Others follow advice and imitate celebrities, but you start by pretending to be a god?

To Pigsy, the Kingdom of Chechi was practically paradise on earth, except for the people's extreme hostility towards monks. Whether it was food, drink, entertainment, or any other need, everything could be satisfied and resolved in Chechi.

In such an environment, three months passed in the blink of an eye.

Finally, the time agreed upon by Lin Nan and Tang Sanzang arrived. The news had somehow spread, and many people had heard of it, eagerly awaiting its arrival.

As the appointed time approached, the government of Chechi Kingdom even personally organized the people to go and watch. The location was chosen at the altar where rainmaking had been performed in the past.

The altar where rain was once offered has been expanded and is now a large sacrificial site. It is not open to the public on ordinary days; people are only allowed to enter to observe or worship during sacrificial activities.

The discussion between Lin Nan and Tang Sanzang on Buddhism and Taoism was also arranged to take place here.

As the appointed time approached, the sacrificial site was already crowded with people. Some looked on with anticipation, while others whispered among themselves, all discussing the upcoming conflict between Buddhism and Taoism.

"Master, are you sure?" Even so, many people stood far away outside the sacrificial site. Even if they couldn't squeeze in, they were unwilling to leave, just wanting to catch a glimpse of the Grand Master's demeanor and hear his voice.

Sun Wukong walked up to Tang Sanzang and asked him with concern. At the same time, he also noticed the changes in Tang Sanzang these past few days.

For three months straight, Tang Sanzang devoted himself entirely to studying Buddhist scriptures, neglecting even basic necessities like food and drink. It was only because he had undergone a complete transformation and was no longer an ordinary mortal that he could have endured such a drain on his energy.

However, his gains were also enormous. Three months later, a faint Buddhist light appeared on Tang Sanzang's body, and he resembled a saint about to attain Buddhahood, exuding a solemn and sacred aura.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie both noticed this, and they were both surprised and secretly hopeful. They couldn't help but fantasize that Tang Sanzang might actually bring a surprise in this debate.
Tang Sanzang's face was filled with compassion, like a benevolent human Buddha. He put his hands together and said "Amitabha," and at the same time, the trepidation and unease he had felt before were gone from his words.

"I will do my best as your teacher." His voice was calm yet firm, as if he were ready to face any challenge.

In the capital of Chechi Kingdom, the former rain-seeking platform had been transformed into a sacrificial site. The people of Chechi Kingdom had already filled the area below, standing densely packed yet orderly, awaiting the dramatic unfolding of this Buddhist-Taoist conflict. The sacrificial platform soared into the clouds, and climbing it was no easy feat. However, today's protagonist would not need to personally ascend these steep steps.

With Tang Sanzang's permission, Sun Wukong's gaze fell upon his master's transformed appearance, and a surge of unprecedented confidence welled up within him. He moved swiftly, transforming into a dazzling golden lotus platform, steadily carrying Tang Sanzang as they slowly ascended towards the solemn sacrificial altar.

Today, this altar no longer serves the purpose of sacrifice, but has been transformed into a sacred place for Buddhist and Taoist debates.

"Look, the monk is coming on stage!" someone in the crowd shouted.

"It's Tang Sanzang, the Tang Sanzang from the Tang Dynasty!" someone recognized him and shouted excitedly.

“I saw him a few years ago. Now it seems he has returned from his pilgrimage.”

"Could it be that he intends to use Buddhism to compete with the Grand Master?"

"This Tang Monk seems to have some real skills; he must be an enlightened monk without a doubt."

As Tang Sanzang appeared, the crowd below began to murmur among themselves. Some recognized him, while others explained the situation to those around them. In fact, rumors had already spread, and most people were aware of Tang Sanzang's identity and background. At this moment, however, they were more focused on the charisma he displayed.

Besides the lotus platform formed by Sun Wukong, Tang Sanzang himself was also faintly radiating Buddhist light from the back of his head—a truly extraordinary sight. The people of Chechi Kingdom were increasingly enlightened, especially since this was within the imperial city. They could discuss matters of cultivation, and naturally, some of them recognized Tang Sanzang's exceptional abilities.

Besides ordinary people, there were also many Taoist priests present. Even many Taoists from Jiuji Mountain couldn't resist coming to witness this debate between Buddhism and Taoism. People like Changmei, Sun Simiao, Zhang Lie, Zhang Guolao, and Lu Daoren all came to see how Tang Sanzang would debate with Lin Nan. However, they all cleverly concealed their identities, attracting no attention from others.

