Capítulo 1268: Chapter 1266: Farewell, Maitreya Buddha
Jiang Liu’s words brought a brief moment of silence to the entire Great Thunder Monastery!
Although Jiang Liu’s suggestion was absolutely impossible, after all, he hadn’t gone through the eighty-one trials yet, so how could he take the scriptures away?
However, from Jiang Liu’s perspective, as the Scripture Seeker who had already arrived at the Great Thunder Monastery, wouldn’t it be logical for him to take the scriptures back?
“Amitabha, Xuanzang, the scriptures are not yet ready…” being temporarily speechless to Jiang Liu’s question, the Tathagata could only find a seemingly unconvincing excuse to reply.
“No problem, for the sake of liberating all beings from suffering as soon as possible, I am willing to wait a few days. I believe those who are immersed in suffering are also willing!” Jiang Liu spoke unconcernedly in response to the Tathagata’s words.
Upon saying this, Jiang Liu paused slightly, seemingly afraid the Tathagata would refuse, and added, “Buddha just said that the well-being of all beings is important, right? So, for the sake of letting all beings free from suffering as soon as possible, I hope the Buddha won’t be stuck on formalities!”
The Tathagata remained silent for a long time before advising sincerely, “Xuanzang, you should know that Scripture Seeking must be done with sincerity. It’s only completed when you’ve walked step by step to the Great Thunder Monastery. You’ve completed most of your Journey to the West, so why stop halfway?”
“Furthermore!”
Saying this, the Tathagata shifted his tone and added, “Now you are under punishment, how can you attain and leave with the Westward Journey in such a state? Wouldn’t it tarnish the Scripture Seeking? Thus, you should first go to the Eastern Temple to redeem your sins and cleanse your guilt!”
“Indeed, Merit Buddha, the Eastern Temple is in great danger now. If you arrive late, the consequences could be dire…” The Medicine Buddha stepped forward, also addressing Jiang Liu, helping the Tathagata resolve the problem at hand.
“Alright, since it’s like this, I shall go to the Eastern Temple!” Jiang Liu sighed helplessly and replied.
With these words, he turned and left the Great Thunder Monastery.
“Whew…” Watching Jiang Liu’s departing figure, the Tathagata secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Riding the clouds, Jiang Liu quickly flew towards the direction of the Eastern Temple, slightly smirking internally at the awkward situation the Tathagata had been put in earlier.
Actually, Jiang Liu knew it was entirely impossible for him to take the True Scriptures of Tripitaka earlier.
Why did Jiang Liu say such a thing? It was purely to tease the Tathagata to satisfy his own mischievousness.
The Eastern Temple is located in the Eastern Shengshen State, while the Great Thunder Monastery is in West Niuhe State. Naturally, the distance from the Great Thunder Monastery is considerable.
Even with Jiang Liu’s current cultivation level, it took him more than a Chinese hour to fly near the Eastern Temple.
Upon arriving at the Eastern Temple, Jiang Liu didn’t intend to hide his presence. The eighteen-petal lotus transformed into a lotus platform form, appearing beneath him.
Immediately, Jiang Liu’s body radiated brilliant Buddhist Light, slowly descending towards the Eastern Temple.
Sitting upon the lotus platform is nearly a standard reserved for Buddha. Of course, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra, who didn’t belong to the Buddha’s ranks, could sit upon the lotus platform…
Jiang Liu currently holds the position of the Sandalwood Merit Buddha; hence, naturally, he needs a lotus platform beneath him for appropriate prestige.
With Jiang Liu’s descent, the monks of the Eastern Temple, having the sense, immediately understood that the Sandalwood Merit Buddha had arrived and promptly bowed.
Soon, Huangmei, Maitreya Buddha’s servant boy, parted from the crowd and approached Jiang Liu, bowing respectfully: “Greetings, Sandalwood Merit Buddha!”
“Taoist Boy Huangmei, it’s been a while!” Jiang Liu smiled, greeting Huangmei before him.
Jiang Liu clearly remembered the amusing incident when Huangmei transformed into Ancestor Huangmei and captured him into his cave.
“The gracious Merit Buddha, back then I was young and ignorant, offending you. Please don’t hold it against me!” Huangmei apologized profusely, apparently referencing the past incident.
Lapis Lazuli King Buddha had perished for offending the Merit Buddha, making Huangmei naturally fearful!
“There’s no need for such behavior; I’m not a petty person! The small misunderstanding we had won’t be held against you!” Jiang Liu comforted Huangmei, half amused by his fearful demeanor.
However, Jiang Liu’s reassurance made Huangmei secretly pout.
Not a petty person? Then why did the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha die? This news has already spread through the Three Realms and Six Paths!
“Thank you, generous Merit Buddha!”
Though discontent internally, Huangmei dared not show it outwardly, instead complementing Jiang Liu before asking purposefully: “What might be the purpose of your visit to the Eastern Temple today, Merit Buddha?”
