Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

He happened to have a connection with the Buddha and was picked up by the Buddha. He took human form after listening to the sutras, and then made rapid progress. In just a few thousand years, he reached the level of a quasi-saint.

The Buddha treated Ling Chanzi as a formidable enemy, suppressing him at every turn. Once, during a sermon, Ling Chanzi merely closed his eyes to meditate on the scriptures, which the Buddha accused of being disrespectful. After years of suppression, Ling Chanzi finally reached his breaking point. While exchanging sermons with the Buddha on Mount Ling, the Buddha seized the opportunity to banish Ling Chanzi to the mortal realm.

Regarding the position of Buddha, according to Zhen Yuanzi, it's half right and half wrong. So-called strength is simply a matter of realm. Those like quasi-saints can generally be made Buddhas. Even if someone's strength isn't at the quasi-saint level, as long as they're not too weak, and as long as Tathagata agrees, they can be granted a Buddha position. After all, the current Buddha is still the one in charge of Buddhism.

As for Zhen Yuanzi's explanation, it was merely an excuse used by Tathagata to shirk responsibility each time. Take Li Xiuyuan, for example; his strength and methods far surpassed Tathagata's, yet he never attained Buddhahood. Ultimately, he devised his own plan to obtain a Buddhahood.

After Ling Chanzi was banished to the mortal realm, Buddha's throne remained firmly in place for over a thousand years. However, another figure emerged: Li Xiuyuan. Li Xiuyuan was aware of this situation and, according to the established plan, appointed Tang Sanzang to journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

And look in the sky, the prayer beads finally changed. The beads began to transform, solidify, and finally become a golden figure. Then the golden figure began to shed its golden color, transforming into a monk.

It was indeed Tang Sanzang, but it would be more appropriate to call him Ling Chanzi. Because at this moment, Tang Sanzang was wearing a simple Buddhist robe, standing on a lotus seat, and a Buddhist bead that reflected a vast expanse of Buddhist light appeared behind him, which was his true form.

Compared to the previous bald monk, he was now slightly thinner, but his eyes were bright and his teeth white, and he exuded a captivating aura.

Looking at Tang Sanzang at this moment, Zhen Yuanzi couldn't help but laugh and said, "Hmm, this is the real Ling Chanzi. Spiritual energy, spiritual energy."

Pigsy was very excited and asked, "Hey, are you Tang Sanzang or Ling Chanzi?"

Ling Chanzi smiled slightly, put his hands together, and said, "Amitabha, Bajie, Tang Sanzang, is Ling Chanzi. Ling Chanzi is Tang Sanzang."

Sun Wukong couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "This Tang Sanzang is so powerful; after regaining his true form, he has the strength of a quasi-saint. But we still need to deal with these demon kings first."

Sun Wukong immediately asked, "Master, what do you think should be done with these demon kings?"

Before Tang Sanzang could speak, the roc said, "Ling Chanzi, don't think you're so great! So what if you're a quasi-sage? If you don't let us go, my master will definitely be no match for you!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent. This roc didn't seem to be one to speak carelessly. It seemed they really couldn't afford to offend it.

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Chapter 604 Li Xiuyuan Steps In

Everyone thought the same thing, but since Sun Wukong and his group currently had an absolute advantage, they couldn't afford to lose momentum.

Immediately, Sun Wukong brandished his golden cudgel, walked over, and questioned, "Fine, then tell me, who exactly is your backer?"

Although the three demon kings were afraid, they straightened their backs and ignored him when they thought of Li Xiuyuan.

Sun Wukong was also dissatisfied. He had been exhausted by these three demons, yet they still didn't take him seriously. Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing couldn't stand this insult, so they immediately grabbed their weapons and charged forward.

Pigsy raised his nine-toothed rake, and Sandy wielded his Buddhist shovel, ready to annihilate the demon king. Unexpectedly, Sun Wukong swung his golden cudgel, knocking their weapons from their hands.

Pigsy, puzzled, asked, "Brother Monkey, what's this?!"

Sun Wukong turned to look at the two of them and said, "Don't interfere. Things are troublesome enough as they are; you're just making things worse."

