I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang smiled slightly and said, "Come on, I'll be waiting for you."

When Fuxi returned to his ancestral land, Suirenshi had already returned ahead of him. He shook his head and sighed, "That kid Li Bai, his sword intent soared to the heavens, yet he said, 'Poetry and swordsmanship are inherently free, why should they be bound by the Dao?' He refused."

Shennong arrived shortly after, his face ashen: "Du Fu was willing, but worried about the backlash from humanity and the potential harm to the innocent, so he declined."

Upon hearing this, Fuxi felt as if his heart had plummeted into an ice cave: "Where is Guo Ziyi?"

Suiren smiled bitterly: "I have already sent a message, and that fellow replied, 'The essence of military strategy lies in flexibility.'"

The matter of aligning with the Dao is for Master to decide.

All three followed Jiang Wang's example, exercising extreme caution!

The three emperors looked at each other, their eyes filled with worry.

Humanity is about to be restored, but without those who align with the Dao, how can we block the way of Heaven? Fuxi clenched his fists: "We can only ask Jiang Wang again."

But since he has refused, it is unlikely that he will make any further moves.

Enough, let's prepare for war.

The billions of people of humanity cannot sit idly by and await their doom.

The wind howled on Shouyang Mountain, and the sea of ​​clouds surged. The figures of the Three Sovereigns merged into the mountaintop, secretly setting up a humanistic formation.

The formation spread like blood, connecting every branch of the human race, awaiting the inevitable storm.

Jiang Wang, sensing the restlessness of the human race in the hidden realm, couldn't help but smile: "My disciples have done well."

"Master has his own way."

He stood up, and his thirty-three clones moved simultaneously, unleashing their divine powers once more: "Swallowing Heaven and Mending Earth!"

The hidden spiritual energy surged, transforming into beams of light that flowed into Jiang Wang's body.

His strength has quietly risen another level.

In the outside world, only a month or so had passed, but in the hidden world, a century had gone by. A sharp glint appeared in Jiang Wang's eyes: "Hongjun, there is still a long way to go."

Within the Great Thunderclap Temple on Mount Ling in the Western Paradise, golden light shone everywhere, and the sounds of chanting filled the air.

On the lotus throne, the Buddha sat in the center, his face benevolent, his words flowing like a river, expounding the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra.

Below, the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats, some sitting cross-legged on prayer cushions, others suspended in mid-air, all listened intently, seemingly entranced or intoxicated.

The air was filled with a faint sandalwood scent, mixed with the unique floral fragrance of Lingshan. Everything was as peaceful and serene as ever, as if this eternal Buddhist kingdom would never be disturbed by the turmoil of the world.

Suddenly, a calm yet undeniably dignified figure slowly entered from outside the hall.

The newcomer had white hair and beard, yet possessed a sharp and piercing aura between his brows; he was none other than the ancient Buddha of the past—Dipankara Buddha.

He was draped in an ancient kasaya, his steps were unhurried, yet he was like a drawn sword, instantly tearing apart the harmonious atmosphere in the hall.

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were slightly taken aback, and their gazes all turned toward them, but none of them dared to utter a word to stop them.

The Buddha slightly raised his eyes, his voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of wariness: "Fellow Daoist Dipankara, why have you suddenly entered this precious temple? Is there something important to discuss?"

The ancient Buddha Dipankara stopped in the hall, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, a cold smile playing on his lips.

He was neither humble nor arrogant, and looked directly at the Buddha: "Buddha, this humble monk has come today for the greater good of Buddhism."

Since you took charge of Buddhism for a thousand years, it has been declining. The teachings have gradually weakened, the disciples have become undisciplined, and the prestige of the sect has been lost.

The path to Western Paradise should have been a place of salvation for all beings, but you have dragged it out into this mess.

You are no longer suitable to continue in the position of Buddha.

As soon as this statement came out, the whole palace was in an uproar.

The Buddhas discussed in hushed tones, and the Bodhisattvas' expressions changed slightly.

Venerable Ananda and Venerable Kasyapa exchanged a glance, their uneasy expressions barely concealed.

Maitreya Buddha's round face twitched slightly, as if he had sensed something was wrong, but he did not speak immediately.

The Buddha frowned slightly, but his voice remained calm: "Where do you get these words, fellow Daoist? In Buddhist matters, there is cause and effect, and the cycle of karma."

