Primordial Era: Starting by overwhelming the Sages, Hongjun was stunned!

Zhunti's face turned pale, but he had nothing to say.

He knew that his senior brother was right.

Being alive is more important than anything else.

As long as Buddhism exists, there is hope.

If Mount Ling is gone, then nothing will remain.

Kong Xuan nodded slightly:

"I need to see results within three days."

"otherwise......"

He didn't continue.

He turned around, took a step, and disappeared into the chaos.

Beside the Eight Treasures Merit Pool.

Jieyin and Zhunti stand in opposition to each other.

silence.

A long silence followed.

Zhunti spoke, his voice hoarse: "Senior brother, we... we really agreed?"

Jieyin nodded: "I agree."

Zhunti gritted his teeth: "Then the transmission of Buddhism to the East..."

Jieyin shook his head: "That's all."

"From this day forward, Buddhism will retreat to the West and cease its eastward expansion."

Zhunti's face turned deathly pale: "So all that thousand-year-long plan has been for nothing?"

Jieyin looked at him and said, "It wasn't in vain."

"Where there is life, there is hope."

"If Mount Ling is gone, then nothing is left."

Zhunti remained silent.

He knew his senior was right.

But deep down, I was still unwilling to accept it.

He turned and walked into the hall.

After walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

Turning back, looking towards Cundi:

"Junior brother, from this day forward, do not mention Journey to the West again."

"Do not mention the eastward transmission of Buddhism again."

"Be content with your lot and wait for the right opportunity."

Zhunti nodded: "Junior brother will remember."

He turned and strode away.

Zhunti stood still, gazing into the depths of chaos.

His eyes were filled with resentment.

But he knew that even if he was unwilling, he had to endure it.

Because that person is someone you can't afford to offend.

Jin'ao Island.

The Hall of the Intercepting Sect.

Kong Xuan recounted the events at Ling Mountain in detail.

After listening, Tongtian remained silent for a long time.

"Fellow Daoist, you agreed to the invitation so readily. Could there be a trap?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No."

"He's a smart man."

"If you know you can't win, then don't fight."

"Knowing you're going to lose, admit defeat."

"People like this live long."

Tongtian nodded: "That's true."

He looked at his disciples and said, "From this day forward, the debt between the Jie Sect and Buddhism is wiped clean."

"Anyone who mentions this again will be expelled from the Jie Sect."

The disciples shouted in unison, "We obey the Master's decree!"

Kong Xuan stood beside the palace gate, gazing at the churning chaos outside.

The small white flower on the lapel had long since dried, yet it remained as white as snow.

He thought of the monk and the monkey.

I remembered the road that didn't require me to kneel.

I recalled the unprecedented peace in the snake spirit's eyes when she was converted.

That is the true Dharma.

That is the path that all living beings should take.

Kong Xuan turned around and walked out of the hall.

Tongtian called out to him, "Where are you going?"

Kong Xuan didn't turn around: "Go and see that monk and the monkey."

"They've come so far, we should go and see them."

Tongtian nodded: "Okay."

Kong Xuan took a step and disappeared into the chaos.

......

On Jin'ao Island, in the Jiejiao Hall.

Tongtian sat upright on the high platform, his eyes slightly closed.

The disciples sat on either side, silently cultivating.

The Heavenly Court has knelt, Mount Ling has retreated, and the debts owed by the Jie Sect are being repaid one by one.

But even Heaven knows that this is not enough.

One more person is needed.

The most important person.

He opened his eyes and looked toward the side of the palace gate.

It was deserted there.

Kong Xuan left to go see the monk and the monkey.

Tongtian suddenly felt a pang of envy for the two of them.

A monk, a monkey.

They were walking a path no one had ever walked before.

No need to kneel, no need to beg, no need to be mindful of anyone's feelings.

That is true freedom.

......

Outside Zhenxi Pass.

Yellow sand filled the sky.

Xuanzang walked ahead, his monk's robes fluttering in the wind.

Sun Wukong followed behind, carrying his golden cudgel on his shoulder and chewing on a blade of grass.

After walking for so many days, he had already gotten used to the monk's rhythm.

Not fast, but never stopping.

