Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything

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Although the coordination of the Journey to the West had been entrusted to Maitreya Buddha, Xuanzang was, after all, the reincarnation of his second disciple, Master Golden Cicada. As such, the matter of the Journey to the West was of great concern to Tathagata.

And naturally, Tathagata was also keeping an eye on Jiang Liu's visit to the Underworld.

Even though Ksitigarbha was a member of the Buddhist Sect, he had always been at odds with them—a fact well-known to Tathagata.

Almost every time Xuanzang went to the Underworld to find Ksitigarbha, he was refused an audience, which was consistent with Ksitigarbha's character and not at all surprising.

But today, Ksitigarbha was willing to meet him, as if the last time Xuanzang was cast out it had never happened. This naturally made Tathagata feel puzzled.

When did Xuanzang's relationship with Ksitigarbha become so close? Why had he never known about it?

"Strange, what's going on with Ksitigarbha? Why did he easily agree to meet with Xuanzang?"

Even Tathagata was so concerned about this matter, and as the current Coordinator of the Journey to the West, Maitreya Buddha was naturally paying close attention as well.

Watching Xuanzang effortlessly enter Ksitigarbha Cave, Maitreya Buddha grew anxious.

The Spider Demoness had become a member of the Buddhist Sect, and naturally, it was Maitreya Buddha who orchestrated this. Maitreya Buddha also knew that the soul of the Spider Demoness eventually ended up in the hands of Ksitigarbha.

At this meeting, could it be that the Spider Demoness had fallen into Xuanzang's hands? And, could the fact that he intentionally framed Xuanzang in the past be exposed?

If this were to be revealed, it would be a huge blow to his reputation!

"Amitabha, it shouldn't be so easy, right? Ksitigarbha's duty is to oversee the reincarnation of Immortals and Buddhas. Usually, even if Tathagata and I wanted to reclaim a soul, it wouldn't be easy. It's only Xuanzang, he couldn't possibly obtain it from Ksitigarbha... no worries, no worries..." In the midst of his unease, Maitreya Buddha soon comforted himself.

Yes, Ksitigarbha would not easily act unfairly.

Otherwise, his relationship with the Buddhist Sect wouldn't have become so strained.

...

Leaving aside the doubts in the hearts of the two Buddhas, and their unease, after a long time and under their watchful eyes, Jiang Liu finally emerged from Ksitigarbha Cave.

Clutched in Jiang Liu's hand was a strand of soul; it was the lost soul of the Spider Demoness.

"He actually obtained the soul of the Spider Demoness from the hands of Ksitigarbha! How is this possible? How did he do it?"

Seeing Jiang Liu walking out from Ksitigarbha Cave, and even holding the soul of the Spider Demoness, both Tathagata and Maitreya Buddha were dumbfounded.

Of course, what filled them more was doubt!

Because they understood how difficult it was to obtain a soul from Ksitigarbha, they knew just how incredible it was for Jiang Liu to have achieved this.

After all, not even Tathagata had been given such a favor previously.

Little White Dragon, destined to be a part of the Journey to the West Pilgrimage Team, was not revived by Ksitigarbha after death. It was only when Tathagata offered a Ninth Grade Merit Golden Lotus that the resurrection was successful.

How, then, did Xuanzang manage to do it today?

"Amitabha, Xuanzang, if in the future you wish to bring back anyone's soul, speak with me!"

Following Jiang Liu's departure from Ksitigarbha Cave, a voice echoed from within; it was Ksitigarbha's words.

"What!?"

The two puzzled Buddhas were even more dumbfounded upon hearing this.

Not only had Xuanzang succeeded in obtaining a soul from Ksitigarbha this time, but Ksitigarbha had also invited him to come frequently in the future?

What on earth happened?

Or when did Xuanzang and Ksitigarbha's relationship become so close? Why was I unaware?

"Hmph!"

However, within the Underworld, upon hearing these words from Ksitigarbha, Xuanzang, far from being pleased, turned his head and snorted coldly.

Surprise, doubt, shock!

The two Buddhas were already finding it hard to believe, but seeing Xuanzang's reaction, they were even more astonished. What was going on? Not only was Xuanzang not pleased, but he also seemed very angry. What exactly had happened?

"Xuanzang, I'll take this Brocade Kasaya without reservation. Remember, you can also exchange your Nine-Ring Staff for one person, and your Eighteen-Grade Lotus can even exchange for two. Feel free to visit again..."

Right after, Ksitigarbha's voice resounded once more.

But Xuanzang had no reaction to his words, immediately leaving the Underworld to return to the Mortal World.

Boom!

Yet, Ksitigarbha's words struck the two Buddhas like a thunderbolt from the blue, leaving them completely astonished!

What!? To retrieve the soul of the Spider Demoness, Xuanzang traded his Brocade Kasaya? Did he realize the value of what he had exchanged? That was his protection! To think, he traded it to Ksitigarbha!?

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Prodigal! Such a prodigal child!

