Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 685 The True Lineage of Buddhism

"Good!"

The Buddha's wisp of thought looked at Lu Zheng, a smile appearing on his face.

The next moment, the Buddha and the surrounding colorful energy surged.

In the blink of an eye, it all transformed into a Buddhist mark, which instantly disappeared into Lu Zheng's brow.

The Buddhist mark between Lu Zheng's eyebrows shimmered continuously.

Within his sea of ​​consciousness, a scripture slowly revealed itself.

It was the scripture that Lu Zheng had previously annotated, and its aura had become even more profound, truly a Buddhist scripture.

Lu Zheng found that he had also become somewhat different.

He seems to have mastered a mysterious power, a power bestowed by the true will of the Buddha, which can even, to some extent, restrain Buddhist teachings.

However, in a short time, all the strange phenomena disappeared.

The area before everyone's eyes became completely empty, without a trace of profound Daoist energy remaining.

The Buddha's true meaning just now was revealed as if in a dream.

Lu Zheng turned around to face the crowd.

Everyone noticed the mark between Lu Zheng's eyebrows, and each person had a different expression.

There was shock, curiosity, and confusion...

Yuan Tao was stunned, not yet fully comprehending what he was seeing.

Not long ago, Lu Zheng was debating the true teachings of Buddha with a high-ranking Buddhist monk, and now, not long after, he has actually managed to have Buddha manifest himself...

Yuan Tao was somewhat confused about who exactly was a member of the Buddhist community.

Hu Qing's eyes were burning with determination. Even the Buddha's true meaning acknowledged Lu Zheng; this was truly extraordinary!

Su Mei was completely dumbfounded. Was that Buddha? Was that Buddha? He even left a Buddhist seal on Lu Zheng. What was going on? Was Lu Zheng still a proper Confucian or Taoist scholar?

Not to mention Su Mei and the others, even Gongyang Ming couldn't understand it.

The fact that he could annotate a sutra and still evoke the Buddha's intentions was something he found hard to understand.

Others may not understand, but Lu Zheng himself is perfectly clear-headed.

Here, he had the advantage of favorable timing, location, and popular support.

He established a life and a heart for the people of this land, annotated the classics to continue the lost learning of the past sages, and carried on the aspirations of the former sages and virtuous men to usher in an era of peace for future generations.

Meng Sheng once believed that this would help him forge a code of law for peace.

Now that the Buddha's will has manifested in the world, and he has endorsed the scriptures he has annotated, what problem is there?

If his sutra truly cannot invite a single Buddha or Bodhisattva.

Then Lu Zheng would have to wonder if, after several major ups and downs, the Buddhist community's ancient thoughts of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas had been extinguished.

Now it seems that is not the case.

It's just that those Buddhist monks can't invite the real Buddha.

With a single thought, Lu Zheng took the scripture, which radiated colorful energy and possessed a gentle quality, into his hand.

Everyone couldn't help but turn their attention to the scriptures.

Holy scriptures... Everyone looked astonished.

Even if some people have never seen a sacred classic in person before, they can still sense the unique aura emanating from such books.

Qingwan stood beside Lu Zheng with Qingyi in tow and spoke in a strong voice.

"This is the true scripture of Buddhism, containing Mahayana Buddhist teachings! By practicing Mahayana Buddhism, one can universally save all sentient beings, attain enlightenment, and see the true Buddha!"

In an instant, a thought arose in everyone's mind.

The orthodox Buddhist tradition is in Lu Zheng...

Hu Qing quickly said, "I wish to switch to Mahayana Buddhism, and I humbly request Young Master Lu to bestow upon me the Dharma!"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "I don't practice Buddhism, and I don't have time to instruct anyone. If you want to learn this method, you can only try to understand it yourselves."

"I can lend you this sutra to study, but there are conditions. Who else wants to study this sutra?"

"The conditions are very simple: from now on, you must convert to Mahayana Buddhism and obey my orders in all matters. Of course, I will not ask you to do anything that will lead to your death in vain."

Hu Qing nodded and replied, "No problem!"

She's already working under Lu Zheng, so these conditions aren't really conditions at all.

The others pondered upon hearing this.

Although they had read the scriptures before, their aura was not apparent then. Now, however, they had become sacred classics, containing profound and mysterious Daoist principles.

By simply reading and reflecting on the scriptures now, one can avoid some wrong paths and make progress in one's spiritual practice.

Gongyang Ming chuckled and said, "I am an old man who cultivates Confucianism and Taoism, and at my age I have no desire to convert to Buddhism or Taoism, so I will pass..."

Soon, Xiao Yan and Zeyu, the couple, stepped forward and agreed to accept Lu Zheng's conditions.

Those who are diligent and those who are unambitious are hesitant, after all, they still have their own sects to follow.

They are now helping Lu Zheng, but it's for the sake of the people, doing good deeds and accumulating merit.

However, if one were to say that they have converted to Mahayana Buddhism, that would be considered a betrayal of their teacher's lineage.

Hu Qing was in a very good mood and couldn't help but say to Ku Xin, "This is a true scripture recognized by the Buddha! Mahayana Buddhism is the orthodox Buddhism! Master, don't be confused and go astray. You should lead your fellow disciples onto the right path."

Ku Xin's expression became somewhat unnatural upon hearing this. How could he have switched roles with Hu Qing?

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "No rush, you can all take your time to consider. Mahayana Buddhism has only recently appeared in the world. If you are not a Buddhist and do not have any innate wisdom, it is best not to change your cultivation path. By the way, the old rule still applies: it is forbidden to preach Buddhism here." Everyone was somewhat puzzled by Lu Zheng's words.

