Exotic Battlefield: I Can Activate Dual Talents-Chapter 533 - 413: War of Words

When everyone followed Zhenxuan to Xuanmiao Residence, they felt somewhat awkward upon seeing Lu Lin sitting on the cushions.

They thought Lu Lin had run away, but unexpectedly he arrived here before them.

Under Zhenxuan’s arrangement, everyone sat down.

At this time, those who came looking for trouble were at a loss for words.

They initially thought Lu Lin was a petty thief, unsure of how he stole the treasures from their sects, but with such tricks, he surely couldn’t appear in respectable places.

Unexpectedly, Lu Lin turned out to be a master, someone who could rival the sect leaders of their own sects.

"Amitabha."

"Lu benefactor, it seems we misunderstood you before. If there were any lapses in courtesy, I hope for your forgiveness."

Seeing everyone silent, Fa Ning felt compelled to be the first to speak up again.

However, Lu Lin merely looked at him with a half-smile, waiting for his next words.

Fa Ning looked around, and all the other sect leaders were silent as if it didn’t concern them. Helplessly, he braced himself and said, "However, in this humble monk’s view..."

"Wait a moment, Master Fa Ning."

Lu Lin suddenly raised his hand to stop him from speaking further, "I always hear you referring to yourself as ’humble monk’ and it feels awkward. Previously in Shaolin Temple, I noticed some of the monks there, whether in clothing or food, didn’t seem humble."

"Moreover, I recently heard that Shaolin Temple spent a huge sum to purchase a property. I wonder, how does such a wealthy Shaolin Temple label themselves as humble."

"Hehe, Lu benefactor, you flatter us."

With hands clasped, Fa Ning’s expression was humble, as if Lu Lin was genuinely complimenting him.

"The term ’humble monk’ doesn’t mean what you might think, Lu benefactor. The term ’humble’ is used by us Buddhists to acknowledge our limited knowledge and shallow practice. It doesn’t imply poverty."

"Furthermore, Shaolin Temple’s substantial investment in property was prompted by the realization of many people now being homeless. Inspired by the Buddha, we decided to construct a shelter for followers everywhere. Your understanding of our Buddhist sect seems a bit biased, Lu benefactor."

Lu Lin didn’t expect that Fa Ning indeed lived up to being an abbot. His skill at evading the point, misrepresenting truths, and using superficial arguments was remarkable, though who would be fooled was uncertain.

"Master Fa Ning, since you know that the term ’humble’ symbolizes shallow wisdom and inadequate practice in Buddhism, why have you traveled such a long way to question me here?"

"Could it be the abbot believes he has reached the peak of practice and can critique others at will?"

"This humble monk has no such intentions."

Fa Ning quickly replied, not daring to take Lu Lin’s words literally. In the current Star Martial Age, even the Titled Kings wouldn’t claim they’ve reached the pinnacle of practice. Saying so would be laughable and portray Shaolin Temple monks as naïve, thus harming its reputation—an irredeemable offense.

"Then what is your intention, Abbot Fa Ning? If your own practice is insufficient and knowledge shallow, you should explore the nine major stars of our Federation or enter the Exotic Battlefield to contribute to my Human Race."

"Blue Star is the origin land of our Federation. The residents here hardly need Shaolin Temple to find them a so-called shelter."

"Truly, it’s laughable!"

The last words, "it’s laughable," Lu Lin spoke with emphasis.

These words resounded like a loud crash in Abbot Fa Ning’s heart.

His mind was greatly shaken.

Fa Ning dared not meet Lu Lin’s eyes again, closing his eyes and continuously reciting Buddhist scriptures.

With just this sentence, Lu Lin nearly shattered his Buddhist resolve.

"Mr. Lu, no need to be so aggressive."

"Abbot Fa Ning is old. Don’t you know how to write ’respect the old and cherish the young’?"

At this moment, Wu Han, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.

He immediately stood on the moral high ground, rebuking Lu Lin as an example of someone who doesn’t know how to respect the old or care for the young.

"Oh? I wonder whose student this beast in human clothing belongs to."

Lu Lin glanced at Wu Han from the corner of his eye.

He already sensed that Wu Han was likely a master from an academy near Mount Tai, another ninth-level peak master of Star Power and Spiritual Strength.

However, Lu Lin didn’t like him.

"You!"

Hearing Lu Lin call him a beast in human clothing, Wu Han was instantly furious, pointing his folding fan towards Lu Lin in anger.

"Lu Lin, you brat! I am the curator of Jixia Academy beneath Mount Tai, Wu Han."

"Confucius says: ’Do not plan with those whose way differs.’ I see you as an obstinate and unruly person. Regarding the theft of our academy’s treasures, I originally thought you young and couldn’t bear to call the police, hence came to reason with you."

"Since it’s this way, then I’ll have no choice. I’ll report it now."

"Hehehe."

Lu Lin looked at Wu Han disdainfully and spoke slowly.

"If you were a true scholar, you would naturally have a sense of righteous honor, and I would admire you greatly."

"But as the ancients say, ’Establish a heart for the world, establish destiny for the living, inherit the lost teachings of the past sages, and bring peace for all generations.’"

"A scholar is not just a bookworm. May I ask, Curator Wu, have you heard these four sentences?"

Wu Han didn’t expect Lu Lin to even know such ancient texts. Although he didn’t look kindly upon Lu Lin, he gained a slight respect for him.