Pochi-chan, I used to be a princess.

"Could it be that!"

"Is this person Tang Xuanzang?"

The audience in front of the screen was suddenly shocked, especially the Chinese audience, who felt their heads buzzing.

It was obvious that a monk dressed like this was not a serious monk. I originally thought he was practicing joyful Zen, but he ended up saying that it would be better if Wukong and the others were not given a holiday.

There couldn't possibly be another Wukong in the mythical world, right? Besides that monk, there couldn't be anyone else who could legitimately command Wukong, right?

"Being indecisive and only able to cry is quite consistent with the description in Journey to the West. The Tang Sanzang in Journey to the West is so useless, completely different from the real-life prototype."

"The problem is, neither the real Tang Sanzang nor the Tang Sanzang in Journey to the West is a woman!"

Chapter 220: Buddha Doesn’t Want You to Convert, Buddha Wants You to Be Happy

The gender issue of Tang Sanzang broke out in various countries. The monks who were not well-trained felt that they were about to have a cerebral hemorrhage, and the monks who were well-trained also felt that their training was about to be shattered.

"Ridiculous! This is ridiculous! Why would a monk dress like this?"

"He must be an imposter. That monk has already attained enlightenment. There's no way he would cry out in fear just because he was attacked."

"Even the maligned monk Tripitaka in Journey to the West didn't cry because he was afraid of monster attacks."

"Such a poor cultivation level cannot be that of Master Sanzang."

"You make your own destiny, your appearance is determined by your mind, your environment changes with your heart, and tolerance is the key to greatness. Master Tripitaka is the Buddha!"

"Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. How could Master Tripitaka not understand this Zen meaning?"

"All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dew and lightning, they should be viewed in this way. What kind of a monk is he who cannot comprehend even this kind of Buddhist principle?"

Pointing at a crying, scantily clad woman and calling her Tang Sanzang? That's too explosive.

Countless people questioned Tripitaka's true identity, and monks and laypeople who understood Buddhist principles could find countless mistakes in Tripitaka in the video.

The people of the East were extremely calm. Female Tang Sanzang was quite popular in this country, and the monks here just laughed it off.

"The Buddha doesn't want you to convert, the Buddha wants you to be happy."

At the "STARRY" performance hall in Shimokitazawa, Yakushiji smiled slightly and plucked the strings of the guitar with his fingers, producing a beautiful melody.

Hearing Yakushiji say this, Kita Ikuyo couldn't help but ask awkwardly, "Is this really okay? Although the monk Sanzang in the TV series is a crying woman, but..."

Yakushiji smiled and shook his head: "Buddha has no form, but Buddha has all forms."

Yijizhi Hongxia nodded, not quite understanding. "But, the realm of Buddha should be higher than that of ordinary people. It shouldn't be so easy for her..."

Yakushiji slowly plucked the guitar strings and asked calmly, "You shouldn't be so emotional, right?"

Ijichi Hongxia nodded.

Yakushiji said, "Then let me tell you a story. At that time, Subhuti heard this sutra and understood its meaning deeply. With tears in his eyes, he said to the Buddha, 'It is amazing! World-honored One! The Buddha has spoken such a profound sutra. I have never heard such a sutra before, even with the wisdom I have gained from the past.'"

Kita Ikuyo looked confused.

Yakushiji explained, "Simply put, after hearing the Buddha's repeated expositions, Subhuti finally grasped the meaning of the Diamond Sutra and was so moved that tears streamed down his face. 'How marvelous, World-honored One! The Buddha has spoken such profound sutras. With my wisdom, I have never heard anything like them before.' If Subhuti, the foremost in understanding emptiness, felt such strong emotions, why wouldn't other Buddhas have the same feelings?"

Yamada Ryo asked in confusion: "Why?"

Yakushiji laughed and said, "Thinking that a great monk like Buddha must be free from joy and anger is also a form of attachment. How can a heartless person who doesn't even express joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness become a Buddha? Practicing Zen isn't about cultivating a dead-wood Zen mind like grass and trees, numbing the perception of pain and joy. It's about elevating wisdom and enlightenment. The so-called self-nature is unmoving, illuminating all things clearly and unobstructed. This is the Tathagata, the Buddha."

Yamada Ryo said, "Can you be more clear?"

Yakushiji played the tune of the Heart Sutra and said, "The appearances of ordinary people come from delusion, discrimination, and attachment. However, Buddhas are different. Enlightened Buddhas have long since let go of delusion, discrimination, and attachment. Their tears and sorrow are the expression of their true nature, a pure and innocent expression of their views on what they see and hear."

Sanzang sat in the burning flames with his legs crossed, complaining unhappily, "But there's nothing we can do. Those idiot disciples all look so careless! Wujing is still single at that age! Go back to heaven and find a wife! That guy Wuneng, you can't judge a person by his appearance. He's actually divorced once! He even has a wife and children. Pigs are really not to be underestimated! Nice!

