Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 313 - 89 Conflict

Anan and Kashyapa were cultivating Buddhism at the Great Thunderclap Monastery. Now, with Tathagata absent, and all the great Bodhisattvas and Buddhas having returned to their own dojos, the monastery seemed somewhat quiet.

Upon hearing the report from the Guardian Vajra, they could not help but frown.

"Sage Yu Ding and Yun Zhongzi are two well-known Immortals in the Three Realms," Anan said. "Now, for some unknown reason, they have come to Mount Ling, and they seem intent on accusing us of something."

Kashyapa, equally perplexed, said, "For these two to come here, it must be no small matter. We should go out and take a look."

As the two descended the mountain together, they saw Yun Zhongzi and his companion waiting at the gate and immediately greeted them with a smile, saying, "What wind has blown the two of you to Mount Ling? Why not inform us in advance so we could prepare an altar to welcome you?"

With a chuckle, Sage Yu Ding said, "There’s no need for a welcome. We have come today with an official grievance to present to you."

Hearing this, Anan and Kashyapa grew even more puzzled and asked, "May I ask what this grievance is that has brought the two of you here in person?"

"We have come regarding the matter of the Kingdom of Tarrycat," they replied. "Are you aware of the situation?"

"The Kingdom of Tarrycat?" Anan and Kashyapa exchanged glances before continuing, "We have heard of the Kingdom of Tarrycat. Reportedly, three Demons, whose origins are unknown, took the State Preceptor’s position and persecuted the monastic community. Great Sage Equalling Heaven, escorting Tang Monk to the Western Heaven for scriptures, happened upon Tarrycat and thus slew the three Demons, restoring clarity to the kingdom."

No sooner had they spoken than Sage Yu Ding scoffed coldly, "Restoring clarity to the kingdom, really? As far as I know, before the arrival of the Three Immortals, Tarrycat suffered a decade-long drought, immersing its people in misery. The monks there only knew how to extort wealth from the believers, lacking any compassion. Yet ever since the Three Immortals arrived in Tarrycat, the weather became favorable, and the people lived happily, except that these monks lost their lay support."

"Such words are inappropriate, my friend," Anan interjected unhappily. "Our Buddhism opens the door of convenience, guiding all sentient beings towards goodness. Even if you won’t speak for Buddhism, why do you persist in advocating for the Demons?"

"Demons, if they were ordinary Demons, how could they possess so many Divine Skills, and if they were ordinary Demons, how could they have such compassion?"

Anan responded confrontationally, "Heh, you make it sound as if these Demons are from your own household."

Without hiding anything, Yun Zhongzi gently added, "To tell the truth, these three Little Demons are Spiritual Beasts from Zhongnan Mountain that have achieved the Dao. Their only grievance was with an overbearing Monk’s rash words."

"So, it turns out these Demons are actually disciples of Daoist Yun Zhongzi. No wonder you two have come here to Mount Ling, demanding an explanation."

"Anan, you needn’t be sarcastic. Now, I ask you, regarding the death of the Three Immortals, has your Buddhism had any involvement?"

"What a joke! For a few insignificant Demons, does Buddhism need to scheme? Don’t hurl unfounded accusations. It’s rather you, as exalted Taoist cultivators, who, rather than diligently cultivating in seclusion, have become complicit with Demons. What is the meaning of this?"

Seeing that the altercation between them was escalating, Kashyapa and Yun Zhongzi, who were nearby, realized the situation was turning sour and quickly pulled the two arguing men apart.

"Hmph! Speaking up for Demons like that, I suspect that these Demons suppressing Buddhism and shaming our monastery must be instigated by you," Anan said, growing increasingly agitated.

"Anan, my fellow Taoist, please be careful with your words. I, Yun Zhongzi, have always conducted myself with integrity. If I truly harbored any ill intentions against Buddhism, let me face trials and tribulations, and may my body perish and my Tao vanish," Yun Zhongzi declared decisively.

No sooner had he spoken than everyone fell silent, for such an oath was too immense. With their level of cultivation, they were attuned to the heavens, and should they break an oath, the Heavenly Dao would surely bring calamities upon them. Therefore, once Yun Zhongzi made this vow, no one harbored any doubts.

Kashyapa also secretly let out a sigh of relief. He found the atmosphere today to be very odd. Although Anan was usually rather extreme in his views, it had never reached the extent it did that day. Just moments ago, he and Sage Yu Ding were at dagger drawn, so much so that Kashyapa had sweated palms.

This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.

At this moment, he had never been more eager for his Honored Master to return; he was barely keeping the situation under control. Read new chapters at novelbuddy

His worries soon materialized. Anan was heard murmuring softly, "Clearly a disciple of the Chan Sect, yet now claiming to be from the Taoist Sect. These Twelve Golden Immortals really are as the legends say—each one disloyal and unrighteous."

The voice was very soft and light, but everyone there was well-advanced in their cultivation, and such a volume was as good as speaking directly into their ears. How could they not hear clearly?

Instantly, the expressions on the people present changed, with Sage Yu Ding’s face turning as black as the bottom of a pot. He laughed in sheer anger and, pointing at a terrified Anan, said, "Very well, very well, I had not expected that now anyone would dare to bully us brothers. Today, I shall see for myself just how formidable the Buddhist sect is, to disdain us so."

Anan’s face was also full of terror. He clearly did not have such thoughts, but for some reason, those words had slipped out of his mouth naturally. At that moment, how could he not realize that he had been plotted against?

But now, he was at a loss for words, as everyone there had heard him clearly, and the words had unmistakably come from his own mouth.

Kashyapa’s heart also sank, realizing that with things having come this far, a peaceful resolution seemed unlikely.

And sure enough, Sage Yu Ding drew his sword and struck fiercely at Anan.

Sage Yu Ding was no ordinary immortal. He was one of the Twelve Golden Immortals, and had trained a disciple such as Yang Jian. Although he rarely took action, his strength was indeed among the very top tier.

As his sword came down, endless sword light illuminated Mount Ling. Although Anan was a disciple of Tathagata and a rising talent, he was still a newcomer. Moreover, while the Buddhist practices advanced quickly, their foundation could not compare to the profound depths of the Taoist Sect. As a result, under Sage Yu Ding’s wrathful blade, Anan found himself unable to resist.

Just as the dazzling sword light was about to fall on Anan’s head, a lamp suddenly lit up, as though lighting up ten thousand homes in the mortal realm. Although the flame was faint, it contained endless strength.

The flame of the lamp surged suddenly, casting a bright light that tightly protected Anan, preventing the sword light from descending upon his head.

Seeing this, Sage Yu Ding sneered, "What’s this, Ancient Buddha Dipamkara? Do you also believe that we are heartless and unrighteous?"

"Amitabha!" A Buddhist chant sounded as an old monk dressed in a kasaya slowly emerged from the light.

The old monk looked very aged, with white eyebrows drooping to his shoulders, a face full of wrinkles, hands clasped together, and a string of Buddhist beads hanging from his wrist. He was the Ancient Buddha of the past in Buddhism—Ancient Buddha Dipamkara—as well as the former Vice Sect Hierarch of the Chan Sect, Daoist Dipamkara.

"Yu Ding, it’s been many years since we’ve seen each other and it seems your temper has grown much larger," the old monk said with a slight smile as he opened his eyes to look at Sage Yu Ding in front of him.