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

Chapter 338 The Heavenly Ruler is Completed, But Only Good Deeds Can Be Done (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Wang Hui tried to deceive the Ox King by distorting the truth, but the Ox King was no ordinary man and would not be fooled by Wang Hui.

The Bull Demon King was somewhat angry and was about to reprimand Wang Hui, but before he could speak, Tianpeng Zhenjun had already entered.

Tianpeng Zhenjun stared at Wang Hui and said, “Since you say that the clansmen are evil and that they have a past relationship with me, and that you are truly innocent and that I am the one who is corrupt and abuses my power, then you shall confront me face to face and see who is telling the truth. If you are telling the truth, I will seek justice for you; if I am telling the truth, then you shall die.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Hui trembled with fear and panicked, asking, "Who are you? Who are you?"

Tianpeng Zhenjun angrily retorted, "I am Tianpeng Zhenjun."

After he finished speaking, divine light burst forth from his body, and his Dharma form appeared, with three heads and six arms, dressed in black robes, a black crown, and golden armor, carrying axe, rope, bow and arrow, sword, ruler, and other treasures, with an angry expression to show his majesty.

Upon seeing the image of Tianpeng Zhenjun, Wang Hui dared not remain defiant. Trembling, he knelt on the ground. He never imagined that his evil deeds would lead Tianpeng Zhenjun to personally descend and subdue him.

Wang Hui was terrified and knelt on the ground, saying, "Spare me! Spare me! True Lord, spare my life, I will never do evil again!"

Tianpeng Zhenjun angrily rebuked, "But I spared your life. Who will spare the lives of those you harmed? You shall die! Go to the underworld and suffer in hell. In your next life, be a beast of burden for that family to atone for your sins!"

Say it.

Like a bolt from the blue, lightning struck and killed Wang Hui on the spot.

Tianpeng Zhenjun turned and left the temple.

The three met outside the temple.

Tianpeng Zhenjun said, "I am sorry to make you laugh, Master. I never expected this person to be so unruly. I don't know how he knew I would send someone to find him, and he has even turned black into white."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "There are quite a few people in the Heavenly Court who have fallen into the sea of ​​suffering."

Tianpeng Zhenjun nodded and said, "There are quite a few people in the Heavenly Court who have fallen into the Sea of ​​Suffering. Most of them are earth gods and mountain gods, which are very difficult to investigate. But I will send people to investigate later and do my best to prevent this from happening."

Jiang Yuan said, "This matter is very difficult. If the True Lord is willing, he can ask the Great Heavenly Venerable for permission. If the Great Heavenly Venerable grants permission, it will not be too late to do it."

Tianpeng Zhenjun said, “I understand your intention, but once this matter is settled, the matter of returning to Heaven is not urgent. We should first find a place with you to make Tianpeng Ruler.”

Jiang Yuan said, "Thank you for your trouble, True Lord. But this place is not suitable; we should find another place elsewhere."

Tianpeng Zhenjun pointed to the area outside the city and said, "There is a deep mountain there; you can go there to make the Tianpeng Ruler."

Jiang Yuan is rightfully entitled to be the Heavenly General.

The three then headed out of the city.

Before long, the three of them left the city and entered a mountain. They found an ancient cave in the mountain and went inside, intending to use it to make the Heavenly Canopy Ruler.

Tianpeng Zhenjun took the black iron and then took out some other things, placing them on a futon.

Jiang Yuan and the Bull Demon King were beside her.

Jiang Yuan asked, "True Lord, shall I wait outside?"

True Lord Tianpeng shook his head and said, "No need, but you may stay here. When you make the Tianpeng Ruler later, you will need to use your magic power to assist you."

Jiang Yuan said, "In that case, I will stay here to assist the True Lord."

The Bull Demon King said, "There is no place here where I am needed. I will go to the outside of that ancient cave to guard it for you two, so that no fools will dare to invade."

Say it.

The Bull Demon King got up and went outside the ancient cave to be guarded by the True Man and the True Lord.

