Journey to the West: Beginning with the Apprenticeship of Bodhi Patriarch

Chapter 250: The Emperor of Ziwei Descends to Earth to Prosper the Righteous Way
It is said that Zhen Yuanzi and the Immortal were conversing at a banquet in Ziwei Palace.

The Immortal Zhen Yuanzi asked the real person whether he knew why the Emperor Ziwei invited him. The real person said he didn't know. He came here on the order of Patriarch Bodhi, and the Patriarch never told him anything, so he didn't ask much, so he didn't know why he came.

Seeing that the Immortal didn't know, Zhen Yuanzi smiled and said, "Guangxin doesn't know. Let me tell you, the Emperor Ziwei summoned us here because the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty in the East died not long ago."

Jiang Yuan heard this and asked, not understanding what he meant: "The death of the Emperor of the Great Tang in the East, what does this have to do with the Great Emperor Ziwei? To be honest, I have met the Emperor of the Great Tang in the East. He was a hero, but he has never escaped from the sea of ​​suffering."

Zhen Yuanzi nodded and said, "It's a long story, but Guangxin, you must know that most of the emperors in the East have a predestined relationship with the Purple Star Emperor. The Purple Star Emperor often shows mercy to the Southern Continent, either by sending treasures or sending stars to serve as generals to protect others. Therefore, the emperors in the East often have the Purple Star descending to the earth."

Jiang Yuan asked: "Purple Star Emperor, be merciful. Great Immortal, I wonder what this has to do with our coming here?"

Zhen Yuanzi smiled and said, "Guangxin, do you know why the Purple Star Emperor often shows mercy to the Southern Continent?"

Jiang Yuan pondered for a long time and said, "Great Immortal, the Purple Star Emperor has shown mercy for a deep reason. A person with such great magical powers like the Emperor has shown mercy, so it must not be just to save one or two people. Could it be that the Emperor intends to save all the people in the East from the sea of ​​suffering?"

Zhen Yuanzi said: "Guang Xin is indeed smart, just as you said, but everything that Ziwei Emperor did was to save the sentient beings in the East from the sea of ​​suffering. But saving the sentient beings in one place from the sea of ​​suffering is so difficult."

Jiang Yuan said: "Although I have never been in Jambudvīpa, I have heard of the emperors of the past dynasties in Jambudvīpa. According to the immortal, the Purple Star Emperor has never achieved success."

Zhen Yuanzi nodded and said, "That's exactly the reason. The sea of ​​suffering is boundless. Even if the Purple Star Emperor wants to cross it, it is very difficult to succeed. That's why the Purple Star Emperor has not gained anything so far. He sent us here today for this matter."

Jiang Yuan heard this and understood something. He said, "Could it be that the Emperor has come up with a solution to gather everyone's wisdom and strength?"

Zhen Yuanzi smiled and said, "I expected this. I heard that several dozen years ago, the Purple Star Emperor bestowed his grace on the human world, and then the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty in the East came into being. The Emperor felt very sorry for this man, and sent dozens of stars to help him, intending to borrow his power to save all living beings. Therefore, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty is superior to all emperors in history."

Jiang Yuan said: "The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has never been able to save all living beings, so the Emperor has failed."

Zhen Yuan Zi said: "That's right. The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty is ultimately a mortal man. He became confused in his later years and obsessed with immortality and power. This matter should make the Emperor angry."

Jiang Yuan sighed, "I have seen the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. He really wanted immortality. He once exchanged the true scriptures with me for the art of immortality."

Zhen Yuanzi smiled and said, "The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty offered you the true scripture in exchange for the art of immortality? Did you get it?"

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "Yes, I asked him again and again. If he really wanted to exchange it, I would have to exchange it with him. I would exchange the true scripture with the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty for a method to ward off evil spirits."

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yuanzi said, "The scripture was originally written by you, but I never thought it would end up in your hands. It's funny to say that the method of praying for good luck is a side door to borrow life from Beidou. The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty is under the care of the Emperor and has his own star number. He put the cart before the horse and borrowed life from Beidou for the sake of longevity and power. The Emperor controls all the stars, so how could he not know? The Emperor's anger may be related to this matter."

