Heaven-Defying Rebel Sage
Chapter 120: Tathagata Secretly Harms Marshal Tianpeng

Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Tathagata Secretly Harms Marshal Tianpeng

But when Bodhisattva Guanyin applied the Seven-Arrows Book with Nail Head to secretly harm Wukong unsuccessfully, it backfired, causing her lifeforce to drain continuously.

After meditating quietly on Mount Putuo for two days and cultivating through seated meditation, she still couldn’t control the draining lifeforce. Growing increasingly panicked, she rode a cloud towards the Western Heavenly Buddha Land, ascending Spiritual Mount and entering the Mahavira Hall to see Tathagata Buddha.

Seeing that Guanyin seemed to have unspeakable difficulties, Tathagata dismissed everyone around him and said, "What’s the matter? Speak."

Guanyin hurriedly prostrated herself on the ground, saying, "Some days ago, the Ancestor of Esoteric Buddhism lent me a Magical Treasure called the Seven-Arrows Book with Nail Head. I used this treasure to plot against Sun Wukong, but unexpectedly, it did not afflict him and instead backfired on me! Now my lifeforce is leaking away; I beg Buddha Ancestor to save me, Buddha Ancestor, please save me!"

Tathagata was also startled upon hearing this, as the Esoteric Buddhism Ancestor, Great Sun Tathagata, was one of the three corpses severed by the Taoist Lu Ya. The Esoteric sect was usually extremely low-key and refrained from worldly affairs. How had it come to seek Guanyin recently to lend her a treasure to plot against that Macaque? He pondered deeply, not knowing that Subhuti had failed to harm Wukong’s spirit and harbored resentment, leading to this incident.

Tathagata said, "Since this issue arose because of the Esoteric Buddhism Ancestor, you should seek him out."

Guanyin replied with a bitter smile, "Buddha Ancestor is joking. The Esoteric sect is hidden from the world; where could I possibly find him?"

Tathagata pondered for a moment and said, "The Esoteric Buddhism Ancestor lent you the Seven-Arrows Book with Nail Head and you still couldn’t kill that monkey?"

Guanyin nodded and said, "Yes. It’s precisely because he did not die that I suffered the backlash."

Tathagata furrowed his brows, pondering deeply, and said, "The Seven-Arrows Book with Nail Head is extremely strange; it’s capable of successfully plotting against individuals of the Patriarch Level. This monkey is merely a Taiyi Golden Immortal, yet you couldn’t plot him to death... With your lifeforce draining away, I fear that by the twenty-first day at midday, you may perish violently."

Guanyin prostrated again and said, "Please, Buddha Ancestor, have great compassion and save my life!"

Tathagata calculated for a while then said, "This matter is not trivial; even if you find the Esoteric Buddhism Ancestor, he may not be willing to lend a hand. You go and call Manjushri and Samantabhadra."

Guanyin replied, "Understood!"

She then went to summon Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Although Samantabhadra had been at odds with Guanyin before, he did not dare disobey the Buddha Ancestor’s command.

The three Bodhisattvas prostrated themselves at the foot of the Mahavira Hall, quietly waiting for Tathagata’s decree.

Venerable Kasyapa came to summon the three, saying, "The Buddha Ancestor invites you to ascend the hall and speak."

The three Bodhisattvas then ascended to the Mahavira Hall to see the Buddha Ancestor.

The eyes of Tathagata were slightly closed as he said, "Let everyone disperse."

The surrounding protectors, Vajras, Arhats, and so on, all departed as this matter was no small issue. A leak could spell trouble.

"Buddha Ancestor seeks us out; for what matter?" Manjushri Bodhisattva said.

Tathagata replied, "Bodhisattva Guanyin has recently encountered some troubles, with her lifeforce draining away. I need you to help her."

Manjushri inquired, "What does Buddha Ancestor wish for us to help with?"

Tathagata pondered deeply and thought to himself, "It absolutely must not be revealed that it is our Buddhist Sect doing this." After thinking, he took out several Magical Treasures from his robe, "Take this horsetail whisk, Manjushri; this Flying Sword for Samantabhadra, and these seventy-two silver needles for Guanyin."

Seeing the Buddha Ancestor bestow Magical Treasures, the three hurriedly prostrated and said, "We thank the Buddha Ancestor!"

