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

Chapter 363 The Eight Immortals' Pact, Wukong's Protection

Time flies, and two or three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Zuo Liang accepted Zhang Guolao's invitation to join the Eight Immortals and travel with him to the Yangzhou area to find Tieguai Li.

After instructing his followers to study medicine diligently, Zuo Liang traveled with Lü Yan and Zhang Guolao, riding on clouds to Yangzhou.

Once Lü Yan entered Yangzhou territory, he asked, "Zhang Guo, do you know where Zhongli Quan is?"

Zhang Guolao, riding backwards on a white donkey, shook his head and said, "I really don't know. I've only heard that Tieguai Li is in the Yangzhou area, but I truly don't know his exact location."

Lü Yan said, "If we don't know where it is, it will be difficult to find."

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "Don't be impatient, I have a way to find Tieguai Li and Zhongli Quan."

When Lü Yan saw that it was Zuo Liang who spoke, he immediately calmed down.

Zhang Guolao was puzzled and looked at Lü Yan, wondering if he had any way to find Zhongli Quan and his companion in a single prefecture.

Seeing his gaze, Lü Yan said, "My senior brother possesses magical abilities and is a rare cultivator. He has the Five Thunder Orthodox Method, which can command all the gods. If you want to find someone, just look for the gods of mountains and rivers, the gods of land and water, and that will be enough."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guolao immediately understood, bowed to Zuo Liang, and deeply appreciated his extraordinary abilities.

Zuo Liang then sent the local earth god and mountain god over, gave them some instructions, and after the earth god and mountain god agreed, they waited in the same place.

After watching the local earth god and mountain god leave, Zuo Liang looked at Zhang Guolao and said with a smile, "Guolao, there's no need for that. As the saying goes, 'everyone has their own expertise,' and so it is with us cultivators. But we are all different in our areas of expertise and we are not particularly outstanding in any particular way."

Zhang Guolao shook his head and said, "Although our areas of expertise are quite different, the Celestial Master surpasses us in both temperament and magical power."

Zuo Liang smiled and did not argue with Zhang Guolao.

The three waited in the same spot for a while. Before long, a local deity came to report and told Zuo Liang in detail where Zhongli Quan and Tieguai Li were.

However, Zhongli Quan and Tieguai Li are now in a mountain in eastern Yangzhou, a mountain called "Wangyue Mountain".

Having found out where the two were, the three of them no longer hesitated and headed towards Wangyue Mountain.

After traveling for more than half a day, the three of them arrived at Wangyue Mountain. Upon reaching the mountain, they saw auspicious mist rising from it, indicating that there were immortals living there.

Lu Yan pointed to that spot and said, "With this auspicious mist, Zhongli Quan and Tieguai Li must be in this mountain."

Zuo Liang said, "Don't say any more, Junior Brother, Elder Guo, let's go into the mountains together."

After the three finished speaking, they entered the mountain. But as soon as they entered the mountain, a boy came to greet them.

The young Taoist said, "I have come on the orders of my master to welcome our distinguished guest."

Zuo Liang stepped forward and asked, "Is your master Li Xuan?"

The young Taoist replied, “Indeed, indeed. My master saw auspicious clouds rising outside and guessed that a true cultivator was about to descend, so he sent me to wait for the distinguished guest at the foot of the mountain to welcome him into the mansion.”

Zuo Liang said, "Then I will trouble you, Immortal Child, to lead us there."

The group then headed up the mountain, intending to go there to see Tieguai Li.

The young Taoist priest walked along the mountain path and asked, "I do not yet know who this distinguished guest is, but do you know my master's name?"

Zuo Liang laughed and said, "My Buddhist name is Zhengyuan, and I am not very famous. You must not have heard of me. Li Xuan is my senior uncle in terms of seniority."

Upon hearing this, the young Taoist and Lü Yan were all startled.

