Global Game: I, the Necromancer, am the scourge Chapter 1282: 733:

The greatest danger lies in this Demon Cultivation Method. Externally, it projects an aura of extreme sanctity, bathed in radiant Buddha light as if a Buddha Head has descended. Internally, however, it seethes with demonic energy, comparable to an abyss or prison, akin to the endlessly disastrous Nine Nether Demons.

Furthermore, Luo Hou has placed a seal on him, making it nearly impossible for even a Saint to discern He Bai’s true internal disposition, unless they were the Taoist Ancestor Hongjun himself.

Currently, He Bai, owing to his inherent Buddha Nature and a Buddhist Power Cultivation level that rivals an Arhat, has been warmly embraced by the Buddhist Sect and welcomed into the Da Leiyin Temple, where he has been bestowed the title of Arhat.

This is truly a case of infiltrating the enemy’s stronghold, acting as a high-level mole. If he continues his ascent, it’s conceivable he could even attain the rank of a Bodhisattva.

With the backing of powerful figures such as Luo Hou, Tongtian, and Houtu, his potential advancement could see him become a Buddha. Through strategic manipulation, he might even usurp the Tathagata and seize control of the Buddhist Sect.

Imagine that scenario – an undercover leader of the entire Buddhist establishment!

It's important to recall that Tongtian bears a significant grievance against Buddhism. Beyond the actions of the two Western Saints during the Sealing God War, the forced transformations of many disciples from the Jie Sect alone fueled his resentment.

And then there was the matter of the Long-eared Light-fixing Immortal, whom Tongtian desperately wished to eliminate, now a revered Joyful Buddha!

As the Golden Crow descends in the west, the stars begin to **emerge** in the night sky.

Within the Great Qin Empire, in the Chen Mansion.

Chen Sanzang, surrounded by his numerous wives and concubines, was enjoying a bonfire party in the perpetual spring of the Peach Forest. In a blink, the scene dissolved, and he found himself suspended in mid-air.

White clouds drifted past him; where had the dark night gone?

Floating not far above his head was a lotus dais, emanating a golden Buddha light. Seated upon it was a Bodhisattva, holding a Jade Purifying Bottle, her appearance dignified and radiating a subtle Merit Golden Wheel.

Who else could it be but the current Guanyin Bodhisattva of the Buddhist Sect, formerly known as the Chan Sect’s Ci Hang Daoist?

“Amitabha, this humble monk greets the Bodhisattva. May I inquire as to the reason for your esteemed presence at this humble abode, seeking Sanzang?”

Chen Sanzang offered a Buddhist salutation. Recognizing that all beings here were Immortals and Buddhas, merely differing in their levels of power, he proceeded directly to his inquiry.

Upon her arrival in the Great Qin Empire, Guanyin, too, had been restricted by the Nine Provinces Barrier. However, her cultivation at the peak of Daluo Golden Immortal, even with some suppression, allowed her to effortlessly handle those below the Taiyi level.

“Chen Sanzang, in a past existence, you were the reincarnation of the Golden Cicada, destined by the Buddhist Sect’s Heavenly Mandate to face tribulations in this world. I seek you now because the great calamity of the Westward Journey has commenced. You must journey west to undergo this tribulation, to obtain Mahayana Buddhism for the East, thereby blessing all sentient beings.”

Her words spoke of heavenly destiny, culminating in the fulfillment of a tribulation, urging him westward only to return and aid all beings. If Chen Sanzang were unaware of the situation, he might have been convinced, much like Tang Sanzang in the original Journey to the West.

After all, the original Tang Sanzang was genuinely devoted to Buddhism, possessing a sacred heart dedicated to the salvation of all beings.

However, Chen Sanzang is not that person!

He is merely a transmigator, who, through the aid of a system, has taken possession of Tang Sanzang’s identity. This led to the discovery of a dormant, ferocious spirit within him akin to a Six-winged Golden Cicada.

Currently, he is leveraging the assistance of Old Xi, enhancing his own cultivation while secretly working to repurpose the Golden Cicada’s power for his own gain.

Should he foolishly fall for their ruse and embark on the Westward Journey for scriptures, he might inadvertently allow the Golden Cicada to achieve its objectives!

Therefore…

“Bodhisattva, this monk’s heart is indeed devoted to Buddhism. However, I currently have a substantial household, with wives and concubines soon to give birth, and infants who will soon be crying. It is truly impossible for me to depart at this moment. Might another be found to accompany this monk to the Western Heaven to seek the True Scriptures?”

Chen Sanzang harbored no real expectations; he merely wished to probe their intentions.

“Sanzang, you are the reincarnation of the Golden Cicada, a true disciple under the Buddha of the Western Heaven’s Great Leiyin Temple. This reincarnation is intended to face the Buddhist Sect’s eastward calamity, a grand scheme concerning heaven and earth. How can minor domestic affairs take precedence over such a significant undertaking?”

