Since they couldn't join their corruption, they could only be eliminated as dissidents.
Fortunately, Wutian's situation provided the perfect excuse.
As both the Buddha's Child of Lionheart Temple and the most talented individual in contemporary Buddhism, once he was taken down, Lionheart Temple would undoubtedly suffer devastating damage.
Moreover, it would indirectly affect Lionheart Temple's relationships with both the 749 Bureau and Lu Ding.
After all, everyone now knew that Wutian's enlightenment had come entirely because of Corpse-Shattering Taishui Lu Ding.
Additionally, Wutian's origins were connected to that 'Holy Monk' who wore the patchwork robe.
Among those who had tried to seize the patchwork robe were the abbots of both Purple Cloud Temple and Golden Dragon Temple.
They genuinely coveted that patchwork robe, but unfortunately, Lionheart Temple had interfered back then, and when the 749 Bureau got involved, the situation became too explosive to continue.
Now that Wutian was in trouble, that ordinary old monk—a commoner who wore the patchwork robe—would have no choice but to come begging to them?
Considering all factors together, there were both fresh grievances and old grudges, mixed with both envy and fear.These old monks, each one cunning from decades of experience, would remain inactive until they decided to strike—and when they did, they would scheme to settle multiple matters at once.
The Buddha's Enemy designation was merely the starting point—after all, it was just a concept nobody truly understood. But this label was enormously powerful, almost impossible to refute through proper, legal, or compliant means.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense.
Amid the war of words, the abbot of Purple Cloud Temple delivered what he believed would be the final blow.
Pointing angrily at Wutian, he declared, "No matter how you try to argue, his status as Buddha's Enemy has been confirmed! Since it's confirmed, he must receive purification! We've already compromised by sparing his life!!!"
"Are you expecting us to simply let him roam free and cause unimaginable consequences!!!"
"One concession after another—is complete inaction what you truly want?!"
Wutian glared furiously at Yuanzhen. "Since when can Buddha's teachings not be questioned? Are they infallible?!"
Yuanzhen retorted, "You are a monk. Your duty is to follow Buddhist scriptures, not to question Buddha's doctrines."
Wutian shot back, "Weren't Buddha's teachings translated and conveyed through human interpretation? How can we be certain they're completely accurate and free from error?!"
Yuanzhen countered, "Everything you have comes from Buddhism. Now you question Buddha? Setting aside your assumptions, your character itself is flawed!"
Wutian responded, "Now you're attacking my character? Weren't you the ones who made assumptions about me first?!"
Yuanzhen demanded, "I ask you—do you submit to Buddha's teachings or not?!"
Wutian shouted, "I DO NOT SUBMIT!!!!!!!!!!"
The two exchanged words without pause, going back and forth until Wutian finally voiced the conviction he had never concealed—he couldn't bring himself to hide it anyway.
He truly did not submit!
After receiving such treatment, how could he possibly submit?
But in this context, as a monk, refusing to submit to Buddha—regardless of reason—meant you were fundamentally problematic.
As Wutian's final three words hung in the air, the Main Buddha Hall fell completely silent.
Yuanzhen's eyes blazed with fury like an angry Vajra deity, his voice thunderous as he proclaimed, "Send the Buddha's Enemy Wutian into the Demon Suppression Cave!!!!"
"Amitabha."
The abbot of Lionheart Temple, Master Kongshi, spoke with a lion's roar, his kasaya sliding from his shoulders.
"Today I resign from my position as abbot of Lionheart Temple. Kongshi is no longer the abbot of Lionheart Temple—Kongshi is merely Wutian's teacher. Whoever wishes to touch my disciple must first get through me!!!"
Rip!!!
Deputy Director Ji tore off his shoulder insignia.
"You accuse me of abusing official power? Fine! I now protect Wutian in my personal capacity! Does anyone object?!"
The tension escalated dramatically, thick with the scent of impending violence.
Looking at his teacher and Deputy Director Ji standing protectively before him, Wutian lowered his head silently and smiled helplessly.
His teacher was no longer abbot. Ji Tai was no longer deputy director.
