On the Path to the Great Dao

Li Tianqing’s heart pounded furiously, but he quickly calmed himself, standing as still as a porcelain figure among the other statues, eyes open, motionless. Jin Hongying also stayed in place, knowing that with her severe injuries and limp leg, escape was impossible. She stood among the porcelain figures, though unsteadily, given her inability to fully balance on her injured leg.

At her feet, Black Pot posed like a frozen porcelain dog, one paw lifted, head extended as if stalking prey, and tail angled back. The realistic imitation made Jin Hongying marvel.

“Am I worse off than a dog?” she thought bitterly, gritting her teeth to hold her stance.

The ground trembled increasingly as the Evil Bodhisattva approached. Its massive legs passed overhead, its enormous body casting a long shadow.

Boom!

The demon settled in the center of the village, folding its massive legs as it sat down, stirring up clouds of dust. Even in a seated position, it towered over the rooftops.

In its earlier days at the kiln factory, the Evil Bodhisattva’s Domain of Ghosts and Gods had extended only a limited distance. Now, as the area expanded into a full-fledged Demonic Domain, it spanned hundreds of miles, affecting all living creatures. However, the increased range had weakened its immediate influence, allowing Chen Shi and his companions to avoid porcelainization despite the close encounter.

Still, if the Evil Bodhisattva noticed them, their fates would mirror the porcelain villagers, a fate too easy for it to deliver.

As they stood frozen, a scraping noise came from the demon’s belly. The navel opened like a circular door, and a tall, thin kiln worker emerged, dragging a porcelain figure behind it. It carefully placed the figure on the street among the others before returning to retrieve another. Over and over, it pulled out porcelain figures, arranging them in neat rows.

Watching the scene unfold, Chen Shi’s heart sank. “That’s why there are so many porcelain figures here,” he realized. “The kiln worker is collecting them as raw materials to repair the Evil Bodhisattva. Every one of these villagers is just fuel for its restoration!” After emptying the belly of its cargo, the kiln worker stood among the porcelain figures and began counting them one by one.

“It’s counting!” Chen Shi’s forehead grew damp with cold sweat. Although these kiln workers were crafted entities, they could still count. If it noticed the three humans and a dog among the statues, disaster was certain.

Jin Hongying and Li Tianqing, equally tense, tried to keep track of the Evil Bodhisattva’s movements. It sat regally, its four faces and eight eyes closed in what appeared to be solemn meditation.

“Could we escape if we suddenly bolted?” Both entertained the idea but dismissed it just as quickly—they wouldn’t make it far.

The kiln worker finished counting and paused, its porcelain fingers twitching as if uncertain about the numbers. Scratching its head noisily, it seemed to doubt its memory.

Suddenly, it stopped and looked back at the figures, then started walking toward Jin Hongying.

Sweat trickled down her face, pooling at her collar as her injured leg trembled uncontrollably. Struggling to maintain composure, she discreetly released several paper figurines from her sleeve. These nimble, lifelike paper warriors crept silently toward the kiln worker, ready to strike.

Years ago, Jin Hongying, Xiao Wangsun, and two others had nearly destroyed this kiln worker during a battle with the Evil Bodhisattva. However, the cunning demon had swallowed it whole, allowing the kiln worker to repair its body from within, costing them their victory.

“I’ll drag you to hell with me if it comes to that!” Jin Hongying resolved, though bitterly aware of the poor exchange.

As the kiln worker approached her, it suddenly turned at the sound of a loud noise. The Evil Bodhisattva had removed its own head, carefully placing it beside a nearby kiln.

The kiln worker abandoned its inspection, grabbing two porcelain figures and bringing them to the kiln. It placed them inside and climbed up the head, lifting one eyelid. Flames roared from the eye, melting the porcelain figures into molten clay, which dripped into a waiting ceramic cauldron.

The kiln worker then carried the cauldron back into the Evil Bodhisattva’s body, continuing its repairs.

Chen Shi seized the moment. With the demon’s head removed and its eyes closed, now was the best time to escape. Supporting Jin Hongying, he signaled Li Tianqing, and the three of them, along with Black Pot, crept toward the village outskirts.

Every step was a test of nerves. The surrounding porcelain figures stood in eerie silence, their proximity a constant threat. A single misstep could send one toppling, shattering the fragile calm and alerting the demon.

The gurgling sound of a stream near the village outskirts was almost surreal compared to their sweaty, strained progress. Just as they were about to leave, the kiln worker emerged again, dragging more porcelain figures.

The three humans and the dog froze once more, hearts pounding.

The kiln worker set the figures to burn, then turned back toward the spot where Jin Hongying had been standing. It appeared confused, as if sensing something was off.

Chen Shi gently squeezed Jin Hongying’s hand, silently signaling her to stay calm. She hesitated but heeded his advice, knowing his experience with these kiln workers was invaluable. These creatures were easily confused by stillness, unable to detect non-moving objects.

After a moment of indecision, the kiln worker returned to its repairs. Seeing this, the group resumed their escape.

They finally reached the stream, but Jin Hongying glanced back in alarm. One of the Evil Bodhisattva’s faces had opened its eyes, glaring coldly at them.

“Run!” Jin Hongying shouted, panic coloring her voice.

Chen Shi scooped her into his arms, yelling, “Paper warriors, now!”

Understanding his plan, Jin Hongying activated the paper figures inside the demon. They attacked the kiln worker, cutting and slicing through its porcelain body. The kiln worker retaliated by spilling molten clay, destroying many of the paper warriors, but not before they severed its head.

Meanwhile, the Evil Bodhisattva stood up, its colossal legs lifting its body with terrifying speed. Its eyes flared, releasing scorching flames in pursuit of the fleeing group.

Chen Shi activated his Jia Horse Talisman, his steps gaining incredible speed as he dashed across the water. Black Pot, equipped with its own talismans, sprinted ahead, leaving even the humans in its wake.

As flames closed in, Chen Shi, Jin Hongying, Li Tianqing, and Black Pot pushed forward with every ounce of strength, eventually escaping the demon’s reach. Behind them, the Evil Bodhisattva extinguished the remaining paper warriors, but the delay had bought the group precious time.

Chen Shi continued across the stream, wind swirling at his feet. He carried Jin Hongying, the water parting beneath his steps as he raced forward, leaving the nightmare behind.

Ahead of him, Black Pot dashed with a ferocity that sent waves exploding from the river.

They had survived—barely.