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

Chapter 322 Chenxiang battles Erlang Shen again, with Wukong's help.
Meanwhile, in the mountains and forests outside Guanjiang Estuary, Chenxiang fled for his life, with a dark fog looming behind him and a fierce wind blowing as his hounds pursued him.

As Chenxiang fled, he held up the Lotus Lantern and looked back. He vaguely saw the shape of a hunting eagle in the sky. He was terrified and dared not stop, for fear that it would pursue him.

He fled from Guanjiang Estuary, where he was attacked four times by a falcon and a celestial hound. If it weren't for the Lotus Lantern, he would have lost his life long ago.

He had witnessed firsthand the ruthlessness of those henchmen.

Falcons have the ability to pursue and assist.

The Celestial Hound is known for its hunting and killing abilities.

The two complement each other.

What puzzled Chenxiang was why, when he fought Xiaotianquan before, it was completely ineffective, but now that they met again, it had such terrifying power.

However, Chenxiang had no time to think. He was in charge of the two pursuing him and had no time to ponder. He was filled with fear and unease, fearing that he would really be attacked and killed by the two.

He wanted to find his master, but he didn't know where his master was.

He was filled with remorse, deeply regretting that he should not have disobeyed his master. He should have listened to his master's words, cultivated himself well, and thought of other things. Now that his master was gone, who could protect his life?

As Chenxiang was deep in thought, he suddenly felt a strong gust of wind rushing towards him from behind.

Chenxiang remained calm and fearless, raising the Lotus Lantern behind him to guard against an attack from the Celestial Hound.

To his surprise, the gust of wind came but the Celestial Hound did not appear. He looked up at the sky and saw falcons circling. The Celestial Hound should be nearby, so why did it not appear?

Chenxiang thought to himself, "Could it be that they know how powerful my Lotus Lantern is and have already fled? But that's not right. Could it be that they're hiding in the shadows, planning to launch a sneak attack?"

Chenxiang looked around, fearing that Xiaotianquan might suddenly attack.

As Chenxiang looked around, he suddenly saw Erlang Shen's figure appear in front of him.

Erlang Shen looked at Chenxiang with loving eyes.

Chenxiang, however, was filled with hatred, wishing he could chop Erlang Shen to death with an axe. He said, "Erlang Shen, come here, are you here to kill me?"

Erlang Shen said, "I saw you walking around my temple just now, so I naturally came to see you. But I didn't expect that your skills have declined. You used to be able to fight against Xiaotian Dog, but now you are forced to flee for your life by my hawks and hounds."

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang was immediately enraged and said, "Erlang Shen, you harmed my father and deceived my mother. I will never let you live under the same sky!"

Say it.

Chenxiang, not wanting to say more to Erlang Shen, raised his axe and swung it at Erlang Shen.

Erlang Shen snorted coldly, raised his three-pointed double-edged sword, and with a light swing, unleashed immense divine power, sending Chenxiang flying. Chenxiang was in a sorry state, but Erlang Shen had already shown mercy.

Erlang Shen said, "I harmed your parents, so what can you do about it? With your abilities, do you think you can take revenge on me?"

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang was both annoyed and furious, but he was too weak to get up. He didn't know why, but today Erlang Shen seemed like a completely different person. Even though he wasn't using that extraordinary cloak, his skills had changed drastically. He could defeat him with just a light swing of his weapon.

Hearing what Erlang Shen said, Chenxiang, fearing another attack, took out the Lotus Lantern to defend against Erlang Shen.
But then, the light from the Lotus Lantern shone brightly, protecting Chenxiang in its glow.

Erlang Shen said, "Is this the Lotus Lantern your only skill? This treasure of yours truly possesses immense power, but how much skill do you actually have to unleash its abilities?"

Erlang Shen raised his three-pointed double-edged sword, and with a single swing, the light from the Lotus Lantern instantly sliced ​​the blade clean.

How could Erlang Shen's abilities be countered by a single lotus lantern? No matter how powerful the divine weapon, without the basic magical power to utilize it, how could it unleash its full potential?

When Chenxiang saw that the Lotus Lantern could not withstand Erlang Shen, he was terrified and his soul almost left his body. He thought that his life was in danger today.

Just as he was about to close his eyes, he suddenly heard a sound in his ear.

"Chenxiang, do you still intend to leave the mountain before you have completed your cultivation?"

This is Sun Wukong's voice.

Chenxiang exclaimed in surprise, "Master, where are you?"

"I am on your shoulder, so look down at me."

Sun Wukong responded.

Chenxiang looked down and indeed saw a small figure standing on his shoulder, looking at him. This was Sun Wukong.

