Chapter 688
I believed it to some extent
It didn't attack immediately, but the terrifying pressure around it gathered again, and the space seemed to be freezing again. Clearly, if Lin Zhu couldn't provide a convincing explanation, he would face a devastating blow.
Faced with Amoghasiddhi Buddha's renewed questioning and almost tangible threat, Lin Zhu felt a slight chill, knowing that words alone would no longer be enough to completely gain the other party's trust.
Fortunately... he was prepared, or rather, he happened to have a few "things" on him that were enough to "prove" his "identity" and "importance" in this situation.
The expression of "grief and indignation" and "disappointment" on Lin Zhu's face slowly disappeared, replaced by a... profound and unfathomable smile that seemed to contain endless wisdom and compassion.
He did not directly answer Amoghasiddhi Buddha's question, but sighed softly, as if lamenting the other party's "attachment" and "lack of understanding of the true Buddha".
Immediately afterwards, circles of warm, pure, yet indestructible, dazzling golden light suddenly appeared beneath Lin Zhu's feet in the void!
That golden light was not simply the light of Buddha, but rather a golden light of merit containing immeasurable merit and vows, seemingly capable of suppressing all evil spirits and carrying the meaning of being impervious to all laws!
Golden light rapidly condensed and bloomed, eventually transforming into a massive and exquisite phantom lotus platform, gently lifting Lin Zhu up! The lotus platform had thirteen lotus leaves, each one crystal clear, flowing with profound runes and the rhythm of the Great Dao, exuding a magnificent aura that brought peace and tranquility to the soul!
Thirteen-tiered Golden Lotus of Merit!
This is not over yet!
Lin Zhu raised his right hand, palm facing up, his fingertips seemingly holding an invisible flower.
With this movement, a small and exquisite nine-story pagoda phantom, exuding the power to suppress all heavens and gather all treasures, slowly emerged in his palm. It spun around, with Buddhist light flowing over its body and Sanskrit chants appearing and disappearing. It complemented the thirteen-petaled golden lotus of merit beneath his feet, adding to its sacred majesty!
This pagoda was all too familiar to Amoghasiddhi Buddha—it was one of the treasures that the Tathagata Buddha relied on to gain fame and symbolize his status and some of his authority, the Pagoda of Many Treasures! Although it was not the true natal treasure in the Tathagata's hands, its aura and form were absolutely genuine!
"Thirteenth grade... Golden Lotus of Merit?! Pagoda of Many Treasures?! This... how is this possible?!"
Amoghasiddhi Buddha's enormous body trembled violently, as if struck by lightning from the heavens, and he let out a cry of disbelief!
Its huge dragon eyes were wide open, staring intently at the thirteen-petaled lotus platform at Lin Zhu's feet and the phantom of the pagoda in his palm. Its eyes were filled with horror, doubt, and a deep... bewilderment!
The Golden Lotus of Merit knew that it was a precious treasure accompanying the saints. Originally it had twelve grades, but it was reduced to nine grades after being eaten by the Mosquito Taoist, and became one of the symbols of Buddhism's suppression of fortune.
But this one before it... is actually a thirteenth grade?! One grade higher than the original twelfth grade?! This is simply mind-blowing! Moreover, the purity and vastness of the merit and vow power emanating from this golden lotus far surpasses any Buddhist treasure it has ever seen!
It was even more familiar with the Pagoda of Many Treasures; it was the symbol of the Buddha! Although what it saw was just an illusion, the unique Taoist aura of suppression and containment was absolutely unmistakable!
These two treasures, one seemingly surpassing the limits of a saint's innate spiritual treasure and the other a symbol of Buddha, have simultaneously appeared on the body of a young man of "unknown identity" and "strange aura"?! Moreover, judging from the ease with which he wields them, he has clearly already refined and recognized them as his master!
"Five hundred years... only five hundred years... what exactly happened in the outside world?!"
Amoghasiddhi's mind was greatly shaken, and he murmured to himself.
It had been tasked with guarding the Pool of Merit for a long time and had not left, so it was not very sensitive to changes in the outside world. Now, seeing these two treasures that were completely beyond common sense, its worldview was violently shaken.
Lin Zhu stood on a thirteen-petaled golden lotus of merit, holding the phantom of the Many Treasures Pagoda in his hand. His whole body was enveloped in pure and vast golden light of merit, and his appearance was solemn and dignified, as if a true Buddha had descended to earth.
His enigmatic smile grew even more pronounced, and he spoke slowly in a tone that seemed to have seen through the vicissitudes of life, yet also carried a hint of compassion and helplessness.
"Fellow Daoist Bukong, the affairs of the world are like a game of chess, and the universe is unpredictable."
Five hundred years is enough for mountains and rivers to change, for seas to turn into mulberry fields. Some destinies, some encounters, cannot be fully comprehended by those who remain confined to their ponds.
He paused, then looked "sincerely" at Amoghasiddhi Buddha, his tone carrying a peculiar sense of "sharing".
“Although I did not grow up in the Buddhist order, five hundred years ago, at the Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, in front of the Xieyue Sanxing Cave, the Bodhi Patriarch personally invited me to become a Buddha and a Patriarch.”