But abandoning his wife is unforgivable! So before he can properly apologize to his wife, I have to expel this disciple! Finally, it's Wukong! He can just go back to Huaguo Mountain and choose whatever he wants, so why does he always come to me to slack off? Go back to the mountain as soon as possible so everyone can rest assured! Me? I'm fine with being single! Because I want to become a Buddha! I can talk about love and other things after I become a Buddha~!"

Kita Ikuyo couldn't help but ask Yakushiji, "Is this okay? I heard that monks in China are different from monks here. They are not allowed to get married."

Yakushiji laughed and said, "That's the rule set by Eastern Buddhism, not the rule set by the Buddha. After all, even the Buddha had a wife."

Mashu asked, her words elusive: "...Speaking of which...Senior. Could this be...?"

[Fujimaru Ritsuka said: "I once accidentally ran into the maze of her heart..."]

Sanzang continued muttering to himself in his own world, "I'm out of food, so I tried to summon the White Dragon Horse, but it failed. It said, 'I'm sorry, but I won't go back, so give up.' Instead, it attacked me. Perhaps it's the dragon that brings suffering to people in France!"

[Sanzang's voice alerted Fujimaru Ritsuka, who hurriedly ordered Mashu and Hassan to attack and repel the dragon that was attacking Sanzang.]

As soon as the demon dragon disappeared, Sanzang immediately became excited and said to Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others, "Yes, I am Xuanzang Sanzang! I am a Servant who appeared here under the guidance of the Buddha. My class is, of course, Caster!"

Hassan of the Hundred Faces and Hassan of the Curse Arm looked at Sanzang, who had suddenly become full of energy, and exchanged glances, speechless.

Sanzang tilted his head. "? No reaction? But never mind, let me continue. I was summoned somewhere six months ago, and following guidance, I came here along the Silk Road to prevent the unprecedented crisis caused by the anomaly in the Holy Land. To be honest, as a heroic spirit, I was on my way home from India. Although I found this troublesome, I had no choice but to go because it was the Buddha's guidance. So I came! To this apocalyptic place, Shambhala, with its sandstorms!"

Fujimaru Ritsuka grumbles, "This isn't Shambhala."

Sanzang was a bit surprised, then smiled broadly and said, "Hey...really? Huh...it's not quite what we agreed on...? Never mind. This kind of thing doesn't matter. We should always maintain an open mind, as broad as the Ganges. This is the path to enlightenment, right?"

Chapter 221 Tathagata Palm

Yakushiji smiled and said, "Did you see that? This is the state of the enlightened one. When you want to cry, you cry. When you want to laugh, you laugh. Happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy are just a thought. You are not bound by delusion or attachment."

Ijichi Hongxia nodded in sudden realization.

Sanzang's mood changes so quickly, and he doesn't mind at all anything that makes her unhappy.

Kita Ikuyo exclaimed, "We should always maintain an open mind, as broad as the Ganges. This is the path to enlightenment. These words truly embody the spirit of a great monk."

Yakushiji nodded and said, "Exactly. This is the Buddha. It's okay to doubt that this female monk is not Tripitaka Master, but doubting from this perspective is a bit ridiculous."

Mashu said in surprise, "Xuanzang Sanzang...it's Master Sanzang. He doesn't look like a Servant from the Holy City...but he seems to have a very volatile mood. By the way...Master Sanzang? Do you understand the situation in this era? Do you know the Holy City of the Lion King?"

Sanzang said with a smile, "Well, of course I know, because I stayed there as a guest for about two months."

Mashu said in surprise: "Stay...stay in the Holy City!?"

Sanzang said, "Yes. It's a very comfortable city. Everyone is carefree and smiling, and there isn't a single bad person. But it's not where I belong, so I left. There are other places I want to see. Uh... you. The you named Fujimaru Ritsuka, thank you for saving me. I express my sincere gratitude. Uh, and is your name Mashu?"

[Mashu responded: "Ah, yes."]

Sanzang said, "Thank you for holding me back just now. Thank you also to those skeleton-like figures. Also, thank you to the magician and the rabbit in the back who only has voice."

Fufu tilted her head and called out, "Fu, Fu?"

Roman sighed helplessly, "...Well, it's hard to remember a name without seeing a face, right? But putting that aside, will you be our partner?"

Sanzang said, "Of course! I, Sanzang, will repay any favor I receive! And that is why I came here. Master Sanzang is a traveling monk. So it is only natural for me to become your traveling companion, right?"

Mashu politely thanked Sanzang: "Ah, yes. Thank you very much, Miss Sanzang."

