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

Chapter 448 Mo Zhixinzhou, Second Generation

The young man entered the mountain and saw that Lingtai Fangcun Mountain was a sacred mountain, exuding extraordinary beauty everywhere. He was very excited and knew that he had arrived in a land of immortals.

He looked around, unsure of which way to go.

The young man couldn't see the mountain path and was at a loss. If it were him in the past, he would have gone down the mountain and left if he had seen that the mountain was difficult to traverse.

But now that he is on a sacred mountain, how could he want to leave? But all that he seeks is in this mountain. If he can meet a deity, he can obtain everything.

The young man was unwilling to leave, so he looked around and saw that the mountaintop had the appearance of a celestial abode. He then found an easy path and headed up the mountain.

Along the way, he saw many plants and trees blocking his path, but he was not afraid. Sometimes tree branches would clear the way, sometimes his hands would clear the way, showing his sincerity.

It cleared its own path and walked another half mile, vines snagging its clothes and broken branches biting its ankles. After walking another half mile, its straw sandals were completely gone, and the pain was unbearable. But it still refused to give up.

The young man, panting, stopped to rest by a tree, preparing to gather some things before continuing on his way.

Now that he has entered the sacred mountain, he is unwilling to give it up. He had often heard that some people had mistakenly entered the sacred mountain without realizing it, and eventually, when they came down the mountain and wanted to go back up, they could no longer see the sacred mountain.

If he were to leave, he would likely end up like those people, so he absolutely cannot leave.

The young man rested for a while before continuing his journey.

Suddenly, a sound came from beside his ear.

"You scoundrel, why did you take this side road instead of the main road? I had to search for you carefully, and now I've finally found you."

The young man was startled by the sudden noise and nearly fell off the cliff.

Fortunately, someone came suddenly and caught the young man, preventing him from falling.

The young man turned his head and looked around, only to see a monkey-like monk with a hairy face and a thunder god's mouth, wearing a cassock, standing beside him.

Seeing this, the young man dared not underestimate it. A monkey that could suddenly appear in the mountains, speak human language, and wear a cassock must be extraordinary. He immediately bowed and said, "Immortal above, your disciple pays his respects."

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "You don't need to bow to me."

The young man said, “Immortal, I come from a small country in Xiniu Hezhou. I have traveled through mountains and rivers and experienced many hardships, all in order to find an immortal and become a disciple. Now I have finally met an immortal. I hope that the immortal will not abandon me, accept my respects, and take me as a disciple.”

Sun Wukong said, "I am certainly worthy of the title of immortal. However, I have no affinity with you and cannot accept you as my disciple. Affinity cannot be forced, and you should understand this."

Upon hearing this, the young man was somewhat apprehensive and said, "Immortal, you do not know this. I am from a small country in Xiniu Hezhou. That country is as insignificant as a mustard seed and is called 'Anling'. I am a man from that country, surnamed Mo and named Zhi. My family is well-off, with some land and my wife and children."

“However, I happened to see the magic of immortals and knew that there was an extraordinary way. Therefore, I knew that what I had now was all mortal and useless. So one night, I secretly opened the wooden door, carrying only a bag of water, a few coarse cakes, and half a piece of plain silk, to seek immortals and ask about the Dao, hoping to worship the immortals and ask for the magic of immortals.”

"I have traveled through mountains and rivers for a long time, but I have never seen any immortals. Now I am fortunate to have entered the immortal mountain and seen the immortals. I hope that the immortals will not dislike me and will accept me as their disciple!"

Say it.

Mo Zhi knelt on the ground, kowtowing countless times, begging Sun Wukong to accept him as a disciple.

Sun Wukong quickly helped Mo Zhi up and said, "Don't be anxious, listen to what I have to say. You and I are indeed not destined to be together, but you are destined to be with another true immortal in the mountains. This is because the true immortal knew you were coming, so he sent me to guide you."

Mo Zhixi asked, "Is there really a deity in the mountains willing to accept me as a disciple?"

Sun Wukong said, "Whether or not you will be accepted as a disciple is another matter, but you are indeed destined to meet the true immortals in the mountains. So you can meet them. I can take you there. If you are destined to meet them and can persuade the true immortals in the mountains to accept you as a disciple, then that will be your skill."

Mo Zhi bowed repeatedly and said, "Thank you, immortal! Thank you, immortal!"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "No need for such formalities, you may come with me."

Say it.

Sun Wukong headed towards the mountaintop. Along the way, some grass and trees blocked his path. He plucked a hair from his head, blew on it gently, and the grass and trees disappeared as the hair passed by, creating a path.

Sun Wukong walked towards the road.

Mo Zhi stared wide-eyed in disbelief. The rugged mountain path had vanished in an instant, transforming into a smooth road.

Seeing that Sun Wukong had already gone far away, he dared not delay. He picked up his bundle, walked to the side of the mountain path, stretched out his foot, and cautiously tested it. Seeing that the mountain path was solid, he felt at ease and chased after Sun Wukong.

