Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Li Yan pondered for a moment before saying:

"My cultivation is shallow, and I dare not speak presumptuously. However, I have gained some insights during my time in the Buddhist realm."

"The Tao follows nature, and the Buddha's teachings are compassionate. Nature is the constant order of heaven and earth. Compassion is the nature of all living beings."

"The constant principles of Heaven and Earth are inseparable from the nature of all living beings. The nature of all living beings is also inseparable from the constant principles of Heaven and Earth."

"Therefore, I believe that although Taoism and Buddhism have different origins, they lead to the same goal."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva listened, his eyes filled with even greater admiration.

"Young friend Li, even I, a humble monk, find your words reasonable."

Li Yan said, "Bodhisattva flatters me."

Then, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sighed.

"Young friend Li, do you know why this humble monk invited you to Mount Ling?"

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine.

He remained expressionless, saying only, "This humble Taoist does not know. Please enlighten me, Bodhisattva."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "Because the World-Honored One said that you have an affinity with Buddhism."

Li Yan said, "Is it fate?"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva nodded.

"The World-Honored One's wisdom eye can see the past and the future, and can discern the capacities of all beings. If he says you have affinity, then you certainly do."

Li Yan was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Bodhisattva, I dare to ask the World Honored One, how did you discern my affinity with Buddhism?"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva smiled slightly.

"Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. You will know when you go to Mount Ling."

Li Yan understood.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva will not let him go easily.

Thoughts raced through my mind, and ideas surfaced in my head.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva just said that the World-Honored One can see the past and the future and can discern the capacities of sentient beings.

The World-Honored One must have discerned his origins.

It also shows that he knew about the Journey to the West.

And it is clear that he influenced Sun Wukong.

The monkey didn't follow the original script.

The journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures is a grand plan for Buddhism.

If Sun Wukong makes a mistake, the journey to the West may become uncertain.

Therefore, they need to keep themselves, this variable, in their own hands.

We need to either win him over and get him into Buddhism so he can contribute to the journey to the West.

Either imprison him so that he can no longer influence Sun Wukong.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva personally intervened to ensure that the matter was handled flawlessly.

As for why they didn't just wipe them out... perhaps it was out of fear of the founder.

Thinking of this, Li Yan shook his head inwardly.

Although the patriarch possessed great supernatural powers, he had already passed away many years ago. He could protect him for a time, but not forever.

Those people from the north are still secretly spying on us.

If Buddhism were to get involved, even if he had three heads and six arms, he would find it difficult to cope.

"Bodhisattva, I have a question that I would like to ask you."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "Speak."

Li Yan said, "The Bodhisattva just said that the World-Honored One invited me to visit Mount Ling. What if I don't go?"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his compassionate eyes.

"Young friend Li, the Buddha's decree must not be disobeyed."

Li Yan asked, "What if we disobey?"

"To disobey is to be an enemy of Buddhism."

"Young friend Li, although you have some skills, they are not enough to contend with Buddhism. This humble monk advises you not to make a mistake for yourself."

Sure enough.

Just as he was about to speak, a burst of laughter came from outside the hall.

"Ksitigarbha, your words are a bit too domineering."

Everyone looked over.

Outside the palace gate, amidst the gray mist, a figure slowly walked towards them.

The figure had white hair and a youthful face, with a slender build. He wore a blue Taoist robe, a silk sash around his waist, and cloud-patterned shoes.

He held a whisk in his hand, the whisk tip of which was snow-white and hung down like clouds.

Venus stepped forward, bowed, and said, "This old minister pays his respects to the Supreme Lord Laozi."

Li Yan was shocked.

The Dao Ancestor himself has come in person?

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's expression changed slightly.

He then returned to normal, clasped his hands together, and bowed slightly.

Laozi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall.

"Ksitigarbha, I heard you're taking this young friend to Mount Ling?"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "Reporting to the Daoist Ancestor, this humble monk is acting on the Buddha's decree to invite this young friend Li to Mount Ling to listen to the Mahayana Buddhist teachings."

Lao Tzu nodded.

"The Buddha's decree is naturally inviolable. However, this old Taoist also has a decree."

As he spoke, he took out a jade scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva took the jade slip, unfolded it, and his expression changed slightly.

Laozi said, "The Jade Emperor has decreed that this young friend Li be invited to the Heavenly Court to enter the Tushita Palace and listen to the Dao Ancestor expound on the Great Dao of the Golden Elixir."

"Both the World Honored One and the Jade Emperor are the supreme beings of the Three Realms."

Now that two imperial edicts have been issued simultaneously, what should be done?

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva remained silent.

