"We already know your purpose here!" echoed the voices of the Two Saints, Zhunti and Jieyin, as Tathagatastepped into the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
"Theres no question—it was not the work of a saint."
While the power of the Two Saints was weaker than the Three Eastern Saints, their combined divination was not something easily deceived. Yet even with their efforts, the result was unchanged: Tripitaka's death was destined, supposedly planned by Buddhism itself.
This was puzzling. Could Bodhisattva Guanyin really be planning to betray Buddhism?
"But it doesn't seem like her doing," Tathagata murmured, baffled. Bodhisattva Guanyin had no reason to act against her interests; such an act would bring her no benefit.
"My brother and I have both deduced that no saint has intervened," Zhunti Daoist affirmed. "And if one of the Three Eastern Saints had intended to meddle, why would they wait to act until after Monkey King had begun? Remember, he is a piece we set in place ourselves."
"Regardless, the greater destiny of the Journey to the West cannot be changed. Sacrificing minor benefits to the Daoists is of no consequence. As long as the journey succeeds, Buddhism will flourish," Jieyin Daoist decreed.
"Nonetheless, with the journey already disrupted, you must remain vigilant and guard against Daoist interference," Zhunti advised.
"Duly noted, Saints," Tathagata replied, bowing deeply before departing for Great Thunderclap Monastery.
After Tathagata left, Zhunti turned to his fellow saint. "Do you think we should guard against future disruptions?"
"The greater path cannot be reversed!" Jieyin replied, resuming his meditation. "If anyone stands in the way of Buddhism's rise, they will be eradicated."
"Amitabha," Zhunti murmured in agreement, leaving the matter for now.
Beneath the Five-Phased Mountain
Bodhisattva Guanyin had returned from Tusita Palace with the Nine-Revolutions Resurrection Golden Pill, though her expression was less than cheerful.
After all, when she had still been the Daoist Cihang Daoist, she could at least appear before The Grand Supreme Elderly Lord without awkwardness. But now, as a defector to Buddhism, it took considerable cheek to face him. It was already a mercy on The Grand Supreme Elderly Lord's part not to have struck her down on sight.
Nonetheless, with her transformation into Bodhisattva Guanyin, she had inherited the unshakable demeanor of the Two Western Saints, brazenly securing the golden pill despite her embarrassment. But she still felt quite sour.
Originally planning to chant the Band-tightening SpellSutra ten times to relieve her frustration, Bodhisattva Guanyin now decided that tenfold might be more satisfying—one hundred times to vent properly! If only Tripitaka hadn't perished, she would have already handed over the golden headband.
"Wukong, understand that the pilgrimage must proceed step by step, passing through the Eighty-One Trials to attain true enlightenment. There are no shortcuts; you must never act like this again," Bodhisattva Guanyin warned, carefully instructing Monkey King before reviving Tripitaka.
If Tripitaka were killed again, she couldn't bring herself to face The Grand Supreme Elderly Lord for another pill.
"Huh? That's so troublesome!" Monkey King replied, dismayed that his easy path to racking up Karma Points had been closed off. It looked like he'd need to focus on other trials for his gains.
"Bodhisattva, don't worry! I will wholeheartedly protect the pilgrim and ensure no demon harms him!" Monkey King declared with conviction.
"Amitabha!" Bodhisattva Guanyin nodded approvingly. It seemed the monkey had indeed misunderstood her intent. He appeared docile and well-behaved, which softened her stance—perhaps one hundred recitations of the sutra were excessive. Ninety-nine should suffice. How merciful she was!
With the Nine-Revolutions Resurrection Golden Pill, Bodhisattva Guanyin revived Tripitaka.
"I have erased your master's recent memories," she informed Monkey King. "When he wakes, simply set him on his path… I mean, begin the journey to the West!"
Quickly correcting herself, Bodhisattva Guanyin left in haste, not wanting Monkey King to misinterpret her words and strike Tripitaka down again.
After giving her instructions, Bodhisattva Guanyin departed, and the Five Noble Truths (Buddhism) resumed their covert watch.
Monkey King remained by Tripitaka's side, pretending to keep watch but actually immersing himself in the system interface. His attribute panel had undergone some updates.
Attribute Panel:
Host: Monkey King
Cultivation Level: Perfected Taiyi Golden Immortal
Abilities: Eight-Nine Mystical Arts, Nine-Revolutions Mystical Arts, Seventy-Two Transformations, Fiery Golden Eyes, Somersault Cloud
Artifact: golden-hooped rod (Post-Heaven Merit Treasure)
Karma Points: 1,001,000
One word summed it up: poor!
The only treasure he had was his post-heaven merit treasure staff. No other artifacts, not even a single innate treasure—utterly pathetic.
But now, with the system's shop, he could exchange Karma Points for anything he desired, as long as he had enough.
He even spotted the Pangu Axe in the shop, though the price was a bit high. The sheer number of zeros nearly made his eyes blur. At this rate, he'd need to kill Tripitaka ten thousand times to afford it!
With a glint in his eyes, Monkey King glanced at the unconscious Tripitaka.
Sensing something amiss, Tripitaka shuddered in his sleep. However, Monkey King quickly dismissed the idea of killing him again. After all, he had vowed to protect Tripitaka from harm in Bodhisattva Guanyin's presence.
Continuing to kill him would likely bring karmic retribution upon himself, which could be disastrous during future tribulations.
Without a viable solution to avoid this karmic backlash, it seemed best to leave Tripitaka alive for now.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。