“Could things really be that coincidental?”
“Is it all just a coincidence?”
“The moment I return to the mass graves, all the spirits vanish?”
“Just as I arrive at Jing’an Temple to seek Master Liang Hai, he is about to have his soul reaped by Ox-Head and Horse-Face?”
“There must be a conspiracy behind this. Someone is clearly trying to cover up the truth!”
Shui Miao’s mind raced as he channeled all his immortal energy, attempting to leap but failing. In desperation, he unleashed his Soul-Devouring Power, sending it flying into the monk’s room to intercept Ox-Head and Horse-Face.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
As the Soul-Devouring Power surged in, Ox-Head suddenly released a cloud of black mist. By the time it dissipated, they had already vanished.
Shui Miao rushed into Master Liang Hai’s room, only to find that his soul had already been taken.
Through his spiritual senses, Shui Miao detected that Ox-Head and Horse-Face had already transported Master Liang Hai’s soul over ten miles away.
“Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Chun, hide my physical body for me. When I return, I’ll teach you magic. Right now, I must chase after Master Liang Hai’s soul.” After quickly turning around and speaking, Shui Miao immediately sat cross-legged, his soul leaving his body. Activating his escape technique, he pursued them directly.
Shui Miao had learned soul projection and escape techniques from Bai Feng.
In his urgency, Shui Miao executed them flawlessly, covering dozens of miles in a single escape.
“Trying to run? Not so easy.”
Shui Miao quickly caught up to Ox-Head and Horse-Face, channeling his Soul-Devouring Power to envelop them.
“Shui Miao, how dare you! You dare attack us, the underworld guards, and oppose the entire Netherworld?” Horse-Face shouted in a flustered tone.
Ox-Head, brandishing his axe, charged directly at Shui Miao while yelling, “You go first! I’ll hold him off!”
“You’re not really Ox-Head and Horse-Face!”
Relying on the power of the Natural Dao within him, Shui Miao ignored Ox-Head and directed his Soul-Devouring Power toward Horse-Face, aiming to seize Master Liang Hai’s soul. Enraged by Shui Miao’s disregard, Ox-Head shook his body and instantly grew ten times larger, blocking Shui Miao’s path like a small building.
Shui Miao charged directly into him…
“You’re looking for death!”
Ox-Head initially intended to strike Shui Miao with his axe, but he hesitated upon raising it, as if apprehensive about something.
“Natural Dao, return to origin, reveal your true form!”
Shui Miao’s soul collided with Ox-Head’s body, and a surge of verdant natural energy instantly transformed Ox-Head into a motionless black calf. With a touch, the calf crumbled into black mist, dissipating without a trace.
“You dare kill my brother? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Seeing Ox-Head’s soul vanquished, Horse-Face flew into a rage. Shaking the iron chain in his hand, he abandoned Master Liang Hai’s soul and swung the chain toward Shui Miao’s neck… The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until it finally looped around his neck.
“Whoever you are, whoever kills my brother must die!”
Horse-Face, consumed by fury, pulled the chain violently, causing it to tighten abruptly, threatening to shatter Shui Miao’s soul.
Simultaneously, Shui Miao’s Soul-Devouring Power enveloped Horse-Face.
It was a mutually destructive, all-or-nothing move.
Shui Miao felt the world spin around him, his life hanging by a thread, but he fiercely thought that even in death, he would take Horse-Face with him.
“Amitābha!”
Suddenly, Master Liang Hai chanted a Buddhist mantra, pointing a finger at the thick black iron chain. A golden light flashed, severing the chain.
Master Liang Hai was actually a master!
Shui Miao was astonished and quickly removed the chain from his neck.
“Old monk, how dare you ruin my plans? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Horse-Face turned to envelop Master Liang Hai but was sent flying by a palm strike from the monk from a distance.
After being repelled, Horse-Face knew the situation was hopeless. Filled with hatred, he roared, “Shui Miao, today my brother and I were outmaneuvered and defeated by you. But don’t think you can obtain our memories. You’ll never know the truth!”
“Boom!”
Horse-Face chose to self-destruct his soul.
“Alas! I, too, have fallen short at the critical moment!”
Master Liang Hai sighed deeply and shook his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have come to save me. I was feigning weakness, intentionally letting them take my soul.”
“Why?”
Shui Miao walked to Master Liang Hai’s side, perplexed.
“Because they aren’t genuine underworld guards. I saw through their facade long ago. I just wanted to understand why they were targeting me,” the monk expressed with profound disappointment. With the clues severed, it would be challenging to uncover the mastermind orchestrating these individuals.
Shui Miao frowned. “Master, they were actually after me.”
“Oh? How so?”
Though advanced in years, Master Liang Hai possessed profound power and spoke with resounding vigor.
“It’s like this…”
After a pause, Shui Miao briefly explained his situation to Master Liang Hai.
After listening, Master Liang Hai stroked his beard and communicated telepathically: “Young benefactor, your problems are serious, and the mysteries are numerous. But if you calm down and think carefully, you’ll realize that someone is exploiting your nature to conduct experiments they themselves dare not attempt. On the surface, they appear unhurried, allowing you to cultivate slowly. But in truth, they understand your temperament well, knowing you are not one to take things slowly. So, I offer you some advice that may help.”
“What advice?”
Shui Miao felt that Master Liang Hai’s words made perfect sense. Wasn’t he being exploited precisely because others knew his character? If his actions became unpredictable, exceeding their control, how could they continue to use him?
Master Liang Hai responded steadily and unhurriedly through telepathy: “Go with the flow, neither impatient nor agitated, neither overthinking nor obsessing. Live the life of an ordinary person, day after day, year after year. You can wait, but they cannot. In time, you will be able to respond with stillness, reversing the situation. However, your cultivation must not cease. You must conceal your strength and advance secretly.”
Every word of Master Liang Hai’s advice resonated deeply with Shui Miao.
His thoughts raced, and he suddenly felt much lighter at heart.
“Thank you, Master, for guiding me out of my confusion!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shui Miao knelt and bowed in gratitude.
Master Liang Hai helped him up and communicated earnestly: “I have pointed out a path for you, but how you walk it is your own affair.”