Chenxiang was overjoyed and said, "Master, please stop playing around with your supernatural powers and save me quickly. I will never dare to disobey you again. I will cultivate diligently and leave the mountain once I have achieved my goal."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "You really know you're wrong?"

Chenxiang said, “Disciple truly knows his mistake. Disciple should focus on cultivating his mind and practicing cultivation, instead of leaving in a huff after failing to get help from Master. This violates the principles of cultivating the mind and filial piety. I beg Master to forgive past grievances and spare my life. Disciple will definitely return to the mountain to cultivate in peace and not concern himself with anything else. He will wait until he has achieved success in his cultivation before speaking to Master.”

Sun Wukong said, "I hope you remember what you said today, cultivate diligently, and step back. I will take care of the enemy."

Say it.

Sun Wukong transformed himself, revealing his true form, and stood in front of Chenxiang, drawing his golden cudgel and looking at Erlang Shen.

Looking at Sun Wukong in front of him, Chenxiang felt at peace. At this moment, he deeply felt the weight of his master's kindness.

Sun Wukong looked at Erlang Shen, nodded, and said, "True Lord, I, Old Sun, will take Chenxiang with me."

Erlang Shen shook his head and said, "Great Sage, although you are powerful, you cannot take him away like this. Let's see who is truly stronger."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong chuckled and said, "Since True Lord is in such a leisurely mood, then let's have a fight! True Lord, take this!"

Say it.

Sun Wukong showed no mercy, swinging his golden cudgel at Erlang Shen.

Erlang Shen raised his three-pointed, double-edged sword and engaged Sun Wukong in a fierce battle.

A fierce battle raged in the mountains and forests, a true clash of equals. When two equally matched opponents clash, their excitement is boundless; when two equally talented generals meet, their skill is undeniable. The clash between the Great Sage and the True Lord was like a tiger fighting in the Southern Mountains, or a dragon battling in the Northern Sea. Where dragons fight, their scales gleam; where tigers fight, their claws and teeth fall in disarray. One's staff rose like a dragon emerging from the sea, another's blade moved like a python slithering through the forest. They fought back and forth, sometimes moving, sometimes stopping, for a long time, with no clear victor.

This battle lasted for more than fifty rounds, ending in a draw. The fighting was so fierce that the earth shook and trees fell one after another.

Chenxiang was terrified. Only now did he realize how far inferior his abilities were to those of Erlang Shen.

He fell to the ground and could not get up for a long time. If it weren't for the golden light shining around him, which blocked the aftershocks, he would have been killed in the battle between the two gods.

Just as Chenxiang was distracted, a large hand suddenly grabbed him from behind and pulled him backward.

Chenxiang was terrified, but when he turned around, he found that it was Zhu Bajie. He was relieved and said, "Sir, it's you! You scared me!"

Pigsy said, “What are you doing sitting here? Over there, Monkey King and that True Lord are fighting fiercely. If you stay here, you will be caught in the crossfire. If it weren’t for my protection, you would have already suffered the consequences.”

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang realized that the golden light surrounding him was actually a real person protecting him; otherwise, he would have been harmed long ago.

Seeing that Chenxiang understood, Pigsy pulled him back and said, "Chenxiang, if you ever see such a fight in the future, stay as far away as possible and don't get involved. Remember, 'when gods fight, mortals suffer.'" Chenxiang said, "Sir, I understand, but is my master truly alright?"

Pigsy laughed and said, “Don’t worry, how could you possibly know what Monkey King is capable of? Monkey King was born of nature, but you can’t beat him. You’ll just be worn down by him. Once you’re exhausted, you’ll lose. Let alone Erlang Shen, how many people in the Three Realms can defeat Monkey King?”

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang finally understood just how capable his master, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, truly was.

This skill far exceeded his expectations.

Pigsy laughed and said, "Chenxiang, you should be happy that you can become Brother Monkey's disciple. You should learn his skills properly, but once you can learn one or two tenths of his skills, you can graduate. You must not act so recklessly."

Chenxiang lowered his head and said, "Sir, I understand now and will not act so recklessly again. I hope you will not blame me for my past disrespect."

Pigsy patted his belly and said, "It's alright, it's alright. How could I hold it against you? You come with me, I'm taking you to see the master. I wonder how long Monkey King and Erlang Shen will fight."

Agarwood responded.

The two walked backwards, protected by golden light along the way. No matter what happened during the fight between Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen, they could not be harmed.

Chenxiang suddenly asked, "Sir, tell me, how does the True Man's magical power compare to Erlang Shen and my master?"

Pigsy laughed and said, "You can't compare, you can't compare. You underestimate the power of the True Man. But if the three of you were to fight, and if the True Man were to be a little serious, Monkey King and True Lord would not last a single round against him."

