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

Chapter 341: A Document Prays for Rain, Wang Shouming's Cultivation (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
In the city of Xuzhou, Wang Shou received orders to enter the city and find the county magistrate to carry out the task of building a rain-praying platform.

But once inside the city, it didn't take long before he arrived at the magistrate's residence. However, how could a commoner like him possibly meet the magistrate?

Wang Shou knew that he would have difficulty seeing the magistrate, so he used silver to pave the way, and only under these circumstances was he able to see the magistrate.

Upon entering the county government office, Wang Shou paid his respects to the county magistrate, only to find the magistrate reading a book on miscellaneous subjects.

Wang Shouyi was filled with anger and asked, "The city is in turmoil, and the people are suffering. Why is the magistrate here reading miscellaneous books instead of helping the refugees?"

Upon hearing this, the magistrate raised his eyes and asked, "The city is suffering from a severe drought. I have done everything I can: opened granaries to distribute grain, set up soup kitchens, and advised wealthy households to take precautions against the epidemic. But now the city has no grain, and wealthy households are unwilling to contribute. I have done all I can, but the court is ignoring me. What can I do? I am not a god who can cure the drought or conjure up money out of thin air."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou was at a loss for words. After pondering for a moment, he bowed and said, "It was my rudeness that led me to speak nonsense without knowing the situation."

The magistrate, bored out of his mind, flipped through a book and said, "Since you've come to see me, you must have some connections. Tell me, what brings you here?"

Wang Shou said, "Magistrate, I have come here on my master's orders to find you. Please help me build a rain-praying platform so that my master can ascend it to pray for rain and relieve the drought."

Upon hearing this, the magistrate put down his book, stood up excitedly, and asked, "What did you say? That your master can pray for rain to relieve the drought? You should know that there is no joking in front of officials. Can you take what you say seriously?"

Wang Shou hesitated for a long time. He had never seen Zuo Liang pray for rain, so he was not sure. However, he trusted Zuo Liang very much. He bowed and said, "Magistrate, what I said is true. If you can build a rain-praying platform, my master can definitely pray for rain to relieve the drought."

The magistrate asked, "Who is your husband?"

Wang Shou said, "My master is indeed my master. He is a cultivator who has been walking in the world to save refugees and is revered by the people as the Celestial Master."

Upon hearing this, the magistrate was extremely excited and said, "It is indeed a Celestial Master. If he is a Celestial Master, then the rain-making ritual will surely succeed."

Wang Shou asked, "Does the county magistrate know my master?"

The magistrate replied, “I do not know the Celestial Master, but I have heard his name many times. The Celestial Master saves the world, and wherever he goes, there is no more disaster. If the Celestial Master says that success can be achieved, then success will surely be achieved.”

Wang Shou never expected that Zuo Liang's reputation among the people had reached this level. He stood up, bowed, and said, "This is very kind of you, Magistrate. I hope you will allow me to build a rain-praying platform."

The magistrate said, "I will mobilize the troops to build a rain-praying platform. It will be completed in less than a month."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou left the county government office, intending to find Zuo Liang. However, not long after leaving the county government office, someone came to issue a notice that the Celestial Master was about to arrive and a rain-praying platform would be built to invite the Celestial Master to pray for rain. The construction of the rain-praying platform required manpower, and anyone who was willing could go to the county government office to help build the rain-praying platform.

Upon learning of this, the helpless refugees around them rose from the ground, cheering and responding to the magistrate's order.

The name of the Celestial Master has already earned him a high reputation among the people.

Wang Shoujian was somewhat dazed. This encounter made him feel as if he were reading history books. He had read in history books that there was a person who practiced cultivation in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, just like his master, who saved the common people.

However, his fate was not good. After saving the common people and accumulating prestige, he chose to rebel, but ultimately failed and died.

His name was Zhang Jiao, and he was also known as the General of the Way of Peace and the Great Teacher of Virtue.

Wang Shouhu felt a jolt in his heart. Could it be that his master also wanted to take this path?

Wang Shou dared not delay and walked quickly. Before long, he arrived outside the city and met Zuo Liang, explaining the whole story to him.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang pondered for a moment and said, "You have handled this matter well. If the magistrate is willing to build a rain-praying platform for me, it will save me a lot of trouble."

Wang Shou said, "Now that we have the help of refugees and the county magistrate is leading the way, it will be completed in no time."

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "That's excellent."

Wang Shou asked hesitantly, "Sir, there is something I don't understand."

Zuo Liang said, "Tell me your questions and I will answer them for you."

Wang Shou asked, "Sir, but may I ask what your purpose is in saving the common people?"

Zuo Liang said, "Since I have witnessed the suffering of the people, I should naturally help them. What need do I have? Why do you say such things?"

Wang Shou said, “I see that you have a great reputation, and when you speak, the people obey you and respond to your call. I feel that you are somewhat similar to the great wise teacher of the late Eastern Han Dynasty.”

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang said irritably, "You actually think I would rebel? You've been with me for months, how could you think such a thing? You're a bit muddle-headed."

Wang Shou said, "If you say so, then you have no intention of rebelling."

