The Battle in Journey to the West
Chapter 200 - 195: Sowing Karma for the Future

Chapter 200: Chapter 195: Sowing Karma for the Future

It’s said that in order to extradite Guan Yu, even saints of Confucianism and militarists from the Human Path had come. And that’s not all, the Buddhist sect seemed unwilling to show weakness and had even summoned the Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor!

The Maitreya Buddha, the Future Buddha of the Three Worlds, now personally intervening for Guan Yu, was simply unimaginable to Enlightenment Dao.

However, Guan Yu indeed had such credentials. Later emperors, to promote loyalty and righteousness in Guan Yu, had enshrined him and even declared him the Great Emperor Who Subdues Demons of the Three Realms, a title so esteemed it was terrifying, on par with Confucius. Old Master Kong was the Literary Sage, while Guan Yu had been crowned the Martial Sage!

In truth, Guan Yu was not so formidable; he definitely couldn’t compare with these figures. But the later emperors needed to strengthen their rule and naturally promoted "loyalty and righteousness" so people, seeing the eternally honored and incense-blessed Lord Guan the Second, would understand to serve the Imperial Court honestly with both loyalty and righteousness, deterring rebellion. The result was not very effective; those who would rebel did so anyway, while the jianghu community placed greater value on loyalty and righteousness, erecting statues of Lord Guan. Whether they took to the hills or retired from the underworld, they had to vow before Lord Guan.

Guan Yu, it could be said, was one of the most influential Immortals in later generations. How could the Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor not contend for him?

Enlightenment Dao thought to himself, "This will be interesting to watch, the Human Sages against the Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor – which one will be stronger, which one weaker?"

Xun Kuang and Sun Wu, a Confucian and a militarist sage respectively. Although Confucianism is modest, it holds the Magnificent Righteous Qi, while militarists excel in uncanny strategies and ruthless slaughter. Although the Eastern Coming Buddha Maitreya is one of the Three Worlds Buddhas, facing Xun Kuang and Sun Wu, he was too unsure.

This time, Old Master Kong had not come himself, having his disciples attend instead. He is now the leader of the Hundred Schools of Thought, with the greatest reputation and knowledge, also enlightened by Laozi, and his sect included several sage disciples. Like Tathagata and the Three Pure Ones, he could not personally intervene, avoiding giving rise to gossip and the trouble of wrangling later on.

"Namo Amitabha Buddha! Poor monk Wisdom humbly greets the Eastern Coming Buddha." Upon seeing the arrival of their great savior, Wisdom Bodhisattva promptly went forward to welcome him.

"Poor monk Virudhaka, greets the Eastern Coming Buddha; I beg forgiveness for not being able to give proper respects due to injuries," said Virudhaka Bodhisattva, struggling to sit up cross-legged from the ground and placing his hands together in prayer.

"There is no need for formalities, no need for formalities!" the Tathagata said with a smile, his plump face exuding kindness and compassion.

Enlightenment Dao inwardly cursed, "Every time something like this happens, some powerful figure comes to stir the pot. Damn it, it’s really frustrating!"

Maitreya glanced at everyone present, and though smiling, those who met his gaze felt as if stared down by a venomous snake.

Xun Kuang asked, "What brings the Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor?"

Maitreya replied, "Naturally, it’s to guide Ganlan Bodhisattva to our Western Heaven! Why would Xunzi ask a question he already knows the answer to? But why has Xunzi, long absent, chosen to emerge now?"

Xun Kuang responded, "Guan Yunchang has a connection with our Confucianism, naturally, I must come to guide him. Our Patriarch has already calculated this clearly."

Maitreya then asked, "And what brings Sun Tzu?"

Sun Wu answered, "Naturally, I have also come for Guan Yu. He has a destiny with our Militarists and will be a paragon for our sect in the future."

Hearing this, Maitreya secretly cursed, thinking, "That True Martial fellow alone would be enough trouble, and now these two old immortals are meddling too, such a headache!"

