I start by accepting Sun Wukong as my disciple and reshape the Journey to the West

Chapter 156 Appearance
Boom boom boom!
Suddenly, the bells of the Great Thunder Temple in the Western Paradise rang out, each sound seemingly reaching the deepest part of people's hearts.

Inside the Great Thunder Temple, all the Arhats, monks, and nuns suddenly froze, kneeling there devoutly. At this moment, there was no sign of being bewitched in the eyes of the monks. They all looked in the direction of Maitreya Buddha and spoke in unison.

"In accordance with the Buddha's decree, we request Venerable Maitreya to manifest miracles and attest to the true name of our Buddha!"

Suddenly, the sound of chanting rang out, filling the entire Leiyin Temple. Under this chanting, even Lu Ya Daoist's eyes showed a touch more peace.

As Maitreya Buddha watched this scene, tears welled up in his eyes.

In accordance with the Buddha's decree, we request Venerable Maitreya to manifest miracles and attest to the true name of our Buddha.

This statement, to some extent, can be seen as handing over the position of leader of the Great Thunder Temple in the Western Paradise to Maitreya Buddha.

Guanyin Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva looked at each other and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

The fact that the monks were able to break free from the power of the Blood River at this time is enough to show that the Buddha Tathagata still retains his full strength. Secondly, it proves that the Buddha Tathagata seemed to have known all along what was going to happen at the Great Thunder Temple.

Otherwise, there's no way to explain what's happening right now.

Without any hesitation, Maitreya Buddha immediately landed on the lotus platform. At this moment, there was no trace of the river of blood on the lotus seat.

It seemed that as the Six-Eared Macaque unleashed the Heavenly Decree, all the power belonging to the Asura lineage was utterly annihilated.

Maitreya Buddha made a gesture of holding up a flower with one hand, recalling the state of the Styx Ancestor when he first descended, when the monks had not yet fallen into depravity.

As Maitreya Buddha thought, Manjushri Bodhisattva and the others, who were originally in the bag of human beings, all appeared below the platform, but their forms were ethereal and did not resemble their true forms.

With the chanting of Buddhist hymns here, the Great Thunderclap Temple seems to have returned to the state it was in when the Buddha was in charge, except that the person sitting on the lotus platform now is Maitreya Buddha.

"By the decree of Heaven and the Jade Emperor, the holy monk Tang Sanzang from the Great Tang Dynasty in Jambudvipa is presiding over the Water and Land Assembly. He is willing to dedicate his life to obtaining the Tripitaka scriptures from the Western Paradise and to propagate the true meaning of the Buddha. He has specially requested the Thunderclap Temple in the Western Paradise to descend and provide guidance. What do you all think?" Maitreya Buddha said solemnly and loudly.

"The wondrous Dharma of the Western Paradise exists in three directions, but no scriptures have been passed down in the South. The fact that Tang Sanzang came here to seek the true scriptures, carrying the destiny of the Tang Dynasty, is enough to prove his sincerity. This humble monk believes that we should grant permission!" Guanyin Bodhisattva spoke first.

"The Southern Continent is infested with gossip, disputes, and tyranny. Only the Tripitaka of the Buddha can convert them. The Buddha is always compassionate and should grant this request," said Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

As the two bodhisattvas spoke, the other monks chanted Buddhist mantras and expressed their agreement.

"Since everyone agrees that this is a great act of kindness and in accordance with the will of the Western Buddha, then let us act in accordance with the decree. However, the Western Continent of Niuhe is extremely far from the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa, so I am afraid I will need your help to build a bridge between the two sides." When Maitreya Buddha said these words, he sounded somewhat embarrassed.

This hint of shyness made all the monks burst into laughter.

"May I assist Buddha!"

Maitreya Buddha took a deep breath, his eyes filled with even more tears, as if he were reluctant to do so, but he still spoke: "Since it is a manifestation of miracles, there must be someone chosen. I ask Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva to descend upon Jambudvipa with me."

Lu Ya, hidden in the golden light of Maitreya Buddha, felt a pang of pity upon hearing these words.

According to Ye Xuantian, the solution to this impasse was simply to take a few Bodhisattvas who would be useful in the Great Tribulation out of the village. They had already accomplished that, and they were now in the human seed bag on Maitreya Buddha's waist. However, for Ye Xuantian, this rational approach was too cruel for Maitreya Buddha.

This means that, apart from a few Bodhisattvas within the Great Kalpa, all other monks will be trapped on Mount Ling.

"That's how it should be!"

However, the monks seemed oblivious, and simply responded respectfully.

"Please help me to perform a divine miracle!"

Maitreya Buddha was ultimately decisive. He knew very well that the longer the time wasted, the more likely the monks' minds would be overwhelmed by the Asuras.

