Together Towards the Greater Good in Our Hearts

Inside the main hall of the Tianyan Sect.

The Buddhist faction was completely silent, with most of the Buddhas staring at Chu Xingchen in disbelief.

This condition—promoting the Hinayana Buddhism—was tantamount to striking a blow against Mahayana Buddhism.

This was far more powerful than merely declaring Mahayana Buddhism an evil doctrine. Furthermore, the power of the Buddhist sect would grow even more massive... even taking deep root in the mortal realm.

Without a doubt, this was a massive gift.

A grand gift that even the Great Leiyin Temple of the past could not have imagined.

It was so grand that some Buddhas even suspected it was a trap.

So grand that Runan didn't dare to accept it right away.

Chu Xingchen looked at the silent Buddhist faction and leisurely stood up with Xie Lingyu's support. His gaze swept over the Buddhas as he said,

"This is no small matter. Honored Buddha, how about letting these Buddhas carefully consider it first, while you and I take this time to speak privately?"

As his words fell, the silence grew longer and even more profound.

Even the sound of breathing became imperceptible.

Runan stared at Chu Xingchen for a moment, but did not immediately agree to the proposal.

Xie Lingyu fixed her gaze on Chu Xingchen, her hand subconsciously gripping his arm tightly.

Although Chu Xingchen had told her that under no circumstances would Runan make a move against him—even if he went out and pointed at Runan's nose, cursing him as a bald donkey.

Attacking Chu Xingchen would equate to the absolute end of the Buddhist sect, and Runan would absolutely never let that happen.

Even if an attack did occur, Chu Xingchen had the supreme treasure of the Xuanqing Heaven Sect protecting him. Furthermore, they were inside the Tianyan Sect, he had no internal injuries, and Bai Xuanling could arrive in the blink of an eye. He would be absolutely safe.

But logic was logic, and worry was worry.

Even if Chu Xingchen's reasoning could convince her rationality ten thousand times over, the worry in her heart could make her want to stop him ten million times.

But Chu Xingchen had said this was something that absolutely had to be done.

Sometimes, Xie Lingyu hated herself for being neither purely foolish nor brilliantly clever.

She understood that Chu Xingchen was right and that she should support him, but she also understood the potential risks involved, causing the worry in her heart to surge like the tide.

The next moment, Chu Xingchen reached back and held Xie Lingyu's hand.

Seeing the gentle smile on Chu Xingchen's face, Xie Lingyu's thoughts firmed, and she gave a slight nod.

She also understood that sometimes, unwavering support was the right thing to do.

Not holding him back had always been Xie Lingyu's bottom line.

Looking at Xie Lingyu's resolute eyes, Chu Xingchen felt a slight warmth in his heart. He then turned his gaze back to Runan and smiled,

"Could it be that the Honored Buddha is worried I might do something detrimental to you?"

Hearing this, Runan also stood up and chuckled softly,

"I am merely a bit concerned since Fellow Daoist has only just recovered."

Chu Xingchen stood up fully and gestured toward the outside of the hall:

"With the Honored Buddha here, naturally, nothing will happen to me."

Runan stepped forward, following Chu Xingchen out of the hall.

He looked at Chu Xingchen's back with extreme admiration.

In matters of life and death, even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance of danger, people would be terrified.

To face it head-on was the mark of the pinnacle of humanity, a true genius of the world.

With this level of boldness from Chu Xingchen alone, Runan naturally would not back down either.

Inside the hall, everyone's eyes watched the two men head outside.

The sunlight slanted down, casting a fiery glow on their silhouettes.

Yanyun watched them go, looking at Chu Xingchen's free and calm back as he smiled and conversed with Runan beside him.

She could only sigh in her heart—Xie Lingyu's taste was truly exceptional.

Among all the geniuses in the world, who wouldn't be overshadowed by Chu Xingchen?

The two walked out of the hall and continued to stroll forward at a leisurely pace.

