Chapter 736

At this moment, Tang Sanzang, anxious over the words Sun Wukong had said before leaving, was like an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth in the room, unable to calm down.

Seeing Sun Wukong return, he also forgot his fear of Sun Wukong and hurriedly asked:

"Sun Wukong, what's the situation over at Spirit Mountain exactly?"

Sun Wukong saw Tang Sanzang's worried look and said with a smile:

"Monk Tang, the situation at Spirit Mountain is not looking good at all!"

"Ancestral Dragon led tens of thousands of dragons, Emperor Jun led tens of thousands of demons, and they gave the Buddhist Sect a brutal beating!"

"That old geezer Tathagata, seeing he couldn't win, brought his people to hide inside Spirit Mountain's Mountain‑Protecting Great Formation, turning into a scared turtle!"

"However, that Mountain‑Protecting Great Formation wasn't all that sturdy—it was smashed by us not long after, rendering it completely useless!"

"With myriads of dragons and demons rampaging Spirit Mountain, the sight was incredibly spectacular!"

"Too bad the Buddhist Sect had a backer—that old geezer Hongjun came to mediate, but he couldn't completely destroy Spirit Mountain; what a pity!"

"But this time, I, Old Sun, finally managed to get some interest back from that old geezer Tathagata—hahaha……"

Sun Wukong spoke with eyebrows dancing and face alight, while Tang Sanzang listened, dumbstruck, trembling all over.

He muttered in disbelief:

"How could this happen……The Buddhist Sect's holy land, Spirit Mountain, actually suffered such a catastrophe, nearly destroyed!"

After muttering a few sentences, Tang Sanzang glared angrily at Sun Wukong and said:

"Spirit Mountain is a place where the Buddhist Sect cultivates; the Buddhas inside teach people to do good—who knows how many good deeds they've done!"

"Why did you and those demons go to cause a ruckus at Spirit Mountain?"

Seeing Tang Sanzang speaking up for the Buddhist Sect, Sun Wukong couldn't help but retort:

"Hahaha, how many good deeds?"

"The Buddhist Sect forcibly seized the Dragon Transformation Pool of the dragon clan—can that be considered a good deed?"

"The Buddhist Sect enslaved countless dragons—can that be considered a good deed?"

"In your eyes, the Buddhist Sect is the embodiment of justice, but behind the scenes who knows how many wicked deeds they've done!"

"Just because you say the Buddhist Sect is good, does that mean the wicked deeds they've done don't exist, and we can't seek justice?"

Tang Sanzang stared, speechless, unable to accept what Sun Wukong said, shaking his head repeatedly and saying:

"No, it's impossible!"

"Sun Wukong, you're lying to me! The Buddhist Sect could never do the wicked things you claim!"

Seeing Tang Sanzang's reaction, Sun Wukong snorted:

"Monk Tang, stop deceiving yourself!" At that moment, Tang Sanzang, deeply struck by Sun Wukong's words, began to doubt his life.

At Spirit Mountain in the Western Ox‑Heaven Continent.

Originally filled with spiritual energy and shining Buddha light, the Spirit Mountain Holy Realm that countless people longed for—now, except for a few key areas, everywhere else has turned into ruins.

Each Buddha of Spirit Mountain was clearing the debris; it was obvious that every one of them felt deeply depressed.

Within the Great Thunderclap Temple, surrounded by ruins.

Tathagata Buddha, Burning Lamp Ancient Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjusri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and other high‑ranking figures of the Buddhist Sect all had grim faces.

Originally, the prevailing trend of the Heavenly Way was for the Buddhist Sect to rise.

The Buddhist Sect flourished, and to many it seemed it had surpassed the Heavenly Court, becoming the foremost power in the Journey to the West world.

Tathagata Buddha, Burning Lamp Ancient Buddha, and others held that view as well.

But today, Ancestral Dragon and Emperor Jun leading the myriad dragons and myriad demons causing a ruckus on Ling Mountain dealt them a heavy blow.

