Manjushri and Samantabhadra rode their auspicious clouds, flying with the utmost reluctance.
Their standing alone clearly did not carry enough weight for a trip to Lingxiao Palace to be scolded. If the Great Heavenly Venerable turned hostile on the spot, who would bear the brunt?
As they passed Mount Putuo in the South Sea, Manjushri's eyes rolled, and an idea struck him. "Venerable Samantabhadra, the two of us alone may not be able to hold the line. Why not invite Venerable Guanyin along?"
"Excellent." Samantabhadra nodded repeatedly, wholeheartedly agreeing.
Guanyin Bodhisattva was one of the Five Directions and Five Elders, the teacher of seven Buddhas, and the chief official who had handled the scripture pilgrimage to the west. She carried considerable weight in the Heavenly Court.
The two Bodhisattvas lowered their clouds and landed in the Purple Bamboo Forest on Mount Potalaka.
What a coincidence.
Guanyin Bodhisattva was sipping tea and discussing the Dharma with the Sandalwood Merit Buddha. Seeing Manjushri and Samantabhadra hurry over, their faces shrouded in clouds of gloom, she inwardly sensed trouble. She had just been about to close her doors to visitors when Manjushri gave her no chance, getting straight to the point and recounting the heaven-shaking disaster the Three Demons had caused.
After hearing him out, Guanyin fell silent.
She had intended to find an excuse to decline, but Manjushri promptly saddled her with a lofty obligation. "The Buddhist Sect shares one breath, its branches joined. Now Spirit Mountain's reputation has been dragged through the dust, and you command great respect in the Heavenly Court. This matter simply cannot be resolved without you!"
With his words pushing her right to the cliff's edge, Guanyin could only pinch her nose and accept. "Very well. I shall go with you."
Beside her, the Sandalwood Merit Buddha