Chapter 702
Sophistry
"That's sophistry!"
Manjushri Bodhisattva angrily rebuked him.
"The Immortal with the Curly Head is my fellow Daoist; how can he be exchanged like a commodity?!"
"Too deceiving!"
Even Samantabhadra Bodhisattva was so angry that his Buddha light became unstable.
At this moment, Guanyin Bodhisattva secretly transmitted a message to Tathagata, her tone tinged with worry.
“Buddha, the Green Lion, White Elephant, and Golden Hou are the four difficulties to be arranged in the Journey to the West. If they are given to Lin Zhu now, it may disrupt the arrangements of the Journey to the West. The entanglement of cause and effect may cause unexpected changes.”
Upon hearing this, Buddha's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly remembered this! That's right! These three demon immortals are important "actors" in the Journey to the West script! Without them, many scenes cannot be performed! He hurriedly sent a secret message to Amitabha Buddha, explaining the implications.
However, Amitabha Buddha merely glanced at him indifferently, his gaze calm yet sending a chill down Tathagata's spine.
Amitabha Buddha ignored the Tathagata's telepathic message, instead facing Lin Zhu with a gentle and compassionate smile returning to his face, and spoke clearly.
“What Benefactor Lin says makes sense. The Journey to the West is a great undertaking that concerns the well-being of all beings in the Three Realms, and the life of Jin Chanzi is of paramount importance. Although the three Bodhisattvas’ mounts have been with them for a long time, they are ultimately burdened with sins. If they can be used to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and continue the great undertaking, it would be a meritorious deed.”
He paused, then turned to Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Avalokiteshvara, whose expressions had changed drastically, his tone carrying an unquestionable resolve.
“Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Avalokiteshvara, you three should do as Benefactor Lin says and hand over your mounts to him. This matter is for the sake of the Western Paradise, and you should not let personal matters interfere with public duty. Afterwards, Mount Ling will compensate you three.”
"teacher!"
The Buddha couldn't help but speak urgently.
"This matter concerns the arrangements for the calamities of Journey to the West, I fear..."
"Buddha!"
Amitabha Buddha suddenly turned his head, his gaze coldly fixed on Tathagata. His gaze held none of his usual gentleness, only the supreme majesty of a saintly being, and a clear hint of displeasure and warning.
"The calamities of the Journey to the West are ordained by Heaven and can be adjusted. Does the Journey to the West really have to stop without these three wicked beasts? As the Buddha of this present time, you should prioritize the greater good and not lose sight of the bigger picture for the sake of the small things, and even more so, you must not... repeatedly question the Dharma's decree!"
The last phrase, "repeatedly questioning the Dharma decree," was spoken softly, yet struck the Buddha's heart like a heavy hammer. The Buddha shuddered, and a barely concealed look of shame, grievance, and helplessness flashed deep in his eyes.
He understood that Amitabha Buddha's actions were partly motivated by a desire to quickly get rid of Lin Zhu and quell the incident, but at the same time, it was also a way to give him a warning! It was a warning that he had repeatedly "overstepped his bounds" in his speech today, and even seemed to be "watching the show" and "adding fuel to the fire"!
No matter how high his status, Buddha Tathagata was ultimately a "present Buddha" supported by the two Western Saints, and in front of Amitabha Buddha, he was ultimately inferior. If the other party truly disliked him, his life would certainly not be easy.
Overwhelmed with mixed feelings, humiliation and helplessness, Buddha could only lower his head, clasp his hands together, and speak in a hoarse voice.
"Disciple...will respectfully obey the Dharma's decree."
After saying this, he secretly transmitted his voice to the three great masters, whose faces were pale and incredulous, his voice carrying a hint of weariness and apology.
"The three of you... please bear with us for now. The Master's decree has been issued and cannot be disobeyed. As for the calamities of the Journey to the West... let's find another way."
Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Avalokiteshvara received the Buddha's message. Seeing the undisguised weariness and forbearance on his face, their last glimmer of hope vanished. Even the Buddha could only bow his head and accept his fate; what could they do?
