Wuwang noticed Yun Li's somewhat unsettled expression and pressed forward with a heavier tone:
"Since you can make decisions, let's continue our discussion."
It wasn't just Yun Li questioning whether Wuwang could make decisions—Wuwang was also questioning whether Yun Li could.
After all, Chu Xingchen had previously said Li Yingling would be in charge, so for a decision this important about implementation, shouldn't at least someone show up?
Wuwang's face carried a gentle smile, but his eyes locked onto Yun Li without speaking.
Unlike Yun Li, who could muddle through things, the Honored Buddha had truly entrusted this matter to Wuwang.
If Yun Li messed up, given his foolish appearance, probably nothing would happen to him. But if Wuwang messed up, the Buddhist sect that had just settled down would be thrown into turmoil again.
Looking at Yun Li's expression, Wuwang naturally thought: was Yun Li sent here to bluff people rather than to genuinely decide on implementing the promotion of Small Vehicle Buddhist Teachings?
Yun Li did his best to keep his expression level, then nodded:
"Let's talk."
Wuwang's smile grew even gentler as he probed:
"We've already discussed the implementation plan, but we feel it would be safer if Senior Chu Xingchen could speak up and set the tone to announce it to the five continents and four directions."
"Why not first invite Chu Xingchen to make his statement, then follow our plan by having the Buddhist sect send chanting monks to widely proclaim the Buddhist teachings?"
Yun Li shook his head without hesitation, rejecting the idea:
"We already discussed this. The sect master won't participate in promoting the Buddhist teachings under any title, nor will he waste too much energy on this matter."
Wuwang sighed lightly, his expression conflicted for a moment before he slowly said:
"This matter is especially important to the Buddhist sect. The Honored Buddha mentioned that if we encounter something we can't resolve, we can ask Chu Xingchen for guidance."
"Since this is the first of all matters, why not ask Chu Xingchen first, get a definite answer, and bring back a jade token that proves his identity? Whether the answer is yes or no, then we can discuss what comes next."
Directly questioning whether Yun Li could make decisions would naturally be a stupid move. Sometimes throwing out a brick to attract jade wouldn't offend anyone.
Today, since Yun Li had notified Chu Xingchen, even if Yun Li ultimately didn't bring back a jade token proving Chu Xingchen's identity, at least the process was correct and the notification had been properly delivered.
If there was ever a need to argue about this in the future, the Honored Buddha would have something to say.
For Wuwang, failing to think things through was itself a mistake.
He gazed at Yun Li with particular sincerity.
Yun Li naturally refused at first, but Wuwang's attitude was firm—at minimum, he was indicating there was no point continuing the discussion without consulting Chu Xingchen first.
Especially since Chu Xingchen had also promised that if real disagreements arose, they could consult him.
Wuwang's reasoning was sound and well-founded, emphasizing that this was just a consultation.
After some back and forth.
Yun Li saw Wuwang's increasingly suspicious and distrustful expression, as if he had truly seen through the fact that Yun Li couldn't make decisions. Yun Li's gaze unconsciously shifted toward the door outside.
The eldest senior sister had clearly said she would come soon, and he had held out this long without seeing her yet.
Wuwang was also watching Yun Li's movements and roughly guessed who he was probably waiting for. Seeing a rare opportunity, he decisively escalated:
"Fellow Daoist Yun Li, your repeated refusals… could it be that you truly cannot make decisions? If that's the case, let's not waste each other's time. Let's just consider these past days as getting to know each other."
"I'll go consult." Yun Li finally relented, then stood and walked outside.
Wuwang offered a slightly apologetic smile.
As Yun Li headed out, even though Wuwang's words had pushed him into a corner, he naturally wasn't going to actually run off to consult Chu Xingchen—after all, he still had Li Yingling above him.
The eldest senior sister really did drop the ball at critical moments; she truly couldn't be counted on.
Yun Li was about to head toward the Peak of One Big Happy Family when, just as he reached the corridor outside the main hall, he spotted his eldest senior sister and Zhang Miaoyu sitting leisurely on a bench by the corridor, looking at him with amused eyes as he emerged, clearly understanding he had hit a wall.
"Eldest…"
Li Yingling raised her hand slightly, signaling Yun Li not to speak, then pointed to a chair beside her.
Yun Li understood and, though confused, obediently followed the order and sat where she indicated.
Li Yingling nodded, then closed her eyes.
Yun Li understood this meant she wanted him to stay quiet.
After sitting for a while.
Li Yingling stood up, patted Yun Li's still-confused little head, and strode toward the hall.
Zhang Miaoyu followed, but glanced back at Yun Li still sitting there in confusion, thinking he really did need to learn from some setbacks, and called out:
"Follow along."
Yun Li finally caught on and hurried after them.
Li Yingling walked quickly, her posture proud as she entered the meeting hall first. Her gaze swept over the Buddhist sect disciples seated to one side, then naturally fell on Wuwang in the head seat.
Yun Li followed behind Zhang Miaoyu and saw his eldest senior sister with a completely different aura.
Compared to her usual dignified demeanor or her occasional master-like unpredictability, right now the eldest senior sister truly carried an air of decisive authority.
Li Yingling locked her gaze on Wuwang and demanded coldly:
"Are you Wuwang?"
Wuwang naturally recognized who had arrived and immediately stood:
"Yes. You must be Fellow Daoist Li?"
"I am. But we're not close enough for you to call me fellow daoist." Li Yingling's tone carried a mocking edge as she took a seat in an empty chair nearby. "I hear you need my master's jade token to proceed with the next steps?"
Wuwang glanced at Yun Li before answering:
"It's just one matter where I hope to get Senior Chu Xingchen's…"
"Enough." Li Yingling cut him off, tapping the table beside her coldly. "Don't make excuses in front of me. I'm here now—do you still need my master's jade token?"
Seeing Li Yingling's clearly unfriendly attitude, Wuwang naturally understood he needed to soften his stance:
"Since you're here, it's no longer necessary."
Li Yingling sneered at this.
At some point, a jade token appeared in the hand that had been tapping the table.
Smack!
The jade token struck the table with a crisp sound.
"I brought you the jade token you don't need." Li Yingling stared at Wuwang. "I also brought you the answer my master wanted to give you—if the Buddhist sect has no sincerity, then everyone can go their separate ways."
"My master letting Yun Li negotiate terms with you was a show of good faith, but clearly, you're questioning my master's attitude."
"If goodwill is met with endless suspicion from the Buddhist sect, then this matter needs to be reconsidered."
"Today, you asked about our attitude, so now it's our turn to ask about the Buddhist sect's attitude!"
Li Yingling hurled the jade token directly at Wuwang and continued coldly:
"Go ask your Honored Buddha what my master's goodwill can actually get from the Buddhist sect."
"And remember—bring back your Honored Buddha's jade token in response!"
[
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