“I understand. Thank you, Master, for resolving the doubts in my heart.” After a pause, Shui Miao couldn’t resist asking curiously: “Master, there are two more questions I cannot figure out.”
“Speak…” Master Liang Hai nodded gently. “But after today, you must not bother me again.”
“Alright!”
Shui Miao paused. “Master, you are a monk, yet why do I feel that you don’t quite seem like one?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monk, I was a military commander, strategizing and calculating. These things pose no difficulty for me. Moreover, a true monk is not bound by forms. It’s best to go with the flow.” Master Liang Hai responded with great candor.
Shui Miao nodded. “One more question, Master. If one day I gain the ability to eliminate those who seek to exploit me, what should I do? Should I try to convert them with kindness? Or should I destroy them all?”
“Four words: go with the flow.”
Having said this, Master Liang Hai’s soul instantly returned to his body dozens of miles away at Jing’an Temple. With his soul restored, he came back to life.
“I understand! From now on, I, this chess piece, will be reborn, completely reversing the situation!”
Guided by the master’s advice, Shui Miao’s mind became agile, and he began constructing his own set of principles and beliefs.
“Just when I arrived at Jing’an Temple, the monk Lianghai I was looking for was about to be taken away by the Ox-Head and Horse-Face?”
“There must be a conspiracy here; someone is definitely trying to cover up the truth!”
“Is it all just a coincidence?”
“The moment I return to the mass graves, all the spirits there vanish?”
“Just as I arrive at Jing’an Temple to seek Master Liang Hai, he’s about to have his soul taken by Ox-Head and Horse-Face?”
“There must be a conspiracy behind this. Someone is definitely trying to cover up the truth!”
Shui Miao’s mind raced as he channeled all his immortal energy, attempting to leap into action but finding himself unable to. In his desperation, he quickly summoned his Soul-Devouring Power and shot it into the master’s room, hoping to intercept Ox-Head and Horse-Face.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
As the Soul-Devouring Power surged in, Ox-Head suddenly released a cloud of black mist. By the time the mist dissipated, they had already disappeared.
Shui Miao rushed into Master Liang Hai’s room, only to find that his soul had already been taken.
Using his spiritual sense, Shui Miao detected that Ox-Head and Horse-Face had already traveled more than ten miles away with Master Liang Hai’s soul.
“Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Chun, hide my physical body for me. When I return, I’ll teach you magic. Right now, I must chase after Master Liang Hai’s soul.” After speaking quickly, Shui Miao immediately sat down in meditation, his soul leaving his body. Activating his escape technique, he pursued them without delay.
Shui Miao had learned soul projection and escape techniques from Bai Feng.
In his urgency, he wielded these skills with ease, covering dozens of miles in a single escape.
“Trying to run? Not so easy.”
Shui Miao quickly caught up to Ox-Head and Horse-Face, channeling his Soul-Devouring Power to envelop them.
“Shui Miao, how dare you! How dare you attack underworld envoys and oppose the entire Netherworld!” Horse-Face shouted in a panicked voice.
Ox-Head, brandishing his battle-axe, charged directly at Shui Miao while yelling, “You go first! I’ll hold him off!”
“You’re not really Ox-Head and Horse-Face!”
Relying on the power of the Natural Dao within him, Shui Miao ignored Ox-Head and directed his Soul-Devouring Power toward Horse-Face, aiming to seize Master Liang Hai’s soul. Enraged by Shui Miao’s disregard, Ox-Head’s body suddenly swelled to ten times its size, blocking Shui Miao’s path like a small building.
Shui Miao charged directly into him…
“You’re looking for death!”
Ox-Head initially intended to strike Shui Miao with his axe but hesitated upon raising it, as if apprehensive about something.
“Natural Dao, return to origin—reveal your true form!”
Shui Miao’s soul collided with Ox-Head’s body, and a surge of vibrant green natural energy instantly transformed Ox-Head into a motionless black calf. With a single touch, the calf crumbled into black mist, dissipating without a trace.
“How dare you kill my brother! I’ll fight you to the death!”
Witnessing Ox-Head’s soul scatter, Horse-Face flew into a rage. Shaking the iron chain in his hand, he abandoned Master Liang Hai’s soul and swung the chain toward Shui Miao’s neck… The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until it finally looped around his neck.
“Whoever you are, anyone who kills my brother must die!”
Horse-Face, consumed by fury, yanked the chain violently, causing it to tighten abruptly, threatening to crush Shui Miao’s soul.
Simultaneously, Shui Miao’s Soul-Devouring Power enveloped Horse-Face.
It was a mutually destructive, all-or-nothing move.
Shui Miao felt the world spin around him, his life hanging by a thread, but he fiercely thought that even in death, he would take Horse-Face with him.
“Amitābha!”
Suddenly, Master Liang Hai chanted a Buddhist mantra and pointed at the thick, black iron chain. A golden light flashed, severing the chain instantly.
Master Liang Hai was actually a master!
Shui Miao was astonished and quickly removed the chain from his neck.
“Old monk, how dare you ruin my plans! I’ll fight you to the death!”
Horse-Face turned to attack Master Liang Hai but was sent flying by a palm strike from the master from a distance.
After being repelled, Horse-Face knew the situation was hopeless. Filled with hatred, he roared, “Shui Miao, today my brother and I were outmaneuvered and defeated by you. But don’t think you can access our memories. You’ll never know the truth!”
“Bang!”
Horse-Face chose to self-destruct his soul.
“Alas! My efforts have also fallen short!”
Master Liang Hai sighed deeply and shook his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have come to save me. I was feigning weakness, intentionally letting them take my soul.”
“Why?”
Perplexed, Shui Miao walked over to Master Liang Hai.
“Because they weren’t genuine underworld envoys. I saw through their facade from the very beginning. I simply wanted to understand why they were targeting me.” The master was profoundly disheartened. With the lead now severed, it would be challenging to uncover the mastermind orchestrating these individuals.
Shui Miao frowned. “Master, they were actually after me.”
“Oh? How so?”
Though advanced in years, Master Liang Hai possessed profound power and spoke with resounding vigor.
“It’s like this…”
Shui Miao paused briefly before summarizing his situation for Master Liang Hai.
