You really believe it

Numerous Buddhas turned their gazes toward him.

The Huawu True Buddha met their eyes with calm composure.

Runan neither agreed nor allowed others to continue voicing their opinions.

Yet, from this reaction alone, it was clear that Runan’s decision was leaning toward Huawu True Buddha’s stance.

As the Present Buddha of the current Buddhist order, once Runan made his decision, the Western Ox Continent would likely be abandoned entirely.

At the very least, the Karma Buddha would no longer intervene in the affairs of the Western Ox Continent.

When faced with ideals, letting go was merely a matter of a single thought for them.

However, the Mundane Affairs Buddhas would never agree so easily.

The Western Ox Continent might not be the Buddhist order’s interest, but it had to remain theirs.

They had joined the Buddhist order and ascended the so-called Golden Lotus Thrones for the sake of benefits—now, to abandon the Western Ox Continent, with all its intricate interests, would be akin to carving flesh from bone.

After a moment of silence, one of the Buddhas finally spoke.

"If the three great sects are truly there to aid the disaster-stricken people, then I too agree with Huawu True Buddha’s words."

To the right of Runan Buddha, the Tianying True Buddha spoke in a sorrowful tone:

"Huawu True Buddha has long been absent from worldly affairs, and thus his vision may be obscured. While it is true that the three great sects have saved many victims along their path, they have also demolished countless temples and driven away numerous monks. The abbot of the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple was even slain by Yanyun with a single sword stroke."

"Saving lives is a great virtue, but even if the Buddhist order failed in its initial relief efforts, does that mean our monks deserve to be slaughtered?"

"Moreover, even if the Buddhist order was slow to act at first, does that mean we are wrong to now extend our aid? Should we be barred at the Pudu River?"

"The three sects are already entrenched in the Western Ox Continent. Even if the Buddhist order re-enters, they hold the dominant position. Yet they still seek to block us."

"I fear that saving the people is merely a pretense, and their true intent lies with the Buddhist order."

"Who can say for certain that today’s concession will not mark the beginning of a bloody storm?"

"The Buddhist order has long practiced benevolence in the Western Ox Continent, amassing countless devoted followers. If we withdraw so abruptly, what kind of blow would that be to those who sincerely seek enlightenment?"

"In my view, whether the three sects’ alliance is genuine or a scheme, we must prepare ourselves."

"At the very least, a hasty retreat from the Western Ox Continent is not the right course."

"We must cross the Pudu River, atone for our mistakes, and remain vigilant against the three sects’ schemes."

"No amount of deliberation can replace seeing the truth with our own eyes."

As Tianying True Buddha finished speaking, he immediately bowed to Huawu True Buddha, his expression one of utmost humility.

"Sound reasoning."

"Indeed, this is the way."

The grand hall erupted in murmurs of agreement.

Runan gently counted the beads of his rosary, his gaze shifting to Huawu True Buddha as he softly inquired:

"How shall we observe?"

Huawu True Buddha’s expression remained serene, though he had already noted those who voiced their agreement. With the prevailing sentiment leaning against abandoning the Western Ox Continent, pushing forward would meet heavy resistance.

Gauging the current stance of the assembled Buddhas allowed him to map the boundaries of what was feasible.

If he pressed further, he risked arousing suspicion.

"Very well," Huawu True Buddha nodded lightly. "However, Huang Miao possesses profound cultivation and a heavy hand. Crushing others with sheer force is not the righteous path. Does anyone have a better suggestion?"

Tianying True Buddha spoke again:

"If the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect truly intends to block the Buddhist order’s passage, then Huang Miao will not be the only one stationed at the Pudu River."

"They fear that our seasoned elders, with our deep cultivation, might disrupt their plans."

"Let the Buddhist disciples go first. Though the world calls them the Buddhist order’s disciples, none can deny their pure and virtuous hearts."

"If they have nothing to hide, they will allow passage. If their intentions are truly greedy, and even the disciples are barred, then we must demand an explanation."

"With both propriety and righteousness on our side, no one can fault the Buddhist order."

Faced with this seemingly flawless proposal, the hall once again filled with murmurs of approval.

Runan glanced sideways at Huawu True Buddha, observing his reaction.

Seeing no objection in Huawu True Buddha’s calm demeanor, he slowly nodded.

"A sound proposal. Does anyone else have thoughts?"

Silence settled over the grand hall.

After waiting a moment longer, Runan finally declared:

"Then we shall proceed with Tianying True Buddha’s plan. If any among you have further suggestions after departing, you may seek me privately."

"If any of you wish to recommend disciples for this task, speak now."

The Eight-Turn True Buddha immediately clasped his hands and said:

"I have a disciple to recommend."

Runan turned to him. "Who?"

"The Wukong Buddhist Disciple," the Eight-Turn True Buddha replied. "He possesses innate divine abilities, considerable cultivation, and a heart devoted to righteous deeds. He is well-suited for this task."

Huawu’s gaze naturally shifted to the Eight-Turn True Buddha, his eyes unreadable, as if he had never heard of Wukong Buddhist Disciple before.

Runan gave a slight nod. "Agreed."

With the main agenda settled, the discussion turned to more casual matters.

Runan, as the Present Buddha, took charge of arrangements while the other Buddhas pledged their cooperation.

Once the meeting concluded, the grand doors opened, and the assembled Buddhas gradually dispersed—though none left the Great Thunderclap Monastery. Until this matter was resolved, all participants were expected to remain unless urgent matters called them away.

A gathering of such magnitude was only convened in times of dire urgency.

Yet not all departed the grand hall.

Huawu True Buddha was retained by Runan.

Whether it was a reunion after long separation or a matter of grave importance, only the two Buddhas knew.

"Not bad, Second Junior Brother. I heard you spoke so righteously that some abbot was shamed into suicide. I thought your dull-witted demeanor would leave you at the mercy of those bald monks’ scathing tongues, but it seems I underestimated you."

Li Yingling wore an impressed expression, patting Li Xingtian’s shoulder while scrutinizing him as if to confirm his identity.

Li Xingtian once again felt the urge to retort, but when he met his senior sister’s gaze, he swallowed his words.

Though he had learned a trick or two from their master in verbal sparring, his senior sister had mastered at least half of their master’s skill. Engaging her in debate would be nothing short of self-inflicted humiliation.

Moreover, according to Cui Hao, his senior sister allegedly possessed some legendary blackmail material on him.

Li Xingtian couldn’t fathom what she might have, but with her, anything was possible.

After all, when pushed, even their master wasn’t spared from her teasing.

He pursed his lips and sighed. "Senior Sister… where did you hear such rumors? That abbot was slain by Elder Yanyun’s sword."

Li Yingling smirked. "No need to be modest. My second junior brother is the very image of righteousness. That abbot must have been so exposed by your virtuous aura that he found life meaningless and offed himself."

"Senior Sister… I can get angry too." Li Xingtian’s expression turned stern.

Li Yingling grinned and gestured with her chin toward the side.

Following her gaze, Li Xingtian saw Lin Luoyu approaching on her sword.

With a solemn face, Li Yingling declared:

"Your fourth junior sister once righteously shamed a guilt-ridden monk to death."

Li Xingtian was taken aback, his expression one of shock:

"There's such a thing?"

"Ha ha ha ha... You actually believed that?"