How to view the relationship between Taoism and Buddhism in the Investiture of the Gods?

The Investiture of the Gods was an ancient novel that contained elements of Taoism and Buddhism. In the novel, both Taoist and Buddhist characters appear, and there are certain connections and conflicts between them. From the perspective of Taoism, the protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods, Shen Gongbao, was one of the Taoist immortals. In the process of searching for the Tomes of Arcane, he met Tang Sanzang and others in Buddhism and was inspired and influenced by them. In addition, there were also some other Taoist immortals in the novel, such as Taishang Laojun and Nanji Xianweng, who also played an important role. From a Buddhist perspective, the protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods, Na Zha, was a Buddhist god. In the process of searching for the Tomes of Arcane, he met the Taoist god Shen Gongbao and fought a fierce battle with the latter. In addition, there were some other Buddhist immortals in the novel, such as Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Monk Sand. Their figures also played an important role in the novel. In the novel, there is a certain connection and conflict between the characters of Taoism and Buddhism. For example, Shen Gongpao was influenced by Buddhism in the process of searching for the Tomes of Arcane and added Buddhist elements. Nezha, on the other hand, had conflicts with both Taoism and Buddhism. In the process of searching for the Tomes of Arcane, he fought fiercely with the Taoist immortals and was also influenced by Buddhism. The relationship between Taoism and Buddhism in the Investiture of the Gods was complicated. They had their own views and positions in different aspects. Therefore, we should analyze and evaluate the relationship between Taoism and Buddhism in the Investiture of the Gods from many angles in order to better understand the meaning contained in it.