Only then did they realize that the Buddhist sect was not as strong as they had imagined.

At the same time, the incident of Ancestral Dragon and Emperor Jun causing a ruckus on Ling Mountain not only severely damaged the Buddhist sect's flourishing reputation, but also affected its fortune.

After all, Ling Mountain is the holy land of the Buddhist sect, concerning its foundation, and is truly too important.

Having occurred such a terrible event, the mood of the Tathagata Buddha, the Burning Lamp Ancient Buddha, and others naturally could not improve.

After discussing the matter of Ancestral Dragon and Emperor Jun causing a ruckus on Ling Mountain, the Tathagata Buddha finally concluded:

"Facing such a calamity, our Buddhist sect has suffered an unprecedented heavy blow!" "Not only has our Buddhist sect's reputation been damaged, but its fortune has also suffered a certain degree of harm!"

"For the prosperity and future of the Buddhist sect, we must pay greater attention to the scripture acquisition plan!"

"Tang Sanzang's journey to the West to obtain the scriptures must absolutely not encounter any mistake!"

After making the conclusion, the Tathagata Buddha turned his gaze toward Guanyin Bodhisattva:

"Venerable Guanyin, the scripture acquisition plan concerns the future of the Buddhist sect; it is truly too important, you must constantly monitor it and not allow any accident to disrupt the scripture acquisition plan!"

"Remember, once you encounter a difficult situation, immediately inform me!"

"At that time, I will dispatch personnel to support you as quickly as possible, ensuring the scripture acquisition plan proceeds smoothly!"

Upon hearing the Tathagata Buddha's so solemn words, Guanyin Bodhisattva only felt as if the Tathagata Buddha had placed a Mount Buzhou upon her shoulders.

She felt immense pressure!

Because Guanyin Bodhisattva clearly knows in her heart that the journey to obtain the scriptures will inevitably encounter various unforeseen difficulties!

Just look at those previous calamities and you'll know.

The first calamity, the Golden Crow Great Prince came to stir up the 749 Bureau.

The heavenly court dispatched Li Jing, the Four Heavenly Kings, plus Nezha in such a formation, yet they could not secure victory.

I thought sending Zhenwu Great Emperor would secure victory, but I didn't expect the Great Sun Tathagata Lu Ya to come stir up the 749 Bureau again!

The second calamity, the Six-Eared Macaque came to cause trouble.

Guanyin Bodhisattva brought the Eighteen Arhats to subdue the Six-Eared Macaque.

As a result, the two Golden Crow brothers summoned again the two Golden Crow brothers holding the demon emperor's imperial edict to help, leaving Guanyin Bodhisattva very embarrassed.

The third calamity is even more outrageous: it turns out the ancient Honghuang overlord Ancestral Dragon came to stir up the 749 Bureau!

Maitreya Buddha, Chong'en Holy Emperor, Guang Chengzi and other mighty beings all lost to the Primordial Dragon; even treasures like the Human Seed Bag and the Heaven-Overturning Seal were taken by the Primordial Dragon.

Guanyin Bodhisattva was relatively fortunate; Zupang seemed not intending to deal her a heavy blow, and the fight was not fierce.

That's why she didn't suffer heavy losses like Maitreya Buddha and the others.

Guanyin Bodhisattva already knew that whether it was the Golden Crow Prince, the Six-Eared Macaque, or the Primordial Dragon, all were related to an organization called the Holy Court.

The Holy Court organization seemed to bear a grudge against the Buddhist Sect, constantly sending people to target the Buddhist Sect's scripture‑acquisition plan.

The first three calamities were already this difficult; Guanyin Bodhisattva hardly dared to imagine what terrible shape the later calamities would take.

She clearly knew that those three matters were like three insurmountable mountains. Yet, the supervisory duty for the Journey to the West was something she herself had voluntarily requested from the Tathagata Buddha.

She couldn't very well tell the Tathagata Buddha, "The Journey to the West is too hard; I dare not take responsibility."