Each with their own treasure, they couldn’t help but feel inwardly delighted; the power of these treasures was formidable and extremely formidable.

In the past, Tathagata was the Taoist of Many Treasures, whose name did not come from nowhere—naturally, he possessed many Magical Treasures. These few treasures were refined by him in the past and were of remarkable power. Now that he had no use for them, he might as well give them away.

Tathagata said, "Guanyin, your lifeforce is draining because of the backlash from the Seven-Arrows Book with Nail Head. Breaking this backlash is not like other people casting spells; it’s quite easy."

Guanyin replied, "I shall listen to the Buddha Ancestor."

Tathagata’s eyes closed slightly and he said slowly, "There are three methods to restore your lifeforce."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin couldn’t help but be overjoyed and asked, "Which three?"

Tathagata said, "First is Laozi’s Immortal Pill."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin thought to herself, "Laozi’s Immortal Pills are extremely difficult for anyone to obtain. Only every two thousand years when Tushita Palace opens for a lecture does Laozi scatter a couple of Immortal Pills... And now that there’s animosity between Buddhism and Taoism, how can Laozi’s Immortal Pills be so easily sought? This first method is clearly unworkable. But fortunately, there are two more." Guanyin then said, "Laozi’s Immortal Pills are unattainable; how could I possibly obtain them? Please tell me the second method, Buddha Ancestor."

Tathagata nodded and said, "The second method is to eat one of the Queen Mother’s peaches that ripen once every nine thousand years."

Upon hearing this, Guanyin’s heart chilled again, thinking to herself, "With Buddhism and Taoism at odds, how can I seek the Queen Mother’s peaches? Moreover, those peaches that ripen once every nine thousand years are extremely precious. Even at the peach banquet, what are usually served are the ones that ripen every three or six thousand years, whereas those that mature every nine thousand years are for the likes of the Three Pure Ones and Buddha Ancestor to eat. I’m merely a Bodhisattva; how could I get one? This second method is also unworkable..." Guanyin sighed and asked, "May I know the third method, Buddha Ancestor?"

Tathagata said, "The third method is the Ginseng Fruit of Longevity Emperor."

In the old days, when Wukong and the others Journeyed to the West, the Three Pure Ones made arrangements, and the Lord of Primordial Beginning deliberately sent a token asking Longevity Emperor to ascend to the Jade Void Palace to listen to a lecture.

It was then that the still mischievous Wukong took the opportunity to overturn the Ginseng Fruit tree. Outraged, Longevity Emperor captured Master Tang and his disciples. As a Daluo Golden Immortal at the peak of Great Perfection realm, how could Wukong defeat him? In just two or three moves, he was caught by the Qiankun in his sleeve. Helpless, they sought help from others to save the Ginseng Fruit tree.

In the end, they sought out Guanyin, who managed to rescue the Ginseng Fruit tree. Despite Longevity Emperor’s stingy nature, out of respect, he gave Guanyin three Ginseng Fruits. However, later on, Wukong overturned Guanyin’s place, and all three Ginseng Fruits were taken by him. Nowadays, where could there be any Ginseng Fruits left?

Guanyin replied, "My three Ginseng Fruits were long ago stolen by macaques."

Tathagata looked at her and said indifferently, "Then there is no other way."

Guanyin frowned and said, "Although the Immortal Zhenyuan is within the realms of the Western Heavenly Buddha Land, he belongs to the Taoist Sect and also claims to be the Ancestor of Earth Immortals. If I ask him for the Ginseng Fruits, would he be willing to give them to me?"

Tathagata smiled and said, "Many things cannot be obtained by simply asking."

Upon hearing this, the same word flashed across the minds of the three Bodhisattvas—take by force!

Tathagata’s words had profound implications! First, he bestowed Magical Treasures to the three of them, and then he mentioned three methods, the first two of which were absolutely impossible. Even if they tried to rob, they would most likely be overpowered by the Old Master at a single glance, and the power of the Heavenly Court was too strong; trying to steal peaches from the Jade Pool would be impossible as well... But as for Immortal Zhenyuan, this person did not have any significant background or powerful forces, and moreover, his Daluo Golden Immortal Cultivation Level was achieved through the Ginseng Fruits.

Why was Immortal Zhenyuan called the Ancestor of Earth Immortals?

