Chapter 764: Playing with Hearts or Playing with Devilish Minds

The sensation of hairs standing on end was not uncomfortable for Old Monk Moyun. Instead, it made him sense a sharp intent, which he recognized as emanating from a particularly keen artifact, usually a blade or a sword, signifying immense destructive power.

Guided by this sensation, Old Monk Moyun focused his spiritual sight on Ji Yuan's back. It was only when the Azure Vine Sword subtly revealed its edge that Old Monk Moyun saw the long sword wrapped in verdant green vines.

However, after only a brief moment of intense scrutiny with his spiritual sight, Old Monk Moyun felt a slight prickling sensation between his eyebrows and a chill in his heart, realizing that this sword was extraordinarily powerful, far beyond his imagination.

"Mr. Ji, who is this 'old acquaintance' you speak of?"

If it were a friend approaching, there would be no reason for such an exceptionally sharp and potent artifact to manifest. Therefore, this "old acquaintance" was likely an enemy.

As expected, Ji Yuan turned to him, his expression serious.

"It should be a true demon I know. I merely had a premonition, but it will be some time before he arrives, and I doubt he knows I am here."

Ji Yuan mused that the sudden insight might be due to his previous encounter with Beimou, or perhaps his cultivation had advanced, or it could be a sensitivity to the very presence of a true demon.

While these thoughts ran through Ji Yuan's mind, Master Moyun, standing before him, could no longer maintain his composure after hearing the words "true demon."

"Master Moyun, Buddhism emphasizes subjugating demons the most. Why do you show such an expression?"

Monk Moyun was still unsure of Ji Yuan's true cultivation level, knowing only that it vastly surpassed his own. Even though Ji Yuan's tone was not heavy when speaking of the true demon, Moyun still couldn't equate Ji Yuan's stature with that of a true demon.

"Mr. Ji, while it is true that Buddhism emphasizes subjugating demons, my own cultivation is meager. Facing a true demon, my Buddhist enlightenment might be exploited by the demon, shattering my Zen heart and destroying my dharma..."

Ji Yuan nodded.

"In that case, perhaps it would be better for you to leave first?"

"This..."

Old Monk Moyun struggled internally upon hearing this. After a moment of grim contemplation, he replied,

"If this monk were to leave now, it might plant a heart demon within me... *Namo Da Ming Wang Fo*."

Monk Moyun's final chant had a calming effect, genuinely relaxing his mind. This brought a touch of apology to Ji Yuan, as his earlier words, though seemingly innocuous, carried a different weight for the monk and were perhaps a bit too casual.

"It was my fault. I shouldn't have mentioned the words 'true demon,' putting you in such a dilemma. However..."

Ji Yuan continued earnestly.

"As long as I am here, I can guarantee that no heart demon will arise within you, nor will you be harmed by that true demon. Hmm, true demons are ever-changing. If a true demon were to see a virtuous and eminent monk protecting the Li family, how do you think it would react?"

Old Monk Moyun frowned, then looked back at Lady Li and the servants in the room. He observed the other Li family members bustling about with a mixture of confusion and joy, and even noticed the three concubines nearby, fanning themselves with fixed smiles. All these movements seemed to unfold in slow motion to the old monk. Then, he turned back to Ji Yuan.

"But isn't Mr. Ji also here?"

"Oh, what if I weren't here?"

Old Monk Moyun felt a tremor of apprehension, unsure of Ji Yuan's meaning, but he attempted to answer.

"True demons are powerful and unpredictable, adept at manipulating human hearts and spreading defilement. If a demon truly comes, its purpose will undoubtedly be for the young master of the Li family. However, if only this monk were here, given the demon's nature—believing everything to be within its grasp—it would surely delight in harassing me, shattering my Zen state, and causing my downfall."

Ji Yuan nodded.

"Indeed. And how would it shatter your Zen state?"

Monk Moyun glanced at Ji Yuan, certain that Mr. Ji couldn't genuinely be asking such a basic question.

"True demons are manifold and skilled at manipulating the human heart. As the saying goes, 'demons arise from the heart, giving birth to demonic thoughts; once demonic thoughts appear.' Of course, they can also enter from the outside. To shatter my Zen state for their amusement, merely destroying my spiritual power or physical body from the outside would be ineffective. They would surely enter my thoughts and corrupt my spiritual consciousness. A true demon's transformations are limitless; it can naturally transform into a heart demon. How could a monk of my meager cultivation possibly resist..."

While death and the dissipation of his cultivation were indeed terrifying, Monk Moyun did not lack the courage to face mortality. However, the thought of his Zen state being broken, and his lifelong Buddhist practice leading to a descent into the demonic path, filled him with dread. How could his current self confront the potential corrupted self?

This panic arose because true demons were truly formidable, and Monk Moyun knew he would likely be no match for one. Yet, it was precisely this fear that diminished his chances against a true demon, creating a vicious cycle that dragged him deeper into despair.

