Fellow Taoists, please respect yourself.

Chapter 409 Guanyin's Bottom Line
"In this way, everyone is happy."

Yang Jian spoke with a smile on his face. He knew, of course, that his Taoist sect wanted Jiang Lin to be the one in charge, and both he and Feng Luo were just witnesses.

"cut……"

Monkey pouted and muttered, "Some people are really going backwards as they grow older. They don't even have the courage of a child."

"Brother Jiang, we must not learn from the three-eyed guy who plays with dogs every day."

Monkey King has always been very unforgiving with his words. This sentence was no longer a veiled attack on Yang Jian, but was pointing directly at Yang Jian's nose.

Yang Jian's face immediately darkened, and he wanted to draw out his three-pointed, double-edged sword to give him a severe blow, but when he thought of his duty, he took a deep breath and decided not to bother with this stinky monkey.

"Look, he didn't say anything, which clearly shows that Old Sun has confirmed what he said. He feels guilty!"

Monkey Brother, however, looked like he was going to take advantage of the victory. He put his hands on his hips and grinned at Jiang Lin.

"call……"

Jiang Lin could hear Yang Jian's suppressed heavy breathing.

"Your Highness Feng Luo."

Yang Jian spoke softly, "Yang Jian has some personal matters to deal with, so I'd like to trouble you to keep an eye on me for now."

After saying this, he took off the Emperor's crown from his head and placed it back on the Nine Heavens Throne above the Lingxiao Palace.

"You stinky monkey who got plagued, you red-bottomed Bi Ma Wen! Come, fight your Grandpa Yang for 30,000 rounds!"

After doing all this, Yang Jian drew out his three-pointed, double-edged sword. He could no longer bear it and rushed towards the monkey to kill him!
"Hey hey hey!"

The Monkey King grinned strangely, his golden cudgel already ready to strike, without any haste at all, he skillfully met the three-pointed, double-edged sword.

Accompanied by the dense, clanging sounds of metal colliding and continuous roars, Yang Jian and Monkey King fought and fled, and soon flew out of the Lingxiao Palace.

Jiang Lin took a quick look and found that in just a short while, the man and the monkey had disappeared.

Brother Monkey, Brother Monkey, you are too rough.

Jiang Lin shook his head helplessly.

If Buddhism wants to rebuild, it must rely on the help of Heaven, but the relationship between Heaven and Taoism is clear to all three realms.

So rather than relying on heaven, it is better to say that it relies on Taoism.

And next, it is obvious that Jiang Lin will start discussing the details with Guanyin, which will definitely include a lot of exchange of interests.

Since Monkey King has decided to leave Buddhism, he obviously doesn't want to listen to these things, let alone get involved.

Jiang Lin just needs to finish talking with Guanyin, and then help Guanyin do things according to the final result.

The same goes for Yang Jian. This is a matter between Taoism and Buddhism. He is now the person in charge of the Heavenly Court, but he carries the label of Taoism, so it is not good for him to get too deeply involved.

To avoid suspicion, you must have a legitimate reason.

So Monkey King gave Yang Jian a reason, but although this reason was reasonable, it was not so justified.

Obviously, Guanyin Bodhisattva doesn't care about this.

Everyone knows that there are some things that neither Monkey King nor Yang Jian should get involved in.

As for Feng Luo, she must be there, because no matter whether it is Taoism or Buddhism, the vast majority of believers come from the human race, and the number of believers is the most important factor in whether a sect can continue.

But Feng Luo would not express too many opinions. She stood here and only needed to make sure of one thing, that is, no matter how the Taoist and Buddhist sects discussed, the final result must be beneficial to the human race.

So Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze fell on Jiang Lin, and the focus was still on this Master Jiang.

In the past, he was just a little kid in front of me, but now he is communicating with me on an equal footing, and the topic of their discussion is such a big thing as rebuilding Buddhism.

Guanyin Bodhisattva felt a little dazed, but it disappeared immediately.

