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

Chapter 188 Big Cause and Effect

Laozi stared intently at the alchemy furnace before him, determined to record the process of Tianbo Xun's power dissipating, for this was the work of a demon king belonging to an Asura.

If we can use this opportunity to understand the power of the Blood River lineage, then the Styx Ancestor will no longer be a feared figure.

Countless Heavenly Waves within the alchemy furnace began to gradually shatter; this shattering was an erasure of their existence.

“Cause and effect! The causal threads around Him are breaking, and the causal links of this world can no longer connect to Him, so He has lost His source. But the problem is that when Mara was captured, all of His causal threads had already been bound together. I can confirm that He did not have any clones remaining outside.”

Laozi was quite confident in his methods. After all, the True Martial Emperor had not held back, so Tian Bo Xun died quickly, and all the power of the Blood Escape was under Laozi's watchful eye.

"Fellow Daoist, there are also avatars of Tianbo Xun outside the Blood River, right?" Laozi suddenly asked.

“That’s right. At the Two Realms Mountain, the Asura lineage had three demon kings completely kill Tang Sanzang. One of the demon kings’ clones used that time was Tianbo Xun.”

"After several attempts, I finally managed to eliminate Wukong's last clone after he emerged from the mountain." Beside Laozi, a jade slip appeared, on which Ye Xuantian's figure slowly emerged.

"So that's how it is. So as long as we completely isolate the main body of the Asura lineage and erase all the clones left outside, we will have a chance to completely refine it? Can such a method be used on the Styx Ancestor?" The killing intent hidden in the words of the Supreme Lord Laozi was not concealed in the slightest.

Ye Xuantian narrowed his eyes and then said, "According to the way Tian Bo Xun dissipated, it should be possible, but the problem is that Tian Bo Xun's own power exists in his physical body, while the Styx Ancestor's physical body is the Blood River."

"Then imprison and refine the Blood River."

"There has never been such a powerful alchemy furnace that could completely devour the blood river of the Styx Ancestor. Moreover, the Styx Ancestor is an ancient being. Even if there is an alchemy furnace that can contain the blood river, it is equivalent to fighting against the Styx Ancestor's domain, which is very difficult."

Upon hearing Ye Xuantian's words, Laozi fell silent for a moment, his eyes slowly closing, and a misty aura swirled around him, enveloping him in a hazy, heavenly power.

The moment Laozi opened his eyes, his face aged, his skin seemed to have lost its moisture, and there was a hint of fear in his eyes.

It should be noted that Laozi is an ancient sage, and even if he is only an avatar at this moment, he is still not to be underestimated. He has experienced several eons and has seen countless methods.

But at this moment, He looked at Ye Xuantian's phantom as if He were seeing a monster.

The silver threads of Laozi's whisk became firm, shimmering with silver light and carrying endless killing intent.

"Fellow Daoist, your scheme has reached such a level. Does the Buddha know of your methods?"

Ye Xuantian narrowed his eyes. This person was, after all, a primordial saint. Even though he had been completely sidelined after the Investiture of the Gods and had become an old man who refined pills, his ability to interpret the secrets of heaven was truly astonishing to Ye Xuantian.

"Laojun, do you want to kill me?" Ye Xuantian did not answer Laojun's question, but instead asked in return.

"With your cunning, even in my prime, I would stop at nothing to kill you."

“But Lao Jun boarded my ship and made several moves, so his karmic connection with me is now bound. If you want to sever this karmic connection, Lao Jun’s avatar in the Three Realms probably won’t be able to stay. Moreover, I don’t know why Lao Jun’s killing intent is so strong. I’m doing this for the sake of all living beings in the Three Realms.”

"If the Buddha of the West were to die as a result, the Buddhist community in the West would surely fall into turmoil."

"The conflict between Buddhism and Taoism has lasted for a long time. Isn't what I'm doing exactly what Laozi wants?"

"The world is in turmoil, and the Three Realms are suffering as a result. Fellow Daoist, this is far too cruel."

"Even after the passing of Dipankara Buddha, there was no upheaval in Buddhism."

"If it weren't for the passing of the ancient Buddha Dipankara, the current Buddha wouldn't be able to hold his current position. If it weren't for that, the one who came to suppress Sun Wukong back then might not be the current Buddha. Fellow Daoist, how can you know how much bloodshed the Buddhist sect has endured with such a light and casual reply?" The whisk in Laozi's hand turned into silver threads again, and his face began to regain its radiance.

"If the Buddha were to pass away now, all the Buddhas in the Buddhist community would surely launch a new round of competition for the position of Buddha. I'm sorry, but I can't completely agree with this move."

"But now the one in control of that golden body is the Styx Ancestor."

Faced with Ye Xuantian's sophistry, Laozi did not argue further, but instead asked, "Is the Buddha aware of this?"

"I answered Laozi."

Ye Xuantian's figure disappeared into the jade slip and landed on Laozi's sleeve once again.