Guanyin Bodhisattva's mind instantly flashed with many thoughts; her heart was full of bitterness, and the pressure weighed on her like a mountain.

But there was no choice; having chosen this path, no matter how difficult, she could only grit her teeth and press on.

Guanyin Bodhisattva gathered her thoughts, nodded solemnly toward the Tathagata Buddha, and said:

"Buddha, I fully understand the importance of the scripture‑acquisition plan; I will devote myself completely and ensure the plan proceeds smoothly."

Hearing Guanyin Bodhisattva's assurance, the Tathagata Buddha nodded satisfied: "Very well. Venerable Guanyin, you may go…" After leaving Spirit Mountain, Guanyin Bodhisattva glanced in the direction where Tang Sanzang was.

She saw that Tang Sanzang, lacking a mount, was stranded beside Eagle Sorrow Gully and unable to continue onward.

After a moment's thought, she immediately rode the Lotus Auspicious Cloud straight to the Heavenly Court.

Upon arriving at the Heavenly Court, Guanyin Bodhisattva stated her purpose and then went to the Imperial Horse Bureau.

Since the Little White Dragon had become the Dragon Clan's sovereign, exalted beyond compare, it was naturally impossible for him to serve as Tang Sanzang's mount.

Guanyin Bodhisattva could only settle for second best, going to the Imperial Horse Bureau to pick a fine heavenly horse as a mount for Tang Sanzang.

After a long search, Guanyin Bodhisattva finally selected a heavenly horse that was fairly satisfactory.

She then brought the heavenly horse straight to Tang Sanzang's dwelling.

Tang Sanzang originally felt terrible because of Sun Wukong's words.

Seeing Guanyin Bodhisattva personally come to deliver the horse, his mood improved considerably.

Tang Sanzang first thanked Guanyin Bodhisattva for the horse, then, recalling what Sun Wukong had said, he spoke to her:

"Guanyin Bodhisattva, Sun Wukong said the Buddhist Sect forcibly seized the Dragon Clan's Dragon Transformation Pool, enslaved many dragons, committed many evils, and that is why the Dragon Clan joined the Monster Clan in causing a great disturbance at Spirit Mountain. Is that true?"

Upon hearing Tang Sanzang's words, Guanyin Bodhisattva's face instantly darkened.

Why does Tang Sanzang always bring up the very pot that shouldn't be opened?

How am I to answer this question? If I admit it, that would be slapping myself in the face.

If I don't admit it, Sun Wukong could be watching from heaven!

If I lie to Sun Wukong's face, could he not expose me?

So Guanyin Bodhisattva could only give a perfunctory reply:

"Monk Tang, just what is going on with this matter? Ask your own heart and you'll naturally find the answer."

Having said that, Guanyin Bodhisattva flew off as if escaping for her life.

After Guanyin Bodhisattva left, Tang Sanzang stood where he was, pondering bitterly.

"Guanyin Bodhisattva told me to ask my own heart—what exactly does that mean?"

After a while, Tang Sanzang's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Could it be that Guanyin Bodhisattva thinks my faith isn't steadfast enough?"

"Exactly, that must be it!"

"The Buddhist Sect has always taught people to do good; how could it commit such evil deeds?"

"I actually doubted the Buddhist Sect just because of Sun Wukong's few words—truly inexcusable!"

In the sky, Sun Wukong saw Tang Sanzang hearing Guanyin Bodhisattva's perfunctory remark, looking suddenly enlightened, and couldn't help laughing and shaking his head:

"He's simply a hopeless fool!"

Tang Sanzang now had a heavenly horse as his mount, and could finally continue on his journey.

Along the way he encountered no danger, and enjoyed several peaceful days.

That day, as evening approached, Tang Sanzang arrived before a mountain.

He saw an ancient, simple temple on the mountain, filling him with delight.

Upon drawing near, he discovered the temple was called the Guanyin Chan Temple.

In Tang Sanzang's view, Guanyin Bodhisattva had bestowed great kindness upon him.

