Demoness, where are you Fleeing to?
Chapter 921 - 760: Ordered to Annihilate

Chapter 921: Chapter 760: Ordered to Annihilate

The moment the imperial court held a court meeting within the palace city, Shi Kongxin was already waiting in an unassuming small courtyard on Shiyong Lane.

As the decision from the court meeting landed in Shi Kongxin’s hands, his vision darkened momentarily.

He had a premonition that Li Xuan would make things difficult for them, but he didn’t expect the County Prince of Fenyang to be so merciless, ruthless, and uncompromising.

The gathered monks and venerable masters all let out exclamations filled with panic.

"Could this County Prince of Fenyang be an Evil Spirit?"

"There’s no need for doubt. He must be the reincarnation of the Sixth Heavenly Demon King. His descent into this world is as an enemy of Buddhism and the Dharma."

"This is a calamity for Buddhism, a tribulation of demons! How could he do this, how dare he?"

"What are we to do? He wants to restore the number of Buddhist permits to what it was in the time of the Great Ancestor, but at that time, there were not even twelve thousand permits for the entire world. The number of monks in the various Buddhist temples—ten times that would not be enough—"

"And with donations prohibited and all temple lands to be confiscated, how are we to feed so many people in our temples!"

Shi Kongxin’s consciousness gradually returned, and he thought these people were missing the main point.

The truly vicious part of Li Xuan’s plan was making them hand over all Buddhist scriptures for the Court to authenticate as genuine or false.

Meaning, from then on, the Court would hold the power to dictate the doctrines of Buddhism.

And as for the Moon Lotus Bodhisattva, that County Prince of Fenyang, he clearly intended to wither the roots and exhaust the source, aiming directly at the foundation of the Moon Lotus—

At this moment, everyone’s gaze turned towards Shi Kongxin.

"Master Kongxin, it seems this Buddhist tribulation is beyond reversal. We would like to know how we should deal with the current situation?"

The Zen Sect is the foremost among the Eight Schools of Buddhism, and Shaolin is the ancestral court of the Zen Sect.

As the Head of the Zen Sect, Shi Kongxin naturally bore the expectations of hundreds of thousands of monks from the Eight Schools of Buddhism.

"The only option now is to resort to desperate measures."

Cold fury danced in Shi Kongxin’s eyes: "Order all Buddhist temples across the land to close their doors and defend themselves from today onwards, paying no heed to worldly affairs!"

"That’s one way to do it! Without our Buddhism to suppress and restrain, demons will undoubtedly dance wildly in the world. Who knows how many demons and devils will swarm and rise to wreak havoc upon humanity."

Among the monks, an elder with a scar on his face spoke with a stern voice, "But merely closing our doors and defending ourselves might not be enough. Back when the three emperors and one sect initiated four persecutions against Buddhism, our method was the same. It was like flesh under the knife, helplessly being cut. And what was the outcome? It took hundreds of years for us to recover our Yuan Qi."

The so-called "three emperors and one sect" refers to the emperors Taiwu of Northern Wei, Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Wu Emperor of Tang, and Shi Emperor of Zhou—all of whom had led campaigns to Destroy Buddha, bringing catastrophic disasters upon Buddhism.

Shi Kongxin’s eyebrows lifted as he thought that merely ignoring worldly affairs would definitely not suffice.

But with so many people around, how could he dare to voice his true plans?

Such as inciting believers to oppose the government, such as funding the Pure Land Sect and White Lotus to disturb the localities, or even releasing the great evil demons suppressed by Buddhism back into the world—

These acts were blatant violations of the law, and they could only be carried out without leaving any trace, never to be spoken aloud.

Despite the righteous indignation of the many venerable monks present, should future events not align, these same people would surely betray his words today.

"Gentlemen, the current situation is not entirely the same as during the time of the three emperors and one sect. It must be noted that the Wu Emperor of Tang once swept across the feudal lords with his high cultivation, but less than a year after the ’Wuchang Persecution,’ he died abruptly in the palace.

The Shi Emperor of Zhou had divine martial strength and was the foremost sovereign of the Five Dynasties. He too actively Destroyed Buddha but died in his prime and even caused his kingdom to fall into the hands of former Zhao."

