The ancient Buddha's dimmed Pure Land slipped into the Void, and Lamp-Burning Buddha returned to the summit of Mount Sumeru. He looked at Meng Chuan.
"You were one move ahead this time, fellow Daoist. I shall seek your instruction another day."
His expression had grown calm again, but emotions surged in his eyes.
"You're welcome to come back anytime, ancient Buddha," Meng Chuan said with a smile.
"Though by then, you may have to visit Tusita Palace in person."
During Meng Chuan's absences from this world, almost every powerful figure believed he was cultivating in seclusion at Tusita Palace.
That perfectly explained why he vanished without a trace after each fleeting appearance.
Once inside Tusita Palace, naturally no one could find him.
Who besides Virtuous Heavenly Venerable could see all that happened within its walls?
Lamp-Burning Buddha said nothing. At last, the ancient Buddha of the Buddhist Sect's past took his damaged Pure Land and his wounds and vanished from the world altogether.
Meng Chuan watched him go as the displaced bones in his body slid back into place.
The Laws of Karma left by Lamp-Burning Buddha were slowly worn away, and his lifeless flesh regained its vitality.
He had been wounded too, of course, but Meng Chuan was used to injuries like these.
Neither Meng Chuan nor Lamp-Burning Buddha could claim victory in that battle. Both had suffered losses.
Nor had they fought to the death. Though each had given his all, they had stopped short in the end.
Viewed as a whole, however, Meng Chuan's side had won.
Meng Qi had successfully attained Self-Proven Legend, and Lamp-Burning Buddha could not abduct him in front of Meng Chuan. Their plan had failed, so they had lost.
At the end, Lamp-Burning Buddha had been caught up in the Nine Cycles