“I came under the Tathagata’s orders to help subdue demons in the Eastern Temple. Why? Haven’t you been attacked by demons?” half sincerely, half jestingly, Jiang Liu asked with a hint of confusion.
“Subdue demons? No demon head would dare attack the Eastern Temple!” Huangmei shook his head in reply to Jiang Liu’s words.
The other monks of the Eastern Temple exchanged glances with each other.
After all, the one who came was the Sandalwood Merit Buddha, and this statement was made by the Tathagata. Otherwise, one would really wonder how they came up with such an idea!
“Where is Maitreya Buddha now?” With doubt in his heart, after pondering for a moment, Jiang Liu remembered that when he was at the Great Thunder Monastery, the Tathagata instructed him to find Maitreya Buddha, so he asked.
“Reporting to the Merit Buddha, my master is in retreat!” Taoist Boy Huangmei replied.
“In retreat? What if I must see him?” Upon hearing this, Jiang Liu asked, with a determined attitude.
“This…” Seeing Jiang Liu’s determined expression, a look of hesitation appeared on Huangmei’s face.
On one hand, he felt that Maitreya Buddha shouldn’t be disturbed during his retreat.
But on the other hand, Jiang Liu had a notorious reputation. If he really tried to stop him, would Jiang Liu take this opportunity to settle a personal grudge?
Like killing the Lapis Lazuli King Buddha, would he kill him here?
“Since the Merit Buddha insists on seeing him, then I dare not stop you!” Ultimately, concern for his own safety prevailed, and after a moment of silence, Huangmei stepped aside and bowed.
“Hmm! That’s good!” Hearing this, Jiang Liu nodded in satisfaction, then moved past Huangmei and headed toward the Zen Chamber where Maitreya Buddha was in retreat.
“Merit Buddha, please halt!”
Just as Jiang Liu arrived at the Zen Chamber where Maitreya Buddha was in retreat, a figure suddenly appeared, blocking Jiang Liu’s way. It was none other than Yuanling!
“My master is in retreat inside! I ask the Merit Buddha not to disturb!” Yuanling stood in Jiang Liu’s way, speaking with a serious expression.
“Oh? Is that so? What if I am determined to barge in?” Hearing this, Jiang Liu smiled slightly and asked in a similarly stern tone.
“If the Merit Buddha insists on barging in, then don’t blame me for being impolite!” Hearing this, Yuanling raised his hand, and a weapon appeared in his hand, pointing directly at Jiang Liu.
Following behind Jiang Liu were many monks of the Eastern Temple. Seeing Yuanling’s firm attitude, although they were surprised that Yuanling dared to be so resolute in front of Jiang Liu, they couldn’t deny that his firm stance made the monks feel a sense of vindication.
In comparison, Taoist Boy Huangmei seemed inferior to Yuanling!
“No wonder the master values Yuanling more and has become rather indifferent to Brother Huangmei…” Meanwhile, many monks cast a glance at Huangmei, secretly murmuring to themselves.
Huangmei’s face didn’t look good either. Facing Jiang Liu’s firm stance, he had to admit that Yuanling’s actions were indeed more honorable than his.
But what use is honor?
If the Sandalwood Merit Buddha kills him in a fit of anger, he’ll vanish in smoke, wouldn’t he? Honor would be for nothing!
“Very well, if you wish to fight, then I shall accompany you!” Hearing this, Jiang Liu nodded slightly, raising his hand as he spoke.
Actually, when Jiang Liu bypassed Huangmei, he had already secretly coordinated with Yuanling. The two planned to stage a play, hence Yuanling’s firm obstruction!
The goal was to highlight themselves even more!
“Amitabha…” Just as Jiang Liu was about to make a move, a Buddhist chant suddenly rang out, and then, the door of the Zen Room opened, and Maitreya Buddha walked out.
“Greetings, Master!” The monks of the Eastern Temple all saluted Maitreya Buddha!
“Master, I’m sorry for allowing the Merit Buddha to disturb you!” Yuanling spoke, his face showing guilt as he apologized.
“You’ve done well!” Maitreya Buddha, however, extended his hand, patted Yuanling on the shoulder, and praised him.
Then Maitreya Buddha turned his gaze to Jiang Liu and said, “What brings the Sandalwood Merit Buddha here today?”
“Maitreya Buddha, is everything alright here?” Jiang Liu asked with a puzzled look.
“Alright? What do you mean?” Maitreya Buddha was taken aback by this question.
“That’s strange!” Jiang Liu thought to himself, and then he briefly recounted to Maitreya Buddha the events that transpired at the Great Thunder Monastery.
“Oh, you came for demon subjugation, indeed there is a demon head here, which requires your assistance!” Hearing this, Maitreya Buddha appeared enlightened but then suddenly changed his tone…