Lu Yan said, "I have never heard of such a relationship between my senior brother and Tieguai Li. I am ignorant."

Zhang Guolao shook his head and said, "I have never heard of it either."

Zuo Liang said, “You don’t know, back then Li Xuan asked my master for help with a matter. At that time, I had not yet completed my apprenticeship and was still following along in cultivation. That’s when I met Li Xuan on that path. Li Xuan called my master ‘senior brother.’ If we’re talking about seniority, I should naturally call him ‘uncle.’”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guolao asked again, "I have heard that the teacher of the Celestial Master is the renowned Guangxin Zhenren, famous throughout the Three Realms."

Zuo Liang nodded and smiled, "That's right, that's right."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guolao bowed to Zuo Liang again and said, "I have long heard of the name of the True Man Guangxin, but I have never had the chance to meet him, which is a pity. Now, seeing the Heavenly Master's talent, I can glimpse a bit of the True Man's demeanor, which is very fortunate."

Zuo Liang said, "I dare not accept such praise. I am a practitioner who has not achieved anything in cultivation, and I dare not presume to possess even a fraction of my master's style."

As they talked, they entered the mountains and saw a cave in front of the gate, from which auspicious mist emanated.

The young Taoist brought the three people to him, then turned and left to report to Tieguai Li.

The three waited in front of the mansion gate, talking to each other.

Zhang Guolao had just heard that Zuo Liang was the second disciple of the True Man, and that Lü Yan also called the True Man his teacher, which made him very envious.

Zhang Guolao clapped his hands and sighed, saying, "I have no affinity with the Dao and have never seen such a virtuous immortal. You two do not know that since I began my cultivation, the one I have always admired is the True Man Guangxin. His unwavering Daoist heart is known to all those who cultivate later. Those who have attained the Dao all admire his conduct, but none of them have the opportunity to see him."

Zuo Liang smiled, deeply feeling his own destiny and gratitude to his ancestors for enabling him to become a disciple of a true master.

The three of them could not be discussed for long.

Suddenly, the young Taoist led the way, followed by two people. One of them was Tieguai Li, and behind him was a cultivator who was eight feet tall, with a beard that reached his abdomen, his hair styled in two topknots, holding a banana leaf fan, with a red face and bare chest, looking like a chivalrous knight.

Upon seeing him, Lü Yan immediately told Zuo Liang that this was Zhongli Quan.

Zuo Liang nodded and stepped forward, bowing to Tieguai Li and saying, "Greetings, Uncle-Master."

When Tieguai Li saw Zuo Liang, he was amazed. He stepped forward and helped him up, saying, "We were companions in the past, but now you are quite different. You are a true cultivator. I have often heard Master speak of you, Zheng Yuan, the second disciple of the True Man. There is no need for formalities. Please get up quickly."

Zuo Liang said, "Uncle-Master, it's been a long time since we last met. Your magical power is far greater than before."

Tieguai Li laughed and said, "My improvements are nothing compared to yours. You are truly remarkable. Years ago, we walked together in the wind and snow. You have no supernatural powers, yet you were not afraid of the severe cold. You said that my body is useless, but true freedom is the key. I benefited greatly from that. At that time, I realized that you would definitely become an extraordinary cultivator in the future. What I see now is indeed the case."

Zuo Liang bowed and said, "It is all thanks to Master's teachings that I have made great contributions; I am nothing special."

Tieguai Li shook his head. He knew that Zuo Liang was being modest, but the disciples of the Three Star Immortal Mansion were mostly proficient in the three schools of thought. Even if they were not proficient, they had some knowledge of them. Zuo Liang had his own Confucian etiquette.

He looked at Lü Yan and said, "Junior Brother."

Lu Yan was surprised and asked, "Why do you call me junior brother?"

Tieguai Li said, “You are a disciple of Laozi, so I naturally call you my junior brother, but I also take Laozi as my master. I have heard Laozi mention you, but I have never had the opportunity to meet you, so I know you, but you do not know me.”

