The surrounding Buddhist Sect disciples were astonished to see Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva treating them this way.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva stood on equal footing with Tathagata Buddha, yet he treated them like this. They were deeply moved.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva also held a lofty position in the hearts of the Buddhist Sect disciples, who revered him greatly.
They revered him so much because, back when Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva governed the Underworld, he had made a great vow: "Until hell is empty, I swear I shall not become a Buddha."
In truth, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva could have become a Buddha long ago, but he had never done so. He wished to seek true life and felt that he had yet to attain true enlightenment, so he had no desire to become a Buddha.
Later, he made such a great vow, leaving people both shocked and admiring.
Becoming a Buddha was truly an immensely difficult thing.
Thus, whenever many people in the Three Realms spoke of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, they would give him a thumbs-up, filled with admiration. Anyone who dared make such a great vow was certainly no ordinary person.
Although Tathagata Buddha was at odds with Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, he also greatly admired this vow of his.
When the Three Pure Ones saw Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva do this, they all smiled. This Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva truly had some tricks up his sleeve—he had actually learned from them.
"Everyone, to repay you for your help, once I return to the Underworld, I will extend each of your lifespans by five hundred years," Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said to the crowd after straightening up.
Everyone was stunned.
Five hundred years of life!
That was truly shocking!
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was indeed generous. Not only had he bowed to express his gratitude, he had even offered such a substantial reward—far better than the Three Pure Ones'