"Alright, old Taoist, wake up Buddha. You two can discuss the compensation issue!"
Laozi flicked his sleeve, and Buddha, who had been lying on the ground for a long time, slowly woke up.
Well, so you're the one who made Buddha faint? I knew it! A dignified celestial being like this, fainting from anger? That's so pathetic!
Xiao Ning was internally ranting and raving.
Although he couldn't understand why the Supreme Lord treated him differently, Xiao Ning had a very clear understanding of the situation.
Given the level of the Supreme Saint, if someone wanted to harm him, there would be no need to go to such great lengths; they could simply crush him with a single finger.
Therefore, he didn't worry at all and never had any wild thoughts.
Take the benefits if there are any, and leave if there aren't.
"Uh... This humble monk pays respects to the Dao Ancestor!"
When Buddha opened his eyes, he was stunned for a few moments before he realized what had happened. He quickly got up from the ground and greeted Laozi.
"Buddha, you've finally woken up! I'm still waiting for your compensation so I can go home, buy rice, and cook a meal."
At this moment, Xiao Ning's voice rang out at an inopportune time.
Hearing this, Buddha's eyes twitched uncontrollably, and he was furious. This Fiend Star!
"Your demands are outrageous! Even if our Buddhist sect were to go bankrupt, we could not afford to compensate you for the resources you have mentioned!"
Without a second thought, Buddha rejected Xiao Ning's request.
Nonsense. Although Buddhism is known for its wealth, it also has a large number of people. Even if each person gets a share of resources, it is still a huge expense. So how can it be considered wealthy?
Those who don't manage a household don't know the difficulties of running one, nor the worries of daily necessities like firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea.
Not only could the Buddhist community not afford such a large sum of compensation, but the Buddha himself simply did not want to pay it.
If we bow our heads today and open this door, then everyone will want to take advantage of Buddhism and come to us for money when they're short of funds.
This won't do.
Therefore, the Buddha made up his mind that he would never bow down unless absolutely necessary.
"Alas, it seems that Buddhism is indeed a powerful and influential sect. They can give up a True Immortal Realm expert like Guanyin so easily. You, Buddha, are truly worthy of being the head of Buddhism. You have the courage and boldness. I admire you!"
Xiao Ning was not surprised to hear this, but instead gave a mocking look of regret.
The conditions he proposed earlier were nothing but exorbitant demands, waiting for Buddha to come down and demand repayment.
"You'd better be sincere and not make unreasonable demands!"
Buddha shook his head, looking miserable, and said, "I apologize on behalf of Guanyin for what she did wrong. I hope you can forgive her this time and spare Buddhism!"
Xiao Ning would never agree to this. They only offered an apology without offering compensation. Were they trying to fool a child?
"If this is the attitude of your Buddhist sect, then I think we have nothing to talk about. You have no sincerity at all!"
Xiao Ning let out a long breath and said, "I'd rather have Guanyin beheaded in the execution ground as a warning to others!"
After he finished speaking, he stood up and made a move to leave.
"Wait, wait!"
Buddha quickly called out, "Please wait a moment, sir! Let's talk this out!"
Xiao Ning stopped and turned around, saying, "Alright, go ahead and say it, I'm listening!"
"Since the Dao Ancestor is here today, let's speak frankly. What are your intentions? Please tell me directly. If it is something that my Buddhist sect can do, this humble monk will not refuse!"
Unable to compete with others, the Buddha had no choice but to bow his head.
Moreover, it seems that Xiao Ning won't give up until he's bleeds a lot today.
"My request is very simple. Whether your Buddhism spreads eastward or returns westward, as long as it doesn't involve my Great New Empire, and you compensate me with some cultivation resources, this matter will be considered settled!"
Xiao Ning finally revealed his true intentions.
As for cultivation resources, they are merely incidental.
His true purpose was still the eastward transmission of Buddhism.
The Journey to the West is the inevitable trend of Heaven, how can human power resist it?
However, if they do nothing and allow Buddhism to spread eastward, the great Xin Empire that they and Wang Mang have worked so hard to build will be slowly eroded by Buddhism.
Xiao Ning knew he couldn't do it.
Therefore, having been familiar with the plot of Journey to the West and with Wang Mang's encouragement, Xiao Ning took action right at the beginning of the story and tied up Guanyin, who had come to Chang'an to find the person who was going to retrieve the scriptures.
The purpose was to force Buddha to intervene, and then use Guanyin as a bargaining chip to negotiate with him.
As for whether the talks will be successful, let's talk about it first!
"Good lad, so that's what you were after!"
Upon hearing Xiao Ning's words, Lao Jun, who was sitting to the side, had a bright look in his eyes. He knew exactly what Xiao Ning was planning and secretly praised him.
They have opportunities, drive, and perseverance.
Although he was born into the human race and his background was somewhat lacking, he was still a good candidate for disciple.