Chapter 170: Twelve Great Vows

"May I, in my next life when I attain Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi, have my own brilliance blazing, illuminating innumerable boundless worlds, adorning my body with the thirty‑two great man attributes and the eighty accompanying forms, so that all sentient beings are no different from me."

Eastern Wilderness.

Accompanied by Gu Jin Nian's voice, the heavens and earth also underwent a complete transformation.

The first to change was Gu Jin Nian himself; his mortal body at that moment radiated boundless light.

Then one world after another appeared, each a Buddha Realm.

When these magnificent worlds emerged, Gu Jin Nian's aura also became incomparably terrifying.

Thirty‑two attributes manifested: the foot‑stable attribute, the thousand‑spoke wheel attribute, the slender‑finger attribute, the soft‑hand‑and‑foot attribute, the hand‑and‑foot net‑like attribute, together forming eighty dignities; a single claw elongated, the fingers of both hands and feet round, the hands and feet each equal without difference, the hands and feet perfect, the tendons and vessels intertwined reflecting the heavenly Buddha Realms, countless and infinite, representing the supreme.

Each Buddha Realm's birth caused the entire Western Desert to tremble.

At that moment, no one could remain calm; their eyes were filled with astonishment.

It was astonishment, but even more so, shock.

The three venerables grew even more terrified, for before these myriad small worlds they realized they could not move, suppressed by the true Buddha's aura.

"Great vow, Gu Jin Nian is making a great vow."

Someone shouted, pointing at Gu Jin Nian, and said.

"Amitabha, those who make great vows are the highest of the Buddhist sect; never imagined Gu Jin Nian possessed such a magnificent heart."

"Through ages past and present, only cultivators of the Buddhist sect's Seventh Realm can possibly make a great vow; once a great vow is set, the goal must be explicit, without proving the vow there is no true awakening."

Some voices rang out, their shock unlike Gu Jin Nian's.

In their gazes was an unparalleled shock.

"Master, what does this Buddhist great vow mean?"

"Why don't you make a great vow?"

Someone, not understanding, curiously asked their master.

"I make a great vow? If I set such a vow, I fear the karmic cause‑and‑effect of heaven and earth would overwhelm me, causing me to die on the spot."

"A great vow cannot be made merely by desire; you must possess the ability to qualify, and if the vow exceeds your capacity, heaven and earth will not recognize it, and you will entangle yourself in karmic cause‑and‑effect for arbitrarily making a vow."

"Those who can make great vows are the pride among prides; the Buddhist sect has countless monks, even the four great monks must weigh carefully before making a great vow, let alone Gu Jin Nian's terrifying vow."

The elder spoke, explaining to his disciple.

"To make a great vow entails bearing such massive karmic consequences? What benefit is there?"

The latter, curious, couldn't help but ask further.

"Naturally there are benefits; if his great vow is fulfilled, he can receive the blessing of heaven and earth's fortune, though it must be completed, and heaven and earth will even grant partial blessings in advance, considered as assistance for him to fulfill the vow sooner."

"Through ages, why does the Buddhist sect endure? It is precisely because of this great vow; when a strong sect member makes a great vow at a critical moment, they step into the Seventh Realm, extending their life by a hundred years. Whether they can repay is another matter, but at least this is the final gamble, far superior to martial or immortal paths."

The elder explained earnestly.

This great vow cannot be judged as good or bad, for those who can set a great vow are sensed by heaven and earth; you simply cannot achieve it, it is impossible to let you arbitrarily make a great vow.

If you have a chance to accomplish it, heaven and earth will recognize it; once recognized, you must act for this great vow, and if successful, you will attain supreme awakening and become a true Buddha.

If you fail, these karmic cause‑and‑effects will be settled; good and bad are indistinguishable, depending on one's own thoughts.

But the great vow Gu Jin Nian set is no longer a simple great vow; it is a higher‑level original vow.

Others say, "I must do such and such; if I cannot, I cannot achieve the Dao in this life."

Gu Jin Nian says, "If I am allowed to attain the Dao, I will …"

The two intents differ, naturally by a vast distance.

Thus, clusters of Golden Auspicious Clouds appeared above Gu Jin Nian's head, a blessing of the great vow.

However, Gu Jin Nian had no intention of stopping at all.

When all the phenomena appeared, Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

"May I, in my next life when I attain Bodhi, have a body like crystal, clear inside and out, pure without blemish, light vast, merits towering, body peacefully settled, flame net more splendid than sun and moon; all beings of the netherworld illuminated, following any desire, undertaking all deeds."

