Even with the stature of a Sage, he did not dare show the slightest arrogance. Who did not know that this decisive, ruthless Sage could shatter a starfield in a fit of rage? Should he carelessly touch his reverse scale, it would not merely shake the foundations of the Buddhist sect—he might even forever lose the chance to spread the Dao in the Eastern Lands. Even if the Heavenly Dao itself descended, it would be hard to undo.
"Mm. Sit."
"Thank you, Sage."
Zhunti sat as instructed, raised his eyes toward Su Yang, and said, "Reporting to the Sage, Zhunti has come this time with a matter for which I humbly seek the Sage's approval."
"Do you wish to send someone from the Buddhist sect to take charge of the Netherworld Underworld, paving the way for spreading the Dharma in the Eastern Lands later on?"
Su Yang's words came like lightning, without delay, utterly disregarding the flicker of shock in Zhunti's eyes. Casually taking up a blue porcelain firewood-patterned cup, he poured a cup of tea and handed it over. He himself took a light sip. The tea's fragrance was crisp and pure, and a clear current spread from the tip of his tongue through every limb and bone, leaving his entire body at ease.
Zhunti hurriedly thanked him, then probed, "May I dare to ask the Sage's intent...?"
"It can be done. But—"
Zhunti's heart warmed, only to hear the turn in his words. He promptly became solemn. "Please enlighten me, Sage."
"Though your Buddhist sect is an offshoot, it has received the Heavenly Dao's investiture. In the future, persuading good and guiding the lost will also earn merit. Yet you must remember this: spreading the Dao is permitted; suppressing the Dao is not. So long as the Daoist