Therefore, upon seeing that this temple was dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, his joy grew even greater:

"Guanyin Bodhisattva did me a small favor a few days ago, and I haven't had a chance to thank her yet. Now that I've come to the Guanyin Chan Temple, I will surely pay proper respects to the bodhisattva and express my gratitude."

After entering the Guanyin Chan Temple, Tang Sanzang told the monks inside that he had once received Guanyin Bodhisattva's favor and wished to pay his respects to her.

The monks immediately opened the doors of the Guanyin Hall, allowing Tang Sanzang to enter and pay homage.

To show respect for Guanyin Bodhisattva, Tang Sanzang deliberately changed into a kasaya he rarely wore—the Brocade Wave Kasaya.

This Brocade Wave Kasaya was woven from the divine silk spat out by the Immortal Species Ice Silkworm, adorned with treasures such as the Ruyi Pearl, Mani Pearl, Dust‑Repelling Pearl, Wind‑Stabilizing Pearl, and Sarira.

When Tang Sanzang donned the Brocade Wave Kasaya, his whole body shone with Buddhist light, looking exactly like an enlightened high monk.

Seeing this, the monks inside the Guanyin Hall stared wide‑eyed.

They had seen many kasayas in their lifetimes, but never before such a miraculous treasure as the Brocade Wave Kasaya!

The monks of the Guanyin Chan Temple could not help but exclaim:

"The kasaya this Tang monk wears is hardly something an ordinary person could possess; could it be that he obtained this precious robe from the Buddha?"

A monk with a quick mind, seeing Tang Sanzang's Brocade Wave Kasaya, realized that Tang Sanzang's identity was extraordinary.

That monk immediately left the Guanyin Hall to report to Elder Golden Pool.

Elder Jinchi heard the monk's report and was greatly surprised:

"You say a great Tang monk wearing an immortal's kasaya has come to our Chan monastery?"

"Wait for that Tang monk to come out of the Guanyin Hall, then immediately invite him here for tea!"

Upon hearing Elder Jinchi's order, the monk hurriedly left to fetch Tang Sanzang.

Not long after, Tang Sanzang was brought by the monk to Elder Jinchi's Chan room.

Elder Jinchi has lived 270 years, truly well‑versed and knowledgeable. But when he saw the brocade kasaya Tang Sanzang wore, he could hardly believe his eyes.

Elder Jinchi has lived 270 years, during which he has worn countless kasayas.

Yet those originally fine kasayas, compared to the brocade kasaya, are nothing but rags!

For Buddhist disciples, the brocade kasaya is extremely precious.

Elder Jinchi took just one glance and was moved.

He, somewhat absent‑minded, greeted Tang Sanzang and exchanged a few words.

Then Elder Jinchi did something completely unexpected by Tang Sanzang.

He actually went 'Plop—' and knelt before Tang Sanzang, weeping as he said:

"Master Tang Sanzang, seeing you, I, your humble self, realize that my 270 years have been lived in vain!"

Elder Jinchi's appearance greatly shocked Tang Sanzang.

He hurried forward to help Elder Jinchi up.

Next, Tang Sanzang, full of confusion, asked Elder Jinchi:

"Old Abbott, what's wrong with you?"

Elder Jinchi continued weeping:

"Master Tang Sanzang, I, your humble self, have worn hundreds of kasayas in the past, but only today, seeing your precious kasaya on you, do I realize that what I wore before were nothing but rags!"

"The reason I weep bitterly is that my fortune is shallow; I lack the blessing to wear a kasaya as precious as yours, Master Tang Sanzang."

Is it because of this brocade kasaya?

Tang Sanzang heard Elder Jinchi's words and pondered for a while. Considering that Elder Jinchi is an old Chan master with two hundred years of cultivation, out of respect and pity for the old master, Tang Sanzang slowly said:

"Old Abbott, you need not be so distressed. Since you are interested in the kasaya on this humble monk's person, I will lend it to you to wear."

"As long as you return the kasaya to this humble monk before I leave tomorrow……" (End of chapter)