NOVEL NEXT Chapter 572, The Reaction of Buddhism
The Buddha suddenly said, "Aynava has returned~"
A Golden Lotus bloomed from within the main hall, slowly unfolding, with Aynava standing at its center.
Aynava quickly stepped out of the Golden Lotus, pressed his palms together, bowed respectfully, and said, "World Venerable has summoned this disciple. May I inquire if there are any commands?"
The Buddha asked, "Have you delivered my orders?"
"Reporting to the Buddha, this disciple has not yet reached Silent Annihilation Heaven," Aynava stood with reverence below.
The majestic voice of the Buddha filled the space, "The heavens possess the virtue of cherishing life, although Emperor Gouchen of the Eastern did first err.
Yet for the welfare of the common beings, I should not lightly start a war. Let this matter cease for now. There is no need to further issue a Dharma Decree."
Aynava joyfully said, "Our Buddha is merciful!"
The Buddha fell into a contemplative silence, still feeling rather uncomfortable inside—it was truly Bai Jin who had infuriated him. Tang Sanzang was also a fool; for a mere two thousand merits, he sold a precious treasure of Buddhism, not even as reliable as Jin Chanzi in the past.
The Buddha continued, "The sermon is over, let all Buddhas return."
All the Buddha Bodhisattvas and Arhats rose to their feet, pressed their palms together in respectful salute, "Many thanks to the World Venerable!" Then they turned and walked out neatly and orderly.
Moments later, only the Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Universal Virtue Bodhisattva, Manjusri Bodhisattva, Lingji Bodhisattva, Buddha of Tranquil Light and Joy, Ma Yuan Venerate King Buddha, Vilu Buddha, and other intimates of the Tathagata, remained in the great hall.
Long-eared Ding Guangxian, not understanding, asked, "Buddha, what exactly happened? Why do we not dispatch Buddha Soldiers to intimidate the Heavenly Court?"
The Buddha said helplessly, "It is Tang Sanzang who sold the Embroidered Jiasha to the Three Realms Bank."
Long-eared Ding Guangxian suddenly widened his eyes. What? Tang Sanzang sold the Embroidered Kasaya? How dare he?
The other Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, too, had their Primordial Spirits pulsating in shock, full of disbelief. They had anticipated various scenarios, but never imagined it would be Tang Sanzang who sold it. Wasn't it said that after ten lifetimes of cultivation he had become a monk of great attainment? Could a monk of great attainment really do such a thing?
Guanyin Bodhisattva frowned and asked, "Could it be that Bai Jin gained it through crafty and forceful means?"
"Not through crafty and forceful means, Tang Sanzang willingly made the sale."
The Buddha repeated the events he had heard from Guardian Jialan, and all the Buddhas looked at each other, appalled. Short of money to repay a loan, he sold the Jinlan Kasaya—this Tang Sanzang is truly a rare talent! They really wanted to fry him in a pan of oil.
Long-eared Ding Guangxian said unwillingly, "Buddha, are we just to endure this?"
The Buddha's expression shifted slightly. To simply endure it, not to mention others, even he himself was not willing. But to talk about reprisal against Bai Jin, the Embroidered Kasaya was truly not a reason, and there was no karmic causation between them.
Guanyin's expression shifted as she said, "Buddha, do you remember the incident with the West Sea?
Tianpeng led the Heavenly River Navy in the Three Realms, spreading rumors, misleading the people, resulting in the false overshadowing the true and tarnishing the reputation of the Buddha Sect."
"Guanyin Bodhisattva, you too wish to use this against Bai Jin?" The powerful voice of the Buddha echoed within the Great Leiyin Temple.
Guanyin Bodhisattva coldly said, "Buddha sees clearly; this is the method of returning to others the way they have dealt with us. It is time for Bai Jin to taste this kind of slander." Thinking about the West Sea incident, her heart filled with a itching hatred.
Vilu Buddha's expression shifted, and he also said, "Buddha, Bai Jin once slandered and maligned our Buddha Sect with rumors. We can naturally return the gesture with the same methods."
