Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything

Throughout his journey, Jiang Liu never showed mercy when it came to treasures amenable to scheming.

Even if he had no use for them himself, he could still deposit them in the gang's treasury to arm the devotees of the Ming Sect, couldn't he?

This time, upon encountering Ancestor Huangmei, Jiang Liu also harbored thoughts of murder and robbery. In the Human Seed Bag, he had already planned it out: kill Ancestor Huangmei, seize his treasures, and then refuse to hand them over, dead or alive.

He would claim that these treasures were spoils from his demon-subduing and evil-eliminating battles. At that time, even if Maitreya Buddha forcefully demanded them, Jiang Liu wouldn't mind tearing off the mask of cordiality.

After all, he never intended to accept the title of Sandalwood Merit Buddha.

Indeed, though the plan was good, it could not keep up with the changes. Jiang Liu didn't expect Ancestor Huangmei to have so many self-protection methods.

More accurately, he did not expect Maitreya Buddha to have given him so many final resorts, so much so that even with Sun Wukong's cooperation, they failed to kill him.

Moreover, Maitreya Buddha, being one of the Three-World Buddhas, even came personally.

What could be done?

With Maitreya Buddha personally coming, it became impossible to kill Ancestor Huangmei!

Similarly, the cymbals and Human Seed Bag had now returned to Maitreya Buddha's hands. If he was persistent, would Maitreya Buddha give them to him?

Impossible!

Alas...

In a flash of thought, Jiang Liu realized that if he remained obstinate, he would obtain nothing at all, and he let out a long sigh in his heart.

If he was destined to gain nothing, then there was nothing worth lingering over.

If causing trouble did not lead to personal benefit, why bother causing trouble at all?

Otherwise, if he could get nothing out of it, what would be the point of making a fuss?

"Amitabha Buddha..."

In a quick succession of thoughts, Jiang Liu had gained a relatively clear understanding of the current situation and knew what to do. On the surface, he remained composed, chanted a Buddhist incantation, then slightly bowed his head to Maitreya Buddha, giving a respectful salute, "So it turns out that this evil demon is a child servant under Buddha's seat. In that case, please Buddha, take him back with you!"

"Eh?" Jiang Liu's words made Maitreya Buddha somewhat surprised internally.

In the previous days, when Guanyin Bodhisattva had found him and they had discussed at length about the Journey to the West Pilgrimage Team, Guanyin also lamented for quite some time.

They said that on this westward journey, many Dharma Treasures had been lost, and how difficult the westward pilgrims were to deal with.

If not for Guanyin's words, Maitreya Buddha would not have been so cautious as to leave life-saving Buddhist texts on the Taoist Boy Huangmei.

Originally, having appeared on the scene, Maitreya Buddha was prepared for Jiang Liu to be unrelenting.

Yet he had not expected Jiang Liu to say nothing at all. Was this matter going to be glossed over so easily?

This was completely different from what Guanyin had said before.

"Or is it that he respects me even more?" Amidst his surprise, Maitreya Buddha naturally gave rise to such a thought.

Upon this thought, Maitreya Buddha felt secretly pleased.

Of course, whether Xuanzang truly held such respect for him still remained to be seen.

Therefore, Maitreya Buddha was not in a hurry to leave with Ancestor Huangmei. Instead, he pondered quietly for a while, and the smile on his face grew even richer, giving off an even more compassionate and benevolent aura.

"Xuanzang, for Taoist Boy Huangmei to have troubled you here, it ultimately reflects my lack of proper discipline. I feel somewhat guilty. Here, I offer you an apology!"

With a somewhat probing intention, Maitreya Buddha spoke an apology to Jiang Liu.

"A Buddha apologizes to me?" Maitreya Buddha's words genuinely surprised Jiang Liu, completely unforeseen by him.

Although surprised internally, Jiang Liu also knew that since making a fuss would not bring any benefit, he might as well maintain a sincere façade with a smile and express his loyalty to the Buddhist Sect, lulling the other party into a false sense of security.

"Buddha speaks such words, which truly humble your disciple. Such behavior, truly overwhelming for your disciple, this apology is something I dare not accept!"

"In my heart, I hold the greatest admiration for Buddha. Buddha's face is always smiling at the world's absurdities; his tolerance is vast enough to accept what the world cannot. Such breadth of mind from Maitreya Buddha is admirable!"

"Although Huangmei is a child servant under Buddha's seat, as the saying goes, 'One should take responsibility for one's own actions.' How can blame be placed upon Buddha's head? Besides, although he has troubled me, he has not harmed my life and his offense is not unforgivable!"

If making a fuss would not bring benefits, then it was better to maintain a seemingly deep emotional connection. Therefore, Jiang Liu let loose his verbal prowess, lavishing praise upon Maitreya Buddha.

After all, he would just say whatever sounded pleasant.

While Maitreya Buddha's face was often smiling, at this moment, the smile seemed even thicker, his eyes squinting until they were nearly like a slit.

Everyone likes to hear flattering words.

However, some people like Sun Wukong, who lack cunning, would be so pleased upon hearing praise that they'd nearly turn cartwheels, while others who are more strategic—like Maitreya Buddha—simply retain a pretense of modesty on the surface.

