Primordial Era: A brick knocks Hongyun unconscious, and he seizes the throne at the start.

Guanyin Bodhisattva looked in the direction of the sound and saw a Taoist priest in a green robe who had appeared in the crowd at some point. He had a thin face, held a whisk, and was looking at her with a smile—it was Lu Chen disguised as "Taoist Qingfeng".

"It's you?!" Guanyin's heart sank. This troublemaker's presence here could mean no good!

Lu Chen (Qingfeng Daoren) nodded slightly to Guanyin, then turned to Yuan Tiangang on the high platform, cupped his hands and said, "National Preceptor, this humble Daoist greets you."

Yuan Tiangang's eyes flickered slightly. He had already received a secret message from Lu Chen, knowing that this "Master Qingfeng" would be coming to lend a hand today. He immediately returned the greeting: "Master Qingfeng, your arrival is timely. This eminent monk from the Western Paradise has been debating with us for half a day, and we are at a stalemate. Does the Master have any insightful suggestions?"

Lu Chen smiled and said, "I dare not presume to offer such profound insights. It was just that I was suddenly struck by a thought after listening to everyone's discussion on 'this life and the next.'"

He looked at Guanyin and said gently, "The Master said, 'Endure the suffering of this life to cultivate blessings for the next,' which is certainly true. However, the people of our Eastern Land are born in a prosperous era, and what they seek is peace and stability in this life and well-being for their families and country. If we simply advise people to endure suffering and wait for the next life, it may go against the will of the people."

Upon hearing this, the people below nodded in agreement. Who doesn't want to live a good life in the present? The afterlife is too far away, too vague and uncertain.

Guanyin's expression changed slightly: "Does the Daoist priest's statement deny the existence of cause and effect and reincarnation?"

"Not so." Lu Chen shook his head. "Cause and effect, the cycle of reincarnation, is the ultimate truth of heaven and earth. How could I, a humble Taoist, dare to deny it? It's just that... when Buddhism spreads eastward, we should adapt to local customs. The Buddha said, 'All sentient beings suffer,' but the people of our Great Tang are blessed by the Emperor and live in peace and prosperity. Where does suffering come from? If we insist on saying that we are suffering, it would only appear hypocritical."

He paused, then changed the subject: "Actually, both Buddhism and Taoism encourage people to do good, so there's no inherent conflict. The Master's coming from the West to spread the Dharma is a well-intentioned act. How about this—"

Lu Chen looked at Yuan Tiangang, then at the assembled Taoist masters below the stage: "Since Buddhism wishes to spread its teachings to the East, Taoism also has a responsibility to protect the Central Plains. Why not let Buddhism and Taoism travel together, jointly protecting the pilgrims on their journey to the West? On the journey, Buddhism can spread its teachings, and Taoism can propagate its doctrines. In this way, we can fulfill Buddhism's desire to spread its teachings to the East, demonstrate the inclusiveness of Taoism, and allow the pilgrims to learn from the strengths of others. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Buddhism and Taoism going hand in hand?!

The room fell silent upon hearing this.

Yuan Tiangang stroked his beard in deep thought, his eyes gleaming—this suggestion is brilliant! It not only prevents Buddhism from having all the credit, but also inserts the Taoist forces into the Journey to the West, and allows them to monitor the Buddhists' actions; it's a win-win situation!

The Taoists were also discussing it animatedly, with most showing agreement. No one wanted Buddhism to monopolize the incense offerings in the East; if they could "partner" with Buddhism, they could at least get a share of the pie.

Guanyin, however, was alarmed! Buddhism and Taoism going hand in hand? Wouldn't that turn the journey to the West into a "competition" between them? Moreover, this Qingfeng Taoist (Lu Chen) clearly had ill intentions. If the Taoist sect were to get involved, the variables in the Journey to the West would increase significantly!

"This proposal is inappropriate!" Guanyin immediately objected. "The journey to the West is a major event for our Buddhist community, concerning..."

"What does it concern you about?" Lu Chen interrupted her, a half-smile on his face. "Does the Master perhaps think that our Taoist sect is unworthy to 'walk alongside' the Buddhist sect?"

The Taoist disciples below the stage immediately showed displeasure.

Guanyin was speechless. She couldn't very well say, "The journey to the West is the key to the great prosperity of Buddhism, and we can't let Taoism get involved," that would be too unseemly.

