Witnessing the scene before him, Chen Chang'an couldn't help but frown.
The bystanders who had initially gathered to watch the spectacle now surged toward the group of monks, throwing punches and kicks. Some even threw themselves onto the monks, biting and tearing at their flesh as if to devour them alive.
Oppression inevitably breeds resistance.
Yet, in a world where strength reigns supreme, resistance often ends in failure.
Without power, how can one resist?
These people were nothing more than ordinary folk—powerless, incapable of even mounting a rebellion.
They might find satisfaction today, but what about tomorrow?
What would become of them?
Chen Chang'an was no saint, nor did he fancy himself a hero destined to save the world.
No matter what he did, it would be futile. Even if he slaughtered every monk today, what then?
Sooner or later, new demons and monsters would emerge.
They could only save themselves. Without strength, they would forever remain at the bottom of this world, trampled underfoot.
"Da Huang, let's go," Chen Chang'an said indifferently.
"Where to? The Great Hidden Temple?" Da Huang asked curiously.
"Why would we go there?"
"Well…"
"I suppose there’s no real need."
Da Huang pondered. If Chen Chang'an went to the Great Hidden Temple, the only thing he’d do was wipe it out.
But what good would destroying one temple do?
This land was teeming with temples. If the Great Hidden Temple fell, there would still be the Small Hidden Temple, the Medium Hidden Temple…
"Great One, don’t leave!"
"Great One!"
"Please, help us!"
"You—you’re so powerful, surely you can aid us, right?"
Seeing Chen Chang'an about to depart, many rushed to surround him.
Kneeling on the ground, they pleaded desperately. Chen Chang'an frowned, waving his hand to lift them all back to their feet.
"I can help you for a moment, but not for a lifetime."
"If you wish to escape your plight, you must either grow stronger or flee far from here."
"If I destroy the Great Hidden Temple for you today, will the Buddhist order vanish?"
"Even if the entire Buddhist order disappeared, would another force just like it not rise in its place?"
"Relying on others is no match for relying on yourself."
"If you lack the will to resist, no one can save you."
His words left the crowd deep in thought.
Easier said than done. How could they possibly grow stronger?
They were just ordinary people. How long would it take for them to escape their suffering?
"Great One, we understand what you’re saying, but how can we even try?"
"With the Buddhist order flourishing, temples are everywhere."
"What path is left for common folk to better themselves?"
"Should we all join the Buddhist order, learn their powerful arts, and then overthrow them?"
"It’s not that we don’t want to—we simply… can’t."
Powerless. A cruel truth, but reality nonetheless.
"Maybe just help them a little? Since we’ve already stumbled upon this mess."
"How far they go will depend on their own efforts."
Help?
How?
"Here are two cultivation manuals. They’re not the best, but they should suffice for you."
"Anyone who wishes to practice them may do so."
"How far you progress depends on yourselves."
"I will destroy the Great Hidden Temple. Your time is limited—use it well."
Chen Chang'an tossed down two King-rank manuals, then left with Da Huang for the Great Hidden Temple.
The crowd stared at the manuals on the ground, hearts swelling with excitement. By the time they snapped out of their daze, Chen Chang'an was already gone.
"Benefactor!"
"Our savior!"
"This is a true saint!"
"What nonsense about ‘Buddha’s mercy’ and ‘salvation for all’—those monks are nothing but liars!"
"What a shame… we don’t even know his name."
"We must train hard. If fate allows, we’ll repay this kindness one day."
"Wait—what about that couple who left earlier? We should stop them too. No matter where they go, strength is their only hope."
"I know them. I’ll go find them now."
As the crowd buzzed with gratitude, Chen Chang'an and Da Huang arrived at the Great Hidden Temple.
A sacred Buddhist site—yet the sounds of revelry and debauchery echoed from within.
"What a fine ‘Buddhist’ temple!"
"Tell me, is this a monastery or a brothel?" Chen Chang'an sneered.
"Never thought they’d have more fun than me."
"Too bad I’m just a dog."
"But if old monk Zhengyuan saw this, would he be furious… or join in?" Da Huang grinned mischievously.
"First furious, then devastated… and then, yes, he’d join them," Chen Chang'an replied with a faint smile.
"Fair point."
Da Huang nodded in agreement.
"Let’s just wipe it out. No need to step inside."
Chen Chang'an had no desire to enter, lest he taint his own eyes.
With a mere thought, countless sword energies erupted from his body.
"Annihilate."
At his command, the sword energies surged toward the Great Hidden Temple.
By the time the monks inside realized what was happening, it was already too late.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of deafening explosions drew the attention of many, their gazes turning toward the temple.
"It’s the Benefactor!"
"It must be him!"
"Has he already struck the Great Hidden Temple?"
"Will he be in danger?"
"Let’s go! Even if we can’t do much, we should still help however we can!"
"Right! If the Benefactor’s in trouble, we’ll fight with everything we’ve got. What’s there to fear now?"
"Everyone, together!"
The oppressed masses, for the first time, prepared to take up arms and resist.
Inspired, more and more people joined their ranks.
But by the time they reached the Great Hidden Temple, Chen Chang'an was long gone.
All that remained was a field of ruins—not a single survivor.
"All… all dead?"
"Incredible! The Benefactor’s power is truly terrifying!"
"He must be no ordinary man—someone of transcendent strength."
"Could he be like the Holy Buddha of the Heavenly Sound Temple?"
"Absolutely. He clearly despises the Buddhist order. Perhaps… he came here specifically to destroy it and save us."
"Damn it! Damn it all! We don’t even know his name!"
"Don’t worry. I can paint. I remember his face—I’ll make a portrait."
"Even without a name, we can enshrine his image."
"Yes! That’s perfect!"
"Let us worship the Benefactor’s portrait. He alone is worthy of our reverence!"