Joining the Green Lantern Corps Right After Arriving

Amid the towering Mount Wutai Sect, the Grand Hall stood with solemn majesty. Its vermilion doors were wide open, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

Incense smoke curled through the hall as Buddha statues gazed compassionately upon all creation. Dim candlelight flickered in the darkness, illuminating everything around it.

"Li Yingqi?" An aged, weathered voice drifted from deep within the Grand Hall. As it spoke, a faint strand of Divine Sense stretched gently toward Li Yingqi.

A moment later, the voice suddenly rose in surprise. "You truly are an Emei disciple, the inheritor of the Heavenly Strike Sword, Li Yingqi?"

Li Yingqi furrowed her delicate brows, a trace of confusion surfacing in her heart. She asked softly, "Master Zunsheng, what has made you so—" Her words had yet to fade when hurried, chaotic footsteps cut her off.

The doors on both sides of the Grand Hall were flung open, and two rows of Monks in gray robes surged out like a tide!

The monk at the front wore a stern expression, his eyes filled with unquestionable authority. He abruptly raised an arm, pointed at Li Yingqi, and shouted, "Insolent Li Yingqi! You brought an Evil Cultivator from beyond our world to Mount Wutai Sect! Do you know your crime?!"

Before Li Yingqi could defend herself, Fang Yu, who had been standing quietly to the side, slowly raised his head. Fearlessly meeting the Monks’ gazes, he curled his lips into a mocking smile and said coldly, "What a joke! The world is vast, and the universe even vaster. What gives you the right to call me an Evil Cultivator from another world? What evil art have I cultivated? Can you define good and evil?"

A burly monk carrying a thick staff charged at Fang Yu like an enraged beast, eyes blazing. He raised the staff high and smashed it toward Fang Yu’s head, roaring, "Insolent Evil Cultivator! You dare cause trouble at Mount Wutai Sect’s gates! Die!"

Fang Yu’s gaze turned sharp. He nimbly shifted aside, easily dodging the blow. The flames of anger instantly ignited in his heart, and he cursed loudly at the monk, "You demand someone’s life the moment you open your mouth. Mount Wutai Sect looks like nothing more than a troublesome place draped in Buddhist light. If common folk climbed your mountain, you’d probably charge them admission! To hell with chanting your scriptures!"

The monk missed his strike, but rather than losing heart, his fighting spirit flared even stronger. He bellowed, "What a punchable mouth! Take my staff!"

"Don’t mistake kindness for weakness!" Fang Yu said, throwing a punch—when Master Zunsheng’s voice thundered from afar like a great bell. "Stop! What did you say? Chanting scriptures?"

Fang Yu dodged the staff and Responded loudly, "I originally wanted to comprehend Buddhist teachings, rid myself of the evil you people keep talking about, and cultivate this so-called righteous path. I wanted to see what your righteous path was really like, but you wouldn’t even give me the chance! Saving one life is worth more than building a seven-story pagoda, and persuading an evil person to turn good is worth even more than saving a life! Today, I refuse to chant these damned scriptures!"

As he spoke, his hands moved swiftly. At the same time, his mouth opened slightly, revealing searing flames within. If nothing unexpected happened, they would erupt the next second and burn every last hair off the Monks before him.

"Stop!!!" Master Zunsheng flew out from the Grand Hall. Anxiety filled his once-calm face, now taut with tension and concern. He stared straight at Fang Yu. "You said… you intend to abandon evil and return to righteousness? To shave your head and become a monk?"

Fang Yu wore a faintly amused expression. "I heard that in some places, even the most heinous criminals can have their past crimes forgiven once they renounce the world and embrace Buddhism. What, Mount Wutai Sect won’t take in a sinner as wicked as me? I thought everyone was supposed to have scriptures to chant!"

"You… do you truly wish to become a monk?"

The other Monks erupted into an uproar upon hearing Master Zunsheng’s question.

An elderly monk stepped forward, pressed his palms together, and urgently said to Master Zunsheng, "Master, absolutely not! This man is an Evil Cultivator, and his nature cannot be changed. How can we accept him so easily? This is a pure Buddhist sanctuary. We cannot allow him to defile it! Inviting a wolf into our home will bring endless disaster!"

The other Monks chimed in as well, talking over one another in opposition. Their faces were full of worry and resolve, as though Fang Yu were the greatest villain in the world and must never be allowed a single step into Buddhism.

Master Zunsheng frowned deeply, his gaze moving back and forth over Fang Yu, his expression filled with conflict.

He knew that Buddhism valued compassion and should seek to save all sentient beings, yet the other Monks’ words were not without reason. Accepting someone branded an Evil Cultivator could indeed bring unknown risks to Mount Wutai Sect.