These Hundred Sage Scholars are not to be trifled with. Those who pursue scholarship to become an immortal are generally terrifying. Back then, Buddha of Immeasurable Life was driven out of Luoyang City by Confucius in just a few moves, still a laughingstock in the Buddhist sect. Although Maitreya holds the title of Three Worlds’ Future Buddha and is the Respectful Ruler of the World after Tathagata, he believed he should be able to handle Xun Kuang and Sun Wu but feared any mishaps. If he were to be humiliated, how could he maintain his standing afterwards?

Although Maitreya appeared jolly and kind, most of his thoughts were dark and ruthless. They say a dog that’s going to bite doesn’t bark, and a Buddha who smiles is even more formidable.

"Guan Yunchang, you are destined to join the sect of the Great Emperor Zhenwu and then enjoy endless incense offerings. In the future, you may also enter the Confucian canon!"

Worried about potential complications, Xun Kuang stated firmly, "You presently should follow Sect Leader Zhang Junshi to meet the Great Emperor Zhenwu, who will surely guide you to the heavens, to the ranks of the Immortals, and realise everlasting life! After a thousand years, you may also enter our Confucian canon, enjoying incense offerings."

Guan Yu, realizing the visitor was Confucian Xun Kuang, was greatly surprised; he had not expected these figures to still be alive, and even Sun Tzu of the militarists had come. Ultimately, as a man of the Eastern Land Dynasty, his thoughts had been shaped by Confucianism, and Buddhism was after all a teaching of the Western barbarians, so he was somewhat reluctant to join the Buddhist sect.

Guan Yu bowed and said, "I shall follow Xunzi’s guidance and join the sect of Great Emperor Zhenwu."

Maitreya, hearing this, became anxious and said, "Guan Yunchang, you also have a connection with our Buddhist sect. Why not come with me to the Western Heaven? Our sect is pure and tranquil, perfect for cultivating your spirit."

But Guan Yu replied, "I appreciate the kindness of the Buddha Ancestor, but I have decided to join the Daoist sect. After all, Daoism is the genuine sect; Buddhism is, after all, from the Western Regions. As Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion, how could I go to The West?"

Maitreya said, "Nowadays, in Luoyang City, many royal relatives ardently believe in our Buddhism. Even as Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion, it is possible for you to come!"

At this time, Xun Kuang stepped forward with a smile and said, "Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor need not say more. The Buddha ferries those with fate, and since Guan Yunchang has made up his mind, why should the Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor urge him further?"

Maitreya, upon hearing Guan Yunchang’s stance, though he had come, still did not wish to completely fall out with the Human Sage. Perhaps Xun Kuang might not be so formidable, but above him were Mencius and Confucius. Maitreya felt that he would have great difficulty dealing with those two. At the very least, Confucius was capable of beating the Buddha of Immeasurable Life until he tumbled out of Luoyang, even legends suggest he might be the first Saint who transformed from the Human Path to the Heavenly Dao - having a chance to achieve the Primordial Limitless!

Maitreya brought his palms together and said, "Namo Amitabha Buddha! Since Lord Yun Chang you have decided to follow Great Emperor Zhenwu, this poor monk will not say much more. If fate allows it, perhaps you can visit me in the West someday."

Guan Yunchang replied with a smile, "Thank you, Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor. Naturally!"

Seeing the situation had turned against him, Maitreya said to the Wisdom Bodhisattva and Virudhaka Bodhisattva, "You two need not worry. When I return, I will speak well to the Buddha Ancestor. The Buddha Ancestor is generous and merciful and will naturally not blame you." Yet, in his heart, he cursed, "These old fools, it would be fine if they just suppressed the fate, but they must interfere! If it weren’t for this, even if True Martial himself came, I would have contended against him!"

Human Sages are not to be trifled with. Otherwise, a hundred of them might rise together, and if they end up fighting at the Hall of Great Compassion in West Cow He State, he, Maitreya, would not be able to withstand it.

Sitting on the Lotus Platform, he said, "Follow me."

The Wisdom Bodhisattva helped Virudhaka Bodhisattva up, responding, "Yes!"