Guanyin had indeed investigated Chen Sanzang’s circumstances upon her arrival. Yet, she had not anticipated that within such a brief period, and without her direct observation, Chen Sanzang would convert to Joyful Buddhism, transcending from a mere mortal to become an Immortal!

Sensing the situation was spiraling out of control, Guanyin intervened directly, employing a dream technique to draw Chen Sanzang into the Dream Space. Her intention was to ignite his Buddhist heart and align him with the grand cosmic trajectory.

However, Guanyin could never have foreseen Chen Sanzang being possessed, with the Golden Cicada's spirit suppressed.

It's important to note that the Golden Cicada is a Daluo-level powerhouse. To possess a Daluo being is a feat even a Saint would not approach with absolute certainty!

"Bodhisattva, how can one safeguard the greater realm without first tending to the smaller ones? Although this monk possesses a Buddhist heart, he still cherishes the mortal world. I plead for your mercy, Bodhisattva!"

Chen Sanzang cautiously probed the edges of peril, testing the waters with veiled audacity.

Fortunately, Guanyin didn't suspect a deeper ploy. She surmised that the Golden Cicada's tenth reincarnation might be experiencing tests from the Heavenly Dao due to being a destined tribulation-bearer, thus clouding his Buddhist heart and leading to his current state.

Still, the Buddhist Sect possesses a remedy for such afflictions: transcendence!

Guanyin, foregoing further debate with Chen Sanzang, began to chant the Great Compassionate Mantra, interweaving it with the Duhua Burning Sound, intending to forcibly reawaken Chen Sanzang's Buddhist heart.

"Insolent! Guanyin disregards fairness! Wielding the great to oppress the small! Old Xi, save me! I refuse to be transcended by force!"

As the Duhua Burning Sound reverberated, Chen Sanzang felt his spirit waver, overcome by a profound urge to prostrate himself thankfully at Guanyin's feet.

Did he truly grasp Guanyin's intentions at this moment?

Fighting against the Duhua Burning Sound with sheer will, he frantically sought assistance from the system within his mind.

"Brother Zang, why do you persist in seeking death? Simply agree to journey west for the scriptures honestly, and then find ways to delay. Isn't that sufficient? The journey will unfold step by step regardless."

Old Xi was equally exasperated, feeling that Brother Zang, having gained some power, had become overly arrogant, boldly provoking the Bodhisattva Guanyin.

The others were genuine Daluo Golden Immortals, once among the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Primordial Chan Sect. They possessed not only profound foundations but also stood out amongst fellow Daluo Golden Immortals.

"Old Xi, cease your sarcastic gibes and rescue me quickly! I will not be transcended only to become a puppet, obediently serving the Buddhist Sect."

Was it so unpleasant to be surrounded by cherished wives and concubines?

Was the joy of numerous descendants so unappealing?

To become a powerless high-ranking figure within the Buddhist Sect, while risking retribution from the Golden Cicada and facing death, Chen Sanzang would have to be utterly mad to seek the scriptures willingly!

He simply lacked the greater strength to contend with Bodhisattva Guanyin; otherwise, he would surely transcend her and usurp her authority!

A fanciful notion, but Old Xi informed him that even with powerful backing, reality remained unyielding.

"Cease overthinking. Allow her to transcend you honestly. I can restore you immediately once she departs."

With potent backing behind him, the trivial methods of a mere Daluo Golden Immortal were no match for Old Xi.

"If you had said this earlier, wouldn't everything have been resolved?"

With the system's counsel, Chen Sanzang abandoned all resistance, submissively kneeling before Bodhisattva Guanyin.

Truthfully, he harbored a genuine curiosity. Since the Ci Hang Daoist was originally male and was forcibly transformed into a female upon entering the Buddhist Sect, he truly wished to ascertain Guanyin's current gender—whether male, female, or perhaps androgynous?

"Amitabha, I thank the Bodhisattva for transcending me, assisting this monk in cleansing his heart and breaking free from the world's confusion."

Chen Sanzang, maintaining a dignified demeanor, performed a Buddhist salute, kneeling before Bodhisattva Guanyin. Buddha light surged from his form, as if he were enveloped in a golden radiance.

"Sanzang, you carry the mandate of heaven. Now that the mortal realm's calamity has passed, you must comprehend the karma of the secular world. Journey westward to seek the True Scripture and bless all sentient beings."

"However, you are currently weak, and the westward journey may hold perils. The Buddha has specially bestowed protective Buddhist Treasures to ensure your safety."

Bodhisattva Guanyin tilted the Jade Purifying Bottle she held. From it emerged three Buddhist Treasures: the Brocade Kasaya, the Nine-Ringed Staff, and the Purple Gold Bowl.

"I thank the Buddha for bestowing these divine treasures. After severing all worldly ties and completing my preparations, this monk shall embark westward towards the Great Thunderclap Temple in the Western Heaven to obtain the True Scripture!"

Clutching the three Buddhist Treasures, Chen Sanzang knelt with sincere reverence. When he raised his head once more, Bodhisattva Guanyin had vanished.