Maitreya Buddha thrust out a single palm, the swastika in his palm radiating dazzling golden light, and his enormous hand landed heavily on the barrier of the Great Thunderclap Temple.

hum!
However, the illusory image of the palm was unable to break through this barrier and instead remained stuck.

For a moment, the monks' eyes were glazed over, but only for a moment, before they all attacked at once.

A vast expanse of Buddhist energy converged with the illusory image of Maitreya Buddha's hand.

"By the decree of Heaven, a divine miracle has been bestowed upon the Southern Continent. I request the three laws to bless it!" In Lu Ya's hand, the Creation Jade Discs of the Human Path and the Earth Path appeared, and instantly, the two Creation Jade Discs evolved endless Daoist charm.

"allow!"

"allow!"

Two decrees resounded in the void.

puff!
Like the sound of a bubble bursting, Maitreya Buddha's palm finally pierced through the Great Thunder Temple.

"allow!"

Another decree rang out, and all the golden characters that had evolved from the imperial edicts outside were poured into the golden palm.

Swish!
Meanwhile, in the Tang Dynasty territory, Tang Sanzang on the high platform was already struggling to hold on; his body began to sway, for he was now just a mortal.

Just then, his eyes suddenly sharpened.

"Foolish thing! The monks below regard you as their leader. If you make a fool of yourself here, how can you carry on the destiny of the Tang Dynasty to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures, and how can you attain the position of a true Buddha?" The blackened Sanzang once again took control of the body.

"You don't actually believe that a miracle will happen, do you? We are just mortals. What makes you think that the high and mighty gods will make an exception for us?" the weak Sanzang said irritably.

"Just because we are chosen ones, just because the sages have played their games on us so many times!" The voice of the blackened Sanzang was extremely cold and sharp: "If you can't hold on, hand over control of your body to me, and I will persevere. But let me tell you, I will get more merit than you, so don't say I didn't give you a chance."

"Whoever wants it can have it. Anyway, we are symbiotic. You are me, and I am you. Can you devour me? If you want to suffer, then suffer. I'm going to rest." After saying this, the weak Sanzang withdrew his aura.

At that moment, Tang Sanzang's face became much more resolute, and the sunlight shining on his face seemed to gild him with a layer of golden light.

"A miracle! A miracle!" Sagara suddenly shouted from below.

Everyone looked up and saw that Tang Sanzang was surrounded by golden light, looking very holy.

"If you weren't also me, I really would have wanted to devour you. Look how powerful I am. Just by completely taking over your body, people below thought I had performed a miracle," the corrupted Sanzang sneered.

The weak Sanzang did not reply, but his breathing became heavier, indicating that he had fallen asleep.

"Fool! You only drag me down!" The corrupted Sanzang was truly annoyed by his lack of ambition. However, his will was awakened later, and his ambition was born under the stimulation of Ye Xuantian. Therefore, he was destined to be just a subordinate personality and could not become the main personality. If the weak Sanzang refused, he would have absolutely no chance of completely taking over this body.

"I have seen the real Buddha!"

"Greetings, True Buddha!" ​​Shouts from below pulled Tang Sanzang back to reality. He looked down and saw that everyone below—commoners, monks, officials, and even Emperor Taizong of Tang—was looking at him with excitement, as if he had truly become the True Buddha.

"A bunch of ignorant people. I'm just a little more resolute than him! And you're all so agitated," the corrupted Sanzang muttered irritably.

Just as he finished speaking, another voice rang out. The voice was extremely deep, yet it carried an air of authority.

"Is this the person chosen by the Sage Xuantian? He seems to have something special!"

The corrupted Sanzang couldn't help but look towards the source of the sound. He saw a bridge of light slowly forming in the sky, with Maitreya Buddha sitting on a lotus platform, flanked by Guanyin Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

The three of them were surrounded by golden light and exuded a powerful Buddhist aura. Just one glance was enough to inspire a desire to take refuge in Buddhism.

"This is..." The corrupted Sanzang subconsciously swallowed.

He finally understood that the people below were not worshipping him, but these three.

"Can it be erased?" Guanyin Bodhisattva whispered.

"It's somewhat difficult. It's not about possession, nor is it the power of Mosquito Taoist. It seems that there are two souls hidden in his body, and they are perfectly fused together. They are one person." Golden light appeared in Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's eyes, as if he wanted to see through Tang Sanzang completely.

Gudong!

Tang Sanzang's heart was in his throat. Others might not know what these three were talking about, but he knew his own situation. These three had actually noticed his state of mind.

“Fellow Daoist Xuantian’s decision not to eliminate him already speaks volumes. However, I don’t understand how such a useless person could bear the karma of the Western Paradise and survive under the Heavenly Dao.” Maitreya Buddha frowned, disliking Tang Sanzang more and more the more he looked at him.

Because He couldn't sense any Buddhist aura in Tang Sanzang. No, there was a little, but only a little.

