The Demon-Slaying Grandmaster

Chapter 305 The Chief Director of Journey to the West

While listening, Li Jingxiao directed the game character to copy texts in the sect's scripture pavilion on map 110.

After copying it, instead of studying it, he put it on his personal bookshelf in the library.

Suddenly, the technique "Subduing Dragons and Tigers" displayed a line of description.

This supernatural power can subdue divine beasts or ferocious beasts such as dragons and tigers using magical force. After mastering it, one can cultivate both internal and external strength, doubling one's magical power and physical strength.

When Li Jingxiao saw this description, his heart started beating faster.

Why did the Bodhisattva of the Dark Path pass on such powerful supernatural abilities to himself?
After thinking for a long time and still not figuring it out, I simply gave up on thinking about it.

In any case, the benefits are only yours once you've eaten them.

Whether or not we need to repay the favor in the future is a matter for later.

Moreover, Li Jingxiao was certain that the Bodhisattva was not of the same mind as the Buddha on the journey to the West to obtain the scriptures.

She has her own plans and intentions.

However, as long as you follow the plan set by Buddha, he certainly won't care about your little schemes.

Suddenly, Li Jingxiao had a thought.

Among the people I've recently come into contact with.

Not to mention Pigsy, Sandy, and the White Dragon Horse, they should have been pre-arranged members of the pilgrimage team long ago.

The Black Bear Spirit and Red Boy were people that the Bodhisattva had long been thinking about.

He made contact with them and even tricked Red Boy and Black Bear Spirit into killing the Water God of Yunjian River.

Therefore, in the heart of a Bodhisattva, no matter how well one speaks, one will not be affected.

But there's no real benefit; they might just be talking the talk, and who knows when they might suddenly cause trouble.

If we give them real benefits now, and they cause trouble again in the future, then the Bodhisattva will have a legitimate reason to hold them accountable.

Thinking of this, Li Jingxiao couldn't help but feel secretly pleased.

As they approached the Flowing Sand River, Li Jingxiao spoke up, saying, "Venerable One, the Flowing Sand River is just ahead."

Local people often say that this river is "bounded by eight hundred miles of shifting sands, three thousand li of deep water, where even a goose feather cannot float, and reeds will sink to the bottom."

The river was indeed extremely dangerous, and it was difficult for ordinary people to cross it.

There was also a powerful monster in the river that often preyed on passersby to satisfy its hunger.

Upon learning this, the disciple sought out him to fight.

He intended to persuade him to repent and reform, but he didn't expect that this monster was so powerful.

I fought him many times, but I could never subdue him.

The disciple, appreciating his exceptional skills, often invited him to drink wine and eat meat, to prevent him from cannibalizing people again.

The Bodhisattva smiled and nodded, "You said he has extraordinary abilities, so let's go and see."

After saying that, he flew through the air with Li Jingxiao and Huian Xingzhe, and landed directly on a cliff in the Liusha River.

Looking up, the Liusha River is vast and turbulent.

It is indeed very difficult for ordinary people to cross the river.

He turned to Li Jingxiao with a smile and said, "Since he is an acquaintance of yours, you can go and call him out to meet me."

If his abilities are truly extraordinary, this humble monk has a good opportunity for him.

"But I wonder if that demon would agree."

Li Jingxiao patted his chest and said, "What a noble person the Bodhisattva is! If he doesn't know what's good for him, I will definitely wake him up."

Upon hearing this, the Bodhisattva's smile deepened.

Huian Xingzhe, standing to the side, muttered to himself, "Sycophant."

Li Jingxiao was unaware that he had been called a sycophant by Huian Xingzhe.

And even if they knew, they wouldn't care.

He took out his jade flute and played a tune. After a short while, Sha Wujing emerged from the river.

Li Jingxiao took the initiative to fly forward and hovered on the surface of the Liusha River.

He whispered a few words to Sha Wujing.

Old Sha's face showed surprise, followed by delight.

He hurriedly asked, "Brother Dao, are you trying to trick me?"

