Buddhist Dao and Daoist Dao Clash, Xiao Chen Reaps the Benefits

Despite some minor misunderstandings at the beginning.

But none of that mattered. After a few brief pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.

Zen Master Jing Hua's goal for this trip was also very clear.

That is, they want to gain Xiao Chen's votes on several proposals.

This includes territory division, the Secret Realm Quota, Far Sea Threat, trade control, and more.

Since the Buddhist Sect community is outnumbered, they need to secure this neutral vote even more to push forward with these adjustments.

"These proposals are all for the stability and prosperity of the entire Ocean of the Compassion Sea."

Zen Master Jing Hua earnestly pleaded, "If these reforms can be implemented, they will undoubtedly benefit every cultivator, from top to bottom, and bring immense benefits to everyone."

"Furthermore, we will not let Layman Xiao help us for nothing."

"Before coming here, I brought some local specialties from the temple as a souvenir for Layman Xiao."

As he spoke, he waved his hand.

Immediately, a three-tiered gift box, about one foot and two inches tall, appeared on the ground between the two of them.

Xiao Chen glanced at it; its shape looked exactly like a lunchbox.

However, a red ribbon was tied around the outside, with a pretty knot at the top.

"Well, these are all very important matters, and they will involve many people in the future."

Xiao Chen didn't examine the gift, but instead politely declined, saying, "I think it's best if I don't participate, to avoid affecting the correct outcome due to a lack of understanding."

"Of course, I won't object; I'll let things take their natural course."

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Jing Hua immediately advised, "If Layman Xiao is not quite familiar with a certain proposal, I can actually explain it in detail again."

"Moreover, this kind of thing naturally requires adjustments based on opinions from all parties."

"If Layman Xiao is not in a hurry, we may discuss this point one by one in detail."

"As the saying goes, we should seek common ground while reserving differences. How about we set aside those potentially controversial proposals for now and focus on discussing some other proposals?"

Although Zen Master Jing Hua just gave a long list of proposals.

However, before he came, he had already considered that Xiao Chen might not fully support him.

Anticipating this is not difficult at all.

As long as we take into account the inherent differences between Buddhist Dao thought, the positions of the practitioners on both sides will naturally be different.

Considering that some sects may have already reached some agreements with Xiao Chen in private, Universal Salvation Temple should be too late.

It's not hard to guess that he will most likely refuse.

The reason why Zen Master Jing Hua Jinghua, knowing this, still revealed their proposal was because...

It was simply because they wanted to define a scope for discussion and then have a conversation with Xiao Chen within that scope.

As for the remaining proposals, more complex and comprehensive negotiations are needed to reach a compromise solution that involves mutual constraints and concessions.

Those things will be handled by Purified Dust Zen Master; he doesn't need to worry about them.

"Time isn't a problem, as long as it doesn't interfere with attending the conference this afternoon."

Xiao Chen nodded. "If we can discuss these proposals one by one, then I would really like to learn more about them."

"For example, regarding the extermination of the remaining Sea Race Great Demon."

"For example, establishing long-term and fixed collective trade channels to facilitate the exchange of goods and services."

In fact, Zen Master Jing Hua is quite right when he said that if some proposals can be passed, it will benefit everyone.

For example, the two points that Xiao Chen just mentioned are actually applicable to most cultivators.

In particular, trade can foster a mutually beneficial situation.

As the saying goes, cooperation benefits both sides; once approved, both parties, or even multiple parties, can benefit from the transaction.

This naturally includes Xiao Chen himself, which is why he was interested.

"Let's start with these two proposals."

Zen Master Jing Hua smiled slightly and immediately perked up.

In a negotiation, interest is the most important element.

If Xiao Chen is willing to discuss the details in depth, it means that the matter is already halfway done.

So Zen Master Jing Hua sorted out his thoughts and began to recount in detail the disputes over some historical sites, explaining the original intention and necessity of this proposal.

The two quickly reached a consensus on the matter of eliminating the remaining Sea Race Great Demon.

The gist of it is that the Human Race should join forces to establish a Intelligence Network specifically targeting the remaining Sea Race Great Demon within the Compassion Sea.

