Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 508 The Journey to the West Project Officially Begins

The evil thoughts of that Daoist Duobao even wanted to destroy the Three Realms and reshuffle everything!
However, Daoist Duobao disagreed with his own stubbornness.

The piercing guilt in his heart when he abandoned Taoism for Buddhism, the indignation and defiance against the injustice of Heaven, the resentment born from the tragic destruction of the Jie Sect...

These complex emotions, intertwined like a tangled mess, ultimately transformed into a "mental demon" within Daoist Duobao's heart.

Of the three thoughts—good thoughts, evil thoughts, and obsessions—the hardest to let go of is "obsessions."

How difficult it is for a person to let go of their obsessions.
If you can let go easily, can it still be called an obsession?

It carries the deepest emotions and will of the practitioner, making it difficult to part with.

same.

Among the good corpse, evil corpse, and obsessive corpse (ego corpse), the strongest is the "ego corpse".

The self-corpse's strength is second only to the original body.

finally.

That "evil thought" actually helped the "obsession" break free from the body of Daoist Duobao.

Of course, malice is not without conditions.

A portion of the evil thought merges with the obsession.

In this way, a portion of the evil thoughts and obsessions within Daoist Duobao's heart merged and entered his ego...

From then on, a completely new existence—"Wutian"—emerged out of nowhere.

He did not agree with the Buddha's choice and scoffed at this so-called Heavenly Way.

Therefore, he was called "Wutian" and was known as "Wutian Daoren".

Unruly, lawless.

The name signifies his desire to challenge the existing order and break the established rules.

To a certain extent, "Wutian Daoren" was the same Duobao Senior Brother who inherited the mantle of Tongtian Jiaozhu and became the senior brother of the Jie Sect.

Wutian Daoren represents the former Duobao Daoren, and embodies Duobao Daoren's evil thoughts and obsessions.

He was the eldest disciple of the Jie Sect who was dissatisfied with the way of Heaven, resentful of the destruction of the Jie Sect, and wanted to reshape the world like his master, the Tongtian Sect Master.

The Buddha Tathagata, on the other hand, completely severed ties with the past, abandoned Taoism to enter Buddhism, cut off his ego, and wholeheartedly devoted himself to Buddhism as the "Taoist of Many Treasures".

He let go of all past grievances and resentments, and with a compassionate heart, he helped all sentient beings.

No, the Buddha had no feelings for his former fellow disciples of the Jie Sect.

Look, Wuyunxian has been reduced to an object of admiration in the Buddhist Eight Virtues Pond, trapped in that small world, losing her freedom, like a caged bird, only adding to her sorrow.

The wisp-headed immortal became the mount of Manjushri Bodhisattva, the spirit-toothed immortal became the mount of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and the golden-light immortal became the mount of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Their former glory was gone, and they could only be driven by others...

However, Buddha has severed this part of his feelings for the past.

That part of his feelings, that part of his obsession... is no longer with him.

He chose to let go.

He also severed his ego.

Wutian Daoren separated from Duobao Daoren's original body, escaped the Three Realms, and fled into the "Abyss of Darkness" outside the Three Realms.

In the endless darkness of the Abyss of Darkness, demonic energy permeates the air, as if it were the gathering place of all evil in the world, eerie and terrifying, chilling to the bone.

Wutian Daoren struggled in the darkness, but unexpectedly gained the inheritance of "Demon Ancestor Rahu".

At the same time, he also obtained the supreme innate spiritual treasure left behind by the Demon Ancestor Rahu - the "World-Destroying Black Lotus", also known as the "Primordial Spirit Black Lotus".

The "Twelve-Grade World-Destroying Black Lotus" also originates from the Chaos Green Lotus, and is naturally no less impressive than the Buddhist "Twelve-Grade Merit Golden Lotus".

Moreover, the Buddhist "Twelve-Rank Golden Lotus of Merit" was consumed by the Mosquito Taoist, causing it to drop in rank and become a "Nine-Rank Golden Lotus of Merit," greatly reducing its power.

From then on, Wutian Daoren became the new leader of the demonic path.

He went from being "Wu Tian Dao Ren" to "Wu Tian Mo Zu".

A self-generated corpse is generally no match for the original body.

