Journey to the West: Signing in for 500 Years-Chapter 461 - 455 Sha Chen Stirring Up The Storm in Buddhism [Seeking Subscription and Monthly Tickets]_1
Tathagata actually wanted to personally go to the Flowing Sand River!
Everyone was dumbfounded, somewhat in disbelief, exchanging looks.
Nevertheless, they all nodded in agreement, following Tathagata’s choice.
Maitreya Buddha fell silent for a moment and also frowned. Although he had requested that Tathagata go to the Flowing Sand River, he regretted it once Tathagata was truly willing to go. Because somehow, if Tathagata took the initiative to propose going, he must have been confident, and that made Maitreya feel uneasy. Maitreya naturally understood that if Tathagata truly made any achievements regarding Sha Chen, his prestige would surely increase greatly. From then on, Lingjiu Mountain would be without further debate. His, Maitreya’s, desire to compete for power and profit would thus become impossible. Now he felt uneasy, believing that Tathagata wouldn’t have agreed if he wasn’t fully confident, because Tathagata must certainly understand the situation.
Tathagata smiled and said, "My mind is set. I am determined to possess the Flowing Sand River. My fellow Buddhas, please assist me. In heaven and earth, I alone am revered."
All the Buddhas nodded in agreement. "We are willing to assist our Buddha in achieving the dominant enterprise of Buddhism. It will be of merit for a thousand autumns and beneficial for tens of thousands of generations."
Maitreya Buddha, too, suppressed his disgust and said some insincere words.
「Afterwards.」
Maitreya Buddha found Ran Deng Buddha and immediately questioned him, "At Daxiong Hall, what exactly was the implication of your words?"
Ran Deng Buddha pressed his palms together and said, "Buddhism needs a stable environment. Lingjiu Mountain also needs a united mountain, instead of one rife with internal strife. This old monk is considering our Buddha’s interests—what’s wrong with that?"
Maitreya Buddha snorted coldly. "Don’t think I’m unaware of your thoughts. You’ve coveted the position of Buddha for a long time, yet you’ve never attained it. Would you really give it up so easily?"
Ran Deng Buddha, with his hands joined in prayer, said, "Amitabha. This humble monk no longer desires power. If you, Lord Buddha, still like it, then continue the pursuit. I plan to enter meditation and comprehend the ultimate truths of Buddhism. If you have no other matters, Lord Buddha, I shall not detain you."
Maitreya Buddha, seeing that Ran Deng Buddha was impervious to persuasion, grew angry but had no choice. He could only turn around and leave.
As he walked away, the more Maitreya thought, the angrier he became. The more incredible he found the situation, the more he furrowed his brow in confusion.
He brooded and spoke under his breath, "What exactly has happened that I don’t know about, that would cause him to yield so readily? This shouldn’t be."
In Ran Deng Buddha’s meditation chamber, the Ancient Buddha opened his eyes.
His eyes twinkled with wisdom, and a serene smile was on his lips.
The Flowing Sand River is impenetrable. Zhenyuanzi can’t breach it, I can’t breach it, and Tathagata definitely won’t breach it if he goes. Everyone knows this. So, if I still insisted on supporting the venture, wouldn’t I be a fool? Now that everyone is targeting Maitreya, this old monk can remain aloof and secure, waiting for the opportune moment. Isn’t that wonderful?
He allowed himself a slight smile, then resumed his meditation. However, as soon as he closed his eyes, he felt restless. Opening his eyes and gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Damn it! Today, thoughts of that boy have disturbed me again, making me uneasy. It’s truly infuriating!"
Sha Chen had nearly become a nightmare for Ran Deng Buddha. Previously, it was bearable, but discussing the matter today had made it difficult for him to remain calm during his practice. Indeed, Ran Deng Buddha had suffered quite a few losses because of Sha Chen. His inability to best Sha Chen, in particular, had become an obsession. Now, the repeated disputes over Sha Chen before practicing naturally deepened this obsession, affecting his state of mind.
「At this time,」
In the Lingshan Backyard, Tathagata’s demeanor was calm, his gaze steady. His disciples and The Goddess of Mercy stood beside him.