Roman complained, "Things are happening so fast I can't keep up, but I should still be happy about the increase in my combat power! Thank you, Master Sanzang! It's a blessing to have a Servant join us!"

Sanzang said seriously, "This isn't luck, it's the Buddha's blessing. You have the Buddha's blessing upon you. Specifically, it's me! Although Wukong, Wuneng, Wujing, and Bailong are not here, and the Bodhisattva's voice cannot be heard, that's another matter! I am the eminent monk, Xuanzang Sanzang, who will one day attain Buddhahood! Watch carefully! I will be like the palm of Sakyamuni Buddha, and with a thud, I will save you all!"

Having seen some kung fu, Hikigaya Hachiman couldn't help but recall the palm technique that descended from the sky: "The Palm of Tathagata? Could it be the Palm of Tathagata?"

Yuigahama Yui complained: "Does the Dunjia think such a weak girl can use kung fu?"

At night, the Chaldeans sneaked into the vicinity of the Holy City Fortress, looking for an opportunity to enter the fortress.

Roman suddenly warned, "Everyone, take cover! There are soldiers nearby!"

Everyone hurriedly shifted positions. Shortly after leaving their hiding place, two soldiers yawned as they approached.

Soldier A complained, "Give me a break. Why do we all have to be on duty so late at night?"

Soldier B sighed helplessly, "There's nothing we can do. The Knights of the Round Table are coming to visit privately. If we neglect them, our lives will be in jeopardy."

Soldier A complained, "That's the problem. They're coming all of a sudden with absolutely no prior notice, right? And it's not just any Round Table member coming here, but the Lion King's aide, Iron Aggiwen! What on earth is the Round Table's number two, who never leaves the Holy City, doing in this lifeless fortress?"

Soldier B's expression grew grave. "...That's probably why. Didn't we dispatch horses to Sir Lancelot a few days ago? Without Lord Agravin's permission, the fort's property shouldn't be used freely. Perhaps they're here to hold him accountable for this."

Soldier A said in surprise, "No way. Is our commander going to be punished...? He's a scumbag who murdered the refugees. If he could be fired, it would be a huge help to us..."

Soldier B said seriously, "...It's also possible...it's because of that strange archer we captured a few days ago. The Knights of Rectification worked so hard to capture him. Lord Aggravin might be here to execute him personally."

Soldier A said, "No way, that guy's going to get killed? I don't quite understand what he's saying, but he's a good guy, right? And the quality of our breakfast has improved since he came. I was hoping he'd become our companion..."

Soldier B quickly said, "...No, no, there's another possibility...it's about the old woman from the mountains imprisoned in the underground cell. I heard she's incredibly beautiful, but she's very tight-lipped. The interrogators are almost exhausted...Master Aggravin is one of the best interrogators at the Round Table...I heard his torture skills are so advanced that he can even make a hippopotamus beg for mercy in human language..."

Soldier A was shocked. "No way! Even the hippopotamus is crying out for help! How cruel is Lord Aguwen? And how many troubles has accumulated in our fortress? I really want to live in the Holy City!"

Chitanda Eru looked at Oreki Houtarou with her eyes wide open. Before she opened her mouth, Oreki Houtarou knew what she wanted to ask.

Oreki Houtarou felt a strain on Chitanda Eru's gaze. He rubbed his forehead and said, "Who is Sanzang's disciple? This kind of question is difficult to answer. Although there is a clue that can improve the quality of breakfast, the other party cannot be Zhu Bajie, the Purifier of the Altar."

Fukube Rishi said, "Is that why you accepted him as your disciple?"

Oreki Houtarou nodded. "But judging from what Sanzang said, he's probably a Buddhist. Plus, he can improve the quality of breakfast... There are too few clues to figure out his identity."

Irisu Fuyumi narrowed his eyes and said, "I'm actually quite interested in that old man in the mountains. Such an incredibly beautiful girl. Are there any other types of old men in the mountains?"

Chapter 222 Great Bodhisattva

Oreki Houtarou's expression was a little strange. He was a beautiful assassin. Generally speaking, those with this label were the seductive type.

Irisu Fuyumi also thought of this and curled up the corners of his mouth to reveal a slightly cold smile.

Sanzang said seriously, "It seems the situation has changed. If Aggiwen is coming, we must hurry. He doesn't recognize Servants other than the Knights of the Round Table. We can't wait even a night, or Fujita will be killed."

Mash nodded vigorously. "Yes, Hassan is in great danger after being captured. Fortunately, Lord Agguiwen hasn't arrived at the fort yet. Let's rescue those two before he does!"

Fujimaru Ritsuka said as a matter of course: "Of course!"

Yukinoshita Yukino guessed Tota's identity: "Tota, is it Tawara Tota? Fujiwara Hideyoshi who defeated Taira no Masakado?"

