I Really Am A Villain
Ch. 338 - Mahayana & Hinayana Buddhism

Just as he returned to his room, Xu Zimo saw someone sitting casually on the windowsill. A blood-red robe fluttered slightly in the wind.

Death God Qin, wearing a ghost-faced mask, quietly watched Xu Zimo.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said hoarsely.

“Didn’t expect you to arrive this quickly,” Xu Zimo smiled in return.

“When do we depart?” Death God Qin asked.

“We’ll leave tomorrow. No rush, as long as we get there within three days,” Xu Zimo replied. “How many powerhouses did your Dark Primordial Race prepare for the trip to the Buddha Burial Temple this time?”

“Three Immortal Sovereigns, plus me,” Death God Qin said calmly.

“Three Immortal Sovereigns, just like that. Looks like the Dark Primordial Race is recovering fast,” Xu Zimo chuckled.

“This is the strongest force I can mobilize. Don’t get any ideas,” Death God Qin quickly explained.

...

As dawn gradually broke, the once quiet streets started to liven up.

The smell of steamed buns drifted up through the window from below.

Xu Zimo got ready, and with Death God Qin, headed south.

From Soaring Cloud City, they passed through the Dan Imperial Clan’s territory and entered the lands governed by the Baili Imperial Clan.

That’s where the Buddha Burial Temple was located.

To most people, the Buddha Burial Temple was unfamiliar.

It stayed hidden, and only a few had ever truly entered it.

Only a handful even knew where its entrance was.

In recent days, the Dan Imperial Clan's territory had become especially lively.

The reason was the upcoming Myriad Pills Assembly at the Alchemy Tower.

The Myriad Pills Assembly was considered the most grand event in the Eastern Continent’s core region.

At that time, alchemists from all over the Eastern Continent, and even from other continents, would come to visit or participate in the event.

It was a tradition started by the Alchemy Emperor after he shouldered the Heaven’s Will.

It had been going on for tens of thousands of years.

Each time, a few outstanding talents emerged and were eventually brought into the Dan Imperial Clan.

That’s why among the imperial lineages of the Eastern Continent, the Dan Imperial Clan had the most stable growth, largely thanks to the assembly.

Xu Zimo wasn’t particularly interested in the event. After all, alchemy didn’t mean much to him.

He and Death God Qin continued on their way to the Buddha Burial Temple.

Xu Zimo rode a Darksky Tiger, while Death God Qin walked in the air beside him.

Two days later, they arrived at a city called Buddha Reverence City.

This city was located beneath Martial Magnificence Mountain and was the most famous in the region.

Standing at the city gates, no matter the angle, the entire city resembled a giant Buddha with palms pressed together.

...

To be precise, this was a Buddhist city.

A city built by and composed entirely of devotees.

It was said that as long as one was a devout believer, they would receive the Buddha’s protection in Buddha Reverence City.

Xu Zimo and Death God Qin walked into the city.

Bald monks in robes could be seen everywhere.

On both sides of the city’s busiest main street, there were stalls selling Buddhist trinkets and daily items.

“Amitabha” was the most commonly used greeting.

There were no inns in the city, only Buddhist lodges.

Anyone in need who sincerely sought help could receive free lodging from the lodges.

The whole city seemed harmonious, with everyone talking about Buddhist teachings, the benefits of spreading Buddhism, and recruiting new followers.

Death God Qin explained, “There are no other factions in this city. Only devout believers. But there are two different ideologies.”

“Two ideologies?” Xu Zimo asked curiously.

“Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism,” Death God Qin explained flatly.

“One emphasizes saving oneself before saving others. The other emphasizes saving others before oneself. People here only argue when their beliefs clash.”

“Their thinking is too narrow,” Xu Zimo shook his head. “Why not step outside of Buddhism and look at other things?”

“In the end, it’s about selflessness,” Death God Qin replied. “Buddhism embraces all things.”

“Then which do you follow?” Xu Zimo asked with interest.

“I only believe in the strong,” Death God Qin replied calmly. “Buddhism can’t enlighten me.”

“Let’s rest here for the night. We’ll head up the mountain tomorrow,” Xu Zimo said.

Death God Qin nodded without objection.

The two of them found a Buddhist lodge and booked two rooms.

They also ordered some dinner downstairs.

The food was mostly light and vegetarian.

While they were eating, a young monk quietly approached with their food.

He wore a gray monk robe, his shaved head shiny, with eight burn scars on top.

Looking at Xu Zimo and Death God Qin, the young monk asked gently, “You two must be from outside the city?”

“More or less,” Xu Zimo nodded.

“Then may I ask how much you know about Buddha Reverence City?” the young monk asked with a smile. “Would you be interested in learning about our Mahayana Buddhism?”

Xu Zimo and Death God Qin exchanged a glance. So, he was here to recruit followers.

“Can Mahayana Buddhism help me become a Grand Emperor?” Xu Zimo asked with a smile.

“Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand miles. Without small streams, there is no ocean,” the young monk said calmly, putting his palms together. “Buddhism is a philosophy guiding one’s life, not invincibility. But if you are willing to work hard and pursue your goal, I believe, when your mind is clear, you will naturally succeed.”

“You’re quite a talker,” Xu Zimo chuckled.

“Thank you for the compliment,” the monk said modestly, “Would you consider becoming a lay disciple of Mahayana Buddhism?”

“What’s so good about Mahayana?” A voice came from the door of the lodge.

An old man in a light yellow monk robe slowly walked in.

He glanced at Xu Zimo and Death God Qin, put his hands together, and softly said, “Amitabha.”

Then he turned to the young monk and smiled, “Junior brother, are you trying to mislead people again?”

“What misleading? Everything is by free will,” the young monk replied softly. “Are you perhaps envious of Mahayana’s popularity? Do you want to come learn its essence?”

“You’re too attached,” the old monk shook his head. “In all things, one must first save oneself before saving others. If you don’t understand selflessness, how can you help others? That’s why Hinayana is the correct path. Stop clinging to illusions, brother.”

Watching the two argue, Xu Zimo shook his head helplessly.

“This benefactor, how about you judge which of our Buddhist teachings is better?” The old monk looked at Xu Zimo, eyes lighting up with interest.

The young monk fell silent for a moment, also looking at Xu Zimo with anticipation.

“You two are like this teacup in my hand,” Xu Zimo said.

As he spoke, he picked up the kettle and began pouring hot water into the cup.

Even after the cup was full and overflowing, he kept pouring, without stopping.