Arrogance Leads to Downfall

Wu Wang looked at Yun Li's seemingly somewhat unsettled expression and pressed further with a heavier tone:

"Since you have the authority to decide, then we shall continue our discussion."

It wasn't just Yun Li questioning whether Wu Wang could make decisions; Wu Wang was also questioning whether Yun Li truly had the authority.

After all, Chu Xingchen had previously said Li Yingling would be in charge. For such a major decision regarding implementation, shouldn't the responsible person at least make an appearance?

A gentle smile remained on Wu Wang's face, but his gaze was fixed intently on Yun Li as he fell silent.

Unlike Yun Li, who could muddle through things carelessly, the Venerable Buddha had truly entrusted this matter to him.

If Yun Li messed up, given its foolish appearance, it probably wouldn't face any serious consequences. But if Wu Wang messed up, the Buddhist Sect, having just settled into peace, would likely be thrown into turmoil again.

Seeing Yun Li's demeanor, Wu Wang naturally began to wonder—was Yun Li sent here just to stall and mislead, rather than to genuinely decide on and execute the promotion of the Lesser Vehicle Dharma?

Yun Li tried its best to compose its expression, then nodded and said:

"Let's talk."

The smile on Wu Wang's face grew even gentler, yet he ventured tentatively:

"The implementation plan we discussed earlier... we feel it would be more secure if Senior Chu were to first make a definitive announcement to all corners of the Five Continents and Four Directions."

"How about first inviting Senior Chu to declare his stance, and then we follow the plan, with the Buddhist Sect sending monks to chant sutras and widely propagate the Dharma?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Li shook its head without the slightest hesitation:

"Wasn't this already discussed? Regarding the widespread promotion of the Dharma, the Sect Leader will not participate in any nominal capacity, nor will he waste much energy on this matter."

Wu Wang let out a soft sigh, his expression conflicted for a moment before he slowly said:

"This matter is extremely important to the Buddhist Sect. The Venerable Buddha said upon my departure that if encountering issues that cannot be resolved, I may seek instructions from Senior Chu."

"This matter takes precedence over all else. Perhaps you could first consult Senior Chu, obtain a definite reply and a jade token sufficient to prove your authority? Regardless of the answer, we can then discuss the next steps, okay?"

Directly questioning whether Yun Li was capable would naturally be foolish. Sometimes, using a tactful approach avoids offending people.

Since Yun Li had notified Chu Xingchen today, even if Yun Li ultimately failed to bring back a jade token proving Chu Xingchen's authorization, at least procedurally there would be no issue—the notification would have been delivered.

If there were ever a need for disputes in the future, the Venerable Buddha would have something to say.

For Wu Wang, failure to think things through thoroughly was itself a mistake.

Wu Wang gazed at Yun Li with particular sincerity.

Naturally, Yun Li initially refused again, but Wu Wang's attitude was firm, at least indicating there was no need to continue the discussion without first consulting Chu Xingchen.

Especially since Chu Xingchen had also agreed that in case of true disagreement, they could seek instructions.

Wu Wang's argument was reasonable and well-founded, and he emphasized that this was merely a request for consultation.

After a stalemate...

Yun Li looked at Wu Wang's increasingly suspicious and distrustful expression, which seemed to truly see through its lack of authority. Its gaze involuntarily drifted toward the door.

Eldest Senior Sister clearly said she would come soon. It had held out for so long now, yet there was still no sign of her.

Wu Wang also watched Yun Li's movements and roughly guessed it was probably waiting for someone. Seizing the rare opportunity, he decisively pressed further:

"Fellow Daoist Yun Li, your persistent evasion... does it mean you truly cannot make decisions? If so, let's not waste each other's time anymore. These past days shall simply be considered as getting to know you."

"I'll go and seek instructions." Yun Li finally relented, then stood up and walked out.

Wu Wang showed a slightly apologetic smile.

As Yun Li walked out, although pushed by Wu Wang's words, it naturally wouldn't actually go to consult Chu Xingchen, as it still had Li Yingling above it.

Eldest Senior Sister really drops the ball at critical moments, truly unreliable.

Just as Yun Li was about to head toward the "One Loving Family Peak," having only reached the corridor outside the main hall, it saw its own Eldest Senior Sister and Zhang Miaoyu leisurely sitting on a bench by the corridor, their eyes playfully watching it emerge, seeming to understand it had already been bested.

"El..."

Li Yingling slightly raised her hand, signaling Yun Li to be silent, then pointed to a nearby chair.

Yun Li naturally understood the meaning and, though confused and puzzled, first complied with the order, sitting in the spot Li Yingling indicated.

Li Yingling nodded, then closed her eyes.

Yun Li also understood this was its senior sister telling it to shut up and not speak.

They sat for a moment.

Li Yingling then stood up, reached out and patted Yun Li's still-bewildered little head, and strode toward the direction of the main hall.

Zhang Miaoyu followed, but glanced back at Yun Li, who remained seated with a puzzled expression, thinking to herself that Yun Li indeed needed to suffer some setbacks. She promptly reminded:

"Follow us."

Only then did Yun Li snap out of it and follow.

Li Yingling walked swiftly, entering the council hall first with her head held high. Her gaze swept over the Buddhist disciples sitting to one side, then naturally fell upon Wu Wang seated at the head.

Yun Li, following behind Zhang Miaoyu, also saw its eldest senior sister with a completely different demeanor.

Compared to her usual dignity and the occasional unreliable behavior reminiscent of their master, at this moment the eldest senior sister truly exuded an air of decisive authority.

Li Yingling's gaze locked onto Wu Wang as she coldly demanded:

"You are Wu Wang?"

Wu Wang naturally understood the visitor's identity and immediately stood up:

"Yes. I presume you are Fellow Daoist Li?"

"That's me. However, I don't believe we are close enough for you to address me as 'Fellow Daoist.'" Li Yingling's tone was almost mocking. She then took a seat in an empty spot nearby. "I heard you need my master's jade token to proceed with the next steps?"

Wu Wang glanced at Yun Li before replying:

"It's just that regarding one matter, I was hoping to receive Senior Chu's..."

"Enough." Li Yingling cut him off. She lightly tapped the table beside her and said coldly, "No need to make excuses in front of me. Now that I am here, do you still need my master's jade token?"

Seeing Li Yingling's clearly hostile attitude, Wu Wang understood he needed to soften his stance:

"Since you have come personally, then it is no longer necessary."

Upon hearing this, Li Yingling let out a cold laugh. The hand tapping the table now held a jade token that had appeared at some point.

Tap!

A crisp sound rang out as the jade token struck the table surface.

"You may not need it, but I've brought the token for you anyway." Li Yingling stared at Wu Wang. "My master has also brought you the answer you wanted—if the Buddhist Sect has no sincerity, then we should each go our separate ways."

"Master had Yun Li negotiate terms with you to show our stance, but clearly, you are questioning Master's attitude."

"If goodwill is met with endless suspicion from the Buddhist Sect, then this matter needs to be reconsidered."

"Today, you questioned our stance. Now it's our turn to question the Buddhist Sect's stance!"

Li Yingling hurled the jade token in her hand directly at Wu Wang and continued coldly:

"Go ask your Venerable Buddha what exactly my master's goodwill can exchange for from the Buddhist Sect!"

"Remember! Come back to me with your Venerable Buddha's jade token!"