Honghuang: My understanding is beyond belief. I am the first immortal of Jiejiao.

[Current stage evaluation. The pilgrim Tang Sanzang has begun to abandon his old understanding of Buddhism and has started to promote the 'new Buddhism' taught by his host, causing slight disturbances to the beliefs of certain areas. The interference plan is showing initial success.]

[Task reward distributed. 100,000 Merit Points.]

Another 100,000 merits have been earned!

Lin Zhu's eyes flickered slightly. It seemed that this system, or rather the rules behind it, offered a rather generous reward for "disrupting the original script of Journey to the West."

Moreover, this is only the reward for "Phase One". If Tang Sanzang can continue to promote this "new Buddhism", or rather, if he can "obtain the scriptures" in an even more outrageous way, the merit he can gain will probably be an astonishing figure.

"interesting."

Lin Zhu thought to himself.

"This is just the beginning. Wine and meat pass through the intestines, and Pigsy abstains from others... There are still many more 'exquisite' Buddhist teachings waiting to be 'taught' later. For example, killing is for the protection of life, and cutting off karma is not killing people? Or, does Buddha also have fire, and does Vajra have a wrathful gaze? Hmm, we need to find the right time to subtly influence people."

He seemed to already see the image of a fierce Tang Sanzang on the journey to the West, gnawing on a roasted monster leg in his left hand, carrying a blood-dripping Zen staff in his right, and shouting "Physical salvation to send you to see the Buddha," as well as the ashen faces of the Buddhas of Mount Ling.

Just thinking about this scene makes one feel...pleasant.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into Liu Family Village. Tang Sanzang, waking from his hangover, stretched and felt refreshed and full of energy; the headache and soreness of the previous night had vanished.

He smacked his lips, as if he could still savor the rich aroma of the roasted tiger meat and the burning sensation of the strong liquor, and a satisfied and "happy" smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

“Amitabha, this Dharma… is truly delicious.”

He muttered to himself, having completely equated "wine and meat passing through the intestines" with "progress in cultivation." The faint warmth he felt from the demon king's blood wine seemed to have become more active after his feast, making him feel that his "power" had "progressed" once again.

Just then, five golden lights, slightly hurried and still carrying a hint of lingering intoxication, streaked rapidly from the horizon and quietly landed on a cloud near Liu Family Village, revealing the figures of the Five Directions Protectors.

Jin Tou Jie Di rubbed his still throbbing temples. Yesterday, when they saw Tang Sanzang drunk, they thought it was nothing serious for the time being. In addition, they were feeling annoyed, so they found a secluded place, took out some immortal wine, and secretly drank a few cups. They didn't expect the wine to be so potent. When they woke up this morning, the sun was already high in the sky, so they rushed over in a hurry, afraid of missing something.

Today is the "big day" of the birth of the monkey under the Five Elements Mountain. The Bodhisattva has already instructed us to pay close attention.

They looked closely into the manor and saw Tang Sanzang stretching his muscles in the Liu family's courtyard. Although his monk's robe was still the same old tattered clothes, his face was rosy and he was full of energy. In fact, he even seemed to be stronger than yesterday. There was no trace of the dejected and grief-stricken look he had yesterday after the tragic death of his brother.

"This Tang Sanzang...recovered quite quickly."

Silver-headed Jiedi muttered to himself.

"Judging from his appearance, he seems quite...happy?"

"Perhaps the people of Liujiazhuang treated him so well that he temporarily forgot his grief."

"Prajnaparamita guessed."

“As long as he continues his journey westward, these trivial matters are insignificant. Yesterday’s drinking… although it is not in accordance with the monks, in extraordinary times, it may be a form of catharsis, harmless, harmless.”

They've now decided to "slack off," caring nothing for anything else as long as Tang Sanzang is safe and on the right track, and have even started actively making excuses for Tang Sanzang's unusual behavior.

Just as the Five Directions Protectors were exchanging hushed words and comforting themselves, suddenly, the surrounding air seemed to freeze slightly, and a grand, compassionate aura, yet carrying boundless majesty and a hint of coldness, descended without warning!

The Five Directions Protector froze, then hurriedly turned around, only to see a white-clad fairy standing not far behind him.

She wore a jeweled crown, with necklaces hanging down her shoulders. Her face was exquisitely beautiful yet solemn and dignified. She held a vase and a willow branch in her hand, and her body was shrouded in a faint, holy halo that seemed to purify and suppress everything. She was none other than Guanyin Bodhisattva!
However, Guanyin's aura seemed different at this moment than before.

Within that holy halo, a deeper meaning, closer to the origin of the Great Dao, was faintly revealed—that was… holiness! Although it was only the first glimpse into the path, it was indeed a step across that threshold!

