The Demon-Slaying Grandmaster

Chapter 320 One Step at a Time

The monkey continued, "Unfortunately, when he swore brotherhood with the Mighty Bull Demon King and others, Red Boy hadn't even been born yet."

Otherwise, upon hearing of my arrival, that nephew would probably have already left his cave to personally greet us, master and disciples.

Tang Sanzang felt somewhat relieved after hearing this.

So they didn't send Sun Wukong to invite Li Jingxiao again.

Old Pig also felt that, given his friendship with Li Jingxiao, Red Boy should give him face.

Little did they know that Red Boy had no idea he had joined the pilgrimage team.

And even if he knew, in Red Boy's heart...

Among the four who fought against the 'Yun Jianchuan' black dragon together.

Only Li Jingxiao had the qualifications and strength to catch Red Boy's eye.

The group of master and his disciples continued their journey. One day, when they entered a mountain forest, they suddenly heard cries for help in the distance.

Judging from the voice, it's still a little baby.

Tang Sanzang was anxious and wanted to ride a horse to take a look.

But in Sun Wukong's eyes, this place was a place of high mountains and dense forests.

How could a little baby possibly be asking for help?
It's obvious without even guessing that the demons tricked them into walking into a trap they had prepared.

This time, Pigsy and Sandy were also cooperating with Monkey King with serious expressions.

They pulled the white dragon horse and went in a different direction.

But after walking for more than ten miles, they suddenly heard children calling out from ahead.

Even Tang Sanzang began to have doubts and feel nervous.

The group of master and disciples also remembered that Pigsy had said that Red Boy looked like a little baby.

Now that I hear the child's cries again, it's hard not to think of Red Boy.

This time, Tang Sanzang didn't ramble on. He took the reins himself and changed direction.

They hadn't gone far when they heard cries for help again from ahead.

Sun Wukong couldn't help but start cursing.

He had tried three different directions, but he just didn't want to get into a conflict with that Red Boy.

Unexpectedly, this kid showed absolutely no mercy.

He insisted on opposing his own master and disciples.

He hurriedly said to Pigsy and Sandy, "Pigsy, Sandy, you two take good care of your master here."

I, Old Sun, am going to meet my nephew.

Pigsy and Sandy nodded hurriedly.

They put down their luggage, took up their rakes and crescent-shaped staffs, and stood guard.

When Li Jingxiao was a child, he watched Journey to the West and always thought that it was Sha Wujing who carried the luggage.

It wasn't until they met the four travelers that they learned about the journey between Gao Village and Liusha River.

It really was Pigsy carrying the luggage.

Even after Sha Wujing joined the pilgrimage team, Pigsy would still sometimes carry the load.

But most of the time, the task of carrying the load was handed over to Sha Wujing.

Sun Wukong flew for less than two miles and saw a six or seven-year-old child hanging from a tree.

Seeing Sun Wukong approaching, Red Boy was actually quite nervous.

Since meeting Li Jingxiao, the Black Bear Spirit, and Zhu Bajie.

Red Boy heard many stories from the three of them about the past.

In particular, Pigsy likes to boast and talk about his past as Marshal Tianpeng in Heaven.

Some of these stories are related to Sun Wukong's havoc in the Heavenly Palace.

Of course, Pigsy hadn't joined the pilgrimage team yet, and he and Monkey weren't fellow disciples.

Therefore, there are many sayings that belittle monkeys to elevate themselves.

He even specifically mentioned the story of a monkey serving as the Keeper of the Heavenly Horses.

He said that he fought Sun Wukong for dozens of rounds without a clear winner, and only let the monkey go because he respectfully admitted his mistake.

So Red Boy thought the monkey was famous, but after thinking about Pigsy's abilities, he immediately realized that Sun Wukong was nothing special.

Then, like Zhu Bajie, they despise Sun Wukong's experience as the Keeper of the Heavenly Horses.

But no matter how arrogant Red Boy was, he dared not say that he could defeat the combined forces of Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing.

