Chapter 66: Chapter 51: Becoming a Disciple

Great Immortal Yang Li’s show of killing the chicken to warn the monkeys had a significant effect; even those with the most obstinate temperaments could not help but restrain themselves, lest they turn into an ice sculpture in the grand hall.

Lin Fang saw this and slightly furrowed his brow; the Cold Dragon in the hands of Great Immortal Yang Li indeed had some ferocity, and he wondered whether it was stronger or weaker than his own Samadhi True Fire.

Soon, smiles returned to everyone’s faces; after all, better that a fellow Taoist dies than a poor one, but deep inside they grew more fearful of the three State Preceptors’ strength, thus their words and deeds carried a trace of flattery.

This situation satisfied the three State Preceptors, who nodded with smug satisfaction, their vanity appeased by the scene before them.

As the banquet went on and the wine was poured for the third round, the State Preceptor put down his cup and lightly knocked on the table, causing everyone to become somber, knowing the main event was coming. The honor of the Chechi Kingdom’s State Preceptor, a man among Immortals, would not invite people to a banquet without reason; there must be a cause.

Many were nervous, clueless about what the three State Preceptors truly intended. If any ill will were born, wouldn’t they be like sheep walking into the tiger’s den?

As people sat uneasy, Great Immortal Hu Li stood up, holding his wine cup and said, "Everyone here is an elite of Chechi Kingdom, and you all surely know that three years ago, when Chechi experienced severe drought, His Majesty asked the monks to pray for rain but to no avail. It was us three who used our Divine Skills, bringing down Sweet Rain to relieve the common people of their disaster."

In the grand hall, many shouted loudly: "The three State Preceptors are merciful and possess vast Divine Skills, rescuing the common people from hardship. We shall all follow your lead."

Upon hearing this, Great Immortal Hu Li showed a pleased expression and continued, "We are the true cultivators of the Daoist Sect; how could we sit by and watch the mortal world suffer, like those monks who fish for fame, speaking of compassion yet committing acts of cruelty?"

His words were filled with disdain for the Buddhist Sect. The statement prompted many nods of agreement, especially since the events of the past were well-known: the Buddhist Sect had enjoyed the Chechi Kingdom’s offerings for years but ultimately failed even to bring rain, instead urging people to give more money for temple offerings, which annoyed many.

"From this perspective, the Buddhist Sect is truly the greatest scourge of the world, and that’s why we suppress them," he said.

"However, to my knowledge, there are those within the Buddhist Sect who still harbor treacherous ambitions, intending to continue their preachings in Chechi Kingdom. What do you all think?" Great Immortal Hu Li asked with a smile, though a sharp glint flickered through his eyes.

This was the moment of truth; Great Immortal Hu Li was compelling everyone in Chechi to take a stand, to unite against the Buddhists.

But upon hearing this, those present heaved a sigh of relief. After all, with the Buddhist Sect already declining in Chechi Kingdom and considering the rain-seeking incident three years prior, no one had a good impression of them, and most importantly, it didn’t concern them personally.

Thus, one after another spoke passionately, expressing their willingness to join in support of the three State Preceptors in driving out the Buddhist Sect.

Seeing this, Great Immortal Hu Li’s face showed a satisfied grin, and he discreetly nodded to his two brothers.

"Ha-ha! Since everyone is so eager, as the National Master, I accept your kindness. Servants, bring the item here," commanded Great Immortal Hu Li.

A young Taoist immediately came forward with a large cup of strong wine. Pointing to the cup, Great Immortal Hu Li said with a smile, "Since everyone is of the same mind, let us take a blood oath today. Witnessed by the Three Pure Ones, together we’ll expel the Buddhist Sect."

As these words were uttered, some faces subtly changed color; after all, they were not ordinary mortals and knew many secret affairs. Swearing an oath to the Three Pure Ones was no trivial matter. If one were to break such a vow, who knew what might happen. Yet, thinking of the Buddhist Sect in the Chechi Kingdom, which was only a minor force, they believed it was not powerful enough to cause them any trouble within the territory of the Chechi Kingdom.

Thus, one by one, they stepped forward to swear a Blood Covenant, while only Lin Fang and his group remained unmoved, standing to the side as silent observers.

"Does this Fellow Taoist not wish to join in this grand occasion?" Great Immortal Lu Li said with a sinister tone.

"The State Preceptor should not put it that way. I am but a wanderer and only stopping in the Chechi Kingdom temporarily. Soon, I will continue my travels. Regarding this Blood Covenant, it’s truly beyond my capability," Lin Fang replied indifferently.

Great Immortal Lu Li snorted coldly but took no action because Lin Fang’s words had been very clear; he was not a citizen of the Chechi Kingdom and certainly knew the true colors of the Buddhist Sect. How could he willingly join their ranks?

Great Immortal Hu Li, too, feared that Lin Fang would disclose the true nature of the Buddhist Sect, so he quickly stepped in to mediate, "Since he is not one of us from the Chechi Kingdom, it is indeed difficult to demand that he take the oath. After all, our agreement was intended for those within the borders of the Chechi Kingdom."

Lin Fang smiled and nodded his head, but inwardly he was shocked by the audacity of these three individuals. They were clearly determined to take on the Buddhist Sect head-on. If they didn’t perish, where would the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of Mount Ling put their faces?

Dragging the people of this nation to confront the Buddhist Sect, Lin Fang estimated that there would be quite a spectacle to witness when the Buddhist Sect began to encroach upon the Chechi Kingdom. By then, these people would likely regret their decision so much they’d wish they could tear out their hearts.

As the last person in the hall dripped their blood, Great Immortal Hu Li revealed a sincere smile and said, "From now on, all of you are our fellow practitioners. Should you encounter any difficulties, you can come to the National Master Mansion and seek the assistance of us three brothers; we will undoubtedly help with all our might."

It was then that the crowd allowed joyful smiles to spread across their faces—this benefit was not bad at all. Many people were already contemplating how to make their requests, as the State Preceptor had rightly said, from now on, they were all fellows on the same path.

The atmosphere thus became even more enthusiastic, and both host and guests were in high spirits.

Lin Fang calmly observed the posture of these people, but inwardly he sighed. Indeed, this world’s craving for greed could never be satisfied. The congregation in the hall was now thoroughly embroiled in the plot, and there would come a time for their regret.

However, upon reflection, he considered how none of this concerned him. Moreover, he was not fond of the Buddhist Sect, so seeing someone causing them trouble was comforting to him.

"Now that the oath is established, I hope all Fellow Taoists will witness the discipleship ceremony of us brothers," Great Immortal Hu Li said with a loud laugh.

The crowd agreed enthusiastically, even the Little Fox and others who had eaten so much they could hardly walk showed curiosity in their eyes. A discipleship ceremony was something they had never seen before.

Servants waiting outside came in to clear away the leftover food. A red carpet was spread on the floor, and the audience took their seats on either side. The clear sound of a bell rang out, and a line of young individuals, looking very nervous, entered from outside the hall. They were the main characters of this discipleship ceremony.

Instantly, the atmosphere in the hall turned solemn. After all, the matter of accepting disciples was considered a significant event in the current era. Once the relationship between master and disciple was established, it would mean shared honor or shared disgrace.

But since most were unaware of the affairs of the Buddhist Sect, they all cast envious glances at the naive youths before them. To be accepted as a disciple by the current State Preceptor was like a carp leaping through the dragon gate—after that, one’s life would undergo a transformative change, ascending to great heights. If not for the age requirement for becoming a disciple, many seated there would have been eager to become one of the novices.