Chapter 249 - 232: Guanyin, by Imperial Decree, Enters Chang’an
It is said that when Guanyin arrived in Chang’an, it took only a moment to get there.
Having been thwarted at Five Elements Mountain, Guanyin felt quite upset. Along the way, her mood was gloomy; even Mu Zha didn’t dare to ask much and just followed Guanyin quietly from behind.
Once inside Chang’an City, Guanyin and Mu Zha transformed into two ordinary monks and made their way to the Earth God Temple. Upon seeing Guanyin, the Local Deity was so frightened that his soul nearly left his body. He quickly knelt and said, "This humble deity did not know of the Bodhisattva’s arrival and failed to welcome you from afar. I beg for the Bodhisattva’s forgiveness, forgive me!"
In recent years, the struggle between Buddhism and Daoism had become fierce. The Buddhist sect supported the Barbarians, while the Daoist sect backed Ran Min. The two sides stood off across the river, engaging in unceasing slaughter. Eventually, the Five Barbarians were expelled, and Ran Min was also defeated. When mortals fought, the immortals naturally had to intervene, each displaying their divine skills and killing as if it were a crushing defeat, and who knows how many died during the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties.
The Local Deity was under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court and was considered part of the Daoist lineage; thus, upon encountering Guanyin from the Buddhist sect, wasn’t it natural for him to be afraid?
Guanyin had been a prominent figure since ancient times, known as the Cihang Daoist with the Pure Luster Crystal Vase, who could collect people and turn them into blood water—extremely vicious!
Impatient, Guanyin said, "There’s no need for formalities! Local Deity, you should leave at once and let this poor monk rest in the temple. I am carrying out Tathagata’s decree here in Chang’an and you must not publicize this. Otherwise, you will needlessly forfeit your life."
The Local Deity eagerly replied, "Of course, how dare I disobey the Bodhisattva’s orders?"
Guanyin nodded and said, "Alright, you may go now!"
The Local Deity, not daring to say more, immediately used the Earth Escape and disappeared to an unknown location. There were countless Local Deities and Mountain Gods in the mortal world, all minor gods whom the Heavenly Court sometimes didn’t even bother to manage.
A minor deity like him couldn’t afford to offend Guanyin. Moreover, the Local Deity had many friends; it was nothing to move to the territory of another Local Deity in Chang’an City and stay for a few days.