Before long, the members of the Chan Teachings had gathered inside Yuxu Palace.
Unlike its usual quiet solemnity, the hall was filled with a subtle air of tension and anticipation.
Everyone knew that Yuanshi had summoned them at this time most likely because of the Third Human Emperor.
At that moment, Venerable Yuanshi sat high upon his cloud couch, his expression calm.
Once everyone had arrived, his gaze swept slowly across them before he spoke:
"The celestial signs have appeared, and the Humanity Dao has resonated."
"The third Human Emperor has been born."
"This is ordained by the Heavenly Dao, and it is also the result of my Chan Teachings' efforts to guide and educate. The time has come to manifest the Great Dao."
"Assist the Human Emperor and guide him to attain the Dao, and you will gain boundless Merit and stabilize the Fortune of our orthodoxy."
"Which of you... is willing to go and take on this important responsibility?"
As Yuanshi spoke, the hall fell utterly silent. Yet beneath the surface, an invisible current began to surge.
"What's going on?"
"Wasn't the task of teaching the third Human Emperor already assigned to Senior Brother Guangchengzi by Master?"
"Could Master have changed his mind by asking this?"
"If I could gain the Merit from teaching him, my cultivation would surely advance greatly!"
"Such a great opportunity shouldn't be passed up!"
"..."
For a moment, many disciples of the Chan Teachings muttered to themselves, each quietly weighing the matter.
Guangchengzi was taken aback, and panic flickered deep in his eyes.
"What?"
"What does Master mean?"
"Is he going to choose someone else to teach him?"
Guangchengzi murmured, his mind thrown into disarray.
Earlier, when Venerable Yuanshi had returned from Zixiao Palace, he had summoned Guangchengzi first and told him about