Assuming the identity of Savior Bodhisattva at Spirit Mountain is certainly a potential threat; once the slightest indication is revealed, the Buddha will immediately suspect him.

A gentle breeze stirred from the horizon, lightly brushing against the hanging hair ends. Chen Yuan's gaze sharpened, swiftly turning in one direction.

The void is disturbed... He's here!

Specks of golden light seeped from deep within the void, covering several feet in mere moments. A blurry figure gradually solidified, clad in a golden kasaya, with golden body hair, short stature, and a thunderous mouth — none other than the demon tribe's Great Sage Equalling Heaven, Savior Bodhisattva.

Just as Chen Yuan had suspected!

"I greet Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and King Yan!" Savior Bodhisattva smiled faintly; after continuous transformation over a hundred years, his wild nature has indeed been fully restrained.

Without his appearance, anyone would think he is a high monk full of virtue, a true merciful Bodhisattva.

"Qi Tian benefactor."

Moluo looked at him solemnly.

Upon hearing this familiar address, Savior Bodhisattva fell silent, seemingly reflecting on his glorious past, eyes gradually dimming.

"Had I known earlier that Bodhisattva was one of us, Ling Xu Sect Leader wouldn't have acted so ruthlessly back then." Chen Yuan smiled, whether it was the battle on Purple Gold Mountain or the battle at Goddess Palace.

Savior Bodhisattva's opponent was always Shushan Sect Leader Ling Xu Monarch, holding the Slaughter Immortal Sword, repeatedly leaving him in tragic state, even severing one arm.

Even now, he hasn't fully returned to his peak state.

"If we had recognized each other back then, Ling Xu benefactor leaving his hand could have alerted Buddha." Savior Bodhisattva replied with a smile.

"Bodhisattva's words make sense."

Chen Yuan nodded, knowing his previous words were merely a formality.

"It's a pity that Dragon Slayer left the Buddhist path; otherwise, with his help, your situation would be much better." Moluo sighed lightly, leaving too abruptly and without much preparation.

Later, he realized his actions might have caused Dragon Slayer Arhat to leave the Western Regions.

"Times have changed; the fewer people who know about this, the better."

Savior Bodhisattva, born of the demon tribe, was always rebellious, only forcefully converted by Buddha; hoping he would be a breakthrough point, one day shrouding the Southern Border's mountains with Buddhist light.

Even though he ranks among the four Bodhisattvas, his power second only to Manjusri, his position remains the lowest among them. The notion that all beings are equal is a farce, how can equality exist in the world?

"Indeed, this time, putting you at risk was out of necessity, King Yan needs a very important item from the Luli Kingdom Imperial Palace.

I cannot act, lest Buddha notices, so..."

"Bodhisattva need not say more, I understand this matter, King Yan's power is now formidable, just delaying the Buddhist path momentarily, will significantly boost King Yan's strength.

Overthrowing Spirit Mountain's possibility increases greatly, risking even my own fall would be worthwhile." Savior Bodhisattva said with sincere dedication.

No one can understand his suffering, repressed for centuries, forcibly transformed, thoughts altered, later awakened by some means left by the then Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Every day he must pretend to be transformed, like sitting on pins and needles.

He prefers the former carefree days in the Southern Border.

At Spirit Mountain, in the Buddhist path, each day is torment for him.

"Thank you, Bodhisattva."

Chen Yuan cupped his hands gratefully.

"Tomorrow I will preach in the city, attracting most guards to City East, and will also use some means to shield Spirit Mountain's perception.

As long as disturbances aren't too big, it will be safe."

"Okay."

"Good."

"The matters previously mentioned by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva have been arranged, once King Yan obtains the desired item and leaves the Western Regions, I will try to create commotion in the Western Regions to buy you time."

Savior Bodhisattva said solemnly.

"If everything fails, Bodhisattva must prioritize safety, do not take risks. Although my current power is less than the Buddhist path, they find hurting me not a simple task."

Confronted with Savior Bodhisattva, solitary and infiltrating the enemy's camp, Chen Yuan greatly admires him, not wishing for his demise. Prioritizing safety, if possible, is preferable.

Savior Bodhisattva chuckled, gently shaking his head, reaching into his golden hair, stating:

"Buddha never fully trusted me, though the Golden Hoop was removed, remnants of its power remain, leaving or staying in the Western Regions is useless."

He seems to have come to terms with it all, envisioning the day truth reveals, Buddha will angrily torment him to death.

But death, for someone like him, what does it truly mean?

It feels more like liberation.

"I understand."

Chen Yuan's gaze deepened slightly, nodding.

"Don't lose hope; Buddha's control isn't unbreakable. When I break through to the Earth Immortal Realm, at some cost, I can free you from all constraints."

Moluo comforted.

"Good, I hope that day comes sooner...."

...

The trio's meeting didn't last long; beyond discussing some details, they departed, with some matters mutually understood, words left unsaid.

On the way back, Chen Yuan and Moluo didn't enthusiastically converse, quiet from thoughts, aware of Savior Bodhisattva's resolve and acceptance of death.

None would be happy about such an end.

Saying something somber, should Savior Bodhisattva live well, Chen Yuan's future southern campaign against demons would certainly save much trouble.

Even completely taming the demon tribe isn't impossible!

The next day.

The Dharma assembly proceeded on schedule.

When the expected Arhat became a Bodhisattva, the entire Luli Kingdom Capital plunged into celebration and joy.

Even as the lowest among the four Bodhisattvas, he's a genuine Bodhisattva, vastly superior to an Arhat in status.

Buddhist upper echelons may despise Savior Bodhisattva's origins, but overall, they extend significant respect.

For noble families and commoners below, it's akin to winning the grand prize.

Luli Kingdom nobility quickly sorted by rank, further below were endless citizens, longing for the post-assembly when Bodhisattva might demonstrate divine power, mercy, dispelling ailments and calamities.

Savior Bodhisattva stood atop the stage, vast in presence, with voids surrounding cloaked in soft golden hues, appearing like a massive golden statue from afar.

Below, ethereal golden lotuses continually blossomed, an intoxicating aura swiftly enveloping City East and beyond.

Under this concealment, Buddhist methods in Luli Kingdom were briefly suppressed, granting Chen Yuan an opportunity.

He raised his head towards the Imperial Palace, seemingly perceiving the distant figures of Chen Yuan and Moluo, smiled and nodded before withdrawing his gaze.

Observing the devout Buddhist followers below, he gently uttered scriptures.

.....

As Savior Bodhisattva started creating momentum, Chen Yuan and Moluo didn't waste time, swiftly traversing voids to arrive above Luli Kingdom Imperial Palace.

"Where's the item you seek?"

Moluo inquired.

"No need to rush, let me look first!"

Chen Yuan casually responded, then his eyes emitted a blue light, instantly engaging the Heavenly Eye Pupil Technique, scanning within the palace's wells.

Soon, Chen Yuan halted his gaze, pointing towards a dry well in the northeastern corner:

"Inside the well!"

————

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