This was a nameless elder monk from Mount Ling; no one there knew his name, only that he had lived in the most difficult era for the Buddhist Sect.

At that time, Xiniu Continent was a barren land, filled with man-eating beasts and brutal demons. It was this group of people who, braving the thorny paths and treacherous waters, established the Mortal Buddhist Kingdom on Xiniu Continent.

Since then, the Buddhist Sect became the state religion of Xiniu Continent and began to tread the path of development and expansion.

Compared to the current disciples of Mount Ling, these individuals strictly adhered to the precepts and disciplines, emphasizing enlightenment through suffering.

They were the true cultivators of the Buddhist Sect, a group of people who pursued the Buddhist path amidst the hardships of the Mortal World.

For this reason, they often traveled across the land, measuring the earth with their own feet, seeking the true essence of the Buddhist Law between Heaven and Earth.

They were the ascetic monks of the Buddhist Sect and the practitioners of the Great Path.

Their names were unknown; their deeds would live on forever.

Thus, when the old monk appeared, whether they were Bodhisattvas or Buddhas, whether common monks or Golden Body Arhats, all looked at him with reverent eyes.

These individuals were the true backbone of the Buddhist Sect, the deepest foundation, the ones who could rebuild the Sect from the darkest abyss.

Although they rarely visited Mount Ling because they believed that the Mount Ling of the Buddhist Sect resided in everyone’s heart, not on any specific tall mountain,

they were the unequivocal masters of Mount Ling, even the Buddha himself would treat them with respect.

And the appearance of this respected elder quickly suppressed the fear and worry in everyone’s hearts.

He was like an old tree in the mountains, withering yet still able to shelter his descendants from wind and rain.

"The Buddhist Sect has never feared challenges, for it is in challenges that we grow," the old monk said slowly, looking around at everyone.

It seemed that from his words, the voices of countless sages of the Buddhist Sect could be heard calling out, awakening the fighting spirit within them.

Indeed, even with grave injuries, the Buddhist Sect remained one of the top forces in the Three Realms; there was still ample opportunity to make amends for today’s mistakes.

Marx was powerful, yes, but the Buddhist Sect was no weaker; having stood unshaken for many years amid the fierce competition of the Three Realms, it was not without merit.

It was only the succession of previous events that had worn away their pride and confidence, leading them to pessimistic thoughts.

Fortunately, the old monk’s stern admonishment made them all feel deeply ashamed.

They had arrogantly claimed honor while desire and anger blinded them, leading to the current dire situation.

"Thank you, Master!" the Buddhas said as they bowed to the old monk.

Maitreya also spoke up, "I am the Buddha, and the troubles caused by Marx are my fault."

At this moment, the newly anointed Buddha took responsibility. Even knowing it could affect his reputation within the Buddhist Sect, with the Eastern Land’s defeat and Marx’s escape, the calamities of the Buddhist Sect had all occurred after he took over as the Buddha. He could not, and should not, shirk the blame.

"Amitabha Buddha, it is forgivable that Maitreya has made mistakes upon his first ascension to the Lotus Platform. After all, the calamities of the Buddhist Sect are inevitable. It was only because the Buddha was so formidable that he kept them suppressed and out of sight. Now that the Buddha has transcended, the calamities naturally swarm in,"

The old monk spoke on behalf of Maitreya, and everyone knew that what he said was true. These issues had always existed; it’s just that before, the Buddha was too powerful, suppressing any problems from arising. However, whoever took over the position of Buddha, they would have to face the current severe situation.

In the past, there would naturally be those within the Buddhist Sect who would challenge Maitreya, all for the coveted throne of the Buddha.

But now, with such an incident, no one had the mind to engage in these matters. Instead, the external pressure made the once scattered Buddhist Sect unite again, turning a misfortune into a blessing.

Seeing this, the old monk nodded slightly and said, "Since Marx has escaped, our Buddhist Sect naturally ought to shoulder the responsibility. From today on, anyone who follows the path of our ascetic cultivation will hold eradicating demons as their duty, traveling in all directions to execute Demon Heads."

The old monk spoke these words gently, as if speaking of ordinary matters, but everyone who knew the ascetic monks understood that these people seldom spoke; once they made a promise, even death wouldn’t stop them from fulfilling it,

Marx, of course, didn’t know that he was now targeted by the most formidable ascetic monks of the Buddhist Sect. At this moment, he flew in the sky, feeling the long-lost breath of freedom.

How many years had it been? He had finally walked out from that dark seal, and could now breathe the fresh air outside.

Looking at the few remaining Demon Heads beside him, Marx’s brow furrowed. The Demon Heads he had accumulated in the past had been worn away by the endless seal, and newly born Demon Heads were scarce. Furthermore, those that did arise were almost completely eradicated in the clashes with the Buddhist Sect. Now, only a handful of Demon Heads remained by his side, which hardly commanded the presence of a Demon King, appearing quite pitiable.

At this thought, the hatred in Marx’s heart nearly turned into tangible flames, spewing forth.

"Damn the Buddhist Sect; I will make you pay. Buddha, just you wait, I will definitely fulfill the promise I made before," Marx muttered angrily to himself.

Countless plots had already flickered through his mind as he thought about how to deal with the Buddhist Sect.

"The most urgent task is to find a place and create more Demon Heads," he thought to himself.

Just then, a gloomy voice reached his ears.

"Congratulations to the Demon King for breaking the seal!"

Marx turned his head and saw a person in a black robe standing in front of him; through the hood, he could vaguely make out a monkey face.

"Oh, it’s you!" Marx said, relieved.

"Indeed, it is I. I’ve been awaiting the Demon King for quite some time," said the Divine Exorcist Great Sage with a smile.

It was he who had orchestrated the escape of Marx, aiming to weaken the Buddhist Sect to a great extent. As long as Marx existed in the Mortal World for even a day, the Buddhist Sect would not have a day of peace.

"What is it? Do you, this little monkey, have something to say?" Marx gazed at the Divine Exorcist Great Sage in the black robe with a deep look, not trusting the man before him much.

Moreover, the person sitting in the Lingxiao Treasured Palace also filled him with great apprehension.

"I’m here this time to remind the Demon King not to forget the promise made before; after all, our previous cooperation was very pleasant, and I wouldn’t want any conflicts in the future."

"Rest assured, I won’t enter the territories of the Heavenly Court. I’m not foolish enough to be at odds with you," Marx waved his hand, looking quite impatient.

This was also one of the conditions set before. The Jade Emperor did not wish for the released Demon King to cause trouble for himself, for he is notoriously capricious, and doing evil is his innate nature.

"Since that’s the case, let me bring another piece of news to the Demon King; the ascetic monks of the Buddhist Sect are about to take action."