Thus, if it is discovered that Great Demon is lurking or committing evil in a certain place, it can be dealt with accordingly.

This allows for timely responses from designated personnel who can quickly verify the authenticity of intelligence and report concrete leads to the major sects.

Finally, one or more True Lord or Zen Master who volunteered to slay demons and eliminate evil spirits would step in to handle the matter.

"I think we should add a few more notice boards at the end."

Xiao Chen added, "It means marking out highly suspicious sea areas in certain fixed locations."

"This serves as a warning to nearby independent cultivators to stay away from sea areas where Great Demon may reside."

This also allows him to obtain useful clues as soon as he returns from the New Cultivation World and go hunting for spiritual materials.

Of course, there's no need to say this out loud; you understand it yourself.

Everything written into a proposal must be for everyone's benefit, or at least appear to be for everyone's benefit.

After Xiao Chen finished speaking, Zen Master Jing Hua immediately picked up his pen and added this suggestion for revision.

Anyway, adding a sign wouldn't be a big deal for them.

Following that, the two finalized the collective trading agreement.

The initial plan is to find a fixed island where representatives from various sects can periodically conduct transactions.

In addition, some Special Invitation Quota will be allocated to important individuals like Xiao Chen.

The number of Special Invitation Quota will be limited to a very small number in order to ensure the quality and efficiency of the transactions.

Then, the two also discussed the remaining proposals.

Xiao Chen still didn't want to get involved in topics like the Secret Realm Quota or the Far Sea Threat.

However, they also agreed to matters such as erecting a monument and investigating Human Race Traitor.

The talks between the two sides went relatively smoothly.

The only thing that surprised Xiao Chen was that Zen Master Jing Hua never mentioned the interests of Universal Salvation Temple from beginning to end.

He said all of this with good intentions.

A large portion of them actually stood on the side of the overall interests of the Compassion Sea Human Race.

The other group, while standing on the side of the sect, also considered the interests of other Great Powers, rather than just Universal Salvation Temple itself.

To the point that, by the end of the conversation, Xiao Chen felt that the other party was being a little too selfless.

Is that correct?

That's definitely not right!

Although Xiao Chen didn't know where the problem lay, there was one thing he was very clear about.

If these proposals were truly made with the public good in mind, then why would the other party bring them local specialties from the temple?

Unless the gift box on the ground actually contained something worthless.

However, Xiao Chen wasn't in a hurry to see it, since he had only promised good things anyway.

After chatting for a while longer and reaching a polite agreement, they saw Zen Master Jing Hua off.

He closed the door, placed the gift box on the table, and opened the top lid.

On the first floor, three bundles of Incense Sticks were neatly stacked in a triangular pattern.

"Huh? Is this really a local specialty? No, wait, this looks like Bodhi Nourishing Spirit Incense!"

Xiao Chen was taken aback at first, but then realized that the contents of the box were one of the three most famous man-made treasures of Universal Salvation Temple.

Besides the famous Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruit.

Universal Salvation Temple also has three other famous treasures: Bodhi Nourishing Spirit Incense, Azure Jade Lotus Seed, and the Arhat Demon Suppressing Banner for suppressing demons.

Although these things are all man-made, they are in no way inferior to naturally born Fourth-Order Spiritual Item.

It is even stronger than a typical low-grade fourth-order spiritual item.

"This gift box also has three layers, could it be that it contains these three items?"

With a thought, Xiao Chen began to actively recall the records of the three treasures of Universal Salvation Temple from the Ancient Books he had read before.

It is said that Bodhi Nourishing Spirit Incense is best used in Quiet Room. When lit, it can calm the mind and spirit of the practitioners in the room, greatly increasing their concentration.

Similar to Pill Fragrance, but with enhanced effects and wider applicability.

If used long-term, it can also slowly increase the Spiritual Sense Strength.

Azure Jade Lotus Seed can be used as ingredients for alchemy or eaten directly.

If consumed directly, it can increase the activity of the user's Divine Sense and true essence within three hours, primarily used to improve the speed of Law Technique Cultivation Speed.