Jiang Yuan said: "It is very difficult to save all the sentient beings in a continent."

Zhen Yuanzi nodded and said, "I don't know how many people have tried, but all have failed. However, those who practice poorly, let alone saving others, may themselves fall into the sea of ​​suffering."

Jiang Yuan was talking with Zhen Yuanzi.

Suddenly, a golden bell rang and celestial music sounded. The Purple Star Emperor outside the hall arrived and told all the immortals and gods to stand up and bow, calling him "Emperor".

The Emperor sat in the hall and asked all the immortals and gods to take their seats without formalities.

Jiang Yuan sat down after he finished his greetings. He was very polite and had no mistakes. He thought to himself, "What King Si said is true. The Purple Star Emperor is solemn and upright. Although I have never met him up close, he has a majestic aura when he enters the palace. I am solemn and dare not neglect it."

While the Immortal was thinking, he listened attentively to what the Emperor said.

"Everyone, just know why I am announcing this edict to you. I am determined to save the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa from the sea of ​​suffering. Kind King Tang, I did not expect that I would fail."

When the Emperor said this, the gods of the stars came out and said, "This is not the Emperor's fault, but it is difficult for ordinary people to cross over. There is a saying that 'it is as light as a mustard seed to send Mount Tai away, and it is difficult to take ordinary people out of the world'. How can it be said that the Emperor is helping all living beings cross the sea of ​​suffering together."

The Emperor said: "Don't be afraid of a difficult task, and don't give up a difficult task. But I have invited you all to come here because I have something to discuss with you."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the gods and immortals in the palace stood up to ask the Emperor.

The Emperor said: "I have always failed in my efforts to save sentient beings. You all know this. No matter what I do, it is difficult for ordinary people to escape from the mortal world, let alone save all sentient beings on a continent. Now I have a feeling, and I want to come down to the mortal world in person one day, become a human being, and save sentient beings from the sea of ​​suffering."

The gods and immortals in the palace were all shocked when they heard this. They never thought that the Emperor Ziwei would say this.

Jiang Yuan's heart was also moved. He never thought that Ziwei Emperor would say that he would personally come down to the mortal world and be reborn as a human being to save all living beings. This should be regarded as a great compassion.

When the gods and immortals in the palace heard what Ziwei Emperor said, they were all shocked and tried to dissuade him, intending to ask Ziwei Emperor to change his mind.

The Purple Star Emperor said, "I have made up my mind. I am now speaking to you all, so if you meet me in the lower world, please help me and teach me that after I descend to the lower world, I will have the protection of the gods and the blessing of the heavens. The three realms will be informed and the ten directions will support me, so that I can achieve my goal."

Upon hearing this, the gods and spirits in the palace responded immediately, and some even showed up in person, such as the twenty-eight constellations, saying that they would accompany the emperor to the mortal world and protect him.

The Immortal was also among those who responded. He was shocked and admired the great compassion of the Purple Star Emperor and would certainly not reject the Purple Star Emperor. If they really met, he would help him with all his strength.

When Ziwei Emperor heard the immortals in the hall respond, he said, "I am here to announce this matter to you all. Now that it is over, I know you are busy, but please feel free to leave."

Upon hearing this, the gods and immortals in the hall all bowed and left.

The Immortal Master and the Immortal Zhen Yuanzi also left at the same time, but the Immortal Master had not gone far when he suddenly saw the Immortal Master Tian Peng appear, stop the Immortal Master and say that the Emperor Zi Wei wanted to see the Immortal Master.

Jiang Yuan had no choice but to agree and apologize to Zhen Yuanzi.

Zhen Yuanzi had no intention of blaming the immortal, so he said goodbye to him with a smile and left the Ziwei Palace.

Jiang Yuan brought the green ox and waited with Tianpeng Zhenjun on the side.