The ten Kings of Hell looked at each other in bewilderment.

The monkey scratched its ears and cheeks, remaining silent the whole time.

The reason was simple: Li Yan had just given a secret signal.

A blue ox lay at the palace gate, leisurely swishing its tail.

Venus held a whisk, his face calm, but a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.

Li Yan stood rooted to the spot, his heart churning with turmoil.

Two imperial edicts?

The Buddha wanted him to go to Mount Ling, and the Jade Emperor wanted him to go to the Heavenly Court.

What merit or ability did he, a mere sixth-level cultivator of a grotto-heaven realm, possess to warrant a personal decree from two supreme beings of the Three Realms?

But he soon figured it out.

It wasn't because he was so powerful, but because he influenced Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong is the protagonist of the Great Tribulation and the key to the Journey to the West.

If he follows the original script, Buddhism can take this opportunity to spread its teachings eastward and expand its influence.

But now, influenced by Li Yan, he didn't cause a ruckus in the Heavenly Palace, nor was he imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain.

Then the journey to obtain the scriptures took an unexpected turn.

To eliminate this variable, the Buddhist sect must either win over Li Yan or imprison him.

Then the journey to obtain the scriptures took an unexpected turn.

To eliminate this variable, the Buddhist sect must either win over Li Yan or imprison him.

And the Heavenly Court...

Li Yan looked at Laozi, then glanced at Venus.

These two have been helping him from the very beginning.

Venus stalled for time in the palace, secretly sending messages to the Heavenly Court.

Laozi himself descended to the mortal realm, bringing with him the Jade Emperor's decree.

But in doing so, they also want to keep him under their control.

We must not let Buddhism succeed.

"Bodhisattva, I dare to say something, but I don't know if I should."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "Speak."

Li Yan said, "The Bodhisattva just said that the World-Honored One invited me to go to Mount Ling to listen to the Mahayana Buddhist teachings."

"This humble Taoist priest wishes to ask, how long is this 'listening to the Dharma'?"

Listen until you fully understand.

"What if you can't understand it?"

"Then keep listening."

Li Yan smiled slightly.

He then looked at Laozi.

"Laojun, the Jade Emperor has invited me to the Heavenly Court to enter the Tushita Palace and listen to the Dao Ancestor expound on the Great Dao of the Golden Elixir."

"This humble Taoist priest wishes to ask, how long is this lecture?"

Lao Tzu stroked his beard and laughed:

"Naturally, I will listen until you, young friend, wish to leave."

If you don't want to listen, you are welcome to leave at any time.

"If you wish to hear more, the Daoist Ancestor will continue speaking."

Li Yan nodded to himself.

One approach is to keep listening until you fully understand.

One is that you can leave at any time and come and go freely.

How could he not understand this difference?

Therefore, he turned around and bowed deeply to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

"I am deeply grateful for the Bodhisattva's kindness."

However, I practice the methods of Taoism, and although I have some understanding of the principles of Buddhism, I dare not claim that I have fully comprehended them.

Please forgive me, Bodhisattva.

"Young friend Li, have you made up your mind?"

Li Yan nodded.

Upon hearing this, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's smile contained a hint of helplessness.

"So be it, so be it."

Since it is your own choice, young friend, this humble monk cannot force you to continue.

As he spoke, he looked toward Laozi.

"Laojun, this humble monk dares to ask you a favor."

Lao Tzu said, "Speak."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "This young friend Li has a karmic connection with our Buddhist community."

Although I cannot make the trip to Mount Ling today, if the opportunity arises in the future...

We urge Laozi to grant his request and allow him to make a trip to Mount Ling to hear the Mahayana Buddhist teachings.

Lao Tzu stroked his beard and laughed:

"That's natural."

Young friend, you may go anytime you wish. This old Taoist will not stop you.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva nodded slightly.

"Young friend Li, although I was unable to persuade you today, I have seen something in you."

Li Yan said, "Please enlighten me, Bodhisattva."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, "You have already gained some understanding of the principles of cause and effect."

He has also gained considerable insight into the principles of Zen. Given time, he will surely achieve great things.

"However, this humble monk has a word to offer."

Li Yan said, "Please speak, Bodhisattva."

"The principle of cause and effect can be understood, but it should not be clung to."

The insights gained from Zen can be appreciated, but one should not become obsessed with them.

"Just now, in the Buddha's land, you used your heart to communicate with my mind, and you destroyed my Buddha's land."

This is a great enlightenment, and a momentous event.

"But understanding is only the beginning. Action is the foundation."

"To understand without acting is empty understanding. To act without understanding is blind action."

"Only by unifying understanding and practice can one find the right path."