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

Chapter 375 The Path of the Axe, Ending Hatred (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Outside of Guanzhou, Chenxiang gathered a group of heroes to fight against Xiaotianquan.

Chenxiang kept swinging his mountain-splitting axe, hacking away Xiaotian Dog with each swing, but Xiaotian Dog was very agile, and no matter how he swung, he could not hit Xiaotian Dog.

The axe was no ordinary weapon; wielding it like that required considerable effort. Chenxiang, having exhausted his strength, swung it haphazardly, leaving him panting and struggling to keep up with the axe's power.

Seeing how agile the Howling Celestial Dog was, Chenxiang knew that he would have to restrain it for a while before he could defeat it. He turned to his brother and said, “Brothers, this fellow is swift and skilled. To defeat him, we must work together. Please help me restrain him for a while, and I will surely defeat him with my divine axe.”

Upon hearing this, all the heroes responded, saying, "In that case, we will bring you the opportunity to win!"

Say it.

A group of heroes rushed forward to restrain the Howling Celestial Dog.

The Howling Celestial Dog was the hawk and hound of the Manifestation Saint True Lord, following him through countless battles. How could he not know what these people were thinking? Seeing a group of heroes rushing towards him from all directions, he did not hesitate and lightly leaped away to head outside.

The heroes were unable to stop them even for a moment.

One of the heroes gritted his teeth, took out several talismans, shouted "Ancestral Master, please help!" and attacked the Howling Celestial Dog.

Several streaks of light rushed toward Xiaotian Dog, attempting to bind it.

The Celestial Hound was shocked and was about to retreat when the light flashed and trapped it in a short while.

Upon seeing these streaks of light, the Celestial Hound attempted to break them with a spell, but Chenxiang arrived swiftly, seizing the opportunity and aiming his axe straight at the Celestial Hound's head.

The Celestial Hound was terrified. How could he not know the power of the Mountain-Splitting Axe? If it struck him, he would surely lose his life. Just as he was about to turn and run away, some of the heroes took out talismans and struck, trapping the Celestial Hound.

Just when things were in dire straits, Erlang Shen suddenly appeared before Chenxiang, flicked his cloak, and blocked the mountain-splitting axe.

The cloak clashed with the axe, and in a short while, Chenxiang was repelled.

Erlang Shen succeeded in his attack, protecting Xiaotian Dog, and instead of pursuing him, he looked towards Chenxiang.

Chenxiang did not make a move, but gathered a group of heroes with him, their eyes fixed intently on Erlang Shen.

Erlang Shen, empty-handed, looked at Chenxiang and said, "Chenxiang, I haven't looked for you for a long time. Instead of cultivating properly, why have you come to my territory? What is the reason for this?"

Chenxiang stepped forward, carrying his axe, and said, "To avenge my parents."

Erlang Shen laughed and said, "I know you already know what happened, and I also know that we are related. How can you talk about the enmity between our parents?"

Chenxiang said, “I know that we are related, and in terms of seniority, I should call you uncle. However, you caused my family to be destroyed and my family to die. As your son, I must avenge you. We are related and enemies, but revenge must come first. Today I have come to find you to settle this score. If you win, I will die, because I am not skilled enough to avenge you. If I win, you will die, and I will avenge you. After the hatred is gone, we can talk about our relationship again in the next life.”

Erlang Shen laughed and said, "If that's the case, then come at me and let me see what you're capable of. I'll settle our differences based on enmity, not kinship."

Chenxiang said nothing more, put down the axe, bowed to Erlang Shen, then picked up the axe and prepared for battle.

Looking at Chenxiang's steady and composed nature, Erlang Shen sighed inwardly. Chenxiang was much better than before, but his cultivation still had some flaws and he had not yet achieved anything.

He gently waved to the Celestial Hound behind him, signaling it to leave and not stay.

The Celestial Hound obeyed and departed.

Erlang Shen smiled at Chenxiang and waved to him.

How could Chenxiang tolerate this? He raised his axe and chopped at Erlang Shen.

Erlang Shen simply stepped back to dodge Chenxiang's axe, and laughed, "Powerful and sweeping, such a style requires divine strength. Besides, you don't understand the way of the axe, so how can you do it?"

Upon hearing this, Chenxiang ignored it and swung his axe again.

Erlang Shen easily dodged it and said, "The axe is a hard tool of heaven and earth, a combination of yin and yang. Its essential meaning has three aspects: form, function, and spirit."

"The form is the body of the axe. The handle is the trunk, bearing the strength and vigor, while the blade is the yin, containing the suppleness and resilience. In ancient times, when making axes, one had to follow the numbers of heaven and earth. The handle was seven feet long and the blade was eight inches wide, taking the numbers of yin and yang as the model."

Erlang Shen said this.

Chenxiang knew that Erlang Shen was instructing him, and somewhat annoyed, he said, "I don't need you to teach me!"

However, upon hearing Erlang Shen's words, the axe in his hand changed its stance, becoming three times more ferocious.

