The Buddha Steps Through the Southern Heavenly Gate, Wreaking Havoc in the High Heaven Hall

Where Spirit Mountain was located was an exceedingly complicated question. First, one had to define what Spirit Mountain was: a mountain that truly existed, a pure land symbolizing the unity of all dharmas, or a realm of enlightenment for all living beings.

Once that concept was clarified, where Spirit Mountain was became self-evident.

Where was Spirit Mountain? The Buddhist school had the final say; ultimate interpretive authority rested in the Buddha's hands.

The Heavenly Emperor believed Spirit Mountain was in the Heavenly Pole Realm. By holding Spirit Mountain in his grasp, he was effectively seizing the Buddha's lifeline. Even if the Buddha harbored other intentions, he would be unable to defy him, the Heavenly Emperor.

But did he really think this was the first Heavenly Emperor the Buddha had dealt with? Was he the first Heavenly Emperor in the Buddha's long life?

The Buddha had seen shameless Heavenly Emperors before. How could he possibly have made no preparations?

Take the several private conversations Xiang Yuan had held with the Buddha. Even if the Dry Abyss Realm searched with lanterns in hand, it would never find them; even with Guanyin Bodhisattva serving as guarantor, the Buddha still insisted on laying everything out plainly.

There was no other reason. With things like Heavenly Emperors, if you let even the slightest thing slip, they would dare make an issue out of it.

Where exactly was Spirit Mountain? It could be in the Heavenly Pole Realm, and it could also be in the Dry Abyss Realm. Given the Dry Abyss Realm's unique nature, the Buddha himself favored the latter.

Once you passed this village, there truly would be no such inn again.

Thus, while the Buddha was still Abbot Huixing, Spirit Mountain already existed in the Dry Abyss Realm.

Reclining Lotus Mountain, where Great