Amoghasiddhi Buddha was once again shaken! The Bodhi Patriarch?! That was an incarnation of the Sage Cundi! Even the Sage himself had personally invited this person?!
Lin Zhu continued, "sincerely."
"Later, in Jambudvipa, Amitabha Buddha also appeared and earnestly invited me to the Western Paradise to study the supreme Dharma together. He said that I was born with extraordinary talent and had a karmic connection with the Buddha, and that I should protect the Dharma and promote Mahayana Buddhism."
Amitabha Buddha also invited him?! And with "earnest words"?! Amoghasiddhi Buddha felt his mind buzzing, and the image of the young man before him instantly became incredibly tall and mysterious!
To be personally invited by two incarnations of saints—what an honor! Even the Daoist Duobao, who once turned away from Taoism to Buddhism and is now revered as the Buddha, probably didn't receive such treatment!
"As for these two treasures..."
Lin Zhu gently stroked the phantom image of the Multi-Treasure Pagoda in his palm, then stepped on the thirteen-petaled golden lotus beneath his feet, revealing a perfectly measured expression of "humility" and "gratitude" on his face.
"They are all entrusted to me by the Buddha, who, moved by my steadfast devotion to Buddhism, entrusted me with their protection and assistance in my spiritual practice. This is the Buddha's trust, and it is also my duty as a humble monk."
He raised his head, his clear and open gaze meeting the complex look of shock, doubt, and disbelief in Amoghasiddhi Buddha's eyes, and his tone suddenly became extremely solemn and resolute.
"If Fellow Daoist Bukong still has doubts, this humble monk... is willing to make a heavenly oath here!"
Having said that, Lin Zhu, without waiting for the Buddha Amoghasiddhi to react, immediately raised his right hand, forcing out a drop of pale golden essence blood from his fingertip. His voice was solemn, as if he were proclaiming to the laws of the Dao in the darkness.
"Heaven above! Disciple Lin Zhu swears."
What I just said—about the invitation from Patriarch Bodhi to Amitabha Buddha, and about the Buddha bestowing upon me the Thirteen-Petaled Golden Lotus of Merit and the Pagoda of Many Treasures—is all true, without a single falsehood! If there is any deception, may I suffer the wrath of Heaven, my soul and spirit annihilated, never to be reborn!
As soon as he finished speaking, the drop of blood essence on Lin Zhu's fingertip suddenly ignited, transforming into a strange rune containing the power of the oath, which flashed away and disappeared into the void.
Immediately afterwards, an aura of profound mystery, seemingly originating from the very source of the world and representing the highest rules, flickered slightly in the arena, like an invisible eye sweeping across before quietly disappearing.
No ominous clouds gathered, no thunderous warnings appeared, and nothing unusual occurred.
This means that Heaven has recognized Lin Zhu's oath! What he said... is true?! At least, under the judgment of the laws of Heaven, there is no "falsehood"!
Amoghasiddhi Buddha was completely dumbfounded, standing there dumbfounded.
A Heavenly Oath! And a solemn oath involving two sages, one Buddha, and the ownership of two supreme treasures! It actually… stood?! And didn't trigger any divine punishment?!
This can only prove one thing—what Lin Zhu said, at least on the level recognized by the "Heavenly Dao," is true! Patriarch Bodhi and Amitabha Buddha really did invite him! Buddha Tathagata really gave him treasures!
“This…this…” Amoghasiddhi Buddha opened his enormous dragon mouth, but could not utter a complete sound.
Its gaze toward Lin Zhu had changed from initial anger and suspicion to unparalleled shock and horror, and even... a hint of awe that it itself was unaware of.
To be invited by two sages simultaneously, to receive a supreme treasure personally bestowed by the Buddha, to make such a solemn vow yet defy divine retribution… just who is this person before us?! Could his importance be even greater than that of the Buddha?! Is he the true trump card hidden within Buddhism? The future leader of Buddhism?!
Amoghasiddhi Buddha felt that his worldview was being repeatedly refreshed, crushed, and reassembled, leaving his mind in complete chaos.
Lin Zhu felt a secret pleasure as he watched Amoghasiddhi Buddha completely stunned, but he maintained his "sincere and frank" expression on his face.
He secretly rejoiced, thankful that Bodhi Patriarch and Amitabha Buddha had indeed "invited" him before, and that the Thirteen-Petaled Golden Lotus of Merit and the Pagoda of Many Treasures were indeed "given" by the Tathagata.
This oath, by exploiting a loophole in the laws of nature, was established through a clever trick; it was simply perfect!
He pressed his advantage, softening his tone and adding a touch of "understanding" and "comfort".
“Fellow Daoist Bukong, do you understand now? What I did was not for personal gain, but because I had a heavy responsibility and had no other choice.”
He pointed to the Merit Pool, then to the faint rumbling coming from the outside, his tone heavy.
"The Western Paradise is now in imminent danger, with the Dragon Clan launching a fierce offensive. Amitabha Buddha and Dipankara Buddha are fighting a bitter battle outside, while Tathagata Buddha needs to sit in the center and coordinate the overall situation."
