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

Chapter 412 The Kingdom of Longevity, Extending Life and Prolonging Life
Time flies, and more than half a year has passed in the blink of an eye.

Wang Chongyang stepped onto the Golden Path from Zhongnan Mountain, determined to reach Lingtai Fangcun Mountain. He walked along the Golden Path for more than half a year and had already entered Xiniu Hezhou. He was still half a year away from Lingtai Fangcun Mountain.

Wang Chongyang passed through unimpeded areas. When he first entered the Golden Road, some demons tried to disguise themselves and trick him into leaving. This was not a difficult task for him, and Wang Chongyang could easily see through it and was not fooled.

One day, Wang Chongyang was still walking alone on the golden road. As far as he could see, there was only golden light. Beyond the golden light, sandstorms raged, and the road was long and difficult.

However, he knew that as long as he did not leave the Golden Path, he would not be harmed, and no evil spirit would dare to enter the Golden Path to harm him.

After walking for a long time, Wang Chongyang took out the bundle behind him, seemingly trying to find some food. Whether it was his imagination or not, his hunger and thirst intensified after he stepped onto the Golden Road, which sometimes forced him to risk stepping off the Golden Road from safe places to find food and water so that he could continue his journey westward.

Wang Chongyang searched through his bundle for a long time but found no food or water, realizing that he had run out of food and water.

Wang Chongyang wanted to find a place to find food and water, but all he could see when he looked around was sand and dust.

Wang Chongyang had no choice but to continue forward.

After traveling for a long time, as the sun set, Wang Chongyang finally saw signs of human activity. They were travelers, in groups of three or five, heading forward. According to their route, there must be a city ahead.

Wang Chongyang stepped forward and stopped the travelers.

The traveler turned to look and saw that Wang Chongyang had an extraordinary demeanor, was refined and cultured, and resembled a grandmaster. Not daring to underestimate him, he asked, "Why did you stop me, sir? Is there something important?"

Wang Chongyang bowed respectfully and said, "Brother, I am passing through this place and am short of food and water. Therefore, I wish to travel to various places to find food and water. I wonder if there are any merchants, taverns, or inns nearby?"

Upon hearing this, the traveler immediately understood the purpose of the visit and said, "If it is food and water, that is sufficient for the journey ahead."

Wang Chongyang asked, "What do you mean by that?"

The traveler replied, “Sir, ahead lies the Kingdom of Longevity, a prosperous and bustling land with countless merchants, taverns, and inns, which can satisfy all your needs.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang immediately asked, "The Kingdom of Longevity? What kind of country is this? Why have I never heard of it before?"

He was once the crown prince of the Kingdom of Baoliang. Later, he followed his master back to the mountain and experienced many things. He knew all about the great countries on the westward route, but he had never heard of the Kingdom of Wanshou.

The passerby laughed and said, "Sir, you are rather ignorant. The name of this Longevity Kingdom is well-known throughout the surrounding area, and very few people do not know it."

Wang Chongyang assumed that Wang Chongyang had not been to the Western Road for a long time and therefore did not know its name. He bowed and said with a smile, "It is indeed my ignorance that I did not know the name of the Kingdom of Longevity. Now that I have heard you speak of it, I know its name."

Upon hearing this, the traveler said, "Sir, I will show you the way and accompany you to the Kingdom of Longevity. Along the way, I can tell you about the Kingdom of Longevity and teach you about its prosperity and mysteries."

Wang Chongyang nodded with a smile.

The traveler was the one who led the way for Wang Chongyang.

Wang Chongyang readily agreed. Just as he was about to step off the golden road, he touched the Heavenly Ruler in his bundle before taking the first step.

As the traveler led the way, he said, "Sir, the Kingdom of Longevity is not far from here. It will be about the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn. The Kingdom of Longevity is extremely prosperous and has many mysterious places."

As the passerby spoke, he occasionally made funny gestures, seemingly astonished and amazed by the Kingdom of Longevity.

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, "What you have said has made me quite surprised by the Kingdom of Longevity."

The traveler said, "It is indeed surprising, for that is a great and powerful nation."

Wang Chongyang asked, "The title of a great nation is no small matter."

The traveler said, "The Kingdom of Longevity is no ordinary nation; it can be called a great and powerful country."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang asked again, "How does the Kingdom of Longevity compare to the Great Song and the Great Liao in the East?"

The traveler looked puzzled and said, "What country is there in the East? I've heard that there seems to be a great country in the East called the Tang Dynasty, which calls itself a superior country. Is that country?"

Wang Chongyang knew that the traveler was unaware of the changes in Jambudvipa, so he had no choice but to nod.

The traveler pondered for a moment and said, "I have heard that the Tang Dynasty is an unparalleled country. In terms of prosperity, perhaps the Wanshou Kingdom cannot compare, but in some mysterious aspects, the Tang Dynasty is definitely incomparable."