Erlang Shen did not pause, easily dodging Chenxiang's axe attack, and said: "The skill of the axe lies in its application. Chopping is like thunder, slashing is like a startled swan, chopping is like a collapsing mountain, and embracing is like reaching for the moon. When the axe is swung, it should be like thunder striking and mountains falling still, like a gust of wind passing and forests resting. Power originates from the wrist, energy flows through the arm, and the mind is as calm as an abyss."

"The spirit is the soul of the axe. It is connected to heaven and earth and responds to the four seasons. It is the ultimate of the Dao. It cannot be described in words, but can only be obtained through arduous cultivation."

Erlang Shen explained the essentials of the axe to Chenxiang.

Having been taught by Erlang Shen, Chenxiang's axe had become much more powerful. He seemed thoughtful, but more so, he was furious. He had come to seek revenge and wanted to fight Erlang Shen to the death, but Erlang Shen's attitude made him feel deeply humiliated.

Chenxiang angrily rebuked, "Erlang Shen, come and fight me to the death!"

Without uttering a word, Erlang Shen effortlessly neutralized Chenxiang's numerous attacks.

Seeing that Chenxiang was unable to defeat Erlang Shen, the heroes stepped forward to help him.

When Erlang Shen saw this rabble, he simply flicked his cloak, and a gust of wind arose, blowing all the heroes away and leaving them on the ground, unable to fight any longer.

Chenxiang relied on his mountain-splitting axe to forcefully break through the raging wind, thus avoiding being struck by it.

Seeing the heroes lying on the ground, Chenxiang was furious and raised his axe to strike.

The two continued their fight in the woods. Erlang Shen rarely made a move, mostly dodging. Even when he did fight, he used his cloak to block.

In mid-air.

Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie watched the two fighting below with a sense of helplessness.

Pigsy said, "Brother, fighting here is quite boring."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "They already have relatives, so the Manifestation Saint True Lord will not harm them. What's so boring about that?"

Pigsy said, “However, a fight between two people is no different from playing with mischievous children. How can that be interesting? It would be interesting if Brother Monkey fought with the Manifestation of the True Lord.”

Sun Wukong said, "Stop talking, stop talking. Just watch carefully. We are here to protect Chenxiang."

Pigsy said, "Brother, I know myself, so you can rest assured."

Sun Wukong kept his eyes fixed on the battle below.

Pigsy asked again, "Brother, if they fight, when will there be a result?"

Sun Wukong pondered for a moment and said, "Be patient. I predict that the situation below will be resolved soon."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately looked down.

As Sun Wukong had predicted, things were about to turn out differently.

Suddenly, Chenxiang's axe blade changed dramatically, as if he had realized something. Therefore, his attack became much fiercer, with alternating tension and relaxation, as fast as thunder, as he cleaved towards Erlang Shen.

Erlang Shen was surprised to see that Chenxiang had made a breakthrough, but he did not dodge. Instead, he used his armor to take the blow from Chenxiang's axe.

Chenxiang cleaved Erlang Shen in the chest with his axe. Although Erlang Shen was protected by armor, it still injured him.

Erlang Shen retreated repeatedly, teaching him what he had created.

Upon seeing this, Chenxiang was about to pursue, but seemed hesitant and hesitated for a long time before finally refraining from attacking. Erlang Shen steadied himself and, seeing Chenxiang's expression, said, "Chenxiang, has anyone taught you that if you gain the upper hand, you should seize the opportunity to attack and not retreat lightly?"

Chenxiang said, "I don't need you to teach me."

Erlang Shen wanted to say something more.

Suddenly a strong wind came, and a large army rode the wind to this place. It was the Six Saints of Meishan leading a large group of grass-root gods, who were eyeing Chenxiang with covetous intent.

Upon seeing this, Chenxiang felt a great alarm bell ring in his heart. He was already exhausted and could not possibly fight these grass-root gods. He feared that he would lose his life here.

He was willing to risk his life without fear, but he could not allow all his heroic brothers who followed him to perish here.

Chenxiang gritted his teeth, ready to risk his life to protect him.

Suddenly, a figure appeared and landed in front of him, protecting him.

Upon closer inspection, Chenxiang recognized him as his master, Sun Wukong. Seeing Sun Wukong here, how could he not know that his master was secretly protecting him? This moved him deeply, and he felt profound gratitude for his master's kindness.

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Chenxiang, don't worry, leave quickly. With me here, I will ensure your safety."

Chenxiang knelt on the ground, kowtowing countless times, and said, "Disciple is deeply grateful to Master for saving my life, but my life is of little value. Please, Master, spare these heroes!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong smiled and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, since it's me, Sun Wukong, I'll protect you for a while."

Say it.

Sun Wukong gently blew a breath towards the fallen heroes.

A sudden gust of wind swept through, lifting all the heroes away and carrying them into the distance.

After blowing away all the heroes with a whirlwind, Sun Wukong looked towards Erlang Shen.