Zuo Liang said, “All living beings are inherently suffering, why make them suffer even more? I have no such intention. You should not say such things again. Now take some paper from your bundle.”

Wang Shou obeyed the order and took out paper and ink from his bundle. He asked, "What do you need the paper for, sir?"

Zuo Liang took the papers and said, "If we want to pray for rain, official documents are essential. Otherwise, how can we pray for rain, and to whom should we pray?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou asked, "Sir, is this prayer for rain a prayer to the gods?"

Zuo Liang nodded and said, "That's right, that's right. We need to send a proclamation to the Heavenly Court, asking the Great Heavenly Venerable for permission, and then send it to the Thunder Palace. Once we have all the necessary permission, we can pray for heavy rain."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou said, "Master, are you truly confident? If you are not, then it's better not to go."

Zuo Liang laughed and said, "It's just a rain prayer, little Dao. Don't worry, we don't have any paperweights right now, so you can make one for me."

Zuo Liang fiddled with his brush and ink.

Wang Shou assisted him from the side.

A moment later, Zuo Liang picked up his brush and wrote on the paper. He wrote: "In the year of Jiazi, Xin Si, Bing Zi, in Qingshui County, Pengcheng, Xuzhou, and at the Lingtai Fangcun Mountain Xieyue Sanxing Cave, Xiniu Hezhou, the second disciple of the Guangxin Zhenren, Zheng Yuan, respectfully and sincerely presents this petition after washing his hands and burning incense."

The universe is in harmony, thanks to the harmony of the dragon and tiger; the clear waters of Xuzhou are transformed by the interplay of the primordial and the ecliptic. From last year until now, the scorching sun has wreaked havoc, leaving the land parched for thousands of miles, crops withered, and wells dried up. The common people are filled with anxiety, as if burning with despair; the Taoist priests are deeply distressed, as if suffering from pain and ailment.

Now, having witnessed this on my journey, my heart is filled with compassion. Therefore, I beseech Heaven to have mercy on the suffering of all people, and to bestow upon them a sweet rain to save them. Send the Cloud Master and Rain Master to summon thunder and lightning, to stir up wind and raise waters; send the Dragon Lord to dive into the abyss, to spew mist and bring rain to irrigate the parched and barren land; send the Thunder Gods to spread their might and cleanse the world of its transgressions.

"I obey the command of the Supreme Lord Laozi, may it be done swiftly as the law dictates."

After Zuo Liang finished writing, he put the document away and placed it in his bundle.

Wang Shouxin was puzzled and asked, "Sir, what is the meaning of 'Taishang Laojun urges you to obey the law'?"

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "It's an urging gesture. With this in mind, we can get things done faster."

Wang Shou said, "Sir, is it possible for me to do this?"

Zuo Liang said, "No, if we do not allow such words to be spoken, we will surely be harmed in the future."

Wang Shou was somewhat puzzled, but seeing that Zuo Liang did not want to answer, he did not ask any further questions.

The two entered the city to rest.

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

The rain-praying platform was finally completed.

One day, the county magistrate led many refugees to the City God Temple in the city and invited Zuo Liang to ascend the platform to pray for rain to relieve the people's disaster.

Upon learning this, Zuo Liang invited the county magistrate and others inside and said, "Praying for rain is not difficult, but the offerings must be prepared. Once the task is accomplished, I will ascend the altar to pray for rain."

The county magistrate bowed and said, "I hope the Heavenly Master will tell me what kind of offerings should be prepared?"

Zuo Liang said, “Incense, candles, tea, wine, rice, wheat, millet, sorghum, beans, seasonal fruits, and three kinds of sacrificial animals. We also need a handful of spring water to please the rain master, a wooden dragon to invite the dragon king to bring rain, and so on. I have all the ritual implements and documents. We also need five-colored soil.”

Zuo Liang recounted many things, instructing the county magistrate to prepare accordingly.

The magistrate listened intently, scratching his head, and asked, "Master, I know most of the things, but what exactly is Five-Colored Soil? I've never heard of it before."

Zuo Liang said, "The Five-Colored Soil is made by taking soil from the five directions of East, West, South, North, and Center and mixing them together. This is meant to harmonize Yin and Yang and balance the Five Elements."

The magistrate suddenly realized what was happening and said, "Master, I understand. I will go and make the preparations."

Zuo Liang remained where he was and did not move.

After the county magistrate had completed all the preparations, he invited Zuo Liangshi for the second time. Only then did Zuo Liangshi agree and go with the county magistrate to the rain-praying platform.

The rain-praying platform was built outside the city. When the magistrate invited Zuo Liang to the rain-praying platform outside the city, it was already surrounded by many refugees. Fortunately, the magistrate instructed people to clear a path, which allowed Zuo Liang to enter.

Zuo Liang walked onto the rain-praying platform and saw the people around him. He was not afraid. He took out the document and handed it to Wang Shou, saying, "Keep this document. When I tell you your name, you can hand this document to me."

Wang Shou said, "Yes, sir. Is there anything else you require?"

Zuo Liang shook his head and said, "No, you can rest assured and just stand here."

