Chapter 550: Arhat Miaoxin, Daoist Lineages Supporting the Dragon

The conflict between the Daoist Lineages gradually subsided, as if an unseen, powerful hand had put a stop to the brutal slaughter.

Every faction noticed this, but for a time, none could make heads or tails of it.

Perhaps only the Jade Dragon Dynasty knew the real reason why.

However, this didn’t hinder the Xiliang Kingdom’s expansion. In fact, the ceasefire was a boon, as it allowed the three great lineages to free up their hands for disaster relief.

It was just that the seeds of their conflict still remained, merely suppressed for the time being.

About seven days after the conflict between the Daoist Lineages subsided, a Fifth Realm Arhat from the Buddhist Family came to visit Qi Suian.

The upper echelon of the Xiliang Kingdom was genuinely taken aback.

A Fifth Realm Arhat was already a major figure in their eyes.

They knew of his impending arrival because he had followed proper protocol, sending a formal notice of his visit in advance, to which they had replied.

Qi Suian, however, wasn’t very surprised. It was obvious that the emergence of a fourth Daoist Lineage had caught the attention of the three Taoist Lords.

The sudden halt to the conflict was surely related.

Both sides had been fighting to the death, only to abruptly stop. This, combined with the fact that Qi Suian’s survivor avatar had just successfully broken through to the Fourth Realm…

Given the string of coincidences, Qi Suian could hardly avoid connecting the dots.

The visit from this Fifth Realm Arhat of the Buddhist Family was likely related to this matter as well.

Once the details of the visit were settled, the appointed day quickly arrived.

The Arhat, whose Dharma name was Miaoxin, arrived right on time.

He didn’t come with a grand entourage or try to intimidate Qi Suian with a show of force. Instead, he followed procedure like an ordinary person and was escorted into Qi Suian’s presence.

Naturally, the Xiliang Kingdom placed great importance on receiving Arhat Miaoxin.

“Greetings, Sovereign of Xiliang.” Miaoxin pressed his palms together and gave a slight bow, which served as his salutation.

“Master Miaoxin, you’ve come a long way. Please, have a seat,” Qi Suian said warmly.

He had already sized up his guest. ‘Within the borders of the Xiliang Kingdom, it wouldn’t be difficult for my survivor avatar to kill this Miaoxin,’ he mused, ‘as long as I’m willing to pay the price of turning half the kingdom to ruins.’

This knowledge was the source of his confidence.

Miaoxin, however, was unaware of this. He, too, was surreptitiously observing Qi Suian. The man’s looks were merely average, but he possessed an otherworldly bearing—the very image of a true sovereign.

‘If he really could overthrow the Jade Dragon Dynasty and take its place, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.’

‘The Three Religions’ Lineages—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism—do not interfere in the affairs of mortal dynasties. So, it doesn’t matter to us who sits on the throne, as long as our three lineages are not affected.’

However, aside from his kingly bearing, the man before him had no connection to any Daoist Lineage. He was, for all intents and purposes, just an ordinary person.

Miaoxin had come on orders. In addition to paying a formal visit, his mission was, of course, to observe.

‘This Sovereign of Xiliang has risen far too quickly, defying all logic.’

‘But now that I’ve seen him, I suspect he is simply a monstrous talent. He must possess numerous methods that have allowed him to rise up and establish order amidst this chaos.’

‘If a man like this can’t succeed, then who can?’

At Qi Suian’s invitation, Miaoxin also took his seat at the banquet.

He showed no disdain for the food; he had long since transcended the worldly desire for such things.

“Master Miaoxin, for what purpose have you come to my Xiliang Kingdom?” Qi Suian asked casually.

Miaoxin smiled. He assumed Qi Suian was worried he had come to meddle and force him to halt his campaign. ‘Why else would he act this way?’

So, he quickly replied, “I was merely passing through and heard that the Sovereign’s domain is a land where no Daoist Lineage has taken root. I came to ask if you might have need of this humble monk’s assistance.”

The implication was clear: he was here to invest, not to interfere.

