Chapter 46: I'll Roast and Eat You!

The next morning, Han Yang prepared to set out in search of the Bodhi seed.

He called Bai Suzhen over and asked, "Xiao Bai, what do you know about this Bodhi seed?"

Bai Suzhen paused for a moment in thought, then replied:

"The Bodhi seed is a sacred treasure of Buddhism. It is said to grow on the Bodhi tree in the Far West—blooming once every thousand years, bearing fruit once every thousand years, and ripening only once every ten thousand years.

A fully ripened Bodhi seed contains immense Buddhist power, capable of helping one achieve sudden enlightenment and attain Buddhahood."

"The Far West? Isn't that the territory of the Buddhists...?"

Han Yang frowned slightly. For a member of the demon clan to run right into the heartland of Buddhism—wasn't that like walking straight into a tiger's den?

"Boss, old pig I have also heard of this Bodhi seed! That is a supreme treasure! Eating it grants immortality!"

Zhu Ganglie said with his mouth stuffed full of steamed buns, his words coming out in an incoherent mumble.

"Immortality? A pig demon like you wants immortality? Aren't you afraid of bursting from overeating?"

Han Yang gave him an unamused, sideways glance.

"Boss, are you really going to look for the Bodhi seed? That place is extremely dangerous, I've heard there are many powerful monks!"

The Flood Dragon also looked somewhat worried.

"Dangerous? What is there to fear! I even killed the Golden Cicada, why should I be afraid of a few bald donkeys?"

Han Yang declared with a grand and soaring spirit.

"Besides, great wealth is sought amidst great danger. This Bodhi seed is of immense use to me, I must get my hands on it!"

He paused for a moment, then added, "How about this: Xiao Bai, you stay here to look after this dead pig. The Flood Dragon and I will make a trip to the Far West."

"Boss, why does old pig have to stay here? I want to go too!"

Upon hearing that he was not allowed to go, Zhu Ganglie immediately panicked.

"What would you go for? To act as bait? All this pork of yours isn't even enough for those monks to turn their noses up at!"

Han Yang mercilessly crushed his hopes.

"Boss, I..."

Zhu Ganglie tried to argue his case further, but Han Yang cut him off.

"That's enough, it's settled! If you dare to sneak out, I'll roast you and eat you!"

Right at that moment, a commotion rose from outside the inn, as if someone was fighting.

Han Yang walked over to the window and looked out. He saw a group of monks dressed in cassocks fiercely besieging a ragged old man.

Though the old man's clothes were tattered and torn, he possessed the ethereal grace of an immortal.

The horsetail whisk in his hand danced with such ferocity that it whipped up fierce gales. Fighting alone against many, he held his ground without the slightest disadvantage.

A stir rippled through Han Yang's heart—this old man's aura seemed somewhat peculiar.

Han Yang narrowed his eyes. The old man's whisk appeared soft and pliable, yet it contained formidable power.

Every swing carried a strange wave of energy. Despite their numerical superiority, the monks were completely unable to get close to him.

"This is getting interesting..."

Han Yang licked his lips. This old fellow might just be some kind of hidden boss.

If he could manage to extract some benefits from him... Hehe.

Thinking this, he hesitated no longer. With a beat of his wings, golden light burst forth brilliantly.

His entire body shot forward like a bolt of golden lightning, instantly arriving at the center of the battlefield.

"Boom!"

A powerful demonic wave surged outward from Han Yang as the center, spreading in all directions like a shockwave and sending the monks besieging the old man tumbling head over heels.

"What manner of creature are you?"

The monks scrambled up in a disheveled state, glaring daggers at Han Yang.

"Yo, aren't these the disciples of the Golden Cicada? What, looking to avenge your master?"

Han Yang looked at them with a mocking expression.

Recognizing Han Yang, the monks' complexions instantly turned pitch black.

"Evil creature! How dare you show your face again!"

"That's right, I'm that very evil creature who finished off the Golden Cicada. What, unconvinced? Come and bite me then!"

Han Yang provoked them with arrogant defiance.

Furious as they were, the monks remembered the fate of the Golden Cicada and dared not step forward rashly.

They could only bluster and shout empty threats, lacking the courage to actually make a move.