With the official commencement of the Journey to the West, as the main promoter and protector, she has taken the lead in receiving the first wave of immense Heavenly Merit and Fortune. Taking advantage of this opportunity, her cultivation has broken through dramatically, reaching the early stage of the half-step Quasi-Saint! Her strength is now comparable to those Venerable Kings in Buddhism who are known for their combat prowess!
The five guardian deities were shocked and immediately bowed down, saying in unison.

"Greetings, Guanyin Bodhisattva!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze did not fall on them, but coldly swept over Liu Family Village below, lingering for a moment, especially on Tang Sanzang, who was ruddy-faced and seemed to be burping. Her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. But she did not immediately react, only asking in a clear and cold voice.

"How is Tang Sanzang doing these days? Has there been any mishap on his journey to the West?"

The Golden-Headed Jiedi's heart skipped a beat. He steeled himself, stepped forward, and replied respectfully.

"Reporting to the Bodhisattva, Tang Sanzang... Tang Sanzang experienced a previous calamity, and although his mind was shaken, he has gradually recovered, and his faith... seems even stronger. He is currently resting at this manor and will soon set off again. The journey to the West... is going smoothly without any problems."

He omitted mentioning all the incidents such as "drinking and going crazy," "spreading bizarre theories," and "eating raw tiger meat," and only spoke of the good things.

Upon hearing this, Guanyin Bodhisattva remained noncommittal, her eyes, which seemed to see through people's hearts, still as cold and clear as ice.

She did not relax because of the report from the Five Directions Protectors. Instead, she slowly raised her head, her gaze like lightning, shooting towards a certain void higher up. Her voice suddenly turned sharp, carrying a hint of cold mockery.

"Lin Zhu, now that you're here, why hide yourself? Do you really think I'm still the same person you used to be, someone you can manipulate at will?"

Upon hearing this, the Five Directions Protectors were utterly shocked! Lin Zhu? They had vaguely heard that name before; it seemed to be related to some secrets of the Three Realms, and even had some conflict with the Bodhisattvas? He was actually nearby? And they hadn't noticed at all?!
Having his whereabouts exposed, the void rippled slightly, and a figure in white robes appeared leisurely—it was Lin Zhu.

He seemed to be just standing there casually, yet he possessed an air of superiority that rivaled, or even surpassed, that of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

When Lin Zhu appeared, the Five Directions Protectors were horrified to discover that he had been right next to them all along! If he had any ill intentions... they couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat, filled with lingering fear.

Lin Zhu ignored the few terrified Jiedi and focused his gaze on Guanyin Bodhisattva, scrutinizing her closely, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "A half-step Quasi-Saint? Or at the stable early stage... It seems the merits of this Journey to the West are indeed abundant, allowing you to progress so rapidly."

His tone was flat, making it impossible to tell whether he was praising or mocking.

Guanyin Bodhisattva remained expressionless, her holy radiance subtly swirling around her, and said in a cold voice.

"Thanks to you. If it weren't for your guidance back then, I might not have been able to make the decision to break through to the next level today."

She spoke subtly, but Lin Zhu could hear the resentment and a hint of fear hidden in her words. Clearly, the humiliation of being "forced" by Lin Zhu to jump into that "Pure Land of Bliss," and the subsequent stagnation in her cultivation, had become the opportunity for her to break free and rebuild, and to fight hard with the help of the merits accumulated during her journey to the West.

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhu smiled slightly, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"It seems that the dance was worthwhile. I wonder if the Bodhisattva still misses that melody? Would you like to perform it again?" Guanyin Bodhisattva's breath hitched almost imperceptibly, her beautiful face became even more frosty, and the coldness in her eyes almost materialized.

To have such a shameful and unbearable memory brought up to her face was undoubtedly a huge provocation. But she was, after all, a great Bodhisattva who had cultivated for countless years, with a remarkable temperament. She forcibly suppressed her surging anger and said coldly.

"I am no longer the ignorant fool I once was. The past will not repeat itself."

Lin Zhu, you promised not to interfere in the Journey to the West, yet you appear here now. What is your intention?

"Can't I just come and watch the show?"

Lin Zhu shrugged, looking rather lazy.

"The Journey to the West is such a grand show; wouldn't it be boring without an audience? Besides, I didn't interfere at all. Look at Tang Sanzang; isn't he still lively and energetic, and still going to the Western Paradise?"

"Watching a show?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze was like a knife, sweeping over Tang Sanzang below, who was still foolishly laughing, completely unaware of the "master" who was about to arrive.

"You're probably watching a different kind of show, aren't you, Lin Zhu? I'm warning you, the Journey to the West is the will of Heaven, personally ordained by the Buddha. If you dare to act recklessly again and disrupt the pilgrims, don't blame me for not showing any mercy!"

She said the last two words through gritted teeth.

"Old love?"

Lin Zhu suddenly grinned, revealing a sinister smile that Guanyin perceived as malicious and dangerous. His aura did not surge, but a more obscure and ancient aura, seemingly capable of devouring all light and heat, subtly flowed around him.

