This Journey To The West Is So Terrifying Chapter 360

[ … words ]

The Enlightened Great Sage’s figure slowly emerged from the shadows, and he looked in the direction of the monastery, a slow, cold smile lifting the corners of his mouth.

The restrictions that the Buddhist Sect prided itself on seemed like mere paper before him.

His figure slowly disappeared back into the shadows, and none of the Buddhist Sect disciples standing guard could detect his presence.

Little did they know, their plans had already been fully exposed to the eyes of the enemy.

The next day, Jue Ming entered the Imperial Palace as usual to preach the Buddhist Scriptures to the Emperor.

“Master Jue Ming, you’ve arrived!”

After the previous period of groundwork, the Emperor had developed a fondness for this master of the Buddhist Sect, believing him to be a person well-versed in Buddhist Law capable of dispelling his worries and solving his problems. As a result, his words were filled with an added measure of courtesy.

“The old monk pays his respects to Your Majesty.”

Jue Ming did not show any signs of excitement or pride but remained extremely respectful.

After the pleasantries, the two took their seats to begin today’s sermon.

There seemed to be a mysterious power in Jue Ming’s voice that felt very comfortable to the Emperor’s ears, involuntarily shifting his thoughts.

This was because Jue Ming was discreetly using the Way of Enlightenment in his preaching, although he was more cautious and careful, subtly influencing without raising the Emperor’s strongest suspicions.

“The master’s words have opened my eyes!” the Emperor exclaimed with a sigh, not hiding his appreciation for Jue Ming.

“To resolve Your Majesty’s doubts is a blessing for this monk,” Jue Ming responded, neither sad nor happy, an attitude that made the Emperor hold him in even higher regard.

Escorted by the inner attendant, Jue Ming slowly left the Imperial Palace, while the Emperor’s heart could not find peace. For the first time, he had taken a deep interest in the Buddhist Sect’s scriptures, but the duties of a sovereign made it impossible for him to delve into the so-called Buddhist Law, leading to a sense of frustration and tinging his mood with gloom.

Meanwhile, Jue Ming, upon leaving the palace and entering the monastery, was met by a young Arhat with an eager expression.

“How did it go? What’s the result?”

Jue Ming frowned as he glanced at the Arhat before him. Although this Arhat possessed a Bodhisattva status and was not weak in strength, his temperament was too poor, lacking patience, and he wondered if such a person leading this event was a blessing or a curse.

“I have planted a seed in his heart with the Way of Enlightenment. It won’t be long before he becomes deeply interested in the Buddhist Scriptures, and then I will guide him to gradually yearn for the Buddhist Sect.”

As he spoke, Jue Ming looked towards the depths of the great hall where there now appeared to be many more figures, likely disciples from Mount Ling of Buddhism.

He sighed softly, no wonder the young Arhat was so anxious, probably fearing that with more people, the credit would be divided.

“This is too slow. You must hurry, do not miss this opportunity!” the Arhat said with urgency in his voice, eager to seize this great chance. If this matter was successful, he would surely secure a Buddha position at Mount Ling in the future.

Of course, there were many eyeing this opportunity, with countless people rushing from Mount Ling to claim their share.

If it weren’t for the need of this old monk before him, he might have already reprimanded him.

However, Jue Ming responded with an unchanged expression, “Forced enlightenment will inevitably cause a backlash from Mankind, and then the All Immortals of the Heavenly Court will become aware, which is a path to death. If you want me to continue, you must listen to me; otherwise, find someone else to preach and teach.”

Although his tone was light, the words he spoke caused the Arhat’s complexion to slightly change.

“If that’s the case, let’s proceed as you’ve said; as long as you accomplish this task, there will be a Golden Body and Final Fruit awaiting you atop Mount Ling,” the Arhat hastily promised the old monk benefits.

Unfortunately, it seemed that Jue Ming did not become joyful because of his words, but instead, he slightly shook his head and left the great hall.

The Arhat’s face instantly turned very unsightly, but he knew that to succeed, he must rely on Jue Ming, so he suppressed the rage in his heart and whispered a phrase, “Amitabha Buddha.”

Meanwhile, Jue Ming made his way to the quarters behind the temple where the monks lived. However, ever since the Arhat’s arrival, to keep the secret, Jue Ming had dismissed many monks, and now the only one remaining inside was his own disciple.

With a creak, the tightly shut door opened, and a sight was beheld of a little monk sitting crossed-legged on the bed, silently chanting scriptures with a focused and solemn expression and radiating a unique aura, one that comes only after deep study of the Buddhist Law.

This young-looking little monk must have quite profound Buddhist attainments.

Hearing the sound of the door, the little monk opened his eyes and saw his master standing at the doorway and showed a delighted expression as he happily called out “Master.”

Seeing this, Jue Ming’s face also revealed a smile as he said, “Hui Shi, have you completed your lessons for today?”

“Master, I have finished them.

Jue Ming stepped forward to check the lessons and found that the little monk indeed had not been lazy; all the assignments he had given were completed.

Gently patting the little monk’s bald head, Jue Ming sighed, “Pack your things, we will leave tomorrow!”

“Huh?” The little monk was stunned by these words.

He asked with considerable confusion, “Master, where are we preparing to go?”

“Not ’we,’ you alone!” Jue Ming said, his eyes carrying a hint of sadness.

“Master, are you intending to send me away?” the little monk said, tears already appearing in his eyes.

He was an orphan, brought up by his master since childhood, with a bond like father and son. He had never imagined a day when he would have to part from his master.

“This place is too dangerous, you must leave,” Jue Ming had already made up his mind, having sensed a brewing storm from his encounters with the Arhat.

The monks from Mount Ling were too optimistic; they did not understand the history of Dongsheng Shenzhou at all and greatly underestimated the capabilities of the kings of the Human Clan.

If this continued, a great disaster would ensue sooner or later. Although Jue Ming was resolved to die for the Buddhist Sect if necessary, he did not want his young disciple to be caught in this upheaval.

“No more words, just do as I say. You will leave the capital city tomorrow, find a remote mountain to live in seclusion, take all the Buddhist Scriptures with you, and if a day comes when Buddhism faces catastrophe, you will have to preserve the seed for our sect. Do you understand?” Jue Ming looked at his disciple with an utterly determined gaze.

The little monk saw the resolve in his master’s eyes and knew that the decision was unchangeable; he could only nod his head firmly.

Only then did Jue Ming breathe a sigh of relief, “The journey ahead is long and filled with hardships and dangers; you must take good care of yourself and not come to the capital lightly, not until the turmoil has ended.”

After speaking, he held the little monk in his embrace and gently stroked the little monk’s bald head.