Chapter 324: Excited Zhenyuanzi! A Visitor from Beyond the Heavens?

Xiniu Hezhou.

Within Wanshou Mountain, at Wuzhuang Temple.

Using the Supreme Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Earth Book, Zhenyuanzi witnessed the entire process of the Shangqing Sacred Realm being opened from afar, and also saw the rebirth and transformation of the disciples of the Jie Sect; his heart surged with waves of emotion.

"Sure enough, a variable has appeared in this Great Calamity!"

A smile could not help but emerge at the corners of his mouth.

With his current cultivation level of only a Quasi-Saint, he naturally could not investigate the situation of the Saints at Zixiao Palace, but from the two Tongtian Jiaozhus appearing during the opening of the Shangqing Sacred Realm, and the Xiyou Shijie Tongtian retrieving the Zhuxian Four Swords and the Zhuxian Array Diagram, he was already able to deduce quite a bit of information.

Zhenyuanzi's gaze suddenly looked toward the direction of Lingshan, and the smile at the corners of his mouth instantly grew even thicker: "Presumably, it must be very lively on Lingshan right now!"

He did not believe that Tongtian's powerful return was merely to resurrect his disciples and reappear the Jie Sect; those who had betrayed the Jie Sect back then should obviously also receive punishment!

"How could this poor Daoist miss such a grand spectacle?"

With a light chuckle, Zhenyuanzi abruptly activated the Earth Book to investigate the situation at the Great Thunder Sound Temple on Lingshan.

Inside the Great Thunder Sound Temple on Lingshan, Sanskrit chants lingered and Buddha light shone everywhere, a scene of solemnity and peace. However, beneath this calm exterior, undercurrents were surging.

Through the power of the Earth Book, Zhenyuanzi pierced his vision through layers of space, reaching deep into Lingshan. He saw that inside the Great Thunder Sound Temple, the Buddha disciples were piously chanting scriptures, and Rulai sat atop his lotus throne, eyes closed and mind focused, as if isolated from the world.

But Zhenyuanzi could perceive that a trace of worry was faintly revealed between Rulai's brows.

"Hmph, it seems Rulai has also realized that the situation is not right," Zhenyuanzi thought to himself, a playful smile hooking at the corners of his mouth.

Thinking about it, the Zhuxian Array Diagram was originally in the hands of Tathagata; just now, when Tongtian Jiaozhu retrieved the Zhuxian Array Diagram, Tathagata could not stop him, so naturally, he should have known what would happen.

Looking at the two sides below, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and a group of other high-ranking members of Buddhism all remained silent, the atmosphere suffocatingly oppressive.

"World-Honored One, how should this matter be handled?" Guanyin Bodhisattva finally broke the silence, her voice carrying a trace of worry.

The various Buddhas of Lingshan all furrowed their brows; it was clear they also saw that this move by Tongtian Jiaozhu was undoubtedly a show of force toward Buddhism. During the God Conferment War of the past, because of the various schemes of the Western Two Sages, there were indeed disciples who betrayed the Jie Sect and defected to our Buddhism. Now that Tongtian Jiaozhu has returned, he is bound to settle old scores.

And Tathagata himself, originally named Duobao Daoren, was once the first disciple under Tongtian Jiaozhu of the Jie Sect; after the God Conferment War, he betrayed the Jie Sect, joined Western Buddhism, was accepted as a disciple by Jieyin, and was bestowed the title of Tathagata, becoming the new generation leader of Western Buddhism.

Strictly speaking, he was also Tongtian Jiaozhu's primary target for settling scores!

At this moment, Tathagata's heart was also filled with mixed feelings, having both guilt for his former sect and worry for the future of Buddhism.

Originally, he had been full of anticipation that this Great Calamity would see Buddhism flourish, helping him break through the final checkpoint and obtain the opportunity for Proving the Dao and Becoming a Saint. Who would have thought that before the Buddhist Dharma had even spread to the East, such a huge variable would appear! As the former first disciple of the Jie Sect, how could he not know that Tongtian Jiaozhu had a fiery temperament and would absolutely not let this matter end easily?