Wang Shou said, "Sir, I fear that someone might disturb the altar. If that happens, the effort will be wasted and the ritual will fail, which would be a pity."

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "I pray for rain, and the local earth gods and mountain gods from all directions will come to protect me. Nothing will happen, and no one will disturb me. You can rest assured."

Wang Shou was somewhat confused upon hearing this, but he still listened.

After being persuaded, Zuo Liang walked to the incense burner of the rain-praying platform, stood holding a sword, and muttered incantations. He strode in front of the platform as if he were performing some kind of ancient dance.

Wang Shou and the other refugees all looked at Zuo Liang, waiting for good news. Wang Shou was skeptical, wondering if Zuo Liang could successfully pray for rain. But when he turned his head, he saw that the thousands of people below the stage were looking at Zuo Liang with eyes full of trust and without the slightest doubt.

Upon seeing this, Wang Shou felt a pang of guilt. These refugees had not questioned him, so why was he half-believing? It must be because they trusted his master. Thinking of this, Wang Shou stopped questioning him.

Zuo Liang danced on the platform for a long time, then suddenly raised his sword, placed the Heavenly Ruler in front of the altar, and stretched the sword toward Wang Shou, saying, "Give me the document."

Wang Shou dared not delay and immediately presented the document to Zuo Liang.

Zuo Liang used his sword to lift the document and placed it in front of the candle to burn it.

He had just burned the documents when he suddenly saw a gentle breeze drifting in from mid-air, accompanied by lightning.

Standing on the high platform, Wang Shou could see clearly that amidst the wind, clouds, and lightning, there were vague figures standing, which shocked him. Could it be that his teacher had such abilities? By burning documents, he could instantly summon immortals.

Zuo Liang bowed to the heavens, inviting the gods to help him. He then pointed his sword and said, "The wind is coming."

Suddenly, a strong wind arose, dispelling the scorching sun and turning everything gray. The people below the platform were thrilled and shouted "Celestial Master!"

Zuo Liang pointed to the sky again and said, "Clouds come, thunder comes, lightning comes!"

The gods responded, and in mid-air, the Wind God was in a hurry, the Thunder God was in a panic, and the Lightning Goddess was trembling with fear, lest they delay Zuo Liang's ritual and incur punishment.

Seeing that wind, clouds, thunder, and lightning were all present, Zuo Liang immediately issued a command, saying, "Let the rain come."

As soon as the decree was issued, a torrential downpour began, and the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas all came to this place to send rain in response to Zuo Liang.

The strong winds and heavy rains completely dispelled the excessive yang energy.

The people cheered, bathed in sweet dew, and their despair vanished.

The county magistrate knelt and kowtowed to Zuo Liang countless times, calling out to the gods.

Wang Shouyi was also excited. He knew very well what kind of person his teacher was. He was not just a skilled doctor, but almost an immortal. He seemed to understand what cultivation was.

Seeing the gods respond, Zuo Liang was deeply moved. The name of Laozi seemed to be even more useful than he had thought.

Now that the gods have arrived, he must not be disrespectful and should go and pay his respects.

Zuo Liang chanted an incantation and used a spell to send his primordial spirit out of his body to meet the gods in mid-air.

When Zuo Liang's spirit arrived, he saw a group of gods waiting in the clouds, awaiting Zuo Liang's decree.

Zuo Liang stepped forward and bowed.

The gods returned the greeting, saying, "We pay our respects to Master Zhengyuan."

Zuo Liang said, "You are all seniors, so it is I who should bow to you. There is no need for me to return the greeting."

The gods said, "We have come here by imperial decree to listen to the teachings of the Master. How can we presume to call ourselves seniors? The Master must not speak in such a way. But we do not know if the Master has any other decrees. If so, please tell us, and we will certainly do our best to fulfill them for you."

Zuo Liang said, "There is no decree from Heaven. I have come here today to pray for rain to relieve the drought. But I do not know why this place is suffering from drought. What has this place done to offend Heaven, that it has been punished with this disaster?"

The gods said, “Master, you are unaware that there was no disaster here. An official document had already been sent to order rain, but the Dragon King of this place soon ordered it to be dragged to the Dragon-Slaying Platform. Therefore, no one here received the document, which caused the delay. In addition, the three calamities in Jambudvipa were strong, and we were not careful, so the drought occurred.”

Zuo Liang sighed, "I never imagined it would turn out this way, causing suffering to the people."

The gods looked at each other in bewilderment, and all bowed in reverence, praising the Dharma Master for his compassion.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang was about to say something more.

Suddenly, the Wind God spoke up, saying, "Master, but I wonder if we may have something to say?"

Zuo Liang was somewhat puzzled and said, "What is it? Please speak plainly."

Feng Bo said tremblingly, "We hope that if you pray for rain in the future, you may use the name of your sect. However, if we accept it, we will surely descend to the mortal realm. Today, seeing that the decree has the names of the True Man and Laozi, we thought it was a big deal and almost mobilized our troops to come here."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang realized it was his fault. He immediately bowed and apologized to each of the gods, saying that he would never do it again and asking the gods to rest assured.

(End of this chapter)