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

Chapter 410 Chongyang Message: The True Body Returns Home
Deep within, ancient moss grows, pine shadows fall on the empty altar. Clouds rise, oblivious to dusk, spring steam rises from the rocky spring. Ask not of flowers blooming or fading, for even the crane's feathers bear the chill of winter.

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

Wang Chongyang led four disciples westward to Luoyang to spread his teachings. During this time, due to various events, they traveled to Bianjing (Kaifeng) and spent some time there before finally returning to Zhongnan Mountain.

Along the way, he endured wind and rain, sleeping in the open. It seemed that Wang Chongyang was plagued by illness, and he gradually aged. In just two years, he went from looking like a young man to looking like an old man, and he was seriously ill.

Ma Yu and his three disciples were secretly anxious and helpless. They invited a doctor to take a look, but the doctor could not diagnose Wang Chongyang's illness, so they could only worry helplessly.

Wang Chongyang did not care, and only instructed Ma Yu and the other three to take him back to Zhongnan Mountain.

Ma Yu and the other three were deeply saddened, but had no choice but to accept it.

After traveling for many days, the group finally arrived at Zhongnan Mountain.

Ma Yu and the other three were deeply moved by the majestic Zhongnan Mountain. It was truly a sight to behold, a place so beautiful that one would linger and never want to leave.

After a long silence, Ma Yu said, "This place should be the ancestral temple."

Qiu Chuji smiled and said, "I have often heard Master say that this place is where Master awakened and cultivated, so this place should naturally be the ancestral temple."

Both Tan Chuduan and Liu Chuxuan believed that Zhongnan Mountain should be considered the ancestral temple.

The four disciples had been observing the mountain scenery for a long time. When they walked to the carriage behind them, they said, "Master, we have arrived at Zhongnan Mountain."

After a long while, the carriage curtain was pushed open, and the very old Wang Chongyang stepped out of the carriage, supported by Ma Yu.

Wang Chongyang looked up at Zhongnan Mountain and laughed, “I have finally returned to this place. I attained enlightenment here in the past and awoke here. This is my old home and can also be called the place of my rebirth.”

Ma Yu said, "Master, the mountain road is rugged. Let me bring the horse so that we can ride together and continue our journey."

Wang Chongyang shook his head and said, "Now that I'm going home, why bother with all that? Just come up the mountain with me."

Say it.

Wang Chongyang got up and walked up the mountain.

Ma Yu hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Master, please wait a moment, let me help you."

Ma Yu stepped forward to help him up, fearing that Wang Chongyang might accidentally fall off the cliff. If it were the Wang Chongyang of the past, he would not be afraid, but the current Wang Chongyang was old and frail, and the mountain road was rugged. If he made a mistake, he would be in danger of dying.

Wang Chongyang smiled and did not refuse Ma Yu's kindness, and went up the mountain with Ma Yu.

Qiu Chuji and the other two followed behind.

The group headed up Zhongnan Mountain.

Liu Chuxuan asked, "Master is a highly accomplished Taoist with profound magical powers and mysterious Taoist magic. Why are you so old? I have often heard Master say that those who attain Tao will surely be ranked among the immortals. Why is Master like this now?"

Tan Chuduan said, "Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural course of human life."

Liu Chuxuan said, "If that's the case, what's the use of cultivation? Since death is inevitable anyway, it's better to remain in this world."

Qiu Chuji said, "You two should stop arguing. You are both reasonable people, so why do you say such things?"

Liu Chuxuan and Tan Chuduan dared not say anything more and hurried on their way with their heads down.

As Qiu Chuji hurried along, he glanced at Wang Chongyang's location, lost in thought. He was also pondering why Wang Chongyang had aged so much in just two years. When he first became Wang Chongyang's disciple, Wang Chongyang was clearly a highly accomplished master with great supernatural powers. Why was he like this? He couldn't figure it out.

Qiu Chuji didn't understand this at all, but he had a vague guess. He had heard a rumor that if one were to become an immortal while still alive, it would be difficult to achieve immortality, because the world is a sea of ​​suffering. If one wanted to become an immortal, one must leave the world, either through corpse liberation or feigning death, etc., so that one would break free from the sea of ​​suffering and never have any further contact with it.

Could it be that his master was the same?

Qiu Chuji had some guesses, but he dared not be so certain.

The group walked forward.

After walking for a long time, the group finally arrived at the Tomb of the Living Dead.

Wang Chongyang instructed the four men to fetch some wood and build some simple, humble dwellings.

All four accepted the order.

The group built houses on the mountain, and before they knew it, more than half a month had passed. The four disciples finally completed the houses.

Just as the four disciples were about to meet Wang Chongyang again and invite him to stay, they found him lying quietly in the Tomb of the Living Dead, his breath weak, as if he would die at any moment.

The four disciples were shocked to see this, wondering why Wang Chongyang was in such a state today when he was not like this yesterday.

Ma Yu strode forward, terrified, and said, "Master, what's wrong! How could this happen! I'll go and fetch a doctor right away, please wait a moment, Master!"

Say it.

He turned to leave.