Could this be the intention of the two Western Saints?

Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain flashed in Ran Deng's eyes.

He burst into laughter, his voice booming like thunder: "The Two Sages of the West? Ha! Those two good-for-nothings, cowardly and incompetent, how could they be worthy of guiding Buddhism? Tathagata, stop deceiving yourself."

Today, I light this lamp to claim your Buddhahood and restore the glory of Buddhism!

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

The insults directed at the two Western saints as worthless were so blasphemous that they terrified all the Buddhas.

Guanyin Bodhisattva's eyebrows furrowed, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Manjushri Bodhisattva also rose to their feet. The three Bodhisattvas shouted in unison, "Dipankara! How dare you be so disrespectful to a sage! How can you be worthy of being called a Buddha?"

The Buddha's expression darkened slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "Dipankara, how dare you be so disrespectful to the two saints! Buddhism is based on compassion. What is the purpose of your actions?"

Dipankara Buddha's eyes turned cold, and golden light suddenly surged around his body.

The golden light was not the gentle, all-encompassing light of the Buddha, but rather carried a violent, oppressive force, as if all the spiritual energy in the world was driven by it.

His aura far surpassed that of a Quasi-Saint, approaching the might of a Primordial Chaos.

The entire Great Thunderclap Temple trembled, the void rippled like water, and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas felt a tightness in their chests, making it difficult to breathe.

"Buddha, I will give you two paths."

The voice of the lamp-burning monk was as cold as frost: "First, voluntarily relinquish your Buddhist position and retire into seclusion; second, I will personally kill you here, causing the Buddhist community to bleed like a river."

Which one do you choose?

As soon as the words were spoken, the three great Bodhisattvas, Guanyin, Samantabhadra, and Manjushri, could no longer contain themselves.

With a sharp cry, they joined forces to unleash their magical treasures—Guanyin's vase sprinkled out nectar, Samantabhadra's blue lion roared forth, and Manjushri's sword slashed into the void.

Three beams of divine light intertwined, attempting to halt the raging torrent of light.

However, Randeng merely snorted coldly, a snort like thunder from the heavens, causing the three Bodhisattvas' delicate bodies to tremble.

Guanyin coughed up a mouthful of blood, nearly dropping the jade bottle; Samantabhadra and Manjushri also staggered back several steps, their faces deathly pale and blood trickling from the corners of their mouths.

Although they possessed the power of quasi-saints, they were as powerless as children in the face of Ran Deng's rapidly advancing strength.

"You lot dare to obstruct me?"

Ran Deng's gaze was sharp as a knife as he swept over the three men. "Step back!"

Seeing this, the Buddha knew that all was lost.

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the pressure that far surpassed that of a saint, and sighed: "Randeng, your strength has reached the pinnacle, even the Buddhist sect cannot withstand you."

This humble monk does not wish to see more disciples perish... But so be it, the position of Buddha is inherently impermanent.

Today, I yield to you.

"Buddha!"

The three Guanyins cried out in unison, tears welling in their eyes, "No! How can the foundation of Buddhism be usurped by outsiders?"

The Buddha shook his head, his voice carrying a hint of relief: "Compassion and avoiding killing are the right path."

Ladies and gentlemen, the Buddhist faith endures, and the human spirit never dies.

After speaking, he clasped his hands together, and the golden aura around him gradually faded.

The primordial spirit rose like smoke, while the physical body transformed into golden lotuses, drifting into the void.

In a short while, within the Great Thunderclap Temple, the Buddha Tathagata passed away completely and returned to the world.

The hall was filled with the sound of weeping.

Guanyin covered her face and wept, while Samantabhadra and Manjushri knelt on the ground and did not rise.

Ananda and Kasyapa, seeing the wind blowing, quickly rose and kowtowed, saying, "Congratulations on the ascension of the new Buddha! May Buddhism regain its glory!"

Dipankara Buddha laughed loudly and stepped onto the lotus platform.

The lotus platform, originally the seat of the Buddha, now radiated golden light as if in submission, responding to his aura.

After he sat down, his gaze swept across the entire hall with piercing intensity: "From this day forward, I will light the lamp and become the new master of Buddhism! Buddhism shall be revitalized with iron will, save all sentient beings, and expand its territory."

Ananda and Kasyapa, you two are in charge of the scriptures; please keep them strictly confidential.

