Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 256 - 250: Buddha was Originally Tao【Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets】_1
Guanyin trapped Sha Chen’s alter ego, Daoist Hanshan, in the Yingchou Stream.
At the same time, Jin Chanzi, who had forsaken Buddhism to practice Daoism in his reincarnation, had all his hair plucked out and was pinned against the rock wall.
Jin Chanzi felt his reincarnated life was no longer worth living, his face filled with despair. Looking at the placid surface of the water above Yingchou Stream, he seemed to see Daoist Hanshan within, through the shimmering reflection.
He cried out, "Uncle-Disciple Hanshan, just go! Don’t worry about me anymore."
Although he had regained the memories of his past life, his current existence was still that of an independent individual. He did retain a sense of connection and loyalty to Hanshan. In this life, Hanshan had become acquainted with him as a guide.
In his reincarnation, Jin Chanzi had already taken a master—the very Sha Chen he worshiped in his previous life. In this life, Daoist Hanshan came as a friend of Sha Chen, so he was naturally called Uncle-Disciple.
Guanyin chuckled. "Amitabha. Jin Chanzi, it seems you are beset by demons. I must help you cast them out."
Furious, the reincarnated Jin Chanzi retorted, "You fiendish monk! Buddhism originally stemmed from Daoism. With such coercion, even if I were to enter Buddhism, I would never submit to you."
Guanyin replied, "I always act fairly and openly, never forcing anyone against their will. You’ve merely made a mistake, and I’m here to help you, with no expectation of gratitude."
The reincarnated Jin Chanzi roared, "I know everything you’ve said, and I will never embrace Buddhism! Give up on that idea."
Guanyin ignored him and picked up her horsetail whisk, preparing to take action against Daoist Hanshan in the Yingchou Stream.
Within, Daoist Hanshan, another facet of Sha Chen, wore a grave expression, his eyes flickering.
He gave a bitter smile. It seems I’m doomed to perish here today. I absolutely cannot expose my true identity.
Daoist Hanshan wasn’t particularly attached to this life; the main body’s well-being was paramount, though he felt some regret and reluctance. If this avatar died, the next one might not share the same harmonious relationship with Jin Chanzi. After all, each avatar was effectively an independent individual. Indeed. As long as Sha Chen was safe, this avatar was an independent entity. However, if Sha Chen encountered danger, the avatar would revert to being Sha Chen, effectively dissolving to allow for a rebirth.
In essence, this avatar served as Sha Chen’s second chance at life.
Sha Chen himself did not wish for this avatar to die, as it was not easy to cultivate one. It had been over a hundred years, and Daoist Hanshan’s strength had only just reached the peak of Golden Immortal status, not yet attaining the rank of Greater Primordial Golden Immortal. Given his average talents and potential, and lacking sufficient resources, merely possessing Dao Techniques and Divine Powers was not enough.
However, he didn’t need to be exceptionally strong. His mission from Sha Chen was to guide Jin Chanzi, to teach and resolve his doubts. His other purpose was to act as Sha Chen’s trump card: to survive securely. That was all.
Now, his dissolution was at hand.
Guanyin was about to make her move, and Daoist Hanshan had no desire whatsoever to confront her. He had secretly buried the Magical Tool Golden Cloud Crown he carried, so it wouldn’t fall into Guanyin’s hands, planning for another avatar to retrieve it later.
Just as he prepared to act, the reincarnated Jin Chanzi shouted fiercely, "Guanyin, I am willing to convert to Buddhism with you, on one condition: you must not kill him!"
Guanyin halted. "It seems you possess deep affection for him. This is a stumbling block to your Buddhist Law cultivation." She shook her head slightly. "I advise you to let go of your attachment and your thoughts. Such reckless feelings will only hinder your progress in Buddhist practice."
Saying this, she took out the Vase of Mutton-Fatjade, drawing away the water of Yingchou Stream and revealing Daoist Hanshan standing in the mud.
She laughed. "You are barely at the peak of Golden Immortal status. What right do you have to be Jin Chanzi’s guide? Who is the mastermind behind you? Speak, and perhaps I can grant you the chance to attain Buddhahood on the spot."
Daoist Hanshan, resigned to his fate, showed no fear. "Guanyin Bodhisattva, word has it that you’re benevolent and kind. Today, our philosophies merely diverge. Why force me to a dead end?"
Guanyin had been observing Daoist Hanshan closely and performing divinations. However, to her surprise, she found his background to be exceptionally ordinary: a mere mortal who had attained the Dao and then cultivated for over a hundred years.
HISS.
Over a hundred years to achieve the peak of Golden Immortal status? Guanyin’s eyes glimmered with an appreciation for talent, a hint of it flashing in their depths. This Daoist’s gifts are anything but ordinary.
Guanyin had already considered subduing Daoist Hanshan but first needed to identify his secret supporter. Her method of subjugation, however, was suppression—beating him until he submitted. In the original tales, figures like the Black Bear Monster and Red Boy, even Guanyin’s mount during the Divine Enthronement, had all been brought to submission through her beatings. If they did not submit, she would beat them again. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦
She was confident Daoist Hanshan could not escape her grasp. She was also sure she could uncover the mastermind behind him. Uncovering the mastermind would be a great achievement for her.
As Guanyin moved to act, the reincarnated Jin Chanzi suddenly bellowed, "Guanyin, if you insist on this senseless killing, I would rather die than let you have me!"
Guanyin retorted, "Are you threatening me?"
The reincarnated Jin Chanzi replied, "I know you people want to use me, to turn me into a pawn for your plan to retrieve the scriptures. But now that I’m aware, I will not be manipulated."