This is the Medicine Buddha's second vow: to attain Bodhi with a crystal body; all of heaven and earth, whether netherworld or sentient beings, as long as they have a heart toward the Buddha, he will chant the sutras wisely, dispelling the karmic burdens of the world.

Boom! At this moment, behind Gu Jin Nian, an ancient Bodhi tree, a thousand‑zhang old tree, illuminated the entire Guiyang County within Da Xia, and any cultivator of the Fifth Realm could see this terrifying phenomenon.

The Bodhi tree is the Buddhist sect's tree of wisdom, capable of awakening a person's insight and representing true enlightenment.

As the Bodhi tree emerged, emerald light enveloped Guiyang County, appearing gentle and beautiful, giving a sense of tranquility.

Gu Jin Nian's phenomenon gave people a feeling like bathing in spring breezes, whereas previous Buddhist phenomena evoked only fear.

That was a false Buddha.

A true Buddha makes one feel at peace, gentle, and beautiful; if reverence arises from fear, such faith, in the true Buddha's eyes, is a bad thing, though it carries karmic weight.

Only when it springs from the heart can one achieve completeness, forging an immaculate body.

This is also why the Buddha and Bodhisattvas manifest in the mortal world.

"May I, in my next life when I attain Bodhi, with limitless boundless wisdom and skillful means, cause all sentient beings to obtain endless beneficial things, never allowing any being to lack."

"May I, in my next life when I attain Bodhi, if any sentient being walks the evil path, cause them to settle firmly on the Bodhi path; if they follow the Śrāvaka or Pratyekabuddha vehicle, establish them with the Mahāyāna."

"May I, in my next life when I attain Bodhi, if there are limitless sentient beings practicing the Brahma conduct within my Dharma, all shall obtain unbroken precepts, possessing the threefold aggregation of precepts. Should any transgression occur, upon hearing my name they will become pure again, not falling into evil realms."

Holy Punishment's Voice rang again.

He recited the three great vows in one breath.

Finally, a truly terrifying presence appeared,

A Buddha silhouette appeared behind Gu Jin Nian.

The Buddha silhouette was somewhat ethereal, not yet solid, yet it covered the entire Eastern Wilderness.

Its size spanned a million zhàng, covering heaven and earth, towering in the sky ten thousand zhàng high, standing between heaven and earth.

Gu Jin Nian's deeds utterly shocked all beings of the Divine Continent.

The true Buddha's phantom silhouette appeared.

The entire Western Desert erupted with terrifying light, dense golden clouds gathered, and one after another divine beasts appeared, encircling Gu Jin Nian.

The sight finally prompted a strong figure from the Buddhist sect to step forward.

"Gu patron, a grand vow cannot be made lightly. Though you and the Buddhist sect have grievances, all of this can be resolved. The grand vow you speak is indeed for all living under Heaven, yet such a vow you may not be able to bear."

It was the voice of Venerable Yuanfa.

He stood inside the Great Treasure Glass Temple, looking at Gu Jin Nian, hoping he could calm down.

Gu Jin Nian has set five grand vows, and just those five surpass all monks of the Buddhist sect, granting him Heaven's blessings and proving the Buddhist sect's great Dao.

But now they can see that Gu Jin Nian still intends to continue making grand vows; the Buddhist sect is frightened, truly frightened.

They are not afraid that Gu Jin Nian will, after completing all vows, thus enter the Seventh Realm; that is impossible.

The benefit of a grand vow is the blessing of Heaven's Mandate.

The Buddhist sect fears most that Gu Jin Nian will seize the Buddhist sect's fortune.

This belongs to the Buddhist sect; if Gu Jin Nian snatches its fortune, it is no joke to them.

Hearing Venerable Yuanfa's voice, before Gu Jin Nian could speak, another voice rang out.

"Stop at a point? To say 'stop at a point' at this moment? If you truly intend to stop at a point, setting up heavenly nets and earthly nets for the saint of later Confucian and Daoist generations? That's truly laughable. Holy Son, there's no need to give them face; if we must contend, we contend; if we must kill, we kill. We Confucian and Daoist scholars always stand behind the saint."

It was a Great Scholar, who at this moment could no longer hold back, stepped forward voluntarily, offering his strongest support.

Previously, they had not stepped forward, actually because they were conflicted; after all, Gu Jin Nian initiated the destruction of the Buddhist sect, and the sect's defensive tactics were understandable.

But now it is different; the Buddhist sect's methods are so disgusting, Gu Jin Nian is counterattacking from a desperate position, and now they propose peace?

