Guanyin Bodhisattva was resolute, her gaze firm.
"If I do not die, I will surely disclose this secret. Then the entire world will know of Sha Chen's wish to subvert Buddhism, to instigate a change of dynasty within it."
Upon hearing this, Sha Chen burst into laughter. "If I don't let you out, you cannot leave. If I don't kill you, you cannot even commit suicide."
His eyes brimmed with mockery, and the corners of his mouth bore a teasing smile.
Guanyin Bodhisattva, however, seemed as if she had lost her soul, for she knew that what Sha Chen said was the truth. Although both were at the Quasi-Saint Realm, their power differed as much as heaven and earth.
With Sha Chen's strength, he could completely control her. He could prevent her from leaving this cave, let alone take a step within this tiny space.
Guanyin Bodhisattva asked, "You do not kill me but trap me here, and you reveal so much to me. What exactly is your intention?"
Sun Wukong was also somewhat puzzled. This matter could have completely bypassed Guanyin Bodhisattva, who was now a complication. If Sha Chen had killed Guanyin Bodhisattva, it would have been one thing, but it seemed he was reluctant to take a life.
Sha Chen smiled and said, "You are the face of Buddhism. Strictly speaking, your status within Buddhism might not even make the top ten. However, in terms of credibility among the multitude of Buddhist faithful, you certainly rank in the top three."
Guanyin Bodhisattva furrowed her brows. "You want me to wallow in the mire with you, to topple and replace our own order together?"
It must be said, the Bodhisattva was clever, guessing his intentions from just one sentence Sha Chen had spoken.
Sha Chen replied, "You're right, but let's not use 'wallow in the mire,' as it's too harsh to the ears.
"I prefer to say you are turning from darkness to light, creating a great undertaking together. There's no need for that look on your face, nor such resistance. Buddhism is still Buddhism; it's simply a matter of changing the one in charge."
Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "I do not approve of the person you want as a replacement."
Sha Chen asked, "Do you dare say Jin Chanzi's understanding of Buddhist Law is inferior to yours? Or do you think his Buddhist Law deviates from orthodoxy and differs from what is currently accepted in Buddhism?"
Guanyin Bodhisattva's expression shifted slightly. In truth, she thought Jin Chanzi's understanding of Buddhism wasn't lacking, and some of his Buddhist concepts were quite advanced.
However, Guanyin Bodhisattva was a stickler for tradition. She did not wish to see Buddhism fall apart, much less undergo a change in leadership.
With Tathagata Buddha in charge, things were actually not bad; she even felt that Tathagata Buddha's strength was undeniable.
Moreover, having reached the Saint Realm, possessing both prestige and power, he was more than capable of leading Buddhism to an even more prosperous state.
As for Jin Chanzi, he was merely a Disciple of Tathagata Buddha. Across the Three Realms, his fame and strength were incomparable to Tathagata Buddha's.
Even if his understanding of Buddhist Law was profound and his concepts of the Buddhist order were not inferior to hers, he still would not earn Guanyin Bodhisattva's support.
Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "The Jin Chanzi you've chosen—indeed, his Buddhist concepts are quite good and very advanced—but they are too fantastical and do not fit with the stable and majestic character of our Buddhism."
Sha Chen countered, "Every sect needs rejuvenation and continuous progress. To always stick to the old ways inevitably leads from prosperity to decline, and finally, to extinction."
Guanyin Bodhisattva responded, "Our Buddhism is thriving, and the current Tathagata Buddha has even stepped into the Saint Realm. His Buddhist concepts can also lead our entire order toward greater prosperity.
"Following him, we will be better off. If we constantly think about changing leadership, countless individuals will inevitably stand in opposition. Then, the whole of Buddhism will fall into war, deceit, and conspiracy. When could it ever be peaceful and prosperous?"
Sha Chen burst into laughter. "Do you not know why Tathagata Buddha could become a Saint?
"He absorbed the faith and merit of Buddhism, blessing his own body with the power of numerous Buddhist vows. While he himself has become powerful, the fortunes of Buddhism are waning. Don't tell me you haven't noticed."
Guanyin Bodhisattva's heart suddenly sank.
She indeed knew that the fortunes of Buddhism were diminishing. They had been absorbed and refined by Tathagata Buddha—these were the cumulative merits and fortunes from countless generations of Buddhists performing good deeds.
With these merits and fortunes, Buddhism could flourish for a long time. But now, with much of it absorbed by Tathagata Buddha, the fortunes of the entire order were in decline.
When the followers of Buddhism practiced their Cultivation, if blessed by the power of Buddhist vows, they could be more focused, dispel their inner demons, and practice as if divinely aided.
