Mountain Patrol Military Officer-Chapter 1089 - 712: Jieye Reveals Himself

"The Minor Vehicle speaks of ’the emptiness of self,’ breaking attachment to self; the Great Vehicle speaks of ’the emptiness of all things,’ breaking attachment not only to things but also to the self..."

In front of the Great Hall of Dajue Temple, there were many shadows sitting or surrounding the area, bustling with over a thousand people. Some were dressed in rough cloth, others adorned with ornaments, rich in attire, but all were solemn and silent, their gazes fixed on the stone steps before the hall.

Upon the steps sat a monk in white. His monk’s robe was like snow, hanging motionless. He held Bodhi prayer beads in his hand, speaking of the law with brilliant words, his features were clear and peaceful, and the Buddha light seemed to radiate subtly from him.

Beneath the stone steps, a large incense burner was burning intensely, smoke curling upwards, rendering the atmosphere calm and solemn.

The Saint Monk looked down, fingering his beads: "The followers of the Minor Vehicle help themselves, like travelers nurturing their own virtue, observing the suffering of the world, seeking to liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death and enter the realm of Nirvana. Their paths are like streams flowing into the sea, first saving themselves; the followers of the Great Vehicle vow to ’deliver all beings,’ like navigating a large ship across the ocean, taking an oath ’to deliver countless beings, to end boundless afflictions,’ seeking liberation of all beings as their own liberation..."

The chanter was not loud but clear like a stream flowing over stones, distinctly falling into the ears of each listener, gently spreading, discussing worldly troubles to achieve clarity of mind and talking about cause and effect cycles to illuminate Bodhi. The monk’s tone was serene and leisurely, as if all the clamor between Heaven and Earth were excluded, leaving only this place for preaching, to guide those struggling in the sea of suffering;

This preaching seemed to possess a mystical power, calming the numb and distressed populace, while scholars and laypersons clasped their hands in prayer, listening as if to heavenly music, their expressions becoming devout.

At some unknown time, the setting sun shone in the evening,

"Dong, dong, dong"

The temple bell on the mountain rang out, its melodious sound symbolizing the signal for closing the temple.

On the stone steps of the hall, the white-clad Saint Monk slowly rose, and a guardian monk beside him shouted aloud,

"Today the saint’s sermon is ended, you may leave."

With these words, the two rows of monks standing on either side of the steps surrounded the white-clad monk as he turned to enter the grand hall.

The incense bearing worshippers could not help but rush forward, faces full of devotion or excitement, shouting out,

"The Saint Monk’s teachings are enlightening, I wish to offer all my wealth, serve the Three Treasures, follow the Saint Monk, and practice the path of salvation."

"I have suffered much in the secular world and am grateful for the Saint Monk’s enlightenment. I wish to take refuge in the Buddhist order, not seeking personal liberation, but hoping to practice compassion with my humble ability, and plead the Saint Monk to accept me."

"Saint Monk..."

"Saint Monk..."

These people tried to rush forward, wanting to follow the Saint Monk, but were stopped by the guardian monks.

Meanwhile, the white-clad Saint Monk went straight into the Great Hall, and then the grand hall’s door shut with a boom, and the crowd reluctantly dispersed.

Before long, in a tastefully decorated and serene room in the rear courtyard of the Dajue Temple, surrounded by sharp-guarded armored soldiers, a stark contrast to the peaceful temple.

And the white-clad Saint Monk, accompanied by the old abbot, entered the room.

"Amitabha Buddha, this humble monk greets Prince Xiao." The white-clad monk clasped his hands in salute to Xiao Zhongtian, who sat authoritatively in the room like a king.

Xiao Zhongtian did not stand on ceremony, chuckling, "The Saint Monk’s Buddhism is profound and benevolent, I admire it greatly, and came uninvited, I hope Jieye Saint Monk doesn’t mind my intrusion."

Casually gesturing to the seat opposite him, "Please, have a seat."

Then he turned his gaze slightly indifferent to the old abbot beside him, "You, out."

"Close the door behind you."

The abbot dared not utter a word of complaint given this treatment, and still had to nod with a smile, "Then I will take my leave first."

Saying this, he left the room.

Once the person had left, the room regained its tranquility. Jieye Arhat sitting opposite looked at King Liang, his hands rubbing the prayer beads,

"I wonder what the Prince has come to find this humble monk for?"

"Haha, can’t a prince come to hear the saint speak the doctrine, listen to the Buddhist law, speaking of the recent unrest at Dasan Pass, the hearts of the people are unstable, fortunately Jieye Saint Monk has come to enlighten the people with Mahayana Buddhism, stabilizing the people inside the border, for which I must thank the Saint Monk." Xiao Zhongtian chuckled, pouring tea, pushing a teacup forward with two fingers, his words carrying hidden meaning.

What he said was indeed true, though the Beiliang Iron Cavalry broke through Dasan Pass, the issue of the people’s submission could not be avoided, harsh suppression with iron blood is not conducive to his maneuvering of the Court’s military, and appeasement requires a great deal of time and patience. This Jieye Arhat’s magic to this point, enlightening the people with Mahayana Buddhism, allowing restless hearts to find spiritual refuge, indeed yields impressive effects. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

In the public’s eyes, this Mahayana Buddhism is profound divine teachings, rare in spoken word, but for Xiao Zhongtian, it is an ideal means of governing the people’s hearts.

He needs to gain the support of this Saint Monk and the forces behind him, which is the Western Pure Land!

Jieye Arhat’s eyelids lowered, staring at the pushed tea, his hands unmoving, his voice calm without a ripple, "This humble monk dares not claim credit, my coming down from the mountain was simply a vow to spread Mahayana Buddhism, deliver all beings from suffering, Amitabha Buddha."

"That’s simple, Saint Monk work with my Beiliang, I guarantee to treat you as a national guest, when my Beiliang Iron Cavalry takes over the Central Plains, I will ensure temples rise in the Central Plains, spreading your Mahayana Buddhism, establishing it as the state religion." Xiao Zhongtian’s voice was low, eyes burning with fierce ambition.

Jieye Arhat’s gaze lifted, showing an expression of slight fluctuation on his handsome face, which was not unlike his true purpose of coming here, but "True Scripture" is not easily attained, if gained too easily, others will not treasure it, that is the principle of all things.

"The Prince seeks support from the Pure Land?"

"Exactly, the origins of the Saint Monk have been known to me somewhat," Xiao Zhongtian now speaks plainly.

"Then what kind of support does the Prince want?"

"The more unrest in Shu, the better, don’t let that side recover, especially that Martial Saint General Chen Yuan, he is a great threat, once he is free, he is a ticking bomb for my Beiliang. I just received news from the Court, my Imperial Brother made an edict to reward this person, sending someone secretly to Shu, I don’t want to see their relationship relax, planning to eliminate the Court’s person."

"If the Saint Monk can intervene, stirring up this trouble, it would be perfect." Xiao Zhongtian spoke of his scheme.

"The Prince might be disappointed, Sumeru Mountain withdrew from worldly affairs, not intervening in dynasty matters." Jieye Arhat replied calmly.

"The Saint Monk need not play rhetorical games, when Chen Yuan attacked Liangzhou City, the legendary Golden-winged Roc King due to the Buddha Bone relic prevented this person’s violence, aiding my escape, though I do not know the details, we have a common enemy!" Xiao Zhongtian leaned forward, eyes stern.

Jieye Arhat paused in silence,

"It’s possible, but the Prince must show sincerity first!"

"Take Baoqing Prefecture, there is a Tianlong Temple there, with a relic of a Buddha Bone from years past!"