Do they really think we are fools?

"Exactly, support the Holy Son."

"Does the Buddhist sect truly think there is no one among us Confucian and Daoist scholars?"

"Today is Da Xia's eradication of the Buddhist sect, also a conflict between Confucianism and Buddhism."

"Unfortunately, my current realm is too low; otherwise I would certainly let the Buddhist sect members see the power of my Mixed Primordial Thunder Hand."

One voice after another rang out, all Great Scholars from various regions, voicing unconditional support for Gu Jin Nian.

Since the Kong Family's Main Residence, Gu Jin Nian's standing among Confucian and Daoist circles has risen steadily; Confucius himself appointed Gu Jin Nian as a saint of later generations. Some recognize this, some do not, but at least it is no longer merely suppression and criticism as before.

At least some have spoken kindly, or directly supported Gu Jin Nian.

In the end, the key point remains that Gu Jin Nian joins any Confucian or Daoist faction—by faction we mean a school of thought—and he is not a member of any school.

Everyone is an adult; without benefit blessings, honestly, who would want to step forward and invite trouble on themselves?

Only the Buddhist sect's disgusting tactics are intolerable, so they also stepped forward, essentially telling the Buddhist sect that Confucian and Daoist circles are not to be trifled with.

However, Venerable Yuanfa ignored these Confucian and Daoist scholars and turned his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian.

"Patron, look closely; your karmic force is truly terrifying."

Venerable Yuanfa spoke, saying as such.

In an instant, Buddha light enveloped the heavens and earth, and the karmic force on Gu Jin Nian was indeed dreadful; previously it spanned only dozens of zhang, but now it engulfs dozens of li around him.

Because of the five grand vows.

Having set the vows, one naturally bears the cause-and-effect of all beings; the karmic force is endless.

At this level, even senior Buddhist monks cannot ignite it; only Heaven and Earth can ignite Gu Jin Nian's karmic force, otherwise such terrifying force could burn half the Western Desert.

Venerable Yuanfa was warning Gu Jin Nian, also reminding him not to act recklessly.

"Whether I can endure, does the Buddhist sect still need to inform this Lord?"

"Today we eradicate the Buddhist sect; my resolve is set."

Gu Jin Nian responded calmly, and while speaking, he continued to recite his vows.

"May I, when attaining Bodhi in the next life, if all sentient beings are under inferior bodies, lacking faculties, ugly and foolish, blind, deaf, mute, crippled, deformed, white, leprous, insane, suffering various illnesses—upon hearing my name, may all become upright, clever, wise, with complete faculties, free of all ailments."

"May I, when attaining Bodhi in the next life, if all sentient beings are plagued by countless diseases, without rescue or return, without medicine or cure, without kin or home, impoverished and suffering—once my name reaches their ears, may all ailments be removed, body and mind find peace, family and resources become abundant, and ultimately attain supreme Bodhi."

Two more grand vows followed.

As these two vows rang out, the true Buddha's illusory image grew ever more solid, a dazzling heavenly might that both terrified and astonished.

Within the sky, golden lotus blossoms were born, countless innumerable worlds hung in the void, reflecting all beauty, all dignity, all brilliance, all extraordinariness.

The three Venerables at this moment turned completely pale.

They knew that once Gu Jin Nian completed his vows, there would certainly be means to sever their souls, and cutting their souls would be equivalent to weakening the three's nearly a hundred years of arduous cultivation.

That is not the most terrifying thing; the most terrifying is that Gu Jin Nian can seize the Buddhist sect's fortune.

This Buddhist sect's fortune surpasses Da Xia's national destiny by a hundredfold; it is the accumulated fortune of the Buddhist sect over millennia. How long has the Da Xia Dynasty existed? If not for the blessings of ten kingdoms, what would it be? So even if Gu Jin Nian snatches less than a tenth of the Buddhist sect's fortune, it is a heavy loss for them.

They hope Gu Jin Nian will stop and cease making further vows.

"Lord, the Da Xia Buddhist sect indeed acted improperly, but you cannot take on such karmic burden because of their misdeeds. Since you can recite the ancient Buddhist sutras, you have a connection with the Buddha; this old monk truly does not wish you to suffer."

"Thus, regarding the Da Xia eradication of the Buddhist sect, our Buddhist sect will conduct a review; this matter does not concern you, Lord. The sect will provide appropriate compensation, only hoping you will stop, otherwise your karmic amplification will affect the end and cause great chaos among all living under Heaven."

Venerable Yuanfa continued speaking.

