Chapter 12

In the blink of an eye, several thousand bhikkhus and novice monks of Tianci Temple gathered in the Mahavira Hall. Elder Guangde sat slumped on the Lotus Throne, his face pale. Fire Spirit True Immortal swept her gaze over the monks, her voice as cold as ice. "From this day forth, Tianci Temple and every Buddhist temple within Guangci Prefecture must demolish all statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Vajras, and Sangharamas, replacing them with my golden idol. From now on, I alone will enjoy all the incense offerings of Guangci Prefecture."

Her eyes flashed like lightning as they swept across the terrified monks in the hall. "Any who defy me will see the monks of Guangci Prefecture bleed like rivers, and their temples reduced to scorched earth!"

"You alone will bear the karmic retribution for this!" Every word from Fire Spirit True Immortal struck at their hearts.

After Fire Spirit True Immortal seized Tianci Temple, she ordered the monks to tear down the golden bodies of the Buddhas. She further replaced every Buddhist offering throughout Guangci Prefecture with her own altar, swallowing the incense offerings of the masses for herself.

This immortal was deeply versed in Buddhist teachings. Over three months, she preached scriptures and doctrine, subdued demons, and aided the poor, winning over nearly half the believers. Yet her forcible seizure of temples also aroused the anger of devout followers, and resentment within Guangci Prefecture grew by the day. Every day, followers of the two sides could be seen arguing in the streets, their disputes unceasing.

Though imprisoned, the monks secretly continued worshipping the Buddhas, praying for the Bodhisattvas to reveal their divine power and send Vajras and Arhats down to vanquish the demon. Strangely, in this Buddha Kingdom Pure Land of the Western Ox Continent, the Bodhisattvas of heaven remained utterly silent.

On Spirit Platform Mountain, Zhuang Yan suddenly felt uneasy. Looking up, he saw dark clouds pressing over Guangci Prefecture and immediately summoned the Land God of Xiaotian Village for questioning.

"Reporting to the Mountain God," the Land God said as he emerged from the ground and bowed, "Fire Spirit True Immortal has seized a Buddhist temple and replaced the golden bodies of the Buddhas, drawing endless complaints from Buddhist believers."

Zhuang Yan was astonished. "What deity would dare seize incense offerings beneath the feet of the Western Heaven?"

"As far as this minor god knows, she was formed from the Primordial Spirit Fire. She is well-versed in Buddhist teachings, yet never entered the Buddhist fold." The Land God stroked his beard. "As for why the Buddhas have chosen to ignore this..." He gave an awkward laugh and shrank back. "That is beyond this old fellow's ability to guess."

The Land God of Xiaotian Village looked at Zhuang Yan and said in a low voice, "Mountain God, this matter is quite strange. It is an internal matter of the Buddhist sect... it has nothing to do with us. There is no need for you to intervene."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly. "I understand. You may withdraw first."

"Yes, this minor god takes his leave." The Land God of Xiaotian Village clasped his hands in salute, then turned into a wisp of green smoke and vanished underground.

After he left, Zhuang Yan took out the Mountain God Jade Scroll. Since his promotion to Seventh-Rank Immortal Official and his assumption of control over the mountains, rivers, and Earth Veins of Guangci Prefecture, the Earth Gods of every region had submitted their archived documents from the past decade to the Mountain God Jade Scroll.

After flipping through it briefly, he found the location of Fire Spirit True Immortal's former cave mansion—within Jiyang Mountain.

Zhuang Yan put away the jade scroll, activated the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman, and rode the clouds away from Spirit Platform Mountain. An hour later, he landed before Fire Spirit Cave on Jiyang Mountain.

The cave entrance stood open, but there was no sign of anyone. Zhuang Yan stepped inside and felt a blazing fire-spirit aura rush toward him.

The cave's furnishings were simple, containing only a stone table, stone stools, and a stone bed.

After inspecting the place, Zhuang Yan issued a divine edict and summoned the local Earth God.

The Earth God of Jiyang Mountain appeared and respectfully bowed. "This minor god pays respects to the Mountain God."

Zhuang Yan asked, "What place is this?"

The Earth God answered, "Reporting to the Mountain God, this is Fire Spirit Cave, once the place where Fire Spirit True Immortal cultivated in seclusion."

Zhuang Yan asked again, "Do you know where she went?"

"I do." The Earth God replied, "Fire Spirit True Immortal has occupied Tianci Temple and is now enjoying its incense offerings."

Zhuang Yan continued, "What is her temperament like?"

The Earth God pondered before answering, "Although Fire Spirit True Immortal is an Earth Immortal, her Profound Yang True Fire is extraordinarily powerful. Even Profound Immortals would find it difficult to match. She is deeply versed in Buddhist principles and compassionate by nature, often helping the poor and those in distress... this minor god has received her kindness as well. But this time, I truly do not know why she forcibly seized the Buddhist temple."

After hearing this, Zhuang Yan nodded. "Very well. You may withdraw."

"This minor god takes his leave." The Earth God bowed and departed.