Upon hearing this, Lü Yan immediately bowed deeply and said, "Greetings, Senior Brother."

Tieguai Li then looked at Zuo Liang and said, "Zhengyuan, you can call me senior brother now, you don't need to call me junior uncle."

Zuo Liang said, "That would be inappropriate."

Tieguai Li laughed and said, "I know your worries. Now that you are about to achieve great magical power, you will be a true master of supernatural abilities. I cannot call you senior brother, as that would be truly inappropriate. Therefore, I will lower myself by one generation, and it will be fine for you to call me senior brother."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang had no choice but to agree, addressing Tieguai Li as his senior brother. Tieguai Li then led the group into the mansion.

Upon entering the mansion, Zhongli Quan stepped forward and became acquainted with Zuo Liang. His bold and unrestrained nature made Zuo Liang enjoy talking to him.

Zhongli Quan bowed and said, "But I was a soldier in the past. If I have been disrespectful, please forgive me, Celestial Master."

Zuo Liang shook his head and said, "Brother Zhongli is a man of great character. I am very happy to be able to talk with a true cultivator like you. How could I be surprised?"

Zhongli Quan then looked at Lü Yan and Zhang Guolao, asking if Zuo Liang could be one of the Eight Immortals. After the two told him that Zuo Liang was one of the Eight Immortals, Zhongli Quan was overjoyed and thanked them repeatedly. He then looked at Tieguai Li, wanting to invite him to join the Eight Immortals.

When Tieguai Li saw the group, he knew their intentions and shook his head and smiled, "You all want to invite me to be one of the Eight Immortals. I originally did not want to get involved, but seeing your sincerity and that you are all true cultivators, I will ask one of you a question. If you can answer it, I will join you and go to Penglai together."

Zhongli Quan asked, "I hope you will ask Master Li for guidance."

Tieguai Li shook his head and said, "There's no need to call me Immortal Master Li. People call me Tieguai Li, so you can call me that. If you feel that's disrespectful, you can call me Senior Brother."

Upon hearing this, Zhongli Quan and Zhang Guolao naturally addressed Tieguai Li as their "senior brother".

Tieguai Li pointed at Zuo Liang and asked with a smile, "I have a question for you, Junior Brother Zhengyuan."

Zuo Liang rose and bowed, saying, "Please ask me, Senior Brother."

Tieguai Li said, "I heard Zhongli Quan say that the immortals of Penglai invited him to go there, and those who went would receive a destiny. You have received this destiny, what do you intend to do?"

Zuo Liang said, "I want to ask him how to save all living beings."

Tieguai Li laughed and said, "Do you really believe that the immortals of Penglai have a way to save all living beings?"

Zuo Liang shook his head and said, "I don't know. But I've heard that he has a method to save all living beings, so I should go. Senior brother, all living beings suffer!"

Upon hearing this, Tieguai Li remained silent for a long time before nodding and saying, "All living beings suffer. Junior brother, your words have earned my respect. Now that I have heard your words, I will go with you and embark on this journey together."

Upon hearing Tieguai Li's words, everyone was overjoyed. With Tieguai Li's help, they would have a full complement of people.

Tieguai Li looked around and asked, "Zhongli Quan, you mentioned the 'Eight Immortals,' but we only have five of them. Where are the other three?"

Zhongli Quan bowed and said, "There are three more: He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, and Han Xiangzi. These three are all true cultivators and have already promised to come with me across the sea to the banquet."

Tieguai Li said, "If there is a true cultivator of the Dao, then he can certainly travel with us, but I wonder when we will set off?"

Zhongli Quan said, "Senior brother, let us make some preparations before we set off. My idea is to cross the sea ten years later. What do you think, senior brother?"

Tieguai Li said, "I am fine here. After ten years, I can go with you."

Zuo Liang and the others responded in unison.

