Haotian then said, "Since Buddha has the heart to act on behalf of Heaven, the Heavenly Court deeply admires him. As for the things Buddhism does in the East, if they are for the benefit of our Heavenly Court, we have no objection. However, I recently heard that Guanyin Bodhisattva's cultivation seems to have encountered some problems, and I heard that this happened in Hell. It seems that the Underworld is not peaceful, and the gods there should be replaced. Since Buddha intends to go to the Underworld, why not resolve this matter at the same time?" Upon hearing this, Tathagata couldn't help but feel embarrassed. The story of Cihang's reincarnation and cultivation had already spread throughout the world, becoming a major joke in Buddhism. In fact, everyone understood that although it seemed like Hell had problems, it was actually the work of Yuanshi Tianzun. Now that Haotian had said it, even Tathagata's face couldn't help but burn.
Haotian's meaning was simple: "You Buddhists want the underworld, right? Then go ahead. Anyway, the underworld has grudges against Buddhism. Go there yourselves; it's none of Haotian's business." This plan was intended to first pit Buddhism against Penglai Island, so Haotian could observe and act accordingly.
The Underworld was built by Xuantian and Houtu. All the gods of the Underworld, including Yama and the judges, were enlightened by Xuantian. If Buddhism were to take it over, the Penglai Island lineage would have no reason to exist in the Three Realms anymore and would have better close down as soon as possible.
Although the Underworld of Reincarnation was built by Xuan Tian and Hou Tu, it is nominally under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court. Buddhism's eastward expansion, seeking access to the Underworld, while having the pretext of performing rituals to deliver the souls of the dead, lacks legitimate authority. This would likely provoke public outrage and leave Buddhism in a very difficult position.
Now that Buddhism has allied with the Heavenly Court, it has an excuse to help the Heavenly Court reclaim the Underworld, and can naturally take over the Underworld. The Jade Emperor saw that the Buddha had no choice but to seek help from the Heavenly Court at this point, which is why he resorted to this ruthless tactic.
Tathagata's expression changed slightly. The strength of the Penglai Island lineage was undeniable. If he were to agree to Haotian's request, he feared that Buddhism would not have a good future.
Those around Dao Ancestor Hongjun truly all possess unique talents...
The Buddha sighed and said, "Buddhism will do its utmost in this matter. As for success or failure, the Jade Emperor is surely aware. Without a sage, I cannot be entirely certain!" The strength of Penglai Island is known throughout the world; its four disciples are all quasi-sages, and all are individuals of great merit. What other sect in the world can compare? Haotian naturally knew that what the Buddha said was true. Furthermore, invoking Buddhism to oppose the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's Chan Sect and Penglai Island was Haotian Queen Mother's predetermined strategy, and Haotian did not want to push too hard.
Haotian then said, "In that case, I wish Buddha a great victory. The Heavenly Court awaits Buddha's good news!" At that moment, Tathagata also took his leave and returned to Mount Ling.
Cut the line and the Tathagata returns from the Heavenly Court. Ten days later, the Tathagata summons all the Buddhas to preach the Supreme Buddha Tathagata, who sings: "Namo Amitabha Buddha."
When everyone looked at him, he said, "Now is the time for Buddhism to flourish. Invited by the Jade Emperor of Heaven, our Buddhism is going to assist Heaven in pacifying the cycle of reincarnation and hell. I wonder who may go first?" The Tathagata spoke so lightly, but which of you Buddhas didn't know? The cycle of reincarnation and hell, though called reincarnation, refers to the ghosts within it. Once they enter the cycle of reincarnation and hell, they can forget about ever being reincarnated into the Western Paradise. Besides, whose territory is that hellish cycle of reincarnation? It's the territory of Penglai Island. Who would want to go there? If they're not careful and get tricked, they might not even be able to enter the cycle of reincarnation.
Seeing that the Buddhas remained silent, the Buddha frowned slightly and said, "My Buddha is merciful. The underworld is the foundation of all living beings and the place that sustains the survival of all things. Now that the precious pearl is covered in dust, it still needs my Buddha's help."
The Buddhas below exchanged glances. Dipankara Buddha stood to the side with his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought. Maitreya Buddha appeared to be asleep, with bubbles still rising from his nose. Bhaisajyaguru Buddha looked down at the ground, muttering something unintelligible, his finger tracing circles on the ground as if the Great Dao resided within. Vairocana Buddha looked up at the sky, as if countless beautiful women were naked in the heavens, causing him a myriad of thoughts.
The other Buddhas were also doing what they were supposed to do, and no one spoke. In his heart, Tathagata cursed, "A bunch of slippery mudskippers."
Seeing that no one spoke, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva stepped forward and said, "Reporting to the Buddha Shakyamuni, Ksitigarbha is willing to go first!" Instantly, everyone looked at Ksitigarbha, and even Dipankara and the others seemed to have woken up, bowing to Ksitigarbha and saying, "May the Buddha have mercy."
The Buddha smiled and said, "Then I will trouble Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. My Buddhist army will arrive shortly!" Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva nodded slightly, chanted a Buddhist mantra, and then disappeared in a flash.
Shamelessly asking for votes and flowers.
Eighteen Ksitigarbha
Penglai Island, inside the Dutian Palace.
Xuan Tian remained seated on the tranquil futon, his eyes slightly closed, seemingly lost in thought. Zhu Ling and Shi Zhong stood to the side, ready to receive his orders.
After a while, Xuan Tian suddenly opened his eyes and said to Zhu Ling beside him, "Go and invite your senior brother and the others to come here."
Zhu Ling accepted the order and left. A short while later, Hui Xin and the others arrived. Upon seeing Xuan Tian, Hui Xin and the others quickly bowed and said, "Disciples greet Master."
Xuan Tian nodded, looked at his four disciples, and said, "Get up."
The four men accepted the order, stood up, and stood aside.
Xuan Tian said, "The Hell of Reincarnation was created by the Ancestral Witch Houtu, and it must not be taken away by others. However, the Heavenly Dao has destined Buddhism to flourish. Although Ksitigarbha's actions are also beneficial to the beings of the Three Realms, they are driven by selfish motives and are ultimately superfluous. But since the Heavenly Dao has destined Buddhism to flourish because of this, let us leave the Yin Mountain of Hell to Ksitigarbha! As for when we will take it back, that will be discussed in the future!"
The disciples bowed and agreed.
Xuan Tian then added fiercely, "Of course, if they don't know their place and insist on doing something suicidal, I won't hesitate to slap them twice." His words sent chills down the spines of the disciples below. It was a bit terrifying…
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