Free Web NovelChapter 686: Chapter 256: Heart of Desperate Resolve (Part 3)
"The previous agreements, in the presence of these Golden Core mighty figures, probably no longer hold."
Shen Chongming nodded.
The agreements themselves were set by those Golden Core mighty figures.
They are the makers of the rules, and naturally also the breakers of the rules.
Spirit is a matter of life and death; to them, what are rules compared to life and death?
"Fellow Daoist Jin, the three of us are allies. In the impending chaos, Shen Family, Luoxia Mountain, and Celestial Sandalwood Mountain must mutually defend and attack."
"Only then is it the path of longevity."
With a change in tone, Shen Chongming looked at Old Man Jin and spoke.
Celestial Sandalwood Mountain is a Purple Mansion Influence. Although their ancestor Feng Xi achieved Purple Mansion by cleverness, he is still a solid Purple Mansion Cultivator, stronger than Shen Family and Luoxia Mountain.
Moreover, Celestial Sandalwood Mountain’s Golden Core Great Demon is clearly not only Feng Changyou; the three being mutually defensive and offensive would benefit Shen Family and Luoxia Mountain.
Old Man Jin was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then chuckled dryly, "Of course, of course."
"However, the specific details should wait for Ancestor Changyou to arrive and personally discuss them with Elder Sword Immortal and Elder Jiang."
He understood Shen Chongming’s intention.
But the current situation differs from before; what stance Celestial Sandalwood Mountain should take is not something he, merely in the Half-Step Golden Core Realm, can decide.
Feng Changyou did not clarify, so let the ancestors discuss it themselves later.
Shen Chongming heard this, glanced at Old Man Jin with a meaningful look, chatted for a bit more, then returned to Yunshui City directly.
...
Southern Border, Jianan Temple.
In the grand and majestic hall of the Zen temple, six monks enveloped in a faint golden light, with compassionate and dignified appearances, sat around together.
"Hong Ye, how many leaves has your Bodhi sprouted?"
The leading old monk, draped in an embroidered kasaya with snowy white long eyebrows hanging down to his shoulders, looked at the Great Brightness World Honored One in front of him and asked softly.
Hong Ye, seemingly a child of seven or eight years old, nodded slightly and said, "Replying to Uncle Teacher, the Bodhi has sprouted four leaves; indeed, Shen Family’s fortune and fate are formidable."
"Nephew believes, if it were entirely seized, it could make the Bodhi sprout six leaves, assisting nephew to attain the Arhat position."
Upon hearing this, the other Great Brightness Realm monks around were filled with envy.
"Congratulations, Brother Hong Ye, for obtaining such an opportunity, perhaps you may comprehend the mysteries, and achieving the Buddha Fruit Position might not be impossible."
Another young monk smiled and spoke.
Hong Ye heard this, first delighted, then quickly waved his hands, saying, "Brother Hong Xiu, don’t speak rashly; attaining the Buddha Fruit Position isn’t so simple."
As he said this, he sneaked a glance at the old monk who had just spoken.
Seeing his expression unchanged, seemingly indifferent, Hong Ye secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright, let’s discuss this later."
"The reason I gathered everyone today is about the spirit matter."
"Since that mysterious cultivator visited months ago, mentioning the spirit matter."
"Now Fushan Country, Great Witch Mountain, Yin Corpse Sect, and other forces have begun to act; Celestial Sandalwood Mountain is also organizing the demon cultivators under their jurisdiction, clearly prepared."
"Jianan Temple should also take action."
As he said this, the old monk’s gaze turned to Hong Ye.
"You have been presiding over affairs in Yangnao Land; continue to handle this matter."
Upon hearing this, Hong Ye’s expression immediately turned a bit unpleasant.
Struggling internally for a long while, he then spoke bravely, "Replying to Uncle Teacher, nephew has recently gained some insights and is preparing to enter seclusion."
"Concerning matters in Yangnao Land... What do you think...?"
Not long ago, he expended great effort to capture Shen Chongxu and planted the Nine-leaf Bodhi on him with the Glazed Hidden Mechanism Compassion Light Tower, slowly harvesting the Shen Family’s fortune and fate.
Thereafter, he wouldn’t need to risk as much; just wait silently until the Nine-leaf Bodhi fully matures, absorbs it completely, and his cultivation can easily achieve the Arhat Realm equivalent to an Immortal Dao Cultivator’s Purple Mansion.
If lucky, he might even touch the threshold of the Buddha Fruit Position, promising limitless prospects.
But if he presides over the contest for the spirit at Yangnao Land now and anything goes wrong, wouldn’t this immense opportunity be wasted on someone else?
"Brother Hong Ye is reluctant to part with that Nine-leaf Bodhi..."
"Master, allow me to handle matters at Yangnao Land this time?"
The previously speaking monk, Hong Xiu, sneered and spoke.
He also possesses a Nine-leaf Bodhi.
Hong Ye managed to capture a member of Shen Family’s direct lineage, leveraging the Nine-leaf Bodhi to harvest the Shen Family’s fortune; he intends to emulate this.
At worst, they’ll see who extracts faster and gains more fortune later.
Upon seeing this, Hong Ye was initially delighted, before feeling worried.
He seemed to have seen through Hong Xiu’s intention, fearing that the other would compete for the Shen Family’s fortune.
Yet unable to prevent Hong Xiu from heading to Yangnao Land, he could only hope that Shen Family will guard against this and not let Hong Xiu succeed.
"In that case, this matter shall be entrusted to Hong Xiu."
"I have chosen a reincarnation body, and for the time being, the hosting position of Jianan Temple shall be temporarily handed over to Hong Jing; may you all strive together, ensuring Jianan Temple’s better perpetuation."
Having said this, the old monk gently waved his hand.
The people in front rose and bowed before dispersing separately.
Leaving the Zen temple hall, Hong Ye hurried to the place where Shen Chongxu was suppressed.
Gazing at the small sapling with four verdant leaves before him, Hong Ye revealed a trace of greed and joy.
"Excellent, excellent."