His heart was burning with excitement, but now that he had witnessed supernatural powers and magic with his own eyes, how could he not understand that these were truly immortals? If he could learn even a little bit of their magic, he would be able to be called a 'celestial master' elsewhere, and bring glory to his ancestors.

It's a pity, though, that this deity said he had no affinity with him, and he doesn't know what kind of deity he was talking about.

Mo Zhi took big strides to catch up with Sun Wukong.

When Sun Wukong saw Mo Zhi chasing after him, he nodded without saying anything more.

Mo Zhi, who was behind him, asked in a low voice, "Immortal, I have a question, and I wonder if you can answer it for me."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately stopped and said, "What is troubling you? You may speak freely with me."

Mo Zhi asked, "I wonder if the immortals told me that the true immortals in the mountains have a predestined connection with me? Do they have the ability to conjure up the Dao out of thin air, like you, immortal?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately said, "You scoundrel, don't talk such nonsense. My skills are not even one or two of those of the true immortals in this mountain, let alone comparable. If the true immortals in this mountain wanted to fight me, I'm afraid I would be subdued in no time. So don't say such things again."

Mo Zhi was startled and said, "Is it really that powerful?"

Sun Wukong said, "Why am I scaring you? So you mustn't be rude. If you are polite, I might actually get him to accept you as his disciple."

Mo Zhi hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you for your advice, Immortal. I will remember it forever. If I can truly be accepted as a disciple by the immortals in the mountains, I will never forget your kindness today."

Sun Wukong said, “What is there to talk about in terms of kindness and repayment? Your ability to calm your mind and cultivate is the greatest kindness and the greatest repayment. Do not say anything else, and follow me.”

Mo Zhi responded.

The two wandered through the mountain paths.

They walked and stopped frequently, resting and eating, and after several hours, they finally arrived at the celestial abode.

Mo Zhi spotted a cave ahead. Upon closer inspection, he was startled. The cave was shrouded in ethereal light, with auspicious clouds floating in the air. A crescent moon cast its clear glow, and three cold stars cast their shimmering shadows. A hundred-foot-tall pine tree, glistening with dew, its gnarled branches gleaming with the moonlight; a thousand-year-old vine, shrouded in mist, its tendrils brushing against the clouds, casting dappled shadows. Before the cave, jade trees stood a deep green, and beneath the rocks, orchids exuded fragrance. The craggy cliffs were enveloped in purple mist, and the deep pool was clear and cold as jade. From time to time, the clear cry of a black crane could be heard, and the sight of a colorful phoenix soaring about. The crane's cry seemed to pierce the heavens, bringing the path to the clouds closer; the phoenix's flight was a dazzling display of light. Even this small place was more beautiful than the Jade Capital!
Mo Zhi trembled with astonishment and asked, "Immortal, what kind of immortal abode is this?"

Sun Wukong pointed outside and said, "Look over there."

Mo Zhi turned his head and looked around. He saw a stone tablet standing on the cliff. It was about 30 feet high and 8 feet wide. There were 10 large characters on it: "Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, Xieyue Sanxing Cave".

Mo Zhi said, "The name of the Immortal Abode is contained within!"

Sun Wukong said, "Come with me now."

Sun Wukong walked forward, and with a yelp, the gate of the mansion was pushed open, and he walked inside.

Mo Zhi straightened his clothes and walked in with him. Once inside, the sight of the cave dwelling astonished him, and he praised it as a place of immortals.

A short while later, the two approached the Jade Terrace, and heard celestial music emanating from it, which made them feel relaxed and refreshed, and all their restlessness disappeared.

"When the water is still, it reflects the details of one's face clearly; when the mind is calm, it illuminates the universe."

"Turbid waves surge into the sky, but this is not the nature of the sea; delusional thoughts disturb the mind, but this is not the essence of the mind."

"All living beings are adrift in the sea of ​​suffering, amidst surging waves and turbulent tides. They act as boats to cross the sea without realizing the danger, drowning in the waves of desire without understanding, and trapped in the net of worldly affairs without noticing. Sensual pleasures and debauchery are the abyss of delusion; gain and loss, honor and disgrace are the shackles that bind the heart."

"The sea of ​​suffering is boundless, but turning back is the shore. Why seek it externally? Only by knowing yourself."

Upon hearing these words, Sun Wukong knew they came from the True Man. He patted Mo Zhi to bring him back to his senses and led him into the Jade Terrace.

Mo Zhi dared not make a mistake and behaved properly. He entered with Sun Wukong. As soon as they entered the Jade Terrace, they saw someone sitting in a high position, who was a True Man.

Mo Zhi cautiously looked over and saw that this person had the appearance of an immortal. He was truly "the pure and true body of the three religions, the most wondrous appearance in the world. He is neither born nor dies, and possesses the seven or eight merits. He is a compassionate and benevolent person who saves the world."

Mo Zhi knew that this was a true immortal, so he knelt down and kowtowed countless times, saying, "Immortal above, your disciple sincerely seeks immortality and inquiries about the Dao, please accept me as your disciple!"

Upon hearing this, the Master immediately stopped chanting, looked down at him, and asked, "Where are you from? Tell me your hometown and name, and I will continue to speak with you."