Hikigaya Hachiman said excitedly, "Not only did he defeat Taira Masakado, but he also defeated the Great Centipede. After defeating the Great Centipede that circled the mountain seven and a half times, the Dragon God gifted him with treasures like straw bags containing endless amounts of rice. I see. So that's why you said the quality of breakfast has improved?"

Hikigaya Hachiman was very familiar with the legend of Fujiwara Hidego.

Zaimokuza Yoshiteru pretentiously explained the reason: "Yes, Fujiwara no Hideyoshi prayed to my friend Hachiman, and only then was he able to defeat the great centipede."

Hikigaya Hachiman covered his face and pretended not to hear anything.

Yukinoshita Yukino smiled maliciously at Hikigaya Hachiman: "That's really amazing, Hachiman the Great Bodhisattva."

Shizuka Hiratsuka patted Hikigaya Hachiman's shoulder vigorously and said gloatingly, "You have those moments too."

Just as the Chaldeans were about to sneak into the fortress and rescue the Servants before Agragwen arrived, Hassan of the Cursed Arms suddenly said, "Wait a moment, Lord Fujimaru, can I say a word? I can hear a pin drop from a thousand miles away. ...The herd of horses approaching this fortress will arrive soon. I'm afraid they'll run into us just as we're emerging from the prison. Then, escape will be difficult. Let's split up. One group will sneak in and rescue the Servants. The other group will stay here and wait for Agragwen and the others to appear. Then, we'll seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the fortress and conduct a feint attack."

Roman said, "I see. But a surprise attack by just one or two men wouldn't be enough to stop the fortress soldiers from moving. Without twenty or so, a feint attack wouldn't be possible, right?"

Hassan the Hundred Faces was silent for a moment, then spoke: "...Leave it to me. You go into the underground cell."

Mash asked in surprise, "Ms. Baimao? But you're alone..."

Hassan of a Hundred Faces pretends to be relaxed: "Speaking of feints and surprise attacks, that's my job. I can't always rely on you. I'm the old man of the mountains, possessing a hundred different appearances. I can do whatever I want."

As he spoke, phantoms appeared around Hassan of a Hundred Faces. These phantoms gradually solidified, transforming into dozens of Hassan of a Hundred Faces, each of varying heights, weights, and builds.

Hassan of the Hundred Faces said proudly, "See? Assassination through overwhelming numbers is my specialty. I may not be as good as a Servant like the Knights of the Round Table, but when it comes to dealing with soldiers, there's no Servant more 'useful' than me. I'll try to alert the soldiers in the fortress and secure the right number of horses. You guys go and rescue Serenity and that guy called Tota."

Mash hesitated and called out, "Ms. Baimao..."

[Fujimaru Ritsuka praised familiarly: "Amazing, Baimao!"]

Hassan, with his hundred features, cries out coyly, "Stop the flattery. Go now."

Only Hassan the Hundred Faces remained, while the others sneaked into the fortress of the Holy City.

After finding the entrance to the underground prison, the group rushed in. After wandering around for a while, they discovered that the dungeon was even more extensive and complex than they had imagined. The dungeon, larger than the fortress, had three floors. They explored floor after floor, defeating ghostly monsters, but still could not find any trace of Tawara Tota.

Sanzang couldn't help but cry out: "Hey~, Touta~ where are you~... Hey~~~~~~! Wuwu... I've been looking for him for so long and still can't find him... Could he have been killed...? No... Wuwu... It's all... my fault... I'm the master... but I can't even save a single disciple. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Touta...!"

[As if unable to bear Sanzang anymore, Fufu jumped out of Mashu's arms and ran to another corridor.]

Mashu hurriedly chased after him: "Fufu, this won't work. We don't have time to take a detour right now."

[After catching up with Fufu, Mashu picked her up and suddenly discovered a secret passage nearby.]

Mashu quietly opened the secret passage and peered inside. She turned back and whispered to Fujimaru Ritsuka, "Master, there's a secret passage here! There's a prison cell inside! Plus, we spotted a figure that looked like a guard in front of the cell! There's a Servant in the cell!"

Sanzang shouted in surprise, "Really? Wait, I'll be there right away, right away!"

At this moment, a lazy voice rang out from the cell in the secret passage: "Hmm? Such an awkward and unsteady voice... Hey~! Could it be Sanzang?"

[As it spoke, the voice sounded as if it had a severe headache.]

Tripitaka said happily, "Tou Ta! That was Tou Ta! Hey! Yes, it's me! As long as my disciples are in trouble, I can scale the walls, even the Gandharva City! Speaking of Abhidharma, it's the Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma! This is the path to Buddhahood, fully realized by Tripitaka! That's Xuanzang, Tripitaka. Although late, he's back!"