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

Chapter 368 Zuo Liang finally succeeds, Wang Chongyang goes to study

Time flies, summer comes and winter goes, and more than three months have passed in the blink of an eye.

After the Eight Immortals learned the method of saving all living beings on Penglai Island, the Three Stars kept them there for three months. During these three months, banquets were held incessantly, and the Three Stars would sometimes preach to the Eight Immortals.

The Eight Immortals received the Three Stars and preached the Dao, thus making progress in their cultivation.

More than three months later, the Eight Immortals finally bid farewell, intending to return to the mortal world to do good deeds and help all living beings.

Samsung tried to persuade them to stay, but the Eight Immortals refused, so Samsung had no choice but to see them off.

Arriving at the coast of Penglai Immortal Island, facing the vast East China Sea.

Samsung said, “You are all true cultivators with compassion in your hearts, who have come to save all sentient beings. We admire you. However, saving sentient beings is very difficult. You should think carefully before you do it. You may cultivate great power or assist in great power.”

Upon hearing this, the Eight Immortals bowed and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Three Stars. We will remember it and dare not forget it."

The God of Longevity smiled and said, "You have listened to our teachings for over three months, so you should already have a clear understanding of how to act. Now that we are parting ways, would you be willing to tell us about your aspirations?"

The Eight Immortals looked at each other and remained silent for a long time.

Zhongli Quan stepped forward and said, “The three stars have been kind to us. Now they wish to hear our aspirations, which is of course not impossible. My aspirations are shallow, and I will do what is necessary for the benefit of all beings. However, I know that I do not have great talent. I wish to assist those with great magical powers to save all beings. This time, I will return to cultivate diligently and do good deeds in my spare time. When the Ziwei Emperor descends to the mortal world to save all beings, I will definitely do my best to help him.”

He Xiangu, Han Xiangzi, Lan Caihe, Zhang Guolao, and others shared the same intention: to return to their spiritual practice or to perform good deeds outside, in order to await the arrival of the Ziwei Emperor and assist him in saving all sentient beings from the sea of ​​suffering.

Lü Yan and Tieguai Li, as well as Zuo Liang, remained silent.

After the Eight Immortals finished speaking, they saw that the three men remained silent, so they asked them questions.

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "I will also return to the mountains to cultivate in seclusion, and teach others in my spare time to help all living beings. When I have completed my cultivation, I will assist those with great magical powers."

He Xiangu asked, "Is it to assist the Ziwei Emperor?"

Zuo Liang shook his head and said, "My master will also attain great magical power."

Upon hearing this, He Xiangu and the others suddenly realized what was going on.

Samsung also smiled and said, "Master Guangxin is remarkable and has great compassion in his heart. If Zhengyuan can assist Master Guangxin, he will surely succeed."

Zuo Liang immediately bowed in greeting, but said he dared not accept the honor.

When He Xiangu and the others saw Zuo Liang answer, they looked at Lü Yan and Tieguai Li again.

The two men laughed and said, "Our teacher is a master of great magic."

When everyone learned that the two men's teacher was Laozi, they remained silent.

After answering their questions, the Eight Immortals bid farewell to the Three Stars and crossed the sea to the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa.

Samsung watched the Eight Immortals depart, all nodding and smiling.

The God of Longevity said, "These eight immortals are all compassionate people; they are truly remarkable."

Fu Xing stroked his beard and laughed, “It is true that the Eight Immortals are compassionate, but in fact, their magical powers vary greatly. For example, Zheng Yuan is about to achieve enlightenment, Tieguai Li has considerable magical power, and Lü Yan is also quite remarkable. However, He Xiangu and Han Xiangzi have shallow magical power.”

Lu Xing said, "The Eight Immortals are divided into superior and inferior categories. Superior immortals are like Zheng Yuan, while inferior immortals are like Xiangu. This is the norm."

Samsung is the subject of much discussion.

But before the discussion could last long, a voice suddenly arose.

"You are all so rude! Why didn't you invite me to this banquet to join you in the festivities?"

Samsung looked up and saw Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie descending from the clouds to Penglai Island.