"Many thanks to young friend for stepping in to help."

The old man walked up to Han Yang and offered a cupped-fist salute.

"Old timer, no need to be polite. I just couldn't stand by and watch an injustice."

Han Yang waved his hand dismissively, looking the old man up and down.

"Old timer, your skills... you don't look like an ordinary bald donkey—ah, no, I mean, you don't look like an ordinary follower of Buddhism?"

The old man smiled faintly: "This old man is Bodhi, not a follower of Buddhism, merely a guardian of the Bodhi tree."

"The Bodhi tree? Patriarch Bodhi?!"

Han Yang was inwardly startled. This old codger turned out to be Patriarch Bodhi!

Doesn't that mean...

"You recognize me?"

Patriarch Bodhi looked somewhat surprised.

"Uh... I've heard tales, just heard tales."

Han Yang laughed it off awkwardly. "Patriarch, what brings you to this...?"

"Sigh, these monks covet the Bodhi seed and wish to seize it by force."

Patriarch Bodhi let out a sigh.

"The Bodhi seed?" A thought sparked in Han Yang's mind—now that was top-tier treasure!

"Young friend, I perceive that though your body carries demonic aura, you also possess a profound affinity for Buddhism. Why is that?"

Patriarch Bodhi's gaze was piercing, as though he could see right through everything about Han Yang.

Han Yang felt a chill in his chest. This old monster was formidable indeed!

"To be completely honest, this junior accidentally stumbled upon a copy of the *Great Sun Tathagata Scripture* and has been studying it..."

"The *Great Sun Tathagata Scripture*?"

A flash of surprise crossed Patriarch Bodhi's eyes.

"You truly have a destiny with the Buddhist path..."

"Patriarch, do you know how one might obtain this Bodhi seed?"

Han Yang rubbed his hands together, his face plastered with eager anticipation.

Patriarch Bodhi smiled: "Since you have a affinity with Buddhism, I shall bestow this Bodhi seed upon you."

As he spoke, he extended his hand, and a golden, glowing Bodhi seed appeared in his palm.

"Holy shit! He's actually giving it to me?"

Overjoyed, Han Yang hurriedly reached out to take the Bodhi seed. "Many thanks, Patriarch!"

However, the very instant Han Yang took hold of the Bodhi seed, the demonic energy within his body suddenly surged into violent turmoil.

It erupted into fierce conflict with the Buddhist power radiating from the Bodhi seed, making him feel as though his body was about to tear apart from the inside!

"Not good!"

Patriarch Bodhi's expression shifted drastically.

"The demonic power and Buddhist power within your body are clashing! You must merge them immediately!"

"Patriarch, save me!"

Han Yang's face turned ashen as he felt himself reaching his limit.

"Do not panic. I shall transmit a mental technique to you that will help you harmonize the powers of demon and Buddha."

With that, Patriarch Bodhi extended a finger and tapped the center of Han Yang's brow, sending a torrent of information flooding into Han Yang's mind.

Han Yang sat cross-legged and began to cultivate according to the technique imparted by Patriarch Bodhi.

As he circulated the method, the demonic and Buddhist energies within him gradually began to intertwine.

An even more formidable power surged through his veins, granting him a sensation of unprecedented might!

With the powers of demon and Buddha fully fused, Han Yang felt an unprecedented strength surging within him, as if he could shake the heavens and earth.

Patriarch Bodhi stroked his beard, his eyes filled with praise:

"Splendid, splendid. Young friend, you truly are blessed with extraordinary natural talent; even this old man has never witnessed such swift integration."

"Hehe, Patriarch flatters me. It's just a bit of good luck."

Han Yang scratched his head, secretly thrilled.

"The energy contained within this Bodhi seed is vast. Young friend, you must absorb it gradually and avoid rushing for quick results out of greed."

Patriarch Bodhi spoke as he handed the Bodhi seed back to Han Yang.

Han Yang took the Bodhi seed and began cautiously absorbing the energy contained within it.

A stream of pure, unadulterated power flowed into his body, causing his cultivation level to skyrocket at rocket speed!

"Holy shit! At this rate, it's faster than doping!"

Han Yang felt a burst of wild euphoria in his heart.