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

Chapter 443 Opening a Mansion

Time flies, summer comes and winter goes, and suddenly the New Year arrives again.

This year is the forty-ninth year, the year the True Man will establish his residence.

This is the time of transition between the old and new year, and also the time when the True Man will establish his residence and achieve great magical power.

As night fell and the old and new alternated between heaven and earth, Sun Wukong and the others did not cultivate. Instead, they stood outside the mansion, each holding a weapon, acting as protectors of the mansion and waiting for the time for the arrival of the True Man.

Sun Wukong opened his fiery eyes wide, rode a cloud, and looked out. He saw the faint light of dawn, the first rays of the new year. A gentle east wind blew, thawing the frozen river; a warm breeze rose, gently illuminating the trees in the courtyard. Hibernating insects stirred but did not stir, already sensing the warmth of the sun; grasses and trees sprouted but did not yet bloom, already hinting at their verdant growth.

All of these are in accordance with the true man; the time is approaching, and countless Daoist principles are already hidden between heaven and earth.

Sun Wukong descended from the clouds and laughed, "Our eldest brother is truly about to succeed. Let us watch closely and not let any evil spirits disturb the peace of our mansion."

Pigsy was still carrying his nine-toothed rake, not having changed his weapon. He looked around for a long time and then said, "Brother, what you said is true. This is the master's residence, and the patriarch is here. What demon would dare to invade? There's no need for us to protect him here."

Sun Wukong shook his head and said, "You fool, if you are tired, then go and rest. Now is the time for our eldest brother to open his mansion, so we must not show any signs of danger. If we are truly lax here, and any evil sects are blinded by greed and come to offend us, then it will be too late for us to regret it."

Zhenjian put his hands together and laughed, "Wukong is right. Bajie, if you are really tired, then you should go back first. We will wait here."

Upon hearing what the two were saying, Pigsy looked down and saw Sun Wukong, Zhenjian, the Bull Demon King, the Bull Demon King's youngest son, Liu Chenxiang, Wang Chongyang, and Red Boy, all holding weapons and guarding the area.

Looking from a distance, Qingniu was perched on a tree in the distance, holding an orange, with a steel gun beside him, as if he were about to take up arms and go into battle at any moment.

Pigsy said, “Brother, let me vent my frustrations. Just pretend I didn’t say anything. We’ll wait here to guard against evil spirits.”

Sun Wukong said, "Fool, since you're willing to have it, then stand still and don't complain anymore."

Pigsy fell silent, wielding his nine-toothed rake, and stood aside.

Sun Wukong looked at Zhenjian and asked, "Second Brother, when do you think our Eldest Brother will open his own residence this year?"

Zhenjian shook his head and said, "Junior Brother Wukong, why do you think so highly of me? If I had such ability to witness the opening of Senior Brother's mansion, wouldn't I already possess great magical power?"

Sun Wukong scratched his ears and cheeks, and said, "It was indeed this old Sun who was being reckless."

Zhenjian said, "Although I do not know when Senior Brother will open his mansion, I do know what signs will appear before he does so. Based on these signs, we can know that Senior Brother has opened his mansion."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong looked up at him and exclaimed in surprise, "Second Brother has such abilities?"

Zhen Jian laughed and said, "This kind of skill is not only mine, but you also have it, Pigsy also has it, we all have it."

Sun Wukong said, "Second Brother, please explain clearly, don't leave me confused."

Zhen Jian smiled and said, "I heard that you, junior brother, were instructed by our senior brother to go to various places to invite others to participate in our senior brother's opening ceremony. Many of the people you invited were powerful, so they must know when our senior brother will open the mansion. Therefore, we wait outside the mansion to protect our senior brother. When we see auspicious clouds rising and purple qi coming from the east, that will be the time for our senior brother to open the mansion."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong suddenly realized and said, "What my second brother said makes sense! It was only because I was blinded by a leaf that I did not know the intricacies of the matter. I thank my second brother for telling me."

The Bull Demon King and the others also bowed to Zhenjian.

Zhenjian shook his head and said, "No need for formalities. But I have not said it, and you will all find out sooner or later, so there is no need to bow to me like this, nor is there any need to express any gratitude."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong and the others said nothing more and waited there.

The group waited there until the sun was high in the sky. By then, the transition between the old and new worlds had been completed. With them protecting the Dharma, no demons dared to invade the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars.

As time passed, the old and new alternated in the world. In the Cave of the Slanting Moon and Three Stars, the Daoist charm gradually emerged, and the power of the True Man seemed to be constantly increasing.

Even though they were outside the mansion, Sun Wukong and the others could still sense the rising Daoist aura within, indicating that the True Person was about to attain great magical power.

Sun Wukong sensed the commotion in the mansion and was secretly alarmed. He said, "My senior brother's magical power is truly magnificent. The magical power here surpasses even that of the World Honored One I saw in the past."