After listening, Master Liang Hai stroked his beard and communicated telepathically with Shui Miao: “Young benefactor, your predicament is serious, and there are many mysteries surrounding it. But if you calm down and reflect carefully, you’ll realize that someone is exploiting your inner nature to conduct experiments they themselves dare not attempt. On the surface, they appear unhurried, allowing you to cultivate slowly, but in truth, they understand your temperament well—they know you cannot take things slowly. So, I offer you some advice that may help.”
“What advice?”
Shui Miao felt that Master Liang Hai’s words made perfect sense. Wasn’t the reason he was being manipulated precisely because others knew his personality? If he acted contrary to his usual behavior, exceeding their expectations, how could they continue to use him?
Master Liang Hai responded calmly and steadily through telepathy: “Go with the flow, neither impatient nor restless, without overthinking or obsessing. Live the life of an ordinary person, day after day, year after year. You can afford to wait, but they cannot. In time, you will be able to respond with stillness, turning the situation around. However, you must not cease your cultivation. Conceal your strength and make secret strides.”
Every word of Master Liang Hai’s advice resonated deeply with Shui Miao.
His thoughts raced, and he suddenly felt a great sense of relief.
“Thank you, Master, for guiding me out of my confusion!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shui Miao knelt and bowed to express his gratitude.
Master Liang Hai helped him up and imparted these earnest words telepathically: “I have shown you a path, but how you walk it is entirely up to you.”
“I understand. Thank you, Master, for resolving the doubts in my heart.” Shui Miao paused, then couldn’t resist asking out of curiosity: “Master, there are two more questions I can’t figure out.”
“Speak…” Master Liang Hai nodded gently. “But after today, you must not bother me again.”
“Alright!”
Shui Miao hesitated for a moment. “Master, you are a monk, yet why do I feel that you don’t seem like one?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monk, I was a military commander, well-versed in strategy and tactics. Such things don’t trouble me. Moreover, a true monk is not bound by formalities. It’s best to go with the flow.” Master Liang Hai replied with candor.
Shui Miao nodded. “One more question, Master. If one day I gain the ability to eliminate those who seek to exploit me, what should I do? Should I try to enlighten them with kindness? Or should I destroy them all?”
“Four words: go with the flow.”
After saying this, Master Liang Hai’s soul instantly returned to his body dozens of miles away at Jing’an Temple. With his soul restored, he came back to life.
“I understand! From now on, I, this chess piece, will be reborn and completely reverse the situation!”
Guided by the master’s wisdom, Shui Miao’s mind became agile, and he began constructing his own philosophy and principles.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
Upon sensing Shui Miao’s energy, Ox-Head suddenly released a wave of black mist. When the mist cleared, they had vanished.
Shui Miao rushed into Lianghai’s room, only to find his soul already taken.
With his spiritual awareness, Shui Miao detected that Ox-Head and Horse-Face had already carried Lianghai’s soul over ten miles away.
“Is it all just a coincidence?”
“The moment I return to the mass graves, all the spirits vanish without a trace?”
“I arrive at Jing’an Temple to seek Master Liang Hai, only to find that he’s about to have his soul reaped by Ox-Head and Horse-Face?”
“There must be a conspiracy behind this. Someone is clearly trying to cover up the truth!”
Shui Miao’s mind raced as he channeled all his immortal power, attempting to leap into action but finding himself unable to move. In desperation, he unleashed his Soul-Devouring Power, sending it shooting into the master’s room to intercept Ox-Head and Horse-Face.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
As the Soul-Devouring Power surged into the room, Ox-Head suddenly released a cloud of black mist. By the time it dissipated, they had already vanished.
Shui Miao rushed into Master Liang Hai’s room, only to find that the master’s soul had already been taken.
Through his spiritual sense, Shui Miao detected that Ox-Head and Horse-Face had already transported Master Liang Hai’s soul over ten miles away.
“Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Chun, hide my physical body for me. When I return, I’ll teach you both magic. Right now, I must chase after Master Liang Hai’s soul.” After quickly instructing them, Shui Miao immediately sat down in meditation, released his soul, and activated an escape technique to pursue them.
Shui Miao had learned soul projection and escape techniques from Bai Feng.
In his urgency, he wielded these skills with ease, covering dozens of miles in a single leap.
“Trying to run? Not so easy.”
Shui Miao quickly caught up to Ox-Head and Horse-Face, channeling his Soul-Devouring Power to envelop them.
“Shui Miao, how dare you! You dare attack us, the underworld emissaries, and oppose the entire Netherworld?” Horse-Face shouted in a panicked voice.
Ox-Head, brandishing a battle-axe, charged directly at Shui Miao while yelling, “You go ahead! I’ll hold him off!”
“You’re not the real Ox-Head and Horse-Face!”
Relying on the power of the Natural Dao within him, Shui Miao ignored Ox-Head and directed his Soul-Devouring Power toward Horse-Face, aiming to seize Master Liang Hai’s soul. Enraged by Shui Miao’s disregard, Ox-Head shook his body and instantly grew ten times in size, blocking Shui Miao’s path like a small building.
Shui Miao charged directly into him…
“You’re looking for death!”
Ox-Head initially raised his axe to strike Shui Miao but hesitated mid-swing, as if apprehensive about something.
“Natural Dao, return to origin—reveal your true form!”
Shui Miao’s soul collided with Ox-Head’s body, and a surge of verdant natural energy instantly transformed Ox-Head into a motionless black calf. With a single touch, the calf crumbled into black mist, dissipating without a trace.
“You dare kill my brother? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Seeing Ox-Head’s soul vanquished, Horse-Face flew into a rage. Shaking the iron chain in his hand, he abandoned Master Liang Hai’s soul and swung the chain toward Shui Miao’s neck… The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until it finally looped around his neck.
“Whoever you are, anyone who kills my brother must die!”
Horse-Face, consumed by fury, pulled sharply on the chain. It tightened abruptly, threatening to crush Shui Miao’s soul.
Simultaneously, Shui Miao’s Soul-Devouring Power enveloped Horse-Face.
It was a mutually destructive, all-or-nothing move.
