Chapter 265: Going Too Far and Attracting the Attention of Tathagata
There were three people in total.
They arrived at the peak of Five Fingers Mountain.
Besides Miss Duan and Young Master Kongxu, the third person was none other than Chen Xuanzang.
After more than a month of effort, Miss Duan had finally found this kid.
However...
The moment Chen Xuanzang appeared before him, Chen Ye's expression suddenly changed drastically.
Because at this moment, Chen Xuanzang—just like him—was also bald!
Not only that, but his entire aura had completely transformed.
Previously, Chen Xuanzang had been timid and lacking in confidence, exuding an air of defeat and helplessness.
But now, he appeared calm and serene, as if he had comprehended some profound truth. A deep and unfathomable Buddhist aura radiated from his entire being.
What was going on?
According to the original course of events, Chen Xuanzang was supposed to witness Miss Duan's tragic death before his eyes, suffer a devastating blow, and only then attain enlightenment!
Yet now, Miss Duan was alive and well, and the Monkey King had not been released.
So why did Chen Xuanzang already look enlightened?
Tathagata!
It had to be Tathagata!!
At this thought, Chen Ye's expression turned grave.
It was obvious—Tathagata had become aware of the changes happening in the mortal world. After being disturbed by those reincarnators and himself, Chen Xuanzang's fate had deviated significantly. As a result, Tathagata had intervened, allowing Chen Xuanzang to achieve enlightenment ahead of time.
But doing so came with side effects.
For example, despite looking like an enlightened monk, Chen Xuanzang was now avoiding eye contact with Miss Duan.
Noticing this, Chen Ye's mind stirred...
"Chen Ye, we're back," Miss Duan greeted him with a smile before jogging over and whispering, "Something's off about this Chen Xuanzang. He doesn't seem like the same person anymore..."
Of course, he wasn't the same! He had comprehended the Great Sun Tathagata Sutra!
"How did you find him?" Chen Ye couldn't help but ask.
Miss Duan replied, "I didn't find him. He came to Five Fingers Mountain on his own. We ran into each other on the way, so we came together."
Hearing this, Chen Ye frowned slightly.
He had a nagging feeling that he had overlooked something important...
At that moment, Chen Xuanzang had already approached him.
"Benefactor Chen, we meet again."
The last time they had met was during the capture of Zhu Ganglie.
"Master Xuanzang, greetings," Chen Ye responded before asking, "May I ask what brings you here?"
Chen Xuanzang didn't seem to care how this bald man knew his name. Instead, he pressed his palms together and said, "This humble monk is embarking on a journey to the West to obtain scriptures. The road ahead is fraught with danger, and I require strong disciples to protect me. Thus, I have come in search of disciples."
"Oh? And who might your disciple be?"
"The demon monkey imprisoned here is one..."
At this point, Chen Xuanzang suddenly lifted his head, his gaze calm as he looked straight at Chen Ye.
"And so are you, Benefactor."
"Me?"
Chen Ye raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Master, you must be mistaken."
In reality, his vigilance had reached its peak.
For Chen Xuanzang to say such a thing, it meant that Tathagata had been watching him for a long time.
"There is no mistake," Chen Xuanzang replied. "The pig demon at Gao Village should have been my disciple, but you captured him instead. By that logic, Benefactor owes me a disciple."
Before Chen Ye could refute him, Chen Xuanzang continued, "Moreover, my master told me that certain 'outsiders' were originally meant to come for you. It was the Buddha himself who intervened and drove them away...
Benefactor, you are destined for Buddhism."
Chen Ye remained expressionless, but inwardly, his heart sank.
No wonder.
Those reincarnators had never shown up.
So it was because Tathagata had scared them away?
"Is that so?" Chen Ye feigned hesitation. "Becoming a disciple isn't a trivial matter, and it would mean accompanying Master on the journey to the West… Can you give me a few days to think about it?"
He was stalling for time.
He just needed to drag it out until his father's mission was over—then he could make a run for it!
Hearing this, Chen Xuanzang merely shook his head helplessly, as if he had already anticipated this response.
"In that case, Benefactor, please help me subdue the demon monkey first."
"This..."
Chen Ye hesitated.
Over the past few days, he had gotten along quite well with Sun Wukong. They drank, ate meat, and chatted together every day. Just yesterday, Sun Wukong had even suggested they become sworn brothers...
And now, he was suddenly asked to subdue Sun Wukong? He really couldn't bring himself to do it.
Chen Xuanzang seemed to have guessed what Chen Ye was thinking and immediately said, "Benefactor, do not be deceived by the monkey's outward appearance. His wild nature is difficult to tame. Even after being imprisoned for five hundred years, he has accumulated deep resentment and hostility. A few drinks won't erase that. If you don't believe me, wait until I release him, and you will see for yourself."
"Alright!" Chen Ye agreed. "Master Xuanzang, if Sun Wukong truly turns on us the moment he's freed, just as you said, I will help you subdue him!"
Chen Xuanzang said nothing more.
He walked over to the cave entrance, reached out, and gently plucked the lotus stalk growing there.
Almost the instant he removed the lotus, the entire lotus pond suddenly burst into flames, startling Miss Duan, who quickly backed away.
Even the lotus in Chen Xuanzang's hand caught fire.
Yet, Chen Xuanzang remained calm. He simply tossed the burning lotus aside and stood still with his hands pressed together.
"Hahahaha…"
A booming, ecstatic laughter erupted from the cave.
The next moment—
A streak of fire shot out from the cave, soaring into the air before landing directly in front of Chen Xuanzang.
As the flames dissipated—
A monkey, no taller than 1.5 meters and shockingly ugly, was revealed.
Even with a full suit of armor, it couldn't conceal his hideous features.
But aside from his ugliness, what stood out most was the sheer brutality on his face. A terrifying, boiling aura of demonic energy radiated from his body.
"What an overwhelming demonic presence!"
Young Master Kongxu couldn't help but exclaim, "Is this the legendary unparalleled demon king, Sun Wukong? He's certainly different from other demons!"
Chen Ye frowned slightly as he looked at Sun Wukong.
He didn't like this monkey.
He much preferred the one who drank with him every day.
That version of Sun Wukong was not only a great drinker but also a pleasant conversationalist—a true talent!
Even his face was amusing to look at, much better than this opera-acting monkey in front of him.
…
The moment Sun Wukong was freed—
His eyes locked onto Chen Xuanzang.
The sheer Buddhist aura radiating from Chen Xuanzang filled him with disgust.
"Kill!!"
With a furious roar, he launched a lethal shockwave straight at Chen Xuanzang.
The shockwave was wide-ranging.
Even Miss Duan and Young Master Kongxu were caught within its range.
Clearly, this monkey was overflowing with murderous intent, showing no concern for collateral damage.
Chen Ye immediately flashed forward, shielding Miss Duan and Young Master Kongxu from the attack.
As for Chen Xuanzang, having comprehended the Great Sun Tathagata Sutra, he naturally had Buddhist protection. Sun Wukong's attack couldn't touch him at a
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