Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 925: Self-inflicted Disaster
Perhaps it is precisely because of the loss of the restraint of certain desires in the lower body.

Ji Ruina's already extraordinary destiny and hidden power are awakening and fermenting in an unprecedented way.

The world that he had previously perceived as somewhat confused and shrouded in a veil was now becoming exceptionally clear.

Countless subtle scents and lingering traces flooded his senses like a tide.

He thought of it!

It's the decadent flavor of wine, women, wealth, and power intertwined!

It exudes an atmosphere of decadence, indulgence, and debauchery!

It's a variety of women's perfume scents, some strong, some subtle!

It is that turbid energy of the six desires that penetrates deep into the bone marrow and stirs the most primal impulses of the soul!
Although I currently suffer from a "hidden illness" and am plagued by mental anguish, my judgment on this matter is absolutely correct!

Then everyone saw that Young Master Ji was being pulled by invisible threads, completely following his instincts, and began to wander seemingly without any pattern in the mountains and forests.

Zao and Ning Caichen exchanged a glance and quickly followed without hesitation.

Upon seeing this, Fu Qingfeng immediately instructed his sister Yuechi to lead the servants and guards to continue the routine search in other areas, while he gritted his teeth and followed the small team with its unusual aura and mysterious power.

These four people were either extraordinary individuals with special abilities or skilled female warriors. Even this remote and undeveloped mountain range could not stop their progress.

They nimbly traversed the deep ravines and ventured into the desolate wilderness, traveling swiftly along the way.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, a thick, eerie fog suddenly appeared ahead, so dense it seemed to suffocate and completely out of place with the surrounding environment.

Without any hesitation, Sanqi walked straight into the mist without slowing down his pace.

This kind of superstitious and deceptive tactic...

That's all we can do!
But when Fu Qingfeng saw the fog, he suddenly panicked, because his father had gone missing right here!

Fortunately, in the instant she hesitated, a cold yet resilient string silently wrapped around her wrist.

The other end was held in Ning Caichen's hand. The force from the strings was gentle yet irresistible, leading her steadily into that misty world.

Without the slightest hesitation, the group followed Ji Rui through the thick fog – that was the right thing to do!
Suddenly, a bell rang out from the depths of the clouds and mist, clear and melodious like a mountain spring striking rocks, yet carrying the unique melancholy and remoteness of ancient bronze, instantly washing away the surrounding haze.

The group followed the sound, parted the last clump of dense wild vines, and a breathtaking view unfolded before them:
The two courtyards were cleverly built along the mountainside, and the gray walls were already covered with layers of vines, forming a mottled green tapestry.

Several old plum trees on the wall have gnarled branches that lean horizontally, and their pale petals fall like snow, quietly covering the dark green tiles, exuding a lonely Zen-like atmosphere.

“A winding path leads to a secluded spot, where a Zen room is surrounded by flowers and trees…” Ning Caichen murmured, a hint of surprise in his voice, “I never expected it to be a Buddhist temple.”

Fu Qingfeng looked up and saw three ancient characters written on the plaque above the mountain gate—Longtan Temple.

“Longtan Temple?” She frowned and said in a low voice, “Shouldn’t it be a Taoist temple? Besides, I’ve never heard of any Buddhist temple on the sacred mountain. Instead, there are folk tales about Gan Jiang and Mo Xie forging swords here and leaving behind a sword tomb.”

“The legend is obviously false,” Zao replied, his eyes still scanning the temple warily. “Master Qing has the real thing, and besides… we’ve all been to the foot of Qinxi Mountain ourselves.”

However, what puzzled him was that when he arrived at the temple, his spiritual sense could not detect much of the evil energy that had remained from before, as if it had been purified by a gentle yet powerful force.

Ning Caichen also listened intently. The noisy crowd that had been like a marketplace had now vanished without a trace, and all was quiet except for the faint sound of the mountain wind blowing through the plum branches. Everything had returned to the tranquility that a deep mountain temple should have.

The group looked at each other, their confusion growing, but they were certain that this place was anything but ordinary!
What respectable temple would be built in such a remote mountain forest, where there isn't even a proper incense path?

Without worshippers and donations, how does this temple survive?
There must be something fishy about this place!
Ji Rui, with his still icy eyes fixed on the depths of the courtyard, said in a low voice with absolute certainty:

"This temple... has a strong presence of women!"

"But...but we came here to find my father, didn't we?!" The eldest daughter of the Fu family looked at the strange Buddhist temple in front of her, and after hearing Ji Rui's earth-shattering judgment, she was almost on the verge of collapse.

I've been with you all in these deep mountains and forests for so long, my nerves are on edge...

Was he ultimately here to find a woman?!
Am I not a woman?!
The little devil inside her was already roaring wildly; she finally understood firsthand why people said that "eccentric people" had strange personalities.

But this is more than just strange, it's downright erotic!

Seeing this, Ning Caichen quickly whispered to calm Fu Qingfeng, whose emotions were clearly somewhat agitated and out of control: "Miss Fu, please calm down. This place is the only one in the entire mountain with an exceptionally pure aura, which makes it the most suspicious. If there really is some evil spirit causing trouble, then Lord Fu is most likely trapped here."