When Samsung saw that it was Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, they were both surprised and hurriedly stepped forward to bow, saying, "Greetings, Great Sage, greetings, Clean Altar Messenger."

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie landed on the island and returned the greetings to the three of them.

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "The three of you are rather rude, talking about others in the back."

Samsung was somewhat helpless upon hearing this, never expecting that Sun Wukong would overhear their discussion.

The God of Longevity stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Great Sage, why have you arrived at this time? Is there something important that you need our help with? If so, please tell us, Great Sage, and we will certainly help you."

Sun Wukong stopped dwelling on that and waved his hand, saying, "Today I am here on the orders of my eldest brother to protect Zheng Yuan for a while. His cultivation is about to bear fruit, but there will be tribulations. That is why I have come to protect him. When Zheng Yuan entered Penglai Island, I waited for him in the clouds. Now that Zheng Yuan has left, I believe that his tribulations have ended. That is why I have come to see you all."

Upon hearing this, the three stars were all startled and bowed again. They were all unaware that Sun Wukong was actually above Penglai Island, and they could not have known that Sun Wukong's abilities were now far superior to those of the past.

The God of Longevity said, "Great Sage, are you truly remarkable now? Will you be able to attain great magical powers?"

Sun Wukong said, "Very far, very far."

Pigsy stepped forward and began to grope the birthday celebrant.

The God of Longevity grabbed Pigsy and asked, "Messenger of the Clean Altar, what are you doing?"

Pigsy said, "It's been a long time since I've tasted jujubes. Now that I've seen you, you must give me some."

The birthday celebrant said, "Of course, of course. There's no need for such formalities. When you leave, I'll give you a few pounds as a gift."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy chuckled and replied, "It's a deal."

Sun Wukong said, "I have been protecting Zheng Yuan for a long time, so I will rest here for a while."

Fu Xing laughed and said, "Since the Great Sage has come, we will naturally prepare a feast to welcome him."

Samsung then welcomed Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie into the White Cloud Cave and treated them with courtesy inside.

As they chatted, the topic of the Eight Immortals came up.

Sun Wukong said, "I followed along the way, secretly protecting Zheng Yuan. I have met the Eight Immortals. Although their magical powers are weak, their compassion surpasses that of many others and they are worthy of respect."

Samsung echoed, saying, "What the Great Sage says is very true. But the Great Sage has also made great progress compared to the past, and has become more compassionate."

Sun Wukong smiled slightly and said nothing more.

Pigsy, eating a jujube, shouted, "You three, why don't you praise me? I've made great progress these days. If you don't believe me, you three can compare yourselves with me."

Samsung shook his head and said, "I dare not, I dare not. But the Clean Altar Messenger has made great progress now, far surpassing his days as the Heavenly Canopy Water God."

Pigsy chuckled, eating the jujubes, and said no more.

Samsung then looked at Sun Wukong and said, "Great Sage, it has been a long time since we've seen the True Man. May I ask where the True Man is cultivating now?"

Sun Wukong replied, "My senior brother is currently cultivating in the Three Star Immortal Cave, but the day he establishes his own residence is approaching."

Upon hearing this, Samsung was startled and said, "The day when the True Man opens his mansion is approaching? We were unaware of such a matter. Great Sage, could you please tell us when the True Man opens his mansion? If we know, we will definitely go to offer our congratulations."

Sun Wukong shook his head and said, "I don't know now, but I know it's almost here."

Samsung sighed and said, "If Great Sage Lao knew the day the True Man opened his residence, he would surely tell us. In the past, when the True Man achieved his goal, we could only pay our respects from afar. Now that the True Man has opened his residence, we must go and offer our congratulations."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Of course, of course. If I knew the day I would be opening my own residence, I would certainly tell the three of you about it."

The group chatted happily in the White Cloud Cave.

After talking for some time, Sun Wukong bid farewell to the Three Stars and left Penglai Island with Zhu Bajie.

……

After leaving Penglai Island, Sun Wukong and his companion soon found the Eight Immortals. The Eight Immortals were having a banquet in the Dragon Palace. After the banquet ended, they returned to the Southern Continent.

Sun Wukong and his companion followed the Eight Immortals back to the Southern Continent.

