It was well-known that the defining moment of Sun Wukong's expulsion from Mount Fangcun was his reckless display of his supernatural abilities, which led to a reprimand from Master Bodhi.

  However, according to Xu Fang's recollection, Sun Wukong was only given the chance to cultivate his powers after seven years of initiation, and it would be another twenty years or so before he was cast down the mountain.

  But now, Sun Wukong had only been on the mountain for a little over five years. How had the timeline gone so awry?

  As Xu Fang pondered these discrepancies, he arrived at the back of Mount Fangcun, where he heard a delicate voice filled with surprise. “Brother Wufa, you're back from your journey?”

  He looked up to see Yang Chan and the Fourth Princess of the East Sea approaching him, both clearly overjoyed.

  “Yes, I just returned to the mountain. I heard that the master is in the back, so I came to pay my respects,” Xu Fang replied, nodding. Just then, the voice of Master Bodhi resonated through the air.

  Xu Fang listened closely, confirming his suspicions.

  “Wukong, how long have you been in my mountain?”

  Immediately, he heard Sun Wukong's somewhat timid response: “Master, I have been cultivating for… five years.”

  “Since you have learned much, I have no further teachings to impart. You may descend the mountain!”

  With Master Bodhi’s resolute announcement, Sun Wukong's stunned voice followed, “Master, where do you wish for me to go?”

  “Return whence you came!”

  Master Bodhi's tone was final, clearly indicating that his mind was made up.

  Xu Fang stepped onto a nearby stone platform alongside Yang Chan and Ao Tingxin, where they could see Sun Wukong kneeling on the ground, facing away from Master Bodhi.

  Upon hearing these words, Sun Wukong felt as though a thunderbolt had struck him. He hurriedly prostrated himself, knocking his head against the ground in desperation. “Master, I know I was wrong! Please do not cast me away…”

  “I am deeply grateful for your teachings, Master. Although I have made some progress, I have yet to repay your kindness. How can I leave like this?”

  “Please, Master! Do not send me away…”

  Sun Wukong pleaded earnestly, but Master Bodhi would not retract his words.

  Xu Fang watched silently, torn between wanting to interject and understanding that the course of events leading to the spread of Buddhism could not be altered.

  Moreover, both Sun Wukong and Master Bodhi were key figures in the Great Calamity, and there was no way to change the fact that Sun Wukong was to be cast down the mountain.

  “You, monkey, with your unruly disposition, will surely cause great calamities in the future. Remember, if you bring trouble upon yourself, do not mention my name!”

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  These words struck Sun Wukong like a dagger to the heart!

  Yet, with the situation already laid bare, Sun Wukong understood that Master Bodhi would not reconsider. He quietly knocked his head several more times.

  Turning to glance at Yang Chan and Ao Tingxin, along with Xu Fang, who had just returned, Sun Wukong felt too dejected to say anything. With a leap, he took to the clouds and soared away!

  Master Bodhi sighed softly as he watched Sun Wukong’s retreating figure.

  His mission on Mount Fangcun had been fulfilled!

  However… even if he had completed his task, he was still human, after all. How could he remain entirely detached from his feelings?

  During the years of teaching Sun Wukong, Master Bodhi had grown fond of him. But the departure was inevitable; even if Master Bodhi wished to keep Sun Wukong, the Western Buddhist sect would not allow it!

  Rather than risk a greater calamity down the line, it was better to let things unfold naturally.

  As Xu Fang reflected on the expression of Master Bodhi, he too felt as if a heavy weight had lifted from his heart.

  The Great Calamity of Journey to the West had officially begun!

  “Master, I have returned from my training and come to pay my respects.”

  Taking a deep breath, Xu Fang stepped forward to greet Master Bodhi.

  Master Bodhi nodded, then turned to Yang Chan and Ao Tingxin, saying, “I have matters to discuss with Wufa. You two may return for now.”

  The two women obediently nodded, casting a glance at Xu Fang before gracefully departing.

  Now, only Xu Fang and Master Bodhi remained in the serene backdrop of the mountain.

  “Wufa, are you not curious why I insist on sending Wukong away?” Master Bodhi inquired.

  Hearing this, Xu Fang shook his head and replied, “I do not know, but Master’s actions must have their own profound reasons. I would not dare to speculate.”

  He was aware that Sun Wukong's departure was tied to the plans for the spread of Buddhism, but could he voice that knowledge?

  Master Bodhi sighed and said softly, “Do you know of the great plans of the Buddhist sect?”

  Xu Fang raised an eyebrow, surprised that Master Bodhi would casually bring up the Buddhist plans!

  “I am dim-witted, and I humbly ask Master to elucidate.”

  He needed to feign ignorance, so he shook his head.

  Master Bodhi seemed pleased with Xu Fang’s response and continued, “Currently, the Buddhist sect is at its peak in the Three Realms. Whether in the Spiritual Mount, the Heavenly Court, or even the Netherworld, the influence of Buddhism is everywhere.”

  He paused before continuing, “The Dao of Heaven has proclaimed that Buddhism must flourish, but the key to its prosperity lies within… the human race!”

  With such a blatant statement, Xu Fang could no longer pretend to be clueless. “Master means to say that Buddhism wishes to spread its teachings to the human race?”

  Master Bodhi nodded and explained, “Indeed. Among all beings in the Three Realms, the human race possesses the most fervent belief. If Buddhism wishes to thrive and spread throughout the realms, it must win the hearts of humanity, and the Buddhist texts must be in their hands.”

  “However, these scriptures can only be taken, not given!”

  Crack—

  With Master Bodhi’s declaration, a sudden clap of thunder echoed across the heavens!

  Lightning flashed, and dark clouds loomed overhead!

  Xu Fang looked up at the sky, realizing this was the Dao of Heaven warning Master Bodhi.

  He had revealed too much of the heavenly secrets!

  “Master need not say more.”

  Xu Fang understood Master Bodhi’s intentions. The master truly regarded him well, sharing such heavenly knowledge as if treating him as a true disciple.

  By bringing up Sun Wukong's situation, Master Bodhi clearly wanted to guide Xu Fang away from this impending calamity.

  But… Xu Fang might just disappoint him.

  “I am solely focused on pursuing the path of freedom. I have no desire to know about the affairs of Buddhism. However, during my journey down the mountain, there is one matter I wish to report to Master.”

  He knew that a disciple’s experiences would undoubtedly involve challenges, but for a disciple to take the initiative to report something to him meant it must be extraordinary!

  Thus, Master Bodhi inquired with intrigue, “What matter?”

  “Master… I have slain the Tathagata!”

  The declaration left Master Bodhi as stunned as if struck by lightning!