Lu Chen pressed his advantage: "Grand Preceptor, I am willing to speak to His Majesty on his behalf. I believe His Majesty also hopes that the pilgrims will receive the protection of both families and have a safe journey."

Yuan Tiangang nodded: "Very well. I will also present a memorial to His Majesty, explaining the advantages and disadvantages."

Guanyin's expression shifted, knowing that if she refused firmly today, she might not even see the pilgrims, let alone receive the Dharma transmission. She took a deep breath and forced a smile, saying, "Since the Daoist Master and the National Preceptor have such kind intentions, this humble monk... will accept on behalf of Buddha. However, the specifics of how we 'travel together' still need to be discussed in detail."

"That's only natural." Lu Chen smiled brightly. "How about this—the pilgrims will depart from the East, and our Daoist sect will send a 'Guardian Envoy' to accompany them. Firstly, to ensure their safety, and secondly, to record the local customs, traditions, and Buddhist and Daoist observations along the way, reporting back to His Majesty to demonstrate the inclusive spirit of our Great Tang Dynasty. What do you think?"

Protectors of the Way? Aren't they just watchers?!

Guanyin's chest heaved with anger, but she had no choice but to nod: "...Alright."

"Very well!" Lu Chen clapped his hands. "Then I will volunteer to be the guardian. My Taoist name is Qingfeng. My cultivation is still shallow, but I am familiar with geography and people. I will definitely do my best to assist the pilgrims."

"You're so knowledgeable about geography and customs? You're more knowledgeable about how to cause trouble for Buddhism!" Guanyin cursed inwardly, but forced a smile on her face: "Then I'll have to trouble... Master Qingfeng."

A Buddhist-Taoist debate ended with "Buddhists and Taoists traveling together, and the Taoist sect sending a protector."

The news spread, and Chang'an was in an uproar.

The common people found it novel: "Buddhism and Taoism going on a pilgrimage together? Interesting!"

The scholars remarked, "Your Majesty is wise; this action demonstrates the inclusiveness of our Great Tang Dynasty!"

The Taoist sect was overjoyed, feeling that they had finally proven themselves worthy of respect.

Buddhism... Buddhism can only swallow its pride and suffer in silence.

Several days later, in the Imperial Palace, at the Taiji Hall.

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, sat on his dragon throne, listened to the reports from Yuan Tiangang and Lu Chen (the Taoist Qingfeng), and then met Guanyin Bodhisattva (incarnation of a wandering monk). After pondering for a long time, he finally issued an edict:

"The proposal for the Buddhist and Taoist paths to travel together is approved. The Emperor's younger brother, Xuanzang, is appointed as the pilgrim to travel west to obtain the true scriptures. Qingfeng Daoist is appointed as the 'Protective Inspector of the Path,' to accompany the pilgrim, record his journey, and provide him with thorough protection. He is also bestowed with a travel permit, a purple-gold alms bowl, a brocade cassock, and a nine-ringed staff to enhance the pilgrimage."

With the imperial decree issued, the Journey to the West was finally settled.

Guanyin thanked the emperor and left the palace. She turned back and glanced at Lu Chen (Qingfeng Daoren), who was smiling beside Xuanzang. A cold glint flashed in her eyes.

"Master Qingfeng," she transmitted her voice, "I hope you will take good care of me on my journey to the West."

Lu Chen responded with a bright smile: "Don't worry, Bodhisattva, this humble Taoist will do his utmost."

Their eyes met, and sparks seemed to fly in the air.

That night, at Jinshan Temple.

Xuanzang (Tang Sanzang) packed his belongings, preparing to set off on a chosen day. He stroked his brocade robe, but felt little joy, instead a strange heaviness in his heart.

"Westward journey... is it really just for obtaining scriptures?" he murmured to himself, as fragments of memories from his past life began to churn in his mind.

Outside the window, Lu Chen looked at Xuanzang's figure and smiled slightly.

"Jin Chanzi, in this life, you must do your 'journey to the West' well."

"After all, the journey here... is quite exciting."

He looked up at the moon, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

The pilgrimage team was finally formed.

Buddhists and Taoists walk together, and protectors follow along.

This grand drama of Journey to the West is about to officially begin.

Meanwhile, the sixth brother, who was carrying bricks, had already infiltrated the film crew and obtained multiple roles as "assistant director," "screenwriter," "production assistant," and "special guest actor."

It’s just a good show.