He annotated a Buddhist scripture, which even prompted the Buddha to reveal his true intentions, and he even banned Buddhism...

Aren't you afraid of angering Buddha by doing this?

Lu Zheng turned to Yuan Tao and said, "Brother Yuan, let's talk alone."

The two went to a secluded spot in the mountains to avoid being spied on by others.

Yuan Tao's mind was still unsettled, and he couldn't help but say, "I never imagined that Brother Lu was also well-versed in Buddhism, able to summon the Buddha's true meaning. It has truly broadened my horizons..."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "My Buddhist cultivation is far inferior to yours. I was able to see the true Buddha, not because I am so proficient in Buddhism."

Yuan Tao couldn't help but ask curiously, "Then why is that?"

Lu Zheng said slowly, "Perhaps it is the Buddha's true intention to approve of me."

Yuan Tao fell silent upon hearing this. These words were even more exaggerated than the Buddha's approval of Lu Zheng's Buddhist teachings.

However, upon reflection, recalling Lu Zheng's previous assessment of the Buddha and his true teachings, perhaps it is indeed true...

As the saying goes, Heaven is watching what people do.

Yuan Tao pondered the Buddha's will that existed between heaven and earth, and perhaps he had truly seen the changes in this place and acknowledged Lu Zheng.

Otherwise, why couldn't so many eminent Buddhist monks invite the true Buddha?

Lu Zheng then asked, "Brother Yuan, would you like this scripture?"

"what?"

Yuan Tao thought he had misheard.

Holding the scripture with its aura contained, Lu Zheng slowly said, "I think you need this scripture more than I do. I can give you the true scripture, or I can lend it to you."

"This……"

Yuan Tao's expression changed. This was no ordinary book; it was a sacred scripture!

"why?"

Yuan Tao asked, somewhat puzzled.

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "I have long intended to study this scripture in order to change the atmosphere of Buddhism and save some people. It just so happens that the Buddha's true intention has manifested, and you also have a place where you can use this scripture, which saves me a lot of trouble."

"Do you want it or not? Do you lend it or not? If you don't want it, I'll go to Wei myself to spread Buddhist teachings, establish the orthodoxy of Buddhism, change the atmosphere of Buddhism, and reduce the suffering of the people of Wei..."

Yuan Tao was shocked. Was Lu Zheng really going to go this far? Did he even have such an idea?

However, considering what Lu Zheng was doing in the Northern Regions, it doesn't seem impossible for him to do something like that in the Wei Kingdom.

Suddenly, Yuan Tao felt that he understood why the Buddha's true intentions had manifested.

Lu Zheng's words both shocked and moved him.

After all, he could also use this scripture to do similar things, to suppress other Buddhist sects in the Wei Kingdom.

After some deliberation, Yuan Tao felt his blood boiling; he couldn't miss such an opportunity.

"Borrow! What are your conditions?"

Yuan Tao knew the extraordinary nature of this scripture, and if he asked for it, the price he would have to pay would certainly be much higher than if he had borrowed it.

Lu Zhengdao: "Conditions? I have no personal requests. From now on, Wei should not interfere in the affairs of the Northern Regions. Also, regarding the Buddhist sect in Wei, if Brother Yuan wants to use this scripture for his own purposes, you can..."

The two talked for some time, discussing many things and agreeing on terms.

Even with the true scriptures in hand, Yuan Tao still felt it was extremely unreal.

Lu Zheng not only lent him the true scriptures, but also offered him advice and strategies. As for the conditions he agreed to, they were all just verbal promises, and he didn't have to pay too high a price.

Suddenly, Yuan Tao realized belatedly that he had asked Lu Zheng to devise a plan to suppress Buddhism, and now he had finally received a reply.

It seemed as if everything was within Lu Zheng's expectations.

If Lu Zheng were to have any ulterior motives, Yuan Tao couldn't imagine what benefits Lu Zheng could gain.

Moreover, the Buddha's true intention is real; it's impossible that even the Buddha misjudged someone.

Yuan Tao solemnly put away the scriptures and bowed to Lu Zheng.

"Sir, you possess the heart of a sage. I, Yuan Tao, wish to honor you as my teacher. If I achieve great things in the future, I will certainly make you my national advisor and enjoy the incense offerings of my Great Wei..."

Having witnessed Lu Zheng's many achievements, Yuan Tao felt that it was only a matter of time before Lu Zheng became a sage.

At this time, it would be a wise choice to befriend and win over a future sage.

Lu Zheng simply smiled and made no comment.

Who can predict the future? Just listen to these kinds of words; there's no need to take them completely seriously.

Moreover, he doesn't care about such empty fame.

Afterwards, the two returned the way they came to meet the other people.

Lu Zheng addressed the crowd, saying, "Hu Qing, Ku Xin, Wu Qiu... you should go to Wei with Yuan Tao. I have already given the true scriptures to Yuan Tao. Wei will establish Buddhism as the orthodox religion, and they will need you there. It is time for you to make your choices and show your abilities..."

Lu Zheng took out several letters and handed them to the group. Inside were personal instructions and some personnel reassignments.

Everyone was astonished. Lu Zheng had just obtained the true scriptures, and he had given them to Yuan Tao just like that?

Those are sacred Buddhist scriptures, not some common white steamed bun.

However, upon closer reflection, Lu Zheng mentioned earlier that the rule against Buddhism would remain unchanged. It seems that the purpose of annotating this true scripture was to target the Buddhist community in Wei, using Buddhism to control Buddhism.

Just now, when the Buddha's true intention manifested, for a moment they even thought that Lu Zheng was a true disciple of Buddhism. It seems they were indeed in a daze.

They truly hadn't anticipated Lu Zheng's thoughts and actions at all. (End of Chapter)