This is what an immortal should be like

Chapter 307: Battle of Words
The golden Buddha statue had a relatively high tolerance for Confucian immortals, and now that Zhuang Lin had finished speaking, it understood.

When Zhuang Lin explained his thoughts, the scene of the Ullambana Festival in the sacred Ling Mountain was silent for a long time. Everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts, and many people were looking at Zhuang Lin and the huge golden Buddha.

At this moment, Atara was also looking at Zhuang Lin, and couldn't help but recall the scene he had seen looking down from the Dharma Cloud.

Was the Confucian scholar's sentiment expressed at that moment, or had he had this idea for a long time?

Seeing that everyone remained silent for a long time, Zhuang Lin looked around. When his gaze met from all sides, some frowned, while others subconsciously looked away.

The affairs of the Netherworld are not as simple as they seem. The current chaos in the Netherworld is not simply due to the inaction of the Five Ghost Emperors and the Lord of Mount Tai, but rather involves an extremely complex and far-reaching situation, resulting from the combined effects of many factors.

Needless to say, the Five Ghost Emperors and Mount Tai are just a few examples. There are also many other ghosts and spirits, both famous and unknown, who either establish themselves as kings or have hidden subordinates, involving countless people and interests.

While the change of dynasties in mortal life can easily cause trouble, the incense and prayers of mortals are very effective. Even after death, becoming a ghost brings great benefits. Not to mention that ghosts themselves have some abilities, the sacrifices made by their relatives and family after death are also a major source of incense and prayers and other benefits.

Zhuang Lin didn't know many of these things before, and now he knows some of them, but there are still many more details that Zhuang Lin is not clear about now.

He had thought that his words would quickly spark a discussion, but to his surprise, the scene fell silent. Zhuang Lin looked up at the golden Buddha again, and even the Buddha was silent.
Zhuang Lin then looked at the place in Ling Mountain where the ghostly aura was the heaviest at the moment. That place represented the Netherworld. Although the Five Ghost Emperors and the Lord of Mount Tai were not present in person, their representatives were there. They were all looking at Zhuang Lin, and when they saw his gaze sweep over them, they even cupped their hands to show their respect.

Zhuang Lin's words involved many interests, but for the truly orthodox Netherworld faction, it was a completely positive prospect, because they were the ones who ultimately guided the souls to their final resting place.

Therefore, even though everyone present might be weighing their options in their hearts, or harboring dissatisfaction due to the identity of the Confucian Immortal but not expressing it openly, the Confucian Immortal's plan was something that the representatives of the orthodox Netherworld lineage would absolutely agree with. However, it was not appropriate for them to directly express their agreement, given the rather delicate atmosphere.
Zhuang Lin narrowed his eyes slightly, glanced back at Xi Miao who was also frowning slightly, and then subconsciously glanced at Atuo Luo.

When Atuo met Zhuang Lin's gaze, her heart skipped a beat. She suddenly remembered some of the other man's words on the way there and thought to herself, "Oh no, those words back then might not have been unintentional remarks."

Fortunately, Zhuang Lin's gaze did not linger on Atuo for long.

At the Ullambana Festival in this sacred sacred mountain, one should naturally pay homage to the Buddha.

"I never expected that my suggestion would cause such a dull moment at the renowned Ullambana Festival. The balance of Yin and Yang in the mortal realm is not something that you should interfere with too much. Could it be that there are also many secrets in the underworld?"

When Zhuang Lin said this, many people present believed that he might really not know, after all, the Confucian Immortal had just emerged, and most of them were reclusive Confucian scholars who had achieved enlightenment and did not have much contact with the real cultivation world, but there were some things that were not easy to say to him directly.

"Venerable One, what do you think of my suggestion?"

Zhuang Lin went straight to the key figure, while the golden Buddha's eyes were slightly lowered, revealing no thoughts, but in fact, the Buddha was secretly pleased.

This matter is extremely sensitive. Even though the Buddhas of Mount Ling have great power now, they could only turn a blind eye to it in the past. In fact, they had similar thoughts in their hearts for a long time, as it was a tremendous benefit.

Now, in this appropriate setting, it is perfect that such a suitable person as Ru Xian has made this suggestion.

You may think in your hearts that Lingshan is involved in this, but the Confucian Immortal is a person who is truly not involved in any interests, and his words definitely carry weight.

Upon hearing Zhuang Lin's question, the golden Buddha remained silent for several breaths before finally speaking.

"Between heaven and earth, in the realms of yin and yang, the darkness and the netherworld, as you have said, chaos has lingered for a long time, and the accumulated problems are extremely serious. However, the causes and effects involved are far too complex, and trying to unravel them is fraught with difficulties."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Lin's heart stirred, realizing that the other party was definitely interested, but he frowned slightly on his face.

"So you're just going to ignore all the difficulties? I'm not someone who can't distinguish right from wrong. How many of those so-called righteous people in the world who care about all living beings are truly sincere? But you, World Honored One, are the master of the sacred Mount Ling, and you speak of compassion all the time. Even I, Zhuang, have some respect for you. Are you not just pretending?"

The giant golden Buddha did not answer immediately, but looked to its left, right, and all directions.

"What do you think?"

This wasn't my idea; it was the Confucian scholar's idea. It's impossible that he conspired with me.

When the giant Buddha asked this question, no one answered. However, after careful consideration, Atara stepped forward.

The first person to speak out will definitely face a lot of pressure, but now is also an opportunity for Atala. Firstly, he has already made a promise to Ruxian, and secondly, he understands that the World Honored One also wants to push this matter forward in order to gain a certain degree of control.