He paused, then added solemnly, "According to the 'Holiday Handbook' compiled internally by Chongqi Academy, Buddhist temples and Taoist monasteries that suddenly appear in remote, mountainous areas are likely places where demons and monsters conjure up illusions to deceive people, and are often extremely dangerous."

"It should be understood that those who can do evil deeds under the guise of Buddhism and Taoism and still get away with it without being eliminated by powerful figures must have extremely profound Taoist skills. Because ordinary demons simply cannot handle such a situation."

After observing cautiously from the perimeter for a long time, the group exchanged a glance and decided to take immediate action.

Fu Tianchou has been missing for two days and two nights. Every moment of delay increases the danger.

However, the "Three Wonders" are, after all, the "Three Wonders," and their actions are always different from those of ordinary people. Ning Caichen straightened his clothes and took the lead, calmly and slowly knocking on the seemingly ancient mountain gate.

He said in a loud voice, "I am a scholar traveling on my way to study. I am playing in the mountains with some friends, but we have lost our way. As it is getting late, we wish to ask to stay overnight at your temple. Please do us a favor."

This is the standard opening dialogue of a scholar in distress; many stories begin with a request for lodging.

Ning Caichen also has a shou (submissive) face, and any demon who opens the door to him will surely like this type.

Unfortunately, the person inside remained silent for a moment before not opening the door, thus negating the effect of a "kill at first sight" moment.

An unusually young, even somewhat childish, voice, yet strangely calm, came from behind the door:

“I already know what you are thinking and what you have come for.”

"Lord Fu is safe and sound and is out of danger. He simply needs to stay here and quietly comprehend the supreme truths left by my master, which may take several years."

"Amitabha Buddha... The sea of ​​suffering is boundless, but turning back is the shore..."

The sound of Buddhist chants accompanied the words, carrying a strong, soul-stirring appeal to return to the right path.

If an ordinary person heard this, they would be bewildered, feeling that what the other person said made perfect sense, and would involuntarily want to obey and leave.

but……

Apart from Fu Qingfeng, there isn't a single normal person standing here.

That being the case...

A heavy package was precisely tossed into the courtyard through the gate, hitting the ground with a loud "clang" and producing a crisp metallic clang.

"What is this...?" Fu Qingfeng, still somewhat bewildered after being calmed by Ning Caichen's music, subconsciously asked, "Is it... some kind of powerful magical artifact?"

"It's silver." Young Master Ji looked proud and self-satisfied, as if he had done something extraordinary. "I like to reason things out first."

Before he could finish speaking, Zao stepped forward.

He didn't even draw his sword; he simply held the end of the ancient sword's scabbard with one hand and swung it high into the air.

Then, with an overwhelming force, it slammed into the tightly closed courtyard gate!
Woo——!
A terrifying whooshing sound came instantly, and the air seemed to be distorted by the pure force!

You should know that Zao Tongxue is a ruthless person who can wield a heavy stone tablet like the "Stele of General Zhou Fujun Who Pacifies the West" and fight his way in and out of the gates of hell seven times!

Even with some Buddhist blessing, how could this small courtyard gate withstand such a violent and pure physical ritual of deliverance?
boom! ! !
A thin layer of golden light had just appeared when it shattered like fragile glass!

The heavy courtyard gate, along with its frame, was smashed to pieces by this unreasonable blow. Wood fragments flew inwards like an explosion, and some pieces were even deeply embedded in the wall in the distance!
The loud explosion shattered the serene atmosphere that the Zen temple had been trying to maintain.

"Amitabha."

A Buddhist chant came from the inner hall, trembling slightly.

A young monk walked out slowly, wearing a slightly oversized kasaya. He had an ordinary appearance, but at this moment he tried his best to put on the appearance of a dignified and compassionate high monk.

However, a hint of fear and... intense unhappiness inevitably showed in his eyes.

It would be difficult for anyone to remain calm if they saw their front door smashed to pieces and embedded in the wall.

“You gentlemen are all outstanding individuals, with extraordinary bearing,” the young monk said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Why… do you act so… forcefully and directly?”

The next sentence, though a Buddhist admonition, also carries a subtle yet firm warning:
"Remember, never trust your own will, for your own will is unreliable; never associate with lust, for lust will bring disaster."

He clasped his hands together, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, lingering for a moment on Ji Rui, and said, "Esteemed benefactors, turn back before it's too late."

This quote, taken from Buddhist scriptures, is intended to warn people against following their own delusions and desires, lest they bring disaster upon themselves.

Bringing trouble upon oneself?

Sanqi almost burst out laughing on the spot.

This little monk probably doesn't know that wherever we brothers go, that's where the biggest trouble begins!

It's clear that you, little brat, provoked us first.

Zao didn't bother with any nonsense. Holding his divine sword, he strode into the courtyard.

His eyes flashed like lightning as he quickly scanned every corner of the temple, trying to catch the source of the evil aura that had flashed by earlier. He even made a move to bypass the young monk and rush directly into the deeper halls.

(End of this chapter)