Daily Intelligence: From Water Snake to Jinghe Dragon King

Chapter 266 Journey to the East to Obtain Scriptures at Jin'ao Island, the Primordial Dao of Fortune and Merit

"Teacher, is there any rule in the Heavenly Canon that the 'Journey to the West' must be initiated by Buddhism?"

"No."

"Teacher, is there a rule in the heavens that one must travel west and cannot travel east?"

"No."

"That's perfect! Our Jie Sect's Golden Turtle Island is in the east, so it's the perfect time to start the journey to the east. The pilgrims will travel east to retrieve the true scriptures of our Jie Sect, restore its prestige, and gather its fortune. Our Jie Sect will surely be revived once again!"

Yu Yu Dao Ren's breathing became heavy.

"That's it?"

"Teacher, why hesitate? Back then, the rise of Buddhism was due to the karmic debt that Grandmaster Hongjun owed to the West. Now, our Jie Sect has repaid the karmic debt to the West on behalf of Grandmaster Hongjun, which caused our Jie Sect to decline and almost disappear from the Three Realms."

"Now Buddhism is greedy and wants to start the Journey to the West to continue to plunder the fortune of the East and make Western Buddhism prosperous. Although the Taoist Ancestor did not say anything, how could he help a foreign religion and suppress his own lineage?"

"During the last great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, my Jie Sect made a huge sacrifice. Now that the Dao Ancestor is aware of this, and with the cycle of cause and effect, it is time for him to compensate us and revive my Jie Sect."

"Taking advantage of the dynastic change in the human world, which has accumulated countless calamities and coincided with the heavenly tribulations, this disciple suggests that our Jie Sect should embark on an Eastern Journey!"

"Compared to the pilgrimage team obtaining a few mere Buddhist treasures on behalf of my disciples, how can that compare to the revival of my Jie Sect and its great prosperity?"

"As a member of the Jie Sect, I am willing to sacrifice my own interests for the revival of the Jie Sect."

Liu Qing's last compliment hit Yu Yu Dao Ren right on the mark, filling him with a mix of emotions and gratitude for having taken on such a good disciple.

"Alright, then let's do as you say and travel east together!"

Yu Yu Dao Ren looked at Liu Qing with admiration and appreciation in his eyes, just like the same look that Tong Tian Sheng Ren had given to his most beloved Duo Bao Dao Ren back then.

Hmm, thinking of Daoist Duobao makes me feel that Liu Qing, his closed-door disciple, is too wronged. Daoist Duobao has so many spiritual treasures, while I, the closed-door disciple who has sacrificed so much for the Jie Sect, only have a few now.

In the future, if there's an opportunity, I'll try to snag a few more eye-catching treasures for my good disciple, so that I can make up for some of the sacrifices my good disciple has made for the Jie Sect.

After being persuaded by Liu Qing, Yu Yu Dao Ren made a decision in his heart. He turned to the Buddha and said, "Since the pilgrimage team was obtained by my disciple, it means that my disciple is destined to have it. Although I am the teacher, I cannot force my disciple to give up something that is destined to be there."

Oooh!

When did Yu Yu Dao Ren learn to speak in the tone of the two leaders, Jie Yin and Zhun Ti?

Back in the primordial era, the phrase "I am destined to be with you" resounded throughout the entire primordial world, its power comparable to that of Shen Gongbao's "Fellow Daoist, please wait."

The Buddha was filled with disbelief. He had thought that by humbling himself and offering his magic treasure to redeem the pilgrim team, he had already shown his sincerity. He never expected that the other party would refuse.

What do you mean by being destined to be with your own disciple?

Could it be that you feel your sincerity is insufficient?

The Buddha gritted his teeth and raised his stakes: "Uncle-Master, please persuade Junior Brother Liu Qing for me. If he is willing to release the pilgrimage team, I am willing to offer five innate spiritual treasures as a reward."

The pilgrimage team consisted of exactly five people, and the Buddha offered each of them a primordial spiritual treasure as a token of his sincerity.

