Chapter 964 - 688: Movements from All Sides

The news of Tianlong Temple changing the stationed Arhat quickly swept across the Southern Territories.

Although Tianlong Temple may seem small, with only one Arhat stationed, incomparable to the three major powers, its roots lie deep in Spirit Mountain.

The two major sects coexist in the world, both are enormous entities that can control the clouds and rain with a flip of the hand.

Such mighty weight is acknowledged by all, and no sect dares to disregard it in the slightest.

It only took half a day for the news to spread.

The first secondary major sect in the Southern Territories—Zhushan Sect—was the first to react promptly.

The Vice Sect Hierarch, Head of External Affairs, and Mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator—Master Canggu drafted a visit card, prepared remarkable gifts like Bamboo Heart Jade Dew, and personally set off on a green bamboo Escape Light directly towards Tianlong Temple.

Once Zhushan Sect took the lead, the other various forces in the Southern Territories quickly became restless.

Demon race tribes, secondary loose cultivators, ancient noble families... all followed suit.

For a moment, the usually tranquil and solemn mountain gate of Tianlong Temple became crowded with carriages and horses, Escape Light uninterrupted, becoming the recent focus of cultivation in the Southern Territories.

...

Dusk fell, the setting sun dyed the sky blood red.

Tianlong Temple.

Master Canggu stepped out of the mountain gate of Tianlong Temple, letting out a long sigh of relief as the heavy stone in his heart finally dropped:

"Fortunately, fortunately... this Wuchen Arhat also dislikes conflict and only seeks peaceful cultivation."

The waters of the Southern Territories can now remain calm.

Don’t be misled by Zhushan Sect’s tyrannical powers in the Southern Territories, claiming to be the number one sect.

At its core, it’s just a local overlord, always needing to watch the skies cautiously.

Before coming, his biggest fear was that this Wuchen Arhat might intervene in Southern Territory affairs, disrupting the power balance that’s been maintained for centuries.

Even if this wasn’t Spirit Mountain’s will, just the personal inclination of the Arhat, Zhushan Sect has no choice but to retreat three steps.

At this moment, Chen Sheng’s position resembles that of an envoy to a small country during the Han and Tang periods of the mortal world.

Every word and action represents the colossal power backing him.

Therefore, during the recent meeting, Master Canggu was prudent in every word, discreetly probing Wu Chen Arhat’s true thoughts and ambitions.

Meanwhile, Chen Sheng used the visit from Zhushan Sect as an opportunity to openly express his stance.

...

Inside the Buddha Hall, incense smoke lingered in the air.

Chen Sheng sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, eyes slightly closed:

"This time, I am stationed at Tianlong Temple only to calmly cultivate and seek the path, accumulating Brahma skills, not striving for achievements, not pursuing conflict."

Master Canggu’s heart tightened, quickly bowing his body:

"Arhat, your compassion is boundless."

Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes, his gaze clear, and continued:

"In days past, the Thousand-hand Arhat did exceptionally well here—protecting the ancient temple, ensuring stability in the Southern Territories, shielding the local peace."

"I came here with the same intent."

"In the Southern Territories, disputes over territory, resource struggles, power expansions... I have no intention of interfering nor will I forcibly intervene."

He paused, his tone was straightforward and transparent, without a trace of false courtesy:

"Also, I hope the various factions of the Southern Territories don’t entangle me in these affairs."

These words, each one clear and distinct, fully landed in Master Canggu’s ears.

The heart that had been suspended for so long instantly calmed, dispelling his fears completely.

Master Canggu was overjoyed inside, but dared not openly reveal it, immediately bowing deeply to bid farewell respectfully:

"Arhat, with a heart of purity, undeterred by worldly matters, truly brings fortune to the Southern Territories!"

"Our Zhushan Sect will wholeheartedly adhere to the rules, restrain our disciples, absolutely not incite any trouble, disrupting your peaceful cultivation."

"That’s excellent." Chen Sheng nodded slightly.

Not daring to linger further, Master Canggu saluted again, turned, and quickly left.

...

In front of Tianlong Temple’s mountain gate.

Chen Sheng watched the Escape Light of Master Canggu’s green bamboo disappear into the clouds at the horizon, a subtle undetectable ripple crossed deep in his eyes.

"Through Master Canggu’s words, my ’avoid conflict, only seek peaceful cultivation’ stance is now spread across the Southern Territories."

"Next, there should be a period of peace."

Having made up his mind, Chen Sheng immediately turned around.

He glanced sideways at the two figures standing beside him and spoke lightly:

"Black Ebony, White Dragon."

Two spectral shadows, one black and one white, immediately bowed forward with utmost respect.

"Master!" they responded in unison.

Chen Sheng’s tone remained calm as he instructed:

"Both of you take a trip, spread the word, refuse all the remaining sect cultivators’ visit cards."

Black Ebony looked up: "Master, how should we word it?"

