Chapter 574: Merit Achieved, Returning to Ultimate Bliss; You Too Shall Sit Upon the Lotus Platform (13)

The stars filled the sky, and the bright moon hung high.

In the cold desert, a young monk and a teenage Daoist sat opposite each other around a nearly extinguished campfire.

The two looked at each other, their expressions calm and natural, occasionally bursting into laughter.

But if an outsider were to hear their conversation, they would likely be too shocked to speak.

The teenage Daoist asked, "Why do you want to become a Fozi?"

The young monk replied, "The Fozi holds the supreme authority of the Western Desert, and with power in hand, one can sweep away Demons and eliminate monsters, set things right, and return a clear and bright world to the Western Desert."

The youth asked again, "Then how does one become a Fozi?"

The young monk replied, "Though Spirit Mountain has changed, the old system remains."

"The term of a Fozi is only one hundred years; once the hundred years pass, a new Fozi must be chosen."

For the Spirit Mountain of the Western Desert, the Buddha Son is the Buddha Lord's backup candidate; the Buddha Aspirants come and go like flowing water, but the Buddha Lord is as immovable as iron.

In these three thousand years, there have been over thirty Buddha Aspirants, yet the Buddha Lord has remained unchanged, being only one person.

The current Fozi had finally managed to wait until the end of his term, preparing to take the position of Fozhu, only to find that the Fozhu had lived a second life, and with no telling how much longer he could live, his hopes were completely dashed.

Fortunately, there is no such thing as a three-thousand-year crown prince in this world; the Fozi's flowering period is only one hundred years, so there is no need to worry every day.

"The current Fozi, Jiexing, has already been in office for a hundred years; it is time to choose the next Fozi."

"For the selection of the Fozi, all ten thousand and eight hundred temples in the Western Desert are eligible, and each temple may send one person to participate."

"And as the only disciple of Kurong Temple who currently meets the criteria, I am naturally qualified to participate."

Mingxin's preparations seemed very thorough; he had been prepared for Ren Yidao's questions long ago, and every time he spoke, he could quickly provide an answer, responding fluently.

"What aspects are examined in the selection of a Fozi?"

"Buddha-heart, Dharma, and Buddha-affinity." The young man pressed his palms together and said respectfully, "These three points are indispensable."

Even without Mingxin's explanation, Ren Yidao could understand these three points, though he had not expected Spirit Mountain to be so traditional.

Buddha-heart usually refers to a state of mind advocated in Buddhism; it contains many beautiful qualities such as compassion, selflessness, and tolerance. It is a state of enlightenment that transcends attachment to things, reaching a realm of selflessness and altruism.

Dharma refers to the teachings and practical methods of Buddhism, covering the basic concepts, cultivation methods, and moral codes of Buddhism. Its core idea is the "Four Noble Truths" of suffering, accumulation, extinction, and the path—that is, recognizing the essential nature of life's suffering, finding the cause of suffering, achieving the end of suffering, and realizing this goal through the practice of the Eightfold Path.

Buddha-affinity refers to the connection and fate between people and Buddhism and its teachings. It may manifest as an interest in Buddhism, an understanding of the Dharma, or certain events encountered in life; these can all be ways for people to establish a connection with Buddhism.

In general, Buddha-heart, Dharma, and Buddha-affinity together constitute the spiritual system of Buddhism.

Buddha-heart is the internal spiritual state, Dharma is the external teaching and practice, and Buddha-affinity is the bridge connecting the two.

"Buddha-heart looks at the Fozi's disposition, Dharma looks at the Fozi's level of cultivation, and Buddha-affinity looks at one's connection to Buddhism."

"These three points sound normal enough." Just as Ren Yidao was thinking this, he heard Mingxin's explanation.

"But those were the requirements of the past. Now, according to what Fozi Jiexing has said, what is required for the Buddha-heart is the flesh-and-blood heart of a Buddha, for Dharma it is a unique insight into the current Dharma, and for Buddha-affinity it is a connection with the Fozhu."

Ah, how is it explained in such a way?

Well, the Western Desert of today is indeed extraordinary.

"Where can one find a Buddha's heart?"

A true Buddha is in the same realm as Human Immortals and Demon Gods, all being powerful beings of the Ascension Realm; there have long been no true Buddhas in this world.

"Has the Daoist not already seen them? Those sitting on the Lotus Platform in those temples, are they not all calling themselves Buddhas?"

"Fozi Jiexing has already said that the more outstanding one's cultivation, the higher the quality of the Buddha-heart."

"In this situation, what could be more worthy of being called a Buddha-heart than the heart of a prospective Fozi?"