Seeing Old Monk Moyun's state, Ji Yuan gently waved his sleeve, conjuring a refreshing breeze that swept away the monk's gloom and brought him a sense of warmth. If this continued, a heart demon might arise within Monk Moyun even before the true demon arrived.

"Master, you are correct. To take the young master of the Li family, it must pass through you. And transforming into a heart demon to enter your mind is what true demons enjoy most..."

At this point, Ji Yuan walked to the outer edge of the corridor and extended his hand into the rain. Raindrops fell on his hand, splashing into tiny droplets that then ran down his hand.

"True demons are ever-changing and elusive, but when one transforms into a heart demon and enters your mind, it also imposes a constraint upon itself. It becomes a suitable place!"

Ji Yuan withdrew his hand and looked at Monk Moyun behind him. The monk stared blankly at Ji Yuan, then shifted his gaze to Ji Yuan's hand, where a puddle of rainwater had transformed into ice crystals, held firmly by Mr. Ji, no longer able to slip through his fingers like water.

"Sir, do you mean..."

As Monk Moyun asked this, Ji Yuan opened his mouth but before he could speak, a low voice with a hint of cunning laughter emerged from his sleeve.

"Hehehe, you little monk, how can you be so dull? Ji Yuan's meaning, of course, is to set a trap for that true demon. When he's reveling in his perceived success, he'll suddenly realize his predicament is dire. Tsk, tsk, tsk, won't that true demon's demonic heart be played with by us? Hahahaha, amusing, amusing!"

What was that sound?

Old Monk Moyun was startled. Had the voice not come from Mr. Ji's sleeve, he would have almost thought the true demon had already arrived. But upon reflection, he slowly understood the meaning of the voice's words.

"Setting a trap, meaning this monk will be..."

"Precisely, you're the trap! Hehehehe..."

Seeing Old Monk Moyun's expression begin to falter again, Ji Yuan quickly offered reassurance.

"Rest assured, Master. A true demon entering the mind is like a fish entering water, but when it comes to a battle of wills, I have never feared anyone. I will certainly protect your mental state from breaking. Hmm, Xiezhi, do you want to get involved too?"

Xiezhi's earlier comment, "won't that true demon's demonic heart be played with by us?", proved his desire to participate. Indeed, upon hearing Ji Yuan's question, Xiezhi quickly responded.

"Naturally! Such amusing opportunities are rare. Oh, by the way, this true demon, can I..."

"Devour it?"

Ji Yuan already knew what Xiezhi was going to ask. This fellow had practically swapped souls with a gluttonous fiend.

"Hahahaha, you've found me out! But in my current state, devouring a true demon is still too difficult. Of course, you, Ji Yuan, will have to lend a hand. Just be careful not to strike too hard and slay it outright!"

Ji Yuan smiled, saying little more, and looked back at Old Monk Moyun. The monk had become significantly calmer. He didn't ask who was in Ji Yuan's sleeve, but the casual tone with which they discussed dealing with a true demon greatly reassured Old Monk Moyun.

"Little monk, this time, Ji Yuan and I are using you as a trap to scheme against that true demon. In essence, you will be contributing your strength. Subduing a true demon within your own mind will be an astonishing and profound aid to your future Buddhist cultivation. Don't be unaware of the great fortune you possess!"

Xiezhi's words were precisely what Ji Yuan had wanted to say. Ji Yuan would have offered more subtle encouragement, but Xiezhi's directness was also fine.

"*Namo Da Ming Wang Fo*. Since Mr. Ji has a plan, this monk will bravely accompany you to the end."

Monk Moyun closed his eyes slightly and pressed his palms together, responding with a Buddhist chant. Ji Yuan nodded subtly, finding this reaction far better than excessive excitement or extreme nervousness.

After all, Monk Moyun did not fully understand Ji Yuan's abilities, let alone Xiezhi's, and whether they could truly deal with a true demon was still unknown to him. Maintaining such a calm mindset was indeed commendable.

At this moment, Li Ping and a guard rushed over to Monk Moyun.

"Sir, Grand Master, are three wet nurses enough? Uh... Grand Master, where is Mr. Ji?"

Li Ping approached Old Monk Moyun and looked around but couldn't see Ji Yuan. He checked inside the house as well, but Ji Yuan was nowhere to be found, and outside the corridor was a curtain of rain.

"*Namo Da Ming Wang Fo*. Mr. Ji is an extraordinary sage from beyond this world. Now that your lady has successfully given birth to an heir, he has naturally departed. 'Thought and forgetfulness are void; void is without thought.' Master Li, do not dwell on Mr. Ji's presence!"

The old monk's voice, imbued with Zen meaning, echoed in Li Ping's ears and resonated in his heart, and indeed, in the ears of everyone throughout the Li mansion.

From that moment on, the Li family's impression of Mr. Ji began to blur, then faded, becoming hidden deep within their minds. This was a miraculous "Void of Forgetting" divine ability that Monk Moyun had comprehended from Buddhist teachings.

This clearly helped to patch up potential flaws in the trap, and Ji Yuan, already concealed within the Great Void, nodded discreetly. Monk Moyun proved quite perceptive once he understood the situation.