Chapter 697
This is not unwilling
"While we in the Western Paradise wish to fulfill your request, we truly cannot 'directly' hand over the territory and faith of the Buddhist kingdom of India to you or the Heavenly Court. This is not out of unwillingness, but simply because we are unable."
He was only half telling the truth. The laws of Heaven do indeed impose many restrictions and backlashes on deities' direct, large-scale intervention in the human world, especially when it involves the forced replacement of national destinies and fundamental beliefs, the consequences of which are immense.
However, it is not entirely without room for maneuver. For example, it can secretly support proxies, indirectly guide through "divine pronouncements," and engage in power struggles through secular forces. The Western Paradise is actually quite adept at this.
He said this mainly because he was reluctant to actually cede such a core territory of faith, and it was also a bargaining strategy.
Upon hearing this, Lin Zhu showed no surprise, but rather a knowing look of "I knew it."
He never held much hope of directly acquiring the territory of the Buddhist kingdom of India; that would be more of an exorbitant demand. Now, seeing Amitabha Buddha invoke the rules of Heaven, he seized the opportunity to make a more practical and easier-to-implement request that he had already thought of.
"I see. It was I who did not consider this carefully."
Lin Zhu nodded as if suddenly realizing something, then changed the subject and her gaze sharpened.
"Since directly handing over territory and faith goes against the will of Heaven, let's change our demands. It's very simple: I want the Western Paradise to promise that from now on, it will not, in any form, secretly send powerful figures like the White Lotus Child and the Three Worlds King to the mortal realm to directly interfere in the war between the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Kingdom of India in Jambudvipa!"
"No longer may supernatural powers or magic be used to directly influence the outcome of battles or interfere in the conquests of mortal armies!"
He paused, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
"Of course, you may freely engage in normal missionary work, prayers, and even some low-level 'miracles.' But let's skip this kind of trick where a quasi-saint descends to try and decide the fate of the world in one fell swoop. What do you say?"
This request was something Lin Zhu had already thought of long ago.
One of the reasons he got involved in the Ling Mountain affair was that the White Lotus Child's descent to the mortal realm to massacre a city threatened the Southern Continent, especially the Tang Dynasty, which he had some connections with. Furthermore, he couldn't possibly stay outside Fengxue City and watch the battlefield indefinitely.
He had absolutely no trust in the Western Paradise, so he decided to take this opportunity to force the Western Paradise to make a public commitment, witnessed by the Dragon Clan and the Heavenly Court, at least on the surface, to restrict them from sending any more experts to directly participate in the battle.
This would both alleviate the pressure on the Tang Dynasty's border troops and clear some obstacles for his possible subsequent arrangements. As for whether the Western Heaven would outwardly comply but inwardly defy him, that's a matter for later. At least with this promise, if they dared to do it again, they would be even less morally justified, and Lin Zhu would have a more sufficient reason to "find fault" again.
Upon hearing this, the Buddha's expression changed slightly, and he instinctively wanted to object. The Buddhist kingdom of India was one of the most important bases for the Western Paradise in the human world, a source of faith. If they promised not to send top experts to directly intervene in the war with the Tang Dynasty, it would be tantamount to tying their own hands, largely surrendering the initiative on the battlefield to secular forces!
What if... what if there are capable people in the Tang Dynasty, or the Heavenly Court secretly supports them... wouldn't the Buddhist kingdom of India be in danger? In the long run, this might be more harmful than directly ceding three territories! This would shake the very foundation of the Western Paradise!
"No!"
The Buddha spoke in a deep voice, his tone urgent.
“Benefactor Lin, the Buddhist faith in India is devout, and it is a pure land for our Buddhist community. It concerns the well-being of millions of people and the opportunity for the eastward transmission of Mahayana Buddhism. How can we easily abandon our protection? I regret that we cannot comply with this request!”
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Amitabha Buddha, who had been silent all along, slowly spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable determination.
"Buddha, please calm down."
He looked at Lin Zhu, his face still showing pity, as if Lin Zhu's request was just a trivial little thing.
"Benefactor Lin's suggestion is indeed... reasonable. Excessive intervention by gods and Buddhas in mortal warfare is indeed contrary to the will of Heaven and easily breeds endless karma. Our Western Paradise has no intention of directly intervening in the rise and fall of dynasties in the human world with force. The previous descent of the White Lotus Boy and others to the mortal world was an exception and also their personal recklessness."
His words directly shifted the blame to the White Lotus Boy, and then he changed his tone and said solemnly.
"Since Benefactor Lin has brought this up, in order to show our sincerity and avoid similar misunderstandings and conflicts in the future... this humble monk can make a promise on behalf of the Western Paradise."
From then on, Mount Ling in the Western Paradise no longer sent individuals of the level of the White Lotus Child or the Three Worlds King to directly intervene in the mortal wars between Jambudvipa and the Buddhist kingdom of India.
