Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 408 The Conflict Between Buddhism and Taoism: Xiao Chen Benefits
Despite some minor misunderstandings at the beginning.

But none of that mattered. After a few brief pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.

Zen Master Jinghua's goal for this trip was also very clear.

That is, they want to get Xiao Chen's votes on several proposals.

This includes territory division, the number of secret realms, threats in the open sea, trade control, and so on.

Since the Buddhist community is outnumbered, they need to secure this neutral vote even more to push forward this series of adjustments.

"These proposals are all for the stability and prosperity of the entire Ocean of Compassion."

Zen Master Jinghua earnestly pleaded: "If these reforms can be implemented, they will surely benefit every cultivator, from top to bottom, and bring immense benefits to everyone."

"Furthermore, we will not let Mr. Xiao help us for nothing."

"Before coming here this time, I brought some local specialties from the temple as a souvenir for Layman Xiao."

As he spoke, he waved his hand.

Immediately, a three-tiered gift box, about one foot and two inches tall, appeared on the ground between the two of them.

Xiao Chen glanced at it; its shape looked exactly like a lunchbox.

However, a red ribbon was tied around the outside, with a pretty knot at the top.

"Well, these things are all too important, and will involve many people in the future."

Xiao Chen didn't look at the gift, but instead politely declined, saying, "I think it's better if I don't participate, so as not to affect the correct outcome due to a lack of understanding."

"Of course, I won't object; I'll let things take their natural course."

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Jinghua immediately advised, "If Layman Xiao is not familiar with a certain proposal, I can actually explain it in detail again."

"Moreover, this kind of thing needs to be adjusted by taking into account the opinions of all parties."

“If Mr. Xiao is not in a hurry, we may break down the issues one by one and discuss them in detail.”

"As the saying goes, we should seek common ground while reserving differences. How about we set aside those potentially controversial proposals for now and focus on discussing some other proposals?"

Although Zen Master Jinghua just gave a long list of proposals.

However, before he came, he had already considered that Xiao Chen might not fully support him.

Anticipating this is not difficult at all.

As long as we take into account the inherent differences between Buddhist and Taoist thought, the positions of the practitioners on both sides will naturally be different.

Considering that some sects may have already reached some agreements with Xiao Chen in private, Pudu Temple should be too late.

It's not hard to guess that he will most likely refuse.

The reason why Zen Master Jinghua, knowing this, still revealed their proposal was because...

It was simply because I wanted to define a scope for discussion and then have a conversation with Xiao Chen within that scope.

As for the remaining proposals, more complex and comprehensive negotiations are needed to reach a compromise solution that involves mutual binding and concessions.

Those things will be handled by Zen Master Jingchen; he doesn't need to worry about them.

"Time is not a problem, as long as it doesn't interfere with attending the conference this afternoon."

Xiao Chen nodded: "If we can discuss these proposals one by one, I would really like to learn more about them."

"For example, regarding the extermination of the remaining powerful sea monsters."

"For example, establishing long-term and fixed collective trade channels to facilitate the exchange of goods and services."

In fact, Zen Master Jinghua is quite right in saying that if some proposals can be passed, it will benefit everyone.

For example, the two points that Xiao Chen just mentioned are actually applicable to most cultivators.

In particular, trade can foster a mutually beneficial situation.

As the saying goes, cooperation benefits both sides; once the deal is approved, both parties, or even multiple parties, can benefit from it.

This naturally includes Xiao Chen himself, which is why he was interested.

"Let's start by discussing these two proposals."

Zen Master Jinghua smiled slightly and immediately perked up.

In a negotiation, interest is the most important element.

If Xiao Chen is willing to discuss the details in depth, it means that the matter is already halfway done.

So Zen Master Jinghua sorted out his thoughts and began to explain in detail the original intention and necessity of this proposal, starting with some past disputes over relics.

The two quickly reached a consensus on the matter of eliminating the remaining sea monsters.

