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

Chapter 319 The Purple Emperor Returns to His Position, Chenxiang Becomes Lax

Time flies, and several years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The group of immortals continued their journey without incident, but a great upheaval occurred in the Southern Continent. An Lushan, a "loyal minister" under Emperor Li Longji, rebelled with an army of 200,000, captured Luoyang, the eastern capital of the Tang Dynasty, and proclaimed himself "Emperor of the Great Yan". His army advanced directly towards Chang'an.

Li Longji did not believe An Lushan's rebellion, but seeing the army's advance directly towards Chang'an, he had no choice but to believe it and mobilize troops to resist An Lushan.

However, the resistance could not last long. An Lushan's army broke through Tongguan and approached Chang'an. When Li Longji heard this, he was terrified and fled westward in panic, intending to escape to the Liangzhou area and use the terrain to block An Lushan.

With the emperor fleeing, the Tang Dynasty was plunged into war and chaos. Local warlords, whether intentionally or unintentionally, carved out their own territories, and the fate of the Li Tang Dynasty was finally coming to an end.

Li Longji fled Chang'an and saw the people under his rule with his own eyes. He suddenly realized that he had already destroyed the prosperous Kaiyuan era, leaving behind only devastation. When the emperor saw this, it was too late for regrets, but he had no chance to repent.

Li Longji fled, and Crown Prince Li Heng ascended the throne, remotely honoring Li Longji as the Retired Emperor, intending to resist An Lushan. Thus, the era of Li Longji came to an end.

The uproar caused by An Lushan's rebellion eventually subsided with the passage of time, but the power of the Tang Dynasty was gone, and it could only eke out a living, letting the situation remain chaotic.

Several years later, Li Longji finally passed away. At the moment of his death, the sky darkened, and the Ziwei star shone brightly, as if welcoming the Ziwei Emperor back to his throne.

But Chang'an City was shrouded in clouds and mist.

The two, Zhenren and Taibai Jinxing, appeared. They looked ahead and saw the figure of Ziwei Emperor. He was indeed a person of great power. He did not need others to help him. When his lifespan ended, his true spirit appeared on its own and returned to Ziwei.

The two rode on clouds forward, bowed, and said, "We pay our respects to the Emperor."

The Ziwei Emperor, who was watching over the mortal realm, heard these words, turned around and returned the greeting, saying, "When I was human, I was often rude to you two. I hope you will not take offense."

Jiang Yuan shook her head and said, "The Emperor did not do it intentionally, there is no need to take it to heart."

Venus said, “It is not the Emperor’s fault, but mine. If I had not been delayed by other matters, causing the timing of my reincarnation to be inappropriate and preventing me from assisting the Emperor, this matter would not have failed so easily.”

Emperor Ziwei sighed, “This matter is not your fault, Venus. There are many who accompanied me. Even without you, Venus, it would not be a big problem. However, failure is failure. The fault lies with me, not with you.”

Venus said, "All living beings are inherently difficult to save; the sin does not lie with the Emperor."

Emperor Ziwei shook his head and said, "This crime is mine to begin with, there is no need to say it."

As he spoke, he looked at Jiang Yuan and smiled, "What does the Master think?"

Jiang Yuan pondered for a moment, then bowed and said, "All living beings are difficult to save, and Your Majesty's willingness to help them is a great act of compassion. However, Your Majesty was slightly short-sighted, which is why this defeat occurred."

Emperor Ziwei smiled and asked, "How so?"

Jiang Yuan said, "Your Majesty has underestimated human nature. Since Your Majesty's reincarnation, as you have grown older, your true spirit must have forgotten the past. In this life, you only retain three or four parts of clarity and intelligence. When you grow up, the two spirits will be confused, and your true nature will be hard to retain, hence this defeat."

The Emperor smiled and nodded, saying, "The True Man is indeed wise. He has summed up my failure in one sentence. It is my carelessness that I failed to save all living beings. I was born into an imperial family in the mortal world and have never experienced the suffering of the people. Even though I have power and can create a prosperous era, I have ultimately failed. Therefore, I have said that this is my fault."

Jiang Yuan bowed and said, "Your Majesty's intention to save all living beings is already a great act of compassion."

Venus remained silent for a long time before answering, "Does Your Majesty wish to return to the mortal realm?"

The Emperor looked towards Venus and said, "We will certainly return, but we need some time to rest and recuperate before we can return to the mortal realm."

Venus said, "If the Emperor wishes to return to the mortal realm, I will certainly accompany him once more, and I will not dare to make any mistakes then."

The Emperor smiled and nodded, saying, "Granted. But Venus, when you return to the mortal realm, do not be a mere scholar, wasting your talents. When you return, be the 'enemy of ten thousand,' how about that?"

Venus bowed and said, "As you command. When I return to the mortal realm in the future, I will be the Emperor's 'enemy of ten thousand'."

The Emperor nodded with a smile.

