The Diamond Buddha!

Guanyin dared not relax her vigilance, but she also did not hesitate.

This stemmed from confidence in her own strength!

This was because of her confidence of her own strength, as well as the confidence of Buddhism.

Since the Battle of the Gods, Buddhism had risen in dominance, with disciples spread across the four continents, with the Tathagata as a top-tier powerhouse in the Three Realms. Within the sect, there were numerous Arhats and Bodhisattvas, and their strength was immeasurable.

Throughout the ages, Buddhism's influence had even faintly surpassed that of Daoism.

Across the entire Three Realms, who would dare to challenge Bodhisattva Guanyin? Who would dare to disrespect Buddhism?

With a gentle push, she was about to enter.

However, as Guanyin's hand touched the door, an irresistible force met her, directly sending her flying! The immense force dissipated into nothingness after throwing her away.

Refusing to believe it, she concentrated her formidable magical power and attempted to knock on the door again. Suddenly, a voice echoed from nowhere.

"Bodhisattva, please retreat. Tomorrow, Tang Monk will agree to the Journey to the West and to seek the true scriptures."

The tone was calm, gentle, carrying a compelling charm that was hard to resist.

Guanyin's body instantly stiffened, and cold sweat began to trickle down.

The voice was so close, as if whispering in her ear, appearing suddenly without any warning.

She was a Great Luo Golden Immortal, the top cultivation level in the Three Realms! Yet, she now felt an eerie sensation!

Despite her heightened alertness and defense, the voice reached her ears without leaving any trace, making her completely unaware.

Staring at the farmhouse courtyard shrouded in the night, Guanyin felt increasingly horrified. How powerful was the being inside?

As the reincarnation of Cihang Daoist, she had experienced countless epochs, and she knew all the renowned and powerful figures in the Three Realms.

Who would hide in a small courtyard in the Tang Empire? Moreover, this person had intervened in the plan to the West.

Even the Three Sovereigns of Human were entangled in the suppression of the Human's fortune at the Fire Cloud Cave.

Who was this mysterious presence?

What had Tang Monk done here, and what had the mysterious person said to him? What was the purpose of this mysterious figure?

Guanyin cast a deep glance at the courtyard, and flew back to the heaven.

She needed to consult the Buddha. It was impossible for her to probe alone. In her long life, she knew how to survive in this world.

The door of the Secular Residence opened, and a young man in a pure white robe walked out. He looked thoughtfully at the rapidly departing figure of Guanyin, muttering to himself.

"It's almost time, Guanyin, you won't disappoint me!"

Everything was within his grasp; the game was about to begin...

...

One night passed in the blink of an eye.

Morning arrived, sunlight bathed the earth, and it was another beautiful day.

At the break of dawn, Tang Monk had already risen, beginning his fulfilling day.

Thus, the magnificent imperial palace witnessed an unusual sight.

A bald monk, bare-chested, exposing well-defined muscles exuding strength, was in the courtyard, sweating under the morning sun.

Punches! Kicks! Stance!

"Hey! Ha!"

The air exploded between fist and palm strikes, his body moved, and forceful footsteps left imprints in the palace courtyard!

Bodhisattva Guanyin, who was observing the scene with her divine senses, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Tang Monk had surprised her!

Is he from the Shaolin Temple?

Completely different from the peaceful and weak demeanor of a year ago.

Every move exuded strength and power.

Unable to help herself, Guanyin massaged her temples. What had this monk taken?

It must be because of the person inside Secular Residence!

What on earth had that scoundrel done?

Guanyin's gaze sharpened.

For Buddhism, Tang Monk was too important.

Once the mission of fetching the scriptures from the West concluded successfully, with the spread of Buddhist beliefs throughout the East Victory Divine Continent and seizing the abundant Human’s fortune, fulfilling the heavenly decree, Buddhism would undoubtedly flourish!

The matter was of great significance.

She couldn't just let it go; it had to be further investigated!

"Elder Tang, His Majesty requests your presence."

A palace guard came to Tang Monk, respectfully saying.

Look, this is the person favored by immortals, the one who refused the Bodhisattva!

This matter had already become a hot topic.