Although the Buddhist Sect is large and wealthy, treasures like the Brocade Kasaya are not plentiful. How could such a relic be given away so easily?

The Tathagata felt a tightness in his chest, almost wishing he could spit out a mouthful of blood in frustration.

The Brocade Kasaya, born from the Plain Colored Cloud Boundary Flag of the Innate Five-Directional Flag, such a treasure—was it really exchanged just for the soul of a Spider Demoness?

"No wonder..."

The tightness in his chest was uncomfortable, but at that moment, the Tathagata had a sudden realization.

No wonder he had not seen Xuanzang's face in ordinary times, yet today, he had his disciples waiting at the entrance of the Ksitigarbha Cave early on, to directly welcome Xuanzang inside.

And no wonder Xuanzang was able to successfully demand the soul of the Spider Demoness from Ksitigarbha.

So, everything was like this!

Previously, the soul of White Dragon Horse had been extorted for a Ninth Grade Merit Golden Lotus.

Today, for the soul of this Spider Demoness, Xuanzang was extorted for a Brocade Kasaya. It all makes sense, doesn't it?

It's no surprise that Ksitigarbha would be so cheerful as to even send someone to greet Xuanzang at the entrance of Ksitigarbha Cave for a treasure like the Tranquil Orchid Kasaya.

"Amitabha Buddha..." With a tightness in his chest and great pain, after a moment of silence, the Tathagata whispered the Buddha's name and then, his chariot moved, leaving the Western Spirit Mountain.

...

"Amitabha Buddha, I trust Maitreya Buddha is well!" the Tathagata said as he came directly before Maitreya Buddha.

"I pay respects to the Tathagata Buddha!" replied Maitreya Buddha with a slight nod.

"Your handling of the Journey to the West is commendable," said the Tathagata without any superfluous words, a statement that was actually a backhanded compliment.

Maitreya Buddha's smile stiffened slightly, unsure of how to respond.

"The Brocade Kasaya, which I transformed from the Plain Colored Cloud Boundary Flag for Xuanzang's safety on the Journey to the West, is now gone due to your scheming. Now that the Journey to the West is not even halfway complete, and such an important treasure has been lost, Maitreya Buddha, can you truly account for any potential mishaps that may occur on the way?" The Tathagata questioned Maitreya Buddha in a commanding tone.

"This..." Having no good answer and without the logic on his side, Maitreya Buddha, when faced with such interrogation by the Tathagata, hung his head, finding himself speechless.

Moreover, the great Journey to the West was indeed the most important matter for the Buddhist Sect currently, and even the slightest threat had to be swiftly dealt with, for it's better to be safe than sorry.

"Then, I wonder, Tathagata, do you have any advice?" After a long silence, Maitreya Buddha asked the Tathagata.

"It's simple, make up for whatever has been lost," said the Tathagata, his gaze falling on Maitreya Buddha.

This statement caused Maitreya Buddha to frown deeply.

He clearly understood the meaning behind Tathagata's words, which was to use the Green Lotus Treasured Flag as compensation, wasn't it?

The thought of offering the Green Lotus Treasured Flag as compensation made Maitreya Buddha's heart ache immensely.

Yet, he found no response to Tathagata's words.

The safety of Xuanzang was indeed of utmost importance. Otherwise, the Tathagata would not have bestowed upon him the Nine-Ring Staff and the Brocade Kasaya.

Now, the Brocade Kasaya was given away by Jiang Liu to Ksitigarbha due to his own strategy. Was it not reasonable to expect a treasure of the same caliber, the Green Lotus Treasured Flag, in return?

However, while that might be reasonable, the willingness to part with such a treasure is another matter entirely.

The Tathagata paid no mind to Maitreya Buddha's current feelings, simply lowering his head slightly, as if in feigned sleep, his spirit wandering elsewhere while quietly waiting for Maitreya Buddha to make a decision.

This decision was a difficult one!

Should he offer up the Green Lotus Treasured Flag? Reluctance gnawed at him.

Yet, what if Xuanzang indeed encountered a life-threatening situation?

If Xuanzang's soul then fell into Ksitigarbha's hands, it surely could not be reclaimed with a mere Green Lotus Treasured Flag, could it?

"Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha speaks wisely. I shall attend to this matter myself!" After a lengthy silence, Maitreya Buddha spoke awkwardly, uttering Buddha's name softly.

As his words fell, Maitreya Buddha, without any intention of bidding farewell to the Tathagata, turned and left immediately.

Tathagata quietly watched Maitreya Buddha's retreating figure, a slight smile curling at the edges of his mouth.

Indeed, it was a pity to lose the Brocade Kasaya, but with Maitreya Buddha offering up the Green Lotus Treasured Flag in its place, all would be well.

It seemed, after all, that there would be no loss on his side—the only loss would be Maitreya Buddha's, correct?

After all, though Maitreya Buddha may be the Coordinator of the Journey to the West, Xuanzang was a reincarnation of his own disciple.

Therefore, any treasures acquired by Xuanzang could be considered his own.

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