This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 389 No one understands Western Chu better than me
Watching Lingxiu walk into the courtyard, Xiang Yuan frowned, whispered a few words to Xiao Lingyue, and then disappeared in a flash.

As for Lingxiu's side, if Xiang Yuan had looked closely, he would have discovered that Gao Lv was not a single person.

The guide ahead was dressed in black armor, had a short beard, was at the Nascent Soul stage, and had a dignified appearance; he was none other than Xiao Dong, the second son of Xiao Yan.

It's not that Xiang Yuan didn't notice; it's mainly because Ling Xiu was too good at putting on an act. Her white monk's robe made her stand out wherever she went, and with her shiny bald head, she was undoubtedly the most eye-catching person in the crowd.

In this situation, who cares about Xiao Dong?
Besides, he was surrounded by heavily armored men, and Xiao Dong blended in perfectly, looking no different from an ordinary guard at first glance.

Xiao Dong was in a great mood today, blending in with the crowd. He was no longer the dignified general he usually was, and he was friendly to everyone. Even his eighth brother, He Yuanzhi, whom he usually disliked, greeted him warmly as "eighth brother" today.

Xiao Dong's personality changed drastically and he suddenly became more mature not because Lingxiu told him two passages of Buddhist teachings, which elevated his spiritual realm, but because he found a high-ranking monk from Dajue Temple who could solve the Zhaowang Mansion's urgent crisis.

Rounding up, Xiao Qian, who only knew how to handle internal affairs, only had one younger brother.

Xiao Qian, so what if you understand taxes, household registration, disaster relief, laws, and so on? What time is it? Why are you still bothering with these trivial matters? Chaos is coming, and might makes right.

Day after day, instead of thinking about recruiting soldiers and buying horses, all he does is sit in the Chengqian Hall reviewing documents.

Since you enjoy sitting so much, I'll make sure you work in logistics for the rest of your life!

Xiao Dong disliked Xiao Qian, and several members of the Xiao family in the Zhaowang Mansion also disliked Xiao Qian. Unlike Xiao He, who simply disliked Xiao Qian, these members of the Xiao family disliked Xiao Qian because Xiao Qian was autocratic and held great power, which caused their talents to be buried.

What's most infuriating is that Xiao Qian, under the guise of doing it for their own good, forces them to work hard at the grassroots level, wasting their prime years and extinguishing their passion and ambition.

At least that's how they see it.

Xiao Dong was one of them. He was talented but unsuccessful, outstanding but without a path. He believed that Xiao Qian was suppressing him and was afraid that he would be surpassed by Xiao Qian after he gained power.

We could tolerate it before, but now that the news has spread that the Zhaowang Mansion is the most likely to take over the capital, and Xiao Qian is still keeping a low profile and playing the game of holding back, this is no longer tolerable.

If you don't move, others will. The day your head is gone, you won't be able to move at all.

Do you understand the importance of seizing the initiative?
If you don't understand, step aside and let the experts open your eyes!
Xiao Dong: No one understands Western Chu better than me!
Getting back to the main point, Xiao Dong was able to find Lingxiu not because of his reputation, which would attract eminent monks from Dajue Temple simply by mentioning his name, but because the eminent monks from Dajue Temple took the initiative to approach him, saying that the Zhaowang Mansion had an affinity with Buddhism.

To be more specific, Xiao Yan had a connection with Buddhism, and Dajue Temple came to assist the Prince Zhao's mansion out of a predestined reason.

These details are unimportant. All Xiao Dong knows is that the high monk from Dajue Temple is looking for him, not Xiao Qian. He can solve the deadlock that Xiao Qian cannot, and that's all.

Just thinking about it made Xiao Dong unable to suppress his joy, and his smile widened, making him cheerful to everyone.

Riding the spring breeze...

boom!
He crashed headlong into the spatial barrier, stumbled, and could no longer laugh.

“Amitabha, a master here has performed a ritual to protect Prince Zhao. Young prince, please do not be angry. This humble monk has found a way in and out.”

Lingxiu smiled slightly, and only after Xiao Dong crashed headfirst into the spatial barrier did she step forward, put her hands together, and spread out golden light ripples, finding a portal to enter through the gap between the three spatial barriers.

