Chapter 382
The battle and debate stretched on for a full week. At first, the scattered Buddhist temples confined themselves to verbal sparring, but the tension quickly devolved into shoving matches and then into open skirmishes.
Naturally, none of these clashes occurred within the city walls—they played out in the untamed wilderness beyond.
After several inconclusive engagements, the situation spiraled out of control. An eminent monk from the Iron Buddha Temple was ambushed and accidentally injured. The wound appeared minor at first, but upon his return it deteriorated rapidly and ultimately claimed his life.
It was like kicking a hornet's nest. Tensions ignited.
Lin Hui had originally intended to fan the flames from the shadows, but events outpaced even his expectations.
He had just brought his disciples back to Xidong City. Still on the road, he received a Wind Chime transmission: Juehui, the brainwashed abbot of the Red Sand Temple, reported that both the Iron Buddha Temple and the Yongning Temple were now genuinely enraged. Rumor had it that Human Immortals and Earth Immortals had entered the fray.
He immediately sent his disciples ahead on their own and went alone.
He had originally planned to visit the Women's Sports University to collect precious medicines, but it seemed he might accomplish his goals here first.
One thousand li east of Liujiang City.