Manjushri and Samantabhadra exchanged a glance, both seeing deep resentment and dejection in each other's eyes, which ultimately turned into a long sigh. Guanyin Bodhisattva gently bit her lower lip, glanced at Lin Zhu, and then quickly looked away, her expression complex and unfathomable, before finally accepting the situation in silence.
Seeing that the three great bodhisattvas no longer objected vehemently, Amitabha Buddha nodded slightly and said to Lin Zhu.
“Benefactor Lin, the three bodhisattvas have no objections. Please wait a moment while I remove the restrictions from their bodies, then you may take them away.”
Lin Zhu was secretly delighted, but on the surface he simply nodded.
"Thank you, Buddha. However, the restrictions must be completely lifted. I don't want to take on the trouble of three people still wearing 'shackles'."
"nature."
Amitabha Buddha said no more, formed a mudra with his hands, and chanted the mantra.
Three mysterious golden rays of Buddhist light shot out from his fingertips and disappeared into the void. In the distance, three deep roars of beasts echoed from the depths of Mount Ling, carrying a sense of liberation and a hint of bewilderment.
Soon, three beams of demonic light, each a different color and imposing in its aura, yet carrying a long-lost ferocity and ancient meaning, shot into the sky from different directions of Mount Ling. After a moment's hesitation, they flew toward this battlefield.
The light faded, revealing three enormous creatures!
One of them is a blue-haired lion with a mane like burning flames, eyes like copper bells, sharp fangs, and a fierce and awe-inspiring appearance!
One is a six-tusked white elephant with a long trunk that reaches the ground, six crystal-clear tusks that curve towards the sky, and a body as heavy as a mountain!
One of them is a giant dog-like creature with fiery golden fur all over its body, clouds rising from its four feet, and golden light shooting from its eyes!
It was the true forms of Qiu Shou Xian, Ling Ya Xian, and Jin Guang Xian! Although they had concealed most of their aura, the ancient ferocity and immense demonic power belonging to the ancient great demons and attendant immortals of the Jie Sect still made many immortals and Buddhas present feel their hearts tremble.
At this moment, their eyes no longer held the docility they once displayed as mounts, but instead held a wildness, confusion, and a deep sense of apprehension and hidden hatred as they looked at the three Bodhisattvas and Amitabha Buddha.
Lin Zhu nodded in satisfaction after confirming that the Buddhist restrictions on the three demon immortals had indeed been lifted.
Without hesitation, he tossed the imprisoned, tattered primordial spirit of the White Lotus Child back to Amitabha Buddha with his left hand. At the same time, he flipped his right hand, and a jade-white elixir bottle appeared, exuding a refreshing fragrance and rich vitality. Inside was the "Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Pill."
He also threw the elixir bottle to Amitabha Buddha.
"Transaction complete, all debts settled."
Lin Zhu clapped his hands cleanly and decisively.
Amitabha Buddha received the White Lotus Child's primordial spirit and elixir, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
As soon as the remnant soul of the White Lotus Child returned to the area enveloped by the Buddha's light, it seemed to regain some vitality. It even began to wriggle weakly again, and even conveyed a twisted sense of pride and relief at surviving a calamity.
"Master...disciple...disciple knew...good people are always blessed...I...I am the true protagonist of the Three Realms..."
Hearing that this fool was still feeling good about himself, the Buddha's face turned so black it was almost dripping ink!
He felt his heart was bleeding! He had been forced to give up the mounts of the three great Bodhisattvas, and in return, this useless, troublesome, and now self-righteous idiot had come to him?! This was more disgusting than swallowing a fly! He felt so nauseous he wanted to vomit blood! Seeing that everything was settled and the little white dragon's spirit had safely returned to the dragon clan's camp, the powerful dragons nodded to Lin Zhu. The Purple-Gold Dragon Emperor proclaimed loudly.
