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

Chapter 459 Ziwei's Birth, Picking Flowers in the Mirror

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

The True Man has been cultivating in seclusion in his residence and has never gone out. Disciples come and go in the residence, and no one stays permanently. The generation has reached the twelfth generation. The Great Sage of the Water Ape has not disappointed the True Man's expectations and has been cultivating in seclusion in the residence without daring to disobey.

The Great Sage of the Water Ape's persistent cultivation of his mind also deeply impressed Sun Wukong and others in the palace.

As the real person said, the best method of cultivating the mind has already been learned by the Great Sage Water Ape. Therefore, although the Great Sage Water Ape has never practiced his skills much, he has been able to improve step by step.

One day, the True Man was cultivating in his quiet room when he suddenly felt something and looked out of the mansion. He had profound magical powers and could see all the affairs of the Three Realms.

He saw the royal aura of the Southern Continent boiling, and the Ziwei Star fell from the thirty-third heaven and disappeared into the human world. Accompanying the Ziwei Star were countless stars in the sky that fell with it. Guards were beside the Ziwei Star, and after entering the Southern Continent, they dispersed to other places.

Upon seeing this, how could a true immortal not understand that this was the Purple Emperor descending to earth?

Just as he was about to take a closer look, he suddenly heard the voice of the patriarch in his ear. He dared not disobey, so he walked out of the meditation room and went to the front of the patriarch's meditation room.

A short while later, the True Man went to the Patriarch's quiet room and met with the Patriarch.

The patriarch smiled and asked, "Child, do you know anything about the outside world?"

The master replied, “Master, although I have been meditating in the room, I am not without perception. I now know that the Ziwei Emperor has descended to the mortal realm, accompanied by many other stars, in a grand and imposing procession.”

The patriarch smiled and asked, "Do you intend to help?"

The Master said, “Master, if the Emperor invites me, I will go. If the Emperor has not mentioned it, there is no need. I will simply observe.”

The patriarch smiled and nodded, seemingly unsurprised by what the immortal said. Knowing his disciple's temperament, he said, "Observe how the Emperor was born."

The master replied, "This disciple has not yet observed carefully, so I do not know."

The patriarch is the one who teaches the true man to observe.

The True Man responded and, with his Dharma Eye, surveyed the Three Realms. He could see that the Purple Emperor had descended to the mortal realm, his royal aura surging, causing all the demons and monsters of the Southern Continent to tremble in fear of the birth of this Purple Emperor.

The Ziwei Emperor descended with great force, landing in the home of a farmer in the Jianghuai region. True men could see that when the Emperor was born, the room was filled with red light, and the surrounding neighbors thought there was a fire and all came to help.

Upon seeing this, the True Man said, "Master, according to my observation, the Emperor was born into a farming family in the Jianghuai region. The family's surname is Zhu, and there are stars accompanying him. It is certain that children will be born around him in the time before and after. This is the Emperor's help in the future."

The patriarch asked, "Can you foresee what the future holds for the Emperor?"

The master nodded and said, "We can observe and wait."

The patriarch smiled and said, "Observe it again."

Upon hearing this, the True Man acted, unleashing his magical power to observe the future of the Purple Emperor. He was well-versed in the numbers of heaven and earth and, with a keen mind, was able to observe and act accordingly.

However, in his eyes, the Ziwei Emperor was born into the Zhu family in Fengyang, Jianghuai. He was born in the year of Wuchen, the month of Renxu, the day of Dingchou, and the hour of Dingwei. His destiny was marked by "Hurting Officer seeing Official" and "All Four Treasuries are complete", which foreshadowed his unstoppable power. He was poor from childhood and had no ancestral property to rely on. In the year when the palace of the previous dynasty was destroyed, he became a monk due to poverty. Later, he begged for alms. Finally, he chose to revolt. After many twists and turns, with the help of many stars, he unified the Southern Continent and established a dynasty.

However, the ambition of the Ziwei Emperor was not fulfilled. After his reincarnation, the Ziwei Emperor was not diligent enough and did not care enough for the common people. Therefore, he chose this path. However, this path was ultimately unworkable. The Ziwei Emperor was of humble origin and lacked the magnanimity to save all living beings. In the end, he could only fail.

After observing, the master said, "Master, I have finished observing."

The Patriarch asked, "How will the Emperor's arrival be?"

The real man calmly replied, "Success or failure."

The Patriarch smiled and said, "Just as you said, the Emperor's efforts will fail in the future. But as you think, does the Emperor know about this matter?"

The immortal said, "The Emperor certainly knows this. The Emperor's abilities far surpass those of his disciple, so he must know this."

The patriarch said, "Knowing that failure was inevitable, why do you think the Emperor chose to descend to the mortal realm?"

The Master pondered for a moment and replied, “Master, this matter cannot be abandoned because of success or failure. The Emperor is very compassionate. Even knowing that success or failure is possible, he still wants to do it. He only seeks a sliver of change. If the change occurs, the Emperor can free all beings from the sea of ​​suffering. Therefore, even knowing that success or failure is possible, he still does it.”

