Ch. 601Tang Sanzang: Please Call Me Buddha Ancestor!
Key Plot Points and Events
- Tang Sanzang and his disciples return to the Great Ci En Temple in Chang'an.
- Tang Sanzang's disciples suggest he starts his own sect, given the resemblance of a Buddha statue to him and the spiritual void in the East.
- Tang Sanzang agrees to establish the Eastern Zen Sect (Middle-Vehicle Buddhism) after some persuasion.
- In the Heavenly Court, Shi Yu informs his disciples about the imminent rise of the demons in fifteen days and tasks them with protecting Rulai's reincarnated body.
Character Developments
- Tang Sanzang: Initially hesitant, he agrees to start his own sect due to his disciples' persuasion and the potential to establish Middle-Vehicle Buddhism.
- Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing: They support Tang Sanzang's decision to start his own sect and offer to be his protectors.
- Shi Yu: He reveals the impending rise of the demons and tasks his disciples with protecting Rulai's reincarnated body, showing his strategic thinking and concern for the Primordial World's safety.
Significant Themes
- Ambition and its consequences: Tang Sanzang's desire to start his own sect could lead to conflict with Western Buddhism and Rulai.
- Protection and responsibility: Shi Yu tasks his disciples with protecting Rulai's reincarnated body, highlighting their responsibility towards the Primordial World's safety.
Character Interactions
- Tang Sanzang and his disciples: They engage in a lively discussion about starting a new sect, with Tang Sanzang eventually agreeing due to their persuasion.
- Shi Yu and his disciples: Shi Yu shares crucial information about the rise of the demons and assigns them a vital task, demonstrating his trust in their abilities.