Ren Yidao shook his head repeatedly after hearing this; what kind of ingredient-gathering is this?

This is clearly forcing them to kill and steal hearts.

"So, it's not just about having a Buddha-heart; the quality and quantity of the Buddha-hearts are also key deciding factors?" Ren Yidao asked while shaking his head, and after receiving confirmation from Mingxin, he sighed: "He is encouraging the Buddha Aspirants to kill each other."

Buddha Son Jiexing was almost explicitly stating that he wanted these ten thousand and eight hundred Buddha Aspirants to kill each other, and like raising venomous insects, compete to be the final winner.

To decide on a Gu king.

"Mingxin's Dharma Power is weak, so for the matter of the Buddha-heart, I need the Daoist's help."

Ren Yidao nodded, but soon shook his head again and said, "Even if I can help you obtain a Buddha-heart, what about the Dharma and Buddha-affinity that follow? How should the remaining two be handled?"

Although Ren Yidao cannot be said to be an expert at killing and gouging out hearts, if it must be done, he could do it.

At worst, he could choose some heinous Demon monks and consider it as eliminating harm for the people and accumulating Merit.

But as for insights into the Dharma, Ren Yidao had no insights; he couldn't even be a plagiarist.

Because it was obvious that the Dharma insights required by Fozi Jiexing were certainly not normal, but rather the fallen Demon path currently raging in the Western Desert.

"The Daoist need not worry; regarding the Dharma, this little monk has some unique insights that will be enough to satisfy Fozi Jiexing."

It was not unexpected that Mingxin would say this; during their discussions on the Dao during this time, Mingxin could always offer some novel viewpoints that even Yaoyue marveled at.

"As for the matter of Buddha-affinity, my master had a deep friendship with the Fozhu. With my master's Relic, this Causality has fallen upon me; this is my connection with the Fozhu."

"Furthermore..."

The palm stroking Minghui's head paused unconsciously, and Mingxin said softly, "I have an affinity with the Fozhu."

I have an affinity with the Fozhu.

With just this one sentence, he said no more.

As for what kind of affinity he actually had with the Fozhu, and what his trump card was, Mingxin did not say, and Ren Yidao did not ask.

No one is completely clean; everyone has a few secrets that cannot be easily spoken of, so do not touch them lightly.

"So..."

When Mingxin stopped speaking, Ren Yidao thought for a moment and summarized the information he had just heard:

"As long as I help you take a Buddha-heart from others, you will have the confidence to stand out among the many Buddha Aspirants, take over the position of Buddha Son Jiexing to become the new Buddha Son, and because the Buddha Lord does not concern himself with worldly affairs, you will have the opportunity to take charge of the Western Desert, reorganize this world, and save the common people... is that what you mean?"

"That is correct. This journey to Spirit Mountain will certainly not be peaceful; I hope the Daoist can escort me all the way and help me obtain a Buddha-heart."

Mingxin's answer was firm and confident, but it made the corners of Ren Yidao's mouth twitch upward.

That was a mocking smile.

"Tell me, little monk, do you really think you can do it?"

The Fox Demon, having transformed into human form, looked the earnest monk opposite up and down and asked, "I admit that you are somewhat extraordinary; your realm is far higher than your strength, your talent is peerless, and your future is promising."

"But that is also the problem. Your strength is too weak. Even with my help, strength like yours is not worth looking at in front of others. One careless move and you will be ground into dust, entering what you call reincarnation."

"Furthermore, there is one most important matter."

"Even if everything develops just as you say, and you truly manage to satisfy the Fozi through your insights into Buddhism and gain the Fozhu's approval using your master's Causality... but what about the Buddha Heart before that?"

"Why should I help you kill and take on this Causality?"

The matter of seizing the Buddha Heart is by no means as simple as Mingxin says.

This is a great Causality concerning the future of the Western Desert Divine Continent; whoever gets involved in it will be entangled by this Causality.

This is the Causality of the prospective Fozis, but if Ren Yidao intervenes, he will shift a portion of this Causality onto himself, which is equivalent to bearing the risk for Mingxin.

He does not actually care about bearing risks; coming from the Divine Path Sect, he does not fear the Causality of Buddhism at all and has many ways to neutralize the side effects of this Causality.

But the problem is... why?

Why should I do it?

Ren Yidao narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at Mingxin and the Minghui beside him, and asked coldly: "Why should I help you? Haven't I done enough already? Little master, don't be too greedy."

Ren Yidao decided to help this pair of pitiful brothers and decided to follow them forward, but it was merely out of a rare bit of kindness; he did not seek any reward at all.

To put it bluntly, this was merely an act of charity and sympathy on a whim.

