Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 412 - 406: Jade Emperor and Tathagata Fighting Over People【Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets】_1
Ran Deng Buddha himself declared they should attack.
As for the others, it went without saying; they were all clamoring to fight and kill.
"Buddhism’s reputation cannot be tarnished. The Arhat Hall has suffered heavy losses, and this must be avenged."
"Sha Chen is merely a pawn of Buddhism, yet he has had the audacity to turn the tables on us, committing a grave and terrible sin."
"Indeed, we must take down Sha Chen; otherwise, we will have lost all face."
Most of Buddhism’s disciples supported Ran Deng Buddha’s proposal to use force against Sha Chen.
Tathagata remained silent throughout.
He then looked towards Maitreya Buddha, whose eyes roamed restlessly, and said, "Venerable Maitreya, what is your take on this matter?"
Maitreya Buddha, who had just been stripped of his power, hadn’t expected Tathagata to ask for his opinion again.
He then said, "Fighting is out of the question. If it had been possible, I would have done so long ago. Sha Chen’s stronghold is impregnable. Zhenyuanzi can’t get in, nor can I. May I ask, Ancient Buddha, can you?"
The assembly of Buddhas exchanged glances.
Most of them only knew of Sha Chen through hearsay because they couldn’t get involved and so hadn’t paid much attention.
They all knew that Sha Chen’s stronghold was impregnable, but they hadn’t realized it was *this* indestructible.
That even Zhenyuanzi couldn’t enter was indeed true. Furthermore, if even Maitreya Buddha couldn’t enter, it seemed they really had no options.
Ran Deng Buddha said, "This old monk also once attempted to enter. Back then, the stronghold wasn’t as solid; Yang Jian nearly smashed it open with the Seal of Fanning the Sky. Now it has become even more fortified, presumably reinforced."
"Zhenyuanzi can’t enter because he only possesses Divine Power but lacks the Magical Tool needed to breach the stronghold. Although I also don’t possess such a Magical Tool, I believe I can borrow one."
"For instance, the Seal of Fanning the Sky in Yang Jian’s hands almost broke through the Flowing Sand River. If it were in my hands, it would assuredly do so too."
Maitreya Buddha laughed heartily and said, "Do you think Guang Chengzi would lend you the Seal of Fanning the Sky? Are you planning to use your former status as Deputy Master of the Chan Sect to borrow Magical Tools?"
His words were full of mockery, and many of the other Buddhas also laughed. However, some were filled with anger, accusing Maitreya Buddha of inappropriate speech.
A flash of anger crossed Ran Deng Buddha’s eyes. This topic was his sorest point, a source of personal shame. No one had ever dared to bring it up. For Maitreya Buddha to do so publicly was a direct insult, a slap in his face that made it impossible for him to retreat gracefully.
During his Divine Enthronement, he had been the Vice Master of the Chan Sect, second only to the Saint, revered and esteemed. He joined Buddhism, in fact, for the sake of the Buddha’s throne. But who would have known that Tathagata would also join, taking his throne and relegating him to second in command?
Still second in command.
Previously, he had been second in command within the Chan Sect, under a Saint. Now, he was second in command at Lingjiu Mountain, under Tathagata, which markedly lowered his status. This infuriated Ran Deng Buddha and was a constant source of deep pain for him. But the deed was done, and he could not change it. Fortunately, he controlled considerable power within Buddhism and could claim a significant share of its fortune. It was somewhat different from being in the Chan Sect, where most of the fortune fell into the hands of Lord Yuan Shi, leaving little for his subordinates. This was also why Ran Deng Buddha had not left Buddhism after all this time.
He harrumphed and said, "This old monk was merely giving an example. To break through the Flowing Sand River, there isn’t just one or two Magical Tools capable of the feat; there should be quite a few."
Maitreya Buddha jabbed a few more times, infuriating Ran Deng Buddha. The two went back and forth, engaging in a heated exchange of accusations.
Then, their respective followers among the assembled Buddhas began to argue endlessly among themselves, blaming and cursing each other.
Maitreya Buddha accused Ran Deng Buddha of wishful thinking, of utterly futile efforts that would only further embarrass and discredit Buddhism.
Ran Deng Buddha countered that Maitreya Buddha had already tarnished Buddhism’s name and that he was now cleaning up his mess. For Maitreya to not only be ungrateful but also to hinder him was truly excessive.
The arguing continued unabated.
Tathagata’s expression was serene, his smile even broader than at the start. This was his deliberate doing. Buddhism could not be a monolithic entity unless it was under his leadership and command. Otherwise, those beneath him would fight their own battles and form alliances, capable of completely undermining his authority.
