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

Chapter 343 Pharmacological Theory, Two People Fighting a Dragon (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The setting sun hides its fiery reflection in the western mountains, while the rising moon appears as an icy wheel over the eastern sea.

Outside Qingshui City, beside the official road, the county magistrate resigned, removed his official hat, bowed deeply, and expressed his willingness to follow Zuo Liang.

This method taught Zuo Liang and the other two were somewhat perplexed.

Zuo Liang stepped forward and helped the magistrate up, saying, "Your Excellency, why have you come to this?"

The magistrate was unwilling to get up and said, "Please allow me to follow, Celestial Master."

Zuo Liang said, “Why is Your Excellency doing this? You are the local official, and in my opinion, Qingshui County is a medium-sized county, and Your Excellency is a seventh-rank official. Why do you want to follow me and be an official? Wouldn’t it be much more comfortable to have power in your heart than to suffer with me? Why bother?”

The magistrate said, “The court is corrupt and incompetent, and the country is in chaos with warlords vying for power. Although I am the magistrate of a county, I feel powerless in this world. I cannot save the court above, nor can I protect the people of my county below. What face do I have to be an official? I would rather follow the Celestial Master and focus on cultivation. In this way, I will find my own peace.”

Zuo Liang shook his head and said, "Your worldly desires are not yet gone; how can you follow me?"

The magistrate asked, "Celestial Master, why do you say that I have not yet eradicated worldly desires?"

Zuo Liang countered, "Your Excellency, do you have any family?"

Upon hearing this, the magistrate remained silent for a long time before saying, "I have a family. Apart from my clansmen, I have one wife, six concubines, and countless children."

Zuo Liang said, "If you leave, have you ever thought about them? Without your protection, they will surely suffer."

The magistrate was at a loss for words.

Zuo Liang said, “Your Excellency, although you speak of being immoral, I know that you harbor hopes for the court and are wholeheartedly devoted to protecting your people. If you leave, are you truly willing to do so? Perhaps the newly appointed magistrate will amass wealth and treat his people as nothing.”

The magistrate hesitated, then bowed and said, “Master, I understand. But I should return to protect the people under my jurisdiction. As a parent official, I should act like one. I will not speak like this again, lest I become a laughingstock.”

Zuo Liang said, "I can see that the county magistrate has a great sense of righteousness, so there is no need to say more."

The magistrate looked ashamed and said, "How can I be worthy of the Celestial Master's words? I am just a petty person. I saw that the court was corrupt and there was no way to become an official. I could not see any light. I saw that the Celestial Master was detached from worldly affairs, so I decided to follow him."

Zuo Liang smiled but remained silent, saying nothing more.

The magistrate was about to get up and take his leave, but suddenly turned around, bowed and said, "Master, I have a question for you, please answer it for me."

Zuo Liang said, "Tell me, and if I can answer your question, I will."

The magistrate asked, "Is there a way to the imperial court?"

Zuo Liang smiled slightly and said, "This question should be answered by all the people of the world, not by a commoner like me."

The magistrate suddenly realized, his heart filled with bitterness. He bowed and said, "Master, I understand now. Please wait a moment. If you ever need me, please send someone to tell you that the entire Qingshui County is willing to serve you."

Say it.

He turned and left without lingering, stumbling away.

Watching the magistrate leave, Wang Shou asked, "Sir, why does Your Excellency appear so distraught?"

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "He already knows the answer in his heart."

Lu Yan said, "Although this magistrate seems incompetent and ineffective, he is actually talented and has the court in his heart. However, the world is without justice, so his talent is useless."

Zuo Liang said, “In this sea of ​​suffering, there are many people like this. Junior brother, let’s go and head to Qingzhou.”

Lu Yan bowed and said, "That is indeed the case."

The two said no more and headed towards Qingzhou.

Wang Shou followed closely behind.

……

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

After traveling day and night, the group finally arrived at the coastal area of ​​Qingzhou.

Lu Yan and Zuo Liang remained unchanged. The journey was nothing to them, but Wang Shou, being an ordinary man, found it difficult to keep up. However, seeing Lu Yan and Zuo Liang's anxious appearance, Wang Shou dared not complain about the hardship and followed them silently, growing dusty and weary along the way.

They then entered a city.

Zuo Liang then said, "Let's find a place to rest. My little friend is having a bit too much to handle."

Lu Yan looked back and said, "It was my fault; I hadn't thought of that."

Seeing the two talking like this, Wang Shou hurriedly said, "Sir, Mr. Lü, I can still hold on."

Zuo Liang laughed and said, "Don't be stubborn, let's find a place to rest."

Wang Shou wanted to say something more, but seeing Zuo Liang's unquestionable expression, he had no choice but to agree.

After traveling for a long time in the city, the group found an inn to rest.

Wang Shou kept saying he wasn't tired, but as soon as he got into his room, he fell asleep without any reaction.

Seeing this, Lü Yan found it somewhat amusing and said, "Senior brother, this person is quite interesting, but are you going to take him as your disciple?"

