"You're absolutely right. Your presence alive is far more valuable than in death. After all, the spread of Buddhism in the East relies on you!" Monkey King thought to himself. As for Buddhist compassion? He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Compassion? Hardly. If they were truly compassionate, how would they ever gain the devotion and faith of their followers?
Yet, Monkey King kept these thoughts to himself. It wasn't the right time to reveal this truth to Tripitaka.
"Master, maybe… you're just overthinking things," Monkey King said, trying to offer some solace.
Though Tripitaka's faith had been shaken, it was still just the beginning. It was better to subtly influence his master rather than overwhelm him with too much truth all at once.
"Am I really overthinking?" Tripitaka murmured with a bitter expression. "Yesterday, I persuaded those bandits to abandon their wicked ways and promised them the possibility of enlightenment. Yet, here I am, needing to endure eighty-one hardships just to seek the truth in the West."
"Uh… perhaps it's a test of your sincerity, Master," Monkey King suggested cautiously. He couldn't exactly tell Tripitaka that the so-called eighty-one tribulations were simply an excuse for the Buddhist order to divide the merits of the journey. Whether he became enlightened or not was irrelevant to them. Even if he attained the title of Tathagata, it would only be an empty name at the lowest rank, without any real power.
"Sincerity? I've devoted half my life to cultivating Buddhism. Is my sincerity still in question compared to a bunch of bandits who just renounced their weapons?" Tripitaka's tone dripped with irony.
"So, what are you planning to do, Master?" Monkey King asked curiously.
"I want to reach the Western Paradise and ask the Tathagata himself," Tripitaka replied, looking toward the west with firm resolve.
Monkey King couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation. His master had spirit, courage, but no sense. Did he really think a mere mortal could question the Tathagata? This plan was practically suicidal. Even if Tripitaka did manage to stir up a fuss, the Buddhist order would hardly be affected. They could simply imprison him and appoint another to continue the journey. The public might even find it more impressive if they claimed Tripitaka had instantly attained enlightenment.
"Master, that's a bold idea. I, Monkey King, will follow you all the way!" Monkey King encouraged him, knowing full well that sticking with Tripitaka would mean plenty more opportunities to earn karma points.
"But, Master, I do have a small suggestion," Monkey King continued. "Along the way, you might consider observing carefully: do all beings truly need salvation?"
Tripitaka turned around, shocked by Monkey King's words, his gaze meeting the Monkey King's in silence.
"Very well," Tripitaka finally said, agreeing, though even he wasn't sure why.
"However, I have one condition!" he added.
Monkey King raised an eyebrow, curious. "What is it, Master?"
"Whenever I crave meat on this journey, you must make sure to procure some for me," Tripitaka stated with utter seriousness.
Monkey King was taken aback, nearly laughing out loud. This was not at all the kind of request he expected.
But he quickly realized the challenge: Tripitaka was constantly under Buddhist surveillance. Occasional lapses might go unnoticed, but regular indulgence would surely draw attention. Did he really intend to rely on the Heaven-Sealing Array every time Tripitaka wanted a bite of meat? It seemed so… undignified. Still, Tripitaka breaking precepts would earn him even more karma points, so it seemed worth the effort.
"Alright, but we'll need to plan this out carefully," Monkey King replied, his expression both amused and thoughtful.
Meanwhile, back at the Great Thunderclap Monastery, Bodhisattva Guanyin returned, exhausted, and after explaining the situation, withdrew into seclusion.
"By decree of the Saints, a variable has appeared in the Journey to the West. We must quickly identify this variable. If harnessed, it will ensure the unstoppable rise of Buddhism!" announced the Tathagata, opening his eyes as he issued his orders.
"A variable… that must explain why Tripitaka, who should have been unharmed, suffered multiple deaths in such quick succession!"
"Exactly! If we find this variable, our Buddhist order will prosper greatly!"
"But what is this variable? Is it a person? A demon? Or something else entirely?"
Upon hearing the Tathagata's proclamation, the assembly of Tathagatas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats buzzed with discussion. Eventually, they all turned to the Tathagata, hoping he could shed more light on the matter.
"The variable is a manifestation of the Grand Dao itself," the Tathagata explained, shaking his head. "Even Saints cannot fully comprehend its nature."
"All we know is that the Three Saints of the East have already located this variable and are using it to interfere with the journey."
At this, Guanyin straightened up, finally feeling a bit vindicated. See? This was all the work of the Eastern Saints and this mysterious variable—it had nothing to do with her!
"What should we do, Tathagata?" asked Manjushri Bodhisattva.
"We must double-check that the tribulations on the journey are progressing as planned, ensuring no further disruptions," the Tathagata replied gravely. "Additionally, we must be on high alert for the presence of this variable. The moment it is discovered, it must be captured. The variable must serve our Buddhist cause!"
"Yes, Tathagata!" the assembly replied, eager to do their part for the rise of Buddhism.
"What is the next trial awaiting Tripitaka?" the Tathagata inquired.
"Tathagata, the next challenge he will face is the peril at Eagle Sorrow Gorge," answered Bodhisattva Guanyin.
The Tathagata nodded. "Dispatch the Five Guardians immediately to Eagle Sorrow Gorge to assess the situation with the little white dragon."
With the appearance of this variable, the white dragon, an essential player in the pilgrimage, might also be compromised. His role in the journey was crucial, and no mishaps could be allowed.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]