Tian Peng Zhenjun said: "Please rest assured, Zhenren, the emperor kept Zhenren for the affairs of the Southern Continent."

Jiang Yuan asked, "Is it because of the Tang King's matter?"

Tian Peng Zhenjun said: "I don't know, but sometimes I see the emperor miss you, and the emperor also knows you, maybe there is something important, but he also wants to meet the real person."

Jiang Yuan said: "I am just a Taoist boy in cultivation, I don't deserve the emperor's intention to meet me."

Tian Peng Zhenjun bowed to Zhenren and said, "I have heard that Zhenren's heart of Taoism is unchangeable. Now I see it. The rumors are true. Zhenren has been practicing for more than a thousand years. It has also been a few years since he became a Taoist. I have heard all this. At first, I heard that Zhenren was always humble, so I was still thinking. Humility is good for a while, but it is false when it is too long. But now that I have seen Zhenren, I know that if you can cultivate a humble heart and dare not be the first in the world, it is also a heart of Taoism that is unchangeable." Jiang Yuan said, "You are not worthy of such praise from Zhenren. Zhenren can practice like this now, which shows that you are also a person with an unchangeable heart of Taoism."

Upon hearing this, Tian Peng Zhenjun pondered for a moment and said with a smile: "An unwavering heart of Tao? Perhaps it is as Zhenren said. I am also a person with an unwavering heart of Tao. I swear to wipe out all demons, save all living beings, and promote the righteous way forever. However, if the Demon Cult finds out, I will kill them without mercy."

As he spoke, True Lord Tianpeng was filled with murderous intent, which made Qingniu feel a little afraid.

Seeing Zhenjun like this, Jiang Yuan secretly sighed that Zhenjun hated evil. He bowed and said, "Compared with Zhenjun, I am inferior. Zhenjun's Tao heart is to save all living beings and kill demons, but my Tao heart is to cultivate myself."

Tian Peng Zhenjun shook his head and said, "Master, you can't say that. You and I have different cultivations and different desires. How can you generalize?"

Jiang Yuanben wanted to say something else.

Suddenly, a fairy boy came to report that the Emperor of Ziwei had summoned the Immortal to go.

Jiang Yuan did not dare to make any mistake, and after talking to Tian Peng Zhen Jun for a few words, he walked to the front of the hall. When he walked in, he saw Zi Wei Emperor sitting high on the throne, with stars guarding him on both sides.

The Immortal stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Guangxin greets the Emperor!"

The Purple Star Emperor said, "Stand up. Immortal, I have heard of your name for a long time, and now I am honored to see you."

Jiang Yuan said: "Emperor, I don't have the karmic law, so I have never met you. Now I have practiced hard for a long time and learned some skills. I have finally cultivated one or two karmic laws, and now I can meet you."

Emperor Ziwei shook his head and said, "Master, you shouldn't say that. I have heard that you are devoted to Taoism and I have wanted to see you for a long time. But I heard that the Jade Emperor invited you twice but failed, so I gave up the idea. Master, I have taught you this way, but I have something to ask you."

Jiang Yuan bowed and said, "Please ask the emperor, I will tell you everything I know."

Emperor Ziwei said, "I heard that the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty in the Southern Continent once exchanged the True Scripture for the Star-warding Technique with the Immortal. I wonder if the Immortal could tell me more about this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan had no reason to refuse, so he told the Emperor Ziwei everything about his meeting with Taizong.

Upon hearing this, Ziwei Emperor sighed for a while and then said, "Master, I have heard that Master is from the Southern Continent, but is this wrong?"

Jiang Yuan replied: "Emperor, before I started practicing, I was born in the Southern Continent in the human world. There is no mistake."

The Purple Star Emperor asked: "Where in the Southern Continent was the Immortal born, and what is his common name?"

Jiang Yuan said, "Replying to the Emperor, I was born in Yuzhou, Nanzhanbuzhou. My common name is Jiang and my given name is Yuan."

