Regarding the arrival of Ksitigarbha this time, The Buddha did not pay much attention to it, assuming that he was just coming to check on the progress of the Westward Journey for the scriptures, which is crucial for the flourishing of Buddhism. As an Ancient Bodhisattva of Buddhism, it was only natural for him to be concerned.

Now, the main enemy of Buddhism is Bai Jin. The thought of Bai Jin sending Tang Sanzang a Golden Hoop filled The Buddha with rage; how could Tongtian Sect Master, such an upright figure, have accepted such a disciple without any bottom line? It was truly detestable.

After leaving Western Spirit Mountain, Ksitigarbha did not return to the Underworld but went straight to the Heavenly Court Bird Nest.

In the pavilion inside the Bird Nest, Bai Jin and Ksitigarbha sat facing each other with two cups of tea steaming auspiciously in front of them.

Bai Jin sighed helplessly and consoled, "Ksitigarbha, don't be angry just yet. There might be some misunderstanding, or perhaps The Buddha has arranged some merit for you but hasn't told you yet, planning to surprise you later!"

Ksitigarbha felt a surge of emotion and then said, "Teacher, you are a good immortal. From the time we've known each other, you've helped me a lot, helped me contend for the position of Buddha, helped me apply for loans, and even helped me delay the bank's collection efforts. Now you have also revealed to me the despicable acts of The Buddha. I am truly moved. In the future, if you have any commands, I will follow them through fire and water, never shirking from death."

Bai Jin said emotionally, "All these are what I should do. You're also a good person, having presided over Yin Mountain for countless years and converted countless wronged souls and fierce ghosts. We are actually the same, benefiting the beings of the Primordial World with a pure and good heart."

Ksitigarbha said guiltily, "I am not as good as you, Teacher. You are a Great Power renowned throughout the Primordial World, benefiting the Primordial World with a clean and selfless heart, and your Dao Heart is perfect and your True Spirit is without blemish. While I preside over the Underworld, I do have selfish motives; I reside at Yin Mountain partly for Buddhism and partly for myself, to earn merits. In the future, I will certainly learn from you and become a purely good person."

Bai Jin said with relief, "It's best that you think this way."

Ksitigarbha's eyes flashed with anger as he said, "Teacher, you are a good person, but you shouldn't use your good heart to speculate about Duo Bao Tathagata, he can never be as selfless as you; he will never leave me any surprise. In his heart, he has already excluded me from Buddhism."

Bai Jin sighed emotionally, "That's really unfair! Ksitigarbha, what do you plan to do?"

"I plan to confront him at Spirit Mountain when the mission of obtaining the scriptures is accomplished. If he can't give me an explanation, I will seek the Buddha Mother; he will not be able to solely dominate Buddhism."

Bai Jin quickly advised, "Now Duo Bao Buddha is the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Buddhas; going over him to see the Buddha Mother might also displease her. But well, since you've called me 'Teacher,' I can't let you be bullied. Isn't it just offending The Buddha? I will stand with you as before when I supported you in contending for the Buddha's throne; I support you now."

Ksitigarbha was moved and exclaimed, "Teacher, how could I implicate you?"

Bai Jin reached out and held Ksitigarbha's arm, equally emotional, "Ksitigarbha, I am not afraid of being implicated; I have always valued loyalty most."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, emotionally, nodded his head. Bai Xiaojin, the conscience of Primordial, finally understood the weight of this phrase today; true sentiments are seen in trying times.

Both were moved for a moment and began to conspire on how to retaliate against Duo Bao. They came up with several ideas but eliminated them one after another; with The Buddha's strong presence in Western Buddhism, it was very hard to shake.

"Teacher, I plan to frequently invite Buddhist Buddha Bodhisattvas to visit my Yin Mountain as guests, offer them meals and drinks, covertly win their favor, and at the same time subtly spread rumors to tarnish the image of The Buddha. When the timing is ripe, finding a mistake made by The Buddha, I will rise in revolt and drive The Buddha off the Lotus Platform. What do you think, Teacher?"

Bai Jin shook his head and said, "No good, no good, those Buddha Bodhisattvas of Buddhism are not easy to win over, and by doing this so extremely in advance, you might alarm Duo Bao."

Ksitigarbha helplessly said, "This is already my last resort."

Bai Jin's eyes shifted, and he whispered, "Ksitigarbha, I do have an idea, but I wonder if you dare to try it."

"Please do enlighten me, teacher!"

"Since Buddhism is unkind, don't blame us for being unjust. As your teacher, I can help you sweep Buddhist wealth. Isn't it just Western Merit? We don't want it; we want more."

Womb of the Earth Bodhisattva hurriedly said, "Please assist me, teacher."

With a wave of Bai Jin's hand, the surface of the Bird's Nest immediately transformed, with white clouds circulating and waves of light flashing, completely sealing it off.

Not long after, Ksitigarbha walked out of the Bird's Nest briskly, his face full of excitement, thinking, "Well, Tathagata, you aren't willing to share the merit with me? This poor monk will fetch it himself; indeed, teacher has the capacity to strategize brilliantly!"

After Ksitigarbha returned to the Underworld, he sat high upon the Lotus Platform and said, "Fa Yuan, Fa Chen, Fa Sha, Fa Wang."

Four Arhats walked in from outside, lined up in a row with hands clasped together, respectfully saying, "Greetings to the Bodhisattva!"

"Carry out my Dharma Decree, fetch dragon liver, phoenix blood, deer tail, gorilla's lip, and prepare a fine feast, for I will be hosting honored guests."

The four Daluo Arhats replied in unison, "We follow the Dharma Decree!" and then left the room.

A slight twinge flared in the heart of the Womb of the Earth Bodhisatvva; it was somewhat painful. But no pain, no gain; to lure Buddha, one must offer fine food, and today he was all in.

Ksitigarbha pondered for a moment, then called out, "Fa Yin~"

A female Arhat walked in from outside, her hands clasped respectfully and said, "Bodhisattva~"

"Take my Dharma Seal and go to Spiritual Mountain to invite the Merit Buddha of Namo Cai to visit the Underworld."

Fa Yin Arhat respectfully replied, "Yes!" and turned to leave.

…

Not long after, a grand banquet was laid out in the Ksitigarbha Palace of the Underworld, various fine dishes and Jade Liquids present, with Womb of the Earth Bodhisatvva and Namo Cai Merit Buddha seated.

Namo Cai Merit Buddha, looking at the table full of delicacies, sighed internally. He had long heard that Ksitigarbha ruled the Underworld, converting countless fierce spirits and accumulating immense merit, and seeing it today proved it true; such a lavish banquet, indeed, even a Buddha might envy.

Namo Cai Merit Buddha then recalled the high debts he owed Maitreya Buddha and Medicine Buddha. Facing a wealthy Bodhisattva, his spirit couldn't help but falter slightly as he respectfully said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Bodhisattva. May I ask why you have invited me?"

Ksitigarbha laughed heartily and said, "I wouldn't dare give you orders. Now, you are a Buddha, and I am merely a Bodhisattva.

In the past, you used to sit under me and listen to teachings, but now you have become a Buddha first; truly, the ways of the world are unpredictable!"

Namo Cai Merit Buddha felt a bit flustered. Was Ksitigarbha here to settle scores with him? Although he was a Buddha and the other a Bodhisattva, whether it was in Buddhist practice or cultivation, he was far inferior to Ksitigarbha, like a vast chasm that was difficult to cross. If Ksitigarbha made things difficult for him, today he might find it hard to leave the Underworld.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.