Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything-Chapter 614: Maitreya: Guanyin Left Me a Mess?

Jiang Liu's heart was indeed filled with great astonishment. Supposedly, all significant matters related to the Journey to the West for Scriptures were managed by Bodhisattva Guanyin. Thus, whenever difficulties arose, seeking Bodhisattva Guanyin's help was the right course of action, wasn't it? That was exactly how it was described in the original text.

But suddenly, what did Maitreya Buddha mean by saying this? Could it be that he wanted to compete with Bodhisattva Guanyin, or even Tathagata, for the merit of the scripture-seeking journey?

However, upon closer consideration, that didn't seem right either. If he truly wished to snatch the merit, there was no need for such a lowly approach, was there?

An utterly ruthless grab for merit with no stratagem whatsoever? Such a blunt approach didn't suit his status at all, did it?

Could it be that Bodhisattva Guanyin, she…

Beyond his astonishment, a sudden idea emerged in Jiang Liu's mind,

From the perspective of the Buddhist Sect, for Bodhisattva Guanyin to have lost a being like the Drought Demon was indeed a grave error—therefore, it made sense that she would be punished, right?

"May I ask, Buddha, did something happen to Bodhisattva Guanyin?" With this speculation in his heart, Jiang Liu carefully chose his words before speaking to Maitreya Buddha.

"Indeed, indeed, it is said that Xuanzang, you bear the title Holmes, which signifies your high wisdom, and it seems that this is undoubtedly true!"

He had merely mentioned that should one encounter difficulties on the journey to the West one could seek him, and Xuanzang had immediately realized that Bodhisattva Guanyin was in trouble. This led Maitreya Buddha to nod slightly in admiration.

Jiang Liu did not speak; he neither showed any joy at Maitreya Buddha's praise but stared seriously at Maitreya Buddha, waiting for further explanation.

"Xuanzang, Bodhisattva Guanyin has made some mistakes and thus, has been punished by Tathagata, locked in the Illusionary Demon Cave for two years to reflect on her actions!"

"I know she has taken great care of you all along the way, and now she is locked in the Illusionary Demon Cave, so if you encounter any troubles in the future, you may come to me!" Seeing the questioning look in Jiang Liu's eyes, Maitreya Buddha briefly explained the situation.

Indeed, the existence of the Drought Demon was a scheme deliberately designed by Bodhisattva Guanyin, placed there to challenge the scripture-seeking team, resulting in her punishment when the demon was lost.

The Maitreya Buddha did not disclose this part of the story.

"I see!" Although Maitreya Buddha's revelations were somewhat cryptic, Jiang Liu fully understood the situation from his words.

Just as he had suspected, the combat prowess of the Drought Demon, comparable to that of a Quasi-Saint, was extremely important to the Buddhist Sect. Now that it was lost, Bodhisattva Guanyin could not shirk her responsibility and was thus thrown directly into the Illusionary Demon Cave as punishment.

Only, now that Bodhisattva Guanyin was locked up, had Maitreya Buddha personally taken over the coordination of the Journey to the West for Scriptures?

This hardly seemed like good news.

"Xuanzang, Xuanzang? What are you thinking about?" Seeing Jiang Liu lost in thought, his head bowed silently, Maitreya Buddha asked.

"Oh, Buddha, I'm sorry, I was distracted!" Upon hearing Maitreya Buddha's words, Jiang Liu snapped back to reality and smiled apologetically.

Yet, with sincerity in his tone, he said, "While I do not know what wrongdoing Bodhisattva Guanyin is being punished for, as Buddha said, Bodhisattva Guanyin has taken very good care of us along the way. Now that the Bodhisattva is being punished, my heart is truly disturbed. I beseech the Buddha to speak on her behalf, and I am willing to undergo the punishment on behalf of the Bodhisattva!"

"Ah? You were confined in the Illusionary Demon Cave for half a year previously, you must understand how terrifying it is. You've just come out not long ago, and now you are willing to take the punishment for Guanyin?" The words of Jiang Liu surprised Maitreya Buddha, who looked at him in astonishment.

"Yes, I am willing!" Jiang Liu nodded emphatically, his gaze filled with earnest sincerity.

Looking seriously at Jiang Liu's sincere eyes, Maitreya Buddha could see that his words were heartfelt and not just pleasant-sounding platitudes.

Maitreya Buddha sighed somewhat emotionally, "Ah, Xuanzang, you truly are a man of great loyalty and righteousness! However, everyone must bear their own responsibilities, and I think Guanyin would not want you to suffer punishment on her behalf. You have a good heart, and that's commendable!"

After their conversation, Maitreya Buddha felt that he understood Jiang Liu quite well; he was a man loyal and righteous to a fault.

Such a person, at times, was quite easy to control, which made Maitreya Buddha silently nod to himself.

Jiang Liu's request, Maitreya Buddha naturally would not agree to, but the conversation had reached this point, and almost everything that needed to be said had been spoken. Maitreya Buddha showed no intention of staying any longer and began to rise, ready to leave.

"Buddha, wait…" Just as Jiang Liu saw Maitreya Buddha getting ready to leave, he couldn't help but speak up and called out to him.

"Xuanzang, is there something else?" Hearing Jiang Liu calling for him, Maitreya Buddha turned around and asked.

