However, Sha Chen did not acknowledge them. Instead, he looked indifferently at Tathagata Buddha. "In the nine heavens and ten lands, I alone am supreme. What a Tathagata Saint."
With those words, everyone knew that Sha Chen intended to confront Tathagata Buddha head-on.
Those who had come to listen to the Buddha's teachings were all renowned figures in the Three Realms. Yet, they all fell silent during this session. In the presence of Tathagata and Sha Chen, they hardly dared to breathe.
Tathagata said, "Sha Chen, I visited the Flowing Sand River thrice to invite you, yet you never left. What brings you here now?"
Sha Chen replied, "I have come here to ask the Buddha to abdicate."
There was an uproar.
Medicine Buddha's eyes flickered, his heart filled with glee. For a moment, he actually thought Sha Chen was helping him. But upon closer reflection, he found it unlikely. He then took the initiative to say, "Sha Chen, this is a matter of Buddhism. What concern is it of yours?"
Sha Chen replied, "We are among the most powerful forces in the Three Realms. Saints should not be controlled; otherwise, it would be interference in the lives of all beings in the Three Realms. I am enacting heaven's will, speaking for justice."
Medicine Buddha asked, "If the Buddha steps down, who do you think should ascend to the position?"
Sha Chen smiled and said, "Regardless, you are not qualified."
Medicine Buddha, who had been full of joy, felt his face cloud over instantly upon hearing this. "I think you're here to cause trouble."
He raised his hand and struck with a palm. Medicine Buddha's strength had already reached the Intermediate Stage of Semi-saint, ranking him among the elite in all of Buddhism.
But Sha Chen merely glanced at him, and instantly all his offensive momentum dissipated into nothingness.
Medicine Buddha was terrified, feeling as if he were on death's door. It was as if he had fallen into a chasm, unable to breathe. He quickly called out to the Buddha for help.
Sha Chen didn't pursue the matter to the death, as his only goal for coming here was to make Tathagata abdicate and support the ascension of Jin Chanzi. Indiscriminate slaughter would only make others see him as a demon king, and if he then supported Jin Chanzi, others would think Jin Chanzi was his puppet.
But just this display was enough to shock everyone to the core. To dispel a Quasi-Saint's attack with a mere gaze and terrify Medicine Buddha to such an extent suggested a might that likely surpassed that of an ordinary Saint.
As expected, two Saints emerged from behind Tathagata: Jieyin and Zhunti. They looked at Sha Chen with solemn gravity in their eyes. Especially Saint Zhunti, whose gaze also swept over Siti behind Sha Chen, his expression even more shocked, seemingly perceiving her power.
Jieyin and Zhunti, the two ancient Saints, came forward, but Tathagata did not stand to greet them. Instead, he remained seated, an added smile on his face.
Zhunti said, "This is a matter of our Buddhism. We kindly ask you not to interfere."
Sha Chen replied, "Can you two still make decisions now? If I'm not mistaken, I fear that the entirety of Buddhism is now subject to Tathagata's word alone, and even you two must obey him."
Upon these words, there was an uproar. Looking at Tathagata's expression, the faces of Jieyin and Zhunti, and considering their attitudes and positions relative to each other, it seemed Sha Chen's statement was not without reason.
Everyone in Buddhism was instantly shaken. Jieyin and Zhunti were their faith, the guiding forces behind the scenes. Tathagata had always considered himself their junior. Could he now really command Jieyin and Zhunti?
This upset their hierarchical order!
Even Medicine Buddha was terrified and incredulous, while seeming to understand something. Buddhism had always been about the survival of the fittest, where the strong are revered. Tathagata Buddha, previously less powerful than the two Saints, now had authority over them, naturally allowing him to command.
Jieyin said, "In our Buddhism, the position has always belonged to the one with virtue. We two old fellows believe Tathagata possesses greater virtue, so we are willing to follow his Buddhist Law. What is wrong with that?"
The entirety of Buddhism was shocked to hear this.
At this moment, their faith seemed to crumble; Buddhism's beliefs were at risk.
Outsiders from the major powers of the Three Realms also began to distance themselves. They sensed that a significant event was imminent, and a fierce battle was likely inevitable.
Tathagata said, "I still respect the two teachers very much, and their willingness to follow my arrangements does not mean they are beneath me. In fact, matters of Buddhism are discussed and decided by the three of us together."
But no one believed these words, as the two Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, had already effectively admitted it.
Tathagata had no choice but to show his true colors. "It's not just in Buddhism; the entire Three Realms operate on the principle of survival of the fittest, where the strong are revered. Now, my power is immense, reaching heaven and earth. Throughout the heavens and earth, I alone am supreme. Since this is the case, why can't I issue commands?"
This speech was unsettling, especially to those within Buddhism, as everyone looked displeased. They revered their teachers and respected the established order, and Buddhism especially emphasized this principle. Yet, Tathagata Buddha had gone against it, using his power to oppress, to bully, and to rise above his former teachers.
Sha Chen said, "You're right. Strength is paramount, I alone am supreme, the weak are prey to the strong, and the powerful may issue commands. Now, if my strength surpasses yours, can I then command you?"
Tathagata laughed heartily. "I know your strength has grown greatly, and perhaps neither of these two teachers can match you now. But do you really think you are invincible? My strength has reached the level of a Superior Saint. Under the vast heavens, even the sage Laozi might not be my match. You are but a mere Quasi-Saint; even if you have reached the peak of your cultivation, so what?"