"The monk possesses extraordinary supernatural powers."

Xiao Dong praised him, then asked in confusion, "Who has such skills that even the Divine Capital has sent a Grandmaster to my Prince Zhao's residence?"

Upon realizing this possibility, Xiao Dong's excited heart instantly turned cold.

Oh no, Xiao Qian has really had enough.

“He is not a grandmaster of the Xiao family in the capital, but a cultivator with a connection to Buddhism. His skills are profound and his methods are extraordinary. With his assistance, the Zhaowang Mansion has nothing to worry about,” Lingxiu said calmly.

Xiao Dong had been away from the Prince Zhao's residence for the past two days and was unaware of the situation at home. Upon hearing Lingxiu's words, he immediately panicked.

"Grandmaster……"

"Dajue Temple came in response to the Dharma. Whether it is adding flowers to brocade or providing charcoal in snowy weather, as long as Prince Zhao's Mansion overcomes the difficulties, Dajue Temple is willing to play a supporting role."

Lingxiu spoke casually, but Xiao Dong didn't think so. He said quickly, "Master, if Dajue Temple wants to spread Buddhism and preach in all directions, being a supporting role is probably not enough."

Lingxiu clasped her hands together and silently recited a Buddhist chant.

Seeing this, Xiao Dong was quite dissatisfied. "You bald monk, you neither fight nor snatch, acting like a proper monk. And you still want the new emperor to ascend the throne and open the door to Buddha's great convenience?"

No, where's that energy you Buddhist monks have when you're begging for alms?

The two entered the central courtyard and found Xiao Yan, who was so bored he kept yawning, in the empty house.

Under the pretext of protection, Xiang Yuan locked Xiao Yan in a small dark room. The latter had limited entertainment options and could only play chess against himself. He won a hundred games in a row, but the higher he climbed, the lonelier he felt, and his mouth was practically tasteless.

It would be nice to have a princess!

Xiao Yan was having a headache when he saw his second son, Xiao Dong, leading a handsome bald monk into the house. He looked over in confusion.

"This humble monk is Lingxiu, a practitioner at Dajue Temple. I pay my respects to Your Highness Prince Zhao." Lingxiu bowed respectfully.

Upon hearing that he was a high-ranking monk from Dajue Temple, Xiao Yan rose to return the greeting. After Lingxiu took his seat, he then used telepathy to inquire of Xiao Dong what the bald monk's purpose was in coming.

Xiao Dong hurriedly sent a message back, excitedly explaining that Dajue Temple had come to support the Zhaowang Mansion. With the help of such a top-tier force, great things were on the horizon, and the future of the Zhaowang Mansion was limitless.

Is it true? Are monks really that kind-hearted?

Xiao Yan's first reaction was disbelief, but after hearing Xiao Dong's next words, he nodded secretly and said, "No one comes to the Three Treasures Hall without a reason."

Dajue Temple fully supported Prince Zhao's ascension to the throne and his entry into the capital to rule the country. While it was said to be a timely act of kindness, it was actually a mutually beneficial arrangement. They were simply waiting for Xiao Yan to become the emperor of Western Chu, promising him a life of travel, spreading Buddhism far and wide, and building more Buddhist temples within the territory of Western Chu.

At first glance, it seems fine, but upon closer inspection, it's a big problem.

Firstly, since Prince Zhao's household was in dire straits and needed their help, they should have been the ones to make the first move, but Dajue Temple took advantage of the situation and demanded a higher price. In the end, after Prince Zhao's household expressed their gratitude profusely, Dajue Temple reluctantly agreed, receiving a promise to widely distribute Buddhist teachings and a few polite words about the Buddha's compassion.

By going directly to their door, the situation reversed, and the Prince Zhao's Mansion began to demand exorbitant prices.

That's not how you do business!

Secondly, although Dajue Temple has many lay disciples, few of its inner disciples travel the world. The sudden need to spread Buddhism widely indicates that it is preparing to enter the world.

Why did they have to act now of all times, of all times?

Xiao Yan remained expressionless, pondering for a moment without finding a solution.

