"The so-called Earthly Buddha Land—is it a Blessed Land or a Grotto-Heaven? Its vast spectacle is clearly nothing like Peach Paradise. But the Buddhist School's Peach Paradise is itself called a Buddha Land. I wonder whether the Earthly Buddha Land and a Buddha Land are the same thing..."
Chen Cuo's true body sat cross-legged among the clouds, surrounded by an illusory city.
Buddha Light wrapped around him in ring after ring, like rainbows.
The scenes and information held within the Buddha Light took shape in his mind, then shifted.
At the edge of his perception, the variegated Kasaya rose and fell. Seven Buddha silhouettes, held in check by a Black Lotus, released radiance without pause, as though trying to purify it.
"Even if they're only hollow shells of Buddha Light, they gathered the thoughts of countless people. And because Buddhism seeks enlightenment, the seven Buddha silhouettes gained a little instinct once they took shape."
Chen Cuo was not surprised. The illusory city was bound to disperse eventually, so the time he had to comprehend it was limited.
"But it has lasted long enough. I've gained plenty from it. According to that senior from the Kunlun Sect, these Buddhas of the mind, born of the Mortal World, contain the principles of the Mortal World—the most direct manifestation of its laws! I can use them to perfect the 'religion' branch, perhaps even condense another branch. But considering the accumulation and foundation that would take, there's no rush to dig a new pit..."
Suddenly.
His heart gave a jolt. He sensed a figure.
The figure appeared on the outskirts of Jiankang City and walked through the air. With every step, more Buddha Light gathered around her, making her form increasingly solid and her presence ever stronger.
Even from afar, Chen Cuo sensed an