The patriarch said, “That is indeed so. This is great compassion, which even I do not possess.”

The master said, "My master also has compassion, but our methods are different."

The Patriarch smiled and said, "You mustn't say such things, I know the truth. But I sent you here for two reasons. First, I want to tell you about the Ziwei Emperor. Second, I want to tell you about the old events of the past."

The master asked in confusion, "Master, what is this matter from years ago?"

The Patriarch said, "Child, do you remember that in previous years you asked me what the difference was between the people born in Jambudvipa and those born today? Do you remember?"

The Master nodded and said, "Master, I know this and dare not forget it. In the past, Master said that in the past, there were many heroes in the Southern Continent, and they were favored by gods and men. However, the Emperor did not obey them, so he rebelled, which led to the situation we are in today. Is that so?"

The patriarch smiled and said, "That is indeed what you say. Now I can explain it to you. Would you like to know?"

The master said, "I am naturally willing to know."

The Patriarch was about to speak when he suddenly remembered something and said, “I almost forgot, boy, you now possess great magical power. If there is anything you wish to know, you only need to think about it and you will understand. There is no need for me to say it.”

The master smiled and said, "Master, although I know this, it would be better if you explained it to me."

The Patriarch designated a True Man, laughing and scolding, "You lazybones, enough, enough, enough. Since that's how it is, I'll tell you. In the past, many people in Jambudvipa wanted to help it escape the sea of ​​suffering. It's unbearable for sentient beings to be trapped in this sea of ​​suffering. However, in the past, Jambudvipa had a unique climate, which naturally produced many outstanding individuals. Everyone in the Heavenly Palace loved this place because it could generate a lot of incense and spiritual energy. Therefore, many gods and immortals were unwilling to help Jambudvipa escape the sea of ​​suffering, and they continued to do so. At that time, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, who wanted to help Jambudvipa escape the sea of ​​suffering, naturally refused. They would rather let Jambudvipa's energy dissipate, so that those gods and immortals would have nothing left to gain, than let Jambudvipa remain trapped in the sea of ​​suffering forever."

Upon hearing this, the Master pondered for a long time before suddenly smiling and saying, "Master, to be honest, I used to think that His Majesty was tyrannical, which led to this situation. But I was just being delusional."

The patriarch said, "If the Jade Emperor were to learn of your thoughts, he might come to punish you."

The real person laughed and said, "You were young and ignorant."

The patriarch said, "Child, after hearing my many words, do you have any intention of leaving the mountain and going out into the world?"

The master shook his head and said, "Master, my path is different from that of the Emperor. I may enter the mortal realm, but not to save all beings from suffering. I will help all beings find a way to save themselves."

Upon hearing this, the Patriarch said, "Is that really so?"

The Master said, “Indeed. Everyone has their own ambitions and their own paths.” The Patriarch smiled and said, “It is best if you can stay true to your heart. If you create the world in the future, then you will be the master. If you are compassionate, your path may change, which may lead to great disaster. Now that I have heard what you have said, I am at ease.”

The master said, "Please rest assured, Master, your disciple will certainly keep his word and never forget it."

The patriarch was about to say something when he suddenly realized something and said, "Child, an interesting disciple has come looking for you outside the mansion. You may go and greet him."

The Master also noticed that a person with affinity for the Dharma had arrived outside the mansion. He said, "In that case, Master, this disciple will go ahead first."

The patriarch waved his hand, signaling the true man to go.

The man bowed and then left.

……

Meanwhile, the True Man left the Patriarch's meditation room and walked all the way to the high platform, where he summoned the Great Sage of the Water Ape and True Man.

These two are those in the manor who have not yet entered into meditation and practiced, so the True Man summoned them here.

Zhenjian and the Great Sage of the Water Ape arrived here and met with the True Man.

The Master said, “Xinjiang, a seeker of the Dao has arrived outside the door. Go out and greet him with proper courtesy.”

The Great Sage of the Water Ape responded, saying that he had done this many times before, so it was not surprising. He got up and walked towards the outside of the mansion.

Seeing the Master's eager anticipation, Zhenjian smiled and said, "Senior Brother, is there anything different about this disciple that makes you so concerned?"

The master smiled and said, "This disciple is quite interesting, so I'll observe him a little longer to give him some peace of mind."

Upon hearing this, he was greatly surprised and said, "For Senior Brother to speak of this disciple in this way, this disciple must be extraordinary. This makes me quite interested, and I should meet this disciple."

The master said, “Since I established my academy, I have taken in many disciples, but none of them have been truly committed. Now I have finally found one who is somewhat remarkable, and I will teach him to speak with pleasure.”

Zhenjian said, "As Senior Brother said, this disciple is indeed extraordinary. However, Senior Brother's generation is only twelve, and fourteen is the last. If it were a closed-door disciple, I could understand. But for a disciple of the twelfth generation to be so determined is quite surprising."

