The Buddhist sect, located at the absolute center of the Buddha Province, rose from the ground, reaching nine levels of heaven, each level a world unto itself.
From afar, the ground was covered with various Buddhist structures, housing numerous Buddhist monks and believers.
But above that was a phantom, illusory scene. Space was distorted, like a building constructed of glass, albeit one that towered into the clouds, its edges unseen.
“Amitabha, Benefactor Li, this humble monk has been instructed by Bodhisattva to guide you.”
As Li Xiaotian reached the boundary of the Buddhist sect, he saw Ah San slowly drifting towards him. Ah San clasped his hands together, his eyes filled with a smile.
“Bodhisattva Ah San, thank you for your trouble.”
Li Xiaotian spoke, following Ah San as they flew towards the Buddhist sect.
Along the way, many monks in the sect couldn't help but look at the two, curious about Li Xiaotian’s identity. After all, it was enough to see that an outsider from another province was personally welcomed by Bodhisattva Ah San, indicating his extraordinary status.
Of course, they did not know that Li Xiaotian was here to see Ananda. If they did, even monks with the highest states of mind would have been moved.
It was important to know that Ananda’s current status in the Buddha Province was no less than that of an ancient Buddha in the Buddha Province. He was the supreme powerhouse of the Buddha Province, its sole foundation, and the heaven in the hearts of all in the Buddha Province.
Such an existence was usually only met by the sect leaders or overlords of the Four Great Sects. Others simply were not qualified.
Let alone an outsider like Li Xiaotian being invited by Bodhisattva Ananda. If this were to spread, it would likely shock countless people.
“Bodhisattva Ah San, how is the Blissful Buddhist Sect?”
Li Xiaotian ignored the curious glances and asked Ah San.
“The Blissful Buddhist Sect suffered greatly in this calamity and has been ordered by Bodhisattva to seal its mountain.”
Ah San said unhurriedly, a hint of a wry smile in his eyes as he looked at Li Xiaotian. Who would have thought that the Blissful Buddhist Sect, one of the Four Great Sects of the Buddha Province, would end up in such a state after offending the person before him?
“Sealed its mountain?”
Li Xiaotian was taken aback, somewhat surprised. However, considering that the sect leader of the Blissful Buddhist Sect was a demon, and that after his death, the Blissful Buddhist Sect had no overlord to guard it, sealing the mountain gate was understandable.
Of course, there might be other reasons, but they were none of his concern, as long as the people from the Blissful Buddhist Sect did not seek revenge on him in the future.
“Does the Bodhisattva know why the Bodhisattva is looking for me?”
Li Xiaotian asked, wanting to gather some information beforehand.
“This humble monk does not know. This humble monk dares not speculate on what the Bodhisattva thinks or does.”
Ah San said with a wry smile. There were some things he did not say. Even for him, it was as difficult as ascending to heaven to meet Bodhisattva Ananda on a regular basis. Moreover, this time, he was only responsible for leading the way. Once they arrived, he would retreat, meaning he would not even have the chance to see Bodhisattva Ananda this time.
“Alright.”
Li Xiaotian nodded, feeling apprehensive, of course. After all, it was a supreme powerhouse, a legendary existence to him.
When such an existence suddenly wanted to see him, how could his heart be calm?
“Senior Brother Ah San, this is a sacred place of Buddhism, and outsiders are not allowed in. It’s one thing for Senior Brother to guide this friend to fly freely in the first layer of heaven, disregarding the sect rules. But now, bringing him into the second layer of heaven is rather inappropriate, isn’t it?”
As the two entered the Buddhist sect and were about to fly higher, a voice suddenly came from behind them, laced with a hint of hostility.
Upon hearing this, the two stopped and looked back. A group of monks flew towards them, led by a tall, young monk with sharp eyes and a cold, handsome appearance, giving off an air of arrogance.
“Junior Brother Modi, Senior Brother will explain this matter to you later.”
Ah San said, his brow furrowed. Bodhisattva had instructed him to pick up Li Xiaotian, clearly not wanting outsiders to know. He couldn’t possibly tell the approaching person the truth, could he?
“Senior Brother should explain now. This is our sacred place, and allowing outsiders to trespass freely, what have our sect’s precepts become?”
“Senior Brother, do you perhaps think that because you are a Bodhisattva, you can disregard everything?”
Modi’s eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of jealousy flashing in his gaze as he looked at Ah San. Then he glanced at Li Xiaotian and asked from above, in a condescending manner.
“Who are you? What business do you have coming to the Buddhist sect?”
“Junior Brother!”
Ah San frowned, his expression showing displeasure. Modi’s attitude towards Li Xiaotian was excessive.
“It’s alright.”
Li Xiaotian transmitted his voice to Ah San, then smiled. He couldn’t stand people being arrogant in front of him. Although Granny Yue E had told him to be careful after coming to the Buddhist sect, as long as he didn’t provoke Sovereign Ananda, he didn’t care about anyone else.
He then looked at Modi and spoke.
“Who I am and what business I have in the Buddhist sect, does that have anything to do with you?”
“Presumptuous!!!”
“Bold!!!”
As soon as Li Xiaotian finished speaking, before Modi could even reply, several monks behind him reprimanded him one after another.
“Elder Modi is the Law Enforcement Elder of our Outer Sect. Any outsider entering our Buddhist sect must be subject to examination by our Law Enforcement Hall. Elder Modi is questioning you, this is the rule of our Buddhist sect. Do you think it has anything to do with you?”
“Indeed! Outsider, this is the Buddhist sect, the sacred land of our Buddha Province, not a place for you to be presumptuous. Answer whatever Elder Modi asks you, don’t provoke the dignity of our Buddhist sect!”
“Don’t think that you can disregard the sect rules just because you are a friend of the Bodhisattva. Even the Bodhisattva himself, to put it bluntly, wouldn’t dare to violate the sect rules!”
Several monks spoke one after another, their aura imposing.
Ah San frowned, his expression displeased. Just as he was about to speak, Modi interrupted him first.
“Senior Brother, Junior Brother is merely performing his duties. Is Senior Brother going to make things difficult for Junior Brother?”
Modi said, his words leaving Ah San with no room to speak.
Li Xiaotian, standing nearby, also understood. This Modi looked as young as Ah San and was not weak in strength. Considering the struggle for the Buddha’s True Scripture in the Buddha Province, he knew what was going on.
This Modi must have wanted to contend for the Buddha’s True Scripture on Ah San, or perhaps they had vied for the position of Bodhisattva of the Buddhist sect before, but Modi had lost.
In any case, Modi’s main goal was to cause trouble for Ah San, using Li Xiaotian as a stepping stone.
However, Li Xiaotian was not someone that any cat or dog could provoke at will. Did this Modi, who was using him to cause trouble for Ah San, ever consider the consequences of offending him?
Seeing Ah San’s predicament, a cold smile flickered in Modi’s heart. He then glanced at Li Xiaotian and spoke disdainfully.
“Now answer the question this elder just asked! Also, return to the ground first. The Buddhist sect only allows disciples of Elder level to fly. You, an outsider, do not have this qualification!”
As he finished speaking, one of the monks behind Modi spoke up, his tone forceful.
“Did you hear Elder Modi’s words? Hurry down!”
“Enough!”
At this moment, Ah San could no longer stand it. Not to mention that Li Xiaotian was invited by Bodhisattva Ananda.
Even if that were not the case, Li Xiaotian was brought in by him, and he was his friend. Modi treating Li Xiaotian like this was going too far!