Emperor Ziwei nodded and said, "I was once a native of Jambudvīpa, and I know Jambudvīpa. But I have seen why it is so difficult for people born in Jambudvīpa to cross the sea?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan bowed and replied, "Emperor, the sea of ​​suffering is boundless and is not limited to the southern continent. But in the sea of ​​suffering, where is it easy to cross?"

The Purple Star Emperor was deeply moved and said, "What the Immortal said makes a lot of sense. In the sea of ​​suffering, it is not easy to cross anywhere. Even if one has supernatural powers, if he enters the sea of ​​suffering, he will be harmed by it and sink into it, never to be free again."

Jiang Yuan knew very well that what Ziwei Emperor said was true. He had also seen such things when he was walking on earth, such as the story of the scholar and the Dragon King. The Dragon King saved the scholar from the sea of ​​suffering, but the scholar turned the tables and dragged the Dragon King back into the sea of ​​suffering.

The Purple Star Emperor said, "Although I know it is difficult to cross the sea of ​​suffering, I must try. Now I have to go there myself. I am afraid that there is no one guarding the Purple Star Palace. I wonder if you are willing to return to heaven and guard the Purple Star Palace for me for a while until I return?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan still declined politely, saying that he was devoted to cultivation and had no other thoughts. He also recommended True Lord Tian Peng to take charge. Although he had never fought with True Lord Tian Peng, he knew that True Lord Tian Peng must be very capable.

When Emperor Ziwei heard what the immortal said, he had no choice but to let him go.

After Jiang Yuan paid his respects, he left Ziwei Palace and headed out of the heavenly realm with Qingniu, intending to return to Sanxing Immortal Cave.

The Emperor of Ziwei watched the Immortal go away and said with a smile: "The Immortal is really amazing. I don't know when the Jade Emperor will come back after the third invitation, but after the third invitation, the Immortal will definitely return to his position."

One of the stars asked, "Emperor, although the Immortal Master is very capable, there are still people in the Purple Palace who can compare with him, such as the Immortal Master Tianpeng, who is not inferior to the Immortal Master."

Emperor Ziwei shook his head and said, "No comparison."

Xingxiu was puzzled and asked, "What did the Emperor say?"

Emperor Ziwei said: "The Immortal knows the whole truth number, has the predestined law in his body, and can achieve great magic power within one or two kalpas. Although Tianpeng has some ability, it is difficult for him to beat the Immortal in terms of magic power."

The stars and the others were all confused, but they did not say much about the matter. Instead, they requested to go down to the mortal world with the Purple Star Emperor and protect him so that he would not suffer.

Emperor Ziwei said: "You know, this trip is not for fun. If you come to the mortal world, but you are not careful, you will be trapped in the sea of ​​suffering. Is this what you want?"

When the stars heard this, no one retreated, but asked to protect the emperor.

……

But the Immortal and the Green Ox left the Heavenly Palace and rode on a cloud to Lingtai Fangcun Mountain.

The Green Ox rode on the clouds and talked with the Immortal, saying, "I really didn't talk nonsense with you. The Purple Star Emperor was very serious. He prepared a banquet for you and talked about serious matters. He didn't want you to say more. But after you finished speaking, he sent you away without showing any human feelings."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Emperor Ziwei is being realistic, how can there be anything wrong with that?"

Qingniu thought for a moment, shook his head and said, "I don't like this, Immortal. I often go to banquets with the master, but at banquets, we must talk and have fun first, and then talk about business. It's the first time I've seen Ziwei Emperor do this."

Jiang Yuan said: "The Purple Star Emperor is very compassionate and does not want to do anything else."

Qingniu said: "Master, if you go out in the future, you must tell me. If you come to see Ziwei Emperor again, I will not come."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "This is what it means to be cautious in what you say and do. I had no intention of asking you to come here, but you took the initiative to ask me to come with you."

Upon hearing this, Qingniu remained silent and said that if Guangxin wanted to go out again in the future, he would definitely ask clearly before deciding whether to go or not, and it must not be like this time again.

(End of this chapter)