The two sides are evenly matched, but Nuwa's attitude is somewhat ambiguous. It seems that Nuwa has a good relationship with Xuantian, but firstly, as a saint, Nuwa is naturally reserved, and secondly, Nuwa doesn't really get involved in things. Judging from her actions, she only cares about the interests of the demon race. Her attitude towards the demon race is also somewhat ambiguous, half caring and half not caring. It's unclear what she plans to do.
Zhunti's plan was just like that. They still owed Xuantian a debt of karma, and they would have to repay it when they had the chance to guide Zhunti. As for Laozi, they had to consider him. Although Xuantian was a bit difficult to deal with, Xuantian did not establish a religion and had no say in the matter of spreading the Dao, at least not in terms of righteousness. The only one they could use was Tongtian, but it seemed that Tongtian had not appeared much since the Investiture of the Gods. At present, the Eastern Land was still dominated by the Daoist sects of Ren and Chan. This matter had to be discussed with Laozi first, and then with Xuantian.
However, Zhunti later decided not to sever this karmic connection in exchange for the opportunity to spread the teachings. After all, he believed in preserving it if possible. As mentioned before, Laozi's karmic connection was not easy to obtain, so he decided to keep it if he had the chance, as it would be of great use in the future.
Then Zhunti planned to forcibly spread his teachings to the East, using the power of Buddhism to suppress Taoism. This way, he could achieve his goal of spreading his teachings while saving himself a karmic debt. It was a clever plan, but unfortunately, Xuantian intervened halfway through, and his plan failed. Now, he had no choice but to exchange that karmic debt with Laozi in exchange for the opportunity to spread his teachings to the East.
Amitabha thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "This is the only way. I'll have to trouble you to keep this in mind, Junior Brother." This was because Amitabha had to guard the Pure Land and could not leave lightly.
Zhunti said, "Why trouble yourself with matters concerning Buddhism?" As soon as he finished speaking, Zhunti's figure flashed and disappeared.
Tai Chi Tian, in the Eight Views Palace.
Lao Jun was meditating on the Wind and Fire Futon, which he had crafted himself. It's rather strange, considering Lao Jun's usual equipment was almost entirely modeled after Hong Jun's. This Wind and Fire Futon was a replica of the Tranquil Futon Hong Jun had bestowed upon Xuan Tian. Of course, Lao Jun didn't know the true power of the Tranquil Futon, only that it could change size, making it a magical artifact, capable of both offense and defense. It seems Lao Jun crafted his Wind and Fire Futon with this in mind. However, he didn't know that the Tranquil Futon's true power was immense; it was practically a cheat code, a powerful tool for increasing one's cultivation speed. Hong Jun's creation was far superior to the inferior product Lao Jun had crafted.
After a while, Laozi suddenly opened his slightly closed eyes, summoned the boy, and instructed him: "Go outside and welcome the Sage Zhunti in."
The boy accepted the order and went outside. As soon as he stepped outside, a flash of light appeared in the sky, and a figure appeared in an instant. The figure appeared abruptly, yet it seemed very natural. Although the boy's cultivation was not high and he did not know the mysteries of this place, he had seen a lot and knew some of the methods of saints. He quickly stepped forward and saw that it was the saint Zhunti who had been there before. The boy bowed and said, "Greetings, Saint Zhunti."
Zhunti nodded and asked, "Is your sage here?" This was a pointless question; with his abilities, how could he not know where Laozi was? He was just asking.
The boy nodded and said, "It was my master who ordered me to come and welcome the Sage."
Zhunti said, "Lead the way." The boy turned and walked inside, and Zhunti followed.
A short while later, the two entered the hall. The boy reported back and withdrew. Zhunti stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings to the Sage of the Human Sect, Taiqing."
Lao Jun nodded, pointed to his left, and a cloud bed rose up. He then closed his eyes and, unsurprised, went forward and sat down.
Both sat in silence, each with their own plans.
Finally, it was Zhunti who spoke first: "Brother Dao, this place is so peaceful. You are blessed."
Lao Jun slightly opened his eyes, thinking to himself: Has Zhunti lost his mind? How dare he spout nonsense? Does a sage's sacred site resemble a vegetable market?
"Brother Dao, you flatter me. My place is nothing like your Crescent Moon and Three Stars Cave," Laozi said to himself, then closed his eyes again.
Zhunti looked somewhat embarrassed, but Laojun's words were not praising the Crescent Moon Three Stars Cave, but rather referring to the monkey.
Saints possess limitless supernatural powers and inconceivable spiritual attainments. Laozi naturally knew why Zhunti had come today. Zhunti had originally intended to use karma to blackmail him, but instead he was spouting nonsense. Even Laozi, with his good temper, felt uncomfortable. After all, Zhunti's behavior was like someone coming to collect a debt. Naturally, the person being owed a debt would feel uncomfortable.
The matter of the monkey is related to the important matter of Buddhism's eastward expansion. Zhunti hopes to use this opportunity to give Buddhism this chance. The monkey needs to repay the karma for Nuwa. Buddhism takes the lead. With the monkey's aptitude, he is taken in by Buddhism as a henchman. The others are not happy about this.
The prelude to the fifty-eight chapters of Journey to the West, the beginning of the great flourishing of Buddhism.
Zhunti came to Taichitian to discuss terms with Laojun. During the discussion, Laojun mentioned Zhunti's attempt to subdue the monkey, which made Zhunti slightly embarrassed.
However, Zhunti had indeed gone to great lengths for Buddhism, and he certainly wouldn't back down over such a small matter. His expression shifted slightly, and he said, "My little place is indeed not very good. The East is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources, truly a wonderful place."
Laozi ignored Zhunti's words and said directly, "Why must you be like this, fellow Daoist?"
Upon hearing this, Zhunti knew that Laozi did not want to dwell on the matter any longer and had told him to speak frankly. Zhunti did not stand on ceremony, and after a moment's thought, said, "It was indeed my fault."
Zhunti said, “My senior brother Jieyin established the Western Paradise with great perseverance and wisdom, and made a great vow to establish the Buddhist monastic community, vowing to save all sentient beings. Such great compassion and merit are rare in the world.”
Laojun was slightly displeased upon hearing this. It was true that Jieyin had great perseverance and wisdom, great compassion and great merit, but Zhunti should not have said that this was rare in the world. It seemed that Laojun's establishment of Buddhism was also a great merit. How could Zhunti's words make it sound like his Buddhism was weaker than Jieyin's Buddhism?
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