Zhenjian shook his head, put his hands together, and said, "The World-Honored One's Buddhist practice is still in its infancy. Moreover, the World-Honored One's Buddhist practice is gradually fading away, like the setting sun, and his magical power is gradually diminishing. But now, my senior brother is about to achieve great magical power, like the rising sun, full of vigor. How can these be compared? It is absolutely impossible."

Sun Wukong said, “I know this principle. The Buddha’s teachings are gradually declining now, so it is probably impossible for him to subdue me. It is no longer the Heavenly Court of the past. However, if we follow my senior brother’s current power, he can probably subdue me in a day or two. This is enough to show the difference.”

Pigsy laughed and said, "Brother, how can I remember when you first learned your skills, you often fought with the Master. Before you even made a move, he would capture you with his hidden magic, rendering all your skills useless. In my opinion, the Master can subdue you in no time. As soon as you meet him, you will be subdued without any ability to resist."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong was somewhat annoyed, thinking to himself, "This fool, how can he be so tactless? I know I am no match for my senior brother, but this fool's words are making me look bad. I will not let him off the hook; I will teach him a lesson today!"

Think about it.

Sun Wukong immediately swung his golden cudgel to strike Zhu Bajie. The cudgel was so heavy that it sent shockwaves through the air, startling even the gods and ghosts.

Pigsy was terrified and fled, but Sun Wukong was very skilled and caught up with him in no time.

Seeing that he couldn't escape, Pigsy turned around and ran towards Zhenjian.

Sun Wukong caught up and saw Zhenjian blocking the way. He hesitated to attack, fearing he might hurt Zhenjian, which would be bad. So he scolded Zhu Bajie, saying, "You idiot, come here quickly, stick out your crutch, and let me hit you five times. Then I will spare you. If you don't come over and I accidentally hurt my second brother, then it won't be five hits."

Pigsy, hiding behind True Insight, said, "Don't try to fool me. If I go over there, I'll be dead. If the Buddha of Wisdom is here, you might hurt him if you come over, so don't come over!"

When Sun Wukong saw Zhenjian ahead, he didn't dare to go forward. Instead, he stopped in front of him, wielding his golden cudgel, and said fiercely, "You rascal, you've been hiding behind my second senior brother all this time. Let's see when you come out."

Pigsy said, "Brother, if you say that, don't blame me for always following the Buddha of Wisdom. Even when the Buddha of Wisdom goes to rest, I will follow him closely and never stray far. If you have the guts, come and hit me, and I will not fight back!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong became somewhat angry and wanted to say something more.

Zhenjian stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said helplessly, "Wukong, Bajie, you two must stop causing trouble. This is a crucial time for our eldest brother to establish his residence. How can we act recklessly? Let bygones be bygones and we can discuss this another day." Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong had no choice but to restrain himself. He knew how serious this matter was. If any demons or evil spirits were to break in and disturb his eldest brother and master, he would be guilty of a sin he could not atone for even if he died a hundred times.

Therefore, Sun Wukong no longer went forward to fight Zhu Bajie, but stood at a distance and glared at Zhu Bajie.

Pigsy also stepped out from behind Zhenjian and muttered, "What I said is not wrong. Monkey King is no match for Master. Master has divine power, but it is normal for Master to defeat Monkey King with one move. Why did Monkey King get angry and come to hit me? Could it be that I really said something wrong? If I said something wrong, Monkey King, come with me to see Master and ask him clearly. Master may be able to defeat you with a single move."

Sun Wukong pointed at Zhu Bajie and said, “You fool, I know that my senior brother’s supernatural powers are so great that I am no match for him. It is common for him to subdue me with a single sleeve. But you may have been a little too tactful in your words. How could you describe me as so insignificant? I should beat you to teach you a lesson.”

Upon hearing this, Pigsy remained silent for a long time, as if pondering. After a while, he said, "It was indeed my fault. I know it. Please don't blame me, Brother Monkey. I will remember this."

Sun Wukong snorted twice and said nothing more.

Seeing the farce come to an end, everyone just smiled and didn't offer much comment.

Sun Wukong remained standing in front of the mansion gate, glancing back every now and then. He could sense that the real person's magical power was like that of the 'Great Roc,' soaring upwards to an unknown end.

Sun Wukong said, "Second brother, elder brother, do you two think that our eldest brother's energy is rising so high, when will it end?"

The Bull Demon King shook his head and said, "Brother, you know my abilities. I can sense the power of the energy, but how can I possibly know when Master will reach his end?"

Zhenjian clasped his hands together and said with a smile, "In my opinion, Senior Brother's aura is currently at a very high level, and it will take three days for him to reach its full potential."

Sun Wukong pondered for a moment and asked, "What Second Brother said means that Eldest Brother will run out of energy in three days, which is why he is opening his mansion?"

