Tathagata Remained Silent, and Buddhism Suffered a Huge Loss

Upon hearing this, Tathagata gave an awkward smile and said, "This poor monk admits defeat. Isn't it just twenty percent of the merit? Buddhism accepts it." As he spoke, he left Chaos Space with Randeng and Maitreya, returning to Spirit Mountain.

Inside the Great Hero Hall on Spirit Mountain, Randeng immediately launched an attack. "Buddha Ancestor, what were you thinking? You're just giving the Netherworld twenty percent of the merit? The Three World Buddha Ancestors can't take down Houtu, but don't we still have Patriarch Bodhi and the Peacock King? If we attack together, are you saying we still can't take down Houtu?"

Tathagata nodded and said, "What Buddha Randeng said is correct, but it seems you failed to consider something."

Hearing this, Randeng asked in confusion, "Failed to consider something? Could it be that even with Buddhism's five strongest experts joining forces, we still couldn't take down Houtu?"

Maitreya chuckled. "Buddha Randeng, I think I understand what the World-Honored One means. He's saying that Houtu transformed into the Six Paths of Reincarnation. Even if we took her down, it would be pointless. If the Six Paths of Reincarnation were thrown into chaos, our Buddhism wouldn't be able to withstand it either, right?"

Tathagata nodded. "Exactly. The Six Paths of Reincarnation are Houtu. If Houtu is injured, the Six Paths of Reincarnation will fall into disorder. After creating such enormous karma, how could Buddhism still flourish? We'd be lucky if it didn't collapse. Hmm, as things stand, we can only find a way to give Zhenyuanzi a smaller share."

Guanyin stepped forward and said, "Buddha Ancestor, you must think this through carefully. That Zhen Yuanzi is all alone, and none of his disciples are particularly powerful. However, given his own strength, no one at Spirit Mountain can defeat him one-on-one."