Inside the ancient cave, Tianpeng Zhenjun placed the Xuan Tie and said, “True Man, all my treasures have their uses. I have a fire bell, which has a sound that can shake the netherworld; I have a golden sword, which has the power to slay demons and subdue monsters; I have a battle axe, which has the weight to split mountains and cleave the earth; I have a seal, which has the power to command all spirits. This Tianpeng Ruler also has great power. As the True Man said before, the Tianpeng Ruler can be described in its entirety, but the ultimate power of the Tianpeng Ruler lies in two words: ‘measurement’.”

Upon hearing what the True Lord said, Jiang Yuan was filled with admiration. The True Lord possessed many treasures, each with its own unique uses; he was truly remarkable. He asked, "True Lord, the Heavenly Canopy Ruler is used for measurement, but I wonder where I can assist you in this?"

Tianpeng Zhenjun said, "Since it is a measure, please use your magic power to help me refine the Tianpeng Ruler. When you use your magic power, you must incorporate the numbers of heaven and earth into it."

Jiang Yuan said, "I understand."

Without saying anything more, Tianpeng Zhenjun immediately set about making the Tianpeng Ruler.

……

Time flies, and more than a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

In an ancient cave in the mountains, Tianpeng Zhenjun and Jiang Yuan crafted the Tianpeng Ruler. After more than a year, the two finally completed their work.

Tianpeng Zhenjun held the Tianpeng Ruler and handed it to Jiang Yuan.

After Jiang Yuan bowed in respect, he accepted the Heavenly Ruler. This Heavenly Ruler was made of black iron. Because it contained spiritual energy, it was warm and smooth to the touch. It was 1 foot 2 inches long, 1 inch 2 fen wide, and 8 fen thick.

Its four sides are engraved. On the front, there are patterns of the Three Star Lords, the Sun, and the Big Dipper. Below is an imperial edict personally written by the True Lord Tianpeng, which reads: "The Marshal has ordered that the measurer be given the authority to point wherever he pleases, so that mountains and rivers may crumble and fall. So be it! Imperial edict!"

The reverse side is engraved with images of the Three Star Lords, the Moon, and the Big Dipper, and also bears an imperial edict written by the Marshal: "The Marshal hereby orders that this measure be given to the person who receives it, who shall not be negligent, and whose measure shall be increased accordingly. So be it! Imperial edict!"

The left side is engraved with the Taiyi Warrior, and the right side is engraved with the Tianding Warrior, for the purpose of protecting the Dharma.

Jiang Yuan held this treasure in his hand, knowing full well its wondrous uses and the magical power within it. It possessed immense power and effectiveness, enough to protect Zuo Liang completely.

Jiang Yuan bowed deeply and said, "Guangxin thanks True Lord Tianpeng! I will remember this kindness!"

Tianpeng Zhenjun shook his head and said, "No need for formalities, Master. But given our friendship, there's no need for thanks. If you ever need anything in the future, just come and find me."

Jiang Yuan said, "These words are also what I said. If one day True Lord Tianpeng needs my help, you may send an official to summon me. Even if it is to the ends of the earth, I will rush to your aid."

Upon hearing this, Tianpeng Zhenjun laughed and said, "Then it's settled. I'll leave here first and return to the Heavenly Court. Please wait, True Man."

As Tianpeng Zhenjun rose, he prepared to depart for the Heavenly Court.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan bid farewell to Tianpeng Zhenjun, but he dared not actually refuse to see him off after the Zhenjun said there was no need to see him off.

The two walked to the outside of the ancient cave, said their goodbyes, and then Tianpeng Zhenjun rode a cloud to the Heavenly Palace.

Jiang Yuan, holding the Heavenly Ruler, joined the Ox King.

Knowing that the immortal was about to depart, the Bull Demon King led the white deer and asked, "Master, where should we go after we leave? Please show us the way."

Jiang Yuan looked at the Heavenly Ruler in his hand and said, "There's no need to go anywhere else; just go home."