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, "If what you say is true, then the Tang Dynasty is indeed inferior to the Longevity Kingdom."

The traveler said, “I do not know, but I have seen the prosperity of Wanshou Kingdom. The prosperity of the Tang Dynasty cannot be seen. In my opinion, Wanshou Kingdom is superior to the Tang Dynasty.”

Wang Chongyang then asked, "If we compare the Kingdom of Jisa, the Kingdom of Zhu Zi, the Kingdom of Xi Liang, and the Kingdom of Wuji with the Kingdom of Wanshou, how would they fare?"

The traveler replied, "The Kingdom of Longevity is superior; its mysteries are unlike anything found in other countries."

Wang Chongyang asked curiously, "What is the mystery behind it? Could you explain it to me in detail?"

Seeing that Wang Chongyang did not believe in the mysteries of the Longevity Kingdom, the passerby had no choice but to step forward and whisper, "Sir, you do not know this, but the mysteries of the Longevity Kingdom are truly extraordinary. It can help people prolong their lives and even achieve immortality. Therefore, it is full of mysteries. Do you know how extraordinary it is?"

Wang Chongyang was somewhat surprised and said, "Can it teach people to prolong their lives and achieve immortality? How is that possible?"

The traveler said, "This is absolutely true, it is a real event. The Kingdom of Longevity prospered because of this, and thus became famous far and wide."

Wang Chongyang said, "This is truly unbelievable to me."

The traveler said, "If you don't believe me, come with me later to meet me, and you will know whether what I say is true or false."

Wang Chongyang laughed and said, "If that's the case, then I should certainly go with you to the Kingdom of Longevity for a visit."

The two then headed forward.

After traveling for a while, the two saw a city ahead. Although they did not get close, they could hear the bustling noise of people inside.

The traveler was overjoyed and pointed to the place, saying, "The Kingdom of Longevity is just ahead, sir, please come with me quickly."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang looked in that direction and saw that the traveler's face was flushed with an unnatural hue. He seemed somewhat hesitant, but said nothing more and continued walking with him.

The two continued walking forward, and after a short while, they entered the city.

Wang Chongyang carefully examined the city and saw that it was not small in scale, but it was much smaller than the city of Nanzhanbuzhou. He looked at the traveler and said, "Brother, I do not have a travel permit or a household registration. Is it possible for me to enter the city?"

The traveler said, “Sir, please rest assured. In the Kingdom of Wanshou, all people are equal and the country welcomes all people. Therefore, there is no need for travel permits or anything like that. Everyone can enter.”

Wang Chongyang smiled, said nothing more, and simply went inside with the traveler.

When the two arrived at the city, they found that there was no one stopping them at the city gate.

Wang Chongyang and the traveler entered smoothly. They saw that the city streets were bustling with people, and merchants were calling out on both sides, making it quite prosperous. Wang Chongyang nodded to himself upon seeing the city's prosperity, but then he looked more closely at the crowds. He saw that the people in the city had smiles on their faces, but the smiles were somewhat stiff and strange.

He didn't know what was so strange about this place, but he had a feeling that this city was not simple.

A passerby next to him asked with a smile, "Sir, is the city bustling?"

Wang Chongyang smiled and nodded, saying, "The city is indeed bustling and dazzling, it has dazzled me."

The traveler said, “Sir, the wonders of the city are not found here. Please come with me.”

Having said that, the traveler walked on, wandering through the streets and alleys.

Wang Chongyang naturally followed, asking where the traveler was going to meet him.

After the two had traveled through the city for a while, the traveler led Wang Chongyang to a street where the crowds were even larger and there were many shouts urging others to come and buy.

Wang Chongyang listened carefully and heard someone shouting, "The newly arrived Worry-Free Fruit! Eating it will eliminate all worries and bring immense joy!"

Then someone shouted loudly, "The finest longevity silk! Wearing it will prolong your life and bring you lasting blessings!"

I've also heard people exclaiming, "A family secret recipe for anti-aging cream! Apply it and you'll stay young forever!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang observed carefully and saw that the 'Worry-Free Fruit' was a brightly colored and somewhat strange fruit, the 'Hundred-Year Silk' had a smooth surface and was made of blood-red fabric, and the 'Youth-Preserving Cream' emitted a pungent fragrance, which was even more bizarre.

The traveler said, "That is the mystery of the Longevity Kingdom. Such things can prolong life. It is said that the Longevity Kingdom also has a method to teach people how to live forever, but I have never had the chance to see it."

Wang Chongyang said, "You have tried this kind of mysterious substance that prolongs life?"

The traveler was very pleased and said, "I have tried it, but I have only used the anti-aging cream. The cream has a strange fragrance, but it is very effective. Once applied, it makes one look several years younger. I have come here today for the other two items. Would you like to purchase some, sir?"

