Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 846

In the year 8022 of the Blue Star Xia calendar, the Lingjing Star.

Within a room in Modern City, Fa Kong was seated upright. Before him, a VR technology video projection created an immersive experience.

This projection displayed a documentary detailing the transformation of Lingjing Star over several decades.

The documentary opened by depicting a traditional society on Lingjing Star, characterized by Buddhist cultivators, numerous temples, and individuals whose appearances, captured on camera, suggested hardship—ragged clothing, thin frames, and vacant expressions.

Subsequently, cultivators from Blue Star arrived. They confronted and defeated the Buddhist cultivators, demolished the temples, confiscated all the farmland, and redistributed it amongst the populace. Amidst the people's evident apprehension, teams of workers also made their appearance.

These workers utilized advanced machinery to construct roads and bridges, establish water systems, and vigorously introduce their innovative fertilizers.

The subsequent harvest yielded an unprecedented bounty. Fa Kong observed the astonishment on the faces of the local inhabitants. Even more remarkable was the minimal taxation imposed by the Blue Star inhabitants, leaving the majority of the food produce for the people. For many, this marked the first time they experienced satiety, leading them to kneel and offer worship to the Blue Star individuals with a devotion surpassing any they had shown to idols.

A significant societal shift followed. The Blue Star individuals initiated the establishment of schools and marketplaces, enacted stringent laws, and clearly defined the populace's rights and responsibilities.

The educational curriculum introduced novel knowledge, while the goods available in the stores were abundant and affordably priced, making them accessible even to the impoverished. The previous apathy displayed by the people gradually receded, replaced by an increase in smiles.

Following this, the documentary presented an ever-expanding array of marvels: streets illuminated by electric lights, the presence of automobiles, and the establishment of factories within the town. An increasing number of individuals transitioned from agricultural pursuits to factory employment, achieving incomes substantially greater than their farming yields.

Students graduating from the schools pursued diverse paths, with some advancing to higher education, others entering factory work, and a portion becoming technical specialists in various fields. The overall environment was one of burgeoning prosperity.

After viewing the sixteen-hour documentary, Fa Kong's expression became one of bewilderment once more, as he was aware that nothing within the film was fabricated.

This certainty stemmed from his own observations. Over the preceding two years, he had accompanied a cultivator named Zhang Qing on journeys through sixteen cities and hundreds of villages on Lingjing Star, witnessing and hearing events that were even more astonishing than those depicted in the documentary.

"Master Fa Kong, would you care for some water?"

Zhang Qing deactivated the projector, illuminated the room, and offered Fa Kong a glass of water.

"Thank you, Zhang," Fa Kong replied.

"How was the documentary? I have over twenty additional documentaries, all focusing on the societal transformations on Lingjing Star, but each from a distinct viewpoint. Some narrate from the perspective of former Buddhist cultivators, others delve into the lives of the impoverished common folk, and some highlight agriculture, handicrafts, and the cultural industries. Would you be interested in viewing them?"

"Perhaps another time," Fa Kong deferred.

"Master Fa Kong, would you be open to a discussion on Buddhist teachings with me?"

"You?" Fa Kong questioned.

"Indeed, it is I. Please do not dismiss me. Although my cultivation has reached the late Nascent Soul stage, I am recognized as one of the most adept in Buddhist teachings on both Lingjing Star and Blue Star, possessing a profound comprehension of your Buddhist philosophies."

Zhang Qing conveyed this with a certainty born from his past successes in theological debates, where he had decisively defeated formidable Buddhist cultivators from Lingjing Star.

"I understand your underlying intention," Fa Kong stated.

"Yes, I acknowledge your status as a devout monk, yet certain truths must be articulated. In contrast to the methods of Buddhist practice prevalent on Lingjing Star, it is arguable that we are the true practitioners of Buddhism."

"I cannot concur with that assertion," Fa Kong responded.

"Master, what grounds do you have for disagreement? While we may not adhere to traditional Buddhist practices, our actions yield immense positive outcomes. These impoverished individuals are not fated to perpetual hardship due to past-life transgressions. Through our endeavors, we demonstrate the fallacy of your theory on Buddhist cultivators. True happiness can be forged through our own efforts."