Yet, facing the worries of the Buddhas, even though he was clearly anxious inside, he had to pacify them: "You all need not worry, this matter will be handled by the two Saints of our Buddhism!"

Rulai's words carried a sense of composure and confidence, attempting to calm the panic in the hearts of the Buddhas.

However, his eyes revealed complex emotions that were hard to conceal.

After the Buddhas heard his words, their emotions eased slightly, but they did not completely set their minds at ease.

They also knew that Buddhism had two Saints, but the opponent was Tongtian, the Tongtian who was known to be able to rival four Saints with the Zhuxian swords in hand! What was even more terrifying was that they now had to face two Tongtians!

Who could not be panicked?

Tathagata knew deeply that as the leader of Buddhism, he must remain calm and firm to deal with the coming storm.

Therefore, he was about to speak again to pacify them, but at this moment, he suddenly heard a sound transmission, and his spirit could not help but shake.

Because this sound transmission came from the voice of Zhunti: "Tathagata, you must take all the former Jie Sect disciples within our Buddhism and come to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss together!"

Hearing this, Tathagata became even more panicked for a moment!

Listening to this implication, could it be that the two Saints intended to hand them, these former Jie Sect disciples, over to Tongtian Jiaozhu for disposal?!

Zhunti seemed to have guessed his thoughts and transmitted again: "You may rest assured; you are now the World-Honored One of our Buddhism, and we will definitely protect your safety!"

Only then did Tathagata secretly heave a sigh of relief.

He was certain that he would be fine, so naturally, he felt at ease.

As for the others, although he felt some pity, he was unable to help and could only wish them good luck. Of course, he could not directly state that he was letting others go to accept sanctions; with a flash of inspiration, he decided to say he was taking them to receive the protection of the Saints! Thus, Tathagata immediately spoke to the Buddhas below: "Dinguang Huanxi Buddha and all fellow disciples who originated from the Jie Sect, follow me immediately to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to meet the two Holy Venerables and discuss a strategy to deal with this."

As soon as these words were spoken, the great hall was instantly in an uproar. The Buddhas looked at each other, their hearts filled with unease.

But they also understood that Rulai must have a deep meaning behind these words, so they all responded and prepared to follow Tathagata to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Rulai stood up, his gaze sweeping over the Buddhas, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, our Buddhism is facing an unprecedented challenge, but as long as we are united as one, we will surely overcome this difficulty. Now, set off immediately!"

Following Rulai's order, the Buddhas all rose and followed Rulai out of the Great Thunder Sound Temple, flying toward the direction of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Seeing them make such a move, Zhenyuanzi's eyes instantly brightened even more.

Because he did not think that these people would be able to receive protection just by going to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss! "With Saint Tongtian's personality, if he finds out about this, he will likely kill his way directly to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss!"

Thinking of this, Zhenyuanzi felt secretly excited and expectant.

He had long been displeased with those Western Two Sages; if two Tongtian Jiaozhus could join forces to teach them a lesson, it would definitely be a great show! It would be a pity if such a great show could only be watched using the Earth Book.

Zhenyuanzi could not help but consider: should he go beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens to see if he could watch the battle in person?

Just as he was considering this matter, his Attendant Qingfeng hurried to his front and said: "Master, there is a guest outside the temple asking to see you."

Zhenyuanzi came back to his senses, somewhat surprised, because he had not sensed anyone approaching Wuzhuang Temple at all.

He could not help but ask seriously: "What kind of distinguished guest?"

Qingfeng said: "That person claims to be a visitor from beyond the heavens!"

Zhenyuanzi's expression froze; after hesitating for a moment, he still stood up and headed outside the Daoist temple. (End of chapter)