In the heavens, people become emperors by being bad.

Chapter 594 [It's a tradition for Buddha to have a Daoist companion]

Mount Sumeru has been the subject of countless legends throughout history. It is the fundamental sacred mountain of Buddhism, towering into the clouds, and even said to pierce through the sky and reach the stars. The sun, moon, and stars all revolve around this mountain, making it a true myth.

It's not just the Western Desert that worships Mount Sumeru; many life-bearing places in the universe have Buddhist and Taoist traditions. The power of faith, bit by bit, gathers from all corners of the world, transforming into a surging river that flows endlessly, disregarding the distance between all regions, just like the ocean embracing all rivers, creating a spectacle.

This is the accumulation of hundreds of thousands of years, how surging it is! It is the power of the universe. Compared with the divine realm of the other shore, it is simply a drop in the ocean. It is far inferior to a mere ancient life-bearing star.

"Namo Amitabha!"

The Four Heavenly Kings, the Eight Dharma Protectors, the Arhats of the heavens, and the Bodhisattvas of all sizes joined their hands together, chanting the Buddha's name in unison. Their countenances were solemn and majestic, and they were incomparably sacred. The golden sacred mountain radiated divine light, and every blade of grass and every tree was imbued with Buddha-nature, thoroughly nourished by the radiance.

This sacred mountain is so mysterious that even a mortal standing on Mount Sumeru cannot be harmed in the slightest, not even by a Great Sage. If a peerless monk were to preside over it and it were blessed with faith, it would definitely be able to fight against a Quasi-Emperor.

"Paying homage to the future Buddha."

An old monk with white eyebrows, accompanied by Bodhisattvas, ancient Buddhas, ancestral kings, and Dharma protectors, paid homage with great ceremony. Mount Sumeru has extraordinary foundations. Now that the Great Dao of the Azure Emperor has dissipated, those who were once trapped in the Dao of Severance have stepped into the Holy Realm.

Lin Xian nodded in acknowledgment and was about to ascend the mountain when suddenly an ancient Buddha draped in a star-studded robe stepped forward, bowed, and boldly said, "Buddha, please wait. You may enter the Great Thunderclap Temple, but these two must remain."

The void was silent, all sounds were still, and all eyes on Mount Sumeru were on the two women behind them.

Yan Ruyu remained calm and asked in return, "Is this how Buddhism treats its guests?"

"What a magnificent Mount Sumeru! I've certainly learned something new today." The Dragon Girl scoffed, "The Buddhist sect even stops the Buddha himself."

In an instant, the atmosphere on Mount Sumeru changed. The monks became uneasy, and the bodhisattvas looked at each other, hesitant to speak.

Lin Xian smiled slightly and asked in return, "Why can't we go up the mountain?"

“Excellent, excellent.” The ancient Buddha clasped his hands together and said with a forced smile, “The Buddhist temple is a pure place, and one should abide by the precepts.”

He is, after all, a Buddha, and should pay attention to the dignity of Buddhism. Bringing his fellow monks up Mount Sumeru in such a blatant manner is treating the rules and regulations of the Great Thunderclap Temple as a joke.

"The so-called precepts are for cultivating the mind, attaining great purity, and realizing great fruition."

“I have attained enlightenment, my resolve is firm, I originally possessed nothing, and even breaking the precepts does not defile me.”

Lin Xian was neither angry nor annoyed. Instead, she calmly said, "You've got things backwards. You're too attached to appearances."

“Buddha is wise.” The ancient Buddha looked sorrowful and sighed, “I only fear that other disciples with insufficient cultivation may follow in the footsteps of the Ancestor and fall into the demonic path. I beg Buddha to consider the overall situation and not disrupt the tradition.”

"Why don't you say that to the Victorious Fighting Buddha? Do you think I'm easy to bully?" Lin Xian's eyes suddenly changed, and his Quasi-Emperor aura surged forth, making the monks on Mount Sumeru unable to breathe, and many ancient Buddhas changed color.

Knowing that the Future Buddha was special, they treated Lin Xian with great care, considering him a great sage with unfathomable cultivation, just like the ancient Mahayana Buddha of the past.

However, they never expected that they would underestimate Lin Xian, who actually attained the Dao of Quasi-Emperor. This was a genuine Buddha's Dao Fruit, and how many people in history could achieve such a feat?

Even if Lin Xian doesn't become the future Buddha, he can still become another Buddha and establish a huge branch within the Buddhist tradition.

