Chapter 698
I never expected it to be you, Buddha!
Furthermore, after being brutally beaten by the dragon clan, he lost his composure and left the flag somewhere in the Spirit Mountain, where it was naturally "picked up" by Lin Zhu, who was "treasure hunting".
"Doesn't it look familiar?"
Lin Zhu smiled and weighed the Azure Lotus Treasure Flag in his hand, as if he were weighing an ordinary trinket.
"I was wondering whose house this was, but I never expected it to be yours, Buddha! What a coincidence! You just said you didn't have any innate spiritual treasures with you, and this flag... isn't it one of them?"
The moment Amitabha Buddha saw the Azure Lotus Banner, his eternally unchanging golden face turned completely black at a speed visible to the naked eye! An almost uncontrollable rage and icy chill emanated from his body, and the surrounding Buddhist light even showed subtle distortions!
This Lin Zhu! Not only did he extort money from me, but he also blatantly humiliated me by showing me the treasure he "stole" from me! This is an utter disgrace!
"This flag... is a protective magic treasure bestowed upon my disciple by this humble monk."
Amitabha's voice was no longer gentle, but became somewhat sinister, his gaze fixed on the flag in Lin Zhu's hand.
"Please, Benefactor Lin, return the item to its rightful owner."
"Returning the item to its rightful owner?"
Lin Zhu raised an eyebrow, his face showing an extremely exaggerated expression of surprise.
“Buddha, that’s not what you said just now! You clearly said you didn’t have any innate spiritual treasures to give me. Now that I’ve kindly found your ‘lost’ treasure for you, you’re saying it’s yours and want to take it back? So, do you ‘have’ it or not? Or…”
He deliberately dragged out his words, his gaze sweeping over the nine true dragons behind him whose auras had once again become dangerous, and his voice suddenly turned cold.
"You have no intention of sincerely resolving the matter of the White Dragon's resurrection. You are deliberately making excuses and delaying the process, and even... you want to renege on your promise and take back the 'lotus seed compensation' that you have already agreed to settle? Are you making fun of me, or are you making fun of the fellow dragons who are waiting to save their nephew?"
"Bald monk! How dare you do this?!"
As soon as Lin Zhu finished speaking, the Purple-Gold Dragon Emperor, who had been waiting impatiently, immediately let out a deafening roar, and purple-gold lightning flashed in his dragon eyes.
"First they cried poverty and acted shamelessly, and now they even want to get back the magic treasure that their own servant lost? Do they really think the Dragon Clan is made of clay, to be manipulated at will?! If we don't give them an explanation today, this Spirit Mountain will surely be reduced to ruins!"
The Platinum Dragon Emperor also said coldly.
"He is untrustworthy and fickle. The sincerity of the Western Paradise is evident."
Although the Dragon Emperor Mo Bai did not speak, the pressure of the ancient dragon formation that shrouded the sky intensified by three points, and the aura of destruction made all the Buddhist followers of the Western Paradise feel as if a huge rock was pressing on their hearts.
Seeing that the dragon clan was about to be provoked into a rampage by Lin Zhu's words, Amitabha was both anxious and angry.
He glared at Lin Zhu, only to see Lin Zhu looking innocent, as if to say, "I'm just telling the truth."
At this tense moment, the Buddha, who had been observing from the sidelines and secretly pleased, suddenly spoke.
His face was expressionless, but his voice carried a tone of advice that emphasized "considering the bigger picture," as he bowed slightly to Amitabha Buddha.
“Amitabha, the Azure Lotus Banner is indeed beautiful, but it is ultimately an external possession. If we can use this banner to persuade Benefactor Lin to exert all his efforts to rescue his nephew Ao Lie, resolve this calamity between our Western Paradise and the Dragon Clan, and maintain the hard-won friendship between us… perhaps it is not something that cannot be given up. I implore Buddha… to consider the greater good and make a slight concession.”
His words, seemingly meant to persuade, were actually putting Amitabha Buddha on the spot, forcing him to choose—face or substance? Moreover, by subtly suggesting that the flag could be used to "exchange" for Lin Zhu's help, he was essentially tacitly agreeing to Lin Zhu's demand for the flag as "lotus seed compensation."
Amitabha Buddha was so angered by Tathagata's "advice" that he almost spat out a mouthful of blood. He glared fiercely at Tathagata, his eyes full of warning. Tathagata, however, kept his eyes downcast, seemingly oblivious.
Suppressing the rage that threatened to burst from his chest, Amitabha knew that it would be very difficult to get that flag back today.
He took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound calm, and said to Lin Zhu.
“Benefactor Lin, since you have already ‘acquired’ this flag and mentioned needing a primordial spiritual treasure to offset the lack of lotus seeds… Very well. You may temporarily keep this Azure Lotus Treasure Flag as payment for the lotus seeds. However, this flag is ultimately a gift from this humble monk, and it must be returned once this matter is settled.”