Guanyin said, "Buddha, during this visit, I found that Sha Chen’s attitude has changed drastically. He holds no reverence for Buddhism and treated me, your disciple, with disrespect and provocation."
Tathagata chuckled lightly. "When one is strong, their confidence is ample. With ample confidence, fear dissipates."
"As Sha Chen’s strength grows, his confidence naturally blooms, and his fearlessness magnifies. He previously stayed by the Flowing Sand River because fear was in his heart—a fear greater than his greed. But now, as his fear gradually fades, I suspect he won’t stay put much longer."
Upon hearing this, Guanyin was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Your wisdom is profound, Buddha. I am humbled. Indeed, Sha Chen has become more confident and arrogant. It seems he truly fears nothing; the day he emerges from the river must be near."
Kassapa and Ananda exchanged a glance, a look of sudden realization in their eyes. So that’s how it is.
Afterward, Kassapa continued, "Buddha, since you believe that Sha Chen will surely leave the Flowing Sand River, why then did you agree to Maitreya Buddha’s request to go there? If Sha Chen hasn’t left before your arrival, and you go but can’t breach the Flowing Sand River Cave, wouldn’t that be..."
He did not finish his sentence, but everyone knew what he meant: a complete loss of face.
This consequence was not something Tathagata could bear, nor could his followers.
Tathagata smiled faintly. "I have achieved Space Greatness. Not long ago, I lent you a hand to go to the Flowing Sand River, and you almost managed to enter the cave. This time, with me personally taking action, entering the cave will be effortless."
Kassapa and Ananda understood.
Guanyin said, "Buddha, you are truly full of confidence. In that case, this disciple shall worry no more."
Then she added, "However, Ran Deng Buddha seems to be acting oddly this time. My Buddha should still be cautious."
Tathagata smiled gently. "He only wishes to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. Moreover, the Two Sages of the West granted him an audience this time and specially imparted some Buddhist Law to him. It seems his temperament has been better tempered, allowing him to remain patient."
Guanyin immediately grew anxious. The Two Sages of the West actually received Ran Deng! If he gained favor with them and spoke ill of Tathagata, wouldn’t that jeopardize Buddha’s unique position?
She asked hastily, "Did the Two Sages say anything else?"
Tathagata calmly stated, "The Great Calamity of the Westward Journey is imminent. The Two Sages only wish to turn this calamity into an auspicious sign for the prosperity of Buddhism. That is their sole aspiration."
"All we can do is work together to realize this wish. Beyond that, there is no need for concern."
Guanyin nodded and then said, "My Buddha, the Great Calamity of the Westward Journey is about to begin, but many candidates are still missing for the ninety-nine eighty-one tribulations, and many trials are not yet in place. What shall we do?"
When this matter was raised, both Kassapa and Ananda became agitated.
Kassapa said, "My Buddha, the Green Lion and Bai Xiang, who were supposed to be at Shituo Ridge, have betrayed Buddhism and returned to the Chan Sect. Moreover, it’s said their strength has greatly increased, and they’ve entered the Quasi-Saint rank. They even vow to avenge their past grievances and have declared an unyielding stand against our Buddhism. Truly detestable!"
Ananda also said, "Apart from those two, Golden Winged Dapeng’s strength has also grown tremendously. He has even killed Wu Qu Xing and is going around claiming to be a Dharma Protector of our Buddhism, tarnishing our Buddhism’s reputation. Truly reprehensible!"
The Goddess of Mercy, too, began to pour out her concerns.
She added, "The Black Bear Spirit, who was supposed to be at Black Wind Mountain near the Guanyin Zen Temple awaiting the calamity to convert to our Buddha, is now rumored to have pledged allegiance to Sha Chen. The seven spider spirits and the centipede spirit of The Cave of the Silken Web have turned on each other; the spiders killed the centipede spirit and now serve Sha Chen."
"Not only that, Red Boy, who was supposed to be at Kusong Stream, is also rumored to be Sha Chen’s man. Lady Di Yong from the Bottomless Cave is also in league with them, having strayed from her designated path. These events have disrupted our arrangements for the ninety-nine eighty-one tribulations." 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖
She sighed deeply. "Even the source of the calamity, the Jinghe Dragon King, has become unpredictable. We are now in the dark about how this calamity will begin."
