At dawn, after a brief morning prayer and meal, Tripitaka tidied his belongings and prepared to leave. Elder Jinchi, adorned in the radiant Buddhist Brocade Cassock, anxiously observed him, fearing Tripitaka might suddenly change his mind and reclaim the Brocade Cassock. However, Tripitaka said nothing, even as he mounted Ao Luan and departed.
Elder Jinchi breathed a sigh of relief but quietly steeled himself: as long as the Black Bear Spirit dealt with Tripitaka and his disciples, there would be no one left to reveal the Brocade Cassock's whereabouts. Jinchi planned to hide the Brocade Cassock securely afterward so no one would suspect him.
Jinchi knew the Black Bear Spirit well enough manipulating him would be easy with a few choice words. Tripitaka's group, however, was another story. A formidable demon like the Black Bear Spirit was no match for a frail monk, and even Monkey King, though odd with his ability to handle Buddhist artifacts, surely wouldn't withstand the Black Bear Spirit's strength. Furthermore, even if the Black Bear Spirit lost, no one could trace it back to him, Elder Jinchi, a prominent and well-respected head monk known for his virtuous reputation.
With Ao Luan's speed, Tripitaka and his group soon arrived at Black Wind Ridge, where the Black Bear Spirit was already waiting for them. In the sky above, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara sensed Tripitaka's approach but frowned upon realizing the Buddhist Brocade Cassock was no longer with him. She surveyed the monastery and saw that it was untouched by any mishap—a puzzling discrepancy from her earlier predictions.
Attempting to divine the previous night's events, Avalokiteshvara found herself thwarted by a mist obscuring the heavens, rendering her calculations useless. This was a startling revelation, as her prior foresight had indicated that the monastery would experience a calamity overnight.
This unexpected shift was the result of schemes by Laozi and Monkey King. Laozi, having begun his own plans long ago, cast an enchantment on the monastery once Monkey King arrived, misguiding Avalokiteshvara's perception. Meanwhile, Monkey King further secured the deception with his Concealment Array before sleeping. Avalokiteshvara's alarm at the discrepancy in her foresight was therefore delayed until morning.
"Five Noble Truths (Buddhism), a deviation has occurred at Avalokiteshvara's Monastery. I must investigate personally. Keep watch over the Black Bear Spirit here," Avalokiteshvara commanded before vanishing toward her monastery.
The Five Noble Truths (Buddhism) exchanged apprehensive looks, troubled that despite all their caution, the enemy had still seized an opportunity. "Remain vigilant. This time, nothing can go wrong," Golden-Headed Guardian Deity Guardian ordered, and the others nodded in agreement, encircling the Black Bear Spirit as if guarding a prized treasure.
"Halt! This tree was planted by me; this rwas paved by me! You wish to pass here—leave an offering!"
The Black Bear Spirit's thunderous demand greeted Tripitaka's group as he leapt into view. Both Tripitaka and Monkey King were momentarily taken aback.
"Buddy, you're a demon, not a bandit. If you're here to rob us, just get on with it—no need for theatrics about rtolls!" Monkey King quipped, shaking his head at the Black Bear Spirit's act. With his Fiery Golden Eyes, Monkey King quickly noticed the Five Noble Truths (Buddhism) concealed around the Black Bear Spirit. What a sight: a demon conducting a hold-up, backed by Buddhist guards!
Unfazed, Tripitaka addressed the Black Bear Spirit courteously, "What is it you seek, Black Bear Benefactor?"
The Black Bear Spirit hesitated, surprised by the monk's polite response. "The Brocade Cassock!" he demanded.
"Oh, the Brocade Cassock," Tripitaka said calmly, as if struck by an idea. "I only have this simple Brocade Cassock on me. Is this the one you're after?"
The Black Bear Spirit growled. "Don't try to fool me, monk! I know you possess a glorious, radiant Buddhist Brocade Cassock. Hand it over!"
"Listen, you are bumbling bear! You yourself described it as a Brocade Cassock radiating Buddhist light—do you see anything like that on us?" Monkey King jeered, crossing his arms.
"Uh…" The Black Bear Spirit faltered, unable to retort.
"Wukong, let's not get riled up," Tripitaka said, adopting a placating tone. Then, turning to the Black Bear Spirit, he explained, "To be honest, I did possess such a radiant Brocade Cassock, but last night I bestowed it upon the head monk of Avalokiteshvara's Monastery."
Tripitaka's hint was clear: if the Black Bear Spirit wanted the Brocade Cassock, he'd have to deal with Elder Jinchi.
The Black Bear Spirit frowned. This contradicted the information he had received. "Monk, are you lying to me?" he demanded suspiciously.
"Black Bear Benefactor, monks do not lie. You are welcome to search my belongings," Tripitaka offered openly, allowing the Black Bear Spirit to inspect his baggage. As he opened his travel bag, it revealed only some spare monk Brocade Cassocks and a bowl—nothing else. And Tripitaka's own Brocade Cassock was indeed a simple, unremarkable one, far from the described Buddhist treasure.
"Damn that wily old Jinchi, daring to play me for a fool!" Roaring in fury, the Black Bear Spirit immediately took off toward Avalokiteshvara's Monastery.
The Five Noble Truths (Buddhism), seeing the Black Bear Spirit depart after a mere conversation, were left dumbfounded. From the looks of it, he intended to confront Avalokiteshvara's Monastery instead! They quickly pursued him to intervene.
"Wukong, isn't my foresight remarkable?" Tripitaka beamed, thoroughly pleased with himself. "I had a feeling that Brocade Cassock would lead to trouble. Lucky for me, I parted with it—otherwise, we'd be dealing with a powerful demon right now. How clever I am!"
Monkey King grinned as Tripitaka reveled in self-praise, well aware that his master's "foresight" had, in fact, been an unwitting blessing.
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