He tried to save face one last time by agreeing to "temporarily use it as collateral" and "return it later".
However, Lin Zhu shook his head vigorously upon hearing this, his face revealing undisguised contempt.
“Buddha, that’s not very kind of you.”
A Primordial Spiritual Treasure and a Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasure—they differ by only two words, but how can they be the same? The Azure Lotus Banner is one of the Five Banners, a Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasure! You think you can just exchange it for an ordinary Primordial Spiritual Treasure? Wouldn't I be at a huge loss? I, Lin Zhu, may not be picky, but I can't let myself suffer such a loss!
Besides, you just said you didn't have any on hand, and now you're haggling over the price. Isn't that being too wishy-washy? Wouldn't it be better if we just got straight to the point?
His words not only angered Amitabha Buddha and the three thousand Buddhas to the point of almost fainting, but even several true dragons on the dragon clan's side had their mouths twitching.
This Lin Zhu... his shamelessness and utterly shameless words were truly unprecedented in their lives! He was the one who stole someone else's top-grade innate spiritual treasure, yet now he's blaming them for being "fussy" and "unfair"? He even complains that exchanging an ordinary innate spiritual treasure for a top-grade one was a "loss" for him?
The Purple Gold Dragon Emperor, the Platinum Dragon Emperor, and several other dragon emperors exchanged glances, a strange glint in their eyes.
They suddenly realized that although Lin Zhu's strength might not be top-notch, his ability and shamelessness to "justifiably extort money" were quite to the liking of the dragons.
This kind of guy seems alright as a friend, at least you don't have to worry about him stabbing you in the back; but if you make him an enemy... he'll probably be a real headache.
They nodded to themselves, classifying this child as someone "suitable for cooperation, but not for close friendship, and certainly not for hostility."
Lin Zhu didn't care what they thought. He held the Azure Lotus Banner and pretended to be impatient.
"Buddha, can we hurry up? Reviving the White Dragon is a complicated and costly process, and I need to get ready!"
For the sake of peace in the Three Realms, I, Lin Zhu, have spared no expense and taken on an enormous responsibility! If you continue to dawdle and haggle, and we miss the best opportunity to rescue you, or if my magic power is insufficient or the materials are less effective… then don't blame me!”
His words, seemingly a complaint, were actually a clear threat—if he kept nagging, he might "mistake" or "lack the materials," causing the resurrection to fail! The dragons behind him, though silent, conveyed a chilling threat through their suddenly sharp gazes and menacing presence. Amitabha Buddha was speechless at this blatant threat; he was utterly aggrieved! When had a saintly incarnation ever suffered such humiliation? But the situation was beyond his control; the dragons were truly willing to fight to the death, while Lin Zhu was a stubborn and unyielding man.
He dared not gamble. If Lin Zhu really abandoned his post or secretly sabotaged the resurrection, the Western Paradise would absolutely not be able to withstand the Dragon Clan's overwhelming wrath!
"you……"
Amitabha's chest heaved violently a few times. Finally, he gritted his teeth and made a final struggle.
"The Azure Lotus Banner is a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, and it was bestowed upon the White Lotus Child by this humble monk. Even if it is to be used as a substitute, it is necessary to... and also to ask the White Lotus Child's own opinion!"
He also wanted to use the White Lotus Boy as a shield to delay things, or hope that the White Lotus Boy would say something against it, even if it was just symbolic.
However, Lin Zhu's reaction once again surprised him.
Lin Zhu simply said "Oh," and then very naturally lifted the broken primordial spirit of the White Lotus Child, which he had been holding in his left hand, and brought it in front of him. He then stretched out his right hand, took the flagpole of the Azure Lotus Treasure Flag, and struck it like a wooden fish.
With a soft "thump," it gently tapped the remaining, barely discernible outline of the White Lotus Child's "head."
"Hey, wake up, stop playing dead."
Lin Zhu spoke casually.
"Your Buddha is asking you: This flag is mine now, to pay off the debt for the lotus seeds. Do you agree? Speak up now, or... you might die."
The White Lotus Child's shattered primordial spirit was already in a state of despair, half-consciousness. This blow caused his spiritual light to tremble wildly in pain.
He vaguely heard Lin Zhu's words, especially the last threatening sentence, "The person might be gone," which terrified him so much that he dared not hesitate for even a moment. Driven by his survival instinct, he used his last bit of strength to send out a weak but clear mental wave.
"I...I agree! The flag...is...give to Lin Yushen! This disciple...has no objection! Please...please don't kill me..."
The voice was pitiful and miserable, filled with utter surrender.
Lin Zhu nodded in satisfaction, put away the flag, and then looked at Amitabha Buddha, whose face had turned as black as the bottom of a pot, with an "innocent" expression, and spread his hands.
“Buddha, you see, even the White Lotus Child himself agreed. He is quite reasonable. I didn’t force him; we are all being reasonable.”
Three thousand Buddhas.
"..."
