Chapter 616: Chapter 552, Prayer Bead Mantra
Within the Great Leiyin Temple, Duo Bao Tathagata’s face changed abruptly upon realizing that Tongtian Sect Hierarch intended to sabotage the Westward Journey. On second thought, given his unwavering and intransigent temperament, it was indeed something he would do—in fact, he would assuredly act in such a manner. And if Bai Jin were to utilize his full strength to disrupt the Westward Journey, it would be truly uncertain whether the journey could continue.
The Buddha hastily placated Bai Jin, saying, "Junior brother, do not act rashly. My earlier words were too harsh, and as your senior brother, I shall apologize first. Actually, I too am concerned that you will be implicated by the saints, to your own detriment.
Out of deep fraternal affection, I have advised you, without any intention of issuing commands."
"Thank you for your concern, senior brother. I heard that you want to place a restraint on Sun Wukong. That’s not good!" Bai Jin spoke cheerfully from within the Bird’s Nest, the Buddhist Law would surely come up with some other spells in the absence of the Tightening Spell, wouldn’t they?
Inside the Great Leiyin Temple, The Buddha’s countenance darkened. How did Bai Jin find out about my intention to restrain Sun Wukong? A thought flashed through his mind—a traitor was among the Buddhas.
Several figures suddenly emerged in his thoughts—Maitreya Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. These three Buddha Bodhisattvas were those who frequently had close diplomatic dealings with the Heavenly Court. It must have been one of them, or perhaps they had all snitched.
The Buddha’s face turned livid. Have you all firmly decided to side with the Heavenly Court? No sooner had I issued the order than it was immediately reported to Bai Jin, with complete disregard for their identities as Buddha Bodhisattvas. How utterly infuriating and vexing!
Bai Jin emerged from the bathing pool, and with a flash of light, he donned the Emperor’s Robe. You want to put a prohibition on Sun Wukong? I will not fulfill your wish. I may not be able to lift your prohibition, but can you lift the restraints from my Judicial Temple?
...
Elsewhere, beside a small stream, Tang Sanzang stopped the car and sat under the sun, slurping down steaming hot noodles. This bowl of simple vegetable noodles might look ordinary, but it was quite pricey, costing a whole ten Purple Coins—the most affordable dish from the Food God’s small shop.
Tang Sanzang placed the cleaned bowl and chopsticks down, let out a satisfied belch, and thought to himself that the food he bought with his own money really was different from that obtained through alms—it was simply too delicious.
At that moment, an elderly woman, leaning on a crutch, slowly approached, carrying a basket.
The old woman stopped beside Tang Sanzang and said, "Where did you come from, monk? To be sitting here alone like this, don’t you know this area is often prowled by tigers and leopards?"
Tang Sanzang pressed his palms together respectfully and replied, "This humble monk hails from the Eastern Tang and is traveling under the command of the Tang King to the Western Heaven to pay homage to The Buddha and obtain the scriptures. I have stopped here briefly to rest."
The old woman exclaimed in surprise, "The Western Buddha resides within the Great Leiyin Temple at the border of the Tianzhu Country. It’s a journey of one hundred and eight thousand li, full of hardships and trials.
With you being alone, without a mount, and lacking disciples, how will you make it? Better to go back!"
Tang Sanzang showed a confident smile as he responded, "Thank you for your concern, benefactor. Indeed I have no mount, but I have been bestowed a treasure car by the Tang King. On open roads, it can travel a thousand li per day, and it can manage eight hundred even on rugged terrain.
Although I have no disciples to protect me, with this treasure car, even the most ferocious beasts are nothing to fear for this humble monk."
The old woman’s lips twitched twice. How had Tang Sanzang changed? He seemed much more confident now. Ah, why did the Tang King do that? A treasured horse would have been much more suitable; why gift a combat-ready mechanical car? She advised, "Elder, no matter how strong your car may be, it’s still an external object. It can fend off beasts, but can it really take on demons and spirits?
Don’t mind this old woman’s prattle. If you don’t have a powerful disciple to protect you, it’s best you return to the Great Tang. You must not go to the Western Heaven."
Tang Sanzang hesitated as well, having never fought against demons and spirits. Are they really that powerful? He explained, "Previously, I acquired a disciple who is renowned as the Great Sage Equalling Heaven. Not only is he highly skilled, but he also has great comprehension.
It was merely because of his aggressive and stubborn nature, harming and taking lives, that I reprimanded him. He refused to be disciplined and so left me.
But I have the Buddhist Law in my heart, and with it, I can surely subdue demons and devils."
"So it turns out!" the elderly woman exclaimed in realization, "This cotton robe was used by my son. He only served as a monk for three days before his untimely death. I just went to his temple, cried my heart out, bid farewell to his Master, and took this garment as a memento. Elder, since you have a disciple, I will give this robe to you as a parting gift!"
The elderly woman set down the basket she was carrying on the cover of the handcart.
Tang Sanzang quickly stood up and declined, "Thank you for the offer, but this is your son’s relic, how could I, a poor monk, accept it? You should keep it as a remembrance. My disciple has already left; even if I kept it, it would be of no use."
"Where has your disciple gone?"
"He has gone to the East; he must be returning home."
The old woman smiled and said, "My home is not far east from here; perhaps he is headed to my place. I have a spell, called the Heart-Calming Mantra, also known as the Prayer Bead Mantra. You should silently recite it until you’ve memorized it by heart, and do not let anyone else know. I will hurry to catch up with him, urge him to return to follow you, and you can then give him this robe to wear. If he disobeys your commands, silently recite this spell, and he will neither dare to be violent nor leave."
Tang Sanzang, sensing an opportunity, immediately knew he was in the presence of a great power. He promptly rose to bow courteously and said, "Thank you for your kindness!"
The elderly woman nodded with a gentle smile, gradually ascending into the clouds, revealing her true form as a Bodhisattva. Holding the Suet Jade Flask in hand, she flew towards the East.
Tang Sanzang hurriedly knelt down, gathered earth to burn incense, and offered sincere prayers towards the East.
...
"To think that I, old Sun the Great Sage Equalling Heaven, the Judicial Celestial of Heavenly Court, acknowledged him as Master to protect him on his Westward Journey is already his great fortune. And after having slain a few malevolent bandits, he incessantly complains and wishes to send old Sun away. Does he really think that old Sun is so eager to be his disciple, or that old Sun actually wishes to go on the journey to obtain the scriptures?"
"If it is as the Great Sage says, then truly, the monk was at fault. To punish evil is to promote good."
"Brother Dragon, you really understand me!"
"Monkey Brother, it’s not about understanding or not, what I say is the truth. That monk is after all a common mortal; how could he possess the Great Sage’s comprehension?"
"I’ve decided; I’m heading back to Huaguo Mountain and will have nothing to do with this scripture-obtaining business anymore."
The East Sea Dragon King quickly spoke up, "Great Sage, this assignment was designated by Emperor Gouchen. If you suddenly quit, I fear you might still end up being suppressed under Lianhua Mountain, to spend your days reciting scriptures."
Sun Wukong scratched his ears and cheeks, his eyes rolling in contemplation, hm~ there could indeed be such a possibility, then wouldn’t my position as the Judicial Celestial also be gone? He promptly asked, "Brother Dragon, you must help me out, offer me a good idea, so old Sun won’t have to follow Tang Sanzang to obtain the scriptures and endure his nonsense, while also avoiding punishment from Heavenly Court."
The Dragon King laughed and said, "Monkey Brother, now you’re not alone; you can completely go to the Heavenly Court and appeal to the Judicial Temple, to the Judicial Celestial. They will likely be able to help you."