However, Siti's cultivation realm was that of a Middle-ranked Saint, which was actually considered somewhat lacking. If she had refined the entire World's Source Essence, she could have directly ascended to the High-ranked Holy Realm, for that particular source essence was from the World Tree.
Now, Sha Chen and Siti got up and changed their clothes. Siti tenderly helped Sha Chen put on his coat. The two had already been ambiguous confidantes for hundreds of years, and the past half-year had thoroughly blended them, like milk and water. They had moved beyond the relationship of mere confidantes; although nothing was explicitly stated, they each understood the other's feelings. Siti also expressed that she did not mind Sha Chen having several confidantes, as she would not bind him as other women might. Sha Chen neither agreed nor disagreed, merely offering a faint smile.
He then looked around at the garden full of Elixirs and Immortal Herbs. The power of the World Tree essence was simply too strong; even a small emanation had enabled 10,000 First-class Immortal Elixirs and some other Elixirs to proliferate. What was initially 10,000 First-class Immortal Elixirs had now grown to 50,000. As for those other Elixirs, all had spawned accompanying Elixirs.
Sha Chen merely smiled slightly at this. He planned to leave the roots of the 50,000 First-class Immortal Elixirs to continue propagating, harvest their fruits, and use Refining to turn them into more Elixirs. These Elixirs contained infinite Divine Power, capable of hastening a cultivator's progress in their cultivation realm. But for Sha Chen now, they were somewhat redundant. He did not consume them immediately, instead planning to reserve them for his followers.
"We have delayed another half year. Wukong and Jin Chanzi have already received their titles at Lingjiu Mountain; this is the perfect time for us to go," said Sha Chen.
Siti's complexion glowed as she replied, "I'll follow your lead in everything."
Sha Chen let out a hearty laugh. They had decided to leave half a year ago and were only now setting off, but this delay would not affect their travel speed in the slightest.
「Lingjiu Mountain.」
At the Great Thunder Sound Temple, Jin Chanzi, Sun Wukong, and their companions had completed their routine tasks for the Journey to the West. After dallying for over a dozen years, they had finally arrived at Lingjiu Mountain. All the Celestial Gods and Buddhas were awaiting this moment. Today was not only the day Jin Chanzi and the others would achieve meritorious completion of their Journey to the West; it was also the day Tathagata Buddha had vowed to impart teachings, resolve doubts, and lecture all the assembled gods and Buddhas.
Over a decade ago, Tathagata Buddha had achieved perfect merit and become a Saint. He then decreed that a grand Buddhist assembly would be held at Lingjiu Mountain, with the date set for today.
The time was now ripe. All the distinguished guests were present, and everyone had already benefited greatly from the first round of Tathagata Buddha's lecture. Now, they only needed Tathagata Buddha to bestow titles upon Jin Chanzi and his company before the second round of teachings could begin. This event would not only promote the Buddhist Law and strengthen Buddhism but also solidify Tathagata Buddha's supreme status as the Buddha.
Every Saint who gains recognition from the Heavenly Dao conducts sermons. This is not only to act benevolently but also to maintain their reputation and declare their power to the world.
In the Daxiong Hall, Jin Chanzi and Sun Wukong looked at each other, sensing that the situation seemed somewhat different from what they had initially agreed upon. Tathagata Buddha wore a smile as he bestowed Buddha titles upon Jin Chanzi and his companions, a clear departure from the original trajectory. This was because Jin Chanzi, Sun Wukong, Marshal Tianpeng, and White-Dragon-Horse all possessed strength surpassing the Quasi-Saint Realm. With their power, it was most fitting for all of them to be granted the status of Buddha.
Sun Wukong, Jin Chanzi, Ao Lie, and Marshal Tianpeng exchanged glances again, their brows furrowed with some concern. All eyes were on them, waiting for them to accept their conferment.
The Medicine Buddha had completely prostrated himself at Tathagata Buddha's feet. If Tathagata Buddha were to abdicate in favor of another, the Medicine Buddha was the most likely candidate to ascend to the position of Buddha. Therefore, he revered and defended Tathagata Buddha with utmost vigor. Seeing that Sun Wukong and the others did not kneel to receive their titles, he frowned and scolded, "You have traveled a long and arduous Journey to the West, enduring countless hardships and passing through all eighty-one tribulations to reach Lingjiu Mountain. Now the Buddha is bestowing upon you three thousand high ranks, the Buddhist Law, and Buddhist titles! Why do you not accept?"
Just then, a voice carried through, deeply shocking everyone present.
"Because Tathagata is already a Saint, it is time for him to abdicate and make way for a worthy successor! When that time comes, he will no longer be the Buddha, so what right would he have to bestow any rewards?"
Upon hearing these words, everyone's expression changed instantly; the voice was somewhat familiar. Some powerful figures already recognized it as Sha Chen's voice. For a moment, they looked at each other in horrified surprise.
Tathagata Buddha's expression also darkened instantly, his smile vanishing.
The Medicine Buddha, however, roared in anger, "Who is this insignificant cur, only capable of hiding and skulking in the shadows? Show yourself if you dare!"
Then, two figures walked into the Great Thunder Sound Temple from outside: a man and a woman. Sha Chen was in the lead, with Siti following behind him.
"Sha Chen?"
"He actually emerged from the Flowing Sand River Cave?"
"How is this possible? How could he leave the Flowing Sand River?"
"Why can't I sense his power? He's standing right before us, yet he seems ethereal. But upon closer inspection, he feels entirely real!"
The mighty beings of the Three Realms were all shocked. Sha Chen had actually left the Flowing Sand River and appeared at Lingjiu Mountain! Everyone familiar with Sha Chen knew he would not willingly leave the Flowing Sand River. His appearance at Lingjiu Mountain—and in his true body, no less—meant something significant was bound to happen.
Seeing Sha Chen, Sun Wukong and his companions were also startled, then overjoyed.