"Future Buddha, please calm your anger!"

Several holy monks shouted in unison, chanting Amitabha Buddha's name, which resonated with Mount Sumeru. They unleashed a golden celestial light that almost merged with the ocean of spiritual power, causing the stars in the heavens to tremble and the sun and moon to lose their luster, only then managing to neutralize the quasi-emperor's aura.

"Dang, Dang, Dang!"

The bells on the golden summit of Mount Sumeru resounded loudly, seemingly both resisting and welcoming, anticipating the arrival of a Buddha who would transform the world into a mythical pure land, with light shining in all directions.

"Truly a flawless Quasi-Emperor!"

The people on Mount Sumeru gasped. Some Bodhisattvas smiled broadly, while others frowned. The heavenly protectors discussed among themselves, their expressions varied, each with their own thoughts.

Mount Sumeru and the Boundless Sea have existed since ancient times, enduring through the ages. They have transformed the Western Desert into a supreme pure land, where lotus flowers bloom everywhere. All living beings revere the One Emperor, bowing and worshipping him. Ten thousand temples originate from the same lineage, possessing extraordinary cultural heritage.

However, in recent times, due to the concept of reincarnation, Buddhist teachings have split. Some Buddhist monks believe that the Tathagata has entered Nirvana and reincarnated, and that the past, present, and future coexist, and therefore the Buddhas of the three times should be revered.

Until two thousand years ago, when Shakyamuni Buddha entered Mount Sumeru, everyone thought that the reincarnation of Amitabha Buddha would be welcomed and everyone would be happy. However, Shakyamuni Buddha only honored this life, abandoned his previous life, and did not recognize reincarnation, which caused turmoil in the Great Thunder Temple. Later, Shakyamuni persuaded the Victorious Fighting Buddha to go up the mountain, and let the monkey do evil and make a big fuss on Mount Sumeru. During this time, the Buddhist imperial weapon, the Vajra Pestle, did not express its opinion and tacitly accepted all of this, which exacerbated the division.

On the surface, the Great Thunderclap Temple appears united against external forces, and all the temples in the Western Desert seem to be working together in harmony, creating a peaceful and harmonious scene. However, beneath the surface, undercurrents are surging.

There are Buddhist sects, Shakyamuni sects, Mount Sumeru sects, local sects, descending sects, human sects, ancient sects, Big Dipper sects... They are all sorts of demons and monsters. Today you call me an icchantika, tomorrow I call you an old scoundrel. It's quite a spectacle.

It is common knowledge that heretics are more hateful than heretics!
The Great Thunderclap Temple didn't fight to the death; it was only thanks to the Victorious Fighting Buddha and the Ancient Buddha that they were able to keep the situation under control and barely maintain unity.

"It is unreasonable to allow the Victorious Fighting Buddha to bring the Divine Silkworm Princess, but not the Future Buddha to bring people."

Lin Xian stepped onto Mount Sumeru, his radiance growing ever more magnificent, like a golden deity. No one dared to stop him. When he reached the Great Thunderclap Temple, he declared in a powerful voice, "I wish to confer titles upon two female bodhisattvas. What do the Buddhas think?"

He has attained enlightenment and ascended to the quasi-emperor level. He himself is the entire situation, and he commands Mount Sumeru. Who would dare to disobey him!

The summit of Mount Sumeru was peaceful and serene. The wind rustled through the Bodhi leaves, and others had their say. In an instant, the Bodhisattva was speechless, the Buddha sighed, and the holy monks smiled bitterly.

First came the Victorious Fighting Buddha, then came Lin Xian; it has become a tradition for Buddhas to bring their Taoist companions to become monks and cultivate.

The Great Thunder Temple is sacred and extraordinary, resembling a celestial palace. Its roof ridge gleams with a metallic luster, exuding auspiciousness. These purple-gold tiles were crafted from leftover scraps from when the Amitabha Buddha Emperor forged his imperial weapons.

"Da da da!"

Within the temple, powerful footsteps resounded, echoing throughout the entire Mount Sumeru range, as if a Buddha had descended to earth, his might overwhelming the heavens and the earth.

"Paying homage to the Great Peacock King Bodhisattva." The golden Arhats, Bodhisattvas, and ancient Buddhas on Mount Sumeru all paid their respects, treating him with the utmost reverence.

