Chapter 13

The fated connection had yet to arrive. Mother Zhunti sighed. This woman had been transformed from Primordial Spirit Fire and possessed extraordinary talent. If the Mountain God took her for his own use, he would gain a fierce general while also making the Buddhist Sect owe him a favor. Would that not serve both purposes?

Zhuang Yan laughed heartily. "The Bodhisattva truly is eloquent. So this is what they call a lotus blooming from the tongue."

Mother Zhunti merely smiled without speaking. Zhuang Yan grew serious. "I accept this matter. But let us be clear: how she is handled is entirely up to me. The Buddhist Sect may not interfere."

Mother Zhunti immediately pressed her palms together. "Everything shall be according to the Mountain God's wishes."

Zhuang Yan nodded in satisfaction, then casually took two Suoluo Fruits from the fruit basket and handed them over. "My humble abode is simple. I have only these immortal fruits gifted by Western Zhunti Bodhisattva to show my sincerity. Please accept them with a smile, Bodhisattva."

Mother Zhunti was instantly dumbfounded. Were these not the fruits she had just given him? Borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha right in front of the original owner was one thing, but returning them to the owner as well—truly...

Mother Zhunti paused briefly, then broke into a gentle smile and accepted the two Suoluo Fruits Zhuang Yan offered. She tucked one into her sleeve and took a small bite from the other, admiration rising in her eyes. "Indeed, an exquisite delicacy. An immortal fruit personally cultivated by the Bodhisattva—sweet and refreshing to the heart."

Zhuang Yan could not help laughing. "It is rare to see a Bodhisattva praise herself so openly."

Mother Zhunti was momentarily speechless.

The heart of a Bodhisattva who had cultivated for tens of millions of years rippled ever so slightly at that moment.

Emperor Shaoyang of the Purple Mansion oversaw the Department of the Mortal Realm. After reading the memorial submitted by Guangci Prefecture, he turned to True Lord Xuandu and True Man Wenshi. "Western Ox Continent truly deserves to be called the Buddhist Sect's pure land. Even the demons and monsters there seem more spirited than elsewhere."

The two True Men exchanged smiles. True Man Wenshi stroked his beard and asked, "Where has demonic miasma caused trouble this time?"

"Still Guangci Prefecture." The Emperor tapped the desk lightly with his fingertips. "Someone called Fire Spirit True Immortal has forcibly occupied Tianci Temple, toppled the golden bodies of the Buddhas, and established her own divine position to receive the incense offerings of the masses."

True Lord Xuandu's brows shifted slightly. "Seizing Buddhist believers in the Western Heaven's sacred land? What is this demon's origin?"

"She attained the Dao from Primordial Spirit Fire and currently possesses the cultivation of an Earth Immortal," the Emperor replied.

True Lord Xuandu sighed softly. "A pity we did not discover her earlier. Otherwise, we might have guided her to cultivate in the Ten Continents and Three Islands."

The Ten Continents and Three Islands were the Daoist Sect's Blessed Lands. The Three Islands were Penglai, Kunlun, and Fangzhang; the Ten Continents included Yingzhou, Xuanzhou, and other immortal realms. They gathered the essence of heaven and earth, produced spirit mushrooms and jade nectar, and housed rare birds and exotic beasts. They had always been the dwelling places of true Daoist cultivators.

The Buddhist Sect had the pure lands of the Four Continents, while the Daoist Sect had the Ten Continents and Three Islands. Each occupied its own share of fate.

Though True Lord Xuandu cherished talent, this demon had already touched the Buddhist Sect's reverse scale, making it difficult to guide her elsewhere. True Man Wenshi suggested, "Since this concerns Guangci Prefecture, why not send the Mountain God of Lingtai to act? There is no need to dispatch a Demon-Subduing True Person."

The Emperor nodded. "That is precisely my intention. With the Mountain God's abilities, subduing an Earth Immortal should not be difficult."

Thus, he issued a divine decree ordering Zhuang Yan to go and capture the demon.

By the time the decree descended into the shrine, Mother Zhunti had long since departed. Zhuang Yan unfurled the silk scroll and saw the long-awaited demon-subduing order from the Department of the Mortal Realm.

He intended to convert Fire Spirit True Immortal, and he also intended to claim this merit. Without this decree, it would merely have been routine business. Now that he was subduing a demon by imperial command, his achievements could be recorded in the heavenly register.

Zhuang Yan put away the decree and rode a cloud straight toward Tianci Temple. When he arrived the next day, the area before the temple was bustling with people. Concealing himself and listening closely, he learned that Guangci Prefecture's believers had invited an eminent monk at the Profound Immortal realm from Fayan Temple.

Around the meditation platform built outside Tianci Temple, Abbot Guangde led the monks standing quietly below, their eyes filled with hope. The city's people stood divided on either side, with Fire Spirit True Immortal's followers and the Buddhist believers forming clear opposing camps.