Upon seeing this, the immortal asked, "Does Your Majesty already know how to proceed with your return to the mortal realm tomorrow?"

The Ziwei Emperor said, “I have some thoughts on this, but when I return to the mortal realm in the future, I should not be born into an imperial family, but into a poor family, so that I may temper my character through poverty. Only in this way can I have the heart to save all living beings and not be deceived by the two gods.”

He bowed respectfully, and said no more.

The Ziwei Emperor laughed and said, "Since I returned to my position, I have used my profound magical power to observe the Three Realms. However, the Queen Mother's birthday is approaching. The True Man was invited by the Queen Mother. Would you like to come with me to the Upper Realm?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "I will go when the conference is about to begin."

Upon hearing this, the Ziwei Emperor said no more. He bid farewell to Taibai Jinxing and then got up to go to the Heavenly Realm. Before leaving, the Emperor glanced at the mortal world and rode away on a cloud.

Seeing the Emperor depart, the True Man descended from the clouds and reunited with Sun Wukong and the others in a mountain near Chang'an.

Sun Wukong stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Elder Brother, has the Emperor departed?"

Jiang Yuan said, "Emperor Ziwei has returned to his position and is now heading to the Heavenly Realm."

Sun Wukong then asked, "Elder brother, the Emperor's attempt to save all living beings has failed. Will he attempt it again in the future?"

Jiang Yuan said, "How could the Emperor give up so easily? He will surely cross over again in the future."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Your Majesty, you have learned something from this failure. When you cross the river again in the future, you will surely succeed."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Wukong, since you care so much, why don't you personally descend to the mortal realm to help the Emperor when he returns to the human world in the future?"

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "Elder brother, don't joke with me. But I was born of heaven and earth, how can I be reincarnated?"

Jiang Yuan said, "Since you are not here to help, don't say anything more."

Zuo Liang stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "Master, where should we go now?"

Jiang Yuan replied, "The mortal realm is now in chaos. Since the Emperor has returned to his throne, there is no need for him to linger in the mortal realm. Come with me back to the mountains."

Everyone responded.

After hesitating for a long time, Lü Yan stepped forward and said, "Master, this disciple is unwilling to leave the mortal world."

Upon seeing this, Jiang Yuan smiled and asked, "Lu Yan, why are you unwilling to leave? Why not come with me to the immortal palace, where you can escape the chaos of the mortal world and enjoy peace and tranquility forever?"

Lu Yan said, “Master, I have followed you through the days of wandering in the world and have witnessed the suffering of people. I cannot bear it. Even if I leave in this way, I may find peace and freedom, but it is only physical peace, not mental peace. The body and mind are different. The body is light, but the mind is precious. If I lose mental peace for physical peace, it is to lose the greater for the lesser, and it is not advisable.”

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "What you say is the truth. If you stayed in the mortal world, what would you do?"

Lü Yan said, "But if we follow the path of our teacher, we should do our best to help those in distress."

Jiang Yuan said, "If that's the case, you can certainly do it with your abilities, but there are so many suffering things and people in the world, you can't save them all."

Lu Yan bowed and replied, "Teacher, those who suffer will eventually overcome their hardships."

Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "The suffering of people is endless; how can you possibly save them all?"

Lu Yan replied, "There are many people suffering in the world, but there are also many compassionate people. We can surely help them all." Jiang Yuan smiled and nodded, allowing Lu Yan to stay and speak his words of helping people. After Lu Yan stayed, he and the others got up and prepared to leave.

Seeing this situation, Sun Wukong approached Lü Yan and said, "You rascal, if you stay behind alone, be careful. If that strongman takes charge, you will lose your life."

Lu Yan bowed and said, "Great Sage, I will be careful. Besides, I also have some martial arts skills. Ordinary strongmen can hardly harm me."

Sun Wukong smiled slightly and said, "But in this chaotic world, this powerful man is no ordinary person. There might be demons among him, and you might be harmed. So, I will give you three hairs. Take them. If you encounter any trouble from this powerful man, take out these hairs, hold them in your palm, and shout 'Great Sage Equal to Heaven!' No matter where you are, I will hear you. At that time, I will appear to protect you. Don't think I'm just boasting. I have the ability of the somersault cloud. One somersault can cover 108,000 li. No matter where you are, I will arrive in an instant."

Upon hearing this, Lü Yan bowed to the Great Sage again and carefully accepted the three hairs.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Yuan did not say much, but simply instructed everyone to leave and head towards Xiniu Hezhou.

Lu Yan watched the Master and his entourage leave, bowed deeply, and remembered the Master's kindness in his heart.

……

Along the mountain path, the immortals and their entourage proceeded, with Jiang Yuan seated atop a white deer.

Sun Wukong, serving beside the white deer, asked, "Elder brother, I have a question."

The immortal smiled and asked, "Wukong, what is troubling you?"

