On this journey southward, one purpose was to return the sacred relic, the Knowledge and Hearing Bell, to Mount Sumeru. This treasure, the World Honored One once used to preach, truly felt burdensome in my possession. Secondly, I also wished to personally visit the Huai Nation Government House to express my gratitude to Lord Zuo for his profound kindness and friendship.

My initial intent was to have Master Ku Jue return the Knowledge and Hearing Bell, thereby repaying him for saving me multiple times. But Master Ku Jue refused to undertake the task, saying that the Lord of East Sacred Land cannot worship at the Gate of Western Holy Land... so I had to go alone.

Master Xingnian endured Karmic Fire on my behalf to pave the way for me, a sentiment I could never forget.

Mount Sumeru is located in the southwest and has been renowned as a Buddhist Holy Land since ancient times.

It can be said to have a long and unbroken history.

Jiang Wang has journeyed through the Southern Territory multiple times but has merely met Huang Weizhen once.

On this day, he ventured forth alone, sword in hand, and amidst the mountains, he suddenly saw a monk with clear and vivid features, appearing under the sunlight.

This monk had a radiant appearance, naturally eliciting trust from others, except for a small break on his left eyebrow, adding a touch of sternness to his demeanor.

From afar, he performed a salute: "Are you the Marquis Wu’an of Daqi, Mr. Jiang Wang?"

Jiang Wang knew this must be a monk from Mount Sumeru; he placed his palms together and returned the salute, saying, "I, Jiang Wang. May I know the master’s name and title?"

"This humble monk is Zhaowu." Master Zhaowu replied warmly and politely, "I happened to come down the mountain... indeed, the Yuan Law!"

"What do you mean, happened to come down the mountain."

While still in the Monster Realm, Master Ku Jue mentioned that the baldy from Mount Sumeru named Zhaowu often hovered around the gate, not knowing how many times he circled in a day.

Jiang Wang estimated that as soon as he left Qi Country, Master Zhaowu followed.

To have waited until now to reveal himself demonstrates true and powerful inner strength.

Now being a grown man who understands worldly manners, Jiang Wang saw through it but chose not to comment, simply saying, "Indeed, it seems the ties of past lives bring us together. I have come specifically to visit the precious mountain; if the elder has free time, might you guide the way?"

Master Zhaowu eagerly responded, "Free time, free time!"

Once having connections with Huang Weizhen, the most charming figure of the past three thousand years in the Chu Territory, Master Zhaowu also stood out as a remarkable person of that era. Later, he even attained the state of a True Monarch and held the Bodhisattva status, making him a Grandmaster in Mount Sumeru.

Treating Jiang Wang with considerable respect despite his young age and a cultivation level merely at God Arrives, was naturally due to the Knowledge and Hearing Bell.

Jiang Wang did not act grandiose, maintaining the etiquette of a junior, following behind Master Zhaowu.

However, Master Zhaowu did not hurry to depart; instead, he turned over his palm and revealed a petite mountain in his sleeve.

This mountain was shrouded in Spiritual Energy, uniquely crafted, featuring clouds, trees, and flowers, all impressively lifelike.

Unfortunately, Jiang Wang did not possess the aesthetic appreciation for sculpture and bluntly asked, "Zen Master, are we not heading to Mount Sumeru?"

Master Zhaowu laughed heartily, "We have already arrived at Mount Sumeru!"

As he spoke, he swept his large sleeve, and instantaneously, the heavens and the earth shifted.

Jiang Wang, still holding his sword, was suddenly "within this mountain!"

Thousands of mountains lay before his eyes; Sumeru within a mustard seed!

He saw the vast sea of clouds unfold infinitely before him, deep in the clouds stood a magnificent Buddha platform.

In the center of the Buddha platform rested a lotus seat, upon which sat a giant Buddha.

The Buddha’s Golden Body shone brilliantly, with a large belly that could embrace, ears adorned with jewels, and a broad face perpetually smiling. Boundless splendor, presenting endless beauty.

No matter which direction one looked, it seemed they were facing this Buddha directly.

Surrounding this giant Buddha, densely seated were the monastics of Mount Sumeru.

All the monastics faced Jiang Wang.

At this moment, they simultaneously placed their palms together, bowed their heads, and paid respect to Jiang Wang.

And Master Zhaowu, at the forefront of the cloud sea, stepped aside and allowed all the reverences to be directed fully towards Jiang Wang.

This was the Thousand Buddhas Salute, Mount Sumeru’s highest honor!

Since the establishment of Mount Sumeru, recipients of such an honor could be counted on one hand.

"How could I possibly accept such respect?!"

Jiang Wang hurriedly tried to evade.

But Master Zhaowu bestowed a direct salute, keeping him in place.

"The entire Mount Sumeru, from the Mountain Lord Yongde down, except those in seclusion, are all here! All offered respect!" Zhaowu indicated on this cloud sea, the vast number of monastics on the Buddha platform, speaking to Jiang Wang, "We use this ceremony to ensure that Mr. Jiang understands what great favor you have bestowed upon Mount Sumeru."

"I am truly embarrassed! I dare not accept such an honor!" Jiang Wang earnestly said, "It was only due to Master Xingnian’s help that I narrowly escaped with my life, returning to my homeland with no substantial contributions to claim. If anyone has bestowed great favor, it is Master Xingnian who did so to me."

Zhaowu held Jiang Wang’s arm, stating, "Come with me."

With his words, the giant Buddha suddenly raised its hand, presenting an enormous Buddha palm adorned with infinite radiant light, flat in the sky, extending towards Jiang Wang.

This was the Buddha revered by Mount Sumeru, the ancestor worshipped, the highest principle revered!

Yet, it used the Buddha’s palm to form a bridge, extending guidance to Jiang Wang, leading him to that Pure Land of Sumeru.

Jiang Wang felt deeply bashful, sensing undeserving of such respect, but was compelled by Zhaowu to walk onto the Buddha’s palm.

Incessant chants filled the air around him, bringing immense peace to his mind.

The grievances, resentment, and unresolved pains were momentarily cleansed away!

This path seemed like a road towards The Other Shore, surging with the brilliance of redemption.

Golden Lotuses paved the ground, Buddha Light enveloped him.

A single step traversed thousands of miles, another step changed the winds and clouds.

After three steps, he, along with Zhaowu, found themselves in a gold and jade hall, appearing boundless and high.

Though it was a hall, it allowed insight into the vast universe, witnessing the vastness of heaven and earth.

Looking upwards revealed the boundless Star Sea. Looking downwards displayed the supreme principle and Buddhist diagrams. Gazing in all directions unveiled Bodhi wisdom and Vajra fortitude.

At the center of the hall, the offering was still that giant Buddha. Holding the Sun and Moon, smiling before All Beings.

The fat monk who led the mass salutation earlier at the Buddha platform now wore an ornate kasaya, cheerfully approaching Jiang Wang.

Tightly gripping Jiang Wang’s hand, he said: "Mount Sumeru has awaited you for many years!"

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