Then we'll have to resort to stratagem.

However, despite repeatedly hanging himself from a tree to call for help, Tang Sanzang and his companions changed direction each time.

This, on the contrary, aroused Red Boy's competitive spirit, and he insisted on competing with Tang Sanzang and his disciples.

After hearing the cries for help for the third time, Sun Wukong instructed Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing to guard Tang Sanzang.

He flew forward and saw Red Boy hanging in the tree.

I couldn't help but laugh.

His eyes darted around, and he thought to himself that this kid had tried to scheme against him, his uncle, time and time again.

I, Old Sun, must teach this kid a lesson so he won't suffer in the future.

And just like that, the uncle and nephew, who could have caught up and talked nicely, suddenly became enemies.

Even if Li Jingxiao knew about this, he wouldn't help Sun Wukong fight Red Boy.

Firstly, Li Jingxiao learned the Samadhi Fire from Red Boy.

To lay a hand on him would be ungrateful.

Secondly, Li Jingxiao knew that Red Boy, like the Black Bear Spirit, had long been on Guanyin Bodhisattva's mind.

If you rush to help Sun Wukong subdue Red Boy at this time, you might ruin the Bodhisattva's plan.

Moreover, in the end, the entire Lao Niu family went to the Western Paradise.

If I were to fight Red Boy now, I would surely incur the wrath of the Old Bull family in the future.

Therefore, Li Jingxiao made up his mind not to help either side in this predicament of Red Boy.

After Li Jingxiao upgraded the Pure Yang Everlasting Spring Skill to its highest level.

To avoid Sun Wukong or Zhu Bajie who might come to him for help.

He simply told the servants at Boyue Cave that he was going into seclusion again.

But in reality, Li Jingxiao stayed at home all day, practicing sword control techniques for at least seventeen or eighteen hours, or even twenty hours a day.

The rest of the time, he was playing cards with his three wives.

It was to teach the three people how to cultivate.

Sure enough, someone actually came to our door asking for help.

But it wasn't Sun Wukong who came to the door; it was Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea.

He said he had four brothers and had come to Sun Wukong's aid.

Together they went to the Fire Cloud Cave among the withered pines and used rainwater to suppress Red Boy's Samadhi True Fire.

Unfortunately, it was merely ordinary water, no match for the Samadhi True Fire.

Not only did it fail to suppress the Samadhi Fire, but the rain poured down on it was like adding fuel to the fire.

The fire actually grew bigger.

Even Sun Wukong was defeated by the smoke and fire.

Also because of his indestructible body, he was burned by the Samadhi Fire for a long time.

My whole body felt like a piece of scorching hot iron, and then I was drenched in rain, experiencing alternating hot and cold sensations.

Overwhelmed by anger, he couldn't catch his breath and fainted.

Although Pigsy and Sandy managed to revive Monkey King, the monkey was now helpless.

He is not afraid of fire, not even the Samadhi Fire.

But monkeys are afraid of smoke. They were almost blinded by the black smoke exhaled by Red Boy.

Left with no other choice, he thought of seeking help when Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, who was present, had an idea.

He thought to himself that his son-in-law was also a man of great power and influence.

Why not invite him over to subdue Red Boy?

He not only gained favors from Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing.

He also wanted to impress the other three Dragon Kings.

That's how Ao Run came to visit.

Upon hearing that they were going to fight Red Boy, Li Jingxiao quickly shook his head.

If you go to help the personal attendant that Guanyin Bodhisattva has her eye on, the Bodhisattva might be displeased.
However, since Ao Run, the father-in-law, had come to visit in person...

If he didn't agree, he would offend not only the West Sea Dragon Palace but also everyone in the other three Dragon Palaces.

Even the monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy had their own thoughts.

Li Jingxiao hesitated for a few seconds, then suddenly had an idea.

He thought to himself, since the monkey and the pig had finally managed to get the Bodhisattva to come, he might as well just go and find the Bodhisattva himself.