Even in the absence of the Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruit, it can be used as a lesser substitute to assist the user in comprehending the Great Dao.

Of course, the latter effect is much, much worse; it's only better than nothing.

As for the final Arhat Demon Suppressing Banner, it was a powerful weapon developed in earlier years specifically to target demonic cultivators.

It is said to be able to effectively suppress demonic energy and some methods related to Blood Path.

However, with the decline of the demonic path, it is now basically useless, and its symbolic significance outweighs its practical significance.

Of course, no matter what, this is still a Fourth-Order Spirit Tool.

The so-called symbolic meaning is only relative to Nascent Soul True Lord already possess Custom Spirit Tool; they are certainly not as suitable or as useful as Custom Spirit Tool.

That's not to say it's just for show.

"Speaking of which, these things can actually be considered a kind of local specialty."

Xiao Chen chuckled immediately, "A fourth-tier specialty is still a specialty."

"And Universal Salvation Temple is quite generous, giving out three bundles of Incense Sticks on the first floor."

Keep in mind that this is equivalent to three Fourth-Order Spiritual Item. The total value of these three bundles of Incense Sticks alone is roughly equivalent to two Thousand Year Profound Crystal.

Not to mention there should be two more things below.

With a hint of anticipation, Xiao Chen reached out and opened the second layer. "Huh? Why is it a bottle?"

There was a celadon octagonal vase on the table, without any writing or symbolic patterns on it.

"Could I have guessed wrong?"

Xiao Chen picked up the bottle and gently pulled out the stopper. "Oh, it's a Spirit Storing Bottle then, it's alright."

He immediately spotted the bottle filled with Azure Jade Lotus Seed.

The reason they're bottled is probably because it allows for better storage.

Xiao Chen quickly counted the lotus seeds in the bottle using his Divine Sense; there were a total of thirty-six lotus seeds inside.

The value of a single piece of this stuff isn't actually very high, but the sheer quantity makes up for it.

Moreover, depending on the individual circumstances of different cultivators, its total value is approximately between three and four Thousand Year Profound Crystal.

It's relatively cheap if you only want to improve your Law Technique proficiency, and relatively expensive if you want to use it for alchemy.

"Well, if that's the case, I've done some calculations and I'm certain that this last layer contains a Demon Suppressing Banner."

Xiao Chen put away the Azure Jade Lotus Seed and pretended to make a hand seal. "Open!"

"Hey, no, where's my flag?"

The first two specialties have already arrived, but the third item is not the Arhat Demon Suppressing Banner that was listed alongside them.

Instead, it was a Green Shrimp Carapace that had been partially refined and was only about the length of a forearm.

There was also a small note written by Zen Master Jing Hua: "I have heard that Layman Xiao has recently been collecting spiritual materials from various sources to forge defensive Spirit Artifact."

"These are the Green Shrimp Carapace we obtained earlier. They've only undergone preliminary processing, but they should come in handy."

Actually, he originally wanted to give the Arhat Demon Suppressing Banner to complete the three-piece set.

However, Zen Master Jing Hua reconsidered.

Firstly, most cultivators no longer need demon suppression, so giving away too many would be a waste.

Secondly, since the decline of the demonic path, the Arhat Demon Suppressing Banner in Universal Salvation Temple have been produced very rarely, so it's better to keep them as souvenirs for our own family.

Based on Xiao Chen's intelligence about collecting defensive spiritual objects, he temporarily replaced it with Green Shrimp Carapace.

This led to the error in the prediction just now.

"I... this... is fine too, right?"

Xiao Chen wasn't picky; after all, Green Shrimp Carapace were valuable, and he could actually use them.

Besides, he was practically getting the spiritual items for free.

He'll take whatever they offer him.

Moreover, he was already very satisfied to have obtained so many Fourth-Order Spiritual Item for free this time, using the voting rights that everyone has.

Keep in mind that just four years ago, it would have been extremely difficult for Xiao Chen to obtain any of these items.

The kind that you can't buy even with Spirit Stone.

Now, however, we can simply wait for others to come to us.

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen was filled with emotion.

After briefly reviewing the past, he began to regulate his breathing while waiting for the afternoon conference to begin.