“I have heard that the three great lineages do not involve themselves in the affairs of mortal dynasties. Why would Master Miaoxin suddenly ask such a question?” Qi Suian inquired, feigning nonchalance.

“It is due to this humble monk’s own selfish desire,” Miaoxin said openly. “I observe that the Sovereign now has the bearing of an emperor, so I naturally thought of seeking some advantages for the Buddhist Family.”

‘You have the aptitude, but not enough power,’ was the unspoken message. ‘I’m not representing the Buddhist Family, but myself. Surely there’s no problem with that?’

Hearing this, Qi Suian replied, “Master Miaoxin, you are a remarkable man indeed, but I’m afraid I dare not accept your offer.”

“The conflict between the Daoist Lineages is vast and mighty. If I were to receive Master Miaoxin’s aid today, my enemies might receive the aid of the Confucians and Daoists tomorrow.”

“At that point, I fear the loss would outweigh the gain.”

Such a concern was perfectly normal. Everyone could see the state of the conflict between the Daoist Lineages.

“Hahaha, the Sovereign’s words are most reasonable. However, times have changed.” Miaoxin laughed, then his expression turned serious. “Natural disasters are running rampant, and word that our three lineages have been concerned only with fighting for the Dao has long reached the ears of the Buddha, the Saint, and the Celestials.”

“We have come this time to save the world. We will resume the fight for the Dao only after the disasters have passed. This is the first point.”

“The Jade Dragon Dynasty’s virtue no longer matches its station, and it has acted perversely. That is why the Celestial Dao has sent down these calamities.”

“Dragons and serpents now rise up across the land, a sign that the Jade Dragon Dynasty’s mandate is at an end.”

“Therefore, the Three Religions’ Lineages will enter the mortal world to support a new dragon, in order to end this chaotic era as quickly as possible and bring peace to the people.”

“When the Jade Dragon Ancestor first raised his army, the Three Religions’ Lineages also spread out, each choosing a lord to assist in order to bring order to the world.”

“Consider the Zhengwei Bodhisattva from our Buddhist Family’s lineage. Back then, he rode the momentum of supporting that new dragon to successfully achieve the status of a Bodhisattva.” What Miaoxin said was true.

There was a reason it was the Buddhist Family, and not the Confucians or Daoists, who had come. It was a calculated move.

They had investigated Qi Suian’s past and naturally knew about his connection to Xingdu Temple.

This gave the Buddhist Family a significant advantage. If a Bodhisattva were not forbidden from leaving their post so easily, one would have certainly come in person.

The three Taoist Lords—the Saint, the Buddha, and the Celestial—had never personally entered the fray and were as elusive as dragons showing their heads but not their tails.

Therefore, the ones truly in charge of the three lineages were the Sixth Realm National Heroes, Bodhisattvas, and Celestial Masters.

There were not many such figures—at most, only about a dozen for each lineage.

The death of even one would be a massive blow, so they served more as deterrents than as active combatants.

If the Sixth Realm experts of the Daoist Lineages were to fight among themselves, the entire world would likely be thrown into chaos.

Thus, their roles were primarily coordination, management, and deterrence.

“I see.” Qi Suian nodded, then continued to ask, “Then what should I do if the Confucians and Daoists also come to ‘support the dragon’?”

“The Sovereign should naturally appoint people based on their merits. If we were to enter your service as subjects, we would, of course, set aside our lineage affiliations to serve the kingdom and its people,” Miaoxin replied, assuring him that they were professionals who wouldn’t let their backgrounds interfere.

“Master Miaoxin’s thoughts and words are truly extraordinary. However, even if I were to gain your assistance, I would still be wary of accepting aid from the Confucians and Daoists.”

“At that time, the Buddhist Family must take precedence, but I will require the help of several Arhats.”

“If this venture succeeds, I am willing to gift you a thousand temples.” Qi Suian, of course, didn’t take Miaoxin’s words at face value. ‘Really let all three—Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist—in? Everyone has selfish desires.’

‘Not to mention their strict rules and precepts.’

‘Since the Buddhist Family was the first to come knocking, I might as well use them.’

