Chapter 1886: Buddhist Ridge (2/2)

“Such swift conversion? What kind of demonic art is that?” The princess felt a bit of dread after hearing this.

“Demonic art?” Li Qiye smiled and shook his head: “It’s the most righteous and orthodox path. If we were to compare it to an imperial art, then it would be at the apex in terms of profundity. It could convert someone after a split second due to the immense faith of the beings here. There is no forceful conversion here from one being to another, only the acc.u.mulation of faith in an entire epoch. Trillions of existences wors.h.i.+pping from one generation to another, full of sympathy, light, benevolence, and peace. After enough time, the will of one is only a bubble in the ocean, completely insignificant and so are you before it, a drop of rain in the sea, just going along with the flow.”

“Faith can become a dao?” The princess got a clue from this statement.

“Yes.” Li Qiye said: “Believe in my dao and I shall grant you protection. But this isn’t to say that I’m your savior, it is only a type of co-existence.”

“That’s why the Buddhist Plain has a protective power, one of faith.” The princess realized why this place was special.

“Go up, we’ll light an incense.” Li Qiye commanded.

The princess trod onward but there was one thing perplexing her. She opened her mouth but no words came out.

“Little la.s.s, go ahead.” Li Qiye was amused by her demeanor.

“Young n.o.ble, you would also offer someone your respect?” She finally let it out.

In her mind, he was a supreme overlord standing at the top of this world. Who would be worthy of him performing such a respectful gesture?

“It is showing respect for the sages of old.” Li Qiye took his time answering: “Despite a lack of a true savior, there were brave soldiers never violating their heart even at the darkest time of destruction. They are worthy of respect.”

“Never violating their heart.” The princess murmured.

“What do you think is a cultivator’s primal wish?” Li Qiye asked while she carefully took everything in.

She pondered in silence. For many cultivators, their first intent was to become an emperor.

“What about after becoming an emperor?” Li Qiye could read her thoughts.

She had no answer because she wasn’t one.

“A battle to the end.” Li Qiye said: “After stepping on this path, it means you will feel weak and want to grow even stronger. In the beginning, you want to become stronger than others. Next, you want to surpa.s.s your own limits and finally, to fight against the heaven and escape from the shackles of this world! That’s why you need to fight to the end. However, some have chosen to compromise on this path. Not everyone can continue forever. There had been majestic existences that eventually let go of their primal wish. But some decided to fight to the end, resulting in their death. The latter is worthy of respect.”

He gently sighed and continued: “This is why the dao heart is so important. Only a firm one would allow you to fight to the end. Without one, one day, you will only become an existence that you once hated.”

“The people that compromised, are they still lurking in the darkness?” The princess couldn’t help and ask with a shuddering voice. The answer could be frightening; something others didn’t want to face.

“We’ll go offer our respect. First, to greet the wise sages. Second, to see if we’ll get the blessing of the spirit b.u.t.terfly.” Li Qiye didn’t answer her and continued forward instead.