Chapter 838: Chapter 838

Zhunti Sect Master exclaimed, "Not good!" and immediately looked upwards, a terrifying crisis emanating from the Chaos.

The Jie Yin Sect Master promptly raised his hand, and with a wave, the Eight Treasures Merit Pond disappeared in an instant, and all precious treasures within the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss were simultaneously retracted.

In the next moment, countless red lines shot down from the sky vault, like an arrival of red rain, covering the sky and obscuring the sun, piercing through the entire world with a bang, bang, bang~.

After the red lines, the Four Immortal Slaying Swords descended from the heavens to suppress the Four Extremes, the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi shone with wondrous light, and finally, the Tai Chi Diagram sealed the heavens and locked the earth, the coordination could not be more meticulous.

Amidst the Chaos, in the Saint’s Dojo shining with Buddha Light, the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss shattered with a boom, stirring up monstrous waves in the Chaos Sea, shaking the infinite time and space.

These events are unrelated to the Primordial World.

Within the Three Realms Heavenly Court, after Emperor Ziwei returned to his position, Ksitigarbha met with the Zhou Tian Star Lord, and then left the Star Domain to arrive at the Heavenly Court.

Ksitigarbha donned the Emperor Divine Cannon, walking dragon-like and tiger-like amid the auspicious clouds and mist, smiling as he nodded in friendly acknowledgment to the bowing Divine they encountered, making his way to Zining Palace.

In front of Zining Palace, the fully armed General Juanlian came forth respectfully, cupping his fists and bowing, saying, "Emperor, Your Majesty is already waiting inside the hall."

Emperor Ksitigarbha smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you, General." Then he walked inside.

In the garden of Zining Palace, the Heavenly Emperor hosted a banquet to welcome Emperor Ksitigarbha, accompanied by the Southern Polar Emperor of Longevity and the Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor.

During the banquet, there was delightful harmony. The Heavenly Emperor delivered an important speech: firstly, to welcome Emperor Ksitigarbha on behalf of the Heavenly Court, secondly, to hope for unity in the Heavenly Court and friendly cooperation with the Four Imperials.

Both the Emperor Ziwei of the North Pole in the Central Heaven, Southern Polar Emperor of Longevity, and Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor expressed enthusiastic support for the Heavenly Emperor and their bright outlook for the future of the Heavenly Court.

After the meal, the Southern Polar Emperor of Longevity and Eastern Extreme Qinghua Emperor took their leave one after another, leaving only Ksitigarbha and the Heavenly Emperor enjoying tea in the garden.

The Heavenly Emperor smiled and said, "How are you finding your stay at the Heavenly Court, Ksitigarbha?"

"Upon leaving Buddhism for the Heavenly Court, I feel as though I have shed the shackles of the golden hoop, completely at ease."

The Heavenly Emperor laughed heartily, saying, "You are Bai Jin’s disciple, not an outsider to the Heavenly Court. Now that Bai Jin is no longer in the Three Realms, if ever you have a matter, you can come directly to me or seek the Judicial Celestial."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"There’s no need for courtesy. The name of Great Compassionate Ksitigarbha has long been known to me. I am very pleased that you have come to the Heavenly Court.

By the way, there is a matter I would like to consult you on." Official source ıs N()velFire.net

"Please, tell me, Your Majesty!"

"What are your thoughts on Buddhism?"

Ksitigarbha pondered for a moment, then sighed and said, "To be frank, Your Majesty, I actually admire the Buddha.

In ancient times, the two Hierarchs established the Western Sect, which later transformed into Mahayana Buddhism. At that time, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were realms of practice, not representative of status, with only a handful achieving the Buddhistic realm.

Later, during the Spring and Autumn Period, with the birth of Taishang as Supreme Buddha and Shakyamuni in the West Land, Shakyamuni established Small Mahayana Buddhism with great wisdom, crowning ten thousand Buddhas and creating a million Bodhisattvas. The Buddha became personified as an individual, with the Tathagata as the Buddha himself, embodying Buddhist principles.