Li Jingxiao immediately started cursing: "You pig-brain! What kind of person is a Bodhisattva? What benefit would it bring to deceive a man-eating monster like you?"
Besides, you are constantly suffering from flying swords piercing your heart here, and you have no chance if there is even the slightest chance.

"If we don't take a chance, are we destined to be trapped here forever?"

Sha Wujing thought about it and realized that it made perfect sense.

As for whether Sha Wujing was a pawn specially sent by the Jade Emperor, Li Jingxiao was uncertain.

Since Sha Wujing himself didn't say it, even if outsiders guessed, they couldn't be truly certain.

Moreover, the pain of being pierced by ten thousand swords is something that ordinary people cannot endure.

If Sha Wujing is truly one of the Jade Emperor's men, then both of them are ruthless individuals.

One opponent is ruthless.

One who is ruthless to himself.

From a leader's perspective, isn't the Jade Emperor afraid that by doing this, the gods and immortals in Heaven will no longer dare to be truly loyal to him?

If people's hearts are lost, it will be difficult to lead the team.

From Sha Wujing's perspective, he was originally the Curtain-Raising General, a close guard of the Jade Emperor.

He went to the Western Paradise and became an Arhat, which is hardly a high-ranking position.

If you don't get access to many classified information, what's the point of being an undercover agent?
Surely one can't truly be selfless and willingly become an undercover agent in the Spirit Mountain for the Jade Emperor?
But Journey to the West is a world of gods and demons, and some things really can't be understood using the same thinking as in the previous life.

So Li Jingxiao didn't care whether it was Infernal Affairs or not; anyway, the Bodhisattva must have already chosen the members of the pilgrimage team.

Since that's the case, by following the Bodhisattva's wishes, I can also gain some benefits.

Just like with this advice today, Sha Wujing will become an Arhat on Mount Ling in the Western Paradise in the future.

We must always remember the kindness shown today.

Li Jingxiao then said to Sha Wujing, "Now that you have made up your mind, the most important thing is to let the Bodhisattva see your abilities."

Otherwise, even if the Bodhisattva wants to save you, you may not have the ability to do so.

If there's something I need you to do in the future, I'll be concerned that you might not be capable enough and therefore won't have the opportunity to make a contribution.

Even a seven-year-old child understands this principle, so Sha Wujing quickly perked up and looked at Huian Xingzhe beside the Bodhisattva.

As a close bodyguard of the Jade Emperor, Sha Wujing had seen many powerful figures.

It could even be said that Sha Wujing knew perfectly well who came and who didn't at every Peach Banquet.

Naturally, we recognize the Hui'an Traveler.

As for Li Jingxiao, in Sha Wujing's heart...

Even if you want to test your skills, you shouldn't challenge Li Jingxiao, who isn't someone close to the Bodhisattva, to a duel.

The target naturally fell on Huian Xingzhe.

Seeing this, Huian Xingzhe on the cliff felt a surge of anger.

He thought to himself, "Does he think he's easy prey and can be taken advantage of?"
Sha Wujing, on the other hand, was truly willing to go to any lengths for his future.

After leaping out of the Flowing Sand River and bowing to Huian Xingzhe, he went up to fight.

One of them was concerned about saving face.

One is for the sake of their future.

For a time, they were evenly matched.

They fought from the shore to the sky, and then from the sky to the water.

However, the Flowing Sand River is no ordinary river, and Sha Wujing has lived there for a long time.

His skills in naval warfare were exceptional. When Li Jingxiao first came to fight Lao Sha, he didn't dare to go into the water.

Afterwards, he used various methods to lure Sha Wujing into fighting him only on the shore.

So Huian Xingzhe fought with Lao Sha for forty or fifty rounds, but still couldn't defeat him.

Sha Wujing became more and more energetic as the fight went on, thanks in part to Li Jingxiao's efforts.

In recent months, I've often had a contest with Lao Sha.

Li Jingxiao gained experience, while Sha Wujing's martial arts skills did improve as he lost more and more.

Moreover, Sha Wujing not only rarely went hungry, but also frequently had wine to drink.

In the past month, I've drunk Monkey Spirit Wine several times.

