Only See One's Own Difficulties

Central Continent, the Great Thunderclap Monastery.

This supreme temple of Buddhism is also the legendary land that all Buddhist cultivators yearn to enter.

The Great Thunderclap Monastery stands atop the Western Mountain, its foundation resting upon high clouds, with flowing rainbows serving as bridges. Surging spiritual energy transforms into radiant light of seven colors, complementing the golden Buddhist glow that shines down from above.

Beneath the Western Mountain lies a major spiritual vein that connects to the Western Oxen Gift Continent. In earlier times, the inhabitants of this continent had a simpler nickname for this mountain—Spirit Mountain.

But later, the Buddhist order renamed it.

Now, only the elders of the Western Oxen Gift Continent still remember that the Buddhist Western Mountain was originally called Spirit Mountain.

Outside the main hall of the Great Thunderclap Monastery,

two coiled flood dragons bow their heads, their massive bodies resting motionless upon a grand wall of glazed jade. Only the unrestrained aura emanating from them reveals that these two dragons are alive.

Dozens of Arhats and Bodhisattvas stand on either side, each bowing their heads and forming Buddhist mudras with their hands.

"Announcing the ascension of the Eight-Turn True Buddha!"

"Announcing the ascension of the Flowing Radiance Sound Buddha!"

"Announcing the ascension of the Heaven-Responding True Buddha!"

"Announcing—..."

One after another, Buddhas who had long remained in seclusion emerged today, gathering at the Great Thunderclap Monastery.

The Buddhist path varies among cultivators, and many hold opposing philosophies. Yet, for various reasons, they remain united under the banner of Buddhism.

There are also Mahayana cultivators who, seeking breakthroughs into the Tribulation Transcendence realm—whether for opportunities or resources—choose to join the Buddhist order.

Originally walking the Great Dao, they become Buddhas upon reaching Tribulation Transcendence, ascending to the Thunderclap Dharma Monastery, where disciples bow and address them as venerable.

However, compared to the Tribulation Transcendence cultivators meticulously nurtured by major sects, there remains a discernible gap.

The true backbone of Buddhism lies in those who have cultivated the Buddhist path from the beginning and attained genuine Buddhahood.

Yet, regardless of how one views it, Buddhism boasts the highest number of Tribulation Transcendence cultivators—a fact acknowledged by the entire world.

As for whether they are truly formidable or merely inflated in reputation, that is not for outsiders beyond the Eighteen Immortal Sects to question.

At the very least, in the four great continents beyond the Central Continent, Tribulation Transcendence cultivators are already figures of legend, rarely seen.

Inside the main hall of the Great Thunderclap Monastery,

the grand hall is vast, its magnificence overwhelming at first glance.

Arhats stand solemnly in formation, while numerous Buddhas take their seats upon the arranged golden lotus thrones. With so many Buddhas present, the golden lotus seating encircles the entire hall.

At the central throne sits a dignified yet compassionate-looking Buddha, slightly plump in stature, seated upon a golden lotus. His right hand extends in greeting to each Buddha entering the hall.

In his left hand, he holds a string of golden Buddhist prayer beads, inscribed with Daoist runes that exude an extraordinarily pure aura.

One by one, the Buddhas gradually take their seats, filling the golden lotus thrones.

Once the last Buddha is seated, two Arhats close the massive golden doors.

Seated at the foremost position is the Present Buddha—Runan.

His gaze sweeps across the assembly, his expression warm yet commanding respect as he speaks in a gentle yet authoritative voice:

"It has been long since I last saw you all. Yet, who would have thought our reunion would be under such circumstances?"

To Runan Buddha's left, the Eight-Turn True Buddha, seeing the discussion finally begin, quickly speaks up:

"Runan Buddha, I have already heard of the matter before arriving. Xuan Qing, Yanyun, and the Great Dao Sect have jointly entered the Western Oxen Gift Continent."

"Yanyun dismantled the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, while Daoist Yuyang leveled the True Sound Dharma Temple. At the Pudu River, Huang Miao obstructed our path, and the Yuan Gui True Buddha sent to reinforce remains stranded there to this day."

"The three sects have dispatched not only core disciples but also Tribulation Transcendence true cultivators. With such strength, sweeping through the four great continents would hardly be difficult, let alone pacifying the Western Oxen Gift Continent."

