Chapter 354: Bodhisattva of Joy
As one of the Six Great Sects, the Buddhist Sect’s strength far surpassed that of the Joyous Sect. Yet the Joyous Sect remained unafraid of them.
Even Buddhists must follow reason. Preaching abstinence and desirelessness right across from us? That’s nothing short of provocation.
Our Joyous Sect isn’t to be trifled with either!
Thus Jiang Li witnessed a peculiar scene – on one side, Buddhist hymns purified minds and urged people toward monastic life, while on the other, seductive whispers promised carnal pleasures and yin-yang union.
Below the Joyous Sect’s recruitment platform, a female cultivator seemed swayed. Hesitantly raising her hand, she expressed interest in joining the Joyous Sect.
A beautiful Unity Stage cultivator approached, asking gently, “Child, why do you wish to join our sect?”
“Because the Joyous Sect is a major sect… and I could never renounce worldly desires.”
“Don’t you find cultivating the Joyous Arts somewhat… embarrassing?”
The female cultivator replied, “Not at all. Male-female union is part of nature’s order – why defy it? The Joyous Arts were born from this philosophy. They align with cosmic principles – there’s nothing improper about practicing them.”
The Unity Stage cultivator pressed, “But you’d have to… unite with many male cultivators. Are you truly comfortable with that?”
“Of course! I’m more loving than most. I could love every male cultivator – give them all a warm home.”
Guided by the elder’s questions, the young cultivator gradually recognized and accepted her true nature.
Nodding with a smile, the elder said, “You’ve attained enlightenment. You may join my Bodhisattva of Joy lineage.”
Overjoyed, the recruit exclaimed, “Thank you, Bodhisattva… wait, Bodhisattva of Joy?”
“Amitabha. This humble nun is the Buddhist Sect’s Bodhisattva of Joy.”
Meng Youyou noticed something amiss and stormed over, shielding the recruit. “Not content with opposing us, you’re actually poaching disciples from our platform now?!”
The Bodhisattva of Joy practiced with flowing hair – lustrous black strands cascaded over her shoulders, while fine silks accentuated her graceful curves. Her fair skin bore a delicate blush, and her eyes brimmed with tenderness, starkly different from ascetic nuns.
Without monastic robes, everyone had assumed she was a Joyous Sect elder.
Calmly pressing palms together, the Bodhisattva said, “Lady Meng, I’ve confirmed with Penglai Immortal Isle – you rented the platform, not the space before it. I’m perfectly entitled to recruit here.”
Meng Youyou nearly choked with rage.
If the abstinent Bodhisattva Xiangxiang was the Joyous Sect’s natural opposite, this pleasure-embracing Bodhisattva of Joy was their direct competitor.
Meng Youyou clashed with both Buddhist bodhisattvas.
An outlier among Buddhists, the Bodhisattva of Joy sought liberation not in the afterlife but in “this life.” Rather than renouncing worldly pleasures, she pursued every form of enjoyment.
She considered sexuality the ultimate creative energy, believing male-female union could merge human souls with the cosmic soul, achieving supreme spiritual states.
This heterodox philosophy traced back to celestial origins – the Joyful Meditation could theoretically lead to Buddhahood.
If the Buddhist Sect could accept Arhat Unsubdued, one more unconventional bodhisattva mattered little.
Holy Maiden Jingxin watched warily. Rumor had it this bodhisattva also fancied Jiang Li.
As if he’d ever notice you!
With doctrines so similar to the Joyous Sect, the Bodhisattva found their periphery ideal for efficient recruitment. Without Meng Youyou’s interruption, she might’ve succeeded.
“Lady Meng, our teachings share much common ground. Why not merge with us? With your wisdom, you could attain bodhisattvahood.”
“Get lost!” Meng Youyou rarely swore. Merge our sects? Dream on!
Unfazed, the Bodhisattva withdrew with a smile.
Returning to Buddhist grounds, she found Bodhisattva Xiangxiang meditating with heavenly vision activated.
“Must you provoke them?” Xiangxiang sighed. “Can’t we coexist peacefully?”
Truthfully, the Buddhists hadn’t intentionally set up opposite the Joyous Sect – no one had mentioned their neighbors when renting the space. By the time Xiangxiang arrived, hostilities had already begun.
The Bodhisattva of Joy said flatly, “They’ve grown too arrogant recently. Needed checking.”
Xiangxiang understood – her counterpart worried about the Joyous Sect’s rapid expansion corrupting its original purpose, potentially degenerating into pure debauchery. By asserting presence, she reminded Meng Youyou to uphold proper standards – or face absorption into Buddhism.
Xiangxiang considered this unnecessary. With the Human Sovereign Hall overseeing things, such corruption seemed unlikely.
Mortal World Celestial sat briefly with the Buddhists, listening to Xiangxiang’s discourse, then skipped over to hear the Joyous Sect’s presentation before nodding approvingly.
“How wonderful.”
Jiang Li found this puzzling. While the Joyous Sect’s straightforward teachings might be comprehensible, the Buddhists spoke in near-incomprehensible jargon. Yet she understood?
“You followed that?”
“Naturally. Our Red Dust Pure Land has every text – I’ve studied them all. This was mere introductory doctrine.” Confined to her sanctuary, she’d spent years reading beneath peach trees – classics, histories, philosophies – all digested.
“But my praise isn’t for their delivery – I could explain better. I meant the situation itself.”
Jiang Li frowned. “How so?”
Behind her veil, she smiled brightly. “Two factions espousing opposing views, peacefully presenting arguments side-by-side without resorting to force – isn’t that beautiful?”
Jiang Li suddenly realized – she wasn’t naive, but profoundly insightful. Her childlike demeanor reflected pure-heartedness, not immaturity.
He secretly sighed in relief. He’d worried what might happen if her innocent charm ever paired with cunning intellect – the entire Nine Provinces might know no peace.
The recruitment battle continued, but remained verbal – no true grudges formed as both sides relied on persuasion to attract female cultivators.