The two nodded to each other and said no more.

Sun Wukong grabbed Chenxiang and rode a cloud away.

The Six Sages of Meishan were about to give chase, but Erlang Shen stopped them, preventing them from pursuing.

Erlang Shen said, "There's no need to chase after them. If you anger the Great Sage, he might strike you with his staff, and you won't be able to withstand it."

Upon hearing this, the Six Sages of Meishan were somewhat fearful. They knew the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's abilities, and if Sun Wukong were to strike them with his staff, they feared they would be unable to move for several years.

The Six Sages of Meishan said, "Great Sage, you and we have a history together. You shouldn't have attacked us."

Erlang Shen waved his hand and said, "Let Chenxiang leave. There's no need for further words."

The Six Sages of Meishan said, “True Lord, we cannot stand by and watch that Chenxiang repeatedly insult you like this.”

Erlang Shen listened and remained silent for a long time before saying, "This matter ends here. I will not seek out Chenxiang again. If Chenxiang truly intends to acknowledge me as his uncle, then so be it. If not, then let it go and end it here."

The six saints of Meishan all paid their respects and said no more.

A grass-root deity came forward to pay homage and asked, "True Lord, are your injuries alright?"

Erlang Shen said, "The injury is not serious, so don't worry."

The group then turned towards the mouth of the Guan River to meet Erlang Shen.

……

The story takes place in a mountain in Yongzhou.

Sun Wukong, carrying Chenxiang, and Zhu Bajie arrived at this place.

The incense stick landed on the ground and then kowtowed to Sun Wukong, expressing his deep gratitude.

Pigsy, standing to the side, was somewhat indignant and said, "Chenxiang, why don't you thank me? I also showed myself to protect you, and I've traveled through mountains and rivers; I'm quite tired."

Chenxiang immediately turned around and bowed to Zhu Bajie, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, sir. I will never forget it."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy finally broke into a smile.

Sun Wukong grabbed Zhu Bajie and pulled him back a little, then said, "Chenxiang, what is the state of your hatred for Erlang Shen now?"

Chenxiang shook his head and sighed, saying, "I struck him with my axe, but he did not die. This is his skill. I have done my best. I am no match for him. I will no longer think about revenge. From now on, I will cultivate diligently and wait for my mother to complete her cultivation and leave Mount Hua."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong nodded and said, "That's excellent."

Chenxiang asked, "Master, how are those heroes doing now?"

Sun Wukong said, "Don't worry, I will use the wind to take them away to another place. They will be scattered now."

Only after smelling the agarwood did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Sun Wukong asked, "Since you wish to devote yourself to cultivation, is there a place for you to go?"

Chenxiang shook his head and said, "This disciple has nowhere to go. This disciple wishes to find a secluded mountain."

Sun Wukong said, "Since there's nowhere else to go, come back to the mountain with me."

Chenxiang said, "I have no face to enter the Three Star Immortal Cave again. I hope my master will forgive me."

Sun Wukong sighed, "Why bother? But when you enter the immortal abode again, no one will say anything against you. The Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars won't make a difference if you have a quiet room."

Chenxiang said, "I am ashamed now, Master. Please allow me to go elsewhere to cultivate."

Sun Wukong said, "Since you are unwilling to enter the manor to cultivate, you can go to the back mountain of Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, to the cave where we often gather to cultivate. Would you be willing to do that?"

Chenxiang asked, "Master, that cave doesn't belong to King Si, so how can I stay there?"

Sun Wukong said, "Don't worry, the Great King of the Rhinoceros will definitely give you his cave."

Chenxiang asked in confusion, "The Great King of the Rhinoceros regards that cave as his bed and loves it very much. How could he be willing to give it up?"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'll go and talk to the Great King of the Rhinoceros, and he will surely give you his cave."

Chenxiang asked, "Master, why was King Si willing to yield?"

Sun Wukong did not reply upon hearing this.

Pigsy chuckled and said, “Chenxiang, how do you know the ins and outs? Let me tell you. Those orange trees in the mountains used to be peach trees, both of which were Monkey King’s favorite things. The Green Ox cut down all the peach trees and replaced them with orange trees. He felt ashamed towards Monkey King, so he was willing to give up his cave. Speaking of which, peaches are Monkey King’s favorite things. It was because of the peaches that he caused a great disturbance in the Heavenly Palace. Monkey King’s love for peaches is exactly why.”

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong became somewhat annoyed. He pulled his golden cudgel from behind his ear and cursed, "You idiot, what nonsense are you spouting? Take this blow from me!"

Say it.

Sun Wukong swung his golden cudgel and struck at Zhu Bajie.

Upon seeing this, Pigsy was terrified and hurriedly fled forward, fearing that Sun Wukong would strike him. He knew that the golden cudgel was extremely heavy, and if he were hit, he would suffer minor injuries or even death. Therefore, he had no choice but to dodge.

(End of this chapter)