The implication was that they admitted defeat.

As long as Gu Jin Nian agrees to a settlement, they will acknowledge the Da Xia eradication of the Buddhist sect, admit fault, and offer compensation.

Of course, the words sound pleasant; the worry about Gu Jin Nian's karmic amplification is merely fear of the Buddhist sect's fortune being seized.

Nevertheless, his words are not wrong; this karmic force is indeed terrifying.

The karmic force of the grand vows exceeds imagination; Gu Jin Nian's actions seem to have no downside now, but if the karmic force ignites, many will be involved, the Buddhist sect will be affected, and the entire Eastern Wilderness realm, even the whole Divine Continent, could become entangled.

Facing Venerable Yuanfa's words, Gu Jin Nian ignored them.

After setting the vows, Gu Jin Nian discovered a tremendous benefit: the twelve grand vows would appear, the true form of the Medicine Buddha would manifest, and using this opportunity, he would severely suppress the Buddhist sect.

It is not personal greed; rather, the Da Xia Dynasty is about to experience a heavenly disaster, which Gu Jin Nian still does not know.

The only certainty is that this matter involves the Buddhist sect, so suppressing the sect brings only benefits, no drawbacks.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian continued to make a grand vow.

The seventh grand vow.

The eighth grand vow.

The ninth grand vow.

The true form of the Medicine Buddha grew increasingly solid, and its terrifying aura grew ever more dreadful; Venerable Yuanfa was indeed frightened and truly filled with dread.

"Lord, the Buddhist sect can make three great oaths: first, never provoke the Da Xia Dynasty; second, within five hundred years not go to Da Xia to spread the Dharma; third, reveal everything the sect knows to you, Lord."

"Regarding the White Heron Manor affair, Lord, don't you want to know exactly what happened?"

"Within Da Xia's borders, a group of people is lying in wait, and they affect the safety of the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Also, what exactly is the struggle over Heaven's Mandate? The sect can tell you, Lord."

"If you cease now, I can guarantee that the information I provide will far outweigh the benefits of the grand vows."

"Lord, think carefully; if you keep making grand vows, you may not be able to bear the consequences."

Venerable Yuanfa had run out of options; he could only use this method, hoping Gu Jin Nian would stand down.

These also count as the sect's trump cards.

Venerable Yuanfa transmitted his voice: this is their final measure.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian paused.

Every matter Venerable Yuanfa mentioned was indeed what Gu Jin Nian wanted to know; each one was.

But soon, Gu Jin Nian recovered.

The Buddhist sect daring to say even this means that the grand vows Gu made have a huge impact on the sect; otherwise, how could they dare to trade these things?

Realizing this, Gu Jin Nian had no reservations at all.

He continued to make a grand vow.

The tenth grand vow.

The eleventh grand vow.

At this point, Venerable Yuanfa's eyes fully showed despair and helplessness.

"You are too impulsive."

"Do you think I am afraid of you? I am here to save you. If you finish making the grand vows, endless calamities will follow; from now on, the Buddhist sect, top to bottom, will have only one enemy, and that enemy is you, Gu Jin Nian."

"Are you truly not afraid?"

Venerable Yuanfa didn't know what to say; generally, only when utterly desperate does one reveal one's true nature.

"Then I, the Lord, shall see what the sect is capable of."

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian pressed his palms together, his countenance majestic and divine, and made the final grand vow.

"May I, when I attain Bodhi in the next life, if sentient beings are poor and without clothing, plagued by mosquitoes, cold or heat, tormented day and night—if they hear my name and devote themselves to reciting and upholding it, according to their wishes they shall receive all sorts of exquisite garments, as well as all precious ornaments, jeweled crowns, fragrant incense, drums, music, and performers, to enjoy at will, all to satisfy them."

When the final vow was completed.

In an instant.

Heaven and earth fell silent.

With the twelve grand vows completed, Buddha light rained from the sky, piercing the clouds and descending upon Da Xia's mountains and rivers.

The ancient sound of sutra chanting also rose at that moment.

"Namo Bhagavata..."

One path.

Ten paths.

One hundred paths.

A thousand paths.

Ten thousand paths.

The magnificent voice resounded endlessly.

"Look, look quickly!"

Someone shouted in surprise, pointing toward the heavens.

At that moment, above the heavens, golden Buddhas appeared, each forming the Buddha seal with their hands and sitting cross-legged.

Some gazed with compassion, some with sorrow, some with gentleness, creating a scene of myriad Buddhas paying homage.

And the true form of the Medicine Buddha also fully solidified at the same instant.

