Taiyi Dao Fruit

Buddha Light descended from the sky, revealing a figure within it. A wise flame blossomed, expanding into a circular halo hanging behind the figure.

He wore a white robe adorned with red patterns, embellished with the seven treasures of Buddhism. A swastika imprint marked his collar, and he wore a red gold crown, his light-colored hair tied back. His noble, majestic countenance complemented by his handsome face exuded an imposing demeanor that commanded respect without anger.

"Daoist Master Guang Cheng."

He greeted Daoist Guang Cheng with a bow.

Daoist Guang Cheng also performed a bow and said, "Manjusri Bodhisattva."

This figure, appearing young but possessing an extraordinary demeanor, was indeed the Manjusri Bodhisattva from Buddha Country. Moreover, he had not arrived in his Dharma Manifestation but in his true body.

The two greeted each other like ordinary friends, without causing much of a stir.

Manjusri stood at the forefront, with the Arhats and the Wind Stabilizing Pearl not far behind. With an indifferent expression, he said, "Daoist Master, will you not make a move? If you were to act, I would not obstruct you, nor would I criticize you for using a Second Grade power against a group of fifth-rank."

"Then you could directly break free from the bindings of your great vow, couldn't you?" Daoist Guang Cheng spoke in a deep voice.

Although the unspoken rules among the Second Grade dictated that they should not act rashly, it wasn't to the extent of completely restricting them; these rules were mainly relevant for those aiming to advance to the First Grade.

Were it not for Manjusri's great vow, Daoist Guang Cheng might have really attacked to seize the Wind Stabilizing Pearl, at most sparing these Arhats' lives.

Unfortunately, he could not do so.

Manjusri's vow included not attacking Yin Tulong and Shen Hou, and Daoist Guang Cheng belonged to the same sect as these two. Should he act against someone from Buddha Country, it would likely give Manjusri the breakthrough needed to escape his vow.

Then, there would be no need to wait for a month, and Buddha Country could act immediately.

"Daoist Master knows me well."

Manjusri smiled and said, "There's a saying that the initial effort is the strongest, and then it diminishes. Jiang Shizhu has crossed two tribulations, definitely at some cost, but he has also built up significant momentum. However, this momentum has now been disrupted by the Wind Stabilizing Pearl, and he is halted before the Three Calamities, his edge lost. If my Buddha Country were to act now, Jiang Shizhu's chances of crossing the tribulation would be slim."

"If I were the Daoist Master, I might consider returning first to help Jiang Shizhu heal. Perhaps by the time the month is up, he could recover his Essence Qi and face both the Heavenly and Human Tribulation together."

"So calculating!" Daoist Guang Cheng scoffed, his glance sweeping over Manjusri and the Arhats, "I am curious what sort of price the Jiang Family paid to make Buddha Country pursue Fellow Daoist Jiang so relentlessly. Or did you, Manjusri, suffer a minor setback and have decided, regardless of the cost, to get even?"

It is known that Buddha Country's main focus is still propagation, and they are not yet directly confronting Jiang Li.

Jiang Li and Tianxuan's main enemy is the Taiping Sect, not Buddha Country.

What could possibly motivate Manjusri to relentlessly pursue Jiang Li? Was it because he was previously outmaneuvered? Or did the Jiang Family offer something significant?

If it's the former, that's still manageable, but if it's the latter... the people of Jiang Family within the Yuxu Temple might really be separating from their sect.

"Ha! I cannot say, cannot say," Manjusri laughed heartily, feigning mystery and hinting, "Instead of worrying about what ties Buddha Country has with the Jiang Family, perhaps consider, being so closely associated with Jiang Li from Jiang's branch family, whether some of your fellow sect members might start having doubts."

Avoiding the crucial issue and instead hinting at problems within the Yuxu Temple.

It seemed like an attempt to cover up for the Jiang Family and cause confusion, or to let Daoist Guang Cheng believe this was a manipulative tactic and therefore not take action against the Jiang people within Yuxu Temple.

A mixture of truths and non-truths, yet rather plain to see, revealing two possible intentions.

But Manjusri intended for it to be seen that way.

Which of these two opposing possibilities was true and which was false?

This question would undoubtedly occupy a lot of minds.

Regarding this, Daoist Guang Cheng's eyes were as sharp as a sword as he decisively said, "If the Jiang Family truly intends to be an enemy of Yuxu Temple, I shall ensure they understand the severe consequences."

As there were suspicions of the Jiang Family colluding with Buddha Country, Daoist Guang Cheng took on the stance of making a deal with Jiang Li.

If the Jiang Family truly sided with Buddha Country and also caused trouble within the ranks of Yuxu Temple... then Daoist Guang Cheng might have to shift his and Jiang Li's longstanding connection onto the defectors, making them understand the cost.

Ordinarily, Yuxu Temple would not involve itself in the internal strife of the Jiang Family, but if one party becomes an enemy of the temple, the situation would change.

Though in theory the Jiang Family should not be so foolish, in reality, who can truly understand what schemes they harbor?

With a piercing glance at Manjusri, Daoist Guang Cheng soared upward in a golden light, streaking across the sky.

Watching the golden light return to Yuxu Peak and then casting a glance at the unfading flames on the snowy peak, Manjusri also retracted his smile and landed on the ground.

At that moment, the wind and snow ceased, and the golden Buddha Light illuminated the snowy plains. The Nine Lord Arhats sat in a circular formation in their Dharma Forms, their true bodies facing them. In the center among the Arhats, Hui Lun also manifested his Dharma Form, his Qi connecting with the other Arhats, collectively activating the Wind Stabilizing Pearl to calm the winds for thousands of miles around.

Seeing Manjusri land, the gathering of Arhats greeted him, while Hui Lun, somewhat regretfully, said, "It's a pity that we couldn't provoke Daoist Guang Cheng into taking action..."