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

Chapter 387 A Firm Heart on Double Ninth Festival, Tested by the Bodhisattva
Once upon a time, Wang Chongyang saw a book called "Mencius" for sale in a market in a city. He wanted to buy it, and when he heard the vendor say that it cost "twenty strings of cash," Wang Chongyang did his best to buy it, because "knowledge is priceless."

Wang Chongyang was about to make the purchases when he took out some silver and said, "Give me the books, and I will give you the money."

Looking at Wang Chongyang's appearance, one of the two vendors took out the "Mencius" and said, "Are you really willing to pay twenty strings of cash to buy this book? You should know that twenty strings of cash is no small amount."

Wang Chongyang said, "Knowledge is priceless. This book is not worth this price, but the knowledge contained within it is far more valuable than twenty strings of cash."

The vendor chuckled, “In my stall, there are countless jewels and jades, none of which can compare to these books. But the fact that you chose this book shows that you are a scholar.”

Wang Chongyang said, "I dare not accept such praise. But is it possible that I might sell this book?"

The vendor said, "You can take twenty strings of cash, and I will sell it to you."

Wang Chongyang nodded and took out twenty taels of silver, intending to hand it over to the vendor.

Unexpectedly, the vendor suddenly took back the books in his hand and did not accept Wang Chongyang's money.

Wang Chongyang was puzzled and asked, "Why not answer?"

The peddler suddenly laughed and said, "I suddenly realized that what you said makes sense. Knowledge is priceless, so I'm only selling this book to you for twenty strings of cash. It would be a bit of a waste to sell it to you for twenty-one strings of cash."

Wang Chongyang said, "We have already agreed that Mencius will be sold to me for twenty strings of cash. Why are you breaking the agreement and raising the price?"

The vendor said, "This is my property, so I'm raising the price. What can you do about it?"

Wang Chongyang remained silent for a long time, then took the bundle and examined it closely. He saw that the vendor had twenty-one taels of silver, but he suddenly felt that he shouldn't have dealt with the vendor like this.

If he keeps paying higher prices, it's not worth it even if he gains knowledge.

Enough, enough. Perhaps he shouldn't have had this destiny to obtain this book of Mencius. Whether he could learn anything from it all along was up to fate. Whether he was at Lanruo Temple, at Mr. Liu's residence, or at other temples, he had expressed his desire to learn. If he was refused, he would leave without lingering.

This is also closely related to his initial study of Taoism. It is certainly rare to encounter this book in the market. However, if he abandons this idea for the sake of this book and argues with others in the marketplace, then even if he obtains the book in this way, he will find it tasteless.

Thinking of this, Wang Chongyang said, "Enough, enough, enough. Since you say so, this book has no affinity with me, so I won't read it."

Say it.

Wang Chongyang turned and left without the slightest hesitation.

Seeing Wang Chongyang leave so decisively, the peddler became extremely anxious and immediately stepped forward to stop him, saying, "There is a saying, 'Asking for the sky, bargaining on the ground.' Now that you heard I raised the price, you are unhappy, but you can bargain. Why did you turn around and leave? This is not right. Tell me your price, and if I think it is reasonable, I will sell the books to you."

Wang Chongyang smiled slightly and said, "I have no intention of buying any more. Please make way for me."

The peddler said, "Alright, now that I see you are a scholar, I will sell it to you for twenty strings of cash. Give me your twenty strings of cash, and I will give you the book as a token of goodwill."

Wang Chongyang smiled but remained silent. He walked around the vendor, mounted his horse, and rode away from the city without the slightest hesitation.

A short while later, Wang Chongyang left.

The two vendors were secretly alarmed when they saw Wang Chongyang leave. They never expected that Wang Chongyang would not even turn back. How could they not see him? Wang Chongyang loved books very much, but even when faced with something he loved, he could give it up so easily. Such a heart is rare.

The two vendors were actually Arhats in disguise. They exchanged a glance and knew that these two tests of 'discarding' would not stump Wang Chongyang, and it would be difficult for them to even stop him for a moment.

This disciple of the Master is truly remarkable.

The two Arhats had no intention of lingering. After quickly packing up, they left the city and rode on auspicious clouds to reunite with the True Man and his entourage.

The immortal stepped forward to greet the two Arhats and thanked them.

Both Arhats shook their heads and said, "We dare not accept the Master's thanks. But the Master's disciple has a firm belief in the Dao, which makes us two ashamed."

They knew that Wang Chongyang was steadfast and resolute in his Daoist heart, as evidenced by their first test, but their personal interaction with him gave them a different feeling.

If this disciple of the True Man passes all ten tests, he will surely become a great man.

Sun Wukong stepped forward and said, "These two tests are very easy for Zhengwei."

The master nodded and said, "It is the result of cultivating one's mind, not something that is easy. Wukong, you should not say such a thing."

