In the western Primordial Wilderness, on Mount Sumeru.
Since the various factions had returned to the Primordial Wilderness, Buddhism had enjoyed a rare spell of quiet.
But that quiet was hardly by choice.
On the contrary, the other factions had been shutting Buddhism out, obstructing it at every turn and undermining it both openly and in secret.
Even with the Will of Heaven and Earth protecting it, Buddhism struggled to expand in the Immortal Realm.
"Junior Brother, you mean we should turn our efforts to spread the faith toward the Human Realm?" Jieyin asked Zhunti, puzzled.
"Exactly, Senior Brother. I thought of this long ago." Zhunti nodded, his expression grave.
"That's why I expanded our forces at any cost. Now that those people are back, it'll be difficult for Buddhism to gain ground in the Immortal Realm."
He sighed.
"Setting the Three Pure Ones aside, neither the Three Innate Races nor humanity will stand by while Buddhism grows powerful in the Immortal Realm.
"What's more, with Eastern Emperor Tai Yi having attained Primordial Unity, the Demon Race is growing restless. I'm afraid they'll gradually return to the Immortal Realm before long.
"When that happens, spreading our teachings will only become harder.
"I had hoped Dizang would help spread them in the Netherworld Underworld, but unfortunately..."
A trace of displeasure showed in Zhunti's eyes.
Jieyin noticed it and sighed inwardly.
He knew Dizang's refusal to spread their teachings had left Zhunti deeply dissatisfied.
If Dizang had not been his Direct Disciple, Zhunti might even have considered stripping him of his Bodhisattva Position.
"Amitabha Buddha." After reciting the Buddha's name, Jieyin asked, "So you mean we should yield for now in the Immortal Realm, avoid clashing with the major factions, and instead make our breakthrough in the Human Realm?"
Zhunti nodded. "Exactly.