Pigsy and Sandy looked at each other, utterly bewildered. An awkward silence fell over the room. Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard, lost in thought, having initially believed this was merely a calamity for Tang Sanzang and his disciples.

He had impulsively entered this mess out of loyalty, never imagining it would turn out this way. Even with the many celestial officials brought along, the three demon kings couldn't gain any advantage against them.

The only question is, who exactly is behind these demon kings? Moreover, there's something fishy about Tang Sanzang's transformation from destruction to rebirth.

Tang Sanzang unconsciously looked up, clearly sensing something. Before, without cultivation, he couldn't sense it. But now, with the strength of a quasi-sage, he recalled that ever since passing through Lion Camel Ridge and meeting the old man who guided him, he had realized that it seemed as if someone was pushing everything forward.

Having witnessed so many scenes and experienced this ordeal, it was almost a natural progression for him to make a grand vow to end his life there. In the end, he turned misfortune into blessing.

He vaguely sensed that countless eyes were watching them from the shadows. However, one eye was very close to him, and it had been watching them ever since they entered Lion Camel Ridge.

Tang Sanzang—it's even possible to guess who he is now. He was suppressed by Buddha back then, and he is now. To be able to defy Buddha, specifically give him guidance, and prevent others from interfering in this matter—that must be the mark of a saint.

But in the eyes of the sage, Tang Sanzang was just a novice monk, so how could he possibly be of any interest? Therefore, the only suitable candidate was Li Xiuyuan.

Li Xiuyuan had orchestrated this scheme, and it's likely that both Sun Wukong and Li Xiuyuan's rapid advancements were due to Li Xiuyuan's secret assistance. He is now a quasi-saint, and although Sun Wukong's manifested form, the Spiritual Monkey, has not undergone any cultivation, it is, after all, a naturally born divine being. If it were to cultivate further, it could probably reach the strength of a quasi-saint in a short time.

The ethereal monkey that Sun Wukong manifested was the evil corpse, while the spirit monk that Tang Sanzang manifested was the benevolent corpse. Sun Wukong's sins were too great, having killed countless living beings along the way, and Li Xiuyuan, by going with the flow, thus fulfilled the wish of the ethereal monkey.

At the last moment, Tang Sanzang reaped the fruits of his good deeds, giving rise to boundless good thoughts. Li Xiuyuan, similarly, went along with it, allowing him to sever his own good karma.

It seems that both Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang made rapid progress, severing two of their three corpses. Sun Wukong's lifespan was only a few hundred years, while Tang Sanzang's was only a few decades. However, this was all they had.

Sun Wukong was originally a spiritual stone, and had endured countless years of wind and rain on the mountain. Tang Sanzang was also a reincarnation of Ling Chanzi, who had cultivated diligently for countless years. All of this was a natural progression, but it was all orchestrated by Li Xiuyuan.

Meanwhile, in the Lingxiao Palace of the Eastern Heavenly Realm, above the Nine Gates, the celestial officials fell silent. The Four Seas Dragon Kings also breathed a sigh of relief, as the White Dragon was unharmed. However, the celestial officials were now discussing who had taken the lead in this game, and how significant that move was.

Meanwhile, on the Western Vulture Peak, towering Buddha statues stood in rows, all paying homage to the Buddha. Gazing at the scene before him, the Buddha couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Ling Chanzi is back, and Sun Wukong has risen to power. Li Xiuyuan, do you truly intend to break ties with me?"

Among the many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the hall, each had their own thoughts. Maitreya Buddha looked at Tathagata, smiled slightly, and sighed, "Buddha, your disciple is coming back. Congratulations."

The Buddha was seething with hatred, but he couldn't retaliate and could only suppress it for the time being.

Seeing this, many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas sighed inwardly: the Buddhist sect of Mount Ling in the Western Paradise is about to undergo a major upheaval.

Inside Lion Camel Ridge, the group remained in a stalemate, which was quite awkward.

From the sky, Little King Kong spoke up: "Master, why aren't you coming down yet? They should all be waiting for you."

Li Xiuyuan laughed and said, "Go down? Why should I go down? They didn't invite me, so I won't go down."