Like a stream, it flows gently but eventually into the sea.

"Monk, do you think that senior will really come to see us?"

Xuanzang didn't turn around: "Yes."

Why?

"Because he said it."

Sun Wukong grinned: "That's right, Senior never lies."

The voice just fell.

In the void, a figure in a black robe slowly descended.

Kong Xuan.

Sun Wukong was overjoyed: "Senior! You've really come!"

Kong Xuan landed in front of the two men, standing with his hands behind his back.

He looked at Xuanzang, at his face roughened by the wind and sand.

She had lost some weight since the last time I saw her, but her eyes were even brighter.

"How was the journey?"

Xuanzang clasped his hands together and said, "It's alright."

"Does your foot still hurt?"

"pain."

Are you still leaving?

"Walk."

Kong Xuan's lips curled slightly: "Okay."

He turned and looked into the distance.

At the end of the yellow sand, a mountain can be vaguely seen.

The mountain is not high, but it is dangerous.

Sun Wukong approached and asked, "Senior, what mountain is that?"

Kong Xuandao: "Two Realms Mountain."

Sun Wukong was taken aback: "Two Realms Mountain? Isn't that Five Elements Mountain?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "The Five Elements Mountain has been shattered; the other mountain is new."

"It has no name, but some people call it the Two Realms Mountain."

"Because beyond this mountain lies the Western Regions, the territory of Buddhism."

Sun Wukong scratched his head: "Is that monk still leaving?"

Kong Xuan asked Xuanzang, "Are you still going?"

Xuanzang nodded: "Let's go."

Why?

"Because the road is there."

Kong Xuan looked at him for a long time, then slowly nodded: "Okay."

He raised his hand and pointed towards Liangjie Mountain: "There is a person on that mountain."

"I'm waiting for you."

Xuanzang was taken aback: "Who?"

Kong Xuan did not answer, but turned around and headed towards Jin'ao Island.

After walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

He turned back to look at Sun Wukong: "Protect him."

Sun Wukong patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, senior!"

Kong Xuan nodded slightly and disappeared into the horizon.

Sun Wukong stared in the direction he had disappeared, scratching his head. "Monk, who do you think is waiting for you on that mountain?"

Xuanzang shook his head: "I don't know."

"You'll know when you get there."

The two continued on their journey.

Yellow sand stretches endlessly, the world is vast and desolate.

......

Liangjie Mountain.

The mountain is not high, but it is dangerous.

The rocks are jagged and barren.

At the foot of the mountain, on a blue stone, sat a figure.

He had disheveled red hair, a red beard that curled back, and nine skulls hanging from his neck.

Sha Wujing.

He waited there for a long time.

He had been waiting here since the moment the Jade Emperor issued his decree.

Waiting for that monk.

Waiting for that pilgrim to retrieve the scriptures.

Waiting for the person who will change his destiny.

But he waited and waited, and the monk never came.

He heard that the monk was no longer going west.

He heard that the monk was accompanied by a monkey.

He heard that the monkey had killed Tianpeng.

Sha Wujing smiled bitterly.

Tianpeng is dead, but he is still alive.

If the monk hadn't come, he would have stayed on this desolate mountain until he died.

I was just thinking about it.

suddenly.

He looked up.

Two figures slowly approached from the foot of the mountain.

A monk, a monkey.

Sha Wujing shuddered.

coming.

It's really coming.

He stood up and gripped the demon-slaying staff tightly.

Xuanzang stopped at the foot of the mountain.

I looked up and gazed at the figure on the blue stone.

Red hair, red beard, skull necklace.

Who are you?

Sha Wujing looked at him, at that calm face.

He suddenly knelt down.

"Thump."

The knees hit the ground with a dull thud.

"General Sha Wujing, the Curtain-Roller, is here to await the pilgrims on the orders of the Jade Emperor."

"Please, Master, take me in."

Xuanzang looked at him, at that ferocious yet humble face.

Why should we take you in?

Sha Wujing looked up: "Because I want to go to the Western Paradise."

"Go if you want to, why come with me?"

Sha Wujing remained silent.

After a long silence, he slowly spoke: "Because one person can't reach their destination alone."

