Infinite Professions
Chapter 413 - 213: Advance or Retreat (2)
The words were compassionate, the Buddhist incantations proclaimed loudly, yet they carried a sense of coercion.
"Then come!"
However, unexpectedly, the opponent reacted fiercely, closing a folding fan like a sword striking the table: "See if the sword in my hand is sharp!"
A single sentence stood in opposition, leading to tension and confrontation.
Above the great hall, the gods were even more attentive, looking toward Shen Hex.
This newly appointed Punishment Judge was exceptionally firm?
It was already known that he had previously raised storms, manipulated the millions of Qinghe and Huangshan citizens, and confronted the State Mansion to seize authority, but unexpectedly, even after advancing to True God, his manner remained unchanged.
It must be noted that the Venerables present, even the lowest, were Sixth Grade True Gods like Venerable Red Lotus. The Venerable Fushan, who claimed to be the Dharma Protector for the Red Lotus Daoist line, was a Fifth Grade True God. Not to mention Huide, the Fourth-Grade Arhat...
In such a lineup, he, a newly promoted Sixth-Grade Punishment Department Magistrate, dared to oppose daringly and even resort to weapons?
Was it confidence, arrogance, or was someone supporting him from behind?
The gods’ thoughts shifted, moving their gaze to the high-seated Jinyang Prefect.
But they saw that this Divine Monarch also furrowed his brows, looking beneath with surprise and doubt.
Was it not on the Prefect’s instruction?
The gods’ eyes narrowed, their hearts even more astonished.
"Amitabha Buddha!"
Amidst this intrigue, the Fifth Grade Venerable recited another Buddhist phrase: "Since Song Judge insists, this humble monk shall learn the sharpness of Judge Song’s sword artifact. If I luckily win, I hope Judge Song will cease fighting and free the Red Lotus monks, restoring tranquility to the Buddhist Sect!"
"Fushan!"
Upon hearing these words, Shen Hex remained silent, but a voice did sound, from a Confucian sage: "Judge Song has a Sixth Grade official position, and you are a Fifth Grade Arhat. How can you bully the weaker?"
"Correct!"
Perhaps to reciprocate the favor, acknowledging the breaking of the Red Lotus Temple, another Confucian sage spoke: "The contest, even if won, would be hard to convince the public!"
"Indeed dishonorable!"
However, Venerable Fushan’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes calmly fixed on Shen Hex: "But Judge Song insists on continuing the fight. To protect the Buddhist Sect lineage, this humble monk will have to be the antagonist."
The words remained calm, yet revealed determination to persist despite losing face, determined to safeguard the Red Lotus Temple’s lineage and the incense offerings of tens of thousands of virtuous believers.
"Bloodshed and oppression, like a tiger using marauders, the Sect has lost its virtue to this extent, and still hopes for the uninterrupted transmission of the teachings?"
Witnessing this, Shen Hex was also decisive: "No need for more words, let’s go outside for a challenge. Let’s see what you can do, daring to hide the truth and reverse black and white!"
With that said, he took a step to leave.
"You...!"
Seeing him act this way, even Venerable Fushan was momentarily halted.
He never expected Song Xiang to dare confront him to such an extent.
Only a new Sixth Grade, after all!
What was backing him?
No, although newly appointed to Sixth Grade, being able to single-handedly turn the tables and kill Venerable Red Lotus, also Sixth Grade, in the Red Lotus Realm showed his strength wasn’t weaker than Fifth Grade.
So, he did indeed have reliance?
Thinking of this, Venerable Fushan hesitated.
Unable to bluff, would they really have to fight?
Fight if he could, but if unable or defeated, how would the matter conclude?
They couldn’t all charge together, nor could Huide, the Fourth-Grade Arhat, personally intervene.
That Jinyang Prefect wasn’t deceased; Song Xiang was at least his Punishment Department Merit Officer from the City God’s Mansion. Despite whatever deep-seated conflict there might be, the Prefect wouldn’t allow such conduct.
Not in public, anyway!
So...
Venerable Fushan sat in a quandary.
Beneath the great hall, Zhu Xiaolian appeared bewildered.
As a mortal, he couldn’t clearly see the faces of those divine beings, nor understand the interests behind the Divine Dao Official Body and Three Religions Daoist Lineage.
But through the thunderous words above, he could tell these divine beings were fiercely contending for something, disclosing an ugly side akin to market shrews and lowly thugs.
Were these the divine beings?
What were they fighting for?
What should he do?
As Zhu Xiaolian stumbled in thought...
"Amitabha Buddha, Judge Song, stay your steps!"
A Buddhist chant rang out, Huide stepping forward, halting Shen Hex’s actions.
Shen Hex turned his gaze: "Venerable, what is your intent?"
"Amitabha Buddha, all wrong in the matter rests with that Red Lotus scoundrel. Judge Song’s desire to eradicate evil thoroughly is only right."
