Chapter 15: Dharma Sea

That day, sunlight bathed the bustling streets of Jianye. People came and went, the city alive with the vibrant hum of daily life. Fa Hai, clad in his monk’s robe and holding his meditation staff, slowly entered this city brimming with worldly warmth.

Suddenly, his gaze fixed upon a solitary figure—it was Xu Xuan.

Xu Xuan stood tall and poised, exuding an aura unlike the frail scholar he once was. Fa Hai’s heart stirred with surprise. Frowning deeply, he strode purposefully toward him.

“Xu Xuan, long time no see,” Fa Hai’s voice was low and commanding.

Xu Xuan turned to face him, a flicker of unease crossing his heart, but he quickly regained composure. “Master Fa Hai, what brings you to Jianye today?”

Fa Hai appraised Xu Xuan carefully before speaking slowly, “The last time I saw you, you were but a humble scholar. Now, you have reached the Qi Refinement stage. What has transpired to bring about such a change?”

Xu Xuan smiled faintly. “Master Fa Hai, all things in this world follow their own fateful course. I, Xu Xuan, was fortunate enough to embark upon the path of cultivation, and I shall not squander this chance.”

Suddenly, understanding dawned on Fa Hai. Shaking his head slightly, he warned, “Xu Xuan, you must know that the path of cultivation is fraught with peril. One misstep can lead to eternal ruin. Moreover, those you call Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing—neither of them are human. Being close to them will only place you in grave danger.”

Xu Xuan’s eyes grew resolute. “Master Fa Hai, though Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing are not human, they have never harmed me. On the contrary, they have aided me in my darkest hours and kept me company. I believe their hearts are pure.”

Fa Hai scoffed coldly. “A demon is a demon; their kindness is but a façade to deceive mortals. Xu Xuan, do not be fooled by them.”

Xu Xuan retorted, “Master Fa Hai, how can you be so sure? I have spent much time with them and know their true nature. You cannot dismiss their worth based solely on their origins.”

Fa Hai’s staff struck the ground heavily. “Xu Xuan, you are too naive. The nature of demons is unchangeable; they will ultimately bring disaster to the world. As a disciple of the Buddhist order, I cannot stand idly by while you are deceived, nor allow them to run rampant.”

Anger flickered in Xu Xuan’s heart. “Master Fa Hai, you are prejudiced. Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing have been cultivating diligently; they strive to do good and maintain peace. Your indiscriminate hostility toward them is unjust.”

Fa Hai fixed him with a gaze laced with complexity. “Xu Xuan, your mind has been clouded by demons. I came today to urge you to stay away from them. Since you remain stubborn, I have no choice but to resort to other measures.”

Xu Xuan clenched his fists. “Master Fa Hai, if you intend harm toward Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing, I will not stand by silently.”

Fa Hai lifted his head, eyes cast toward the sky. “Xu Xuan, don’t think that merely reaching the Qi Refinement stage grants you power to resist me. To me, you are but a novice just stepping onto the path of cultivation.”

Xu Xuan stood firm. “Master Fa Hai, I know the gap between our strengths is vast, but for Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing, I am willing to give my all.”

Fa Hai regarded Xu Xuan deeply. After a long hesitation, he finally turned away. “Xu Xuan, take care of yourself.”

Watching Fa Hai’s retreating figure, Xu Xuan’s heart filled with anxiety. He knew Fa Hai would not give up easily. A storm was brewing, and he must rapidly strengthen himself to protect Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing.

Clenching his fists tightly, his eyes shone with unwavering resolve. Then, he hurried toward his place of cultivation.