Heavenly Stems and Earthly Fiends, Cosmic Cycle Transformations

That was a good question. Guanyin's mind stirred. Could this be the Ultimate One who had guided Fa Hai? The more she thought about it, the more certain she became. It had to be him. After all, she too had made a Great Vow, one that went even further than Ksitigarbha's pledge not to become a Buddha until Hell was empty: she would not become a Buddha until all suffering was gone.

That Karma had greatly increased the two Bodhisattvas' influence, making them among the best known to ordinary people. It had also raised their strength to rival a Buddha's. Yet that same Karma had put Buddhahood forever beyond their reach. They had become Eternal Bodhisattvas, unable to advance.

Qin Fen admired her for that Great Vow. Guanyin's resolve and perseverance were plain to see; few could have done the same.

"Which World-Honored One?" Once, Qin Fen would have loved hearing himself addressed that way. But he had heard too many titles already—grandmaster, senior, exalted immortal, and so on. He no longer looked forward to it. Now, the moment Guanyin spoke, he felt an urge to smash his phone against the door. Why?

Qin Fen wasn't stupid. Someone else had come seeking help and guidance. Before, he had managed through clever tricks or bluffing, but at least those people had been small fry. Who was Guanyin? A mighty figure of the Buddhist School, a Golden Immortal who could even rival a Buddha. And he was supposed to guide her? Heavens, go on playing your games. You might as well kill me!

Qin Fen wanted to cry. He had no idea what to say.

Guanyin froze. Had the person on the other end gone silent? She promptly asked a few more questions, her face full of sincerity.

This is killing me.