It was not a good idea for everyone to wait any longer. So Tang Sanzang looked up at the sky and said, "Great Sun Heavenly Dragon Buddha, we disciples beg the Buddha to show himself."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan couldn't help but laugh and said, "That's right, how could I go down if you didn't invite me?" Red Boy and Little Vajra couldn't help but chuckle to themselves.

Li Xiuyuan then spoke up, "You two come down with me. There are many people down there, so don't make a fool of yourself." The two children agreed and stood properly on either side of Li Xiuyuan.

Hearing Tang Seng's words, everyone realized their suspicions were correct; it was indeed a scheme orchestrated by Li Xiuyuan. What a grand scheme, truly playing them all for a fool.

Then, everyone saw a burst of Buddha's light in the sky, and a great sun and dragon image appeared, which was none other than Li Xiuyuan. On either side were two attendants, the one on the left was Little Vajra, and the one on the right was Red Boy.

The moment Li Xiuyuan appeared, everyone bowed their heads. Tang Sanzang and his disciples, including Tang Sanzang himself, all knelt. After all, it was Li Xiuyuan who had helped Tang Sanzang, transforming him from a mortal into a near-saint. This was a great favor. The three demon kings also knelt down.

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Chapter 605 Crossing Lion Camel Ridge

Of course, Zhen Yuanzi didn't do anything. After all, his title as the ancestor of earth immortals was well-deserved, and he had only ever paid homage to the Three Pure Ones. Even the Sage Jieyin, he had never paid homage to the Sage Zhunti.

However, Li Xiuyuan was an exception. Zhen Yuanzi also bowed slightly, which was considered a sign of courtesy.

Li Xiuyuan and his two children descended from the sky, and he immediately chuckled, "Ling Chanzi, Sun Wukong, congratulations! This tribulation is actually a blessing in disguise. When you reach the Western Paradise in the future, you can directly attain Buddhahood."

After Li Xiuyuan finished speaking, Sun Wukong spoke first, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Master. I am extremely grateful." It seems that Lion Camel Ridge was all a scheme set up by Li Xiuyuan to unite Tang Sanzang and his disciples, and to bring out the hidden strength of Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang, which was another formidable force.

Li Xiuyuan nodded, quite satisfied with Sun Wukong's performance. He figured Sun Wukong would likely become a quasi-sage even before reaching the Western Paradise.

Ling Chanzi also flattered him, expressing his loyalty: "Buddha Tianlong, I will never forget your great kindness. I am willing to be a novice monk under the Buddha and await your command."

If Ling Chanzi were to return to Mount Ling, Buddha would certainly not let them off the hook. They needed to find a powerful backer, and Li Xiuyuan was the first choice. Moreover, Li Xiuyuan had indeed shown them immense favor.

Li Xiuyuan nodded and smiled, "Alright, from now on Ling Chanzi will be one of us. There's no need to be so reserved. Get up quickly." Then, Ling Chanzi stood up.

Li Xiuyuan looked at everyone again and said, "Alright, alright, everyone, why be so polite? Please get up." Upon hearing this, everyone hurriedly stood up.

Pigsy and the others were exhausted and stood up together. However, the most disheveled were the three demon kings, including the Roc, who were Li Xiuyuan's three mounts.

The three demon kings helped each other up, awaiting Li Xiuyuan's reward. Li Xiuyuan looked at them and said, "The three of you have done a very good job this time. You will certainly be rewarded in the future. Now hurry back and heal your wounds."

Then, as he stretched out his sleeves, the men pounced on Li Xiuyuan's arms. Li Xiuyuan looked at his sleeves and then shook them off with satisfaction.

Then, he looked at the demon soldiers covering Lion Camel Ridge, half of whom were dead, their corpses lying on the ground, blood flowing into the earth. The remaining nearly 50,000 demon soldiers were momentarily bewildered and at a loss.

Those three hundred demon generals were leaders that the Roc and his companions found in various mountain peaks; all of them had already died in battle.

Li Xiuyuan felt a pang of regret. This move he had made had greatly enhanced the strength of his own loyal followers. Even those from the Western Paradise, including the Buddha, were merely his allies; he was the boss. Only those like Tang Sanzang and his disciples could be truly loyal to him and give him peace of mind.