"Just say—" Chen Sheng’s tone was indifferent, "I, as a newly stationed monk at Tianlong Temple, need to calm my heart, acclimate, and learn the temple’s precepts and Brahma skills, temporarily will not accept outside guests, I will close the doors for peaceful cultivation, having no time to entertain visits from various sects."

"Understood!"

Black Ebony and White Tallow dared not delay even a moment, bowing to accept their orders, they turned and withdrew.

It took just half an incense stick’s time.

Two pieces of news seemed to have grown wings, spreading throughout the Southlands Cultivation Realm.

Tianlong Temple closed its doors for purification, Wuchen Arhat was not seeing outside guests.

Those still awaiting outside the temple gate, hoping to forge alliances with minor and medium powers, instantly gave up the thought and left one by one sullenly.

This move further solidified Chen Sheng—the doing style of Wuchen Arhat to have "no heart for mundane affairs, only seeking calm cultivation."

All sides of the Southern Border sighed in relief.

...

Zhushan Sect headquarters.

The nine-billion-mile bamboo ocean swayed with the wind, waves of bamboo roared like rolling thunder.

Countless green bamboo spirit lights flowed, numerous bamboo puppets concealed within the forest, killing intent hidden, dangers lurking with every step.

Deep within the sect, the Green Bamboo Hall.

Water vapor swirled, bamboo fragrance lingered, refreshing one’s mind.

Zhushan Sect Hierarch True Master Qian Yu, sat on the bamboo lotus dharma seat, his Daoist robe as clean as snow, his demeanor ethereal.

After hearing Zhucang Feng’s report, True Master Qian Yu nodded gently and spoke slowly:

"Over thirty years, achieving Arhat, an exceptional being gaining the Dao, suspected reincarnation cultivation... It’s indeed a rapid period of cultivation, no wonder only seeking calm cultivation."

"Given that Lingshan has sent such an Arhat over, it seems they also hope for peace in the Southern Border."

Zhucang bowed: "Hierarch is wise."

True Master Qian Yu nodded slightly:

"You have done well, go and rest now."

"Yes, Hierarch."

...

Meanwhile, beneath the deep sea of the Southern Border.

The Sea Race Crystal Dragon Palace, surrounded by azure waves, pearls gleaming, as majestic as a fairyland.

The Dragon Monarch sat on the glazed throne, surrounded by water vapor, dragon might vast, countless water element spirit fish circled him, docile as servants.

Within the hall, numerous grand commanders and elder ministers of the Sea Race, lined up on both sides, looked solemn, not daring to speak.

Upon hearing the news brought back by scouts, the Dragon Monarch pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice solemn:

"The red snake has gained Dao, achieving Buddhist Arhat status, yet has no interest in worldly matters, not stirring the winds and clouds of the Southern Border... It is indeed a suitable ally."

"Issue the order, restrain the Sea Race youths, not to clash with Tianlong Temple, and certainly not to offend Wuchen Arhat."

"By Dragon Monarch’s decree!"

...

Ten Thousand Mountains.

Inside the Witch God Sect great hall.

The Witch Master sat on the white bone altar, holding a primitive witch bone, bone patterns flowed, with eerie dark light flickering.

After hearing the subordinate witch priest’s report, the Witch Master let out a raspy, low laugh:

"Another Thousand-hand Arhat, uninterested in worldly affairs, only guarding the ancient temple..."

"The True Master of Purple Sky Temple also behaves this way, making it convenient for me... Good, good!"

...

And on the other end of these Southern Border undercurrents.

Atop the Cloud Mountain, where the starry river falls, Purple Sky Temple stood upon the clouds.

The temple was expansive and clear, clouds swirled around, immortal cranes soared, spirit deer strolled, presenting an image of Immortal Dao elegance, untainted by the mundane.

Temple Master Master Canggu stood by the railing, his sleeve brushed against the flowing clouds, dignified and unmatched.

He gazed into the distance at the continuous mountains of the Southern Border, after listening to the comprehensive report from his disciples, a mild smile lightly curved at the corner of his lips:

"Even more carefree and lax than the former Thousand-hand Arhat."

The disciple bowed:

"Master, does this mean we no longer need to keep a close watch on Tianlong Temple?"

Master Canggu’s smile slightly faded, his eyes suddenly deepened, he shook his head lightly, his tone indifferent:

"You don’t understand."

"Buddhist disciples are most adept at enduring and plotting, concealing true nature. These bald-heads are deeply calculating and treacherous."

"Though he seems laid-back and uninterested in worldly matters now, it doesn’t mean he truly has no heart for conflict."

The disciple was taken aback:

"Master, do you mean?"

Master Canggu slowly turned, his gaze sharp as a sword, directed toward the southern sky:

"Transmit my decree."

"Keep a close watch on the fate and chance changes of Tianlong Temple, do not overlook even a strand."

"Absolutely cannot allow this person to secretly plot and ruin my Profound Sect’s long-laid plans in the Southern Border!"

"Yes!"