However, Wutian Daoren obtained the inheritance of "Demon Ancestor Rahu" and also obtained the "World-Destroying Black Lotus", thus officially possessing the capital to contend with the Western Buddha Tathagata.

He, the "Wutian Daoist" who was once the obsession and evil thoughts of the Daoist Duobao, is now the "Wutian Demon Ancestor". He will carry the obsession and resentment of the Daoist Duobao in the past!
This is a challenge to the so-called Heavenly Way, which destroyed the Jie Sect, and to the Western Buddha, who abandoned Taoism for Buddhism!

This is a battle between the past and the present.

It is also a fateful showdown between Buddha and demon.

It is also a battle between Duobao Daoren's self-corpse (obsession) and his true self.

……

"Wu Tian..."

The Buddha's eyes were slightly closed, as if countless rays of light flowed within them, his gaze piercing through layers of clouds and mist, directly directed towards the distant Northern Continent.

He could clearly sense the boundless and surging demonic energy of the Demon Ancestor Wutian, as well as the irreconcilable hostility that was intertwined with his own destiny as the Buddha Tathagata.

The Buddha and the Demon Ancestor Wutian were destined to fight.

This is an inescapable calamity in his cycle of reincarnation.

but.

This is not the time for a decisive battle.

Before this, the Buddha had not yet completed the grand undertaking of spreading Buddhism eastward from the Western Paradise.

If so, the spread of Buddhism to the East will proceed smoothly.

With Buddhism flourishing in Jambudvipa, the fortunes of Buddhism will surely reach their zenith, and the power of the Buddha will also rise accordingly, reaching new heights.

Until then.

It's not impossible that the Buddha Tathagata could suppress the Demon Ancestor Wutian once again.

He will use the supreme Buddhist teachings to suppress the arrogance of the demonic path and restore peace to the Three Realms!
……

Xiniu Hezhou.

Western Spirit Mountain.

Ever since the Buddha Tathagata used his supreme supernatural powers to suppress the Eastern Emperor.

The prestige of Buddhism is as high as the sun in the Three Realms, its reputation is widespread, and it attracts attention from all sides.

At that time, Mount Ling was adorned with dazzling rainbows, like a rainbow dancing in the sky, surrounding the sacred realm of Mount Ling; and with auspicious mists, like a light veil spreading over the mountains and rivers, permeating the space between heaven and earth.

It can truly be said: "The Western Paradise is open and free, and the world is without seasons."

With this astonishing act, the Buddha once again demonstrated his unparalleled power to all beings in the Three Realms, and from then on was revered as the "First Person of Western Buddhism," receiving the worship of countless people.

After a month of quiet meditation at the Great Thunderclap Temple on Mount Ling, the Buddha Tathagata recovered some of his vital energy.

The Western Vulture Peak then held a grand celebration banquet for the Buddha within the Vulture Peak, called the "Vulture Peak Pure Land Celebration Banquet for the Buddha's Merit".

At the victory celebration banquet.

Celestial music filled the air, the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and the sights were filled with countless rare and precious treasures.

But the gods who were setting up the offerings had laid out a vegetarian feast, using only celestial ingredients, delicacies, teas, and fruits, a variety of rare and delicious foods, completely different from those of the mortal world.

There are various kinds of pure white flowers, rarely seen in the human world...

There are fragrant teas and exotic foods that, when consumed, can prolong life...

The monks and bodhisattvas gathered together to enjoy the offerings from the believers, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere that echoed throughout the sacred mountain.

The Buddha sat solemnly in the main seat, his countenance dignified, and began to preach the Dharma to the monks and bodhisattvas.

at the same time.

The Buddha received rare and precious fruits from the Heavenly Court, such as fiery red dates, translucent pears like beautiful jade, purple ganoderma and jade herbs exuding a mysterious aura, and jade lotus roots and golden pills shimmering with strange light...

The Buddha instructed Ananda to hold the gifts, and Kasyapa distributed them to the bodhisattvas of Vulture Peak.

The bodhisattvas accepted the celestial treasures and fruits, clasped their hands together, their gratitude overflowing, and said in unison:
"Thank you, Venerable One, for bestowing this fruit!"

Subsequently, the bodhisattvas each presented a poem in gratitude, filled with reverence and thanks to the Buddha, their words ornate and their emotions sincere.

