Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

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Chen Jiao's gaze swept over Venerable Da Leyin with lightning speed, his eyes showing no anger, and he coldly said:

"Don't try to use these bewitching tricks in front of me."

The Venerable Great Joyful Sound quickly composed himself, suppressing the surging blood in his chest, and hurriedly clasped his hands in a deep bow:

"My Lord, you are wise. This humble monk has cultivated this path for a long time, and the operation of my supernatural powers has become second nature to me."

Just now, I was careless for a moment, and my magical power flowed naturally. I had absolutely no intention of offending the True Lord!

Please forgive me, Your Excellency!

Bai Susu, who was suddenly awakened, turned ashen-faced and was filled with lingering fear.

The feeling of being unable to control her own body and having her mind controlled was more terrifying to her than any form of torture.

Moreover, having spent a long time in Lingshan, she once overheard the whispers of the Buddhist monks sweeping and cleaning, mentioning the various scenes and endless music and dance in the Joyful Courtyard.

There are even stories of celestial maidens and divine consorts who, through their misdeeds, lost their Daoist hearts, ultimately becoming tainted spiritually and reduced to mere offerings.

The so-called joint study of the wonderful Dharma and the cultivation of merit by all are nothing but indulgence in desires and obsessions, with almost no taboos.

This is definitely not the path to peace and freedom she seeks!

Upon thinking of this, Bai Susu felt a chill rise from the bottom of her heart.

She quickly gathered her robes and lowered her head, saying urgently:

"This little demon knows that he is deeply sinful, shallow-minded, and ignorant."

Stealing Buddhist treasures is already a great disrespect; how dare I, with my defiled body, enter the blissful realm to serve and cultivate?

Such auspicious karmic connections are beyond the capacity of a lowly demon like myself.

Moreover…moreover, the little demon is a prisoner captured by the True Lord. Whether to beat or punish, imprison or release him, should be decided by the True Lord and the Buddha.

This little demon dares not act on its own initiative, much less seek other paths!

We humbly request Your Excellency to make this clear, and the True Lord to make this clear!

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao turned his gaze back to Venerable Da Le Yin and said coldly:

"I already know what Your Excellency means."

Let's leave this matter for now. We still need to see the Buddha later. If you have nothing else to attend to, Venerable One, please return.

The smile that Venerable Mahakala was barely maintaining froze again.

He had served before the Buddha of Bliss for many years and was always adept at such matters of welcoming, sending off, and mediating.

I came here with the intention of succeeding, but I was rejected so directly.

In particular, I think of the fellow disciples who were ordered to descend to the mortal realm to spread good karma for our master. Recently, they have all sent back news of their good progress.

He was the only one who served his master closely and was given such a simple task.

If we can't even bring back a minor demon who has committed a crime, what face will we have left?

How can I explain this to my master and fellow disciples?

The Venerable Mahalakala pondered for a moment, then considered his words carefully, thinking that even a more tactful persuasion might offer a chance for a change of fortune.

Just then, the surrounding atmosphere inexplicably froze.

The faint sandalwood fragrance and the subtle chanting that originally permeated Lingshan seemed to be torn apart by an invisible, sharp force.

A voice came from behind him.

"Great Musical Sound".

Everyone turned around and saw a figure in pure white slowly walking out from the third mountain gate.

They were going to find Jin Chanzi, the monk who made offerings to the gods.

However, Jin Chanzi's expression and demeanor at this moment were quite different from the compassionate and kind appearance he had when he was leading the way.

He was still wearing that simple kasaya, his face was handsome and otherworldly, but the compassion between his brows had faded considerably.

His eyes, in particular, remained clear, yet deep and indifferent.

Their gaze fell upon the Great Music Venerable, yet it seemed as if they were looking at an even more distant being behind him.

Jin Chanzi walked forward slowly and silently until he was about ten feet away from the Venerable Da Leyin before stopping.

After a moment, he finally spoke, slowly saying:

"Amitabha. Our Buddha Tathagata is still waiting for Jingfa Zhenjun and Li Tianwang in the Mahavira Hall."

