Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 829

In the 7822nd year of the Xia calendar on Blue Star, a significant event occurred. The arrival of a transport spaceship from Jiang Star brought a colossal 80 million tons of diverse supplies, offering crucial relief to Blue Star.

With these abundant provisions, Lin Jiang found himself with considerably more latitude for action. Despite the heavy casualties sustained in the recent conflict, a victory, albeit a costly one, had been achieved. Following such a triumph, the natural course was to acknowledge contributions and provide solace.

Prior to this, Lin Jiang had already initiated significant personnel changes within Huaxia, particularly filling the numerous vacancies that had arisen from the recent battles. However, the material compensation accompanying these appointments was notably scarce.

Virtually all available resources had been channeled into post-war reconstruction efforts, and even now, vast regions remained in a state of disrepair, awaiting restoration.

Regarding material recompense, Lin Jiang had consistently advised patience, referencing the future influx of resources from Jiang Star. Now that these much-anticipated supplies had arrived, failing to distribute them would undoubtedly lead to discontent among the populace.

"News regarding Ye Chen indicates a substantial overhaul of Jiang Star's senior administration. The forthcoming shipment of supplies via transport ships is projected to weigh no less than one hundred million tons. A minimum quality standard will be enforced to preclude the delivery of substandard materials. Furthermore, Ye Chen has pledged a gradual increase in this quantity, aiming to maximize the transport ships' capacity."

"Consequently, Ye Chen will now shoulder significant responsibility."

"Indeed, the intricate web of relationships between Jiang Star's leadership and Huaxia is complex. Ye Chen currently finds himself in a precarious, isolated position."

"Have these supplies been distributed yet?"

"They have been. The populace eagerly anticipates them, so the distribution has been swift. We are currently deliberating on the expediency of dispatching immigration vessels."

"There is no necessity for that. Jiang Star's population has already surpassed ten million and is capable of independent growth. Blue Star has experienced a population deficit exceeding ten percent due to the recent conflict, rendering further immigration redundant. If empty ships are dispatched, they will return barren."

Lin Jiang expressed his dissent with a shake of his head. The initial plan for immigration was to alleviate overcrowding in Huaxia and facilitate the development of Jiang Star. Over eight million individuals had been relocated there. The original objective was to transfer thirty million, but circumstances had evolved. Moreover, with Jiang Star's population now exceeding ten million, they possessed the capacity for self-sustaining growth, negating the need for further immigration.

"In that case, I shall convey this decision and request the prompt return of the transport ships."

"Very well. Also, remind them to exercise caution, as Buddhist cultivators continue to traverse the vastness of space."

Lin Jiang acknowledged the inherent risks, including the possibility of interception by Buddhist cultivators. However, he deemed the probability low, given the immense scale of the universe. Without prior knowledge of the specific transit routes, successful interception would be exceedingly difficult.

"My primary concern, even more so than Buddhist cultivators, is the 'Buddha Seed' phenomenon. Currently, we have no leads on the seven individuals who surrendered themselves; their manifestations appear to be random. Yet, it is certain that Blue Star harbors more than just seven individuals with Buddha Seeds."

Cao Ying elaborated that over the past few months, seven individuals had voluntarily come forward to the Blue Star authorities. During their cultivation practices, they reported experiencing visions of a 'Buddha Master' within their minds, accompanied by incessant chanting of scriptures, a development that had profoundly alarmed the authorities.

Cao Ying had personally investigated these cases and found no apparent anomalies. She admitted bewilderment as to how these mental imprints were being formed, noting that her own spiritual senses seemed incapable of dispelling the visions.

"There are undoubtedly far more than seventy-seven thousand. Our current proactive measures are insufficient; we must intensify efforts to encourage individuals to come forward voluntarily. The imperative is to ensure that those implanted with Buddha Seeds report themselves. Should the Buddha Seed mature fully, the sacrifices of our predecessors would have been in vain."

"Is there truly nothing Xia Qingshan can do?"

"That individual is utterly incompetent."

Lin Jiang openly voiced his condemnation of Xia Qingshan. While everyone else was actively addressing the issue, he remained incapable of rectifying the situation. His ineffectiveness was beyond dispute.

·········

Within the confines of the Spiritual Energy Research Institute, Liang Long was immersed in meditation, his spirit having long since departed his physical form to explore his sea of consciousness.

In this ethereal realm of his consciousness, a 'Buddha Master' persistently recited scriptures. However, these incantations had no discernible effect on Liang Long, who found himself on the verge of boredom.

"Listen, if you're going to keep droning on with these lengthy and monotonous scriptures, you might as well cease. I'm considering eliminating you."

Liang Long's patience finally wore thin. After nearly a year of enduring the Buddha Master's recitations, he could now repeat them mechanically, devoid of any new insight. If no new development occurred, he resolved to take decisive action.

Immediately after Liang Long voiced his frustration, a resplendent beam of light silently penetrated the Spiritual Energy Research Institute and entered Liang Long's being. Within his sea of consciousness, the 'Buddha Master' suddenly opened its eyes.