Now that all the merit and destiny had been absorbed by Tathagata, it was tremendously difficult for those in Buddhism to cultivate, yielding half the results with twice the effort.
Indeed, it was the collective power of Buddhism that propelled Tathagata to Sainthood. This, in itself, didn't seem wrong. Yet, after passing through Sha Chen's lips, it made Tathagata Buddha appear quite selfish.
It was as if he had harmed the interests of all of Buddhism, aggrandizing only himself, Tathagata Buddha.
Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Once Buddha's power grows strong, he will preach Buddhist Law for all of Buddhism, in turn making the entire sect even more powerful. This is a good thing."
Sha Chen laughed sarcastically. "How long will you continue to deceive yourself? Tathagata absorbed merit and destiny to become a Saint. With his saintly presence, he will suppress the fate of all of Buddhism for ten thousand years.
"Under the might of his Sainthood, no one in Buddhism will be able to lift their heads. Daluo Golden Immortals who wish to become Quasi-Saints will face insurmountable difficulties. Dare you say that Buddhism is united now?
"Absolutely not. Dark undercurrents are surging. Countless individuals have long cursed Tathagata in their hearts. Only their fear of Tathagata's far superior power prevents them from voicing their anger!"
Guanyin Bodhisattva was angered. "You're spouting nonsense!
"Having the power of a Saint is definitely better than not having it. That Buddha could become a Saint is a blessing for all of Buddhism. We are merely suffering temporarily. Once Buddha's power grows even stronger, he will be able to lead all of Buddhism to greater heights."
Sha Chen shook his head. "Once Tathagata steps into the Saint Realm, his power will transcend that of the previous two Saints. When that time comes, disputes will surely arise. The saying 'three Monks have no water to drink'—do you still not understand that?
"Moreover, upon entering the Saint Realm, Tathagata will need to continuously absorb the faith and merit of Buddhism to maintain his power. Since Buddhism has yet to stabilize and cyclically secure this faith and merit, it simply cannot provide enough for Tathagata to absorb."
Guanyin Bodhisattva fell silent. She knew that Tathagata Buddha entering the Saint Realm had indeed disrupted the balance of power within Buddhism.
However, she still believed that Tathagata Buddha's ascent to the Saint Realm was more beneficial than harmful for Buddhism.
Sha Chen smiled. "I know what you're thinking. You certainly believe that Tathagata Buddha entering the Saint Realm is a good thing and that despite temporary difficulties, they will eventually be overcome.
"But this presumes he will contribute stably to Buddhism's development. If he continues the power struggle and tries to surpass the Saints Jieyin and Zhunti, then all of Buddhism will plunge into warfare."
Guanyin Bodhisattva's face filled with shock.
She had never considered the problem Sha Chen mentioned, but indeed, it could potentially exist.
Tathagata Buddha had originally vied for power and influence with Maitreya Buddha, Ran Deng Buddha, and others. It was only because Tathagata Buddha's power was greater that he ultimately triumphed. However, in their power struggles, countless individuals from Buddhism became cannon fodder.
If disputes among Saints and power struggles were to occur, the harm would be hundreds, if not thousands, of times greater than that caused by the power struggles between Tathagata, Ran Deng Buddha, and the others.
Guanyin frowned. "Given the circumstances, could supporting Jin Chanzi's ascension resolve this predicament?
"Tathagata Buddha is already a Saint; that cannot be changed."
Sha Chen smiled. "We can have him retire behind the scenes, just as the ancient Saints Jieyin and Zhunti did after achieving Sainthood, no longer managing the secular affairs within Buddhism.
"If Tathagata Buddha is willing to retire backstage and cede the position of Buddha to Jin Chanzi, that would be the solution."
Guanyin Bodhisattva's gaze was one of astonishment.
Sun Wukong, listening on the side, was also thoroughly perplexed. Neither he nor Guanyin had anticipated Sha Chen's suggestion. Indeed, if Tathagata were to retire behind the scenes, allowing a new person to manage Buddhism, it might not be a bad idea. However, if that were to happen, it was doubtful Tathagata could command from afar as he wished. It was very possible he would want to promote one of his Disciples to the position.
Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "This is as difficult as asking Tathagata Buddha to abdicate. He won't agree. Even if he did step down, he would choose someone from among his Disciples, not Jin Chanzi, who has defied the teachings and switched allegiances."
Sha Chen smiled and said, "That's why we need to force him to step down with strength. We also need more people within Buddhism to support Jin Chanzi to make him abdicate willingly."