Shi Kongxin’s gaze swept calmly over the multitude of monks: "As for Taiwu Emperor of Northern Wei and Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, neither lived long. This shows that the teachings on retribution in Buddhism are not empty words. If such was the case with the three emperors and one sect, what more with Li Xuan, who is but a County Prince? He dares to instigate a Buddhist calamity as a subject of the emperor; this is his path to death!"

At that moment, the monks in the courtyard were all visibly uplifted.

Shi Kongxin spoke coldly: "Whatever desires you may have, go forth and do them, without asking me. As long as you can mitigate this Buddhist calamity, immense merit will come your way, and the Moon Lotus Bodhisattva in the Pure Land of the Heart Lotus will surely look upon you all with favor."

He then brought his hands together in prayer: "The Court’s decision has been made, and it is fruitless for me to linger. I shall take my leave."

As his words fell, Shi Kongxin’s figure dissolved into a flurry of apricot blossoms that drifted to the ground.

After Shi Kongxin’s departure, the monks in the courtyard also scattered, leaving only a few with white beards and kindly faces.

One of them sighed: "Back in the day, Zen Master Huaihai of the Zen Sect established the ’Baizhang’s Monastic Regulations’ and stated ’A day without work is a day without food,’ yet today’s disciples of the Zen Sect have completely forgotten about it."

The so-called a day without work is a day without food reminds Buddhist disciples that one must not be lazy and must work to produce their own sustenance.

But today’s Zen Sect, most were being supported by devotees, living a life of ease and comfort.

Another monk sighed at that time: "Heaven spawns three emperors to trouble our sect; the monastics return home, towers and temples empty. It must be because in the days of fervent worship, we failed to maintain vigilance and abide by the true path. The Buddha Sakyamuni once said that the Dharma cannot be destroyed by external Evil Spirits. Yet if monks do not uphold the precepts and tarnish the monastic rules, it’s like ’worms within the lion’s body, consuming the lion’s flesh.’

We monastics, blinded by fame, fortune, and heretical influences, may not only fail to resolve the calamity but might even make the calamity deeper."

"So says the adage, ’Without the king’s support, religious activities cannot stand!’ I, from Cao Dongzong, do not entirely agree with Kongxin’s words," said the master from Cao Dongzong, rising with displeasure: "The method of possession used by Moon Lotus Bodhisattva also runs counter to our Buddhist principles, akin to an Evil Spirit. The Bodhisattva wishes to seize Xia Nanyan’s body as a Dharma vessel, clearly harboring ulterior motives. It should not be for the entire Buddhist community to bear. Gentlemen, I shall not participate in this fiasco. Farewell!"

The several high monks present exchanged glances and then shook their heads, each using their Divine Skills to depart from the courtyard.

※※※※

The next day, at Shanxin Temple in Luoyang, Henan.

The vast courtyard here was now surrounded by the Xiuyiwei and the army of Weisuo Institute, sealed tighter than a drum.

Henan brocade clothed Qianhu Wei Chian rested his hand on his saber, gazing indifferently at the temple with its doors and windows firmly shut.

At that moment, a Zongqi of Xiuyiwei, looking disheveled, was being blasted out of the temple gates by dozens of water and fire clubs.

When he returned to Wei Chian’s side, filled with rage, he reported, "Qianhu, these monks are utterly lawless. Not only did they refuse to open up the temple, but they also aimed their blades at me and my subordinates, expelling us by force. This is clearly a contempt for The Court, a mockery of the state law."

"I saw it all."

Qianhu Wei Chian’s expression was dark as he rested his hand on his saber, "I ask you, how are their martial preparations inside? Who are the key figures?"

"There are at least nine of The Third Door, and both the abbot and two heads of the temple are powerful experts of The Fourth Gate, renowned for many years with widespread fame. There are about eight hundred warrior monks. All four walls of the courtyard have been reinforced as if they were fortress ramparts. I believe they have also prepared barriers that could likely summon divine Buddhas from the higher realms."

As the Zongqi of Xiuyiwei spoke, his momentum slightly waned, "If we attack by force, I’m afraid we’d suffer considerable casualties. It might be best to request reinforcements from the Capital City."

