"Wait! Is that a Buddha?!"
Austin exclaimed, taking a closer look.
A few meters away, a monk who looked like a Buddha, was sitting cross-legged under the bodhi tree. He was barefooted and was wearing a yellow robe, with his right arm exposed. He was in a meditative state.
Behind his head was a halo of bright spiritual light.
Although his lips weren't moving, Austin could hear the sound of chanting which echoed in the space around them, giving off a grand, sacred vibe.
Austin had initially thought that he was a young man because the Buddha's blood vitality was so immense. He was emitting a very powerful aura that touched the sky and shook the void.
He soon realized that the sacred person in front of him was indeed a powerful Buddha.
Austin was overwhelmed with surprise.
'Could he be Buddha Hawley, the founder of Buddhism?
According to ancient scriptures, Buddha Hawley had meditated under the bodhi tree for seven days and obtained enlightenment.
Is that what I am witnessing right now?" Austin wondered in shock.
He was subconsciously aware that this was an illusion left from the ancient times, but he couldn't help but be enchanted by the sight of the Buddha.
Because he and the twelve zodiac animals were too powerful and proficient in the law of time and space, they were able to see this illusion.
"This Buddha is not any ordinary presence.
His power is profound,"
one of the twelve zodiac animals praised.
"His strength does not seem inferior to the Taoist priest we met earlier.
Two great masters had once appeared on Earth in the ancient times. This is really amazing,"
the sky-devouring dog added.
"Sir, are you able to recognize their strengths? I can't see through it at all!"
Austin said curiously.
"Well, yes. They were at least governing gods,"
replied the sky-devouring dog.
At that moment, the Buddha slowly opened his eyes. His bright orbs stared straight into Austin's as he spoke.
"Young man, is Lear doing all right?"
Austin was stunned by the sudden question.
"Sir, are you talking to me?"
"Yes, young man. I feel the aura of the Principle of Philosophy from you.
You must be Lear's descendant.
How is he?
Is he all right?"
the Buddha asked in a peaceful tone.
Austin was surprised. Not long ago, he comprehended the Principle of Philosophy from the spiritual mark left by Lear.
He was indeed related to Lear, more or less.
"You're right.
I did learn the Principle of Philosophy from him.
But I don't know about his current whereabouts,"
he replied.
"A long time ago, I had the chance of meeting Lear and we communicated with each other for three whole days. I learned a lot from him.
I miss my old friend,"
the Buddha sighed lightly.
Austin was speechless. He had never heard of something like this!
He stood in stunned silence.
The Buddha was the leader of the Buddhist sect, and Lear led the Taoist sect. They had different cultivation methods and principles.
It was surprising that they had once shared and exchanged their opinions.
"Young man, you too belong to this planet.
You are lucky to be able to see me.
Unfortunately, you cultivate Lear's Taoist skill. Even though you can see me, you won't be able to get anything from me,"
the Buddha said.
"It is quite unfortunate.
In your era, Earth is in chaos, where Buddhism is no more prosperous.
It is such a sad situation for us all."
The Buddha seemed distressed as he spoke this.
"Sir, you are indeed insightful,"
Austin answered honestly.
It was true that Earth was in a perilous state now.
Almost all kinds of cultivation methods, including Buddhism, had disappeared from the planet.
There, the spiritual energy had become thin and the laws were incomplete. It was a planet that was no more suitable for cultivation.
"Sir, my wives possess the Crystal Buddha Body. I wonder if they are destined to learn something from you,"
Austin asked, Ivy and Sue coming to mind immediately.
The two of them practiced Buddhism.
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