"This is the body of Jin Chanzi that we left behind to deceive the Sage Xuantian," said Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Upon hearing this, Maitreya Buddha glanced at Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and asked, "Then where is the real Golden Cicada?"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva glanced down, lingering on Sagara's body for a moment before replying, "He's dead!"

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva lowered her eyes further, then seemed to have thought of something: "When I left Mount Ling by imperial decree, I saw General Curtain-Roller at the Flowing Sand River. General Curtain-Roller possesses the body of the Nine Incarnations of Golden Cicada, that..."

Seemingly knowing what Guanyin Bodhisattva was going to ask, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva answered without hesitation: "That's right. No one, whether it's this puppet or the nine incarnations of Jin Chanzi, can get past the Curtain-Raising General. The most important thing is that the skulls of ordinary pilgrims would turn to ashes at the Flowing Sand River, but the reincarnations of Jin Chanzi would not. Therefore, the Curtain-Raising General can clearly know whether the pilgrimage has been successful."

“Fellow Daoist Xuantian’s scheme is beyond our comprehension. From the moment the Buddha’s origin was taken away, we should have understood that Guanyin, your first move was a complete and utter defeat.”

As Maitreya Buddha's voice faded, the bridge finally descended before Tang Sanzang.

“I am the Venerable Maitreya. By the decree of the Buddha Tathagata, I heard that you wish to go to the Western Paradise to obtain the scriptures, and you specifically asked us to provide guidance. Now we have come as promised.”

“Disciple Tang Sanzang greets Venerable Maitreya.”

"I am Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, here to bestow guidance in accordance with the decree of the Buddha Tathagata!"

"I am Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of the Netherworld, here to bestow guidance in accordance with the decree of the Buddha Tathagata!"

As the three men finished speaking, the people and monks of the Tang Dynasty knelt down.

"I have met Maitreya Buddha, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva!"

The chanting sounded especially sincere at this moment, after all, these three were performing a miracle.

Moreover, the bridge connecting heaven and earth was so dazzling that it added an indescribable sense of sacredness to the three of them.

"Disciple Tang Sanzang greets the Venerable One and Bodhisattva!"

Tang Sanzang immediately put his hands together and shouted loudly.

"In the West, we have the Mahayana Buddhist teachings, the Tripitaka, which can universally save all sentient beings. Those who believe in the true name of our Buddha can escape the sea of ​​suffering in the cycle of reincarnation and enter the Western Paradise. We are waiting for you at the Great Thunder Temple in Xiniu Hezhou!"

As Maitreya Buddha finished speaking, the phantom of the Great Thunder Temple slowly appeared behind him, with a group of Arhats, monks, and nuns inside, all with solemn expressions, chanting scriptures.

This scene caused the crowd below to prostrate themselves in worship.

Wei Zheng and others subtly blocked the path in front of the Tang King.

"Is this the Great Thunderclap Temple in the West?" Li Shimin sighed.

"They're rather foolish! They've lost their minds!" Changsun Wuji seemed to know what Li Shimin was thinking and immediately echoed.

“Yes! Can such scriptures truly save all living beings?” Wei Zheng also asked.

“You do not understand the true Buddha’s teachings, nor do you know the true Buddha’s intentions. You only see the surface. The person inside has clearly transcended base desires and is not subject to reincarnation. He is in the Great Bliss.” Xiao Yu put his hands together and bowed three times to the illusory figure above.

"Your Majesty, why don't we imprison him in the Heavenly Prison? He has clearly witnessed the methods of a sage, yet he is so deeply convinced of this Western teaching." Wei Zheng said irritably.

"You must learn to understand the Prime Minister's beliefs and seek common ground while reserving differences, so that we can work together better!" Li Shimin said with a smile.

Although he was not very interested in Western Buddhism, he did have a strong preference for the prime minister.

"I'm afraid he might actually become a Buddhist monk and disrupt our morale!"

"No, I just believe it, but I won't do it!" Xiao Yu stood up and looked at Wei Zheng with a slightly provocative expression.

“Wouldn’t that mean you’re not sincere? Aren’t you afraid your Buddha will be angry?” Wei Zheng retorted.

“The sage said that the West is currently preoccupied with its own problems and is ruled by demons, so it cannot be trusted! Therefore, please leave me some room for maneuver.” Xiao Yu made a rare concession.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

"Where is the Tang Emperor?" Maitreya Buddha asked loudly.

"I am here!" Li Shimin pushed aside Wei Zheng and the others in front of him and stepped forward slowly.

"Now that we have performed miracles, is there anything you wish to say to us?" Maitreya Buddha looked at Li Shimin, his eyes showing a different expression.

Maitreya Buddha could clearly sense how powerful Li Shimin's aura was. This Tang emperor truly possessed the aura of an imperial star, even though Li Shimin was just a mortal at the moment.

"May Mount Ling be safe and sound!" Li Shimin said loudly.

(End of this chapter)