Zhuang Yan left Fire Spirit Cave, raised his head to look at the resentment gathering in the sky, then rode the clouds back to Spirit Platform Mountain.

Inside the meditation chamber, Zhuang Yan reflected. From what the two Earth Gods had said, Fire Spirit True Immortal was no villain. On the contrary, she was profoundly versed in Buddhism and possessed a kind heart.

Why had she suddenly seized the incense offerings of Buddhist Temples? There had to be some hidden reason.

But no matter what, as the lord of Guangci Prefecture's mountains and rivers, Zhuang Yan would never permit unrest within his jurisdiction.

At the same time, in the rear courtyard of Tianci Temple.

After praying day and night, Elder Guangde finally received a response from Cundi Bodhisattva.

He abruptly opened his eyes and saw Qingfeng stirring the leaves outside the courtyard. Fallen leaves had formed eight words upon the ground—

"Seek divine aid at Spirit Platform, and divine response shall come."

A moment later, another gust of wind passed through. The branches swayed, and the words on the ground were erased.

The furrowed brow Elder Guangde had worn for days finally relaxed. Pressing his palms together, he murmured, "The Bodhisattva is merciful."

Fire Spirit True Immortal had occupied the temple, imprisoned the monks, and monopolized its incense offerings, yet she had reason on her side, making it inconvenient for the Buddhas to interfere—Elder Guangde understood this clearly. So long as she had not harmed the Buddhist sect or committed slaughter, the Bodhisattvas and Arhats had no authority to stop her.

The root of this matter lay in Samantabhadra Bodhisattva's promise from long ago. So long as that promise remained, and Fire Spirit True Immortal committed no evil, the Buddhist sect had no grounds to intervene.

Cundi Bodhisattva had pointed out a path for him. The Buddhist saints were bound by that promise, but the Heavenly Court had made no agreement with Fire Spirit True Immortal.

So I must petition the Department of the Mortal Realm and have them send Demon-Subduing True Person to subdue her. Elder Guangde thought.

He had long maintained contact with the Earth Gods within a thousand li, so he could simply ask them to forward his memorial. Having made up his mind, Elder Guangde immediately took up his brush and wrote a demon-subduing petition, seeking a way to deliver it.

Within Tianren Temple, Cundi Bodhisattva's sacred ground in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss of the Western Heaven.

Fragrant clouds curled through the air, and golden radiance filled the place with solemn grandeur. Mother Zhunti had just manifested before Elder Guangde on her Lotus Throne to guide him when she saw him contact the Earth Gods to submit a memorial to the Heavenly Court.

Mother Buddha sighed softly. Guangde knew, but had not grasped the true meaning.

Asuona, a Pure Abode celestial being seated below her, asked, "Bodhisattva, are you worried about the matter in Guangci Prefecture?"

"With the six roots pure, where could worry arise?" Mother Buddha replied with a smile. "I merely see how deeply worldly people are lost in delusion. Even the Buddhist sect cannot escape it."

Asuona pressed on, "Fire Spirit True Immortal destroyed the statues and seized the temples. Why do the Buddhas not intervene?"

"A hundred years ago, during the Buddha Bathing Festival, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva descended to preach the Dharma." Mother Buddha began recounting the matter. "At the time, Fire Spirit True Immortal was still a cultivator at the Spirit Refinement and Return to Void stage. She once asked about the difference between Buddha and self."

Samantabhadra answered, "Awakening is Buddha; delusion is self."

She then asked, "If one does not take refuge in the Buddhist sect and merely reads Buddhist scriptures, can one still attain the Dao?"

Samantabhadra promised, "If you can attain enlightenment through the Buddhist scriptures alone, I will give you the incense offerings of Guangci Prefecture."

Mother Buddha praised her. "Over the past century, she became an Earth Immortal without borrowing any external aid. With only ordinary Buddhist scriptures, she comprehended the wondrous Dharma. In debates of Theravada Buddhism today, I fear none can equal her."

Asuona said in astonishment, "Bodhisattva, do you mean that Fire Spirit True Immortal is not of the Buddhist sect, yet she comprehended our Buddhist Theravada Buddhism through only a few ordinary mortal texts?"

"Precisely." Mother Zhunti nodded faintly.

Asuona did not understand. "Then why not bring her into the Buddhist sect?"

Mother Zhunti answered with a smile, "Everything in this world has its own affinity. Though Fire Spirit True Immortal possesses wisdom-root, she has no affinity with our Buddhist sect."

Asuona came to a realization and respectfully bowed. "Thank you for your guidance, Bodhisattva."

Mother Zhunti said to everyone, "Remain here and guard the sacred ground. This poor nun must make a trip to the mortal realm."

Asuona and the others answered in unison, "We respectfully obey your decree."

Mother Zhunti transformed into a streak of golden Buddhist light and flew out of Tianren Temple, crossing the Western Heaven before finally descending upon Spirit Platform Mountain.

She transformed into a graceful, richly dressed woman and arrived before the Mountain God Temple carrying a basket of fruit.