Xuanzang looked at him.

Sun Wukong was also looking at him.

The two exchanged a glance.

Sun Wukong scratched his head: "Monk, this person is indeed honest."

Xuanzang nodded: "That's the truth."

He stepped forward, reached out, and helped Sha Wujing up.

Get up.

Sha Wujing was taken aback: "The Master is willing to accept me?"

Xuanzang nodded: "I wish."

"But I don't have any special skills, I only know some basic techniques."

Xuanzang shook his head: "I don't need your skills."

I want your heart.

Sha Wujing was stunned.

Xuanzang looked at him: "Do you truly want to go to the Western Paradise?"

Sha Wujing nodded: "Sincerely."

"Then let's go together."

Sha Wujing's eyes reddened, and he bowed deeply: "Thank you, Master."

Sun Wukong approached him and looked him up and down: "Your name is Sha Wujing?"

"Yes."

"My name is Sun Wukong."

"I know, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, whose name resounds throughout the Three Realms."

Sun Wukong grinned: "You sure know how to talk."

Sha Wujing smiled wryly: "It's not that I can speak well, it's that I can tell the truth."

Sun Wukong laughed heartily: "Interesting!"

He patted Sha Wujing on the shoulder: "From now on, follow me, and I guarantee you'll live the high life!"

Sha Wujing nodded: "Thank you, Great Sage."

Xuanzang shook his head: "Don't call me Great Sage, call me Senior Brother."

Sha Wujing was taken aback: "Senior brother?"

Xuanzang nodded: "From this day forward, you will be my second disciple."

"He is the eldest disciple."

Sha Wujing looked at Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong grinned: "Call me Senior Brother!"

Sha Wujing knelt down: "Eldest Brother!"

Sun Wukong helped him up: "Get up, get up, the ground is cold."

Sha Wujing stood up and stood behind Xuanzang.

Three people, one in front and two behind.

They headed up the mountain.

......

Liangjie Mountain has a rugged mountain path.

Xuanzang walked ahead, his steps much steadyer.

The injury on my foot has gotten a bit better these days.

Although it still hurts, it doesn't affect my ability to walk.

Sun Wukong followed behind, carrying the golden cudgel on his shoulder.

Sha Wujing walked at the back, holding the Demon-Subduing Staff in his hand.

The three of them walked for about an hour.

suddenly.

A foul stench wafted from ahead.

Sun Wukong paused, "There's a demonic aura here."

Sha Wujing gripped his staff tightly: "Eldest brother, I'll go take a look."

Sun Wukong raised his hand: "No rush."

He looked at Xuanzang.

Xuanzang nodded: "Go."

Sun Wukong took a step and leaped onto the cloud.

Down the mountain, a giant scorpion demon was climbing up the mountain.

Its body is as large as a mountain, its tail hook is like a spear, and its whole body is pitch black.

Sun Wukong narrowed his eyes.

This scorpion is no ordinary creature.

He was surrounded by a halo of Buddha's light.

He landed and recounted what he had seen.

Sha Wujing's expression changed slightly: "A scorpion demon? Buddha's light?"

Xuanzang pondered for a moment: "They're probably from Mount Ling."

Sun Wukong gripped his golden cudgel tightly: "I don't care where they come from, if they dare to block my way, I'll kill them."

He was about to step forward.

Xuanzang stopped him: "Old Sun, let me do it."

Sun Wukong was taken aback: "Monk, are you going to make a move?"

Xuanzang nodded.

He stepped forward and stood on the mountain path.

Put your hands together in prayer position, close your eyes, and recite the scriptures.

The chanting was different from usual.

It is not a prayer to Buddha, nor a confession to Buddha.

It is about enlightenment.

To convert that scorpion demon.

The scorpion demon at the foot of the mountain trembled upon hearing the chanting.

It looked up at the figure on the mountain.

A hint of confusion flashed in his eyes.

It has cultivated itself for a thousand years and heard countless scriptures.

I've never heard of anything like this before.

There is no oppression or fear in that scripture.

Only compassion.

Only peace.

The scorpion demon stopped and ceased its advance.

It lay on the ground, motionless.

Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing stood on the mountain, watching this scene unfold.

Sha Wujing asked softly, "Senior Brother, what is the Master doing?"

Sun Wukong scratched his head: "I don't know either."

"But I know he did the right thing."

The scorpion demon lay on the ground, listening to the chanting.

The murderous intent in his eyes gradually dissipated.

Instead, there was a peace that had never been before.

It has cultivated for a thousand years and killed countless living beings.

They thought this was the way, they thought this was the path.

But at this moment, it suddenly felt...

Those killings, that greed, that obsession.

They are all empty.

all fake.

It's all self-deception.

The scorpion demon closed her eyes.

A tear slid down the corner of her eye.

Xuanzang opened his eyes and stopped chanting the sutra.

He gazed at the scorpion demon below the mountain and whispered, "Are you willing to turn back?"

The scorpion demon opened her eyes and looked at him.

a long time.

He nodded slowly.

Xuanzang smiled slightly: "Then let's go."

"From now on, do not harm anyone."

"Cultivate yourself diligently, and you will naturally attain enlightenment."

The scorpion demon rose and bowed deeply to Xuanzang.

He turned and disappeared into the mountains and forests.

Sun Wukong looked at this scene and scratched his head: "Monk, you've converted another one."

Xuanzang shook his head: "I did not convert him."

"It was she herself who laid down the butcher's knife."

Sun Wukong seemed to understand, but didn't ask any more questions.

The three continued on their journey.

......

The summit of Liangjie Mountain.

Xuanzang stood atop the mountain, gazing into the distance.

Beyond the mountains lies the Western Regions.

It is Buddhist territory.

It was the place where he cultivated in his previous life.

It is also the beginning and end of his ten reincarnations.

Sun Wukong stood beside him, also gazing into the distance.

"Monk, once you cross this mountain, you'll be in Buddhist territory."

Are you scared?

Xuanzang shook his head: "I'm not afraid."

Why?

"Because there is Buddha in your heart, everywhere is a sacred mountain."

"If you have no Buddha in your heart, it will be in vain even if you go to Mount Ling."

Sun Wukong grinned: "That's well said!"

Sha Wujing stood behind, his eyes slightly red as he listened to these words.

He recalled his past as a general in the Heavenly Court, enjoying boundless glory.

But my heart felt empty; there was nothing there.

Now, following this monk, though we endure wind and rain and sleep in the open, I feel at ease.

Because this monk had something in his heart.

That thing is called belief.

Xuanzang took a deep breath and started down the mountain.

Sun Wukong followed behind.

Sha Wujing followed at the back.

Three figures disappeared at the end of the mountain path.

......

In the distance, in the void.

Kong Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the three figures.

The small white flower on her lapel swayed in the wind.

He gazed at Xuanzang's retreating figure, recalling the unprecedented peace in the eyes of the scorpion demon when she was converted.

That is the true Dharma.

That is the path that all living beings should take.

The Buddha doesn't understand, Mount Ling doesn't understand, and Buddhism has long forgotten its original aspirations.

But this monk understands.

Although he had no scriptures, no lotus throne, and no pilgrimage of ten thousand Buddhas.

But he has one thing that the Buddha does not have.

mercy.

True compassion.

It is not about giving alms from a high and mighty position, nor is it about converting people by reciting a few scriptures.

It means to humble yourself and step into the world.

Even when facing demons and monsters, we do not give up the possibility of salvation.

Even if her own foot was bleeding, she was determined to seek justice for that boy.

This is the true Buddha.

This is what a Bodhisattva is.

This is the one that all living beings should kneel before.

Kong Xuan smiled slightly, turned around, and headed towards Jin'ao Island.

Behind them, the three figures grew farther and farther away.

But he knew.

Their journey has only just begun.

That's a road you don't have to walk on your knees.

That was a path that belonged to me.

It was a road that led to the Western Paradise, yet did not belong to the Western Paradise.

Kong Xuan took a step and disappeared into the chaos.

On Jin'ao Island, in the Jiejiao Hall, Tongtian was still waiting.

Waiting for his eldest disciple to return.

When his Jie Sect truly rises to prominence.

When this world returns to its proper state.

And that day is not far off.