"This is no mere suppression—it is the eradication of Buddhist temples in the Western Oxen Gift Continent."

"If we retreat now, we may be forced into endless retreat. Even the Great Thunderclap Monastery may fall into others' hands."

Runan slightly raises his gaze toward the Eight-Turn True Buddha, nodding faintly in acknowledgment before shifting his attention to the other assembled Buddhas.

"Beyond what the Eight-Turn True Buddha has mentioned, are there other opinions? Since this is a grand assembly, it is beneficial to discuss freely, regardless of right or wrong, and pool our wisdom."

After a brief pause, a calm voice sounds from the right.

"Runan Buddha, I have been absent for many years and have long been detached from worldly affairs. Thus, before arriving, I gathered as much information as possible."

Runan turns to look—it is Huawu Buddha. His presence brings a touch of pleasant surprise.

This Buddha was once the foremost disciple of Buddhism, meticulously nurtured from the start, attaining the Great Accomplishment Fruit of Buddhahood. Whether in cultivation or conduct, he ranks among the finest in the Buddhist order.

However, after the turmoil of the Mahayana Dharma, he left the order, retreating to the Lotus Mud, claiming he sought enlightenment through painting Buddhas.

Since then, no matter the occasion, invitations went unanswered, and summons were ignored.

Yet, his status remains, and his Buddhahood is pure.

In Buddhism, those who join from outside bear an unspoken epithet—"Dust-Afflicted Buddhas."

Only those raised from childhood in the Buddhist order or those who ascend through sheer effort are called "Karma Buddhas."

They plant the seed of Buddhahood, reaping the fruit in time.

Those who enter Buddhism through cultivation, still bound by worldly ties, can only become Dust-Afflicted Buddhas.

Today, Karma Buddhas are even rarer than Dust-Afflicted Buddhas, yet only they are truly regarded as genuine Buddhas within the order.

The bonds between Karma Buddhas are far stronger than those among Dust-Afflicted Buddhas—united not by interest but by the pursuit of truth, true kindred spirits.

Seeing Huawu True Buddha present today, Runan feels a warmth in his heart.

He nods before Huawu True Buddha even finishes speaking.

Huawu True Buddha is the one whom Kongwu witnessed with his own eyes. After agreeing to Kongwu's request, he did not rush back to the Buddhist order. Having been absent for so long, a sudden return would only arouse suspicion.

Haste makes waste—a simple truth he understands well.

By arriving as an invited guest, his words carry weight.

Huawu True Buddha's gaze sweeps across the assembly:

"Beyond the matter of the three sects entering the Western Oxen Gift Continent, I have also heard of sudden outbreaks of savage demonic beasts ravaging the land, bringing suffering to countless lives. Buddhism has long held sway over the Western Oxen Gift Continent, with many disciples sent there for training."

"Yet, in the face of this calamity, the Buddhist order seems to have done little. I do not know whether it is unwilling or unable to act."

"But if we cannot manage, then let those who can take charge. The lives of sentient beings are no less precious than ours."

"Thus, it is not that the three sects seek to wrest the Western Oxen Gift Continent from us—it is that we have already abandoned it."

Runan falls into contemplation.

Seeing this, the Eight-Turn True Buddha sighs softly:

"The Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple and the True Sound Dharma Temple have taken in many refugees, and many disciples have been dispatched. Yet, in times of urgency, oversights are inevitable."

"The Western Oxen Gift Continent is the foundation of Buddhism, home to countless devotees. To abandon it now would render the great vows of past venerable Buddhas void. He can no longer endure further turmoil."

"Even now, more Buddhas are en route, only to be blocked at the Pudu River."

"How can you say we have done nothing?"

Huawu chuckles and shakes his head:

"A year ago, the Pudu River was desolate, yet demonic beasts had already begun to ravage the land. Was crossing the river difficult back then?"

The Eight-Turn True Buddha dared not answer.

Huawu Buddha spoke with solemn gravity:

"Today, the Pudu River is crowded, and the Western Oxen Continent has long been reduced to ruin. Now, you ask if crossing is difficult?"

"Since when have we only seen our own hardships, but turned a blind eye to the suffering of others?"

As his words faded,

the grand hall fell into utter silence.

No one dared to offer a careless reply.

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