Only Pawns, Searching for the Sarira

Even if Qiao Ling found the Sixteen Sarira and merged them into herself, Tathagata's return would already be futile.

The era of Buddhism that belonged to Tathagata had come to an end.

Had there been no variable like Fotu, everything would have proceeded according to the original Rule Realm. Wu Tian would have fallen, and Tathagata would have returned.

But things were different now. Fotu, who had never originally existed, had been born. He even carried the decree of the Lord of All Heavens, ordering him to govern Buddhism in the Primordial World.

That was the decree of the Lord of All Heavens, far beyond what a mere world Rule Realm could compare to. Fotu taking charge of Buddhism in the Primordial World had become inevitable.

Inside the grand hall on Penglai Island.

Bodhi Old Ancestor told Fotu every last detail of what the Golden Winged Great Peng had said.

Fotu remained composed, a smile on his face as he looked at Bodhi Old Ancestor. "Then do as he requests. Let Sun Wukong go search for them."

"Ah? Are we truly doing this? If he gathers them all and Tathagata returns, then..." Bodhi frowned.

"It is no matter! Some things are already destined. Even if Tathagata merges with the Sixteen Sarira, it will still be useless."

Though Bodhi Old Ancestor was puzzled, seeing Fotu so confident, he did not dwell on it. He bowed and took his leave.

A short while later, he appeared before Sun Wukong, who was sitting alone on the steps outside the hall.

"Wukong!"

Hearing Bodhi Old Ancestor's voice, Sun Wukong rose and turned around.

"Your disciple greets Master!"

Sun Wukong sincerely felt gratitude and respect toward Bodhi Old Ancestor. He was like both teacher and father, entirely unlike Xuanzang.

His relationship with Xuanzang had been