Wang Wei indicated with his hand for Feng Heng to sit down. The tea was already brewed, so he directly served it.
"You should be busy, so why are you here to see me?"
"I've come for myriad reasons, the first of which is to offer my sincere thanks to the benefactor," replied Feng Heng, his voice containing his deepest sincerity.
"I'm only repaying my karma. Now, I don't owe anything to Buddhism."
Feng Heng nodded as he knew Wang Wei's relationship with their religion was complicated. Personally, he also did not want to get to the bottom of things since it might involve Mother Maitreya.
"As per our agreement, this poor monk is here to offer your share of the merit," continued Feng Heng, handing Wang Wei a cluster of purple and gold lights. Without hesitation, Wang Wei accepted them.
The rise of Buddhism in the Lower Dimension was so quick due to his actions. If he had not used his Chat Group to secretly spread throughout many worlds across multiple World Communities, Feng Heng could never have gathered enough merit to prove the Dao so swiftly.
"My third objective is a gift for the benefactor," continued Feng Heng, waving his hand to manifest two golden books.
"The Past and Present Buddha Scroll?"
Wang Wei read Di Tian's memories and learned many interesting things, including a few lost and unique Emperor Scriptures.
However, he did not learn this technique because it was restricted by a power he did not dare deal with.
17:59
"Yes. After becoming enlightened, this poor monk felt these books by a power he did not dare deal with.
"Yes. After becoming enlightened, this poor monk felt these books were destined for the benefactor," added Feng Heng. "Of course, Sir Heavenly Emperor, don't have to worry; these are gifts and have no karmic attachments."
Wang Wei looked at these two Emperor Scriptures. He always felt these three scriptures would be critical to him, but he did not yet know why.
"I'll accept your gift."
"Amitabha," uttered Feng Heng, clasping his hand, showing hesitation in his facial expression.
"There is more?"
"This poor monk has a selfish request."
"If it's selfish, don't ask," replied Wang Wei casually.
Feng Heng sighed deeply, "This poor monk wished his state of mind was pure, devoid of desire and mortal dust. Sadly, this poor monk shoulders a holy mission and cannot separate from this cause."
Wang Wei took a sip of his tea. "How many monks can truly separate themselves from the world, focusing on enlightening on the Dharma and forsaken worldly desires? I bet these types of people are rare, even in the upper dimension."
Feng Heng sighed in agreement.
"What's your request?"
"This poor monk wishes for the benefactor to become the Honorary Buddha of Buddhism."
"Little monk, do you want to tie me to your ship?"
"This is the poor monks' intention," replied Feng Heng as he shook his head. "I don't know much about the upper dimension as the benefactor. However, I can tell the benefactor is already involved in the dispute, and a side has been chosen for you."
Wang Wei did not say anything and continued sipping his tea.
"This poor monk is not trying to blackmail the benefactor or anything of the sort; my only desire is to ensure Buddhism's prosperity."
Wang Wei still did not answer, so Feng Heng continued:
"The benefactor does not need to reveal to the world that he's Buddhism's Honorary Buddha. More importantly, the benefactor can access some of Buddhism's luck with this position."
Wang Wei pondered deeply about Feng Heng's offer. Ever since the revival of Buddhism, he's been thinking about the significance of such an event to someone of Maitreya's level.
Currently, he has a few theories. The first one is that Buddhism's Luck is vital to her. This idea is far-fetched as Wang Wei believed the luck of the Lower Dimension was not that valuable.
However, there is the possibility that the Luck of Buddhism will not be completed until the lower dimension's branch is revived.
The second theory is that she wanted merit, and with the current political balance of the upper dimension, it's not easy to acquire.
Merit is the most magical thing in the universe, almost omnipotent in its utility.
However, the same argument as the first theory: such a small quantity of luck should not be worth it for someone of her caliberâ unless something else is involved. Maybe merit is more valuable to Half-Step Transcendenceâeven in small quantities.
