I changed the world.

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Baoqing Temple, also known as Baoqing Ancient Temple, is located on the western slope of the central peak of Baoqing Mountain in Jiangling. It was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty and has a history of over a thousand years. It is one of the most important ancient temples in the empire, producing many eminent monks throughout history. It holds an important position in the history of Buddhism and was the center of Buddhist activities in the south of the empire, ranking alongside famous temples such as Dachan Temple and Baima Temple.

Although it wasn't the weekend, as usual, pilgrims and tourists flocked to Baoqing Temple.

Behind Baoqing Temple, in a quiet room with elegant and simple decorations, two monks are sitting facing each other drinking tea.

“Abbot, I have visited some eminent monks these days. I also visited the Venerable Kongyuan you mentioned, but…” A middle-aged monk with a plump face slowly shook his head. This man was Venerable Shantong, the abbot of Baoqing Temple. He sighed and said, “He is indeed well-versed in scriptures and classics, but as for any supernatural powers… I really couldn’t see any.”

The elderly monk with a white beard sitting not far from him was Abbot Shanzhi of Baoqing Temple. Upon hearing this, he also sighed, "This time, I was indeed a bit too hasty. However, the current situation is not optimistic..."

“Senior brother’s concerns are not unfounded. Who knew that the Xuanmen sect would possess such supernatural powers! If it weren’t for Director Jiang from the Religious Affairs Bureau’s visit that day, I truly wouldn’t believe that such a feat could be accomplished by human effort…” Master Shantong said, lowering his voice as he continued, “I never imagined that the Xuanmen sect’s so-called attainment of immortality and the Dao was actually true…”

"The legend of immortals and gods has been recorded since ancient times, and should not be underestimated..."

“I met my fellow disciple Yuanming from Baima Temple at the Fengchi Dharma Assembly a few days ago, and we talked about this matter. He seemed very anxious during the conversation. To be honest, this is the first time in all these years that I have seen him so worried.” Master Shanzhi picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

Chapter 483 The Divine Monk

“Although Baima Temple is located in the capital and has a large and powerful family, it must be under the emperor’s nose and therefore bear the brunt of the pressure…” Master Shantong nodded.

"It is said that the Bureau of Religious Affairs has visited the temple many times, which has really left the White Horse Temple at a loss. These days, I've heard that they have also been visiting eminent monks in the vicinity of the capital. Although I don't know the results, judging from the worried look on Brother Yuantong's face the other day, he probably didn't get anything out of it..."

Upon hearing this, Shan Tong's face also showed worry: "That Master Li from Yunxiao Mountain has been lingering in the capital these days, and it is said that he has been granted an audience with His Majesty several times and has been treated with great favor..."

"Master Yun Xiaoshan and his disciple are both True Immortals, and their Three Mountains Talismans are indeed extraordinary... By the way, as far as I know, some of the younger disciples in the temple have expressed disdain regarding True Immortal Xiao's ascension to immortality. This matter could be serious or minor... Although our Buddhist sect and the Xuanmen have different philosophies, we are both sects in the Eastern Lands. Let's not damage our harmony. Some monks are also young and impetuous; they don't understand the implications. You and your fellow disciples should not underestimate them. Times change, and we should give them the upper hand..."

As he spoke, Master Shanzhi clasped his hands together and softly recited a passage of scripture: "The so-called Bodhisattva has confidence in his own karma. He does not harbor hatred towards anything that is not beneficial. Even if someone scolds, gets angry, or hits him, or if any evil is done to him, he does not feel resentment or hold a grudge. If the other person asks for forgiveness, he accepts it immediately. He does not cause them distress, does not ask others for anything, is not afraid, and practices forbearance even for the sake of food and drink. He does not forget to repay the kindness he has received from others. He observes the world with equanimity. This is called the Paramita of Forbearance."

"Don't worry, senior brother, I understand the situation now..." Master Shantong clasped his hands in agreement, sighing inwardly. As the abbot, he naturally knew what his senior brother, the abbot, was talking about. The recent ascension of Xiao Daoguang, with the release of so-called on-site videos, had caused a great uproar. In religious circles, this event had actually stirred up far more controversy than among ordinary people simply watching the drama unfold, especially online. On some forums, this incident had sparked comparisons between Buddhism and Taoism regarding their respective merits.

As the two largest religions in the East, Taoism and Buddhism both have extremely large followings, and their struggles and debates have never ceased throughout history. Although there have been signs of mutual reconciliation in later periods, there is still considerable verbal sparring between them. As far as Shantong knows, some of the young monks in the temple have participated in online debates…

"Truly, a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger..." Shantong thought to himself. He really needed to restrain himself to avoid causing any trouble for the temple. Thinking of the earth-shattering supernatural powers in the video he had seen before, he couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness and despair. The situation was beyond his control!