Ch. 401The First Strike is the Strongest
Key Plot Points and Events
- Buddhism's fortune splits in two, causing Jieyin and Zhunti distress.
- Many Treasures Tathagata establishes Mahayana Buddhism, dividing Buddhist influence.
- Jieyin and Zhunti abdicate, and Many Treasures Tathagata becomes the new Buddha Patriarch.
- Buddhism merges, and the Past Buddha, Present Buddha, and Future Buddha are established.
- The Heavenly Emperor hosts another Peach Banquet, inviting Li Mu and other great powers.
- Tathagata dispatches Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to the mortal realm to spread Buddhist teachings and accept disciples.
Character Developments
- Jieyin and Zhunti: They are distressed by Buddhism's fortune splitting and decide to abdicate, merging Buddhism under Many Treasures Tathagata's leadership.
- Many Treasures Tathagata: He establishes Mahayana Buddhism and becomes the new Buddha Patriarch, showing strategic thinking by merging Buddhism and appointing the Past, Present, and Future Buddhas.
- The Heavenly Emperor: He continues to host Peach Banquets, inviting great powers to discuss the Dao and maintain his influence.
- Tathagata: He demonstrates excellent composure by launching the eastward spread of Buddhist teachings despite the opposition of some Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Significant Themes
- The struggle for power and influence within Buddhism and the Celestial Court.
- The eastward spread of Buddhist teachings and the competition with Daoism.
- The Heavenly Dao's decree of Buddhism's flourishing and the different branches of Buddhist teachings.
Character Interactions
- Jieyin and Zhunti: They discuss the situation and decide to abdicate, merging Buddhism under Many Treasures Tathagata's leadership.
- Many Treasures Tathagata and Jieyin/Zhunti: Tathagata is appointed as the new Buddha Patriarch, and he merges Buddhism, showing respect for Jieyin and Zhunti's contributions.
- Tathagata and the absent Buddhas/Bodhisattvas: Tathagata launches the eastward spread of Buddhist teachings despite the opposition of some Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
- The Heavenly Emperor and Li Mu: The Heavenly Emperor invites Li Mu and other great powers to the Peach Banquet, seeking to maintain his influence and discuss the Dao.