Jiang Yuan said, "Junior brother, the ultimate is not necessarily the best. When I established my academy years ago, I once said that the law is seven or eight, which is like a mountain. Therefore, going too far is as bad as not going far enough."

Zhenjian suddenly understood and said, "Senior Brother, I understand now."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "In recent years, I have been cultivating in seclusion in my residence. It is thanks to my junior brother that I have been looking after you. I should thank you here."

Zhen Jian hurriedly said, "I dare not accept such a gift from you, Senior Brother. I have received so much help from you in the past, and now I am only repaying you in return. How can I accept your thanks?"

The two brothers began to talk in the Jade Terrace.

But the two had not been talking for long when the Great Sage of the Water Ape came with a man. This man was dressed in tattered clothes, looking travel-worn, as if he had been on a long journey.

Upon seeing the True Man of Yaotai, this man immediately knelt down and bowed deeply, saying, "Master, Master! Your disciple is sincerely here to pay homage and begs you to accept me as your disciple!"

The master flicked his sleeve, and a gentle breeze swept by, lifting the man up. The wind dispersed the dust, washing away the man's worldly dust. He said, "The title 'Master' should not be spoken lightly. Please tell me your hometown, name, and why you have come here before I formally acknowledge you as my master."

The man hurriedly said, “Master, I am Zhao Shifan, courtesy name Wenjin, from Qiantang County, Hangzhou Road, Southern Jambudvipa. I have left home in search of immortality. Having heard of the immortal mountains, I have traveled tens of thousands of miles to reach them. Please accept me as your disciple!”

They came for immortality.

Upon hearing this, the master seemed somewhat dazed, but a smile appeared on his face as he said, "I observe a reddish-yellow aura swirling between your eyebrows, a sign of a surviving king or noble. Were your ancestors royalty?"

Zhao Shifan quickly bowed and said, "I dare not deceive my master. I am a distant branch of the former Song Dynasty. My ancestor was Emperor Taizu Kuangyin. After the dynasty was destroyed, my branch went into hiding in Qiantang County. Although we are a royal family, we are the royal family of a fallen country, so we are not considered anything special."

The master laughed and said, "As you say, you are a member of the royal family of the previous dynasty. Since you are a member of the royal family of the previous dynasty, even if you are a member of the royal family of a fallen dynasty, you are not an ordinary person. Wealth and honor should be easily obtained for you. Why do you have to travel through mountains and rivers instead of enjoying wealth and honor?"

Zhao Shifan replied, "Wealth and honor are but fleeting clouds. Compared to immortality, they are utterly meaningless. I do not seek wealth and honor, but rather immortality. That is why I have traveled across mountains and rivers to come here."

The immortal said, "If I do not grant you immortality here, and instead instruct you to return, what will you do?"

Zhao Shifan bowed and said, "If there is no way to achieve immortality here, and Master truly does not wish to accept me as a disciple, then I will build a thatched hut at the foot of the mountain and live out my remaining years."

The master said, "You are a member of the former royal family. Why not return and enjoy wealth and honor?"

Zhao Shifan said, “Master, when I came here, I had already cut off all my escape routes. I had my name removed from the family genealogy and all my wealth and honor were scattered. I was determined to seek immortality. So, I will either succeed or fail. That’s all.”

The master was somewhat moved and said, "Do you truly have the perseverance to seek immortality?"

Zhao Shifan kowtowed countless times, saying, "This disciple is determined to seek immortality!"

The master said, "I have a matter for you. If you succeed, I will accept you as my disciple. If you fail, I will teach you some unorthodox skills so that you will have some ability. What do you say?"

Zhao Shifan said, "Please tell me, Master, what is this matter? I will certainly complete it."

The immortal did not speak directly, but instead instructed the Great Sage of the Water Ape to fetch a bronze mirror.

The Great Sage of the Water Ape accepted the order and left. Before long, he returned with a bronze mirror.

The master handed the bronze mirror to Zhao Shifan and said, "If you can pick a flower from this bronze mirror, I will take you into my household."

Zhao Shifan was slightly taken aback, but immediately responded, taking the bronze mirror with both hands and saying, "Yes, Master. This disciple will definitely complete this 'picking flowers in the mirror' mission."

The master said, "In that case, you may leave the mansion. When you can pick flowers in the mirror, you may return to the mansion and come to see me."

Zhao Shifan responded, holding the bronze mirror in both hands, and turned to leave the mansion.

The official watched Zhao Shifan leave, then sat upright on the high platform, smiling broadly.

Zhenjian was somewhat puzzled and was about to ask him a few questions.

The master waved his hand and said, "Junior brother, there is no need to ask any more questions. Let this be a test for him. Let us see what his true self is like and whether he can help you. If he can help you, then you can seek true immortality. If he cannot help you, you will never be able to seek immortality."

(End of this chapter)