One Buddha, entirely light turquoise, bore a hundred treasure lotuses; atop the master seat, the Great Void Samadhi emitted countless lights.

The Great Void Samadhi aspect: the right arm raised, palm open like a leaf; above the throne, innumerable jeweled flower trees, their blossoms and leaves taking the shape of Buddhas.

One hand held a medicine vessel with priceless pearls.

The other hand formed the Three Realms seal, the body draped in a kasaya.

This is the Medicine Buddha, the Lapis Light Tathagata.

The patriarch of the Eastern Pure Lapis World.

Buddha light filled the sky, illuminating the heavens.

The true Buddha manifested, countless immeasurable powers radiating outward; between heaven and earth, all sentient beings responded.

Countless civilians knelt on the ground, bowing down to the Medicine Buddha, devoutly touching their foreheads.

Endless faith surged and gathered.

All monks also knelt at this moment; even in the western desert, the three venerables, upon seeing the true Buddha, still knelt slowly.

Devoutly worshipping.

The true form of the Medicine Buddha appeared, granting Gu Jin Nian a terrifying empowerment.

However, this is merely an image of the ancient Buddha's true form, not the ancient Buddha himself present; it cannot, like Confucius, cross the Time River and come to this place.

The two are very likely not a singular, unique existence.

However, at this very moment, Gu Jin Nian also had countless insights; his mind emptied of everything, he attained clear wisdom, and understood some principles he previously did not.

With the true form's empowerment, every move Gu Jin Nian made was imitated by the Medicine Buddha's true form.

"Pu Zheng!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His appearance was solemn and majestic.

His voice was not loud, yet the Medicine Buddha's voice echoed throughout the world.

The ancient Buddhist sound, though people could not understand it, they could still grasp its meaning—this is the power of a true Buddha, enabling anyone to comprehend its significance.

Inside the Universal Cold Temple.

Pu Zheng trembled all over, having completely lost his composure, he prostrated himself on the ground and knelt toward Gu Jin Nian.

"You, as a Buddhist disciple, yet fail to understand reason, delight in killing, and are arrogant; today I will exterminate your spirit and annihilate your flesh, subjecting you to the great fire and lightning calamity."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

In the next moment, he raised his hand and struck Pu Zheng with a palm.

Instantly, the boundless Buddha light was like a piercing rainbow.

Within the Buddha light, Pu Zheng suffered immensely, emitting piercing cries; within this Buddha light, he was roasted by fire, frozen by ice, enduring countless ordeals back and forth before dying.

"Pu Xin, Pu Yun, you two are even more abetting evil, violating Buddhist law, and will suffer the punishment of the oil cauldron."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

Another Buddha light burst forth, and Pu Yun and Pu Xin immediately fell into the oil cauldron hell, enduring unparalleled torment.

"Monks of the Universal Cold Temple, obstinate and unenlightened, knowing it is wrong yet refusing to repent, will go to the hell of no food."

Gu Jin Nian directed his gaze toward the monks of the Universal Cold Temple, directly sending them to the hell of no food.

This place has no food; they will starve to death, then awaken again, only to starve to death once more, repeatedly tormented.

Under the shroud of Buddha light, to outside cultivators it appears hardly changed, merely their incessant wailing; but internally, these monks each endure excruciating torment, suffering beyond endurance.

This is Gu Jin Nian's method.

Direct and overbearing.

"Within the borders of Da Xia, there is no true Buddha; all false Buddhas will utterly vanish."

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian raised his hand, formed the Three Realms Seal, and then strands of Buddha light suffused the entire Da Xia Dynasty; in fact, Gu Jin Nian originally intended to use this opportunity to directly exterminate the entire Buddhist faith.

But this is impossible, after all the Buddhist sect's fortune stands there; relying on a single scripture to exterminate the entire Buddhist sect is sheer folly.

Gu Jin Nian was well aware of this, so he directly resolved the Buddhist sect of Da Xia.

Buddha light enveloped the Da Xia region; at this moment, some monks were burned by karmic fire and died on the spot.

Although these monks had taken vows to return to secular life, they still showed no remorse, thinking of later returning to the Buddhist sect.

Yet all this came to nothing; with the aid of the Medicine Buddha's true form, Gu Jin Nian exterminated everything.

He gave them no chance at all.

"Any Buddhist practitioner who lacks a righteous heart may not enter Da Xia."

"Any Buddhist practitioner who lacks compassion may not enter Da Xia."

"Any Buddhist practitioner who lacks sincerity may not enter Da Xia."