Some said that the Tathagata had favored Elder Tang's appearance, so he sent Bodhisattva Guanyin to snatch him. When Elder Tang refused, the two even broke the heavens!

Some said that Elder Tang harbored the power of Primordial Chaos. While arguing with Bodhisattva Guanyin, he unintentionally unleashed his inner universe and scared her away!

Some said that Elder Tang grew three heads and six arms...

Thinking of these rumors, the guard's expression became even more respectful, even more humble.

Afraid that Elder Tang would lose control and pierce through the heavens!

"Phew!"

Tang Monk exhaled a long breath, concluding his morning exercise!

Bare-chested, his muscular physique was clearly defined, sweat covered his body, and with each breath, explosive power was hidden.

This... this monk might be more robust than the generals in the court...

The guard couldn't help but mutter in his heart.

Aparagodaniya, Spirit Mountain.

Tathagata: Calm down, calm down, I'm not angry. This is the Diamond Buddha, the Diamond Buddha... Entrust it to Guanyin; she can handle it.

The disciplines of Buddhism must continue!

In the Cloud Palace of the Heaven:

Jade Emperor: All ministers, quickly, look at this monk, hahaha...

They anticipated that today Tang Monk would once again leave Guanyin speechless.

The Heaven and Buddhism were two equally powerful forces in the world. Although they appeared amicable on the surface, the competition between their doctrines was a matter of life and death.

Being able to witness a joke about Buddhism made them very happy.

...

After a round of grooming, Tang Monk, neatly dressed, followed the palace guard to the main hall.

Li Shimin was already waiting for him.

After entering the hall, Li Shimin immediately spoke, "Master, I intend to adopt you as my younger brother. What do you think?"

Tang Monk was stunned.

It was exactly what Mr. Li said!

"It would be my pleasure."

"Then, regarding the matter of obtaining the scriptures..."

Li Shimin's eyes held anticipation as he stared intently at Tang Monk.

First, acknowledge him as a younger brother, then persuade him to go on the journey, fulfill the grand words spoken to the Bodhisattva, help the immortals, and after Tang Monk obtains the scriptures, assist in enlightening the common people. It will be a huge win!

As an emperor, he was adept at political tactics. Now, he was waiting for the monk's response!

Before Tang Monk could reply, numerous visions suddenly appeared outside the door.

Golden lotuses blossomed, and Buddhist radiance circulated.

Bodhisattva Guanyin had arrived again!

Upon hearing about Tang Emperor's inquiry about Tang Monk's journey, she couldn't sit still.

The mysterious person had said last night that Tang Monk would agree to the journey today.

It was a perfect opportunity to salvage her reputation!

Since he was the main character in this mission, all powerful beings in the world were watching Tang Monk closely.

After being berated by Tang Monk last night, Guanyin’s mind was in turmoil. Losing face was unacceptable, yet she couldn't do anything to him.

Today, she must restore the esteemed reputation of Guanyin. She couldn't let a mortal berate her again!

Everyone knelt in the hall, except for Tang Monk, who stood his ground.

"Mr. Li said, born as a human, I will not kneel to the heavens or bow to the earth. I kneel only to my parents on both knees!" Tang Monk silently recited in his heart.

Guanyin did not mind.

She stood on a cloud, indifferent.

"Tang Monk, since you said yesterday that you were unwilling to go on the journey, I won't insist. Do as you wish!" Saying this, Guanyin turned her cloud and was about to leave.

No one noticed that Guanyin's hand holding the Pure Jade Vase quietly tightened.

"Bodhisattva, please wait. Last night, after careful consideration, I realized that the journey to the West is a great undertaking, benefiting millions and millions of people, a great meritorious deed, a great act of kindness."

"Yesterday, I thought too little and spoke inappropriately, offending Bodhisattva. Please forgive me. I am willing to go on the journey to relieve the suffering of countless beings." Tang Monk clasped his hands together, expressing remorse.

Guanyin internally scoffed: I won’t believe in you! You cunning, bald liar!

She had seen clearly last night that Tang Monk's change was definitely due to the instructions of that mysterious powerhouse.

She didn't know the relationship between the two or if there were ulterior motives.

But hearing Tang Monk's agreement, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.