The Grand Elder’s mouth opened and closed, his eyes reflecting a hint of disappointment. He had desperately wanted an answer from Bodhisattva Jiyu, but this was not the answer he sought.
Why had Ami and the others, along with Li Xiaotian’s wife and daughter, vanished? This was the Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect, protected by a great mountain formation outside, and with Bodhisattva Jiyu within. What kind of person would dare intrude and cause chaos?
Moreover, even if someone happened to enter the sect, Bodhisattva Jiyu was a top-tier expert among overlords, arguably the strongest overlord in Buddha State.
Who could possibly cause trouble under his very nose?
The other party had offered no clear explanation for any of these matters!
“Alright, Grand Elder, I will first seal the cave to prevent any disturbances from below when the great battle commences. You shall remain in charge of the sect and prepare for the war.”
Before the Grand Elder could ask further questions, Bodhisattva Jiyu spoke first. Without waiting for a response, he began to walk step by step into the depths of the cave.
Behind him, the Grand Elder opened his mouth again, then sighed. Perhaps he was overthinking things.
After the Grand Elder departed, Bodhisattva Jiyu stopped and glanced back, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
“Agus, I hope you do not act foolishly!”
Bodhisattva Jiyu muttered, then let out a cold laugh before continuing his descent into the depths.
Buddha light flickered, repelling all darkness. Profound Buddhist intent emanated from Bodhisattva Jiyu, echoing within the cave.
Gradually, only the profound Buddhist intent from Bodhisattva Jiyu remained at the cave entrance; all other presence vanished.
Agus, the Grand Elder of the Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect, had already convened all the elder-level figures of the sect. Each sect elder possessed at least mid-stage Emperor-level strength.
In the grand hall, over a hundred Buddhas sat cross-legged around the palace. Only a few were at the mid-stage Emperor level, while over forty were at the peak Emperor level.
It could be said that the Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect’s foundation was terrifyingly deep, and this did not even include those sealed due to nearing the end of their lifespans.
In fact, the foundations of the sects in Buddha State were generally considered the strongest among the Nine Continents, which was largely due to the influence of Buddhism.
The entire Buddha State worshipped the Buddha Ancestor and the various Buddhas, with Buddhism as the dominant force.
Therefore, since ancient times, Buddha State had rarely experienced internal conflict, and the chance of strong cultivators perishing was extremely small.
However, this situation had both advantages and disadvantages. While there were many strong cultivators, their combat effectiveness was not as high as that of cultivators from other states.
Murmurs filled the hall, with many unaware of what was happening. After inquiring among themselves, they learned that someone intended to challenge their sect.
Instantly, the hall erupted with various voices, most of the elders displaying expressions of anger.
The Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect was one of the four great sects of Buddha State, residing on Great Snow Mountain and ruling the western part of the entire Buddhist region. Since its establishment, no force had dared to provoke the Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect!
Therefore, Li Xiaotian was seen by these individuals as utterly audacious, arrogant, and bent on his own destruction!
Of course, many others felt insulted and lost face!
A mere overlord leading tens of thousands of ordinary martial artists dared to challenge their Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect. This was a mockery of their Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect! It was disrespect!
“This is utterly outrageous!!! Does Li Xiaotian think this is Flame State? Who gave him the courage to declare war on our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect?”
Someone shouted angrily, their face filled with indignation.
“Our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect has never suffered such a provocation. Although Buddhist cultivators do not kill and advocate for peace, this jester Li Xiaotian has gone too far. If we do not teach him a lesson, the world will think the people of our Buddha State are easy to bully!”
“Indeed, we are willing to transform into demon Buddhas and slay the incoming enemies!”
“Although Galli Dun was at fault, Li Xiaotian is simply ungrateful. Killing our sect members at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Assembly has caused our sect to lose all face before various forces. If this anger is not vented, how can our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect command respect?”
Discussions filled the hall, and everyone's aura surged. They were enraged!
“Quiet!!!”
Agus let out a loud roar, drowning out the clamor in the hall. He then swept his gaze across everyone before speaking.
“Do not forget, this matter began with Galli Dun. He abducted Li Xiaotian’s wife and daughter with base methods, turning our Buddhist Sect into a laughingstock. From now on, the people of our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect will forever bear this label!”
“In our Buddha State, these underhanded and despicable tactics are most taboo!”
Upon hearing Agus's words, everyone present could not help but frown, a flicker of suppressed shame appearing on their faces.
Indeed, despite their anger, the origin of the incident was their own subordinate’s foolish actions. This was a matter they could not gloss over.
At this moment, Galli Dun knelt in the center of the hall, trembling all over, his face terrifyingly pale. He felt countless sharp gazes fixed upon him.
If looks could kill, he would have died long ago.
To be honest, he had known about the consequences before, but he had misjudged Bodhisattva Jiyu’s attitude.
If he were still the Holy Son, still Bodhisattva Jiyu’s disciple, no one present would have dared to speak ill of him.
But now, everything was ruined!
Thinking of this, Galli Dun’s gaze fell upon Li Xiaotian, and he clenched his fists tightly. He blamed Li Xiaotian! If not for him, how could he have ended up like this?
“However! Since the matter is settled, we will no longer pursue this issue!”
Agus spoke unhurriedly. This statement caused Galli Dun’s eyes to suddenly light up; it was like a ray of hope in despair.
Agus glanced at Galli Dun without acknowledging him and continued speaking.
“The sect’s reputation is ruined and it has become a joke in Buddha State, but these are not important!”
“What is important is how our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect will use Li Xiaotian to establish its authority!”
“We are Buddhist cultivators, practitioners! Strength is paramount! If, in this battle, our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect displays strength that makes all forces in Buddha State wary, even fearful!”
At this point, Agus’s aura erupted, and he let out a loud shout before continuing.
“Then, who would dare to speak ill of our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect? Who would dare say our Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect has broken the rules? Who dares?!”
After this speech, the many elders of the Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect in the hall showed expressions of joy, their eyes filled with pride.
Indeed, strength was paramount! The world of the strong did not need to care about the opinions of others!
Their Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect’s reputation might be tarnished, but as long as they were powerful, who would dare to criticize them? Who would dare to accuse them?
No one would!
Their Pure Bliss Buddhist Sect remained one of the four great Buddhist sects, still the overlord of western Buddha State! Still, lofty and supreme!
“Grand Elder, this was my plan from the beginning. I implore the Grand Elder to see clearly. After I became the Holy Son, I dedicated myself to the sect’s considerations, willing to fight for the sect’s honor my entire life!!”
Suddenly, Galli Dun spoke loudly, his expression brimming with sincerity. Even now, he hoped to regain his status as Holy Son.
However, to his surprise, Agus’s expression changed instantly upon hearing this, shifting to one of disgust and revulsion.
“Silence!!! Do you have the right to speak here? Who allowed you to speak without permission?”
Agus reprimanded him, his heart instantly filled with rage. He had never disliked someone so much before.
He even began to doubt his own judgment. How had he ever agreed to Galli Dun being elected as the sect’s Holy Son?