Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 588 - 582: Blissful Here, Not Thinking About the Western Paradise [Subscription and Monthly Ticket Requested]_1

Tang Sanzang threw a punch that turned the tiger into pulp.

The hunter, who had been secretly hiding in the woods, was instantly dumbfounded. His face was expressionless, his eyes filled with terror and shock.

Wasn't it said that Tang Sanzang is of a pure and kind nature, generous and charitable, afraid to sweep the floor lest he hurt an ant, and treasuring even the moths drawn to a lamplight? How could he kill a tiger with his own hands? And how is his strength so immense that he could defeat a tiger with a mere punch, leaving it no chance to fight back?

The hunter was terrified, unsure of what to do. He had intended to report back to Heaven after killing the tiger himself, then advise Tang Sanzang, and finally invite him to stay at his home. This was his mission, his destiny; if he succeeded, he could share in the spoils of this great calamity of the Journey to the West. But now that the tiger was dead, he had no opportunity to play his part.

Since that's the case, how can I earn Tang Sanzang's gratitude? And how can I even bring myself to invite him to my home to guide him and steady his Buddhist faith?

After killing the tiger, Tang Sanzang continued on his way, looking nothing like a monk. He hoisted the Nine-ring Tin Staff onto his shoulder, draped the Kasaya around himself, and led the white horse—its legs weak with fright—onward.

The hunter in the woods didn't know what to do, as Tang Sanzang was about to leave Double Fork Ridge. Hunter Liu Boqin's eyes twinkled; he decided to test Tang Sanzang once more. He sneaked back into the depths of the forest and caught several more tigers. He whispered into their ears, commanding them to block Tang Sanzang's path. The tigers understood human nature and knew the ferocity of the Protector of Mountain Town; they didn't dare to disobey and readily complied.

AWOOO! The tigers' roars echoed throughout Double Fork Ridge, startling countless birds and beasts, scaring away innumerable insects and fowl.

Tang Sanzang halted, planted his Nine-ring Tin Staff in the ground before him, and gripped the reins to prevent the terrified white horse from bolting. He stood his ground, only to see three majestic tigers appear before him. Their ferocious aura was palpable as they eyed him menacingly.

Tang Sanzang laughed. "Are we having a tiger plague in Double Fork Ridge today? So many tigers have come out to wreak havoc."

He added, "Well then, let me rid the people of this menace today and eliminate the tigers of Double Fork Ridge."

Tang Sanzang showed no fear. Judging by his expression, he appeared ready to kill the three tigers with his bare hands, just as before.

But this time, he was a step too slow. The hunter leaped out, steel trident in hand, and engaged the three tigers in battle. Tang Sanzang watched with a calm smile, neither offering help nor leaving, as if everything was under his control.

As the hunter fought the tigers, he also kept an eye on Tang Sanzang. Seeing that the monk was not afraid and hadn't left made him feel even less confident.

What's the deal with this monk? Wasn't he supposed to be a mere mortal? How can he kill tigers so easily? And he isn't scared at all, even seeing three of them! If he isn't afraid, how am I supposed to strengthen his faith and encourage him to continue the Journey to the West to obtain the scriptures?

The hunter was at a loss but could only stick to the plan: kill the three tigers within an hour. Then, neither blushing nor out of breath, he wielded his steel trident and dragged the three dead tigers before Tang Sanzang.

He burst into hearty laughter. "Elder, may I ask where you have come from and where you are headed?"

Tang Sanzang replied with a calm smile, "I come from China, on my way to the West to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures."

The hunter sighed in relief. It seemed this monk was still committed to his mission—the very same Tang Sanzang on the Journey to the West.

If that's the case, then everything should be straightforward.

The hunter said, "I am Liu Boqin, a hunter who makes his living in these mountains. It's rare to see tigers around here. Seeing several in one day is even more unusual."

He continued, "However, this shows that Double Fork Ridge is fraught with danger. It's getting late, and more tigers might appear. Elder, why don't you rest at my home for the night and continue your journey to the West early tomorrow morning?"

Tang Sanzang wore a peculiar expression. He nodded slightly with a faint smile, agreeing.

The hunter felt a pang of guilt. He couldn't shake the feeling that this Tang Sanzang was no ordinary mortal and that his intentions had been seen through. But the arrow was already nocked and had to be loosed. He had no choice but to steel himself, invite Tang Sanzang back to his home, and continue his task.

At the foot of Double Fork Ridge stood a few houses enclosed by a fence. The yard was hung with various dried meats and animal skins. An elderly woman and a young woman were playing with a child. They joyfully greeted the hunter upon his return. They were not strangers to Tang Sanzang either, proactively greeting him and showing respect.

When the hunter informed his family about the situation in the mountains, they were filled with astonishment. The old woman immediately took Tang Sanzang's hands and said, "Elder, you are a good man, journeying to the West to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures for the salvation of all beings. Please, allow us to do something for you."

She then instructed her son and daughter-in-law to quickly prepare a vegetarian meal to host the Elder. Liu Boqin also brought out some dried meat and homemade wine to offer Tang Sanzang.

The old woman didn't mind. In truth, they were all celestial generals sent down from Heaven by the Jade Emperor to test Tang Sanzang and escort him beyond the borders of the Tang Country. The Jade Emperor had also ordered that Tang Sanzang not be harmed. Instead, he was to be tested thoroughly, taking into account his dedication to Buddhism.

Now that they've offered him meat and wine, if Tang Sanzang's dedication to Buddhism is truly unshakeable, he will surely resist.

But what happened next left them dumbfounded and at a loss.

Faced with the family's hearty offering of wine and game, Tang Sanzang accepted everything. He drank the wine down to the last drop and ate the meat, completely disregarding all monastic dietary restrictions. Watching Tang Sanzang down an entire jar of wine in one gulp and devour a tiger leg in just a few bites left Liu Boqin's family utterly stunned. They looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

Liu Boqin quickly asked, "Elder, aren't you a follower of Buddhism? Aren't you on your way to the West to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures? How can you consume meat and wine, violating the monastic vows?"

Tang Sanzang replied meaningfully, "Wasn't it your family's generous insistence that I couldn't possibly decline? If I didn't eat, wouldn't I be disrespecting you and spurning your kind intentions? My heart couldn't bear to do that."

Liu Boqin's family was left speechless. Now, they were even more panicked.

Tang Sanzang ate relentlessly, not stopping until he had consumed an entire tiger and finished off three large jars of aged wine. Then, he patted his belly and laughed heartily. "Truly satisfying! Good wine, good meat, the good life! With such joy here, one could indeed forget the West!"

He continued, "Many thanks to Brother Liu and his family for their generous hospitality. I wonder if I might impose upon you to stay here for, say, a year or two? I'd like to eat more tiger meat and build up my strength before proceeding to the West to seek the scriptures."

HISS! Liu Boqin's family drew a collective sharp breath, utterly terror-stricken.

It is easy to invite a god; it's difficult to send one away.

If the Jade Emperor and the Buddha were to learn that Tang Sanzang had eaten meat, drunk wine, and now found such joy here that he no longer thought of the West... they themselves would undoubtedly be unable to escape a terrible fate!