Laozi looked puzzled, and Ye Xuantian answered him.

when?
Laozi pondered for a long time, and couldn't help but look towards the direction of the Western Spirit Mountain. His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of space and reach the Great Thunder Temple.

He saw the golden Buddha on Mount Ling.

Yes, the golden body sitting on that lotus is indeed in the form of the Buddha, but as Ye Xuantian said, what is hidden inside the golden body is the Styx Ancestor.

"One is a Buddha of the past, and the other is a Buddha of the present! It is said that Western Buddhism is hypocritical, but in the great choice they made, they showed the true intention of the Buddha."

Laozi bowed slightly to the west.

"If this move succeeds, the only one who can keep the Western Buddhas from going astray is probably the Buddha from the East."

A resolute glint flashed in Laozi's eyes. He swept his whisk in front of him, and the void became a mirror. In the mirror, all living beings began to evolve, and a single glance could span ten thousand years.

The primordial chaos has passed in a flash, and nearly five hundred years have passed. Laozi's skin has become withered again, and not only that, but his breath has also become weak.

The breaths seemed to cease to exist, and finally the scene abruptly ended.

The image ended with only four words!
Little Leiyin Temple!

puff!
Laozi spat a mouthful of blood onto the mirror, and the mirror began to move again. The image fell from the plaque and began to walk into the main hall.

Inside the main hall, all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were present, and not a single Arhat, monk, or nun was absent.

The mirror was trying to align itself with the golden statue on the lotus above, but it couldn't be moved.

"Without knowing cause and effect, how can we make arrangements? Under the great calamity, we are all bound by the cause and effect of the Heavenly Dao. I beg the Heavenly Dao to help me see the truth." The Supreme Lord Laozi's eyes showed even more determination, and his aura became even weaker.

There was even air coming in but no air coming out.

As if sensing Laozi's unwavering resolve, the mirror slowly rose, and Laozi finally saw the person on the lotus flower clearly.

Lao Jun couldn't help but take several steps back, looking as if he had aged hundreds of years. His once dignified and otherworldly appearance was now replaced by a gaunt and emaciated figure.

Lao Jun pointed at the figure on the screen, his face filled with disbelief.

The true Buddha that appeared in the picture was not the Tathagata Buddha, but Maitreya Buddha!

Two flowers bloom, each telling its own story. Now, back in the territory of Wuchao Mountain, Zen Master Wuchao, who was in the midst of his cultivation, suddenly opened his eyes. Pigsy also sensed this and looked at Zen Master Wuchao.

"Sage, a guest has arrived."

"Yes, please let Him in."

Pigsy immediately got up and headed towards the border of Wuchao Mountain. Upon seeing the person approaching, he quickly bowed.

"Disciple Pigsy greets Maitreya Buddha." Maitreya Buddha returned the greeting: "The true essence of Tianpeng has descended to the mortal world and taken on this form. If word gets out, I'm afraid few people will believe it."

"If not, how can one attain the solemnity of Buddhahood, and how can one make the world understand the true meaning of Buddhism?"

Maitreya Buddha paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Marshal Tianpeng's wisdom is such that he should be a member of our Buddhist sect."

“Buddha is too kind, the sage has been waiting for a long time, please come with me.” After saying this, Pigsy flew inside.

Looking at the Buddha's aura surrounding Pigsy, Maitreya Buddha couldn't help but think to himself, "What a tremendous opportunity!"

Zen Master Wuchao had already prepared tea and snacks, and Maitreya Buddha hurriedly went to greet him.

"Maitreya has met the sage."

"Just call me Zen Master. Mentioning my ancient identity now would only make me a laughing stock. A dignified saint trapped here, where is the saintly demeanor?"

Zen Master Wuchao mocked himself, but Maitreya Buddha did not respond. Instead, he said seriously, "If he were not a saint, Marshal Tianpeng would not have been able to enter my Buddhist sect."

"I shamelessly snatched it, and it only has a little merit and karma. The greater karma is still in the hands of the Sage Xuantian."

"But in the end..."

Zen Master Wuchao waved his hand, interrupting Maitreya Buddha: "Don't say anything too flattering. Defeat is defeat. Sit down. You've come all this way, surely not just to flatter me?"

Maitreya Buddha gave a wry smile and finally sat down opposite Zen Master Wuchao.

"Is the Zen master truly going to completely withdraw from the world and never act again? Our Buddhist sect still has a chance to compete!"

"The idea of ​​seclusion is too vague. I've already said that I've lost. If you lose, you should have the self-awareness of a loser. Forcibly intervening makes it seem like my Buddhist sect can't accept defeat."

"However, our Buddhist sect truly cannot afford to lose. The ancient Buddha has passed away, the Buddha is now trapped in the Blood River, and the Buddha on the lotus is no longer the Buddha. The Great Thunderclap Temple in the Western Paradise has been completely controlled by the Asura lineage. If the Sage does not emerge from the mountain, our Buddhist sect will truly gain nothing from this great calamity."