Shui Miao felt the world spin around him, his life hanging by a thread. But in his heart, he fiercely resolved that even if he died, he would take Horse-Face with him.
“Amitābha!”
Suddenly, Master Liang Hai chanted a Buddhist mantra and pointed at the thick, black iron chain. A golden light flashed, severing the chain.
Master Liang Hai was actually a master!
Shui Miao was astonished and quickly removed the chain from his neck.
“Old monk, how dare you ruin my plans? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Horse-Face turned to attack Master Liang Hai but was sent flying by a palm strike from the master from a distance.
After being repelled, Horse-Face knew the situation was hopeless. Filled with hatred, he roared, “Shui Miao, today my brother and I were outmaneuvered by you. But don’t think you can access our memories—you’ll never learn the truth!”
“Boom!”
Horse-Face chose to self-destruct his soul.
“Alas! My efforts have also fallen short.”
Master Liang Hai sighed deeply and shook his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have come to save me. I was feigning weakness, intentionally letting them take my soul.”
“Why?” Shui Miao walked over to Master Liang Hai, perplexed.
“Because they weren’t genuine underworld emissaries. I saw through their facade from the very beginning. I simply wanted to understand why they were targeting me.” The master was profoundly disheartened. With the线索断了 (clues severed), it would be challenging to uncover the mastermind orchestrating these individuals.
Shui Miao frowned. “Master, they were actually after me.”
“Oh? How so?”
Though advanced in years, Master Liang Hai possessed profound power and spoke with resounding strength.
“It’s like this…”
After a pause, Shui Miao briefly explained his situation to Master Liang Hai.
After listening, Master Liang Hai stroked his beard and communicated telepathically: “Young benefactor, your predicament is serious, and there are many mysteries. But if you calm down and reflect carefully, you’ll realize that someone is exploiting your nature to conduct experiments they themselves dare not attempt. On the surface, they appear unhurried, allowing you to cultivate slowly. But in truth, they understand your temperament well, knowing you are not one to take things slowly. So, I offer you some advice that might help.”
“What advice?”
Shui Miao felt that Master Liang Hai’s words made perfect sense. Wasn’t he being exploited precisely because others knew his character? If he acted contrary to his nature, exceeding their control, how could they continue to manipulate him?
Master Liang Hai responded steadily and unhurriedly through telepathy: “Go with the flow, neither impatient nor agitated, without overthinking or obsessing. Live the life of an ordinary person, day after day, year after year. You can afford to wait, but they cannot. In time, you will be able to respond with stillness, turning the situation around. However, you must not cease your cultivation. Conceal your strength and make secret advances.”
Every word of Master Liang Hai’s advice resonated deeply with Shui Miao.
His thoughts raced, and he suddenly felt much lighter at heart.
“Thank you, Master, for guiding me out of my confusion!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shui Miao knelt and bowed in gratitude.
Master Liang Hai helped him up and imparted earnest telepathic words: “I have shown you a path, but how you walk it is your own affair.”
“I understand. Thank you, Master, for resolving the doubts in my heart.” After a pause, Shui Miao couldn’t resist asking curiously, “Master, there are two more questions I cannot figure out.”
“Speak…” Master Liang Hai nodded gently. “But after today, you must not bother me again.”
“Alright!”
Shui Miao paused. “Master, you are a monastic, yet why do I feel that you don’t quite seem like one?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monastic, I was a military commander, well-versed in strategy and tactics. Such things pose no difficulty for me. Moreover, a true monastic is not bound by forms—it’s best to go with the flow.” Master Liang Hai responded with refreshing candor.
Shui Miao nodded. “One more question, Master. If one day I gain the power to eliminate those who seek to exploit me, what should I do? Should I try to convert them with kindness? Or should I destroy them all?”
“Four words: go with the flow.”
After saying this, Master Liang Hai’s soul instantly returned to his body dozens of miles away at Jing’an Temple. With his soul restored, he came back to life.
“I understand! From now on, I, this chess piece, will undergo a complete transformation and turn the tide entirely!”
Guided by the master’s wisdom, Shui Miao’s mind became agile, and he began constructing his own philosophy and principles.
Shui Miao had learned spirit projection and teleportation from Bai Feng.
In this emergency, he skillfully applied his techniques, teleporting dozens of miles in one go.
“You think you can escape? Not so easily.”
Shui Miao soon caught up with Ox-Head and Horse-Face, unleashing his soul-devouring energy directly at them.
“Is it all just a coincidence?”
“The moment I return to the mass graves, all the spirits there vanish without a trace?”
“I arrive at Jing’an Temple to seek Master Liang Hai, only to find that he’s about to have his soul reaped by Ox-Head and Horse-Face?”
“There must be a conspiracy behind this. Someone is undoubtedly trying to cover up the truth!”
Shui Miao’s mind raced as he channeled all his immortal energy, attempting to leap into action but finding himself unable to move. In his desperation, he swiftly summoned his Soul-Devouring Power and shot it into the master’s room, hoping to intercept Ox-Head and Horse-Face.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
As the Soul-Devouring Power surged into the room, Ox-Head suddenly released a cloud of black mist. By the time the mist dissipated, they had already disappeared.
Shui Miao rushed into Master Liang Hai’s room, only to find that the master’s soul had already been taken.
Through his spiritual senses, Shui Miao detected that Ox-Head and Horse-Face had already transported Master Liang Hai’s soul over ten miles away.
“Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Chun, hide my physical body for me. When I return, I’ll teach you both magic. Right now, I must chase after Master Liang Hai’s soul.” After quickly instructing them, Shui Miao sat down cross-legged, his soul leaving his body. He activated an escape technique and immediately gave chase.
Shui Miao had learned soul projection and escape techniques from Bai Feng.
In this critical moment, he wielded them with ease, covering dozens of miles in a single leap.
“Trying to run? Not so easy.”
Shui Miao quickly caught up to Ox-Head and Horse-Face, channeling his Soul-Devouring Power to envelop them.
“Shui Miao, how dare you! How dare you attack us, the underworld guards, and oppose the entire Netherworld!” Horse-Face shouted in a panicked voice.
Ox-Head, brandishing his battle-axe, charged directly at Shui Miao while yelling, “You go on ahead! I’ll hold him off here!”