After all the bodhisattvas had finished presenting their poems, they all bowed respectfully to the Buddha and said:
"Buddha, we hope that you will enlighten us to the root of the matter, explain the origins and development of our practice, and guide us to the right path so that we may avoid detours on the path of Buddhism and attain enlightenment as soon as possible."

The Buddha nodded slightly, his gaze profound, and began to explain:

"All sentient beings possess the wisdom and virtues of the Tathagata, but they cannot realize it due to their delusions and attachments. All sentient beings have Buddha-nature, but it is obscured by the delusions and attachments of the world, like a bright pearl covered in dust, unable to show its inherent brilliance."

"The Dharma has no fixed form, and the profound principles of all Buddhas are not related to words. Words are merely a tool for expressing the Dharma, and one should not be attached to the words themselves."

"Just like empty space, you Bodhisattvas should not let your minds dwell on form, sound, smell, taste, touch, or mental objects. You should let your minds arise without dwelling on anything... If you can do this, you can understand the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings."

At this time.

A Bodhisattva rose from his seat, clasped his hands in prayer, and asked the Buddha:
"World Honored One, how can one cultivate to attain the perfect and wondrous mind of enlightenment? We practitioners yearn to attain that perfect and wondrous mind of enlightenment, but we do not know where to begin. We hope that the Buddha can guide us through this confusion."

The Buddha answered his question:
“When Avalokiteshvara practices profound Prajna, he sees that the five aggregates are all empty.”

"The emptiness of the five aggregates does not mean the annihilation of everything, but rather the constant illumination of all things in stillness. Bodhisattvas should use prajna wisdom to observe all phenomena in the world, without being attached to the characteristics of phenomena, in order to attain perfect enlightenment and realize unsurpassed Bodhi."

……

The Buddha Tathagata explained the Dharma and proclaimed the true fruit to a host of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Arhats, and others on Mount Ling.

A shower of flowers fell like auspicious omens, showering upon everyone and bringing boundless good fortune, like the blessings of Buddha, nourishing all living beings.

The dragons circled around, seemingly listening to the true meaning of Buddhism, occasionally swaying their bodies as if expressing their respect for Buddhism, like devout believers bowing in worship.

The monks and bodhisattvas listened with rapt attention, as if they were immersed in the vast ocean of Buddhist teachings, their souls receiving an unprecedented baptism and sublimation, like a long-awaited rain after a drought.

It can truly be said: "A Zen mind illuminates a thousand rivers like the moon, a true nature encompasses ten thousand miles of sky."

After finishing his sermon, the Buddha glanced at the monks and bodhisattvas and slowly said, “I observe that in these three realms and four continents, the good and evil of sentient beings vary from place to place.”

"The land of Beiju Luzhou is teeming with demons and monsters, each one vicious, wicked, and stubborn. It is a barbaric land that is difficult to convert."

“In that place, all beings are shrouded in evil and ignorance, their sins are heavy and beyond redemption, and they will be forever condemned to the Avici Hell. They are not worthy of receiving our Dharma.”

“The Eastern Continent of Divine Victory is the Taoist sect’s own territory, the very foundation of the sect, deeply rooted and its inhabitants have a firm faith in Taoism, making them difficult to convert.”

“If we forcibly convert them, it may completely trigger a conflict between Buddhism and Taoism. At that time, the Three Realms will inevitably fall into turmoil, which is not conducive to the peace of the Three Realms and is not what we want.”

"And in Xiniu Hezhou, under the influence of my Buddhist teachings, people do not greedy or kill, but cultivate their vital energy and nurture their spirits. Although there are no supreme beings, everyone enjoys longevity, and it is already the Western Paradise."

“The beings here have already benefited from the Buddha’s teachings, and their lives are peaceful and harmonious. Everyone is happy and healthy, so there is no need to convert them further.”

"Only in the land of Jambudvipa, there is greed, lust, and strife, with much killing and fighting."

"As the saying goes, words are a dangerous place, a sea of ​​right and wrong, and it is precisely a place that needs to be transformed."

“The beings here are driven by desires and evil thoughts, like a rudderless boat adrift in a sea of ​​suffering, living in dire straits, and urgently need the salvation of my Buddha’s teachings.”