"Young friend Lin, thank you very much! The Dragon Clan owes you a great favor! In the future, if you ever need anything, you can seek the help of the Dragon Clan throughout the four seas! We consider you our friend!"
Platinum Dragon King also added a rare comment.
"Beware of the Western Paradise; they may not be content with that."
Mo Bailonghuang simply gave Lin Zhu a deep look, his meaning unspoken.
Lin Zhu returned the greeting with clasped hands.
"Fellow Daoists, you are too kind. Farewell."
The Jade Emperor, who had been sitting comfortably on his cloud watching the show, now felt that the drama was almost over and was wondering if he should step forward to say a few polite words to wrap things up.
However, Lin Zhu didn't give him that chance at all!
After handing over the three demon immortals and greeting the dragon clan, Lin Zhu immediately turned around and shouted urgently towards the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison camp in the distance.
"Li Yuan! Tian Ying! And you guys! Stop standing there like idiots! We've got the stuff, let's get out of here! Hurry up, grab your new buddies, and get out of here!"
He spoke very quickly, and although he still had a smile on his face, his eyes clearly revealed an urgency that said, "This place is not safe to stay for long" and "Run!"
He thoroughly "treasure hunted" inside and outside the Western Paradise, extorting countless benefits from them like a ruthless sucker, and even stealing the signature mounts of the three great Bodhisattvas!
Although Amitabha Buddha is temporarily holding back due to pressure from the Dragon Clan and internal considerations, who knows if the old monk will suddenly realize what's going on, or get angrier and angrier and then lose his temper? A wise man doesn't stand under a dangerous wall, and besides, Lin Zhu doesn't consider himself a gentleman, so the safest thing to do is to get the benefits and run away as soon as possible!
Upon hearing this, the demon kings, heavenly soldiers, and generals of the Nine-Story Heavenly Prison were first taken aback, but then, seeing their leader's guilty conscience and impatient expression, they immediately understood and readily agreed.
"Order!"
The Golden Tortoise of the Abyss stirred up a demonic wind, the Primordial Sky Eagle spread its wings, and the other demon kings and heavenly generals also used their respective methods to surround the three great demons who were still somewhat confused and bewildered but instinctively followed Lin Zhu's aura. They transformed into streaks of light and followed Lin Zhu, rushing towards the South Heavenly Gate without looking back! Their speed was even three times faster than when they came! It was as if a primordial beast was chasing them from behind.
In the blink of an eye, the once bustling battlefield of Mount Ling was now only filled with the three forces of the Dragon Clan, the Western Paradise, and the Heavenly Court, along with a scene of devastation, the stench of blood and burnt flesh that permeated the air, and... an overwhelming sense of frustration and chaos.
The Jade Emperor opened his mouth, looked in the direction where Lin Zhu and the others had disappeared, and murmured for a long time.
"This Minister Lin... runs really fast."
He suddenly felt that he, the ruler of the Three Realms, seemed to be... a little out of step with the times?
The Jade Emperor sat upright on the Nine-Dragon Sandalwood Chariot, stroking his beard and smiling, ready to see how Lin Zhu would handle the situation, and then, as the ruler of the Three Realms, say a few polite words to appease both sides and demonstrate the majesty of the Heavenly Court.
However, he keenly noticed the fleeting, genuine tension and vigilance on Lin Zhu's face after completing the transaction and bidding farewell to the dragon clan, as well as the impatient manner in which he urged his subordinates to run away.
Based on the Jade Emperor's understanding of Lin Zhu, although this boy was unconventional and audacious, he was by no means a person who spoke without purpose.
His haste to escape, even disregarding the final court etiquette, must have been a premonition of some enormous trouble or risk that was about to befall him, one that even he found troublesome or unwilling to face!
"Something that could make this troublemaker so eager to run away..."
The Jade Emperor's mind raced, but he showed no sign of it on his face, only his fingers, which were stroking his beard, paused slightly.