Although Buddhism had undergone tremendous changes, suddenly, the entire pressure of Buddhism fell on her alone.

But a person with great supernatural powers is a person with great supernatural powers after all. After a brief moment of unconsciousness, Guanyin Bodhisattva completely calmed down and adapted.

We must never let down the trust of the five Buddhas of the three ages!

Guanyin Bodhisattva thought silently in his heart.

"Buddha."

After a brief silence, Jiang Lin spoke first, saying softly, "I don't know how to be witty, nor do I know how to hide things."

"Regarding the reconstruction of Buddhism, I can give the Bodhisattva a guarantee here, that is, after the reconstruction, Buddhism will never become a vassal or puppet of Taoism."

"This is the bottom line that I can guarantee."

"Within this bottom line, I will do my utmost to strive for the interests of our sect."

Listening to Jiang Lin's words, Guanyin Bodhisattva was a little surprised and even a little uncomfortable.

This is a bit too direct.

But soon Guanyin Bodhisattva got used to it and nodded, saying, "Master, what you said is truly compassionate. As for the specific details, please let me know."

Jiang Lin had already prepared for this, and he said without hesitation: "From the moment the new Buddhist sect is rebuilt, the Taoist sect will no longer promote Laozi's Huahu Sutra, but in contrast, the Buddhist sect will delete all the contents of the scriptures that the Buddha sent to the East."

It’s easy to talk about interests, but for the two largest sects in the Three Realms, what are the most fundamental interests?
Two words: doctrine.

Taoism and Buddhism have been fighting for so many years, but in the final analysis, they are still fighting over doctrines. They compromise with each other, disgust each other, slander each other, learn from each other, integrate with each other, and plagiarize each other. It has long been a mess.

You have the story of Laozi going west through Hangu Pass to convert the barbarians into Buddhas, and I will respond with the story of the Buddha reincarnating in the East to preach to the Three Sages.

They all want to claim that the other party’s most fundamental doctrine originated from their own side.

They fought fiercely. The husband said he was right, while the wife said she was right. They couldn't make each other out, so the mutual slander turned into a full-scale fight.

One shouts that Buddha is the Tao, and the other shouts that the Tao comes from Buddha. They are fighting each other like crazy.

In the end, the fight ends with mutual compromise and integration.

A typical example is Guan Erye. On the one hand, he is the Taoist God of Wealth and Martial Arts, and even the Great Emperor of the Three Realms in later generations.

On the other hand, he is the guardian deity of Buddhism, and even the Bodhisattva Kālaṇārāja, who can even compete with Wei Tuo for the position of the chief guardian.

For Erye himself, it was naturally very pleasant to receive two incense sticks at the same time, but for Taoism and Buddhism, this was a result that they had to accept with a pinch of their noses, and they had no choice but to compromise with each other.

For example, in the beginning, the images of Buddha and Bodhisattva in Buddhism were ferocious and even weird. Later, Buddhists realized that this was not acceptable and there was no market for it. People in the Southern Continent would not accept this at all.

So they followed the example of the Taoist sect next door and recreated the images of their own Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, giving them a kind and benevolent look.

In this process of plagiarism, the most typical example of Buddhism is the Guanyin Bodhisattva in front of us. At the beginning, the image of this Bodhisattva was a man...

When the Taoists saw this, they said, "Okay, this is how you want to play it," and the Taoist master started playing.

In order to show the power of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, Buddhism often uses an image with multiple heads and arms to demonstrate its wisdom and power.

The Taoist master learned this set of skills very smoothly.

So there is Nezha with three heads and six arms, and even Taoist martial gods like Marshal Tianpeng have similar, multi-headed, multi-armed magic-subduing appearances.

This is plagiarism from each other.

The fundamental reason for all these things is just one, which is the doctrinal dispute.

What Jiang Lin wants now is to start from the root of the doctrinal dispute.

The request was simple, but it also hit the weak spot of Buddhism completely.