Now that you have clearly conveyed your intentions, you may return to report to the Buddha of Joy. The cause and effect of this woman's fate will be judged by the Buddha and the True Lord.

Moreover, in the pure and tranquil Lingshan, the Dharma assembly arose, and all the saints gathered together.

Do not act recklessly here, lest you disrupt the natural order and ruin the purity.

In conclusion.

Deep within Jin Chanzi's eyes, a faint glimmer of golden light flickered, like the opening of the eyes of an ancient Buddha in utter stillness, vanishing in an instant.

The Venerable Great Bliss stood frozen in place, the last trace of color draining from his face.

He served the Buddha of Bliss and had extensive knowledge of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats of Vulture Peak.

This Jin Chanzi was the second disciple personally taught by the Buddha. His high status goes without saying, and his power and supernatural abilities were even more unfathomable.

There is also a very secret old story that he once overheard his master, the Joyful Buddha, mentioning.

This Buddhist disciple was not born with the potential to become a Buddha, but rather a ferocious creature born of heaven and earth in ancient times.

It feeds on the wind and dew, and especially enjoys devouring the golden statues of Buddhist monks. It is fierce and terrifying, and was once feared by all the Buddhas.

Later, for reasons unknown, he was subdued and converted by the Buddha with the supreme Dharma, and thus took refuge under his tutelage, achieving the wondrous form he possesses today.

This matter is a secret even in Lingshan, and few people know about it.

Upon seeing the dazzling golden light in Jin Chanzi's eyes, the Great Music Venerable's past memories surged into his mind, turning into a bone-chilling cold.

This displeased him...

A cold sweat broke out on the back of the Venerable Great Bliss, and he no longer dared to have the slightest thought of struggling.

"Yes, yes! The Buddha's teachings are correct! It was I who overstepped my bounds!"

The Venerable Great Joyful Sound hurriedly bowed, his forced smile looking more like a grimace.

Having said that, he dared not look at Chen Jiao and Jin Chanzi again, and hurriedly clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

Without looking back, it sped off in the direction it had come from, disappearing into the layers of mist and clouds of Mount Ling in an instant.

The golden light in Jin Chanzi's eyes had long since faded, replaced by his compassionate and serene demeanor. He turned to Chen Jiao and the others, clasped his hands in prayer, and said:

"A few minor details have disturbed your peace."

The offerings have been arranged, and Buddha is waiting in the hall. Please follow me into the hall.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over Jin Chanzi's calm face, and he understood.

The fleeting sense of energy he had just sensed had allowed him to glimpse the unfathomable depths beneath the gentle exterior of this Buddhist disciple.

This is worlds apart from the later pilgrims who were obsequious and needed the protection of their disciples.

The profound mystery of cause and effect and reincarnation is truly astonishing.

No one spoke further. Led by Jin Chanzi, they passed through the third mountain gate and headed deep into the Great Thunderclap Temple.

Jade-like herbs and rare flowers line the road, and blue phoenixes and colorful dragons sing in unison. Purple mist swirls, and auspicious light lingers.

Layer upon layer of palaces and pavilions, layer upon layer of corridors. The majesty of the Buddha statues is beyond description, and the splendor of the Buddhist kingdom is beyond words.

In the very open space in front of the main hall, countless tables and chairs had already been set up, arranged in an orderly manner according to rank and location.

The hall is now filled with distinguished guests and close friends.

But I saw Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Gatekeepers, Vajras, monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen...

Some are majestic and solemn, some are compassionate and merciful, some are powerful and majestic, and some are pure and free.

In twos and threes, they chatted and exchanged pleasantries, discussing the subtleties of Buddhism or interesting anecdotes about the three realms, laughing and talking happily.

It was truly a grand Buddhist assembly at Lingshan, a magnificent and lively event.

The attendants coming and going were all celestial maidens and warriors, along with the Eight Legions of Heavenly Dragons, carrying fine wines, delicacies, and rare fruits, all in an orderly fashion.

Jin Chanzi did not linger, but led everyone directly through the seats of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to the front of the Mahavira Hall.

The palace gates were tall and wide, adorned with seven treasures including gold, silver, glazed tiles, tridacna shells, and agate.