"Avalokiteshvara, Samantabhadra, Manjushri, you shall temporarily assume the duties of Bodhisattvas and obey my commands." Ananda and Kasyapa hurriedly agreed, their faces full of flattery.

Although Guanyin and the other two were heartbroken, they knew they were powerless to change the situation and could only bow their heads and agree.

Ran Deng nodded and continued, "The Journey to the West has been delayed for a long time."

The journey of Tang Sanzang and his disciples to obtain the scriptures was originally a grand Buddhist undertaking, but due to the Buddha's compassion, they repeatedly indulged demons.

Today, I must speed up the process! Guanyin, you must immediately go to the Journey to the West and bring Tang Sanzang and his disciples to the foot of Mount Ling.

This Buddha personally bestowed upon them supernatural powers to enhance their cultivation and help them attain enlightenment as soon as possible.

In this way, Buddhism can quickly grow strong and become awe-inspiring throughout the Three Realms!

Guanyin was taken aback upon hearing this, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart.

The rules for the journey to the West have always been set: the master and disciples must go through eighty-one tribulations before they can attain enlightenment.

Intervention midway could trigger a catastrophe for the heavens.

She hesitated, but seeing the sharp look in Ran Deng's eyes, she could only lower her head and say, "Yes...yes."

Seeing her hesitation, Ran Deng sneered, "Worried about the rules? Hmph, the rules are made for the strong! Go, don't delay."

Helpless, Guanyin rose and took her leave.

Outside the hall, the plump figure of Maitreya Buddha quietly appeared.

He had been hiding in the corner when he noticed Ran Deng's unusually sinister smile, and a sense of vigilance crept into his heart.

After Guanyin rode away on a cloud, he hurriedly chased after her outside the hall: "Junior Sister Guanyin, wait! This is inappropriate, Randeng..."

Before he could finish speaking, a golden light shot out from inside the hall, transforming into an invisible hand that pulled Maitreya Buddha back.

The voice of the lamp rang out: "Maitreya, you also want to stop me? Don't worry, this Buddha has his own arrangements."

Go and assist in improving the cultivation levels of master and disciple; do not say anything more.

Maitreya Buddha's chubby face stiffened, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. But knowing that Dipankara's strength was overwhelming, he could only smile bitterly: "Yes... the new Buddha."

Meanwhile, on the west bank of the Tongtian River, the waves surged and a chilling wind blew.

The river water was as black as ink, shimmering with an eerie, gelatinous sheen, binding an old man, a child, a turtle, and a horse firmly to the bank.

The glue was a poison left behind by a river monster, extremely sticky. Tang Sanzang and his disciples, along with the old turtle, were all trapped inside and unable to move.

The Venerable Tang Sanzang sat on the back of the old turtle, his face as pale as paper.

He was originally the reincarnation of Jin Chanzi, with profound cultivation, but due to repeated tribulations on his journey to the West, he was now having his magical power drained by the glue, leaving his primordial spirit weak and in unbearable pain.

“My disciples… your master is incompetent, causing you to suffer here.”

When will the journey to the West end?

Sun Wukong's golden cudgel was bound by glue, and his fiery eyes were filled with anxiety.

He struggled to pluck his hair and transform, but found that his magic power was like a mud ox sinking into the sea: "Master, don't worry! Although I, Old Sun, am trapped for a while, I will always find a way to get out."

"Brother Sha, where's your rake?"

Pigsy lay on the old turtle shell, his nine-toothed rake stuck in the glue, grumbling, "Brother Monkey, you still dare to talk! This damn thing is stuck so tightly, I can't even move."

"If only I hadn't gotten involved in this mess, I would have gone home and gotten married..."

Sha Wujing stood guard beside his master, carrying the crescent shovel, but he was powerless to use it: "Eldest brother, second brother, just bear with it."

The Bodhisattva said that difficulties will always pass.

"Old turtle, do you have a solution?"

On the old turtle's ancient face, its turtle eyes narrowed slightly as it sighed, "I have carried the holy monk on my back for many years, and I knew that calamity was inevitable."

However, this glue is a secret poison from the bottom of the Tongtian River, which can only be cured by great magical power.

Dear benefactors, please wait a little longer; rescue is imminent.

Upon hearing this, the four men and their disciples felt somewhat relieved, but their faces remained clouded with worry.