Thereafter, Gu Jin Nian continued to speak, using boundless Buddhist law to establish a barrier that enveloped the Da Xia Dynasty.

He did this to prove that he was not suppressing Buddhism, but suppressing false Buddhism; those without a righteous heart are not allowed to enter the Da Xia Dynasty, those without a compassionate heart may not enter the Da Xia Dynasty, and those lacking sincerity also cannot enter the Da Xia Dynasty.

For example, the abbot of Heaven Cloud Temple, although he too was deluded, at least his heart remained primarily compassionate.

It is a pity that the Buddhist sect has become corrupt, thus he sacrificed himself to become benevolent.

After establishing these three rules, the monks who can truly enter Da Xia are those genuinely devoted to goodness; such monks, Gu Jin Nian supports, and different academics, schools, and moralities can all spread within the Da Xia Dynasty.

Embracing all rivers is a good thing, and also beneficial for the dynasty's development.

The fear is that some people will exploit the Buddhist sect's influence to meddle in state affairs for their own benefit, rather than for the welfare of all under heaven.

If there truly were such a high Buddhist monk, compassionate at heart, Gu Jin Nian would certainly show him respect as a great master.

Upon saying this.

Western Desert Buddha Kingdom.

Inside the Great Treasure Glazed Temple, many figures furrowed their brows, feeling an unprecedented pressure.

They knew that from now on, the Da Xia Dynasty would be their forbidden ground; as long as they harbored selfish motives, they could not enter the Da Xia Dynasty—this was thorny, and Gu Jin Nian completely severed the hope of the Buddhist sect settling in the Da Xia Dynasty.

Of course, there was also a small portion of high monks who disagreed.

After establishing the rules.

Gu Jin Nian did not stop, but continued to speak.

"Even commoners, if they lack a sincere heart, may not enter the Buddhist faith."

"Those who have committed sins, if they lack genuine repentance, may not enter the Buddhist faith."

"Buddhist monks must not convert sentient beings with false intentions; they should do so with compassion, mercy, clear understanding of principles, distinguishing good from evil, starting from their original hearts, to teach the myriad beings."

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

Having said that, before this, Gu Jin Nian established the three rules; most senior monks of the Buddhist sect frowned, cutting off the thought of settling in Da Xia.

But now, all senior monks of the Buddhist sect, even if there were two Buddhas, at this moment could not help but frown.

The rules set by Gu Jin Nian are meant to sever the Buddhist sect's power.

Commoners lacking a sincere heart may not enter the Buddhist faith.

This is terrifying; to put it bluntly, the way this world's Buddhist sect attracts followers is nothing more than mixing kindness with force, plus some methods: when you are destitute, they give out porridge to spread salvation, then try every means to get you into the Buddhist faith, providing spiritual power.

The common folk lack strong devotion, yet with daily chanting, the herd mentality, and long‑term subtle influence…

Thus more and more people become believers.

Now Gu Jin Nian has set a rule: those without devotion cannot become monks.

Of course, you may still shave your head to become a monk, but you cannot provide the power of faith; then see whether the Buddhist sect will be willing to support a bunch of lazy, gluttonous monks.

As for sinners, like Li Lengxin, who are clearly guilty of heinous crimes, the sect tries to shelter them under the pretext of salvation.

After establishing this rule, let's see who still dares to shelter them; if the other party truly repents, that would be acceptable.

Gu Jin Nian can also save the other party.

Let them meet the Buddha and attain rebirth in the Pure Land.

Buddhist monks should not constantly flaunt salvation to swindle people; if they lack a sense of good and evil, if they do not discern reason, they have no right to save others.

One could say these three rules heavily suppress the current Buddhist sect.

They wound the sect's foundation.

"This cannot be said."

Someone spoke up—it was Yuanmie, one of the three Venerables.

"Silence."

Before Yuanmie could continue, Gu Jin Nian coldly spoke; he hadn't settled accounts with the three Venerables, yet these three still dared to cause him trouble.

"You, as three Venerables of the Buddhist sect, commit deeds unfit for the eyes, and as disciples you lack compassion."

"Punish you by sending you to Thunder Cliff to suffer lightning until death."

Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to argue with this crowd; his advantage was clear, why waste time babbling? If you can't win, you retreat with words.

If you can win, do you still need to whine? With the vast Buddhist law empowering, terrifying Buddha light spreads over the Western Desert.

The three Venerables' faces changed instantly.

"Patron Gu, they three are Venerables of my Buddhist sect; please raise your noble hand, and the sect will be grateful to you."