Wang Wei has little to no knowledge about such a level, so he cannot know for sure, leaving his theories with too many variables, loopholes, and incongruities.
The third theory involved her Dao Heart. He knew from Wu Hong the leading cause of Buddhism's downfall was Maitreya. Something went wrong with her during her battle with Taoims, affecting all the Buddhist monks in the Eternal Ascension World.
She affected their mind, making them easily turn extreme. Then, faith became the catalyst for Buddhims's destruction in the lower dimension.
Meanwhile, the branch in the upper dimension survived because of their close proximity to her and the resources available to them.
Wang Wei believes that Maitreya's Dao Heart might be completed after the revival of Buddhism.
The last theory involved the battle between these two suns.
Maitreya's tentacles can now reach the Lower Dimension, allowing her to better influence the Eternal Ascension World and weaken Supreme Unity's power.
All these thoughts flashed in Wang Wei's mind:
'I don't know for sure whether Maitreya can be trusted, but I know for sure Supreme Unity cannot tolerate my existence.'
The revival of the Myriad Emperor World will also cause a flourishing period to the entire lower dimension, which in turn will strengthen True Heavenly Dao's ability to combat Supreme Unity.
Furthermore, he must eliminate these parasites after ascending and allow the upper dimension to return to its peak. So, no matter what, Supreme Unity will not allow him to live.
'I need protection because even if I can become a Paragon as quickly as possible, it will be useless against someone in the HalfStep Transcendence. So, my only choice of survival is to garner her protection.'
Wang Wei frowned:
'No, I have a third option. I can introduce Hongjun, another supposed Half-Step Transcendent, into the game, making more variables.'
Wang Wei's mind became clear as he knew how to proceed after ascending. His main objective is to do whatever is necessary to buy him enough time to reach the same cultivation realm as these primary chess players.
"I accept your offer," said Wang Wei, finally focusing on the monk after a few minutes of pondering. "I'm sure your wish is for Buddhism to become the national religion of the court. However, that cannot be done now."
After making a decision, Wang Wei decided to invest more in Buddhism, even completely turning his back on Taoism; he chose to be no longer as indecisive as before.
Some things require calculated risks. As such, he should not let his fear and insecurities prevent him from acting when necessary.
However, he would not destroy Taoism in the lower dimensionâat least, not now.
He did not want to force Supreme Unity to do something drastic and forcefully attack him while in the Lower Dimension.
Feng Heng's eyes lit up after hearing these words; he previously had a small hope for his plan to succeed. But now, he saw an opportunity and only needed to wait for the correct time.
"Thank you, benefactor; you won't regret your decision."
"I hope so."
Feng Heng swiftly handed him a token to indicate his status.
"This poor monk hopes the benefactor can attain the Western Bliss Sect's opening ceremony."
"I will be there," nodded Wang Wei. The two chatted briefly before choosing a day to discuss the Dao. Finally, Feng Heng left.
Wang Wei looked at the token in his hand. His status as an Honorary Buddha has many downsides but also many upsides.
'My identity cannot be public for now. However, I can use it to get more benefits.'
His eyes squinted as a cunning and ruthless light flashed.
'Although Taoism is my enemy, I can still use them as pawns before I discard them. Furthermore, there is still a chance to turn them away from Supreme Unity.'
Wang Wei understood that his enemy is Supreme Unity, but does not necessarily need to be Taoism. If he plays his cards correctly, they can even be turned into allies.
'There is no need to rush. I can take my time and place more pressure on them. For now, it's still not enough.'
He dropped his blood on the token and instantly refined it.
Immediately, he felt a connection to Buddhism's luck. Although it was young and was recently condensed, Wang Wei could feel its potential.
'I should probably have warned Feng Heng to be wary of these traitors targeting Buddhism in the other world communities,'
thought Wang Wei. 'However, it may not be bad if he suffers a few losses and has to rely more on me.'
He grinned before suddenly raising his head and looked in the distance:
"So soon?" he muttered.
