Others follow advice and imitate celebrities, but you start by pretending to be a god?

In the rear, Xu Maogong, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling, Yuan Tiangang, Li Chunfeng, Xu Jingzong and other ministers gathered together, while in the west wing, Yin Kaishan, Liu Hongji, Ma Sanbao, Duan Zhixian, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Hu Jingde, Xue Rengui and other loyal and brave generals of the Tang Dynasty flashed by.

Fang Xuanling stood up, with a bit of dissatisfaction in his tone: "Grand Master, this is wrong. Your Majesty has won great success in both civil and military affairs, and has created this prosperous situation. I don't know how many people in the world can live and work in peace and contentment."

He went on to say, "Nowadays, there are many homeless souls in the world. Your Majesty is holding a meeting to govern these souls and bring peace to the world of the living and the underworld. This is an immeasurable merit."

Wei Zheng also nodded and agreed: "Indeed, looking back over the dynasties, our Tang Dynasty is already very good, and this is all thanks to the Tang Emperor."

Hearing this, Lin Nan smiled and said, "Indeed, being able to support so many monks and Buddhist temples can indeed be called a strong country."

He said slowly, "There are many Buddhist temples in and around Chang'an City, with thousands of monks. The fields they occupy..." Lin Nan spit out a series of detailed data, "In the Buddhist temples, gold-cast Buddha statues can be seen everywhere, followed by Guang copper-cast ones, all of which show their luxury."

"And these monks don't do any work, they rely entirely on the people for support." Lin Nan's eyes swept over the crowd, "Look at the monks in those temples, each one is fat and plump, and then look at the people in Chang'an City, most of them are thin and weak. Is this the prosperous world you are pursuing?"

Lin Nan looked at the Emperor of Tang, his tone sharp: "Your Majesty, the Tang Dynasty is too obsessed with worshipping Buddha, but never considers its reputation. Even if this water and land conference is over, it won't be long before new wronged souls are born."

Lin Nan's words were so powerful that Emperor Tang couldn't help but fall into deep thought. However, at this moment, a different voice came from the side.

"This is because the Buddhism that is being preached nowadays is all Hinayana Buddhism. Although it can save oneself, it cannot truly save all living beings, and cannot allow the dead to ascend to heaven." The voice was clear and firm. Everyone turned their heads and saw that it was the monk who was selling robes and staffs.

He slowly walked up to Xuanzang, handed him his cassock and staff, and said, "I have the Three Treasures of Mahayana Buddhism, which can help the dead escape suffering and keep their bodies intact."

Upon hearing this, Taizong hurriedly asked, "Then how can the dead be made to ascend to heaven?"

The monk replied, "The Mahayana Dharma is in the Great Thunder Sound Temple in the Great Western Paradise of India, where the Tathagata Buddha resides. It can resolve all grievances and eliminate unnecessary disasters."

Xuanzang could not suppress his curiosity and asked, "Would the elder like to come on stage and explain to us the profound meaning of Mahayana Buddhism?"

The monk was not polite and walked towards the platform. However, after he took two steps, his figure suddenly changed, and a dazzling light shone from his body. He showed his original body of salvation, holding a pure bottle and willow in his hand, and Mu Zha also appeared on his left.

“Bodhisattva?” Everyone exclaimed in surprise and prostrated themselves on the ground at the same time, including the Tang Emperor, civil and military ministers, monks and nuns, as well as the scholars, workers, merchants, and farmers who were listening to the lecture, all of whom knelt devoutly.

However, among the crowd, there were a few who did not kneel down. Among them, Lin Nan was the most conspicuous, and the Taoist priests beside him seemed to have a force preventing them from kneeling.

In the sky, Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared, glanced at Lin Nan, then turned away and looked at Emperor Tang, but did not say much. A cloud of auspiciousness lifted her up and soon disappeared into the sky, leaving only a golden note in Emperor Tang's hands.

The Tang emperor unfolded the golden letter and saw that it clearly stated: "Greetings to the Great Tang Emperor, there is a wonderful text in the West. The journey is 108,000 miles, and the Mahayana is diligent. If you return to the country with this sutra, you will be able to surpass ghosts and stand out from the crowd. If anyone is willing to go, you can seek a golden body."

"Good, good!" The Tang Emperor was delighted and said he would send someone to the West to fetch the scriptures for good results. Then, he directly asked who was willing to help him fetch the scriptures.

Xuanzang stood up without hesitation and expressed his willingness to go to seek Buddhist scriptures. The Emperor of Tang was overjoyed and directly recognized Xuanzang as his "royal brother".

During this process, Lin Nan watched quietly from the side without saying a word. After the Tang Emperor arranged all this, he looked at Lin Nan and said, "Grand Master, are you willing to come to the palace and have a discussion with me? I and all my beloved ministers are very eager for the divine object of Chechi Kingdom that you have."

