"Here stands Tripitaka, a wandering monk from Great Tang, who has vowed to travel one hundred and eight thousand li westward in search of the scriptures. Now arrived at Thunderhill County, he prays to Heaven..."
On the high platform, Tripitaka began to chant slowly, following the path set by those who came before him.
Below the platform, countless townsfolk knelt and bowed, forming a vast circle. The whole world grew silent, leaving only the steady beat of the wooden fish accompanying Tripitaka's chanting.
More than ten demons, disguised as townsfolk, had already moved to the front, closest to Tripitaka, under various pretexts, just in case. Marshal Silver, transformed into a tiny flying insect, had also landed on the platform not far from Tripitaka, holding his breath and waiting.
"First, I pray that all beings incline toward goodness, finding joy in honest labor. Second, I pray that the world inclines toward goodness, and all live together in harmony. Third, I pray that the Three Realms incline toward goodness, so all things are in peace and harmony. Fourth, I pray that reincarnation inclines toward goodness, and that in the Six Paths, good and evil karma alike will receive their due. Fifth, I pray..."
"What is Master Tripitaka chanting? I've never heard anything like this before!"
"Maybe it's a scripture from a high monk we've never seen before. After all, he's been appointed by the Buddha himself."
"That's right, that's right—a high monk can't be wrong, can he? If he were wrong, would he still be called a high monk?"
After a brief round of murmured discussion, the square once again fell into silence.
Faced with these unfamiliar words, the townsfolk struggled to understand, but the demons were visibly moved.
Prince Adrian, the Little White Dragon, furrowed his brow and said, "Six Paths united, good and evil karma alike will receive their due... That might actually work. Who knows, maybe Universal Salvation could really be achieved this way. It's a pity—Heaven has no interest, and the Buddhist Order won't listen to us. They may say it, but they'll never do it."
After finishing a section of the chant, Tripitaka picked up the mallet and gently struck the gong beside him. The clear sound instantly spread to every corner, and the townsfolk prostrated on the ground all raised their heads.
"Master Tripitaka is truly remarkable," the County Heir couldn't help but sigh. "These days I've read through many Buddhist scriptures, but I've never heard anything like this. No wonder the Buddha chose him to bless Thunderhill County—there must be a deeper meaning behind it."
Beside him, the Old County Prince furrowed his brow, looking somewhat dazed.
"Father, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," the Old County Prince startled and quickly replied, "It's nothing, just..."
"Just what?"
"Nothing, nothing at all." The Old County Prince shook his head and waved his hands, but his gaze at Tripitaka grew even more astonished.
...
A monk hurried into the rear hall, bowed, and said, "Venerable Leonard, Master Tripitaka's blessing ceremony is nearly finished."
Venerable Lingji nodded slightly, indicating he understood. Beside him, the Six-Eared Macaque looked startled and asked in confusion, "You sent Master Tripitaka to bless the county?"
"Yes."
"What does it mean?"
"The meaning is..." Venerable Lingji tilted his head back and sighed deeply. "Profound. Isn't he seeking enlightenment, trying to spread his doctrine of goodness? I, a humble monk, am giving him this opportunity."
Six-Eared Macaque listened, stunned, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
...
High above, the Monkey King still waited silently, his attention shifting back and forth between Thunderclap Monastery and the distant Blessing Platform where Tripitaka stood.
"Is everything still going smoothly?"
"Still smooth—almost... too smooth," came Marshal Silver's voice from the other end of the jade slip.
"In any case, stay alert."