It was from that period that Buddhism saw the emergence of a hierarchy, personifying Buddhas from realms into individuals.

During the era of Mahayana Buddhism, the people revered Buddhism for its principles.

In the era of Small Mahayana Buddhism, the people worshipped Buddhas as individuals, a completely different focus.

Nevertheless, with this transformation, Buddhism’s teachings became easier to spread. The ignorant masses could not comprehend Buddhist principles and thus could only pray for the blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Shakyamuni laid the foundation for the flourishing of Buddhism. Whether it is Randeng Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, myself, or the Medicine Buddha, none of our contributions to Buddhism can compare to Duo Bao Tathagata, nor can we ever contend with him."

The Heavenly Emperor smiled and said, "I originally thought you might hate the Buddha, yet I did not expect such high regard from you."

"Since Your Majesty inquires, I naturally speak with fairness, avoiding any interference to Your Majesty’s judgment.

But such a Buddhism poses no threat to Your Majesty. Utilizing Buddhas for doctrine and Bodhisattvas for compassion is evidently a mistake, as Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are merely cultivators on the path to the Buddha, not representatives of it.

I can assert that although Buddhism is flourishing now, it will suffer great loss in the future. Such a practice is easily misunderstood by secular followers, leading them astray and ultimately tarnishing Buddhism’s reputation. Buddhism will inevitably taste the fruits of its folly someday.

Your Majesty, you can wait patiently; eventually, Buddhism will certainly fall into disrepute, a day I eagerly look forward to."

The Heavenly Emperor laughed heartily, saying, "What a Ksitigarbha! Truly deserving of being a Saint Disciple, your insight is indeed unparalleled. At the moment, few among the Three Realms creatures see the crisis in Buddhism."

Emperor Ksitigarbha, feeling somewhat bashful, said, "Your Majesty overpraises me. It’s all thanks to my teacher’s great instruction. These insights were taught by my teacher in the past, otherwise, I wouldn’t see so far ahead."

Ksitigarbha suddenly recalled something, immediately reaching out to brush the table beside him, revealing a small, faintly glowing cloth bag as if it contained a firefly.

"Ksitigarbha, what is the meaning of this?"

"My gratitude to Your Majesty for rescuing me and restoring my position as Emperor Ziwei; these are just some meager wealth I brought from Buddhism as a token of my appreciation. Please, Your Majesty, accept them."

The Heavenly Emperor instantly became solemn, saying, "Ksitigarbha, I helped because I admire you. You traversed the Underworld for countless years; only you achieved that within the Three Realms. I granted you the position of Emperor Ziwei because of you, not for anything else, nor for your wealth. Take it back immediately."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your recognition. This is just a little token of my regard."

"Take it back quickly. If it spreads, I’ll be accused of exploiting subordinates. Don’t cause me harm."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had no choice but to retract the cloth bag, his heart filled with even greater admiration for the Heavenly Emperor. Although I cannot view money as trivial, I admire such noble souls.

After chatting and joking for a bit longer, Emperor Ksitigarbha then took his leave.

Ksitigarbha strolled through the Heavenly Court, beholding only Immortal Realm wonders, his heart uplifted. This is how the abode of Immortal Gods should be; how could Yin Mountain compare? I was foolish in the past, sitting in solitude on Yin Mountain for countless years. My teacher was indeed kind to me!

Gold Star Taibai approached from the opposite direction, with the horsetail whisk resting on his arm. He paused, lowered his head respectfully, and said with a cheerful smile, "Greetings to Emperor Ziwei!"

Ksitigarbha went up to him, laughing heartily, and said, "Gold Star Taibai, thank you so much for announcing the edict earlier. I am deeply grateful."

Gold Star Taibai, chuckling, replied, "It is merely the duty of a Lower God and does not warrant the Emperor’s gratitude."

Ksitigarbha then produced a small cloth bag, handing it to Gold Star Taibai, saying, "Please accept this, Taibai."