Nanshan Monk slowly closed his eyes, unwilling to pay any attention to Tathagata.
Tathagata said, "Then let us speak of Taishang Laojun. Back then, he used the Investiture of the Gods War to enter the Saint Realm. You surely know how many people died in that war. And it was not merely those visible in the open—countless others died in secret as well.
"This Investiture of the Gods War never needed to happen. The conflict between the Shang Dynasty and the Zhou Dynasty was originally a matter of the mortal realm; the Three Pure Ones had no need to interfere.
"But they did interfere. Taking advantage of the transition between the two dynasties and waving the banner of acting on Heaven's behalf, they sought to use all cultivators in the Three Realms and this Investiture of the Gods War to achieve their goal of attaining the Dao and becoming Saints."
Nanshan Monk's brows rose slightly at these words, yet he still did not open his eyes.
"After the Investiture of the Gods War, Laojun entered the Saint Realm. Though the Three Realms have not been especially peaceful all these years, no major conflicts have occurred. That could still be considered a form of peace. If those of the Dao Sect could attain the Dao and become Saints through such a method, why could our Buddhist Sect not do the same?" Tathagata continued.
Nanshan Monk opened his eyes and gave Tathagata an indifferent glance. What Tathagata said made some sense, but Nanshan Monk still disagreed.
"Venerable Tathagata, since Spirit Mountain's Buddhist Sect is carrying out these deeds, why come persuade me? I will not cooperate with your Spirit Mountain Buddhist Sect," Nanshan Monk said flatly.
Tathagata said, "Venerable Nanshan, everything this poor monk does is for the Buddhist Sect and for