I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

That tiger doesn't eat meat, it only eats things like Solomon's seal and kudzu root, and it even practices breathing exercises, as if it has received the true teachings of Taoism.

I even caught a wild rabbit and threw it in front of it, but it didn't even glance at it. Tsk tsk, it's just like a vegetarian Tang Sanzang!

Upon hearing this, Wukong frowned even more deeply and said in a deep voice, "Really? Where is that tiger? Quickly take us to see it!"

He had a vague feeling that something was wrong. With his sharp eyes, how could he not see through the clues if the tiger was really Tang Sanzang in disguise? But since Bajie spoke so confidently, he couldn't deny it immediately. He had no choice but to suppress his doubts and decide to investigate for himself.

Sha Wujing hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Second Brother, you must be seeing things."

If that tiger is truly our master, why couldn't our eldest brother see through it with his magic and Fiery Eyes of Truth? Could it be... that a master is secretly guiding us, covering up the truth?

Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately became displeased. He glared at Sandy and snorted, "Old Sandy, do you not trust my eyesight? I saw that tiger clearly; it was definitely not simple! Eldest Brother, your Fiery Eyes of Truth don't always work. Maybe you just want to claim all the credit for finding Master and are deliberately saying it wasn't him!"

His words were half true and half false, with a hint of provocation, clearly intended to provoke Wukong.

Wukong sneered, too lazy to argue with him, and stood up, saying, "Enough nonsense! Lead the way, I want to see what kind of deity this vegetarian tiger is!"

After saying this, the three packed their bags and headed towards the place that Pigsy had mentioned.

Deep in the mountains and forests, a stream meanders and flows, its waters gurgling. Under an old pine tree by the stream, a tiger is breathing with its eyes closed, and a faint aura of spiritual energy emanates from its body.

Its fur was glossy and its body robust, yet it possessed no trace of ferocity. The white breath it exhaled from its nostrils appeared and disappeared in the morning mist, making it seem like a celestial beast.

Pigsy pointed at it from afar and said proudly, "See that? That's the tiger I was talking about! I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Wukong focused intently, his Fiery Eyes of Truth operating at their maximum, their golden light almost piercing the morning mist. But the more he looked, the more alarmed he became—this tiger bore no resemblance to Tang Sanzang; it was clearly a real tiger! He gritted his teeth, turned to glare at Bajie, and roared, "You idiot! Are you deliberately playing a trick on me? This is clearly an ordinary tiger; it doesn't resemble Master at all!"

Bajie was stunned, scratched his head, and muttered, "Impossible... I clearly tried it. It doesn't eat meat and can even cultivate. How can there be such a tiger?"

He paused, as if he had thought of something, and chuckled, "Senior Brother, could it be that your Fiery Eyes have made a mistake? If you ask me, perhaps Guanyin Bodhisattva deliberately hid Master's true form, wanting you to put in more effort!"

Sha Wujing pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "What my second brother said makes sense."

If this tiger truly isn't the master, then why is it behaving so strangely? Could it have received guidance from some master, learned Taoist techniques, and is now concealing the truth?

Although Bajie's words were somewhat joking, they also touched on the doubts in Wukong's mind.

He snorted coldly, too lazy to argue with Pigsy anymore, and said in a deep voice, "If that's the case, I, Old Sun, will go to the South Sea to find out the truth! If Guanyin really has this intention, why is Master Zang doing this? If it's not her, then who is behind this?"

With a flicker, he transformed into a golden light and headed towards the Purple Bamboo Forest in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wang, inside Chang'an City, was lost in a different set of thoughts.

As soon as the system notification sounded, he received a secret letter from Dongsheng Shenzhou. The letter was written by Du Fu himself, with hurried but clear handwriting, describing the recent unusual activity in Dongsheng Shenzhou—a force was secretly integrating various demon kings, seemingly plotting to unify the continent.

Jiang Wang slowly crumpled the letter, flipped the copper coin between his fingers again, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

He whispered, "Eastern Continent of Divine Victory... Interesting."

He stood up, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, as if he had already sensed an even greater storm about to break.

When Wukong arrived at the Purple Bamboo Forest in the South China Sea, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the air was filled with the fragrance of the bamboo. Guanyin sat on her lotus throne, her expression as calm as still water.

Wukong didn't mince words and immediately asked, "Bodhisattva, why did you recite the Tightening-Headband Mantra? And why did you hide my master and replace him with a real tiger?"

His tone was urgent, with a hint of accusation.

Upon hearing this, Guanyin smiled slightly, but her tone carried a hint of helplessness: "Wukong, I did recite the Tightening-Headband Mantra, so that you could rejoin the team and protect Tang Sanzang on his journey to the West."

"Hiding Tang Sanzang was absolutely not my doing."

She paused, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. "You mean Tang Sanzang was replaced with a real tiger? I had no idea!"

Guanyin rose, waved her hand lightly, and a ball of spiritual light appeared before her, faintly reflecting the scene outside Baoxiang City.

She examined it closely, her brows furrowing slightly, and said in a deep voice, "This method... is just like Jiang Wang's style of doing things, secretive yet bold."

