After letting out a cold snort, Han Mo poured himself another cup of wine, unhurriedly.
With his interruption, the old monk’s carefully cultivated momentum had been utterly disrupted.
“Why doesn’t the benefactor state it plainly? What exactly do you want to ensure you won’t interfere in matters between Buddhism and Taoism?”
Having been suppressed for a long time, the old monk finally gritted his teeth and spoke again.
“Now that’s more like it. When seeking a favor, one should act the part. Since Master has entered the secular world, you should properly study the ways of the world and human relations!”
Seeing the old monk’s softened stance, Han Mo said with a smile.
“According to the benefactor, should I be thanking you then?”
The old monk, gaining a new understanding of Han Mo’s shamelessness, let out a cold snort and said through gritted teeth.
“No need for thanks. The reason I’m willing to sit here and chat with Master is entirely due to our friendship!”
This was a big patron, and even though the old monk still looked as if he wanted to fight Han Mo, Han Mo’s face remained adorned with a faint smile.
“Then I must truly thank the lord for his kind intentions?”
“I think verbal thanks are unnecessary. Master, why not offer something more substantial instead!”
“Very well, I shall listen and see just how great the benefactor’s appetite is!”
Taking several deep breaths, the old monk’s breathing finally stabilized.
When he looked at Han Mo, although there was still a trace of disgust in his eyes, it was much better than before.
“It’s nothing major, really. As long as Master leads the Buddhist disciples to withdraw from Bianliang for three years, I guarantee that this matter will not escalate further!”
“What did you say?”
The moment Han Mo finished speaking, the old monk shot to his feet.
Who knew the immense price they had paid for the Buddhist disciples to openly return to Bianliang City.
Now, with Han Mo opening and closing his mouth, they were being asked to cede Bianliang, the capital of the Great Song dynasty. It would be truly a miracle if the old monk were willing!
“Why is Master getting so agitated? It’s just a city, Bianliang. Open your eyes and look at Bianliang, this city is filled with filth everywhere, what’s so worth clinging to? The world is vast, where can Buddhist disciples not find refuge? Why must you lead them into this cesspool?”
Seeing the old monk’s furious expression, Han Mo said dismissively.
“What a cesspool, what a filthy place. If it is such a filthy place, then why can’t the Taoist priests yield it?”
Hearing Han Mo’s preposterous words, the old monk’s teeth were almost ground to dust.
“If Master speaks of it this way, then I think we have nothing more to discuss. I suggest you both rely on your own capabilities and settle your disputes. As for how you end up, that has nothing to do with me!”
Seeing the old monk’s intensely strong reaction, Han Mo simply spread his hands and sat back down in the chair beside him.
“There is no room for negotiation. The Buddhist sect has paid too much to return to Bianliang City!”
Gritting his teeth fiercely, the old monk stated resolutely once more.
“Then let’s not negotiate. You’ve even lost Xiangguo Temple. I truly don’t know how many more ancient temples Master plans to lose next?”
Since the old monk was resistant to gentle persuasion, Han Mo’s attitude naturally became even more unyielding.
“Is the young official threatening me?”
The old monk’s expression instantly turned grim.
“I am not threatening Master. I am merely stating a fact. Master should also know that the art of feng shui and geomancy is profound and vast. The nation’s destiny requires a sufficiently large dragon vein to suppress it! This formation eye can be set within Bianliang City, or it can be set anywhere in the world!”
“For example, I think Mount Wutai is a very good location!”
“That is the dojo of Manjusri Bodhisattva!”
The old monk’s voice suddenly turned sharp.
“That is where the dragon脉 of the Great Song is located!”
Han Mo showed no intention of backing down, retorting sharply.
“You!”
Looking at the faint smile on Han Mo’s face, the old monk trembled all over. His once slightly ruddy face turned utterly pale.
“Master, you must understand that imperial power currently stands with the Taoist sect. For Buddhism to survive, you must obediently lower your heads and wait for the opportune moment!”
Even though the old monk was so furious he was about to ascend to heaven and be reborn, Han Mo showed no intention of letting him off, continuing his incessant chatter.
“Benefactor, do you not fear retribution for so meticulously scheming against my Buddhist sect!”
Although the old monk’s fists were clenched so tightly they made cracking sounds, he understood that anger solved nothing. Karma and retribution seemed to be his last resort.
“Master, your Buddhist sect advocates karma and retribution. Even the Buddha himself said that everything in this world is predetermined. Then what I am doing now is simply the manifestation of the evil karma sown by the Buddhist sect in the past, isn’t it?”
Han Mo said with utmost seriousness, looking at the old monk gnashing his teeth.
“You!”
It was only now that the old monk truly believed that it was possible to die of sheer anger.
Just like at this moment, he felt that if he were to remain in the room with this fellow, at most another incense stick’s time, he would be angered to death by this brat.
Alas, the old monk still couldn’t understand why such a shameless person existed in this world.
“Alright, Master, you are currently in a fit of rage and will surely do something irrational. I think it’s best that we end our conversation here for today!”
“I will continue to drink my wine, and Master can return to calm down and properly ponder the conditions I have offered! Once you have thought it through, perhaps we can continue our discussion!”
Listening to the old monk’s increasingly heavy breathing, Han Mo was genuinely worried that the fellow might be angered to death by him.
“The Buddhist sect will absolutely not yield. If the benefactor insists on proceeding, then Bianliang City will be drenched in blood!”
“Master, think carefully, speaking harshly requires qualification. With those baldasses under your command, do you have the right to say such things? This is Bianliang City, this is the capital of the Great Song. Beneath this prosperous scenery lies the million strong Imperial Guard of the Great Song!”
“Do you wish for the world to no longer have the name of Buddhism?”