Zuo Liang nodded and said, "Let's see if he can persevere, and more importantly, let's see if he can come to a realization."

Lu Yan said, "I see that he has some spirituality, and he will definitely be able to persevere and gain more understanding."

Zuo Liang said, "Let's leave this matter aside for now, but Junior Brother, do you know the origin of that evil dragon?"

Lu Yan shook his head and said, "I only know that he did evil and that he came from Beiju Luzhou. I know nothing else. Senior brother, do you have a way to find out where he came from?"

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang pondered for a moment and said, "Please invite the local earth gods and mountain gods. As for information, the earth gods and mountain gods know best."

Lu Yan said, "I hope you will use your magic, senior brother. In terms of such things, I am far inferior to you. If I summon you, he may not come."

Zuo Liang said, "Everyone has their own area of ​​expertise."

Say it.

Zuo Liang then performed a ritual, using the Five Thunder Orthodox Method to summon the local land and mountain gods.

However, before half an incense stick had burned, several local and mountain gods arrived to pay homage to Zuo Liang.

Zuo Liang helped each of them up and said, "There's no need for formalities, everyone. I've come all this way to ask you something."

The local earth gods and mountain spirits both said, "Please speak, Master, but we will certainly answer your questions."

Zuo Liang asked, "But I wonder if you all know that there is an evil dragon along the coast of Qingzhou, which comes from Beiju Luzhou and is causing trouble in this area?"

The local earth god and mountain god both replied, "We understand, we understand."

Zuo Liang said, "Do you know its background? If you do, you can tell me. My junior brother Chunyangzi and I have come here today to slay this evil dragon."

The local earth god bowed and said, "You two masters are very righteous! That evil dragon is entrenched along the coast of Donglai County in Qingzhou. If any fishermen approach the sea, they will be harmed by it. As a result, no one dares to approach the sea now, which is very inconvenient for the people in this area."

Zuo Liang asked, "What kind of evil dragon is this?" The local earth god said, "Master, this evil dragon comes from Beiju Luzhou, but we do not know its exact origin. We only know that this evil dragon is a black dragon, skilled with a spear, and has a very powerful token in its hand. When the token is struck, it is like five thunderbolts, which makes people fearful and retreat without a fight. If you are too late, you will be killed by it."

Upon receiving this news, Zuo Liang bowed to the local earth and mountain gods and said, "Thank you all for your help. I now fully understand the ins and outs of this place."

The local earth god and mountain god hurriedly returned the greeting, saying, "We dare not accept such praise. If the Master has nothing else to say, we will take our leave."

Zuo Liang saw off the local earth god and mountain god. Before leaving, he said that he would offer some incense, candles, melons and fruits to the earth god and mountain god the next day.

The local earth god and mountain god were flattered and overwhelmed upon hearing this, and said there was no need for further explanation.

However, Zuo Liang insisted on doing so.

The local earth gods and mountain spirits had no choice but to accept it, and repeatedly thanked Zuo Liang. Only after a long time did they leave one by one.

Upon seeing this, Lü Yan asked, "Senior brother, why are you befriending the local earth gods and mountain spirits?"

Zuo Liang laughed and said, "The local earth gods and mountain gods are virtuous and wise. There will be benefits in befriending them. Besides, what I cultivate is the Five Thunder Orthodox Method, which is related to the gods. It is definitely not wrong to be on good terms with the gods."

Lü Yan said, "So that's how it is."

Zuo Liang said, "Junior brother, now that we know where that evil dragon came from, do you have a way to deal with it?"

Lu Yan said, "Senior brother, if this evil dragon is as the local earth god and mountain god said, it is not so scary, but we must be careful before we fight it."

Zuo Liang said, “According to the Earth God and Mountain God, that evil dragon has a magic treasure token and is skilled in martial arts, especially spear fighting. I don’t know how skilled you are, Junior Brother. If I were to fight him, I would not be able to match his skills. Although I have some cultivation methods, I have not practiced martial arts. So if you teach me to fight him, I fear I will die and my cultivation will be destroyed in no time.”

Lu Yan bowed and said, "Senior brother, please rest assured. I have some martial arts skills, but as long as I am alive, that evil dragon will not be able to get close to you."

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "If that's the case, then I'll have to trouble you, junior brother. I have my own magic to help you."

Lu Yan said, "How can you say I've troubled you? I was the one who asked my senior brother for help, how can I have the audacity to say I've troubled you?"

During their conversation, the two decided on a plan: in a few days, they would go to the coast of Donglai to fight the evil dragon.

After they finished speaking, the two said no more and went to find a place to rest.

……

Two or three days later, they left.

During these two or three days, Zuo Liang treated the sick people in the city and also asked people to build a sizable altar by the sea in preparation for fighting the evil dragon.

One day, Zuo Liang was treating patients in the city and asked Wang Shou, who was behind him, to prescribe medicine.

Zuo Liang said to the people around him, “Betel nut and pomegranate root bark, these two medicines can cure your illnesses. Your illnesses mostly come from the sea. You often eat raw fish and shrimp from the sea, thinking they are delicious. However, there are many diseases in them. This medicine can help you get rid of your illnesses.”