The Arhat holding the alms bowl put his hands together and said, “Victorious Fighting Buddha should listen to what the True Man says. This is indeed not easy. This True Man’s disciple is remarkable. But if the Victorious Fighting Buddha encountered something he liked in the marketplace, how could he easily give it up, let alone utter the word ‘give up’? If it were the Victorious Fighting Buddha, he would probably negotiate the price. If he couldn’t negotiate the price, he would just pull out his cudgel and leave.”

Sun Wukong was somewhat annoyed and said, "Old Sun is not the same as before, how dare you speak of me like that?"

The Arhat holding the alms bowl laughed and said, "The Victorious Fighting Buddha is not to be underestimated. It is because the word 'giving' is not easy, and even we cannot accomplish it easily."

Jiang Yuan waved his hand and said, "The second test is over, let's not talk about that. This third test is 'endurance'. Among you, is there anyone willing to lend me a hand?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Xing appeared, bowed, and said, "Master, I am willing to lend a helping hand. I hope you will grant my request."

Jiang Yuan asked, "Lu Xing, your temperament is much gentler. How can you do this? It would be better to put someone else in this situation. This test of 'patience' is not very suitable for you."

Lu Xing laughed and said, "Master, do not underestimate me. I am capable of doing it."

Jiang Yuan asked, "What does Lu Xing intend to do?"

Lu Xing said, "If you want to teach people to be patient, you must teach them to endure anger and arrogance. Therefore, I want to be a beggar and ask them for money so that I can see their practice of patience and self-cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "The fact that Lu Xing is a beggar is just like the principle of Yin and Yang, and it has some wonderful uses. In that case, I would be extremely grateful if Lu Xing could help me."

Lu Xing said, "I dare not accept what you say, Master. If that is so, I will go and give it a try. Now, Master's disciple is heading in the direction of Yangzhou. I will go to the city in front of him and wait for him."

Jiang Yuan responded with a smile.

Lu Xing then descended from the clouds and headed towards the front.

Sun Wukong said, "Eldest Brother, if Zhengwei can truly pass these ten trials, the Golden Elixir is within reach. I should congratulate you in advance."

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "Wukong, why do you say that? Even if you have passed the ten trials of the Zhengwei School, you may have the opportunity to cultivate the Golden Core, but it is not enough to say that you are on the verge of achieving the Golden Core. If you see the Golden Core in sight, then you have not entered the path. This path is very difficult. Be careful in your words and deeds, and you can succeed."

Sun Wukong immediately responded, filled with admiration.

Guanyin Bodhisattva approached and smiled, saying, "The True Man's path of cultivation truly fills me with awe. I vividly recall our first meeting years ago. At that time, the True Man had just arrived in Xiniu Hezhou, and I, following the World-Honored One's decree, entered Lingtai Fangcun Mountain to pay homage to the Ancestor. When I first met the True Man, he had not yet attained enlightenment, and his cultivation was still very limited. Many years have passed, and now, seeing him again, the True Man has inherited the Ancestor's mantle, and he bears the ancestral mark, possessing profound magical power. However, what fills me with awe is the True Man's unchanging heart over thousands of years, his eternally sincere devotion, which is truly remarkable." Jiang Yuan said, "I am unworthy of such words from the Bodhisattva. Compared to the Bodhisattva, I am still inferior."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "How can a true master be inferior to me? But in terms of ability, a true master is not far from me."

Jiang Yuan said, "Bodhisattvas have great compassion in their hearts, while my compassion is very little, so I am not worthy to be compared with Bodhisattvas."

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled slightly and said, "True Man, please do not say such things. I know that you also have compassion, but your compassion is different from mine. If we are to talk about the magnitude of compassion, your compassion is definitely no less than mine."

Jiang Yuan shook her head, saying that she was not worthy of the Bodhisattva's words.

As the two talked among the clouds, they did not forget to keep an eye on Wang Chongyang below.

After they saw Wang Chongyang pass the second test, they knew that most of the ten tests would not cause Wang Chongyang much trouble.

The subsequent trials unfolded exactly as the real people had predicted and expected.

Several days later, Wang Chongyang entered Yangzhou. A beggar, disguised as the God of Prosperity, was begging by the roadside. Upon seeing Wang Chongyang pass by, the God of Prosperity stopped him to beg.
Wang Chongyang was kind-hearted and gave him a lot of gold and silver. However, the beggar felt it was not enough and demanded that Wang Chongyang give him twenty taels. If he did not give him the full amount, he would not let Wang Chongyang leave.

Wang Chongyang pondered for a moment, then gave him twenty taels of silver without arguing.

After receiving twenty taels of silver, Lu Xing insulted Wang Chongyang. However, Wang Chongyang paid no attention, mounted his horse, and rode away, completely disregarding the beggar's words.

This test was about 'endurance', which Wang Chongyang easily passed.

About half a month later, the fourth test, "Fearlessness," began. At that time, a deity appeared as a fierce tiger, which wanted to devour a flock of sheep raised in a village. If the sheep were lost, the villagers would have no one to rely on. Therefore, Wang Chongyang risked his life to stop the tiger, fearless of death, to protect the sheep and save the villagers.