All disputes should be resolved by the rulers, ministers, soldiers, and people of both nations, according to humanitarian principles. Our Buddhist community only fulfills its responsibilities of teaching, comforting, and encouraging good deeds.
"teacher!"
The Buddha was in a hurry; once this promise was made publicly, the impact would be enormous!
Amitabha Buddha glanced at him indifferently, his gaze calm yet containing the supreme majesty of a saintly being, and a profound meaning that only the Tathagata could understand.
"Buddha, my mind is made up. Rules are rules. The actions of the Western Paradise must be governed by law. How can we act recklessly because of a momentary dispute? This matter is settled."
The Buddha felt a chill run down his spine under that gaze, and dared not say another word. His face grew even more grim, and his heart was filled with resentment and worry.
He understood that Amitabha Buddha's decision was a "damage control" measure, made to quickly get rid of Lin Zhu and the Dragon Clan and avoid greater losses. It sacrificed some direct control over the war in India in exchange for immediate peace and the continuation of the pilgrimage.
From Amitabha Buddha's perspective, this might be a "good deal," but for him, the Tathagata, it is a real passive situation and a hidden danger.
Lin Zhu watched as the master and disciple played good cop and bad cop roles, and finally, with Amitabha Buddha making the final decision, he couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh, his laughter clear and melodious.
"Excellent! Amitabha Buddha is indeed extraordinary in spirit and profound in understanding righteousness! This is the demeanor of a saint!"
He deliberately turned to look at the ashen-faced Buddha and teased him.
"Buddha, do you see this? This is called vision! How much you spend determines the size of your magnanimity."
Sometimes, you have to bleed when necessary, and let go when you need to. You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub… Uh, I mean, for the peace of the three realms, for the well-being of all beings, a small sacrifice is nothing. You still need to learn more about this magnanimity from your teacher!
His words, seemingly praising but actually mocking, and even carrying a hint of toxic positivity, made Amitabha Buddha's lips twitch slightly, and Tathagata was so angry that he almost lost his composure.
Strangely enough, among the three thousand Buddhas, there were actually some who were not very bright or who were somewhat numb from the series of changes that happened today. They vaguely felt that... Lin Zhu's words seemed to make some sense.
At least, Amitabha Buddha did "generously" agree, preventing the war from starting again... Thinking about it this way, it doesn't seem so hard to accept? This subtle change in mentality even they themselves find absurd.
Lin Zhu didn't care what they thought. Seeing that the most important conditions had been basically met, he was in a great mood. Taking advantage of the "relaxed" atmosphere, he spoke again, a seemingly innocent smile on his face, and asked, "By the way, Buddha, regarding the last item on this list—the lotus seeds of the 'Pure World White Lotus' of grade eight or above—I wonder if there are any still in stock in the Western Heaven's treasury? Or rather… what are your thoughts?"
Looking at his smile, Amitabha Buddha felt a warning bell ring in his heart, knowing that this fellow was about to cause trouble again, but on the surface he could only cooperate by showing a thoughtful expression and nodding slightly.
"White lotus seeds... are indeed a treasure of our Western Paradise, difficult to cultivate, and those of grade eight and above are even rarer. I wonder what insights Benefactor Lin has?"
Lin Zhu smiled even more "simple and honestly," and even rubbed her hands together a little shyly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Amitabha Buddha.
"I wouldn't call it a brilliant idea. It's just... if the Western Paradise can't provide it for the time being, or if they don't have enough stock... you see, I have many connections and know a lot of people. How about... Buddha, you name a price, and I'll buy it from you? I guarantee it's genuine, and I'll treat everyone fairly!"
Upon hearing Lin Zhu mention the "Pure World White Lotus" seeds, Amitabha Buddha, whose golden face maintained its compassion and gentleness, was suddenly shaken, his heart filled with turbulent waves! Pure World White Lotus!
This is one of the three major incarnations of the Chaos Green Lotus, alongside the Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus of Merit in the hands of the Sage of Guidance and the Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus of Karmic Fire in the Styx Ancestor!
Since the Chaos Green Lotus collapsed after the creation of the world, the lotus seeds that formed several lotus platforms have been scattered throughout the Three Realms. The Merit Golden Lotus was obtained by him, the Karmic Fire Red Lotus is in the Blood Sea, but the Purifying White Lotus is the most mysterious and elusive. For countless eons, even saints have not been able to find its exact whereabouts!
Lin Zhu's sudden and precise demand for "pure white lotus seeds of grade eight or above" is no coincidence! Either he knows the whereabouts of the pure white lotus, or... even more frighteningly, he may already possess it, or have a close relationship with the possessor!
Even... a thought flashed through Amitabha Buddha's mind that he himself found somewhat absurd yet couldn't help but be wary of—could this child be related to the already collapsed Chaos Green Lotus? If so... then the causal relationships and secrets involved would be far too great!
As soon as this thought arose, Amitabha Buddha's gaze towards Lin Zhu deepened with an indescribable scrutiny and apprehension.