On the platform, Elder Zhengxin and Fire Spirit True Immortal clashed in a debate on the Dao. At first they were evenly matched, but Fire Spirit True Immortal gradually gained the upper hand. Three hours later, Elder Zhengxin was drenched in sweat and finally conceded defeat.

Guangde's expression darkened, while the Fire Spirit's followers cheered jubilantly. Elder Zhengxin rose and bowed. "Fellow Daoist, your understanding of the scriptures is profound. This humble monk willingly admits defeat." Fire Spirit True Immortal returned the bow. "You flatter me."

Since they had already agreed upon the terms, the loser had to withdraw. Elder Zhengxin leaped down from the meditation platform and apologized to Guangde. Guangde comforted him, saying, "Senior Brother, you came from afar to aid us. I am deeply grateful." Elder Zhengxin sighed and departed, turning into a streak of light that vanished beyond the horizon.

Fire Spirit True Immortal stood proudly atop the platform and announced, "If any Buddhist cultivator below the Heavenly Immortal realm can defeat me, they may reclaim Tianci Temple's incense offerings. Otherwise, all incense offerings of Guangci Prefecture will belong to me."

"Do not be so arrogant!" a young monk shouted angrily. "A heretical path like yours will never attain true fruition." Another young monk echoed him. "Without entering the orthodox traditions of the Three Teachings, even enjoying incense offerings would be meaningless."

Fire Spirit True Immortal replied calmly, "If you wish to debate the Dao, come onto the platform. If you wish to fight with magic, then make your move. Showing off with empty words only invites ridicule." She swept her gaze across the silent monks and demanded again, "Is there anyone else who dares debate with me?"

"I shall learn from you." A clear voice descended from the clouds. Everyone raised their heads to search, and amid rippling divine light, a tall figure appeared. His immortal robes and jade belt revealed his identity as a Seventh-Rank Immortal Official of the Heavenly Court.

Guangde announced joyfully, "This must be the demon-subduing immortal official sent by the Department of the Mortal Realm!" The man flicked his sleeve and descended, landing gracefully upon the meditation platform.

Zhuang Yan sat upright, his wide sleeves draping before his knees as he looked at Fire Spirit True Immortal with clear, cold eyes. "Today, I will debate the Dao with you."

He lightly tapped the seat across from him with his fingertips, his voice like cold spring water striking jade. "Please sit."

Fire Spirit True Immortal performed a formal salute and took her seat, black hair brushing against her kasaya. "For this debate, let Theravada Buddhism be our basis."

Zhuang Yan nodded. "You may begin."

Fire Spirit True Immortal parted her vermilion lips slightly. As Sanskrit chants flowed, she posed a question. Zhuang Yan closed his eyes and said indifferently, "Do not rush to question me. Simply continue."

"This..." Fire Spirit True Immortal frowned. "To speak without debating—is that not contrary to the purpose of debating the Dao?"

Zhuang Yan's jade-like fingers tapped softly within his sleeve. "Once you have explained the true meaning of Theravada Buddhism, the answer will reveal itself."

Fire Spirit True Immortal pondered for a moment before finally opening the scripture scroll. Auspicious energy surrounded her in a thousand streams. With every word she spoke, golden lotuses bloomed, and Sanskrit chants danced with the breeze across the plain.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Even someone with Elder Guangde's cultivation became immersed in the meaning of the scriptures. Ordinary people were as if drinking sweet dew, prostrating themselves as they listened without daring to slacken.

When the moon was full, the final verse faded into the morning light. Amid utter silence, Fire Spirit True Immortal looked up and saw Zhuang Yan rise, flicking his robes.

"Now hear my question." Zhuang Yan's snow-white sleeves fluttered. "Where is the Dharma? Upon the lips and teeth? Below the steps? Or elsewhere?"

Fire Spirit True Immortal smiled. "Above the Nine Heavens."

"What lies in the Nine Heavens?"

"The Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"Where is that pure land?"

"The wondrous realm of Spirit Mountain."

"Where is Spirit Mountain?"

"Western Ox Continent."

Zhuang Yan suddenly smiled. "Then by your reasoning, you do not know where the true Buddha is?"

Fire Spirit True Immortal's fingertips trembled slightly. "Buddha is everywhere."

"Then is there a Buddha in your heart?"

"I am Buddha."

"What kind of Buddha?"

The sandalwood fragrance suddenly grew chaotic. Fire Spirit True Immortal bit her lip for a long while. "I have yet to attain Bodhi..."

Zhuang Yan stood with his hands behind his back. "No matter how unmatched your eloquence, if you do not know where you are headed, it is nothing more than flowers in a mirror and the moon in water."

Zhuang Yan spoke calmly. "You have lost this debate on the scriptures."

Fire Spirit True Immortal sneered, mockery flashing through her eyes. "You have not even recited half a line of Buddhist scripture. What makes you say I lost?"

"I have indeed not won, but you have indeed already lost," Zhuang Yan replied evenly.