As Virudhaka Bodhisattva was leaving, he glanced back at Enlightenment Dao and Zhang Junshi and said, "Fellow Daoists, we have established karma this time! One day, we must settle it! Let’s see who will turn to ashes and end up a pie in the painting."

Enlightenment Dao couldn’t help but let out a ghastly chuckle, "You were lucky this time. Next time, you won’t be so fortunate."

Virudhaka Bodhisattva, having been defeated under his hands, naturally had no fear whatsoever. When the time comes, the Golden Sand Pill and Swallowing Dragon Stele will be waiting! Let’s see who will turn to ashes and end up a pie in the painting.

Maitreya turned his head to give Enlightenment Dao a meaningful look, sending shivers down Enlightenment Dao’s spine. He then heard Maitreya say, "I wonder which Sect this Daoist friend hails from; you should be cautious in your actions. Meddling in everything can lead to great karma, and there will be no escape when it comes to you. When you meet an untimely end from a poisonous hand and lose your life after hundreds of years of hard cultivation, ending up as a pie in the painting, only then will you feel profound regret, but by then, it will be too late."

Maitreya had noticed that Enlightenment Dao was the one stirring trouble this time. Otherwise, Virudhaka Bodhisattva and Wisdom Bodhisattva might have managed to guide Guan Yunchang to the Western Heaven. The Golden Sand Pills in his possession suggested that he was the one who caused trouble on the Yangtze River previously. That incident even caused Mahoraga a great loss, being fanned back to West Cow He State by the Rakshasa Woman’s fan.

Maitreya’s words contained hidden threats and warnings, making it clear that Enlightenment Dao was meddling too much and everywhere, and that was irritating.

"Hehe, I have heard the words of the Eastern Coming Buddha Ancestor, and will certainly be very cautious," Enlightenment Dao replied with a strange laugh.

Now that he knew Patriarch Subhuti was actually the Celestial Venerable Spiritual Treasure, an ancestor of the Three Pure Ones, he was not afraid of Maitreya, a mere trifling matter.

The Great Master Lingbao who understood the hearts across the calamities, the Four Swords of Celestial Slaying, unparalleled throughout the ages - once Celestial Venerable Spiritual Treasure made his move, Maitreya would end up as ashes.

Seeing Enlightenment Dao like this, Maitreya realized his threats were ineffectual. However, given his lofty status, he naturally would not tear his face with such a junior and snorted lightly, leading the two Bodhisattvas back to Mount Meru in West Cow He State to report back to Tathagata.

After Maitreya left, Enlightenment Dao and Zhang Junshi both could not help but heave a sigh of relief. The Human Sages also exhaled deeply. To completely fall out with one of the Three Worlds Buddhas like Tathagata was quite troublesome after all. Now the Human Sages were not willing to start a direct conflict with the Buddhist sect, as the impact of such a conflict would be too significant.

Zhang Junshi said, "Lord Yun Chang, follow me to Mount Wudang. My Patriarch is waiting to lead you to heaven to become an immortal."

Guan Yunchang replied, "Lead the way, Head Zhang, and I will follow!"

Enlightenment Dao laughed and said, "Friend Zhang Junshi, I have long admired your Tai Chi Fist. I would like to visit Mount Wudang to discuss the Dao with you for a few days, if it’s convenient for you?"

Zhang Junshi, owing Enlightenment Dao a favor, naturally did not refuse, "My duties have been taken care of lately. If you wish to discuss the Dao with me, let’s go together!"

Sun Wu bowed and said, "Xunzi and I also have matters to bring up with Great Emperor Zhenwu regarding Lord Guan’s affair. We shall accompany you both to Mount Wudang."

Zhang Junshi beamed, "I couldn’t ask for more! Lead the way, and let Xun Kuang and Sun Tzu follow."

"Much obliged," replied Xunzi.

The four escorted Guan Yunchang to Mount Wudang to meet with Great Emperor Zhenwu. Along the way, as Guan Yunchang was originally a military general, he enthusiastically discussed military strategies with Sun Wu and seemed to hit it off well.

To find out what happens next, please wait for the next installment. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Starting Point (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and Monthly Tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users can read at m.qidian.com.)