Wang Chongyang suddenly grabbed Ma Yu's arm, shook his head and laughed, "There's no need to go. My lifespan is coming to an end, and I have my own senses. Bringing doctors and physicians here will be of no use. You all stay here. I have something to say to you."

Ma Yu wept bitterly, not knowing what to do.

Qiu Chuji and the other two were also deeply saddened, kneeling on the ground, unsure how to face the impending death of their master.

Wang Chongyang struggled to get up.

Upon seeing this, Ma Yu quickly helped Wang Chongyang sit up.

Wang Chongyang shook his head and waved his hand, saying, "I have something to say to the four of you. Xuanbao, please stay and listen. The three of you should go outside the Tomb of the Living Dead and wait for me to call you inside."

Qiu Chuji and the other two were saddened, but dared not disobey their master's words, and withdrew in turn.

Wang Chongyang looked at Ma Yu's tearful appearance, shook his head and smiled, and said, "Xuanbao, there is no need to be so sad. Please compose yourself. I have something to tell you."

Ma Yu wept uncontrollably. Upon hearing Wang Chongyang's words, he could only sit still, composed himself, and not show the sorrow his master saw.

After a long while, Ma Yu finished tidying up, stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "Master, I was saved from the shackles of worldly love by your guidance in the past. Since then, I have regarded you as my father. I never thought that I would not be able to fulfill my filial duty for ten years, but Master's lifespan is about to end. What should I do?"

Wang Chongyang smiled and said, "There is no need to be sad. You have talent, and one day you will understand."

As he spoke, Wang Chongyang suddenly became serious and said, "Xuanbao, come closer and listen carefully."

Ma Yu dared not disobey, and hurriedly knelt down before him, saying, "Master, your disciple is here."

Wang Chongyang reached out and gently stroked Ma Yutian's head, saying, "Your nature is in harmony with the Great Void, and your heart is in accord with the Mysterious Female. In the past, I secluded myself for a hundred days to break your current shackles. Now, I will give you the jade key with the twenty-four secrets."

Having said that, Wang Chongyang leaned close to Ma Yu's ear and whispered the profound method to him. After he finished, he said, "These twenty-four secrets, with the two words 'purity and tranquility,' are the fundamental principles of this path. After I am gone, you must hold fast to this profound code and guard the ancestral temple. Though the winds and clouds may change, you shall remain steadfast like a lone pine on Mount Hua; though the mists and clouds may gather and disperse, you shall remain serene and radiant like the autumn moon in a crystal vase. Be careful not to follow the vulgar trends and fall from my true spirit. Remember, remember!"

Having memorized the twenty-four rules, how could Ma Yu dare disobey Wang Chongyang? He quickly kowtowed and said, "Master, your disciple will remember them and never forget them!"

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, "In that case, you go out of the tomb and have Tongzheng come in. I will have something to say to him."

Ma Yu dared not delay, and after kowtowing countless times, he went out of the Tomb of the Living Dead and called for Tan Chuduan to come.

A short while later, Tan Chuduan entered the Tomb of the Living Dead, kowtowed to Wang Chongyang, and was so frightened that he did not know what to say.

Wang Chongyang smiled and said, "Tongzheng, there's no need to panic. Calm down and tell me what's bothering you."

Tan Chuduan said tremblingly, "Master, I don't understand why you too will have a day when your lifespan is about to end."

Wang Chongyang asked, "Is there anything unclear here?"

Tan Chuduan said, "Even if one's cultivation reaches such a profound level as Master's, one can still die? This disciple does not quite understand. Please enlighten me, Master, so that I may resolve my confusion."

Wang Chongyang smiled and said, "Life and death are intertwined; life and death are one, just like yin and yang, just like the sun and moon. If you are too attached to this, you will never understand."

Tan Chuduan seemed to be deep in thought, but still had some questions.

Wang Chongyang then said solemnly, “Tongzheng, listen! Your form is like withered wood, but your mind is truly clear. In the past, the water left over from washing your face cured your chronic illness, not by the power of the water, but by the power of your sincere devotion. However, you have many questions about life and death. I hope you will soon understand this and not be troubled by life and death. Longevity is not about the immortality of flesh and blood, but about the longevity of wisdom. You have a predestined connection with the Dao on the banks of the Luo River. You should emulate Chao You drinking from the flowing water and Xu You washing his ears, upholding the rules of begging with an iron heart, and using your foolish body as a raft to cross the world. One day, the cold spring and clear well will reflect your true image.”

"I am conveying these words to you. Now go and think it over carefully. Go and summon Tongmiao to me."

Say it.

Wang Chongyang closed his eyes, unwilling to speak further with Tan Chuduan, as if explaining was enough.

Tan Chuduan bowed deeply to Wang Chongyang and then left.

Before long, Liu Chuxuan entered and paid homage to Wang Chongyang.

Wang Chongyang then said, “Tongmiao, listen! Your words are as sharp as a sword, and your character as steadfast as a pine tree. Your eloquence can expound the profound principles of the three religions, and your firmness can safeguard the true lineage of your teachings…”

He spoke with Liu Chuxuan and then instructed Liu Chuxuan to leave the Tomb of the Living Dead and summon Qiu Chuji.