When in doubt, ask your son!

Under Xiao Dong's displeased gaze, the chubby Xiao Qian arrived at the central courtyard and began chatting with Ling Xiu with a smile.

Deep within the spatial restriction, Xiang Yuan sat cross-legged on a couch, frowning as he looked at the three people and one donkey in the room. Upon hearing Ling Xiu explain the purpose of their visit to Dajue Temple, his brows furrowed even more.

Was Emperor Xiao Yan connected with Buddhism?

It really is.

The Southern Dynasties had 480 temples, and many pavilions were shrouded in mist and rain. The name Xiao Yan was indeed connected with Buddhism.

However, this Xiao Yan is not the same as that Xiao Yan, and there is no need to apply this meme to the Qianyuan Realm.

Just as Xiang Yuan and Xiao Yan had thought, the arrival of Dajue Temple was peculiar. It had changed its usual style, from reclusive cultivation to being proactive and active, making a complete 180-degree turn in attitude, which was unexpected.

So be it. Every cultivator has their moments of madness. But to willingly go to someone's door to be slaughtered and act as a henchman for Prince Zhao's mansion is really a bit unreasonable.

There are honest monks in the world, but they certainly won't be from Dajue Temple.

Xiang Yuan knew very well that Abbot Huixing of Dajue Temple was no ordinary expert. He had won the bet against Quexinyan, making him a top-tier expert, and very likely a strongman on par with Quexinyan.

How could such a tall donkey possibly be an honest monk?

The bald monk's arrival must have another reason!
Xiang Yuan frowned as he looked at Ling Xiu. He was hidden deep within the restricted area, and Xiao Yan and his two sons were unaware that there was another person in the room. However, Ling Xiu knew, and her gaze occasionally swept across the air where Xiang Yuan was, with a hint of amazement between her brows.

He once taught Xiang Yuan the "Bodhi One Leaf Sutra," which allowed Xiang Yuan to only practice Buddhism. There was a way to break this: find a destined person and have the teachings passed on to him again.

However, Buddhism has very high requirements for those with affinity; it's not something just anyone can do.

One must have a karmic connection with Buddha, reaching the level of a living Bodhisattva.

Lingxiu firmly believed that Xiangyuan could only honestly cultivate Buddhism in this life, but in the end, Xiangyuan really spread the 'Bodhi One Leaf Sutra'.

The question is, where did you find this living Buddha?
May I ask the Bodhisattva's Dharma name, and which great being is the Bodhisattva a reincarnation of?

Lingxiu, full of questions, pretended not to know of Xiang Yuan's existence and engaged in a question-and-answer session with Xiao Qian, conveying the words of Abbot Huixing.

King Zhao is destined to have ninety-nine sons. Once this is fulfilled, a dragon will surely soar through the heavens!
Upon hearing this, Xiang Yuan's expression became even more peculiar. Judging from Ling Xiu's words, he had come today on his master's orders to become Xiao Yan's adopted son. Outrageous!

Listen to your uncle's advice: don't tarnish Liu Xiu's name. Your biological father was the emperor of Northern Qi. Xiao Yan, that kind of scoundrel father, is not worthy of you.

Also, you've already become a monk, so what's the big deal about having a godfather?
What's wrong? You want to lose your hair? Want to return to secular life?
Xiang Yuan was full of questions, unable to understand the strange actions of Dajue Temple. Considering that Abbot Huixing was a reclusive master, and that a master's actions must have a reason, this matter was definitely not as simple as just a tantrum, but must have a deeper meaning behind it.

Xiang Yuan gave up after a moment's thought. He had hair, and they weren't on the same wavelength. He couldn't guess what kind of madness the bald man had gone mad with.

Xiang Yuan's expression was strange, and Xiao Qian's expression was even stranger. Not only did Dajue Temple come out of the mountains to help, but they also wanted to ask their adoptive father to tie the entire mountain gate to the broken carriage of Prince Zhao's mansion.

Is there such a good thing?

Dajue Temple is a top-tier institution in the world, and its eminent monks are praised by all, with their Buddhist cultivation beyond doubt.

