Above Black Wind Cave, Avalokiteshvara sensed something unusual and immediately investigated. To her surprise, she found Tripitaka, accompanied by Monkey King, violating Buddhist precepts by eating meat right in front of her own statue. The sight made her visibly uneasy.
She remembered that the Five Noble Truths (Buddhism) had previously reported Tripitaka's curious desire to eat horse meat. At the time, she had dismissed it as a misunderstanding on their part. But now, it was clear she had underestimated the situation.
Watching Tripitaka devour his meal so skillfully, she realized that he must have done this many times before. The ease with which he broke the precepts raised her suspicions further. Could Tripitaka himself be the anomaly?
After all, ever since Monkey King first killed Tripitaka, the journey westward had fallen into increasing disarray, forcing even her to intervene repeatedly to keep the trials on track. But Tripitaka was just an ordinary mortal—even Saints could read him like an open How could he be causing so much disruption?
Avalokiteshvara fell into deep contemplation.
"Bodhisattva, the Black Bear Spirit is currently resting within Black Wind Cave. If all goes as expected, he should head to Avalokiteshvara's Monastery tomorrow," reported the Five Noble Truths (Buddhism).
"Stay vigilant. We can't afford any further disruptions," Avalokiteshvara instructed.
"Yes, Bodhisattva," the Vajras responded, bowing.
"Bodhisattva, should we also keep an eye on Avalokiteshvara's Monastery?" Golden-Headed Guardian Deity asked.
"No need. Although there was a minor deviation, everything remains under my control." Avalokiteshvara dismissed the idea.
"A deviation?" The Vajras tensed, concerned about yet another unforeseen twist.
"Don't worry. It's only that Tripitaka was eating meat. Everything else is proceeding as expected." Avalokiteshvara's face tightened slightly at the mention.
The Vajras' expressions contorted. Eating meat… in Avalokiteshvara's own temple? Tripitaka truly had no limits.
"With the Cassock of Light now in Elder Jinchi's possession, his greed will inevitably lead to trouble," Avalokiteshvara added. Since the enchanted cassock was her creation, she could sense its every move. As long as Elder Jinchi harbored any greed, the trial would unfold as planned.
"Bodhisattva, something's happening!" Mahāvajra alerted, pulling Avalokiteshvara from her thoughts.
She turned her gaze toward Black Wind Cave.
Outside the cave, a young monk called out, "Is Lord Black Wind there?"
"Who calls for me?" From the cave emerged a massive black bear. Spotting the monk, he asked, "Aren't you from Avalokiteshvara's Monastery? What brings you to Black Wind Cave?"
"M-my master sent me... to deliver a message," the young monk stammered, terrified the bear might swat him dead with a single paw.
"Elder Jinchi sent you? What message does he have for me?" Black Bear Spirit was taken aback.
Unlike other demons, Black Bear Spirit was unique. Having gained sentience, he'd chosen to do good deeds rather than harm. But his imposing appearance scared people, leaving him unable to perform a single act of charity. Still, he remained undeterred and frequently visited Avalokiteshvara's Monastery to hear sermons, eventually befriending the monks.
"M-my master said that tomorrow, an evil monk will pass this way, carrying a Buddhist treasure. Since my master isn't strong enough to confront the monk, he hopes you will intervene to protect the treasure from desecration," the monk explained, trembling.
"A Buddhist treasures? Is this true?" Black Bear Spirit's eyes gleamed as he grabbed the young monk, demanding further details.
"Yes! Everyone at Avalokiteshvara's Monastery saw it—the cassock radiated heavenly light," the young monk babbled, describing the scene.
"Hahaha! This treasure and I are destined to meet!" Black Bear Spirit released the monk, laughing. Though he had yet to officially join the Buddhist ranks, he certainly seemed to have embraced their shamelessness.
"Go back and tell Elder Jinchi to leave it to me," he instructed.
"Thank you, Lord Black Wind!" The monk stammered his thanks and bolted back.
Avalokiteshvara and the Five Noble Truths (Buddhism), who had heard everything, were pleased. The trial seemed secure.
"Bodhisattva, your wisdom is unmatched!" praised one of the Vajras, flattering her. Both trials had been arranged by Avalokiteshvara herself, and everything now appeared to be proceeding as planned.
Avalokiteshvara allowed herself a moment of pride. She had managed the situation skillfully. However, she reminded her subordinates, "Remain cautious until all is settled."
"Understood, Bodhisattva!"
Back at Avalokiteshvara's Monastery, Tripitaka finished his meal with satisfaction, his face glistening with oil. He felt it was an excellent deal to exchange a potentially cursed cassock for a hearty meal.
"Wukong, what do you say? Should we stay here a few more days?" he asked, picking his teeth.
"Master, have you lost your senses? This is Avalokiteshvara's Monastery! Aren't you worried the Bodhisattva will come after you?" Monkey King replied, although he secretly delighted in the thousand karma points, he'd just earned. Upon checking with the system, he learned the high reward was because they'd broken precepts right under Avalokiteshvara's gaze. Future infractions would yield only a hundred points each.
"You're right," Tripitaka nodded. "Never mind, then. Let's rest for the night and resume our journey tomorrow."
After Tripitaka went to rest, Monkey King took a moment to survey Avalokiteshvara's Monastery, ensuring Elder Jinchi wouldn't attempt arson. Oddly, since Tripitaka had gifted the cassock to the elder, Jinchi seemed to have abandoned any fiery schemes, leading to an unusually peaceful night.
Satisfied, Monkey King activated a concealment array, sealing off their surroundings. Though they were in Avalokiteshvara's Monastery, anyone wanting to observe them would still need his permission.
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