Chapter 156 - 148, Catching in the Act

Words : 1478 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 156: Chapter 148, Catching in the Act Bai Jin sighed and said, "When I first met Mahasthamaprapta, he had some spiritual essence, which is why I gave him a poem as encouragement." Ksitigarbha recited, "The Bodhi is not a tree, nor the clear mirror a stand. Nothing was there originally; where can the dust alight? It’s entirely the opposite of the poem I received from you." Bai Jin nodded and replied, "I told you that your levels of Zen Enlightenment were different, each meriting a poem. Now, upon meeting you again, it seems Mahasthamaprapta has misinterpreted my words. ’Nothing was there originally; where can the dust alight?’ is not to say there’s no need for practice. Now, he has indulged his inner self and has become no different from others. But you are different. I can see that you diligently dust off and have a clear Dao Heart, having far surpassed Mahasthamaprapta." Ksitigarbha revealed a slight smile, humbly replying, "Master flatters me too much; I am still far from the goal. I have always cherished Master’s insightful words, practicing daily without the slightest forgetfulness." Bai Jin let out a deep sigh, speaking in a tone filled with sorrow and indignation, "But you should never have made such a grand vow. When you made that vow, do you know how heartbroken I was? Your practice and comprehension are among the finest; surely, you would become one of the great powers of the Primordial World. Even the position of the first disciple in the Western Sect might not be beyond reach. Yet, with that vow, you have cut off any connection to the Buddha Position, estranging yourself from the Western Sect, enduring bitter winds and rain in the Underworld for countless epochs without a chance of leaving—how desolate a fate. Have you ever considered that? You have shut yourself off from the path of light! As your teacher, I feel it is such a pity, and it breaks my heart." Ksitigarbha spoke calmly with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Master. Delivering all sentient beings is my wish. If I don’t witness the suffering of beings, how can I deliver them from it? If the Ten Thousand Spirits fall into the Underworld, and I do not enter Hell, who will?" He added with certainty, "Actually, I believe that delivering all the Dead Souls of the Underworld is not difficult." Bai Jin asked in return, "Then how long do you think it will take for you to deliver all the Dead Souls of the Underworld?" After contemplating briefly, Ksitigarbha said with confidence, "The speed of my salvation exceeds the rate at which new Dead Souls appear. Through my meticulous calculations, I am confident that in only ten years, I can deliver all the Dead Souls of the Underworld." Bai Jin looked at him with pity, saying, "Silly child, have you considered that the rate of new Dead Souls will accelerate? The Primordial Beings are gradually returning to the mundane world, and in the future, there will be an explosive increase in Dead Souls. You will forever lose the chance to leave the Underworld." Ksitigarbha was taken aback, realizing he hadn’t thought about this, mumbling, "No... surely not!" Bai Jin patted Ksitigarbha, speaking with pity, "Little Cangcang, although I don’t know who sent you to the Underworld, they certainly do not have your best interests at heart. I truly feel it’s a loss for you!" Ksitigarbha suddenly felt a wave of panic, the thought of being trapped in the Underworld forever—no... surely not?! Would Master do such a thing to me?! Suddenly, the view before both of them blurred, and when they refocused, they had already arrived in front of Pingxin Palace. A flash of regret crossed Bai Jin’s mind, thinking, I still had so much to say! How could Ping Xin have intervened and moved us here personally?! "Let’s go! We shall meet Ping Xin," Bai Jin said, straightening his clothes. Ksitigarbha nodded blankly, his expression somewhat distracted, as they proceeded inside. As they stepped through the gates of the back garden, Bai Jin’s pace abruptly halted, and his gaze fixed on the handsome figure in the pavilion, his heart racing with wild unrest. How is Junior Master Zhunti here? What now? Surely Junior Master Zhunti didn’t hear what I just said, did he?! He couldn’t have heard, right?! Will I be in trouble? Master, save me!! Ping Xin said, "Bai Jin, come here!" "Oh—okay." Bai Jin foolishly