Chapter 126

After Xuanzang finished recounting the experiences of his first life, both he and Sun Wukong fell silent. Sun Wukong was digesting the content of what Xuanzang had said, while Xuanzang was calming the surging emotions within his heart.

"After being carved up and eaten in my first life, I entered the cycle of reincarnation again. Tathagata and Guanyin were so confident that they didn't even clear my memories. Furthermore, to ensure I would embark on the path of scripture-seeking in every life, they didn't even make me drink Meng Po's soup. They were confident that the power of the Six Paths of Reincarnation would completely erase my memories." Xuanzang chuckled, his smile filled with mockery.

"When I reached Spirit Mountain in my second life, I was still met with their greedy gazes. When I reincarnated, I saw the memories of my first life. Do you know how I felt at that time?" Xuanzang asked, looking at Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong shook his head. He had never experienced such things, so he could not understand the feelings Xuanzang had at that time.

"Before I could even react, I entered the cycle of reincarnation again, then the third life, the fourth life, the fifth life..." Xuanzang said very calmly.

But Sun Wukong knew that Xuanzang's inner heart was not as calm as it appeared now.

"After the death of my fifth life, I fell into the demonic path, but I didn't let them discover it. By the time of my sixth life, I came into contact with cultivation. Because of the reincarnation, the demonic Qi was temporarily sealed. My sixth life cultivated Buddhist power. When my sixth life died, the Buddhist power and demonic Qi fused together to become a bead. I called it the Demonic Bead, but the West called it a Buddhist bead, also known as a sarira. Don't you think that's ridiculous?" Xuanzang said to himself.

"In the subsequent lives, I kept cultivating. I used Buddhist power to nourish the demonic Qi, right up until this life. After I was born in this life, Guanyin plotted to kill my parents, then placed me at the gate of Jinshan Temple. Afterward, I was taken in by the monks of Jinshan Temple. Ten lives—I have been a monk for ten whole lives, and in every life, my parents were schemed against by Guanyin. Do you think I should give him a pleasant look?" Xuanzang asked.

Sun Wukong shook his head.

"In this life, when I was eighteen, I cultivated Buddhist power. Subsequently, this wisp of Buddhist power touched the Demonic Bead, and the memories of my previous nine lives awakened. Correspondingly, the cultivation base of my previous nine lives also awakened. My current strength is actually what I accumulated over the previous lives."

"Then you know everything that happened in your previous nine lives?" Sun Wukong asked cautiously.

"That's right!" Xuanzang nodded.

"Since you already know what happened in your previous nine lives, why do you still want to embark on the path of scripture-seeking in this life?" Sun Wukong was a bit confused. Since he already knew about the previous nine lives, why embark on the path of scripture-seeking in this tenth life?

"I have suffered for nine lives; shouldn't I go and demand an explanation?" Xuanzang said with a smile.

"But with your strength as a Golden Immortal, it will be very difficult to get an explanation." Sun Wukong said flatly.

Although he sympathized with Xuanzang, going to the West with Xuanzang's current strength was simply courting humiliation.

"It seems you still don't understand this scripture-seeking." Xuanzang said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Hearing Xuanzang say this, Sun Wukong's curiosity was piqued.

"You and I are both people destined to face this Great Calamity. As long as we don't bring the scriptures back to the Great Tang, this Great Calamity will not be considered over. As long as the Great Calamity doesn't end, we won't die. Look at this time—I was killed by Guanyin, but didn't I end up resurrected in the end?" Xuanzang said with a smile.

"My previous nine lives were just paving the way for this life. My strength is indeed lacking, but they dare not kill me, while I can kill them without any scruples." When he said this last sentence, an astonishing killing intent erupted from Xuanzang's body.

"Are you that certain?" Sun Wukong had some doubts about Xuanzang's words.

"This is the experience of my nine lives." Xuanzang said with a smile.

"Alright! Then what do you plan to do when the time comes?" Sun Wukong asked.

"That has nothing to do with you. After arriving at Spirit Mountain, your task will likely be finished, and you can leave then." Xuanzang said, looking at Sun Wukong.

"Suit yourself!" Seeing that Xuanzang didn't want to say more, Sun Wukong shrugged.

"Let's go!" By this time, Xuanzang had also finished resting.

In the Saint Radiance Hall, Panhuang originally wanted to check on Sun Wukong's situation, but as soon as he opened the water mirror, he heard Xuanzang's self-narration. After hearing Xuanzang's self-narration, a smile appeared on Panhuang's face.

"It seems our plan is very successful. Xuanzang has already accepted the memories of his previous nine lives. After this, no matter what anyone says, it shouldn't shake him. Also, if I remember correctly, Tathagata seems to have really collected the skulls of Golden Cicada's previous lives. I don't know what he wants to do, but when Xuanzang sees these skulls..."

Panhuang didn't continue, because he could already imagine the scene at that time. That scene would definitely be very exciting.

