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

He continued, “In Chechi Kingdom, the veneration of Taoism is prevalent. Through reverence for Taoism and the chanting of mantras, the people have established a subtle connection with the gods and spirits of heaven and earth. This connection brings them tangible benefits in their daily lives. For example, some simple Taoist practices can be used to heal the sick, save lives, and ward off evil spirits and disasters—features that Mahayana Buddhism cannot match. Moreover, with the promotion of these new Taoist practices, more and more people are beginning to learn and master them, significantly enhancing the overall strength of Chechi Kingdom. Therefore, I believe that in an environment like Chechi Kingdom, Mahayana Buddhism does indeed seem somewhat superfluous.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang fell silent for a moment, seemingly pondering Lin Nan's words.

After a moment, he slowly spoke: "The world is vast, yet there is only one Chechi. There are many other countries on earth that do not have the conditions of Chechi. In these countries, the people may need the guidance and protection of Mahayana Buddhism even more."

Lin Nan smiled slightly, a confident air about him. He stood up, his gaze unwavering as he looked at Tang Sanzang: "You've lost. If the whole world were Chechi, then Buddhism would be superfluous and useless. All you can hold onto is the fact that Chechi isn't the whole world. But you don't know that over twenty years ago, Chechi was merely a small country with a population of just over a million. Now, many years later, after two generations, Chechi's population has reached over ten million. Every day, newborns are born, and Chechi expands every day. Today, there is only one place in the world called Chechi; but who knows, tomorrow, the whole world might be called Chechi!"

After saying this, Lin Nan casually left with the words, "You lost." Then, he rode away on his dragon, leaving Tang Sanzang standing alone in the same spot.

"I lost..." Tang Sanzang lowered his head, forced to admit it. The debate had escalated beyond a simple Buddhist-Taoist contest; it had delved into deeper issues of governance and people's livelihood. In this debate, he had indeed lost.

After a brief moment of calm, the scene erupted into a cacophony of discussion. The people were debating the "Buddhist-Taoist debate" between Lin Nan and Tang Sanzang, expressing their agreement with Lin Nan's viewpoint. They believed that in an environment like Chechi Kingdom, Taoist methods were more practical and better suited to benefit the people. While Mahayana Buddhism was profound and extensive, it seemed somewhat detached from reality.

As Lin Nan departed, a heated discussion erupted within the sacrificial site, among everyone from princes and ministers to ordinary citizens. They were all discussing the debate that had just taken place, expressing their admiration for Lin Nan's wisdom and eloquence. At the same time, their faith in and support for Taoist practices became even stronger.

After understanding Lin Nan's point of view, many ordinary people left amidst cheers. They spread the word about this debate, allowing more people to understand the charm and practicality of Taoist methods. Not to mention, there was a phonograph recording the conversation, and storytellers transcribed everything, making the debate's impact even more profound.

Seeing this, Sun Wukong flew onto the sacrificial altar and landed in front of Tang Sanzang to help him down. Staying on the altar and enduring the gossip of the surrounding people was indeed a very unpleasant experience. Sun Wukong knew this well, so he stepped forward without hesitation.

Soon, Sun Wukong brought Tang Sanzang down. However, he found Tang Sanzang had become somewhat silent and withdrawn. Sun Wukong had never seen Tang Sanzang like this before. Although he had been confused before, he had never experienced such a direct and righteous "defeat." He couldn't help but speak, wanting to comfort Tang Sanzang: "Master, losing is losing. Lin Nan has been the Grand Preceptor for almost decades, while your status as the Imperial Brother is merely a title. As the Dao Lord, he can command all Daoists under heaven, and he can command the immortals and gods of heaven and earth. Although you are called a disciple of Buddha, you still have to respect Bodhisattvas, honor Arhats, and worship Buddhas. You are not equals, so losing is a normal thing."

However, Sun Wukong's words clearly did not comfort Tang Sanzang. Zhu Bajie couldn't help but say from the side, "Brother Monkey, are you trying to comfort Master or make him even more frustrated? You're really boosting the morale of that Grand Preceptor."