His gaze swept across the devastated and subtly atmosphere-filled Mount Ling below, where the fighting had ceased but the atmosphere remained tense. He then glanced at the nine true dragons that, despite the agreement, still lingered in the air, their dragon might undiminished, and at the Buddhas in the Western Paradise, whose apparent tranquility masked underlying turmoil…
"It's not suitable to stay here for long."
The Jade Emperor made a judgment instantly. Regardless of what Lin Zhu had foreseen, what could make that boy so wary was no small matter.
As the ruler of Heaven, a man of immense wealth and power, how could he possibly stand beneath a crumbling wall? Watching a play may be entertaining, but if he were to get himself involved, he would be at a great loss.
Almost at the same time that Lin Zhu and the people of the Nine Heavens Prison disappeared in a streak of light, the Jade Emperor immediately put away his leisurely expression, regained his imperial majesty and indifference, and said in a deep voice to the celestial official standing beside him.
"Prepare the carriage and return to Heaven."
He then turned towards the dragons and nodded slightly.
"The turmoil has subsided, which is a blessing for the Three Realms. Fellow Daoists of the Dragon Clan, if you have the time, you are welcome to come to the Jade Pool of the Heavenly Court for a chat. I take my leave now."
Having said that, the Nine-Dragon Incense Chariot shone brightly with auspicious light, accompanied by a thousand streams of auspicious energy. Surrounded by a host of celestial officials and generals, it turned around and prepared to leave this place of trouble. The Jade Emperor's actions were so decisive that he didn't hesitate at all, and he was even only a moment slower than Lin Zhu.
As he turned around, he caught a glimpse of Lin Zhu and the others disappearing into the horizon out of the corner of his eye, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"That kid... he's really fast! He's definitely a slippery eel!"
Meanwhile, the demon kings and heavenly generals who had followed Lin Zhu for a long time in the Nine-Layer Heavenly Prison, such as the Abyss Golden Turtle and the Primordial Heavenly Eagle, were already very familiar with their boss's style of doing things and his micro-expressions.
Lin Zhu's urgent shout of "Get out of here!" was genuine! They realized almost immediately—something was wrong! Something bad was about to happen! If their boss was panicking, why didn't they run after him?
So, at the same time as the Jade Emperor set out, the Nine Heavens Prison camp also erupted with a "boom," with demonic winds swirling and escape lights flashing wildly. They ran faster than startled rabbits, closely following the direction in which Lin Zhu disappeared. In the blink of an eye, they were all gone, leaving only a few lingering demonic auras and dust.
This scene, especially in the eyes of the Buddha Tathagata, was like adding fuel to the fire, especially in the eyes of the Buddha Tathagata who had just suffered a heavy blow and was full of anger.
"Humph!"
As the Buddha gazed in the direction where Lin Zhu and the others had disappeared, the forced composure on his face finally shattered, revealing a cold, mocking sneer.
"A guilty conscience needs no accuser! Such despicable behavior! Just now, in front of the Dragon Clan, you were so arrogant and domineering, using your silver tongue to exploit and suck the marrow from their bones! Now that the Dragon Clan has retreated and your backer is gone, you immediately reveal your true colors, fleeing like a stray dog faster than anyone else!"
He's nothing but a blustering, cowardly clown who bullies the weak and fears the strong! He thinks he can get away with offending the Western Heaven by running away fast? How naive!
His words were both an expression of his resentment towards Lin Zhu and an attempt to salvage some of the face lost by the Western Paradise, characterizing Lin Zhu's escape as a sign of "cowardice" out of fear of retaliation from the Western Paradise.
Amitabha Buddha also looked in the direction where Lin Zhu disappeared, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.
He always felt that Lin Zhu's escape was not just a matter of "guilt." The wariness that flashed in the boy's eyes did not seem to be directed at Xitian... but he couldn't quite put his finger on why.
The situation had just stabilized, and the dragons hadn't completely retreated; he didn't want to create any further trouble. Hearing the Buddha's mockery, he neither echoed nor spoke, but a hint of doubt flickered in his deep eyes. (End of Chapter)