At this moment, they gathered together and, upon seeing Tang Sanzang, couldn't help but show expressions of surprise.

"This Tang Sanzang already shows signs of becoming a Buddha!"

“Even ordinary Bodhisattvas don’t possess such Buddha-nature,” the Furnace Master nodded in admiration. Of everyone present, he was the most knowledgeable, having once tended a furnace under Laozi and seen many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. At this moment, he immediately recognized Tang Sanzang’s extraordinary nature. “Now, if he focuses solely on cultivation, he can directly attain the positions of Bodhisattva and Buddha, and countless Buddhist supernatural powers will naturally arise!”

"Incredible! This journey to the West has brought him such good fortune," Zhang Lie smacked his lips, unable to help but exclaim in amazement.

“This is extraordinary. Once his merits are complete, Buddhism may have another Buddha.” Long-browed man couldn’t help but say.

They all realized that Tang Sanzang was almost a Buddha! They were astonished by this. But after their initial surprise, they returned to their original purpose and began discussing the outcome of the debate.

"I just wonder if the Daoist Master can still leave Tang Sanzang speechless in this debate?"

On his journey to the West, Tang Sanzang had a debate with Lin Nan when he passed through Chechi. That time, Tang Sanzang was speechless and had to leave.

"No wonder Tang Sanzang returned late and dared to argue with the Taoist master again. It turns out he was so confident and fearless."

Now that they've returned, everyone is naturally concerned about the outcome. Without exception, they have complete confidence in Lin Nan and don't believe he'll lose. "I heard that if Tang Sanzang loses, the Daoist priest wants them to stay in Chechi for five years. I wonder what the deeper meaning is."

"Maybe we should keep them to carry cement? Hahaha!"

After Tang Sanzang's appearance, the discussion briefly subsided. Everyone was in sync and shared a common anticipation. Now that one side was in place, the other's appearance was naturally not far off!

So, the scene quieted down, everyone eagerly awaiting the other party's appearance. That other party, of course, was Lin Nan!
“Woo~~!!!”

A clear and resonant dragon's roar echoed from the sky. Everyone looked up and saw a jade-like white dragon, its body majestic and winding, soaring down from the horizon amidst the clouds. The white dragon moved with incredible speed, and soon it swiftly reached the sky above the sacrificial altar.

Those with keen eyes could already see a Taoist standing atop the white dragon, the wind gently ruffling his robes and hair, revealing his true face. He possessed the appearance of a young Taoist rarely seen anywhere in the world.

"coming!"

"I'm coming!"

"The Grand Preceptor has arrived!" A sudden shout rang out in the sacrificial hall, almost forming a wave of sound that swept across the area. No one paid any attention to the faint Buddhist light behind Tang Sanzang.

Below the stage, Sun Wukong and his two junior brothers simultaneously felt this fervent faith, both surprised and enlightened. After all, the visitor was Lin Nan, so such a display of power was hardly surprising.

"I wonder if Master will have such a grand return to the Tang Dynasty after his pilgrimage," Pigsy remarked, a hint of anticipation in his voice. He had never been to the Tang Dynasty, but from what he had learned along the way, he knew that his master was the "Imperial Brother of the Tang Dynasty," a status no less prestigious than that of the Grand Preceptor of Chechi.

Besides, Lin Nan is the Lord of the Human Realm, but his master Tang Sanzang is also a contemporary Buddhist! After seeing Lin Nan's momentum and performance in Chechi, Zhu Bajie was full of expectations for returning to the Tang Dynasty in the East.

At this moment, Sun Wukong did not speak to shatter Zhu Bajie's fantasy, but he knew in his heart that there was no one like Lin Nan in the entire Three Realms.

On the platform, Tang Sanzang stared at Lin Nan as she approached from afar. The white dragon coiled and lowered its massive head on the altar. The next moment, Lin Nan floated down from its head, landing directly opposite Tang Sanzang. The white dragon soared into the clouds, its figure disappearing into the mist. However, the people's attention was not on the wondrous white dragon, but rather on Lin Nan.

As Lin Nan landed, the scene instantly returned to calm, everyone waiting for him to speak. Lin Nan lightly flicked his sleeve and uttered, "Today, let's debate from the perspectives of Buddhism and Taoism!"

The entire sacrificial site remained silent. From the kings and ministers of Chechi Kingdom, the Grand Masters, to the laborers, merchants, and commoners, everyone remained quiet, awaiting the debate, without needing any supervision or management.

