Chapter 1692: The Transformation Of Northwest (II)

A nearby golden lotus swayed as the six-armed, four-legged Maha Nuzi raised an eyebrow at Zhelu. Though Nuzi's cultivation was far inferior to Zhelu's, he hailed from the Great Desire lineage and was one of Peacock's trusted confidants, giving him considerable standing.

He said calmly, "I wonder why Immortal Envoy Ch'i suddenly changed his mind and sent Gongsun Bei here instead? I don't see the need for such needless reshuffling. It only puts our people in an awkward position. They can neither go nor stay..."

Mindful of Nuzi's backing, Zhelu answered with a courteous smile. "That's difficult to explain... A few days ago, Immortal Master Ch'i accepted a disciple on Mount Xiaoshi. He treasures the youngster dearly. Not long after bringing him up the mountain, he suddenly began issuing new orders, rerouting several groups heading south. He even specifically pulled Gongsun Bei out from among them and sent him to the lake with a precious treasure."

Nuzi frowned in confusion. "A disciple? Isn't Mount Xiaoshi within our Buddhist lands?"

Zhelu replied quietly, "Heh. That fellow originally came from Jiangbei. After the upheaval, he became a novice monk under our administration. Who could have imagined he possessed such extraordinary talent that he would be accepted as a disciple by the Pavilion of Profound Order?"

Though nothing seemed unusual about his words, his tone carried an unmistakable trace of bitterness. Anyone whom Ch'i Lanyan would disregard convention to take in as a disciple was bound to be exceptional. Such a person would surely accomplish great things within the Buddhist lands. It was only natural for him to feel a little resentful, though he dared not show it openly.

Nuzi frowned, still unable to understand. He prided himself on knowing the Pavilion of Profound Order well. Those Daoists were as arrogant as they came, forever looking down on Buddhist cultivators. They placed great emphasis on karma, disliked cultivators crossing over into the Buddhist Dao, and despised those who wavered between the two traditions even more. How could they possibly be willing to accept a mere novice monk as a disciple?

Something is definitely amiss... But there's no need to dig any deeper. Lord Que is in seclusion, and once he emerges, his rise to greatness is all but certain. Why should I wade into these muddy waters? Better to protect myself and quietly enjoy the benefits.

Once he fell silent, no one responded to Zhelu either. They merely exchanged glances, each waiting for someone else to speak. At last, someone rose to his feet with a rustle. His long horse-like face and stern expression gave his identity away. It was Maha Daisi of the Emptiness Dao, stepping forward to lend his support.

"Shanji Prefecture is a place of utmost importance. My strength is limited, so I cannot afford to delay there. Instead, I shall advance south from the Turbid Slaughter Mausoleum and campaign through the Wilderness!"

Minghui chuckled inwardly before suddenly speaking, "Great Master Daisi... Why aren't you going to Moongaze Lake? From what I've seen, you've been nursing quite the grudge!"

Daisi's expression stiffened. Anger flickered in his eyes, but he forced it down and replied evenly, "My abilities are lacking and far inferior to those of my fellow friends. I am not fit for such an important task. Besides... General Gongsun will be leading the expedition to Moongaze Lake.

“My foundation lies in Veiled Yin. Were my cultivation stronger, that would be one thing, but as things stand, I would naturally be at a considerable disadvantage against Bright Yang. The Lotus Temple prides itself on studying every Daoist teaching, yet it seems you don't even understand something as basic as this."

He paused briefly before adding with a sneer, "It seems the banquet didn't serve any milk, leaving Great Master Minghui in a foul mood!"

"Hah!" Minghui naturally knew exactly who Daisi was mocking. Insulting Jinlian was no different from insulting him. Anger surged within him, and he immediately rose from his seat with a cold laugh. "What kind of nonsense is that? Just because Gongsun Bei is going, does that mean Buddhist cultivators are no longer needed?

“Since the Emptiness Dao is presiding over this campaign, someone from your side must go to demonstrate your sincerity. Instead of showing proper respect to Liangli, are you expecting the esteemed Liangli of the Emptiness Dao to personally travel to the lake? And if that happens, who will oversee the other fronts?"

His words were both vicious and venomous, sending Daisi into a furious rage. "I showed you a bit of courtesy, and now you've forgotten your place! Who here doesn't know what you're really after? You just want the rest of us to test that White Qilin for you! Since you're so determined to prove your loyalty, why don't you go yourself?!"