Lin Nan looked at the Emperor of Tang and answered bluntly: "Since the Emperor of Tang has decided to obtain the scriptures to save the world, then go and obtain the scriptures. As for discussing with me... forget it. People with different paths cannot make plans together. The Tang Dynasty is determined to obtain the scriptures, but it has nothing to do with my path. It would be a waste to give the divine object to the Tang Dynasty."

After saying that, Lin Nan turned around and was about to leave. He opened his mouth and called out. The little white dragon Ao Yu immediately understood what he meant, raised his head to the sky and let out a long dragon roar. His body directly turned into a jade-like white dragon, and clouds and mist gathered around him.

The sound of dragon roars resounded throughout Chang'an City. Lin Nan took off with the wind and landed steadily on the back of the little white dragon. He said softly: "Buddha saves those who are destined to be saved, and those who believe are all destined to be saved. As for my Taoist sect, if you believe, you believe, and if you don't believe, then forget it. Since we are not on the same path, we will not seek each other. I am leaving now, and we will see each other again if we are destined to be saved."

After saying that, Lin Nan moved slightly, and the white dragon under him suddenly took off with the wind and soared into the sky. There was only a look of shock and horror left on the spot. Emperor Tang was stunned there, and it took him a while to react. He couldn't help but mutter to himself: "Is the emperor missing something?"

The worship of Buddha is very important in Chang'an, especially in the royal family. Everyone knows that the royal family Li respects Buddha, so Buddhism flourished in the Tang Dynasty. However, the Tang emperor also values ​​Lin Nan very much. After arranging the journey to obtain the scriptures, he wanted to invite Lin Nan into the palace to show his courtesy.

But for Lin Nan, the attitude of Emperor Tang had already made him make up his mind. Emperor Tang was not a good match, even if he was the emperor of the modern age, but since he had no affinity with the Tao, why should Lin Nan talk to him?

Buddhism is open to all, but Lin Nan is indifferent to it. He never rushed to ask for people to believe in him, so he left very decisively.

"Master, are we really leaving like this and not going to the palace?" Little White Dragon Ao Yu couldn't help but ask in the sky, "Could it be that Master is not going to preach in Chang'an City anymore?"

"Of course, if you believe it, then pass it on. If you don't believe it, then forget it." Lin Nan said without turning his head, "Since the Emperor Tang is not sincere, then it doesn't matter if this is not passed on. Let's go back to Chechi Kingdom next."

"Return to Chechi Kingdom?" Little White Dragon Ao Yu was a little confused, "What happens after that?"

“After that… I will travel east again and wipe out all the evil spirits along the way.” Lin Nan said in a firm tone.

In Chang'an, two strange events happened in one day. One was that Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared at the Water and Land Assembly; the other was that a Taoist priest rode away on a dragon in full view of the public. These two events represented Taoism and Buddha respectively, and were widely circulated in Chang'an. However, ordinary people did not know what they really meant.

At this time, Xuanzang had already made preparations and set off on the westward journey under the protection of all guards. Lin Nan rode back on his dragon and headed westward. He did not urge Little White Dragon Ao Yu to go too fast, but leisurely enjoyed the scenery along the way. "Master, I have not been to Chechi Kingdom, but I have heard my father, uncle and others mention it." Little White Dragon Ao Yu said while flying, "What kind of place is Chechi Kingdom?"

Lin Nan pointed ahead and said, "Chechi is a country that believes in Taoism, which is completely different from our Tang Dynasty. The people there believe in following the laws of nature and governing by inaction."

Little White Dragon Ao Yu nodded: "I see. Then, sir, should we visit some Xuanmen seniors next?"

"That's right." Lin Nan looked at Xiao Bailong approvingly, "There are many senior masters in Wudao Sect who are worthy of us visiting and learning from them."

As they were talking, they had already arrived in front of a very tall and beautiful mountain. The mountain was majestic and majestic, with mountains connecting to spiritual veins, and colorful clouds in the mountains, with tiny rays of light blooming from them, giving it a fairy-like appearance.

"What a blessed place!" Lin Nan praised. "This is Wanshou Mountain. Inside it is a Wuzhuang Temple. The owner is the ancestor of the earthly immortals, who has great magical powers. Let's go down and pay our respects to him."

Upon hearing this, the little white dragon Ao Yu immediately flew down and landed steadily in front of Wanshou Mountain.

In the embrace of Longevity Mountain stands the famous Wuzhuang Temple. In this Taoist temple lives a Taoist master of high generation, Zhen Yuanzi, who is known as the ancestor of earthly immortals. Even the Three Pure Ones have to address him as a peer, which shows how respected his status is.

Lin Nan was full of respect for this ancestor of earthly immortals, and did not dare to be disrespectful. This time, he came to visit with an extremely serious attitude, and every step he took was steady and respectful.

They walked through the lush greenery of Wanshou Mountain, and soon the majestic Wuzhuang Temple came into view. On the left side of the mountain gate in front of the temple stood a stone tablet with ten large characters engraved on it: "Wanshou Mountain is a blessed land, Wuzhuang Temple is a cave paradise". The characters were vigorous and powerful, revealing an extraordinary atmosphere.