Universal Virtue Bodhisattva's spirit light flashed as he said, "Buddha, after the incident in the West Sea, I have studied the method of spreading rumors used by the Heavenly Court. It mainly relies on guiding. The rationality of the event is actually not important.
As long as the guidance is effective, one will tell ten, ten will tell a hundred, and people will create a perfect course of events on their own. All we need to provide is a topic."
The other Buddha Bodhisattvas also looked towards The Buddha, seeking a decision from The Buddha, determined not to tolerate this affront.
The Buddha fell into a moment of profound contemplation, resolute in his heart. Mere rumors were insignificant; this time, he intended to substantiate the rumors.
"Aynava, go and issue the Dharma Decree to the Heavenly Court in the name of the Western Sect, demanding that Emperor Gouchen explain the taking of the kasaya and order him to immediately return the Jinlan Kasaya."
"Buddha, we have no evidence."
"The Jinlan Kasaya itself is the evidence. Go now!"
"By your Dharma Decree!" Aynava turned and walked away.
"Universal Virtue Bodhisattva, you are in charge of spreading this matter throughout the Three Realms."
Universal Virtue Bodhisattva's eyes lit up – The Buddha's strategy was brilliant! There was no need to fabricate farfetched stories: by simply issuing a Dharma Decree to the Heavenly Court, the incident would naturally arouse the curiosity of the creatures of the Three Realms. With their intelligence, they would weave the story, but with The Buddha's questioning of the Heavenly Court as a fact, the tale would seem even more credible. Bringing his hands together in a gesture of respect, he replied, "By your Dharma Decree!"
…
Meanwhile, Tang Sanzang and his disciples had arrived at Gao Village, where after a discussion, Lord Gao requested Tang Sanzang and his disciples to subdue a demon.
Up in the attic of the rear courtyard, Sun Wukong transformed into a woman, becoming Sun Cuilan. Sitting daintily on the bed, she spoke delicately, "Ganglie, you should leave for today! My parents have brought another mage to subdue you."
Zhu Ganglie rubbed his hands and chuckled, "Let them come. With my skills from the Heavenly Gang Number and the nine-teeth nail fork, what do I fear? Monk, Taoist—
Even if your father, with his devoutness, summons the Demon-subduing Ancestor Master from the Nine Heavens to the Mortal Realm, I have had dealings with him before; he wouldn't dare to do anything to me."
Sun Cuilan's eyes shifted as she replied softly, "You are an Immortal who has attained the Tao, while I am merely a mortal. I've heard that the union of an immortal and mortal violates the Heavenly Rules, and he has invited the Judicial Celestial to capture you!"
Zhu Ganglie suddenly stood up, shocked, "The Judicial Celestial?"
He anxiously exclaimed, "Disaster has struck, disaster has struck!"
"What happened?"
"You don't know, when I was in the heavens, I also interacted with the Judicial Celestial. Yang Jiao, Nezha, Ao Bing—they are somewhat capable. I'm afraid Old Pig would not be their match; I should avoid them for the time being until they leave. Then, Old Pig will come out and live a good life with you." Zhu Bajie then grabbed his clothes and started to dash outside.
Sun Cuilan hurriedly called out, "My lord, take me with you! You travel with the clouds and wind every day, and it is quite dull for me here."
Zhu Ganglie paused, joyfully saying, "My lady is willing to come with me, that's wonderful! Come, my lady, get on my back, and let Old Pig carry you away."
Zhu Bajie carried Sun Cuilan and rode on a cloud, vanishing into the mists, arriving at Fuling Mountain.
While they were walking among the mountains and forests, Sun Cuilan's arm suddenly changed into that of a monkey's.
Zhu Ganglie, realizing something was amiss, immediately stopped and quickly looked down, only to see the arm as white and pristine as ever, and he heaved a sigh of relief.
Sun Cuilan asked sweetly, "My lord, why have we stopped?"
Zhu Ganglie grunted twice and said, "It's nothing; there was a mosquito buzzing around my face just now."