The newcomer was tall and slender, wearing a golden crown with an image of Amitabha Buddha attaining enlightenment on it. He wore a necklace shaped like a dragon, and earrings that hung down like a mythical beast gazing at the clouds, accompanied by thunder and lightning. He also wore armlets that seemed to swallow clouds and spit out rosy hues. His entire body was adorned with top-tier Buddhist artifacts, and the sound of chanting echoed throughout.

Her face was like a silver plate, her phoenix eyes were like lightning, she was noble and graceful, and her gold shone brightly. Her towering aura was not like that of a Buddhist venerable one, but rather like that of a female ruler who reigns over the world.

"As the Buddha, I should set an example for all Buddhist sects in the world." The Peacock King's voice was clear and melodious, like the gentle cry of a phoenix, as he rebuked, "If I were the Buddha, I would have three thousand majestic virtues, a dignified and solemn appearance, and teach the world."

"The future, the future, is full of variables, that's the future." Lin Xian chuckled and said, "The past is annihilated and unchanging, the present is eternal and supreme, if the future is also unchanging, even if you cultivate until death you will still be a stone, what's the point?"

The verbal exchange was no less intense than a battle between quasi-emperors, causing the monks on Mount Sumeru to break out in a cold sweat. This was a debate on the Dao, a revision of doctrines, and a struggle for the right to interpret scriptures. "The Peacock King comes from the Amitabha Star Region. In this life, he almost attained enlightenment. He only needed to take one step to become a quasi-emperor, but for the sake of the greater good of Buddhism, he retreated."

The ancient Buddha Maha also stepped forward to persuade him, explaining the origin of the Peacock King, elaborating on his merits, and pointing out his terrifying aspects.

It's not that he can't become a quasi-emperor, but rather that he's been suppressed. Although he's not as good as the Golden Ship Quasi-Emperor, he's still stronger than the Old Teng Snake.

Hearing these words, the two women behind Lin Xian trembled. The Big Dipper was truly a place where hidden talents resided. The Heavenly Court had just driven away two Quasi-Emperors, and now the Buddhist sect had sent another one.

"So he's an old stubborn, fundamentalist from the ancient planet Amitabha."

Lin Xian clapped his hands and laughed. Amitabha Ancient Star is the hometown of the Amitabha Buddha Emperor and has a deep connection with the Peacock Clan. Hundreds of thousands of them spread Buddhism and converted people. The strong members of this clan are all supreme protectors of Buddhism and hold incomparably noble positions.

“I respect you as the future Buddha, but that is not a reason for you to spout nonsense, insult my hometown, and slander the Buddhist land.”

With a loud shout, the Peacock King, though a being from beyond the realm, caused Mount Sumeru to shine brilliantly, and countless faiths came to bless him. There was a natural affinity between them, as if a flawless imperial artifact had possessed him.

Being situated on Mount Sumeru, she was in an invincible position; no wonder she dared to challenge a quasi-emperor.

“King Peacock, I know your abilities and understand your supernatural powers. In the past, when Shakyamuni Buddha passed through the Amitabha Star Region, he debated with you, advocating that in this life, he was swallowed by you in one gulp, and then became a Buddha, cultivating a sixteen-foot golden body. Since then, I have been the only one who is supreme.”

Lin Xian shouted, "Now you also want to devour the Future Buddha Fruit?"

“Shakyamuni is the shell of a demon, who has abandoned the cycle of reincarnation and denied his past life.”

The Peacock King coldly said, "For generations, the Peacock Clan has protected the Dharma. We once made a vow to protect the Amitabha Buddha. Future Buddha, I have heard you advocate reincarnation. Are you now going to follow Shakyamuni's heretical teachings and deny reincarnation?"

"The matter of reincarnation exists if you believe in it, and does not exist if you don't. Forcibly accepting it is already entering the demonic path. It's not that Shakyamuni entered the demonic path, but that you have entered the demonic path."

Lin Xian shouted, pointing at the Peacock King, who was a heretic, violating the spirit of Amitabha Buddha, and lacking great compassion. He declared that he would expel the Peacock King from the Buddhist order today.

"Go ahead and stir things up. You and Shakyamuni are in cahoots, turning the cycle of reincarnation into nothingness and causing Amitabha Buddha's Nirvana to fail. My Peacock Clan will simply be buried with Buddhism."

The Great Peacock King is sharp-tongued and a staunch supporter of Amitabha Buddha. He regards Lin Xian and Shakyamuni as demons and considers them obstacles to the reincarnation of the Great Emperor.