They then made a pact that ten years later, on the shore of the East China Sea, they would cross the sea together and head towards Penglai Island.

After making the agreement with the others, Zhongli Quan got up to take his leave, saying that he had something to say to the other three and would not stay any longer.

After Zhongli Quan left, the group talked for a long time. Then Zhang Guolao said he had important business to attend to and left.

Only Zuo Liang, Lü Yan, and Tieguai Li remained in the mansion.

Tieguai Li then invited the two to discuss the Dao.

The two readily agreed.

The three could then discuss and verify each other's knowledge within the residence.

……

The story takes place on Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, in Xieyue Sanxing Cave, in the quiet room of the True Man.

Jiang Yuan returned from his meditation and, sensing something, looked towards where Zuo Liang was. Knowing what Zuo Liang intended to do, he smiled and said, "Zheng Yuan is about to succeed."

He then summoned Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong was practicing martial arts with Zhu Bajie outside the mansion when he was summoned by the immortal. He went inside to pay his respects to the immortal.

Sun Wukong bowed deeply and said, "Elder Brother, is there anything important that I need to take care of?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Wukong, let's not talk about serious matters yet. It's been a long time since we last met. How has your cultivation been lately? Is there anything you don't understand?"

Sun Wukong said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. But my cultivation has been going well lately, and there is nothing I don't understand. I've mostly been practicing martial arts."

Jiang Yuan smiled and nodded, saying, "If Wukong has any questions about cultivation, he can come and find me."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "If you have any questions about cultivation, I will come to find you, my senior brother. Please rest assured, senior brother. You can talk to me about your problems, and I will definitely help you solve them."

Jiang Yuan pointed eastward and said, "But I have a feeling that Zheng Yuan's cultivation is about to be successful. He is now going through a tribulation. If he can overcome this tribulation, he will be successful. I am a little worried, so I ask Junior Brother Wukong to go in my place. If he really cannot overcome this tribulation, I trouble Junior Brother Wukong to help him and save him from disaster."

Say it.

The immortal rose and bowed to Sun Wukong.

Sun Wukong hurriedly stepped aside, saying, "I can't accept this, I can't accept this. Senior Brother, there's no need for you to bow to me. Zheng Yuan is also my junior brother. He is about to achieve his goal, and I will go and make a trip to ensure his success. Just let me see what kind of disaster dares to hinder the success of my Three Star Immortal Cave disciple. I will definitely use my Golden Cudgel to teach him a lesson."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "If Zheng Yuan can succeed, Wu Kong doesn't need to trouble others."

Sun Wukong said, "I understand. I will go right away."

As Sun Wukong spoke, he bowed deeply to Jiang Yuan and then left the mansion.

Jiang Yuan then closed the door tightly, cultivating peace and quiet, and repaired a side door in preparation for the opportunity to establish his own residence.

……

Sun Wukong left the room and, without lingering, headed out of the mansion to find Zuo Liang, to ensure his safe passage through this tribulation and to help him achieve his unorthodox success.

Just as Sun Wukong was about to leave the mansion, he saw Zhu Bajie fast asleep by the gate. He went up to him, grabbed his palm-leaf ear, and said, "You fool, why are you sleeping so soundly here? If you want to sleep, go inside. Sleeping by the gate will make others think that all cultivators in my Three Star Immortal Mansion are like this."

When Pigsy woke up, he begged for mercy, saying, "Brother, I was practicing martial arts and was very tired. I rested here for a while and waited for you to return. I had no intention of sleeping soundly."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong had no choice but to let go and told him to go to his residence to rest.

Pigsy said, “Brother Monkey, what are you going there for? We just traveled the main road to the west, and there were no demons or evil spirits there. There’s no need to go.”

Sun Wukong then told Zhu Bajie about the matter.

Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately wanted to go with Monkey.

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong pondered for a moment and then permitted Zhu Bajie to accompany him to the Southern Continent.

(End of this chapter)