Mo Zhi said, “Immortal! I am from Anling Kingdom in Xiniu Hezhou. My surname is Mo, my given name is Zhi, and I am from the village north of Anling City.”

The immortal smiled and said, "Anling Kingdom is located north of Xiniu Hezhou, quite a distance from my mountain abode. How will you get there?"

Mo Zhi said, "Along the way, we have traversed mountains and rivers, experienced many vicissitudes. Whenever we see a high mountain, we go forward to explore it; whenever we see a blessed land, we go forward to pay our respects. We walk and stop, confused and bewildered, until we enter the abode of immortals."

The immortal laughed and said, "If that's the case, then you and I are destined to meet. Otherwise, how could you have entered my mountain and come near my immortal abode?"

Mo Zhi was overjoyed and exclaimed, "That's exactly right! That's exactly right! Please, immortal, accept me as your disciple!"

The master asked, "Do you truly wish to become my disciple and follow my path?"

Mo Zhi said, "Indeed, indeed! I have traveled through mountains and rivers in search of immortals and the Dao. Now that I have entered the immortal mountain, I must take an immortal as my master."

The master smiled and, without saying much, nodded and said, "Since you are willing to become my disciple, then you shall become my disciple. However, do not insist that your mortal name is inappropriate to address in the mansion. I will give you a Dharma name. Are you willing to accept it?"

Mo Zhi kowtowed and said, "This disciple is willing to accept it. Please, Master, bestow upon me a Dharma name!"

The Master said, “My lineage has fourteen generations, which are ‘Upright mind, in accordance with propriety, preserve sincerity and goodness, attain utmost tranquility, virtue, benefit, and perpetual integrity.’ Now it is your turn, and you belong to the ‘heart’ generation. You are in the celestial palace, but your heart is in the sea of ​​suffering. Therefore, I will give you the Dharma name ‘boat’ so that you may cross over on your own.”

Mo Zhi was somewhat confused, but he still agreed and said, "Master, from this day forward, I will be 'Heart Boat'."

The master smiled and nodded, then instructed Sun Wukong to take Mo Zhi away and find a quiet room for Mo Zhi to rest.

Sun Wukong accepted the order and left with Mo Zhi.

The real man watched Mo Zhi leave, and after a moment, he withdrew his gaze.

In the Yaotai class, Pigsy stepped forward and said, "Master, this disciple doesn't seem like someone who cultivates."

The Master laughed and said, "Bajie, why do you say that?"

Pigsy said, “Master, I see this fellow as someone who is reluctant to leave the mortal world. His pursuit of immortality is more out of admiration for the magic of immortals than a desire to cultivate himself. Therefore, he doesn’t seem like a cultivator.”

The Master smiled and nodded, then looked at Wang Chongyang, Zuo Liang, and the others, asking, "What do you all think?"

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "Master, this junior brother has not wholeheartedly entered the mountain, just as the Protector of the Cauldron said."

Zuo Liang and Red Boy also said the same thing.

They were all true practitioners, and they could see that Mo Zhi's heart was attached to immortal arts and worldly affairs, rather than being a true practitioner.

As the Master said in previous years, there is a distinction between "host" and "guest". If one's practice is for the sake of "guest", how can it be considered true practice?
The master smiled and said, "I know what you are saying. But as for how it is, I told him when I gave him his Dharma name that whether he can know it or not depends entirely on himself, and no one else can help him."

Upon hearing the Master's words, Pigsy and the others were all thoughtful, especially Wang Chongyang and the others, who were recalling the time when the Master gave them their Dharma names, trying to discern the deeper meaning behind it.

The master said, “Zhengwei, you are the senior disciple of the sect. You can take care of this junior brother and teach him to carry firewood and build his own stove.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Master, your disciple understands and will certainly assist my junior brother."

The Master said, “It is one thing to help, but one must not interfere with their cultivation. This is a subtle and profound statement. Do you understand?”

Wang Chongyang responded, saying, "This disciple will obey Master's words and dare not disobey."

The master smiled and nodded, saying, "Now that you have come here, I will continue to explain some scriptures to you. I hope you will listen carefully."

Say it.

The real person then began to expound the scriptures.

Pigsy and the others returned to their places and listened attentively.

The sound of scriptures being recited was constant within the Jade Terrace.

……

Meanwhile, inside the manor, Sun Wukong led Mo Xingchi along the road, looking for a quiet room for him.

Mo Zhi's face flushed with excitement. He had finally found a master, a deity, and once he mastered the art, he would surely bring glory to his family. All the hard work had been worthwhile.

Sun Wukong seemed to see through Mo Zhi's thoughts, shook his head, and asked without saying anything more, "Xinzhou, you should find a quiet room in the mansion. Do you want a peaceful one or a lively one?"

Mo Zhi countered, "May I ask how many fellow disciples I have?"

Without hesitation, Sun Wukong replied, "You have three fellow disciples."

Mo Zhi smiled and said, "I would like to ask the immortals to find my quiet room near the three of you."

Sun Wukong pondered for a moment, then, without saying a word, led Mo Zhi forward.

(End of this chapter)