"What right do you have to lecture me?" Lin Xian sneered. "Mount Sumeru is 84,000 yojanas in size, and I carry it on my shoulders. It's not your place to say that I am the reincarnation of the Great Emperor."

“The Peacock King is also acting out of kindness.” Maha Buddha stepped in to smooth things over, saying, “It’s all for the sake of Buddhism. Please come inside, you two.”

"One Peacock King is not enough to rule Mount Sumeru. There is only one abbot in Buddhism, and that is Amitabha Buddha." Lin Xian sneered, "Only the Great Emperor Amitabha Buddha is qualified to teach sentient beings, and only the future Buddha is qualified to preach the Dharma."

As the two powerful figures of Buddhism began to label each other, the Great Ancient Buddha couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. He himself had once been an extremist in Buddhism.

But after meeting Lin Xian and Peacock King, he realized that he was not extreme enough and was actually a moderate.

Lin Shengzhu, a master of labeling, and Peacock Bodhisattva, a madman from the Amitabha Starfield, engaged in a fierce verbal battle, which gradually escalated from a war of words to a physical fight.

"One seal subdues demons."

Lin Xian lowered his right hand, palm facing inward, fingertips touching the ground, manifesting great power to subdue demons, eliminate afflictions, and attain enlightenment in this lifetime. In an instant, brilliant Buddha light shone, illuminating Mount Sumeru.

"My body is Buddha!"

The Great Peacock King roared, his hands forming a mudra, his golden crown emitting boundless Buddhist light, and chanting aloud, carrying infinite power of faith, like a vast ocean engulfing everything.

With a deafening roar, it actually withstood a quasi-emperor's attack.

"This artifact is quite extraordinary." Lin Xian was surprised. In theory, the Peacock King was no match for him. Even with the blessing of faith, how could he, as the future Buddha, fear the power of faith in Mount Sumeru?

The real terror lies not in the Peacock King, but in the crown, which mobilizes the faith of Mount Sumeru and has far greater authority than the previous masters of the Great Thunder Temple, comparable to the Vajra Pestle.

The golden crown is covered with lifelike carvings, depicting the Buddha's enlightenment and containing the ultimate truths of the universe, as well as the secrets of becoming an emperor.

It is absolutely a token personally cast by the Great Emperor Amitabha and bestowed upon the Peacock Clan, made of Dao Kalpa Gold.

Made by the Emperor himself, using celestial gold materials, if it weren't for its insufficient weight, it would definitely be another supreme artifact.

"We respectfully request Amitabha Buddha to manifest his divine power."

The Peacock King was very devout, chanting the true scriptures. The next moment, it really came true. The golden crown of enlightenment shone brightly, and a Buddha walked out, pointing one finger to the sky and one finger to the earth, exuding an aura of supreme authority and a bit like an emperor!

The projection of the Amitabha Buddha Emperor, possessing supreme authority, instantly activated the imperial formation on Mount Sumeru.

This is the most terrifying place in Buddhism. Unlike other royal families that are incomplete, Mount Sumeru has faith, imperial formations, imperial weapons, and even great emperors!

"Namo Victorious Fighting Buddha!"

Just as the Imperial Array was activated, a chanting of Buddhist scriptures suddenly rang out from the Great Thunderclap Temple. It was ancient and weathered, yet it possessed a domineering aura that silenced the Imperial Array.

"Pound it!"

Lin Xian shouted, "You can summon an imperial formation, but I can summon imperial weapons. Who's afraid of who?"

The Buddhist imperial weapon roared and shone with Buddhist light, bringing salvation to all living beings. It was indeed summoned by Lin Xian.

"how is this possible?"

The Peacock King was initially bewildered, then his face turned deathly pale. He wanted to ask, "Your Majesty, I am willing to fight to the death, why did you surrender first?"

She was a staunch supporter of Amitabha Buddha. As the Great Emperor's weapon, it was one thing for the Vajra Pestle not to help her, but why would it help the future Buddha Lin Xian?

Even if he possesses Buddha-nature, how can he compare to Shakyamuni? When Shakyamuni was transformed into a demon and banished from Mount Sumeru, the Vajra Pestle remained unmoved, neither taking sides.

The Vajra Pestle fell into Lin Xian's hands, shining brightly. The power of faith descended like a silver river, incomparably sacred. Holding the imperial weapon, Lin Xian's appearance was solemn and dignified, like the reincarnation of the Amitabha Buddha Emperor. He shouted, "Little peacock, eat this old monk's pestle!"

(End of this chapter)