Sun Wukong said, "My eldest brother Xu Lüyan has left and is traveling among mortals, but he has not given me any protective methods. Is it because he knows that I, Sun Wukong, cannot bear to part with him and would not give him any protective methods, so I have not paid any attention to him?"

Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "I do not possess great magical power, how could I possibly know what you are thinking?"

Sun Wukong said, "My eldest brother possesses considerable magical power and is very close to that great power. He must know that I, Sun Wukong, will use a protective technique against him, which is why he has ignored Lü Yan."

Jiang Yuan smiled without saying a word, never admitting it.

Sun Wukong was deeply convinced and filled with emotion. He recalled that his senior brother had not yet possessed such magical power and foresight, but now he had this ability.

As he pondered this, he suddenly saw a strong wind coming from ahead. He thought it was some kind of demon or monster that had bewitched the two gods and was disturbing his senior brother's dharma carriage. So he drew his golden cudgel and was about to go forward to block the way.

But upon closer inspection, he saw that it was Erlang Shen riding a fierce wind.

Sun Wukong said, "Eldest brother, that raging wind ahead is Erlang Shen, and it's most likely heading for you."

Jiang Yuan, riding on the white deer, heard his words and laughed, "Since it is a True Lord who has come, we should meet him. There is no need to stop him. We will wait for him here."

Upon hearing this, everyone accepted the order.

Zuo Liang served the immortal as he descended from the white deer.

Pigsy and the Green Ox rested in the back.

Sun Wukong stayed by the side to wait for the immortal.

After a short while, the raging wind stopped in front of the True Man's carriage, and Erlang Shen emerged from it.

Erlang Shen landed, rode forward, bowed, and said, "Real Person, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

The True Man returned the greeting and said with a smile, "True Lord, I am well, but I don't know why you are here. Guanjiang Estuary is still some distance from here."

Erlang Shen said, "I came here because of the matter of agarwood. I was somewhat helpless and didn't know what to do. But seeing that you are nearby, I came to ask you, Great Sage and others, for help."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "Isn't Chenxiang cultivating in the mountains? What else could he possibly want?"

Erlang Shen replied, "Great Sage, you may not know this, but Chenxiang descended the mountain many years ago and has been wandering the mortal world for many years. Since you are not on Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, you are naturally unaware of such matters. Let me tell you in detail."

Say it.

Erlang Shen and Sun Wukong discussed the matter.

After Sun Wukong left the mountain, Chenxiang couldn't wait any longer and chose to leave the mountain. However, Chenxiang's skills were weak and he had not yet mastered the unorthodox methods. Therefore, Erlang Shen sent someone to hone Chenxiang's skills.

Unfortunately, Chenxiang's progress was also very slow. After struggling in the mortal world for nearly ten years, he could only fight back and forth with Xiaotianquan. It was basically impossible for him to defeat Erlang Shen.

Erlang Shen didn't know how to temper Chenxiang, and he was afraid that if he took action himself, he would break Chenxiang's spirit. So he was at a loss. Now that he had met the immortal, he wanted to ask for the immortal's help and see if Chenxiang had any good ideas.

Sun Wukong said, "Before I left, I told Chenxiang to cultivate in the mountains, but I never expected him to go down the mountain. Where is he now? I'll go and talk to him."

Erlang Shen said, “Great Sage, there is a saying that ‘blocking is not as good as guiding.’ His heart is elsewhere, so it is useless to ask him to return to the mountain. But I wonder if there is a way to teach him to cultivate faster? If he cultivates for three days and rests for two days, how can he attain the true fruit of the unorthodox path?”

As he spoke, he looked at the Master and asked, "Master, do you have any solutions?"

The sage said, "His heart is set on saving his mother and father; will he succeed now?"

Erlang Shen shook his head and said, "The mission has not yet been accomplished."

Upon hearing this, the real person smiled but remained silent.

Erlang Shen suddenly realized and said, "If that's the case, then I know what to do."

Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "True Lord, could you please tell me where my disciple Chenxiang is? Once I know where he is, I should go there and meet him."

Erlang Shen pointed ahead and said, "Chenxiang is currently in the vicinity of Guanjiang Estuary. If the Great Sage wishes to go there, he will arrive in a short while."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong looked at Jiang Yuan and asked, "Elder Brother, may I go and visit that disciple?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Now that I know where Chenxiang is, I should go there and meet him."

Sun Wukong said, "In that case, I will trouble you, Senior Brother, to go."

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "He is also my junior disciple, from the lineage of my Three Star Immortal Cave."

Sun Wukong beamed with joy.

Erlang Shen said, "Since you are going, I will go with you and guide you."

The True Man smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble, True Lord."

Erlang Shen said, "I have been troubled by my nephew's affairs, and I should be the one thanking you, Master."

Jiang Yuan said, "Chen Xiang is also a person from the Three Star Immortal Cave, so there's no need for Zhenzhenjun to say such things."

As they talked, they gathered some things and headed towards the mouth of the Guanjiang River.

(End of this chapter)