You won't lack energy because you're hungry.

However, Huian Xingzhe was, after all, a disciple of the Bodhisattva and the second son of Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

We have no shortage of good techniques or practical experience.

The heavy iron rod in his hand was made of some unknown treasure.

It was actually able to suppress Sha Wujing's staff made of tamarisk wood. However, in Li Jingxiao's eyes, he had been able to wear down Sha Wujing with his 729-jin (364 catties) silver spear.

If it were a 5200-pound mixed iron and gold spear, he could be defeated in a dozen or so moves.

Therefore, Li Jingxiao was able to roughly estimate the strength of Huian Xingzhe.

He couldn't help but think that with his current strength, he should be able to fight Sun Wukong for dozens or even hundreds of rounds.

However, if Sun Wukong uses the divine power of 'Dharma Body of Heaven and Earth', then he will have to turn around and run away.

The two fought for another thirty-odd rounds, and no matter how hard Sha Wujing tried, he was already somewhat exhausted.

Seeing this, Huian Xingzhe breathed a sigh of relief.

At least I didn't embarrass myself in front of the Bodhisattva.

Seeing that Huian Xingzhe's offensive had slowed down, Sha Wujing knew that Huian Xingzhe was unwilling to press him further.

He quickly forced Huian Xingzhe to retreat, pretending not to know the identities of the Bodhisattva and Huian Xingzhe.

He shouted and questioned loudly.

Huian Xingzhe also stopped what he was doing and introduced himself first.

After explaining the Bodhisattva, Sha Wujing dropped the precious staff he was holding.

He quickly walked to the Bodhisattva and knelt down.

"Please forgive me, Bodhisattva, I am not a demon from the Flowing Sand River. I am the Curtain-Raising General of the Lingxiao Palace."

It was all because during the Peach Banquet, a glass cup was accidentally broken.

The Jade Emperor was furious and had me beaten with eight hundred strokes of the cane.

He was banished to the mortal realm and transformed into this demonic form.

Every seven days, he suffered the torment of being pierced by ten thousand swords, and his heart was filled with distress, which made him irritable.

I did not expect that my ignorance today would offend the Bodhisattva. I earnestly hope that the Bodhisattva will have mercy and forgive me this time.

Since the Bodhisattva intended to take him in, he naturally wouldn't be truly angry.

He smiled and said that he was acting on the Buddha's orders to go to the Tang Dynasty in the East to find a person to retrieve the scriptures.

If you wish to join my school and become a disciple of the pilgrim on his journey to the West.

That way, I can have a bright future.

Sha Wujing nodded and thanked him profusely.

After finishing the important business, the Bodhisattva looked at Li Jingxiao and saw that he had been standing to the side without saying a word.

Unable to resist his curiosity, he asked, "I heard from Master Li that he fought with you many times."

"I've been unable to subdue you. This humble monk is curious, between you and him, who truly won and who lost?"

Upon hearing this, Sha Wujing felt even more grateful to Li Jingxiao.

After hesitating for a few seconds, I finally decided to tell the truth.

After all, the person in front of him would be his boss in the future.

If you deceive the Buddha today, you might end up paying the price for your lies someday.

So Sha Wujing said quite bluntly, "Bodhisattva doesn't know, Master Li's words were just to save face for his disciple."

Previously, the disciple and Fellow Daoist Li were evenly matched in martial arts.

He was just exceptionally talented.

They learn everything quickly.

Moreover, he was stronger than his disciples, and in the end, the disciples were often exhausted and had no choice but to admit defeat.

The Bodhisattva and Huian were startled.

If the Curtain-Rolling General wasn't lying, then Li Jingxiao's strength should be comparable to that of Huian Xingzhe.

Before the master and disciple could finish their reflections, Sha Wujing continued.

“But in recent days, I have been unable to last more than a dozen moves against Fellow Daoist Li.”

Moreover, the disciple could sense that Master Li hadn't used his full strength.

These words immediately startled the Bodhisattva and Huian Xingzhe.

The look in his eyes as he looked at Li Jingxiao was tinged with a hint of wariness.

