Chapter 383: Grand Assembly of the Heavenly Realm, Xuanqing Intends to Abdicate (Part 2)
If you take a wrong step at this moment, it could indeed lead to losses outweighing the gains.
He nodded: "What the two deans said is very true; I was a bit too hasty."
"Let's do as you suggest and make a decision after the second Purple Cloud Palace gathering."
The Buddhas slightly nodded, showing a hint of a satisfied smile on their faces.
"Amitabha, well said, well said!"
Nowadays, the slogan "Amitabha" has spread along with the prosperity of Sumeru Academy.
Although its spread cannot match the Mystic Sect's "Infinite Blessings Heavenly Venerate," it is still quite well-known in the Western Land.
With each recitation of "Amitabha," the possibility of the [Dream Demon God] emerging from the depths of the Space-Time River becomes smaller and smaller.
Even if it returns in the future, there is a high probability it will become a true Buddha in the West.
Just at this moment, clouds of auspiciousness floated over from afar, and three figures arrived together.
Leading them, with a graceful appearance and holding a Jade Purifying Bottle, was Ci Hang Daoist, a disciple under Yuanshi Tianzun from the Expository Sect.
To the left, with a gentle smile and profound wisdom, was Manjusri.
On the right, with a solemn demeanor and holding a magic artifact, was True Master Puxian.
These three were the outstanding ones among the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Expository Sect, and this time they had come to Sumeru Mountain Academy for short-term exchange studies on their master's orders.
Following closely behind them was a young monk.
He wore simple monk robes, yet his brows showed a maturity and compassion beyond his age.
This was none other than Ksitigarbha, one of the most outstanding disciples of Sumeru Mountain Academy in recent years.
"Disciple Ci Hang (Manjusri, Puxian), paying respects to Dean Jieyin and Dean Zhunti!" The three disciples of the Expository Sect came forward and bowed in salute.
Their attitude was humble, though in an exchange setting, they still respectfully addressed Jieyin and Zhunti as deans.
"Disciple Ksitigarbha, paying respects to Master and Uncle Master." Ksitigarbha also saluted respectfully.
Seeing this, Jieyin and Zhunti both showed gentle smiles.
Jieyin said, "No need for excessive formality, dear nephews. Please rise."
"May I ask what brings you here?"
Ci Hang Daoist stepped forward and softly said, "To report to the two deans, we are here on our master's orders to Sumeru Academy for exchanges and have been here for some time."
"During this period, we deeply feel that the Daoist techniques of Sumeru Mountain Academy are profound and inclusive."
"There are many aspects that can be verified against our Chan Sect's Mystic Sect orthodoxy, which has greatly broadened our horizons and benefited us immensely."
"Today, we have come specifically to bid farewell to the two deans and express our gratitude."
Manjusri continued, "Indeed, the 'Eighty-Four Thousand Dharma Gates' taught by Sumeru Academy, though different from our Expository Sect's 'Conforming to Heaven and Benefiting People' Dao, also directly points to the origin of the Great Dao, inspiring deep reflection."
"Especially Brother Ksitigarbha, young as he is, he already has such a profound understanding of 'Emptiness' and 'Suffering,' and holds great compassion."
"He is truly a model for us, and we are full of admiration."
True Master Puxian nodded as well: "Brother Ksitigarbha is talented and intelligent, his Dao Heart firm and determined; he will surely achieve great things in the future."
"When discussing the Dao with him, we often have moments of sudden enlightenment."
"Sumeru Mountain Academy can cultivate such excellent disciples, which shows the effective guidance of the two deans."
Jieyin and Zhunti were naturally pleased to hear the Expository Sect's three outstanding disciples praising their academy and disciple.
Zhunti smiled and said, "Dear nephews, you flatter us."
"You are excellently trained disciples of Yuxu Palace, with deep roots and extraordinary comprehension."
"Having you come to Sumeru Mountain for exchanges is indeed our academy's honor."
"Ksitigarbha can discuss and study the Dao with you and progress together; it is also his blessed karma."
Jieyin also wore a broad smile, gently speaking to Ksitigarbha: "Ksitigarbha, you have progressed greatly in your practice recently, which comforts me as your master."
"Gaining the praise of your three elder brothers, you should guard against pride and impetuosity, focus on your practice, and not betray what you have learned."
He then addressed Ci Hang and the others: "When you three dear nephews return, please convey our regards to Brother Yuanshi."
"Should there be future opportunities, you are welcome to visit Sumeru Mountain anytime."
"Thank you for your kind offer, Deans, we will surely deliver the message." Ci Hang and the others saluted again.
Just then, Ksitigarbha, who had been respectfully standing by, suddenly stepped forward and bowed to Jieyin: "To report to Master, I received an invitation today."
"It is from King Taishan, one of the Ten Hall Yama of the Underworld, inviting me to the Ghost God Academy of the Netherworld for exchanges and studies."
"I pondered, as the Underworld oversees Reincarnation, the destination of all beings, with infinite cosmic secrets between."
"If I could go there to study, it would surely be beneficial."
"Therefore, I came specifically to beseech Master and Uncle Master's approval."
"Oh? An invitation from King Taishan of the Netherworld?" Jieyin Daoist, hearing this, had a glint in his eyes.
Zhunti Daoist showed an expression of surprise.
Since its creation, the Netherworld has been enigmatic and unpredictable, controlling Reincarnation as one of the Primordial hubs.
The Netherworld Gods are powerful and seldom communicate with the outside world.
Now, they actually invited Ksitigarbha for exchanges, which is quite significant.
Ci Hang, Manjusri, and Puxian looked at each other, displaying expressions of astonishment.
[King Taishan] Taiyi True Master could extend an invitation to Ksitigarbha because of the efforts of these three!
They meant no harm, just seeing Ksitigarbha as a talent, to see if they could attract him to the Underworld.
Jieyin Daoist thought for a moment and said, "For this matter, I approve it!"
"Here I have a letter of recommendation that you should give to the Netherworld Emperor after you reach the Underworld, and he will look after you after reading it."
Jieyin handed out a letter and then urged Ksitigarbha: "In going to the Netherworld, you must not only study the Ghost God Dao but also deeply contemplate the Principle of Reincarnation."