"Therefore, we should preach the scriptures to the people of Jambudvipa, exhort them to do good, and lead them out of the sea of ​​suffering."

"This is an act of great compassion and mercy, and its merits are immeasurable."

"To save the beings of Jambudvipa from fire and water, and to deliver them from the sea of ​​suffering, is the mission of us Buddhist disciples."

“I have already discussed this matter with the Jade Emperor. He will grant us many conveniences to cooperate with our eastward spread of Buddhism.”

"With the support of the Jade Emperor, our mission to spread Buddhism to the East will surely be successfully accomplished!"

Upon hearing this, the three thousand Buddhas, five hundred Arhats, eight Vajras, and all the Bodhisattvas were overjoyed, their faces beaming with excitement and exhilaration. They shouted in unison:
"Excellent, excellent, it should be so!"

“We will do our utmost to help the beings of Jambudvipa escape from suffering; this is a matter of great compassion.”

"We are willing to follow the Buddha and contribute our strength to the eastward spread of Buddhism!"

"Even if it means going through countless hardships and dangers, I will not hesitate!"

……

then.

At this time, preparations officially began for the major project of the Western Lingshan Group – the "Journey to the West (Transmission of Buddhism to the East) Project".

Projects need people to do them.

The first step, naturally, is to determine the personnel for the project.

Whom should they send from the Western sacred mountain to spread their teachings to the East?

……

After speaking, the Buddha glanced at all the Buddhas and slowly said:

"However, I have already reached an agreement with the Supreme Dao Ancestor."

"Our Western Vulture Peak wishes to first conduct a trial of spreading the scriptures in a small area of ​​the Southern Jambudvipa. We need to choose a place where the influence of Taoism is relatively weak and send Buddhist disciples there to spread the scriptures and preach the Tao."

"In this way, we can observe how Buddhism adapts to Jambudvipa (the southern continent) and avoid large-scale conflicts with Taoism."

"When the time is right, we will spread the Dharma to the world."

"In this way, we can both promote the Buddhist teachings of compassion and avoid many unnecessary disputes."

Upon hearing this, Bhaisajyaguru Buddha nodded slightly, his face serene.

He clasped his hands together and said softly:
"This arrangement is quite appropriate."

"Now that this matter has been settled, there is no need for us to rush things."

"A steady and methodical approach, proceeding step by step, is the best strategy to avoid failure at the last hurdle."

The Buddha nodded slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes, as if weighing the pros and cons.

A few moments.

The Buddha slowly spoke:

"But who should we send to Jambudvipa to spread the teachings?"

"The journey to Jambudvipa is arduous, with high mountains and long rivers, and countless hardships and dangers. Only those with great perseverance and wisdom can accomplish it."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent instantly, and all the Buddhas fell into deep thought.

Only the incense smoke swirling in the hall drifted gently, as if telling the story of the Buddhas' inner turmoil and considerations.

After all, this matter of spreading Buddhist scriptures is of great importance to the magnificent undertaking of spreading Buddhism to the East, and it is no small matter.

If done well, the merit will be immeasurable, and being promoted to a higher rank and receiving more incense offerings will be a natural outcome.

If we mess it up, we risk failing the Buddha's trust and becoming a laughingstock.

present.

A female bodhisattva slowly walked out from the queue.

The female bodhisattva's eyebrows were like crescent moons, curved like willow leaves; her eyes were like twin stars, shining brightly.

Her face was naturally radiant with joy, and her lips were a touch of red, like a cherry just beginning to bloom.

She is the compassionate master of Mount Luojia, and the living Guanyin in the Chaoyin Cave.

Guanyin Bodhisattva clasped her hands together, bowed slightly, and spoke:

"This humble monk recommends one person to go to Jambudvipa (the southern continent) to complete the important task of spreading the scriptures."

The Buddha's gaze was gentle as he spoke:

“Bodhisattva, please speak freely.”

“We all know that the Bodhisattva has unique wisdom and that the person he recommends must have extraordinary abilities.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva bowed slightly, her posture elegant, and said:
"Among the Buddha's disciples, there was a disciple named Jin Chanzi who possessed extraordinary spiritual talent."