This time, they were effectively elevated to the level of quasi-saints, their power greatly increased, and Li Xiuyuan's strength also grew. It was precisely because of Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang that his allies on Mount Ling were more able to obey his orders and show him, Li Xiuyuan, greater respect in the future.

Li Xiuyuan waved his hand again, and all the demon soldiers, whether dead or alive, whether solid objects lying on the ground or liquids flowing to the bottom, vanished. Only the three hundred demon generals who had died in battle remained in the entire Lion Camel Ridge.

After finishing the cleanup, Li Xiuyuan instructed, "Alright, we're not far from Mount Ling ahead. With your current strength, the trials ahead won't be a problem for you. Hurry up and go; we'll meet again at Mount Ling."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong turned around to heal the wounds of Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the White Dragon. With their current strength, healing them was a matter of moments, and it was over in the blink of an eye.

Then, Tang Sanzang and his disciples said, "We will not stay any longer and will go to Mount Ling first. We will serve the Buddha at his lotus throne another day."

Li Xiuyuan gestured, saying, "No need, let's head west first. I'll wait for you at Mount Ling." After that, Zhu Bajie and the others said no more.

The White Dragon transformed into a white horse again, and Tang Sanzang leaped up and mounted it. Sun Wukong, staff in hand, led the way. Behind them was Zhu Bajie leading the horse. And at the very back was Sha Wujing. Sha Wujing tirelessly retrieved the original luggage from Lion Camel Ridge, carried it once more, and set off westward to obtain the scriptures.

Li Xiuyuan looked at them and said calmly, "There's not much left to go on the journey west. You've already passed the most difficult hurdle. Going back is just a few small mountain valleys; with a little effort, you'll get through them. The next time we meet will be in the Western Paradise."

Just then, Zhen Yuanzi walked over and said, "Buddha, you have truly great power. Just a mount is enough to overwhelm me."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan couldn't help but laugh and said, "Great Immortal, you jest. This beast was originally a Golden-Winged Roc. Later, I subdued it and made it my mount. I also taught it secret techniques and supernatural powers, so it has made rapid progress."

Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard and said, "This supernatural power, could it be Kunpeng? The ancient demon master Kunpeng? I saw that when he spread his wings for ninety thousand miles, he had some of the primordial aura of Kunpeng when he transformed into Peng bird."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan laughed and said, "Great Immortal, you have excellent eyesight. It is indeed the Kunpeng spreading its wings for ninety thousand miles. However, this roc only practiced a part of the roc's techniques. As for the Kun fish, it is a demonic dragon that can enter the sea for practice."

At this point, Li Xiuyuan thought of the mountain strongholds covering the mountain and laughed, "But we've all been forgotten." Then, with another wave of his hand, all the mountain strongholds vanished. The three hundred demon generals who had died were also erased without a trace.

Knowing Li Xiuyuan's power, Zhen Yuanzi flattered him even more, laughing, "Buddha is truly powerful; I'm afraid that from now on, Mount Ling will be revered by you."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan couldn't help but ask, "Great Immortal, do you perhaps look down on that Buddha? After all, he is the Lord of the Western Paradise. Is he really so insignificant?"

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Chapter 606 Growing Stronger

Zhen Yuanzi shook his head, let out a long sigh, and said, "As for the Buddha Tathagata, I have always kept to myself. However, I am now quite friendly with Ling Chanzi, Wukong, and the Heavenly Dragon Buddha. I'm afraid I won't be able to get along well with Tathagata either."

Moreover, I have always disliked that Buddha. Although he is the ruler of the Western Paradise, he is taciturn and lacks virtue, clinging to the position of ruler of the Western Paradise for a long time without relinquishing it.

He also suppressed rising stars like Ling Chanzi and the Future Buddha. He's truly a petty and narrow-minded person.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan understood. It seemed that Zhen Yuanzi's words were a declaration of loyalty. While Zhen Yuanzi spoke the truth, he was also intentionally trying to curry favor with him.

Furthermore, Zhen Yuanzi has repeatedly rescued Tang Sanzang and his companions, and he has a special connection with Xiao Jingang, treating him with great courtesy. If one could show goodwill towards him, it would mean being able to win him over.