Sha Chen's idea was truly insane.
Guanyin Bodhisattva felt it was impossible, yet for some reason, Sha Chen's words deeply stirred her.
Sha Chen said, "Bodhisattva, as you know, Tathagata has already stepped into the Saint Realm. He shouldn't be involved in the mundane affairs of Buddhism. It is only right for him to relinquish the position of Buddha."
"Within all of Buddhism, besides my disciple Jin Chanzi, who else is more suitable for this position?"
Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "After all, you are not a member of our Buddhism. Allowing your disciple to become the Buddha of Buddhismโwhat kind of precedent would that set?"
Sha Chen laughed again. "Bodhisattva, you're letting one detail cloud your judgment. Among the people of Buddhism, whoever possesses virtue should occupy the Buddha's position. Was the original Tathagata Buddha even a disciple from within your Buddhism to begin with?"
Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "But he later broke free from the constraints of Tongtian Hierarch and fully integrated into our Buddhism."
Sha Chen said, "Jin Chanzi can do the same. Ultimately, this is still your bias speaking. If a disciple of Tathagata controls all of Buddhism while Tathagata manipulates from behind, how would that be any different from Tathagata controlling Buddhism himself?"
"He has already attained the Saint Realm. To become even stronger and consolidate his status and power, he will undoubtedly devour the faith of Buddhism voraciously. The people of Buddhism will be nothing more than his slaves, serving him."
Guanyin Bodhisattva's eyes wavered with hesitation. She knew full well that while Sha Chen's words had a hint of seduction, they also rang true.
However, Guanyin Bodhisattva found the idea of making Jin Chanzi the Buddha difficult to accept.
If it were merely about Jin Chanzi's understanding of Buddhist Law, that would be one thing. But Jin Chanzi had already pledged allegiance to Sha Chen, becoming his disciple.
If outsiders discovered that the Buddha of Buddhism had a master who was not a member of Buddhism, how could the followers of Buddhism ever hold their heads high?
Seeing the hesitation in Guanyin Bodhisattva's eyes, Sha Chen knew she was swayed.
To ensure Jin Chanzi securely ascended to the Buddha's throne, Guanyin Bodhisattva's support was indispensable.
Sha Chen added, "In fact, Jin Chanzi was my disciple only in his previous incarnations. Although he still calls me 'Master' in this life, in reality, our relationship is one of substance, even if it lacks official recognition."
Guanyin Bodhisattva asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Sha Chen smiled and said, "My meaning is simple. If you assist Jin Chanzi in ascending to the Buddha's throne, I can formally step down as his master. However, if he still respects me in his heart and recognizes me as his master, I will not reject that."
"Of course, for the sake of Buddhism's reputation, we can publicly announce that he is not my disciple."
Guanyin Bodhisattva truly wished to completely sever the connection between Jin Chanzi and Sha Chen, but she also knew it was impossible. Otherwise, why would Sha Chen help someone who wasn't his disciple?
For Sha Chen to be willing to make such a concession and publicly announce the severance of his master-disciple relationship with Jin Chanzi was already remarkably magnanimous.
Pushing for anything more would be asking for too much.
After much hesitation, Guanyin Bodhisattva finally nodded in agreement.
Firstly, Tathagata indeed could no longer remain on the Buddha's throne. She also didn't want any of Tathagata's other disciples to obtain this position. It seemed that, besides Jin Chanzi, no one else within Buddhism was more suitable.
Secondly, Guanyin also believed that with Sha Chen's immense strength, if he were to lend his support from the shadows, Buddhism could undoubtedly reach new heights.
Although Sha Chen might not openly assist Jin Chanzi, their master-disciple bond still existed. The public announcement of severance would merely be a strategic maneuver; in reality, their connection would not lessen in the slightest.
Furthermore, in this situation, Guanyin Bodhisattva was like a fish on a chopping block, forced to yield as she was under his roof.
Seeing Guanyin Bodhisattva nod in agreement, Sha Chen also smiled.
Sun Wukong, standing nearby, was ecstatic, practically dancing with excitement, as if he were about to participate in an earth-shattering event that would overturn Buddhism.
Guanyin said, "I can agree to help you, but what do you need me to do?"
Sha Chen said, "After you return, take the initiative to propose that Tathagata relinquish the position of Buddha. Then, have people nominate candidates, ensuring Jin Chanzi is chosen."
Guanyin said, "Isn't that too rushed? Shouldn't we let Jin Chanzi complete the Journey to the West ordeal first? By completing it in his true form, he will gain its blessings, spread Buddhist Law, and accumulate merit. This will give him a much stronger claim to the Buddha's position."
Sha Chen said, "That's acceptable. In that case, I will arrange for people to cooperate with you in completing the Journey to the West ordeal."
A hint of mirth twinkled in his eyes. "When Jin Chanzi and his companions arrive at Lingjiu Mountain in the Western Heaven to receive their accolades, I will present you with a grand gift."
A shiver went down Guanyin Bodhisattva's spine. What could this 'grand gift' Sha Chen spoke of possibly be? She didn't know, but she had a strong premonition it would be utterly astounding.
Following that, Sha Chen and Guanyin Bodhisattva discussed the specifics of the Journey to the West ordeal. This entire ordeal had originally been orchestrated solely by Buddhism, but now, it seemed to be decided by Sha Chen and Guanyin alone.
Strictly speaking, it was Sha Chen who made the final call.
Ultimately, they devised a plan: Sha Chen would provide the personnel for the Journey to the West ordeal, allowing those whom Buddhism had already selected to participate to return to their designated roles within the ordeal.
Except for Sha Chen himself, who wouldn't need to participate directly, everyone else would take their respective places, coordinate with one another, and work together to complete the entire Journey to the West ordeal.
The karmic benefits of the ordeal would naturally be theirs to reap. When the time came, everyone who participated in the Journey to the West ordeal would receive their due rewards.
