Since Chu Xingchen had shown his sincerity through both words and actions, at least making people feel his sincerity was genuine.
And Chu Xingchen's reputation and prestige were already well-established.
Runan considered the situation carefully and concluded that genuinely building a good relationship with Chu Xingchen was both inevitable and the most beneficial course of action from every angle.
Most importantly, this opportunity might only come once.
Runan knew better than to think Chu Xingchen would be naive enough to tolerate the Buddhist sect's repeated transgressions.
With his mind made up, Runan looked toward Wu Wang:
"Though the Buddhist sect has found some temporary stability, the crisis still looms. Chu Xingchen now carries the mandate of heaven, and since his sincerity is genuine, the Buddhist sect should demonstrate its own magnanimity."
"The promotion of Small Vehicle Buddhist Teachings shouldn't follow the drafted terms. The Buddhist sect should bear its own responsibilities and handle its own duties."
"Being stingy would only make the sect appear petty."
"As one of the eighteen immortal sects, we should conduct ourselves with the dignity that title deserves."
Runan's voice was steady and resonant, yet each word stirred something passionate in those who heard it.
Wu Wang bowed and asked:
"I receive the Venerable Buddha's orders. But should a Buddha oversee this matter?"
Runan gazed at Wu Wang, a Buddha Son at the Integration realm, and considered the available Buddhas within the sect. Truthfully, he couldn't identify a single one who wouldn't cause problems.
The secular buddhas had maintained a hostile stance toward Chu Xingchen—whether it was pointing swords at the current Buddhist sect or sheltering the Radiant Buddha, every action crossed their red lines.
Sending a secular buddha to lead this cooperation would likely end in disappointment.
Even though Runan had two secular buddhas in mind whom he considered somewhat reliable, he couldn't guarantee they wouldn't waver when other buddhas' interests were at stake.
As for the karma buddhas, they were never even under consideration.
If the Small Vehicle teachings somehow transformed into Great Vehicle teachings during promotion, it was unclear whether he would even have to step down from his position as Buddha.
Ruzhong in particular—if any major changes occurred, that senior brother who called him "junior brother" so affectionately would likely be the first to sell out the Buddhist sect.
So the karma buddhas couldn't be sent, otherwise there would be no one to blame but Chu Xingchen.
After weighing all options, the Buddha Son standing before him at the Integration realm seemed like the most suitable choice.
He had no past ties, no detailed knowledge of the Great Vehicle teachings, and no vested interests with the secular buddhas.
He could simply follow Runan's orders.
Runan gazed at Wu Wang and sighed inwardly, speaking with hope in his voice:
"I have watched your diligent cultivation and recognize your spiritual roots and wisdom, your ability to see the bigger picture and handle matters reliably."
"Rather than assigning another Buddha to oversee this, I entrust it entirely to you. If any uncertain situations arise, come directly to me."
Wu Wang bowed deeply, pressing his forehead against the jade floor of the Great Hero Hall, and asked steadily:
"Then may I ask the Venerable Buddha—if other buddhas attempt to assist with the Buddhist promotion, should I follow their orders or yours?"
Runan understood the underlying question immediately: if other buddhas wanted to participate in the Small Vehicle promotion or order him around for their own interests, should he comply or refuse?
"Follow only my orders." Runan's gaze was firm, his voice steady and powerful. "Tell them that if they have opinions, they should come to me directly. If any buddha tries to interfere, report it to me."
Wu Wang slowly rose and met Runan's eyes:
"I receive the Venerable Buddha's orders. I will carry them out with care."
Runan nodded gently, expressing his hope:
"The Buddhist sect's heavy burden may now be placed in your hands."
Wu Wang performed another Buddhist salute and responded calmly:
"I understand."
————————
"Damn it, which monk dares to make demands like this? Doesn't he know my reputation? Coming to my place to freeload?"
Chu Xingchen held a jade token in his hand, feeling the spiritual signatures of his own worn cotton-padded jacket and a broken monk's seal on it, and couldn't help but complain: "You really dared to sign this thing? Anyone seeing it would think Runan has me figured out."
Li Yingling cracked sunflower seeds, one hand reaching for a teacup nearby. Hearing her master's shocked tone, she responded casually:
"The Buddhist sect dared to make demands, so naturally I dared to accept them. Didn't master once say that to destroy someone, you must first let them grow arrogant? Your eldest disciple has been so forbearing—the Buddhist sect must be growing extremely arrogant by now."
Chu Xingchen couldn't help but roll his eyes at this unreliable eldest disciple:
"You really think I don't know? Do you think I don't know who negotiated those terms with the monks?"
Li Yingling spat out a seed shell and laughed:
"Ha… master knows?"
"How could I not know?" Chu Xingchen tossed the jade token at her head. "If I didn't know, next time you'd probably package me up and send me to the Buddhist sect!"
Li Yingling caught the token and put on an exaggerated flattering smile:
"Master~ What kind of talk is that? Everyone in the sect knows I respect you most. I'd never package you up and send you away—wouldn't my mistress hold me accountable?"
Chu Xingchen waved his hands dismissively, looking disgusted: "You're not even a drafty cotton jacket anymore. You're more like a hemp rope that'll hang me from a tree."
Li Yingling turned to Xie Lingyu with a wronged expression:
"Mistress, listen to what master is saying. He never actually planned to do anything for the Buddhist sect. I was just going along with the flow, and now he's blaming me for doing the actual work."
Chu Xingchen didn't back down, gently placing a hand on Xie Lingyu's shoulder with a mournful tone:
"Adult Lingyu, listen to what this rebellious disciple of mine is saying. What does she mean I never planned to help the Buddhist sect? The earlier matters still need to be handled first. This rebellious disciple does nothing but cause trouble for her master… I'm still recovering from serious injuries. As my wife, you should stand up for me."
Xie Lingyu's teacup trembled in her hand, her expression equally helpless as both of them seemed to genuinely expect her to take sides.
But this wasn't the first time, and Chu Xingchen didn't just act this way with his eldest disciple.
She pushed him away gently and took a calm sip of tea.
Before she could even swallow, they were at it again.
"Master acting cute is so disgusting!"
"You acting innocent is even more disgusting."
"Master used to say I was cute! Master changed his heart!"
"You're the one who changed, disciple! Who used to claim we had the best master-disciple relationship in the world?!"
Xie Lingyu swallowed her tea and looked between them leisurely.
Neither of them was actually fighting—they were both just smiling happily.
What argument.
They were simply performing their close master-disciple bond for her benefit.
Xie Lingyu smiled helplessly but felt warmth in her heart.
[
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