How did a demonic witch become the leader of the righteous path?

Western Regions

This is a very special place. Among the five regions of the Dayan Empire, the Western Region is the most barren, with extremely thin spiritual energy.

It was like this even before the founding of the Dayan Empire, and as for why it was like this, there is still no definitive answer.

This is why the Western Regions are also known as the Land Abandoned by Immortals, meaning that even immortals have abandoned this place.

However, what cultivators love most is to fight against the heavens. What if spiritual energy is scarce and the cultivation environment is not good? Then they will develop a cultivation method that does not rely too much on spiritual energy.

Thus, Buddhism came into being.

The methods of Buddhist practice are fundamentally different from the mainstream methods of practice in the current spiritual world. Regardless of whether the mainstream methods of practice in the current spiritual world are orthodox or demonic, they all have the same origin and rely on spiritual energy.

But Buddhism is different. Buddhism has opened up a new path. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is no longer a necessity. Buddhist practice relies on something called "sex".

This thing is very mysterious.

In a sense, the patriarch who pioneered the Buddhist practice in this world can be described as exceptionally talented, having carved out a niche for himself despite extremely unfavorable circumstances.

The Western Regions are different from the Northern Regions. The Northern Regions are weak because a thousand years ago, under the call of the Sword Pavilion, the cultivators of the Northern Regions fought a battle against the demon race.

That battle deterred the demon race from invading for a thousand years, but it also crippled the Northern Region, causing a significant drop in the number of cultivators there. The battle was extremely brutal, with even Golden Core cultivators reduced to cannon fodder.

The Western Regions, on the other hand, are inherently unsuitable for cultivators. Therefore, apart from Buddhist sects, cultivators from other paths, whether righteous, demonic, or evil, rarely venture into the Western Regions.

"So, do you now have a basic understanding of the Western Regions?"

Since Qingxuan had decided to come to the Western Regions, she had naturally done her homework. She briefly explained the situation in the Western Regions to Yu Zhao and Shen Yunshu. After she finished speaking, she looked at the two women with a smile.

At this moment, the three of them were sitting on Yu Zhao's coffin lid, being carried by the bronze coffin as it flew.

Qingxuan was initially quite opposed to doing this. How could it be appropriate for a righteous cultivator like her to sit on a coffin and fly?

But once she sat down, she fell in love with the feeling.

A coffin is more stable and more comfortable than a sword.

Flying on a sword requires standing, while flying in a coffin allows you to sit; it's obvious which is more comfortable.

Qingxuan truly thought Yu Zhao was a genius, that he could actually come up with the idea of ​​refining such a magic weapon. Although it was absurd for a righteous cultivator to use a coffin as a magic weapon, she was not a pedantic person, so she let Yu Zhao have his way.

Poor Qingxuan had no idea that all the magical artifacts she had been promised were just a hoax by Yu Zhao.

Returning to the present moment, after listening to Qingxuan's explanation of the origins of the Western Regions and Buddhism, Yu Zhao was very curious and asked him, "Master, do you know anything about Buddhist cultivation methods?"

Yu Zhao himself had mastered a Buddhist technique and a fragment of a Buddhist martial art, so he was naturally curious about them.

However, although she could use the Little Tathagata Palm, she couldn't understand the Buddhist technique called the Fragment of the Great Freedom and Boundless Dharma.

The cultivation method was written like a celestial book, completely different from any other cultivation method she knew. She really wanted to get more information about Buddhism from Qingxuan so that she could consider finding a temple to devote herself to and study Buddhism.

She had no prejudice against any particular sect; in her view, any method was acceptable as long as it could make her stronger.

Qingxuan, of course, was unaware of Yu Zhao's true thoughts. She simply assumed that Yu Zhao was merely curious about something new, so she didn't think much of it and directly shared what she knew.

"As for the methods of Buddhist practice, I do know a little about them. The methods of Buddhist practice are different from what we practice. They first need to understand the mind, and then see the nature. In Buddhism, this nature is called Buddha-nature, Buddha-mind, Bodhi mind, and so on."

It's quite mysterious, and even I haven't figured it out. But don't worry, Buddhism is the most tolerant. If the three of us, master and disciples, want to seek refuge in a certain temple, they will definitely be willing to take us in.

As for their methods of cultivation, it's fine not to learn them. Their methods are mystical and don't speak plainly. Moreover, Buddhist disciples at the same level are far weaker than us. It's clear that while their methods may have some merit, that's all.

From Qingxuan's tone, Yu Zhao could tell that the other party looked down on Buddhism. However, he could understand it. In the eyes of non-Buddhist cultivators, Buddhist methods were just tricks and their combat power was not high. They only had a slight restraining effect on demonic cultivators.

It can be said that Buddhist practitioners are at the bottom of the hierarchy of cultivators, and no matter what kind of cultivator they are, they are not taken seriously.