“World Honored One, I believe that what you say is reasonable. Although it is extremely difficult, it is inherently difficult to guide people to enlightenment. To know the right path but not follow it is not the right way!”

The golden Buddha smiled slightly, nodded at Atara, and then looked in other directions.

"What do you think?"

"This disciple also thinks it makes sense!" "This disciple agrees!"

Among the many Bodhisattvas and Arhats in Buddhism, there are quite a few who have expressed their opinions, while many others remain silent, perhaps because they themselves are also involved in some kind of interest.

This scene surprised Zhuang Lin. Could it be that the Buddha could not completely control the Buddhist forces and could not form a one-man rule?
This is something worth considering. Zhuang Lin couldn't help but look at those beings whose Buddha light was restrained but whose aura was special. He could indeed vaguely sense that some of the Buddha light seemed to have the intention to resist, but it was not very obvious.

Just as Zhuang Lin was frowning in thought, a voice suddenly rang out from above in the distance.

"This matter of the netherworld is complex as it may be. If you wish to do good deeds, you must first consult the Great Heavenly Venerable. All things in the world are under the jurisdiction of my Heavenly Realm!"

This sound was equally powerful; though it did not overshadow the Buddha in the sacred realm of Mount Ling, it could not be ignored.

Zhuang Lin looked up in that direction, where the cloud-shaped table was bathed in radiant light. A tall, armored figure sat there amidst the brilliance, and beside, behind, and above that figure, bursts of divine light that had been barely noticeable before began to shine brightly, merging with the person who had just spoken.

At first glance, the divine light covered a large area, and there were clearly quite a few divine beings present.

"I wonder who this is?"

"I am a celestial inspector, representing the Great Heavenly Venerable to oversee the destiny of the world!"

Zhuang Lin nodded slightly, without bowing.

"So these are the gods of the heavens. However, my words are for the sake of all living beings and for the stability of yin and yang. The Great Heavenly Venerable has the responsibility to stabilize the destiny of heaven and earth. Would he possibly object?"

"The Great Celestial Venerable loves all things in heaven and earth, including plants, trees, living beings, soil, rocks, and flowing water. What you say may be reasonable, but in any case, we can only discuss the aftermath after the Great Celestial Venerable has made his decision!"

Zhuang Lin looked at the golden Buddha statue, then at all directions, and even paid special attention to some demons and monsters. Finally, he looked at the Netherworld faction, and his brows furrowed.

Everyone understood that the Confucian immortal had realized he had run into a snag and was now aware of the complexity of the situation.

Xi Miao feigned concern, then hesitated for a moment before getting up and going to Zhuang Lin's side. She tugged at his sleeve and whispered something to him, causing Zhuang Lin to glance at her, his brows still furrowed.

"Today's events have made me understand why the world is in such chaos."

Zhuang Lin's words seemed to indicate that he had figured something out, but at this moment, his brows unfurrowed and he smiled slightly.

"However, all suffering in this world must eventually come to an end. Surely there are many kind-hearted people among you. The reason no one is willing to do this is simply because they are afraid of offending people. That's good. Very good!"

As he spoke, Zhuang Lin reached out and the cup on the table flew into his hand.

"I am but a scholar, Zhuang, and I do not seek to live as long as heaven and earth or transcend the cycle of cultivation. I will die eventually, so I might as well leave something behind. I am not afraid of offending people, so I will do it!"

After saying this, Zhuang Lin tilted his head back and drank the fine wine in the cup in one gulp. Then Zhuang Lin smiled again, looked at the Buddha, and then looked around.

"Taking advantage of this Ullambana Festival, I, Zhuang, would like to discuss with you all the Dao, specifically the matters of the Netherworld, and debate to see what is truly the case. The gods of the heavens, the demons of the myriad lands, the ghosts of the Netherworld, the Buddhas of Mount Ling, and the various cultivators of the Immortal Path, each has their own calculations and their own ideas. Do you dare to debate with me?"

Zhuang Lin's voice, which had been calm at first, now resounded throughout the entire Sacred Mountain.

This scene, which was clearly overshadowed by the main attraction, elicited varying reactions from many people present, yet the giant golden Buddha seemed to tolerate it.

"What you sow today will bear fruit tomorrow. Sir, you are truly virtuous! Since that is the case, why not have a debate?"

The golden Buddha lowered his eyes and spoke softly. He also wanted to push this matter forward, and since the Confucian Immortal was at the forefront, he was naturally happy to lend a hand.

The nature of this Great Ullambana Festival has completely changed, and there is a hint of Zhuang Lin engaging in a verbal battle with the crowd.
And things did indeed develop in that direction.

Ru Xian is clearly a person with real execution ability. He can't just brush it off with a joke. He really wants to push this matter forward. Even the Buddha Venerable is interested. This involves too many things and concerns his own interests. Many people who were originally silent have also chosen to speak up and discuss the Dao.

For a time, the sacred Lingshan Mountain became lively, but it was not the Buddha preaching, but rather a debate between Confucian scholars and various other groups.

Zhuang Lin has only one premise: to stand from the perspective of heaven, earth, and all living beings, to be invincible, to establish a heart for heaven and earth, to establish a destiny for the people, to continue the lost learning of the past sages, and to create peace for all generations!

This natural superiority and absolute selflessness make Zhuang Lin stand out from the crowd, no matter who comes up to debate.
(End of this chapter)