For decades, we have governed Lingjing Star. Our administration has been devoid of deception; we have neither misled nor oppressed the people of Lingjing Star. Their quality of life under our governance is exponentially superior to what they experienced under your Buddhist cultivators.

"Or do you steadfastly maintain that their suffering was predestined, and only your order holds true authority?"

"..."

"Perhaps the Master hails from a humble background."

"That is correct," Fa Kong confirmed.

"I surmised as much; otherwise, the Master would not exhibit such profound empathy towards these individuals. Their circumstances warrant confrontation with tangible solutions, not merely passive listening."

Zhang Qing stated, "Perhaps only through personal experience can one truly empathize. For those born into affluence, understanding such sentiments is inherently difficult."

"Master, at times, we must truly ponder our objectives. Whether it is adhering to the Buddhist path or pursuing immortality, ascending to become an immortal and achieving eternal life is undeniably our ultimate aim. However, we ought not to seek eternal life merely for the sake of existence. In this world, individuals are bound by numerous connections. If one possesses nothing at all, how do they differ from a mere stone?"

"The stone by the doorway, based on our analyses, is estimated to have formed millions of years ago. Its existence is certainly long enough, wouldn't you agree? But what significance does it hold? Does Master truly aspire to be that stone…"

Zhang Qing continued to articulate his unique perspective, unafraid of any logical flaws in his reasoning. His words were laden with concealed traps, designed to ensnare Fa Kong. As long as Fa Kong chose to engage, Zhang Qing was confident he could present arguments that would leave him utterly speechless.

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"Zhang Qing indeed possesses considerable talent; he has managed to confound the esteemed monks from the Bodhisattva Realm."

"Shiyi, is Zhang Qing merely deceiving them?"

Shiyi spoke these words before Liang Long, who then turned to question him.

"Isn't he?"

"Shiyi, you are mistaken."

"Liang Long, what do you imply? Kindly elaborate."

"It's quite straightforward. Given Fa Kong's abilities, he would surely detect even the slightest pretense. The crucial element here is sincerity, do you grasp the concept of sincerity?"

Liang Long asserted that Zhang Qing was not feigning sincerity; his actions were entirely genuine. This, he explained, was the most unsettling aspect. Had it been a mere ploy, it would have been uncovered long ago.

"That is preposterous. When I resided on Blue Star, I interacted with ordinary individuals. Their lives were fraught with immense suffering. Many even expressed a desire not to have children, fearing their offspring would be born into a world of hardship."

"Each situation is distinct. Societal development occurs at varying stages and possesses different requirements. Prior to Lingjing Star, mere sustenance and warmth constituted the pinnacle of happiness for its inhabitants; they harbored no loftier material aspirations. Blue Star, in contrast, represents a significantly advanced societal stratum."

"Ah, I comprehend! It is a disparity in information. Such an informational void has managed to perplex a Buddhist cultivator from the Bodhisattva Realm. I can only express my admiration."

Shiyi smiled, remarking that this particular issue was not particularly difficult to unravel; Liang Long's assessment was accurate.

"One might describe it as an information gap, yet our actions are not inherently wrong. Zhang Qing is correct; in comparison to the Buddhist world, we are the true benefactors."

"Haha, the great benefactor who has taken countless lives."

"You too have ended many lives, and you will undoubtedly claim even more in the future. Fa Kong is exceptionally powerful, possibly surpassing the previous Kong Yan. They originate from the grand world of Buddhist cultivators. Their movements are swift; we must ensure Zhang Qing occupies him."

"What is the progress at the factory? Can the Space Battleship be completed?"

"It is ready, but it will require some time to achieve operational status. We are severely understaffed, and there is a shortage of skilled laborers. Opening the cross-border teleportation array to Blue Star as soon as possible would be ideal. Otherwise, our chances of victory will be slim."

Liang Long observed that Lingjing Star's foundation was excessively fragile, their timeframe far too constrained, and the Buddhist cultivators were advancing with alarming rapidity. They had anticipated the arrival of these formidable beings hundreds of years hence, yet they appeared within mere decades.

If the cross-border teleportation array cannot be established, Liang Long would genuinely be compelled to lead his people into becoming interstellar pirates. After all, he had no intention of capitulating alongside Lingjing Star in their final moments, but becoming an interstellar pirate was not his current preference.