Chapter 98 The Disciple is Innocent!
Inside the Great Thunder Temple.
Maitreya Buddha glared fiercely at the Arhat.
This is awesome!
It's one thing to fall asleep or slack off during a sermon, but he almost ruined the sage's grand plan!
That blow from the stick just now...
Even he was startled and broke out in a cold sweat.
Sensing the unfriendly gaze from ahead, the gatekeeper lowered his head guiltily.
Without making a sound, he took half a step back and tightly protected the Arhat Subduing Dragon in front of him.
The atmosphere inside the hall became somewhat awkward for a moment.
The Bodhisattva of Sunlight, observing the words and expressions, stepped forward at the opportune moment, joined his palms, and said:
"My Buddha, now that the monkey demon has arrived at the mountain gate and caused such a commotion, it concerns the reputation of our Buddhist sect and the honor of the Tripitaka Master. It should not be delayed any longer."
It would be better to first "invite" him into the temple, have the three parties confront each other, find out the truth, and then make a decision.
The Moon Bodhisattva and the Tripitaka Master must be arriving soon.
Maitreya Buddha nodded in agreement: "Good."
Below the stage, the three thousand disciples and numerous Arhats and Bodhisattvas were filled with doubt.
Even powerful figures like those who subdue dragons and tigers were "no match" for them.
When the Bodhisattva of Sunlight made the same suggestion, Maitreya Buddha did not object, and naturally dared not have any further objections.
However, he felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension towards the ferocious monkey demon.
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
The Moonlight Bodhisattva was leading a handsome man...
But his face was pale.
A young monk, his eyes filled with apprehension, entered the main hall.
"Disciple Tang San pays respects to Maitreya Buddha."
Tang San's voice trembled slightly as he tried his best to remain calm.
On the way here,
The Moonlight Bodhisattva has briefly told Erming about his adventure in the mountain.
He never expected that...
Only a few days have passed
That black-haired beast actually came knocking on our door and caused such a commotion!
How many masters are there in Ling Mountain?
Although he didn't know everything, he was clear that this was definitely not a place where Erming could run wild.
Could it be that... in just a few days, that monkey has obtained some extraordinary fortune?
What alarmed him even more were the strict rules and regulations of Buddhism.
If his affair with Xiao Wu is confirmed, he has violated the precepts... being sent to the eighteenth level of hell would probably be the least of his worries!
He finally reunited with Xiao Wu!
If only I had known this would happen...
He should have been finished off with a single blow from his staff back then by the deep pool!
The current plan is...
The only option is to deny it to the death!
Perhaps, out of consideration for the cheap teacher,
They managed to get away with it...
In a flash, Tang San made his decision.
He forced himself to remain calm.
Step forward a few steps and respectfully bow:
"Disciple Tang Sanzang pays respects to Maitreya Buddha."
Before Maitreya could ask, he spoke first, his tone carrying seven parts grievance and three parts indignation:
"Your Majesty, I am innocent!"
"What that monkey demon said is pure nonsense and a malicious frame-up!"
He raised his head, his face showing grief and indignation:
"A few days ago, I was ordered by the Holy Man Cundi to go to Chaoge to spread Buddhism and save all sentient beings."
On the way, they encountered this demonic monkey, which was then wreaking havoc in the village, bullying the weak.
Even... even disregarding human ethics, he seduced a respectable young girl with malicious intent!
Seeing this, how could the disciple sit idly by? He immediately subdued him.
Tang San paused, stealing a glance at Maitreya Buddha's expression. Seeing that his face was calm, he continued:
"Considering it was his first offense and that he showed remorse,
The disciple, being compassionate, did not take his life, but only punished him slightly before letting him go.
I never expected this.
This scoundrel not only shows no remorse, but also no gratitude for the Buddha's compassion.
Instead, they held a grudge and turned around to slander their disciple!
Even more audacious, they disturbed the tranquility of the sacred mountain!
Such behavior is utterly heinous!
I implore Buddha to see the truth, uphold justice for my disciple, and restore my innocence!
He spoke these words with great emotion and passion.