Outside the hall doors, all the disciples of the Tianyan Sect stared with wide, horrified eyes as they watched the two men strolling and chatting like old friends.

Chu Xingchen looked up at the horizon and softly sighed,

"I didn't expect to have the chance to chat so casually with the Honored Buddha like this."

Runan no longer used honorifics either, chuckling and nodding,

"I hadn't expected it either."

He looked at Chu Xingchen; those who could make him feel annoyed and troubled were indeed never easy to deal with, and they all possessed extraordinary charisma.

It was just that when they were on opposing sides, they were detestable.

"There's a saying in the mortal realm: 'From an exchange of blows, friendship grows.' It feels quite fitting right now." Chu Xingchen smiled at Runan. "In truth, I never intended to target the Buddhist sect. It's just that there were reasons at the time. After all, as you know, the pressure on me is not light, and I cannot easily trust anyone."

Runan nodded gently, his tone carrying a hint of apology.

"Indeed. Ultimately, demons did infiltrate our Buddhist sect, which put Fellow Daoist in danger. However, given my position, there are certain things I cannot say openly. Since we are speaking privately today, please allow me to apologize to you."

"Since the Honored Buddha has spoken, what else can be said? Forgiveness is all that's needed," Chu Xingchen said with a smile. "Since you are being so frank, I should be frank as well."

"Actually, at first, I considered imposing many conditions on the Buddhist sect. After all, I knew the chances of you refusing me were slim."

"But then, I remembered the numerous Buddhist temples standing tall across the Western Niuhe Continent."

"Regardless of the current situation, I understand that back then, it was the Buddhist sect that sheltered the people of the Western Niuhe Continent from storms and held back the demons and evil spirits."

"I am willing to believe that today's Buddhist sect still holds compassion and a true desire to protect the peace of all people."

Chu Xingchen's tone was incredibly sincere, and his gaze toward Runan seemed to gleam with light as he continued,

"I understand that the Buddhist sect has its difficulties, and you have your difficulties. Sometimes, it's not that you don't want to do something, but that you cannot."

"I have met the Bright Buddha, I have conversed with Wukong, and I share a deep bond with the Buddhist Son, Yuan Kong."

"They are well-versed in the Dharma, have light in their hearts, and carry the peace of the world within them."

"You are the Buddha of Karma. I believe you understand the same truths they do; it's just that sometimes you are forced by circumstances to act otherwise."

"One must act according to their position. To lead the Buddhist sect, you naturally cannot be swayed by emotions."

"So... I thought, what if I could help you and share some of your burden at this moment?"

"Buddhism and Daoism share the same ultimate origin; both strive for ascension to immortality, so perhaps we should set aside our prejudices."

"If I can allow you to reorganize the Buddhist sect, and make the other immortal sects a bit more accepting of Buddhism."

"Perhaps the Buddhist sect that was once willing to shelter the Western Niuhe Continent will reappear."

"As for the Bright Buddha, I also believe you truly do not wish to exterminate them completely. Therefore, what I have done today should align perfectly with what you believe is best in your heart."

"This is the reason I have done all these things today."

"Because I believe the great righteousness in your heart is certainly no smaller than mine, nor any less."

Hearing this, Runan stood rooted to the spot, looking at the sincere expression on Chu Xingchen's face. The emotions in his heart were indescribable, and he remained speechless for a long time.

The face he had once looked at with hatred and annoyance.

At this very moment, it was incredibly pleasing to the eye.

These words were utterly sincere. The one meant to face the calamity, the child of destiny, was indeed...

Chu Xingchen looked at Runan and finally reached out his hand:

"Fellow Daoist, let us pursue the great righteousness in our hearts together and relieve the suffering of the common people. What do you say?"

Runan looked at the hand Chu Xingchen extended, the emotions in his heart growing even more complex.

With Runan's cultivation base, simply grasping this hand would be enough to ascertain Chu Xingchen's current condition and cultivation level.

Compared to the words spoken earlier.

This hand demonstrated far more sincerity.