Chapter 1508: 543: Scheming for Kṣitigarbha
Chapter 1508: Chapter 543: Scheming for Kṣitigarbha
Ksitigarbha’s position within the Western Sect is quite unique.
In the original plans of the Western Sect, they had various stages of development.
Like Calamity and Qia Feng, from ancient times to the present, they’ve continuously carried out certain ‘malicious’ tasks, akin to the black gloves of the Western Sect, nurturing fierce demons, cultivating Dao Soldiers, severing the rising momentum of the Human Race, attempting to educate the Human Race to make them the foundation for the Western Sect’s incense offerings.
The two sect hierarchs of the Western Sect are very clear-minded, knowing that this approach can only last for a time;
Relying on terror and intimidation to rule over beings cannot be sustained for long, and it easily provides an opportunity for other forces to target them.
Therefore, they have prepared a backup plan.
Ksitigarbha, along with other yet-to-be-revealed discples of Jie Yin, are their contingency.
When the time is ripe and the Western Sect’s unspeakable goals are achieved, they will cleanse their image, allowing Ksitigarbha and others to take over the Western Sect’s public affairs, spreading their goodness and beauty in the world.
Moreover, they can even act for the beings, letting Ksitigarbha and other young disciples step forward to ‘correct the chaos’, ‘expel the fierce demons’, making Calamity and Qia Feng retreat into the background, and at a suitable time, execute all fierce demons.
Li Ping’an opened the Western Sect’s booklet, filled densely with the word [plotting].
It’s just unfortunate that the development of events does not conform to the Western Sect’s expectations.
The Western Sect has already lost its influence, while the Heavenly Court has risen.
Nowadays, the Western Sect’s reputation is beyond repair, and the Ksitigarbha group of young disciples have lost their use.
However, it cannot be denied that Ksitigarbha has consistently been instilled with benevolent thoughts, has not committed evil deeds, nor acquired karmic hindrances, and has gained recognition from the Twelve-tiered Golden Lotus.
Li Ping’an pondered deeply.
If he directly dealt with Ksitigarbha, it might provoke interference from a Saint;
But if he does nothing, Ksitigarbha is crucial for the Western Sect to extend its reach into the Netherworld.
Ksitigarbha King Bodhisattva, the vow to not attain Buddhahood until hell is empty.
‘The emergence of Buddhism should be following the Investiture of the Gods Cataclysm.’
‘The Investiture of the Gods Cataclysm is imminent, likely to commence within decades, and Ksitigarbha’s enlightenment here should be related to his future entrance into the Netherworld.’
‘Indeed, intervention with Ksitigarbha is necessary, for the Netherworld is a vital cornerstone of my Heavenly Court, and cannot be disturbed by Buddhism concerning matters of reincarnation.’
Li Ping’an calculated for a long while, roughly comprehending the underlying connections.
Ksitigarbha will establish a Buddhist kingdom in the Netherworld, transforming wandering souls, admonishing evil spirits, serving as a peripheral supplement to the underworld judiciary.
This Buddhist kingdom can aid in stabilizing reincarnation more firmly and will become the foundation of Buddhism’s rise in fortune.
The teachings of Buddhism urge beings to endure, accumulating merits for the next life, which aligns perfectly with the Heavenly Dao’s trend of suppressing life.
Thus, it can be seen that the Heavenly Dao itself intentionally cultivates the rise of Buddhism.
‘As this Heavenly Emperor, I initially had to rely on the Heavenly Dao, using its support to establish the Heavenly Court, but in the future, I must oppose the Heavenly Dao, to protect the Taoist Sect, Human Race, and maintain the number of life masters.’
‘There must be balance between heaven and humans.’
‘This task is truly arduous; the urge to abandon it is strong.’
Li Ping’an’s primordial spirit sighed wearily towards the sky.
He transformed into an aged Asura elder on the brink of death, with a pair of horns on his head, headed towards the further depths of the abyss, slowly approaching Ksitigarbha’s hiding place.
Within the stubborn stone where Ksitigarbha was concealed.
The blue-and-white large dog lying beside Ksitigarbha suddenly raised its six delicate ears, gazing at the approaching aged Asura elder, then turned to look at Ksitigarbha.
For a moment, it did not know whether it should alert its young master.
The light in the abyss was exceedingly dim, likely the only light source was the eyes of the lurking fierce ghosts in various places.
Yet in Diting’s ear, that Asura elder was enveloped by the sound of chanting, substantiated by supreme genuine intent.
What it [heard] as such a phenomenon, within the entire Three Realms, beyond the Saints, there are less than ten masters.
Such a master suddenly appears here, advancing towards this direction…
Diting glanced at its own master, rubbed its head against the master’s leg.
“What’s wrong?”
Ksitigarbha responded with closed eyes, a faint smile emerging on his delicate face.
This is naturally due to some gain from cultivation.
Diting transmitted its voice: “Master, a high-level master disguised as an old Asura is present, please be careful.”
“Hmm,” Ksitigarbha acknowledged, slowly opening his eyes.
The surrounding barren stones crumbled into black sand and fell to the ground.
Ksitigarbha and the blue-and-white large dog revealed their figures, rising to greet Li Ping’an from afar with a Taoist salute.
Already exposed?
Li Ping’an was slightly surprised.
Given Ksitigarbha’s current cultivation level, he should still be some distance from the Daluo Golden Immortal. Under normal circumstances, he should not be exposed… Li Ping’an glanced at the six-eared big dog, and couldn’t help but smile knowingly.
Ah, Diting.
This divine beast has profound ties with the Heavenly Dao, indeed extraordinary.
When Li Ping’an used his Heavenly Emperor authority to probe into Diting, he noticed several rainbow light ribbons entwined within Diting’s body.
This is the Heavenly Dao granting Diting various innate divine skills.
Therefore, Li Ping’an decided not to keep up pretenses any longer, stepping forward as the disguised old Asura, covering thousands of feet in a single stride, shedding all disguises.
The black-robed Heavenly Emperor walked from the depths of the abyss, and all the fierce ghosts seemed to have suddenly seen a snowman encountering the sun, vigorously fleeing towards the dark corners.
Ksitigarbha and his blue-and-white big dog exchanged glances, both a little shocked.
Li Ping’an’s form halted three zhang away.
At this moment, he had already contemplated how to ‘arrange’ Ksitigarbha and Diting, and said warmly: “Why is the disciple-nephew here, eh?”
“Well,” Ksitigarbha performed a Taoist salute, “Report to His Majesty, I occasionally sense something, hence cultivating here, comprehending the essence of livings’ hearts.”
“Oh? Have you gained anything?”