Fortunately, as long as Li Jingxiao isn't stupid, he won't ruin the westward journey plan.

Moreover, when Sun Wukong led Pigsy and Sandy westward and encountered so many demons, those lesser demons had countless experiences.

Only a fool would stop Journey to the West.

Li Jingxiao was even eager to be a supporter and helper for the pilgrimage team.

He hurriedly cupped his hands to the Bodhisattva and said, "Bodhisattva, although I have some skills, I have only been cultivating for a short time."

"But lately, I've been drinking and eating meat with this divine general, and he remembered the kindness I showed him with a meal. He specially repaid that favor before the Bodhisattva, which is why he praised me so lavishly."

Upon hearing the gratitude for the meal, Sha Wujing rolled his eyes.

However, he could also tell that Li Jingxiao's words were actually meant to help him.

Being able to remember the kindness of a single meal shows that this person is grateful and repays kindness.

As a newcomer to the monastery, the Bodhisattva would certainly like someone with this kind of character.

However, the Bodhisattva secretly thought to himself, "When I see the next disciple on the pilgrimage..."

We still need to take this opportunity to test Li Jingxiao's true strength.

He instructed Sha Wujing to wait for the pilgrims at the Flowing Sand River.

The three bodhisattvas continued on their way.

However, the Buddha had previously told the Bodhisattva that they could not fly directly to the Tang Dynasty.

They could only fly at mid-altitude, so they had to determine the route for their pilgrimage first.

Even when choosing a path, one must have a contingency plan in mind regarding which demons or monsters one might encounter.

Moreover, the demons encountered must be neither incompetent nor too powerful.

Therefore, the flight speed was not fast.

We arrived at Gao Lao Zhuang just before dusk.

To the Bodhisattva's surprise, Pigsy was not at Gao Village.

It wasn't in Fuling Mountain or Yunzhan Cave either.

Li Jingxiao could tell at a glance that that bastard Lao Zhu had probably gone off to play with those vixens again.

Seeing that the Bodhisattva's expression was not good, Li Jingxiao quickly pointed to a small town not far away and said.

"Bodhisattva, it is getting late, and you have had a very arduous journey."

Why don't we stay in that town for the night?

Although the Bodhisattva was unhappy, she smiled and nodded, taking the opportunity Li Jingxiao had given her.

"As you wish, let's rest for one night before continuing our journey."

Li Jingxiao was relieved and then cupped his hands in greeting, saying that he would go ahead and book an inn.

Prepare some vegetarian food and wine.

The Bodhisattva couldn't help but give Li Jingxiao a satisfied smile.

What you eat or drink is not important.

Attitude is the most important thing.

When Li Jingxiao arrived in that small town, he simply booked out the best inn.

He repeatedly requested the innkeeper that the dinner prepared must be vegetarian.

As for what kind of wine to drink, Li Jingxiao thought for a moment and decided to take out the monkey wine produced by the game.

Li Jingxiao was absolutely certain that this wine was made from vegetarian ingredients.

On the contrary, Monkey Spirit Wine and Peach Blossom Fairy Wine are superior because they have absorbed the spiritual energy of flower fairies and peach blossom fairies.

Li Jingxiao couldn't help but suspect that these two kinds of spirit wine might be classified as meat wine.

In that case, it's better not to bring it out at all.

To avoid the situation where my guess turns out to be correct, which would be a case of good intentions gone wrong.

The Bodhisattva nodded in satisfaction at the dozen or so vegetarian dishes he had prepared for Li Jingxiao.

Li Jingxiao said he was worried that Baihuaxiu would be scared if she was home alone, and that he wanted to go back to check on her before returning.

Hearing such an absurd excuse, the Bodhisattva smiled and nodded in agreement.

As soon as Li Jingxiao left, he flew north.

Huian Xingzhe returned to the Bodhisattva's side and said that Li Jingxiao had gone north.

The Bodhisattva's smile became even brighter.

He thought to himself, "It's fortunate that I invited Li Jingxiao to come along; otherwise, I don't know how long it would have taken to wait for that Marshal Tianpeng to return."

(End of this chapter)