After returning to the Southern Continent, the Eight Immortals made a pact to meet again someday, and then parted ways to go their separate ways.

After some time, Zuo Liang returned to his mountain residence in Jingzhou. Upon returning, he felt a sense of enlightenment, as if he were about to achieve enlightenment. He then went into seclusion, entrusting the affairs of the residence to Chen Xian and instructing him not to disturb him.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie looked down from the clouds, both knowing what was going on.

Pigsy, riding on the clouds, pointed down and said, "Brother, judging from this, Zheng Yuan will surely achieve his goal and attain enlightenment."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Zhengyuan's cultivation was arduous and difficult, but he was single-minded in his cultivation and never wavered, so it is only right that he succeeds."

Pigsy said, "I, Pigsy, have also witnessed Zheng Yuan's success."

Sun Wukong pointed at Zhu Bajie and said, "You fool, how dare you say such things? Zheng Yuan has now succeeded, but you still haven't even attained the true fruit of the unorthodox path."

Pigsy covered his face and said, "Brother, my cultivation is very difficult."

Sun Wukong said, "Who doesn't find cultivation difficult? You shouldn't speak like that."

Pigsy said, “In the past, I was Tianpeng, appointed Marshal of the Heavenly River, and Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. I was powerful and arrogant then. Now I have fallen to the mortal realm and been reborn as a pig. The Wood Mother has been causing trouble and has clouded my mind. I have not been awakened on my journey to the West. Fortunately, I was personally guided by the True Man, which gave me the opportunity to cultivate and achieve success. The path is full of variations, and it is difficult to explain in a few words. It is easy to simplify the luxurious, but it is extremely difficult to simplify the luxurious. In the past, I cultivated the Golden Elixir, but this year I am focusing on the side path. I am unwilling and helpless. My cultivation is very slow and difficult to change. I hope you will listen to my words, my senior brother. It is not that I do not want to cultivate.”

After listening, Sun Wukong pondered for a moment and said, "Bajie, the distinction between the orthodox path of the Golden Elixir and the unorthodox path is not something to be taken too seriously. If you take it too seriously, you will obtain neither."

Pigsy replied, "Brother, I know that, but it's hard for me to change my mind. If I do change, perhaps I can achieve my goal." Monkey sighed and said nothing more.

The two protected Zuo Liang in the clouds, waiting for him to succeed.

……

Time flies, and several months have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the mountain palace of Jingzhou, Zuo Liang finally succeeded on this day, attaining enlightenment through unorthodox means.

When Zuo Liang woke up in the room, there were no unusual signs, nor was there any increase in his magical power. All he felt was a clearer look in his eyes and a lightness in his body. It was as if all the shackles had been broken, and a sense of freedom arose spontaneously.

Zuo Liang sighed and said, “In the past, when I was in my sixties, I pursued freedom but could not find it. It was like a mirage. Later, I followed my master to cultivate for countless years. Now, I finally have freedom. Now that I have achieved enlightenment, true cultivation has just begun. In the past, I saw mountains as not mountains and water as not water. Now I see mountains as mountains and water as water.”

Zuo Liang then got up, walked out of the room, and looked out of the mansion. He felt the vastness of the world and his own insignificance. His cultivation seemed to have been successful, yet it also seemed to be the beginning. Zuo Liang wanted to return to Lingtai Fangcun Mountain to report the good news to his master and tell him that he had achieved enlightenment in his cultivation.

Amidst the clouds and mist, Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, seeing that he had indeed succeeded, ceased their protection and instead set off to return to Lingtai Fangcun Mountain.

……

The two rode the clouds extremely fast, and before long they returned to the mountains. As soon as they entered the mansion, they came to pay their respects to the immortal.

The Master met the two in a quiet room and invited them to sit down on a futon.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie then recounted their journey to the Immortal in detail, without concealing anything.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "The Four Seas Dragon Kings are, after all, people who have cultivated for many years. How could they be so greedy as to try to steal the treasure?"

Sun Wukong bowed and said, “Elder Brother, the Four Seas Dragon Kings were simply drunk on their birthday and became intoxicated by wine and women, which made them act so improperly. I will give them five blows by myself to avenge my nephew Zheng Yuan. If you feel this is inappropriate, I will go over and give them five more blows. Even if it means destroying their Dragon Palace, it is not impossible.”