At this point, a hint of anger appeared on Maitreya Buddha's face.

"But originally, this great calamity was prepared for our Western Buddhism. I cannot accept this outcome."

Zen Master Wuchao poured Maitreya Buddha a cup of tea: "So? What do you want me to do?"

"The divine calculations have revealed the secrets of heaven to this humble monk. With this, I can better plan my strategy. I wish to compete with the Sage of Xuantian and ask for his assistance."

Zen Master Wuchao looked at Maitreya Buddha, but he just looked.

Maitreya Buddha did not dodge, and looked at Zen Master Wuchao.

After a long while, so long that even Pigsy was getting sleepy, Zen Master Wuchao finally looked away and took a sip of tea.

The tea aroma had faded considerably because it had cooled down.

After drinking a cup of tea, Zen Master Wuchao finally sighed.

"The Ancient Buddha Dipankara and Fellow Daoist Xuantian witnessed the many causes and effects of the past, so He chose to pass away, just so that He could help Buddhism lock in a strand of merit in the future."

"The Buddha Tathagata clashed with Fellow Daoist Xuantian, which is why Jin Chanzi entered the mortal world ahead of time. However, after ten reincarnations, Mosquito Daoist appeared and fulfilled the one path of poetry among the three thousand paths of humankind. With the appearance of this cultivation decree, the cultivation methods of humankind will flourish in the future."

"Because Sun Wukong was suppressed in the Heavenly Court, the Buddha Tathagata cut off one of his palms and had no choice but to re-enter the cycle of reincarnation and enter the Blood River to rebuild his golden body. What he got in return was the current situation where the Western Paradise is filled with demonic energy. Do you really want to compete with Fellow Daoist Xuantian?"

Zen Master Wuchao's words were cold and indifferent. Upon hearing this, Maitreya Buddha's eyes showed no further emotion. He simply said, "That's right, I will fight for it. The merits of Buddhism cannot be handed over to others so easily."

"it is good!"

Zen Master Wuchao stood up and looked westward.

“We Buddhists should never back down. This cause and effect should belong to us. So I grant your request. When the pilgrim arrives here, I will explain all the causes and effects to the world.”

"Since we're going to compete, we should have the same cards up our sleeves. It's unreasonable that Fellow Daoist Xuantian seems to have seen through the secrets of heaven, making moves at every turn with meticulous planning, while we Buddhists can only watch helplessly."

"At that time, I will convey all the evolutions to you through the pilgrim; you only need to accept them."

Zen Master Wuchao spoke with great passion, and even Pigsy couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.

This Zen Master Wuchao was too domineering, so much so that Pigsy even thought that the true form of a saint had descended. He slowly lowered his eyes and no longer looked directly at Zen Master Wuchao's back.

Under the glow of the sunset, the silhouette of Zen Master Wuchao appeared somewhat tragic.

Indeed, in Maitreya Buddha's eyes, it was tragic and magnificent.

This tragic sentiment seemed to have touched the heart of Maitreya Buddha, so much so that tears began to well up in his eyes.

He slowly rose, bowed to Zen Master Wuchao, and then subconsciously asked the question that was on his mind.

"Zen Master, will you die?"

Ok?
Pigsy suddenly raised his head and looked at Maitreya Buddha in disbelief.

What is He saying?
Zen Master Wuchao did not turn around, but simply waved his hand: "All causes and effects are predetermined. Don't worry, things won't develop as badly as you think. I am, after all, a sage. There is no reason why Fellow Daoist Xuantian can deduce this while I cannot. You should go back now."

Maitreya Buddha wanted to ask more questions, but he noticed that the teacup on the table was full and the tea was overflowing. Then his body was moving backward and leaving the place.

Maitreya Buddha did not ask any further questions. The next second, His figure appeared at the edge of Wuchao Mountain.

Maitreya Buddha put his hands together in prayer and uttered a Buddhist chant: "This disciple will certainly not fail the sage's prediction. I will do my best to reintegrate this merit into Buddhism."

Ah!
The sound came from within Wuchao Mountain, but it was barely audible.

Without any further hesitation, Maitreya Buddha took another deep look at Wuchao Mountain, as if trying to imprint it completely into his heart, and then he left.

Inside Wuchao Mountain, Pigsy couldn't help but ask, "Sage, has things really come to this?"

Zen Master Wuchao turned to look at Zhu Bajie: "You are an existence from the time of the Great Kalpa, and you have been with me for a long time. Now it is time for you to enter the game. You should leave now. I will wait for you to bring the pilgrims here."

"Yes!" Pigsy did not hesitate; such a decree could not be disobeyed.

He left immediately.

Zen Master Wuchao looked at the tea on the table and said, "He's not a saint after all."

"So pessimistic?" Ye Xuantian appeared in front of the desk and asked with a smile.

(End of this chapter)