Because Xuanzang had cultivation, they traveled quite quickly. Not long after, they arrived at Eagle Sorrow Stream.

When Xuanzang and the others arrived at Eagle Sorrow Stream, Ao Mo'ang noticed them. The next second, a water column shot into the sky, and Ao Mo'ang appeared before Xuanzang and Sun Wukong.

"The Dragon Clan?" When Ao Mo'ang appeared, Sun Wukong instantly pulled out his Golden-Hooped Rod and assumed a defensive posture, but when he saw Ao Mo'ang's appearance clearly, he lowered the rod again.

"Is the person coming the scripture-seeker Xuanzang?" Ao Mo'ang asked after seeing Xuanzang and Sun Wukong.

"That is correct!" Xuanzang nodded.

"I am Ao Mo'ang, the Third Prince of the West Sea Dragon Clan. I am here to wait for you on the orders of the Ren Sect Leader." Ao Mo'ang said.

"Master! Then you are also going to Spirit Mountain with us?" Sun Wukong's eyes lit up when he heard Ao Mo'ang mention the Ren Sect Leader.

"That is correct!" Ao Mo'ang nodded with a smile.

"Good!" Xuanzang agreed without any hesitation.

In Xuanzang's view, the number of people didn't matter, as long as he could reach Spirit Mountain. As for the accompanying personnel, he didn't care.

"Then let's set off!" Seeing Xuanzang's indifferent attitude, Ao Mo'ang was a bit puzzled, but he didn't ask too much.

Just as Xuanzang and the others left Eagle Sorrow Stream, Guanyin suddenly appeared before them.

Seeing Ao Mo'ang, Guanyin frowned: "Who are you?"

"Ao Mo'ang of the West Sea! On the orders of the Ren Sect Leader, I am to protect Xuanzang on his journey west! What? Do you have an objection?" Ao Mo'ang looked at Guanyin with an arrogant expression.

Ao Mo'ang didn't fear Guanyin at all. Behind the Dragon Clan stood the Candle Dragon and Panhuang. In his eyes, Guanyin was simply not worth considering. Even for Tathagata, Ao Mo'ang would only be respectful on the surface.

"Get down here!" Seeing Guanyin still standing in the sky above their heads, Xuanzang said coldly.

Hearing Xuanzang's words, Guanyin's expression immediately darkened. The next second, Guanyin obediently stood before Xuanzang and the others.

Seeing Guanyin like this, Ao Mo'ang and Sun Wukong didn't hide the mocking smiles on their faces. Guanyin could only pretend not to see them. He had to endure for now; everything would have to wait until the journey west was over. By then, these people would be at his mercy.

"This is the Brocade Cassock and the Nine-Ringed Monk Staff. Without these, you cannot reach Spirit Mountain." After handing the cassock and staff in his hands to Xuanzang, Guanyin disappeared directly. He didn't want to stay here for even a second.

Looking at the cassock and staff in his hands, a mocking smile appeared on the corner of Xuanzang's mouth.

"These things were bestowed upon me by Tathagata back then, and now they have returned to my hands. And he even said that without these things, I couldn't reach Spirit Mountain." Xuanzang shook his head with a smile.

After speaking, Xuanzang waved his hand, put on the cassock, and took the monk staff in his hand.

The reason he put on the cassock and took the staff was to nourish them with demonic Qi. By the time he reached Spirit Mountain, these two spiritual treasures should be able to turn into demonic treasures. If Tathagata saw this scene, the expression on his face would surely be very interesting.

After Guanyin left Eagle Sorrow Stream, he arrived at the Guanyin Zen Temple.

The Elder Jinchi in this Guanyin Zen Temple was a pawn set up by the West.

"Jinchi pays respects to the Bodhisattva!" Seeing Guanyin, Elder Jinchi hurriedly paid his respects.

Seeing Elder Jinchi's respectful appearance, Guanyin nodded with satisfaction. This was the treatment he deserved; Xuanzang's situation was just an exception.

"That Golden Cicada will arrive at this Guanyin Zen Temple in a few days. Go and notify the Black Bear Spirit to create some trouble for the reincarnation of Golden Cicada to fulfill this tribulation." Guanyin said, looking at Elder Jinchi.

"Yes, Bodhisattva!" Elder Jinchi nodded.

After giving instructions to Elder Jinchi, Guanyin left. There were still many places along the scripture-seeking route that needed to be arranged. The eighty-one tribulations hadn't been set up yet, so Guanyin was still quite busy.

A few days after Guanyin left, Xuanzang and his party arrived at the Guanyin Zen Temple. Seeing this Guanyin Zen Temple with its flourishing incense, an undisguised disgust appeared on Xuanzang's face.

"Shall we go in?" Ao Mo'ang asked.

"Go in for what?" Xuanzang asked.

"It's getting late..."

"No need, let's continue our journey!" Xuanzang shook his head.

Hearing Xuanzang's words, Ao Mo'ang shrugged. The reason he and Sun Wukong were here was mainly to accompany Xuanzang to Spirit Mountain, complete this Great Calamity, and incidentally earn some merit. Since Xuanzang said not to go in, then they wouldn't go in.

