Volume 1, Chapter 179: Who Is the Demon Exactly?

Boom! 

The Wind Control Sword, infused with Thunder Sword Intent, slammed into Monk Wuxing. Rampant thunder coiled around him like a python. The impact sent him flying dozens of zhang, crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar—like a meteor or mountain colliding. 

The sword returned to Lin Yu. As dust cleared, Wuxing rose slowly. The ground around him spiderwebbed with cracks, trees lay askew. His cassock hung in tatters, and a ferocious wound ran from his right shoulder to left ribs, flesh flayed nearly to the bone. Strangely, no blood flowed; the wound glowed golden, as if he were a golden arhat, not a mortal warrior. 

Yet even a golden arhat had nearly fallen to Lin Yu's sword. The golden light around him had dimmed drastically, confirming he was severely wounded—only the Arhat Golden Body suppressed the injury. 

Wuxing stared in disbelief. Lin Yu had merged Sword Intent, breaking through his indestructible defense. The Arhat Golden Body, a Vinaya School secret, made him invulnerable to peers—why had it failed? 

Sword cultivators were the sharpest spears, while Buddhist warriors were the sturdiest shields. But today proved the paradox false: the golden body could not block a sword cultivator. 

"Your sword indeed 'enlightens,'" Wuxing forced a smile, clasping his hands. "On reflection, that art differs from Buddhist techniques. My mistake. This was all a misunderstanding. I must take my leave." 

"Wait, Master." Lin Yu blocked him, smiling. 

"What else,施主 (Benefactor)?" Wuxing feigned confusion, eyes "clear" as if he hadn't just fought. 

"The technique you used seems to be from my family. Would you return it to its rightful home?" Lin Yu eyed his golden form earnestly. 

Wuxing froze, awkwardly stammering: "Joking! The Arhat Golden Body is Buddhist—how could it be your family art?" 

"I say it is. Surrender it, and I'll spare you—just cripple your cultivation and take you as a watchdog." Lin Yu echoed Wuxing's earlier words. 

"So you vow to oppose the Vinaya School... to oppose Buddhism?" Wuxing's face darkened, fury replacing his smile. "Boy, don't think I fear you! I spared you, but you're ungrateful. Prepare to suffer!" 

"I thought Buddhism forbids anger. You're 着相 (attached to form), Monk." Lin Yu shook his head. "This art belongs to my family. Since you won't return it, I'll take it." 

The Wind Control Sword shot toward Wuxing, thunder crackling like a silver rainbow. 

"You... dare attack me?!" Wuxing raised a golden barrier, but the sword shattered it, blasting him through a dozen trees. He rose unsteadily, two X-shaped wounds exposing bone. The golden light faded, and blood finally poured from his injuries. 

"Ah, so the Arhat Golden Body only suppresses wounds, not heals them," Lin Yu sneered. 

Wuxing paled, retreating. "You can't kill me! The Vinaya School will avenge me!" 

"You wanted to see my Buddhist art? Now you shall." Lin Yu raised his hand, golden light gathering at his指尖—solemn, compassionate. "This is the Great Mercy Demon-Subduing Finger. Though you practice Buddhism, you rob like a bandit—you've fallen to心魔 (demon within). This merciful strike will deliver you to Buddhahood." 

Wuxing frantically raised a golden barrier. "You think Buddhist art can kill me? I'm a enlightened monk! You're a heretic who stole Buddhist secrets. I'll tell our宗主 (Sect Master) to drag you back for sixfold reincarnation!" 

Lin Yu ignored him, flicking his finger. The golden ray pierced Wuxing's barrier—paradoxically strengthening the technique—and sank into his chest. 

"No...!" Wuxing shrieked as golden flames consumed him, incinerating his soul. He collapsed, lifeless. 

"Indeed—corrupt hearts make demons. Even Buddha light deemed you a fiend." Lin Yu sighed, summoning the Divine Devouring Cauldron.