Wang Chongyang shook his head and smiled, "No need to rush."

The passerby said, "If you're not in a hurry, sir, then I'll go and make the purchase."

Wang Chongyang waved his hand, instructing him to go ahead.

The two then went their separate ways.

Wang Chongyang walked outside, not wanting to stay there for long. After wandering around, he found an inn, went in to stay, took out some silver, and settled there.

The innkeeper greeted Wang Chongyang with a smile and ushered him inside. When he heard that Wang wanted to buy food and water, the innkeeper readily agreed and offered to purchase them for him.

Wang Chongyang was about to rest before continuing his journey the next day.

The shopkeeper suddenly stopped him and asked, "Honored guest, there are celebrations in the country recently. Would you like to participate?"

Wang Chongyang asked in confusion, "A celebration? This is a national celebration. How can an outsider like me participate?"

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Honorable guest, you may not know this, but the city's celebration is open to everyone and is held once a year. This year's celebration is just around the corner, so if you wish to participate, that is certainly possible."

Wang Chongyang asked, "What kind of celebration is this? Could you tell me about it for a while?"

The shopkeeper said, "This is a celebration to prolong life, and there are longevity items to be distributed among everyone."

Wang Chongyang was somewhat puzzled by what the shopkeeper said, but he still agreed, saying that he would definitely attend the celebration if he had time.

Upon hearing this, the innkeeper said nothing more, but before Wang Chongyang left, he asked, "Honored guest, there is an unwritten rule in our inn that guests must state their age. May I ask how old you are this year, esteemed guest?"

Wang Chongyang pondered for a moment, but did not give the exact number, fearing to disturb him, and replied: "At the age of thirty."

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper sighed, said nothing more, and waved for him to leave.

Wang Chongyang was puzzled, but without asking any further questions, he left and went to his room to rest.

The next day, Wang Chongyang received the food and water from the innkeeper. After examining it carefully, he found nothing unusual in the food and water and was relieved. He then bid farewell to the innkeeper and prepared to leave.

He left the inn and had not gone far when he suddenly heard a commotion ahead. He looked in that direction and saw a ragged child running away in panic.

Before the child had taken two steps, a butcher behind him kicked the child, seized him, and said, "Let him fatten up and wait for the right time." He then dragged the child back. The surrounding people were used to this and continued to walk happily.

Upon witnessing this scene, Wang Chongyang was certain that something had happened in the city, and that this city was definitely not as simple as it seemed; perhaps there were evil spirits causing trouble within.

However, when he looked around, he saw that everyone around him was a living person and he saw no demonic aura, which made him feel strange.

If there were truly evil spirits at work here, there should be demonic energy present. This situation truly puzzled him.

Wang Chongyang fell silent. For a moment, he didn't know whether he should leave or investigate the matter here before continuing his journey.

If he leaves, he can return home and see his master after half a year.

If we were to investigate this matter here, it would likely take some time and cause considerable delays.

Wang Chongyang was at a loss. He pondered for a long time. He knew that something had changed here, most likely due to demons causing trouble. If he left now, what would he say if his master asked him if he had encountered any evil spirits on his journey? Furthermore, he had heard that his master's opening of his residence was approaching. This Wanshou Kingdom was near the main road to the west. If his fellow disciples passed through this place in the future, and he had not eliminated them by now, what face would he have to call himself the 'eldest brother' if his master and fellow disciples were killed?

He must thoroughly investigate this Wanshou Kingdom, and if any evil spirits are causing trouble, he must eliminate them.

Wang Chongyang turned around, met with the innkeeper again, took out some more money, and explained that he would be staying there for a while.

The shopkeeper responded with a smile.

Wang Chongyang was about to go to his room to rest when he suddenly remembered something and said, "Shopkeeper, if the national celebration is about to begin, you should tell me that I want to participate."

The shopkeeper's smile widened, and he said, "Of course. Since our distinguished guest wishes to participate, I will inform him as soon as the celebration begins and invite him to join us."

Wang Chongyang responded and then asked, "Shopkeeper, how can we purchase those anti-aging creams and longevity silks in the city? Is it possible to buy them with money?"

The shopkeeper replied, "These cannot be purchased with money. As for the Hundred-Year Silk and the Youth-Preserving Cream, they must be exchanged for other items. Each stall requires different items to exchange for these two items, and the quality varies. If you wish to purchase them, please examine them carefully before making a decision."

As he spoke, the shopkeeper suddenly said, "If you are just looking around, I have some that I can give you as a gift."

Wang Chongyang naturally accepted it.

The shopkeeper then took some anti-aging cream and a handkerchief made of longevity silk and gave it to Wang Chongyang.

(End of this chapter)