Watching the stalemate, Fang Yu’s lips curved into a mocking smile. Then he lifted his chin, straightened his back, and declared, "You all call me an Evil Cultivator at every turn, but who truly knows my past? Who understands my heart? What about Bai Mei, who, out of selfish desire, directly and indirectly killed seventeen of my comrades who had fought through life and death beside me? If I had no means to resist, I would have become nothing but a wisp of green smoke long ago!"

"Besides, I really did intend to come here to worship Buddha and eat vegetarian meals. But now, even if you beg me, I’ll have to think seriously about it!"

The Monks were so angered that they laughed. "Hahaha! What nonsense is this Evil Cultivator spouting? How could Mount Wutai Sect possibly accept someone like you?!"

Master Zunsheng waved a hand. "Let him speak!"

Fang Yu snorted coldly and crossed his arms. "In the west, there was a small country called the Kosala Kingdom."

"Near its borders, five hundred bandits occupied the mountains and ruled as kings. They burned, killed, looted, and committed every evil imaginable. Wherever they went, the people suffered terribly. Villages and towns were thrown into chaos by them, and their clashes with the authorities grew fiercer by the day."

As Fang Yu spoke, he paced slowly. "King Prasenajit could endure no longer and sent elite troops to wipe them out. Though these five hundred bandits were exceptionally fierce, they were ultimately outnumbered. They were defeated and captured one after another. In his rage, the king sentenced them to have their eyes gouged out, then exiled them into the mountains and forests. There, the bandits struggled in agony. Blind and groping through darkness, their miserable cries echoed through the wilderness."

"When Shakyamuni Buddha learned of this, compassion arose in his heart. Using his great Divine Ability, he blew Fragrant Mountain Elixir into the bandits’ eye sockets. Not only did he restore their sight, he also used Buddhist teachings to awaken their minds and illuminate their dark hearts."

"Under the Buddha’s compassionate teachings, those five hundred bandits finally recognized their mistakes. The evil thoughts in their hearts were completely dispelled. One after another, they laid down their Butcher’s Knives, repented sincerely, and resolutely took refuge in Buddhism. From then on, they cultivated diligently and eventually attained enlightenment, becoming the Five Hundred Arhats!"

By this point, all the Monks were dumbfounded!

Because what Fang Yu had said really was recorded in Buddhist scriptures!

Li Yingqi stared blankly at Fang Yu. Like Zhao Yingkong, she had never seen Fang Yu display such vast knowledge.

Fang Yu snorted coldly. "Even bandits guilty of such monstrous crimes were not abandoned by Buddhism. They were given a chance to reform themselves. I sincerely seek Buddha, so why are you unwilling to accept me?"

Fang Yu stopped and swept his unwavering gaze across everyone present. "And then there was Angulimala. Deceived by an evil teacher, he wandered outside Shravasti City in pursuit of so-called enlightenment. He killed people madly, strung human fingers into garlands, and wore them around his neck, becoming a murderous demon feared by all and plunging the entire nation into panic! Just as he was about to kill his own mother to complete his tally, the Buddha appeared!"

"With supreme wisdom and compassion, the Buddha awakened him. Angulimala immediately repented, laid down the sharp blade in his hand, and followed the Buddha into monastic life. Later, after cultivating diligently, he became a great eminent monk!"

Fang Yu looked coldly at the Monks. "There are countless examples like this!" His voice carried an undeniable force, as though it would shatter the barrier of rejection within their hearts.

"Besides, did I do anything wrong? Bai Mei killed my companions. My blood burns with hatred—why can’t I take revenge?! Just because Emei flies the banner of justice, opposing it makes me an Evil Cultivator!?"

Fang Yu stopped, his eyes firm as he swept his gaze across the crowd. "Buddhism never abandoned the miserly, the stubborn, murderers, or even those whose minds had been clouded until they wanted to kill their own loved ones. It sincerely guided them and let them reform themselves!"

"Though you regard me as an Evil Cultivator, heaven and earth can bear witness to my determination to seek Buddha. Why can’t you give me a chance to enter Buddhism, reform myself, and turn toward good?"

"Fine, fine!" Fang Yu waved a hand and walked toward the mountain gate. "This temple may look large, but its hearts are small. There’s no room for me!"

Master Zunsheng’s expression was grave, his gaze deep. The Buddhist stories Fang Yu had recounted struck his heart like Heavy Hammers, forcing him to reevaluate the young man before him, who had been labeled an "Evil Cultivator."

"What you said…"

Just as Master Zunsheng was lost in thought, a gaunt monk beside him, holding a disciplinary ruler, suddenly burst into harsh laughter.

The laughter shattered the tense, oppressive atmosphere and sounded particularly jarring.

