This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 304 Setting the Stage and Creating Pitfalls
"Sir, sir, you mustn't! This was my fault, how can you blame the World-Honored One? Sir, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

In his haste, Athara tried to explain that he was taking all the blame upon himself, claiming it was all due to his poor performance and that the Buddha was not wrong.

At this moment, the tranquility and peace that had just been there seemed to be shattered.

"Hehehehe Master, please don't worry. I was just joking. If I had really done that, wouldn't I have harmed you?"

Zhuang Lin's smile made Atuo Luo breathe a sigh of relief. However, his behavior also made Zhuang Lin realize that the so-called Buddha of Mount Ling was definitely not a true master of Buddhist wisdom.

Xi Miao also smiled and said from the side.

"Master, please rest assured. You know what you're doing and would never put you in a difficult position."

Hearing the two say this, Atuo Luo finally felt relieved. However, this commotion made him feel a little closer to Ru Xian. His expression was much more natural than before he came, and he couldn't help but say something.

"I only knew that you were meticulous and respected etiquette, but I didn't take you seriously."

Ataluo's behavior and words proved that Zhuang Lin's previous guess was true.

"Hahaha. It is true that you respect etiquette and law, but I am not a wooden man. How can I be without emotions and desires? Does the master think that a mere Confucian scholar like me cannot make a joke? That would be far too boring!"

Zhuang Lin said this with a smile, but then looked at the teacup as if deep in thought.

As Adoro felt a little more at ease, he picked up his teacup and took another sip. Unlike before when he had been so hasty, he was now able to taste the bitterness of the wild grass in the mountains. However, it was not as bad as the Confucian scholar had described. It had its own unique flavor, with a slight sweetness after the bitterness, and a touch of spiritual charm that amplified the sensation on his tongue.

A vague feeling emanated from Atala that, though it was said in jest, perhaps the Confucian immortal's words about seeking justice were not entirely without ulterior motives.

However, Atallo understood that he didn't need to worry too much about this matter. If it backfired, the Confucian immortal probably wouldn't do it either.

This clear tea is unlike anything I've ever seen before, and it's quite different from the popular teas in the world. Yet it has a unique feeling, like facing a Confucian sage. At first, you feel solemn, then tranquil, and gradually relaxed and comfortable, making you feel at peace without even trying.

"Good tea, good tea, bitterness gives way to sweetness!"

At this moment, Atuo's evaluation of the tea was heartfelt. After finishing it, he saw Zhuang Lin add some more tea for him.

"The master is a connoisseur of tea!"

After pouring the tea, Zhuang Lin gestured for him to drink, and Atuo Luo nodded slightly.

"Thank you sir!"

In just a brief exchange, Atuoluo's goodwill towards the Confucian immortal had greatly increased, and the brief exchange of glances between Zhuang Lin and Ximiao also made them realize that there were indeed many opportunities to exploit among the gods and Buddhas.
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When Atuoluo came to invite Zhuang Lin, time was already tight. After sitting in the thatched cottage for a while, there was not much time left to travel.

As Atuoluo grew increasingly anxious, Zhuang Lin stopped delaying and left the thatched hut. Not only the two of them went with him, but Ximiao also accompanied them.

In fact, given the relationship between Xi Miao and the Second Phase Heavenly Sound Bodhisattva, she could naturally go to the Ullambana Festival if she wanted to. In fact, the Heavenly Sound Bodhisattva even asked her about it when she came to Little Holy Mountain.

However, back then, Xi Miao had a guilty conscience and was plotting a surprise attack on Five-Colored Divine Peak by Hidden Immortal Valley, so she couldn't go to the Ullambana Festival no matter how grand it was. But now things are different, so she can go.

A cloud of Dharma rose from the Taihang Mountains, heading west towards the location of Mount Ling.

The Dharma Cloud was naturally controlled by Atala, who was indeed a highly accomplished Buddhist master who also enjoyed the offerings of incense in the mortal world. His own cultivation was not to be underestimated. The Dharma Cloud was not only extremely fast but also very stable. Although it was not as fast as the sword-riding escape technique or some secret techniques, it was far superior to the ordinary wind-riding flying method. It was even much faster than the superficial sword-riding flight of some immortal cultivators.

Although Atara was rushing on his way, he felt at peace, knowing that his mission had been successfully completed.

Furthermore, Atara didn't even want to arrive at the Ullambana Festival in time for the entire festival. It would be better to arrive a little after the start or at the very beginning, making it seem rushed, or at least not perfectly.

In this way, if I apologize to the Buddha again, there may still be some punishment, but it will be a minor matter.

As Adoro thought this, he would glance at Zhuang Lin and Xi Miao beside him from time to time.

Above the clouds, the fox demon was quite calm and well-mannered beside the Confucian immortal, but she would occasionally glance at him.

Adora pondered to himself that the rumors were obviously unreliable, but this fairy fox goddess might indeed have some admiration for the Confucian immortal. However, it was clear that even if the Confucian immortal was willing to associate with her, it was unlikely that he would have any other thoughts about the great demon.

This was something Xi Miao deliberately wanted to show, so that in the future, when she appeared with Zhuang Lin, it could be that she admired the Confucian scholar's demeanor and wanted to stick close to him.

It would be more reasonable for them to cover for each other in the future.

Xi Miao had no qualms about this; after all, she was the legendary wanton vixen, and her relationship with the Confucian immortal was unusual. Even if he showed a one-sided desire to get closer, it might improve people's opinion of her. "July 15th is also the time when Yin energy is at its peak!"

The fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month is not only the Ullambana Festival at Lingshan Sacred Land, but also an important day for human sacrifice.

Zhuang Lin stood on the cloud, watching the scenery below recede into the distance. In towns and villages, there were people performing sacrifices. When they passed some rivers, the feeling of dense yin energy was particularly noticeable, so he sighed and attracted the attention of the two people beside him.

Upon hearing this, Xi Miao immediately thought of something else. The plan concerning the underworld should have already begun to move forward, especially with the terrifying efficiency under the framework of the Great Yan Dynasty in the future. They would not dawdle in anything they did!

It seems that you intend to start laying the groundwork right now!

Understanding immediately, Xi Miao spoke up.

"Yes, the yin energy is indeed at its peak, and people in the human world will also offer sacrifices to their ancestors during this period. However, the ghost realm is in utter chaos, and the human world's longing for and remembrance of their loved ones often cannot reach them."

Xi Miao's voice drew the attention of Zhuang Lin and Atuo Luo.

Zhuang Lin shook his head slightly and sighed.

"The mortal realm is rife with conflict and devastation, while the underworld is also out of balance and unstable, teeming with ghosts and demons. Tell me, how did things in the three realms come to this?"

Although Zhuang Lin's sigh was intended to lay the groundwork for what was to come, it was also heartfelt. The world of heaven and earth, the realm of yin and yang, was in such a state of chaos that people in the mortal realm were no longer human, and ghosts in the underworld were no longer ghosts.

This chaotic state of destiny has caused suffering to countless people. While there is certainly greed among the mortal world, how much of it is actually the work of ghosts, gods, and demons behind the scenes?

Sometimes Zhuang Lin also thought that if it weren't for the inevitable end of the universe, if gods and ghosts couldn't live in peace, a complete end of the Dharma era might not necessarily be a bad thing.

As Atuo listened to Zhuang Lin's words and sensed the emotions naturally conveyed in his voice, he also looked down.

In some places, the heavy yin energy even creates a sense of collision, which is naturally caused by some ghosts fighting each other.

As a Buddhist practitioner with the golden body of an Arhat and considerable spiritual attainment, Atala naturally understood the meaning behind the Confucian immortal's words, and even had further interpretations. As a practitioner of Buddhism himself, he couldn't help but feel moved in this situation and closed his eyes to chant the Buddha's name.

"Amitabha Buddha, the sea of ​​suffering is boundless, may all people be liberated soon!"

These words, spoken with a mixture of admiration and genuine emotion, made Zhuang Lin glance at Atuo Luo, realizing that the realm of gods and Buddhas was also complex. Although the highest levels were filled with clay figures seeking to replace the true Buddhas, many of them, through their own cultivation, were destined to possess genuine compassion.

The definition involved also weighed heavily on Zhuang Lin's mind. The world is not black and white, but some things have to be done by someone. Under the general trend, those who resist will inevitably be wiped out.

Putting those thoughts aside for the moment, Zhuang Lin suppressed the unnecessary thoughts in his mind and looked at Atuo Luo.

"What the master says is very good, but how can one attain liberation?"

Atuo opened his eyes and looked at Zhuang Lin in silence. He knew that there were some things the Confucian Immortal would not like to say, but after hesitating for a moment, he still spoke.

“I know you dislike supernatural phenomena, but there are some things I must say even if you dislike them. If all people could believe in the Buddha and understand the true meaning of Buddhism, they would naturally let go of their desires, escape the sea of ​​suffering, ascend to the Pure Land, and attain liberation.”

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Lin showed no anger on his face, but instead pondered it seriously.

"Master, your frankness in speaking these words to me makes me think more highly of you. However, perhaps you have misunderstood. We dislike superstitious beliefs and supernatural phenomena, but we also dislike those who engage in charlatanry and absurd behavior, and we also dislike actions that lead to the neglect of the nation. If it can truly bring peace to both the Yin and Yang realms, it would be a good deed!"

Atuo Luo was certain in his heart that he had not misjudged the situation. The Confucian immortals were more concerned about the world than some gods, Buddhas, and immortal cultivators, or rather, they cared about the vulnerable, regardless of whether they were human or ghost, or even demons.
As Adora thought this, he couldn't help but glance at Xi Miao over there. The latter seemed to have been looking at Ru Xian in a daze, but when she noticed Adora's gaze, she looked away with slight embarrassment.

Atara felt that his mind was clear, and smiled slightly without revealing anything.

"Amitabha Buddha, what you say is excellent, very good indeed."

Zhuang Lin nodded, with a hint of a joke.

"It is inappropriate for a monk like you to interfere in the chaos of the human world, as it would also be contrary to your path of cultivation. However, if you were to contribute to this cause in the future, and if the balance of Yin and Yang between life and death were to be maintained, I wonder if you would also be of assistance?"

Perhaps the Confucian immortal was joking, or perhaps he really had similar thoughts, but at this moment, Atara answered directly.

"If it is within my power, I will naturally not shirk my duty. May the Buddha have mercy!"

This can be considered to some extent Atuoluo's true feelings. Zhuang Lin nodded slightly and smiled without saying anything after hearing this. His eyes caught sight of Xi Miao, whose eyes were calm and smiling.

The Athara people are actually quite nice, but Mr. Pit still dug it for them. What can you do when someone like him comes along?
(End of this chapter)