This Martial Saint's Health Bar is Too Thick!-Chapter 443 - 6: The Struggle Between Buddhism and Taoism_2

Chapter 443 -6: The Struggle Between Buddhism and Taoism_2

“Since he is your friend, Your Highness, please invite Master Hui Kong up the mountain.”

Qingxu True Monarch said expressionlessly.

At the moment Hui Kong Arhat had spoken, he was still at the foot of Daluo Peak, his voice having traveled directly from the base to the summit!

After Qingxu True Monarch spoke, someone quickly went down the mountain to invite Hui Kong Arhat up.

The Great Hall fell silent once again.

Ten minutes later, footsteps were heard outside the hall.

This ‘Great Arhat’ from Pudu Temple ascended the mountain at a speed not at all inferior to that of a Martial Artist.

Soon, a middle-aged monk dressed in red robes stepped into the Great Hall.

“Amitabha, this humble monk Hui Kong greets the Crown Prince, Qingxu True Monarch, and all present.”

Hui Kong Arhat pressed his palms together and saluted the people there in turn.

Faced with a ‘Great Arhat’ equivalent to a Great Grandmaster, the attendees did not dare to neglect him and paid their respects in return.

“Master, you must be tired from your long journey.”

The Crown Prince spoke while standing up, walking out from behind the main table to personally greet Hui Kong Arhat, then pulling him to sit to his left.

“True Monarch.”

Once seated, the Crown Prince looked towards Qingxu True Monarch, “The original intention of my father the Emperor in holding this Martial Arts exchange competition was to allow the students of the Wuda Zhi Ge Department and the top Martial Arts Sects in the world to learn from each other, to gain experience, and to test the teaching results of various universities.

Pudu Temple, with a thousand years of heritage, the longest-standing Sect in the world, and the sacred land of the Buddhist faith, is a first-rate Martial Arts faction. If we could get Pudu Temple to join the Martial Arts exchange competition, I feel it would add great prestige to the event.”

Upon hearing this, several people from Daluo Sect at the main table changed their expressions.

“Your Highness?”

Xuan Chen True Master was visibly surprised as he looked towards the Crown Prince, apparently also just learning of this news.

The dispute between Buddhist and Taoist had a long history and had been ongoing for hundreds of years!

Before the rise of the Da Lan Dynasty, it had always been the Buddhists suppressing the Taoists, until the consolidation of the Eastern Continent under the Da Lan Dynasty when Taoists began to hold their heads high.

Over a hundred years ago, Emperor Wencheng even intended to eradicate Buddhism! frёewebnoѵēl.com

At that time, Pudu Temple surrendered many of their Secret Manuals to the court and offered countless treasures, which stopped the crisis of eradication.

But since then, the number of Buddhist temples has been restricted to a hundred and eight, and their influence plummeted to the bottom.

In the past hundred years, the Taoist faith became the prominent school, its influence manifesting in many areas, such as the title ‘Tao Power’.

The renowned pinnacle figures, known as ‘One Peak, Three Demons, Five True Monarchs, Seven Martial Saints,’ there aren’t actually five Taoist True Monarchs among them.

The truth is: four True Monarchs, one Buddha.

This Buddha was none other than the abbot of Pudu Temple, also the highest achiever in Magic Dao, but he was referred to as ‘True Monarch’ by the world.

This shows to what extent the Taoists had suppressed the Buddhists, that even a contemporary Buddha did not receive the respect he deserved!

Even under these circumstances, Pudu Temple still possessed some of the most supreme power in the world.

Aside from the abbot being the highest achiever in Magic Dao, Pudu Temple also had two Martial Saints among men!

Just in terms of top-tier Combat Power, not even Daluo Sect could compare with Pudu Temple.

If we talk about overall strength, it would take all three Taoist Sects combined to have a stable advantage over Pudu Temple.

So when the Crown Prince said that having Pudu Temple join the Martial Arts exchange competition would greatly enhance the event,

There was no exaggeration at all!

However, having suppressed Buddhism for so many years, how could the Taoists afford to give their opponents a chance to rise?

Down below, Li Fei and Ke Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing a look of helplessness in each other’s eyes.

Li Fei originally thought he was only facing an internal struggle within the Taoist camp, perhaps including the power struggle at court, but never imagined it would also involve the conflict between Buddha and Dao.

He did not know whether Principal Shi sending him on this ‘errand’ was right or wrong…

“Regarding allowing Pudu Temple to join this Martial Arts exchange competition, does this come from Your Majesty’s decree, or is it Your Highness’s own suggestion?”

Qingxu True Monarch paused for a moment before asking.

