Tathagata nodded. "Sorry for the trouble, Ancient Buddha!"
Judging by the exhaustion on Randeng's face, he probably could not hold out much longer either.
Once people's hearts scattered, they truly scattered. Tathagata saw it and took it to heart.
Buddhism now needed a great victory, something to lift everyone's spirits.
Suddenly, murderous intent flared in Tathagata's eyes again. "Ancient Buddha, Buddhism cannot endure defeat after defeat. This time, we must reverse our decline and slay Thunder Marsh!"
Randeng nodded firmly. "Indeed. If this continues, Buddhism's prospects look grim!"
Once again, three of them-Tathagata, Randeng, and Sun Wukong-headed straight for Thorny Ridge.
Upon reaching Thorny Ridge, the three saw a sea of thunder filling the sky. Purple Firmament Divine Thunder, Chaos Dutian Divine Thunder, and heavenly tribulation lightning all permeated the ridge. Even a Great Encompassing Golden Immortal would be reduced to dust the instant they entered!
Tathagata and Randeng stood outside Thorny Ridge and called out, "Fellow Daoist Thunder Marsh, instead of living in seclusion in your sea of thunder, why have you come to Thorny Ridge and captured Tang Monk?"
At that moment, Thunder Marsh revealed himself.
"I had nothing to do and went for a stroll. Here at Thorny Ridge, these wood immortals offered me tea and wine, so I accepted this wood immortal as a named disciple. Then Tang Monk arrived here on his journey to the west. My disciples kindly asked him to stay as their guest, yet Tang Monk was vicious enough to try to kill them. I had no choice but to capture him. What is wrong with that?"
After hearing this, Tathagata briefly calculated on his fingers and immediately understood everything.
Suddenly, Tathagata snorted coldly. "Tang Monk is mild-mannered. How could he have such a violent side? Fellow Daoist, you schemed against him.