"Greetings, City Lord!"
As soon as he stepped into the temple, a young novice came forward and greeted him.
These young novices were actually disciples of Xuankong Temple, but even they dared not show the slightest disrespect to Wang Junze. In fact, if one observed closely, one could see a trace of anxiety and fear in their eyes.
There was no way around it. Even these disciples of Xuankong Temple didn't really know what Monk Benyin intended.
If Wang Junze truly clashed with Monk Benyin, regardless of the outcome, they would likely be implicated and find it hard to leave the Nether Sea alive.
"Where is Master Benyin?"
With a calm demeanor, seeming to bear no hostility, Wang Junze politely inquired.
"Master Benyin is in the grand hall, City Lord, please this way!"
With hands joined in front, the young novice immediately led the way.
Waving a hand, Wang Junze indicated to Jing Yuan and the others that they need not follow. Only then did he follow the young novice towards the grand hall.
A moment later, Wang Junze slowly stepped into the grand hall. The doors were not closed, but as soon as Wang Junze entered, a faint Buddha Light shimmered around, completely isolating all sounds and auras, making it impossible for anyone to hear the conversation between the two.
Wang Junze naturally sensed this Buddha Light restriction, but he still showed no reaction. Slightly raising his head, he saw Monk Benyin sitting on a mat on the floor.
"Junior Wang Junze, pays respects to Master Benyin."
With hands joined in front, Wang Junze bowed and then sat down on a mat facing Benyin.
"Wang Tanyue is now renowned throughout the world, yet this poor monk has yet to offer his congratulations."
"Master is too kind, coming back alive is already a stroke of luck."
Pausing for a moment, Wang Junze continued, "Along this path, the Celestial Path Palace and Four Symbols Sect took action one after another, yet Xuankong Temple has consistently abstained from involvement... This, presumably, is much thanks to the master's intercession, for which I owe you my gratitude."
"A monk should not entangle himself with worldly matters, nor vie with the world. To have remained, is already something I should not have done."
Sighing, Monk Benyin continued, "In truth, these days, I have often pondered how I ought to face Wang Tanyue if he returned, but... a resolution eludes me still."
These words also served as a reminder to Wang Junze that there was still a possibility Monk Benyin might take action against him.
Wang Junze naturally caught the implied message, yet he still remained unperturbed, offering a slight smile as he replied, "Master has shown me kindness, and no matter the circumstances, I will always remember this debt of gratitude."
"Furthermore, although I left the Profound Moon Sword Sect, I assure you that I hold no animosity towards Xuankong Temple."
"This poor monk holds no intention of opposing Wang Tanyue either." Sighing, Monk Benyin continued, "Yet the current chaotic state of the world needs no new powers rising, neither the Court nor the Four Great Celestial Sects wish to see it happen. But Wang Tanyue, you first fell to the path of demons, then returned to the Nether Sea... If left unchecked, who knows whether the Nether Sea might become a power to rival the Four Great Celestial Sects."
Only now was the truth laid bare.
The reason the Four Great Celestial Sects successively took action against Wang Junze was not simply because of some agreement with the Court; this was the true root of it all.
"In fact, I never wished to be caught in these struggles."
Looking at Monk Benyin, Wang Junze spoke earnestly, "Sometimes even I don't understand how I ended up in this situation, but I indeed have no way to retreat now."
"The Nether Sea must gain its independence, free from the influence of the Four Great Celestial Sects, free from the Court's control. I do not know what the future of the world holds, but I... need to protect myself, and find a way out for those who follow me and assist me."
With no reservation about his intentions, Wang Junze straightforwardly said, "I can allow the existence of temples, and tolerate monks to continue spreading Buddhist teachings in the Nether Sea, but Xuankong Temple... must withdraw from the Nether Sea."
No matter how amicable the relationship between Wang Junze and Xuankong Temple had been, now he would not allow Xuankong Temple's disciples to remain in the Nether Sea.
He must completely control the Nether Sea, free from any influence, any forces, to ensure the safety of himself and others.
"Wang Tanyue is a prodigious talent, a rare genius in Sword Dao, having recently even slain a Saint. However... if this poor monk were to fully exert himself, it's likely Tanyue would lose."
Looking at Wang Junze, Monk Benyin spoke calmly. His voice was soft, yet full of immense self-assurance.
Even though Wang Junze had just slain Jingchen, he did not doubt the truth of Monk Benyin's words.
"But the master would also pay a heavy price."
Wang Junze earnestly replied, "Most importantly, Xuankong Temple cannot gain any benefit from it."
"The Nether Sea is ultimately a gathering place for demon cultivators. They might accept my leadership over the Nether Sea, but they would certainly never accept Xuankong Temple ruling over the Nether Sea, don't forget, there are demon races within the Nether Sea โ can Xuankong Temple suppress the entire Nether Sea?"
Shaking his head, Wang Junze continued, "Moreover, the Court and other sects may not want to see Xuankong Temple take control of the Nether Sea either."
"Amitabha Buddha!"
Monk Benyin softly uttered a Buddhist chant but did not respond.
"As I've said, I have no ambition, only the desire for self-preservation." Wang Junze softly stated, "I am aware that the laws of heaven and earth are slowly restoring, and it might not be long before a new Divine Domain powerhouse appears โ not a pseudo-Divine Domain hidden within the Secret Realm reaching divinity through an Ancient Supreme Treasure, but a true Divine Domain powerhouse."
In an instant, Monk Benyin suddenly lifted his head, looking at Wang Junze with some disbelief.
This matter was an absolute secret, known to only a few elite members within the Four Great Celestial Sects, and it would never be leaked.
Although Wang Junze's strength had grown rapidly, he was clearly far from the Realm capable of perceiving such changes. How then did he know of this information?
"It seems I guessed correctly."
Seeing Monk Benyin's reaction, Wang Junze's face immediately revealed a radiant smile, as he softly said, "Whether it's the Four Great Celestial Sects or the Court, they are all waiting for this day, correct?"
"..."
"In that case, Master, why not wait a little longer."
Shrugging his shoulders, Wang Junze continued, "If the world is doomed to turbulence, having one more person like me, or one more Nether Sea, should not make much of a difference."
"Amitabha Buddha!"
Joining his hands in front, Monk Benyin looked at Wang Junze with profound meaning before slowly saying, "Wang Tanyue, can you tell this poor monk how you came to know of this matter?"
"I cannot!"
Shaking his head, Wang Junze calmly replied, "But I can assure you, it was neither Master Qu nor the Profound Moon Sword Sect who informed me."