Jiang Yuan shook his head and smiled, "Wukong, I don't mean to blame you, I'm just a little surprised. Both sides are at fault in this matter. Lü Yan shouldn't have split the sea with his sword, and the Dragon King shouldn't have been greedy."

Pigsy laughed and said, "What you say makes a lot of sense, sir."

Sun Wukong said, "What my elder brother says makes sense, there's no need for you, you fool, to say more."

Jiang Yuan watched the two bickering and smiled without saying much. Looking towards Jingzhou, she said, "Zheng Yuan has now achieved success, which makes me happy, but he is on his way home."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong was also greatly pleased. His junior brother had now achieved great success and was traveling throughout the Three Realms. He had taught the Three Star Immortal Cave lineage, which was now even more renowned. His second-generation disciple had already become a capable person. He then said, "Eldest brother, you are currently undergoing a minor reincarnation. Your third incarnation is about to begin."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "I know that Zheng Yuan named him 'Wang Chongyang', which is from the Jingzhou area."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "My senior brother's magical power is profound, so I don't need to say more. He knows it himself."

Jiang Yuan smiled without speaking, gazing out of the mansion. His eyes were bright, and he seemed to be able to see the inner and outer realms of the Three Realms. In Xiniu Hezhou, the demonic obstacles were deep and heavy, and the Buddhist teachings of Lingshan were gradually fading. In Beiju Luzhou, demons were rampant and there was no light. In Dongsheng Shenzhou, the spiritual energy was abundant and there was some Dao energy. In Nanzhanbuzhou, the three calamities were heavy and lingered for a long time.

After a long while, he said, "Although the third generation of Zhengwei has begun, it will still be some time before he returns. It will take at least one or two hundred years for him to come back."

Pigsy asked, "Master, Zhengwei was just a mortal in his third life, why does it take one or two hundred years? In one or two hundred years, a mortal will turn into dust."

Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "Can't mortals cultivate?"

Upon hearing this, Pigsy wanted to say something more, but seeing Jiang Yuan's beaming smile, he kept quiet.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuan asked, "Bajie, why are you hesitating to speak?"

Pigsy said, "I feel that Master is about to gain great magical power and will have the ability to see the future. It would be very boring for me to argue with Master."

Sun Wukong laughed loudly and said, "You fool, have you only just realized this?"

Jiang Yuan smiled but didn't say anything more.

Sun Wukong and the other two stayed in the mansion for a while before leaving. After they left, the immortal did not close the door, but left it wide open, as if waiting for Zuo Liang.

……

The real person waited for several days.

Several days later, Zuo Liang indeed returned to the mansion, and his first priority was to pay his respects to the Master.

Zuo Liangxing arrived at the Master's meditation room, knelt down, and bowed deeply, saying, "Master, I have returned now that I have succeeded in my mission. I have come to see you. As you know, I have not failed your teachings."

Jiang Yuan smiled and looked at Zuo Liang outside, saying, "Zheng Yuan, come inside and meet me."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang strode forward and said, "Master, your disciple is returning home."

Jiang Yuan looked at him and saw clarity in his eyes. He smiled and nodded, saying, "Zheng Yuan, your cultivation has not gone wrong. I am pleased to say that of my three disciples, you are the only one who has achieved success in cultivation."

Zuo Liang said, "Master, I dare not claim to have achieved anything in my cultivation."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Now that we've returned home, do you still want to go back to the mortal world?"

Zuo Liang nodded and said, "Master, I must go to the mortal world again, but the mortal world is now in chaos, and the three calamities are rampant. I am willing to teach followers and save the people."

Jiang Yuan said, "Your ambition is a testament to your cultivation. You may stay in the manor for a month or two, and I will explain cultivation to you. After you have listened, you may return home."

Zuo Liang readily agreed.

Jiang Yuan then discussed the intricacies of the matter with Zuo Liang.

Zuo Liang sat quietly in the room, listening attentively as the master explained the intricacies of the art.