At that moment, within the Great Treasure Glass Temple, Guangyuan Buddha spoke.

The three Venerables of the Buddhist sect hold extremely high status and are crucial to the sect; if suppressed by Gu Jin Nian, serious trouble would ensue.

"Get out."

"Now you speak of raising your noble hand? Before I arrived at the temple, why didn't you say it? After the Buddha's true form appeared, why not say it?"

"Is the Buddhist sect thus hypocritical?"

Gu Jin Nian rebuked them; at that moment thunder roared, exploding across the Western Desert sky.

Indeed, when Gu Jin Nian was previously imprisoned, not a single person from the sect stepped forward or offered help; everyone seemed to wish his death.

Now, at this moment, they suddenly speak of raising their noble hand?

They truly take double standards to the extreme.

"Amitabha."

"All this is the fault of the Buddhist sect, Patron Gu; at this point, it should be enough."

"If this continues, the sect does have means."

Guangyuan Buddha clasped his hands, his tone gentle, seeming unwilling to respond harshly; he knew that if he spoke sharply, Gu Jin Nian would persist in taking things seriously.

Yet even with a gentle voice, Gu Jin Nian exploded.

"It's not that there are no means?"

"Then fine!"

"Let me see what means the sect has."

"And you really think I only have this one means?"

"Come on!"

Gu Jin Nian roared; the Medicine Buddha statue radiated terrifying Buddha light, as if to tear the heavens apart.

Facing Gu Jin Nian's voice.

The Western Desert, from top to bottom, also felt some anger, but Gu Jin Nian's words made them extremely apprehensive.

As for the major powers of the world, they were not unmoved.

"Are there other means?"

"This man is literally a monster; he quotes ancient poetry at will, writes ancient prose instantly, and now when confronting the sect, he recites true Buddhist sutras and even has ties to demonic paths. Do you think Gu Jin Nian will master demonic arts in the future?"

Someone was astonished, truly at a loss for words.

"The demonic path is unclear, but the immortal path is likely; Gu Jin Nian possesses an immortal spirit root, which is rare throughout history."

Someone answered, also reminding everyone that Gu Jin Nian has an immortal spirit root.

Indeed.

Thinking of this, many forces drew a sharp breath.

Martial path, Buddhist path, immortal path, Confucian path.

Counting them, Gu Jin Nian has made notable achievements in all four systems; that is what frightens people.

"Amitabha."

"Patron Gu, why be so angry? Your ability to recite such ancient sutras shows an open mind; you should receive the Buddha's compassion."

Guangyuan Buddha spoke; he dared not anger Gu Jin Nian, so he said this.

"Fine."

"Then I will show you what Buddha's compassion truly is."

Gu Jin Nian laughed bitterly; the Buddhist sect was truly disgusting—they showed no Buddha compassion when they acted, yet now that he has the advantage, they advise him to be magnanimous.

Very well.

Gu Jin Nian will let them witness his merciful methods.

Boom— Boom— Boom! At this moment, thunder of ten thousand tons roared over the Western Desert.

The True Form of the Medicine Buddha gazed at the Western Desert, and temple after temple began to crack, as if a dazzling heavenly might descended.

Thunder fell.

In an instant, countless spirit veins were shattered, and some great rivers with sentience were instantly destroyed beneath the True Form of the Medicine Buddha.

The earth shook, mountains trembled, the heavens changed color, and the sun and moon quivered.

Snap.

Then, Gu Jin Nian raised his hand and struck; the True Form of the Medicine Buddha lifted its hand and slammed it directly onto the Great Treasure Glass Temple.

Bang— Bang— Bang! The entire temple quivered incessantly, all Buddha statues shattered, and the supreme formation inside the temple was instantly broken, utterly unable to block the Medicine Buddha's true form's single strike.

Puff— Puff— Puff.

Inside the temple, many monks coughed up fresh blood, their bodies trembled, and their internal organs seemed to shift out of place.

Their faces turned pale, eyes filled with terror, fearing that Gu Jin Nian would truly kill them.

"Gu, benefactor."

"Let it end here."

"If this continues, the Buddhist sect also has immortal means; then both sides will be mutually destroyed, and the Da Xia Dynasty will be implicated—bad for the Buddhist sect and bad for the Da Xia Dynasty."

"It's nothing more than a fisherman reaping profit."

Guang Yuan Buddha truly did not expect Gu Jin Nian to be so overbearing, bringing the True Form of the Medicine Buddha to the Western Desert and slapping it down, causing the Buddhist sect massive losses.

