Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2448: 218: Perfume Sea (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant...
“Is there something you wish to share with me?”
True Man Gai creased his forehead a little, sensing some confusion, yet after a moment's pause, he nodded and spoke right away:
“Over in the Cloud Sky Realm, Liaochan is close to achieving a breakthrough, their inner guards are not strong, I can talk freely with you for now, but I need to head back and set up some precautions first, to stop anyone from exploiting the situation.”
Buddha Tianyin offered a faint smile:
“That's fine, I'll await the True Man.”
True Man Gai cast a glance at Wang Ba, gave a nod, and departed, his steps light and unburdened.
Buddha Tianyin then directed Kong Zen:
“Kong Zen, guide Layman Taiyi down to the Perfume Sea, and while you're at it, discuss with him the Buddhist principles of Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind.”
With True Man Gai, the unfamiliar visitor, gone, Kong Zen reverted to his natural self, showing no tension even before a mighty Mahayana being like Buddha Tianyin, as he grinned and replied:
“Sure thing! Old Tianyin, you can count on me completely! I won't brag, but I'm… er… er er…”
Buddha Tianyin pulled back his hand, maintained a composed expression, and chuckled toward Wang Ba:
“Heh, I hope the Layman doesn't find this amusing.”
Yan Poluo nearby lowered his head further, averting his gaze in embarrassment.
“Far from it, this shows true personality.”
Wang Ba cleared his throat softly, his cheeks flushing hotter than ever.
Knowing that the temple's occupants were unaware of his connection to Kong Zen, he still felt profound shame.
Yet, after some thought, he lifted his hand, formed a fist salute, and declared earnestly:
“One additional matter I desire to address directly with Buddha.”
Buddha Tianyin appeared mildly curious:
“Oh? What might that be?”
Wang Ba reflected briefly, ignoring Kong Zen's mental pleas to hold back, fixed his gaze on Buddha Tianyin, and stated resolutely:
“I'm not sure of Buddha's perspective on the Sea of Chaos Realm?”
Buddha Tianyin contemplated for a second, then regarded Wang Ba:
“The Layman should speak freely.”
Wang Ba wavered, despite Kong Zen's ongoing inner attempts to halt him, but in that instant, his mind was pure and resolute, refusing to let his Dao-heart be obstructed, so he continued:
“Little Cang World resides within that Sea of Chaos Realm, I intend to shatter Duanhai Cliff and rescue the numerous lives trapped there, though calculations suggest it demands no fewer than six Mahayana powerhouses to breach…”
Buddha Tianyin grasped his intent at once, his brows knitting slightly:
“Are you proposing that I aid in breaking Duanhai Cliff?”
Wang Ba affirmed with a nod and replied:
“Indeed, I've learned that Buddhism values mercy, even Small Mahayana Buddhism pursues benevolence… I implore Buddha for support.”
Buddha Tianyin's brows drew together uncommonly, his gaze distant and contemplative, though he offered no instant response.
Instead, Yan Poluo at his side interjected involuntarily:
“Layman Taiyi's request seems overly bold, countless Mahayana Cultivators have tried to breach Duanhai Cliff without success, besides, Buddha is waning in strength, approaching Nirvana.”
Wang Ba fell quiet, his eyes on Buddha Tianyin.
From Kong Zen's recollections, he understood this Buddha Tianyin, despite following Small Mahayana Buddhism, harbored boundless compassion.
Therefore, he pressed on:
“I recognize Buddha Tianyin's merciful nature, not one swayed by self-interest alone, I realize my plea might overstep, yet this deed won't damage the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm, shattering Duanhai Cliff would sever Supreme True Buddha's influx of elite cultivators, like extinguishing the fire from under the cauldron, it liberates the souls in the Sea of Chaos Realm while eliminating a formidable foe, a beneficial outcome for all, so why hesitate?”
Upon hearing Wang Ba's reasoning, Buddha Tianyin remained silent for a spell, then uttered in a raspy, profound tone:
“The Layman's argument holds merit, this so-called Small Mahayana or Large Mahayana boils down to just a shift in one's inner thoughts.”
At these words, Wang Ba's face lit up with delight.
But Buddha Tianyin sighed afterward and added:
“Regrettably, at present, I must also weigh the welfare of the Glazed Buddha Realm's inhabitants… truly, I lack the means, I seek the Layman's understanding.”
Wang Ba stood momentarily dazed, observing Buddha Tianyin's regretful expression, as hope dimmed in his eyes.
He then offered a slight bow to Buddha Tianyin:
“Buddha's stance is enough, it was Taiyi who overreached.”
Buddha Tianyin shook his head gently:
“It's alright.”
His gaze shifted to Kong Zen nearby, whose mouth was sealed, rendering speech impossible, and he murmured:
“Kong Zen, proceed to show Layman Taiyi the realm.”
“Er, er…”
Kong Zen pointed to his sealed lips, seeking release from Buddha Tianyin, but receiving none, he trudged off with evident irritation.
Witnessing this, Wang Ba saluted Buddha Tianyin and Yan Poluo, then trailed after them from the Buddhist Temple.
Xin Yuan swiftly joined the exodus outside.
Suddenly, the temple held only Buddha Tianyin and Yan Poluo.
Tianyin observed Kong Zen and Wang Ba's departure, his stare distant.
In time, Yan Poluo could no longer restrain himself and asked:
“Buddha, Kong Zen's behavior is excessively casual, is he really fit for such a vital role?”
He quickly clarified:
“I harbor no ambition for the Buddha's seat, I acknowledge Kong Zen's remarkable gifts, yet I doubt his readiness for this burden, even Xin Yuan seems more suitable…”
Buddha Tianyin shook his head, stood from the lotus throne, advanced to the temple's entrance, contemplated the outer sky, and then let out a sigh:
“The Supreme True Buddha rises once more, bound to unleash calamity; in the past, our Small Mahayana Buddhism allowed endurance, but now it's a battle of doctrines and survival, the old ways may not sustain the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm any longer, and thus…”
His words halted for a beat, as he faced Yan Poluo, a smile emerging on his countenance: