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

Chapter 447 The Creation of Heaven and Earth, Those With Affinity Arrive
Meanwhile, in the patriarch's quiet room, the True Man, hearing that the patriarch wanted to speak to him about "the matter of calamity," dared not be negligent or careless. He bowed to the patriarch and listened attentively.

The Patriarch said, "Child, I will now tell you about the calamities, but you can first tell me how much you know about the calamities."

The master said, “Master, I only know that one kalpa lasts for 129,600 years. This is the number that marks the end of heaven and earth. Therefore, when this number passes, heaven and earth will perish. This is one kalpa.”

The patriarch nodded and smiled, "What you say is correct. This is indeed a calamity, but after this calamity, heaven and earth will perish, and all things will fall into silence. What do you think should be done?"

The master did not answer immediately, but pondered for a long time before saying, "If the calamity passes and heaven and earth perish, and the sun and moon cease to exist, then heaven and earth will be recreated. This will be a new calamity. Master, is there anything wrong with what I said?"

The Patriarch said, “What you say is not wrong. If someone were to create heaven and earth again, it would be a new calamity. But we cultivators have gone through countless calamities to reach where we are today. Child, let’s not talk about the previous calamities for now. Do you know who created heaven and earth and spread teachings in this calamity?”

The immortal pondered for a moment, then said, "Is it Laozi?"

The Patriarch nodded with a smile and said, "It is indeed Laozi, it is indeed Laozi! This calamity is the one in which Laozi created heaven and earth and carried out his teachings. Therefore, Laozi is revered in this calamity. Recalling the past, when heaven and earth perished, Laozi spoke true words to transform the universe. He spoke a 'Scripture of Creation', which consisted of 480,000 volumes, each containing 480,000 characters, and each character could open up a hundred li in space. This is how heaven and earth were finally formed."

Upon hearing this, the True Man praised Laozi's profound teachings. He knew that there was a vast difference between him and Laozi. If he were taught how to cultivate and create 1.48 million volumes of scriptures, he might be able to do so. However, if he were asked to create a "Scripture of Creation," he could not accomplish it.

The patriarch said, "This world will one day perish, but the Golden Elixir can survive even after the world perishes, thus remaining indestructible for countless eons. Those with great magical power have the ability to create the world. After each eon, a person with great magical power will be chosen to create the world, and the next eon will be dominated by this person, who will be revered."

“Child, I once told Laozi that you could be the master in the next tribulation.”

Say it.

The patriarch looked at the true man with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan immediately knelt down and said, "Master, I only managed to gain great power with a fraction of my luck. How could I possibly teach you to take me as your master in the next tribulation? I would never dare to do that."

The Patriarch said, “Child, do not underestimate yourself. I have seen your sincere heart. This calamity will not end for some time. As you cultivate, you will surely be the master. So there is no need to worry. Furthermore, Laozi and I will both help you. Why don’t you dare to do something?”

Jiang Yuan had no choice but to agree. After pondering for a long time, he bowed and said, "Since Master has said so, if I refuse again, I will be letting Master down. I agree."

The Patriarch laughed and said, "That's right. Child, you are no longer what you used to be. Don't be modest. Now, there are only a handful of people in the Three Realms who can defeat you. Even if Laozi wanted to capture you, it would be difficult for him."

Jiang Yuan shook her head and said, "Master, this disciple would not dare to say such a thing."

The patriarch said, "I will not say any more to you here. Now that you have attained great magical power, what do you think?"

Jiang Yuan replied, "Having achieved great magical power, I feel more like myself. The Dharma is like a mountain, neither born nor dying."

The patriarch nodded with a smile, gazing at Jiang Yuan with a look of reminiscence. He vividly recalled the scene of Jiang Yuan earnestly requesting to become his disciple years ago. At that time, Jiang Yuan abandoned the mortal world, severed ties with worldly affairs, and insisted on pursuing immortality. Now, countless years have passed, and the boy of yesteryear has become a powerful being, inheriting his mantle and about to open his own academy to recruit disciples.

The Patriarch said, "I will only tell you a little about what happened here for now. After you have finished establishing your own residence, you should go to the Heavenly Palace, where Laozi will tell you the rest."

Jiang Yuan responded.

The patriarch then waved his hand and said, "Now that you have just achieved great magical power, you should go back to your room and rest well. In my opinion, it is not far off that you will become a disciple. You must have the heart to accept a disciple."

Jiang Yuan said, "Master, I understand. Please rest assured."

The patriarch smiled and nodded, then instructed Jiang Yuan to leave.

Jiang Yuan bowed deeply again before leaving.

After the master left the room, he returned to his quiet room to focus on his practice and experience the growth of his own magical power.

……

Time flies, spring turns to summer, I've seen fallen flowers drift away with the flowing water, and a gentle breeze fills the southern tower.

One day, the immortal seemed to have a premonition. He left his quiet room, went to the Jade Terrace, and summoned Wang Chongyang, Zuo Liang, and Red Boy.

Wang Chongyang and his companions rushed to Yaotai, where they encountered Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie along the way, and learned that the immortal had summoned them.

Knowing that something important must be happening, Sun Wukong pulled Zhu Bajie along and headed towards the Jade Terrace.

A short while later, the five men arrived.

The immortal ascended the altar and sat high above. Seeing Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, he laughed and said, "Wukong, Bajie, why are you two with Zhengwei, Zhengyuan, and Zhengci?"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "But I was playing with this fool outside. When I saw my three junior disciples coming here, I guessed that my eldest brother must have something important to do. So I came here to see if there is anything I can do to help you. If there is, you don't need to summon me. Just tell me your command and I will do it for you."

The master nodded and said, "Wukong, you are thoughtful." Pigsy muttered from the side, "Master, I'm here too. Why didn't you praise me?"

Upon hearing this, the Master smiled and said, "Bajie, you have put your heart into this. Is that enough?"

Pigsy laughed heartily and said, "That's enough, that's enough."

The Master said, “Those who are destined to enter the mountains are here. Therefore, I sent Zhengwei and others to meet them. Since you are also here, Wukong, you can wait here with me. What do you think?”

The crowd responded immediately.

Wang Chongyang, Sun Wukong, and the others all slipped into the ranks.

Sun Wukong and the others sat in the middle of the class, with Sun Wukong at the head. Wang Chongyang sat next to the Master, who was the one the Master had clearly stated would pass on his mantle to.

After Sun Wukong took his seat, he asked, "Elder Brother, where is the one destined to receive the Dharma here, and when will we ascend the mountain?"

The master smiled and said, "After an incense stick has burned, you will enter the territory of Lingtai Fangcun Mountain."

Sun Wukong said, "Elder brother, should I go and greet them, lest they not know how to navigate the mountain path?"

The master said, “Wukong, don’t worry. Since you are destined to be with me, once you enter the mountain, you will surely know where the mansion is. Besides, when you entered the mountain in the past, you didn’t know where the mansion was, but you still found it.”

Sun Wukong scratched his head, reminiscing about the past, and said, "Back then, I didn't know where the mansion was. I wandered in confused and was lucky to meet a person who guided me into the mountains. That person was my ancestor Zheng Yuan."

Zuo Liang sat upright in the class, listening to what Sun Wukong said, and he was also filled with emotion. He also owed his current success to his ancestors.

Upon hearing Sun Wukong's words, the True Man sighed and said, "Wukong, I know what you are saying, but my ancestor Zheng Yuan has also helped me a lot. There is no such person in the mountains now. Well, well, well. Although I know he will surely find his way to the mansion, since you have said so, I will let you go and make a trip to the mountains to guide him."

Sun Wukong responded with a smile, "Brother, rest assured, I will definitely be able to bring this disciple back."

Say it.

Sun Wukong bowed and then left.

Pigsy watched Sun Wukong leave and said, "Master, if you teach Monkey King like this, what if he's unreliable and plays around in the mountains, and unfortunately cripples the one destined for enlightenment? Wouldn't that be a terrible thing?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and laughed, "You Bajie, don't talk nonsense. Wukong has achieved great success in cultivating his mind. How could he act recklessly? If Wukong finds out about what you're saying, he will punish you again."

Upon hearing this, Pigsy quickly shut his mouth, daring not to say another word, for fear that if Sun Wukong found out, he would come and punish him again.

Zuo Liang stepped out of the class, bowed, and asked with a smile, "Master, a junior brother is about to enter the mountain today, but I wonder what kind of person he is?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "Don't be impatient. Zheng Yuan, when he comes to the mountain, you will have the opportunity to meet him. At that time, you will know."

Then the Master said, “Now that you have entered the palace, it has been some time. I will explain one or two scriptures to you. You should listen attentively.”

The group responded and obeyed, calming their minds to listen to the master's words.

……

Meanwhile, at the foot of Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, a young man carrying a bundle, panting heavily, ventured into the mountain. Upon entering the mountain path, he saw ancient trees reaching for the sky, their gnarled branches blocking out the sun, moss clinging to the rocks, and damp green clinging to his clothes. The deeper he went, the more mist and haze rose, enveloping him as if walking through a white silken veil. Suddenly, the view opened up, revealing a hidden paradise.

As the young man entered, he felt refreshed by the mountain air, his breath making him feel light. Looking up, he saw jade-like peaks piercing the azure sky, with flowing clouds swirling around their waists like white ribbons. Where the sunlight shone, the celestial abode appeared majestic, neither metal nor wood, but with a hidden, shimmering light.

"A blessed land of immortals! This is indeed a blessed land of immortals!"

The young man suddenly beamed with joy, clapping and cheering. He came from a small country in Xiniu Hezhou. He had learned by chance that there were immortal arts in the world, so he abandoned his home and went out alone to seek immortals.

He searched for a long time, visiting many famous mountains, but never saw any immortals. After traveling for several months, he passed through this place and suddenly got lost, wandering into this mountain.

Now that he can see the scenery of this mountain, he concludes that there must be immortals living here.

The young man felt extremely lucky to have found this mountain. He believed that once he found a deity and became his apprentice, he could then descend the mountain and achieve great success.

The young man looked around, trying to find a way forward, but all around him he saw "exotic flowers and rare herbs growing everywhere, clinging to the crevices and streams, exuding a unique fragrance that refreshed the mind and spirit. Stone marrow and solidified fat seeped from the cliffs, dripping into the cold pool with a sound as clear as jade chimes. The pool water was extremely clear, allowing unobstructed vision, and within it swam blue fish and red carp, their scales reflecting the sunlight, shimmering like flowing gold."

All of these things prove that this mountain is extraordinary, but where can he find immortals?

(End of this chapter)