Liu Chuxuan dared not disobey, and immediately summoned Qiu Chuji to the Tomb of the Living Dead.

A short while later, Qiu Chuji entered the Tomb of the Living Dead to pay homage to Wang Chongyang.

When Wang Chongyang saw Qiu Chuji, he smiled. Of his seven disciples, only two made him feel most at ease. One was Ma Yu, who was steady and responsible, thus capable of managing the ancestral temple. The other was Qiu Chuji, who was exceptionally intelligent and carried on his principles. What Wang Chongyang left behind would surely be carried forward and developed by Qiu Chuji.

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, "Tongmi, please get up."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chuji immediately got up and dared not disobey.

Wang Chongyang said, “Tongmi, I will tell you about it now, so please remember it carefully.”

Qiu Chuji said, "Master, please speak. I will remember everything you say."

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, “In the past, I imitated Ma Yu and locked you in a quiet room for a hundred days. It was not to confine your body, but to temper your wild heart. Now, I see that your capacity has reached the ocean. However, though the ocean is vast, it cannot nourish scorched earth; though your wisdom is great, it has not yet reached the heavenly pivot. I have a verse for you, please listen to it.”

Qiu Chuji listened attentively, bowed again, and said, "Please speak, Master. I will listen attentively to what you have to say."

Wang Chongyang pondered for a moment and then said, "With the Kunwu sword hidden in my sleeve and sweet dew in my mouth, I will shatter the summit of Vairocana and open the door to see the King of Emptiness!"

Qiu Chuji, not understanding the meaning, asked, "Master, I do not know its profound meaning. Please explain."

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, "The Kunwu Sword is a metaphor for your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. One day, there will be a grand gathering at Longsha, where a king will draw his sword and challenge you to a duel. You must sever the root of his anger!"

"The nectar is to show you the essence of the three teachings. The Buddhists say 'the sea of ​​suffering is boundless,' the Confucians say 'the benevolent love others,' and our Tao says 'to value life and preserve one's true nature.' In the future, you will surely travel ten thousand miles westward. If you encounter conflict between the Han and the barbarians, you must blend these three flavors into nectar to soothe their ambitions and pent-up feelings."

"..."

Wang Chongyang explained the key points to Qiu Chuji in detail.

……

Amidst the clouds and mist, Sun Wukong, with his divine eye, could see through what was happening in the Tomb of the Living Dead, and he explained the matter in detail to Zhu Bajie.

After hearing this, Pigsy sighed and said, "Zhengwei truly has the opportunity to cultivate the Golden Elixir. These three lifetimes have been worthwhile. If I could be reborn three times to achieve the same result, I would be willing."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Fool, if you want to be reincarnated, you can go now. I might be able to secretly protect you. If you want to go now, you don't need to go back home. I will inform your senior brother on your behalf later. I have some connections with the Ten Kings of Hell and can help you arrange your reincarnation quickly."

Say it.

Sun Wukong, seemingly impatient, grabbed Zhu Bajie and prepared to take him to the underworld.

Pigsy said tremblingly, "Brother, please tell me what's going on. Don't tease me. How can I be reincarnated? I don't want to, I don't want to."

Sun Wukong said, "Since you speak such enviable words, why don't you do it? Perhaps you will return after three lifetimes and also have the ability to cultivate the Golden Elixir. If that's the case, you fool, you won't need to envy others."

Pigsy shouted, "Don't say such things. If you are envious, then do what you want. I envy you even more, Brother Monkey. You are born divine. I envy you, but there is nothing I can do about it."

Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "Being born a god, I have no laws."

Pigsy laughed and said, "That's exactly right, Brother Monkey. That's why you shouldn't let me reincarnate. If I'm too envious, I'll be reincarnated. That would make me even more envious."

Sun Wukong grabbed Zhu Bajie's fan-shaped ear and said, "You fool, you're full of nonsense. If I taught you to reincarnate, you would actually have the chance to obtain the Golden Elixir. What's the point of all this talk?"

Pigsy begged for mercy, "Brother, spare me. I no longer covet the elixir of immortality. I am only concerned with cultivating other methods, so I truly have no need for reincarnation."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "Enough, enough, enough. Since you say so, I won't say any more."

As he spoke, he looked down and laughed, "Fool, get ready to go home. Your nephew is about to escape."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy said no more, wielded his nine-toothed rake, and stood ready, waiting for Wang Chongyang to escape.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Tomb of the Living Dead, Wang Chongyang left a message for his four disciples and instructed them to enter the Tomb of the Living Dead once more.

Wang Chongyang looked at his four disciples, smiled, and took out paper and pen. He wrote on a piece of paper, which read: "Chongyangzi of the Earthly Lung, I, Wang Haifeng, came riding a white crane, and departed riding a blue dragon. Seven golden lotuses bloomed, and the Jade Palace of Five Clouds opened. My disciples, strive on, and we will meet again in the immortal realm."

Say it.

Wang Chongyang closed his eyes, his breath ceased, and a faint east wind blew into the Tomb of the Living Dead. Wang Chongyang sat cross-legged there, seemingly neither alive nor dead. His true body finally departed and returned home.

(End of this chapter)