Yu Zhao neither agreed nor disagreed with this idea. Her experience told her that no one should be underestimated. Could a cultivation method that could open up a different path be so simple?

Qingxuan is a good person in every way, except that he is a bit too arrogant.

However, Yu Zhao did not argue with her, but simply nodded obediently, looking like a well-behaved person who believed that whatever her master said was right.

This attitude pleased Qingxuan greatly, and she couldn't help but show off her knowledge again. She loved seeing the admiring looks in her two little apprentices' eyes.

"We'll reach Sanming City in the Western Regions not far ahead. This city is the second largest in the Western Regions. Zhao'er, Shu'er, do you know why this city is called Sanming City?"

"We don't know," the two women shook their heads and answered in unison.

"Since you don't know, then I will tell you."

As he spoke, Qingxuan picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and continued speaking in a controlled tone:

"These three insights are a concept in their Buddhist school. Knowing past lives is called the insight into destiny, knowing the future is called the insight into the divine eye, and eradicating all afflictions is called the insight into the extinction of defilements. Understanding the three insights is called the three attainments."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunshu instinctively blurted out:

"Master, what will happen after one has mastered the Three Jewels?"

This question stumped Qingxuan. How the hell would she know what would happen after she attained enlightenment? She wasn't a Buddhist.

This little apprentice is really unlovable. Why is he asking such silly questions? He's just embarrassing his master.

Instantly, Qingxuan disliked this little disciple. Her smile vanished, and she adopted the stern demeanor of a master, saying somewhat sternly:

"Don't be overly ambitious. Have you mastered the sword techniques I taught you? If you haven't mastered them yet, why are you already thinking about other people's techniques? Cultivation cannot be so fickle!"

Shen Yunshu: "..."

I can tell you just don't know. I asked you one question and you got angry. You're so petty.

Shen Yunshu, feeling playful, deliberately teased her master, "Reporting to Master, your disciple has completely mastered it."

To prove she had mastered the skill, Shen Yunshu immediately stood up, took out a sword from her storage ring, and began practicing right there on the coffin lid.

Yu Zhao's bronze coffin could change size, which provided the girl with a place to practice.

After a while, Shen Yunshu sheathed her sword and stood up. The girl, dressed in white, stood with her sword upside down, truly exuding the air of a sword immortal.

The girl raised her small face and looked at her master with a slightly provocative and proud look in her eyes. Although she was arrogant, Shen Yunshu had the spiritedness that a young man should have.

"Master, how is my swordsmanship practice going?"

Qingxuan was stunned. Her little apprentice's talent was ridiculously strong. She had only taught her the sword technique for a few days, and this girl had not only mastered it, but had already shown remarkable talent.

How come this originally graceful and agile swordsmanship looks so sinister in his hands?

Qingxuan didn't take this doubt to heart; in fact, he was pleasantly surprised because it showed that his little apprentice had developed a unique spirituality in his swordsmanship.

This is a good thing, indicating that the young apprentice's understanding of swordsmanship has reached a superb level.

As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Qingxuan admitted that she was envious. In just a few days, she had mastered this sword technique to such a level. In all her years of life, she had never seen anyone whose talent in swordsmanship could rival that of her little apprentice.

Originally, Qingxuan wanted to find an excuse to discipline his little apprentice, but now he has no such idea. My apprentice Yunshu has the potential to become an immortal!

This kind of disciple is not only spoiled, but he could even shit on his master's head!

"Excellent! Shu'er is destined to become a Sword Immortal!"

After praising him, Qingxuan's gaze swept over Yu Zhao. Since testing one person was the same as testing two, and he had nothing better to do, he might as well test his eldest disciple as well.

Yu Zhao: "???"

Why are you looking at me?

You want me to demonstrate my swordsmanship for you? Dream on!

Knowing Yu Zhao's personality, she wouldn't be so flamboyant. She immediately looked embarrassed, her face slightly flushed, and said:

"Master, please forgive me. I am not as intelligent as my junior sister, and I have not mastered the sword techniques you taught me."

Hearing this, Qingxuan wasn't disappointed. In fact, she felt that this was the reasonable situation. How could both of her little disciples have the potential to become sword immortals?

"It's alright. Everyone has their strengths. Zhao'er, you're not as good as Shu'er in swordsmanship, but you might have talent in other areas."

To prevent his eldest disciple from being upset, Qingxuan kindly offered a word of comfort.

Little did she know that her words were nothing short of a joke to the two women.

Shen Yunshu almost couldn't hold back her laughter, and kept giving Yu Zhao meaningful glances, meaning:

"Is it really okay for us to treat her like a fool and fool her?"

Yu Zhao returned a glance: "Nonsense, I don't think Master is a fool, and you're not allowed to think that way either!"

Shen Yunshu: "..."

