Wang Yang returned to Mount Huaguo, while Sun Wukong’s clone returned to Xuanzang’s side.
"Brother, even though Wu Tian has taken over the Western Direction, I’m afraid the other side won’t just let things go so easily!"
Sitting before Wang Yang, Sun Wukong expressed his concerns.
Although this time they had joined forces to deal with the Expounding Teachings Sect and Buddhism, Wu Tian was after all from the Demon Clan.
"I didn’t expect you, this macaque, to think about such things!"
Wang Yang couldn’t help but laugh dismissively.
"But you’re right, and what’s more, Wu Tian and the Jade Emperor amongst others left together; they’re probably plotting something in secret, but that has nothing to do with us!"
Wang Yang was indifferent; regardless of what happened, there were those with a high cultivation level to handle it, so they need not worry.
"It’s your master on the other hand..."
At this moment inside the Buddhist sect founded by Xuanzang in the Southern Continent Jambudvipa, a man clad in white arrived here.
This person was none other than Qiao Ling’er from the Qiao Family Estate!
"Master, are you really going to shave him?"
Sand Monk frowned slightly.
Since he could no longer return to the celestial court, he fully let go, and settled into serving his master by Xuanzang’s side.
However, on this day Qiao Ling’er arrived, wanting to be shaved, which Sand Monk would normally not obstruct.
But looking at Qiao Ling’er in front of him, Sand Monk felt concerned.
He sensed an intense and hidden aura emanating from this person, an aura only discernible to someone with his level of cultivation.
Even though Sand Monk was aware of it, he was at a loss for words.
He just felt that there was something improper about shaving this person.
He had sent a telepathic message to his senior brother, but since there was no response, his anxiety grew.
"Since Patron Qiao wholeheartedly seeks Buddhism, why not shave him?"
Xuanzang shook his head; his form of Buddhism was for the universal salvation of all beings, and if someone truly aspired to Buddhism, naturally he would help him enter the faith.
Of course, this was because Xuanzang was unaware that Qiao Ling’er was a reincarnation of Tathagata, though he could see that Qiao Ling’er was extraordinary.
What was most important is that Qiao Ling’er had a strong affinity with Buddha and also a pure and innocent heart.
Even if he could not cultivate in this life, he would surely become a high monk who had attained the way.
Therefore, when Qiao Ling’er sought him out, Xuanzang personally agreed to shave Qiao Ling’er.
"Master, can we wait a bit longer? Please wait a bit longer!"
Sand Monk urged hastily, feeling that it would be better to discuss this after Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie had returned.
"Wait? Wait for what? For Wukong? Or for Bajie?"
Xuanzang frowned slightly; Sun Wukong had his duties, and Zhu Bajie had his own as well.
It was not realistic for them to be constantly around.
Moreover, such a trivial matter did not warrant their decision.
He did not think there was any issue with shaving someone.
Just then, a figure arrived swiftly, the clone of Sun Wukong who had hurried from the Eastern Sea.
Sun Wukong looked at Qiao Ling’er, who was kneeling to the side waiting to be shaved, and was puzzled as to why the shaving hadn’t started yet.
And why this bearded fellow was always obstructing the Holy Monk from shaving him.
Moreover, why was this monkey so ugly.
"What’s the matter, Junior Brother Sand, why are you so flustered?"
Sun Wukong arrived, and the scene seemed somewhat odd to him.
"Senior Brother, Master intends to shave Qiao Ling’er!"
Sand Monk blurted out urgently.
"Shave him? Isn’t that a decision for Master to make on his own?"
Sun Wukong was surprised. This was a minor affair, so why was Sand Monk so worried?
Over the years, Xuanzang had shaved quite a number of people, from a few hundred if not a thousand, so what was so astonishing about shaving one more person?
"Yes, I intended to shave him just now, but Sand Monk kept obstructing me. I am unsure why!"
Xuanzang also voiced his confusion.
Sand Monk pulled Sun Wukong aside and whispered, "Senior Brother, I sense something strange about this benefactor, which is why I didn’t let Master shave him!"
It was then that Sun Wukong turned his gaze toward Qiao Ling’er.
He had seen so many shavings over the years that initially, he had not paid it any attention.
But hearing Sand Monk’s remarks, he scrutinized Qiao Ling’er more closely.
Sure enough, upon a careful look, he was startled.
In his eyes, there was a Great Buddha behind Qiao Ling’er.
Sun Wukong’s eyes narrowed.
"Senior Brother, did you notice anything?"
Seeing Sun Wukong’s expression, Sand Monk sensed that his senior brother had discovered something and asked nervously.
"I did notice something, this child is the reincarnation of Ancestor Buddha Tathagata of the Western Direction!"
Sun Wukong did not conceal his realization and spoke up outright.
Sand Monk was shocked and exclaimed aloud!
"Keep your voice down!"
Sun Wukong reminded him discreetly.
Sand Monk glanced at Xuanzang not far away, realized that he hadn’t paid attention to their conversation, and then continued, "Senior Brother, what should we do now?"
He was aware that the Buddhism they had established was contesting fate with the Western Buddhist Sect, and Tathagata was the helm of the Western Buddhist Sect.
If Xuanzang accepted Tathagata, what would that imply?
"What to do? Ask my senior brother!"
Sun Wukong expressed helplessly.
Xuanzang glanced at Sun Wukong and Sand Monk who were whispering to each other, unsure of their topic, but it was evident that the monkey was hiding something from him.
He resolved to find time later to have a talk with that monkey.
"Master, please hold on for a moment, I need to consult my senior brother," Sun Wukong said with a smile.
Their recent great battle with the Western Direction had ended, and now Xuanzang was about to shave the nominal leader of the religion, Buddha Ancestor Tathagata. Indeed, the situation was problematic, prompting him to quickly use telepathy to reach out to Wang Yang!