Ye Qing released his demonic thought and probed around for a bit. He quickly discovered that this village fort and town wasn’t the only settlement that was being affected. Everyone within hundreds of kilometers were experiencing the same condition. Even weirder, it wasn’t just humans who were experiencing this. The Strangers were under the same spell as well. Their brutal and anomalous aura was nowhere to be found. They did not fight each other or harm humans. They were all co-existing in peace and harmony. If someone mistakenly thought of this place as a paradise of Buddha or a blessed land of the celestials, he would not be able to refute them. However, the One Hundred Thousand Mountains of Nanjiang was neither a paradise of Buddha nor a blessed land of the celestials. This should not have happened, and yet it had. It could only mean that something was wrong. “Human or Stranger?” Ye Qing asked Feng Qingyou. Was a human behind this, or a Stranger? “It’s too early to say.” Feng Qingyou shook her head. “Let’s head down and investigate.” “Wouldn’t it be faster to speak with Miss Meng?” “If we find this odd, then Feixue surely will.” Feng Qingyou replied, “Despite this, she hadn’t gotten involved. It could be because she was incapable of resolving the situation, or she had fallen prey to the same anomaly.” “That is why we won’t gain much if we seek her out now. Not only that, we may alert the shake hiding in the bush. That is why it is better if we perform our own investigation first.” “Understood.” Ye Qing nodded in agreement, and the duo descended on a town. At their current level, no one could detect them unless they wanted to be detected. The duo slowly strolled through the streets and listened to the conversations happening around them. They quickly discovered that the words that came up most frequently in the conversations was the name “Night Bodhisattva”. “Night Bodhisattva?” Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou exchanged looks with each other. They had never heard of this name before. The duo sought out an inn and ordered some food and drinks. When the waiter returned with their order, Ye Qing asked him cordially, “Can I ask you a question, brother? Who is this Night Bodhisattva you all speak of?” “I can tell at first glance that you are foreigners[1]. The Night Bodhisattva is the protector god of Nanjiang.” Ye Qing looked confused. “I thought that the tribes of Nanjiang worshiped the Moon God? Since when did they start worshiping a different deity?” “What’s the point of worshiping a god who doesn’t protect or bless us?” The waiter answered matter-of-factly, “The Night Bodhisattva is a different story though. As long as we worship her, she will bring us peace, joy, and harmony.” “And how do you know that worshiping her will be good for you?” Feng Qingyou asked. “Isn’t it obvious?” The waiter replied, “Since the Night Bodhisattva graced us with her presence, the treacherous lands of the One Hundred Thousand Mountains of Nanjiang had transformed into a bountiful realm free from sickness and disaster. Our lives are also improving everyday. We no longer face threats from Strangers, nor do we fight or kill each other anymore. No more blood is shed, and no more lives are lost. Everyone is living in peace and harmony, prospering and free from illnesses, and filled with contentment and happiness.” “Who wouldn’t like a life ? It’s practically a Kingdom of Buddha! “Praise the infinite rebirthing Night Bodhisattva...” Ye Qing asked, “You’re sure that this is all the doing of the Night Bodhisattva?” “Of course!” The waiter replied without hesitation, “The King of Nanjiang herself confirmed this.” Dıscover more novels at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝※𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖※𝕟𝕖𝕥 “The King of Nanjiang?” Ye Qing raised his eyebrows. He was referring to Meng Feixue, of course. “Does the King of Nanjiang worship the Night Bodhisattva as well?” “Isn’t that obvious?” The waiter replied, “She’s the Buddha Chosen of the Night Bodhisattva, you know?” “Buddha Chosen?” Ye Qing asked another question while tapping the table with a finger. “Do you know where the Night Bodhisattva is and how we can find her?” “The Bodhisattva lives in the sky, of course. It’s not a place where us mortals could go.” The waiter said piously, “Only those who worship the Night Bodhisattva piously, accumulate good karma, and purify themselves of their sins will be accepted into her Kingdom of Buddha.” “As long as our devotion is unwavering, we can all enter her Kingdom of Buddha one day and enjoy bliss and good health. Praise the infinite rebirthing Night Bodhisattva...” “I see!” Ye Qing changed the subject. “Have you seen the Night Bodhisattva?” “Of course I have.” The waiter answered, “She appears every midnight to chant the sutras and pray for the living.” “Chant the sutras? Pray for the living?” Ye Qing and Feng Qingyou exchanged looks with each other again. “She appears every night, huh? Where is her Dao Domain or temple? We would like to participate in the event as well.” “The Night Bodhsattva does not have a temple. She does not need offerings either.” The waiter answered, “Every midnight, she will appear in the sky and chant the sutras. You can hear her even if you remain inside your homes.” Ye Qing remarked in a meaningful voice, “She does not have a temple, and she does not need worship. She even chants the sutras for the living for free. She’s quite the benevolent Bodhisattva, isn’t she?” “Isn’t that obvious?” The waiter echoed in agreement and praised from the bottom of his heart, “The Night Bodhisattva is the best deity in the world.” “Praise the infinite rebirthing Night Bodhisattva...” Ye Qing tapped the table again while his eyes sparkled with enigmatic light. He could clearly perceive the waiter’s gratitude and worship toward the Night Bodhisattva, so he could tell that it was completely free from any stray thoughts, disrespect, or blasphemy. The man was wholeheartedly grateful and devoted to the Night Bodhisattva from the bottom of his heart. It wasn’t just him either. Everyone in the inn and even the town was . In his senses, everyone speaking about the Night Bodhisattva was always filled with respectfulness and devotion. Without exaggeration, these people would do anything and everything for the Night Bodhisattva. They would not hesitate to die even if she ordered them to commit suicide for her. “Is there anything else you would like to know, customer?” The waiter asked. Ye Qing replied smilingly, “No, that’s it. Thank you very much for answering my questions, waiter. I shan’t keep you from your duties any longer.” “You’re welcome. Enjoy your meal, customer.” The waiter saluted Ye Qing and took his leave. “Do you believe that such a good deity could exist in this world?” Ye Qing asked Feng Qingyou in a playful voice while still tapping the table. Feng Qingyou replied meaningfully, “Goodness that wants for nothing is itself the greatest evil.” “Indeed.” Ye Qing wore a smile that did not reach the eye. “I look forward to seeing this Night Bodhisattva tonight!” It was a windless night where the moon shone as bright as snow. It wasn’t midnight yet, but everyone had already left their houses and gathered on the streets, the clearings, the rooftops, and other places. The traffic was flowing like rivers, and the town was noisy like a waterfall. It seemed livelier than during the day. The midnight gong rang, and the melodious chime grew loud and clear. However, it wasn’t deafening or grating. Seemingly empowered by some sort of mysterious power, it resounded throughout the heavens and reached even the Nine Nethers. It could be heard from thousands and thousands of kilometers away. The lively people abruptly fell silent and straightened their backs. Everyone was wearing respectful and pious faces right now. For a time, the only sound that could be heard was the lingering sound of the gong. A few breaths later, a silhouette appeared above the nine heavens. The silhouette was shrouded in darkness. It was impossible to tell if they were male or female, nor was it possible to identify their facial features. Even the bright, snowy light of the moon and stars could not illuminate her one bit. All the people could see was that the silhouette was sitting on a lotus throne and exuding seemingly enigmatic yet infinite power. Although the silhouette was shrouded in darkness, they did not appear evil or yin whatsoever. In fact, they naturally gave off an aura of benevolence, peace, and tranquility. 1. Feng Qingyou feels mighty offended at that. ☜