She turned to look at Wukong, her tone solemn, "This matter is of utmost importance, Wukong, come with me to Baoxiang City!"

Wukong was startled. This was not the first time he had heard of Jiang Wang. This man was secretive and skillful, and even the Heavenly Court was wary of him.

If he really did steal Tang Sanzang, the matter is probably far more complicated than imagined.

Wukong nodded, and together with Guanyin, they transformed into a beam of light and headed straight for Baoxiang City.

Jiang Wang stood atop the city wall of Chang'an, overlooking the bustling streets, and seemed to hear the wind carrying news from afar.

He chuckled softly, tossed the copper coin into the air, caught it steadily, and murmured, "The journey to the west is indeed getting more and more interesting..."

Five hundred miles south of Baoxiang City, in the desolate wilderness, the wind swept low, carrying yellow sand. The withered grass trembled in the wind, and the distant mountains were like silent silhouettes, pressing heavily on the horizon.

Jiang Wang stood on this desolate land, his robes fluttering in the wind, his long, dark hair slightly disheveled behind his head.

His gaze was deep, as if it could pierce through the swirling sand and reach some unseen distance.

His fingers gently caressed an ancient jade pendant, its surface engraved with indistinct patterns, faintly revealing traces of time, as if telling an unfinished story.

His lips curled slightly upward, carrying a meaningful smile, as if he had discerned some secret of heaven, or as if he were mocking the impermanence of the world.

A golden ray of light slowly unfolded on the horizon, auspicious clouds rolled in, and Guanyin Bodhisattva sat serenely on a lotus throne, with thousands of auspicious wisps of light flowing behind her.

Her gaze was cold and clear, carrying an undeniable air of authority, as she swept over Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing below.

Bajie was leaning against a withered tree, holding a nine-toothed rake in his hand, his head drooping, looking impatient.

Sha Wujing stood to the side with his head down, his staff trembling slightly, as if he was suppressing some kind of emotion.

Only Sun Wukong leaned against a boulder, his golden cudgel casually draped over his shoulder, his eyes filled with a hint of mockery as he stared at the snow-white tiger lying on the ground not far away.

This tiger was pure white, with fur as white as frost, but its eyes did not have the ferocity of an ordinary beast; instead, they exuded a pure and ethereal aura.

It crouched low, its head slightly bowed, as if expressing reverence for Guanyin.

Pigsy scratched his ear and muttered, "This tiger looks strange. Its fur is as white as snow, and it doesn't eat meat. It only gnaws on grass roots and tree bark. I think it's probably Master in disguise! Or it's some kind of monster in disguise. Bodhisattva, you'd better look carefully!"

His voice carried a hint of mockery, yet also a touch of genuine doubt.

Upon hearing this, Guanyin slightly turned her head, her gaze falling on Bajie like a clear spring, with a hint of indifferent reproach: "Jingjie, do not speak nonsense."

She gently raised her hand, and a soft golden light emanated from her fingertips, transforming into a halo that slowly enveloped the white tiger.

As golden light swirled, the white tiger's body trembled slightly, but it did not resist, only letting out a low whimper. Guanyin closed her eyes, her third eye slightly open, and a golden Sanskrit character faintly appeared between her brows.

She paused for a moment, her voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "This tiger is real. It has been cultivating for some years, possesses extraordinary talent, and has a connection with our Buddhist sect."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Pigsy, her tone slightly cold: "Neither your master Tang Sanzang nor a demon."

Bajie trembled under Guanyin's gaze and quickly waved his hand, saying, "Alright, alright, if the Bodhisattva says it's not true, then it's not true. I, Old Pig, was just guessing!"

He shrank his neck and winked at Sha Wujing, as if complaining about his loose tongue.

Sha Wujing simply lowered his head and remained silent, his brows furrowed, as if he were deep in thought.

Sun Wukong snorted coldly, flipped off the boulder, crossed his arms, and stared at Guanyin, saying, "Bodhisattva, I, Old Sun, don't care whether this tiger is a demon or not. Our master is missing, and the three of us brothers have been wandering around this desolate wilderness for seven or eight days without even seeing a shadow of him! How can we continue our journey to the West? Why don't you remove the golden headband from my head, and I'll go back to Flower Fruit Mountain to live a carefree life!"

Upon hearing this, Sha Wujing raised his head, his voice low but tinged with urgency: "Eldest brother is right. With Master missing and demons rampant, even if the three of us brothers have the will and strength, it is difficult to guarantee a smooth journey to the West."

"Bodhisattva, it would be better to disband now, lest we jeopardize the important matter."

His tone carried a hint of weariness, as if the patience had been worn down by days of running around and fruitless searching.

Guanyin's gaze slowly swept over the two of them, her eyes showing no wavering whatsoever.

She sighed softly, her voice as gentle as a breeze, yet carrying an irresistible force: "Tang Sanzang is the one destined by Heaven to retrieve the scriptures, bearing the heavy responsibility of traveling west."

Since no unusual signs have been observed from the heavens, he must still be alive.