The gist of it is that the human race should join forces to establish a monitoring and intelligence network specifically targeting the remaining powerful sea monsters within the Mercy Sea.

Thus, if it is discovered that a powerful demon is lurking or committing evil in a certain place, it can be dealt with accordingly.

This allows for timely responses from designated personnel who can quickly verify the authenticity of intelligence and report concrete leads to the major sects.

Finally, one or more True Lords or Zen Masters who volunteered to slay demons and eliminate evil spirits would step in to handle the matter.

"I think we should add a few more notice boards at the end."

Xiao Chen added, "It means marking out highly suspicious sea areas in certain fixed locations."

"This serves as a warning to nearby independent cultivators to stay away from sea areas where powerful demons may reside."

Incidentally, this would also allow him to obtain useful clues as soon as he returns from the new cultivation world and go hunting for spiritual materials.

Of course, there's no need to say this out loud; you know it yourself.

Everything written into a proposal must be for everyone's benefit, or at least appear to be for everyone's benefit on the surface.

After Xiao Chen finished speaking, Zen Master Jinghua immediately picked up his pen and added this suggestion for revision.

Anyway, adding a sign wouldn't be a big deal for them.

Following that, the two finalized the collective trading agreement.

The initial plan is to find a fixed island where representatives from various sects can periodically conduct transactions.

In addition, some special invitation slots will be sent to important people like Xiao Chen.

The number of specially invited slots will be limited to a small number to ensure the quality and efficiency of the transactions.

Then, the two also discussed the remaining proposals.

Xiao Chen still didn't want to get involved in topics like the number of spots in secret realms or the threat from the distant seas.

However, they also agreed to matters such as erecting a monument and investigating human traitors.

The talks between the two sides went relatively smoothly.

The only thing that surprised Xiao Chen was that Zen Master Jinghua never mentioned the interests of Pudu Temple from beginning to end.

He said all of this with good intentions.

A large portion of them actually stood on the side of the overall interests of the compassionate sea people.

The other group, while standing on the side of the sect, also considered the interests of other major forces, rather than just Pudu Temple itself.

In the end, Xiao Chen felt that the other party was being a little too selfless.

Is this right?
That's definitely not right!
Although Xiao Chen didn't know where the problem lay, there was one thing he was very clear about.

That is, if these proposals are truly made with good intentions, then why would the other party bring them local specialties from the temple?

Unless the gift box on the ground actually contained something worthless.

However, Xiao Chen wasn't in a hurry to see it, since he had only promised good things anyway.

After chatting for a while longer, they politely reached an agreement and saw Zen Master Jinghua off.

He closed the door, placed the gift box on the table, and opened the top lid.

On the first floor, three bundles of incense sticks were neatly stacked in a triangular pattern.

"Huh? Is this really a local specialty? No, wait, this looks like Bodhi Nourishing Incense!"

Xiao Chen was taken aback at first, but then realized that the contents of the box were one of the three most famous man-made treasures of Pudu Temple.

Besides the famous Purple Gold Bodhi Fruit.

Pudu Temple also has three other famous treasures: Bodhi incense for nourishing the spirit, jade lotus seeds, and the Arhat banner for suppressing demons.

Although these things are all man-made, they are in no way inferior to naturally born fourth-order spiritual objects.

It is even stronger than ordinary low-grade fourth-order spiritual objects.

"This gift box also has three layers, could it be that it contains these three items?"

With a thought, Xiao Chen began to actively recall the records of the three treasures of Pudu Temple from the ancient books he had read before.

It is said that Bodhi incense is best used in a quiet room. When lit, it can calm the mind and spirit of the practitioners in the room, greatly increasing their concentration.

Similar to Danxiang, but with enhanced effects and wider applicability.

If used long-term, it can also slowly increase the strength of one's spiritual consciousness.

Jade lotus seeds can be used as ingredients for alchemy or eaten directly.

If consumed directly, it can increase the activity of the user's spiritual consciousness and true essence within three hours, and can be mainly used to improve the speed of spell cultivation.