He secretly resolved that he would use the methods of a sage to thoroughly investigate the background of this child.
If he knew that Lin Zhu was not only connected to the Chaos Green Lotus, but that his system-repaired "Thirteenth Grade Merit Golden Lotus" originated from the Chaos Green Lotus, and that he also possessed the more crucial core inheritance of the Chaos Green Lotus, he probably wouldn't just be wary, but would stop at nothing and immediately turn on Lin Zhu to seize it!
Despite his inner turmoil and uncertainty, Amitabha Buddha still tried his best to maintain a calm demeanor. Following Lin Zhu's words, he deliberately showed a hesitant and troubled expression.
"The Pure White Lotus Seed? This is indeed a rare treasure of heaven and earth. Although we cultivate white lotuses in the Western Paradise, those of the eighth grade and above have all developed spirituality, and the lotus seeds are even rarer. In our storehouse... I'm afraid we can't find a single one that meets our requirements for the time being."
His words were half true and half false. While the Western Paradise does cultivate white lotuses, lotus fruits of grade eight or higher are indeed rare, and most are used for other purposes or given to core disciples. There may not be any readily available in the stock.
More importantly, he wanted to test Lin Zhu's reaction.
Upon hearing this, Lin Zhu's face showed no disappointment, but rather a knowing look of "I knew it." Then, his smile became somewhat subtle, and he waved his hand, speaking in a relaxed tone.
“It’s alright, it’s alright. Since the Buddha can’t provide it for the time being, I’ll take care of the ‘purifying white lotus seeds’ myself.”
"You'll handle it yourself?"
The tension in Amitabha Buddha's heart tightened even more, and his gaze narrowed slightly.
"good."
Lin Zhu nodded, looking like she was being very generous.
"However, Buddha, you see, I've taken care of one of the materials on this list myself. Shouldn't your Western Paradise show some appreciation and make up for my 'losses' and 'extra effort'?"
Here it comes again! It's the same old trick! Amitabha Buddha's eyelids twitched; he knew this guy wouldn't easily let go of any opportunity to extort money.
He remained expressionless, inwardly scoffing, but outwardly still gentle.
"What does Benefactor Lin require as compensation? Anything that my Western Paradise possesses..."
"Simple."
Lin Zhu interrupted him, extending a finger and waving it.
"I won't ask for much, just one innate spiritual treasure, of a decent grade... that will suffice as payment for the lotus fruit. How about it?"
A Primordial Spiritual Treasure! And it's "good enough"?! Amitabha Buddha almost laughed in anger. What kind of existence is a Primordial Spiritual Treasure? It is born of heaven and earth, contains innate Daoist principles, possesses boundless power, and is extremely rare!
Even for a sage, it would be an important personal treasure or a symbol bestowed upon a direct descendant! Yet Lin Zhu asked for one so casually!
"Amitabha."
Amitabha Buddha suppressed his anger and showed just the right amount of "regret" and "honesty" on his face.
“It is not that this humble monk is stingy. It is just that all innate spiritual treasures have their own destiny, and most of them reside with this humble monk in the chaotic realm outside the heavens, or have already been bestowed upon the Buddhas under his seat for protection. At this moment, there are truly no suitable innate spiritual treasures in Mount Ling to give to you, benefactor. This matter is truly… beyond my ability to help.”
He started to play dumb, or rather, tried to use the excuse that he was "not around." Anyway, innate spiritual treasures are precious, so it's normal to say he didn't have them.
However, Lin Zhu seemed to have anticipated this move.
Instead of disappointment, a strange, slightly mocking smile appeared on his face.
He slowly raised his left hand, which had been holding the remnant soul of the White Lotus Child, and reached into his sleeve with his free right hand, saying in a tone of sudden realization as he did so.
“Oh, now that you mention it, Buddha, I do remember. When I was ‘visiting’ in Mount Ling just now, I think… I accidentally picked up something.”
As he spoke, under the sudden, narrowed gaze of Amitabha Buddha, he took something out of his "sleeve".
That was a flag.
The flagpole is neither gold nor wood, but a warm, bluish-green color. The flag itself is small, and its entire surface is a pure, flawless white, as if it could wash away all the filth of the world. Embroidered on it is a lifelike, budding bluish-green lotus flower.
The flag moved without wind, emitting a pure and precious light that was both gentle and incredibly strong. A faint fragrance of lotus permeated the air, and a profound Taoist charm that was impervious to all laws and warded off all evil naturally flowed through it!
Azure Lotus Banner! Western Plain Cloud Banner! One of the Five Banners, a top-grade innate spiritual treasure!
This flag was originally a protective treasure bestowed upon the White Lotus Child by Amitabha Buddha. The White Lotus Child used it when he descended to the mortal realm, but later, when he was frightened away by Lin Zhu's "God-Slaying Spear Intent" before Mount Ling, he was too flustered to fully retrieve it. (End of Chapter)