Had he known this, he would have stayed silent and simply let Gu Jin Nian capture the Three Venerables.

"Fisherman profit?"

"Then let them profit."

"Do I, Gu, ever consider the consequences when I act?"

"The trouble in Jiang Ning County—how many nobles despise me to the bone, how many merchants wish me dead?"

"Has Gu ever been afraid?"

"The trouble at Bai Lu Mansion—Prince Qi Lin dispatched a hundred thousand iron cavalry; I have no merit, no office, yet I dare mobilize two hundred thousand troops to slaughter a hundred officials."

"Has Gu ever been afraid?"

"When I say the Buddha must be eradicated, Da Xia must eradicate the Buddha."

"When I say the Three Venerables must be punished, the Three Venerables shall be punished."

"Am I speaking to your Buddhist sect?"

"If you dare bark another word, this Lord will, regardless of cost, turn your Western Desert into flat ground; at worst, I will die here."

"Let Confucianism and Daoism flourish in my place."

"Do you believe I would dare do this?"

Gu Jin Nian also lost his temper.

Damn it, playing saint here? Want to disgust himself with his own hand?

All major forces were left speechless.

Because, upon careful thought, Gu Jin Nian's words were correct; he has never been afraid.

He says kill, then kills.

He does not consider the consequences.

Offending Gu Jin Nian is indeed courting death.

And at that moment, the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Emperor Yong Sheng watched this scene, his blood boiling.

"Transmit the order."

"Jin Nian's will is the will of my Da Xia."

"Da Xia fears not!"

Emperor Yong Sheng's voice rang across the entire capital, his will spreading throughout the Eastern Wilderness, reaching the Western Desert.

At this moment.

Emperor Yong Sheng felt no fear.

He chose to unconditionally support Gu Jin Nian.

Yes.

The Da Xia Dynasty fears not; if your Buddhist sect dares to act recklessly again, then both jade and stone shall burn, consequences be what they may, fisherman profit or not, all of it be cast aside.

The target is your Buddhist sect, letting others reap the fisherman's profit.

What can you do?

What dare you do?

With Emperor Yong Sheng's support, Guang Yuan Buddha's complexion truly turned grim.

He dared not speak.

He could not speak.

He could only stay silent.

Honestly stay silent.

He believed that if he dared utter another word, Gu Jin Nian would truly incinerate both jade and stone.

Gu Jin Nian's life or death mattered not to him, but if he dragged the Buddhist sect into the mire, he would become the greatest sinner.

Although the Buddhist sect still has a final measure unspent, deploying such a measure would bring no benefit and would only intensify the contradictions.

At that thought, the Guangyuan Divine Monk fell silent.

This moment.

The Western Desert Buddhist sect gave no response at all.

Gu Jin Nian directly overpowered them with his aura.

This is Gu Jin Nian's sheer presence.

And Gu Jin Nian does this to tell everyone in the world.

If you want to offend me, that's fine.

But be prepared for an endless, unending battle.

No matter who you are.

No matter what you think.

Whatever future pattern, pattern or not.

Whatever the grand scheme, it is paramount.

All of you, get out of the way.

"Three Venerables!"

"Die."

Gu Jin Nian roared, now he intends to settle the score.

As that voice rang out,

The Three Venerables tried to flee, but faced the true form of the Medicine Buddha, they could not escape at all.

Their figures were seized by Wei Li and placed directly before the Medicine Buddha's true form.

Fear filled the eyes of the three.

"Will you submit to the law?"

Gu Jin Nian asked coldly.

"Benefactor, we three have realized our mistake; we hope you can form a good bond, spare us, and from now on the Buddhist sect will befriend you."

Venerable Yuanfa spoke, hoping Gu Jin Nian would spare them.

"Will you submit to the law!"

Gu Jin Nian shouted again.

At that moment, Ten Thousand Buddhas roared, glaring, asking whether the other side would submit to the law.

Facing such a mighty voice,

the three were even more terrified.

"Submit."

"We submit to the law."

They wept, kneeling before the true Buddha.

"Punish you by sending you to Thunder Cliff to endure eternal lightning strikes."

Gu Jin Nian kept his word and seized the three, taking them to Thunder Cliff.

At this moment.

Within Thunder Cliff.

A wretched scream rang out.

It was Kong Wuya's voice.

It was unbearably tragic.

The Buddhist sect, both above and below, at this moment, harbored many thoughts.

The Buddhist sect's three Venerables were sacrificed in vain.

But soon they realized something: the Buddhist sect's supreme artifact.

(End of chapter)