Abandoning Buddhism for the Dao, then returning to Buddhism from the Dao

Within the Buddhist kingdom, Buddha light flowed. The black robed Emperor Lord paced forward, with Old Buddha and Future Buddha following a step behind, one on either side. The other Bodhisattvas, Vajras, and Arhats were not qualified to accompany him. They could only remain at a distance and watch in silence as the Great Emperor True Martial alone headed for the most secret and mysterious place in Buddhism, guarded by the Daoist Emperor.

The place's significance and importance were such that not every Bodhisattva, let alone an outsider immortal or god, could enter. Its status was likely no lower than that of the Haotian Treasure Vault in the Heavenly Court. Yet when this gentle-looking Emperor Lord said he wished to visit, Old Buddha did not object in the slightest.

He simply stopped outside this sacred place and watched True Martial Great Emperor walk away.

The place was special, and Yang Jian did not accompany him either.

A thousand years ago, practitioners of the seventeen Buddha Lineages had still entered this place. But since the great calamity a thousand years ago, it had grown much quieter. True Martial Great Emperor walked slowly onward. Flowers and plants flourished on either side, and the Bodhi Trees grew splendidly. Apart from the wind, there was no other sound to disturb the peace.

Beneath a great Bodhi Tree ahead, a gaunt old Daoist was already waiting. His hands were folded before him as he addressed the Emperor Lord. It was none other than Ran Deng the Daoist. He spoke softly:

"It has been a long time. This old Daoist has grown so decrepit, while the Emperor Lord is still every bit as magnificent as before."

Qi WuHuo gazed deeply at his old friend, then smiled and said warmly:

"Fellow Daoist, it seems you have come