The moment she stepped through the temple gate, Zhuang Yan sensed her presence. Noticing auspicious clouds curling around the temple and countless streams of auspicious energy, he immediately used Cave Heaven True Sight to look outside.

He saw a beautiful woman standing before the temple. Under the gaze of his true sight, Buddhist light shone all around her, her Dharma form solemn and majestic, with auspicious clouds circling above her head.

Her bearing was identical to that of Akashagarbha Bodhisattva, whom he had met before.

Zhuang Yan hurried out of the quiet chamber, revealed his true form, and asked, "May I ask which Bodhisattva has arrived?"

Mother Zhunti was somewhat surprised. She had not intended to meet him in the identity of a Bodhisattva, yet she had been recognized at a glance.

What surprised her even more was that Zhuang Yan's cultivation was still at the Spirit Refinement and Return to Void stage. Calling his eyes those of a mortal body would not have been wrong, yet he had seen through her origins.

It seemed Akashagarbha Bodhisattva had spoken the truth. Though this man's cultivation was still shallow, he already possessed one of the foremost divine abilities of the Three Realms.

Mother Zhunti pressed her palms together in salute. "This poor nun is the abbot of Tianren Temple in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in the Western Heaven. My Dharma name is Zhunti. Greetings, Mountain God of Lingtai."

"So it is Cundi Bodhisattva." Zhuang Yan returned the salute with clasped hands. "Has the Bodhisattva come to enjoy the mountains and waters?"

Mother Zhunti offered him the fruit basket. "These are Thousand-Year Sura Fruits grown by this poor nun herself. I offer them to the Mountain God as a small token of my regard."

Zhuang Yan's expression changed sharply. His gaze shifted between the Bodhisattva and the fruit basket as he asked suspiciously, "It is highly unusual for a Bodhisattva to bring gifts. May I ask the reason?"

"It is merely a matter of courtesy." Mother Zhunti smiled and placed the fruit basket upon the offering table. Her gaze fell upon the clay jar beside the divine statue. "This is where that Deer Spirit resides, is it not?"

Zhuang Yan asked in return, "The Bodhisattva knows her?"

Mother Zhunti nodded. "She once offered a bundle of purple iris flowers before Our Buddha."

Zhuang Yan snorted. "She burned no incense and made no offering. Just a few wildflowers—no wonder the Bodhisattva knew but did not intervene."

As he spoke, he lightly tapped the clay jar and said to its occupant, "Remember this. From now on, you must be more sincere when worshipping the Buddha."

Mother Zhunti took no offense and said gently, "Mountain God, you must understand that all living beings sink within the sea of suffering. Without Buddha, none may be delivered, but they must first deliver themselves before they can be delivered. If they cannot deliver themselves, even Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will find it difficult to lend aid."

After a brief pause, she continued, "Elder Guangde repeatedly advised this Deer Spirit, yet she remained obsessed and unable to sever the threads of love or transcend them. Fortunately, the Mountain God intervened. Otherwise, she would still be entangled in it."

Zhuang Yan said calmly, "Love between humans and demons violates the Heavenly Dao. Talk of salvation and sudden enlightenment is empty nonsense. In my view, lock her up for three years and she will naturally come to her senses."

He glanced at the fruit basket on the offering table and smiled at Mother Zhunti. "Could it be that the Bodhisattva brought this gift to enlighten me?"

"I could not enlighten you, I could not." Mother Zhunti repeatedly waved her hands. "Though this poor nun has some cultivation, I cannot deliver someone like the Mountain God."

Zhuang Yan raised a brow. "Surely you did not come all this way merely to deliver immortal fruit? I have never met the Bodhisattva, nor do I have much connection with the Buddhist sect. I cannot accept reward without merit."

Mother Zhunti said with a smile, "This poor nun has come to ask the Mountain God for a favor."

A sharp glint flashed in Zhuang Yan's eyes. "The matter of Guangci Prefecture? If the Bodhisattva wants me to deal with Fire Spirit True Immortal, then you may turn back now."

Fire Spirit True Immortal had committed no evil and was a cultivator who had attained the Dao. Zhuang Yan would never abuse his authority to stand up for the Buddhist sect.

Mother Zhunti shook her head with a smile. "The Mountain God misunderstands. This poor nun wishes to ask the Mountain God to subdue Fire Spirit True Immortal and make her your Mountain Guard General. She would surely become a capable assistant."

Zhuang Yan looked surprised. "Why did she seize the Buddhist sect's incense offerings?"

Mother Zhunti paced slowly. "It is a long story..."

She recounted Samantabhadra Bodhisattva's promise in detail. At the end, she sighed. "Though she has reason on her side, she is neither of the Buddhist sect nor granted an Imperial Edict by the Heavenly Court. If she establishes herself independently, she will sooner or later invite disaster."

Zhuang Yan nodded slightly. Even if the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas did not hold it against her, those divine generals, mounts, and attendant boys certainly would not let her go.

"Why not simply bring her into the Buddhist sect?" Zhuang Yan asked.