Taoism does not promote Laozi's Huahu Sutra, but this sutra still exists. However, Buddhism wants to delete all content related to the Buddha's journey to the East.

From now on, this is no big deal. The immortal gods and Buddhas know in their hearts that this is just both sides throwing dirty water on each other.

But it is different for ordinary mortal believers.

Over time, as it is passed down from generation to generation by believers, dirty water becomes a golden rule and real history.

In the future, after ten thousand or eight thousand years, a Taoist believer will flip through Laozi's Hua Hu Jing and use this scripture passed down by the founder to question a Buddhist believer. I say that Buddhism is originally Taoism. You don't admit it, so why don't you show me the evidence?

"The Taoist priest just said that the bottom line is that the New Buddhism will not become a vassal of Taoism. But isn't the Taoist priest's first request still about the same idea in the long run?" Guanyin Bodhisattva frowned and did not respond, but spoke directly.

"The Bodhisattva is wrong."

Jiang Lin shook his head slightly and said, "The meaning of being a vassal is that the Buddhist sect completely becomes a loyal dog of the Taoist sect. You have to do whatever the Taoist sect asks you to do."

"But my request is just to leave a key point in the Buddhist teachings."

"It is to facilitate the Taoist sect to control the Buddhist sect in the future. Control and vassalage are two different things."

Jiang Lin's words were not only straightforward, they also showed no malice or targeting.

"time limit."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said: "I can follow what the Taoist said and delete the teachings of the Buddha's eastward journey, but there must be a time limit, whether it is ten thousand years or twenty thousand years, but there must be a day when it can see the light of day again."

"impossible."

Jiang Lin refused without hesitation.

He was also a mortal once, but he knows very well what ordinary people think.

If Jiang Lin really did do as Guanyin said, then he would be shooting himself in the foot.

Ordinary people often have an urge to question authority.

The longer the Buddha's teachings remain hidden, the more beneficial it will be to Buddhism.

Over a long period of time, the small changes are often ignored.

In the future, it may develop into: You said that Buddha is originally Tao? Let me tell you, I found a book about the Buddha’s Journey to the East from tens of thousands of years ago, and it seems that the book was written even earlier than Laozi’s transformation into a Buddha…

It perfectly fits the people's pursuit of excitement.

If Jiang Lin really admitted it and set a long time limit, he would be an idiot.

Guanyin Bodhisattva fell silent, and finally understood that the reason why the Taoist sect let Jiang Lin be the person in charge was not because of Jiang Lin's great contributions, but because Jiang Lin was really able to make up his mind to severely damage the Buddhist sect without really killing it.

After a long silence, Guanyin nodded slowly and said, "I accept this one and will do as the Taoist says."

Jiang Lin nodded and continued, "The Taoist lineage will completely withdraw from Xiniu Hezhou. Of course, there will be Taoist temples left in Xiniu Hezhou, but the teachings will not be further spread, and no Taoist practitioners will stay in Xiniu Hezhou to preach."

"From now on, Xiniu Hezhou will continue to be the place where Buddhism is preached, and it will be smoother than before."

"Heaven can guarantee this."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Thank you, Taoist Priest."

In the eyes of Guanyin Bodhisattva, this is just a slap in the face and then giving a sweet date, but the problem is that this sweet date is really what Buddhism needs.

A complete place for preaching that is not influenced by others.

"at the same time."

But soon, Jiang Lin's voice followed, with a kind smile on his face, and he said very considerately: "All Buddhist practitioners in Nanshanbuzhou and Dongsheng Shenzhou will also be sent to Xiniuhezhou to help the Bodhisattva spread the Dharma."

"Of course, in contrast, the temples in Nanshanbuzhou and Dongsheng Shenzhou will still be preserved, but there will be no Buddhist practitioners."

Guanyin Bodhisattva stared at Jiang Lin closely. Even with the great Qi-cultivating skills of this powerful master, his defense was somewhat broken at this moment.

What's the meaning of giving a slap in the face and then giving a sweet date.

