Buddha Tathagata Was Forced to Protect Lin Zhu

At that thought, a sharp glint flashed through Lin Zhu's eyes. He suddenly stepped forward, facing the enormous golden Buddha silhouette in the sky. A "kind," even somewhat "enthusiastic" smile appeared on his face as he declared loudly.

"Buddha Ancestor, you are mistaken! Persuading Wukong and safeguarding the Journey to the West is a matter of boundless Merit! As the Three Realms Enforcement Prison God, maintaining the stability and harmony of the Three Realms is my duty! Since Wukong has said he is willing to cooperate with the westward journey out of respect for me, why not let me handle the little 'ceremony' of putting on the Tightening Fillet? I can do my modest part for the great undertaking of Journey to the West and bring about a fine tale!"

He paused, assuming an expression of one who deeply understood the greater good, then continued.

"The Scripture Seeking journey is a grand trend jointly advanced by the Saints and many other forces. It concerns the flow of Fortune throughout the Three Realms! How can such a good thing be delayed and ruined over a minor 'misunderstanding'? Though I have occasionally had frictions with Western Heaven, I understand the principle that a gentleman helps others achieve their aims. Today, let me serve as the peacemaker and help Buddha Ancestor put this concern to rest. What do you say?"

His words were utterly high-sounding and righteous, practically casting himself as a model immortal who cared for the bigger picture, set aside past grievances, and eagerly served the public good.

In the sky, Tathagata's enormous Buddha silhouette clearly froze. Even the golden light seemed to congeal for a moment.

He "looked" at Lin Zhu suspiciously, his Buddha eyes filled with disbelief and deep wariness. He would sooner believe ghosts existed, or that sows