Guanyin declared, "You do realize you’re playing with fire."
The reincarnated Jin Chanzi continued, "If he dies today, so will I."
Guanyin suddenly smiled. "Amitabha. Do you not know? The Buddha has commanded that your life or death is of no consequence to me. In this life, you have already been branded with the Dao. Even if I let you continue on your quest for the scriptures, it would be difficult for you to achieve greatness. Therefore, your death is, in fact, inevitable."
Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation was stupefied. He had never imagined that his role in Buddhism could be so dispensable. Or, to be more precise, his life and death seemed completely insignificant to Buddhism.
Want to die? Buddhism could even escort you on your way.
Guanyin said, "However, before you die, let me show you the fate of those who dare to disrupt the Buddha’s decisions." She said no more. With her horsetail whisk in hand, she swept it towards Daoist Hanshan, intending to kill him.
Far away at the Flowing Sand River, Sha Chen picked up the Sky Shaking Bow and Shooting Sun Divine Arrow, but in the end, he chose to set them down. Everyone knew he possessed the Sky Shaking Bow and Shooting Sun Divine Arrow. Even from tens of thousands of miles away, an arrow shot from it could have troubled Guanyin. But that would have exposed him.
Why should he save Daoist Hanshan? Not only would the people of Buddhism become suspicious, but so would the Heavenly Court and the powerful forces throughout the world. They would then discover that Daoist Hanshan was Sha Chen’s man, and that Sha Chen was the one pulling the strings. The next moment, perhaps all the Buddhas of Lingjiu Mountain would descend upon the Flowing Sand River. Sha Chen wasn’t sure that the Apricot Yellow Flag of Wuji and Black Tortoise Armor could withstand all the Buddhas of Lingjiu Mountain.
Therefore, he chose not to act, letting Daoist Hanshan fend for himself.
Just at that moment, divine light suddenly appeared in the sky. A streak of light flew from the east, several streaks of light from the west, and more than a dozen from the south.
Daoist Hanshan was stunned.
Guanyin Bodhisattva retracted her murderous intent. She pressed her palms together, stood atop her lotus throne, and shone with the light of Buddha. Her earlier murderous demeanor vanished, replaced by an air of compassion. Then she silently recited the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra.
Desperation had begun to creep over Daoist Hanshan. But as he looked up at the sky, he recognized the streaks of light flying past.
The light flying from the east was Nezha, who had become a Daluo Golden Immortal. He was descending from the Golden Light Cave on Qianyuan Mountain and just happened to be passing by. After sensing Guanyin Bodhisattva’s aura, he came to pay his respects.
The streaks of light from the west were the Eight Immortals of the Heavenly Court, including Lv Dongbin. They were pursuing a great demon and, sensing Guanyin Bodhisattva’s earth-shattering aura, had come to investigate.
From the south came a group of celestial maidens: none other than Fairy Chang E, accompanied by Su E and other fairies from Guanghan Palace. They were carrying baskets as though they were picking flowers, passing by and descending near Yingchou Stream.
As these three groups landed, they each paid their respects to Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Nezha said, "Why is there such a fearsome killing aura here? Bodhisattva, are you angry?"
Guanyin replied with a laugh, "Amitabha, I have not been angry."
Nezha smiled again. "Since the Bodhisattva is here, why not accompany me to the Golden Light Cave on Qianyuan Mountain? My master said he misses the Bodhisattva and wishes to discuss the Dao."
A glint flashed in Guanyin’s eyes as she smiled gently. "I am aware."
The Eight Immortals also paid their respects to the Bodhisattva. The two strongest among them, Iron Crutch Li and Lv Dongbin, stepped forward with cheery, clasped fists. "Bodhisattva, we are pursuing a peerless great demon. Might you lend us a hand in subduing it?" they asked.
Guanyin nodded with a smile. "Subduing demons and conquering devils is our duty, of course."
Chang E and the others, happening upon this place, also paid their respects. "We have descended to gather herbs, planning to brew a new batch of osmanthus wine. We did not expect to encounter the Bodhisattva. May you be at peace, Bodhisattva."
Guanyin nodded. "Star Lord, you have become a Da Luo. Congratulations are in order."
Chang E smiled and nodded, then scanned the surroundings. She saw the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi nailed to the rock wall and Daoist Hanshan in the mire, and a thought struck her. She was oblivious to the relationship between Daoist Hanshan and Sha Chen but knew that Sha Chen did not favor Guanyin. Moreover, she sensed that Guanyin seemed to be targeting Daoist Hanshan. Combining this with recent rumors that Jin Chanzi’s reincarnation had forsaken Buddhism for Daoist cultivation, she figured it was mostly to do with this man.
The one Guanyin wanted to kill, she wanted to save. Her eyes twinkled as she said, "Bodhisattva, this Daoist seems rather peculiar. Could it be that he has offended you?"
The others also sensed the tension but dared not speak up. Given Chang E’s high status, it was appropriate for her to speak.
Guanyin replied, "This man has undermined the foundation of Buddhism and disrupted the great undertaking of the scripture quest. I am here to reason with him."
Daoist Hanshan chuckled. "Bodhisattva, our discussion has concluded. I am returning Jin Chanzi to you, and with that, I shall take my leave."
With that, he turned and rapidly retreated into the distance, vanishing in an instant.
Guanyin frowned, tempted to chase after him. But if she did, she risked Jin Chanzi escaping to that person behind the scenes, jeopardizing the scripture quest, which would be far from ideal. She also regretted not killing the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi earlier. Now, with everyone watching, it was naturally impossible to do so.