The Bull Demon King was somewhat surprised and said, "Didn't Master say that he would find one or two treasures for Zheng Yuan? Now that he has only found one, does that mean he can go home?"

Jiang Yuan laughed, "This one is better than ten thousand others. With this one, you can protect Zheng Yuan from harm. Don't underestimate this treasure. If Zheng Yuan gets this treasure, you will not be able to take him down. If you are not careful, you will be defeated by him." The Bull Demon King was indignant and said, "Master, you are exaggerating. This treasure is indeed very powerful, but my Black Dragon Mountain-Splitting Spear is no ordinary treasure either. Even if I cannot take Zheng Yuan down, I will not be defeated by him."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "This treasure was personally made by True Lord Tianpeng, and it also has a decree written by True Lord Tianpeng. If Zheng Yuan is no match for you, in the name of the Supreme Lord Laozi, the Five Thunder Orthodox Method can be used to invite True Lord Tianpeng to come in person. How confident are you that you can defeat True Lord Tianpeng?"

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King lost all his arrogance and said, "What you say is true, sir. I am no match for Zheng Yuan."

Jiang Yuan said, "Let's go home together and not say anything more."

The Bull Demon King responded, saying, "Master, we will go home together now. Please ride on my back, and I will lead the deer for you."

Jiang Yuan nodded in agreement and climbed onto the white deer.

The Bull Demon King then led the white deer down the mountain, heading towards the location of Lingtai Fangcun Mountain.

……

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

The True Man and the Ox King finally returned to the Slanting Moon Three Stars Cave on Lingtai Fangcun Mountain. After returning to his residence, the True Man told the Ox King to rest, while he went to the Ancestral Master's meditation room to pay his respects.

When the Patriarch saw the Heavenly Canopy Ruler in the True Man's hand, he nodded and smiled, "I told you that the Mysterious Iron would be useful to you. Do you believe me now?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and smiled, "Master, you saw through this long ago, which is why you gave the Xuan Tie to your disciple."

The Patriarch said, “That black iron has been useless to me for many years, and it is destined to be yours. But I have seen this Heavenly Canopy Ruler, which is a rare treasure. This treasure is made of black iron, which contains spiritual energy. Now, with the method of True Lord Heavenly Canopy and your method within it, it has been transformed. If it is nurtured and tempered over time, it will surely become a rare treasure. Are you really not tempted by such a treasure? If you can obtain this treasure, you will definitely make great progress.”

Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "Master, the treasure is the guest, and I am the host. This reversal of the proper order is unacceptable. Besides, I am not a fierce and ruthless person. What use would I have for so many treasures?"

Upon hearing this, the Patriarch gave Jiang Yuan an approving look and said, "You have made good progress in cultivating your mind. Go and teach the treasure to Zheng Yuan."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan bowed deeply to the patriarch and said, "Master, this disciple takes his leave."

The patriarch waved his hand, saying no more.

The Master then left the quiet room and returned to his residence. After returning, he summoned Zuo Liang.

Having received the master's instructions, Zuo Liang dared not delay and went to the master's quiet room, where he requested an audience with the master from outside.

Jiang Yuan ushered Zuo Liang into the quiet room and said, "Since I invited you here, there's no need for formalities. Why are you still waiting outside? What's the reason for this?"

Zuo Liang replied, "Master, etiquette must not be disregarded. Even if you invite me, I must not enter without proper manners."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan did not say anything more and said, "You can leave the manor to cultivate now, there is no need to stay here any longer."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang knelt down and kowtowed to the True Man, already understanding the True Man's meaning.

The master waved his hand and said, "There's no need to stay any longer. You may leave the mansion now."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang dared not linger and got up to leave. Just as he was about to step out of the quiet room, the master suddenly spoke up and called Zuo Liang back.

Zuo Liang turned around and bowed, saying, "Master, is there anything else that I need to take care of?"

