NOVEL WEB Chapter 14: Entering the Pagoda
Chapter 14: Entering the Pagoda
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“Lankā Temple was taken over by the Black Mountain Demon, becoming a haunted temple that plagued the mortal world. Jinshan Temple was the sacred Buddhist sanctuary Fahai upheld. Now, Fahai has transformed into the Lankā Bodhisattva, using Leifeng Pagoda to refine an entire city into the lotus of Buddha’s hands.”
Lin Yao took a deep breath.
By day, the devotees overflowed with kindness.
After midnight, they became grotesque monsters.
The pinnacle of righteousness and the depths of evil—
both existed within a single monk.
A throbbing headache built behind Lin Yao’s temples.
The bridal chamber’s puzzles had been solvable, but this?
A tangled mess with no clear thread to pull.
Xiaoqing watched him quietly, fascinated by his composure.
“Can you take me to see them?”
His legs were regaining sensation—
a few more hours, and they’d heal.
Xiaoqing crouched, pressing fingers to his thighs.
Searing pain flared as blocked meridians reopened.
“New connections need time. Rest a few days.”
She grabbed his collar—
before he could react, they plunged into the blood pool.
Lin Yao clenched his eyes shut, holding his breath.
In his past life, he’d never learned to swim.
“Relax. My power shields you.”
At her reassurance, he exhaled.
“You said I carry traces of the Path of Beasts and divine power. What are they?”
“You don’t know?”
“Lucky encounters, but no understanding.”
Xiaoqing nodded. His lack of cultivation aura was genuine.
“Humans cultivate through Six Paths. Buddhists pursue Six Transcendental Powers. Immortals refine Heavenly Mandate abilities. We demons use unorthodox methods. Basics first.”
This aligned with Lin Yao’s theories.
“Which path suits me?”
“None.”
Her blunt answer made him stiffen.
“Your body bears future karma. Humans, Buddhists, and immortals all shun such entanglement. Teaching you would bind them to your fate. You cannot cultivate.”
Lin Yao’s fists tightened.
Without power, survival in this world was impossible.
Fahai’s might was seared into his memory—
that colossal manifestation, crushing him effortlessly.
“No alternatives?”
Xiaoqing hesitated.
“Demonic paths won’t work, but there’s one way—the Unorthodox Path.”
Unorthodox Path?
Like the forbidden arts from his world’s legends?
As if sensing his thoughts, she explained:
“Demons and ghosts practice what you call ‘unorthodox’ methods. But the true Unorthodox Path is a mix of all traditions—shunned by human cultivators as ‘lowly.’”
Her lips curled.
“Not that many humans remain.”
Lin Yao fell silent.
The Weaver Girl had said the same—mortals were nearly extinct.
“You could try it. With no lineage, karma matters less.”
A long pause followed.
Xiaoqing wondered if she’d offended him.
“So… my body can withstand any cultivation method?”
Her eyebrows rose.
That wasn’t the reaction she’d expected.
“Yes. Ignoring karma, you could learn anything.”
“Good to know. Thanks.”
They traveled in silence until the blood pool abruptly ended.
“Such space beneath the surface?”
Xiaoqing’s voice echoed:
“This is the true Leifeng Pagoda. After Fahai refined the city, the base became this pool. Only here can we resist being consumed.”
Their feet touched solid ground.
Lin Yao stumbled—
Xiaoqing caught him.
“Forgot your legs. Why the wedding robes?”
Her fingers were cool against his skin.
He looked down at the tattered red fabric.
In this world, he’d never changed clothes.
Now, the robes hung in shreds.
“Nothing else to wear.”
Embarrassment colored his tone.
“I’ll get you scholar’s robes later.”
She helped him into the pagoda’s first level.
An old woman sat there, a maid massaging her shoulders.
“Brought a snack for me, Green Girl?”
The crone’s raspy voice dripped malice as she eyed Lin Yao.
“Wedding clothes? Has our Xiaoqing caught spring fever like Xiaoqian?”
“One more word, and I’ll whip your tongue out.”
Xiaoqing’s glare could freeze lava.
Lin Yao assessed the scene.
“In the original tales, Nie Xiaoqian was a fox spirit turned ghost, kept by the Black Mountain Demon. But where’s Ning Caichen?”
Xiaoqing settled Lin Yao onto a chair.
“Wait here. I’ll fetch those robes.”
Her parting glance at the crone promised violence.
Once alone, Lin Yao studied the pair.
Not attraction—just curiosity meeting legendary figures.
“What? Boy, you fancy my goddaughter? Won’t Green Girl get jealous?”
Lin Yao smirked.
Some habits never changed.
Trapped here for years, he was likely the first living man she’d seen besides Ning Caichen.
Without Xiaoqing, he’d be a dried husk by now.
“First time seeing such beauty. Hard not to stare.”
His fingers tapped the chair arm—
Weaving Fate’s threads spread silently.
Xiaoqing, returning with robes, sensed the ripple of power.
She paused in the shadows.
Though she trusted Lin Yao inexplicably,
he was still just a mortal.
This was a test.
“Don’t disappoint me like that cowardly scholar.”
“Since you admire her, boy, my goddaughter is yours.”
Nie Xiaoqian trembled.
“Grandmother, I have Caichen—”
“Hmph.”
The crone’s snarl made the ghost girl collapse in pain.
“That brat carries Yan Chixia’s talismans—itchy reminders. Yet you rut with him daily. Forgotten your place?”
She kicked Nie Xiaoqian toward Lin Yao.
“Green Girl won’t know. Use her when you please.”
Hidden, Xiaoqing’s cheeks burned with fury.
Lin Yao’s smile turned predatory.
“Since you insist, why wait? Let’s consummate now.”
(End of Chapter)