Yu Yu Dao Ren frowned, not intending to pay any attention to the Buddha. Liu Qing stepped forward to answer for him: "Buddha, you are mistaken. I, Liu, have no shortage of spiritual treasures."

The Buddha was taken aback, and instinctively raised the stakes further. This pilgrimage team was crucial to the grand plan of the Journey to the West.

The Journey to the West is also related to the future prosperity of Buddhism and his own Primordial Dao Fruit, which he must redeem no matter the cost.

"Buddha, stop talking."

Just as Tathagata was about to open his mouth, he was interrupted by Dipankara Buddha.

As a powerful being who emerged from the primordial era, Dipankara Buddha's wisdom far surpassed that of Tathagata Buddha. He had already vaguely guessed that Liu Qing would definitely not give up the pilgrimage team.

Dipankara Buddha bowed to Yu Yu Daoist and asked, "Fellow Daoist, do you have other plans?"

The Buddha seemed to have realized something, and his expression slowly darkened. Guang Chengzi, who had been watching the show from the sidelines, also seemed to have guessed something, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The Taoist priest did not hide it from him, even if he wanted to, he could not hide it. When the journey to the East began, the whole Three Realms would know.

"Indeed, I have also taken a liking to the pilgrimage team."

"Since they are the ones who go on the pilgrimage, then they must go on the pilgrimage. As for whether they will ultimately obtain the lies that Buddhism uses to deceive the world, or the true scriptures of the Jie Sect, I think they will make the right choice."

The expression of the Dipankara Buddha instantly turned sorrowful.

“Fellow Daoist, all those who journey to the West are chosen by our Buddhism from among all sentient beings in the Three Realms, in accordance with the Heavenly Way. You…”

"What do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'the ones you've chosen are from your Buddhist sect'? According to the Lingbao Dushi Jing of this Venerable One, the pilgrim who goes to retrieve the scriptures must be a disciple of my Jie Sect.'"

"Fellow Daoist, you are defying the laws of Heaven."

"The Heavenly Dao? I am the Heavenly Dao!"

Yu Yu Dao Ren spoke frankly. As a Heavenly Dao Saint, it is not an exaggeration to say that he represents the Heavenly Dao. In a certain respect, he can indeed represent the will of the Heavenly Dao.

Undeterred, Dipankara Buddha asked again, "Fellow Daoist, if you insist on this, is there any room for negotiation between the two religions?"

"At that time, Buddhism will no longer abide by the previous agreement and will use every means to target your Jie Sect."

Yu Yu Daoist chuckled: "You make it sound like my Jie Sect has a good relationship with your Buddhism. Even without this incident, I would not let your Buddhism get away with this!"

Immediately, a towering sword intent suddenly erupted from Yu Yu Dao Ren's body, and he shouted with killing intent: "However, I advise you to abide by the previous agreement and not interfere below the Great Luo level."

"Otherwise, I will certainly take action. Then we'll see whether your Buddhism can capture people faster, or whether my iron sword can chop off their heads faster!"

These words were extremely threatening and arrogant, but Yu Yu Dao Ren had the power to be arrogant. Just by looking at the Ancient Buddha of Burning Lamp bowing his head and remaining silent, he knew the outcome.

Dipankara Buddha sat silently in the void, Tathagata Buddha also sat cross-legged with a gloomy expression, and the other Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, etc., also sat cross-legged as if they had lost their parents, silently reciting scriptures.

Liu Qing chuckled. These bald guys have even learned about nonviolent non-cooperation movements?

You could sit here and die, and no one would care.

Although Liu Qing didn't care, Yu Yu Dao Ren found it disgusting. He immediately slashed out with his sword, cutting down the space where the Ancient Buddha of Burning Lamp and the other Buddhists were located. Then he kicked out, sending them and the space flying.

Yu Yu Dao Ren glanced sideways at Guang Cheng Zi. Guang Cheng Zi guessed that something was amiss within the Jie Sect and that it was not appropriate for him to stay any longer. He bowed and left with the other Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect. Before leaving, Guang Cheng Zi turned back to Liu Qing Yan and said, "Junior Brother, if you need anything in the future, please feel free to let me know."