He had recently heard many rumors that the followers of Maitreya Buddha and Ran Deng Buddha were joining forces, signaling a significant intention to form an alliance. Maitreya Buddha had even tricked Green Lion and Bai Xiang into descending the mountain, and Manjushri and Samantabhadra were also growing closer to Maitreya Buddha. Previously, Manjushri and Samantabhadra had followed Ran Deng Buddha. Their recent closeness to Maitreya naturally made Tathagata uneasy. These two major opposition factions had to remain opposed; they absolutely could not be allowed to form an alliance.
So, with just a few simple words, Tathagata had driven a wedge between them.
Of course, were Ran Deng Buddha and Maitreya Buddha really at such loggerheads? Not exactly. They too knew that Tathagata might see through their actions. To put Tathagata at ease, they had to engage in such a heated exchange, attacking and denouncing each other. Otherwise, given their status, how could they possibly discredit and blame each other so publicly?
"Enough," Tathagata chastised. "You are all venerable figures of Buddhism. Such quarreling is unbefitting! What does this look like?"
"As for the matter of Sha Chen, I plan to resolve it personally. I had indeed given the task to Kassapa and Ananda. Since they did not handle it well, they must also be punished."
Kassapa and Ananda immediately stepped forward, bowing to accept the criticism and punishment.
Tathagata continued, "Your punishment will be noted for now. If you repeat the offense, the punishment will be increased."
The two expressed their thanks.
Maitreya Buddha and Ran Deng Buddha both sneered inwardly. Tathagata was merely making a grand gesture, only to let the matter pass lightly.
Tathagata continued, "Everyone says the Flowing Sand River is unbreakable, but I do not believe it. Very well, since none of you can handle it, I will deal with it myself."
"The great mission of Buddhism’s Journey to the West indeed brooks no delay. The Catastrophe is drawing near. The scripture seeker changed paths, only to die again. The sixth generation has already reincarnated. I fear there are only about two hundred years left until the true Catastrophe arrives."
He stood up and said, "In a mere two hundred years, we must accomplish something. The ninety-nine eighty-one tribulations have been properly rearranged, yet not a single scripture seeker has assumed their place."
"Without hundreds of years of cultivation and settling of the heart, how can they willingly embark on the Journey to the West?"
He added, "I plan to hold an Ullambana Buddha Assembly. At that time, I will invite all those devoted to Buddhism from across the lands and impart the Buddhist Law. The scripture-seeking candidates are all among those invited; this will be a test of their devotion to Buddhism."
Maitreya Buddha said, "Buddha, Sha Chen is at loggerheads with us. Are we also to invite him?"
Tathagata replied, "Invite him. I shall personally extend the invitation."
At this moment, someone came to report that the Heavenly Emperor Jade Emperor had personally arrived at Lingjiu Mountain.
The assembled Buddhas were startled.
Tathagata said, "All of you, accompany me to welcome the Jade Emperor."
The Buddhas followed and met the Jade Emperor.
As soon as the Jade Emperor spoke, he inquired about Sha Chen, clearly very concerned.
Kassapa then conveyed the conclusions of the Buddhist assembly’s discussion to the Jade Emperor. Upon learning that Buddhism harbored an intent to kill Sha Chen, the Jade Emperor immediately tried to stop them.
"This must not be done! Sha Chen has already attained the status of Quasi-Saint. His position and power cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, Tongtian Hierarch and Lord Yuan Shi may be backing him. We must be cautious."
Ran Deng Buddha replied, "Rest assured, it cannot be Saint Yuan Shi."
Tathagata also said, "Nor will it be Tongtian Holy Man. If he had taken Sha Chen as his disciple, he would have conducted a formal acceptance ceremony and announced it widely."
It had to be acknowledged that old acquaintances understood the two Saints best. One, formerly the Vice Master of the Chan Sect, and the other, once the foremost disciple of the Sect of Interpretation—they both knew the two Saints very well.
The Jade Emperor still refused to relent. He wished to gain both Sha Chen and his secrets and certainly did not want him dead.
Tathagata saw through his thoughts at a glance and said, "Your Majesty, could it be that you are reluctant to lose Sha Chen and wish to bring him back into your fold?"
The Jade Emperor smiled and said, "Indeed, I harbor this intention. After all, a fondness for talent is universal. I wonder if the venerable Buddha would relent? Or perhaps, I have many capable individuals by my side, should the venerable Buddha see fit to..."
Tathagata cut off the Jade Emperor’s words, smiling slightly as he declared, "In all of Heaven and Earth, I alone am supreme. Sha Chen, I am determined to have him."
