Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything

"Master Xuanzang..."

Master Puhui, who was beside him, took two steps forward, his gaze resting on Jiang Liu as he asked, "Master, how old are you?"

"18 years old!" Despite not knowing why Master Puhui was asking this, Jiang Liu did not hide anything and answered.

"18 years old? And already bearing the heavy responsibility of the Journey to the West for Scriptures? You are truly accomplished at such a young age!" Although Jiang Liu's youthful appearance was evident, Master Puhui still felt shocked after hearing the confirmation from Jiang Liu himself.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, something seemed to occur to him as he then asked, "Master Xuanzang, coming from the Great Tang, having traveled tens of thousands of miles, you must have journeyed through quite some distances, right?"

"Along the way, I faced treacherous mountains and evil waters, and with demons causing disturbances, my progress was significantly hindered. In terms of time, I've been walking for three years now!"

Nodding, Jiang Liu naturally did not mention that he had been deliberately dawdling; he only spoke of the harsh environments and demon troubles that greatly influenced his speed.

"Three years!? Does that mean, Master Xuanzang, that you embarked on the Journey to the West at the age of 15!?" Hearing Jiang Liu's words, Master Puhui's eyes widened incredulously as he stared at him.

"You must be lying!? Just 15 years old and you set out on the Journey to the West? That's impossible!?"

"I have long doubted his identity! Now, I'm even more skeptical!"

"He's an impostor!"

...

Hearing the exchange between Jiang Liu and Master Puhui, the onlookers who had come to attend the ceremony were in an uproar.

Three years ago, he was merely 15 years old, and the Emperor of Tang had sent a young monk on the journey to retrieve the scriptures? It all seemed highly improbable!

"Amitabha Buddha, Master Xuanzang, although I, an old monk, believe in your identity, the common people here do not trust you! I implore you, Master, to remove your Buddhist crown, so you do not suffer undeserved injustice!" Seeing this as a good opportunity provided by the skepticism of the onlookers, Master Puhui spoke to Jiang Liu.

"Is there a need for me to prove anything to them?" Hearing Master Puhui's words, Jiang Liu's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

What was his identity, and if others doubted it, should he really need to prove himself?

However, seeing Daoji by his side, Jiang Liu felt a slight stir in his heart.

Although Daoji was only a three-year-old child, when did he truly and sincerely start calling him 'brother disciple'? Wasn't it because he had more Scars of Precepts during the Incense Offering Ceremony?

Even though Daoji was now behaving obediently and willing to call him 'brother disciple', what he truly thought, only heaven knew.

So, should he reveal his Scars of Precepts to earn his heartfelt acknowledgment?

Moreover, his identity was different now, and when he spoke, his words carried different weight!

"Alas, I always wear this hat because I like to keep a low profile! I don't like to show off, but why do people always force me to boast?" With these thoughts, a helpless look appeared on Jiang Liu's face as he slowly shook his head.

Immediately, he reached out for the Golden Haze Crown on his head.

"Here it comes!" Seeing Jiang Liu's gesture, Master Puhui watched intently.

How profound was the Buddhist fate of the monk sent by the Emperor of Great Tang to the Western Heaven to seek scriptures?

"Let's see if there are Scars of Precepts on his head!" Similarly, the numerous onlookers held their breath at that moment, their eyes fixed on Jiang Liu, very curious whether there really were Scars of Precepts on his head.

Under everyone's gaze, Jiang Liu removed the Golden Haze Crown from his head.

Then, numerous Scars of Precepts appeared before everyone.

Instantly, the entire plaza of Great Luo Temple fell utterly silent.

"Amitabha Buddha, with this, do you all believe in this humble monk's identity now..." After removing the Golden Haze Crown, Jiang Liu brought his palms together, showing a modest and polite demeanor as he spoke.

Having decided to boast, he thought, might as well do it thoroughly!

Following Jiang Liu's statement, a Lotus of the highest rank appeared behind him, with myriad rays of light blossoming from it.

The Lotus, being a symbol of the Buddhist Sect, with the emergence of this highest rank Lotus, Jiang Liu was highlighted in a brilliance so vast, it was as if Buddha had reincarnated in him.

"Holy, Holy Monk indeed, twelve Scars of Precepts, unheard of in ancient and modern times..."

Seeing Jiang Liu's manner and the Lotus behind him, and twelve Scars of Precepts on his head, numerous monks at the scene, including those who had failed in their Incense Offering Ceremonies, all knelt down in awe, bowing in worship to Jiang Liu.

Although Jiang Liu was still merely a mortal, to these Buddhist Disciples, his presence was no different from the Bodhisattvas and Buddhas of the Western Heaven.

"This, this is the Holy Monk of the Journey to the West? To actually possess a full twelve Scars of Precepts!?" Master Puhui, looking at Jiang Liu in front of him, had his eyes wide open, felt a mixture of awe and bemusement.