"Bodhisattva, have you forgotten who was in control back then?"

This mere glimpse of the mood, along with the word "dominate," instantly stirred up the deepest, most primal memories of fear within Guanyin Bodhisattva—memories of being suppressed and humiliated by absolute power!
Even though she has now advanced to the half-step Quasi-Saint level and her strength has skyrocketed, the unfathomable foundation and strange methods of Lin Zhu still caused her to feel a chill and tremor from the depths of her soul, which made her momentum falter.
She stared intently at Lin Zhu, her jade-like hand gripping the willow branch tightly, her knuckles slightly white, clearly indicating a fierce internal struggle. After a long while, she slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, her sharp aura slightly subsiding, but her eyes remained icy.

"You take care of yourself."

After saying that, she stopped confronting Lin Zhu and turned her gaze downwards again, as if she had tacitly accepted Lin Zhu's status as an "observer." However, her tense body showed that she had not let her guard down.

Seeing this, Lin Zhu also suppressed his terrifying grin, regained his composure, and turned his gaze downwards as well.

The two stood on either side of each other, a distance apart, like two overseeing deities, quietly "watching over" the pilgrims below.

The Five Directions Protectors were sandwiched in the middle, not daring to breathe loudly, feeling that the atmosphere between these two big shots was a hundred times more terrifying than the monsters that might exist below.

Below, Tang Sanzang had completed his "Buddhist teachings" in Liu Family Village, feeling that his merits were fulfilled. Under the "reverent" gazes of Liu Boqin's family and some villagers, he tidied his belongings—mainly checking his staff and broadsword—and then Liu Boqin led his horse, sending him off on his journey.

"Elder Tang, the journey to the west is fraught with peril, please take good care of yourself."

Liu Boqin led the way, holding the horse.

He had unwavering faith in Tang Sanzang's "Buddhist teachings" and even felt that although the elder's behavior was unique, he was indeed a "highly enlightened monk".

"Don't worry, Benefactor Liu."

Leaning on his staff, Tang Sanzang walked briskly. The warm current within him made climbing mountains and wading through rivers feel like walking on flat ground, even more comfortable than riding a horse.

“This humble monk now has a slight understanding of Buddhist teachings, and ordinary demons and evil spirits cannot get close to him.”

He wasn't just boasting. With his current strength and his theory of "physical exorcism," he could probably kill ordinary little demons and monsters with his staff.

Seeing that he climbed the mountain faster than he, a hunter who had been walking in the mountains for many years, Liu Boqin was even more impressed and became more convinced of the Buddhist teaching that "after drinking wine and eating meat, one's strength will increase."

After traveling for about half a day, a majestic mountain appeared ahead, with a peculiar shape, especially the several peaks in the distance, which vaguely resembled five fingers. The mountain path became increasingly rugged from here.

When they reached a relatively flat area halfway up the mountain, Liu Boqin stopped and pointed ahead.

"Elder Tang, I've seen you off for a thousand miles, but we must part ways eventually. This mountain is called Liangjie Mountain. Legend has it that it descended from the sky when Wang Mang usurped the Han throne, hence it is also known as Wuxing Mountain."

This mountain marks the boundary; the eastern half belongs to our Great Tang Dynasty, while the western half is the territory of the Tatars.

That Tatar territory is teeming with tigers and wolves, and teeming with demons; it is no ordinary place. I… I can only escort the elder this far.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang dismounted, clasped his hands together, and bowed respectfully to Liu Boqin.

"Thank you for your hospitality and escort along the way, Mr. Liu. I will remember your kindness. If we are destined to meet again in the future, or if you have any requests, please just send me a message and I will come to help you in your salvation."

He meant to express his gratitude, but the words that came out of his mouth were habitually replaced with "salvation."

Liu Boqin's lips twitched, and he quickly waved his hand.

"Not at all! May you have a safe journey, Elder! As for the matter of deliverance... let's leave it to the demons who are destined to be delivered!"

He was genuinely afraid of the elder's methods of "deliverance".

After bidding farewell to Liu Boqin, Tang Sanzang led his horse alone and continued up the mountain.

He now possesses some "cultivation" and his eyesight and hearing are stronger than ordinary people. The closer he gets to the five-finger-shaped mountain peak, the more he can feel a restrained yet vast and powerful Buddhist power permeating the air, solemn and dignified, yet carrying a heavy sense of suppression.

"This mountain... is somewhat unusual."

Tang Sanzang pondered to himself, but with his limited knowledge, he couldn't quite put his finger on what was unusual about this place. He just instinctively felt that this place was extraordinary.

As he carefully observed his surroundings and proceeded cautiously, preparing to circle around the foot of the mountain and find a path leading west—

suddenly!

A shout as loud as thunder came from somewhere at the foot of the mountain ahead, making his eardrums ring and startling a flock of birds in the forest!
"Master! Master is here!!!" (End of this chapter)