This sermon will last for one or two months. After the sermon is completed, Jiang Yuan will enable Zuo Liang to return to the human world.

Zuo Liang accepted the order and spoke with the True Man about the Double Ninth Festival. After finishing, he left the quiet room, went out of the mansion, and headed towards the Southern Continent.

After seeing Zuo Liang off, the True Man walked to the front of the Patriarch's meditation room. With the Patriarch's permission, he entered the room and met with the Patriarch.

The Patriarch looked at the True Man and asked with a smile, "Young boy, have you come to tell me some good news?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "That's right, that's right. Master, now that Zheng Yuan has achieved his goal and attained the true fruit of the unorthodox path, I am very happy to tell you, so I came to tell you so that you can share my joy."

The patriarch nodded with a smile and said, "This is certainly something to celebrate. Your disciple has also attained enlightenment, and your household will prosper. However, you today are just like me in the past. When I learned of your success, I also said the same thing with joy."

Jiang Yuan said, "I was personally taught by my master, so it is normal for me to resemble him."

The patriarch designated Jiang Yuan and said, "In that case, you may be addressed as Patriarch Guangxin in the future."

Jiang Yuan shook her head, saying she dared not.

The Patriarch smiled and said, “What is there to be afraid of? Your cultivation is now quite advanced. Within and outside the Three Realms, most people know that you are about to achieve great magical power. In the Three Realms today, you are the only one who is about to achieve great magical power. Once you achieve great magical power, it is most appropriate to call you Patriarch.”

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "Master, but I have not yet achieved my goal, so I dare not say such a thing."

The patriarch waved his hand and said, "Enough, enough, enough. Since that's how it is, I'll address you as such again when you've achieved your goal. Now that you've come here, don't leave yet. Play a game of chess with me here before you go."

Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "As long as Master doesn't chase me away, I can play ten or even a hundred games, let alone one."

The patriarch pointed at Jiang Yuan and said with a smile, "You child, you are talking nonsense. But how do you have so much free time to play ten or a hundred games with me?"

The master and apprentice said no more, took out a chessboard, and began to play.

The master, holding the black pieces, placed them like a dragon carrying a pearl, the sound clear and melodious like ice cracking on a jade terrace. The patriarch, holding the white pieces, placed them like a crane pecking at a jade branch, his shadow lingering like clouds swirling around a crimson palace. In the initial game, the pieces were scattered like stars, shifting between the two players' fingers.

The two seemed to be playing chess, but more like they were measuring each other's spiritual cultivation.

……

Time flies, and several years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The three calamities in Jambudvipa have not subsided and are instead intensifying. One country rises here and another there, and dynasties often change every few years.

The flames of war had spread to the Jingzhou area, and even Zuo Liang's residence was greatly affected. Some bandits even came to invade Zuo Liang's residence, but Zuo Liang summoned a strong wind and drove them back. His supernatural abilities made others dare not invade again.

However, in that year, Wang Chongyang, who was only ten years old, lost his father, and his mother also died in the war. Most of his fellow villagers had fled to other places because of the war.

Wang Chongyang was able to survive thanks to Zuo Liang's help, and he temporarily rested in Zuo Liang's residence.

One day.

Zuo Liang personally received Wang Chongyang and met with him in the central hall.

Although Wang Chongyang was young, he was calm and composed, as if it were his natural disposition. Even though he had come to escape disaster, he was not panicked at all. When he saw Zuo Liang coming, he was about to pay his respects.

How could Zuo Liang accept such a bow? He immediately helped him up and said, "You don't need to bow to me. Are you getting used to living here, Chongyang?"

Wang Chongyang nodded and said, "This place is very good. Thank you for taking me in, Celestial Master."

Zuo Liang smiled and nodded, saying, "If you need anything, just tell me, and I will fulfill your request."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang carefully took out a piece of silver from his pocket and said, "Master, my father always said that he wanted to find a good teacher to teach me. But my father is no longer here. He gave me a piece of silver. I wonder if Master could find a good teacher to teach me. He doesn't need to be very powerful, as long as he can teach me to read."

Zuo Liang stared at the silver in Wang Chongyang's hand, remaining silent.

(End of this chapter)