Xiao Qian never doubted the strength and resources of Dajue Temple. It just so happened that the Zhaowang Mansion lacked the support of a first-class force. Both sides got what they needed, and this deal could be described as a win-win situation.

But to be honest, Dajue Temple's sudden enthusiasm is a bit unsettling.

"What do you think?"

Hearing his father's voice in his ear, Xiao Qian didn't hesitate and said directly, "Promise Dajue Temple that Master Lingxiu will give you ninety-nine sons to complete the perfect number."

"Oh, you agreed so easily?"

"Or what should we do? Turn Dajue Temple away and let them go find someone else?"

"..."

It is true.

Although the father and son felt that nothing good could come from a free lunch, they were already here at Dajue Temple, so there was no reason to turn them away, whether considering the present or the future.

This is the world-class Dajue Temple, a place where countless people would kneel and beg for a door!
To Xiang Yuan's astonishment, Lingxiu bowed respectfully, addressing him as "Godfather" and becoming Xiao Yan's ninety-ninth adopted son, filling the last spot and completing the cycle.

For a time, the scene of fatherly love and sonly filial piety, and brotherly affection and respect, was extremely touching.

Lingxiu went down to rest with Xiao Dong. Xiao Yan and Xiao Qian stared at each other, and when there were no outsiders, the father and son stopped acting and said in unison, "That's outrageous."

"Judging from your previous actions, I thought you had no intention of taking over the capital, but I didn't expect you to be so decisive today," Xiao Yan said in surprise.

"Arrogance and talkativeness bring great misfortune. Arrogant people are eccentric, neither filial nor loyal, and talkative people are unscrupulous, harming others and themselves. The Zhaowang Mansion has only been glorious for a few years and has a little foundation, yet it dares to say that it will take over the capital?" Xiao Qian shook his head repeatedly.

Those whose virtue does not match their position will surely suffer great calamity; being cautious in speech and action is the way to survive.

"I didn't understand."

"What I mean is that the Prince Zhao's mansion was not worthy of competing before, and did not have the ability."

"You can argue about it now?"

"It's not possible now either. Even if we do take control of the capital, we'll just be a puppet of the clan, powerless to control our own destiny."

Xiao Qian sighed, "But the tide has turned. Whether to fight or not is no longer up to the Prince Zhao's mansion. If you don't move, others will push you forward. It's better to be proactive and maintain your dignity than to let others maintain theirs."

Xiao Qian's words were full of helplessness as he looked apologetically at Xiao Yan: "If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have plotted to become the Prince of Zhao. Being a wealthy man would have been quite nice."

Xiao Yan disagreed, saying that his wife was not as interesting as the princess.

In other families, no one knows a son better than his father. In the Prince Zhao’s household, no one knows a father better than his son. Before Xiao Yan even got up, Xiao Qian already knew what he was thinking. He said speechlessly, “Times are different now. Father, you’d better be more energetic, especially your temperament. You must not be the same as before.”

Tone it down a bit. You're not a kid anymore. Don't make the kids worry all the time!

"Does my son mean that it is truly possible for his father to become emperor?" Xiao Yan asked curiously.

Hmm, you're quite optimistic!
Xiao Qian sighed deeply: "Father, as members of the Xiao clan, we should know very well that the emperor is not important, but the Xiao clan is. The emergence of Dajue Temple means that the forces of the martial arts world are intervening in the court. Today it is Dajue Temple, but what about tomorrow? The situation in Western Chu is undergoing a major change that has not been seen in a century. In this chaotic world, the situation of the Zhaowang Mansion is not optimistic."

Do you see the chessboard?
Didn't you see? Because we're just pawns!

Winning means living a life of luxury, but losing means being eaten.

Xiao Yan finally understood: "We can neither advance nor retreat, what should we do?"

"Father, we raise an army for a thousand days to use it for one day. You have so many sons, go find them!"

"for example?"

"Ninety-first brother, Xiang Yuan."

Xiao Qian said solemnly, "He has quite a few connections in the capital. He can speak to several grandmasters. If Father listens to his advice, even just one sentence would be far better than a single word from me."

