However

Those were the foundation upon which the Merit Pool was built—things even more precious and fundamental than the Merit Divine Water itself! Every single piece was worth a fortune!

A thought of "better shattered jade than intact tile" silently slithered into Lin Zhu's mind like a venomous snake.

His expression instantly changed into one of utmost "gravity," "tragic resolve," and even a trace of "reluctance" and "pain." Facing Akshobhya Buddha, he spoke in a mournful voice.

"Fellow Daoist Akshobhya, there is something this humble monk has considered again and again, yet must bring up."

Seeing him so serious, Akshobhya Buddha hurriedly replied.

"Please speak, Fellow Daoist."

Lin Zhu pointed at the Merit Pool, then toward the outside, his tone filled with "helplessness" and "resolve."

"The Dragon Clan is savage and violent. This attack is likely not merely meant as punishment; they may intend to destroy the foundations of our Western Heaven! If they truly breach the defenses and enter this place... the Sacred Water of Merit filling this pool, as well as the Spirit Source Agate at its bottom that sustains it... will surely fall into the Dragon Clan's hands!

"When that happens, not only will their strength increase tremendously, but they will use it to humiliate our Western Heaven. They may even use these resources to cultivate more powerful enemies of our Buddhist Sect!"

He took a deep breath, as though he had reached an immensely difficult decision, and his gaze became incomparably "firm."

"Rather than let these precious riches accumulated by the Western Heaven over countless years fall into our enemies' hands and become provisions for their evil... it would be better... to destroy them in advance! Or... take them away ourselves!"

"What?! Destroy them?! Take away the Spirit Source Agate?!"

Akshobhya Buddha cried out in shock, his