As the monk laughed, he vigorously waved the ruler through the air several times and shouted, "What an Evil Cultivator! You can even fabricate such twisted logic! Hmph, utterly absurd! Discipline Hall, heed my command! Activate the Ten Directions Array! Today, we will capture this Evil Cultivator. We cannot let him run wild at Mount Wutai Sect’s gates!"

At his command, the Monks standing around them moved instantly.

Their gazes were resolute and their steps orderly as they swiftly surrounded Fang Yu, Li Yingqi, and Zhao Yingkong.

Upon hearing this, Fang Yu showed no fear. Instead, a confident smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

He slowly raised his hands and assumed the starting stance of Welcoming Approach: Thousand-Hand Kill.

In an instant, a powerful aura surged from within him, making the surrounding air seem to tremble!

Behind him, a dazzling golden radiance suddenly burst forth. Within it, a lifelike Guanyin Phantom slowly emerged!

The Guanyin Phantom had kind and gentle features, a peaceful expression, and a soft, warm golden glow around her entire body! A radiant golden halo shone brilliantly, bathing the whole mountain gate in daylight.

The Monks were instantly stunned speechless at the sight.

Their once-firm eyes were now filled with shock and confusion. Some Monks even unconsciously stopped walking, while the Zen Staffs in their hands trembled faintly.

They could not imagine that this young man, whom they considered an Evil Cultivator, could perform such a sacred spell!

Master Zunsheng’s eyes wide open, disbelief filling his gaze. His lips trembled as he muttered, "This… this is…"

With Master Zunsheng’s cultivation, even two palms struck at full force could only achieve the effect of striking a cow from across a mountain. He was far from reaching the realm of manifesting a form.

Yet Fang Yu could casually summon a Guanyin Phantom with a lift of his hand. This showed that Fang Yu possessed extraordinarily high talent in Buddhist teachings. He might very well be a once-in-an-age Buddhist genius!

Master Zunsheng felt as if a jar of mixed flavors had been overturned within his heart, all manner of emotions intertwining. On one hand, he was shocked and impressed by the powerful Buddhist arts Fang Yu had displayed. On the other, he remembered Bai Mei’s judgment that this young man was an "Evil Cultivator."

His heart fell into extreme conflict, and he could not help thinking to himself, Can an Evil Cultivator truly be acknowledged by Buddha? Is Fang Yu before me a good person led astray, or is there another hidden truth?

Before Master Zunsheng could finish considering it, Fang Yu, still holding the posture of Welcoming Approach: Thousand-Hand Kill, actually stopped maintaining the Guanyin Phantom. As it vanished, he said calmly, "Forget it."

With that, he turned and walked away without the slightest hesitation!

Had Fang Yu said even a few more words, Master Zunsheng would not have felt so upset.

The most unpleasant part was that "forget it."

The disappointment in that tone was unbearably piercing, striking Master Zunsheng’s chest like a heavy hammer.

A Little Monk looked frantic. "Master! That Evil Cultivator is about to leave! Should we notify the Emei Sect? We absolutely cannot let an Evil Cultivator like him escape!"

"Yes, Master! Say something!"

After hearing his disciples’ urging, Master Zunsheng finally made his decision.

"Young hero, please wait! I see that we share a fated connection. Would you be willing to temporarily set aside past grievances and discuss Buddhist teachings together in this humble temple?"

Fang Yu halted and forced an innocently harmless smile. "Sure."

Sup Apartment stood in a corner of this city of sin, like a fortress corroded by darkness and decay.

Bruce Yu dragged his leaden body forward, staggering toward the old home where he had lived for more than a decade.

He was going to bid farewell to his past.

The moment he reached his door, he heard Joker in the neighboring room repeatedly apologizing, with the occasional sound of slaps accompanying his words.

Bruce Yu had never married, but hearing that even someone as formidable as Joker had to bow his head to his wife instantly filled him with respect for men who dared enter marriage.

He dropped onto the sofa, closed his eyes, and recalled everything in Gotham from before his memories had synchronized.

As he thought, his body suddenly felt light, as if he were flying!

He opened his eyes!

Sure enough!

He was inside a wormhole!

After passing through it, he was spat out onto Oa Planet once again!

Seeing wormholes constantly appearing around him, along with Green Lanterns of every kind, Bruce Yu had a bad feeling!

He hurriedly stopped a two-headed ogre Green Lantern nearby. "Brother! What happened? Why has everyone been summoned back?"

One head of the two-headed ogre had a green brain that did not seem very bright. It shouted, "It’s lunchtime!"

The other head, blue and apparently much more normal, said, "There must be a war!"

"A war!? Against who?"

"No idea. I heard we’re going to some… some Apokolips or something."

"Apokolips!?" Bruce Yu looked at the floating phantom image of the Guardians of the Universe in the air and cursed, "That fucking Sandbag Peak!"