Xiangyuan: (一`一)
Don't talk nonsense. The friendship between Xiang and that god is based on fighting. Those younger brothers have been unhappy with me for a long time, but they only act all joking around because they can't beat me.

Upon hearing Xiao Qian's words, Xiao Yan's face darkened: "Xiang, Xiang Yuan... he does indeed have quite a few connections in the capital."

Just by looking at the two princesses of Prince Zhao's mansion, one can tell that Xiang Yuan's status in the capital is several administrative levels higher than his own as Prince Zhao. Moreover, he personally witnessed how Xiao Feng, who was of the same generation as his grandfather, acted like a grandson in front of Xiang Yuan.

“Father, there’s no need to worry. From my observation, this ninety-first brother is not one who craves power. He’s different from others,” Xiao Qian continued to advise.

“It’s definitely different; he’s after my daughter…”

Xiao Yan looked disgusted and, from his father's perspective, muttered a few curses.

Xiang Yuan: ()
Okay, okay, now they're talking badly about me to my face.

Xiao Qian said a few more words, explaining that Xiang Yuan was related to the Tianwu Sect and had close ties with the Tiandao Sect, with connections all over Western Chu. From any perspective, Xiao Yan had gotten a great deal.

Yes, they came for your daughter, but you should know your place. Without your daughter, what are you? People wouldn't even bother to glance at you as they pass by.

Blah blah blah, waibi waibi, a whole bunch of boasting.

Xiang Yuan: ∠(ω)
That's why Xiao Qian is the eldest son. He's honest and steady, and he always speaks the truth. Xiang Yuan is convinced that he's the eldest brother and the heir apparent.

Xiao Yan listened with a look of annoyance, and seeing that Xiao Qian had no intention of stopping, he interrupted, "Stop talking, Xiang Yuan can't hear you."

Let him speak; Xiang Yuan can hear him!
“Father, I am not speaking to him, but to you.”

"Does my child mean I have to coax him to come?"

"No need for that. What happened before will happen in the future. After all, Brother Ninety-One came for your daughter."

"Then why did you keep talking for so long..."

"I'm just reminding Father not to change his attitude. There's already chaos in the household, and many people will spread rumors about you in the future. You should know what's important and what's not," Xiao Qian said earnestly.

After listening to the conversation between the father and son, Xiang Yuan fled and, following the scent of donkeys in the air, found the small courtyard where Lingxiu was temporarily staying.

Xiao Dong personally arranged for him to be placed right next to his own courtyard. He had a close relationship with the newly arrived Ninth Brother. Anyone who didn't know the situation would think that he had found his long-lost brother.

Lingxiu was a monk who liked to show off, but in front of Xiao Dong he put on a high-minded and indifferent attitude, which made the latter mistakenly think that he was a quiet monk. After chatting for a while, he took the initiative to leave.

That's all for today's progress. We'll continue with brotherly love and respect tomorrow.

After Xiao Dong left, Xiang Yuan pushed open the door and entered the courtyard: "Master, it's been a long time, you're still as dashing as ever!"

"And what about you, benefactor?"

Lingxiu looked at Xiang Yuan in amazement and asked directly, "Benefactor Xiang, to which Buddhist disciple did you pass on the 'Bodhi Leaf Sutra'?"

"Buddha said, don't say it."

Xiang Yuan looked at Lingxiu with a smile: "Of course, Master is, after all, the one who teaches Buddhism, so it's no problem to tell you. But the Buddha guides all people, and if I tell you directly, it would be a disrespect to Buddhism. What do you think, Master?"

“Excellent, it is only right that Buddha does not save the poor.” Lingxiu agreed.

"I will tell you who the destined person is, and the master will explain the true meaning of Dajue Temple's visit. What do you think?"

"good."

The two exchanged a glance, each took out paper and pen, wrote something down, and then exchanged them.

Lingxiu received a note containing the four characters "Guanyin Dashi" (Great Master Guanyin), while Xiangyuan received a note containing the four characters "Chuan Jing Tian Xia" (Spreading the Scriptures Throughout the World).

Bah, you shameless bastard, you never tell the truth! x2
(End of this chapter)