"Amitabha, Benefactor Liang, this humble monk has arrived."

"Finally able to speak, how tedious. Hurry, what other tricks do you possess?"

"No need, you are truly a person beyond laws; I cannot assist you."

The revered Buddha Master once proclaimed that within a year, he could personally transform others, even turning a stubborn rock into something else. Yet, Liang Long remained unchanged, and the Buddha Master realized such a person as Liang Long was beyond help.

This was because, to this day, Liang Long had shown no discernible weaknesses. He had witnessed terrifying phenomena, but Liang Long felt no fear. The Buddha Master had even conjured heartwarming moments for Liang Long, yet he remained unfazed.

Covetousness, wrath, delusion, affection, aversion, and desire seemed incapable of affecting Liang Long. This peculiarity piqued the Buddha Master's immense curiosity, compelling his personal appearance.

"Indeed, your methods are formidable; it is merely unfortunate you encountered me."

Liang Long conveyed his genuine admiration for the Buddha Master. The illusions conjured by the Buddha Master, coupled with the teachings within the scriptures, possessed the power to captivate almost everyone in the world.

The sole reason he could not be aided was his exceptionally unique nature. Liang Long's intellect was so profound that he identified numerous flaws within those illusions. As for the scriptures, he could logically deconstruct them, rendering them entirely unappealing and leaving him with no inclination to even engage.

"To encounter you is the supreme fortune of this humble monk."

"Are you the Buddha Master of Ling Star?"

"Yes and no, I am merely a Soul Fragment."

"A mere Soul Fragment wields such power; I am astonished. How potent is your true self?"

"You shall discover when you journey to Ling Star. Upon your arrival, you can attain true Buddhahood, unburdened by constraints, and revel in absolute liberation."

"Are you asserting your return? Do I truly value a true Buddha?"

Liang Long scoffed; he was undeniably a proud individual. A mere true Buddha held no appeal to warrant his subservience. Naturally, he harbored no thoughts of betrayal, only considerations of choice.

"Perhaps you are unaware of the path beyond achieving Dao. The trials that follow are immense. Once you reach Blue Star, your trajectory will be severed. You must confront the heavenly tribulation with but two options: first, depart from Blue Star; second, usurp the heavenly path of Blue Star. However, I doubt your capability to replace it, and leaving Blue Star leaves you with nowhere to go. Even that heavenly path will not permit your departure."

"Ultimately, you desire my reliance upon you."

"My Buddhist path diverges from your cultivation system. Buddhism is truly boundless in its compassion. I can bestow upon you a position of great accomplishment, granting you a planet as your domain. You can continue to flourish, unravel the most profound secrets of this world, and experience unparalleled wonders."

"Can we perhaps opt for something novel? This particular approach is rather uninspired."

"Truth requires few words. Are you aware that you bear the imprint of Blue Star's great Dao, jeopardizing your life and safety..."

"I am aware, and have been for a considerable time."

"Ah..."

"You, possessing only a Soul Fragment, grasp my peculiar nature. Would not he understand as well? I harbor no fear."

"·····"

"Therefore, if your capabilities are limited to this extent, I shall cease this engagement. It is becoming tiresome."

Liang Long stated this with utmost sincerity. Were he disinclined to witness the supposed prowess of this Buddha Master, he could effortlessly annihilate this Buddha Seed, could he not?

"I underestimated you; allow me to reiterate: you are, without question, a person unbound by rules. You disregard the edicts of Buddha, Dao, or the great Dao, do you not?"

"Naturally. I aspire to be the pinnacle. My diligent self-improvement is not for the purpose of serving as anyone's subordinate. I yearn for genuine freedom, the liberty to act as I please without any restrictions. For the present, I am content to be a follower of Blue Star, but should the desire to depart arise, I can do so instantaneously."

Liang Long revealed his diverse aspirations, which included becoming a space pirate, achieving the status of the world's most brilliant mind, and embodying perfection.

The specific actions he undertakes are secondary; his willingness is paramount. If he resolves to pursue an endeavor, he possesses the capacity to achieve it.

"Amitabha."

The Buddha Master found himself at a loss for words. True freedom and profound independence represent truly monumental aspirations, far exceeding the ambitions of kings or rulers.

"Refrain from anxiety, and do not flee. Your presence here is intriguing. When my weariness with Blue Star sets in, I shall journey to Lingjing Star, and subsequently to Ling Star, to engage with you further."

Liang Long perceived that the Buddha Master harbored an inclination to abscond, prompting him to immediately remark on the Buddha Master's surprising lack of capability in managing the current predicament, despite his purported omnipotence.

Naturally, Liang Long's curiosity was extensively drawn to the Buddha Master's abilities. Based on his deductions, the Buddha Master resembled the very concept of Blue Star's heavenly law. Strictly speaking, he was not an entity within the three-dimensional realm but rather a being from a higher dimension. Therefore, did such beings possess distinct proficiencies, such as an understanding of space and time? These were the very questions that fascinated him.