Just the two of them alone—how could they possibly stand against such an impressive opposing lineup?
They would only add to their injuries.
They had already done so much for him—this was the ultimate expression of loyalty and affection. How could Wutian bear to let them get hurt for his sake?
Just as both sides were about to clash, Wutian spoke in a calm, measured tone: "I am willing to enter the Demon Suppression Cave."
Deputy Director Ji and Master Kongshi both turned to look at him in disbelief.
This statement also made Purple Cloud Temple's Yuanzhen and Golden Dragon Temple's Jinglong pause their intended attacks.
"Entering the Demon Suppression Cave means nine deaths out of ten chances—maybe even certain death! Don't be foolish!!"
"Disciple, you........"
Wutian looked at his teacher for a long moment.
Sometimes, what passes through eyes conveys more than words ever could.
Red veins crept across his eyeballs.
Finally, Wutian turned away with tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Teacher. Your disciple can no longer fulfill his filial duties to you."
Then he looked toward Deputy Director Ji.
"Please tell Lu Ding for me—tell him this little monk cannot keep our appointment. Having him as a friend has been the greatest honor of my life."
"If ten years from now, this little monk still lives, I will personally apologize for breaking our agreement today."
Struggling under the weight of his shackles, Wutian walked around the two men.
He straightened his posture as much as possible. "Come! Send me into the cave!!!!"
"Wutian!!" Master Kongshi tried to step forward.
Even if he couldn't win, he would still fight—he couldn't just watch Wutian walk to his death.
Wutian immediately turned back and shouted, "Teacher!!!"
He also couldn't bear to watch his teacher throw an egg against a stone and give them more leverage. Lionheart Temple was already having difficult times—if Master Kongshi acted impulsively today...
No one could predict what would become of Lionheart Temple afterward.
Just as Lingshun 749 had gained momentum from their achievements in the national conflict and was about to reform Lingshun's Buddhist community—just as better days were coming for Lionheart Temple—Wutian truly couldn't bear to further deplete the temple's already limited strength.
This place... was his home.
Master Kongshi halted at Wutian's shout.
He stood frozen in place as if separated by an incredibly solid, invisible wall.
He could only watch helplessly as Wutian was taken toward the Demon Suppression Cave.
This was the problem with being too honest a monk.
He followed step by step.
Finally stopping before the Demon Suppression Cave.
Watching as the cavern opened, demonic energy surged toward the sky, and a foul wind blew forth.
Wutian stepped inside, one foot already crossing the threshold.
Deputy Director Ji anxiously watched the sky. "Lu Ding! Hurry!!!"
He glanced at Wutian again.
Damn it, never mind!!!
Every second he could delay mattered!!!
He suddenly erupted into action. "Stop!!!!"
Spreading his arms wide to intervene.
Unfortunately, Purple Cloud Temple's abbot Yuanzhen instantly blocked his path.
Revealing his Heavenly Perception cultivation level, he firmly held Deputy Director Ji at bay.
"Amitabha, Deputy Director Ji, this old monk repeats—this is an internal Buddhist matter."
By now, Wutian had already entered the cave.
He turned around.
Standing in darkness, looking toward the light.
The restraining seals on both sides slowly began to close.
"Grand Duke Lu, this little monk takes his leave first. We shall meet again another day........"
Before he could finish, a tremendous force roared from the horizon—dark clouds pressed down upon the city as all light in heaven and earth was drawn toward a source of darkness. A Sin Dragon soared amid rolling black mist.
Amid this apocalyptic scene, Lu Ding arrived—holding a long blade charged with power in one hand while supporting a black sun with the other.
Though still kilometers away, his voice arrived as if he stood right beside them.
Right in front of the bodycams!
Lu Ding declared these words:
"749 Bureau monitoring the Great Han! Purple Cloud Temple's Yuanzhen, you defy supervision, secretly administer private punishment, obstruct law enforcement, and manipulate justice! I order you to stand where you are and surrender immediately! If you dare resist arrest, you will be executed on the spot!!!!"
As his words arrived, so did he—and so did his attack.
Lu Ding raised his blade and unleashed the Way of the Jinche that he had been charging throughout his journey.