At the entrance of the temple, two figures stood quietly, one on the left and one on the right, as if they were here to welcome the distinguished guests. They were refreshing, with short hair and a slight beard, wearing Taoist robes, with feather sleeves fluttering in the wind. They were two Taoist children with immortal looks.

Seeing Lin Nan and Little White Dragon approaching, the two Taoist children shouted from afar, "Is it Brother Lin Nan, the Grand Master of Chechi Country and the current Taoist disciple, who is here in person?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Nan hurriedly stepped forward, bowed and said in return: "Yes, I am Lin Nan. My two junior brothers are honored."

"We are Qingfeng and Mingyue, the youngest disciples of our master Zhen Yuanzi." One of the Taoist children answered respectfully, "Master has long known that the distinguished guest will arrive, and specially ordered the two of us to be here to welcome him. The distinguished guest is the Grand Master of Chechi Country, the current Taoist Lin Nan, how dare we slack off in the slightest."

"So it's Junior Brothers Qingfeng and Mingyue." Lin Nan responded with a smile. He was secretly surprised. Although these two Taoist children looked young, one was actually 1,320 years old and the other was 1,200 years old. According to their ages, they were more than old enough to be his grandfather. However, in the world of cultivation, those who have achieved success are the first, so it was reasonable for them to call him Senior Brother.

"Brother, please come in. The master is waiting for you in the temple." The Taoist children Qingfeng and Mingyue led the way respectfully.

Lin Nan was not polite and walked into Wuzhuang Temple. He was not surprised that Zhen Yuanzi sent his disciples to pick him up in advance. After all, Zhen Yuanzi's strength was top-notch in the world, not to mention that he was the ancestor of earthly immortals, and his title of being the same as the world was not in vain.

As soon as he entered Wuzhuang Temple, Lin Nan saw a couplet hanging on the door. The top couplet read "The Immortal Palace of Immortality", and the bottom couplet read "The Taoist Family with the Same Longevity as the Heaven". The handwriting was elegant and revealed a sense of immortality.

After passing through the second door, they came to the main hall with five rooms facing south. After entering the main hall and passing the entrance, Lin Nan's eyes were attracted by the two large characters "Heaven and Earth" in five colors in the middle of the wall. The two characters were majestic, as if they contained the mysteries between heaven and earth.

Under the words "Heaven and Earth" there was an incense table. On the ground there was a cushion, on which sat a figure. The man wore a purple gold crown, sandals, and a ribbon tied around his waist. His figure was like a boy, but his face was like a beauty. Three strands of long beard fluttered under his chin, and his black hair, like crow feathers, was piled on his temples. He just sat there quietly, and a natural sense of Taoism was revealed.

That person was none other than Zhen Yuanzi, the ancestor of earthly immortals.

"I am Lin Nan, a young Taoist. Nice to meet the Immortal Zhenyuan." Lin Nan hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects, his attitude extremely respectful.

"I have long heard of your great name, the Grand Master of Chechi State, Daozi Lin Nan." Zhenyuan Daxian responded with a smile. His voice was gentle and deep, as if it contained endless wisdom.

"Please take a seat." Zhen Yuanzi pointed to the seat beside him and motioned Lin Nan to sit down.

After Lin Nan sat down, he said, "I was returning to Chechi from Datang, passing by Wanshou Mountain on the way, and thought that the Immortal was here, so I came to visit."

"No problem, no problem. Anyone who comes is a guest." Zhen Yuanzi said with a smile, "Besides, I have long wanted to see you." As he spoke, he instructed the disciples beside him, "Qingfeng, Mingyue, go to the courtyard and get a 'ginseng fruit' to entertain the distinguished guest."

"Yes." Qingfeng and Mingyue responded and turned to leave.

Lin Nan quickly declined, "Ginseng fruit is so precious, how dare I enjoy it casually?"

"It's okay, it's okay." Zhen Yuanzi said with a smile, "It takes ten thousand years for ginseng fruit to grow thirty pieces, but since the beginning of the world, there have been only a few who have been able to cultivate to become 'Nine Extremes Supreme Heavenly Immortals'. There is only one person like you who is considered a 'Taoist Son' by the Supreme Taoist Brother throughout history. How can you not eat this ginseng fruit?"

Zhen Yuanzi's words left Lin Nan speechless, and he had no choice but to accept this generous gift silently.

Afterwards, Lin Nan asked Zhen Yuanzi some questions about cultivation. Zhen Yuanzi answered them one by one, and each answer was just right, profound and insightful, which benefited Lin Nan a lot.

Before this, Lin Nan's path of cultivation was full of ups and downs. In the early days, he was fortunate to be guided by the three immortals, Tiger Power, Sheep Power, and Deer Power, and was able to step into the door of cultivation. Later, he continued to practice and explore on his own, until he became an immortal, and then he received some teachings from Taishang Laojun in the Tushita Palace. However, Taishang Laojun only taught the Dharma, but did not explain it in detail. (End of this chapter)