Maitreya Felt as Though the Sky Had Fallen: Was It His Turn to Be Second Best for Ten Thousand Years? Could Tathagata Be a Mole?

Maitreya stared at Tathagata Buddha Patriarch, who was speaking with such easy confidence.

He fell silent.

At that moment, all the resentment in his heart gave way to helplessness and gloom. Both feelings showed plainly on his face.

Daoist Duobao, you were doing perfectly well in the Interception Sect. Why did you have to come to the Western Teachings and compete with us?

You were second in the Interception Sect for ten thousand years, with boundless resources and glory. Why insist on coming here to fight us for what we have?

What was so appealing about the Western Teachings that you had to come here and contend with us?

Maitreya brooded in silence for a long time.

Daoist Zhunti called him several times, but he did not respond. He remained in a daze until Tathagata touched his shoulder and told him the Saint was calling. Only then did Maitreya come to his senses and say respectfully, "Teacher, did you need something from your disciple?"

"As the chief direct disciple of the Western Teachings, why is your mind elsewhere?" Daoist Zhunti studied him. "I called you several times just now. Did you not hear me?"

"Teacher, this disciple knows he was wrong. Please forgive me."

Maitreya hurriedly knelt and apologized without making excuses.

Fortunately, Daoist Zhunti had no intention of punishing him. He told him to rise, then said with a smile, "My disciple, I have good news for you today."

"Why do you congratulate me, Teacher?"

Maitreya instantly sensed something was amiss. He looked at the three of them in confusion, an indescribable feeling stirring in his heart.

"Heh, because you are to become the Future Buddha of the Buddhist Sect. In time, you will be able to lead the Buddhist Sect."

Daoist Zhunti smiled as he explained.

He told