However, this noon felt exceptionally long compared to usual.

By You Hour, the sun in the distant sky had already approached the sea level.

Finally, a Golden Body Arhat respectfully knocked on the door, informing Xiao Chen to go to the Sea Gazing Tower to attend the second half of the Peace Conference.

It must be said that although the lunch break was a bit long, the results were exceptionally significant.

When Purified Dust Zen Master stood in the center again, there was a new stack of Amended Proposal in front of him, replacing the original four stacks of old proposals.

In terms of total numbers, about two-thirds of the proposals simply disappeared.

However, in terms of thickness, this stack of new proposals is taller than the four stacks of old proposals combined.

The reason is simple: many proposals were either for convenience or became part of the compromise, and were ultimately merged into one.

For example, the first proposal in the afternoon was quite interesting.

This involves three things: the reconstruction of Kasyapa Temple and Awakening Sea Temple, Esteem Truth Temple's purchase of the Spirit Vein of Small Prajna Temple.

Logically speaking, any one of these issues is quite complex and could easily lead to a long argument.

Now that all three things are mixed together, it's become many times more complicated.

However, when Purified Dust Zen Master Jingchen asked, "Next, please raise your hands if you oppose this Amended Proposal!"

Surprisingly, the room was quiet; not a single vote was cast against it.

It was subsequently passed smoothly with 25 votes in favor, becoming the first proposal to pass unanimously at this conference.

It can be said that this directly solved half of the most difficult issue of spheres of influence.

Subsequently, various amendments were passed with astonishingly high efficiency.

Although many proposals received one abstention and one dissenting vote during the voting process, this did not affect the overall progress of the proposals.

This stands in stark contrast to the difficult situation in the morning.

This left many Golden Core Disciple, who were not yet qualified to participate in the private negotiations, completely bewildered and dumbfounded.

Although some of the more astute disciples had guessed that a compromise might occur.

But when they actually saw it, they were still deeply shocked.

Establish a joint external Inspector mechanism and conduct Far Sea surveillance.

The major sects share samples of Demon Bloodline and some special species of Golden Core Sea Fish.

All major sects erected monuments of uniform specifications to commemorate the disciples who sacrificed their lives in the great war.

The Ink Barrier Sect, the Heavenly Dipper Sect, and the Azure Sea Immortal Sect will jointly take over the Three Leaf Islands and each occupy one-third of them.

With each proposal passed, it is entirely foreseeable that the overall situation in the Ocean of the Compassion Sea will undergo another dramatic change.

There are many details involved.

Xiao Chen also paid attention to some content that was directly related to himself.

For example, certain spiritual items could be open for trade, and regular Trade Fair could be held at fixed times and locations.

However, apart from the major sects being allowed to send one representative, others...

Other cultivators either receive joint invitations from three or more sects, or they can only bid for a limited number of spots in advance through an auction.

However, there is one special clause in the proposal.

It was stipulated that Xiao Chen was the only exception who could participate in every Trade Fair permanently without needing an invitation or a bidding quota.

This is actually slightly different from what we had agreed upon beforehand.

It's a good thing, so it's alright.

It is worth mentioning that Zhang Shouquan voted against the proposal.

He wasn't against Xiao Chen having permanent participation rights, but rather he wanted to know why he didn't.

Zen Master Jing Hua explained this by saying, "This special clause is not targeted at any one person, but applies to everyone."

"Any cultivator who can intervene to restrain a half-step Fifth-Tier Great Demon at a critical moment will automatically gain permanent participation rights."

"Currently, only Layman Xiao meets this requirement."

"If a similar situation occurs in the future, we will treat everyone equally and ensure absolute fairness and impartiality."

Um?

Zhang Shouquan felt he was being targeted.

For example, the major sects agreed to hold a joint large-scale auction, which was scheduled for a year later.

At the same time, the first batch of regular Trade Fair slots will also be sold during this auction.

For example, there are also proposals suggesting that all major sects should share the New Ruin.

All Fourth-Order Cultivator, including Xiao Chen, have the right to explore any New Ruin.

No matter where the ruins appear, the nearby sects can no longer join forces to stop them as they did before.