Minghui burst into hearty laughter. His eyes shone with resolve as an aura of righteousness spread across his face. Kicking his lotus throne aside, he leapt down to stand in the center of the hall.

Then, he strode forward with imposing confidence, and bellowed, "Why shouldn't I go?!"

The shout rang through the hall like the grand entrance of a hero from a stage tale. Daisi was left completely dumbfounded, his mind going utterly blank.

What? What's he playing at?

The assembled senior cultivators all turned to look at him, exchanging bewildered glances.

But Minghui was only getting started. Thumping his chest, he declared loudly, "On our previous southern campaigns, the Lotus Temple was unable to participate because of various delays... Today, to demonstrate our utmost loyalty and our willingness to lay down our lives in service of Dayang Mountain, we volunteer to lead the vanguard! We shall spread the fundamental teachings of our sacred path and deliver the people of the world from suffering!"

His voice trembled with emotion, tears welling in his eyes as righteousness filled his face. Gritting his teeth, he continued, "I ask only that Liangli grant us this honor!"

Most of those present knew exactly what kind of person Minghui was, making the entire performance so bizarre that not a single one of them could find the words to respond. Only Luejin, the Merciful One stationed there by the Great Mahayana Dharma Realm, lowered his head slightly, visibly moved.

Master Minghui truly is a good man... Master was right to trust him! Moongaze Lake is by far the most densely populated region along the coast. Any battle there could easily claim hundreds of thousands of lives, yet he's willing to throw himself into danger without hesitation...

The Lotus Temple... Whatever people may say about its milk-suckling, immortality-seeking eminent monks or its rabid dog of a Great Master, the disciples they produce genuinely strive to do good... The Lotus Temple clearly has its virtues...

Even Zhelu was stunned. The countless eyes covering his face all landed on Minghui, unable for a moment to decide whether this was admirable or absurd. Even more shocked was Mingxiang, the Lotus Temple Maha seated beside Minghui, whose broad face was frozen in disbelief.

Our Lotus Temple? Me?

What is junior brother doing?! Did I ever agree to this?

He had every reason to panic. This was no mere border skirmish but a formal war between the northern and southern states. There was no need to worry about pretexts or legitimacy. Both Immortal and Buddhist cultivators could openly join the conflict.

Ch'i was clearly planning to exploit the fact that the Great Song had yet to secure its footing. With Gongsun Bei bringing spirit treasures to the battlefield, the King of Wei would undoubtedly fight to the death. No one wanted to be bitten by the White Qilin. After all, even Nuxiao had failed to reincarnate!

To make matters worse, before they had set out, his own master had specifically instructed him to follow this junior brother's lead in all things. He could only force himself to remain composed as Zhelu, who likewise betrayed nothing on his face, narrowed his many eyes.

Zhelu said gravely, "Such wholehearted devotion from Great Master Minghui is truly rare. In that case, I'll have to trouble you, Great Master, to choose the personnel."

The moment those words were spoken, Daisi snapped out of his shock, a chill running through his heart. Sure enough, Minghui immediately said with a solemn expression, "Everything must still follow Liangli's instructions. Since this ultimately concerns the leading figure of the Emptiness Dao, I must ask Daisi to accompany us south."

Zhelu remained silent, merely turning his countless eyes toward Daisi. That single glance was enough for Daisi to understand everything, and his heart filled with venom, How vicious...

He just had to drag me into this... Fine... Fine! The Li Family and I are bitter enemies. If Li Zhouwei launches a counterattack, I'll be the first one he'll come after! I don't even know how I managed to offend that bastard!

But he had no way out. Grinding his teeth, he stepped down from his seat and bowed respectfully to his own Liangli. "I obey the holy decree!"

Minghui ignored Daisi's murderous glare and swept his gaze across the hall. Spotting several likely candidates among the assembled cultivators, he began calling them out one by one.

One was dressed entirely in crimson and rode a scarlet tiger. Another had a face covered in eyes. But all of them belonged to the Emptiness Dao. He kept naming them until even Zhelu's expression shifted slightly, only then stopping with a smile.

Minghui said, "My thanks to Liangli for granting my request!"

Zhelu smiled, deep wrinkles rippling across his face and bunching between his countless eyelids, making him look all the more terrifying.

He said coldly, "General Gongsun and his party have specifically brought the [Radiant Light Separate Rite Treasure Platform]. They're going to bring about that qilin's downfall. Now that Great Master Minghui is bringing so many men as well, if you still fail to suppress the qilin and bring back some of its bloodline, you'd best be prepared to answer to Dayang Mountain!"

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