Seeing that he had not interrupted, Zen Master Mingjing knew there was still room to negotiate. He continued transmitting his voice:
"To keep the Buddha's Son's ninth life free from disturbance, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sacred Land cannot reveal more for now."
"Once he achieves perfection, if you are willing, master and disciple could reminisce together and discuss the Great Dao anew. Would that not be a fine thing?"
"After all, his eighth life alone was the one in which he remained in this world the longest. He surely cannot forget it."
True Person Xuanwei sneered.
"Using Qingheng to sway me-you have certainly worked your abacus well."
Zen Master Mingjing said quietly, "Since matters have come this far, I will hide nothing from you."
"The Buddha's Son is the World-Honored One who will guide the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sacred Land in the future."
"If our sacred land joins the Nine Heavens Divine Palaces, we will meet regularly at the Nine Heavens Grand Council. Master and disciple will have ample opportunities to set aside their estrangement and discuss the Great Dao together."
"What do you think?"
"Nothing of it." True Person Xuanwei's face remained utterly cold, without the slightest sign of softening.
His stance was unyielding, yet Zen Master Mingjing quietly relaxed considerably.
Yun Qing watched with his Double Pupils, a trace of surprise passing through his eyes.
Seated beside them, Jiang Shouzhuo narrowed his eyes and gave True Person Xuanwei a thoughtful look.
After a moment, Zen Master Mingjing spoke again, his voice carrying across the round table.
"Everyone."
"If the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sacred Land joins the Nine Heavens, we are willing to make three pledges."
"First, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sacred Land will hold one of the Nine Heavens seats and swear never to retreat before a great