that. There hasn’t been a Buddha’s child in Buddhism for five hundred years.”

Lv Jingchun was greatly shaken, his lips parting to say something, but no words came out.

Zhou Xianming smiled and continued, “But don’t worry, he will not agree.”

Lv Jingchun quickly asked, “Why not?”

This was the chance to become a Buddha’s child. In an instant, one could lead Buddhism, becoming the master of one of the world’s top forces.

Zhou Xianming said darkly, “Because a Buddha’s child must also practice celibacy.”

Far away, Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan felt both anger and urgency in their hearts.

“This big monk!”

Although Yu Qiurong knew An Jing might not agree, she still felt exceedingly displeased inside, wishing she could strike off the Exalted Vajra’s head with a sword.

After hesitating for a long time, Qian Cishan asked softly, “An Tributor wouldn’t really agree, right?”

The circumstances in Buddhism were, anyway, better than those in the Demon Sect, and if An Jing were to go to Buddhism, it would be to become its leader, which was different from being a tributor for the Demon Sect.

“Impossible,” Yu Qiurong said with a cold light flashing in her eyes. “If my husband dares to go, the Sect Hierarch will definitely ascend to the Pure Land and kill all the monks in the Western Regions.”

In the Demon Sect, Yu Qiurong could be considered the one who understood Zhao Qingmei’s character the best in some respects. Zhao Qingmei would certainly wield dual blades and storm into the Pure Land.

Qian Cishan let out an awkward laugh.

An Jing looked at the Exalted Vajra and said indifferently, “The Master is joking. It’s not possible for An to become a monk.”

All these old Bald Donkeys from the Buddhist sect are quite the schemers, all trying to persuade me to take vows. Then, what use would there be for an iron staff?

“Amitabha.”

The Exalted Vajra smiled but said nothing more.

His words were not meant to actually recruit An Jing into Buddhism but simply to send a friendly signal.

A Tributor of the Demon Sect, rumored to even be the Sect Hierarch’s husband, how could such a person possibly enter the Buddhist sect because of a single sentence?

An Jing turned to look at Zhao Tianyi in the distance, “Lord Zhao.”

Peace reigned over the land, and now the crux of the matter would begin.

The struggle between Buddhism and the Demon Sect had reached a conclusion today.

Zhao Tianyi slowly approached, smiling, “Tributor An’s strength truly is eye-opening.”

An Jing glanced at Zhao Tianyi and replied, “Lord Zhao flatters me.”

The eunuch before him seemed to be no ordinary individual.

He had seen Li Fuzhou, the disciple of Lv Guoyong. A Second Qi Grandmaster who achieved enlightenment of Heavenly Human Communication with a single insight, he killed the Great Commander of the Xuanyi Guard, Tang Taiyuan, with one palm strike, making his name renowned far and wide.

And Zhao Tianyi seemed unlikely to be any less complicated.

At this moment, a guard came forward with a jade box, which contained a gold-plated token.

The National Teaching Order!

Zhao Tianyi picked up the National Teaching Order and announced loudly, “Today, in the contest between Outer Heaven and Buddhism, Outer Heaven’s An Jing is victorious. This National Teaching Order is hereby bestowed upon Outer Heaven.”

With that, Zhao Tianyi handed the National Teaching Order to An Jing.

“Thanks.”

An Jing accepted the National Teaching Order, feeling a slight steadiness in his heart. Regardless of anything else, he now held a certain initiative at the very least.

“Could the Demon Sect really become the national religion of Yan Country?”

“Who would have thought that Buddhism would truly be defeated?”

“It seems that this matter is now a foregone conclusion.”

…..

Crowds murmured, wave upon wave of discussion.

Before this battle, almost no one thought the Demon Sect could obtain this National Teaching Order. After all, Buddhism had sent their Number One Vajra, and the Demon Sect was represented by a Tributor hardly known to the public.

But who could have predicted that this ‘unknown’ Tributor was actually the notorious Ghost Swordsman, who defeated the Exalted Vajra in today’s event?

The Exalted Vajra walked towards the people of the Buddhist sect, sighing, “My two junior brothers… ”

The Universal Benefit Bodhisattva smiled and said, “Elder brother, do not insist too much.”

The Exalted Vajra nodded slightly and fell silent.

However, the numerous masters of the Demon Sect were in a state of incredible excitement.

Qian Cishan’s voice even quivered slightly, “Our Outer Heaven can finally return to Great Yan.”

Qian Cishan was now forty-three years of age. Twenty years ago, when the Demon Sect was expelled from Yan Country, he was only in his early twenties. Now, twenty years later, half of his life had passed.

How many twenty-year periods does a man have in his life?!

“My son-in-law is really too impressive.”

Yu Qiurong was also thrilled. This envoy mission was extremely difficult initially, not only facing the pressures of Yan Country’s Jianghu and the Houjin, but now also contending with the Great Yan Court’s schemes and the competition with Buddhism. Yet An Jing weathered them all.