Looking at Lin Zhu's "I'm a good person" expression, and then at the White Lotus Boy who was beaten until his spirit was scattered and he was weak and listless, they felt a chill run from the soles of their feet to the top of their heads.
If this isn't coercion, then what is? This Lin Zhu not only extorted them, but also insulted their intelligence!
At this moment, Amitabha Buddha felt an unprecedented surge of frustration stuck in his chest, almost shattering his golden body! For the first time in his life, he experienced what it meant to be "so frustrated that he wanted to explode"!
Since becoming a saint, his invulnerable and pure mind has been torn to shreds by Lin Zhu's series of actions!
He stared intently at Lin Zhu, his gaze almost burning with intensity. After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence through clenched teeth, his voice icy cold and devoid of any warmth.
"...Here you go!"
With that, he suddenly flicked his sleeve! A mysterious golden Buddhist light, imbued with the aura of a saint, shot out from his sleeve and instantly disappeared into the Azure Lotus Banner in Lin Zhu's hand.
The Azure Lotus Banner trembled slightly, and the azure lotus pattern on its surface flickered a few times. Then, as if shedding an invisible shackle, the pure and precious light it emitted became even more radiant, and the sense of separation between it and the bamboo forest vanished instantly—this was Amitabha Buddha taking the initiative to remove the core restriction he had left on it!
Lin Zhu reacted extremely quickly. Almost at the same time the other party lifted the restriction, the pure magic power he had prepared, mixed with a unique divine soul imprint, surged into the flag like a tide, quickly imprinting his own initial restriction and completing the initial recognition of the flag as its master.
The whole process was smooth and efficient, clearly premeditated.
Feeling the gentle and approachable aura emanating from the Azure Lotus Banner, Lin Zhu was overjoyed, but only smiled slightly on his face as he swiftly pocketed this precious, top-grade innate spiritual treasure. Another powerful magic weapon, and a top-grade defensive one at that—this was a huge win!
Seeing Lin Zhu's practiced movements and undisguised joy, Amitabha felt his heart bleed. The Azure Lotus Banner! One of the Five Banners! Just like that... it was extorted by this bastard! He suppressed the urge to immediately smash Lin Zhu into dust and urged him coldly.
"Benefactor Lin, the materials are ready, and the promise has been made. Now, it's time for you to use your methods to revive your nephew Ao Lie, isn't it? Don't delay any longer!"
A cold glint flashed deep within his eyes.
He wanted to see just what kind of methods Lin Zhu possessed to dare boast of resurrecting an annihilated primordial spirit! If his methods were mediocre, or if there was some trickery involved... Hmph, once this matter was settled and the dragon clan had retreated, he would definitely settle the score with Lin Zhu!
If Lin Zhu's methods are truly extraordinary, displaying unimaginable potential that could even threaten the Sage's plans... then he needs to observe even more carefully, and perhaps even... consider whether to take a certain risk and deliver a "fatal blow" before Lin Zhu fully matures! The Sage's possessions are not so easy to obtain!
Lin Zhu seemed oblivious to Amitabha's cold gaze. He clapped his hands, looking relaxed as if he had finally "gotten it done," and looked around before speaking loudly.
"Now that the materials are ready and the promise has been made, I, Lin, will now use my methods in public to try to reunite the primordial spirit of the little white dragon Ao Lie!"
As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes were once again focused on him. Under the anticipation of the Dragon Clan, the scrutiny of the Western Paradise, the astonishment of the Heavenly Court, and the watchful eyes of countless divine thoughts, both overt and covert, Lin Zhu was finally about to begin the core performance following his "extortion."
Under the intense gaze of countless eyes, Lin Zhu did not immediately unleash any earth-shattering secret techniques, nor did he take out any extraordinary magical treasures.
He simply stood before the devastated ruins, calmly raising his right hand, palm up, fingers slightly spread.
The next moment, the space in his palm slightly distorted, and a soft, non-glaring golden light spread out from his palm, quickly outlining the phantom of a portal—the entrance to his "Buddha Kingdom in the Palm" supernatural power.
Immediately following, under the sudden contraction of Amitabha Buddha's pupils, the expectant yet questioning gazes of the dragon clan's powerful figures, and the curious yet tense watchful eyes of the three thousand Buddhas, Lin Zhu reached his hand into the golden portal, felt around for a moment, and then…
Like casually pulling a chick out of a cage to be slaughtered, something was pulled out of there.
It was a phantom of a primordial spirit, about a foot tall, with a translucent pale gold color, its shape somewhat blurry but its outline distinct, and the head, body, and tail of a dragon faintly visible!
This illusory primordial spirit seemed to have just been awakened from slumber or some other special state, appearing somewhat dazed and confused. It instinctively twisted and turned, emanating a pure and clear aura of the West Sea Dragon Clan bloodline, as well as a faint but real fluctuation of the life imprint belonging to "Ao Lie"! (End of this chapter)