Having said that, he tossed over a token belonging to a disciple of the Chan Sect. It contained the unique energy of the Chan Sect and could be used to communicate and transmit messages, but it did not have a specific name on it.

Liu Qing accepted it.

It seems that Guang Chengzi is also a clever and shrewd person. From what just happened, he has already guessed that the Jie Sect wants to change the Journey to the West to the Journey to the East.

As the greatest contributor, he naturally had to lead the Eastern Tour as the project leader.

Guang Chengzi considered that his elevated status within the Jie Sect would make him more valued by Daoist Yu Yu, and this was one reason why he sought to get closer to him.

Another reason was that Guang Chengzi was testing whether the Jie Sect was willing to accept the Chan Sect's participation in the Eastern Journey and unite to deal with Buddhism.

It's not just Buddhism, but also the Jade Emperor of Heaven.

Guang Chengzi did not give a specific statement, but if Liu Qing, the future leader of the Eastern Journey, was willing, he would use the token of the Chan Sect disciple that he had left behind to notify him.

After the Investiture of the Gods, the Jie Sect suffered the most damage and was almost wiped out. The Chan Sect fared no better, with one vice-leader and four true disciples who were Golden Immortals betraying the sect, taking away almost half of the Chan Sect's fortune.

Guang Chengzi wanted to join forces with the Jie Sect, just as the Jade Emperor of Heaven and Buddhism shared some of the fortune of the Eastern Journey.

However, Liu Qing did not immediately make a decision on the final outcome.

All the outsiders left, and those who remained were all members of the Jie Sect.

Liu Qing released the heavily injured Golden Hoop Immortal, and Yu Yu Daoist unleashed a burst of magical power that instantly healed the Golden Hoop Immortal's injuries.

Pilu Xian, who had led away Guanyin Bodhisattva, also returned at this time. Immediately, Yu Yu Dao Ren, Wudang Shengmu, Pilu Xian Jingu Xian, Liu Qing, and several other core members of the Jie Sect gathered here.

In addition, there are six third-generation disciples of the Jie Sect: Bull Demon King, Flood Dragon Demon King, Roc Demon King, Lion Camel King, Yu Rong King, and Macaque King.

Except for the sage's mount, the Kui Niu, everyone else is here.

The Taoist priest waved his hand and opened the portal to the Great Thousand World, and the crowd filed in.

Yu Yu Daoist sat cross-legged on the high seat and looked at Liu Qing: "Disciple, you just suggested traveling east. Do you have any specific plans?"

The three—the Holy Mother of Wudang, the Immortal Pilu, and the Immortal Jingu—all looked at Liu Qing with admiration, appreciation, and encouragement.

Meanwhile, the six Great Sages, including the Bull Demon King, cast admiring glances at him, already regarding this newly met junior uncle as their idol.

He single-handedly killed the Five Directions of the Buddhist Priests, transformed into his own size, entered the belly of the Yellow Wind Monster, killed the Yellow Wind Monster, and then transformed into the Yellow Wind Monster's appearance to suppress the Bodhisattva Lingji.

He then transformed into the Bodhisattva Lingji, kidnapped the entire pilgrimage team, and even overcame the odds by crossing three realms, devouring the gatekeeper Arhat of the Eighteen Arhats under the Qiankun Ruler of the foremost figure in Buddhism.

These and other heroic deeds filled the Bull Demon King and the other six Great Sages with excitement and admiration.

Put yourself in their shoes, and you'll realize that none of them could have done it.

Let alone one, even if all six of them were combined, they wouldn't dare to kill an Arhat under the combined attack of the Eighteen Arhats and the magical treasure of Dipankara Buddha.

Liu Qing smiled modestly, expressing humility in response to the praise from his senior brothers and sisters, as well as the admiration from his junior disciples.

Then, knowing that the real test had come, he straightened his expression and said confidently, "If the teacher asks any questions, this disciple will naturally answer them without reservation."

"I have considered that before the journey to the East begins, we must first subdue the entire pilgrimage team."

"Now, the Jade Dragon Third Prince, who comes from the West Sea, is related to his disciple and is clever, so there is no need to worry about him. As for the remaining Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the ninth incarnation of Jin Chanzi, they must be subdued and made to participate in the journey to the East willingly."