This test was easily passed by Wang Chongyang as well.

Before he knew it, Wang Chongyang had passed the fourth test.

The fifth test is the test of "concentration," which is personally conducted by Guanyin Bodhisattva, making it extremely difficult.

……

Above the city of Yangzhou, the True Immortals and their companions were discussing the fifth trial amidst the clouds and mist.

The Master said, "These five tests were personally conducted by the Bodhisattva, but we do not know what the Bodhisattva intends to do. Does he need our assistance?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "No need for a real person to help, but I will send a few people to help."

The master asked, "Whom does the Bodhisattva need to assist him?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva looked at Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie and said, "Please ask the Victorious Fighting Buddha and the Clean Altar Messenger to assist me, and that will be enough."

Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "Bodhisattva, how can I help you? This test is a fixed state, but the fixed state is nothing but desires and delusions. How can I help you with such a thing? If you want me to subdue demons, that's fine, but if you want me to do something like this, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."

Pigsy said, “Brother Monkey is right. Bodhisattva, we are not capable of doing such a thing.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and said, "Wukong, Bajie, there is no need to worry so much. But do you two remember when we built a house on the road to the West to test your Buddhist hearts?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong looked at Zhu Bajie and said, "Fool, do you still remember?"

Pigsy was somewhat indignant and turned around to say, "I have forgotten, I have forgotten. Brother, my memory has not been as good as it used to be these days, and I can't remember such things. Don't mention it to me again."

Sun Wukong stepped forward and said, "Fool, don't you remember? I came to tell you this story so you could recall it. You'll remember it then. When we were traveling west, we passed by a house and rested there. The people in that house were Bodhisattvas in disguise, wanting us to become their sons-in-law. I and the Buddha of Merit were unwilling, but you, Pigsy, happily agreed. Who would have thought that the next day you would be tied to that tree? Fool, do you remember?"

Pigsy was furious and said, "Brother Monkey, don't mention this again."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Bajie, there is no need to be ashamed or angry. It is enough that you have changed for the better now."

Pigsy whispered, "Bodhisattva, I understand what you mean. You must want to test Zhengwei as you did in the past. But that requires a transformation technique. How can I transform into a beautiful person?"

Sun Wukong didn't say much. He was always skilled in transformation, and in some aspects of transformation, his senior brother was even inferior to him.

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, "Don't worry, I have nectar that can help you transform."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy asked, "Bodhisattva, can it truly help this old pig transform?"

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded, then took out her jade bottle, and with a gentle touch of her willow branch, sweet dew flowed out and went toward Pigsy.

Pigsy swallowed the nectar, and his body transformed into a beautiful woman, exuding boundless spring-like charm, with soft, fragrant skin like solidified cream, as beautiful as Xi Shi and graceful as a fairy.

Pigsy was overjoyed and said, "How did I become so beautiful? Bodhisattva is truly powerful! If Bodhisattva were to bestow this power upon the world, there would be no ugly people left in the world!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva said helplessly, "Bajie, don't talk nonsense. Come with me. We will go to the place outside the mountain and transform it into a house to wait for Zhengwei to arrive."

After all,

Guanyin Bodhisattva bid farewell to the True Man and, with Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, headed downwards.

The immortals and the others watched Guanyin Bodhisattva depart.

……

Guanyin Bodhisattva, Sun Wukong, and the other two landed on the mountain road in Yangzhou. Guanyin Bodhisattva blew a breath towards the roadside, and suddenly soil rose up from the roadside. In an instant, a house rose from the ground.

Sun Wukong peered closely at the mansion and saw that it was indeed a grand residence. Its facade alone was enough to demonstrate its wealth. It was surrounded by towering walls, with dark tiles reaching the clouds. The main gate had five bays, with animal heads holding rings hanging from black lacquer and gold nails. Above the gate hung a large nanmu plaque with the four characters "Imperial Construction of a Peaceful Residence" inscribed in a powerful, flowing seal script. The steps were lined with blue stone pixiu (mythical beasts), and the porch had a painted coffered ceiling with cloud patterns and coiled dragons appearing and disappearing among the eaves. Looking up, the double eaves and brackets resembled the wings of a roc hanging from the sky, and the rows of roof beasts crouched and gazed at the moon, their glazed tiles reflecting the sunlight.

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Bodhisattva, this place is even better than when you tested our hearts before."

Guanyin Bodhisattva said, “Zhengwei is no ordinary person. His Daoist heart is in line with that of the True Man. If he were not wealthy and noble, it would be difficult for him to be tested.”

Pigsy said, “Bodhisattva, if you want to test someone, wealth and status are not enough. You can get some books. I see that Zhengwei loves books. Only with books can the test be effective.”

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and said, "Bajie, don't worry. There are books in this house, and many of them, including three schools of thought, which are enough to test you."

(End of this chapter)