She portrayed herself as a compassionate and righteous person who vanquished evil spirits but was instead framed.
They transformed Erming into an ungrateful and incorrigible demon.
As Maitreya Buddha listened, the usual smile on his face seemed to deepen.
He pointed at Tang San and smiled at everyone in the hall:
"Everyone heard that."
The Tripitaka Master was a disciple personally instructed by the Mother of Cundi Buddha, and he always strictly observed the precepts and diligently practiced Buddhism.
He had indeed gone to Chaoge on the orders of the sage.
I believe his words.
Upon hearing this, Tang San felt a great weight lifted from his heart. It seemed that Buddha had believed him and was willing to protect him.
However,
Maitreya Buddha's next words
But it made his heart, which had just been at ease, jump up again instantly, as if he had fallen into an ice cave!
"It seems that the monkey was indeed being unreasonable and repaying kindness with enmity."
Maitreya Buddha's tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.
"Since that's the case, we shouldn't trouble two different people with the same task."
Tripitaka Master, you shall go there yourself to settle this matter of cause and effect and send that impudent monkey away!
If they remain stubbornly unrepentant and refuse to change their ways... then don't blame me for the ruthlessness of Buddhism!
What? !
You want me to deal with that mad monkey myself?!
Tang San's face turned even paler in an instant.
He and Erming had a deep-seated hatred for each other, a hatred that could lead to the theft of his wife and even a blood feud!
That monkey seems to have become much more capable now.
And extremely ferocious.
If I go, do you think I'll ever come back alive?!
Just as Tang San was terrified out of his wits, Maitreya Buddha slowly added:
"Moonlight Bodhisattva, I would like to trouble you to accompany the Tripitaka Master on this journey."
"This matter must be handled properly!"
Until he heard the words "accompanied by the Bodhisattva of Moonlight,"
Tang San's heart, which had almost stopped beating, regained a sliver of life.
A forced smile, more like a grimace, appeared on her pale face.
A Bodhisattva is with you!
Bodhisattvas are second only to Buddhas in terms of great power!
Even if Erming is ruthless, he wouldn't dare to be presumptuous in front of the Bodhisattva, would he?
My life is spared for now...
Moreover, he might even be able to use his silver tongue to persuade the Bodhisattva to take the opportunity to destroy that foolish soul beast.
"Disciple Tang Sanzang receives the decree!"
"Disciple Moonlight receives the decree!"
The two responded in unison, bowed, and left the Great Thunderclap Hall.
On Mount Ling,
The monks and nuns who originally wanted to step forward to stop them,
Seeing that even the eighteen Arhats, including those who subdue dragons and tigers, were blasted to pieces by the terrifying cannon fire,
Defeated and fleeing.
They were so frightened that their souls left their bodies and they scattered like birds and beasts.
Seeing this, Erming's pride soared even higher, and his last shred of reverence for Buddhism vanished.
"Heh, what sacred mountain and pure land? What countless gods and Buddhas? They're nothing but a bunch of empty shells!"
He was carrying the Titan Sky Cannon.
Looking down upon the majestic and solemn Great Thunderclap Temple, bathed in golden light,
An absurd yet exhilarating thought uncontrollably popped into his head:
"That lotus throne of Buddha...maybe I, Grandpa Ape, can sit on it too?"
The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and he even started to think of honorific titles for himself.
"Hmm... call him King Daming? No, no, Daming is my brother's name, how can I take it away..."
His eyes darted around, and he grinned:
"I've got it! If the Heavenly Court has a Dao Venerable, then I shall be the Bright Venerable of Mount Ling!"
Just as he was feeling smug and complacent,
A beam of bright moonlight shines down on Lingshan Mountain.
In the moonlight, a figure gracefully descended.
The man had a resolute and handsome face, was bare-chested and barefoot, wore flowing ribbons, and had a perfect, flawless moon hanging behind his head.
A holy radiance enveloped him, bringing peace to those who looked upon him and dispelling all hostility.
It was the Bodhisattva of Moonlight.
The peaceful and tranquil atmosphere calmed Erming's restless mind.
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