The Guanyin of Jade

Crack!

In an instant, the vividly crafted golden Buddha statue shattered into countless fragments, exploding into a heap of stone debris, causing the ancient temple, thick with cobwebs, to tremble.

As the golden Buddha burst apart, a sudden and urgent ringing of bells resonated throughout the entire Qingyuan Temple area.

"What is happening?"

Many monks, seated in meditation and reciting scriptures, were abruptly awakened by the alarming sound. Each wore a look of shock and unease as they rose and gazed towards a certain direction within the temple.

"Oh no, the holy statue has been destroyed! The demonic forces are invading!"

"Alert the entire temple; demonic forces are invading!"

The cry of invasion sent waves of panic through the monks of Qingyuan Temple, their faces turning grave and solemn as they quickly assembled in strategic positions, guarding the temple's vital points.

At that moment, Yang Fan was walking at the foot of Cold Distant Mountain, surrounded by clusters of maple trees. The young princess and Cheng Yunfei frolicked joyfully like birds released from their cages, engaging in playful antics.

"Hmm?"

Yang Fan suddenly noticed something amiss at Qingyuan Temple. He focused his gaze and saw numerous monks appear on the mountain, each with a solemn demeanor, standing in vigilant readiness.

These monks were not ordinary individuals; they emanated a special aura, most of them equivalent to cultivators at the Qi Refinement stage.

**Buddhist cultivators?!**

Yang Fan's lips tightened. Since the moment he arrived at Cold Distant Mountain, the dark energy of the Nine Nether had stirred restlessly within him, and he felt a growing aversion to this place.

For him, a practitioner of unrivaled demonic arts, Buddhist cultivators were life-and-death adversaries—either they perished, or he did.

He faintly sensed that the abnormal changes at Qingyuan Temple might be linked to the fluctuations of the Netherfire in his own body.

At this moment, the auspicious aura that enveloped Cold Distant Mountain was shattered by a discordant presence, turning the atmosphere chaotic.

"Hehe." Yang Fan chuckled inwardly while maintaining a facade of calm as he ascended towards the peak.

"Who dares disturb the tranquility of Qingyuan Temple?!" A voice, filled with immense authority and solemnity, reverberated across the entire Cold Distant Mountain.

**Buzz!**

A gentle golden radiance emanated from the horizon, staining the clouds in half the sky with a soft golden hue, resembling an infinite paradise, evoking feelings of reverence and hope.

Strangely, however, the ordinary people on the mountain continued their rituals of worship and incense burning as if they had neither heard the voice nor noticed the heavenly display.

"Hmm? The clouds above…" Cheng Yunfei observed the sky curiously, rubbing his eyes.

"Clouds?" The young princess looked up, frowning, "There's nothing there!"

"Maybe it was just my imagination?" Cheng Yunfei said, looking puzzled as he scratched his head, muttering, "I clearly saw a layer of golden light on the clouds; why is it gone?"

**Slap!**

The young princess playfully smacked him, pouting, "You silly head! Just lead the way!"

Cheng Yunfei, wearing a wry smile, shook his head, unsure how to explain.

He understood that the perception of cultivators far exceeded that of ordinary people. Some things invisible to mortals could be sensed by those who practiced cultivation.

He was certain that what he had seen was no illusion.

"Perhaps my cultivation level isn't high enough…" Cheng Yunfei mused, glancing at Yang Fan and noticing his calm demeanor.

In truth, Yang Fan felt quite uncomfortable. When that authoritative voice rang out, an inexplicable pressure bore down on him, making it hard to breathe. The Nine Nether energy and the Netherfire in his body also quieted down.

Yang Fan had already pushed his "Withering Wood Technique" to its limits, concealing even the faintest hint of his demonic arts.

Moreover, a serene, natural aura radiated from him, melding seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

He discovered that the power of the "Immortal Swan Technique" could actually harmonize with the peaceful aura of Buddhism, creating a profound unity.

In such a state, he felt as if he resembled a cultivator of the righteous path, even inching closer to the embracing tranquility of Buddhist practices.

Soon after that voice echoed, Yang Fan sensed a divine consciousness sweeping past him.

The level of that consciousness was far superior to his own, but at this moment, enveloped in a state of knowing and harmonious nature, he sensed its presence.

Fortunately, the consciousness merely paused slightly on him, conveying a friendly aura before swiftly moving on, scanning other areas.

After a long while, the faint golden glow on the clouds dissipated, replaced by an atmosphere of peace that once again filled this pure land of Buddhism.

At that moment, the voice echoed once more: "Silence! Retreat at once!"

In an instant, the vigilant monks withdrew in unison.

Once all was settled, Yang Fan let out a sigh of relief, beginning to rigorously suppress the Nine Nether energy and the Netherfire within him, ensuring they remained perfectly still.

Fortunately, both the Nine Nether energy and the Netherfire were under his absolute control. They seemed to possess a certain sensitivity, remaining quiet and still thereafter.

"Why do I feel like something just happened?" the young princess asked, gazing at the tranquil and harmonious Buddhist pure land, her face a picture of confusion.