Sun Wukong glared at Zhu Bajie: "You fool, we've already lost, there's no chance of turning things around. Any talk of boosting others' morale is just nonsense. We'll be staying in Chechi for another five years anyway. You lazy fool, you should be thinking about what you'll do for the next five years. All the wealth we acquired in the human world has been completely used up and is gone!"

Sun Wukong saw things very clearly; a loss is a loss. Since he had lost, he had to consider the consequences. Moreover, he was now of sound mind and knew that he had to overcome this tribulation, so he had no intention of resisting.

As they were talking, Tiger Power Immortal, Deer Power Immortal, and Sheep Power Immortal approached. They called out to them and then stated their purpose directly: "Since you have been defeated, you must stay in Chechi for five years as agreed and follow orders. As for what you will do during these five years, Daoist Lin Nan has already made arrangements."

"Hmm? What do you want us to do?" This time, Tang Sanzang was no longer silent and depressed. He was also surprised and curious about what Lin Nan would do and what arrangements he would make for them after keeping them here for five years.

Yangli Daxian stroked his beard and answered on behalf of Huli Daxian: "The Daoist Master has said that you all should shed your original identities and work in various trades in Chechi. According to the Daoist Master, within five years, Master Xuanzang should understand what people's livelihood is, what the Great Harmony is, and what the world outside the Buddhist gate is!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang paused for a moment, then clasped his hands together, chanted "Amitabha," and replied, "I will follow the Grand Preceptor's arrangements."

"I'd like to offer some advice," said Deer Power Immortal, looking at Tang Sanzang. "If you want to survive in Chechi, it's best not to keep chanting 'Amitabha'."

Tang Sanzang silently lowered his clasped hands. Tiger Power Immortal continued, "Since that's the case, let's try our first job in Chechi. Let's start with... the most basic worker position."

Tiger Power Immortal quickly assigned Tang Sanzang a task. In the solemn and majestic Great Thunderclap Temple on Mount Ling, the Buddha sat on his lotus throne, his expression grave. He not only had a detailed plan for Tang Sanzang's journey to the West to obtain the scriptures, but also considered the different personalities of Tang Sanzang's disciples, making arrangements for each of them.

At this moment, the Buddha was immersed in deep thought, muttering to himself, "Five years... what profound meaning does this five-year period hold?" It turned out that he had already foreseen the ordeal that Tang Sanzang was about to face, but he was filled with doubt about the timing of these five years.

Seeing the Buddha deep in thought, Guanyin Bodhisattva, seated below, couldn't help but ask softly, "Buddha, do you really want Tang Sanzang to stay in Chechi Kingdom for a full five years?"

The Buddha shook his head slightly, his gaze deep and firm, and slowly said, "It is the will of Heaven. The journey to obtain the scriptures is destined to be filled with eighty-one tribulations. This is an unchangeable destiny."

“We have meticulously planned many calamities, but the appearance of Lin Nan has disrupted our original plan, and the calamities have not been completed. Now, only by continuing to endure calamities can we follow the will of Heaven and allow Buddhism to flourish and prosper.”

"Now that Tang Sanzang has fallen into Chechi Kingdom, this is a calamity. This calamity is already set and will take five years to be resolved; it cannot be changed." The Buddha's words left Guanyin Bodhisattva speechless, unsure how to respond.

At this moment, another Bodhisattva couldn't help but ask, "Are we just supposed to silently wait for these five years, waiting for the calamity to dissipate on its own?"

The Buddha sighed softly and said, "If Tang Sanzang had been able to overcome the difficulties, he would have successfully passed this tribulation. Unfortunately, he failed and is now trapped in this tribulation."

Although the Buddha was still puzzled by the significance of these five years, he had no other choice but to say helplessly, "The only thing we can do now is to patiently wait for these five years."

After speaking, the Buddha slowly closed his eyes, using his supreme enlightenment to try to understand the will of Heaven, to comprehend the will of Heaven, and to explore the subtle changes within the secrets of Heaven.

And so, Tang Sanzang and his disciples stayed in Chechi Kingdom. Time flew by, and they stayed for a full five years.

During these long five years, Tang Sanzang and his disciples never left Chechi Kingdom. They lived a simple yet fulfilling life on this land. Following Lin Nan's arrangement, Tang Sanzang constantly changed jobs during these five years, fully experiencing all kinds of life.