"It's this, Buddha, since you said that we could come to you if we face any difficulties, there is indeed one important matter for which I need Buddha's help!" Jiang Liu's face showed a hint of difficulty, and he hesitated, somewhat embarrassed to speak.

"Speak freely!" Having said so much already, Maitreya Buddha couldn't really retract his words. Therefore, he nodded.

"It happened like this: while I was in the Women's Kingdom, I mistakenly drank water from the Child-Mother River, and during that time, I was also poisoned by a Scorpion Demon with a Dragon and Phoenix Union Pill…"

After explaining the events that had transpired in the Women's Kingdom in detail, Jiang Liu said, "My poor daughter is now in the hands of vile people. I had initially requested Bodhisattva Guanyin to think of a solution, and Bodhisattva Guanyin always said she was making efforts. Now that she is confined in the Illusionary Demon Cave, I beseech Buddha to rescue my daughter!"

Since the burden of dealing with this issue had troubled Bodhisattva Guanyin before, and now that Maitreya Buddha had taken over her duties, Jiang Liu did not hesitate to hand over this difficult problem to Maitreya Buddha.

"Oh? Is there such a matter? I haven't heard of it, but since she is your daughter, she is one of our Buddhist Sect members. If she has fallen into the hands of villains, it is naturally my duty to help you rescue her!"

Upon hearing Jiang Liu's words, Maitreya Buddha nodded and readily agreed.

Xuanzang had previously said he greatly respected him, and today it became even clearer that he was a man of profound affection and loyalty. Such a person is, of course, someone he would like to help, hoping for an even greater reward in return, right?

Moreover, if Guanyin Bodhisattva could not manage a task, but he could, wouldn't that prove he was more reliable than her?

This would surely be of great use in keeping Xuanzang firmly in his grasp, wouldn't it?

"That's wonderful, indeed, Buddha is the greatest benefactor in our Buddhist Sect!" Upon hearing Maitreya Buddha gladly taking on the task, Jiang Liu's face lit up with joy, and he continued to speak flatteringly.

"Hahaha, Xuanzang, who exactly is the villain that captured your daughter?" Liking the flattering words of Jiang Liu, Maitreya Buddha felt very pleased and immediately followed up with his question.

"As for his specific identity, I can't say I am entirely clear, but I've heard from the previous Guanyin Bodhisattva that he is the Netherworld Sect Master, residing deep beneath the Underworld in the Netherworld Blood Sea!" Jiang Liu explained Ancestor Minghe's identity to Maitreya Buddha.

"..."

Maitreya Buddha's usually cheerful smile stiffened slightly.

Netherworld Sect Master!? Ancestor Minghe!?

Hearing this, Maitreya Buddha indeed stiffened. As one of the Three-World Buddhas and existing at a Quasi-Saint Level, Maitreya Buddha considered there to be few in the Six Paths of Rebirth and Three Realms stronger than himself.

However, Ancestor Minghe was certainly one!

Though not having attained saintliness, he was a Listener from the Zixiao Palace in Ancient Times, truly a senior figure!

"Ahem, this, Xuanzang..." Having spoken too boldly, now trying to retract his words felt somewhat awkward. Maitreya Buddha coughed twice, looking for an excuse to defer the matter.

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"Buddha, can you not do it either? Do you want to brush me off like Guanyin Bodhisattva did?" However, before Maitreya Buddha could speak, Jiang Liu already slightly bowed his head, showing a very aggrieved expression.

"This..."

Well, the words he wanted to say, Xuanzang had said them for him. How could he continue to speak them now?

Maitreya Buddha fell silent, at a loss for words.

Jiang Liu lowered his head, looking disheartened.

"No, this won't do!" Seeing Jiang Liu's disheartened demeanor, Maitreya Buddha felt a sense of urgency.

Xuanzang was a key figure in the Journey to the West for Scriptures. If he became disillusioned with the entire Buddhist Sect over this matter, the consequences would be unpredictable, wouldn't they?

Moreover, if Guanyin Bodhisattva couldn't manage something but he could, wouldn't it be easier to win over Xuanzang's heart?

As the team's core in the Journey to the West for Scriptures and a disciple of Tathagata, but eventually won over to his side?

This would not only greatly enhance his own prestige but also suppress Tathagata, right?

Just for the sake of Xuanzang, offending Ancestor Minghe naturally would not be worth it.

However, considering these matters, Maitreya Buddha felt it was necessary to take action.

"Amitabha, Xuanzang, do not be saddened. Since I have already promised you, naturally, I will not stand idly by!" After pondering silently for a moment, Maitreya Buddha spoke.

"Thank you, Buddha!" Looking up, Jiang Liu expressed his surprise and gratitude towards Maitreya Buddha.

The surprise and gratitude were genuine, at least, the surprise was not feigned.

Jiang Liu's original intention was just to trouble Maitreya Buddha with this matter, but to his surprise, he actually agreed?

"Alright, I have noted this matter, and I will resolve it for you!" Nodding, Maitreya Buddha did not say much more but truly committed to doing so before turning and leaving.

Sigh...

After leaving the Exquisite Immortal Mansion, Maitreya Buddha sighed inwardly.

It seems Guanyin Bodhisattva has left a mess for me?