The river wind howled, carrying with it the low growls of distant monsters. The journey to the West was already arduous, but now it felt like an impasse.

Suddenly, a beam of auspicious light pierced the sky, and colorful clouds spread out, revealing Guanyin Bodhisattva on them.

Dressed in white, she gently shook the jade bottle in her hand. Her gaze fell on the people bound by glue, and she couldn't help but sigh: "Tang Sanzang, Wukong, Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the old turtle, you have suffered."

"Buddha!"

Overjoyed, Tang Sanzang wept and struggled to kowtow, crying out, "Bodhisattva, have mercy! Save us from this sea of ​​suffering!"

Sun Wukong's monkey eyes lit up: "Bodhisattva, you've finally arrived! Quickly use your magic to break this evil glue!"

Guanyin landed gracefully, reached out and touched the glue, her brows furrowed: "This glue is formed from the blood of a river demon, and this humble monk cannot decipher it in time."

However, the new Buddha has decreed that I will bring you to the foot of Mount Ling, where I will personally bestow upon you supernatural powers and enhance your cultivation.

In this way, one can quickly escape the predicament and attain enlightenment sooner.

"A new...new Buddha?"

Pigsy's ears perked up, and his eyes widened. "Bodhisattva, the Buddha is not..."

Guanyin's eyes dimmed, and she avoided the topic, saying, "Don't ask any more questions."

"Come, let this humble monk perform a spell."

With a light touch of her jade-like finger, seven-colored nectar was sprinkled from the vase, transforming into auspicious clouds that lifted everyone up.

Although the glue was not removed, they were enveloped by the clouds, and everyone felt as light as a swallow, no longer suffering from the pain of being bound.

The old turtle trembled and exclaimed joyfully, "Thank you, Bodhisattva! This humble monk is willing to accompany the holy monk."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang smiled through his tears: "Amitabha! It is truly our great fortune to receive this gift from the Buddha himself."

"My disciples, go with the Bodhisattva!"

Sun Wukong scratched his head, feeling a bit suspicious, but nodded nonetheless: "Hehe, improve your cultivation? Then wouldn't I, Old Sun, be able to wreak havoc in the Heavenly Palace even more? Let's go!"

Pigsy was overjoyed: "Great! I can finally become stronger and enjoy the good life!"

Sha Wujing chuckled, "I'll leave everything to the Bodhisattva's arrangement."

Guanyin felt heavy-hearted. She knew that this action might go against the will of Heaven, but she had no other choice.

Auspicious seven-colored clouds rose up, carrying the four masters and disciples, along with the old turtle, straight towards Mount Ling.

The river breeze fades into the distance, and golden light appears in the western sky, suggesting a turning point ahead.

Deep within the hidden realm, in a dark void, Jiang Wang sat cross-legged, surrounded by chaotic energy.

He was originally an intruder in Journey to the West, carrying the system with him, and repeatedly stirred up the world.

At that moment, a hurried mechanical voice suddenly rang in my mind: "Emergency mission issued! Dipankara Buddha has usurped the throne, Tathagata has passed away, and the Journey to the West has undergone a dramatic change."

The host must immediately travel to the Journey to the West, intercept Guanyin Bodhisattva, and prevent Tang Sanzang and his disciples from reaching the foot of Mount Ling.

Mission successful! Reward: Primordial Chaos-level Divine Power – Great Sealing Technique! Failure! System self-destructs!

Jiang Wang suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

The system's voice carried an unusual urgency, indicating the seriousness of the situation: "Randeng usurps the throne? Interesting... This Journey to the West is indeed full of traps."

He stood up, made a hand seal, and tore open a spatial rift in the void.

With a flash, he disappeared into it, heading straight for the Journey to the West.

Auspicious clouds rushed by, with Guanyin in front and the master and disciples behind.

Suddenly, the void ahead distorted, and a figure appeared out of thin air.

The man, dressed in a black robe, had a handsome face but a hint of cynicism; it was Jiang Wang.

He crossed his arms, blocking the way, and a wicked smile curled at the corner of his mouth: "Guanyin Bodhisattva, what a fine mood you're in."

Taking this pilgrimage team to Mount Ling? Tsk tsk, wouldn't that violate the heavenly rules?

Guanyin paused on the cloud, her willow-leaf brows furrowing slightly: "Who are you? How dare you obstruct important Buddhist affairs!" (End of Chapter)