Chapter 1074: Chapter 1074: Strongest Quasi-Saint

Within the Great Thunder Monastery, there was a serene silence, yet all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas had very bright eyes.

Although the Tathagata did not explicitly say so, everyone present was no fool and naturally understood that whoever took on the role of coordinator for the Journey to the West for Scriptures would have at least a seventy percent chance to ascend to the position of Future Buddha if they succeeded.

After all, Maitreya Buddha was demoted for failing in this task.

Now, if someone can do it well, wouldn’t it be only natural for them to be promoted?

However, by the same logic, since even Maitreya Buddha, who was at the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal, couldn’t accomplish it and even resigned from the position, who else could accept it?

The strength to forge iron must come from within, but how many people truly possess such fortitude?

A mountain of gold is great, but how many can catch it without being crushed by it?

Thus, after the initial heat and excitement, after a moment of contemplation, these people gradually calmed down significantly.

As the Tathagata glanced around at everyone present, no one recommended themselves, nor did anyone stand up to shoulder the responsibility.

“Buddha…” At this moment, the entire Great Thunder Monastery fell silent, when suddenly, a figure stepped forward slightly and spoke.

This person who spoke was none other than the Medicine Buddha, the Tathagata’s right-hand man, holding the esteemed position among the Three King Buddhas.

“Oh? Does the Medicine Buddha wish to recommend himself?” Seeing the Medicine Buddha take a few steps forward, the Tathagata asked.

Likewise, the other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were also looking at the Medicine Buddha.

As one of the Three King Buddhas, it seemed reasonable for him to wish to advance further and join the ranks of the Three-World Buddhas.

“No, Buddha, I recommend that Randeng Buddha take on the task. Currently, within our Buddhist Sect, only Randeng Buddha is capable of coordinating the Journey to the West,” the Medicine Buddha said, shaking his head in response to the Tathagata’s inquiry.

These words caused everyone in the Great Thunder Monastery to ponder silently.

Indeed, even Maitreya Buddha, one of the Three-World Buddhas, couldn’t handle this matter, and others stepping up likely won’t make a difference. Surely the Tathagata himself shouldn’t intervene?

The Journey to the West for Scriptures involves Xuanzang and his companions coming to the Great Thunder Monastery to seek scriptures from the Tathagata. But would the Tathagata himself add tribulations to obstruct them?

No matter how thick-skinned, no one would do such a thing, would they? Could the Tathagata really be so shameless?

Thus, it seems most fitting for Randeng Buddha to take action.

“The Medicine Buddha’s words are certainly reasonable, but Randeng Ancient Buddha has long ceased to involve himself in the affairs of the Buddhist Sect. He would not act unless it was a matter of life and death for our sect…” However, upon hearing the Medicine Buddha’s recommendation, the Tathagata shook his head and said.

The Past Buddha, Randeng, is akin to the term ‘Supreme Elder’ in the mortal world. Naturally, in any dynasty, when has a retired emperor ever stepped out to manage affairs, much less handle the most critical state affairs?

The Tathagata’s reasoning made sense, and naturally, the Medicine Buddha nodded, said nothing more, and stepped down.

Likewise, others who initially wanted to recommend Randeng Buddha also chose to remain silent.

After the Medicine Buddha finished speaking, the Great Thunder Monastery fell silent once again.

Since Randeng Buddha is not an option, is there anyone else in the Buddhist Sect capable of such a demanding role?

Although Maitreya Buddha perished and his reincarnation experienced a significant decline in cultivation, other than Randeng Buddha and the Tathagata, no one else within the Buddhist Sect has a cultivation level that surpasses the Great Luo Peak.

If he couldn’t achieve it, how could others?

Just when all the Buddhas were contemplating in silence, the entire Great Thunder Monastery quieted down, and many Buddhas fixed their gaze on the Tathagata.

Seeing the Tathagata’s composed demeanor, it was clear that he had a plan.

Therefore, after a brief silence, the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha, also one of the Three King Buddhas, spoke: “Regarding the coordinator for the Journey to the West, there are not many within our Buddhist Sect who can take on such a significant responsibility. Dare I ask if the Buddha has a candidate?”

The Lapis Lazuli King Buddha’s words directed many gazes towards the Tathagata, curious about whether the Buddha had any thoughts on the matter.

“Amitabha, regarding this matter, I indeed have no suitable candidate in mind!” The Tathagata said, shaking his head in response to the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha’s question.

These words surprised many present silently; did the Tathagata also have no suitable candidate in mind? Did he gather everyone here just to discuss it?

However, before everyone could question further, the Tathagata continued: “Although I have no suitable candidate in my mind, Sect Master Zhunti has sent over an appropriate candidate!”