Who is Xuanzang? The core of the Journey to the West Pilgrimage Team, and the person of destiny in this Immeasurable Kalpa, akin to the role of Jiang Ziya during the Deification catastrophe.

Maitreya Buddha had not expected that Xuanzang held such admiration for him!

This left Maitreya Buddha both shocked and delighted!

What's more, Xuanzang is the reincarnation of Master Golden Cicada! He is the second disciple of Tathagata, and yet now he admires me so much!?

Wherever there are people, there is a world, even within the Buddhist Sect it is not a solid block, and as one of the Three-World Buddha, the future ruler of the Buddhist Sect, Maitreya Buddha naturally has his own stance.

In the world's four major continents, the Great Thunder Monastery of Tathagata is located in West Niuhe State, but in Eastern Shengshen State, the Buddhist forces honor Maitreya Buddha as the most venerable.

It is also for this reason that Maitreya Buddha is also known as the Eastern Buddha!

"Who would have thought, Xuanzang values me so much, even adores me, could I use this to my advantage in the future? Perhaps I could use Xuanzang to elevate my prestige and suppress Tathagata!?"

Realizing the special admiration Xuanzang had for him, Maitreya Buddha's mind suddenly harbored such a thought.

Of course, everything depends on the right timing!

"Amitabha, in any case, I have failed you this time, and as a Buddha, consider it a favor I owe you. If there is anything you need help with in the future, feel free to visit me at the Eastern Temple in Eastern Shengshen State!" Thinking of maintaining a relationship with Xuanzang, which might be very useful in the future, Maitreya Buddha then spoke up.

"Should the opportunity arise, Disciple will surely come to visit!"

Listening to Maitreya Buddha's words, which did not seem like an empty promise, Jiang Liu was surprised, delighted, and confused, but outwardly, he remained composed and nodded seriously in response.

As the conversation ended, Maitreya Buddha and Jiang Liu chatted briefly, and both seemed to get along very harmoniously!

Jiang Liu showed great respect and admiration to Maitreya Buddha.

And Maitreya Buddha demonstrated significant appreciation for Jiang Liu as well.

Only, watching their direct interaction, wishing they could become sworn brothers on the spot, Sun Wukong and the others were dumbfounded.

Just now, weren't they locked in a life-and-death struggle with Ancestor Huangmei? And they knew early on about Master's plan; Sun Wukong and the others were aware that Master had the intention of killing and seizing treasures.

But why are they now so respectful toward Maitreya Buddha?

If Master showed the same tenacity as he did with Guanyin, trying to gain some benefits, Sun Wukong and the others might accept it.

But this behavior, they were completely dumbfounded.

Since even Sun Wukong and his companions were dumbfounded, it goes without saying that Ancestor Huangmei beside them was even more utterly confused.

What's going on!? How is it that the Buddha is behaving like this toward Xuanzang? So enthusiastic?

Even if Bodhisattvas or other Buddhas came, it wouldn't be enough to make the Buddha so warm, would it? What is happening?

A face of confusion, three faces of confusion, five faces of confusion...

All of Sun Wukong and his companions wore bewildered expressions.

But they didn't speak up or interrupt, only silently watching.

After chatting back and forth for about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Maitreya Buddha finally spoke to take his leave.

"Humble respects, Buddha!" Jiang Liu bowed deeply with a devout expression to Maitreya Buddha.

"Xuanzang, remember, if you have the chance, come find me at the Eastern Temple in Eastern Shengshen State!" Maitreya Buddha said to Jiang Liu with a radiant smile on his face.

As the sound of his voice faded, Maitreya Buddha took Ancestor Huangmei and flew directly to the east.

"Master, what's so special about Maitreya Buddha? Why do you—?" Once Maitreya Buddha was a good distance away, Sun Wukong stepped forward and asked with confusion.

This question echoed the shared bewilderment of the disciples, who were all staring at Jiang Liu with surprise.

"Hold your questions for now, Master has some matters to think over carefully..." Jiang Liu's smiling face returned to seriousness as he didn't respond to Sun Wukong's inquiry but instead appeared deep in thought.

Today, the enthusiasm of Maitreya Buddha was totally unexpected to Jiang Liu, somewhat unreasonable, and Jiang Liu secretly marveled at it, thinking he needed to sort this out carefully and understand why.

Hearing Jiang Liu's reply, Sun Wukong and the others looked at each other, naturally dropping the idea of pressing further for explanations.

...

"Amitabha..." Elsewhere in the Purple Bamboo Forest of the South Sea, Guanyin chanted a low Buddhist hymn, her face showing a pained expression.

Thinking back on her journey thus far, with its heavy losses, the ninety-nine difficulties felt like her own personal ordeal.

Seeing the situation between Xuanzang and Maitreya Buddha, no matter how Guanyin thought about it, she couldn't reconcile her feelings.

"So it means that, just because I am a Bodhisattva, that makes it right for me to be bullied?"

"Maitreya Buddha is a Buddha, so that's why Xuanzang is so devout?"

"I didn't expect, Xuanzang would be so mercenary!?"

Guanyin cursed inwardly, but felt helpless as her own status was inferior.

But I won't accept this!