There was a reason for that. The Ginseng Fruit was transformed from the essence of Pangu and was known as the supreme treasure of the Earth Immortal Realm. Since Immortal Zhenyuan was born under the Ginseng Fruit tree, he claimed to be the Ancestor of Earth Immortals. His skills were not that great, but he was extremely arrogant. Because he was in the Western Heavenly Buddha Land and also used the Ginseng Fruits to curry favor with various experts, no one dared to trouble him lightly.

"Is the Buddha Ancestor saying..." Guanyin began with astonishment.

Before she could finish, Tathagata twirled his Flower Pinching Finger and said with a smile, "Buddha said, ’I cannot say, I cannot say.’"

Guanyin quickly shut her mouth, not daring to continue.

Tathagata smiled and said, "I have told you three methods. The way out, you must find for yourself. This calamity, it will be interesting to see how you resolve it. You may go."

The three Bodhisattvas bowed and said, "We thank the Buddha Ancestor."

Tathagata said, "The detainment of Sun Buddha is closely related to you; remember to keep in touch often."

All three were clever people; how could they not understand what these words meant. Tathagata’s implication was that, now that Guanyin was in trouble, the four of you were once brothers and sisters; you can help each other and go rob Immortal Zhenyuan!

Manjushri said, "The disciple understands, thank you for the Buddha Ancestor’s concern."

The three Bodhisattvas then left the Mahavira Hall, and it was only then that Samantabhadra Bodhisattva asked, "Guanyin, how did you come to be backfired upon by the Seven-Arrow Book with Fixed Tips?"

Guanyin sighed inwardly and related the cause and effect of the matter.

Samantabhadra said, "Then we should quickly go to Sun Buddha and ask him for help; this will make things more secure."

Manjushri said, "Go then, and plan well, so as not to let Immortal Zhenyuan see any flaws."

Tathagata’s strategy was indeed insidious, using the matter of Guanyin’s life force slipping away to plot against Immortal Zhenyuan. He had actually been displeased with Immortal Zhenyuan for a long time, but since Immortal Zhenyuan was well-connected and also under the rule of the Western Heavenly Buddha Land, it was not easy to act against him. Now, with the discord between Buddhism and Taoism, it was a good opportunity to lay the blame on the Taoist Sect.

Immortal Zhenyuan, thanks to his Ginseng Fruits, indeed had quite a few connections, such as with the Longevity Emperor of the South Pole, who had some history with him. Whenever the Ginseng Fruits matured, he would send over one or two of them; he also had some relationships with several Buddhas of the Western Heaven.

Although Immortal Zhenyuan was stingy, he also understood that if he did not give away a few fruits, he might not be able to keep even a single one.

"This Immortal Zhenyuan is not without skill, having the Cultivation Level of a Daluo Golden Immortal, and his Sleeve Within a Sleeve technique is extremely powerful. How on earth can we get the Ginseng Fruits from him?" Samantabhadra couldn’t help but ask.

After all, they were once brothers and sisters, and now that Guanyin had encountered calamity, they could not sit idly by. Doing so would be too inhumane, and they feared the other Bodhisattvas and Buddhas of the Western Heavenly Buddha Land would look down on them.

Manjushri then said, "This matter requires long-term planning. With over ten days left until the twenty-first, we have some time to discuss."

Guanyin nodded and said, "Thank you, Bodhisattva Manjushri."

Manjushri smiled and replied, "After all, we share a deep connection, Bodhisattva Guanyin, there’s no need for courtesy."

Now that they had entered the Shamen, they could no longer address each other as brothers and sisters.

Samantabhadra said, "Then let’s hurry to find Sun Buddha, and figure out how to snatch the Ginseng Fruits from Immortal Zhenyuan’s hands!"

This was no trivial matter; if exposed, it could disgrace the Western Heavenly Buddha Land and cause a lot of trouble, especially since Immortal Zhenyuan also had some connections.

The three of them then headed toward Sun Buddha’s practice place.

Upon their arrival, Sun Buddha greeted the three and said with a smile, "What brings the three Bodhisattvas here? You are most welcome."

Guanyin sighed and implored, "Sun Buddha, save me!"

Surprised, Sun Buddha asked, "Oh? What has happened?"

Guanyin explained in detail, and after hearing the story, Sun Buddha fell silent for a moment before beginning to discuss with the three.

As to what will become of Guanyin’s life, please listen to the next part of the story to find out.