This statement took everyone in the Great Thunder Monastery by surprise.

Sect Master Zhunti personally sent over an appropriate candidate? Who is this divine being?

They did not expect that such a matter would prompt Sect Master Zhunti to intervene personally.

Without giving everyone much time to be astonished, following the Tathagata’s words, a radiant Buddhist Light blossomed throughout the heavens and earth, and faintly, everyone could hear a clear, noble call.

Immediately after, a man emerged from the void, descending slowly.

Looking at this man, his demeanor is elegant, his appearance handsome, and though he wears neither monk’s robes nor a kasaya, a brilliant Buddhist Light radiates from his body.

More importantly, behind him, five colors of light—blue, yellow, red, black, and white—blossom forth.

Though not a word is spoken, the majestic aura makes one feel as though they are gazing into an unfathomable depth.

Everyone in the Great Thunder Monastery changes their expression slightly when they see this man appear.

“Greetings, Vidyaraja!”

With this man’s arrival, everyone in the Great Thunder Monastery, except for the Tathagata, stands up and bows their heads in deference to him, whether Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, or King Buddhas like the Medicine Buddha and the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha.

Indeed, this man who walks out of the void is none other than Vidyaraja Kongxuan, the mount of Sage Zhunti.

Though merely a mount, the mount of a Sage is not something just anyone can aspire to be.

More importantly, Kongxuan’s strength is truly formidable, even surpassing that of Randeng Buddha.

The Venerable Sage stands undying and unchanging through countless eons, and there are only six such sage positions in the world, overlooking all the rise and fall below them.

Below the Sage, the strongest naturally is the Quasi-Saint.

But, who is the strongest Quasi-Saint in this world?

Though there is no definite conclusion, Vidyaraja Kongxuan stands as the favored contender for this title.

The Strongest Quasi-Saint!

The mightiest under the Sage!

Despite such a title not being that of a Sage, when the Sage does not emerge, he is revered as the most eminent, suggesting that in a certain sense, Kongxuan’s presence is not much lesser than a Sage.

“Everyone, no need for such courtesy,” Vidyaraja Kongxuan said after descending, reining in his light and nodding to the people from the Buddhist Sect around him, as a form of greeting.

Soon after, Kongxuan’s gaze fell upon the Tathagata, slightly bowing his head, “Greetings, Buddha!”

“Vidyaraja, you are too polite! I hope you have been well!” Seeing Kongxuan greet him proactively, the Tathagata readily responded, wearing a warm expression as he spoke to Kongxuan.

At this moment, everyone in the Great Thunder Monastery understood that, since Maitreya Buddha had dropped the task, was Vidyaraja Kongxuan personally taking over the journey of the west for Scriptures?

In that case, it was indeed excellent, as having the strongest below the Sage take charge of the Journey to the West surely eliminates concerns over calamities and trials.

After all, in the absence of a Sage’s appearance, Kongxuan is the most powerful being under the heavens, without question!

“In future, we’ll be counting on you more for the Journey to the West…” After a few pleasantries, the Tathagata said to Kongxuan.

Even as the master of the Buddhist Sect, the Tathagata still spoke very politely while addressing Kongxuan.

“A responsibility I dare not shirk!” Hearing the Tathagata’s words, Kongxuan nodded slightly in response.

From this point on, the identity of the new Coordinator for the Journey to the West was thus confirmed.

…

As for the situation at the Great Thunder Monastery, Jiang Liu naturally was unaware, as he continued westward on his journey.

Recently, no one came forth bearing gifts, which brought Jiang Liu much peace.

Of course, with the previous Experience Points combined with the ones recently accrued, the bar for Jiang Liu’s level up surpassed halfway almost.

For Jiang Liu, this provided even more motivation to venture into dungeons.

What was the small goal he set for himself? Certainly, it was first to level up to 90.

Once he managed to reach level 90, using the Level Upgrade Coupon, he would then make a leap to the Quasi-Saint stage.

With all his treasures and the Cultivation Level of a Quasi-Saint, when he arrived at the Great Thunder Monastery, surely he’d have some chance of self-preservation, right?

“But, how am I supposed to undertake the task of reinstating the Human Emperor!?” Contemplating the leveling-up issues, Jiang Liu’s gaze then fell upon the task of reinstating the Human Emperor.

Now, with the Kongdong Seal in hand, Jiang Liu’s next objective is naturally to reinstate the Human Emperor.

Moreover, this task carries a reward of 80 billion Experience Points and includes a golden Divine Level Treasure Chest.

80 billion Experience Points, if completed now, how many levels could that advance him?

Additionally, a Golden Divine Level Treasure Chest? Jiang Liu had never seen such a treasure chest; what could it possibly contain?