The people all bowed and thanked Zuo Liang for his kindness.

Zuo Liang smiled and waved his hand, dismissing the crowd of people.

The people obeyed the order and went without delay.

Wang Shou beside him looked somewhat troubled.

Upon seeing this, Zuo Liang asked, "Why are you like this?"

Wang Shou said, “Sir, I have been studying with you for a long time, but I still can’t understand the pharmacology. This is very frustrating for me. I am so stupid.”

Zuo Liang laughed and said, "If you don't know, just ask me. Why bother yourself by thinking about it?"

Wang Shou replied, "But I fear I might disturb you, and I also fear that you might find me stupid."

Zuo Liang shook his head and said, "Pharmacology is very easy to understand, but remember what I said: the universe has its own order, and the pathologies are similar, such as metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, which correspond to the human body. Metal corresponds to the lungs and nose. Wood corresponds to the liver and eyes. Water corresponds to the kidneys and ears. Fire corresponds to the heart and tongue. Earth corresponds to the spleen and mouth. Therefore, when you treat a patient, you should look at where the illness originates. If it corresponds to fire, it is mostly related to the heart, or the patient's heart is restless, or the heart fire is causing trouble. This is the most common."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou suddenly understood and gained a great deal. He then asked, "Sir, but how do you determine if someone has a fire-related illness?"

Zuo Liang patted Wang Shou on the head and said, "I've told you before, fire resides in the heart and in the tongue. Just look at his tongue; if it's different from the norm, that's enough to make a judgment. The same applies to medicine. All medicines have their own pharmacology, and the pharmacology is also based on the Five Elements. For example, Qian Gui and Huang Qi belong to the Wood and Fire elements, while Huang Qi belongs to the Earth element. Therefore, Qian Gui has the effect of nourishing blood and entering the heart and liver, while Huang Qi has the effect of nourishing Qi and entering the spleen."

Wang Shou said, "As you said, according to the theory of the Five Elements, we can determine the location of the disease and then use the appropriate medicine."

Zuo Liang said, "This is the most basic skill. There is also the theory of the five elements generating and restraining each other, the theory that each person's body is different, and the theory that yin and yang are not equal. You need to learn a lot."

Wang Shou was greatly impressed and bowed to Zuo Liang to express his gratitude for Zuo Liang's instruction in such skills.

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "Since you are following me, I will teach you myself. There is no need to thank me. It is getting late. Come with me to find Junior Brother Lü and head to the seaside."

Wang Shou was puzzled and said, "I have heard that you have recently built a high platform by the sea. I wonder what your intention is? There is no drought here, so there is no need to pray for rain."

Zuo Liang said, "No need to ask any more questions. Just follow me, and you'll know when we get there."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou remained silent and followed Zuo Liang away.

The two met Lü Yan at the post station.

The group then left and headed towards the sea.

Halfway there, Zuo Liang told Wang Shouyan about their mission to subdue the evil dragon.

Upon hearing this, Wang Shou trembled with fear and said, "Sir, are you leading me to my death?"

Zuo Liang laughed and scolded, "How could I lead you to your death? Why do you have no confidence in me? Since I'm taking you there, I will definitely bring you back. Don't worry. If you're really afraid, then leave. I won't stop you."

Wang Shou asked, "Sir, you truly possess the ability to subdue dragons, but I was somewhat alarmed when I first heard of it. Please forgive me, sir, I will certainly go with you to subdue the dragons together."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang smiled and said, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you."

Wang Shou panicked and asked, "Sir, what do you mean by that?"

Zuo Liang said, "Didn't you tell me that you wanted to help me subdue the dragon? In that case, the task of restraining that evil dragon is entrusted to you."

Wang Shou was stunned and speechless. How could a mere mortal like him possibly defeat a dragon?

When Zuo Liang and Lü Yan saw this, they burst into laughter.

……

An hour or two later, the group reached the coast. There, the sea was surging with waves, as if Gonggong had struck a pillar, and the earth's structure was about to crack. The sound was like the thunder of a Kui drum, startling even gods and ghosts. They also saw giant turtles diving into the abyss, their heads struggling to hold up the waves, and giant whales breaking through the waves, their backs so wide that one could pass through them.

Both Zuo Liang and Lü Yan were startled by the sea's power and were momentarily unable to recover.

But after a while, the two came to their senses and the group walked to a high platform by the sea.

Zuo Liang asked, "Junior brother, what method do you have to lure that evil dragon out of the sea? If it is in the sea, it will be difficult for us to find it."

Lu Yan said, “It is difficult for us to cross the sea, let alone enter it. In that case, we should try to lure the evil dragon out. I have heard that the evil dragon often harms fishermen who go out to sea. Why don’t I pretend to be one of the fishermen and force the evil dragon out? Then, my senior brother can take the opportunity to trap it on the shore and prevent it from escaping. Then we can join forces to subdue it.”

Zuo Liang naturally agreed with his statement.

(End of this chapter)