Even if Duanmu Xinghua herself had come, she likely couldn’t have turned the tide.

“I wonder if the Sect Hierarch will also be very pleased when she hears the news?”

Yu Qiurong thought of Zhao Qingmei learning this news, and a smile couldn’t help but appear on her lips.

“Ghost Swordsman…”

Hao Tian gave An Jing a profound look before slowly vanishing into the crowd.

He felt the sword dao emanating from that blade, which could excite him, send his blood surging, and even cause a tremor in his heart.

Such a Jianghu was truly interesting.

“Peak Master Ling, what should we do now?”

Dai Danshu’s expression was extremely ugly, and his heart was ice-cold.

The Demon Sect had defeated the Buddhist sect and was entering Yan Country’s Jianghu. It seemed to be a done deal, which would certainly boost the reputation of the Demon Sect once again.

At this time, the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect was very likely to strike while the iron was hot and take down Five Poison Sect, once traitors to the Demon Sect.

Now, with the Five Poison Sect in grave danger, the only power capable of contending with the Demon Sect was the Zhenyi Sect.

“Sect Leader Dai, keep your composure,”

Ling Yuanjing took a deep breath and transmitted his voice: “While the Demon Sect has indeed obtained the National Teaching Order this time, entering Yan Country’s Jianghu is not such a simple matter. Moreover, planning and preparation will take time, and the Yan Kingdom Court will also have prepared other excuses.”

Hearing Ling Yuanjing’s words, Dai Danshu also calmed down.

Although the Demon Sect had obtained the National Teaching Order, entering and spreading their teachings throughout Great Yan was not straightforward. The Great Yan Court might foster a sheep, but would never nurture a ferocious tiger.

Dai Danshu transmitted back, “I was too hasty.”

“Don’t worry, the Human Emperor has his own plans,” said Ling Yuanjing.

This was a trap laid by the Human Emperor; it was naturally up to him to end the game.

And in the Great Yan Temple, the civil and military officials all had grave expressions, seemingly pondering their own thoughts, while the noble ladies and daughters of prestigious families behind them had their eyes shining with curious light.

The Demon Sect had indeed obtained the National Teaching Order.

Xu Qianyue, the new Great Commander of the Xuanyi Guard, frowned, her eyebrows subconsciously twitching.

Originally, today’s match was hoped to be a straightforward win for the Buddhist sect to obtain the National Teaching Order, thereby suppressing the Demon Sect further. But instead of quelling the Demon Sect’s vigor, they had actually secured the National Teaching Order.

This was entirely contrary to the Human Emperor’s intention.

The Demon Sect was inherently wild and unruly. The previous Sect Hierarch, Jiang Shang, had caused a storm of bloodshed in Great Yan’s Martial World, leading to widespread misery and a decline in overall strength. After the Court took measures against the Demon Sect, not only did they not restrain themselves, but they also organized a rebel uprising.

This completely enraged the Human Emperor, who issued an Imperial Decree ordering the Xuanyi Guard, Zhenyi Sect, and the entire Great Yan Martial World to join forces and expel the Demon Sect.

After twenty years of absence from Great Yan, the Demon Sect’s legends still persisted in Jianghu. Although cooperation with the Demon Sect seemed inevitable now, their unyielding spirit had to be suppressed to prevent a repeat of the past.

“We must report this news to the Human Emperor.”

Xu Qianyue took a deep breath and discreetly made her way toward the Imperial Palace.

If this scheme failed and the Demon Sect really entered Yan Country as the state religion, it would have unimaginable consequences.

After all, with the Demon Sect’s history of rebellion, how should the Yan Kingdom Court support them?

What would the commoners in the markets think?

And how would Great Yan’s Martial World view the Demon Sect then?

If the Demon Sect’s influence grew too strong, it might spur further conflicts within Jianghu, leading to fresh bloodshed.

Secret battles were one thing, but open conflict was quite another.

Zuo Linglong watched the young man in white and couldn’t help laughing lightly, “This An Jing is indeed impressive, no less distinguished than the State Preceptor in his prime. It’s just uncertain whether he can become the new State Preceptor.”

As Zuo Linglong’s voice faded, several princes were stirred, each with their thoughts.

Zhao Chongyin pondered for a moment, his eyes reflecting a sharp gleam.

The Demon Sect wanted to become the national religion, but setting aside whether the Zhenyi Sect would agree, it was doubtful his father, the Emperor seated high in the Imperial Palace, would consent.

An Jing looked at the token in his hand, feeling that he had not yet fully relaxed because he knew this matter was far from over.

Rather than expecting the monarch to spend money from his own pocket, it’s better to dupe Kong Yiji of his wine.

…

PS: I have something to do this afternoon, and will write another chapter tonight, probably very late. Everyone can read it tomorrow. It’s the last day of April today, and if you don’t vote now, it will expire.