Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 258 - 258 257 Artistic Youth

258: Chapter 257: Artistic Youth 258: Chapter 257: Artistic Youth The meaning of Tideng Monk was that the trial of the Demon Fox depended on the investigation.

This answer clearly dissatisfied Master Nanneng, “The heart is not Buddha, the wisdom is not the Dao.

While lifting a perfect ten, I dare not guarantee it.

Carrying a staff idly, one must avoid looking back and changing one’s mind.”

Tideng Monk bowed his head to accept the teaching, but still clenched his teeth and persisted.

The master telling him to use a staff meant to tell him that help from his sect was always indispensable on the cultivation path, and one could not go far alone; moreover, during the journey, one must not look around, as some mountains are higher than others, and one must hold firm beliefs and not be easily swayed by others.

He understood all these principles, but Tideng Monk’s growth process was not like that of ordinary monks, similar to Hou Niao, he was singled out for harsh treatment within the Buddhist Sect; the difference being that in the Quanzhen Sect, except for a few people, Hou Niao was truly despised by gods and demons, whereas Tideng’s situation was deliberately orchestrated by his superiors.

Great powers have their own special methods of nurturing disciples, tailored teaching is the core principle, and disciples like Tideng could not be taught by traditional methods, hence they were thrown here to interact with the misfits of the Quanzhen Sect, also leaving room for future maneuvering for the Buddhist Sect.

Of course, Tideng Monk couldn’t think of this layer yet, he was merely acting on his instincts, not wanting to be mediocre, not wanting to live a mundane life like Daoist Zhi Sun, so he subconsciously chose the same attitude as the madmen of Quanzhen, as he felt it would be more beneficial for his cultivation.

I would rather betray the Buddhist Sect than have the Buddhist Sect betray me, as for whether it would really affect the unity within the sect, that was none of his business;

He saw it very clearly, if it were true that Master Nanneng would stand up for a misbehaving Demon Fox, that was impossible; being able to cultivate to such a realm, one naturally has decisiveness in making choices, would not be indecisive, even ready to forsake his own family during cultivation, let alone a demon?

The reason for his refusal was merely a matter of face; why specifically target him in all of Xionger?

The sense of superiority created by differences in realm made him resentful to listen to the prattle of a junior.

Would the aftermath public opinion affect his reputation?

And so on.

He didn’t believe in face, so he insisted on prosecuting the Demon Fox, basing on facts and adhering to the law.

This was his mental journey, from initially refusing to cooperate, to later endless disputes, then following supervision, to now being in collusion, in the same foul air; Hou Niao had long set a trap for him, just waiting for him to step right into it, relying on nothing else but his understanding of this dishonest monk, a restless monk, a ruthless monk.

What was an external friend of the Buddhist Sect?

If it really hindered his cultivation, he would even sell the Buddha!

Master Nanneng found, seeing the two young ones as close as peas in a pod, which disappointed him immensely and further affirmed that he could not act on impulse; Yun Platform was indeed a lawless place, but that was because you had not touched the interests of the great powers, rile them, and this place would immediately become governed entirely.

Seeing that the master was already wavering, Hou Niao knew now was the time to strike while the iron was hot,

“Master, it’s just a matter of time.

Since the decision by Xionger’s tripartite conference to review old cases started, Jianjia Temple was bound to come under scrutiny, it’s not directed at you, Master, but there are several unresolved cases that have become legends in Xionger, subtly altering the relationship between cultivators and mortals, like a cancer, they must be eradicated!”

Tideng Monk, listening intently, frowned; when had a tripartite conference taken place?

It was clearly your own initiative!

But now at this critical moment, he couldn’t expose this directly because he had already chosen his side.

This guy was good at setting traps, even better at entrapping his comrades, naturally skilled at this.

“The first to file a complaint is about the legend of the Demon Fox, it is heaven’s will, as well as Buddha’s will, we cultivators should follow the divine mandate, how dare we defy heaven?”

Hou Niao bowed deeply, “I have no previous acquaintance or enmity with the master, and our realms are as different as heaven and earth, to oppose each other upon my arrival isn’t the way of cultivation.

Master, have you considered what you stand to gain from insistence?

Other than a false sense of face, nothing will be obtained, and this matter will not simply end easily, the longer it goes, the harder it will be to extricate yourself.

If you cooperate, what would you lose?

You would gain a few descendants who respond to your beck and call, and a reputation of magnanimity; moreover, as the investigation continues, the Demon Fox incident is just one of many odd occurrences in Xionger, freshly new stories will soon distract the public’s attention.”

Knowing when to step back and give someone an out, right?

“Previously uttered words, framing the Demon Fox into confession were merely a joke, in Xionger we act, these vile customs of officialdom our disciples dare not violate; what we seek is merely a fair opportunity to present the facts, we hope the master will grant this.”

Tideng Monk saw the opportunity was ripe, having come this far, he had no choice but to stand firm,

“Amitabha, we wish to confront the Demon Fox before the master, without using any coercive techniques, we beseech the master’s consent.”

Master Nanneng smiled faintly, these two were in sync, their intentions were just as expected, he had foreseen it; he had never intended to shield the Demon Fox, but he needed to show his stance, this was an issue of protocol, how could he possibly yield to the desires of two juniors?

Moreover, he could observe the character traits of the two young men in their confrontation, one full of vigor yet tactful; the other hiding his sharpness, steadfast in principles, both outstanding among this generation of disciples.

“Thus, I will summon it, and you may ask your questions directly.”

Picking up the wooden fish in his hand, he gently struck it three times, and somewhere outside the temple under a messy mound, movement began, with green fires flickering and moving.

Ancient fox blowing green flames outside the wall, an ancient Buddha seated before a blue lamp…

This man and fox shared no shallow bond.

Soon, a dignified young man walked in, just like a schoolteacher in the human world, brimming with scholarly aura, perfectly concealing that trace of demon essence.

Seeing Hou Niao and the other, he showed no signs of panic, bowed slightly, “I wonder why the master has summoned me so late at night, what is the reason?”

Demons are naturally gifted with the divine skill to transform into human form, without needing complicated procedures such as Tongxuan transformation or bone shifting, making them exceptionally fit for the human world; from Hou Niao’s observations, this demon seemed not to have reached the Demon Core Realm yet, still manageable.

Master Nanneng kindly said, “These two Upper Envoys have some questions for you, speak frankly please, but do not indulge in deceit; if you’ve done it, admit it, if not, no one will force you to confess, do you understand?”

The Demon Fox nodded and turned to the two, “Hu Wen has met the two elder brothers, may I know the purpose of your visit?”

Hou Niao smiled slightly, “We are here, actually, to discuss poetry with Brother Hu.”