Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything-Chapter 756 - Accompanying Supreme Treasure

756: Chapter 756: Accompanying Supreme Treasure

756 -756: Accompanying Supreme Treasure

“Ksitigarbha, what is the meaning of this!?”

The Tathagata’s expression was forbidding as he pointed at the soul of Maitreya Buddha within the Soul-Cleansing Pool and asked.

“Your Holiness, the disciple is acting under the command of heaven, responsible for the reincarnation of Immortals and Buddhas.

Since Maitreya Buddha has already perished, the disciple allowed his soul to enter the Soul-Cleansing Pool to wash away all memories from his past life, in order to arrange for his reincarnation work!”

Facing the Tathagata’s interrogation, Ksitigarbha maintained a respectful and submissive posture, yet his words were neither humble nor arrogant.

Acting under the command of heaven!

It must be said, the reason given by Ksitigarbha left no room for rebuttal.

The duty of Ksitigarbha was to organize the reincarnation of Immortals and Buddhas, a task mandated by the Heavenly Dao.

No one had any grounds to challenge Ksitigarbha’s actions.

However, it was unexpected that Ksitigarbha, known for his impartial nature, would be so thoroughly impartial to this extent.

Even Maitreya Buddha, one of the Three-World Buddhas, received no special treatment after his death.

“Ksitigarbha, do you realize who Maitreya Buddha is?

And you just arrange for his reincarnation like this!?

If I were to perish one day, would you do the same to me?” The Tathagata’s eyes bore a heavy oppressiveness as he stared at Ksitigarbha and asked.

“If Your Holiness were to fall, although the disciple’s heart would be filled with immense sorrow, I would not dare to be partial,” Ksitigarbha spoke with a bowed head, still with an attitude of utmost respect.

“Immense sorrow!?”

Seeing Ksitigarbha’s demeanor, the corners of the Tathagata’s mouth twitched slightly.

Where was the so-called immense sorrow in his appearance?

It seemed that in Ksitigarbha’s hands, there was no difference between a revered Buddha and a common Arhat?

“Amitabha Buddha…” Taoist Randeng, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke, uttering the name of Buddha.

On the surface, the Tathagata seemed somewhat impatient and seemed to lack the magnanimity expected of the head of Buddhism, engaging in an argument with Ksitigarbha.

However, Randeng Buddha could see that the Tathagata’s actions were merely a test of Ksitigarbha’s limits.

Yet, the result was disappointing.

Though a Buddhist Disciple, Ksitigarbha did not seem to hold the head of Buddhism, the Tathagata, in high regard at all.

If I did not speak up, the Tathagata would lose face.

“Your Holiness…” Hearing Randeng Buddha speak, Ksitigarbha continued to display a demeanor of great respect and greeted him.

“Ksitigarbha, you act under the command of heaven and control the reincarnation of all Immortals and Buddhas.

I understand and sympathize with this…” As Randeng Buddha spoke, his expression conveyed amiability and approachability.

He paused for a moment and continued, “However, in this world, if there are rules, there are also exceptions, just as where there is light, there must also be darkness, correct?”

“What Your Holiness says is naturally correct!”

Bowing his head, Ksitigarbha still maintained a demeanor of great reverence and nodded in agreement.

“Your Holiness is aware that when Little White Dragon from the Journey to the West Pilgrimage Team perished, you allowed his return to life.

I also know that for a Spider Demoness from Pansi Spider Cave, Xuanzang came to you and you made an exception.

Now, considering that Maitreya Buddha is the Future Buddha of our order, surely you could make an exception for him too?” Randeng Buddha continued as he looked at Ksitigarbha.

At these words, Ksitigarbha appeared momentarily at a loss for words.

After a brief silence, he nodded slightly: “Since Your Holiness has spoken, the disciple will certainly not defy you, but…”

“But what?

Speak freely,” Randeng Buddha said, his tone seemingly easygoing.

“But, to make an exception, one must pay a sufficient price.

Otherwise, wouldn’t everyone in the world seek resurrection?” Ksitigarbha said after a moment’s thought.

“Your words are reasonable.

What kind of price would you require?” Randeng Buddha nodded slightly to Ksitigarbha’s response, not finding it surprising.

After all, each time Ksitigarbha made an exception, there had indeed been a significant cost.

Such as the Ninth Grade Merit Golden Lotus?

Or the Brocade Kasaya that Xuanzang gave up?

“To bring back the True Spirit of Maitreya Buddha, the price must be substantial…” Ksitigarbha, with his head lowered and an air of trepidation, hesitated as if afraid to speak.

“Speak!” Randeng Buddha urged, watching Ksitigarbha intently.

Any price seemed worth it to bring back the True Spirit of Maitreya Buddha.

After all, Maitreya Buddha was not only of Quasi-Saint Level but also integral to the reputation of the entire Buddhist Sect.

The immeasurable kalpa of the Journey to the West for Scriptures was orchestrated for the great rise of Buddhism, but the Future Buddha of Buddhism perished in it?

Wouldn’t Buddhism become a laughing stock if this were to be known?

It was like hiring a team for environmental conservation, but before they could begin their work, the team ended up completely devastating the environment they were tasked to protect—what a joke that would be.