Even in the absence of the Purple Gold Bodhi Fruit, it can be used as a lesser substitute to help the user comprehend the Great Dao.

Of course, the latter effect is much worse; it's only better than nothing.

As for the final Arhat Demon-Suppressing Banner, it was a powerful weapon developed in earlier years specifically to target demonic cultivators.

It is said to be able to effectively suppress demonic energy and some methods related to blood.

However, with the decline of the demonic path, it is now basically useless, and its symbolic significance outweighs its practical significance.

Of course, no matter what, this is still a fourth-tier spiritual artifact.

The so-called symbolic meaning is only relative to the Nascent Soul True Monarch who already possesses a customized spiritual artifact; it is certainly not as suitable or as useful as a customized spiritual artifact.

That's not to say it's just for show.

"Speaking of which, these things can actually be considered a kind of local specialty."

Xiao Chen chuckled: "A fourth-tier specialty is still a specialty."

"Moreover, Pudu Temple gave out three bundles of incense sticks on the first floor. They're quite generous."

Keep in mind that this is equivalent to three fourth-tier spiritual items. The total value of these three bundles of incense sticks alone is roughly equivalent to two thousand-year-old mystic crystals.

Not to mention there should be two more things below.

With a hint of anticipation, Xiao Chen reached out and opened the second layer: "Huh? Why is it a bottle?"

There was a celadon octagonal bottle on the table, without any writing or symbolic patterns on it.

"Did I guess wrong?"

Xiao Chen picked up the bottle and gently pulled out the stopper: "Oh, it's a spirit storage bottle. Then it's alright."

He immediately spotted a bottle full of jade lotus seeds.

The reason for putting it in a bottle is probably because it allows for better storage.

Xiao Chen quickly counted the lotus seeds in the bottle with his divine sense; there were a total of thirty-six lotus seeds inside.

The value of a single piece of this stuff isn't actually very high, but the sheer quantity makes up for it.

Moreover, depending on the individual circumstances of different cultivators, its total value is approximately between three and four thousand-year-old mystic crystals.

It's relatively cheap if you only want to improve your spell proficiency, and relatively expensive if you want to use it for alchemy.

"Hmm, since that's the case, I've calculated that this last level must contain a Demon-Suppressing Banner." Xiao Chen put away the jade lotus seed and pretended to make a hand seal: "Open!"

"Hey, wait, where's my flag?"

The first two specialties have arrived, but the third item is not the Arhat Demon-Suppressing Banner that was listed alongside them.

Instead, it was a shrimp carapace that had been partially refined and was only about the length of a forearm.

There was also a small note written by Zen Master Jinghua: "I have heard that Layman Xiao has recently been collecting spiritual materials from various sources to forge defensive spiritual weapons."

"These are the shells of the shrimp we obtained earlier. They have only undergone preliminary processing, but they should be useful."

Actually, he originally wanted to give the Arhat Demon-Suppressing Banner to complete the three-piece set.

However, Zen Master Jinghua changed his mind again.

Firstly, most cultivators no longer need demon suppression, so giving away too many would be a waste.

Secondly, since the decline of the demonic path, the Luohan Demon-Suppressing Banner in Pudu Temple has been produced very rarely, so it's better to keep it as a souvenir for one's own family.

Based on Xiao Chen's information about collecting defensive spiritual objects, he temporarily replaced it with a shrimp shell.

This led to the error in the prediction just now.

"I... this... is fine too."

Xiao Chen wasn't picky; after all, shrimp shells were good stuff, and he could actually use them.

Besides, he was practically getting the spiritual items for free.

Naturally, he'll take whatever others offer him.

Moreover, he was already very satisfied to have obtained so many fourth-tier spiritual items for free this time, using the voting rights that everyone has.

It's important to know that just four years ago, it would have been extremely difficult for Xiao Chen to obtain any of these items.

The kind that you can't buy even with spirit stones.

Now, however, we can simply wait for others to come to us.

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen was filled with emotion.