Fire Spirit True Immortal burst out laughing and turned to the crowd. "The Divine Lord's words are truly amusing. Since you cannot reason through Buddhist Dharma, then I shall explain my own reasoning."

"I am all ears." Zhuang Yan nodded.

In an instant, blazing Profound Yang True Fire surged from Fire Spirit True Immortal's body.

Seeing this, Elder Guangde urgently ordered, "Quickly evacuate the people!"

By the time the crowd had retreated, Fire Spirit True Immortal was already wrapped in blazing flames. She formed a hand seal, and within a radius of a hundred zhang, the ground instantly became a sea of fire. The meditation platform was reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye.

Facing the waves of fire rushing toward him, Zhuang Yan calmly raised a hand. The flames filling the sky flowed into his palm like a hundred rivers returning to the sea.

"I have seen your reasoning. Now take a look at mine." Before his words had even faded, Zhuang Yan had already refined the ball of true fire anew and hurled it back at Fire Spirit True Immortal.

The blazing flames roared toward her. Fire Spirit True Immortal's expression changed sharply, and she transformed into a streak of red light to flee.

"Watch out for the true fire inside your body!" Elder Guangde cried in warning.

Before his words were finished, a burst of Heart Fire suddenly erupted where Zhuang Yan had been standing, while Zhuang Yan himself had already teleported a hundred zhang away.

Fire Spirit True Immortal had barely regained her senses after revealing herself when she suddenly felt her entire body go numb. All her magic power vanished, and she fell to the ground like a kite with a severed string.

She lay limp on the ground, unable to move even a fingertip, and could only watch helplessly as Zhuang Yan took out a clay jar and slowly aimed it at her.

Zhuang Yan shouted, "Seal!" As he used the One Thought Seal, Fire Spirit True Immortal was instantly sucked into the clay jar.

He tucked the clay jar into his sleeve, took out the Thousand Light Cloud Talisman, and prepared to leave on a cloud.

Elder Guangde hurried over and bowed respectfully. "Divine Lord, you have eradicated evil and saved us from disaster. This humble monk is profoundly grateful. May I ask your honored title?"

Zhuang Yan answered indifferently, "I am the Mountain God of Lingtai."

Before his words faded, he had already ridden the clouds away. Elder Guangde stood rooted in place, staring in the direction of his disappearance as he murmured, "Spirit Refinement and Return to Void... and he is the Mountain God of Lingtai?!"

When the monks of Tianci Temple saw Fire Spirit True Immortal captured, they gathered around and asked, "Master, who was that Divine Lord?"

Elder Guangde answered, "That was the Mountain God of Lingtai."

"The Mountain God of Lingtai?!"

The monks had never heard of Zhuang Yan subduing Garuda, so they were deeply shocked that a mountain god could capture Fire Spirit True Immortal.

After a moment, Elder Guangde recovered himself and solemnly ordered, "All of you, quickly restore the Buddha Statues in every temple. Though Fire Spirit True Immortal has been subdued, the people she bewitched still need guidance."

"Yes." The monks responded in unison.

Elder Guangde added, "Establish a separate Mountain God Hall within Tianci Temple and create a golden statue for the Mountain God of Lingtai. He shall be specially worshipped from this day onward."

The monks accepted the order once more. Zhuang Yan had subdued Fire Spirit True Immortal and saved the Buddhist Sect's foundation in Guangci Prefecture. He naturally deserved such reverence.

Spirit Platform Mountain, within the Mountain God Temple.

Zhuang Yan overturned the clay jar, released the seal, and let Fire Spirit True Immortal out.

She fell to the ground, her breath faint, so weak that even her breathing was nearly imperceptible.

With a thought from Zhuang Yan, the weakness afflicting Fire Spirit True Immortal immediately vanished.

A flash of fire appeared, and she sprang to her feet. Yet she neither fled nor attacked, merely stared fixedly at Zhuang Yan.

"This god saved you, and not even a word of thanks?" Zhuang Yan raised a brow.

Fire Spirit True Immortal cupped her fists. "Divine Lord, you and I have no old enmity. Why did you stop me from attaining the Dao?"

Zhuang Yan asked in return, "Do you think seizing the incense offerings of an entire prefecture will allow you to achieve the Great Dao?"

"How would I know without trying? Besides, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva personally permitted it." She lifted her head to meet his gaze. She believed she had done nothing against heaven or morality and had a clear conscience.

Zhuang Yan chuckled. "If a Bodhisattva promises it to you, then it is yours?"

"What do you mean, Divine Lord?" Fire Spirit True Immortal frowned. "Could it be that the Bodhisattva deceived me with false words?"

Zhuang Yan shook his head. "The Bodhisattva allowing you incense offerings was the cause. Your forcible occupation of Guangci Prefecture was the result. Yet that result creates a new cause, which will ultimately lead to another result."

"What kind of karmic result?" she pressed.