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang was greatly shocked. He had witnessed the abilities of his master and Erlang Shen, both of whom were highly skilled. If they were to fight, they could easily kill him. However, even when the two of them joined forces, they could not last a single move against that True Man. What profound magical power this was!

Pigsy said, "If you have the chance, you can go and ask the Master for advice. The Master will certainly not refuse. If you can get the Master's help, you will surely be blessed."

Chenxiang nodded, indicating that he understood the intricacies of the matter.

As the two walked, they saw the immortals and their group waiting in the woods ahead.

Pigsy stepped forward and bowed.

Chenxiang followed suit and bowed respectfully, not daring to offend.

The immortal, seated on the white deer, saw Chenxiang's appearance and laughed, "Chenxiang, would you like to return to the mountain with us?"

Chenxiang said, "Master, this disciple is willing."

The master nodded and smiled, "In that case, when Wukong returns, he will travel with us."

Chenxiang responded and walked to the side, not daring to speak loudly.

Zuo Liang stepped forward and said with a smile, "Please change your clothes."

Zuo Liang took out a piece of clothing and handed it to Chen Xiang.

Chenxiang accepted it and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Zuo Liang smiled and nodded, saying, "No need for formalities, just focus on your cultivation and don't cause any more trouble. Once you have completed your cultivation, it won't be too late for you to save your father and mother."

Chenxiang bowed and said, "Senior brother, I will no longer act recklessly. I will definitely return to the mountain to cultivate and will not easily go down the mountain again."

Zuo Liang nodded, said no more, turned around and walked to Bai Lu's side to serve the immortal.

Jiang Yuan asked, "Bajie, how is Wukong doing?"

Pigsy replied, "Master, don't worry, there's nothing serious about Monkey King. You know Monkey King's abilities; he's no ordinary person."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "Go and tell Wukong not to cause trouble and to come quickly. We need to hurry home."

Pigsy said, "Master, I will go and deliver the message right away."

Say it.

Pigsy, carrying his nine-toothed rake, walked towards the battle circle.

……

Meanwhile, in the midst of the battle, Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen fought for a long time. Sun Wukong gained the upper hand, his strength seemingly inexhaustible. Erlang Shen was ultimately no match for Sun Wukong, who suppressed him, focusing more on defense than offense.

Sun Wukong, caught up in the excitement of the fight, used his supernatural ability to conjure three iron rods and strike Erlang Shen from all directions.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Erlang Shen swung his three-pointed double-edged sword and moved a little further away, saying, "Great Sage, let's stop fighting. I haven't brought any of my treasures with me today, so I am no match for you."

Seeing this, Sun Wukong had no choice but to stop. He felt helpless, as he had only warmed up and had not yet had his fill of fighting. He said, "Since you, True Lord, will no longer fight, then I shall leave."

Erlang Shen said, "Great Sage, I'll trouble you to take care of my nephew."

Sun Wukong said, "True Lord, you can rest assured. Now that I have accepted Chenxiang as my disciple, I will do my best."

Erlang Shen said, "In that case, I am at ease. Today's contest with the Great Sage was not enough. I will gather my divine weapons and come back to compete with the Great Sage again in the future. Then I will definitely have a great time."

Sun Wukong was about to say something.

Suddenly, Pigsy came over and said, "Brother, the master has instructed us not to fool around. Hurry up and go home."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong turned around and said, "I understand, I understand. I will go now. True Lord, I will not talk to you any longer. I should go home."

Erlang Shen said, "That is so. But please convey my regards to the True Man for me, and tell him that I cannot go to pay my respects now, but I will definitely go to pay my respects when I have the opportunity in the future."

Sun Wukong responded.

After talking for a long time, they took their leave and dispersed. Erlang Shen led his hawks and hounds away.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie then got up and joined the real person.

After the real people and their group reunited.

Chenxiang stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This disciple thanks Master! If it weren't for Master's help, this disciple would not have been able to survive Erlang Shen's clutches."

Sun Wukong chuckled and said, "No need for formalities, but once you return to the mountain later, you can focus on your cultivation and must not repeat what you said before."

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang immediately knelt down and said, "Master, it was my fault before. I spoke rashly and talked back to you. I was unaware of your kindness to me. Please forgive me. I will never do such a thing again."

Sun Wukong helped Chenxiang up and said, "No need for such formalities. Your cultivation is far better than anything else. I know you saved your father, but what I told you is also true: it's better to rely on yourself than on others."

Chenxiang said, "This disciple knows everything. But Master, this disciple still has a question. I wonder if Master can answer it?"

Sun Wukong said, "You can tell me what's so confusing about this."

Chenxiang asked, "Master, I don't understand why those Howling Celestial Dogs and the others, who weren't very skilled before, were so powerful today?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong smiled but remained silent, offering no explanation to Chenxiang.

(End of this chapter)