"Something must have occurred!" Cheng Yunfei nodded and then turned to Yang Fan, asking, "Brother Yang, did you notice anything?"

He understood that Yang Fan's cultivation level surpassed his own.

"Yes," Yang Fan replied.

"What did you notice?" The young princess's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Brother Yang is indeed extraordinary."

The two of them fixed their gazes on Yang Fan's face, filled with anticipation. They both sensed something was off, particularly Cheng Yunfei.

"I discovered... the scenery here is quite beautiful... serene, harmonious, and peaceful. What do you think?" Yang Fan gazed admiringly at the vistas of Cold Distant Mountain.

"Uh..." Cheng Yunfei and the young princess exchanged glances, then nodded heavily, looking somewhat deflated.

"Well then, you two hurry up. I'd like to admire this sacred land of Qingyuan Temple." Yang Fan said with a look of eagerness, quickening his pace without caring whether they could keep up.

"Hey! Wait for me!" The young princess hurried to catch up, nearly losing her footing.

"You... carry me!" she said, tugging at Cheng Yunfei with a pout.

"Why me?" Cheng Yunfei could only comply with her demand, squatting down to carry the mischievous young princess as he hurried after Yang Fan.

Yang Fan felt a sense of amusement as he strode forward, his breath steady and light, moving as if on a leisurely stroll. Meanwhile, Cheng Yunfei found it quite taxing.

After running several miles and carrying someone, the novice cultivator at the Qi Refinement stage was indeed feeling the strain.

"Arrived!" Yang Fan said with a half-smile, glancing back at him just as he abruptly halted.

"Ow!" Cheng Yunfei stumbled forward, and the young princess, unable to withstand the momentum, leaned precariously forward, her weight shifting.

**Thud!**

Tragedy struck as both of them fell to the ground, with the young princess landing on top of Cheng Yunfei, causing him to land in an undignified manner.

Immediately, the surrounding worshippers turned to look at the pair with unusual expressions.

"Silly head, this is all your fault!" the young princess fumed, her cheeks reddening as she felt the gaze of the crowd.

"Yow!" Cheng Yunfei cried out in dismay.

The young princess, not satisfied, prepared to strike him again.

"Calm down," Yang Fan said placidly, "We are in the Buddhist pure land."

"Ah... right!" The young princess suddenly snapped to attention, retracting her hand and releasing Cheng Yunfei. "Truly a Buddhist pure land…"

Yang Fan scanned the imposing and majestic temples and statues before him, his eyes reflecting a sense of wonder.

In his view, Qingyuan Temple was enveloped in an invisible auspicious aura, with faint Buddhist light shimmering through. The soothing, distant sound of bells rang out endlessly, calming the souls of those present and even possessing a meditative quality.

This is Buddhism!

Yang Fan found himself filled with various insights, realizing the stark contrast between the essence of Buddhist practices and demonic arts.

To reverse the Buddhist path is to become demonic!

Conversely, to forsake demonic ways and turn back is to embrace Buddhism.

"Why don't we go pray and offer incense?" the young princess suggested cheerfully to Yang Fan.

"Sure," Yang Fan nodded, but added, "You two can offer incense; I'll just observe from the side."

It was out of the question for him to bow before these Buddhist icons.

"Hmph." The young princess pouted, pulling Cheng Yunfei as they walked into the temple.

Yang Fan didn't mind, nor did he intend to follow them. Instead, he began wandering aimlessly around Qingyuan Temple.

"Cold Distant Mountain is the place where I will rendezvous with **Xia. I wonder where I will encounter her?" 

Yang Fan extended his consciousness, keenly observing the various scenes within Qingyuan Temple.

In truth, there wasn't much to see within the temple—just some statues and monks.

"Hmm, let me see how these mortals offer incense," he thought to himself

, as he approached a statue of Guanyin, curious about the process.

However, he soon realized something peculiar. The monks had all retreated, allowing the ordinary mortals to take center stage.

He noticed that many of the devotees knelt down to offer incense, praying sincerely.

Some even wept silently.

Yang Fan's gaze rested upon a particular devotee who, despite being a young man, wore a yellow robe adorned with celestial patterns. He was kneeling with his head bowed deeply, tears flowing down his cheeks, whispering soft prayers.

Yang Fan observed curiously, intrigued by the seemingly innocent prayers.

**Crack!**

Suddenly, a loud, terrifying sound shattered the peaceful atmosphere. It seemed as if something had struck the holy statue of Guanyin.

"Buddha!" the young man cried out, his voice tinged with sorrow, rising to his feet in a flurry.

Yang Fan's brows furrowed. He turned, catching sight of a shattering jade statue that had inexplicably fallen from above, crashing to the ground in a display of divine punishment.

"Dare to offend Guanyin?!" The jade statue's fall struck fear into many hearts.

With a sense of awe, the crowd began to disperse, panic taking hold of them as they retreated.

The young man, however, remained resolute. "Guanyin, do not forsake me!" he cried out, unwavering in the face of fear, as if he had sensed something.

Yang Fan, on the other hand, found this moment profoundly intriguing, pondering deeply over the events unfolding before him.

This man was undoubtedly unique—possessing remarkable determination and strength.

"Let's see what comes next…"