“In the past, when Jin Chanzi listened to the Dharma at Mount Ling, he was often able to offer unique insights. His understanding of Buddhism was truly rare.”

"Although Jin Chanzi had his unruly moments and disrespected the Buddha's teachings."

"At that time, he was young and impetuous, and had not fully grasped the essence of Buddhism. He was sometimes lax when listening to the Dharma."

"But now, Jin Chanzi's worldly ties have gradually faded, and his Buddha-nature has become more and more apparent, just like a pearl being dusted off, its brilliance gradually revealed."

"He has cultivated himself on Mount Ling for many years and has undergone many trials. He has gradually shed his former impetuousness and his heart has become more and more calm."

"Moreover, Jin Chanzi is compassionate and has a great wish to save all living beings. He is the only one who can pass on the scriptures. If he can take on this important task, he will surely live up to everyone's expectations."

Upon hearing this, the Buddha was inwardly delighted, but outwardly feigned contemplation and slowly said:

“Jin Chanzi is unruly and has once looked down on Buddhism; I fear he will not amount to much.”

"This journey to Jambudvipa carries a heavy responsibility. If his old habits are hard to break, it may jeopardize our important mission."

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and said:
"It is precisely because Jin Chanzi once disrespected Buddhism that he needs to undergo more trials and tribulations to repent and reform himself!"

"This journey to Jambudvipa to spread the scriptures will be fraught with difficulties and dangers, which will temper their character and increase their wisdom."

"It was through those many difficulties that he was able to deeply understand the true meaning of Buddhism and realize how difficult it is to cultivate himself. Only in this way could he eventually achieve enlightenment and bring glory to Buddhism."

"This is Jin Chanzi's opportunity, and also the opportunity for the eastward transmission of Buddhism."

Upon hearing this, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva nodded slightly and echoed:
“The words of Guanyin Bodhisattva are reasonable.”

"Although Jin Chanzi had his faults of being unruly, he was inherently a Buddha, but in the past his nature was obscured by worldly thoughts."

"If Jin Chanzi can obtain this opportunity, he will surely be transformed and become a pillar of Buddhism, making unparalleled contributions to the eastward spread of Buddhism."

"At that time, the light of Buddhism will shine upon Jambudvipa, and all sentient beings will be able to attain liberation."

For a while.

"The World Honored One's second disciple, Jin Chanzi, is indeed a good candidate..."

"Send Jin Chanzi to the East to spread the scriptures..."

All the Buddhas in the main hall nodded slightly, seemingly expressing their deep agreement with the words of Guanyin Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.

The ancient Buddha of Lingshan, "Dipankara Buddha," sits serenely on a high place in Lingshan, his eyes gently closed, without uttering a word, as if deep in thought, or as if observing everything.

The future Buddha of Lingshan—"Maitreya Buddha"—slightly raised his eyes, a faint smile on his lips, but remained silent.

Maitreya Buddha seemed like an observer, quietly watching the changing winds and fluctuating situations in the hall.

But he had his own ingenious plans and schemes in mind.

at this time.

Another Bodhisattva slowly emerged from the procession, his voice clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, and said:
"This humble monk also recommends one person."

“This person is clear-minded and has a deep affinity with Buddhism. Compared to Jin Chanzi, he is more capable of undertaking the important task of spreading Buddhism to the East.”

Its face was serene and compassionate, with lowered eyebrows and eyes that seemed to hold endless sorrow; a precious vase on its head shone brightly.

This Bodhisattva holds an unopened lotus, exuding tranquility and elegance; her hair is styled in a high bun, displaying solemnity; her earlobes are long and adorned with exquisite and beautiful earrings; she wears a deep blue celestial robe, its flowing sleeves revealing an ethereal and graceful demeanor.

A poem praises it:

"His golden body shines brightly in all directions, and his wise eyes pierce through the fog of confusion."

"Holding a wondrous lotus, he opens the path to enlightenment; the supreme protector of the Dharma."

This Bodhisattva is none other than Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.

……

(PS: 5k+ long chapter, early update. Special thanks to Erlang Xiansheng Zhenjun for the 15000 coin reward, and to Erlang Xiansheng Zhenjun 279 for the 10000 coin reward. Thank you to all the readers for the monthly tickets and recommendation tickets, thank you~~)

(End of this chapter)