Transferring the holy water of merit to preserve the flame of the foundation of the Western Paradise is an instruction personally given by Amitabha Buddha, and it is the most urgent matter at present! We hope that fellow practitioners will prioritize the greater good and understand and cooperate!
Lin Zhu once again pinned the huge accusation of "Amitabha Buddha personally instructing," since there was no way to prove it since the dead were dead.
Amoghasiddhi Buddha was now in a state of agitation, completely stunned by Lin Zhu's series of combined attacks. Hearing "Amitabha Buddha personally instructed," it subconsciously believed him to some extent. Such an important figure, carrying out such an important mission, receiving personal instructions from a saint—it couldn't be more reasonable!
But it had its duties to fulfill, so after hesitating for a moment, it finally asked.
"So...so it was a decree from the Sage...I was being presumptuous. I wonder...I wonder how much holy water needs to be transferred? Perhaps I can assist you..."
Its attitude has softened, and it has even offered to help.
Lin Zhu was overjoyed, but his face showed a thoughtful expression. He pretended to ponder for a moment before answering "carefully".
"The Buddha's secret order was to relocate as many people as possible for the sake of safety. However, the situation is changing rapidly. The exact number to be relocated depends on how much time the Buddhas outside can buy, and... whether the Dragon Clan will discover this place. This humble monk can only do his best and take as many as he can."
These words not only explained the "original intention" of "complete relocation" but also left room for flexibility to "determine the situation," making them watertight.
Upon hearing this, Amoghasiddhi Buddha nodded, seemingly finding it reasonable.
It glanced at the water level in the pool and gave a reminder.
"Fellow Daoist, you should know that the merit water in this pool, though seemingly vast, is actually not at its highest concentration due to its symbiosis with the spiritual agate and the special formation within the pool. Furthermore, if it leaves the merit pool for too long without a special container or formation to maintain it, it is very easy for it to dissipate back into its original form of vows and merit, greatly reducing its effectiveness, or even disappearing into the world. Moreover..."
It paused, its tone carrying a hint of solemnity.
"If the water level in the Merit Pool suddenly drops by more than one-fifth, the balance between the array and the spiritual agate in the pool will be broken. The resulting fluctuations could very well alarm Amitabha Buddha, who would sense it even if he were engaged in a fierce battle. Fellow Daoist has already taken quite a bit, and the water level has dropped by nearly one-fifth..."
Lin Zhu's heart stirred, and he secretly began to calculate.
He had already filled ten large gourds, each containing 100,000 merits, totaling one million! According to Amoghasiddhi Buddha, the total volume of water in this pool was probably over five million merits, and one-fifth of that would be over one million! He was right on the edge of the warning line!
'That was close!' Lin Zhu thought to himself, relieved but also a little scared. If he had been greedy and filled one or two more gourds, he might have really alerted the Buddha who was being beaten up outside! That would have been a real mess!
He made a decision immediately, his face showing an expression of "accepting good advice," and solemnly bowed to Amoghasiddhi Buddha.
"Thank you for the reminder, fellow Daoist! This is of utmost importance! In that case, to avoid alarming the Buddha and disrupting the battle, this humble monk will temporarily accept these. As for the remaining holy water, we can only... leave it to fate for now."
As he spoke, he unhesitatingly put away the tenth gourd he had just taken out, ceasing to fill it with water. Although he was desperately craving the at least four million merit-based divine water remaining in the pool, his life and his greater schemes were more important.
Seeing Lin Zhu's "understanding of the big picture" and "consideration of the overall situation," the Buddha Amoghavajra believed even more in his "identity" and "mission," and quickly said.
“Fellow Daoist, you are wise and righteous, I admire you. It is my duty to guard the Merit Pool, and I have failed in my duty by noticing the changes in the outside world in time. I only hope that you can successfully complete the Buddha’s entrustment and preserve the vitality of the Western Paradise.”
Lin Zhu nodded, "moved".
"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, I will remember today's events. Once this matter is resolved, I will personally report your merits to Amitabha Buddha and Tathagata Buddha, and request commendation for you!"
Upon hearing this, Amoghasiddhi Buddha even showed a rare hint of "shyness" and "joy" on the dragon's face, and said repeatedly.
"No, no, it's my duty, my duty. May I ask your Dharma name, fellow Daoist? I'd like to ask you that in the future..."
It wanted to ask Lin Zhu's name so that it could become acquainted with him in the future.
Alarm bells rang in Lin Zhu's mind! Ask for his Buddhist name? That wouldn't do! If he said "Lin Zhu" or "Prison God," wouldn't he give himself away?!
He quickly waved his hand and interrupted in a tone of "noble character" and "indifference to fame and fortune".
"Reputations are but illusions, they are unimportant. What matters is that we all dedicate ourselves to the Western Paradise. Fellow Daoist, time is of the essence, this humble monk still needs to attend to some follow-up matters."
He quickly changed the subject, his gaze returning to the Pool of Merit. The remaining pale golden divine water in the pool was still alluring, but more importantly… the bottom of the pool, shimmering with a warm luster and covered with a thick layer of—spiritual agate! (End of Chapter)