Initially, he was assigned to work as a laborer. Whether it was a construction site where he was sweating profusely, a workshop with roaring machines, a busy assembly line in a textile factory, or a challenging environment in a chemical plant, Tang Sanzang tried them all.

Every day, he leaves home early and throws himself into his busy work. Perhaps because of his transformation, he can quickly master any job, even becoming an expert in it.

During his time as a laborer, Tang Sanzang not only mastered many practical skills, but also learned a great deal of knowledge beyond what was taught in books.

However, Lin Nan's arrangement for Tang Sanzang was not just to have him simply work, but more importantly, to integrate him into the lives of the workers.

So, Tang Sanzang worked hard in the factory during the day and went to "night school" at night to learn all kinds of knowledge with great eagerness.

On ordinary days, he mingled with the workers, doing the same things as everyone else. Each time, he was able to quickly integrate into a new environment, but just when he had just settled in, it was time to change jobs again.

Tang Sanzang spent a year and a half just working as various kinds of laborers. During that time, he experienced almost every type of laborer's job and gained a deep understanding of their lives.

After experiencing life as a laborer, Tang Sanzang was assigned to various other jobs. During these five years, he worked as an office clerk and participated in the large-scale development and construction of Chechi Kingdom…

Over the course of five years, Tang Sanzang gained a wealth of diverse work experience and even went through numerous verification processes.

He also witnessed firsthand the development of various industries in Chechi Kingdom and saw the people striving for a better life. From the trivial matters of street management to mediating disputes between neighbors; from the arduous work of taking turns shoveling latrines in the streets and alleys to the construction sites of various large-scale projects, Tang Sanzang experienced it all personally.

And so, five years passed quietly in busyness and fulfillment. The Tang Sanzang of today is no longer the high monk who would often put his hands together and chant Buddhist mantras.

On ordinary days, his behavior is no different from that of an ordinary person. Only when it is late at night will he silently recite a few Buddhist scriptures.

Finally, the five-year period was drawing to a close. Tang Sanzang, who had been wandering for many years, along with Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, who had also been away, returned to Chechi Imperial City and to the Sanqing Temple where the three national teachers resided.

This was the reunion of Tang Sanzang and his disciples after several years of separation. Since they were assigned to various parts of Chechi Kingdom, they had never had the opportunity to meet again. It was only after these five years that they were able to reunite.

Upon meeting, they both keenly noticed the changes in each other.

Sun Wukong stared wide-eyed in astonishment at the handsome, bald man dressed in ordinary clothes. Although Tang Sanzang's appearance had not changed, and there were no signs of hardship on his face, his demeanor was completely different from before.

At first glance, even Sun Wukong would find it hard to connect the man before him with the Tang Sanzang of the past.

“Master…you…” Sun Wukong stammered.

Tang Sanzang smiled and nodded, looking at Sun Wukong with gentle eyes, and said, "Wukong, it's been a long time."

Five years have passed, and Sun Wukong has hardly changed; he is still the same lively and energetic person he always was.

On the contrary, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing changed more.

Sha Wujing was dressed in white, which Tang Sanzang recognized at a glance—it was the uniform of a caregiver in the "medical clinic." He had once worked as a caregiver in a medical clinic, so he could recognize him immediately.

At this moment, Sha Wujing was slowly taking off his white caregiver uniform, while warmly greeting his master and fellow disciples and recounting his experiences.

"For the past few years, I've worked as a caregiver in a hospital, looking after sick people every day." Sha Wujing's words were filled with deep compassion: "Only now do I understand the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and the resilience of life."

As he spoke, Sha Wujing suddenly knelt down on the ground with a "plop," his eyes filled with remorse: "Now I realize how hateful my actions of harming lives in that Flowing Sand River were. But it is too late for regrets now."

It is obvious that Sha Wujing now has this feeling from the bottom of his heart, and is even immersed in regret and unable to extricate himself.

“Brother Sha…” Sun Wukong stepped forward, wanting to help Sha Wujing up, but he hesitated, unsure whether he should do so.

Sun Wukong couldn't understand Sha Wujing's feelings, because he had lived a very free life all these years. Even when he was in the mountains, he could often seek out the Six-Eared Macaque for a duel. (End of Chapter)