“Your Holiness, your disciple requires you to relinquish your Ancient Lamp!” With his head bowed and gathering his courage, Ksitigarbha spoke.

Randeng Buddha’s expression froze.

The Ancient Lamp!?

Before joining Buddhism, Randeng Buddha was known as Taoist Randeng, and why was that?

Primarily because he owned an almost accompanying Ancient Lamp that had been with him since his emergence into this world, always by his side, almost becoming a part of him.

The worth of this ancient lamp, in Randeng’s view, was almost comparable to an Innate Supreme Treasure.

It was similar to the Eastern Emperor Bell that had once been an accompanying treasure of Eastern Emperor Taiyi!

Yet today, Ksitigarbha was actually suggesting he give away his own accompanying ancient lamp!?

With his head bowed, Ksitigarbha maintained a posture of extreme anxiety and fear, not daring to look at Randeng Buddha, but the words he spoke revealed no sign of changing his mind, solidifying his stance.

The Tathagata took in Ksitigarbha’s demeanor, then cast a glance at Randeng Buddha beside him, his mouth slightly open as if he too wanted to scold Ksitigarbha a few words.

He truly wanted Randeng Buddha’s accompanying ancient lamp?

Was this not excessive to the point of absurdity!?

Yet, after his mouth opened, the words Tathagata intended to say ultimately remained unspoken.

Why?

Because taking Maitreya Buddha’s true spirit away called for an exceptionally high price, and that was indispensable.

Both Randeng and Tathagata himself had long anticipated this.

If he spoke up to reproach, preventing Randeng from parting with his accompanying ancient lamp, perhaps Ksitigarbha would then desire a treasure from his own possession, wouldn’t he?

Did he possess any treasure that could match the value of Randeng Buddha’s accompanying ancient lamp?

Just the thought alone was enough to send shivers down his spine.

“Ksitigarbha, do you realize what you are saying!?” Randeng Buddha’s gaze grew cold as he stared at Ksitigarbha, his voice filled with a chilly tone.

Tathagata’s earlier display of small-mindedness, his sharp confrontation with Ksitigarbha, could be said to be a test of Ksitigarbha’s resolve.

But now, Randeng Buddha’s reaction was no longer probing; it was a heartfelt anger.

An accompanying Supreme Treasure, no one was willing to give such a thing away.

Take, for instance, Jiang Liu’s system; if it could be brought out for a trade.

Would Jiang Liu be willing to offer up his system abilities to someone else?

“Disciple is terrified!” Hearing Randeng Buddha’s frosty words and sensing the severe chill emanating from him, Ksitigarbha, with his head still low, showed an utterly frightened demeanor, his body almost trembling, laying bare the fear in his heart.

Although Ksitigarbha’s cultivation level was high, he was ultimately still at the Daluo Golden Immortal’s tier, hence feeling fear in his heart when facing the anger of Randeng Buddha, a Quasi-Saint, was not at all surprising!

Randeng Buddha’s eyes, still filled with a chill, fixed Ksitigarbha with an unyielding stare, not uttering a single word.

It seemed as though Ksitigarbha, despite manifesting genuine fear and solemnity, nearly ready to kneel before him,

was not softening his stance verbally, indicating that there was no room for negotiation on this matter.

After a lengthy pause, Randeng Buddha took a deep breath and forcefully subdued the fury within him. freeweɓnøvel.com

To give away his own accompanying Supreme Treasure in exchange for Maitreya Buddha?

Randeng was naturally unwilling!

Joining the Buddhist Sect was not a mistake, but it did not mean he had to make selfless sacrifices within Buddhism!

However, just as Randeng Buddha was about to outright refuse, something suddenly stirred in his heart.

“If so, then let it be as you wish!”

After a moment of silence, Randeng Buddha finally spoke, raising his hand as his words fell.

An ancient lamp filled with a wild and primitive aura appeared in Randeng Buddha’s hand.

Within the lamp, a flame could be seen flickering capriciously.

Averting his gaze, as if he couldn’t bear to look directly, Randeng Buddha passed the ancient lamp he held into other hands.

Ksitigarbha: “…”

The Tathagata: “…”

Seeing Randeng Buddha actually willing to part with his own accompanying ancient lamp left both completely stunned.

Clearly, neither Ksitigarbha nor Tathagata had expected Randeng Buddha to genuinely be willing to give away his accompanying Supreme Treasure.

“What’s the matter!?

You don’t want it anymore!?”

After handing it over and waiting for a moment, seeing that Ksitigarbha did not reach out to take it, Randeng Buddha asked in a heavy tone.

“Disciple is terrified!” Hearing Randeng Buddha’s words, Ksitigarbha snapped back to his senses and, with utmost respect, extended both hands to take the accompanying ancient lamp from Randeng Buddha.

“Tathagata, take Maitreya, and let’s return!” Without giving Ksitigarbha another glance, Randeng Buddha spoke to Tathagata.

Strictly speaking, Randeng Buddha was not in a position to command Tathagata.

Yet now, Tathagata gave ample face to Randeng, nodding his head and lifting his hand to scoop Maitreya Buddha’s true spirit out of the Soul-Cleansing Pool.

Immediately after, the three Buddhas left Ksitigarbha Cave together.