The reasons are easy to find.

Thinking of this, Li Jingxiao told Ao Run to return to Huoyun Cave in Kusongjian first. He then told the three monkey brothers that he would go find a master to help them.

After seeing Ao Run off, Li Jingxiao went directly to Mount Putuo in the South China Sea.

As soon as we landed outside the mountain gate, we heard a furious roar.

"Hey, that Taoist priest has some nerve! How dare he trespass on Mount Putuo? Why don't you surrender?"

Li Jingxiao knew immediately that it was the Black Bear Spirit's voice.

Sure enough, every now and then, the black bear spirit would emerge from the bamboo forest, carrying a black-tasseled spear and grinning.

Li Jingxiao casually tossed over a jar of Monkey Spirit Wine.

Upon seeing this, the black bear spirit abandoned the black-tasseled spear in his hand.

He caught the wine jar with both hands and gave Li Jingxiao a thumbs-up with a smile.

Being a guardian deity in a Bodhisattva's sacred site, it's not difficult to secretly drink alcohol.

But getting good wine isn't so easy.

Black Bear knew that Li Jingxiao had good wine, and he used to really like Monkey Wine.

I opened the bottle cap and carefully took a few sips.

He chuckled with satisfaction.

"Master, have you come to the Bodhisattva's sacred site because of something urgent?"

Li Jingxiao nodded and said with a smile, "I'll find you a companion."

The black bear spirit was taken aback, a hint of resentment flashing in its eyes.

Fortunately, his eyes cleared up in an instant.

Although I am under the care of the Bodhisattva, my life is indeed much more peaceful than before.

And you can also hear the Bodhisattva preach from time to time.

The Black Bear Spirit wasn't an unreasonable person; this treatment was quite appropriate for a monster like him who had no backing or connections.

very good already.

Moreover, the Black Bear Spirit is not stupid at all.

First came Black Wind Mountain, Black Wind Cave, and this Black Wind King.

Later, there was the Guanyin Temple, which was built next to Black Wind Mountain.

The Elder Jinchi of Guanyin Temple lived for nearly three hundred years, and the secret to his longevity was taught to him by the Black Bear Spirit.

Over the years, the Black Bear Spirit had long suspected that he might have been targeted by the Bodhisattva.

So he was very well-behaved when he was at Black Wind Mountain.

Even their cave dwellings were built like a fairyland, and they did not harm or eat people.

They also frequently hold Buddhist and Taoist conferences, inviting nearby demons and Elder Jinchi to participate.

To put it bluntly, it can be considered a hint to the Bodhisattva.

Besides, at this point, he was already wearing the 'binding spell' on his head, so he couldn't resist even if he wanted to.

Of course, we should think positively.

Otherwise, this life is pointless.

Black Bear quickly understood the purpose of Li Jingxiao's visit.

He asked with a smile, "Master, who has been so blind as to offend you that you have to ask the Bodhisattva for help?"

Li Jingxiao feigned regret and let out a heavy sigh.

Then he said, "Who else could it be but that scoundrel Red Boy from Fire Cloud Cave?"

Upon hearing this, the black bear's pupils contracted.

He thought to himself, "I've misjudged him. This guy surnamed Li is actually someone who betrays his friends."
Li Jingxiao didn't waste any more words and said helplessly, "I'm just quietly cultivating immortality and meditating in my cave."

Unexpectedly, my father-in-law, the Dragon King of the Western Sea, came to my door in person.

Please ask me to go to the Fire Cloud Cave to help Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie subdue Red Boy.

You know perfectly well that you, I, Red Boy, and Pigsy are old friends.

Helping either side would be disloyal to one's brothers.

Upon hearing this, the black bear spirit's expression softened considerably.

Then Li Jingxiao sighed again, "After much thought, I remembered listening to Laozi's lecture in the Tushita Palace some time ago."

Two of Laozi's attendants, Golden Horn and Silver Horn, secretly descended to the mortal realm.