This rule also applies to all Fourth-Order Cultivator in the Compassion Sea in the future.

In addition, there are two other very interesting proposals.

The first point is that Lotus Flower Temple will establish Branch Academy at the original location of Bitter Silence Temple to continue its religious activities.

However, aside from occupying the island where the Fourth-Order Spirit Vein is located, they also...

The remaining Spirit Vein, Spirit Field, spiritual mines, etc., within the original territory of the Bitter Silence Temple will be allocated to different sects.

Simply put, everyone divided up the territory of Bitter Silence Temple.

The second option is for the major sects to jointly establish a separate new force to be responsible for eradicating the remaining Sea Race Great Demon.

This proposal also took the longest to vote on among the many proposals in the afternoon.

Many Daoist Sect True Lord at the meeting expressed their willingness to contribute manpower and resources to form Patrol Team to search for the Sea Race Great Demon.

Meanwhile, in order to carry out the encirclement and capture more effectively, it is hoped that Fourth-tier Grand Array can be set up on some uninhabited Desolate Island.

However, this idea was met with strong opposition from the Buddhist Sect.

What a joke! The final battle against the Sea Race broke out within the Buddhist Sect territory, and the remaining Sea Race Great Demon are mostly hiding within the Buddhist Sect lands.

If the Daoist Sect members were allowed in, they would set up many Fourth-tier Grand Array.

Then they couldn't help but wonder what the true purpose of these great formations was.

Even if it's for eliminating Great Demon now, what about later?

Tens of thousands of years later, if news suddenly comes out that traces of Great Demon have been discovered again, could the great formation be rebuilt?

In short, this loophole and this pretext must absolutely not be opened.

It was only during their argument that Xiao Chen suddenly understood what Zen Master Jing Hua's specialty meant.

It's probably for the sake of safety and peace of mind that they're making extra preparations.

In addition, there are several very special proposals.

The first point concerns the allocation of the various Secret Realm.

From now on, many previously unclaimed Secret Realm will have a fixed owner.

The Thirstblood Secret Realm in the south has been incorporated into the territory of Cloud Wave Sword Abode.

The Cangran Secret Realm, which Xiao Chen once visited, has become the exclusive property of the Azure Sea Immortal Sect.

The Guiyun Secret Realm, located on the border of Small Prajna Temple, will be supervised by Universal Salvation Temple.

It is worth mentioning that the Sandalwood Secret Realm originally occupied by the Bitter Silence Temple has become a public Secret Realm of the Compassion Sea.

When the future opens, all cultivators at the Golden Core Realm and Nascent Soul Realm in the entire Compassion Sea will be able to enter freely.

Next, the Buddhist Sect agreed to limit the number of times the World Crossing Convention could be held within a hundred years.

No more than twice, and ideally none at all.

To put it bluntly, for the time being, they are no longer allowed to poach employees like before.

In addition, there was the much-anticipated reckoning with those who betrayed the cause during the war.

The major sects agreed to exchange relevant intelligence and cross-verify which disciples within their sects had secretly defected to the Sea Race.

In addition, some cultivation Lineage will also be subject to rigorous scrutiny.

Most importantly, and what surprised Xiao Chen the most was...

Cloud Wave Sword Abode stated that they intend to liquidate the Jade Leaf Commerce Association!

The reason is simple: when the Sea Race arrived, they actually ran away to the Storm Sea.

Therefore, Treading Frost True Monarch suggested sealing off all properties related to the Jade Leaf Commerce Association within the entire Compassion Sea region.

Although considering that Withered Leaf True Monarch was also Fourth-Order Cultivator, it was best not to directly antagonize them.

But we should all unite and from now on, we do not welcome them back.

Ideally, the major sects should jointly support a new chamber of commerce to replace the original position of the Jade Leaf Commerce Association, and incidentally, it could also be responsible for the aforementioned trade in specialty products and spiritual items.

The key point is that all the major sects actually passed this proposal.

Moreover, apart from two abstentions, there were twenty-three votes in favor.

Tsk tsk tsk, it seems the Jade Leaf Commerce Association is not coming back.