On the stage, Lin Nan, dressed in a Taoist robe, sat cross-legged. He looked at Tang Sanzang and asked first, "You once said that you had only cultivated Hinayana Buddhism and had not attained Mahayana Buddhism, so you could not answer some of the questions I raised. Now that you have returned from your pilgrimage and attained Mahayana Buddhism, may you answer them?"

Tang Sanzang nodded slowly and replied to Lin Nan earnestly, "This humble monk has obtained the meaning of the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, which can save all sentient beings. Everyone is a Buddha, everyone is a Buddha, and everyone can become a Buddha..."

Opposite him stood Tang Sanzang, clad in a magnificent robe, his back radiating a faint Buddhist light. Lin Nan had once asked Tang Sanzang questions that left him speechless. Now, however, Tang Sanzang, viewing the matter from the perspective of Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, was able to offer some answers.

Within Buddhism, there is a distinction between Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada Buddhism focuses on self-cultivation, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes that everyone can become a Buddha. Because of this shift, Buddhism, which was relatively unpopular in ancient times, is now experiencing a resurgence. This suggests that Mahayana Buddhism has its merits. However, this is only in comparison to previous forms of Buddhism. At the very least, Lin Nan cannot accept it.

"What would happen to the world if everyone were a Buddha?" Lin Nan asked, questioning Tang Sanzang's Mahayana Buddhism from this perspective.

"Everyone is a Buddha, the natural world is peaceful and happy, there is no more resentment or evil spirits, no more wandering ghosts, and the human world is transformed into paradise." Tang Sanzang gave the explanation.

Lin Nan smiled faintly and then asked, "But nowadays, all the Buddhas in the world sit in high halls and grand palaces... If everyone is a Buddha, then who will go to work in the fields, and who will take on humble responsibilities?"

Lin Nan sat upright and immediately asked, "Since you are not a Buddha and cannot sit in a grand hall to receive offerings from all beings, why should you perform the duties of a Buddha? Why should you have a Buddha-like heart and make offerings and worship to the Buddha?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang pondered for a moment before replying, "Everyone is a Buddha, but not everyone acts like a Buddha. It's just that one's heart is like a Buddha, and one's actions are like a Buddha." Lin Nan and Tang Sanzang sat facing each other. Although there was no swordplay between them, there was a verbal exchange, with each side going back and forth without giving an inch.

Lin Nan spoke first, posing a profound question. Tang Sanzang, without hesitation, immediately offered an explanation based on the profound meaning of Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. His words flowed fluently, his logic clear, as if he already possessed the knowledge. However, Lin Nan's questions did not end there; instead, like unraveling an onion, they continued to extend, each question pointing directly to the core and boundaries of Buddhism.

And so, surrounded by the many people of Chechi Kingdom, the two engaged in a heated debate. The people listened with rapt attention, sometimes nodding in agreement, sometimes frowning in thought; this debate undoubtedly became a popular topic of conversation among them.

It must be admitted that Tang Sanzang's return from his pilgrimage was indeed a great blessing, and he was completely transformed and renewed.

This transformation was not merely a matter of physical strength and youth, but also a sublimation of wisdom and state of mind. It was as if he had undergone a nirvana, and his understanding of Buddhism had reached a new height.

In addition, after three months of diligent study of Mahayana Buddhist scriptures day and night, Tang Sanzang's Buddhist cultivation has nearly reached the level of Buddhahood. Now, every gesture he makes exudes an extraordinary aura, and it would not be an exaggeration to call him a Buddha on earth.

Faced with Lin Nan's various questions, Tang Sanzang was always able to resolve them one by one, demonstrating a profound understanding of Buddhism that was truly awe-inspiring. However, Lin Nan was not discouraged by this; instead, he became more and more determined, and the questions gradually escalated, beginning to touch upon deeper levels of the "Tao."

"Now, in Chechi Kingdom, Taoist practices are prevalent, and the people revere Taoism and chant incantations, communicating with deities and even heaven and earth. Many ordinary people have also mastered some practical Taoist techniques, known as 'civilian Taoist practices.' These techniques, though lacking powerful destructive force, are simple and practical, and deeply loved by the people. Furthermore, many newly initiated Taoist practitioners travel throughout Chechi, using their methods to help people and benefit the region. As the head of the Taoist court, I advocate the concept of 'using it for the people,' making Taoism, its teachings, and its practices more accessible to the common people, no longer so esoteric. The combination of these new Taoist practices with early industrialization has propelled Chechi Kingdom onto a path of rapid development. In this context, does Mahayana Buddhism seem superfluous in comparison?" Lin Nan explained with examples, his words earnest and well-reasoned. (End of Chapter)