Awe at the unprecedented twelve Scars of Precepts, and bemusement because he had initially intended to use Master Xuanzang to elevate the status of his disciple Daoji.

Who would have thought that the appearance of twelve Scars of Precepts would completely overshadow his disciple Daoji!

"To think that there are twelve Scars of Precepts! We truly were blind! Judging by appearances!" As for those who had initially doubted Jiang Liu's identity, they naturally felt deep remorse and regret.

"Amitabha..."

Under the gaze of the crowd, Jiang Liu assumed the perfect image of a Buddhist Disciple, and after softly chanting a sacred name, he then properly adjusted his Golden Haze Crown.

He paid no mind to the thoughts of the ordinary faithful around him, focusing mainly on Daoji.

"Master Puhui, Daoji and I have some destiny together. May we have a moment alone to talk?" Jiang Liu asked.

"Of course, that's my disciple's good fortune!" Hearing Jiang Liu's words, Master Puhui nodded eagerly.

Twelve scars of precepts—wasn't Xuanzang at least the reincarnation of a Bodhisattva? He could even meet the Tathagata at Spirit Mountain in the future.

With such a status, claiming to have a connection with Daoji and wanting a private conversation excited Master Puhui immensely.

If his disciple could grasp this opportunity with Master Xuanzang, perhaps his future would soar to great heights?

And he, as the mentor, might ascend to the heavens on the coattails of his success?

"Daoji, come with me!" Under Master Puhui's personal arrangement, Jiang Liu spoke to Daoji and walked him towards a quiet Zen Room in the Great Luo Temple.

Naturally, with the departure of Jiang Liu and Daoji, the Incense Offering Ceremony officially concluded.

The Incense Offering Ceremony was initially just a spectacle for the commoners, who were curious about the depth of Master Puhui's disciple's faith, wondering how many Scars of Precepts he could obtain.

Unexpectedly, after obtaining nine scars, there appeared a Holy Monk with twelve scars.

For the commoners of Mingji Nation, the day's events would be significant gossip over their meals!

It was explosive news!

In a quiet Zen Room, Jiang Liu entered first and sat down on a meditation cushion.

"Daoji, remember, Holy Monk Xuanzang is a person of profound Buddhist connections. Do not offend him!" Outside the Zen Room, Master Puhui quietly cautioned Daoji.

Getting Holy Monk Xuanzang's favor thrilled Master Puhui, but he still felt uncertain about his own disciple.

Although the disciple was only three years old, his nature was quite rebellious.

Just from the incident during the Incense Offering Ceremony, where he brazenly carried a chicken leg and a wine gourd in front of a large crowd, you could see his boldness.

Therefore, Master Puhui was very anxious, advising him to be careful and obedient in front of Jiang Liu.

"Master, don't worry, I understand!" With a childish voice, Daoji nodded and responded.

In fact, Daoji himself didn't know why, but despite his mischievous nature, he felt a familiar warmth towards Jiang Liu.

Yet within this warmth, there was also fear, and he didn't dare to act recklessly in front of him!

After his instructions, seeing Daoji's demeanor, Master Puhui felt somewhat relieved.

Suddenly, Daoji entered the Zen Room, and Master Puhui closed the door behind him.

Then, he personally arranged, taking good care of Sun Wukong and the other two.

"Sit down, no need to be formal!"

As Daoji entered, Jiang Liu raised his hand, and a meditation cushion flew next to him. He patted it lightly and said,

"Alright, thank you, Senior Brother!"

Seeing Jiang Liu welcoming him to sit beside him, Daoji was slightly surprised, but he did not resist the intimate gesture. After thanking him, he directly sat down on the meditation cushion next to Jiang Liu.

Turning his head to look at the three-year-old child beside him, the reincarnated Daoji, Jiang Liu's mind was flooded with memories.

Their first encounter started with a fight where he was soundly beaten. Then they met again at the Great Buddha Temple during an Incense Offering Ceremony, where he boastfully claimed he could at least obtain five or six scars...

Of course, there was also the side-by-side battle in the Demon-Suppressing Hall, the conflict at Foutu Mountain after which he helped Jiang Liu keep the secret of eloping and living in seclusion with Gaoyang.

"Holy Monk Xuanzang? Why are you staring at me like that?" Daoji asked awkwardly, seeing Jiang Liu staring at him unblinkingly.

"It's nothing, just that you seemed a bit hungry just now, right?" Jiang Liu gently stroked Daoji's bald head and said indulgently.

"Uh..."

Looking down, Daoji felt like he might be scolded by Jiang Liu for eating meat and drinking alcohol.

"If you're still hungry, I have some kebabs here. Let me grill them for you!" While speaking, Jiang Liu took out a bunch of already marinated kebabs.

Daoji: "..."