After briefly reviewing the past, he began to regulate his breathing while waiting for the afternoon conference to begin.

However, this noon felt unusually long compared to usual.

By 5:45 PM, the sun in the distant sky had already approached the sea level.

Finally, a golden-bodied Arhat respectfully knocked on the door, informing Xiao Chen to go to Guanhai Tower to attend the second half of the peace conference.

It must be said that although the lunch break was a bit long, the effect was exceptionally significant.

When Zen Master Jingchen stood in the center again, there was a new stack of revised proposals in front of him, replacing the original four stacks of old proposals.

In terms of total numbers, about two-thirds of the proposals simply disappeared.

However, in terms of thickness, this stack of new proposals is taller than the four stacks of old proposals combined.

The reason is simple: many proposals were either for convenience or became part of the compromise, and were eventually merged into one.

For example, the first proposal in the afternoon was quite interesting.

This involves three things: the reconstruction of Jiaye Temple and Juehai Temple, and Chongzhen Temple's purchase of the spiritual vein of Xiaobanruo Temple.

Logically speaking, any one of these issues is quite complex and could be the subject of much debate.

Now that all three things are mixed together, it has become many times more complicated.

However, Zen Master Jingchen then asked, "Next, please raise your hands if you oppose this proposed amendment!"

Surprisingly, the scene was quiet; there wasn't a single dissenting vote.

It was subsequently passed smoothly with 25 votes in favor, becoming the first proposal to be passed unanimously at this conference.

It can be said that this directly solved half of the most difficult issue of spheres of influence.

Subsequently, various amendments were passed with astonishing efficiency.

Although many proposals received one abstention and one dissenting vote during the voting process, this did not affect the overall progress.

This was in stark contrast to the difficult situation in the morning.

This left many Golden Core disciples, who were not yet qualified to participate in the private negotiations, completely bewildered and dumbfounded.

Although some of the more astute disciples had guessed that a compromise might occur.

But when they actually saw this scene, they were still deeply shocked.

Establish a joint external monitoring mechanism and conduct joint maritime surveillance.

The major sects share samples of demon bloodlines and some special species of golden core sea fish.

All major sects erected monuments of uniform specifications to commemorate the disciples who sacrificed their lives in the great war.

The Mozhang Sect, the Tiangang Sect, and the Cangming Immortal Sect will jointly take over the Sanye Islands and each occupy one-third of them.

……

With each proposal passed, it is entirely foreseeable that the overall situation in the Ocean of Compassion will undergo another dramatic change.

There are many details in every aspect.

Xiao Chen also paid attention to some content that was directly related to himself.

For example, certain spiritual items can be open for trade, and regular trade fairs can be held at fixed times and locations.

However, apart from the major sects being allowed to send one representative, others...

Other cultivators either receive joint invitations from three or more sects, or they can only bid for a limited number of spots in advance through an auction.

However, there is one special clause in the proposal.

It was stipulated that Xiao Chen was the only exception who could participate in every trade fair permanently without needing an invitation or a bidding quota.

This is actually slightly different from what we agreed on beforehand.

It's a good thing, so it's alright.

It is worth mentioning that Zhang Shouquan voted against the proposal.

He wasn't against Xiao Chen having permanent participation rights, but rather he wanted to know why he didn't.

Master Jinghua explained this by saying, "This special clause is not targeted at any one person, but applies to everyone."

"Any cultivator who can intervene to restrain a half-step fifth-order great demon at a critical moment will automatically gain permanent participation rights."

"At present, only Layman Xiao meets this requirement."

"If a similar situation occurs in the future, we will treat everyone equally and ensure absolute fairness and impartiality."

Ok?
Zhang Shouquan felt he was being targeted.

For example, the major sects agreed to hold a joint large-scale auction, which was scheduled for a year later.

At the same time, the first batch of regular trading slots will also be sold during this auction.

For example, there are also proposals suggesting that major sects should share the new relics.

All fourth-order cultivators, including Xiao Chen, have the right to explore any new ruins.

