Chapter 1091: Welcoming the Crown PrinceChapter 900: More to Discuss

Putting down his teacup, Li Chen looked at the old monk opposite him and said calmly, "Those who ruin a country are not born overnight. It can even be accomplished within a generation. Even if something starts with good intentions, since it's ruled by people, there is no way to avoid problems in the thinking of subsequent inheritors."

"Our founding emperor imposed laws on all religions throughout the land. As his descendants, we absolutely cannot change course on this."

The old monk frowned slightly.

From Li Chen's attitude, he sensed that the task at hand was very difficult.

But thinking about the increasingly diminished Buddhist world in recent years, there are some things he has to say and some things he has to do.

With a soft sigh, the old monk said, "Your Highness, since you are willing to sit down and talk with this poor monk about these matters, then there must be other ways to handle this."

Li Chen chuckled lightly and said, "Indeed."

"May I ask, Master, is it Southern Shaolin or Northern Shaolin"

The Buddhist sect of the Qin Empire, with Shaolin as its leader, but Shaolin was divided into north and south, which are completely different concepts.

Although they both venerate the same Buddha, their thoughts differ greatly.

The old monk did not conceal anything, saying: "My dharma name is Jiewang, and I practice the Mahayana Buddhist teachings."

Bei Shaolin practices Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the salvation of all beings.

while Nan Shaolin practices the Lesser Vehicle Buddhist teachings, emphasizing first saving oneself before saving others.

There is no distinction of high or low between Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana Buddhism, only differences in thought.

But when it comes to concrete actions, the differences become much more apparent.

As for the name "Ji Wang," Li Chen didn't have much of a feeling about it.

It was the three treasures behind him who twitched their eyelids upon hearing this.

Leaning in slightly, Sanbao whispered into Licen's ear: "Monks of the Jiezi generation are at least a hundred years old, if not older. If my calculations are correct, he should be the last one left of that generation. His seniority is terrifyingly high; even the current abbot of Shaolin Temple in both the north and south would have to address him as Master Ancestor."

One hundred...

Li Chen exclaimed.

The old monk before him should be the first centenarian monster he had seen with his own eyes in two lifetimes.

He had seen those centenarians on TV before, but no matter how healthy and vigorous they were, their teeth would have fallen out and their faces would be wrinkled. But the person in front of him, Jie Wangque, seemed to defy the laws of nature. Not only did he have all his teeth, but looking at the radiance of his skin, he appeared healthier than most seventy-year-olds.

The next thing San Bao said piqued Li Chen's interest even more.

"Shaolin's split was based on the Buddhist monk lineages, or "jiezi". This Jiewang before us should be the only high monk who witnessed Shaolin's division. Whether it's Southern Shaolin or Northern Shaolin, they respect seniority and would all revere him."

Since the split, the Northern and Southern Shaolin sects have not been on good terms. While they may not be outright enemies, they certainly don't see eye to eye. Due to their differing philosophies and ideologies, there is little room for reconciliation. If there had been any willingness to compromise, the millennia-old Shaolin tradition might never have reached a point of division.

But this old monk in front of me, able to simultaneously exert great influence on both the north and south Shaolin Temples, then his value skyrockets.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Chen spoke, "Laws are absolute. This palace cannot possibly change them. Not to mention the immense resistance from the court, even Taoism would not stand idly by. This palace does not wish for further complications, and Master should understand this."

Jiěwàng nodded and said, "That's as it should be."

With a smile, Li Chen continued, "But outside the law lies custom. This palace can promise the Master that in the future, for all Buddhist temples throughout the land, when holding gatherings, Dharma platforms, or other Buddhist academic exchange activities, although the government will still review them, in principle, they will not refuse."caused by the loss of blood. He said, "Your Highness has been so kind to me, I have no regrets even in death."“You protected me well, you are my savior. These are all deserved.”Li Chen said gently, "B...