Above the lintel hangs a large plaque with the four characters "Mahavira Hall" written in Sanskrit, its golden light shimmering and containing infinite profound truths.

Before even entering the hall, one can feel an indescribable aura of majesty, compassion, and wisdom emanating from it, which calms the mind and dispels all distracting thoughts.

"Please, everyone."

Jin Chanzi turned to the side and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Upon entering the hall, the faint noise and bustle of the outside world were immediately shut out, as if entering another quiet and solemn world.

The palace is vast, its size unknown, and within it lies a world of its own.

Banners and canopies hang from the four walls, and lotus patterns on the ground are lifelike.

On the high platform in the center sat a Great Enlightened Golden Immortal, whose appearance was as follows:

A halo above fills the sandy realm, and wondrous forms adorn the entire universe.

Five colors swirl between the white hairs on his brows, and golden lotuses bloom from his chest like swastikas.

He once showed Kasyapa a smile by holding up a flower; now, at the Thunder Sound Temple, he expounds the Dharma Lotus Feast.

He is none other than the Lord of the Western Paradise, Shakyamuni, the Great Awakened Immortal.

It is indeed the Venerable Shakyamuni of the Western Paradise, the Tathagata Buddha.

The Buddha, with his majestic and solemn appearance, sits serenely on a nine-tiered lotus throne, radiating immeasurable light, immeasurable life, and immeasurable purity. Upon seeing him, one is immediately inspired to take refuge in him, and all worries vanish.

Standing on either side were the Venerable Ananda and Kasyapa, along with various great Bodhisattvas, all solemn and silent.

Only supreme majesty and purity permeated every inch of the hall.

Jin Chanzi led everyone to the front of the lotus platform, where they clasped their hands in prayer and bowed.

"By the grace of Buddha, the Radiant Heavenly Lord, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li, the Third Prince Nezha, and the Flying Mysterious Spirit General have arrived."

And here they have captured the white rat spirit who stole the fragrant flowers and precious candles and fled to the mortal realm.

Chen Jiao dared not delay and stepped forward a few steps. Li Jing, Nezha, and Fei Peng followed closely behind, all bowing respectfully.

Bai Susu was already so terrified by the omnipresent and vast Buddha's aura that she lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to move an inch.

On the lotus throne, the Buddha lowered his eyes slightly, his gaze seemingly able to illuminate all the subtle details of the world.

He spoke slowly, his voice grand and peaceful, resounding throughout the palace and penetrating to the heart:

"I have long heard that another hero has been added to the Dao Ancestor's court, and the Jade Emperor now has a trusted advisor."

Today, I have the privilege of seeing the true face of the Pure Dharma Master. Please rise, please rise.

As soon as he finished speaking, a gentle yet irresistible force lifted Chen Jiao and the others up.

Then the Buddha said, "Bring seats for the True Lord, the Heavenly King, and all the others."

Immediately, a holy monk brought over several brocade cushions and placed them under the lotus platform, inviting Chen Jiao, Li Jing, Nezha, and Fei Peng to take their seats.

As for Bai Susu, she was taken aside and watched over by Vajra Warriors; naturally, there was no seat for her in this situation.

As soon as everyone was seated, Li Jing took the lead, cupping his hands in greeting and speaking in a loud voice:

"I report to the Buddha that, according to the Buddha's previous decree, there are evil spirits who have stolen the incense, flowers, and precious candles before the Buddha and fled to the mortal realm to cause trouble."

"By order of the Great Heavenly Venerable, this humble general has captured this golden-nosed, white-haired rat demon and brought him to the Vulture Peak to await the Buddha's judgment."

The Buddha slowly said, "I have troubled the Heavenly King, the True Lord, and all of you to go to the trouble of subduing the demon. I know all the causes and consequences, and the details of the matter."

His tone was calm, yet it was as if he had everything under control, leaving nothing out.

Then, Buddha asked, "This demon stole incense, flowers, and precious candles. According to the precepts of Buddhism, how should he be dealt with?"

Upon hearing this, Venerable Ananda, who was standing at the right of the Tathagata, put his hands together in prayer and spoke in a loud voice.