Sect Recruitment: I Can See Attribute Entries

Ruzhong watched Runan, who offered no reply, and simply smiled faintly before turning his gaze toward the wall beside him.

To suppress a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator required not only a high-grade formation but also materials of the utmost caliber.

The material used here was Suppressing Deity Wood, for which a thousand spirit things were not an easy trade.

Back then, the Buddhist sect had spent an enormous sum, bleeding dearly to gather enough of it.

Within the somewhat silent formation space, wish-power flowed in all directions. The walls, originally crafted from smooth Suppressing Deity Wood, had actually been etched with all manner of wishes and aspirations by that very wish-power.

Some people craved health, willing to scatter their entire fortune for it.

Some craved wealth, even if it meant giving up everything they had.

Craving power, craving love, craving beauty, craving pleasure.

All of human life was greed.

Yet there were also those who wished for others’ health, for others’ peace and joy, for others’ happiness.

Humanity held goodness as well.

Whatever the case, over a thousand years, traces would always be left behind.

Wishes were no different.

"Wish-power is complex, filled with all manner of delusion." Ruzhong sighed softly. "After a thousand years of circulation, anyone would lose themselves in it. Yet he did not. Perhaps only by contemplating all living beings can one attain true fruit."

Runan’s gaze flicked over, but he did not answer. Instead, he asked, "Then what deal did Chu Xingchen make with you? What condition did he offer that you could not refuse?"

"He did not negotiate any conditions with me, nor did he say anything to sway me." Ruzhong smiled gently. "He labors for all living beings. I merely saved him a few extra steps."

"Now the Great Dao is severed. You and I, as cultivators, cannot cultivate to True Immortal."

"Better to yield some profit. It will not kill us, and it may grant this world a few more years of peace."

"If you ask me, that is the condition he offered through his actions."

Runan said nothing more upon hearing this and turned to leave.

"Wait." Ruzhong called out.

Runan turned to look, and saw Ruzhong wearing a relaxed smile as he said, "I am not like him. Lock me up here much longer and I will go mad. Driving me mad would not be a wise decision."

Runan gave no reply and simply left.

Ruzhong watched until the departing figure was completely gone, then the emotions in his eyes turned obscure and uncertain.

Zhengyin Dharma Temple, Main Hall.

Runan had barely arrived at the main hall when an Arhat beside him came to report.

"Boruo Buddha has arrived at the front gate and says he wishes to discuss matters."

Runan asked, "Why not let him in directly?"

The Arhat immediately replied, "Boruo Buddha said that since you are the Honored Buddha, there must be proper etiquette."

Runan raised his hand. "Let him in."

The Arhat withdrew at once to carry out the order.

A short while later.

A young monk entered the main hall wearing an ordinary kasaya, with no lavish robes, and a gentle smile on his face.

Upon entering the hall, he first performed a proper Buddhist salute to Runan, then spoke.

"Boruo requests an audience with the Honored Buddha."

Runan raised his hand, his expression warm. "None of that. I recall telling you to temporarily manage Central Continent affairs. What brings you here?"

Boruo’s expression was sincere. "The matter has already spread back to Great Thunder Temple. I happened to be inspecting near Pudu River when I heard the news, so I came."

Runan did not speak immediately. Instead, he studied Boruo’s expression. Seeing that it remained as calm as ever, he slowly asked, "Do you have thoughts you wish to share with me, or are you here to deliver information?"

Boruo’s demeanor was open and without any hesitation. "Naturally, I have some thoughts. As for information, even if I say nothing, the Honored Buddha would already know."

Runan asked again, "Then what thoughts do you have?"

Boruo took a slow breath, as if confirming something in his heart, before speaking.

"Regarding the Evil Buddha matter, I naturally understand the Honored Buddha’s intentions. The foundation of our Buddhist sect rests upon the Karma Buddhas."

"We ourselves climbed by borrowing fortune, transforming our bodies to become Buddhas. Today’s situation may well be the consequence of past causes."

"Tracing back to the beginning, the situation in Western Niu Continent had grown so severe, yet we only realized it after the fact. Our sect’s greed has long since crossed the line."

"The matter has reached this point, and the Honored Buddha can no longer retreat. However, the truth of this matter can hardly be concealed from the various Buddhas, and we are in a turbulent period. This is not the time for great change within the Buddhist sect. To suppress it completely would risk further trouble."

Runan lowered his gaze. "Are you saying I chose the wrong person?"

"I would never dare." Boruo immediately bowed in response. "It is simply that the other Buddhas do not believe it. But the root of this matter does not lie solely with the Evil Buddha."

Runan fell silent for a moment before asking, "What are you referring to?"

"Chu Xingchen!" Boruo raised his eyes, his expression turning serious as he spoke without delay. "Since the Honored Buddha has already declared the Evil Buddha’s authenticity settled and unchangeable, no maneuvering in place will alter the dissatisfaction of the other Buddhas."

"Better to make an example of Chu Xingchen. After all, whether it was the Evil Buddha’s escape, or the current concealment and protection of the Evil Buddha, it all came from his hand."

"There are two advantages to this approach."

"First, punish Chu Xingchen to demonstrate the Buddhist sect’s current stance toward the Evil Buddha. This may better calm the various Buddhas."

"Naturally, the attitudes of the Three Sects must also be taken into account. Any punishment should be neither too heavy nor too light."

"Impose a penalty upon him and have him lie low for two years. This will inevitably invite pressure from the Three Sects, but it is necessary."

"Second, only under pressure can the Buddhas’ dissatisfaction be suppressed, uniting them outward rather than turning on each other with blame."

"Give it time. Once the storm passes, the Buddhas will understand the Honored Buddha’s intentions, and they will also see more clearly who the enemy is."

Runan raised his eyes, looking at Boruo’s sincere expression, as if he were truly troubled on his behalf.

His words were blunt and unguarded, which made him seem all the more genuine.

If he were a Karma Buddha, Runan would naturally consider it heartfelt sincerity.

But Boruo was not one. A Secular Buddha, yet willing to act against the interests of Secular Buddhas.

The silence stretched long.

Boruo seemed to sense the reason for Runan’s silence and spoke again with respect.

"Only when the Buddhist sect prospers without decline will we have a future to continue climbing the immortal path."

"Since I entered the Buddhist sect, it has been many years. I understand the Honored Buddha’s difficulties all too well, and I have been entrusted with important tasks time and again. I naturally harbor a heart of gratitude and repayment."

Runan stared at Boruo, his mind cycling through memories.

Among so many Secular Buddhas, there were naturally those who, after advancing to Tribulation Transcendence, were content and satisfied, and there were those who were truly grateful and repaid the debt with their hearts.

But very, very few were like Boruo.

He truly seemed like someone who had entered the Buddhist sect, studied the scriptures diligently, and sought the Buddha with all his heart.

It was precisely for this reason that Runan had entrusted Boruo with many tasks.

And every task assigned, whether difficult or not, Boruo had never once made a mistake. He often performed even better than expected.

That was naturally good. The Buddhist sect had recruited a Buddha who could handle matters reliably.

He could be used, certainly. But vigilance had to be maintained at the highest level.

Those who could accomplish real matters were inevitably meticulous in thought.

Those meticulous in thought inevitably harbored ambition.

Those who harbored ambition did not seek immediate gain...

Then... they must be calculating for the future.

Boruo raised his eyes and spoke again.

"I am willing to serve as the vanguard for this matter and ease the Honored Buddha’s worries."

After his words fell, Runan, silent for a long while, finally spoke.

"Then make the arrangements first, and I will review them."

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