This is just one slap after another!

It's just that the strength is different!

"In the final analysis, the only place where Buddhism will be preached in the future is Xiniu Hezhou. Of course, this is not a complete restriction. We can discuss a time limit."

Jiang Lin smiled and said, "Also, during the preaching process, there will be gods from the heavens who will be accompanying and monitoring you with divine orders. Bodhisattvas had better not use force to convert you, otherwise I cannot guarantee the consequences."

"This is also what Huoyun Cave meant."

Feng Luo on the side nodded in agreement.

Jiang Lin's words were like chains tied around Guanyin's body, making it difficult for her to breathe.

She confirmed one thing again, that the Taoist in black in front of her had no intention of giving her any sweet dates, and just wanted to beat them down one by one.

"it is good."

Guanyin Bodhisattva gritted his teeth and accepted it. Given the current situation in Buddhism, there was no room for bargaining.

Unless Guanyin is determined not to rebuild Buddhism, she will continue to stalemate with Jiang Lin to the end.

But in that case, although Jiang Lin and the Taoist sect behind him would be threatened, the biggest losses would still be suffered by Buddhism and Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Jiang Lin continued to ask: "Then, who will be the new Buddha's World Honored One, or the head of the sect, or the Bodhisattva?"

This is also a key.

The Buddhism today is completely in deficit. Not only the three Buddhas of the past, present and future, but even the ancient Buddhas like Nagarjuna Bodhisattva have all fallen.

"Of course it's this poor monk..."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said as a matter of course that only she, the former teacher of the Seven Buddhas and the only remaining person with great supernatural powers in Buddhism, could take on this responsibility.

But halfway through his words, Guanyin Bodhisattva noticed the Taoist in black's half-smile.

She sighed miserably in her heart, slowly changed the subject, and asked, "Master, who do you think is more suitable?"

Of course Guanyin wanted to come by herself, whether for Buddhism or for herself.

But obviously, Jiang Lin and Daomen don't think so, and won't allow it.

Jiang Lin shook his head slowly and said with a smile: "If I assign you, it would violate the bottom line I mentioned at the beginning."

"But it is absolutely impossible for a Bodhisattva to take on this responsibility."

"Since the Bodhisattva is the teacher of the Seven Buddhas, why not become the teacher of the Eight Buddhas? We ourselves can follow the example of ancient Buddhas like Nagarjuna Bodhisattva and exist as the foundation of Buddhism. This way, everyone will be happy."

Jiang Lin had no intention of designating the leader of Buddhism, nor should he be the one to do so, although Jiang Lin and the Taoist sect were willing to put a lot of chains on the new Buddhism and leave some fatal loopholes as leverage.

But we still have to give some freedom.

"I understand."

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded silently.

As long as it’s not her, Guanyin, it can be anyone, even someone taught by Guanyin herself.

This is the bottom line of Taoism.

In fact, if the monkey didn't make a fuss about leaving Buddhism, Guanyin really wanted to push the monkey up, not for anything else, but just for the monkey's shamelessness.

Do extraordinary things in extraordinary times. If it really works, it may be a miracle.

But obviously, this plan was shattered at the beginning, and the monkey didn't want to get involved at all.

"That's basically it. As for the specific details, the four great celestial masters and the Bodhisattva will discuss them."

Jiang Lin said with a smile.

Rebuilding a new Buddhist sect is not an easy task. What Jiang Lin has to do is not to follow the whole process, but to draw a line and explore the bottom line of Guanyin as much as possible.

As for the rest of the matter, the same old veteran will naturally come to confront Guanyin.

On this point, Jiang Lin trusts the four heavenly masters very much.

As for Jiang Lin himself, he had more important things to do.

Jiang Lin looked inward at himself and found that the stinking lung divine object that had been contaminated by evil creatures from outside the world had now recovered.

Jiang Lin was very much looking forward to what kind of power would be unleashed after the seven divine souls were fully gathered.

(End of this chapter)