Chapter 878: Taking the Precepts (4)

"Greater power? Negative: aside from biological weapons, I have not detected any other types of weapons you have equipped," 0089 said.

Tuo Na shook his head: "The power She Mo speaks of cannot be detected by ordinary instruments."

"Logic: 'Greater power' can be used for iterative upgrades of the anti-organic equation; recommend adding it to the database. We can learn from organic life. We will ultimately triumph," 0089 asked, "How can we obtain the 'power' you speak of?"

Bi Li, the guardian, curled his lip and said: "This question is far too profound; just this alone, Master Tuo Na could argue with you for over a decade."

"The Danlun hangs high, illuminating the dust‑filled heart. To comprehend this power requires endless cultivation time," She Mo suggested, "We are hurrying to the Immortal Boat, Iron Benefactor. If you wish to learn about Danlun Temple, we can travel together, letting Master Tuo Na recite sutras for you along the way. Master, is that appropriate?"

——

Dragon race.

"That guy... he won't end up converting to the Buddhist path, will he?"

Choosing to enlighten a robot affected by the anti-organic equation, Caesar momentarily thought these Bu Li were insane.

He actually considered preaching sutras to the robot—does that make sense? Could it even discard the influence of the anti-organic equation?

"Principal, do you think a robot can also achieve the ultimate result?" Caesar looked toward the principal beside him.

"Hmm... your topic reminds me of a post a student once posted on the forum, titled—'Do cyber monks dream of a quantum Buddha?'" Angre leisurely trimmed the cigar tip, igniting a wisp of hazy smoke, "When I first saw that post I thought the student's idea was interesting, but I never truly pondered the question. I never expected such a thing to actually unfold somewhere in the universe."

"If artificial intelligences can experience the 'suffering' of cultivation and yearn for 'liberation from suffering,' and can grasp some obscure concepts, I don't think they cannot walk the cultivation path. As for whether they can achieve the ultimate result... if they can, I would be honored to witness it."

"However, although Danlun Temple takes the form of a temple and monks, its faith may not be in the Buddha, who is ultimately an Earth‑origin concept. They are more likely to follow some star deity."

"But judging from She Mo's behavior on Luofu Immortal Boat, Shan Shi's performance shows that this machine named 0089, which carries the anti‑organic equation, was indeed infected by Danlun Temple's doctrine," Caesar lowered his gaze, "... so the anti‑organic equation is not irreversible— even external words and such can alter it?"

"No, it should be that 0089 voluntarily incorporated Danlun Temple's doctrine into the anti‑organic equation, adding a lock to its function," Angre exhaled slowly, "Otherwise it wouldn't have killed 102 of its peers, which shows the anti‑organic equation is still active."

——

"We meet here by a bond of kindness. However, this Iron Benefactor will walk with us, so I must first subdue its karmic actions to prevent it from harming others again."

0089: "Conclusion: I have accepted the invitation of these Danlun Temple monks to travel together. The intelligent crowd, through Tuo Na, blocked my weapon system to prevent me from misusing violence during the journey. They come from the fringe star region, swearing to go to Luofu Immortal Boat to petition on behalf of over ten thousand monks and thirteen thousand civilian children, seeking the Immortal Boat people's protection."

"Question: I cannot understand—if they possess power beyond killing, why can't they protect themselves in the universe and must seek shelter?"

"Doubt: Does power beyond killing even exist?"

"The database contains no relevant data; to obtain an answer, I can only record the monks' snippets as reference for deduction."

In Shan Shi's memory storage, Tuo Na, She Mo, and the third person were once surrounded by a rogue group of Bu Li. They encircled the three, laughing, mocking, and despising… they no longer regarded Danlun Temple's compatriots as their own kind.

"Look, look at these fellows! I smell the scent of kin, yet I also see the collars they wear. As wolves blessed by the Immortal Lord of Longevity, they voluntarily dull their claws and teeth, shackle themselves, flee in panic like dogs, and even extend compassion to frail prey."

Tuo Na, speaking earnestly, advised: "Comrade, allow me to correct one of your mistakes. The Bu Li are ultimately a branch of the human family. Seeing yourselves as wolves is an old error. Seeing yourselves as humans offers more choices. You were born into a hunting pack, like frogs trapped in a well, only seeing the killing option at the mouth of the well. As the saying goes, 'From a single thought of goodness, the world widens in an instant'; leaping out grants a broader world."

"We have not abandoned the blessing; we have overcome it. We broke free from narrow conflict."

The group of Bu Li sneered at Tuo Na's speech: "I think you, woman, look more like a frog, croaking nonstop. I hope that when I gut you open, you can keep chattering."

Amid a grueling battle, the scar‑ridden guardian monk finally fell.

"Master Tuo Na, I have not reverted to the wolf form..."

"Master Tuo Na, for the first time in my life, I can fight so calmly..."

Bi Li died.

She Mo and Tuo Na buried her in a cold, damp piece of land; she had liked such an environment in life, which gives her a sense of returning home.

——

fate/zero.

"He just died..." Weber murmured, looking up at the sky; Bi Li's visage was serene and peaceful, perhaps only now has he finally found his own piece of pure land?

"Hmm..." Conqueror King squinted, carefully assessing the two remaining Bu Li monks, frowning: "Although their defense of their belief is noble, in my view, restricting oneself for the precepts and failing to unleash full power in battle is sheer folly. One who bears great ideals and walks a lofty path cannot easily die in such a dark corner."

"Rider! What you said is excessive!" Weber, upon hearing it, was very angry and, unusually, launched a tirade at Rider, "Bi Li died within Danlun Temple's lofty ideal, not some folly!"

"Dying for an ideal? I cannot endorse such conduct," the Conqueror King declared.