Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 312 - 88: Mount Ling

Sand Monk also spoke with an unsettled soul, "Being able to escape from the hands of the Three Immortals, we might be the first ones, huh?"

The Monkey, however, clenched his teeth and stood firm, speaking fiercely, "Still too weak, I need to become stronger."

For the first time facing a power about to transcend, the Monkey clearly recognized the gap between him and the strongest beings among the divine; however, this did not demoralize him, instead, it kindled a strong fighting spirit in his heart.

Yet, for others, that will flickered by unnoticed.

In Tushita Palace of the Thirty-Three Heavens, Elder Lord suddenly commanded his mount, the Green Ox, "Take my Vajra Bracelet and descend to the mortal world to block Tang Monk’s journey to the West."

The Green Ox was baffled, wasn’t this Journey to the West critical for the transcendence of the three esteemed lords? Why would he be asked to impede the journey, and even with the Vajra Bracelet, clearly, he did not want Tang Monk to proceed.

However, Elder Lord did not offer further explanation, merely stating softly, "You needn’t worry about the details. Whomever you confront, do not hold back, for I will intervene when the time is right."

Seeing Elder Lord’s serious expression, the Green Ox did not question further, respectably bowed, and turned to descend to the mortal realm.

Meanwhile, the Monkey and others had already rejuvenated their spirits, staging a grand play that toyed with the three State Preceptors; it was only feasible by leveraging the grace of the Three Immortals, to intimidate the Three Immortals.

By that time, the Three Immortals had already been blinded by the Demonic Qi, lost their senses, forgetting the teachings of Yun Zhongzi, and knew only brute confrontation, eventually losing their lives in the conflict with the Monkey and others.

Yun Zhongzi in Zhongnan Mountain sensed something amiss, and prepared to intervene, only to have his move unexpectedly blocked by a Buddha Light emerging from nowhere.

"Buddhism?" Yun Zhongzi asked in surprise.

No one in the sky responded to his question, yet the Buddha Light truly blocked his move.

"Buddhism, what is your intention?" Master Yu Ding also shouted angrily from beside.

This act of Buddhism was possibly antagonistic toward the Taoist Sect. The Three Immortals had promoted Taoism greatly in the Kingdom of Tarrycat, suppressing Buddhism, leading to murderous disasters. Yun Zhongzi’s intervention being blocked clearly indicated that Buddhism intended to set an example, declaring to all realms that the Western Heaven belonged to Buddhism, and Taoism was unwelcome.

Still, the Buddha Light persisted in the void, yet no one answered.

"Don’t think you can muddle through by feigning ignorance; if this matter is not clarified, don’t blame me for heading to Mount Ling to confront Tathagata directly for an explanation."

Master Yu Ding was uncontrollably furious. Ever since Elder Lord emerged from retreat, transforming barbarians into Buddhists, the erstwhile Western Sect had vanished, replaced by Buddhism which, building on the legacy of the Western Sect, brought forth innovations and swiftly became the largest faith in the three realms, second only to the Taoist Sect.

Subsequently, due to the proselytizing activities and other issues, many frictions had arisen between Taoism and Buddhism. If not for the suppression by several saints from above, conflicts would have probably erupted long ago. This was exactly why Master Yu Ding was so infuriated now; this was clearly targeted at the Taoist Sect.

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However, only the breeze lingered, with no trace of any figure.

"Brother Yun Zhong, let us go to Mount Ling and seek justice. I must expose these elusive individuals this time," Master Golden Cauldron said with anger evident on his face.

Yun Zhongzi did not respond immediately. Instead, he lowered his head and pondered for a long time before he said, "I always feel that this matter is not so simple. It might be inappropriate for us to rush to Mount Ling so hastily."

"What’s there to fear? Buddhism is powerful, but is our Taoist Sect weak? I will send messages to several elder brothers immediately and ask them to come and support us. Moreover, although Manjushri and Samantabhadra have devoted themselves to Buddhism, they still hold some sentimental attachment towards it. I don’t believe they would dare to make a move on Mount Ling."

Yun Zhongzi was persuaded by Master Golden Cauldron’s words. After all, the Buddha Light was present, and the Three Immortals were clearly targeted for promoting Taoism over Buddhism. Either way, they could not avoid dealing with Buddhism.

So the two of them rode the auspicious clouds and flew directly to Mount Ling in the Western Heaven.

Mount Ling, located deep within Xiniu Hezhou, was a sacred mountain of Buddhism, with the Great Thunderclap Monastery situated there—like a prehistoric giant beast crouching on the earth, watching over all living beings.

For followers of Buddhism, being able to climb Mount Ling was a lifelong pursuit. Countless monks and nuns progressed towards Mount Ling at a slow pace with a pilgrimage in their hearts.

Every three steps they took, they would kneel and prostrate themselves, their foreheads and knees were already worn raw, with fresh red blood seeping out, but they paid no mind to these injuries, continuing their devout worship and silently reciting the Buddhist scriptures.

Painstaking Monk was one of them; his monk’s robe was already tattered and torn, and his knees were wounded from long periods of kneeling, with fresh blood slowly seeping out.

But his eyes were exceptionally bright, akin to the dazzling sun in the sky, and the most devout faith in his heart gave him infinite strength, making him forget the pain and fatigue on his body.

Looking up, he appeared to see the outline of Mount Ling in the distance—the supreme sacred mountain in believers’ hearts, where Tathagata had practiced.

Painstaking Monk licked his dry lips from the long journey, feeling joyous within. Mount Ling was now close at hand, and his long-held wish was about to be fulfilled.

Just then, he saw two auspicious clouds coming from the east, swiftly flying towards Mount Ling, leaving two white marks in the azure sky.

"Could it be some Immortal Gods passing by?" Painstaking Monk murmured to himself.

Since Mount Ling was the abode of Buddha, those who came and went must be of the caliber of Immortal Gods. Thinking so, Painstaking Monk’s steps became more determined as he walked toward Mount Ling. The passage of immortals made his reverence for this sacred mountain grow even stronger. He decided to find a place to wash up properly, tidy his appearance, put on a new monk’s robe, and then proceed towards Mount Ling, for the sacred mountain of Buddhism should not be besmirched.

However, the immortals he saw were now unapologetically at the foot of Mount Ling, and were instantly stopped by the Guardian Vajra.

"Two High Immortals, what brings you to my Mount Ling?" the Guardian Vajra asked solemnly and authoritatively.

Master Golden Cauldron said, "Where is Tathagata? Tell him that Master Golden Cauldron and Yun Zhongzi have come to Mount Ling to visit the World Honored One."

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The Guardian Vajra frowned slightly, noting that Master Golden Cauldron and Yun Zhongzi seemed to bear ill will, but he spoke, "Our Buddha Tathagata was invited to the Heavenly Court a few days ago to preach the scriptures and discuss the law with the Jade Emperor. He is not in Mount Ling at the moment. If you two High Immortals do not have urgent matters, please consider coming back in a few days."

"Since Tathagata is not here, let someone in charge from your Buddhism come out. We have matters to inquire about."

The Vajra realized that this was probably no trivial matter. After all, even he, a native of the Western Heaven, had heard of these two men’s reputations. It seemed unlikely that they had come for something minor.

So he hurried towards the Great Thunderclap Monastery to find Anan and Kashyapa, who could take charge.