Sha Chen laughed heartily. "Master, you jest. How could I possess such great capabilities as to be involved in this matter?"
"As for what you said, about the scripture-seeker appointed by Buddhism not having undertaken the Journey to the West, that has even less to do with me."
His eyes flickered, and he suddenly added, "Besides, people are born free. They have their own choices. I remain secluded here at the Flowing Sand River, unable to prevent their choices and decisions."
"Furthermore, they were appointed by Buddhism; with such a strong mandate, I am even less capable of influencing them. However, there is one thing I am quite puzzled about—what right does Buddhism have to appoint others for the Journey to the West?"
Ji Gong fell silent. He, too, had drunk too much and inwardly berated himself for the slip-up.
Sha Chen continued, "We are all born free. Why does Buddhism dare to position themselves so high above us, even to the point of speaking of 'appointments'?"
