The Battle in Journey to the West

The Leader of Heaven-Penetrating paused when he saw the third match between Medicine Buddha and South Pole Immortal Emperor reached a point where both had matured the Nine Heavens Divine Wood to 188,888 years, and it was clear that the battle was evenly matched, making it challenging to determine a winner.

While Tathagata was preparing for a fourth match, the Leader of Heaven-Penetrating decided it was best to quit while ahead, catching Tathagata off guard. Tathagata nearly choked on his words in surprise, his Three Corpses Deity seething with anger, but there was nothing he could do. He could only manage a slight smile, maintaining the composure befitting a Buddha Ancestor.

With a single statement, the Leader of Heaven-Penetrating had put Tathagata at a loss, and even though he had not won anything substantial, internally he felt quite smug about it.

Daoist Equal to Heaven also couldn’t help but chuckle to himself, thinking that Tathagata was out of luck during his visit to Louguan, as if he had neglected to consult the almanac before leaving his home and had encountered bad fortune.

Tathagata said, "Since Celestial Venerable Lingbao has spoken thus, let it be. This time I’ve indeed witnessed the elegance of the great Taoist masters."

Laozi replied with a smile, "The Buddhist sect is not lacking either, and this old one has learned a great deal as well."

Laozi had allowed the founding of Louguan Sect not just to spread the Way of the Dao but also to engage the Buddhist sect in a serious competition. After three matches, the Taoist Sect had won two and tied the third. It could be said that they had the upper hand and had seized the limelight, leaving the Buddhist sect with a smudged and dirtied face. Medicine Buddha was also secretly annoyed that he hadn’t managed to win the third round.

Yin Xi said, "Let’s not spoil our camaraderie over a mere competition. Today is a grand day for our Louguan Sect! From today onwards, the Louguan Sect will begin accepting disciples! I hope all esteemed and moral masters will visit the Louguan Sect and exchange insights with us."

"Of course, Yin Xi, my friend, there’s no need to be so formal."

"We will certainly support you, Yin Xi, my friend, so rest assured."

All the True Persons offered their salutations with a slight bow and smiled warmly.