Zhenjian said, "I can glimpse some of the energy, but I do not know when my senior brother will open his mansion, so I cannot speak of such matters."

Sun Wukong naturally stopped asking questions and waited in place, wanting to observe the true man's aura, which would end in three days.

The crowd stood guard outside the mansion, and this guardian would depart in two more days.

Two days later, Sun Wukong observed again and saw that the energy was still rising, but it was already magnificent. He knew what was going on and looked at Zhenjian, saying, "Second brother has good eyesight. If you observe like this, then eldest brother's energy will probably run out tomorrow."

Zhenjian nodded, but said nothing more.

They all wondered in their hearts whether the opportunity for the True Man to open his mansion would be tomorrow. If it was tomorrow, they would have to be even more careful to prevent the mansion from being disturbed.

Just as everyone thought that the True Man would open his mansion tomorrow, the mansion suddenly trembled, and the True Man's aura actually subsided and stopped rising. Immense magical power appeared from the mansion.

Sun Wukong and the others were puzzled, so they looked into the mansion. But what they saw was a huge golden light coming out of the mansion, with rays of light shooting out from inside and rushing outward.

Amidst the blazing golden light and vibrant colors filling the courtyard, Sun Wukong and the others vaguely saw the figure of a real person appearing high on the Jade Terrace, appearing and disappearing as if transcending the world, unlike any other being in the Three Realms.

The real man smiled broadly, looking out of the palace. A gentle breeze stirred, carrying with it the true voice of truth.

"Great power lies in stability; excess is as bad as deficiency. Power at six is ​​weak, power at nine is strong. Weak power leads to decline, strong power leads to defeat. Therefore, power at seven or eight is like a mountain. Thus, neither weak nor strong, neither declining nor defeated, neither six nor nine, this is the true power. You should remember this well."

When the wind passes, the sound ceases; when the law is passed, the world falls silent.

Sun Wukong heard these words and knew that it was his elder brother telling him that the vital energy was about to stop and not to wait until it was completely gone.

The Bull Demon King, Pigsy, and others were all puzzled, but only Sun Wukong and Zhenjian had some understanding.

Seeing Sun Wukong's enlightened expression, Zhenjian smiled and asked, "Junior brother, what have you gained? Could you tell me?"

Sun Wukong bowed to the mansion before saying, "What my eldest brother has spoken of today is the way of great magic, the true principle of transcendence and immortality."

Zhenjian asked, "Junior Brother, how do you know that?"

Sun Wukong said, "According to the Taoist teachings, six represents life and nine represents death, so seven and eight are the numbers. This is the state of neither life nor death, which points directly to transcendence."

Zhenjian put his hands together, bowed, and said, "Junior brother, you are truly remarkable. However, you must temper your temper. You will surely achieve great magical power in the future."

Sun Wukong said, "I appreciate your kind words, senior brother. However, these are all words spoken by our eldest brother, and I am merely relaying them. I should not ask you to praise me."

As he spoke, he said with some emotion, "The way of speaking of the senior brother here is no ordinary thing. Although his words are short, they point directly to transcendence. This is the way of great power. I am far behind him."

Just as Sun Wukong finished speaking, and everyone was about to speak, suddenly a golden light shot out and disappeared into the Yellow Springs. A voice came from within the palace, which was the True Man.

The True Man proclaimed: "The heavens move with constancy, and the earth bears without favoritism. Today, at the Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, Xieyue Sanxing Cave, in Xiniu Hezhou, I respectfully inform the Heavenly Emperor and the Earthly Mother, and the stars of the universe."

“I have often heard that the Way is found in ants, in weeds, and in tiles. Only after a thousand years of meditation can one see the moon of the heart illuminating the deepest cave, and only after a long journey can one know that the stars in the sky are the road signs.”

"Now that I have established my own government, I will not set up a jade terrace or golden steps, but only a mossy path and cloud ladder. I will not hang jade books or heavenly books, but only carve natural patterns."

"I tell you, those who are destined will see the three stars guiding the way, while those who are not will find it difficult to see even if they approach the cave entrance. The wind carrying the sound of pines is the decree, and the spring reflecting the moon is the talisman. The coming and going of clouds is all predetermined, and the blooming and withering of flowers is all in accordance with the time of heaven. The cave entrance is always open like the heart of heaven, and the coming and going is like the drifting clouds. The four seasons pass by to witness this vow, and the bright moon shines on the mysterious pivot for eternity."

“I, Guangxin, am now establishing my own government.”

……

The Three Realms were shaken, and all cultivators heard his words. Countless immortals set out from their secluded cultivation mountains, and endless auspicious clouds and immortals paid homage.

People from all four continents who are destined to follow the Dharma are suddenly moved and look towards the Lingtai Fangcun Mountain. The roots of cultivation quietly sprout.

(End of this chapter)