Hearing the Bodhisattva say this, Chan Master Wuchao did not seem surprised in the slightest, as though he had never considered that the Bodhisattva would dare contend with him. He merely chuckled and nodded, saying politely to the Bodhisattva:
"Many thanks to the Bodhisattva for granting this!"
His gaze then fell upon Sun Wukong.
There was even a faint warmth in his deep, distant eyes... making Sun Wukong all the more curious. He could not help muttering to himself:
"This old brother of the God of Wealth sure has wide connections... He even managed to invite the incredibly mysterious Chan Master Wuchao. I wonder how he persuaded him!"
"How much must that have cost?!"
However, Chan Master Wuchao did not stare hard at Sun Wukong. He merely nodded slightly before shifting his gaze away, then smiled at the Black Bear Spirit.
"Since you, little demon, wholeheartedly seek the Buddha..."
"Then come with me!"
As soon as he spoke.
The Heart Sutra suddenly surfaced in the Black Bear Spirit's mind.
Unable to resist, he began silently reciting it... At that very moment, the magical power within his body underwent an incomparably mysterious transformation. Golden light shone from within the Black Bear Spirit, dazzling beyond measure.
The Black Bear Spirit seemed to be burning amid golden flames!
A moment later.
The Black Bear Spirit vanished.
In his place appeared a towering, honest-looking man. He wore a monk's robe transformed from black bear hide, and delight filled his face as he pressed his palms together and bowed to Chan Master Wuchao.
"Thank you, Chan Master!"
Sun Wukong could not help muttering under his breath:
"After taking human form, you're still just a fat, dark-skinned fellow. Still, you look much more pleasing now. Don't go stealing things again in the future..."
The Black Bear