No matter where the ruins appear, the nearby sects can no longer join forces to stop them as they did before.

This rule also applies to all fourth-tier cultivators in the Sea of ​​Compassion in the future.

In addition, there are two other very interesting proposals.

The first point is that Lianhua Temple will establish a branch temple at the original location of Kuji Temple to spread its incense offerings.

However, apart from occupying the island where the fourth-order spiritual vein is located, they also...

The remaining spiritual veins, spiritual fields, spiritual mines, etc. within the original Kuji Temple area will be owned by different sects respectively.

Simply put, everyone divided up the territory of Kujiki-ji Temple.

The second option is for the major sects to jointly establish a separate new force to be responsible for eradicating the remaining sea monsters.

This proposal also took the longest to vote on among the many proposals in the afternoon.

Many Taoist masters at the meeting expressed their willingness to contribute manpower and resources to form patrol teams to search for the great sea monsters.

Meanwhile, in order to carry out the encirclement and capture more effectively, it is hoped that a fourth-order large array can be set up on some uninhabited desert islands.

However, this idea was met with strong opposition from the Buddhist community.

What a joke! The final battle against the sea race broke out within the Buddhist territory, and the remaining powerful sea demons were mostly hiding within Buddhist lands.

If the Taoist sect members were allowed in, they would set up many fourth-order grand formations.

Then they have to wonder what the real purpose of these great formations is.

Even if it's for eliminating powerful demons now, what about later?
If, tens of thousands of years later, intelligence suddenly comes out that traces of a great demon have been discovered again, could the great formation be rebuilt?
In short, this loophole and this pretext must absolutely not be opened.

It was only during their argument that Xiao Chen suddenly understood what Master Jinghua's specialty meant.

It's probably for the sake of safety and peace of mind that they're making extra preparations.

In addition, there are several very special proposals.

The first thing is about the allocation of the various secret realms.

From now on, many previously unclaimed secret realms will have a fixed owner.

The Bloodthirsty Secret Realm in the south has been incorporated into the territory of Yuntao Sword Lodge.

The Cangran Secret Realm, which Xiao Chen once visited, has become the exclusive property of the Cangming Immortal Sect.

Guiyun Secret Realm, located on the border of Xiaobanruo Temple, will be supervised by Pudu Temple.

It is worth mentioning that the sandalwood sanctuary originally occupied by the Kuji Temple has become a public sanctuary of the Compassion Sea.

When the future opens, all cultivators in the Golden Core and Nascent Soul stages of the entire Compassionate Sea will be able to enter freely.

Next, the Buddhist community agreed to limit the number of times the Salvation Ceremony could be held within a hundred years.

It should not be held more than twice, and it is best not to hold it at all.

To put it bluntly, for the time being, they are no longer allowed to poach employees like before.

Another welcome development is the reckoning with those who betrayed the cause during the war.

All the major sects agreed to exchange relevant intelligence and cross-verify which disciples within their sects had secretly defected to the sea race.

In addition, some cultivation families will also be subject to strict scrutiny.

Most importantly, and what surprised Xiao Chen the most was...

Yuntao Jianlu stated that they intend to liquidate the Feiye Chamber of Commerce!

The reason is simple: when the sea creatures arrived, they actually ran away to the Storm Sea.

Therefore, True Lord Lushuang suggested sealing off all properties related to the Jade Leaf Merchant Guild within the entire Compassionate Sea region.

Although considering that True Monarch Canye is also a fourth-level cultivator, it is not advisable to directly antagonize them.

But we should all unite and not welcome them back from now on.

Ideally, the major sects should jointly support a new chamber of commerce to replace the original position of the Jade Leaf Chamber of Commerce, and incidentally, it could also be responsible for the aforementioned trade in specialty products and spiritual items.

The key point is that all the major sects actually passed this proposal.

Moreover, apart from two abstentions, there were twenty-three votes in favor.

Tsk tsk tsk, it seems the Jade Leaf Merchant Guild is not coming back.

(End of this chapter)