Later, they were all captured by Laozi and taken back to the Tushita Palace.

Only then did they realize that the journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures was ordered by the Buddha himself.

The Great Celestial Venerable in the Lingxiao Palace tacitly approved.

Moreover, when the Bodhisattva went east to explore the route, I accompanied the Bodhisattva for quite a distance.

Even Sha Wujing and my third brother-in-law, the pretty boy Ao Lie, were introduced to the Bodhisattva by me.

Since this matter is under the jurisdiction of the Bodhisattva, let alone Red Boy.

Even if you add his father, the Bull Demon King, and his mother, Princess Iron Fan, together...

It was also impossible to stop the journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

If things go wrong, it will be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, ending in utter destruction.

Having received kindness from Red Boy and learned the Samadhi Fire, I naturally do not wish to see this boy die and perish.

That's why I thought of you, my friend.

After hearing this, the black bear spirit first rolled its eyes at Li Jingxiao.

He then gave Li Jingxiao a thumbs up.

Although he was bound by the Bodhisattva, it was still better than Red Boy not understanding the bigger picture.

He was then beaten to death.

Carrying his black-tasseled spear, he put away the wine jar and pulled Li Jingxiao inside.

He kept saying, "Come on, I'll take you to see the Buddha."

The Bodhisattva had already heard Li Jingxiao's words.

This is Mount Putuo. What happened here must have been known to the Bodhisattva.

Not to mention that Li Jingxiao walked through the main gate of the temple, which made it even harder to hide from the Bodhisattva.

Li Jingxiao's actions were actually a good thing for the Bodhisattva as well.

Li Jingxiao fulfilled his brotherly bond.

The Bodhisattva was also relieved of suspicion that he deliberately captured Red Boy to make him his attendant.

After Red Boy is captured, his resistance will be much less.

After all, the Bodhisattva subdued Li Jingxiao at his request.

As Li Jingxiao and others traveled westward, more and more monsters died, and even though Red Boy was still angry with him.

I won't hold a grudge against him.

After all, Red Boy nearly killed Sun Wukong by burning him, but in the end, he not only survived, but also...

He even became Sudhana, the attendant of the Bodhisattva.

It's already considered a very good ending.

Of course, for the Bull Demon King's family, it meant separation from their loved ones, so it's normal for them to hate Sun Wukong in the original story.

Even the Bull Demon King's brother, the True Immortal Ruyi, wanted to kill Sun Wukong as soon as he heard his name.

When the Bodhisattva met Li Jingxiao, his attitude was indeed very kind and approachable.

After hearing Li Jingxiao's explanation, the Bodhisattva scolded Li Jingxiao a few times.

Li Jingxiao could tell at a glance that the Bodhisattva must be in a very good mood.

After scolding Li Jingxiao a few times, he even had the mood to ask about Li Jingxiao's cultivation.

When Li Jingxiao said again that he had been fortunate enough to gain Laozi's favor, he was overjoyed.

He made great progress in both thunder magic and swordsmanship while listening to lectures in the Tushita Palace.

He simply started preaching to Li Jingxiao as well.

Li Jingxiao saw that even the Bodhisattva wasn't in a hurry, so he himself shouldn't be in a hurry either.

Moreover, when a Bodhisattva says he is giving a sermon, it's obvious that he's rewarding himself in advance.

He quickly sat cross-legged and began to listen attentively to the lecture.

Little did they know that the monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy had been waiting for a long time.

They didn't even wait for Li Jingxiao and the Bodhisattva to arrive.

In the end, we still sent Pigsy to Mount Putuo in the South China Sea to urge them on.

Little did they know, Red Boy had already taken precautions.

Seeing that Pigsy was flying south, the boy hurriedly rushed ahead of the old pig.

He transformed into the appearance of a Bodhisattva and tricked the old pig into entering the Fire Cloud Cave.

Now, the Bodhisattva had a sufficient reason to subdue Red Boy.

(End of this chapter)