As disciples who protect the Dharma, you should work together to find your master and uphold the Way. How can you so easily disband your group?

She paused, her gaze falling on the faintly glowing golden headband on Sun Wukong's head, her tone turning cold: "The golden headband is something that restrains your minds and character; unless there is a great calamity, you must not remove it."

You should broaden your search and continue seeking teachers; do not slacken your efforts!

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong raised an eyebrow, as if about to retort, but seeing Guanyin's solemn expression, he could only purse his lips, snort coldly, and remain silent.

Sha Wujing bowed his head and responded, but his eyes still held a hint of worry.

Pigsy scratched his head and muttered, "The Bodhisattva makes it sound so easy, but where did Master go? Who knows..."

His voice was so low it was almost inaudible, yet Guanyin still caught it.

She didn't scold him, but simply shook her head gently, turned her gaze to the white tiger, and softened her tone: "This tiger has a connection with my Buddhist sect. I intend to take it back to Luojia Mountain and train it to be a guardian deity of the mountain."

"You shall continue your search for a master. If you find any news, report to me immediately."

After saying this, Guanyin flicked her finger, and a golden light transformed into a rope that gently wrapped around the white tiger's body.

The white tiger let out a low roar, but did not struggle. It obediently followed Guanyin onto the auspicious cloud.

Auspicious clouds rose and slowly headed south, leaving behind a golden light that gradually dissipated in the wilderness.

Sun Wukong watched Guanyin's departing figure, a complex look flashing in his eyes. He muttered, "The one destined to retrieve the scriptures... Hmph, I, Old Sun, will see just how tough this destiny is!"

He turned and leaped, his golden cudgel slamming into the ground and transforming into a golden light that swept away into the distance.

Pigsy and Sandy exchanged a glance and followed helplessly.

The clouds and mist swirl around Luojia Mountain, the purple bamboo forest rustles in the breeze, and faint Buddhist chants echo.

Guanyin, accompanied by a white tiger, descended from auspicious clouds and entered the depths of the bamboo forest.

The white tiger seemed intimidated by the aura of this sacred mountain, crouching low, yet its eyes held a hint of curiosity.

Guanyin stopped and gently looked at the white tiger, saying softly, "This is my sacred place. Since you have a connection with Buddhism, you should cultivate here, protect the mountain and uphold the law."

The white tiger seemed to understand human nature, letting out a low whimper as if in response.

Just as Guanyin was about to speak again, a wisp of auspicious cloud suddenly appeared in the distance, and a figure stood on the cloud, surrounded by golden light and exuding a majestic aura. It was none other than Venerable Kasyapa.

His face was solemn, with a hint of urgency in his eyes. After landing, he clasped his hands in a salute to Guanyin and said in a deep voice, "Bodhisattva, I have important matters to report to Mount Ling. Please come with me immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Guanyin frowned slightly, as if she had sensed something unusual.

Without asking any further questions, she gently waved her hand at the white tiger, and golden light transformed into a protective barrier around it. Then, she stepped onto auspicious clouds and followed Kasyapa away.

At the summit of Mount Ling, the Leiyin Temple stands majestically, radiating golden light and filled with the gentle sounds of Buddhist chants.

Kasyapa led Guanyin straight into the Mahavira Hall, but the hall was empty except for a few ever-burning lamps flickering in front of the altar.

Kasyapa did not stop, but led Guanyin directly through the back hall to a hidden secret chamber.

The secret chamber was filled with a vast array of light, and amidst the flowing golden light, the faint sounds of dragons roaring and phoenixes singing could be heard.

Guanyin was startled, realizing that this formation was no ordinary one and that ordinary immortals and Buddhas would find it difficult to approach.

She pushed open the door and entered, but the scene inside made her expression change drastically.

Inside the secret chamber, masters from the Heavenly Court and the Buddhist sect gathered.

Lao Tzu sits upright on a futon, his breath as deep and boundless as the ocean; the Primordial Emperor holds a jade ruyi in his hand, his gaze profound; the Tathagata sits cross-legged in the center, a golden wheel slowly turning behind him; Dipankara Buddha and Peacock Mother sit on either side, their expressions solemn.

What startled Guanyin the most was the venerable Bodhi Patriarch, who sat cross-legged in the corner, his aura ethereal.

His figure seemed both real and illusory, as if it might vanish into nothingness at any moment.

Guanyin's heart tightened, and she blurted out, "Master, you...you haven't perished?"

Bodhi Patriarch slowly opened his eyes, his gaze showing some weariness, yet still sharp as a knife.

He said calmly, "I am not dead, but I almost did not come back."

He paused, his voice low: "We were all exiled to the chaotic space by Jiang Wang using his spatial magic. We barely escaped with our lives."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room changed their expressions.

Guanyin felt a jolt in her heart, as if she had a bad premonition, and said in a deep voice, "Jiang Wang... he's not dead?"

Kasyapa sighed and continued, "Not only are they not dead, but they have become even more rampant."

After escaping the chaotic space, he actually sneaked into the Heavenly Court and stole the Taiji Diagram and the Pangu Banner! (End of Chapter)