Huide sighed and took a step back to advance: "The Red Lotus committed sins before, and Song judged its Daoist lineage and teachings. We should not interfere. But Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, the Three Religions, and the Hundred Schools have a long tradition and broad influences. Who can assure that no mistakes are made? If we cut off the teachings because of one person’s sin, that should not be the case. What does Song Judge think?"
Shen Hex’s expression remained unchanged, not responding to this remark: "By that token, does the Venerable also want to negotiate with Song Xiang?"
"No, not at all!"
Huide shook his head, offering a different proposal: "Yin and Yang are distinct, and actions are determined by people. We Yin Spirits should not interfere, so why not let the mortal world decide whether the Red Lotus teachings persist or not?"
"Oh?"
Shen Hex showed interest: "What does the Venerable mean?"
Huide remained calm, turned to Li Mubai: "The Red Lotus committed killing and harming lives, and the evidence is conclusive. Magistrate Li can declare this to the people to ease their minds. If the people’s hearts harbor resentment, causing them to abandon the Buddhist Sect and even destroy the Red Lotus Temple, then it is the cycle of cause and effect, and we have no complaints. But..."
Switching his focus to Shen Hex: "If the people’s hearts understand and still believe in our Buddhist teachings, then please, Song Judge, don’t make it difficult. Allow the Red Lotus teachings to be continued, granting the people to offer worship, how about it?"
"This..."
Upon these words, the gods in the hall were astonished.
Although Huide was taking a step back to advance, it was quite risky.
Indeed, the Red Lotus Temple has been inherited for a millennium, and the Buddhist Sect’s belief is deeply rooted. If this matter is decided by the people, even if Li Mubai were to spread the word about the Hell Map, it would be difficult to shake the faith of the tens of thousands around the Red Lotus Temple, ultimately preserving the Daoist lineage of the temple.
But this relies on Song Clan and Li Mubai not interfering excessively.
After all, people’s hearts are like iron, and official law resembles a furnace.
If the Song Clan and Li Mubai use strong authority to intervene harshly, prohibiting the inhabitants near the Red Lotus Temple from continuing to believe, then under the ruthless official law, the faith cultivated over a thousand years by the Red Lotus Temple may not be able to withstand it.
So, Huide’s action carried a certain risk.
But it was already the only possible course.
Are we really going to meet the conflict with swords and spears?
This time, the Buddhist Sect was already in the wrong, and if they continue to be tough, even resorting to arms, then the Lord of Jinyang Prefecture will surely intervene, bringing both parties into a grand battle, and how will it end?
Would it not be mutual destruction?
This kind of approach is unwise and not worth the loss.
So, Huide would rather risk concession, as this is the sole concession. If Shen Hex remains unyielding, they will have to engage in armed conflict.
After all, the matter concerns Daoist lineage and teachings, and cannot be easily relinquished!
"Master Hui!?"
The gods found it appropriate, except the Buddhist Sect lords who were uneasy, and Venerable Fushan voiced anxiously.
"No need for more words!"
Huide silenced him with an utterance, then turned to Shen Hex: "What does Song Judge think?"
"The Venerable speaks logically!"
Shen Hex smiled, kindly agreeing: "Let’s proceed according to this method."
"Amitabha Buddha, Song Judge is merciful!"
Huide clasped his hands, then turned to Li Mubai: "Magistrate Li is of the mortal world, us monks cannot interfere overly. I only hope the magistrate abides by worldly laws, avoids rashly wielding weapons and harming the people, how about it?"
"The Venerable’s words, Mubai will keep in mind!"
Li Mubai bowed and then spoke: "However, to show the merit of Song Shenjun, breaking the evil domain of the Red Lotus Demon Monk, I have ordered the creation of a statue of the Divine Monarch, to be enshrined within the temple, and plan to convert the Red Lotus Temple into the Divine Judgment Temple. Doing this should not violate the Venerable’s words, right?"
"You...!"
Upon hearing this, the Buddhist Sect lords showed anger in their eyes, and Venerable Fushan was even more furious, shouting sternly: "Building temples for worship also follows the Court’s laws, how can a mere Sixth-Grade Magistrate act beyond his authority, blatantly defying the law!"
"Whether it exceeds authority or acts beyond control, there are worldly laws!"
Yet Li Mubai was not afraid at all: "The Venerable should not interfere excessively!"
"You...!!!"
Venerable Fushan gritted his teeth, with eyes seeming to emit Buddhist fury, yet unable to act.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The gods witnessed this, speechless, watching Li Mubai act unscrupulously, then turned to look at Shen Hex standing with his hands behind, holding only one thought.
Such cunning, such strategic depth!
Although Li Mubai shined brightly, everyone knew a mere mortal was insignificant.
All of this was his handiwork, all his arrangement!
Troops deployed against the Red Lotus, execute first then report.
Replacing them, striking from the root.
Did he foresee the Buddhist Sect would make this step of concession, and thus directed Li Mubai to prepare such a plan?
What a Song Xiang, Song Boyu!
Who was the one with such talent, placing such a person in this position?
Isn’t this bringing discomfort to all?