NOVEL NEXT Chapter 531, The Scapegoat
The Buddha sighed, his expression stiffening as Marshal Tianpeng was actually designated as a Sutra Taker and even required to reincarnate? Reincarnation and I have to arrange it?
If I had been informed earlier, I could have arranged a disgraceful crime for him to undermine Mysterious Sect a bit, but what is this now? Letting him off just like that?!
Many Buddha Bodhisattvas below all looked oddly at The Buddha, saying, "Buddha, it seems Marshal Tianpeng has already reincarnated, and it appears you even helped him."
The servant, puzzled, spoke, "Buddha, what's the matter?"
The Buddha came to his senses, his expression serene, and said, "Please tell the Saint that I have already known that Tianpeng is the person destined by fate and have arranged his reincarnation."
The servant brought his palms together, bowed respectfully, and said, "Namo Amitabha Buddha~ Buddha oversees the Three Realms and knows all!"
All the Buddha Bodhisattvas below also bowed and respectfully said, "Namo Amitabha Buddha~ Buddha oversees the Three Realms and knows all!"
The servant ascended slowly and disappeared into the Buddha Light.
An eerie silence suddenly descended inside the Leiyin Temple.
Guanyin Bodhisattva, somewhat annoyed, said, "Buddha, it seems, Great Master Xuandu used this opportunity not only to resolve karma with our Buddhism but also smoothly arranged for him to join the Westward journey."
The Buddha said nothing, thinking to himself, you're not saying anything I don't know. Carefully considering, first Xuandu had Marshal Tianpeng spread rumors, now using our inquiry to let Tianpeng receive a blow on the Immortal Slaying Stage - not only have we understood the karma, but Tianpeng has also successfully reincarnated and joined the Westward travelers. Now the karma is concluded, and our Buddhism no longer has reasons to target Tianpeng, what a play by Great Master Xuandu, worthy of being the leader of the Human Sect, planning everything meticulously, how similar he is to Taishang!
The Buddha inwardly sighed, thinking, Eastern lands do harbor cunning immortals!
Guanyin suddenly cried out in shock, "That's bad! Now that Tianpeng has reincarnated, who will clarify those rumors? How shall I restore my reputation?"
...
Great Master Xuandu stayed in Heavenly Court for two days before returning. Two years had passed in the Earth Immortal Realm, and the incident of Marshal Tianpeng being killed and sent to the Reincarnation Beast Path was widely discussed among the cultivators, many speculations being raised.
Great Master Xuandu entered the Great Red Heaven, passed through the ruins-like void, and approached Eight Sceneries Palace, walking inside with a smile.
"Xuandu, come meet me at the back mountain!" A voice resounded in Great Master Xuandu's ears.
Xuandu paused, respectfully answered, "Yes!" and turned towards the back mountain.
Behind the Eight Sceneries Palace, there was a peak soaring into the void, surrounded by cloud dragons and winds forming phoenixes, exhibiting unique beauty.
At the peak, Lord Lao Zi of the Great Monad leisurely baked fish, sprinkling it with secret spices made from Bai Jin.
Great Master Xuandu climbed to the peak, bowed, and said, "Master~"
Lord Lao Zi pointed ahead and cheerfully said, "Sit down!"
Great Master Xuandu rose and sat across from Taishang.
"Master, allow me to grill the fish for you."
Lord Lao Zi nodded, handed over the grilling fish to Xuandu, who skillfully placed it on the grill and slowly turned it over.
Taishang Saint stroked his beard, chuckled and said, "Xuandu, you are now famous! Your name is known throughout the Three Realms."
Xuandu, puzzled, inquired, "Why does Master say this?"
"Do you truly not know the affairs of the Three Realms?"
Xuandu shook his head and honestly said, "Disciple has been communicating with the Jade Emperor in the Heavenly Court these past few days, truly unaware of the affairs in the Three Realms. Please, Master, enlighten me."
Taishang Saint chuckled and said, "I've heard that Great Master Xuan Du of the Human Sect is unparalleled in scheming. A mere word passed down by Tianpeng caused both the West Sea and Buddhism tremendous trouble, even tarnishing Guanyin Bodhisattva's reputation for eternity."
Xuandu suddenly widened his eyes, his hands trembling slightly on the barbecue grill, and exclaimed in shock, "Master, this... this wasn't my doing!"
Taishang laughed and said, "But that's how they are spreading the word."
Xuandu hurriedly defended, "This was clearly the act of fellow disciple Bai Jin, it has nothing to do with me at all."
Taishang stroked his beard, smiling, "Bai Jin is quite esteemed throughout the Three Realms, they wouldn't believe pure Bai Jin could devise such a plot."
"But... but I couldn't have done it either!" Great Master Xuan Du was on the verge of tears. Why couldn't Bai Jin manage that? He obviously plays so well!
Taishang Saint smilingly said, "There's also a rumor that Xuan Du executed Tianpeng to sever ties with himself, making Tianpeng the scapegoat and keeping Great Master Xuan Du's reputation intact."
Great Master Xuan Du twitched the corners of his mouth, helplessly saying, "Master, I truly didn't think of this. No, this matter has absolutely nothing to do with me."
Taishang Saint nodded and said, "I know, but many of the Primordial Immortals don't believe it."
"Sigh~" Great Master Xuan Du sighed deeply, helplessly saying, "Where has the greatest trust between people gone?! Master, I have been wronged!"
"Ha ha ha~" Taishang Saint burst into hearty laughter.
Xuandu's face shifted expressions, and he immediately stood up and walked outside.
Taishang Saint asked, "Xuan Du, where are you going?"
"To clarify the situation, of course."
Taishang stroked his beard, chuckling, "There's no need to go!"
Xuandu turned around, looking expectantly at Taishang Saint. Could it be that Master has already clarified for me?
"Because no one will believe what you say. They only trust what they see, hear, and deduce for themselves."
Great Master Xuan Du was speechless, suddenly feeling a strong empathy for Guanyin. Are the Primordial Immortals so easily deceived by appearances?
…
As dusk fell on the Western mountains, within the Heavenly Court Bird's Nest, Bai Jin, lying in bed, opened his eyes, stretched in a lazy yawn, sat up, finally feeling rested, and walked outside.
In front of the Bird's Nest was a pond, and on a small island at the center, Shijigu Liang, Three Xiaos, and the Law Enforcement Team were barbecuing under the setting sun.
Bai Jin walked out from the Bird's Nest and laughed, "Oh! You're having a barbecue, and you didn't call me."
Long Ji waved and called cheerfully, "Master, hurry over. We've got some fresh ingredients today."
Bai Jin walked across the water to the island, sniffed, and said in surprise: "Luohan Fish, where did it come from?"
Yun Xiao looked down at the grill where the fish meat was in pieces and said puzzledly, "Brother, how did you figure that out?"
"Do I need to look? Just by the smell, I know it. I've cooked this fish more than a few times."
Bai Jin casually found a spot to sit and laughingly said, "This Luohan Fish mainly inhabits the Western Continent, unafraid of fire and heat, living year-round in volcanic lava. Due to its golden armor and nine distinctive spots resembling monk's chastity scars, it is named the Luohan Fish.
This fish is quite rare, where did you get it?"