While in the Underworld, Tathagata Buddha quietly inquired whether Patriarch Bodhi had come here.
Sure enough, Tathagata Buddha learned that Patriarch Bodhi had come—and had been here for quite some time.
Tathagata Buddha's heart sank. He could now confirm that Patriarch Bodhi had been secretly targeting him.
But he still did not quite understand. Since Patriarch Bodhi had come here and done such things, it was impossible for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva not to know. Yet Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had never acted, nor had he ordered Patriarch Bodhi and the others to leave the Underworld.
Did that not mean Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was tacitly allowing Patriarch Bodhi to act this way?
This worried Tathagata Buddha. If even Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva would not help him, would he not be at the mercy of others here?
He went to King Yama and said he wished to see Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, but King Yama said that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was in secluded cultivation.
Yet Tathagata Buddha insisted on going. He had to see Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
In the end, however, he still did not get to see him.
Tathagata Buddha knew that he had to strike back and take some defensive measures. Otherwise, things would become very difficult for him.
He did not know what Patriarch Bodhi's purpose in targeting him was, but whatever it was, it could not be good. He had to stay on guard.
Tathagata Buddha also sought help from Patriarch Hongjun. Patriarch Hongjun had previously given him some talismans, which he could use to call for help if he encountered danger.
Naturally, Patriarch Hongjun did not come to the Underworld. He merely sent messages through the talismans, telling Tathagata Buddha to rest assured and not worry too much.
That put Tathagata Buddha much more at ease. With Patriarch Hongjun's words, he no longer needed to worry excessively.