responded and hastily walked forward with Ksitigarbha, bowing respectfully outside the pavilion, saying, "Disciple greets Your Holiness, and greets... Junior Master!" Ksitigarbha also bowed in respect, saying, "Disciple greets Your Holiness, and greets Master." Ping Xin spoke gently, "Rise." Both stood up, one with a chaotic heart, the other with unease. Zhunti looked at Bai Jin with a smile that was not quite a smile and said, "My nephew has a great gift of gab. It’s really wasted in Jie Sect. Why not join our Western Sect?!" Bai Jin chuckled awkwardly, "Junior Master, I was just joking with Ksitigarbha, with absolutely no other intention. Please, don’t misunderstand me." Zhunti laughed heartily, "No misunderstanding. I see very clearly." Bai Jin felt even more guilty and hurriedly trotted over to stand honestly behind Ping Xin. This world was too dangerous. Only the graceful figure of the Goddess could bring a sense of security. Zhunti continued to look at Bai Jin and said gently, "Little Nephew Bai Jin, judging from what you just said, you seem to have some misconceptions about me. Actually, I’ve always been very good to my disciples and never force them." Bai Jin bowed respectfully, "Junior Master is merciful. Your disciple is convinced." Ping Xin suddenly asked, "Bai Jin, how do you think Ksitigarbha should be arranged?" Zhunti interjected, "In my opinion, there should be someone above the Ten Halls Yin Emperors to oversee everything. Ksitigarbha is very suitable for this role." Ksitigarbha bowed and said, "I will give my all and am confident in managing the overall situation to ensure order between Yin and Yang." Excitement filled his heart, ’My master has not given up on me. He actually wants me to become the Netherworld Emperor.’ Ping Xin remained silent. Zhunti turned to Bai Jin and said gently, "Little Nephew, what do you think?" Bai Jin spoke respectfully, "Junior Master’s idea is naturally excellent. I support it wholeheartedly." After a moment of hesitation, he added, "But, Ksitigarbha just shared his ambition with me, and the position of Netherworld Emperor doesn’t quite align with his personal goals. My master once said that ambition is the best teacher. As long as one’s Tao remains, one can die without regrets. My master also said that a truly good master does not depend on how much he teaches his students, but on whether he understands and respects his student’s Tao. My master also said that you should not blindly follow a teacher, but do what you are supposed to do. My master said..." Zhunti raised his hand and said irritably, "Stop!" "Uh..." Bai Jin immediately shut his mouth. Zhunti asked suspiciously, "Did Tongtian really say that?" Bai Jin nodded firmly, "Absolutely true. My master is a renowned educator and thinker from the East Sea, revered by ten thousand immortals and gods alike." Zhunti seemed puzzled. Was this the same Tongtian who used to chop people down when he was upset? He’s changed so much after becoming a Saint? Ping Xin nodded and said with a laugh, "Brother Tongtian makes a lot of sense." Ksitigarbha spoke diplomatically, "Actually, I could still be the Netherworld Emperor..." Bai Jin raised his hand and said, "Don’t speak. I know the pressure you’re under. Let me speak." He gave a thumbs up, "I get you!" A sense of urgent absurdity rose in Ksitigarbha’s heart, ’You understand nothing! I really do want to be the Netherworld Emperor!’ But with two Saints present, Ksitigarbha did not dare to be too presumptuous. Moreover, the current Ksitigarbha was still very young, with very thin skin, and was too embarrassed to clamor for the position of Netherworld Emperor himself. Humility was paramount. Ping Xin looked at Ksitigarbha and smiled, asking, "Bai Jin, what are Ksitigarbha’s ambitions?" Bai Jin said with a sigh, "Ksitigarbha has great determination, great compassion. He just told me ’If not I go to hell, who will?’ He wishes to use endless compassion to liberate resentful ghosts and fierce ghosts. That’s what you said, right, Ksitigarbha?" Ksitigarbha hesitated for a moment and nodded heavily, "That’s right, Brother! But that’s because..." Bai Jin immediately interrupted, speaking with admiration, "Previously, Ksitigarbha also made a grand vow: ’Not until Hell is empty will I become a Buddha.’" He turned to Zhunti and said, "Junior Master, this position of Buddha is part of your Western Sect’s ranks, right?"

Chapter 156 - 148, Catching in the Act

Comments (0)