“You’re not really Ox-Head and Horse-Face!”
Relying on the power of the Natural Dao within him, Shui Miao ignored Ox-Head and directed his Soul-Devouring Power toward Horse-Face, aiming to seize Master Liang Hai’s soul. Enraged by Shui Miao’s disregard, Ox-Head shook his body and instantly grew ten times in size, blocking Shui Miao’s path like a small building.
Shui Miao charged directly into him…
“You’re looking for death!”
Ox-Head initially intended to strike Shui Miao with his axe but hesitated upon raising it, as if apprehensive about something.
“Natural Dao, return to origin—reveal your true form!”
Shui Miao’s soul collided with Ox-Head’s body, and a surge of vibrant green natural energy instantly transformed Ox-Head into a motionless black calf. With a single touch, the calf crumbled into black mist, dissipating without a trace.
“How dare you kill my brother! I’ll fight you to the death!”
Witnessing Ox-Head’s soul scatter, Horse-Face flew into a rage. Shaking the iron chain in his hand, he abandoned Master Liang Hai’s soul and instead swung the chain toward Shui Miao’s neck… The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until it finally looped around his neck.
“Whoever you are, anyone who kills my brother must die!”
Horse-Face, consumed by fury, violently yanked the chain, causing it to tighten abruptly, threatening to shatter Shui Miao’s soul.
Simultaneously, however, Shui Miao’s Soul-Devouring Power enveloped Horse-Face.
It was a mutually destructive, all-or-nothing move.
Shui Miao felt the world spin around him, his life hanging by a thread, but he fiercely thought to himself that even if he were to die, he would take Horse-Face down with him.
“Amitābha!”
Suddenly, Master Liang Hai chanted a Buddhist mantra and pointed at the thick, black iron chain. A golden light flashed, severing the chain instantly.
Master Liang Hai was actually a master!
Shui Miao was astonished but quickly freed himself from the chain around his neck.
“Old monk, how dare you ruin my plans! I’ll fight you to the death!”
Horse-Face turned to attack Master Liang Hai but was sent flying by a palm strike from the master from a distance.
After being repelled, Horse-Face knew the situation was hopeless. Filled with hatred, he roared, “Shui Miao, today my brother and I were outmaneuvered and defeated by you. But don’t think you can access our memories—you’ll never uncover the truth!”
“Boom!”
Horse-Face chose to self-destruct his soul.
“Alas! My efforts have also fallen short!”
Master Liang Hai sighed deeply and shook his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have come to save me. I was feigning weakness, intentionally letting them take my soul.”
“Why?”
Puzzled, Shui Miao approached Master Liang Hai.
“Because they weren’t genuine underworld guards. I saw through their facade from the very beginning. I simply wanted to understand why they were targeting me.” The master conveyed his disappointment—now that the线索 were severed, it would be challenging to uncover the mastermind behind these individuals.
Shui Miao frowned. “Master, they were actually after me.”
“Oh? How so?”
Though advanced in years, Master Liang Hai possessed profound strength and spoke with resounding vigor.
“It’s like this…”
Shui Miao paused briefly before summarizing his situation for Master Liang Hai.
After listening, Master Liang Hai stroked his beard and communicated telepathically with Shui Miao: “Young benefactor, your predicament is severe, and the mysteries are numerous. But if you calm down and reflect carefully, you’ll realize that someone is exploiting your inner nature to conduct experiments they themselves dare not attempt. On the surface, they appear unhurried, allowing you to cultivate slowly, but in truth, they understand your temperament well—they know you cannot remain idle. So, I offer you some advice that may help.”
“What advice?”
Shui Miao felt that Master Liang Hai’s words made perfect sense. Wasn’t the reason he was being manipulated precisely because others knew his character? If his actions became unpredictable and beyond their control, how could they continue to use him?
Master Liang Hai responded calmly and steadily through telepathy: “Go with the flow, remain unhurried and unperturbed, free from excessive thoughts and desires. Live the life of an ordinary person, day after day, year after year. You can afford to wait, but they cannot. In time, you will be able to counter their moves with stillness, turning the tables. However, you must not cease your cultivation. Conceal your strength and make covert preparations.”
Every word Master Liang Hai spoke resonated deeply with Shui Miao.
His thoughts raced, and he suddenly felt a great sense of relief.
“Thank you, Master, for guiding me out of my confusion!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shui Miao knelt and bowed in gratitude to Master Liang Hai.
Master Liang Hai helped him up and imparted earnestly through telepathy: “I have pointed you toward a path, but how you walk it is entirely up to you.”
“I understand. Thank you, Master, for resolving my doubts.” Shui Miao paused, then couldn’t resist asking out of curiosity: “Master, there are two more questions I cannot figure out.”
“Speak…” Master Liang Hai nodded gently. “But after today, you must not bother me again.”
“Alright!”
Shui Miao hesitated for a moment. “Master, you are a monk, yet why do I feel that you don’t quite seem like one?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monk, I was a military commander, well-versed in strategy and tactics. Such things pose no challenge to me. Moreover, a true monk is not bound by formalities—it’s best to go with the flow.” Master Liang Hai replied with refreshing candor.
Shui Miao nodded. “One more question, Master. If one day I gain the ability to eliminate those who seek to exploit me, what should I do? Should I try to enlighten them with kindness, or should I destroy them all?”
“Four words: go with the flow.”
After saying this, Master Liang Hai’s soul instantly returned to his body dozens of miles away at Jing’an Temple. With his soul restored, he came back to life.
“I understand! From now on, I, this chess piece, will undergo a complete transformation and utterly reverse the situation!”
Guided by the master’s wisdom, Shui Miao’s mind became agile, and he began constructing his own philosophy and beliefs.
Ox-Head, wielding an axe, charged directly at Shui Miao, yelling, “You go ahead; I’ll hold him off here!”
“You two aren’t really Ox-Head and Horse-Face!”
“Is it all just a coincidence?”
“As soon as I returned to the mass graves, all the spirits there vanished?”
“Just as I arrived at Jing’an Temple to seek Master Lianghai, he was about to have his soul taken by Ox-Head and Horse-Face?”
