Tripitaka was caught off guard by Zhenyuan's sudden question.
The others didn’t think much of it, treating it as mere courtesy and carrying on as usual. But Tripitaka understood the weight of those words.
Daoism and Buddhism are two distinct schools. Though they do not directly clash, their doctrines diverge fundamentally.
As the saying goes: when the paths differ, there can be no shared counsel.
If Tripitaka had raised the topic himself, it would be one thing. But for Zhenyuan—the Everlasting Sage, one of Daoism’s few true powers—to express curiosity about the Buddhist concept of ‘universal salvation’ and ask Tripitaka to explain it to him, this was truly perplexing.
For a moment, Tripitaka—normally unflappable even in the face of disaster—found himself at a loss.
Of course, Tripitaka wasn’t the only one puzzled. Off to the side, Monkey’s eyes had already narrowed to slits.
Not long ago, Clara Heart had just warned Monkey that he’d provoked the Daoist side as well. Monkey didn’t believe the Three Pure Ones or Master Sage Subhuti would intervene—it wasn’t their style. After thinking it over, the only one among the great powers likely to stick his neck out was this impulsive Zhenyuan.
Could it be that ‘provoking Daoism’ meant him specifically?
At this thought, Monkey’s brows arched slightly, and his gaze toward Zhenyuan grew even more intriguing.
Seeing Tripitaka hesitate, Zhenyuan pressed his palms together again and said, “I hope Master Tripitaka will not hesitate to instruct me.”
With that, he bent low, about to bow.
Startled, Tripitaka hurried forward to support him. “Everlasting Sage, you are far too courteous. Such a gesture, I dare not accept.”
“Then Master Tripitaka agrees?” Zhenyuan looked up, smiling.
“Well…” Tripitaka blinked, glancing at Monkey, hesitating for quite a while before finally pressing his palms together and softly saying, “I will do my best.”
Hearing this, Zhenyuan slowly straightened up, stroking his long beard and smiling. “Then let me thank Master Tripitaka in advance.”
Tripitaka pressed his palms together and replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”
Off to the side, Monkey’s brows had already furrowed into a deep V.
With an attitude like this, Monkey wouldn’t believe for a second that Zhenyuan had no ulterior motives.
Just then, several Daoist disciples entered from outside, carrying dishes of every color and quickly filling the table with a vibrant feast.