Before the Chan Sect disciples could even respond,
Lu Ya looked toward Ran Deng again. Under Ran Deng's nervous gaze, he chuckled and said,
"Ran Deng shall naturally return to the West!"
"As the past Buddha..."
Upon hearing this, joy stirred in Ran Deng's heart.
He subconsciously looked toward Wu Tian!
Seeing that Wu Tian showed no sign of opposition...
His relief was immediately written all over his face. He bowed slightly toward Wu Tian's direction, and with a stir in his heart, asked the Great Sun Tathagata:
"However..."
"What about Maitreya?"
Lu Ya's expression remained unchanged.
He still wore a warm, radiant smile.
"Maitreya's true spirit has ascended to the Investiture of the Gods. Once the investiture is official... he may also return to Western Spirit Mountain and shall serve as the future Buddha!"
Following Lu Ya's words, Ran Deng instantly understood. With him as the past Buddha and Maitreya as the future Buddha, the Great Sun Tathagata before them was none other than the present Buddha!
The past had already passed...
The future would always be the future.
Lu Ya's words also told them that the West would forever belong to them in the future, with the Great Sun Tathagata calling the shots!
Thinking further of the fallen Jieyin and Zhunti,
Ran Deng let out a soft sigh in his heart. Then his expression turned calm, and he pressed his palms together, bowing toward Lu Ya as he softly said,
"Thank you, World Honored One!"
As these words left his mouth,
it meant that in just a brief moment, Ran Deng had recognized reality, completely bowing his head to Lu Ya and acknowledging his identity as the Great Sun Tathagata, with the present Buddha reigning supreme on Mount Ling from now on!
Lu Ya nodded in satisfaction.
Then,