The Crown Prince’s smile remained on his face, “Father the Emperor did not decree it; it is merely my own proposal.”

“I see.”

Qingxu True Monarch nodded, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince said, “It is my duty to alleviate Father’s worries.”

Qingxu True Monarch said calmly, “It’s just that this Martial Arts exchange competition was originally specified by His Majesty for my Taoist Three Sects and all universities to attend together. If we were to rashly include other Sects, it might not be appropriate. If Your Highness wishes Pudu Temple to join, perhaps it would be better to wait for the next event so that His Majesty may issue a clear decree.”

The first two matters, he could agree to the opposition.

But this matter, he could not!

The Crown Prince’s smile remained unchanged as he said, “True Monarch, since the exchange competition involves the Taoist Three Sects and all participating universities, it’s hardly enough if only your Daluo Sect opposes. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to also listen to the opinions of the other participants?”

This was a call for all the university representatives present to state their stance!

Li Fei inwardly applauded the Crown Prince’s shrewdness.

First, divide the Taoist sects internally, then introduce Buddhism, and finally force everyone to declare their positions on the spot.

If it weren’t for the Upper Pure Sect’s betrayal, Qingxu True Monarch could have simply represented the Taoist sects and rejected the Crown Prince’s proposal.

After all, if the Taoist sects didn’t participate, how could the Martial Arts exchange competition proceed?

The Crown Prince would not be able to push this through forcefully.

But the opposition began by winning over the Upper Pure Sect, granting them the right to host.

Thus, even if Qingxu True Monarch wanted to refuse, the competition would still go on without the Daluo Sect, but with the Upper Pure Sect, keeping the Taoist presence intact!

Moreover, if the Daluo Sect chose to withdraw proactively, it would play right into the Upper Pure Sect’s hands, possibly severing Daluo Sect’s ties with future competitions.

As for the Upper Pure Sect, even if they were unaware that the Crown Prince would eventually involve Buddhism, how could they abandon the Crown Prince’s ship after having publicly turned against Daluo Sect and secured the hosting rights?

They would have to grit their teeth and follow through!

Lastly, regarding the university representatives present, Li Fei believed that the Crown Prince had certainly communicated with some beforehand, securing their ‘votes’ in advance.

And so, he silently cheered for the Crown Prince.

Such tactics and strategies were no wonder he maintained his position as the heir in the Eastern Palace!

“The first competition was held at Wu’an University. Perhaps we should first hear Wu’an University’s views on this matter. Who is leading Wu’an University’s team this time?”

The Crown Prince suddenly spoke up from the main table.

Li Fei: “…”

He had been silently cheering for the Crown Prince when, all of a sudden, the spotlight turned onto him.

“As the junior Li Fei, I am the leader of the Wu’an University team this time. I have seen Your Highness.”

Li Fei stood up and paid his respects to the Crown Prince.

“Li Fei?”

The Crown Prince showed an interested expression, “I’ve heard of you! The fastest breakthrough in history; truly remarkable!”

Li Fei responded respectfully and humbly, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your praise.”

The Crown Prince looked at him, “So, tell us your thoughts then. What does Wu’an University think about Pudu Temple’s inclusion in the Martial Arts exchange competition?”

For a moment, everyone’s gaze concentrated on Li Fei.

Ke Yan, standing by his side, could not help but feel nervous for Li Fei.

To be a target at such a moment, whether to refuse or agree, would offend one party!

Li Fei raised his head and looked directly at the Crown Prince with sincerity,

“Your Highness, I am currently just a student at Wuda, and it is only because Principal Shi favored me that I am the team leader for this event. But this matter is of great importance, and as a mere student, I dare not represent Wuda in expressing any opinion. I ask for Your Highness’s understanding.”

He chose to ‘abstain’.

Sometimes taking a neutral stance could potentially offend both parties, but Li Fei thought that his reason for abstaining would likely be understood.

Moreover, under such circumstances, he truly could not represent Wuda and arbitrarily voice any opinion.

The Crown Prince scrutinized Li Fei carefully.

He had originally thought that such a record-breaking prodigy would surely be arrogant and overbearing, like an unsheathed sword.

But Li Fei appeared upright and composed, his demeanor neither arrogant nor restless, and his expression sincere.

At first glance, he was an honest, sensible young man who did not like to cause trouble.

Thus, the Crown Prince’s face broke into a smile,

“Well then, it is indeed unfair to put you in this position. Please sit down.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

The ‘honest and unobtrusive’ Li, once again, took his seat.

…

There will be another chapter tonight, seeking monthly tickets