But if this old monkey was telling the truth, there might be another explanation:
The Old Heavenly Master hadn't initially taken notice of him because of the Jin Jian, but because he had sensed the anomaly of his being a transmigrator.
And the information about the Xuan Yin Monk traveling thousands of miles in spirit was also sothing he hadn't known before.
"How can I believe what you're telling ?" Zhao Douan suddenly asked.
The Red Sect Master's expression was fervent as he took a mutton-fat jade Buddha's Talisman from his chest and presented it with both hands:
"This disciple is willing to offer my very own Buddha's Talisman as a testant to my loyalty!"
Even the way he addressed himself had changed from "kind sir" to "disciple"... It was like hitting a snake with a stick.
Zhao Douan was genuinely surprised this ti; he had heard that cultivators often had their own Buddha's Talismans, which were closely linked to their own cultivation.
Falling into soone else's hands, while not necessarily fatal, was a massive leverage that could sever a person's ability to practice cultivation.
That the Red Sect Master would offer up sothing as sacred as his life-determining treasure was truly unexpected.
Zhao Douan raised his hand to receive the talisman, and as he touched it, the green lotus in his sea of consciousness swayed slightly; he faintly felt he could perceive the connection between the talisman and the monk's root of wisdom. Destroying the talisman could damage that root.
"What are you seeking from ?" Zhao Douan fell silent, then asked.
The Red Sect Master shook his head and said, "I seek nothing more than to follow you and cultivate!"
What flattery...
Zhao Douan always thought this sounded familiar, like sothing he had said to Zhenbao... But if he really was that damn deity incarnate, it wouldn't be too misplaced for this zealot to follow him.
Plus, it was a no-brainer that being in the company of a deity promised a prosperous future; listening to what he implied, the deity's incarnation was expected to "awaken" in the future. So, this guy hurrying to serve was quite like ministers currying favor with the Crown Prince early to claim the glory of being a part of his ascension.
"I don't have the convenience to take you with ," Zhao Douan shook his head, "You should go back to the Western Regions."
The Red Sect Master's eyes lit up:
"Do you wish to entrust with the task of spreading the Buddhist teachings you've spoken of back in the Western Regions? This disciple will not fail you!"
Zhao Douan was a bit uncomfortable being flattered so vigorously; he said sowhat awkwardly:
"There's no need for that... First of all, let repeat, I do not know what 'wisdom' I possess, but if you insist on aligning with , I don't mind having an extra underling. Secondly, if you truly are sincere, I do indeed have so tasks for you."
The Red Sect Master was overco with joy and was on the verge of kneeling again:
"Your Holiness, please command!"
"Just call by my na," Zhao Douan said in disdain:
"Has the Da Jing Monk gone to your Western Regions?"
The Red Sect Master nodded:
"Reporting to Mr. Zhao, the treacherous monk Da Jing has indeed joined the Dharma King and is likely already in the Western Regions. Had I known of your identity earlier, I would have severely punished that monk for daring to attempt an assassination upon you... Do you wish to apprehend this criminal?
However, we would probably have to convince the Dharma King first, although if he were to learn of your identity, it might well be easier..."
Zhao Douan, however, raised his hand to decline: "My identity... let's keep it quiet for now."
Good grief, he couldn't be sure whether the Dharma King would believe he was an incarnate deity... And if word spread, it might do more harm than good.
After pondering for a mont, he said:
"Here's what we'll do: don't do anything rash for now, just go back to the Western Regions and gather information for . As for Da Jing... let's not startle the snake. He is, after all, a Bodhisattva Level expert; you can't defeat him, can you?"
The Red Sect Master looked abashed:
"This disciple, being dull, has focused my life on studying Buddhist law and indeed am not skilled in fighting duels."
Zhao Douan gently sighed: "Then let's just... leave it at that for now."
...
Cavin was planning the outline for the next story.
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