Spirit Mountain, the Grand Hall of the Great Hero.
Countless streams of Buddha-light gathered, and Brahma voices and Zen chants echoed through the great hall like a tide.
Three thousand Buddhas, eight hundred Bodhisattvas, tens of thousands of Arhats, and Jiedi all sat upright upon lotus platforms, their jeweled countenances solemn, their eyes lowered as they listened in silence.
Seated high upon the Nine-Rank Merit Golden Lotus, Buddha Tathagata wore a smile as he looked down over the packed assembly of Buddhist beings below, his voice vast and compassionate.
"The Dharma's eastward transmission has passed through the One Hundred and Eight Tribulations, and now its merit has reached completion."
"Today, my Buddhism has already gained a foothold in the Eastern Land's Southern Continent."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the face of every Buddha.
"From this day forth, proceed according to the plan set earlier. Each party will act separately."
"Enter Southern Continent, build temples far and wide, and expound the Dharma."
"Focus on preaching scriptures and teaching the Dharma, supplemented by good deeds to guide and receive them. Advance step by step. Do not be eager for quick success."
As his words fell, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the hall all felt their spirits lift, and on the faces of many Buddhas appeared joy that was difficult to suppress.
The great flourishing of Buddhism meant immeasurable merit.
And merit, to cultivators such as them, was cultivation, was the path of the Dao, was everything.
"We respectfully obey my Buddha's decree!"
A response like mountains roaring and seas surging rang out within the Grand Hall of the Great Hero.
Tathagata nodded slightly, the smile on his face unchanged, but his tone shifted, carrying a trace of gravity.
"However, the Eastern Land is a place where the Human Dao flourishes, guarded