Qingxuan, of course, couldn't decipher the subtle exchanges between the two, so she continued her conversation with Yu Zhao:

"I see that you, Zhao'er, have a great talent for weapon crafting. Would you consider pursuing this path in the future?"

Yu Zhao thought to herself, "What am I even thinking about? All the skills I've mastered are just for the purpose of saving my life."

Although she was thinking this to herself, she still maintained a respectful expression. "Master, I don't know what I will major in in the future. In fact, I don't even know how many types of cultivators we are divided into."

"This is my fault, then I will explain it to you in detail today."

Qingxuan then remembered that her two disciples were rogue cultivators and didn't know many basic things. So, taking advantage of the free time during their journey, she taught them a few things.

"Based on different cultivation philosophies, we cultivators can be divided into righteous cultivators, demonic cultivators, Buddhist cultivators, and demon cultivators."

Regardless of the type of cultivator, they can be divided into five categories based on their main cultivation direction.

These are sword cultivators who specialize in swordsmanship, body cultivators who specialize in physical cultivation, weapon cultivators who specialize in weapon crafting, pill cultivators who specialize in alchemy, and finally, magic cultivators who specialize in spells and supernatural powers.

There's no strict ranking of the five types of cultivators, but sword cultivators are undoubtedly the most powerful in terms of killing ability. No matter how many tricks you use, one sword strike can shatter all laws!

Well, just take that with a grain of salt. Yu Zhao is certain that if you ask a body cultivator, they'll all say they're the best.

However, she could understand sword cultivators, body cultivators, and magic cultivators. Which one was stronger depended entirely on the individual, because all three definitely had offensive methods.

What are the different paths of weapon crafting and alchemy cultivation?

How can these two types of techniques compete with the other three?

Yu Zhao was very curious, so he asked directly, "Master, what kind of protective methods do weapon cultivators and alchemists use?"

Upon hearing this, Qingxuan's expression immediately turned serious, and his voice became solemn, "Zhao'er, Shu'er, you must remember this: when you travel outside in the future, if you encounter weapon cultivators or alchemy cultivators, you must not offend them easily."

If a feud is formed, it's crucial to eliminate it completely!

The two girls were dumbfounded, completely baffled as to why their master valued them so much.

However, Qingxuan quickly cleared up their doubts: "Weapon cultivators often possess many magical treasures with strange abilities. If they are righteous weapon cultivators, it's fine, but if they are demonic weapon cultivators, their magical treasures are truly impossible to guard against."

If you can't kill them quickly, their various magical weapons can wear you down.

As for alchemists, they are even more difficult to deal with. They not only possess all kinds of elixirs and medicines, but they also know how to use poisons, some of which can even affect Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, this is not the most terrifying aspect of alchemists. What is most terrifying about them is their network of connections. Every alchemist can build a vast network of connections through their alchemy skills.

You never know which alchemist is friends with which old monster, or even if a Nascent Soul cultivator is standing behind them.

Upon hearing Qingxuan's explanation, Yu Zhao immediately understood: weapon cultivators rely on magical treasures to attack people, while alchemy cultivators rely on pills to make friends all over the world.

Indeed, no matter the world, the martial arts world is not just about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and social interactions.

But here's the question: why not arrest the alchemists and use their alchemy skills to win people's hearts?

Yu Zhao felt that someone must have done this before, and that Dan Xiu might only be outwardly glamorous.

Thinking about this, Yu Zhao lost her curiosity about alchemy cultivation. Instead, she found weapon cultivation very interesting, and in a sense, she could be considered a weapon cultivator as well.

After all, she has quite a few magical treasures. Once she has a place to settle down, she will refine even more magical treasures. There are many skeletons lying in her storage bag, which are all excellent materials for refining weapons. It would be a pity not to refine them.

……

The journey was uneventful, and two days later...

Yu Zhao and his two companions arrived at Sanming City, which Qingxuan had mentioned. The city's style was very different from the cities in the Northern Region.

Hmm, it's more dilapidated than I imagined.

As you enter the city, you can see monks and ragged pedestrians everywhere.

There were also beggars sitting by the roadside, holding children and begging.

The whole city exuded a sense of desolation and poverty.

Seeing this, Shen Yunshu couldn't help but ask Qingxuan, "Master, has the Western Regions become this impoverished?"

Ordinary people can't even get enough to eat; this is too tragic.

In the Northern Regions, at least ordinary people can live and work in peace, while in the Western Regions, people are begging on the streets. Isn't the Western Regions just lacking in spiritual energy? What does that have to do with ordinary people?

Shen Yunshu had a gut feeling that something was wrong in the Western Regions, and she subconsciously disliked the place.

Qingxuan couldn't answer her question, and she didn't know what was going on.

Yu Zhao vaguely guessed something, and her expression grew increasingly cold. If it was really as she guessed, then this Western Region was no different from the Demon Cave.