“There must be a conspiracy behind this. Someone is clearly trying to cover up the truth!”
Shui Miao’s mind raced as he channeled all his immortal energy, attempting to leap into action but finding himself unable to. In his desperation, he swiftly summoned his Soul-Devouring Power and shot into the master’s room, intent on stopping Ox-Head and Horse-Face.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
As the Soul-Devouring Power surged into the room, Ox-Head suddenly released a cloud of black mist. By the time the mist dissipated, they had already disappeared.
Shui Miao rushed into Master Lianghai’s room, only to find that the master’s soul had already been taken.
Through his spiritual senses, Shui Miao detected that Ox-Head and Horse-Face had already transported Master Lianghai’s soul over ten miles away.
“Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Chun, hide my physical body for me. When I return, I’ll teach you magic. Right now, I must chase after Master Lianghai’s soul.” After speaking quickly, Shui Miao immediately sat down in meditation, his soul leaving his body. He activated an escape technique and pursued them without hesitation.
Shui Miao had learned soul projection and escape techniques from Bai Feng.
In this critical moment, he wielded them with ease, covering dozens of miles in a single escape.
“Trying to run? Not so easy.”
Shui Miao quickly caught up to Ox-Head and Horse-Face, channeling his Soul-Devouring Power to envelop them.
“Shui Miao, how dare you! You dare attack underworld envoys and oppose the entire Netherworld?” Horse-Face shouted in a panicked voice.
Ox-Head, brandishing a battle-axe, charged directly at Shui Miao while yelling, “You go first! I’ll hold him off!”
“You’re not really Ox-Head and Horse-Face!”
Relying on the power of the Natural Dao within him, Shui Miao ignored Ox-Head and directed his Soul-Devouring Power toward Horse-Face, intent on seizing Master Lianghai’s soul. Enraged by Shui Miao’s disregard, Ox-Head’s body suddenly swelled to ten times its size, blocking Shui Miao’s path like a small building.
Shui Miao charged directly into him…
“You’re seeking death!”
Ox-Head initially raised his axe to strike Shui Miao but hesitated mid-swing, as if apprehensive about something.
“Natural Dao, return to origin, reveal your true form!”
Shui Miao’s soul collided with Ox-Head’s body, and a surge of vibrant green natural energy instantly transformed Ox-Head into a motionless black calf. With a mere touch, the calf crumbled into black mist, dissipating without a trace.
“You dare kill my brother? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Seeing Ox-Head’s soul vanquished, Horse-Face flew into a rage. Shaking the iron chain in his hand, he abandoned Master Lianghai’s soul and instead lashed the chain toward Shui Miao’s neck… The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until it finally looped around his neck.
“I don’t care who you are! Whoever kills my brother must die!”
Horse-Face, consumed by fury, violently yanked the chain, causing it to tighten abruptly, threatening to shatter Shui Miao’s soul.
Simultaneously, Shui Miao’s Soul-Devouring Power enveloped Horse-Face.
It was a mutually destructive, all-or-nothing move.
Shui Miao felt the world spin around him, his life hanging by a thread, but he fiercely thought that even in death, he would drag Horse-Face down with him.
“Amitābha!”
Suddenly, Master Lianghai chanted a Buddhist mantra and pointed at the thick, black iron chain. A golden light flashed, severing the chain instantly.
Master Lianghai was actually a master!
Shui Miao was astounded and quickly removed the chain from his neck.
“Old monk, how dare you ruin my plans? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Horse-Face turned to attack Master Lianghai but was sent flying by a palm strike from the master from a distance.
Knowing the situation was hopeless, Horse-Face roared with hatred, “Shui Miao, today my brother and I were outmaneuvered and defeated by you. But don’t think you can access our memories. You’ll never learn the truth!”
“Boom!”
Horse-Face chose to self-destruct his soul.
“Alas! My efforts have also fallen short!”
Master Lianghai sighed deeply and shook his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have come to save me. I was feigning weakness, intentionally letting them take my soul.”
“Why?”
Perplexed, Shui Miao approached Master Lianghai.
“Because they weren’t genuine underworld envoys. I saw through their facade from the very beginning. I simply wanted to understand why they were targeting me.” The master was profoundly disheartened. With the clues severed, it would be challenging to uncover the mastermind orchestrating these individuals.
Shui Miao frowned. “Master, they were actually after me.”
“Oh? How so?”
Though advanced in years, Master Lianghai possessed profound cultivation, and his words were firm and powerful.
“It’s like this…”
Shui Miao paused briefly before summarizing his situation for Master Lianghai.
After listening, Master Lianghai stroked his beard and communicated telepathically, “Young benefactor, your predicament is severe, and the mysteries are numerous. But if you calm your mind and reflect carefully, you’ll realize that someone is exploiting your inner nature to conduct experiments they themselves dare not attempt. On the surface, they appear unhurried, allowing you to cultivate slowly, but in truth, they understand your temperament well, knowing you are not one to take things slowly. So, I offer you some advice that may help.”
“What advice?”
Shui Miao felt that Master Lianghai’s words made perfect sense. Wasn’t the reason he was being manipulated precisely because others knew his character? If he acted contrary to his usual self, exceeding their expectations, how could they continue to use him?
Master Lianghai responded steadily and unhurriedly through telepathy, “Go with the flow, remain calm and unhurried, free your mind from overthinking, and live the life of an ordinary person—day after day, year after year. You can afford to wait, but they cannot. In time, you will be able to respond with stillness, turning the situation around. However, you must not cease your cultivation. Conceal your strength and make covert preparations.”
Every word of Master Lianghai’s advice resonated deeply with Shui Miao.
His thoughts raced, and he suddenly felt a great sense of relief.
“Thank you, Master, for guiding me out of my confusion!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shui Miao knelt and bowed in gratitude.
Master Lianghai helped him up and imparted solemn words telepathically, “I have shown you a path, but how you walk it is entirely up to you.”
“I understand. Thank you, Master, for resolving my doubts.” Shui Miao paused, then couldn’t resist asking curiously, “Master, there are two more questions I cannot figure out.”
“Speak…” Master Lianghai nodded gently. “But after today, you must not bother me again.”
“Alright!”
