Before setting out.
Sun Kong suddenly remembered a conspiracy theory from his past life about the Yellow Wind Monster, suggesting it actually had deep ties to Spirit Mountain.
It was originally a yellow-haired weasel from the foot of Spirit Mountain, and due to a certain Bodhisattva, it was introduced outside the Great Thunderclap Temple to listen to Buddhist teachings for a thousand years.
Thus, it gained the power to transform.
However, its greedy nature remained unchanged. By stealing the clear oil from the Glazed Lamp, it significantly increased its cultivation. Fearing retribution, it fled to Yellow Wind Ridge and became a mountain king.
It had believed that the Bodhisattva who introduced it back then would remember it.
And perhaps help it evade punishment.
But unexpectedly, as time passed, and with so many such monsters joining the Journey to the West to form calamities.
That Bodhisattva had long forgotten which one it was.
As a result, in the end, after Sun Kong battled it for a few rounds, the Spirit Guiding Bodhisattva was invited, bringing out the Wind Calming Pearl to subdue it.
It could be said that it never got to wait for its Bodhisattva in the end.
A pitiable soul indeed!
“Brother Sun, the Bodhisattva you mentioned, isn't it one of the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain, one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas?”
“If it truly is them, then this is quite interesting.”
“Back then, it was them who repeatedly obstructed our New Flower Fruit Mountain lineage, and now, they actually have to rely on us for some merit rewards. Heh, truly, if you ask me, Wu Zhiqi, this is what they deserve.”
“Don’t be too benevolent.”
After the master and disciples set off, Jin Chanzi was quite clueless about these legends, looking bewildered.
But Wu Zhiqi quickly reacted, deducing that the Bodhisattva behind the Yellow Wind Monster was one of Guanyin and the other three.
This was because they were ostracized by the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain five hundred years ago.
Therefore, Wu Zhiqi subconsciously sneered, advising Sun Kong not to show any mercy.
Upon hearing this.
Sun Kong indeed felt inclined to be ruthless.
However, he couldn't help but consider several aspects in his heart.
One was the future Saha Pure Land, which still required these Bodhisattvas who had followed Tathagata for a long time to fill its ranks.
It couldn’t solely rely on Shakyamuni, Sun Kong and his disciples, and Chan Master Wuchao.
That would be too meager.
Therefore.
Sun Kong’s attitude towards the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain was singular.
They could be warned, they could be punished, but their borrowing of merit couldn’t be completely prevented.
Last time, during the battle between humans and demons in the mortal realm, he had considered this, which was why he had ventured to help.
How could he be too absolute this time?
Another factor was the face of the current master guiding them on their pilgrimage, Jin Chanzi. After all, Jin Chanzi was a fellow disciple of Dipankara Buddha, Bodhisattva Guanyin, and others.
As the saying goes, show respect for the Buddha’s face, even if it’s just for the monk’s sake.
Even if it were for Jin Chanzi’s nominal reputation, so that he wouldn't see his former fellow disciples diminishing in number and suffering.
Sun Kong, the "eldest disciple," truly had to make some concessions.
He couldn't afford to offend his own people!
“Indeed, this Journey to the West is not about fetching scriptures, but rather a debt of favors. Ah well, I, Old Sun, cannot escape this either; I must give Sister Ni Ni and this Jin Chanzi some face.”
“Anyway, ever since the battle between humans and demons last time, Dipankara Buddha and others have been much more well-behaved, and they periodically strengthen their relationship with my monkey clan. Why should I be so rigid?”
“Give them a little sweetness, lest I be accused of being more heartless and ruthless than those demons.”
Thinking this way.
Sun Kong, outwardly, cast a glance, signaling Wu Zhiqi to stop insisting on severe retribution for the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain and to be quiet.
Meanwhile, he smiled and gave Jin Chanzi, whose face was somewhat embarrassed, some face.
He then changed the subject.
“Second brother, what are you saying?”
“Don't forget, ever since we passed Fuling Mountain a few days ago, you are no longer Wu Zhiqi, but Zhu Bajie, understand?”
“Honestly maintain your persona of being playful, fond of enjoyment, lazy, and opportunistic. Don’t be too eager.”
“Regarding this matter, I say we should listen to our Master Jin Chanzi. Whatever he decides is what we do. After all, the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain and we share the same origin; we are neighbors.”
“How can we offend them too harshly?”
“As for that Yellow Wind Monster, it’s best if someone comes forward to claim responsibility. We can have a little scuffle, feign a bit for outsiders, and consider it done. Otherwise, you and I will have to show some leniency, understand?”
“This is the compassion of our Buddhist sect.”
“I, Old Sun, have spoken. This includes you, me, Nezha, and the Six Ding and Six Jia who are pretending not to hear. Whoever dares to mess around, I’ll be the first one to not let them off!”
With Sun Kong’s words, he had finally appeased everyone. He gave the Yellow Wind Monster an opportunity, appeased Jin Chanzi, and even indirectly informed the Buddhas of Spirit Mountain who would come to claim merit later.
He would be lenient this time.
These words.
Did not spread too far at first.
But Sun Kong was not worried, because as soon as he spoke, he had already sensed that there were Buddhist disciples around them, responsible for relaying intelligence.
He believed these words would surely provoke many people to action!
As expected.
Just as Sun Kong and the others continued on their journey, leaving Fuling Mountain and heading towards Yellow Wind Ridge, nine million li away, these smart and understanding Buddhist disciples delivered the news back to Spirit Mountain with the utmost speed.
In an instant.
The remaining Buddhas of Spirit Mountain, including Dipankara Buddha, Bodhisattva Guanyin, Bodhisattva Manjushri, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, and Bodhisattva Julu Sun, were all immensely excited!
To say they cried might be an exaggeration.
However, it was not impossible for someone like Dipankara Buddha to be moved to tears by Sun Kong's generosity this time!
It was true that they had ostracized Sun Kong and the others in the past, but it didn't mean they didn't understand that Sun Kong's words this time were genuine.
He was truly willing to give them some merit.
One must know.
Since the first tribulation began, they had not gained any merit for decades.
Who wouldn't want to seize this opportunity?
Thus.
In less than a quarter of an hour, the existing hundreds of Buddhas of Spirit Mountain immediately convened a meeting. Regardless of how they had looked down on Sun Kong in the past, regardless of who had insisted on not compromising with Sun Houzi last time.
At this moment, they all eagerly signed up.
However.
Before the crowd could develop from verbal arguments to fisticuffs, and even to open conflict, the reporting Buddhist disciple suddenly hesitated and uttered a word.
Yellow Wind Monster!
This single word instantly stunned the crowd who were scrambling for the opportunity.
Not for any other reason.
It was simply that the original Yellow Wind Monster had no great abilities, only able to blow wind, and its cultivation was merely that of a mid-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal.
But the current Yellow Wind Monster had long since diverged from the Buddhist sect, having pledged allegiance to a certain Quasi-Saint great being and gradually becoming demonized.
It could be said that apart from Dipankara Buddha, who still had some chance, the others... were in grave danger!
“Dipankara Buddha, perhaps you should go. It’s not that we don’t want to, nor are we afraid, but we truly cannot afford to provoke it!”
“What if we provoke the Quasi-Saint great being behind it? Our lives would be forfeit.”
The once arrogant Buddhas were now so downcast and cowardly!