Jiang Yuan casually handed the Tianpeng Ruler to Zuo Liang and said, "But you are going down the mountain and don't know when you will be able to return home. You may be bullied outside, and you have no treasure to protect you. Now I will give you a treasure. Hold on to it and take good care of it. This treasure is enough to protect you."

Zuo Liang subconsciously took the Heavenly Ruler, but as soon as he held it, he knew that this treasure was extremely rare. How could he dare to accept it? So he wanted to return it.

Jiang Yuan said, "I cannot refuse a gift from an elder. Do not make me punish you by sending you to the library to read books for many more years. Take the treasure and leave the mansion at once."

Say it.

Suddenly a gentle breeze came and carried Zuo Liang out of the quiet room.

Zuo Liang stood outside, looking at the Heavenly Ruler in his hand. How could he not understand the Master's concern? He knelt before the Master's room, kowtowing countless times, before getting up and heading out of the mansion.

Zuo Liangxing entered the mansion and was heading out, but he bumped into the Ox King halfway there.

Zuo Liang bowed and said, "King of the Ox."

The Bull Demon King returned the greeting and asked, "Zhengyuan, are you leaving the manor now?"

Zuo Liang asked in surprise, "How did the Ox King know I was going to leave the palace?"

The Bull Demon King said, "I understand what you have said, Master. You are going outside to seek the Dao."

As he spoke, the Ox King suddenly noticed the Heavenly Canopy Ruler in Zuo Liang's hand and said, "The master has already given you this treasure? So quickly."

Zuo Liang raised the Heavenly Canopy Ruler in his hand and asked, "Does the Ox King know of this treasure?"

The Ox King said, "How could I not know about this treasure? I just went with my master to search for it earlier and even witnessed its birth. If I don't know about this treasure, then no one in the world knows about it."

Zuo Liang asked, "Master went to search for this treasure? What do you mean? I hope you can ask the Ox King to explain it to me in detail."

The Bull Demon King then recounted how the True Man had gone out for over a year specifically to create the treasure for the True Abyss, and how he had worked with the True Lord Tianpeng to make the treasure. He also emphasized the matter of Wang Hui.

The Bull Demon King said, "That Wang Hui is an evil person who distorts the truth and dares to deceive the gods! Zheng Yuan, if you encounter such a person when you go out in the future, you must punish him severely and not be deceived by him. The human heart is the hardest to guard against."

Zuo Liang said, "I am aware of this matter and will certainly take it seriously. Please rest assured, Ox King. However, there is one thing I would like to ask you to explain to me in detail."

The Bull Demon King asked, "What is it?"

Zuo Liang said, "Please ask the Ox King to inform me that my master has made a special trip out of the mansion to search for treasure."

Upon hearing this, the Bull Demon King asked in surprise, "Didn't the master tell you this? Since you want to know, I will tell you."

Say it.

The Bull Demon King recounted the matter in detail.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang was deeply grateful for the Master's kindness. He was moved to tears, gripped the Heavenly Ruler tightly, turned around and knelt in the Master's meditation room, saying, "Disciple Zheng Yuan thanks Master for his profound kindness. I will remember it in my heart and never forget it. When I have achieved some success in my cultivation, I will definitely return to my residence to serve Master and fulfill my filial duty."

Zuo Liang shed tears, bowed to the Bull Demon King, and then left the mansion.

The Bull Demon King looked at Zuo Liang for a long time, and then understood what he was thinking. He was deeply impressed by the True Man's heart. The True Man had gone out to search for treasure for a long time, which was both time-consuming and laborious, but in the end he did not tell Zuo Liang the origin of the treasure. What kind of virtue was this?

Old Niu is not capable of doing such a thing. If Old Niu were to do good deeds, others would surely know, but he is far inferior to a true person. This may be due to the difference in their cultivation.

Suddenly, the Bull Demon King recalled the words the True Man had spoken when he followed him years ago: "Do no evil, do all good, do good deeds and don't worry about the future." He suddenly understood.

(End of this chapter)