Shui Miao hesitated for a moment. “Master, you are a monastic, yet why do I feel that you don’t seem like one?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monastic, I was a military commander, well-versed in strategy and tactics. Moreover, a true monastic is not bound by formalities. It’s best to go with the flow.” Master Lianghai responded with refreshing candor.
Shui Miao nodded. “One more question, Master. If one day I gain the power to eliminate those who seek to use me, what should I do? Should I try to enlighten them with kindness? Or should I destroy them all?”
“Four words: go with the flow.”
After saying this, Master Lianghai’s soul instantly returned to his body dozens of miles away at Jing’an Temple. With his soul restored, he came back to life.
“I understand! From now on, I, this chess piece, will undergo a complete transformation and utterly reverse the situation!”
Guided by the master’s wisdom, Shui Miao’s mind became agile, and he began constructing his own philosophy and principles.
Shui Miao charged straight at him…
“Are you trying to die!”
Ox-Head had intended to strike Shui Miao with his axe but hesitated at the last moment, seemingly wary of something.
“Is it all just a coincidence?”
“The moment I return to the mass graves, all the spirits vanish?”
“I arrive at Jing’an Temple to seek Master Liang Hai, only to find ox-head and horse-face are here to claim his soul?”
“There must be a conspiracy behind this. Someone is trying to cover up the truth!”
Shui Miao’s mind raced as he channeled all his immortal power, yet he couldn’t leap into action. In desperation, he unleashed his Soul-Devouring Power, shooting it into the master’s room to intercept ox-head and horse-face.
“Hmph! You’re too late!”
As the Soul-Devouring Power surged in, ox-head released a cloud of black mist. By the time it dissipated, they had vanished.
Shui Miao rushed into Master Liang Hai’s room, only to find his soul had already been taken.
Through his spiritual sense, Shui Miao detected that ox-head and horse-face had already transported Master Liang Hai’s soul over ten miles away.
“Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Chun, hide my physical body for me. When I return, I’ll teach you magic. I must retrieve Master Liang Hai’s soul now.” After speaking quickly, Shui Miao sat down cross-legged, his soul leaving his body. He activated an escape technique and pursued immediately.
Shui Miao had learned soul projection and escape techniques from Bai Feng.
In his urgency, he wielded them with ease, covering dozens of miles in a single leap.
“Trying to escape? Not so easy.”
Shui Miao quickly caught up to ox-head and horse-face, channeling his Soul-Devouring Power to envelop them.
“Shui Miao, how dare you attack underworld envoys and oppose the entire Netherworld!” horse-face shouted in panic.
Ox-head brandished his axe and charged at Shui Miao, yelling, “You go ahead! I’ll hold him off!”
“You’re not ox-head and horse-face at all!”
Confident in the power of the Natural Dao within him, Shui Miao ignored ox-head and directed his Soul-Devouring Power at horse-face, aiming to seize Master Liang Hai’s soul. Enraged by Shui Miao’s disregard, ox-head trembled and instantly grew ten times larger, blocking Shui Miao’s path like a small building.
Shui Miao charged straight into him…
“You’re seeking death!”
Ox-head raised his axe to strike but hesitated, as if wary of something.
“Natural Dao, return to origin, reveal your true form!”
Shui Miao’s soul collided with ox-head, and a surge of verdant natural energy transformed ox-head into a motionless black calf. With a touch, the calf crumbled into black mist, vanishing without a trace.
“You dare kill my brother? I’ll fight you to the death!”
Seeing ox-head’s soul scattered, horse-face flew into a rage. Shaking his iron chain, he abandoned Master Liang Hai’s soul and lashed out at Shui Miao’s neck. The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until it finally looped around his neck.
“Whoever you are, whoever kills my brother must die!”
Consumed by fury, horse-face yanked the chain, tightening it abruptly, intent on crushing Shui Miao’s soul.
Simultaneously, Shui Miao’s Soul-Devouring Power enveloped horse-face.
It was a mutually destructive, all-or-nothing move.
Shui Miao felt the world spin, his life hanging by a thread, but he thought fiercely, Even if I die, I’ll take this horse-face with me!
“Amitābha!”
Suddenly, Master Liang Hai chanted a Buddhist mantra and pointed at the thick black iron chain. A golden light flashed, severing the chain.
Master Liang Hai was a master!
Shui Miao was astonished and quickly removed the chain from his neck.
“Old monk, how dare you ruin my plans? I’ll fight you!”
Horse-face turned to attack Master Liang Hai but was sent flying by a palm strike from a distance.
Knowing the situation was hopeless, horse-face shouted with hatred, “Shui Miao, today we were outmaneuvered and defeated by you. But don’t think you can access our memories. You’ll never learn the truth!”
“Boom!”
Horse-face chose to self-destruct his soul.
“Alas! My efforts have also fallen short!”
Master Liang Hai sighed deeply and shook his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have saved me. I was feigning weakness, letting them take my soul on purpose.”
“Why?”
Shui Miao walked to Master Liang Hai’s side, perplexed.
“Because they weren’t underworld envoys. I saw through them from the start. I just wanted to know why they were targeting me.” The master was deeply disappointed. With the clues severed, it would be difficult to uncover the mastermind behind these beings.
Shui Miao frowned. “Master, they were actually after me.”
“Oh? How so?”
Though advanced in years, Master Liang Hai possessed profound power and spoke with resounding vigor.
“It’s like this…”
After a pause, Shui Miao briefly explained his situation to Master Liang Hai.
After listening, Master Liang Hai stroked his beard and communicated telepathically: “Young benefactor, your problems seem severe, and the mysteries are many. But if you calm down and reflect carefully, you’ll realize someone is exploiting your inner nature to conduct experiments they dare not attempt themselves. On the surface, they appear unhurried, allowing you to cultivate slowly. But in truth, they understand your temperament well, knowing you are not one to wait. So, I offer you some advice that may help.”
“What advice?”
Shui Miao felt the master’s words resonated deeply. Wasn’t he being exploited precisely because others knew his character? If he acted contrary to expectations, beyond their control, how could they continue to use him?
