cannon fodder love

Chapter 651: Journey to the West: Zhu Jiumei 10
In the afternoon, after a good rest, they walked out of the inn. At this time, the city was bustling with people rushing towards the palace. After asking around, they learned that Emperor Taizong of Tang was holding a grand magic contest in the palace to promote Buddhism and select the most qualified monk to go to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

Zhu Jiumei's mind moved: "Maybe, Master is in this magic battle meeting."

Sun Wukong's eyes flashed with gold: "Then let's go and take a look!"

The three followed the crowd to the front of the palace. They saw lanterns and colorful decorations outside the palace, with silk flags flying. The palace gates were wide open, and many monks, Taoists, and alchemists entered one after another.

They walked into the palace and saw a huge platform built in the square, with civil and military officials and many common people sitting below. On the platform, several contestants were showing off their magical powers.

A Taoist priest dressed in a black robe, holding a peach wood sword, muttered something, and then swung the sword. A ball of fire appeared in the air, which amazed everyone.

Another monk sat cross-legged on the ground with his hands clasped together. A faint Buddhist light emanated from his body. For a moment, a peaceful atmosphere filled the air.

Sun Wukong was so excited that he couldn't help but jump out and shouted, "What kind of skill is this! Here comes Old Sun!"

Zhu Jiumei hurriedly grabbed him and said, "Brother, don't be impulsive. Let's take a look first."

At this time, another contestant walked onto the stage. He was dressed in white, elegant, and holding a folding fan in his hand. He smiled and waved the fan gently, and suddenly a strong wind blew, with flying sand and rocks.

Emperor Taizong of Tang sat on the dragon throne, nodded slightly, with admiration in his eyes.

At this moment, a burly alchemist strode onto the platform. He clenched his fists and shook them violently. A powerful aura emanated from his body, and cracks appeared on the stone slabs under his feet.

"Good! Good!" The audience cheered.

Zhu Jiumei carefully observed every contestant on the stage, thinking secretly in her heart.

Sha Wujing said at the side: "Although these people are powerful in magic, I wonder if they have a heart for Buddhism."

Just as everyone was watching intently, a young monk in a cassock slowly walked up to the platform. He had a handsome face and clear eyes, and he clasped his hands together and bowed to everyone.

Emperor Taizong of Tang asked, "What are your abilities?"

The monk replied: "Your Majesty, I don't have any amazing magic skills, but I have a sincere heart for Buddhism and a firm belief in promoting Buddhism."

After that, he sat on the ground and began to chant. His voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone. As he chanted, everyone's hearts gradually calmed down, as if all their troubles had disappeared.

Emperor Taizong of Tang was slightly moved: "This monk has an extraordinary state of mind."

At this moment, the man in white who had cast the gust of wind spell said disdainfully: "What's the use of just chanting scriptures?" As he spoke, he waved his folding fan again, and a gust of wind blew towards the monk.

The monk remained unmoved and continued to recite the sutras attentively. Just as the strong wind was about to blow on him, a ray of Buddha's light suddenly appeared and blocked the strong wind back.

The man in white changed his expression and cast a more powerful spell. For a moment, the stage was shining with light and spells were intertwined.

The monk remained calm throughout. His chanting became louder and louder, and the Buddha's light became stronger and stronger, eventually dispelling all the magic spells of the man in white.

Zhu Jiumei's eyes lit up in the audience: "This monk must be the one we are looking for to obtain Buddhist scriptures!"

Sun Wukong also nodded: "Looking at his extraordinary demeanor and profound Buddhist teachings, I'm sure he is right."

After the duel ended, Emperor Taizong stood up and said in a loud voice: "In today's duel, this monk who chanted the sutras won with his firm Buddhist heart and profound Buddhist teachings. I have decided that he will be the one to go to the West to obtain the true sutras for the benefit of the people of the Tang Dynasty."

The crowd cheered.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I am afraid that I cannot take on such a heavy responsibility. Please go back and think about it."

Hearing this, Emperor Taizong frowned, and everyone looked at Tang Seng with some regret. Zhu Jiumei and the other two hurriedly walked onto the platform.

"Master!" Zhu Jiumei bowed respectfully.

Tang Seng was slightly stunned and looked at the three of them with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

"Master, we finally found you!" Zhu Jiumei looked delighted, her eyes full of anticipation.

Tang Seng clasped his hands together, shook his head slightly and said, "Amitabha, I don't understand why you call me Master. I have never had any contact with you."

Sun Wukong was impatient and scratched his head and said, "Master, you are the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, destined to go to the West to obtain the scriptures and save all living beings. I am willing to protect you, so please accept us!"

Sha Wujing also hurriedly said: "Master, we sincerely want to take you as our master and go to the West with you."

Tang Seng looked calm and determined, "My dear donors, I have no intention of accepting any disciples at the moment."

Zhu Jiumei said anxiously: "Master, you are compassionate and save all living beings. It is difficult and dangerous to go to the West to obtain the scriptures. If we help you, it will be much smoother."

Tang Seng sighed softly: "I know that the journey to obtain the scriptures is full of difficulties, so I have to think about it. Besides, I already have several disciples, so I will not accept you."

Despite what Tang Seng said, the three were unwilling to leave and followed Tang Seng silently.

"Your Majesty, I will return to the temple first." After bidding farewell to Emperor Taizong of Tang, Tang Seng walked out of the palace.

The sun shone through the gaps in the leaves, forming patches of light. They walked slowly along the forest path, birds singing on the branches, and the leaves rustling in the breeze.

As Zhu Jiumei walked, she looked at Tang Seng and admired him secretly in her heart. She remembered all the good deeds Tang Seng had done. In the year of famine, Tang Seng opened his warehouse to distribute grain to help the people; when facing injured animals, he took good care of them and showed endless love.

"Master, you have saved people from suffering and countless people have been saved because of you. Your compassionate heart is known to everyone." Zhu Jiumei said.

Tang Seng smiled and said, "This is just my duty. Monks should be compassionate."

Sun Wukong jumped in front of Tang Seng and said, "Master, your virtue is noble and I admire you very much. But this journey is a big deal and your mortal disciples cannot protect you."

Tang Seng stopped and looked at Sun Wukong: "Wukong, I heard that you have great skills, but obtaining the scriptures cannot be accomplished by force alone."

Sha Wujing carried his luggage and said honestly, "Master, no matter what, we will follow you and wait for you to change your mind."

Tang Seng shook his head helplessly and continued to move forward.

In the evening, they came to a dilapidated temple with mottled walls and slightly old Buddha statues.

Tang Seng walked into the temple and started to clean and tidy up. Seeing this, the three of them also helped.

Zhu Jiumei wiped the Buddha statue and said, "Master, this temple is so dilapidated, but you still respect it so much."

Tang Seng said: "Buddha is in the heart, not in the appearance. Every place where Buddha is worshipped should be kept clean."

Sun Wukong looked at the serious Tang Monk and his admiration for him grew even more.

At night, the four of them sat around the campfire.

"Master, please tell us about Buddhism." Zhu Jiumei requested.

Tang Seng nodded slightly and began to talk about the subtleties of Buddhism. His voice was calm and soothing, as if it had a magical power that could calm people's minds.