‘It’ll be more convenient to kill them all later that way.’

‘The path I walk is one the three lineages will never accept. We will have to fight in the end anyway.’

‘Perfect. I’ll gather all the Buddhists in one place and then wipe them out in one fell swoop.’

‘The pressure of fighting three lineages is not the same as fighting two.’

A look of joy appeared on Miaoxin’s face. “This humble monk cannot help but be overjoyed. It’s just that this course of action, I’m afraid…”

“No matter. If I could build this great foundation, I am naturally not afraid of the consequences.”

“Previously, Master Huixin of Xingdu Temple told me that I had an affinity with the Buddha. It was a pity I was not fated to enter the gates of the Buddhist Family, but now it seems that affinity is being fulfilled here.” Qi Suian was making it clear that they had a pre-existing connection.

He paused for a moment before continuing, “Though I may have an affinity with the Buddha, I must be blunt.”

“If the Three Religions’ Lineages are all entering the world to support a new dragon, I will choose only your Buddhist Family. Therefore, the support I receive from you must be the greatest.”

“Otherwise, if my enemies come at me with a coalition of three to five Celestial Masters and two to three National Heroes, I fear the entire Xiliang Kingdom will be crushed.”

In response to Qi Suian’s words, Miaoxin immediately gave his assurance. “Rest assured, Sovereign. The Buddhist Family will certainly not fail the trust you have placed in us.”

Qi Suian was betting everything on the Buddhist Family. Of course, the Buddhist lineage could not commit exclusively to him in return, but their investment in him would undoubtedly be the largest they made in any faction.

Not all faction leaders would make the same choice as Qi Suian.

The three lineages knew not to put all their eggs in one basket, and the various faction leaders naturally understood this as well.

In Miaoxin’s eyes, it was only because of the great fondness Qi Suian developed for the Buddhist lineage during his time at Xingdu Temple that he dared to make such a gamble.

“Since I have the Sovereign’s trust, this humble monk will go and persuade my brethren.”

“I will be sure to invite a Bodhisattva to stand guard in the Xiliang Capital to ensure your safety.” Miaoxin had just dropped a bombshell.

Qi Suian’s eye twitched. ‘I’ve overplayed my hand.’

If they really invited a Bodhisattva to stand guard, he would be the first one to be screwed.

“There is no need to trouble a Bodhisattva. An expert of that caliber should not be mobilized lightly, lest it cause issues within the Buddhist lineage,” Qi Suian quickly interjected. “If we break this precedent, the Confucians and Daoists will do the same.”

“An Arhat will suffice,” Qi Suian said, lowering his demand.

Miaoxin considered this and found it reasonable. He went along with Qi Suian’s words, “The Sovereign’s foresight is great; this humble monk is humbled.”

“In that case, this humble monk will take his leave and find my brethren to come aid you.”

With that, Miaoxin rose and left, not having touched a single bite of the food on the table.

He had come primarily to discuss business, not to actually eat.

“Let me see you out, Master.” Qi Suian adopted the respectful attitude of a ruler who values talent, personally escorting him to the palace gates. Only then did Miaoxin transform into a streak of crystalline light and vanish before Qi Suian’s eyes.

His walking with Qi Suian had been a sign of respect; it was not because he was only capable of walking.

After Miaoxin departed, Jiang Peng and the others, who had been waiting for a long time, approached.

It had not been their place to interject during the banquet conversation, but they had understood everything that transpired.

“Your Majesty, with the Buddhist Family’s help, your path to supremacy is assured!” Jiang Peng offered his congratulations, though his heart was bitter.

And it wasn’t just him; everyone else felt the same.

This was a powerful backer, but from Miaoxin’s attitude, it was clear that the Buddhist lineage wasn’t endorsing the Xiliang Kingdom, but rather Qi Suian himself, His Majesty the Sovereign.

Their conversation had set the tone: the Sovereign had an affinity with the Buddha.

If the Sovereign were anyone else, that affinity would be gone.

At that point, the level of support would surely diminish, making them no different from any other faction. What advantage would they have left?