On the coastline, a grand temple had been erected. Along with the construction of the temple, countless offerings and incense began to gather. The more tormented people were by those dreadful things, the more grateful they became toward Su Min.
The temple was the work of Governor Jia, built to steady the wavering hearts of the people. For those who dwelled by mountain and sea, their lives depended on nature's mercy. Here, many fishermen made their living from the ocean. If fear kept them ashore, the city's economy itself could collapse.
Naturally, the rolling waves of incense offerings also gathered around Su Min. At this moment, she wasn't in a hurry to seek out the monster the monk spoke of. Instead, she seized this opportunity to at least step into the foundational stage of the Great Sun Tathāgata Sutra.
Seated cross-legged atop a jagged reef, Su Min's figure seemed to blend with the heavens and earth, becoming one with the endless rhythm of the tides. She began her silent meditation, delving into the ancient sutra. In the game, this would have been no more than a passing cutscene. But this was no mere game. This was reality.
"Amitābha."
Not far from her, the little monk sat quietly, watching her every movement. He needed to see for himself if this woman truly possessed the heart of Buddha. Without that, the Great Sun Tathāgata Sutra would forever remain out of reach.
This "heart," however, was not blind obedience to commandments. It was something intangible and formless. Soon, to the monk's quiet astonishment, a faint golden glow began to spread from Su Min's body, a sign that she was nearing enlightenment.
Inside Su Min's consciousness, she had entered a strange, unique space. Like a series of visions, one figure after another appeared before her. There were Niu Ma she had first slain, countless mountain bandits, and even a few demon-slayers from the Qi Refining Stage. All of these were the souls of those who had died under her blade, now surfacing as she was about to master the Great Sun Tathāgata Sutra.
Those who had fallen to her blade floated before her as pale, flickering shadows. Their appearance was no coincidence. They were her heart's tribulation, the obstacle she had to face to attain true understanding.
"So this is meant to shake my heart?" Su Min murmured inwardly, her gaze steady and unflinching. "I never claimed to be a good person. But in all I've done, I have a clear conscience. You illusory shadows have no need to appear before me."
A moment later, a grand will, golden and tinged with crimson, swept across her consciousness. A mighty voice thundered within her mind.
"Thy karmic sins emerge. From whence came thy killings?"
Even with her foresight, Su Min couldn't help but admit that the monks' methods were peculiar. This voice didn't come from an external spirit but from the very depths of the sutra itself. As someone who had once played through the game version, she understood that there were no true Buddhas or Bodhisattvas in this world, only powerful concepts given form.
The voice resounded once more:
"Tell me — what fate awaits those who kill?"
Su Min closed her eyes briefly, then answered without hesitation:
"Those who bear grave sins fall into the Eighteenth Level of Avīci Hell.
Then if I strike down evildoers before they commit their sins, severing their karma — I not only prevent them from falling into Hell but also save countless innocents. Thus, to kill for protection is not to kill out of hatred. To sever karma is not to sever lives."
The moment her words fell, the surging blood clouds and ghastly illusions began to dissipate, clearing like storm clouds after a tempest. In their place, a majestic golden Buddha manifested within Su Min's mind.
[You have comprehended the First Layer of the Great Sun Tathāgata Sutra.]
[Skill Gained: Golden Bell Shield]
[Golden Bell Shield: Erects a spiritual barrier to defend the body. Its strength scales with cultivation level.]
[Buddha's Protection: Through gathered incense and faith, your strength is tempered. Worshippers under your protection may survive calamities, depending on your cultivation and the severity of the threat.]
"Hah..."
With a soft exhale, Su Min opened her eyes. She had only just crossed the threshold yet already gained a powerful defense, something she had long lacked. In time, she could cultivate the Golden Body of the Great Sun and achieve perfect unity between offense and defense. As for Buddha's Protection, it would shelter her followers and faintly bind their fates to her own.
"How long did I meditate?" Turning toward the endless waves, Su Min asked the little monk standing watch nearby.
"Three days," the monk replied respectfully. "Within three days, Benefactor passed the Heart-Trial. Your will is truly unshakable. What path will you take next?"
"Naturally, I must seek out the elemental treasures needed for Foundation Establishment. Compared to this place, Lingxi Prefecture must hold far greater riches. Judging by your foundation, you must be aiming for a Heaven's Path Foundation too."
"Indeed. Shall we travel together? I wish to see this world for myself, and to seek those destined for the Way of Buddha. I intend to build new temples as I go."
"Then we shall journey together."
Su Min had no objection. She didn't mind their "missionary" work. In fact, she supported it. Their expansion would inevitably draw conflict with the imperial court of Great Wei, and anything that made Great Wei unhappy pleased her greatly.
She had no desire to rule the world. Another power rising within Great Wei would only create more chaos, and that wasn't her concern. Besides, she still had a personal score to settle with that wretched Emperor of Great Wei. If not for the protection of the demon empress, she would have already stormed the palace and taken his head.
"Let's move on. Fuding Merchant Guild hasn't sent any new information yet."
Casting one last look at the temple behind her, Su Min stood gracefully. The days of meditation on the reef had left no fatigue in her. As for the golden-element monster, even if it fled to the ends of the world, she would hunt it down and destroy it.
"That monster hides within ten thousand miles of yellow sand, far from here," the little monk said quietly.
Hearing this, Su Min's brow twitched slightly. She sighed with a hint of regret. Her Vermilion Bird's Shield could fly, but it consumed far too much energy. It was acceptable in battle, yet impractical for long travel. The distance didn't truly trouble her, but crossing thousands of miles was still a daunting prospect. The monk had no reason to lie, so she might as well begin the journey.
"Don't you want to say farewell to the governor?"
"No need. We're not close. Besides, staying too long would only cause problems. The Emperor and that demon queen are probably already plotting against me."
A faint smile touched Su Min's lips. That was the beauty of this chaotic world. As long as she remained nomadic, her enemies would find it nearly impossible to pin her down.