He sometimes does good deeds, but only out of his own volition, and he will not be coerced by the opinions of others.

If anyone wants to force him to comply through moral kidnapping, they will surely regret it.

The living beings of the Western Desert have nothing to do with him.

Mingxin wants to be this savior, but Ren Yidao has no interest in this matter.

Not even a little bit.

Ren Yidao's attitude was not good, and could even be called cold, yet Mingxin smiled at this moment, as if Ren Yidao's reaction was exactly the same as he had imagined.

He bowed to Ren Yidao again and said respectfully: "If the Daoist is willing to help, then naturally I will not let the Daoist exert effort in vain."

"Regarding that Causality, I will naturally provide you with compensation."

Ren Yidao raised an eyebrow and was about to answer when he suddenly and calmly tapped his hand lightly, causing his Junior Sister, who was already starting to wake up, to fall unconscious once more.

The adults are talking about business; children should not listen.

Silently casting a sleep-inducing finger, Ren Yidao asked with some curiosity: "Oh? How do you plan to compensate me?"

He was indeed a bit curious; what could Mingxin take out to move him?

It couldn't be personal gratitude and a silk banner, could it?

Mingxin spoke:

"On the day of success, you too shall sit upon the Lotus Platform."

"Receive the worship of the masses and enjoy the Incense of the Earthly Realm."

Success leads to the Pure Land, and you too shall sit upon the Lotus Platform.

To become an official object of worship for the masses of the Western Desert—it must be said that the answer Mingxin gave was already quite sincere.

How powerful the Faith Power of the masses of One Divine Continent is, one only needs to look at the Divine Emperor of the Southern Border to know; it is a powerful force that even experts of the same level would fear.

It can be said that this condition is one that most Divine Path Sect cultivators would find impossible to refuse.

He gave too much.

Mingxin understood this and was very confident in the condition he offered, believing that Ren Yidao would not refuse, so he was truly stunned when he heard Ren Yidao's answer.

"Heh, what a boring condition; I don't need it."

"What?"

Such vast Faith Power is indeed something most Divine Path Sect cultivators cannot refuse... but unfortunately, Ren Yidao happens not to belong to that majority.

Although this Incense is of extraordinary significance and could provide enough Faith Power—several times more than what he currently has—he does not care.

Ren Yidao's Incense Divine Dao is different from others; it does not rely on external objects but only on himself.

The tempting condition Mingxin proposed was, to him, the least attractive one.

However, Ren Yidao naturally did not really want to refuse; having listened to Mingxin say so much, he actually already had his own ideas in mind.

It is just that the terms of the transaction cannot follow what Mingxin offered; he has other ideas.

I don't want what you think; I want what I think.

"Besides, this matter is of great importance; it can't just rely on your words alone, can it?"

Mingxin came back to his senses and realized that Ren Yidao did not truly want to refuse, so he suppressed the confusion in his heart and asked tentatively: "Then... Daoist, what do you mean?"

"The solution is simple: you and I shall take an oath."

Ren Yidao looked at this little Novice Monk who was willing to give his life for the living beings of the Western Desert and was willing to try even though the hope was slim, and said:

"If you fail, whether you die halfway or suffer a regrettable defeat, I will bear this Causality myself; you do not need to provide me with any compensation."

"But if you succeed in the end and truly become the Western Desert Fozi, then I need you to do three things for me."

"Do not ask me what these three things are, and do not ask if they are good or evil; you have no power to refuse, and I can only guarantee that these three things will not be detrimental to the mortals of the Western Desert."

Mingxin was silent, his brows slightly furrowed.

He suddenly had a feeling that all of Ren Yidao's previous stalling had only one final goal: to make him fall into this trap.

Mingxin had thought he could win Ren Yidao over to his side through calculation, but now it seemed that he had instead voluntarily walked into a trap set by the other party.

Where exactly did I go wrong?

"Are you still hesitating? You are already willing to give everything for the Western Desert; what else is there to lose? You don't have to give much—just yourself."

That's right, what else do I have to lose?

Mingxin suddenly saw things clearly, casting the doubts in his heart to the back of his mind, and muttered to himself: "... This is the price; this humble monk understands."

Saying this, he bowed a third time to Ren Yidao and spoke sincerely:

"Many thanks, Daoist."

"The sentient beings of the Western Desert will remember your kindness."

Mingxin agreed.

Just as he had always said.

He was willing to sacrifice everything he had for the sake of the sentient beings of the Western Desert.

To achieve this goal, even if it meant dealing with a Demon, he would not hesitate.

What's more.

Mingxin never felt that this Daoist Ren before him was a Demon who committed every evil.

This was, after all, a kind-hearted person with a soft heart!