Elder Jinchi of the Guanyin Zen Temple had been paying attention to Xuanzang and the others. Seeing that they had no intention of coming in at all, a panic appeared on Elder Jinchi's face. If Xuanzang didn't come in, he wouldn't be able to complete the task assigned by Guanyin Bodhisattva, which would affect his future blessings.

This Elder Jinchi was now two hundred and seventy years old. His wish was to enter the Western Paradise after death. Guanyin Bodhisattva had promised him that as long as he blocked Xuanzang for a few days to fulfill this tribulation, he could enter the Western Paradise of Spirit Mountain.

If Xuanzang didn't enter this Guanyin Zen Temple and couldn't fulfill this tribulation, he wouldn't be able to enter the Western Paradise, which was why Elder Jinchi was so panicked.

Thinking of this, Elder Jinchi hurriedly opened the gate of the Zen Temple and pretended to be preparing to go out.

When he opened the door, Xuanzang and the others happened to be passing by the entrance of the Guanyin Zen Temple.

"Elder, please stay your steps!" Seeing Xuanzang, Elder Jinchi hurriedly called out.

Xuanzang looked up at Elder Jinchi, ignored him, and continued walking forward on his own.

"Elder!" Seeing Xuanzang about to leave, Elder Jinchi hurriedly took two quick steps to his side.

"What are you doing!" Sun Wukong blocked Xuanzang's path.

"Elder, as a member of our Buddhist sect, why not enter my Guanyin Zen Temple to pay respects?" Elder Jinchi asked, looking at Xuanzang.

"Fine, let's go in and take a look." Xuanzang nodded, looking at the Elder Jinchi before him.

He originally didn't want to enter this Guanyin Zen Temple, but this Elder Jinchi clearly had a problem and was likely acting under instructions from the West. Xuanzang wanted to see what the West was trying to do.

"Elder, please!" Seeing Xuanzang willing to enter the Guanyin Zen Temple, a smile immediately appeared on Elder Jinchi's face.

Xuanzang gave Elder Jinchi a meaningful look, then walked into the Guanyin Zen Temple with him. Sun Wukong and Ao Mo'ang followed behind Xuanzang.

"This old guy is not normal." In the Zen room, Ao Mo'ang said.

"Yes, I noticed it too. This old guy seems to have some scheme; his acting is too fake." Sun Wukong also said.

"Hmm!" Xuanzang nodded.

Night fell.

Xuanzang and the others, who were sleeping, suddenly opened their eyes. Sun Wukong and Ao Mo'ang were about to get up, but were stopped by Xuanzang's voice transmission.

"Let's see what they want to do." Xuanzang said to Sun Wukong and the others.

Soon, the door was opened, and two young novices sneaked into Xuanzang's room. Their goal was very clear; after entering the room, they headed straight for the cassock Xuanzang had placed to the side.

After picking up the cassock, they retreated from the room on tiptoe, and then the room returned to silence.

"They came here just to steal this cassock?" After the novices left, Sun Wukong and Ao Mo'ang sat up.

"Do you remember what Guanyin said before?" Xuanzang asked at this moment.

"What words?" Ao Mo'ang asked.

"Guanyin said at the time that without this cassock and staff, one could not reach Spirit Mountain. They came to steal the cassock, which is actually creating a tribulation for me, and at the same time, it is seeking karma for the West. After all, this journey west Great Calamity requires going through eighty-one tribulations to obtain the true scriptures." Xuanzang said with a smile.

"So that's it. Then let's hurry and get the cassock back." Sun Wukong said.

"Do you think I care about this cassock?" A faint smile still hung on Xuanzang's face. Although he was smiling, his eyes were full of mockery and cold light.

"Alright, suit yourself!" Sun Wukong said indifferently.

"Rest, we'll set off directly tomorrow." After Xuanzang finished speaking, he went straight to sleep.

The next day, Xuanzang said his goodbyes directly. At this point, Elder Jinchi didn't know whether to stop them or not, because he discovered that Xuanzang and the others didn't seem to care about the cassock at all.

"Forget it, whatever. There is still the Black Bear Spirit ahead. This is all I can do." Elder Jinchi muttered to himself, watching the backs of Xuanzang and the others as they left.

Black Wind Mountain, in the Black Wind Cave.

The Black Bear Spirit looked at the cassock before him, envy appearing in his eyes, but he knew this didn't belong to him. This cassock would have to be returned sooner or later.

"Sigh!" Thinking of this, the Black Bear Spirit let out a sigh.

"Great King, the scripture-seeking monk has come out of the Guanyin Zen Temple, but they headed straight west; they didn't come our way at all!" Soon, a small demon ran over and said to the Black Bear Spirit.

Hearing the report from the small demon, the Black Bear Spirit frowned. This didn't seem to be the same as what Elder Jinchi had said!

(End of chapter)