Chapter 954 - 352: Grand Tang National Master (Double - )_3

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Xuantian Temple has always been reclusive, and Abbot Ningru has not left the mountain for many years.

The last time he left the gates of Xuantian Temple was more than two decades ago when the Jinzhou Ye Clan’s infiltration caused an internal conflict in Xuantian Temple.

This time, he came by royal decree, spending the shortest time of all.

The only opinion he offered was that everything should be in accordance with Her Majesty’s holy decision.

After Abbot Ningru of Xuantian Temple, the next to pay respects was the successor of Bodhi Temple.

The Southern Bodhi lineage, after years of recuperation, is still far from its former glory, but it’s gradually regaining its vitality.

Monk Ruyuan, who has achieved the cultivation level of the Upper Three Heavens, recently took charge of Bodhi Temple, becoming the helm of another great sacred site of the new generation.

This time, he entered the Imperial Capital Luoyang to meet the Empress with a very low profile. His opinion was also agreed upon beforehand with other temple elders, likewise aligning with all of the Empress’s sacred decisions.

From Abbot Ruyuan’s personal perspective, the position of Grand Tang National Master should naturally belong to the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain, especially to the current Celestial Master, Master Lei.

But as the current head of a Buddhist Sacred Land, Monk Ruyuan’s feelings were complex.

The relationship between Buddhism and Taoism has been subtle as well.

In the current circumstances, while the Taoist Sect has suffered greatly due to the recent events of the Mortal Tao Country, Buddhism is equally in a low tide.

Among the great Sacred Lands, Tianlong Temple is faring better compared to Bodhi Temple and Xuantian Temple, but not enough to contend with Dragon Tiger Mountain’s Celestial Master Mansion.

If there must be a competition, it would probably require all the Buddhist Sacred Lands to unite around the Hand Seal Lineage’s Xumi Vajra Division.

However, that... Abbot Ruyuan shook his head lightly and left the palace.

From a distance, at the other end of the palace gates, Abbot Miaoxin of Tianlong Temple arrived.

Abbot Ruyuan bowed with an eleven-hand salute first, and across from him, Abbot Miaoxin returned the salute calmly.

Abbot Miaoxin’s stance was even clearer.

As the current head of a Buddhist Sacred Land, he supports the Taoist Sacred Land’s Celestial Master Mansion lineage’s High Real of the Taoist Sect to assume the position of Grand Tang State-protecting Mage.

Leaving the palace, returning to his quarters.

A middle-aged monk clad in a kasaya was quietly waiting.

Upon Abbot Miaoxin’s arrival, the middle-aged monk stood up with palms joined: "Sect Leader Brother."

Abbot Miaoxin returned the salute: "Brother Miaohui."

The middle-aged monk, known by the title Miaohui, softly asked, "Sect Leader Brother, have you made up your mind?"

Abbot Miaoxin nodded lightly: "Though the Xumi Vajra Division is part of our Buddhist lineage, I believe, if the Great Tang must appoint a National Master, the Taoist Sect’s Celestial Master Mansion is more suitable."

Elder Miaohui shook his head: "Ultimately, Buddhism and Taoism differ. Whether Celestial Master Mansion or Pure Yang Palace, Mount Shu Sect, none follow the same path as us."

Abbot Miaoxin said: "Xumi, it’s not simple."

"If they are not simple, that’s for the best." Elder Miaohui said calmly: "Otherwise, how could they withstand the Celestial Master Mansion of Dragon Tiger Mountain, like the so-called Mortal Tao Country?"

......

The Xumi Vajra Division sent their most significant figure this time.

The Vajra Division Leader, the high monk Garuda, perfect in the Nine Heavens, personally came to the Imperial Capital Luoyang to meet the Empress after receiving the decree.

This move created a sense in the outside world of a mounting storm and threatening clouds.

This leader of the Xumi Division seemed extremely focused on the position of the Grand Tang State-protecting Mage, showcasing a stance of being determined to win.

But in truth, Garuda was quite calm and humble when facing the Tang Emperor’s inquiries.

He also humbly asked for the Empress’s sacred judgment, not displaying any premeditated posture, but rather an acceptance of fate.

After the meeting, Master Suoyang, who came with him to the Imperial Capital Luoyang, followed silently behind him.

From the beginning, their Western Region Buddhism was at a disadvantage.

If the Celestial Master Mansion and other Taoist Sacred Lands had continued entangling with the Mortal Tao Country, and Xumi Vajra Division had dealt with the White Lotus Sect and the Great Void Temple, two Buddhist heretics, at first opportunity, then repelled the Earth Sea Jiuli People and the Huangquan Li Shushan heretical cultivators, the situation would be entirely different.

By then, they would have been established, not only becoming a pillar for the Tang Imperial Court, but also possibly attracting the allegiance of Central Plains Buddhism like Xuantian Temple, Bodhi Temple, and Tianlong Temple.

Just as now Pure Yang Palace and Mount Shu Sect have either openly or implicitly acknowledged Dragon Tiger Mountain’s Taoist leadership.

But unfortunately, Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion swiftly crushed the Mortal Tao Country, changing everything.

During the battles of Bashu and Nanzhao, due to an invisible contest with Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion, the Xumi Vajra Division fell behind, forcing the Vajra Division Leader to come forward, yet still unable to turn the tide.

A step behind, and then increasingly falling behind.

During the Vajra Division Leader’s recuperation, Tang Xiaotang of Dragon Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Mansion first aided the Tang Imperial Court in sealing the passage connecting Earth Sea to the Mortal World, then hunted down and killed the Northern Border Great Demon Long Sky Gray Wolf, curbing the ferocity of Northern hordes of demons.

In addition, when Solitary Eagle Khanate invaded a second time, Tang Xiaotang and Lei Jun jointly controlled the situation and successfully repelled Solitary Eagle Khanate.

Yet, their Xumi Vajra Division was previously not in a position to confront Solitary Eagle Khanate directly.

Of course, even without Solitary Eagle Khanate’s second invasion, the Celestial Master Mansion’s dominance was already established, difficult to reverse.

The entire Xumi Vajra Division had to acknowledge this fact.

So, where should they go from here?

The Vajra Division Leader calmly said: "The current Tang Imperial Court can no longer be relied upon; we need to change direction as soon as possible."

Suoyang felt a momentary unease: "Master..."

The Vajra Division Leader smiled gently and serenely: "You were born in this Mortal World; I understand this decision is difficult for you, but making a decision sooner is better for everyone."

Suoyang took a deep breath and steadied himself: "I will comply with the Master’s teachings in all things."

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The Vajra Division Leader, Xumitra, was the second last to encounter the Empress.