Chapter 336 - 297: Gathering of Experts at Wuzhuang Temple
Wukong was halfway on his journey when a thought struck him, and he turned back, returning to the Great Hall of Mount Ling.
He said to Tathagata, "World Honored One, for nearly three hundred years I have closed myself off to meditate on the Dao and study Buddhist Law. Now, my heart is filled with countless doubts, for which I seek answers from the Buddha Ancestor."
Tathagata had given him the Nirvana Pearl, naturally intending to cultivate his strength vigorously, making him a prominent expert within the Buddhist sect, capable of contending with the Daoist experts in the future. Naturally, he agreed readily.
Wukong then questioned Tathagata about Buddhist Law at Mount Ling. In truth, he was already thoroughly versed in the mysteries of Buddhist Law. After all, he had received the inheritance of Amitabha Buddha and possessed the Third-grade Merit Lotus Platform. Through it, he had glimpsed the will of Amitabha Buddha and mastered the essence of the Buddhist sect. However, Tathagata’s cultivation of Buddhist Law was somewhat different, containing extremely indoctrinating methods. Tathagata, believing that Buddhist Law had subtly influenced Wukong’s mind without his awareness, answered each question without any reservation.
The killing of Medicine Buddha was no small matter, so he had come to confront Tathagata at Mount Ling to avoid any suspicions. Wukong actually hoped to ask the Three Pure Ones for help, but being in charge of the Thirty-Three Skies, they could not act rashly. Each of their interventions was carefully calculated to avoid Tathagata’s notice. If Tathagata discovered even the slightest trace, it would then be impossible to take back the Lapis Lazuli Pure Light Realm.
Meanwhile, the Daoist Equal to Heaven directly headed for the Thirty-Three Skies, arriving at the Upper Pure Heaven to seek an audience with the Leader of Heaven-Penetrating and then to ask Wusheng for help.
"To slay the Medicine Buddha and replace him with a Substitute? Excellent, excellent! If Tathagata dares commit such a deceitful act, we may as well do the same!" Wusheng, with deep-seated hatred for the Buddhist sect, immediately agreed upon hearing of the plan to kill the Medicine Buddha.
The Sect Hierarch said, "This matter is of great significance. You’ll have to manage it yourselves. My Four Swords of Celestial Slaying are too filled with killing intent, serving as the Heavenly Dao’s instruments of slaughter and killing. If they’re used, Tathagata would likely detect them instantly. Even the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda would not be able to contain them. You should discuss this with your grandmaster."
The Daoist Equal to Heaven proposed, "Great Emperor Zhenwu owes me a favor. I will visit him to claim it, asking for his help to surround and kill the Medicine Buddha. What do you think, teacher?"
The Sect Hierarch calculated for a moment and said, "That could work! With the highly skilled Great Emperor Zhenwu’s help, success is assured. Go also to the Wuzhuang Temple and request the help of your elder brother, Zhen Yuanzi, to join the effort."
The Daoist Equal to Heaven laughed, "I certainly plan to ask for Zhen Yuanzi’s assistance. His mana is so profound, it would be a waste not to seek his help!"