In his view, a direct assault would most likely end in setback, or perhaps even be routed by the monk soldiers.

But he couldn’t say that; they could not afford to show weakness.

Upon hearing this, Wei Chian shook his head slightly.

To his knowledge, their Xiuyiwei alone was ordered today by County Prince Fenyang to take action against twenty-five flourishing temples.

How could they expect reinforcements at such a time? There are only so many at the heavenly level in The Court, and even if they had three heads and six arms, it wouldn’t be enough for so many places.

"How are the Weisuo Institute’s troops?"

As Wei Chian spoke, he looked towards the besieging Weisuo army outside the temple.

"The Weisuo Institute’s army morale is still fair." replied a brocade clothed Baihu, "Originally, when they heard that The Court might attack Shanxin Temple, they were somewhat reluctant and very passive. But as soon as they heard it was a decree from County Prince Fenyang, that Shanxin Temple was harboring filth and all inside were demonic monks identified by the County Prince, no one dared to disobey, and their fighting spirit became firm."

By this point, the allocation of lands to the military by The Court in north Zhili had begun to bear fruit. Although the climate everywhere was unusual compared to previous years, this year’s grain production for the Weisuo Institute’s army in north Zhili had increased dramatically.

The millet and wheat on the lands were taken care of excellently, and the ears of millet were heavy with grain.

The Court was now discussing expanding the reach of the ’Law of Juntian’ to include regions like Henan and Shandong by the end of the year.

Therefore, the entire Weisuo Institute’s army was grateful for the grace of County Prince Fenyang.

This brocade clothed Baihu felt the same gratitude; though their Xiuyiwei seemed powerful, they were also part of the Weisuo system.

They received little official salary and relied on the extra perks for their livelihood.

The ’Law of Juntian’ implemented by The Court this time would also allow them to be allocated land.

He himself was willing to dedicate his life to the cause of County Prince Fenyang, but the problem this time was insufficient manpower.

In Henan alone, the Weisuo Institute’s forces had been drained due to Prince Yi’s rebellion.

This time, they had only amassed a total of three thousand soldiers.

"Don’t worry! Prince Fenyang has his own arrangements."

As Wei Chian spoke, he took out a bright yellow talisman from his sleeve.

A hint of skepticism flickered in his eyes. Nevertheless, following the orders of the Northern Zhenfu Division, Wei Chian held the talisman, reciting the incantation,

"Venerable Xuanhuang, where dragons and tigers clash, under the clear sky, illuminate my discernment— I summon the Great Emperor of the Highest Heaven Miluo, lend me your heavenly soldiers and generals."

Although Wei Chian had not been hopeful, the void behind him then burst open.

Startled, Wei Chian looked back in astonishment, only to see a cohort of figures, each about two zhang tall with armor of dark gold and radiating Divine Power, stepping out from that void.

These towering, armored soldiers all carried shields on their backs and wielded rune-embellished firearms about a zhang in length with five feet long bayonets, their steps in unison as if they were one being.

A full thousand stepped out from that void before it sealed shut once more.

To Wei Chian’s surprise, the spiritual presence of one ’Divine General’ seemed to be at the heavenly level.

"Please take action promptly!" That Divine General looked over, focused, "For every moment we linger here, we expend more of the Great Emperor’s Divine Power!"

Wei Chian then came to his senses and without hesitation gave the order, "Bring up those ten flanged cannons, and let the units listen to the command! The demonic monks of Shanxin Temple have colluded with Prince Xiang, planning to rebel, with conclusive evidence of their crime! Today, I am here on imperial decree to arrest the rebels, yet the members of Shanxin Temple have disrespected The Court, violently resisted the law, and assaulted officials! As the saying goes, ’there are limits to what one can endure,’ such demonic monks shall not be tolerated by the heavens and the earth! When the cannons fire later, it will signal the attack on the temple. Anyone within who dares to bear arms and resist the law of The Court shall be put to death without mercy! Furthermore, Prince Fenyang has decreed that twenty taels of silver be rewarded for each demonic monk killed on the spot!"

In an instant, the Morale of the numerous Weisuo Institute’s soldiers outside the temple soared, and the killing intent surged.