Master Liang Hai responded steadily through telepathy: “Follow nature’s course, without haste or agitation, without overthinking or longing. Live an ordinary life, day after day, year after year. You can wait, but they cannot. In time, you will find stillness within motion, reversing the situation. However, you must not cease your cultivation. Conceal your strength and advance secretly.”
Every word from Master Liang Hai struck a chord in Shui Miao’s heart.
His thoughts raced, and he felt a sudden lightness in his mood.
“Thank you, Master, for guiding me through my confusion!”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shui Miao knelt and bowed in gratitude.
Master Liang Hai helped him up and communicated earnestly: “I have shown you a path, but how you walk it is your own affair.”
“I understand. Thank you for resolving my doubts.” After a pause, Shui Miao couldn’t resist asking: “Master, there are two more questions I cannot comprehend.”
“Speak…” Master Liang Hai nodded gently. “But after today, you must not trouble me again.”
“Very well!”
Shui Miao paused. “Master, you are a monastic, yet why do I feel you are not like other monastics?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monastic, I was a military commander, skilled in strategy and tactics. Such things pose no challenge to me. Moreover, a true monastic is not bound by forms. It’s best to follow nature’s course.” Master Liang Hai replied candidly.
Shui Miao nodded. “One more question, Master. If one day I gain the power to eliminate those who seek to exploit me, what should I do? Should I try to enlighten them with compassion? Or should I destroy them all?”
“Four words: follow nature’s course.”
With these words, Master Liang Hai’s soul instantly returned to his body dozens of miles away at Jing’an Temple. His soul restored, he lived once more.
“I understand! From now on, I, this chess piece, will undergo a metamorphosis and completely reverse the situation!”
Guided by the master’s wisdom, Shui Miao’s mind became agile, and he began constructing his own philosophy.
Shui Miao’s spirit collided with Ox-Head, releasing a surge of green natural energy that transformed Ox-Head into a tiny black calf, motionless and lifeless. With a touch, the calf disintegrated into black mist, vanishing without a trace.
“You dared to kill my brother; I’ll die fighting you!”
Seeing Ox-Head’s destruction, Horse-Face flew into a rage. He shook his iron chain, abandoning Lianghai’s soul and swinging the chain toward Shui Miao’s neck. The chain seemed alive, evading all of Shui Miao’s attempts to dodge until finally ensnaring his neck.
“I don’t care who you are; whoever kills my brother must die!”
Driven by fury, Horse-Face yanked the chain, which tightened violently, threatening to crush Shui Miao’s soul.
Yet simultaneously, Shui Miao’s soul-devouring energy enveloped Horse-Face.
This was a mutual destruction tactic.
Shui Miao felt dizzy, his life hanging in the balance, but he fiercely resolved that even if he died, Horse-Face would perish with him!
“Amitabha Buddha!”
Suddenly, Lianghai chanted a Buddhist mantra, pointing a finger at the thick black chain. A golden light flashed, snapping the chain.
Lianghai was indeed a master!
Shui Miao was shocked, quickly removing the chain from his neck.
“Old monk, you dare ruin my plan; I’ll fight you to the death!”
Horse-Face turned toward Lianghai but was blasted away by a single palm strike from Lianghai.
After being thrown back, Horse-Face realized the situation was hopeless and roared in hatred, “Shui Miao, today we lost to you by a narrow margin, but don’t think you’ll ever learn our memories. You’ll never uncover the truth!”
“Bang!”
Horse-Face self-destructed his soul.
“Alas! My efforts were in vain!”
Lianghai sighed deeply, shaking his head at Shui Miao. “Young man, you shouldn’t have saved me. I intentionally feigned weakness, allowing them to take my soul.”
“Why?”
Shui Miao approached Lianghai, puzzled.
“They aren’t really emissaries of the underworld; I figured that out long ago. I just wanted to know why they targeted me.” Lianghai was disappointed; now the clue was lost, making it difficult to trace the mastermind behind this.
Shui Miao frowned. “Actually, they were after me.”
“Oh? Explain.”
Though aged, Lianghai possessed profound power, his words firm and forceful.
“Well…” Shui Miao paused, recounting his story briefly to Lianghai.
After listening, Lianghai stroked his beard and mentally transmitted to Shui Miao, “Young one, your issue is serious, filled with many mysteries, but if you calm down and think carefully, you’ll realize someone is manipulating your inner self to attempt things they dare not do themselves. On the surface, they seem patient, letting you cultivate slowly, but in truth, they know your nature well, understanding you can’t slow down. So I offer you some advice that might help.”
“What, what advice?”
Shui Miao felt Lianghai’s words were wise. Wasn’t his being exploited precisely because they understood his character? If he acted contrary to his usual behavior, beyond their control, how could they manipulate him?
Calmly and steadily, Lianghai responded mentally, “Go with the flow, remain calm, avoid unnecessary thoughts, live an ordinary life day after day, year after year. You can wait, but they cannot. Over time, you can observe calmly and reverse the situation. However, your cultivation must continue. Hide your strength, and advance secretly.”
Every word Lianghai spoke struck a chord with Shui Miao.
Shui Miao’s thoughts raced, feeling suddenly lighter.
“Thank you, Master, for enlightening me!”
Shui Miao was deeply moved, bowing gratefully to Lianghai.
Lianghai helped Shui Miao up, transmitting mentally with heartfelt sincerity, “I’ve shown you the path, but how you walk it is your choice.”
“I understand. Thank you for resolving my doubts.” Shui Miao paused, then curiously asked, “Master, you are a monk, yet why do I sense you’re not quite like one?”
“That’s simple. Before becoming a monk, I was a general in the army, skilled in strategy and tactics. Moreover, a true monk doesn’t cling to appearances; going with the flow is sufficient.” Lianghai responded readily.
Shui Miao nodded. “One last question, Master. If one day I gain the power to defeat those who seek to manipulate me, what should I do? Should I try to reform them with compassion, or kill them all?”
“Four words: go with the flow.”
With these words, Lianghai’s soul instantly returned to Jing’an Temple, dozens of miles away, re-entering his body, reviving him.
“I understand! From now on, I will transform completely, reversing the game entirely!”
Inspired by the master’s guidance, Shui Miao’s mind was awakened, constructing a personal philosophy within his heart.
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