After speaking, Liu Qing looked at Daoist Yu Yu.

Knowing Liu Qing's intentions, Yu Yu Dao Ren smiled and said, "This matter is easy to handle. I have a scripture called 'Lingbao Dushi Jing' that can make them completely convert to my Jie Sect."

After saying that, the Taoist pointed out with his finger, and the vast and magnificent scripture characters entered Liu Qing's mind one by one. He memorized them without having to recite them.

"I will impart this Lingbao Dushi Jing to you. You will be able to comprehend some of it later. Once you have achieved a minor level of mastery, you will be able to use it to convert all the pilgrims."

"You can accept the Six-Winged Golden Cicada as a second-generation disciple on behalf of your master. Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Yulong can become third-generation disciples of my Jie Sect."

As Yu Yu Daoist spoke, he tossed out several tokens belonging to the Jie Sect disciples. Liu Qing caught them and took them into the Quanbing Cave Heaven.

Jin Chanzi was originally the reincarnation of the second disciple of the Buddha. The Buddha called Yu Yu Daoren "uncle". Logically speaking, after Jin Chanzi was converted, he should have become a third-generation disciple of the Jie Sect. However, this Lingbao Dushi Jing was so powerful that it could convert Jin Chanzi back to his original form, the six-winged golden cicada, a ferocious beast from the primordial era.

As for Sun Wukong and the others, Jin Chanzi was already a second-generation disciple, so they were naturally third-generation disciples.

As for being registered, one cannot be taught the true teachings of the Jie Sect, nor can one enjoy the great fortune of the sect; one only possesses a title.

Such nominal disciples held the lowest status within the Jie Sect, so low that even the most skilled Daoists were unwilling to personally accept them into the sect, instead having Liu Qing accept them on behalf of the master.

Conversely, this also shows Liu Qing's status in Yu Yu Dao Ren's heart. In the past, the right of a master to accept disciples was only held by the eldest disciple, Duo Bao Dao Ren, in the entire Jie Sect.

"Thank you for your kindness, Teacher!"

"This disciple obeys the order and will certainly live up to the trust placed in me, converting them one by one to the ranks of my Jie Sect!"

With the matter of the pilgrims concluded, Liu Qing continued, "Once all the pilgrims have been converted to our Jie Sect, their journey to the east will be justified and recognized by Heaven."

"The recognition from Heaven is not limited to this aspect. In addition, if the journey to the East is to ultimately obtain fortune and merit, it will also require the help of another aspect."

"Whenever Heaven bestows fortune and merit, there must be a great calamity beforehand. This is in accordance with the principle of 'every sip and every bite.'"

"Therefore, if our Jie Sect is to ultimately obtain a massive amount of Heavenly Fortune and merit, we must combine the Eastern Journey with the Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth."

"In this way, the Great Tribulation of the Eastern Journey will occur. Only after the Great Tribulation of the Eastern Journey ends will the Heavenly Dao compensate for the calamity with fortune and merit."

"At this time, the mortal realm is undergoing a change of dynasty, and much calamity has already accumulated. This disciple intends to throw Dongyou into the mortal realm during this change of dynasty!"

"By taking advantage of the bloody energy of dynastic changes in the human world, we can replace the calamity energy of the Eastern Journey and ensure its smooth progress. This action is in accordance with the will of Heaven, and when it is successful, a massive amount of fortune and merit will surely descend."

"Perhaps, it will gain even more fortune and merit than the Buddhist Journey to the West, which has been planned for thousands of years. After all, Buddhism started the Journey to the West by forcibly bringing calamities to it, rather than our Jie Sect promoting the Journey to the East by relying on real human calamities."

Yu Yu Daoist nodded repeatedly with admiration, while his senior brothers and sisters, Wudang Shengmu, Pilu Xian, and Jingu Xian, were filled with emotion.

Junior Brother is indeed intelligent and shrewd. If we had had Junior Brother during the Investiture of the Gods, how could our Jie Sect have fallen to this state?

(End of this chapter)